Someone had once told me, “Never read two books by the same author consecutively, no matter how good the first one is.” I disregarded that advice, picked up a second book from an author I absolutely loved, and proceeded to hate the book. In fact, I didn’t even finish it. I had to come back to it years later, at which time I found the book really good!
That was the time I vowed to not make that mistake again.
Until David Raker, and Tim Weaver’s Never Coming Back. I found my way back to the David Raker series after a long break, and Never Coming Back reminded me why I loved Tim Weaver’s books. So, I promptly picked up the next one in the series, Fall from Grace. The beginning was not easy – I did find myself getting impatient and wanting the story to move along faster. But a couple of chapters in, all of that faded away. My review tells you just what I thought of it.
Genre:
Crime thriller, Suspense
Length:
578 pages
Blurb:
Nine months after Leonard Franks goes missing, the police have no leads, and the search has all but come to a dead end. When someone from his not-too-distant past brings the case to him, missing persons investigator, David Raker, accepts. But even with all the lies that Raker had uncovered in the past, he remains unprepared for the shocking truths that this case brings. And for the dangers that now threaten not just the case and him, but also those he loves. Raker pushes forward, driven by his calling to help bring lost people and souls home… but who will pay the price for his determination?
Overall Rating:
9 out of 10
Plot:
9 out of 10
Characterization:
9 out of 10
Primary Element:
8 out of 10 for its mystery and suspense, 7 out of 10 for its thrill
Writing Style:
10 out of 10
Part of a Series:
Yes, this is Book #5 in Tim Weaver’s David Raker series. And it is at that point in the series where you just won’t enjoy it if you haven’t read the older ones. It will spoil a few things for Book #4, if you haven’t read that already, and will also make you miss a lot of the start of relationships that Raker’s character is shown to have. I highly recommend that you start at Book #1, Chasing the Dead (check out its review here), or at least Book #4, Never Coming Back, which is probably the last one you could read as a standalone (check out its review here).
Highlighted Takeaway:
Fall from Grace has an insane twist at the end. Not only does it change the way you perceive every character, it flips the entire story on its head. It smoothly and effortlessly shows you just how unpredictable people can be, and that being good or being bad – and expecting people to only be one of these two polar opposites – is more of a theoretical concept.
What I Liked:
As the series progresses, the characters’ arcs are increasingly woven together, and Fall from Grace is where you can see this at its strongest. While making for an exceptionally enjoyable read, it sets the bar high for what may come next.
What I Didn’t Like:
Nothing specific to highlight. Smooth and effortless storytelling throughout by Tim Weaver.
Who Should Read It:
Anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers in domestic settings, crime fiction and thrillers, and stories set in slightly dreary, cold places.
Who Should Avoid:
Anyone who does not enjoy the crime or suspense genres.
Read It For:
I would say David Raker, because he becomes increasingly real (in personality) as the books progress, but Fall from Grace should be read more for its plot twists – you absolutely do not see them coming.
Got thoughts on David Raker? Or questions about Tim Weaver’s books? Share them in the comments below. And as always, thanks for stopping by to read my review!
– Rishika
The Book Review Station 