The Thirteen by Susie Moloney Published by HarperCollins Publish Date: March 27, 2012 336 Pages Source: HarperCollins/TLC Book Tours |
Paula Wittmore hasn’t been back to Haven Woods since she left as a disgraced teenager. Now she’s returning to care for her suddenly ailing mother, and she’s bringing her daughter and a pile of emotional baggage. She’s also bringing, unknowingly, the last chance for her mother’s closest frenemies… twelve women bound together by a powerful secret that requires the sacrifice of a thirteenth. -(summary from the back of ARC)
The Thirteen by Susie Moloney
My Thoughts: The cover of my edition of this book mentions that this book is like a version of The Stepford Wives with a dash of Stephen King thrown in. I had no idea what to expect when I started reading it because I have never seen The Stepford Wives nor have I read any Stephen King. What I do know is that The Thirteen is a little bit creepy and a little bit odd and even a little bit humorous at times, which is a weird combination – but somehow I think it worked.
You must keep your number. Do you understand? You will keep your thirteen about you and you will stay close and true to me… – page 173, ARC
If Izzy and her friends can keep thirteen women in their group, they will have everything they’ve ever wanted: money, looks, fame, beautiful children – anything. Sounds creepy, right? I’m not sure what’s creepier: what He says or the lengths to which the women will go to keep their thirteen.
2. The Characters. Because there are supposed to be thirteen of them, there are a lot of names to remember throughout the story, but as long as you can keep these names straight, you’ll be okay:
- Paula Wittmore. Sent away to private school at the age of 16 by her mother. She didn’t really understand why at the time; still doesn’t understand why twelve-ish years later. (Her mother was trying to protect her from The Thirteen.) Paula’s little issue was more of a blessing than a curse, really, and gave a perfect excuse for her departure. ~ Now, Paula’s back in Haven Woods to see her ailing mother with twelve-year-old daughter Rowan in tow (who interestingly plays a bigger role in things than Paula could ever realize).
- Sanderson Keyes. Old friend from Paula’s school days. Just recently moved back into Haven Woods. He’s thrilled to see Paula back – she’s awfully pretty – and the two strike up a friendly relationship that turns into maybe-a-little-bit-more. Sandy ends up playing a big role in the book, much bigger than I initially thought, and I liked him quite a bit.
- Izzy Riley. Ringleader of The Thirteen. Izzy sold herself years ago because she was a ‘smart woman’ and she wanted the promise of everything she ever wanted. A sudden decrease in the group number has Izzy working overtime trying to fill the empty spots. When Paula comes back into town with Rowan, Izzy’s attention turns nearly 100% to recruiting them for her cause to pacify Him. ~ Izzy is possibly the creepiest of them all, really, and gracious! that woman can be mean and spiteful. But…oddly, at times she can also be funny, which is why I felt a little conflicted when I was reading her character – I couldn’t tell if I hated her or if I liked her. No matter how uncomfortable Izzy made me feel at any given time in the book, she was really well-written.
- Marla Riley-Moore. Izzy’s daughter, part of The Thirteen; also Paula’s best friend when they were growing up. The two were inseparable. After Paula left, Marla was recruited to join. When Paula comes back to town, Marla feels real friendship again for the first time since Paula left. These women in the group aren’t her real friends. Now Marla is torn – On one hand, she knows that the group needs to be rounded out and Paula is the answer to this problem. On the other hand, Marla doesn’t really want to do this to her only real friend. ~ Marla is a one tough cookie for much of the book, but she’s also a wild card in that you never really know what she’s gonna do. I liked Marla…but much like her mother, she completely creeped me out.
ohhhhh there is no way I could read this, that cover freaks me the heck out! Ill start slowly with the witches, like say the harry potter series…LOL.
Excellent review, however I may have nightmares just by looking at those eyes…..EPE!
I'm not the hugest witch fan and this book was definitely creepy. I honestly had to keep this cover hidden – I couldn't stare at it! It IS perfect for the book, though. Eep is absolutely right!
I don't really care for the cover, BUT as soon as you said Stephen King, my ears perked up because I'm definitely a fan!
Also? The concept sounds really cool.
AND I love getting inside a character's head. It helps me connect with them more, ya know?
Mike says this book sounds exactly like a Stephen King book. I've never read any of his so I can't really say myself.
The concept IS cool. And I really liked these characters…and what happens to them. Crazy stuff!
I don't usually read any adult books whatsoever, but this actually sounds pretty good. I think I'll be adding it to my TBR. Thanks for the review :]
Thanks for stopping by Jasmine! This book was one wild ride!
I've seen this around but didn't realize it was an adult book – INTERESTING…
I agree with everyone's thoughts on the cover, super-creeptastic! The story SLIGHTLY reminds me of that 90's movie The Craft except not set in High School 🙂
Hey Kat! I think you may have nailed the book with The Craft. Ha!
Creepy, odd, and humorous IS an unusual combination but it sounds like it works really well in this case!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.