Review "Never Speak is not only a good mystery book, but also a charming book about writing and the writing process." -Linda Arrigi, Reedsy Discovery"With a complex, tormented hero and a nightmare past that is haunting his future, John Manchester has created a story that sent chills down my spine. Bravo!"--New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy "NEVER SPEAK is a taut, engrossing story that puts art, writing, and rock & roll in its considerable crosshairs. Dark in the best noir tradition, the last third of this twisty novel  moves at breakneck speed."--Joseph Souza, bestselling author of The Neighbor "Be prepared to stay up past your bedtime! John Manchester has crafted an edgy Hudson Valley thriller about a has-been musician whose past not only haunts him--it's trying to kill him." --C.I. Dennis, Author of the Vince Tanzi SeriesJohn Manchester Read more About the Author John Manchester is a blogger, songwriter, and musician-and the author of the book you're reading now. NEVER SPEAK was born from Manchester's extensive knowledge of the New York art and music scene, his travels (including caving adventures), and his own personal experiences in a real American cult. You can visit him at www.johnkmanchester.com. Read more
N**E
Can't wait for more of Ray and Bodine
Manchester is a worthy new author with hints of Edger Allan Poe, with maybe a little Gillian Flynn in the mix. Never Speak explores the shadowy world of spiritual cults and the psychological aftermath for their unfortunate members. This is a psychological thriller that takes hold gently and tightens its grip as the protagonist Ray realizes he is still not free of the cult leader Karl's twisted influence. When his ex-wife dies in mysterious circumstances, Ray finds he can no longer accept the passive existence he's embraced since leaving the group. With help from his long time friend Bodine, he must act to redeem himself and those he loves. The insights and truths of this novel have stayed with me long after its satisfying conclusion. Cleanly written with none of the plot holes and bogus motivation that characterize lesser works in this genre, Never Speak is a standout first novel and I look forward to more from Ray and Bodine.
L**S
John Manchester is a masterly storyteller.
The protagonist must juggle the past and present, bridging gaps in his frenetic mind as he pursues writing the story—the reality of which appears to unfold itself as he so writes. The denouement and conclusion to this darkish tunnel ride are well worth author Manchester’s incisive storytelling. I highly recommend this novel.Lloyd Devereux Richards, author of STONE MAIDENS (Thomas & Mercer 2012)
E**N
Engaging, Unpredictable and Unique
I truly enjoyed Never Speak by John Manchester. The plot of the novel was very different from any book I have experienced before. It was extremely engaging and difficult to put down, particularly as the ending approached. Manchester managed to cleverly weave a plot that tied together the pursuance of and solving of mysterious happenings, the uncovering of dark cult-related memories, and the main character's self discovery. This book was wonderfully unpredictable and it’s uniqueness captured me from the very beginning. To use one of Manchester's many musical references, much of this book was “locked tighter than the Muscle Shoals rhythm section.” I recommend Never Speak highly and personally look forward to reading his next book.
S**D
More than just a “mystery.” More than “suspense.”
This absorbing and well-crafted novel is a work of significance, The mystery, once it begins to weave together, will grab you. The suspense that emerges will hold you until you reach the resolution, And that resolution, in turn, will give you much to ponder. The mystery being solved, the “McGuffin,” if you will, is not what you thought. The journey you have taken has become one of profound self-examination and resolution. And it’s a journey well worth taking, I highly recommend it.
Z**N
Surprisingly good read. Will read other titles by author
I usually do not read stories in this genre. I'm usually hanging out in the Science Fiction - Fantasy worlds.But this was recommended by someone who's opinion I respect.I'm really glad i followed their advice :-)))Read it over a dark and stormy weekend when everything else was rained out.Wasn't expecting much, but was I very pleasantly surprised!!!Worthy of a read in the bright sunshine out in the parkI will continue to explore the authors' works.Hope he can write faster than I read, or has a backlog of titles to explore :-)
J**S
Gripping!
Never Speak takes us on a suspenseful journey through time and reveals the long-lasting, damaging psychological effects of cult membership. Through Ray, the author exposes how the charismatic, messianic, spiritual pretentions of a personality disordered leader intercepts and interacts with the drive for belonging, purpose, protection, validation, answers and most importantly, the hunger for spiritual communion and growth. And how, even when the veil of illusion is lifted, poison remains in the form of self-doubt.Manchester is an artful storyteller. The gripping twists and turns of plot kept me fully engaged. I look forward to reading more of the Murderous Arts Series.
D**R
Ex-cult member finds he's under threat from cult leader
I picked this up because I knew the author online. It’s a thriller about an ex-cult member who begins writing a book about the cult leader and finds himself under threat. The pace was a little slow for me, but the premise is intriguing.
A**R
A brick through the window one dark and stormy night....
Never Speak was recommended by a friend who knows I'm not a fan of mystery/thrillers. She was correct; I loved this book. As a previous reviewer noted, sex, drugs, rock 'n roll, what's not to love? As protagonist Ray battles with the demons of his past his tech-wise buddy Bodine begins unveiling the brick-hurling demons in the present. Lots of nice touches with character development, scenery, and time warping between the 60's and present time.
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