Second Child
by John Saul

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Book Reviews of Second Child

Book Review: Not Great...
Summary: 3 Stars

As for the story, it was...well, so-so. Terry McGuyver (I may spell the names wrong, sorry, I didn't get to see them in print) comes to live with her father Charles, stepmother Phyllis, and half-sister Melissa at their seaside summer home after her parents die in a fire in their Los Angeles home. Thirteen year-old Melissa is the character we immediately identify with, though. At the beginning of the novel, it is her birthday, and she is going through all the phases of moving on from childhood to teenage years, knowing she must get rid of her dolls and the such, and even stop talking to her imaginary friend Darcy. Darcy, the one who defends Melissa from the cruel, abusive Phyllis. Darcy, her only friend it seems, except for housekeeper Cora's grandson, Tag. When Terry comes into her life, it looks as if she may finally have a true companion, a sister. But things change, and Terry isn't as innocent as it would seem. And soon, she begins to manipulate the all-too-present Darcy through Melissa. For Darcy can almost possess Melissa...and Terry can make her do terrible things. Because Darcy isn't just an imaginary friend...she's a ghost.

(Don't worry, I didn't give away anything that comes as a surprise.)

The plot doesn't work very well, and stumbles through until it finally congeals, and can be described on the back of the book. And once things do come together, they're not that much. It almost seems like there should have been more to this plot, considering how quickly things start and are wrapped up. The climax, while creepy, was far too quick and unrealized. And the resolution...well, you'll see how it doesn't tie things together. The only way to describe what I mean is by spoiling most of the plot, so skip the next short paragraph if you don't want to know.

***How are the convictions of Melissa being Tag's murderer dropped? She even said, "I did it." (Through, Darcy, of course.) I was kind of left disappointed about that.***

Overall, the book wasn't the best I had ever read, but I'm definitely not done with John Saul yet. I think I just sort of started with one of his lesser novels. So, to all those John Saul newcomers, I don't recommend you start a review for this book with "This was my first John Saul novel" and find something else of his to start off with.

Summary of Second Child

Horror Books

• Subjects > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror
• Mystery, Thriller & Suspense