The Preservationist by Jason Kramon

From the first chapter, Jason Kramon creates a carefully crafted suspense story. I really enjoyed it and was impressed with the way he created characters, and setting, and let them tell a good story.
You've probably read that this is a story centered around Julia, a college freshman, with  a big secret in her past. She starts a relationship with a fellow student, Marcus, that she breaks off when complications arise. Complications in the form of Sam, an  older guy she meets off-campus.
What Jason does in the story is to take a familiar plot line and turn it into something a little more dark, a lot more creepy, and filled with more moments of holding your breath while you wait for the suspense to end-and it doesn't.
Family relationships are examined, a few stereotypes exposed, and scenarios shifted just enough to make you wonder.
I really enjoyed the book and was thrilled when I got a copy in exchange for an honest review. I am glad I can give a positive one.

Best of 2012

Here are my favorites for 2012.
They appear in the order I read them-not necessarily how well I liked them or which was the absolute favorite. I hope you have a chance to check some of them out.

Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah

 

Wanna Get Lucky by Deborah Coonts

So Damn Lucky by Deborah Coonts

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas 

The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose 

A Wish and a Prayer by Beverly Jenkins

Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Jack:1939 by Francine Matthews

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elizabeth McNeal