You're Next

By far one of the best thrillers I've read in a while. You could not help but identify with Mike and Kat and their plight (didn't hurt that I have a daughter Kat's age). I want a friend like Shep. Mike fell down the rabbit hole and it just kept going deeper and deeper. And the reason everyone wanted him and his daughter dead was a brillant and unique twist; completely unseen until the author wanted you to know: just moments before he laid it out for the reader to experience in full horror. The end of the book had me wondering if I was happy for having experienced it or just sad that it was ending.

Mike Wingate's memory of his childhood starts at the age of four when his dad, John, abandoned him under mysterious circumstances. The traumatized boy had only vague memories of his origins, and he was not able to provide any useful information to the authorities who questioned him. Consequently, he was sent to foster care, where he befriended a miscreant named Shepherd White, who would remain his buddy on and off throughout the years.

Fortunately for Mike, he meets and marries a beautiful and caring woman, Annabel; the couple is devoted to their precocious only child, eight-year-old Kat. As the product of a dysfunctional childhood, Mike could have become a ne'er-do-well. However, he straightens himself out and it takes thirteen long show more years "to work his way from hired hand to carpenter to foreman to contractor." Now, he is deeply in debt thanks to his latest project, Green Valley, California, a community of "ecological houses" of which he is extremely proud. Much to Mike's chagrin, he learns some disturbing news about the construction site that knocks him for a loop.

Mike's troubles are just beginning. A trio of sadistic killers is determined to destroy him and his family; the police appear to be in on the conspiracy and Mike has nowhere to turn. He asks Hank Danville, a tough-talking and highly competent private investigator, to gather crucial information. In addition, with the help of his forster brother and life-long friend, Shep, Mike tries to stay one step ahead of the killers. In spite of the high-speed car-chases and violent confrontations, he still has no idea why he is being targeted for death. To make matters worse, his entire family is in jeopardy.

This is the 3rd Gregg Hurwitz book that I have read. I have enjoyed each of them immensley. The mystery at the heart of this book is premised on something I never would have figured out, which I love because it's so original. 4.5 stars for a great plot. show less

Another all-nighter with Gregg Hurwitz

I’ve been reading Greg Hurwitz since the very beginning of his career. It’s no surprise to me that the man knows how to write. Still, I have to admit that the description of this novel’s plot struck me as a little ho-hum. The thing is, the description was perfectly accurate, but this novel was the furthest thing from ho-hum! In fact, I thought I was going to read straight through the night; once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down.

Actually, You’re Next is exactly the sort of story that Hurwitz excels at. He takes a likeable and relatable man and places him into an incomprehensible and terrifying situation. Mike Wingate is a self-made man—so self-made that he literally show more invented his own name. He has a rather tragic past. He was abandoned by his father as a four-year-old. He suspects that his mother is dead. He grows up in a rough foster home never truly knowing his past or his own identity. He bonds fiercely with a foster brother, but as they grow up, they grow apart, with Shep becoming a career criminal and Mike becoming a respected businessman and devoted husband and father. As the novel opens, Mike’s life has never been better—and then it all starts to unravel. Dangerous men seem to be making inexplicable threats against Mike and his family. The situation escalates rapidly, and Mike has to fight with everything he’s got.

Even now, it still doesn’t sound that exciting to me. There are several reasons why I think the novel works so well. First, Hurwitz does a great job of making you really care about this family in peril. As a reader, I was very invested in their fates. Shep is a terrific character, and the villains are suitably villainous. The other thing that Hurwitz does so well is pacing. It didn’t take long at all to get sucked into this book, and I wasn’t lying… I think I was up past 3:00AM reading. I had to force myself to turn off the lights. My pulse was racing so much as I read that I wasn’t sleepy at all! Needless to say, I finished the book in record time the next day. The ultimate explanation of why this family was targeted was completely unexpected.

I won’t pretend that You’re Next is great literature, but it was pretty darn entertaining. I’m a satisfied reader. And description or no, I’ll have more faith in the future. Mr. Hurwitz hasn’t let me down yet. show less

I had a little bit of trouble getting into the novel, which admittedly might be my fault. This is the first "real" tangible book I've read in a good while, and I can see now how effortless e-reading has become for me. That said, there is a fair amount of backstory in the beginning with a dash of foreshadowing, but the real action takes a little time to get heated up. This slow-burn was frustrating and I was anxious to get to the meat of the plot. I did find the backstory interesting, it's just that when I read a suspense novel, I expect the suspense to commence early enough to hook me right away.

While it's mostly suspense, YOU'RE NEXT also delves into familial relationships, trust, what it means to be an honest person, and the bonds show more formed by brothers-in-foster hood. Over all, it's a compelling read. Just push through the slower beginning and you won't be disappointed. show less

I received this book through early reviewers having never read any of Mr. Hurwitz's previous work. I am now a huge fan and plan to go back and read his other books. This book was amazing with great characters (both good and evil), a great plot (though a bit unrealistic at times), and a pace that leaves you breathless at times. His writing is the quality that makes you feel part of the story and in this book that is quite scary at times. The story is about Mike Wingate who after a hard childhood (in which he was abandoned by his father, raised in a foster home, and was involved in petty crimes) is now a husband, father, and is beginning to make it as a green builder. When all seems to be going well, he and his family are targeted by show more powerful people who want him out of the picture. Who can he turn to for help in finding out what is going on? He turns to his friend, Shep, from his foster home days who lives his life as a safecracker, is street smart, and as loyal a friend as one can have. Can Shep help save Mike, his wife Annabelle, and his daughter Kat from those seeking to destroy them and in the meantime find out what Mike has done to cause their wrath? I strongly recommend this book! show less

You're Next by Gregg Hurwitz is a thriller about a man named Mike Wingate. Mike, having been abandoned at age four, grew up in foster care. Although he and his foster brother, Shep, got into a bit of trouble in their adolescence, Mike has worked hard and finally achieved the life he always dreamed of. He has a beautiful wife, an 8-year-old daughter, and owns his own construction company, which is about to finish a job that will give them a financially secure future. But things suddenly take a turn for the worst. Some unknown force is coming after him. And this force is somehow connected to a past that he doesn't even remember. When the police prove to be of no help, he turns to his foster brother Shep, who chose an alternate route in show more life. Shep promises to help Mike, his wife, Annabel, and his daughter, Kat, to find out who is after his family, and why. As the mystery slowly unravels, Mike starts finding out who he is and where he came from. And why his past is coming back to haunt him.

Full of twists with plenty of suspense, You're Next is a great read. Although a little slow at times, this book is definitely worth reading. With characters everyone can relate to and wonderfully written details, this book is a great addition to the thriller/suspense genre. show less

Gregg Hurwitz is another new to me author. I chose to listen to his latest book You're Next.

The opening prologue is guaranteed to snare you. A young boy - 4 years old - is taken by his father to a playground....and left. Young Michael Doe grows up in foster care, not knowing who he is, but always watching out that front window for his dad to return. Another child at the home - Shep, who is partially deaf, becomes his only family. Mike is smart though and has plans to 'make it' in the world.

His dreams come true - he's a contractor with an award winning housing development. But, his picture in a local paper seems to trigger someone or something...from his past? Who knows? All he knows is that the cops won't help, his family is in danger show more and so he calls on the one friend he knows will never let hi m down - Shep.

Hurwitz keeps us guessing and guessing on the real reason behind Michael being a target and who he really is. In no way, shape or form would I have ever guessed it! The two 'bad guys' chasing Michael are truly frightening. Although violence is always a threat, it's even more insidious in a subtle presentation....like your daughter's stuffed animal being taken while you're all asleep in the house.

Hurwitz builds layer upon layer of tension and relentlessly ramps up the action, chapter after chapter. I liked Mike as the 'everyman' forced to defend his family. But it was Shep that I was really drawn to - I think he has his own story to tell.

The reader was one of my all time favourites - Scott Brick. Brick's voice is incredibly expressive. He easily captured the tension and action. His portrayal of the deaf Shep was done exceptionally well.

Yes, You're Next is a bit OTT (Over the Top). But those looking for a thriller that will keep them glued to page or disc will find it here. show less