Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Arrow (2006), Edition: New Ed, 544 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:�??Brilliant plotting, relentless suspense,�?� raved the Washington Post. �??A new synonym for terror,�?� crowned the Detroit Free Press. The critics agree: no one writes suspense like Karin Slaughter, whose thrillers featuring medical examiner Sara Linton and her ex-husband, police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, have propelled her to the top of bestseller lists the world over. Now Slaughter fuses her unmatched grasp of forensic science and a mastery of complex relationships in a riveting tale of faith, doubt, and murder. The victim was buried alive in the Georgia woods�??then killed in a horrifying fashion. When Sara Linton and Jeffrey Tolliver stumble upon the body, both become consumed with finding out who killed the pretty, impeccably dressed young woman. And for Sara and Jeffrey, a harrowing journey begins, one that will test their own turbulent relationship and draw dozens of lives into the case. Lena Adams is one of them. A Grant County detective for years, she has her own reasons for being drawn to this case and a fierce drive to see justice done. For these three people, who have each seen the darkest side of human nature, the body of the murdered girl is but the first in a series of shocking and sordid revelations. Now, as Jeffrey and Sara narrow the field of suspects, they must confront their own doubts and indiscretions, while Lena Adams sees herself reflected in the frightened eyes of a battered woman who may be the key figure in the case. As Faithless builds to a stunning and unforgettable climax, Karin Slaughter masterfully brings together strands of interlocking lives, family secrets, and hidden passions with one astounding truth: the identity of a killer who is more evil and dangerous than anyone could have guessed. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Karin Slaughter's … (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member RavenswoodPublishing
Karin Slaughter is the absolute best crime/mystery writer I have come across in this day and age. Her novels will simply astound you with their heart-racing moments and intrigue. Every time I pick one of her novels up I cannot stop reading until I'm done and I still find myself begging for more.
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She's a writer with no fear! She wields her instruments like a knife ready to dig in deep and take you by surprise at every turn! Show Less
LibraryThing member HenriMoreaux
Was rather slow and dry for the first third, then picked up and became a bit more interesting. Overall it was okay, didn't find it to be anything special.
LibraryThing member jenforbus
Faithless is the fifth book in the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter. And in every book, Slaughter has hooked me at page one. At the conclusion of the novel, I'm not ready to be done. To me, this is evidence of a truly great suspense novel.
Jeffrey and Sara literally stumble across a strange
Somehow Slaughter always manages to broach her topics in such a way that makes me question my own beliefs. I may not come out CHANGING my beliefs, but I look at them a little more closely and question how much they are based on knowledge and how much on sheer passion. I love that about her writing.
Slaughter's character development is just outstanding. In this book as in others she has a tendancy to tease you with stereotypes...to get you looking in the wrong direction. "Ha! Caught you falling into that one!" And then turns the whole plot on its head so you realize how hard you fell into the trap of the stereotype. Lev Ward and Cole Connelly are examples of this. And of course Lena is a constant example of this.
This was a definite page-turner for me.
Jeffrey and Sara literally stumble across a strange
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protrusion in the ground at the onset of this novel. That protrusion is some kind of pipe. What they find at the other end of that pipe is a box containing the murdered body of a young woman. As Jeffrey and Lena go to work investigating this murder, they discover a strange cult-like farm, and all the people on this farm become suspects. And if that isn't enough, Tessa, Sara's sister, has started attending church with these people. Meanwhile, Lena grapples with her unhealthy relationship to Ethan when her ex comes back into town.Somehow Slaughter always manages to broach her topics in such a way that makes me question my own beliefs. I may not come out CHANGING my beliefs, but I look at them a little more closely and question how much they are based on knowledge and how much on sheer passion. I love that about her writing.
Slaughter's character development is just outstanding. In this book as in others she has a tendancy to tease you with stereotypes...to get you looking in the wrong direction. "Ha! Caught you falling into that one!" And then turns the whole plot on its head so you realize how hard you fell into the trap of the stereotype. Lev Ward and Cole Connelly are examples of this. And of course Lena is a constant example of this.
This was a definite page-turner for me.
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LibraryThing member Darrol
I guess that I am getting a little tired of this type of book.
LibraryThing member LibraryOMidas
Fifth in the Grant County series, Faithless was the first book that I read, and it was a good stand alone without the other books. Estranged police husband and coroner wife work together to solve the horrible murder of a young pregnant girl. Their investigations take them to a soy farm that seems
I am anxious to read the rest of the series after this book. Slaughter is a good author and I will be interested to see what she has in store.
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to be a facade for some type of religious cult. However, things aren't always exactly how they seem. I am anxious to read the rest of the series after this book. Slaughter is a good author and I will be interested to see what she has in store.
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LibraryThing member Heptonj
This is one of the unputdownables. An excellent book that held my attention from start to finish. Sara and Jeffrey find the body of a girl in a coffin after falling over an air-pipe fitted in the ground to provide air for the occupent of the box. However, while the coffin was designed only to
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punish the unfortunate girl, someone else had murder in mind. This brings Sara, her family and Jeff into contact with a religious group who seem too good to be true and a fanatical devotee who threatens fire and brimstone to all who dare to sin. This is a definate 'must read'. Show Less
LibraryThing member becstar90
Hated this book - so unneccessarily violent.
Misognyistic.
Misognyistic.
LibraryThing member chrissywest
I don’t think Faithless was one of the better in the series, however I did enjoy it. I’ve grown attached to all the characters. Jefferey and Sara are finally a couple again, I hope it lasts. I would really like to see Lena get over her issues, and settle down with someone. It would be a good
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way to introduce a new character, perhaps another detective. The murder mystery in the book was good but I knew who the killer was right away. I am looking forward to the next book in the series Beyond Reach, which will be available August 2007. Show Less
LibraryThing member debavp
I remember the early Grant County books as being graphic, but these one just seemed over the top in many places. Plenty of roll your eyes moments and a few times you'd like to be able to slap some sense into Jeffrey and tell him to move on. Lena is still a pure pity party on crack. This is not a
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religious book, far from it, but I think that aspect should have been developed more. The scene at the end with Sarah's mom throwing a typical Southern Mother fit is very realistic. When Cathy yells that Lev's mother was a red head was hilarious. You can truly imagine to look on Sarah's face! But as Jeffrey drives off, the doom is just palpable. Show Less
LibraryThing member jaypee
The story was good, the end was great, but she just describes things too much. Some things she talks about felt irrelevant to the whole story. I had to "work" hard just to get to the final pages, and then I breezed through it.
LibraryThing member moonshineandrosefire
The victim was buried alive in the Georgia woods - then killed in horrifying fashion. When Sara Linton and her husband Jeffrey Tolliver stumble on the body, they both become obsessed with solving the case. It will test their relationship and bring dozens of lives into contact with them. This is my
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first Karin Slaughter book that I've read and I loved it. I give it an A+! Show Less
LibraryThing member ceh0017
Another excellent job by Karin Slaughter. She has drawn me in from book one and I will continue to read her novels until she stops writing, which I hope will not happen for a very long time.
LibraryThing member julie10reads
Georgia medical examiner Sara Linton returns in Slaughter's Grant County crime thriller series (Indelible), and this time she's hot on the trail of a demented killer who buries teenage girls alive. The victim is soon identified as Abigail Bennett, a member of the Holy Grown soybean farming
Not as multi-layered as Indelible, Faithless gives equal billing to social commentary and crime detection. Ms Slaughter hails from the South so it was just a matter of time before one of her novels would feature fundamentalist Christians. She writes with commendable objectivity about this group in addition to issues like abortion, infidelity and women who remain with abusive partners. I didn't detect any concomitant drag to the story; it actually added realism to the plot line and characters.
My only nitpicking would be that Sara Linton's attitude is becoming a teensy bit wearing...perhaps I read this too soon after Indelible....
7.5 out of 10. For crime fiction fans who also enjoy thought-provoking social discussion.
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collective, a group curiously unfazed to learn a daughter was poisoned. Suspicion blooms around Holy Grown's many farmhands, mostly ex-felons on work release, but then centers on the parishioners who congregate at the Church for the Greater Good, a local congregation run by a shifty minister. Another shallow grave, physical violence and another girl's disappearance lead Sara, Jeffrey and assisting detective Lena Adams back to the Bible-thumpers and their unholy dealings. Summary BPLNot as multi-layered as Indelible, Faithless gives equal billing to social commentary and crime detection. Ms Slaughter hails from the South so it was just a matter of time before one of her novels would feature fundamentalist Christians. She writes with commendable objectivity about this group in addition to issues like abortion, infidelity and women who remain with abusive partners. I didn't detect any concomitant drag to the story; it actually added realism to the plot line and characters.
My only nitpicking would be that Sara Linton's attitude is becoming a teensy bit wearing...perhaps I read this too soon after Indelible....
7.5 out of 10. For crime fiction fans who also enjoy thought-provoking social discussion.
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LibraryThing member brokenangelkisses
This is the first of the Grant County series of books that I have read, but I didn’t feel at a disadvantage due to not knowing the background. In fact, I felt that people who had read the previous books might be slightly annoyed by the way that Slaughter included bits that were clearly just
The mystery story revolves around the murder of a young girl who has buried in the ground and apparently left to die. The plot exploring this story moves at a good pace as the local officers and coroners work to make the links between the girl’s family, their religious community and some kind of motive. Although the officers are biased against the family, whose devotion to their religion and their work seems cultish, Slaughter tries to present a balanced view by including sympathetic characters and alternative villains. There are successful twists and surprises along the way, although I felt the ending was overly melodramatic and slightly unrealistic.
However, the mystery is not the whole story. Other key plots revolve around the police chief and local doctor’s difficult romantic relationship with each other and another female detective’s abusive relationship with her partner. Issues related to domestic violence, trust and abortion run through the text and make links between other characters. Ultimately, the novel is character driven rather than mystery focused; a good read for those who enjoy medical ‘dramas’ which are really soap operas.
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background. However, this was necessary for new readers and not a major issue.The mystery story revolves around the murder of a young girl who has buried in the ground and apparently left to die. The plot exploring this story moves at a good pace as the local officers and coroners work to make the links between the girl’s family, their religious community and some kind of motive. Although the officers are biased against the family, whose devotion to their religion and their work seems cultish, Slaughter tries to present a balanced view by including sympathetic characters and alternative villains. There are successful twists and surprises along the way, although I felt the ending was overly melodramatic and slightly unrealistic.
However, the mystery is not the whole story. Other key plots revolve around the police chief and local doctor’s difficult romantic relationship with each other and another female detective’s abusive relationship with her partner. Issues related to domestic violence, trust and abortion run through the text and make links between other characters. Ultimately, the novel is character driven rather than mystery focused; a good read for those who enjoy medical ‘dramas’ which are really soap operas.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
My first try of Karin Slaughter, but honestly, I shouldn't have tried something that's abridged, because it just doesn't do justice to any author. Some interesting characters, though once there's a cult-like church in a story, you just know someone connected with them is gonna be bad. Set in rural
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Georgia, near our cabin. Show Less
LibraryThing member emrya
One in the same series as Slaughter's other books, the mystery is important here, but is not the focus of the book really. It is used more as a vehicle for the personalities in the town to relate to each other and themselves. I was relieved to find at the end that Lena might be getting her act
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together- she was interesting in the first book, but has gone dramatically downhill since, and I am just not interested in reading about her terrible life and choices anymore. Hopefully she has had the kick in the tush necessary to become someone I want to read about. Show Less
LibraryThing member christinejoseph
weird religious family + everybody else — okay mystery
The victim was buried alive in the Georgia woods–then killed in a horrifying fashion. When Sara Linton and Jeffrey Tolliver stumble upon the body, both become consumed with finding out who killed the pretty young woman. For them, a harrowing
The victim was buried alive in the Georgia woods–then killed in a horrifying fashion. When Sara Linton and Jeffrey Tolliver stumble upon the body, both become consumed with finding out who killed the pretty young woman. For them, a harrowing
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journey begins, one that will test their own turbulent relationship and draw dozens of life into the case. Show Less
LibraryThing member bhabeck
Faithless, the 5th book in the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter, is centered around Jeffrey Tolliver, the County Sheriff and Sara Linton, the County’s ME and local pediatrician (as well as Jeffrey’s ex-wife and current lover).
Jeffrey and Sara are out walking in the woods when Jeffrey
The investigation into the victim’s death leads Jeffrey and Sara down a trail that has many shocking surprises and discoveries as well as opening wounds that were best left in the past.
Faithless is another fine entry in this series that I have enjoyed. The only serious downside to me in this particular book is that the narrator was changed for the audio book. Rather than Kathleen Early who has been great for the first 4 books, the narrator was Clarinda Ross. While Ross did a good job, I didn’t feel that she was at the same level as Early and the extreme difference in voice and delivery took me out of the story more than once as I compared the two narrators.
I am looking forward to the 6th and final book in the series.
4 Stars
Jeffrey and Sara are out walking in the woods when Jeffrey
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gives Sara shocking news. Feeling betrayed, the upset Sara takes off at a fast pace toward home. While trying to catch up to Sara, Jeffrey trips over a pipe in the ground….The pipe leads to a victim who had been buried in the ground alive and then killed in a horrific manner, while trapped.The investigation into the victim’s death leads Jeffrey and Sara down a trail that has many shocking surprises and discoveries as well as opening wounds that were best left in the past.
Faithless is another fine entry in this series that I have enjoyed. The only serious downside to me in this particular book is that the narrator was changed for the audio book. Rather than Kathleen Early who has been great for the first 4 books, the narrator was Clarinda Ross. While Ross did a good job, I didn’t feel that she was at the same level as Early and the extreme difference in voice and delivery took me out of the story more than once as I compared the two narrators.
I am looking forward to the 6th and final book in the series.
4 Stars
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LibraryThing member Carol420
Medical examiner Sara Linton has had an uneasy relationship with her ex-husband, police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, for years. In spite of their differences, Sara and Jeffrey have never stopped loving one another. Now, the two are taking tentative steps towards a reconciliation, but obstacles still
I applaud Karin Slaughter for not tying up all of the loose ends neatly; she leaves some plot lines unresolved, perhaps in preparation for the next installment in the series. Although "Faithless" is not a first-rate mystery, the lead characters are so charismatic that we are willing to stick with them in order to find out how they resolve their problems.
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remain. Lena Adams is a detective who works under Jeffrey's supervision, and she is one messed up woman. Although Lena is a good cop, much to her secret shame, she is also a human punching bag for her abusive and cruel boyfriend. Lena's personal problems have a way of interfering with her work, and Jeffrey is losing patience with her. Jeffrey, Sara, and Lena do not have the luxury of concentrating on themselves for very long. Much to his shock, Jeffrey literally stumbles on the grave of a young woman named Abby who may have been buried alive. His investigation brings him into contact with a strange family of religious fanatics who are harboring dark secrets.I applaud Karin Slaughter for not tying up all of the loose ends neatly; she leaves some plot lines unresolved, perhaps in preparation for the next installment in the series. Although "Faithless" is not a first-rate mystery, the lead characters are so charismatic that we are willing to stick with them in order to find out how they resolve their problems.
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LibraryThing member keithgordonvernon
Not particularly well written. Some interesting bits.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Faithless
3.5 Stars
While the mystery revolving around the discovery of the body of a young girl who was buried alive appears rather straightforward at first, there is more to the case than first meets the eye. The twists and turns along the way keep the reader guessing and the ultimate resolution
The continuing character development is also compelling as Sara and Jeffrey reach a crossroad in their relationship, and Lena must decide what to do about her self-destructive romance with Ethan.
All in all, another compelling installment in the Grant County series.
3.5 Stars
While the mystery revolving around the discovery of the body of a young girl who was buried alive appears rather straightforward at first, there is more to the case than first meets the eye. The twists and turns along the way keep the reader guessing and the ultimate resolution
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is, as is to be expected from Karin Slaughter, quite surprising. The continuing character development is also compelling as Sara and Jeffrey reach a crossroad in their relationship, and Lena must decide what to do about her self-destructive romance with Ethan.
All in all, another compelling installment in the Grant County series.
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LibraryThing member Andrew-theQM
This was a very enjoyable book in the series, and definitely took Sara and Jeffrey's story forward from the last book. There were certainly interesting and challenging times ahead for them in this book as well as for Lena. This book had me captivated and it was most definitely a very interesting
The backstory to the murders was very interesting, although there is a strong religious background to the book and at times it was hard to keep a handle on who the different characters were as there were so many of them. The book had me hooked however and had to keep reading! Quite an interesting end and I am keen to read the last book in the series as it seems to have been set up quite well by this book.
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murder, with quite some background to it! Although this book isn't for those that suffer from shortness of breath in tunnels or enclosed spaces.The backstory to the murders was very interesting, although there is a strong religious background to the book and at times it was hard to keep a handle on who the different characters were as there were so many of them. The book had me hooked however and had to keep reading! Quite an interesting end and I am keen to read the last book in the series as it seems to have been set up quite well by this book.
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LibraryThing member readingover50
This is my first book in the series, so I think I missed out on some backstory for the main characters. But the mystery is a standalone and I was able to enjoy it. I like the way she writes. The book was always interesting and I read it very fast. I definitely want to read more books by this author.
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Faithless by Karin Slaughter is the 5th book in her series about medical examiner Sara Linton and her ex-husband (now boyfriend), police chief Jeffrey Tolliver. One evening as they are out walking in the woods they stumble upon a pipe sticking out of the ground, dig down to discover a coffin
The mystery portion of the book is excellent with plenty of twists and turns to be figured out along the way. For me, the personal lives of the characters is becoming a little tiresome. I want some resolution to Sara’s and Jeffrey’s relationship and most of all, I want Lena to finally move forward to a better life. I will qualify this to say that all characters seem to make some important decisions by the end of the book, so hopefully in the next book they can finally sort themselves out.
In Faithless, Slaughter continues her combination of police procedures with the grim forensic details that give these books a stark reality. At over 500 pages, she also brings up issues of abortion, domestic abuse, forgiveness and revenge. While I would heartily suggest that no one should ever move to the high risk area of Grant County, I look forward to reading more about the crimes that appear all too often in this small corner of Georgia.
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containing a recently deceased young woman who had been buried alive. This discovery soon leads them to a strange evangelical family that appear to be concealing many secrets. Meanwhile, secondary character, Detective Lena Adams is finding that this case is helping her re-think her own abusive relationship.The mystery portion of the book is excellent with plenty of twists and turns to be figured out along the way. For me, the personal lives of the characters is becoming a little tiresome. I want some resolution to Sara’s and Jeffrey’s relationship and most of all, I want Lena to finally move forward to a better life. I will qualify this to say that all characters seem to make some important decisions by the end of the book, so hopefully in the next book they can finally sort themselves out.
In Faithless, Slaughter continues her combination of police procedures with the grim forensic details that give these books a stark reality. At over 500 pages, she also brings up issues of abortion, domestic abuse, forgiveness and revenge. While I would heartily suggest that no one should ever move to the high risk area of Grant County, I look forward to reading more about the crimes that appear all too often in this small corner of Georgia.
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LibraryThing member amandanan
3.5 stars. Not as good as the others I've read so far. And yes, I am reading them out of order, like a SAVAGE.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2005-08-30
2005
Physical description
560 p.; 4.33 inches
ISBN
9780099462262
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DDC/MDS
| 813.6 |