Title: Heartstopper
Author: Joy Fielding
First published January 1, 2007
387 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780743295987 (ISBN10: 0743295986)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
In the small town of Glenwood, Maine, everything seems peaceful and serene. That is, until a string of murders shatters the illusion.
As the bodies of teenage girls continue to pile up, the townspeople are left in shock and terror. Among them is high school English teacher, Sarah Thompson.
Forced to confront her own demons and protect her daughter from harm, Sarah finds herself embroiled in a web of scandal, deceit, and violence. Meanwhile, the killer’s chilling journal entries reveal a twisted mind and a desire for revenge.
In “Heartstopper,” bestselling author Joy Fielding takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a town with dark secrets and deadly consequences.
About the Author
Joy Fielding, a Canadian novelist and actress, was born on March 18, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Toronto in 1966.
Joy started her career in acting and even appeared in the film Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) and an episode of Gunsmoke. She changed her last name to Fielding from Tepperman, and became a full-time writer in 1972.
She has written 22 novels, out of which two were adapted into films. Joy Fielding’s writing process takes about a year from ideation to completion, with the actual writing taking four to eight months.
She prefers to set her novels in big American cities, as the landscape seems to be more conducive to her themes of urban alienation and loss of identity. Joy Fielding is a Canadian citizen and lives in Toronto with her husband Warren, and their two daughters, Annie and Shannon.
They also own property in Palm Beach, Florida.
In an interview with the Vancouver Sun in 2007, Joy Fielding revealed that she enjoys surprising her readers with unexpected endings, but believes that the development of her characters is more important. She has been quoted as saying “I might not write fiction in the literary sense.
But I write very well. My characters are good.
My dialog is good. And my stories are really involving.
I’m writing exactly the kind of books I like to write. And they’re the kind of books I like to read.
They’re popular commercial fiction. That’s what they are.”
Although Joy Fielding is a Canadian author, her novels are more popular in foreign countries, especially in the United States. For instance, her novel Kiss Mommy Goodbye was more popular in the States, while See Jane Run was a hit in Germany.
She had an American agent and publisher in the past but has now switched to a Canadian publisher.
Editoral Review
Heartstopper, written by Joy Fielding and first published in 2007, is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout its enthralling story. Joy Fielding is a renowned Canadian author, having written many bestsellers, and this book stands out as one of her most noteworthy works.
Within the genre of suspenseful fiction, Heartstopper follows the typical style of a thriller, keeping readers engaged with unpredictable twists and turns throughout its plot. The book revolves around Dr. Kate Sinclair, a forensic psychiatrist and her husband, a cardiologist, who are embroiled in a nightmare scenario of deception, betrayal, and mounting danger.
The theme of the book centers on these characters’ desperate struggle to escape their entrapment and defeat their enemies. Without revealing any spoilers, Heartstopper presents a well-crafted and intricate plot that delivers a constant stream of suspenseful moments.
The intricate details, ingenious dialogues, and attention to characterization make it a standout thriller in the genre. The story is set in the affluent community of Palm Beach, Florida, where the ambiance of wealth and privilege serves as a stark contrast to the rising jeopardy and tension.
Fielding brings a significant depth of sociological insight to Heartstopper. The book explores a plethora of themes, including greed, envy, and power struggles within privileged communities, and their detrimental impact on individual lives.
The author highlights the underlying social issues of dysfunctional dynamics within wealthy families, making Heartstopper a work of literature that delves deeper than what lies on the surface. Characters in Heartstopper are not mere caricatures, but fully fleshed-out individuals.
Fielding’s multi-dimensional portrayal of her characters adds a sense of realism not commonly found in thrillers of this nature. The fine-tuned pacing of the plot ensures that the reader feels involved in every scene and on the edge of their seats throughout.
While Heartstopper is an excellent thriller, it is not without its weaknesses. Some plot elements are predictable, and the dialogue can be occasionally clunky.
However, these are minor flaws that do not detract much from the overall plot’s quality. If you’re someone who enjoys thrillers that also pack an intellectual punch, Heartstopper is an excellent pick.
With its complex plot, rich characterization, and surreptitious commentary on social dynamics, this book is one that will grip readers from start to finish. In conclusion, Heartstopper is an impeccable thriller that will satisfy all fans of the genre.
Its characters are engrossing, the plot is unpredictable, and the themes are thought-provoking. Joy Fielding has truly outdone herself with this work of fiction.
It is recommendable to devotees of quality thrillers, and the book is undoubtedly worth a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
