Reviews
An ingenious, diabolical debut . . . . Blake Crouch is one of the most exciting new writers I''ve read in years., "An ingenious, diabolical debut that calls into question all our easy moral assumptions.Desert Placesis a genuine thriller that pulses with adrenaline from start to finish. Blake Crouch is one of the most exciting new writers I've read in years." -Val McDermid, author ofThe Last Temptation "Blake Crouch's terrific but harrowing first novel,Desert Places, is deeply disturbing and troubling but hard to put down. In the end, Mr. Crouch's book reminded me of a whacked out combination of Stephen King and Cormac McCarthy." -Pat Conroy, author ofMy Losing Season "A harrowing, compulsively readable novel,Desert Placesthrows a spotlight on humans' ability to administer-and withstand-psychological and physical pain. Crouch's taunt, muscular prose and expert plotting make this one tough to set down. You'll read it in a sitting-I certainly did." -Gregg Hurwitz, author ofThe Kill Clause "Gritty, sometimes gruesome, and always gripping. Blake Crouch looks into the dark places inside our heads - you may not always like what you see there, but you won't be able to tear yourself away. An exciting, heartpounding debut." -Tony Strong, author ofThe Death Pit "Crouch shows real talent" -Publishers Weekly "Desert Placesdisplays the careful craftsmanship of a talented newcomer to the mystery genre. The interplay between the protagonist and the villain is crisp and clever, and the plot development is relentless. Can't wait for the sequel!" -Bookpage "A disturbing tale . . . not for the easily frightened or those with weak stomachs. Crouch writes vivid and horrific scenes that will linger in the consciousness long after the book is read. [His] carefully crafted characters make the story immediate, intense and thoroughly believable." -Denver Post "Blake Crouch has every intention of putting the screaming oogies in your nightmares. . . . He takes you on a twisting ride that contains enough depravity and graphic violence to send Stephen King to the liquor cabinet for a stiff one." -Rocky Mountain News(Denver, CO) "The fastest, meanest read I've had in quite a while. Blake Crouch clamps on and propels you forward, even though you're not at all sure you want to go into the disturbing places where he's taking you. Those looking for the nextHannibalmight have a good time, and Crouch proves to be a writer who can get your attention." -The Capital Times(Milwaukee, WI) "Desert Placesstarts with a bang and doesn't let up. . . you won't be able to put it down." -Midwest Book Review "This book is dark and a bit deranged, and I loved every minute of it. Reading it is like driving in the rain at 90 MPH with your eyes closed, sheer adrenaline. Write this name down, Blake Crouch is here to stay." - Mystery One Bookstore "This first novel by up-and-coming new talent Blake Crouch will set you on the edge of your chair. . . Crouch will handcuff you, blindfold you, throw you in the trunk of a car, and drag you kicking and screaming through a story so intense, so gruesome, and so emotionally packed, that you will walk away stunned - and with a choice to make. You will have to decide, in your own heart, whether Crouch is a super-talented writer with an immense imagination, or one sick puppy. Read the story and you will come to a deeper understanding of that." -Relish,Winston-Salem Journal "[Crouch's] writing is sick, and I mean that in the very best way. IfDesert Placesis any indication of what we can expect from Crouch in the future, be prepared to see his name on the bestseller lists. And just as his protagonist has had books turned into movies, Crouch may soon have a producer knocking at his door." -Ottawa Sun(Can
