Mouth to Mouth

In UNDONE, Michael Kimball thrilled and surprised me with the depth and clarity of his writing, not to mention his natural skills at weaving a novel of such complexity that I was kept guessing right up till the end. In his newest novel, MOUTH TO MOUTH, Mr. Kimball's writing reaches an even higher level of expertise, making me wonder why this New England author isn't know by more readers. In the opening chapter of MOUTH TO MOUTH, we encounter Ellen Chambers-a schoolteacher, artist, and sheep farmer--at the wedding of her seventeen-year-old daughter, Moreen. Ellen feels a great deal of apprehension at her daughter's marriage to Randy Cross, a man who is ten years older than Moreen, mean by nature and works as a strong-arm collector for the local loan shark. In fact, Ellen would like nothing better than to see her son-in-law dead, until a stranger whispers into her ear that anything is possible. The stranger turns out to be Neal Chambers, the nephew of her husband, Scott. They haven't seen Neal in over twelve years, since the day of his father's funeral. As it turns out, it was exactly twelve years before when Ellen caught her husband in bed with Neal's mother. Ellen immediately informed her brother-in-law about the adulterous affair. Later that afternoon, Neal's father, a local minister, committed suicide out of apparent shame by hanging himself from the rafters of Ellen's barn. Neal's family never recovered from what happened. Now, he's back, and he wants revenge against those that destroyed his life. Seduced by her nephew's youth, good looks, and overwhelming confidence, Ellen finds herself drawn into a web of lies and betrayal that starts with sex and ends in murder. Will Ellen be able to save herself and her family, or has Neal planned his revenge so carefully that no one will escape the sins of their past? MOUTH TO MOUTH is a taut, suspenseful thriller that builds to an exploding climax at such a rapid pace that it will leave the reader breathless. I was once again unable to guess or predict where the story was headed as layer after layer unfolded, presenting me with new information that took me in an entirely different direction from what I expected. The twists and turns actually had me wondering if Ellen Chambers would make it out alive; and, if so, at what cost to her sanity and soul. Mr. Kimball's writing is definitely that of a seasoned "pro". It's sharp, yet smoothly textured with not a word wasted. He also clearly understands the nature of humanity and how good people can resort to evil deeds when backed into a corner. He's able to capture the very essence of this in explicit detail, as well as the small-town atmosphere of New England. I have to say that the discovery of Michael Kimball during the past few months has been one of intense pleasure and purer admiration. This is an author from Maine who will one day give Stephen King a hard run for his money. I only hope it won't be as long before his next novel comes

Mouth To Mouth is more than a thriller/ suspense novel. Michael Kimball has crafted a thoughtful and unpredictable story while avoiding the usual over-the-top or unlikely scenarios. The characters ( especially Ellen Chambers) are well drawn and Kimball demonstrates an excellent grasp of dialogue. This novel is a plausible and carefully constructed portrayal of a mother's unrelenting worry and intricacies of family politics. Mouth To Mouth is also a suspense story of the highest order, but the author has cleverly produced a socially diagnostic and compassionately written cautionary tale. As with his last book,Undone, Kimball takes chances and busts open the suspense genre with something quite different and very worth while. Fans of Thomas H. Cook ( The Chatam School Affair, Instruments Of Night) would enjoy Kimball's most recent effort.

Sometimes evil comes in the most appealing package. That's exactly what happens in MOUTH TO MOUTH, a thriller that chills to the bone. We find ourselves saying, "No, for God's sake, watch out!" but those in the path of the danger can't hear us, they're so caught up in themselves. This is a tale that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat to the very end. Suspense fans, seek no further.

Having read Michael Kimball's previous book entitled "Undone", and thoroughly enjoying the read. I had no hesitation in purchasing "Mouth To Mouth"."Mouth To Mouth" did not disappoint. The story was compelling from start to finish. The characters were intriguing, the plot twisted and turned with every page. Right to the end you just did not know what was going to happen next.A true master piece and very much a "must have book" for every home.Michael Kimball is a true genius of suspense.

This book, Mouth to Mouth, is absolutely riveting. At first it moves a little slowly, then it picks you up so you do not want to put it down. If you like suspense and you've run out of talented authors, this is where you need to go. I initially read the book for odd reasons, but with the realistic setting (being from the region it takes place in), to the undeniably complex, yet completely believable and real characters, I am looking forward to reading other novels by Michael Kimball.