The 3rd Woman - Book Review

From the cover :

The United States and China have struck a shocking bargain: In return for forgiving trillions in debt, the People’s Republic of China—now the world’s dominant global superpower—has established a permanent military presence on US soil. Years of decline have left America economically vulnerable, and evidence of China’s cultural and political dominance is everywhere.

Journalist Madison Webb is obsessed with exposing the lies and corruption that have corroded her once great society. When her sister is savagely murdered, the police insist it’s an isolated crime. But Madison suspects the cops are hiding something. Digging for answers, she discovers her sister’s death may be one of many . . . and part of a dangerous conspiracy. Even though her life is on the line, Madison refuses to give up on the story. And sooner or later, she will have to confront the consequences of exposing the powerful forces intent on hiding the truth.

My thoughts :

The book has some issues. It's definitely not perfect, but it was the first book that I've read from start to finish during the month of August and seemed to help  me get past a horrible reading slump. So, I sort of love it.

It's exciting. The futuristic world where the United States is kowtowing to China, gives the thriller different perspective and motive and changes up things just enough to leave the reader breathlessly off balance. The novel starts right off by introducing the strong, bold and fearless Maddy. She's vulnerable but definitely won't give up on finding the killer of her sister, even when everyone is working against her.

The novel was long and lost some momentum in the middle. Not every loose end and question was wrapped up neatly at the end of the story. In fact, the ending was not at all expected. That's fine, of course. I just really wanted to know. And that's the key that kept me reading this entire novel and not tossing it on the pile of unfinished novels that has grown so tall this summer--I just really wanted to know the ending. Jonathan Freedland creates tension and mystery and keeps his reader constantly guessing and stumbling. With solid writing, interesting characters and dialogue that rings true, The 3rd Woman is a thriller to pick up this fall.

**There is some swearing throughout the novel and occasional sex scenes.**

The 3rd Woman by Jonathan Freedland is published by Harper and released August 4, 2015.

Purchase Links

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

About Jonathan Freedland

Jonathan Freedland is an award-winning journalist, a number one bestselling author, and a broadcaster. He is the Guardian's executive editor for Opinion and also writes a weekly column. He is a regular contributor to the New York Times and the New York Review of Books, and presents BBC Radio 4's contemporary history series The Long View. In 2014 he won the Orwell special prize for journalism.

Find out more about Jonathan at his website, and connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

**I received a complimentary copy of The 3rd Woman from TLC Book Tours. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.**