Book Review: Shutter Island

Reviewed By: Jaynie - Australia

Shutter Island     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Dennis Lehane
Class/Genre:   Mystery
2003, William Morrow, 325 pages

I will keep this review short because it is almost impossible to review this wonderful book without giving away spoilers.

U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule are called to the Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island. Ashecliffes patients are all members of the criminally insane. One of them, a woman named Rachel Salando, has escaped. The Marshalls investigation is blocked at every turn as the Doctors refuse to release crucial files or explain how Rachel could possibly have got out of a locked room, and past several hospital personnel. Added to this, Chuck discovers Teddy has a more personal reason for being on the island as Rachel is not the only patient he is looking for.

Ashcliffes prominent psychiatrist Dr Cawley is rumoured to be engaging in radical new treatment processes on his patients. As time progresses, Chuck discovers he is not just there to assist Teddy in finding a missing patient but to help him discover the many hidden secrets the Island has to offer. Who is the mysterious Dr Sheehan? And why was he allowed to leave the island before the investigation commenced? Teddy and Chuck have four days to find the answers and when a massive storm hits the island, they also find their lives at stake.

Dennis Lehane has done it again. Shutter Island is his second stand-alone novel since wrapping up his popular series featuring Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro. Shutter Island has one twist after another until the final shock will literary bring you to your knees and make you question life itself. The writing is, as usual, superb with deeply thought-provoking characters and a story to die for. Shutter Island not only makes my list of top ten books this year, but my list of top ten books ever. Run to the bookstore and buy it now.

Jaynie - Australia

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jaynie - Australia

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.