- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Anchor Canada; 1st Printing edition (Aug 12 2003)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0385658486
- ISBN-13: 978-0385658485
- Product Dimensions: 17 x 9.9 x 3.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 272 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #839,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon
The first character introduced in Barbara J. Stewart's unconventional but instantly compelling debut novel, The Sleeping Boy, is Emma, the family cat. Not for this author the formulaic discovery of a corpse in some dumpster. Instead, Stewart makes Emma the first on the scene of the crime. "There was only an absence in the kitchen. No flannel-covered legs to push against in an act of proprietary aggression that they chose to interpret as affection, while they mumbled on, unintelligibly." Inside the house are the bodies of Dr. Leah Mallick and her husband, while their young son lies comatose, likely never to recover. The killer is clearly one of the two parents found dead, so the central mystery becomes motive, which proves a very elusive quarry.
Enter Lieutenant Anne Shannon. A person with a stark skeleton in her own closet, she possesses both the empathy and dogged determination to track down the truth. She enlists the help of Susan Shaw, a career bureaucrat who has walked the same corridors of power that had been beckoning the beautiful and charming Dr. Mallick, on the verge of becoming the state's Secretary of Health and Human Services. The two unlikely allies gradually forge a strong bond as their dangerous quest uncovers a political and economic conspiracy with far-reaching implications. Powerful healthcare provider Cross Corporation has set up shop in Lockport, with an ambitious and sinister agenda. Stewart tackles the issues of medical ethics and euthanasia with real sensitivity and insight. Her depictions of the machinations of the media and politicians also resound with the clear ring of apparent truth. The Sleeping Boy is an ambitious thriller, one that operates on both personal and political levels. The author balances these elements expertly, and her graceful and poetic style is a constant pleasure. Stewart's first career was as a filmmaker, and there is a cinematic quality to much of her writing. She can be marked down as a sparkling new talent worthy of major attention. --Kerry Doole
Review
"Barbara Stewart had me in thrall from the first sentence...Her characters are women with unexpected depth, not cute and sassy kids or hottie ADAs, but mid-life women with hot flashes and intelligence to burn, and they drive this novel right to the final page. I couldn't put it down...Barbara J. Stewart is a writer to watch." -- Globe and Mail
“I loved this book. The Sleeping Boy is a ride through familiar streets with brand new glasses. Barbara Stewart tells a thrilling story of complexity and ethics with wit and genuine compassion. She’s a brand new treasure.” -- Susie Moloney, author of The Dwelling
“I love a detective story that features three-dimensional women in all walks of life. Fresh, nicely-paced; I was riveted right through to the surprise ending.” -- Lilian Nattel, author of The River Midnight
“I loved this book. The Sleeping Boy is a ride through familiar streets with brand new glasses. Barbara Stewart tells a thrilling story of complexity and ethics with wit and genuine compassion. She’s a brand new treasure.” -- Susie Moloney, author of The Dwelling
“I love a detective story that features three-dimensional women in all walks of life. Fresh, nicely-paced; I was riveted right through to the surprise ending.” -- Lilian Nattel, author of The River Midnight
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sleeping Boy,
By Dorothy Reis (British Columbia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Sleeping Boy (Paperback)
Barbara J. Stewart portrays "real" people - the main character, Annie, uses her intelligence and determination to solve the mystery while, on a personal level, Annie must deal with emotional, physiological and social stresses.The intriguing plot of The Sleeping Boy takes us down uncharted pathways that causes the reader to question one's vulnerability at the whim of large corporations. An exciting book by a new author - my husband and I, both, look forward to another.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very entertaining,
By Grace (Surrey, B.C.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Sleeping Boy (Paperback)
The Sleeping BoyThis is an entertaining book about a multiple murder in a well-respected part of the town. The lead person (Lt. Anne Shannon) in the investigation must be very careful in her handling of the information and of the people she encounters as the story unfolds. Each new character is unique in their own way and has a story and background of their own. As we get deeper into the book, they all somehow have a part in piecing together not only the murder investigation but also the life of Lt. Anne Shannon. I found myself keeping a mental tally of the characters and all along, in my mind I was trying to fit them into the story like some type of puzzle. Interesting what a book can do. "The Sleeping Boy" is an excellent book and one worth spending some time with.
5.0 out of 5 stars
the Sleeping Boy,
By Antoinette (Calgary, Alberta) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Sleeping Boy (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Sleeping Boy"-a thinking person's mystery. It's an excellent bookclub selection because there are so many issues to be discussed. The book keeps you guessing till the surprise ending. Hard to believe it is a first book as the writing and details are top notch. I highly recommend reading this book.
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