In my 2008 reading list, one of the books entered under “B+” was Heartsick by Chelsea Cain. It was probably one the most compulsively readable books I’ve read for quite a while, sharply paced with interesting characters.
Then I picked up Sweetheart, its sequel and it didn’t work for me nearly as well. I gave it a “C+” which certainly isn’t the worst rating, but I started thinking about why it failed to measure up to Heartsick (for me. Others haven’t found it so.)
(I wouldn’t read further if you wish to avoid spoilers. Though reason number 1 is spoiler-free.)
1. I read Heartsick in one gulp (one evening) whereas I read Sweetheart over a number of days. Partly because I was busy, I think, but partly because I just wasn’t as engaged. Nevertheless I think these books benefit from a fast read, because when I slow down, I begin to question a number of things and my suspension of disbelief stops working.
2. I felt Cain made some missteps in characterization at the beginning of book 2 that were either not present in book 1, or that I was too busy to notice. For example, Archie, the main protagonist and his ex-wife take their young daughter to the funeral of someone she didn’t even know. On her birthday. Doesn’t make sense for a six/seven-year-old. Then, Gretchen-the-serial-killer is attacked and Archie’s partner, who is supposedly trying to steer Archie clear of Gretchen, insists on telling Archie right away and dragging him off to the prison. During the same daughter’s birthday party. I missed why it was important that Archie go to Gretchen immediately. Archie, being obsessed with Gretchen, leaves of course. (Anyway, you can see I started nitpicking, rightly or wrongly.)
3. Susan’s story was compelling in Heartsick and not so much in Sweetheart. (Though I like her mom.)
4. Gretchen was on stage more in Sweetheart and I think she was more powerful as a shadowy figure. More believable too.
5. Archie is competent in Heartsick and competence is sexy. Archie is not so competent in Sweetheart in that Susan solves the mystery and someone else delivers it to Archie. While Archie does technically outmaneurver Gretchen, she ultimately wins. Not so satisfying.
6. I’m a little disturbed that Archie or his partner wouldn’t just kill Gretchen, considering how evil she is and what a real threat she is to Archie’s children. Even if Archie is obviously beguiled by her, I think he loves his kids enough to overcome that or I think we’re supposed to think of him that way. Maybe I’m wrong. And if she’s escaped jail once, she could do it again. (Not that she ends up in jail, but Archie thought she would.)
So, I don’t know that I will be reading more. I am probably so hard on Sweetheart because I found Heartsick so gripping. I didn’t like that the series had lost its magic for me. I should be fair and note that this is not usually my type of book.
For another view of Sweetheart, read Avid Reader’s B review.
Well, you made some valid points. I can’t recall the particulars at this moment. Sweetheart was a book I did read in about 3 days. Both books, I felt were really readable but as for explanations about this or that or the why of things, I’m not much good to you at this point since I read that book a long time ago (also quite telling).
Here are my thoughts on Gretchen: I agree with you. I think Gretchen works best in the background. I honestly didn’t care for her being so upfront and center in the second book. At one point, I was hoping she’s get killed but alas, she escapes again (I think).
Archie – uh, he left me with a bad feeling at the end. He pretty much stepped over the line (for me) in his obsession with Gretchen. Their whole relationship is such a sordid thing. I mean, he and Gretchen were about to start an affair before she kidnaps and tortures him. I think.
But despite flaws (and I have a tendency to overlook them when I really enjoy books), both were about B reads for me. Her voice/style works for me regardless. Sorry to hear that this didn’t meet expectations. I haven’t graded these books any higher than a B for some of the reasons you listed. Great review and summation of what worked or didn’t work for you, Jorrie.
I agree she has a very nice voice/style which just pulls you along. Even though I started questioning a number of things, which in many books will have me putting the book down and not picking it up again, I kept reading till the end. All in all she’s made a very impressive splash with these two books.
Despite saying I think this is the end for me, I will be curious to read reviews of the third book. Oh, and I also agree that Archie is quite a problematic character right now so I’m not sure where she’ll go with him.