Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1)

Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1)
Forty Words for Sorrow - John Cardinal, Bk 1
Author: Giles Blunt
ISBN-13: 9780425185162
ISBN-10: 0425185168
Publication Date: 3/5/2002
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 50

3.9 stars, based on 50 ratings
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

15 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

rxkicker avatar reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
The only 'creepy' books I read are by Giles Blunt. (But I don't read them at night!) The language and mood are beautiful. I don't know much about snow... but felt I did after reading one of his books. Set in the Algonquin Bay area of Ontario.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I'd rate this higher except I don't care for the genre ... serial killers. The writing in general, characters, atmosphere, etc. is super.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A taut and enthralling tale that is as dark as the Canadian winter setting is cold. Humane,intelligent, and griping, FORTY WORDS FOR SORROW is a haunting journey into the human heart in all its complexities.
Val McDermid
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Chilling and gruesome.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
interesting and suspense filled book. Takes place in a part of the world not often read about- Northern Canada
sfc95 avatar reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 686 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book had rave reviews on the cover, being the best thriller since The Silence of the Lambs, one of the best thrillers written, I assure that is not true. This is an ok police procedural that informs the reader who did it about half way through, has a predictable subplot and an ending you can see a mile away. It is written in a way that forces the reader to read slowly, I did finish it, it was ok, but nothing that would have me seek any future books by this author and I certainly will not remember this one much after I click enter.
bellasgranny avatar reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 468 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really had high hopes for this series since the author's books get such rave reviews. However, I was sorely disappointed. The story started off well, but once the killer is named half way through, the book lost its momentum. I was so bored, I gave up two thirds of the way into the book, and have added the rest of the books in the series that I own to the donation pile.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well-written interesting mystery.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Engrossing mystery with complex and sympathetic protagonists.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
Missing children and serial killer
kathyk avatar reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on
Great thriller. Love this series.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite books he's written. I know some people don't like the killer books and darker stories. I am a forensic psychologist and I find them interesting. It gives the opportunity to think of patterns in criminal Behavior. So I may not be the best for the choice of a book to read but if you like complicated, deep characters and can live with a little Darkness give it a shot I can't promise you'll love it but you never know.
gsisk avatar reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 193 more book reviews
Very good book. It's one of the few that sent cold chills down my spine, especially during the last part.

Great characterizations, great setting.
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 522 more book reviews
Canadian setting -
reviewed Forty Words for Sorrow (John Cardinal, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Canadian Mystery