Review: METHODS OF MADNESS, By Stephanie Black

Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black won first place in the Suspense category in the Whitney Awards this year. Not only did Black win in 2010, but she also won best Suspense last year for her book, Fool Me Twice. I have yet to read her previous book, but I'm so glad I picked up this year's winner.

Those of you who know me, know I love suspense. I like to write suspense with paranormal twists. But I was so eager to find out what Black does to keep us ripping through the pages, but still pace the story well so that we don't get exhausted.

The story is about Emily who is recently engaged to Zach. But Emily's former fiance is still missing and she's still getting over the death of her sister. When she receives pictures with fake blood of her former fiance, Stephanie knows someone is not happy with her choice to marry Zach. And when Zach's ex-girlfriend, Monica, is murdered many blame Emily. She even questions herself.

Black is the queen of suspense. I stayed up until 1 am last night just to finish the book. I really, really tried to figure out who the murderer could be. Black gave us clues along the way, and I had my suspicions of many characters, but by the end of the book Emily's mental state was so precarious, I even suspected her!

The characters felt very real. I especially liked Emily's rich friend, Nicole. She has a unique motivation in the book, to help her friend find happiness. How many women in their 20s live solely for that reason? I thought it was a great profile for a character. I also loved reading Monica's POV. I'm sure those scenes were fun to write.

Also, I love the cover. Right from the beginning the cover fits. Hair sweeping over the face--the picture even evokes suspense.

I'm trying to learn about pacing. I wanted to see what Black would do to move her story along while not wearing the reader out. Every chapter is full of dialogue--which I love--but she does slow the action down with reflection. And she also lets the reader take a breather with the scenes from her mother's POV, which I thought was a nice touch.

At the Whitney Awards, I was touched by Black's receipt of her award. She said this book was very hard to write, and was relieved hard work could pull through even though she didn't feel very magical with this one. Well, Ms. Black, your work certainly pulled through. The story flowed beautifully, and I'm very glad to have read it.