Read With ME (207)

Non-fiction books are not my typical genre. I could probably count on one hand how many nonfiction I read last year. However, I am a true crime junkie! Although, my usual prefer preferred format is TV, which shows like Dateline or 20/20 and just about anything on the Investigation Discovery (ID) channel. So when I saw this book and read the synopsis I had to pick it up. I used to read a lot of true crime books. I've read almost everything written by Ann Rule, however, although they are generally very factually accurate and extremely detailed, I also find them to be extremely dry and slow reads. Having that in mind I was a bit apprehensive in reading this book, despite its appealing description, and very skeptical whether or not I would enjoy or even finish it – knowing worst case scenario I could always hold out for the movie. However, I'm glad I didn't wait. This book was worth the read!

This is a true story about an FBI agent named Mark Putnam, who seems to have it all – a supportive wife, two beautiful children, a successful career, but against his better judgment he engages in an extra marital affair with a drug addict name Susan, who also happens to be an informant on the FBI's payroll. This book is a detailed account of what leads up to this betrayal, the repercussions that follow, one poor decision after another, unbearable guilt, remorse, and regret as one man goes from having a happy, normal, existence to destroying not only his own life, but the lives of those closest to him as well.

This did not read like a typical, old-fashioned true crime. It was fast-paced, extremely interesting and engaging and I often forgot I was reading nonfiction. The author, Joe Sharkey, did a great job collecting facts and researching this book. It was in debt and informative but again, very enjoyable and easy to read. I am looking forward to to watching the movie adaptation which is scheduled for release sometime this year (2017), directed by Philip Noyce and starring Jake Houston, and the lovely Emilia Clarke who I adore from Game of Thrones and Me Before You. Both, coincidentally, also originated as books adapted to TV and film. I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys true crime, fast-paced thrillers, investigative reporting, or just an overall exciting, eventful read.

I received an advanced copy of [b:Above Suspicion|1996085|Above Suspicion|Joe Sharkey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1266960122s/1996085.jpg|1999838] from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.