- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Pan; First Edition edition (19 Jun 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330443003
- ISBN-13: 978-0330443005
- Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.2 x 19.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 165,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Abortionist's Daughter
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"A smart and powerful thriller."
--Chris Bohjalian, author of "Midwives"
"Arresting. . . . Astute. . . . Hyde is an author who should be with us for some time."
--Anita Shreve, "The Washington Post Book World"
"Darkly witty. . . . ["The Abortionist's Daughter"] accordions out into a suspense story and a comic noir, a novel of manners and an improbable romance. . . . Striking."
--Maureen Corrigan, "Fresh Air" (NPR)
"In keeping with the truly best writers, Hyde examines both sides of the issue, but offers only questions that probe deep into the secret hearts of readers everywhere. For answers, they will have to turn to themselves. . . . Compelling and timely. . . . A must-read."
--"The Denver Post"
--Chris Bohjalian, author of "Midwives"
"Arresting. . . . Astute. . . . Hyde is an author who should be with us for some time."
--Anita Shreve, "The Washington Post Book World"
"Darkly witty. . . . ["The Abortionist's Daughter"] accordions out into a suspense story and a comic noir, a novel of manners and an improbable romance. . . . Striking."
--Maureen Corrigan, "Fresh Air" (NPR)
"In keeping with the truly best writers, Hyde examines both sides of the issue, but offers only questions that probe deep into the secret hearts of readers everywhere. For answers, they will have to turn to themselves. . . . Compelling and timely. . . . A must-read."
--"The Denver Post"
Daily Express
"A compelling novel of dark passion and family secrets"
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'm with the majority of reviewers on this one. I don't read customer reviews before I read the book as they spoil it, and like many others I think, I was expecting something very thought-provoking and close to the edge, (like you see in Jodi Piccoult's books) but what I actually got was a textbook on how to write a murder mystery. Honestly, you've got every single cliche here - The family members who have had a row with the victim, the angry professional oppenents, the husband's ex-lover, the heartbroken teenager, the list goes on and on, all with good motive! Then to top it all off, there's the maverick, but general good-guy cop who gets taken off the case but can't rest until it's solved - Even complete with a rubbish nickname!
I did quite like the writing, and the book whiled away a long flight. It is a decent who dunnit, but no more than that and it certainly isn't the brilliant, original classic I was hoping for from all the hype.
I did quite like the writing, and the book whiled away a long flight. It is a decent who dunnit, but no more than that and it certainly isn't the brilliant, original classic I was hoping for from all the hype.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Abortionist's Daughter is essentially a murder mystery. A well-known abortionist is found dead in her pool and the police suspect foul play when they discover she was hit over the head before she drowned.
The author gives quite a balanced view of abortion from all sides of debate - from those who are involved in the practice of abortion, those who are against it, those who are vehemently (and violently) opposed to it, those who are against it for themselves but willing to support others who might feel it's their only option ... Elisabeth Hyde really does try to represent all points of view without making a value judgment on any of them. The book doesn't get bogged down in this debate - it's weaved nicely into the tale.
"The Abortionist's Daughter" is an enjoyable book and I'm delighted to say that the police officers who feature prominently in the story are not the stereotypical types we normally see in whodunnits (the stereotypes really irritate me so I was pleased to warm to these characters). However, the story isn't particularly gripping or surprising - I thought the identity of the murderer was obvious very early on and I wasn't on the edge of my seat to find out who was responsible for the doctor's death.
However, if you fancy something light and enjoyable for the beach this summer, this is a good choice. You'll zip through it and it will entertain you.
The author gives quite a balanced view of abortion from all sides of debate - from those who are involved in the practice of abortion, those who are against it, those who are vehemently (and violently) opposed to it, those who are against it for themselves but willing to support others who might feel it's their only option ... Elisabeth Hyde really does try to represent all points of view without making a value judgment on any of them. The book doesn't get bogged down in this debate - it's weaved nicely into the tale.
"The Abortionist's Daughter" is an enjoyable book and I'm delighted to say that the police officers who feature prominently in the story are not the stereotypical types we normally see in whodunnits (the stereotypes really irritate me so I was pleased to warm to these characters). However, the story isn't particularly gripping or surprising - I thought the identity of the murderer was obvious very early on and I wasn't on the edge of my seat to find out who was responsible for the doctor's death.
However, if you fancy something light and enjoyable for the beach this summer, this is a good choice. You'll zip through it and it will entertain you.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ok, don't read this book if you are looking for a real thriller, with unexpected twists and shock killer endings etc. As many people have already pointed out, the killer is pretty obvious almost from the second you meet them.
However, it is still a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I thought most of the characters were interesting, particularly the daughter Megan. She is a very realistic character, I don't know how old the author is but she obviously remembers being a teenager. Her relationship with her mother is well portrayed, very complex and real.
The story revolves around the murder of Diana, an abortion doctor, the investigation that follows, and the impact on the family left behind. The author gradually reveals some of Diana's past, which is interesting, including the death of her son, Megan's younger brother. There are few tense moments, but I was never bored either.
Basically, read this book if you are looking for an enjoyable fun (not funny) read that is easy to get through. Don't buy if you want to be challenged! Although there are some interesting angles around the abortion issue, the novel is mostly pretty straightforward.
However, it is still a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I thought most of the characters were interesting, particularly the daughter Megan. She is a very realistic character, I don't know how old the author is but she obviously remembers being a teenager. Her relationship with her mother is well portrayed, very complex and real.
The story revolves around the murder of Diana, an abortion doctor, the investigation that follows, and the impact on the family left behind. The author gradually reveals some of Diana's past, which is interesting, including the death of her son, Megan's younger brother. There are few tense moments, but I was never bored either.
Basically, read this book if you are looking for an enjoyable fun (not funny) read that is easy to get through. Don't buy if you want to be challenged! Although there are some interesting angles around the abortion issue, the novel is mostly pretty straightforward.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Too easy
This was a good book in terms of light reading but you could tell straight away who was the murderer, which kind of made the book lose its intrigue for me, as I was just waiting... Read more
Published 11 months ago by E. Murphy
couldnt put it down
from the moment this book arrived i couldnt put it down. it keeps you guessing right to the end, a good read
Published 14 months ago by G. Butcher
Nothing Exciting
Diana Duprey is the Director of the Centre for Reproductive Choice. She is attractive and wealthy and seems to have it all but she has made many enemies over the years so after she... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Meggysmum
'It's ok'
Yes i chose 3 stars as it stands for 'it's ok'. It was cliched and obvious but it passed some time and was a light read after the heart breaking The Book Theif. Read more
Published 21 months ago by TheDarkPhoenix
Flimsy plot and characterisation...
I read this book quickly, skimming over the last few pages in order to get it finished as I was so bored. Read more
Published 21 months ago by S. White
Doesn't disappoint
I loved this book. It wasn't at all obvious who killed the doctor and it's never dull.
Published 23 months ago by Grace
a good easy read
This book is quite good, it's not normally something I'd read, but I did enjoy it.
The killer is quite easily narrowed down which is a shame, but I think there are other more... Read more
The killer is quite easily narrowed down which is a shame, but I think there are other more... Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2010 by Mrs. D. HANSON
The Abortionist's Daughter
This was an easy quick read. I had guessed the culprit far too early.
Published on 2 Mar 2010 by Mrs. Fiona M. Hockin
So Close Yet
The Abortionist's Daughter is a quite good book with a great book hidden inside struggling to get out.
Let's start with the positive. Read more
Let's start with the positive. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2010 by H. meiehofer
Easy, unmemorable read
This was a very easy holiday read. I enjoyed it, but it's unremarkable and unmemorable. A straightforward murder mystery, very average and not particularly well written, but... Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2009 by Mrs. S. Biddulph
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