A fabulous premise, with a beginning and ending that portray the very definition of suspense; however, I think the bones of the story were a bit muddled by filler content regarding secondary plots and daily, house hunting humdrum. Definitely would give another book by this author a try!

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.from-publisher netgalley27 s LisaAuthor 43 books8,404

CLOSING COSTS is a compelling portrait of a marriage, and an unflinching look at a terrible tangle of secrets, lies, and mistakes that lead to irrevocable consequences. From the explosive first pages, through every hairpin twist and turn, and right to the shocking final scenes, Bracken MacLeod expertly ratchets up the suspense page by breathless page in this stellar home invasion thriller.23 s CarolG730 330

Nelle and Evan have recently moved into their own home at the edge of a state forest in Massachusetts after living in an apartment in the city (Cambridge I believe). One day while Evan is away from the house a man breaks in and ties Nelle up in the basement and does the same with Evan when he returns. The intruder is a pretty nasty piece of work and I was actually scared for the couple. Gradually the story unfolds as to what this man wants and it's quite a surprise. And the surprises don't end there!

I enjoyed the book, the story is quite different and Nelle and Evan are able characters. I found Nelle especially to be a very strong character. She works in a funeral home which was rather unusual and made a nice change from the usual occupations in books that I've read. For some reason it felt it took me a long time to read this book which has a fairly low page count if I'm not mistaken. I think the book could've been tightened up a bit since it wasn't really a page-turner for me until the last 25% or so but I'd still recommend it. Be forewarned that the book contains lots of violence and bloodshed! If you plan to read the book I'd also recommend being careful about which you read. One of them contained quite a major spoiler in my opinion and ruined one of the twists for me. I'll definitely be looking into some of Mr. MacLeod's other novels. 3-1/2 Stars rounded up!

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published July 20, 2021netgalley21 s Alan Teder2,202 139

The Terrorizing of Hipstas
Review of the Mariner Books hardcover (July 20, 2021)

It will seem a bit counter intuitive, but after reading Mai's hilarious and entertaining 2-star "live-tweeting-reaction" style review (unfortunately the review appears to have been deleted since I first posted this) of this book, I couldn't resist trying it out for myself. Partly just to see if I had similar reactions and/or others.

This is a domestic invasion thriller where a married couple who have moved into an isolated home which is apparently beyond their means are terrorized at first by one assailant and then later by another pair as well. The mystery elements are who is the first invader (who is unidentified for quite some time), where did Nelle & Evan get the money to buy the house, & what are the additional assailants after? The domestic terror aspect is amped up considerably and all the villains are of a sufficiently cartoonish evil nature that you will not mourn them when karma comes calling.

Mai was certainly spot on with her reactions and my only further thoughts were along the nature of Chekhov's gun, in that what seemed interesting and quirky plot elements were introduced, but which apparently had no purpose. The couple Nelle & Evan have a Portuguese last name and speak some Portuguese for no apparent reason (it is never used as 'secret' language to deceive their assailants). They are regularly described as "rockabilly hipsters" which aside from sounding anachronistic (an old-time music that is hip?) did nothing further in the plot except perhaps dictate their music choices. So it was just quirkiness introduced for its own sake. The authorities are apparently clueless and have no access to modern forensics, allowing for a tidy wrap-up with no questions asked.

Anyway, the domestic terror aspects here are often quite repellent so steer clear if that is not to your taste.2022-library 2022-reading-challenges crime-fiction ...more19 s Erin Clemence1,200 362

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: July 20, 2021

Nelle and Evan Pereira have finally purchased their dream home, a secluded house in the woods of Massachusetts. But a few weeks later, Nelle is accosted and tied up in her home, with the perpetrator insisting she make one phone call, or he will kill her. Desperate to survive, Nelle agrees to do whatever her captor asks for, but when Evan returns home and he, too, is tied up, Nelle sees her chances of survival diminishing. Who is the man and what does he want? Is it possible that the secret Nelle and Evan have been keeping has gotten out? Will they survive?

Bracken McLeod’s newest novel, “Closing Costs”, is a tantalizingly addictive tale, told from the perspective of Nelle and Evan, before and after the closing date of their new home, as well as the suspect’s perspective, both before and after the event. Each segment and chapter is clearly marked, with the closing date as the baseline (“six weeks before closing”, “twelve days after closing”, etc) so it is easy to follow the plot.

Right off the bat, it is obvious that Nelle and Evan are keeping a secret, but the details aren’t revealed until about halfway through the book, and it’s obvious from this point on that no good will come of it. The story did not immediately capture my interest, but once I had reached this point, it quickly picked up and soon became page after page of action and suspense.

Anything that can go wrong for Nelle and Evan do, as one captor comes for them, followed by two more who are there for another entirely different reason) . Soon Nelle and Evan are battling two completely separate groups of intruders, and the plot holds a Hollywood-action-movie level of unrealism and lacks believability. However, there is no shortage of action, with gun fights, physical altercations and escape attempts- “Closing Costs” definitely has an exciting plot.

The conclusion provided the right amount of closure, and I was grateful that it held some realism in that it was not an entirely happy or positive ending.

I am a new reader of McLeod’s, although he has several novels, novellas, and short story collections under his belt. He definitely has writing chops, and I appreciated his developed writing style, realistic characters and action-packed plot. “Closing Costs” is definitely a suspenseful page- turner!
first-reads kindle19 s 3 no 7746 22

“Closing Costs” is about buying a home, well that and a lot more. Evan and Nelle, a couple of “rockabilly hipsters” find their “Dream Home.” The narrative travels back and forth in time, both before and after the closing, with chapters identifying the time frame and the point of view. It turns out that several people have secrets, and things do not go exactly as Evan and Nelle had planned with this house.

The story centers on Evan, Nelle, and the house, of course. Immediately, readers know things are not going to go well, and soon the anticipated tranquility of the new home is shattered by horror and incredulity. Who are these home invaders? Why this house? Why Evan and Nell? Why indeed? Secrets, lies, and mistakes have unintended consequences. There is plenty of drama and action; some events push characters and readers to the very the edge of credibility. Secondary characters wander in and out of the story to add color, interest, and danger. There are perhaps a few too many since some do not really contribute a lot.

“Closing Costs” is powerful and gripping. Evan and Nelle thought that they were prepared for everything, that they would know how to react in an emergency. They were wrong. I received a review copy of “Closing Costs” from Bracken MacLeod and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. The action increases exponentially, and there are twists and turns on every page. In the end, well, it ends, and I won’t spoil it.12 s Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)2,408 3,615

3.0 Stars
As someone who loves a good home invasion or hostage story, this one sounded right up my alley. I've read two books from this author before and enjoyed them both so I was certainly hoping this could be a new favourite. The book certainly started off strong with a scary man breaking into the house and tying up the wife. However, as the story progressed the suspense and tension weakened. The story is told over multiple timelines which muddied the narrative. There is more to the story than the premise suggests, but in this case a simple story would have worked better. I still believe the author is an entertaining storyteller, but unfortunately this one is not his best.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher. mystery-thriller review-copy10 s Philip FracassiAuthor 63 books1,178

A tense, gratifying page-turner that hums a rogue deli slicer hungry for human meat. A villain that leaps off the page, and some hard-core peril and good old-fashioned ultra-violence in the vein of the great Jack Ketchum. MacLeod brings the pain, the suspense, and you'll be on needles until the last page. A fun, scary, thrilling read. crime genre9 s Elaine1,724 1 follower

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Closing Costs.

This goes into the dud pile.

** Minor spoilers ahead **

The plot is straight forward, not original but with potential.

Nelle and Evan are happy homeowners. Finally.

After coming into some money, and some rigorous house hunting, they are settled and living a stereotypical suburban life.

Until the day an intruder breaks into their home. And he's not the only unwanted guest.

This read longer than it should have, which is never a good sign.

First, there's a crapload of filler about minor and secondary characters, about how frustrating and agonizing a search for the right house can be, descriptions of the interior and exterior go on and on ad nauseam.

Lazy writing.

Second, there are two subplots featuring very stereotypical characters; a bunch of bad guys (Russian, naturally), a disgruntled and sexist pig of an ex-husband, and nearly all the men are scum, except Evan.

Third, everything is described in minute detail; what Nelle and Evan are doing; how Nelle makes her way out of the house and these overly long paragraphs detracts from the tense scenes and drama.

But, readers miss out on the urgency and anxiety because there are plenty of detail about the woods and the trees and the trees in the woods.

In most books, you want to root for someone. That's not how I felt as I read this.

I didn't anyone, not Nelle and Evan, and found them pretty one-dimensional. They also seem to drink a lot.

Nelle's profession was an interesting one but I felt the backstory on what her dad did to her and her mom and what she and Evan would eventually do was too coincidental.

Seriously, what are the odds this would happen to Nelle again?

This was a boring and disappointing read.

If I wanted to learn about buying a house, I'd ask a realtor or my friends who are homeowners. I don't want to read it in my fiction.am-i-thrilled kindle netgalley8 s Greg at 2 Book Lovers Reviews515 56

At its core, Closing Costs is your traditional home-invasion thriller. However, MacLeod knows that traditional just won’t cut it anymore. The reader wants something more, and he has delivered.

Right from the opening paragraph MacLeod is building the tension; we know that something is brewing, it’s just a question of: when, how and most importantly, why? MacLeod answers these questions through a series of flashbacks, this is a fabulous tool for plunging us directly into the action, yet slowly leaking all the necessary background information to the readers.

Understandably, MacLeod spends the bulk of his time building the character of Nelle Pereira, she is after all, the protagonist. She certainly has her faults. But the remainder of the characters get the attention each one deserves. The excellent character building in Closing Costs really helps in giving the full impact of the story.

In my opinion, Closing Costs is a story of karma: what comes around goes around (yes, I quoted Ratt – I could have just as easily quoted Mod Sun's song about karma, but I’ll keep this review family-friendly). And the karma all comes back to the why of the home invasion – props to the author for keeping me guessing.

Closing Costs was an exciting, fun read. It kept me on my toes and flipping the pages. MacLeod really did a great job of keeping the pace up and building his characters, really stressing the point that some decisions, well, you just can’t come back from.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).

2021 contemporary-adventure7 s Edwin HillAuthor 6 books691

A terrific novel about a couple with a secret who move into an isolated house in the suburbs outside of Boston. Let's just say things don't go as they planned... but it's full of twists and turns. Highly recommend!7 s Paul Preston1,244

Home invasion. A lot going on that I won’t talk about because spoilers. Will anybody survive this?7 s Elle OteroAuthor 8 books11

Teeth-shattering

You guys. Listen. This book hooked me from the front page. If you enjoy the first few pages, you will love the entire book. I truly did not see those events coming... And I was delighted and horrified when they did, every time. The whole time.

If the plot is good, the writing is... masterful. This is the first book I've read by MacLeod, and it will not be my last. I loved the phrasing of so many lines... For example: "the kind of pain that could make a person crack teeth trying to grit through it" (hence my review title). This book is FULL of that kind of literary deliciousness. It's thrilling, it's suspenseful, it's literary. And! It's smart. Clever, but never pretentious.

Five stars, if the above review is unclear. Buy it. Read it. Repeat. You're welcome. (And thank you).6 s Bandit4,707 519

I'm surprised to be the first person reviewing this, but it's always a pleasure. So let's go...
There are many great things about living in the city…convenience being the key factor. But once that novelty fades, many longtime city dwellers dream of owning a place of their own, somewhere with land, space, privacy, quiet. This is a story of that dream coming true, in fact this is a story of that dream becoming a nightmare.
Nelle and Evan are an adorably hip 30something married couple, too hip for the burbs, but too tired of the city. They had a dream, they took a chance…And now they have a lovely large private place abutting the woods and enough finances to live in it comfortably. Only they didn’t count in the closing costs. And those are going to be a murder. Literally.
And why does everyone think they are safe in the middle of nowhere? I mean, they are pretty much only ever as safe as their alarm company is efficient, at best. Mostly this safety is directly proportional to the evil intent of those around them, because while city living offers some inherent protections, outside of the city between you and the world is just…what? glass? A lock or two? Anyway….
I’ve heard of this author before but in a context of a different genre. Possibly even read some short fiction by him. At any rate, I suppose he judged the current market accurately from supernatural to real and plausible. And to top that off, he geared this thriller perfectly for the MeToo era, since it essentially pits a female protagonist against a despicably misogynistic male attacker.
So…very contemporary and plenty entertaining, especially if you’re into survival stories, but there just isn’t much meat on those bones. To be fair, most survival stories are fairly bare bones, but then again I mostly enjoy those in cinematic form. Mainly because movies are inherently more superficial in a way than books and don’t delve into characters’ psyche as much and just don’t have the same amount of inner life…it is as format demands more show than tell…the expectations there are different than they are for literature. With books you tend to expect more and this one relied more heavily on sustaining danger and unease than on other elements. The final result worked and worked perfectly well, but there’s just nothing special here. There’s no element of mystery really, just a battle of wills, as one couple has to fight the (kitchen sink variety) forces of evil, a confrontation they are only 50% responsible for. The author chose to right this on a very minute scale, literally meaning minute by minute, which made a novella size story into a 330some page book. It’s fine, it read quickly enough. The writing’s actually pretty good throughout, definitely enough tow arrant interest in reading the author further. It’s just that plot wise this book didn’t offer much, a fact especially noticeable in the end, which, of course, discretion and consideration for other readers prevents us from discussing here. Suffice it to say it underwhelms.
There’s a certain flatness to the characters too, they know this is just an action thriller and they don’t have to try. Mack is almost cartoonishly evil, a man driven to insane behavior by his own bigotry, prejudices and misogyny. Practically fit for a political office, in some places. Nelle is tough and loves her man and that’s about it. Evan doesn’t get much screen time. The mafia goon (yeah, there’s mafia in this too) are way over the top. The frying pan into the fire scenario in fun, but nothing new. That’s the main thing here, nothing new.
The overall effect is perfectly decent, mind you, and it is a fun book, especially if you your thrillers straight up thrilling without any mystery to muddy the waters, but it doesn’t really stand out from a plethora of other similar fare out there. And much the rest of it, is more fun as a movie. Thanks Netgalley.5 s Alicia739

This story was packed full of adrenaline! It started out quick and never lost momentum.

I really enjoyed the medical parts of this thriller, primarily when going over the details of Nelle’s job at the morgue. (Most of you know getting this info right is a big thing for me)

I felt that the end could have been wrapped up a tad bit quicker. But I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! suspense-thriller5 s Margaret Yelton1,894 36

Wow this was a action packed book, fast paced. What happens when your home, where you should feel the safest turns into your worst nightmare. Overall this was a good suspense story, and I would recommend it to others that enjoy this genre.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my fair and honest review.4 s Becky166 4

I d the first half of the story but then It was just too over the top and unbelievable for me. Chapter XIII was worth the continued reading. Simple and powerful pages. Great writing but not my favorite.january-2022-3k-book-a-thon4 s Robyn1,993 128

CLOSING COSTS
Bracken MacLeod

Where are the readers of this book? I started this and then put it down and read something else... all the time watching this book, I could hardly keep my eyes off of it. I put it down because I live alone and I didn't want to read any more of it because it was getting late and I had to work in the morning.

So I finished it today and I have to tell you that it is one really raw and brutal storyline. Sort of the perfect storm with bad guys coming out of every crack and crevice, all violent and scary, and each one has his own agenda. The tale was totally addictive and kept me hooked. Nelle and Evan have purchased their dream home and moved from the city to a more secluded area. They are living the dream and their marriage is rock solid, but then everything goes crosswise and life is definitely more valuable and difficult.

The book is told by Nelle and Evan and has a split timeline with the closing date being the center, so there are chapters before the closing and chapters after the closing. I thought it was well written, totally authentic, and just gripping... I don't want to ruin it, so go into it blind. I had to suspend a bit of judgment and just roll with the story, but I was tantalized the whole time and shaking in my boots. This was really worth the read...

4 stars

Happy Reading!
2021 graphic home-invasion ...more3 s Jody Blanchette783 56

Closing Costs is not just a novel of suspense, it’s a legit edge of your seat read. Suspenseful is not even close to the right word to describe what I just read. It’s a non stop adrenaline hell ride that is terrifying. The ride does NOT stop. There are small pauses, quick chances to catch your breath, but then it starts up again. I was exhausted and beat up when I finally got to the end.
This book is everything I want and need in a thriller. It moves quickly but doesn’t lack character development or important story plot points. Each chapter is packed with more and more action, and brutal violence. There are definitely some hardcore moments that were uncomfortable, but I expect that with any home invasion story line.
I can not recommend this book enough to my serious thriller readers!! I am sold on Bracken MacLeod, and am diving into another one of his books already. 3 s JoshAuthor 1 book27

*ARC received from NetGalley*

Out homes are supposed to be safe spaces, refuges from the world outside. What happens if that is no longer the case? What happens if the world and its violence come walking through the front door?

Nelle and Evan are a young couple looking to start a new chapter of life with a rural home and some distance from past decisions that still hang over them. What they don't realize is that their new house has a history and pursuing your dream life has a cost. In one terrible morning--with a stranger's appearance and an outbreak of sudden violence--Nelle and Evan's lives are turned upside down. Now, threatened by an unpredictable home invader with uncertain motives, the couple's dream home becomes a battleground of will and wits that not everyone will survive.

Taking the familiar framing of a home invasion story, MacLeod's handling of the interlinked lives of these characters soon grows Closing Costs into something greater. As blood is drawn and secrets are revealed, the tapestry of choices and motivations forming one violent day as it first appears. This is a character story brimming with complexity. Both contemporary and primal, the narrative finds power in examining guilt and fear--the cost of secrets and the fight for survival. It also paints an all-too-relevant picture of white male violence within modern society. Its themes are many, but they are seamlessly built into the fabric of the story, born of character and left for the reader to sift through as the consequences of the narrative unfold.

The characters and themes give the story a great deal of weight, but it is ultimately a thriller--and there is no forgetting that fact from the opening chapter to the last page. A tense and exceedingly stressful reading experience, MacLeod brings the reader into the moment to taste the terror and rage of the characters--and does not let go until the very end. Woven through with flashbacks and revelations, the momentum never lets up as the stakes go from bad to worse until reaching a climax that will linger with me for quite some time.

Closing Costs is a visceral reading experience. Claustrophobic and threatening, it is thriller/horror literature not holding back. MacLeod wields each moment to maximum effect, balancing the elements of the narrative and crafting a survival story that holds surprises in store from start to finish. Deeply uncomfortable and truly remarkable, Closing Costs is a gripping and powerful novel for anyone who wants to face the darkness while still looking for the light.

CWs: strong language often directed at women, strong discussion and threat of sexual assault, terror, graphic violencecrime-and-political-thrillers horror2 s Michael27 1 follower

Heavy spoilers!! The commencement of the story begins almost as if this will be a meditative journey through a home invasion (if there can be one, huh, story idea?). We start with a breakdown of the word home, dissolving into what could be thought of as the ohm in Hindu and yoga practices (among others). Perhaps it’s more accurate to use it in the context of electricity. Despite the resistance the walls of society can try to put up, our lives can be “electrocuted” at any time. The trance we achieve is not meditative, as it is frantic and panicked, much the electrical current coursing through an unrestricted uncontrolled circuit. We see in several places where a circuit breaker could have been tripped and isn’t.
In typical fashion, you know Bracken meticulously researched each aspect of the story, as illustrated by the detailed descriptions around funeral home procedures or the Russian language. I suppose I just take that for granted in his story telling.
I also must admit he got me with a good curveball. Just as I thought something was going to be a predictable next step, things veered hard sideways, a most pleasant surprise.
The pacing is excellent and while I was originally worried about veering into the backstory too far, it helped define Mack as a character and clarify his (immensely flawed) logic.
My big complaint is, and this can’t be stressed enough, how the hell do you introduce the concept of a “Mad Men inspired punk band” and just throw it away???? I need to see this brought to life. Maybe a sequel or spin off?
One can hope. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review2 s Darlene667 6

I had never heard of Bracken MacLeod, but after reading a quick review of the book it definitely piqued my interest. This is a story of a home invasion and all the horrors that go along with this type of crime.
Nelle and Evan, a happily married couple, have very recently moved into their dream home, but they have a secret they don’t ever want uncovered. The story starts out with a bang and the chaos and excitement never stop. Who is this violent man who has invaded their house and what does he want?
There were a couple times the author brought in a back story that had me a bit confused, wondering what this had to do with the main story, but I knew there definitely would be a reason why this was even written in (I just had to be patient and wait for the answer).
I d the main character, Nelle, and how her character evolved throughout the book. A strong woman, determined to find a way to escape the terror this crazy man was inflicting on her and Evan. As things began to escalate you see Nelles bravery begin to fade, and suddenly her will to survive and fight back returns.
The ending was filled with so much anticipation and tension that I was truly unable to put the book down. 2 s Carleene Hibbs Reeder663 55

Thank you to Netgalley and Author for giving me an advanced e- arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way it was written so that you got a progressive perspective from the different characters.

We meet Evan and Nelle who have just closed on a new home set in a remote location that borders a state park in Massachusetts. It is a nice secluded area with very few neighbors and none that are close by. It is the perfect place to find some quiet away from the busy life in the city We soon find that quiet, seclusion isn’t all they thought it would be. It is a wild, crazy ride. It isn't often that I am screaming at the characters by the end of a book but this one had me doing just that.netgalley2 s Judy Odom1,518 32

3.5 stars

Closing Costs is the story of Evan and Nelle who just bought their dream house that backs on to the forest.

Evan and Nelle are no saints and there is a reason why they can afford this house.

The book goes back and forth from past to present.

The pages will turn quickly and you will be checking that your doors and windows are locked.

Closing Costs was an enjoyable read, some things were a bit far fetched but I still d the book and will check out Bracken MacLeod's other books.

Well worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Mariner Books for an enjoyable read.netgalley2 s Kimberly8

Another Goodreads giveaway I won. I absolutely loved this book. The story was well told and I felt the characters were well developed. So much happened in the space of one day I almost felt as exhausted and beat up as the characters.

The story jumps back and forth in time and is told from different character perspectives. I did not find it hard to follow or confusing. It was a fantastic roller coaster ride and when I thought, “Oh! There can not be anymore,” there was more. So much more.

The story was masterfully told and I think I need a nap now after the adrenaline rush.

Well done, Bracken MacLeod, well done.giveaways-won2 s Jenna MoquinAuthor 10 books124

Closing Costs was my first Bracken MacLeod novel and it won't be my last. I've read his short stories in anthologies before and enjoyed his writing. Although I wasn't thrilled with the way this thriller ended, the journey getting there was quite enjoyable. There was a B plot in this tale that I particularly enjoyed, and I did enjoy the B plot's ending which was quite satisfying. Bracken MacLeod is one of the rare male authors who writes women characters well! They are smart, human and believable.2 s D. WardAuthor 25 books73

I don't understand why there has not been more hype about this book. CLOSING COSTS is suspenseful and compelling as well as brutal in its intensity. You can definitely feel the influence of Jack Ketchum here but it comes through as a thoughtful, heartfelt homage rendered in MacLeod's own unique voice. If you are a fan of contemporary dark thriller authors Gillian Flynn, Joe Lansdale, Jack Ketchum, and S.A. Cosby, make room on your shelf for Bracken MacLeod because CLOSING COSTS surely belongs there. 2 s Brennan LaFaroAuthor 20 books129

342 pages go by in a heartbeat in this thriller from Bracken McLeod. The author seems to take genuine pleasure in allowing the reader to believe they know what's happening before adding a new wrinkle or layer to the narrative. McLeod balances multiple timelines and interweaves threads with ease. The result is mean, brutal home invasion tale that contains surprises at every turn and doubles as McLeod's homage to Jack Ketchum.1 Ann1,112 6

Closing Costs by Bracken MacLeod is filled with edge of your set moments. Fair warning, this is an intense nail biter! I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I want to thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company for an early copy to review.2 s Elizabeth Hayhoe487

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