Snapper

Snapper is a clever and suspenseful novel about an idyllic lake community in northern New Jersey, Turtleback Lake. The town has a dark secret that threatens to depress real estate prices and the sunny attitudes of its inhabitants: a toe, foot, leg and torso eating giant snapping turtle, Grundel. Grundel's been plying his trade on generations of Turtleback Lakers, and the reader gets a flavor for that in flashback scenes as tension mounts through backstory to the dramas of current residents and Grundel's present-day attacks. Maloney and Zeckauskas weave an ensemble cast of characters and multiple plot lines together in building their story; realtor Judd Clayton frets over Grundel's impact on his business while he tries to sell town newcomer Deena Goode a house, and at the same time help her try out the bedroom; Deena's got the hots, however, for August Anderson, the owner of a mysterious home on the lake steeped in history with Grundel dating back to August's grandfather; J.J., Judd's son, is desperate to excel on the football team, and in the process learns that the coach is queer for odd rites of passage for his players that involve his unlit basement; J.J.'s friend, Ian, the team's star placekicker, has a career-ending incident with Grundel; and Marc Bozian, the Turtleback Gazette reporter, sensationalizes the story of Grundel's terror to advance his career, incurring the hatred of many townspeople. There's more than a sprinkle of sex, some gore, lots wit and suspense, and even a multi-generational paranormal connection with Grundel in at least one family in town. Snapper is a well-written story with terse prose and crisp dialog that both adults and young adults will enjoy.

I thought "Snapper" was a great book. It was a modern-day JAWS in North Jersey. I didn't know what was going to happen next. It had suspense & was not to gory for me. I couldn't put it down. It tells a story of a town with disturbing secrets and a vicious underwater menace in Turtleback Lake. This was her and Peter Maloney's first adult-themed book. I recommend this book if you like the thriller-genre. Felicia Zekauskas graduated high-school with me at Hackensack High.

If you compare a book to 'Jaws' then it had better be pretty good. This book was okay, but a little bit of a let down. One thing that bothered me was the erratic flow of the story. It spans over multiple generations, as turtles live a long time, but jumps back and forth in no discernible flow or order. Very confusing at first. Also there were a lot of elements that were never fully explored or were wholly unnecessary to the story. Finally, how hard is it to run from a turtle-- giant or otherwise?

Clever, funny and smart, Snapper will grab hold of you and won't let go! When a giant snapping turtle terrorizes a small NJ lakeside community, the results are at once frightening and fun. Crisp and cleanly written, the story provides voyeuristic pleasure as you meet small town heroes, each with their own agenda and issues. As relationships get complicated, the disappearing body parts begin to mount up! Who will be the one to find and kill the nasty turtle who's destroying the local real estate market? Someone better do something - and quick! This book had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was around each soggy bend. I couldn't put it down!

This book was fantastic, well written, etc, etc. The characters were well drawn out with the action rising in a steady manner without dropping abruptly. Worth a read!

This is not a bad book, its just not the story I was hoping for. I was hoping for a rampaging death dealing monster and instead I got a more thoughtful and critically thinking beast that in my opinion was humanized too much. This book is not terribly written in all other aspects but when told from the monsters point of view it just seemed kinda hokey. Like I said, just not what I was hoping for so the rating is more about feeling let down. Though I couldn't put it down that was more in the hopes that It got better and unfortunately in my opinion it did not. So if you are in the mood for a not so exciting not so monstrous book about social intrigue and small town politics then this maybe the right book for you. Maybe I should read Jaws cause I am just not getting the comparison unless its just about a small town with something killing people in the water and the towns folk getting into a panic.

Just finished Snapper and loved this book! Many stories intricately woven together that all came together at the end--filled with intrigue--couldn't wait to find out what happened next! It was thoroughly enjoyable reading while being terrifying at the same time! Bought a Kindle Fire because I couldn't wait to read it then kept sneak reading it because I couldn't put it down!

I enjoyed the book. I generally like creature horror and this one did not disappoint. Giant snapping turtle with a bad attitude? What is not to like?? It is a fun read and well worth the small cost of admission.

Especially if you've ever seen a snapper up close and personal. Of course it may keep you out of the water this summer.

Possibly my favorite read of 2015 and a strong contender for a spot in my all time top 10. I'd so love to see a sequel. The story really caught me off guard and the authors did a great job putting it together.

Ok for the price, kind of like Jaws14 very diluted from the original