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The Troubles Keeper Paperback – December 23, 2016

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 981 ratings

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Sometimes troubles aren’t just in your mind.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Not since Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas have I enjoyed a character as much as I do Rory Fine!"

Bus driver Rory Fine possesses a unique and wonderful gift, the power to relieve others of their troubles for real! With just the barest of touches, the worries and woes of those he helps simply fade away. All remain unaware why in being near him they feel happier and more able to face life's challenges. He's just one of those nice guys who make you feel good.

Despite his special gift and friendly nature Rory can’t seem to gather the courage to mumble more than a hello to the one passenger who means everything to him, a girl he might just love. That is, until an evening commute during a hell of a storm when he stops the bus and invites the sullen passengers to play a little game. Tap his palm as they leave and he’ll take their troubles and transform their mood. This might also be the perfect chance to speak to the girl who's stolen his heart.

On board, though, lurks a killer, and he leaves behind something far darker than everyday troubles. Now this sweetheart of a bus driver must discover the killer’s identity and somehow stop a relentless evil. To do so, he'll need to face a heart-breaking event from his past and overcome his greatest fear. And he'll need to find a way soon because there's more at stake than just his true love's life... only the very fabric of the world.

From international best selling dark thriller author, Susan May, comes another page-turner keeping readers up way past their bedtime. Board The Troubles Keeper for a non-stop killer suspense ride you won’t want to disembark.

WHAT READERS SAY...


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of
Stephen King. I, for one, have already put her on my 'if she writes it, I will read it' list." Madelon Wilson(Good Reads Reviewer USA)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A unique take on a serial killer and the author is brilliant at creating a storyline that leaves the reader breathless." Maureen Ellis (Good Reads reviewer UK)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Love love love! Great Book. Great story. Quick pace. Twists and turns and makes you HAVE to know!"

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Editorial Reviews

Review

WHAT READERS SAY
Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of
Stephen King. I, for one, have already put her on my 'if she writes it, I will read it' list. Madelon Wilson (Good Reads Reviewer USA)

Not since Odd Thomas have I enjoyed a character as much as I do Rory Fine! Carolyn Werner
(Good Reads Reviewer USA)

Susan May proves once again why she is the foremost genre writer of the suspense/thriller/supernatural novel. Judy Clay
(Amazon reviewer USA)

This story has it all. A dark thriller combined with fascinating science, eerie supernatural occurrences, gruesome (unique, never read this before) murders, breath-stopping suspense, beautiful love and inspiring acts of kindness between human beings. Loretta Paszkat
(Fiction Addiction Book Club Canada)

I just finished it and my initial thought upon completion was Wow! Jan E. Klein
(Good Reads reviewer USA)

I absolutely loved this book just as much as I did Susan May's others and more. Jane Culwell
(Good Reads reviewer USA)

A unique take on a serial killer and the author is brilliant at creating a storyline that leaves the reader breathless. Maureen Ellis
(Good Reads reviewer UK)

Susan May is Australia's best kept secret. Her name belongs to the A-List suspense writers Parthenon, next to
Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Dean Koontz or Glenn Cooper. Jorge Lopez (Good Reads Reviewer USA)
Susan May continues to astound me. 'The Troubles Keeper' kept me spellbound. Sandy Jones (Good Reads Reviewer New Zealand)

Watch out
Stephen King Susan May is coming up on the outside with her outstanding story-telling. Lynn McCarthy (Good Reads Reviewer Australia)

About the Author

In 2016 Susan May has sold more than 100,000 books.  Her stories and immersive style have been likened to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Robert Mathieson, Gillian Flynn and Ray Bradford

She was four when she decided she would become a writer and packed a bag to march down the road looking for a school. For forty-six years after, she suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured her in 2010. 
This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since born multiple best-selling dark thriller novels and dozens of short stories and novellas, many of which are published 
award-winners in Australia, the U.S.A and the U.K. 
Susan lives in beautiful Perth, Western Australia with her two teenage sons and husband, while her mind travels to dark places most would fear to visit unless they love the dark side.
Learn more about Susan May at her website susanmaywriter.net

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 23, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 404 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541195663
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541195660
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.01 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 981 ratings

About the author

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Susan May
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Susan May's writing style and story concepts have been likened by her army of fans to Stephen King and early Dean Koontz. She's sold more than 250,000 books.

She was four when the idea of writing stories settled upon her. Yes, she was an odd kid jotting down tales in her lunch breaks instead of playing ball. In her twenties, though, life-gets-in-the-way-osis side-tracked her from her first love. Cured in 2010, she spends her days now creating page-turning stories in the genres she loves to read: horror, science fiction, thriller and suspense, including the occasional psychopath. Well, a lot of psychopaths, actually.

She's also a short story fan and has written dozens of stories and novellas, many published award winners in Australia, U.S.A., and UK.

Most days Susan May is your average soccer mom and wife enjoying life in Perth, Western Australia with her husband and two sons, where the neighbors have no idea some may have slipped into the crevices of her dark imagination. As Susan often remarks, "Life is good, unless you're one of my characters. Then you're in trouble. Big, scary trouble."

Receive a Susan May starter library of free books plus insider info, contests, prizes, and much more. Visit susanmaywriter.net/free-books

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
981 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They appreciate the intriguing storyline and well-developed characters. The concept is creative and unique, with a nice concept that allows readers to escape from their troubles. Many find the book uplifting and compassionate, leaving them happy and relieved from their troubles. However, some customers feel the plot lacks excitement and drags at times. Opinions are mixed on the pacing - some find it quick and engaging, while others feel it drags on.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

57 customers mention "Readability"50 positive7 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They appreciate the well-written story and characters. Readers look forward to the sequel and other works by the author.

"...This book will be a super success, it is amazing, Susan May has really outdone herself on this one. The book is electrifying to the very last page...." Read more

"...Like a fine wine, each story enriches us with a taste, aroma, and atmosphere of talent, craft, and technique that makes looking forward to her next..." Read more

"...This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. I had a hard time putting it down...." Read more

"...wasn't sure I could keep reading after one of the very descriptive, well written, feel like I'm there, chapters creeped me out - but I'm glad I did...." Read more

52 customers mention "Storyline"42 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed storyline with its intriguing plot and fast pace. They find the book compelling and suspenseful, with a great ending. The plot includes science and science fiction elements that keep readers hooked.

"...Like a fine wine, each story enriches us with a taste, aroma, and atmosphere of talent, craft, and technique that makes looking forward to her next..." Read more

"...The plot and characters were well developed and story line was intriguing. I am looking forward to the next installment." Read more

"...I wasn't sure I could keep reading after one of the very descriptive, well written, feel like I'm there, chapters creeped me out - but I'm glad I did..." Read more

"...Can he protect his girlfriend? Is he strong enough?" A very compelling novel that will keep you riveted." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"19 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters and magical elements. They connect with the main characters, Rory and Marianna, and appreciate their special talents.

"...characters, it doesn't matter, Susan May has an amazing talent writing amazing detailed characters...." Read more

"...I had a hard time putting it down. The plot and characters were well developed and story line was intriguing...." Read more

"...Great characters Rory and Marianna I connected with right away. If you like this type of genre I recommend this book...." Read more

"...The characters are very well developed and believable. I feel like I know them personally by the end of the book...." Read more

7 customers mention "Creativity"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book creative and unique. They appreciate the nice concept and loveable characters. The book is described as simple yet unusual.

"...Such a beautiful, amazing, miraculous, gift that we could all use a person like him and his gift right now in all of our lives...." Read more

"I highly recommend this book. It has such creativity it's an attention grabber from the beginning to see what is happening next and action packed." Read more

"Enjoyed good vs evil in a new, creative way. Only once did I feel story was dragging on but that was short lived." Read more

"I was presently surprised by this book. I had a nice concept with some very loveable characters. Looking forward to book two in this tale." Read more

6 customers mention "Uplifting"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and enjoyable. They appreciate the compassionate character who takes away their troubles and allows them a respite. The book provides insights into the author's craft and science. Many readers enjoyed the heart-pounding story and had a hard time putting it down.

"...He leaves them happy, he takes all their troubles away, he allows them a respite. Time to get your head back on right and straight...." Read more

"...I haven't read a book this good in a long time. A heart pounding story that makes me sweat!! I haven't finished it yet, but can't put it down now...." Read more

"...Rory is one of those people. He is kind and compassionate, just like the people in our lives, but nature has blessed him with a little something..." Read more

"...also, as Susan May offers some fascinating insights into her craft, inspiration, and some of the science that isn't fiction in her novel." Read more

6 customers mention "Pace"4 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the book's pace. Some find it engaging and fast-paced, keeping up with Stephen King's style. Others feel the story is wordy and slow to progress, dragging at times.

"...This is a fast, fantastic read. You will be sucked right into this book and the characters lives...." Read more

"A good story if a bit wordy and slow to proceed. I persisted in reading until I finally was hooked...." Read more

"...was a great read, with a fresh and unique story line that got my undivided attention-fast!..." Read more

"Love love love! Great Book. Great story. Quick pace. Twists and turns and makes you HAVE to know!" Read more

5 customers mention "Interest"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the book uninteresting and dragging at times. They mention it's not a good book with an unexciting plot.

"...okay, it seems like the book really dragged on at times and I kept losing interest." Read more

"...It was very boring and hard to get through. No stars for this one. I just gave one star because it is required" Read more

"boring and drawn out, never finished it" Read more

"I found this a waste of time and totally uninteresting." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2016
    A new superhero is born. No he can't fly, no he can't jump over buildings, see through walls, stop bullets, or any of those other things superheroes supposedly can do. What he can do is so much better, what he can do is something in these terrible times we are living in is so special. Such a beautiful, amazing, miraculous, gift that we could all use a person like him and his gift right now in all of our lives. Just by touching someone he can take someone's problems and heartaches away. He leaves them happy, he takes all their troubles away, he allows them a respite. Time to get your head back on right and straight. Time to make a different choice, look from a different perspective. Make a different resolution. No matter what or how many troubles you have he takes them all away from you

    I loved this concept, Susan May has come up with just such a super hero. What an amazing gift to have and this story is about such a person, a Troubles Keeper. There has been times in my life where such a person would have helped immensely. This type of respite would have allowed me a very different perspective, a change I might not have thought about instead of just riding my emotions, a resolution I might not have seen by myself, and I might have made different choices in my life. To have a person in your life like Rory many of you may have gone down different paths yourself, if you had a Troubles Keeper in you life too.

    You are going to fall fast in love with Rory. You are going to want Rory to be in your life, you will want him to be a friend of yours. He is the center of this book, the backbone. If I rode a bus back and forth everyday I would want him as my bus driver. The love, compassion, and eagerness to help others is a wonderful gift and Rory shares it freely. Love or hate these other characters, it doesn't matter, Susan May has an amazing talent writing amazing detailed characters. They are so well written that you may love them one minute and hate them the next. You will laugh with them and cry with them. You get really involved in their lives. You have the whole horror element in this book plus the supernatural thrown in also. Add to that a friendship and love and you have one fantastic book.

    The serial killer in this book is one scary, crazy, wicked, bloody, and atrocious guy. He is very disturbing and disgusting. He is smart in planning his kills and takes great pleasure in those kills. His crimes are horrific. But he also brings his own suitcase of self doubt, pain, love, and mental illness. Sometimes you may feel sorry for his own suffering. He is very meticulous in his killing, it is almost religious for him. He almost seems supernatural, not a true demon, but not a true human either, somewhere in between.

    This is a fast, fantastic read. You will be sucked right into this book and the characters lives. This book will be a super success, it is amazing, Susan May has really outdone herself on this one. The book is electrifying to the very last page. You should definitely grab this book. Amazing Author, Amazing Book. Amazing afterward, don't skip Susan's "From the Imagination Vault", a look into herself as a writer and what went into getting us her awesome book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2016
    I am a big fan of Susan May and, although Behind Dark Doors: The Complete Collection is my favorite from her so far (it's a collection of short stories), I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Rory, Marianna, Beth Ann... They all become like family and you want them to make it in the end. There were a few gory moments, and some hard-to-read moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was fearful for some characters' lives and at times heart-broken. Once I reached the ¾ mark in the book, I couldn't stop reading because I HAD to see how it all was going to play out. And once I thought I knew who was behind "the dark thing" I was thrown a curveball. Honestly, I did not see that coming and I'm usually so good at figuring out where a story is going to take me. I am torn about possible sequels because I'd like to see this story end as is, but on the other hand I'd love to see what else is in store for Rory and the crew. Although our troubles make us who we are and give us a chance to learn and grow, and hopefully become better human beings, sometimes it would be nice to hand those troubles over to someone like Rory.
    38 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2020
    While I agree with other commenters regarding the Koontz-esque writing, the author was too ambitious when fleshing out her original premise - a troubles-keeper, his girl, and a serial killer. While Dean Koontz admirably wove quantum physics and string theory through several of his novels (The Corner of His Eye most notably), he does so with a light touch, ensuring that those threads run throughout the story, enhancing it. In this case, the science seems added to the original story as if this was a draft to which was added the thought "Hey, what if...!" without taking it to the next step in the creative process. So while this was a great story, in this case it was diminished by the scientific elements. I look forward to reading another of their novels that may be more cohesive.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016
    "Forget your troubles
    Come on get happy
    You better chase all you cares away
    Shout hallelujah
    Come on get happy
    Get ready for the judgement day"
    - Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
    Susan May’s latest novel, The Troubles Keeper is showing how she has been growing as an artist and a master storyteller. The Troubles Keeper starts as many Stephen King’s great novels do; as a person gifted with powers they don’t understand but propel them into situations where courage, bravery and fortitude are demanded by the ‘everyman’. The everyman in this is Rory Fine mid-twenties, bus driver, regular guy who enjoys his job but has always been aware he has a special gift. That gift is literally taking the troubles (sad emotions, worries, grief) from others when he touches them, making them feel better about their station in life. It doesn’t last forever; but it is a relief. So as not to burden himself with things that overwhelm others, Rory “stores” the troubles in an attic he has created in his mind.
    All is dull and normal and day-to-day in Rory’s life until he meets Marianne. He is smitten, but something else is going on. Rory detects something special in her and while he summons the courage to speak with her he also notices a ‘darkness’ about him. This darkness is not from the cosmos, but from another bus passenger.
    As Rory relives the traumatic events of his life he meets with a former teacher at his middle-school who has theories, quite bizarre about ‘what this all means’. There is a connection between Rory and Marianne and the dark force is determined to stop it. Will that force succeed? Who will suffer at his pathology? How many innocents will die before Rory can uncover the truth? Or, if he can ever uncover the truth.
    Susan May proves once again why she is the foremost genre writer of the suspense/thriller/supernatural novel. Like a fine wine, each story enriches us with a taste, aroma, and atmosphere of talent, craft, and technique that makes looking forward to her next work as exciting as opening a present on Christmas Day.
    27 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • theindividual11
    5.0 out of 5 stars I would like to thank Susan for the opportunity to read an ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2016
    Firstly, I would like to thank Susan for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
    Rory Fine is a mild-mannered ginger haired bus driver with an unusual gift of ‘trouble keeping,’ whereby he can remove your troubles at even the slightest contact with you, making you feel instantly better, with the weight of the world lifted from your shoulders.
    One dark night on his usual bus route, filled with regulars and the girl he is besotted with, Mariana, Rory feels like there is a dark atmosphere on the bus, and decides that he needs to cheer people up. Not knowing if people will think he is crazy or not, he stands in the aisle and tells everyone that when they alight, to touch his hand and he will take their troubles off them and throw them into the river.
    Most of the passengers do, instantly feeling relieved and lighter, but someone passes on a dark force, more powerful than Rory has ever faced before.
    This starts his journey towards the Trepan Killer, who is drugging people, cutting open their skulls and inserting rods into the hole, leaving a wake of deaths in his path.
    When people around Rory start to die at the hands of the Trepan Killer, he must join forces with Mariana, who is being hunted by the killer, and someone from his past, as they play a game of cat and mouse, nor only trying to save Mariana, but also, possibly, the universe.....
    I love Susan May. Her stories (both long and short) are always fascinating page turners. There is also always a bit of humour in them, regardless of how dark the tone.
    The Troubles Keeper doesn’t fail
    In fact, I would say it’s my favourite story of Susan’s, and I’ve read Deadly Messengers (read it). There are no dull moments in The Troubles Keeper, and my only regret is that my life got in the way of reading it quicker. It’s well written, engrossing and unputdownable. The last few chapters can’t be read quick enough and the descriptions are so detailed, you feel like you are there. You feel Rory’s pains and frustrations. You are literally shouting at your book, like you would a film or TV show.
    There were quite a few occasions where the hairs on my arms and neck stood on end (probably shouted NOOO at some point too) and (I know from the notes in Behind Dark Doors) that Susan likes to play with the reader. Something happened to Rory and his friends when they were in school. Is what happened given to you on a plate? Good God no. You are fed little, tiny, miniscule hints that build up and build up until it’s revealed, and even then, there’s more to it that you only find out later on.
    The story is told from two people's perspectives; Rory’s (first person, the majority of the story) and also the killer’s (done in third person), so the identity isn’t revealed until towards the end, which, to me increased the mystery and intrigue.
    So... what you need to do is this:
    Buy this book (physical or digital copy)
    Book a day or so off work
    Kick any humans that you live with out
    Find comfy reading spot
    Get under a nice warm duvet
    Grab snacks and supplies (will need a lot for the last few chapters)
    “Are you ready?”
    READ!
    And leave a review! The feedback helps, and also, if you get chance, speak to Susan. She’s awesome!
  • Annelien
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rory fine can keep my troubles a
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2016
    Finished reading The Troubles Keeper recently and absolutely LOVED it.
    It really is a page turner, I fought my urge to sleep many nights, and was very frustrated at life getting in the way of reading!
    Love Rory Fine, he is such a sweetheart!
    And really loved the whole idea behind troubles keeping and how he combined it with his bus driving job.
    Susan May has a great way of describing and story telling, I almost feel like I was there and experienced the whole thing.
    Can't wait for the sequel.
  • D. Leonard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2021
    Great story with endearing characters, well written and immersive
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2019
    Loved this book, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Recommend this book definitely. Can't wait for the next in the series.
  • Carole warran
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2020
    Great read simply the best