Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Upright Tower is a tense, quick-moving thriller focused on a police officer and a female stranger who find themselves thrown together in a small, seemingly deserted Louisiana town. Eubanks will keep readers on their toes through unexpected developments and a lurking sense of dread.
Prose: Eubanks writes cleanly and fluidly with a fine blend of light description, dialogue, and exposition. The author effectively establishes the circumstances while maintaining mystery and uncertainty.
Originality: The Upright Tower captures readers through the sense of mystery that pervades the storytelling. Initially about an officer spending time at a fellow-officer's remote vacation home following the capture of a killer, the work soon changes course with the arrival of a stranger.
Character/Execution: Alex is an appealing central character who emerges clearly on the page. Jessie, initially shadowy, comes into focus along with the story's mysteries.
Date Submitted: April 16, 2024
"After a risky arrest, Officer Alessandro Santora is compelled to consider leaving the state of California for a few weeks on a vacation at a lakeside cabin in Louisiana. On getting to his destination, Alex finds a town that appears to be evacuated, leaving him in the company of a stranger with a memory problem—Jessie. As the two new friends become better acquainted with each other, Alex gains access to fragments of Jessie's traumatizing past, exposing the tortures of a psychopathic ex and a frantic search for an escape. Though Alex finds himself falling for his new friend, he chooses to exercise caution by restraining his feelings, albeit at the cost of a painful internal battle. Jamie Eubanks' The Upright Tower is about a deep connection between two lost souls and a challenging quest for survival.
"Romance fans will appreciate the book's incorporation of sexual tension and heartwarming expressions of love. I was strongly hoping that Alex would stop being polite and make a bold romantic move, especially since Jessie liked him too. The story smoothly combines slow and fast moments, allowing readers to enjoy the serenity of an almost-empty town and the suspense of unraveling a psychopath's wicked acts. Ultimately, The Upright Tower by Jamie Eubanks offers various irresistible, tempting treats: suspenseful clashes, surprising twists, a deeply engaging love story, and more. Like Inception and Memento, The Upright Tower is one of those mind-bending plots that surprises you with captivating twists and leaves you with several compelling questions. This book is a great excuse to take a break from your regular schedule and enjoy an immersive read. Trust me when I say you'll be glad you did." - Readers' Favorite
