Envy (Empty Coffin #1)By: Gregg Olsen
Published By: Splinter
Publication Date: August 2011
Page Count: 285
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Audience: Young Adult - Thriller
I saw this book when it first came out, but didn't really pay much attention to it. The cover caused me to stop and pause, but then I'd move on to something else to purchase. I recently moved back to the South after a two year stay in Washington State. During some of my exploring in the Pacific Northwest, I stumbled upon the coolest little town by accident. I was driving home from the Olympic Peninsula last December and decided to take the Kingston ferry home instead of going my usual route. This path led me through the historic town of Port Gamble. I instantly fell in love with the town and its historic homes. I couldn't wait to visit when I had more time. After falling in love with the town, I noticed this book again, and was shocked to see it was set in Port Gamble. I had to read it. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Envy not only has a strong sense of setting, but I found that I really enjoyed Gregg Olsen's writing as well. Olsen writes in compelling, visual prose as he paints portraits of crime scenes and every day life with his words. He also is able to create a realistic portrayal of life in the Pacific Northwest. "No one loves the rain in Port Gamble, but residents live there in spite of it. They refuse to let it stop them from doing what they need to do" (pg. 103). One of the things the region is most famous for is the rain which makes several appearances throughout the novel. This helps set the creepy mood of the story. I must admit I freaked myself out quite a few times reading this one late at night in an empty house.
Envy truly is something special. It combines elements of a mystery and the paranormal in a seamless way that keeps you flipping the pages. I finished this one quickly because I couldn't put it down for long. If we had not been in the middle of our cross country move, I probably would have devoured this novel in one sitting. The plot is fast paced and littered with clues. There were so many twists that I didn't see coming, but looking back I can see where Olsen alluded to things along the way. I also really enjoyed learning more about Port Gamble and Kitsap County as I read.
The book begins when Port Gamble teen, Katelyn, is found dead in her bathtub after being electrocuted by a mini espresso maker. People in the Pacific Northwest take their coffee very seriously so I was amused that the object that caused her death was related to the highly sought after bean. Olsen didn't let me down when he made plenty of comments tying this to the region. One character even mentions, "Some snarky blogger is going to say this is proof that coffee isn't good for you" (pg. 9). While another comments, "And write a headline like 'PORT GAMBLE GIRL MEETS BITTER END" (pg. 9). It was nice to see Olsen offset some serious tension and depressing moments with a little humor. I saw my own coping with grief reflected in those moments. I find its always better to laugh than cry.
Furthermore, the book calls attention to online bullying which is a topic I feel needs a lot of notice. There are so many teens today who are being bullied online and others who think that this is okay. The internet allows us to be anonymous, but so many of the things that are said and done in the virtual world can have horrible, lingering consequences outside of the computer as well.
One of the most intriguing elements is the "gift" of twins, Taylor and Hayley. While I learned a good deal about them and what they can do in this book, I feel that there is still a lot left to learn about these girls. Their story is far from over. I also just really enjoyed these characters. The girls are the same in many ways, but each has her own distinct personality. I gravitated more towards Hayley (but don't tell Taylor that) because she was the bookworm and made sure to analyze every detail as they tried to piece together what was happening in their town. I also enjoyed watching the conflict that arose between the girls where Colton was concerned. Its not a love triangle by any means, thank goodness, but it did create a bit of tension.
Another one of my favorite elements is the Empty Coffin lore. You'll have to read this one to find out about that, but I am inspired to do more research.
While I loved this one, I did have a couple of complaints. First, there was quite a bit of texting and IM'ing in this one which is really relevant to modern society, but it required a good bit of deciphering and rereading for my adult brain. Sadly, I am sure kids really do write like that. I was annoyed by it, but that is totally a personal preference and probably won't bother others. Second, I found that at times the plot bounced around too much. I would just be getting settled with one character and then I would be thrust into the mind of another or into a totally new context. I enjoyed the fast pace for the most part, but there were some moments where I wanted things to slow down so I could linger in certain places.
Now for the best part of this review - you, my dear readers, get to see Port Gamble. All photographs were taken by me during my visits to the town. Sadly, I forgot to label my pictures with house numbers, but I do know for sure which one belongs to the twins. The other pictures can still help you get a feel for the place. There is something haunting about walking the streets in Port Gamble.
Taylor & Hayley's House
I saw this book when it first came out, but didn't really pay much attention to it. The cover caused me to stop and pause, but then I'd move on to something else to purchase. I recently moved back to the South after a two year stay in Washington State. During some of my exploring in the Pacific Northwest, I stumbled upon the coolest little town by accident. I was driving home from the Olympic Peninsula last December and decided to take the Kingston ferry home instead of going my usual route. This path led me through the historic town of Port Gamble. I instantly fell in love with the town and its historic homes. I couldn't wait to visit when I had more time. After falling in love with the town, I noticed this book again, and was shocked to see it was set in Port Gamble. I had to read it. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Envy not only has a strong sense of setting, but I found that I really enjoyed Gregg Olsen's writing as well. Olsen writes in compelling, visual prose as he paints portraits of crime scenes and every day life with his words. He also is able to create a realistic portrayal of life in the Pacific Northwest. "No one loves the rain in Port Gamble, but residents live there in spite of it. They refuse to let it stop them from doing what they need to do" (pg. 103). One of the things the region is most famous for is the rain which makes several appearances throughout the novel. This helps set the creepy mood of the story. I must admit I freaked myself out quite a few times reading this one late at night in an empty house.
Envy truly is something special. It combines elements of a mystery and the paranormal in a seamless way that keeps you flipping the pages. I finished this one quickly because I couldn't put it down for long. If we had not been in the middle of our cross country move, I probably would have devoured this novel in one sitting. The plot is fast paced and littered with clues. There were so many twists that I didn't see coming, but looking back I can see where Olsen alluded to things along the way. I also really enjoyed learning more about Port Gamble and Kitsap County as I read.
The book begins when Port Gamble teen, Katelyn, is found dead in her bathtub after being electrocuted by a mini espresso maker. People in the Pacific Northwest take their coffee very seriously so I was amused that the object that caused her death was related to the highly sought after bean. Olsen didn't let me down when he made plenty of comments tying this to the region. One character even mentions, "Some snarky blogger is going to say this is proof that coffee isn't good for you" (pg. 9). While another comments, "And write a headline like 'PORT GAMBLE GIRL MEETS BITTER END" (pg. 9). It was nice to see Olsen offset some serious tension and depressing moments with a little humor. I saw my own coping with grief reflected in those moments. I find its always better to laugh than cry.
Furthermore, the book calls attention to online bullying which is a topic I feel needs a lot of notice. There are so many teens today who are being bullied online and others who think that this is okay. The internet allows us to be anonymous, but so many of the things that are said and done in the virtual world can have horrible, lingering consequences outside of the computer as well.
One of the most intriguing elements is the "gift" of twins, Taylor and Hayley. While I learned a good deal about them and what they can do in this book, I feel that there is still a lot left to learn about these girls. Their story is far from over. I also just really enjoyed these characters. The girls are the same in many ways, but each has her own distinct personality. I gravitated more towards Hayley (but don't tell Taylor that) because she was the bookworm and made sure to analyze every detail as they tried to piece together what was happening in their town. I also enjoyed watching the conflict that arose between the girls where Colton was concerned. Its not a love triangle by any means, thank goodness, but it did create a bit of tension.
Another one of my favorite elements is the Empty Coffin lore. You'll have to read this one to find out about that, but I am inspired to do more research.
While I loved this one, I did have a couple of complaints. First, there was quite a bit of texting and IM'ing in this one which is really relevant to modern society, but it required a good bit of deciphering and rereading for my adult brain. Sadly, I am sure kids really do write like that. I was annoyed by it, but that is totally a personal preference and probably won't bother others. Second, I found that at times the plot bounced around too much. I would just be getting settled with one character and then I would be thrust into the mind of another or into a totally new context. I enjoyed the fast pace for the most part, but there were some moments where I wanted things to slow down so I could linger in certain places.
One Last Gripe: I want to know more about what was going on with Moira. I don't feel like that was resolved so I'm hoping to find out more about the situation in book two.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The setting and local history
First Sentence: Water gushed out of the corroded faucet into the chipped, porcelain tub, pooling at the bottom with a few tangled strands of long, brown hair.
Favorite Character: Hayley
Least Favorite Character: Mindee
Now for the best part of this review - you, my dear readers, get to see Port Gamble. All photographs were taken by me during my visits to the town. Sadly, I forgot to label my pictures with house numbers, but I do know for sure which one belongs to the twins. The other pictures can still help you get a feel for the place. There is something haunting about walking the streets in Port Gamble.
Taylor & Hayley's House
I kept envisioning the Timberline in this yellow house for some reason.
The church where Katelyn's memorial service is held
The water towers are mentioned a few times in the book and they also mark the location of Hayley & Colton's first kiss
The final resting place of Katelyn
Crime lives--and dies--in the deceptively picture-perfect town of Port Gamble (aka “Empty Coffin”), Washington. Evil lurks and strange things happen--and 15-year-olds Hayley and Taylor Ryan secretly use their wits and their telepathic “twin-sense” to uncover the truth about the town's victims and culprits.
Envy, the series debut, involves the mysterious death of the twins' old friend, Katelyn. Was it murder? Suicide? An accident? Hayley and Taylor are determined to find out--and as they investigate, they stumble upon a dark truth that is far more disturbing than they ever could have imagined.
Based on the shocking true crime about cyber-bullying, Envy will take you to the edge--and push you right over.
Envy, the series debut, involves the mysterious death of the twins' old friend, Katelyn. Was it murder? Suicide? An accident? Hayley and Taylor are determined to find out--and as they investigate, they stumble upon a dark truth that is far more disturbing than they ever could have imagined.
Based on the shocking true crime about cyber-bullying, Envy will take you to the edge--and push you right over.
