Sep 17, 2014

Measure Twice | Book Review

This post will be a little step away from the normal run / Disney / runDisney posting. I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of the book Measure Twice by J.J. Hensley. J.J. is a writer and runner from Pittsburgh, PA. Here's a little bit about him:

J.J. HENSLEY is a former police officer and Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service who has drawn upon his experiences in law enforcement to write stories full of suspense and insight. Hensley, who is originally from Huntington, WV, graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Administration of Justice and has a M.S. degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. The author is currently a training supervisor with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and lives with his beautiful wife, daughter, and two dogs near Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Hensley’s first novel RESOLVE was named one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2013 by Suspense Magazine and was named a finalist for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers organization.​

He is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.
The first novel RESOLVE is a mystery set during the Pittsburgh Marathon. While his latest novel doesn't incorporate as much running, being a runner, he still threw in tidbits and pieces runners will understand and appreciate.


I took to reading Measure Twice over Labor Day weekend while at my in-laws. I read it in short chunks around time with my 2 year old and one month old. The best compliment I can give is that I could hardly put it down and most certainly couldn't wait to pick it back up again. J.J.'s writing style is artful. He creates a compelling story that draws you into that world. This story is again set in Pittsburgh, which for me makes it easy to picture and visualize as I know the places. J.J. crafts the story cleverly, telling between two views in parallel. I found myself anxious for the switch to see what was happening at the same time elsewhere. Without going into details the story was suspenseful and thrilling. He creates an evil, driven with purpose and devious to the end. J.J. balances this with a flawed good, looking to break through to redemption. If you want a little more to the plot line, read the Amazon description. Being my first book review, I'm looking to keep from giving too much away.

The book was a fantastic read leaving me wanting more. You can be sure I will be going back to read his first novel. If Measure Twice sounds like your style of book, I have good news for you. the book has a publication date of 9/20, so you won't have to wait long. Preorder it now through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, which ever is your book dealer of choice. Digital or paperback, just get the book.

Want more incentive? Ok. A portion of the sales for the novel are going toward breast cancer research through a non-profit called Par for The Cure. There. Even more reason.

Disclaimer: I was provided an advance review copy of the book to read and review on my blog. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions expressed are honest and my own. But seriously, the book rocked.

6 comments:

  1. I love that it has running woven into the story line! Also love that it will benefit a charity. Great review!

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    1. Thanks. It is a really good book. Can't wait to find some time to read the other, which will have a good bit of running in it.

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  2. I used to read all the time-all of this blogging takes up too time!

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    1. Yeah. I love to read but never get the chance much lately. I made the reading a part of the blog which made me read, haha. Of course, I have books I got for two Christmas ago that I haven't read yet.

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  3. That sounds like a good book & I love that it donates a portion of the proceeds! I blog with the Birchbloggers (Birchbox) so I get books from them and add it to my blog- so I make myself read more. I figure the more I read the better a writer I will become!

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    1. Thats cool. Yeah. I think reading good stuff is a great way to get better at writing. I'm a programmer and one of the best ways to learn new things in code is to read others code and play with it.

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