The Kind Worth Saving: A Novel

4 4 out of 5 stars | 4,803 ratings

Price: 12.99

Last update: 07-28-2024


About this item

“The inventive Mr. Swanson never lets the willing reader down. With The Kind Worth Saving, he surpasses his own high standard.” — Tom Nolan, Wall Street Journal

In this spectacularly devious novel by New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson, a private eye starts to follow a possibly adulterous husband, but little does he know that the twisted trail will lead back to the woman who hired him.

There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private inves­tigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: He knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.

Now Joan needs his help proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a FOR SALE sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.

Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, enlisting help from his old nemesis Lily Kintner—but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.




From the Publisher

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A Talent for Murder The Kind Worth Saving Nine Lives Every Vow You Break The Kind Worth Killing Eight Perfect Murders
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Top reviews from the United States

Adrienne C.
4.0 out of 5 stars A great follow up to The Kind Worth Killing
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
I loved this book, though I did love the first one just a bit more. The new characters were interesting, but the ones from the last novel coming back made it for me. I enjoyed learning about Henry’s backstory, and it helped make some things about his character make more sense. At the same time, it’s hard to understand why he makes the choices he makes knowing full well how they’ll turn out. All part of the ride, I suppose…I have high hopes that Lily will be back for the next installment!

But anyways, if you like psych thrillers, this is worth the read, though I recommend reading the first one to get the full picture of what’s unfolding and why.
Nicole M Whisner
5.0 out of 5 stars The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson 5/5 ⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
The Kind Worth Saving
by Peter Swanson
5/5 ⭐️

Henry Kimball runs a tiny private investigation firm after his awkward departure from the Boston Police Department. He is desperate for cases so when a familiar woman hires him to investigate her husband, he quickly takes the case. Joan Grieve, now Whalen, is a memory from Kimball’s previous career. She was his student during the unforgettable tragedy of his high school teaching days.

Joan suspects that her real estate broker husband is sleeping with her friend. Kimball follows the couple to a listing and discovers more than infidelity. He witnesses the husband and the mistress being murdered. Kimball relives his painful past to uncover the truth behind the murders. With help from Lily, Kimball pieces the past to the present. They expose the secrets that have been hidden for years and identify the true killer.

The Kind Worth Saving is a satisfying sequel to The Kind Worth Killing. You do need to read these books in order to understand the relationship between Kimball and Lily. The multiple POVs kept me interested and engaged as the story unfolded. Swanson’s writing style neatly builds up each character’s backstory until all the connections are transparent, and then he hits you with a twist. Meanwhile entertaining the reader with clever limerick poems from Henry Kimball. I also enjoy his fast-paced chapters and peculiar side characters. Lily’s dad made me lol a few times. I would highly recommend this book!
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Nicole M Whisner
5.0 out of 5 stars The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson 5/5 ⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
The Kind Worth Saving
by Peter Swanson
5/5 ⭐️

Henry Kimball runs a tiny private investigation firm after his awkward departure from the Boston Police Department. He is desperate for cases so when a familiar woman hires him to investigate her husband, he quickly takes the case. Joan Grieve, now Whalen, is a memory from Kimball’s previous career. She was his student during the unforgettable tragedy of his high school teaching days.

Joan suspects that her real estate broker husband is sleeping with her friend. Kimball follows the couple to a listing and discovers more than infidelity. He witnesses the husband and the mistress being murdered. Kimball relives his painful past to uncover the truth behind the murders. With help from Lily, Kimball pieces the past to the present. They expose the secrets that have been hidden for years and identify the true killer.

The Kind Worth Saving is a satisfying sequel to The Kind Worth Killing. You do need to read these books in order to understand the relationship between Kimball and Lily. The multiple POVs kept me interested and engaged as the story unfolded. Swanson’s writing style neatly builds up each character’s backstory until all the connections are transparent, and then he hits you with a twist. Meanwhile entertaining the reader with clever limerick poems from Henry Kimball. I also enjoy his fast-paced chapters and peculiar side characters. Lily’s dad made me lol a few times. I would highly recommend this book!
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Customer image
Susan
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok . . .
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2024
I always enjoy reading a book by Peter Swanson. I read the first book to this series. This one was a little bit slow for me. Usually, I read his stories very quickly. It took me a little longer to get through. I was hoping for a happy ending for Henry. Maybe next time?
Jennifer Hing
4.0 out of 5 stars 4/5 Stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2024
Lily and Harry’s relationship is so captivating and interesting. Although she doesn’t come in until later in the book, you are waiting for her. The introduction of the new characters is very interesting as well. The twists are so good, and honestly you don’t see it coming. I’m excited to read the next book of this series.
Jeri B
5.0 out of 5 stars Henry Kimball returns
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
Very different book series, this. Henry Kimball is now a private investigator and he has a weird relationship with the heroine/villain from the previous book; Lily from The Kind worth Killing. Written in a slow and deceptively meandering manner, with alternating first person narratives, creepy and satisfying.
Martha Rogers
4.0 out of 5 stars Good mystery
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
Good author. Read all his books
Reese
3.0 out of 5 stars enjoyed it
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
Book club pick

After the first book was a book club pick, I had a feeling that The Kind Worth Saving would be picked eventually, and I was right. I was enjoyed this one just about as much as I enjoyed the last one. I will say Kimball is not my favorite character (I feel like he's kind of dumb and bad at his job lol), and I was excited to see Lilly back. There will be another book in this series, and I'm sure it will eventually be picked so I will continue the series but these IMO could be read as a standalone.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't pick this book down
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024
I love the main character, Lily Kintner, and her complicated relationship with Henry.
Her warped sense of morality makes her endearing but also sinister, which makes me love her all the more. I read this book over a 24-hour period and was sad when it ended.

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