I couldn't really get into the first book in this series. I could look at it objectively and say, "That's a well written book," but it just didn't do it for me. This one? Holy crap, what a difference. I was engaged in this story from the start. Highly recommend. ( )

When Louis asks Miriam to counsel a friend who believes she’s dying from cancer, but admits to a bit of hypochondria, Miriam reluctantly agrees. She’s tired of the hum-drum existence she’s fallen into and misses using “her gift.” While at a school for troubled girls, Miriam sees not only the demise of the poor, sweet teacher Louis has befriended, but also the deaths of several students… at the hands of a twisted serial killer.

Mockingbird features Chuck Wendig’s signature rapid-fire dialogue, razor-sharp descriptions, and off-color wit. The story moves along quickly, with plenty of drama and action to keep the reader engaged. A stand-alone in its own right, the second-in-series builds on the story of star-crossed Louis and Miriam without feeling like a continuation. Another great entry in the Miriam Black series, Mockingbird doesn’t disappoint. Four enthusiastic stars!
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This was actually more of a 3 1/2 star, but I rounded up simply because of Wendig's awesome narrative style. And my rating is likely more because I was expecting a slightly different direction after the first novel.

With Miriam's epiphany at then end of Blackbirds, I expected her to struggle more with her lot in life, with the decisions she would now theoretically have to make.

I was also a touch (not a lot, just a little) disappointed with her arc with Louis. Being Wendig, of course he had to turn the whole "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back again" on its head and make it "girl loses boy, girl gets boy back again (sort of), girl loses boy again". But I wasn't seeing a lot of the motivation for this arc.

I guess that's my issue for this story. It seems very much like a "middle" novel of three. Stuff happens, but by the end of the novel, not a lot has changed, in the grand scheme of things.

Still, putting all that aside, this was a fun serial killer mystery and Miriam Black, though so sarcastic she's almost irritating at times, is a fascinating protagonist. I'm still interested in where he takes her in The Cormorant, but I'll be looking for more development, too.

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Miriam Black is working in a small convenience store on the Jersey Shore when sees death again, narrowly escaping with her life. Her protector and friend Louis convinces her to help a teacher at a girls school by using her "sight;" however, Miriam finds much deeper trouble at the school and becomes embroiled in trying to help stop a serial killer. Another solid thriller by Chuck Wendig -- Miriam is a force. ( )

It's rare for the second book in a series to surpass its predecessor, but Mockingbird manages to do so with realistic terror. I can't wait for more Miriam. ( )