"The Alphabet House" - Jussi Adler-Olsen

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Today's book, unfortunately, falls under the dreaded "Did Not Finish" category. Sad sad day. Literary world you've let me down again :( I had high hopes for this book as I like the Department Q series that Alder-Olsen wrote. Not everything can be great, though. Check out the description and my thoughts below!

In the tradition of Alan Furst, the #1 international bestselling author delivers his first stand-alone novel, a psychological thriller set in World War II Nazi Germany and 1970s England

British pilots James Teasdale and Bryan Young have been chosen to conduct a special photo-reconnaissance mission near Dresden, Germany. Intelligence believes the Nazis are building new factories that could turn the tide of the war. When their plane is shot down, James and Bryan know they will be executed if captured. With an enemy patrol in pursuit, they manage to jump aboard a train reserved for senior SS soldiers wounded on the eastern front.

In a moment of desperation, they throw two patients off the train and take their places, hoping they can escape later. But their act is too convincing and they end up in the Alphabet House, a mental hospital located far behind enemy lines, where German doctors subject their patients to daily rounds of shock treatments and experimental drugs. The pilots’ only hope of survival is to fake insanity until the war ends, but their friendship and courage are put to the ultimate test when James and Bryan realize they aren’t the only ones in the Alphabet House feigning madness.

Millions of fans around the world—and in this country—know Adler-Olsen for his award-winning Department Q series. His first stand-alone, The Alphabet House, is the perfect introduction for those who have yet to discover his riveting work.

Doesn't that description sound riveting?! Ugh so disappointing. As I was struggling with the beginning of this book, I checked out Goodreads to see what others had said about it in the reviews. One idea stuck with me from their comments. This book has an amazing premise for a fantastic movie plot! There would be a lot of action, suspense, and all around pull on the heartstrings moments. Sadly as a book, though, it's just too much to process at once. A lot of names, places, things happening at a fast pace. A lot to keep track of and I only made a third of the way through. I tried. I gave it my best and multiple days. 

Tomorrow starts my "Clean Slate Read-a-Thon," hosted by Lost In Lit, Novel Ink, and Latte Nights! Be on the lookout for posts throughout the week as I plan to finish up 5 books I was unable to complete before the end of the year. As always, feel to share any thoughts, comments, or suggestions! 

Happy reading fools :)