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58 pages 1 hour read

Shutter Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Dennis Lehane

Shutter Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

380

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New England • 1950s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of a patient, Rachel Solando, from Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane. Over four days, Teddy and his partner Chuck Aule uncover cryptic clues, confront dark secrets, and grapple with shifting realities amidst a looming storm on Shutter Island. Topics include trauma and mental health challenges.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

209,260 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dennis Lehane's Shutter Island expertly combines psychological thriller and mystery elements, earning accolades for its gripping plot and compelling atmosphere. Readers praise the intricate storytelling and effective twists. Some, however, find the pacing uneven and character development lacking. Overall, it's a captivating but occasionally polarizing read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shutter Island?

A reader who enjoys psychological thrillers with complex, suspenseful narratives would appreciate Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Stephen King's The Shining will find the book's intricate plot and dark atmosphere particularly compelling. The story's twists and exploration of mental instability will captivate those who prefer mind-bending mysteries.

4.3

209,260 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Edward “Teddy” Daniels

A World War II veteran and U.S. Marshal, he is the main character investigating mysteries on Shutter Island, with the story being told from his perspective.

Initially believed to be an arsonist responsible for a deadly fire, he serves as an enigmatic figure connected to the island's secrets.

A respected psychotherapist and the lead doctor at Ashecliffe Hospital, he plays a crucial role in the unfolding events on Shutter Island.

Introduced as a missing woman accused of murdering her children, her character undergoes multiple transformations throughout the narrative.

Teddy Daniels’ wife, whose death in a fire is central to the emotional and mysterious tensions in the story.

Teddy's partner, a U.S. Marshal whose friendly demeanor and rapport with Teddy add depth to their investigation.

A psychiatrist at Ashecliffe Hospital, he has a personal and professional history with Teddy that influences key events.

A patient at Ashecliffe whose past interactions with Teddy drive the marshal's investigation on the island.

A psychotherapist who works alongside Cawley and presents a contrasting approach to mental health treatment.

An official responsible for security at Ashecliffe Hospital, whose brief appearance introduces deeper philosophical questions about human nature.

Book Details
Pages

380

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New England • 1950s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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