Genre: Fiction
About: A young real estate agent who is kidnapped by a stranger during an open house and kept hostage for over a year.
Descriptive Words: tense, heart-racing, frightening, realistic, horrifying, gut-wrenching, and believe it or not hopeful
Thoughts: I started this book in the early morning and could not put it down until I finished it. I found myself clenching the book at times because of the certain scenes that I was reading made my emotions go over the top. I thought the author wrote a solid, first-rate story that kept my interest from page one and had me rooting for Annie throughout the story. I really liked the way the story was set up with Annie recounting what she endured as she visits almost daily with her psychologist. It was truly amazing that she survived her kidnapping/rape/torture/emotional/physical abuse ordeal. I liked Annie's honesty and her voice. The kicker for me is that this story came across as something I know that women throughout the world have endured. This is a story that must be read to be fully appreciated, telling you much more in my opinion would be ruining the story for those of you who want to read it. I can honestly say that it's a favorite read for me for this year and I highly recommend it.....BUT I do suggest you read it during the daylight hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Source: Shelf Awareness
Why I Chose: I was immediately captured by the plot and thought this could be a good read.
Recommend? Absolutely! But if you're squeamish about women being abused/raped/tortured/...etc. and have nightmares easily then you may want to pass. I only say this because the manner in which Annie was abducted could happen to any one of us and that makes this book so realistic and oh so scary!
Rating: 5/5
Thank you to Shelf Awareness for sending me a review copy.
I was not compensated for my review.
My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author.
They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.
Review style courtesy of Lynne's Book Reviews
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@Barrie Summy
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That's quite arecommendation, Staci! Everything about this sounds right up my alley. Well, as long as I don't have to dwell on the rape part.
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to love this one!
ReplyDeleteSmoky is adorable! And I agree that it's a very scary book!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great -- thanks for the review!!!
ReplyDeleteStaci, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one. I had been debating if it would make the cut for taking on the vacation. Your review convinces me that it should. Since the Kindle, I don't have to take a lot of books. Maybe 2 or 3 in the suitcase. We're flying everywhere so I can't take many. Looking forward to this read.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read a negative review of this book. Obviously I must find the time to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way. My heart was racing with some chapters. I can't wait for this author's next book. Great review!!!
ReplyDeleteCMash
Staci, great review, I want to read this now, right now. The bookstore was sold out and I am so upset. I totally think this will be on of my favourites of the year from all the reviews.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your Descriptive words for it.
I think I will pass, rape and torture, no, it does give me nightmares.
ReplyDeleteI know I can always count on your recommendations. This one will be on my stack shortly!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine what these poor women go through. Thanks for the recommendation Staci.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to make sure I don't read this one when Carl is out of town! I love a good page turner.
ReplyDeleteI'm not normally drawn to scary stories but if you say this is one of the best books you've read this year, I don't want to miss it. I will only read it during the day.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when I read the "BUT". :o)
ReplyDeleteI love a good thriller and this sounds like a good one. I don't have nightmares when reading books unless they're true stories. I can, however, get wrapped up in the storyline as I'm reading but it stops there (you know, if it's not true).
Thanks for the recommendation!
I’ve heard a lot about this debut novel. I love the cover and your review with the warning.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really brave and intense book.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, the kitten in your banner is completely adorable.
WOW....everyone loved this book, but still not sure it is for me.
ReplyDeleteWowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! I NEED to read this one too! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteArgh - stories like this just kill me. But like you I have trouble putting them down!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very good! gotta love a page turner! Thanks for reviewing.
ReplyDeleteThis is one I'm going to remember forever and will be up there on the top of my favorites for the year. You should add "memorable" to your descriptive words :)
ReplyDeleteI love books like this. Where the story is sort of simple but the author is able to inject all sorts of tension into it. Sounds like a real page turner.
ReplyDeleteBTW...the pic in your header is absolutely adorable! When did you change it?
I'm the type that has nightmares . . . I did like your review.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this for so long--but how am I going to read it? I do half my reading at night in bed!
ReplyDeleteI'll be reading this one soon, so I didn't read your review - just noticed the 5/5 rating and thought YES!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, I already wanted to read this one and now Im even keener!
ReplyDeleteIt took me about halfway through the book to really care about Annie, but I'm glad I stuck with it because boy, was it intense!
ReplyDeleteYaaay! I won this on Anna's blog and I can't wait to read it especially with your glowing recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI loved this one as well!
ReplyDelete