Published June 2015
Blogger Recommendation - Samantha at Booked On a Feeling
Book Summary
Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive.
It’s a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn’t spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn’t believe them.
Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case—with its seemingly random victims—has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense....
My Review - 4 1/2
Eeny Meeny miny moe, who will suffer, me or YOU. This is edge of your seat, cannot wait until you get to the end thriller. I actually wished I hadn't chose this to read during Book Bloggers Appreciation week, I wasn't able to give it the time it deserved.
I really like mental games and the serial killer put the victims through the worst mental game, a survival game and really no one wins. The survivor sometimes suffering more than the victim. I realized it would really depend who I was imprisoned with. I thought the serial killer did a great job on choosing. I like to be in control so I think the choice would be to kill myself or the other but letting my guard and being killed, nope, isn't that terrible, but this is the torture they go through while starving.
Short chapters are addictive, just one more continues until your eyes are closing. I can't believe how these chapters really pack a punch, whoooah. I had to stop for a few seconds at the end, take a breath and continue on, yes, I was holding my breath. I just couldn't wait to get to the end, it did end as I expected but it's a series so that is what I expect but I'm so excited the next two are out, MJ Alridge is releasing all 5 within 2 years, now that is exciting.
I did figure out 2 main parts of the suspense, who the serial killer was, mainly from one early scene, so it was a little annoying that Detective Helen took that long to figure it out, definitely must have been denial. I lost respect for her due to this decision, she should have shared earlier on. It actually made me think she is a little hypocritical considering the person that was corrupting the case, which I also had figured out.
I really look forward to this series, I thought 5 star start to a series and I really prefer stand alone"s but I look forward to more Detective Helen Grace, she is a great main character. Strong female, genuine, a loner due to dark past but a hard dedicated worker and oh so mysterious. If you enjoyed Chelsea Cain's series and or the movies Saw, you would love this one. I think the fact of knowing who the killer was and the way it was revealed was a major fault for me, it took away from the edge of your seat worthy thrill.
I enjoyed the secret lifestyle chapters but hope this continues with a little more of why in the future books. Some will not enjoy this part in the book at all but I understood the connection to the story. I initially was going to give a 4 but when I really think about it, this was twisted, dark and bloody and the mental game, brilliant so a 4 1/2 stars it is. I thought one part was gruesome but oh so intense, intelligent like. If your looking for a thrilling suspense, this will keep you up at night to get through just a couple more chapters. I will be reading Pop Goes the Weasel soon.
I really should read more thrillers. This sounds worth checking out!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I love these psychological "game" themes. Must read this! One of my favourites is "Switch" by Grant McKenzie. Read it?
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine raves about this book and it sounds like it's for good reason. This sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteYou have me hooked! I am going to add this to my list!
ReplyDeleteWow! This sounds intense. I do hate when things are obvious though and you have everything figured out before the character.
ReplyDeleteI've been curious about this one and am glad to hear you like it, Marce. I like an intense read.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at this one but wasn't sure it was really for me but your review pointing out that it was a mental puzzle has swung it for me - it's going on the TBR! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book around but didn't pick it up. I'm glad you enjoyed it and after reading your review I think I'll have to change my mind. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not I haven't read it! I started with Pop :) I do want to since it's alluded to in her second, but as of yet I'm not even a little tempted to pick up a book :(
ReplyDeletePaula
There is a lot about this book that I like!
ReplyDeleteIs this the first or second in the series? I believe I have the first book. You just reminded me that I really need to start it.
ReplyDeleteI read this one last year but had a slightly different reaction. I enjoyed the intensity but found the "it's you or me" aspect of the confinement pretty depressing and the description of their captivity yucky.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it is supposed to be a dark, gritty story and the author writes it intelligently; I just had to be in the mood for that kind of book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
You totally sold me on this book when you first mentioned it on my blog a couple weeks back. Unfortunately my library doesn't carry a copy, but reading your review... ahh, I MUST read it! I'm definitely going to be getting a copy of it for myself soon. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis book was really good. It harbors a twist on the traditional serial killer story along with a strong storyline and compelling characters! I started it and didn't put it down until I finished. Rushing off now to buy book two! There goes my evening!
ReplyDeleteMariz
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