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126th out of 227 books
—
126 voters
Cemetery Girl
by
David J. Bell (Goodreads Author)
Four years after Tom and Abby's 12-year-old daughter vanishes, she is found alive but strangely calm. When the teen refuses to testify against the man connected to her disappearance, Tom decides to investigate the traumatizing case on his own. Nothing can prepare him for what he is about to discover.
Paperback, 389 pages
Published
October 4th 2011
by NAL Trade
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I love a book that I cannot put down, and I could not put down Cemetery Girl. But this novel wasn't only a page turner; it was also a story that let me feel deeply connected to the characters, especially Tom, the father who so desperately wants to re-connect with his sixteen-year-old daughter, a lost girl-woman who is found alive four years after her disappearance. A novel that so brilliantly weaves character development with such a tense plot deserves serious attention.
This would be a great bo...more
This would be a great bo...more
See here's the thing. You aren't writing anything new or amazing just because your protagonist isn't Dudley Do Right. Tom Stuart is a kind of a jerk college professor and his wife is a born again Christian looney tune and their distant twelve year old daughter is...umm...distant? I don't know. Anyway the daughter disappears only to reappear four years later as a bitchy teenager who curses a lot and is in love with her abductor because Stockholm Syndrome or something. But this makes no sense beca...more
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David Bell’s thriller debut, Cemetery Girl, is the story of the disappearance of 12 year old Caitlin Stuart and how her parents, Tom and Abby, coped with her being gone. Bell starts the story four years earlier after Caitlin’s disappearance. Frantic and besieged, Tom vowed to never give up the hope that she is still alive and will come back home. However, Abby has given up and decides it is time to move on. She planned a memorial service and ordered a headstone as she felt the marriage ended whe...more
Okay...so I wanted to love this book and I'm probably being generous with the three stars. I fell in love with the cover and the premise, but that's about when it fell short. What's frustrating about this is that it could have been done so much differently. I felt like the writer had some great ideas, they just fell flat. I could almost picture his outline for the book in my head as things played out and certain check points were attained. In order for me to love a book, I almost require a momen...more
I'm torn regarding this book. It is a page turner, a very fast 389 pages that I finished it in one sitting. The novel earned stellar reviews, was even whispered as a potential nominee for a Pulitzer for fiction and the author, an English professor at Western Kentucky University has real credentials. Despite all the pluses, I had real issues with this work. It lacked the descriptive power that I expect in first-rate writing. The prose was tight and efficient, but missing both a sensory and an emo...more
Sentimental Abduction (2012)
Bell, David (2011). Cemetery Girl. New York: New American Library.
A 12-year old girl goes missing while walking her dog in a cemetery. There are no leads. She is presumed abducted, and after a year or so, presumed dead. The story is told, first-person, by the father, who never gives up hope on her. The mother, on the other hand is “ready to move on” with her life. The marriage is on the rocks and the mother now has a romantic interest with the pastor of her church w...more
Bell, David (2011). Cemetery Girl. New York: New American Library.
A 12-year old girl goes missing while walking her dog in a cemetery. There are no leads. She is presumed abducted, and after a year or so, presumed dead. The story is told, first-person, by the father, who never gives up hope on her. The mother, on the other hand is “ready to move on” with her life. The marriage is on the rocks and the mother now has a romantic interest with the pastor of her church w...more
Truthfully, I expected to love this book, because of other reviews and because it's in a genre I love to read as an escape: psychological thriller, parents embroiled in a mystery, missing child, etc. All the right elements for a thrilling, quick read, and indeed, this is a quick read--I finished it in a few hours--but that's part of the problem with it. The story line is fascinating, but the author uses extremely plain language, very little imagery, and every one of the characters is so dislikea...more
I started this book at around 7pm on a Sunday evening, and didn't put it down until I was done at 11:30pm. I enjoyed that the book was told from the father's perspective; I've read books in the past that dealt with the abduction/disappearance of a child and the narrator was always the mother. It was nice to see things from the father's view.
The book was really suspenseful, and I was engrossed from the beginning. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars ... but I can't so I rounded up. I think the bigges...more
The book was really suspenseful, and I was engrossed from the beginning. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars ... but I can't so I rounded up. I think the bigges...more
This is the second David Bell book I have read and I didn't want to put it down.
Imagine having your daughter disappear when she is 12 and reappearing just as suddenly when she's 16. She refuses to say where she's been and what happened.
As the story progresses we learn little bits of Caitlin's life in the 4 years away where she was initially kept prisoner but gradually stayed by choice and wanted to go back to the man she believes she's in love with.
I can't imagine as a parent dealing with Cai...more
Imagine having your daughter disappear when she is 12 and reappearing just as suddenly when she's 16. She refuses to say where she's been and what happened.
As the story progresses we learn little bits of Caitlin's life in the 4 years away where she was initially kept prisoner but gradually stayed by choice and wanted to go back to the man she believes she's in love with.
I can't imagine as a parent dealing with Cai...more
I read this book based on all of the reviews in the front pages, and they were not wrong. It was suspenseful, and it did keep me up reading late into the night.(I read the whole book in just a few hours)
I was afraid it would be the type of story to leave me hanging on at the end, with some vague explanation of what happened and no real answers. I wasn't far off.
Caitlin Stuart disappears one day while walking her dog, and the resulting story is told by her father, Tom.His wife, Abby, is going thr...more
I was afraid it would be the type of story to leave me hanging on at the end, with some vague explanation of what happened and no real answers. I wasn't far off.
Caitlin Stuart disappears one day while walking her dog, and the resulting story is told by her father, Tom.His wife, Abby, is going thr...more
4.5 stars
Gripping tale! This takes a deep look into family ties that bind, tightly, and the power of suggestion or rejection, especially on an impressionable child. Told from the father's point-of-view, it's a rare peek inside the mind of a dad who has lost his daughter and all the anguish and guilt and rage and sadness he endures and then gets her back and faces a whole new set of emotions. My only issue with this story was the ending...I know everything can't end happily and, in a way, this ta...more
Gripping tale! This takes a deep look into family ties that bind, tightly, and the power of suggestion or rejection, especially on an impressionable child. Told from the father's point-of-view, it's a rare peek inside the mind of a dad who has lost his daughter and all the anguish and guilt and rage and sadness he endures and then gets her back and faces a whole new set of emotions. My only issue with this story was the ending...I know everything can't end happily and, in a way, this ta...more
This book captured me at the book store by the cover and the premise, and it's definitely in my genre, maybe an edgier Jodi Picoult with the family dynamics and missing girl plot. I would say I liked a lot of the book, and I am just shy enough of 4 stars to have to give it three because, as others have mentioned, about half to three quarters of the way through the father's behavior was really disturbing and his obsession was difficult to stomach as the decisions he made became less about his dau...more
I read this book in a total of 3 hours and stayed up long past my bed time in order to finish. That says quite a bit...
While I feel that the writing style could have used some improvement, and I felt dissatisfied with some of the turns the story took; I couldn't put it down. I had to know what had happened to this poor girl, and I had to know what was going to happen to her in the long run.
The story is still stuck in my head this morning as I replay it, and I find myself actually "creeped out"...more
While I feel that the writing style could have used some improvement, and I felt dissatisfied with some of the turns the story took; I couldn't put it down. I had to know what had happened to this poor girl, and I had to know what was going to happen to her in the long run.
The story is still stuck in my head this morning as I replay it, and I find myself actually "creeped out"...more
CEMETERY GIRL was an engrossing, quick read. The plot sounds simple: 12-year-old girl goes missing and is presumed dead. However, it was more than that. There are subplots, as well as some unexpected twists and turns throughout the story, especially when the girl, Caitlin, returns four years later.
The story is told from Caitlin's father's point of view. Everything he sees and thinks, we do. However, when doors are closed to him or he's not involved in particular conversations, we are left in th...more
The story is told from Caitlin's father's point of view. Everything he sees and thinks, we do. However, when doors are closed to him or he's not involved in particular conversations, we are left in th...more
I should clarify first and say that I am not the target audience for this book. These types of novels, thrillers/real life sadness whatever, bore me unless they are very well written. Add that fact to the very major problems I had with the themes and plot of this novel and I think I'm being generous with one star. The only reason I finished this book is because I have a goal number to reach by the end of the year.
The major problem I have with the novel is that the rape and kidnapping of the daug...more
The major problem I have with the novel is that the rape and kidnapping of the daug...more
I really don't know which shelf to put this on
The story is about Tom - and the disappearance of his daughter, Caitlin. The mother and wife, Abby is also a part of the story - but not as central as Tom is.
The story was riveting and well told - but I didn't sympathize with Tom as much as I probably should have. I didn't particularly sympathize with Abby either. They both seem to be people I wouldn't really want to spend much time with. :) I really sympathized with Frosty the dog though. The end m...more
The story is about Tom - and the disappearance of his daughter, Caitlin. The mother and wife, Abby is also a part of the story - but not as central as Tom is.
The story was riveting and well told - but I didn't sympathize with Tom as much as I probably should have. I didn't particularly sympathize with Abby either. They both seem to be people I wouldn't really want to spend much time with. :) I really sympathized with Frosty the dog though. The end m...more
Twelve-year old Caitlin Stuart used to walk her dog Frosty in a park near their house, next to a cemetery. One day, Frosty comes home without Caitlin.
Four years later, her father Tom hasn't given up waiting for her to return. He still leaves a key under the doormat for her in case she comes back and no one's home, and refuses to talk to a counselor or therapist.
Meanwhile, Caitlin's mother Abby resigns herself to the fact that she may never see her daughter again, and organizes a memorial service...more
Four years later, her father Tom hasn't given up waiting for her to return. He still leaves a key under the doormat for her in case she comes back and no one's home, and refuses to talk to a counselor or therapist.
Meanwhile, Caitlin's mother Abby resigns herself to the fact that she may never see her daughter again, and organizes a memorial service...more
At first I really like this book--the story clipped along at a good pace, but not too fast. The idea of the missing child returning home, changed and unwilling to discuss what happened seemed so good. There was so much that could have been done with it. Sadly, in the end it just came off as a creepy look at violence against young women by every man in their lives.
I felt the Caitlin character was done well and seemed realistic. However, Tom and Abby were far too Lifetime Movie of the week charac...more
I felt the Caitlin character was done well and seemed realistic. However, Tom and Abby were far too Lifetime Movie of the week charac...more
I just finished ready Cemetery Girl by David J Bell and I have to say there was just a bit missing for me. If I could give half stars I would as I would say it was a bit better than just average. Now the story is a bit dull in the beginning, for me anyway, and I found myself not really liking the father.
The father, Tom, in the beginning was the grieving father and I felt for him, but as the story went on he started to annoy me. I know losing a child, fictional or not, isn't the easiest thing to...more
The father, Tom, in the beginning was the grieving father and I felt for him, but as the story went on he started to annoy me. I know losing a child, fictional or not, isn't the easiest thing to...more
When 12-year-old Caitlen disappears, her family is torn apart. Four years later, she returns, and things do not progress as expected or desired.
Told from the point of view of Caitlen's father, this book takes the reader through the emotional turmoil after her abduction through that sustained after her return. Unfortunately, Caitlen is less than overjoyed at returning to her family, continuously saying she wants to return to the man who abducted her. The events that follow make this book impossib...more
Told from the point of view of Caitlen's father, this book takes the reader through the emotional turmoil after her abduction through that sustained after her return. Unfortunately, Caitlen is less than overjoyed at returning to her family, continuously saying she wants to return to the man who abducted her. The events that follow make this book impossib...more
When Caitlin was just twelve years old, she disappeared. Since that time, Tom and Abby Stuart have tried to hold on to hope that Caitlin might still return to them one day. Though, with Caitlin gone, their marriage has fallen apart. Abby is finally ready to let go of Caitlin but Tom is not.
Tom and Abby receive “the call”. The one that they never thought that they would ever receive. The police ask Tom and Abby to come down as they have Caitlin. Tom and Abby are happy but Caitlin has changed. Sh...more
Tom and Abby receive “the call”. The one that they never thought that they would ever receive. The police ask Tom and Abby to come down as they have Caitlin. Tom and Abby are happy but Caitlin has changed. Sh...more
Losing a child is devastating for the parents, but is it worse when the child simply disappears?
Leading an idealistic life, Tom and Abby Stuart have it all - a good marriage, successful careers, nice home and a delightful 12-year-old daughter, Caitlin. Then their world is scattered. Caitlin takes the family dog, Frosty, out for a walk and only the dog returns home.
Four years later Caitlin is discovered alive. She’s disheveled, dirty, but unnaturally calm. She won’t discuss the four years she’s b...more
Leading an idealistic life, Tom and Abby Stuart have it all - a good marriage, successful careers, nice home and a delightful 12-year-old daughter, Caitlin. Then their world is scattered. Caitlin takes the family dog, Frosty, out for a walk and only the dog returns home.
Four years later Caitlin is discovered alive. She’s disheveled, dirty, but unnaturally calm. She won’t discuss the four years she’s b...more
While there were some parts of the book that were very good and realistic, such as the interaction between the main character and his wife, there were other parts that weren't. I could see what the author was trying to do, but that was the problem. It was too obvious, to blatant. Some of reminiscences felt too much like tangents. I also felt like the book fell on it's face in the last couple of chapters. You're at the climax of the story and all of a sudden it's the epilogue. It doesn't transiti...more
For most people, the worst situation imaginable would be to lose a family member, especially a child. There are plenty of books out there on this very topic-- missing kids, murdered kids-- in "Cemetery Girl," David Bell takes a different slant. Could it possibly be worse to get that missing person back? What if that person didn't want to be back?
Tom and Abby Stuart's marriage is falling apart. It's been four years since their 12 year old daughter, Caitlin, disappeared from the local park. Their...more
Tom and Abby Stuart's marriage is falling apart. It's been four years since their 12 year old daughter, Caitlin, disappeared from the local park. Their...more
Cemetery Girl was an addictive novel, that kept me up till 3 in the morning to reach the conclusion. Bell weaves a believable tale of a parent’s worst nightmare. He delivers it with an authentic voice in Tom Stuart.
Protagonist Tom Stuart, father of Caitlin and husband of Abby tells this riveting story from his perspective. The story is broken into three parts. The first part deals with events leading up to Caitlin’s disappearance. The second takes us through the aftermath and how it impacts them...more
Protagonist Tom Stuart, father of Caitlin and husband of Abby tells this riveting story from his perspective. The story is broken into three parts. The first part deals with events leading up to Caitlin’s disappearance. The second takes us through the aftermath and how it impacts them...more
This was one of those books where I have to yell at it while reading because I know the character that I like is going to make a big huge mistake.
They never listen to me *dramatic sigh*
Caitlin went missing when she was just 12 years old. Her dad sent her to walk their rambunctious dog in the park across the street, and the dog came home alone, trailing his leash and unable to explain what he witnessed on that fateful day. It's been four years, and Tom and Abby's marriage has fallen apart as the...more
They never listen to me *dramatic sigh*
Caitlin went missing when she was just 12 years old. Her dad sent her to walk their rambunctious dog in the park across the street, and the dog came home alone, trailing his leash and unable to explain what he witnessed on that fateful day. It's been four years, and Tom and Abby's marriage has fallen apart as the...more
Tom and Abby Stuart seem to be a couple with the perfect life until their wonderful 12-year old daughter, Caitlin, disappears without a trace. The only witness to Caitlin’s disappearance is the family dog. Abby finds solace at church, Tom endures by tracking every lead and keeping their daughter’s story out there. Their marriage starts to fall apart as they are both pulled in different directions. Abby needs closure and Tom needs to keep hope alive.
Four years later their world is rocked again wh...more
Four years later their world is rocked again wh...more
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There were some redeeming qualities about this book. It was a fast paced plot, and it kept me interested, so to speak. I am not sure interested is the right word as I was so repulsed by the main character and his actions. I do not know and never ever ever want to know what it is like for my daughter to be missing, but I can tell you this - if I behave the way he did, please take one of Scarface's sub machine guns and mow me down because I would never want to be such a sorry excuse of a human bei...more
This is one of those books that I almost stopped reading once or twice, but then something surprising would happen and I'd find myself reading later than planned, negotiating with myself that after I read just one more chapter then I'd do xy and z.
With it being October, I was hoping Cemetery Girl would be a creepy book, learning more towards horror, but it is a psychological suspense novel, mainly about Tom, the father of a twelve year old girl named Caitlin who goes missing for four years. No c...more
With it being October, I was hoping Cemetery Girl would be a creepy book, learning more towards horror, but it is a psychological suspense novel, mainly about Tom, the father of a twelve year old girl named Caitlin who goes missing for four years. No c...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I thought the book had a good premise but lost it in the end due to the father not being overly logicial. | 7 | 38 | Jan 17, 2013 04:54pm |
David J. Bell is the author of CEMETERY GIRL (NAL/Penguin) and the forthcoming THE HIDING PLACE, which will be published in October 2012. He is currently an Assistant Professor of English at Western Kentucky University and can be reached via his website at www.davidbellnovels.com
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