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Set Free
The truth will set you free. Can lies do the same?
Within minutes of arriving in the exotic, enigmatic, sweltering city of Marrakech, renowned author Jaspar Wills is kidnapped, blindfolded, bound, and beaten. As Wills struggles to survive the ordeal, he recounts his rise to fame and the tragic events that led him to Morocco. With the kidnapper’s demands left unmet, Wills faces death with fear, grief…and guilt. Is what happened in the past tied to his abduction? Is someone he loves responsible? Or is this payback for his sins? Living with a loss far greater than his own death, Jaspar yearns to be set free. But do some kinds of freedom come at too high a cost?
Six months later, struggling reporter Katie Edwards travels to Morocco to stake her claim on the story with everything—international intrigue, mystery, celebrity, violence, sex, heartbreak, betrayal. Once there, she discovers a shocking truth. As the young journalist’s career soars, Jaspar Wills’ is destroyed…until an act of revenge leads to a stunning revelation that will change everything.
Within minutes of arriving in the exotic, enigmatic, sweltering city of Marrakech, renowned author Jaspar Wills is kidnapped, blindfolded, bound, and beaten. As Wills struggles to survive the ordeal, he recounts his rise to fame and the tragic events that led him to Morocco. With the kidnapper’s demands left unmet, Wills faces death with fear, grief…and guilt. Is what happened in the past tied to his abduction? Is someone he loves responsible? Or is this payback for his sins? Living with a loss far greater than his own death, Jaspar yearns to be set free. But do some kinds of freedom come at too high a cost?
Six months later, struggling reporter Katie Edwards travels to Morocco to stake her claim on the story with everything—international intrigue, mystery, celebrity, violence, sex, heartbreak, betrayal. Once there, she discovers a shocking truth. As the young journalist’s career soars, Jaspar Wills’ is destroyed…until an act of revenge leads to a stunning revelation that will change everything.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2016
6 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Bidulka
32 books249 followersAnthony Bidulka is the author of the long-running Russell Quant mystery series, two thrillers featuring Disaster Recovery Agent Adam Saint, a stand-alone suspense novel, Set Free, and a stand alone mystery novel, Going to Beautiful (2023 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel) and the Merry Bell trilogy mystery series. The third and final book in the Merry Bell trilogy, Home Fires Burn, will be released June 2025.
Praise for Anthony Bidulka's books:
“…promises to become one of those that we look forward to each year and put on our shopping lists without waiting for the reviews.”
Reviewing the Evidence:
...Anthony Bidulka has created a whole new genre: Saskatchewan Gothic, which will both chill and warm your heart. Simply wonderful!
Alan Bradley, author of the Flavia de Luce series including The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Going to Beautiful...is a testament not only to Bidulka’s skill in plotting and other novelistic stratagems, but even more to the unique setting and the wonderfully textured characters...
Felice Picano, author of Like People in History and Pursued: Lillian's Story, companion to Pursuit: A Victorian Entertainment
...poignant, often funny, always wise…the quiet joy and hopefulness of this novel are gifts readers will value for years to come.
Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn Shreve mystery series including An Image in the Lake
Anthony Bidulka has pulled off a literary coup in Going to Beautiful. Deftly balancing humour and heart...Bidulka hits it out of the park.
Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour
Anthony Bidulka has dedicated his career to writing traditional genre novels in an untraditional way, developing a body of work that often features his Saskatchewan roots and underrepresented, diverse main characters. He tells serious stories in accessible, entertaining, often humorous ways.
Bidulka’s novel Going to Beautiful is the 2023 winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel. His books have been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence (three times), the Lambda Literary Award (three times), the Saskatchewan Book Award (five times). Flight of Aquavit was awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men’s Mystery, making Bidulka the first Canadian to win in that category. Going to Beautiful, about a gay man rising from the depths of despair in search of joy on the Saskatchewan prairie, also won the Independent Publisher Book Award as the Canada West Best Fiction Gold Medalist.
In his free time Bidulka loves to travel the world, collect art, walk his dogs, obsess over decorating Christmas trees (it’s a thing) and throw a good party.
Anthony's Books:
The Merry Bell trilogy:
Livingsky (2023)
From Sweetgrass Bridge (2024)
Homefires Burn (2025)
Going to Beautiful (2022)
Set Free (2016)
The Adam Saint books:
When The Saints Go Marching In (2013)
The Women of Skawa Island (2014)
The Russell Quant books:
Amuse Bouche (2003)
Flight of Aquavit (2004)
Tapas on the Ramblas (2005)
Stain of the Berry (2006)
Sundowner Ubuntu (2007)
Aloha, Candy Hearts (2009)
Date With a Sheesha (2010)
Dos Equis (2012).
Praise for Anthony Bidulka's books:
“…promises to become one of those that we look forward to each year and put on our shopping lists without waiting for the reviews.”
Reviewing the Evidence:
...Anthony Bidulka has created a whole new genre: Saskatchewan Gothic, which will both chill and warm your heart. Simply wonderful!
Alan Bradley, author of the Flavia de Luce series including The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Going to Beautiful...is a testament not only to Bidulka’s skill in plotting and other novelistic stratagems, but even more to the unique setting and the wonderfully textured characters...
Felice Picano, author of Like People in History and Pursued: Lillian's Story, companion to Pursuit: A Victorian Entertainment
...poignant, often funny, always wise…the quiet joy and hopefulness of this novel are gifts readers will value for years to come.
Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn Shreve mystery series including An Image in the Lake
Anthony Bidulka has pulled off a literary coup in Going to Beautiful. Deftly balancing humour and heart...Bidulka hits it out of the park.
Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour
Anthony Bidulka has dedicated his career to writing traditional genre novels in an untraditional way, developing a body of work that often features his Saskatchewan roots and underrepresented, diverse main characters. He tells serious stories in accessible, entertaining, often humorous ways.
Bidulka’s novel Going to Beautiful is the 2023 winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel. His books have been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence (three times), the Lambda Literary Award (three times), the Saskatchewan Book Award (five times). Flight of Aquavit was awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men’s Mystery, making Bidulka the first Canadian to win in that category. Going to Beautiful, about a gay man rising from the depths of despair in search of joy on the Saskatchewan prairie, also won the Independent Publisher Book Award as the Canada West Best Fiction Gold Medalist.
In his free time Bidulka loves to travel the world, collect art, walk his dogs, obsess over decorating Christmas trees (it’s a thing) and throw a good party.
Anthony's Books:
The Merry Bell trilogy:
Livingsky (2023)
From Sweetgrass Bridge (2024)
Homefires Burn (2025)
Going to Beautiful (2022)
Set Free (2016)
The Adam Saint books:
When The Saints Go Marching In (2013)
The Women of Skawa Island (2014)
The Russell Quant books:
Amuse Bouche (2003)
Flight of Aquavit (2004)
Tapas on the Ramblas (2005)
Stain of the Berry (2006)
Sundowner Ubuntu (2007)
Aloha, Candy Hearts (2009)
Date With a Sheesha (2010)
Dos Equis (2012).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 10, 2016
Absolutely brilliant book! I'm glad I discovered this talented author. This book had me well hooked and as for the twists! Woot! I did NOT see that ending coming and I love a book that surprises me.
The plot is really interesting and dynamic and twists and weaves as you go. I was engrossed in the story really quickly. Very well written with characters I could picture and connect with easily. The plot has a central theme around kidnapping but it really does go places unexpected and is one of those books where you are keen to know what is going to be happening next. Did I mention very clever and brilliant twists?
A highly readable novel from an author I am keen to read more from now I have uncovered his talent. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books basically, especially those with twisty bits that keep you on your toes. There are some characters I loved to hate in this book too! Just when I thought I had it all worked out....well I was wrong. Really wrong! 5 stars from me!
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
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The plot is really interesting and dynamic and twists and weaves as you go. I was engrossed in the story really quickly. Very well written with characters I could picture and connect with easily. The plot has a central theme around kidnapping but it really does go places unexpected and is one of those books where you are keen to know what is going to be happening next. Did I mention very clever and brilliant twists?
A highly readable novel from an author I am keen to read more from now I have uncovered his talent. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books basically, especially those with twisty bits that keep you on your toes. There are some characters I loved to hate in this book too! Just when I thought I had it all worked out....well I was wrong. Really wrong! 5 stars from me!
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my VIP book reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
To enquire about my varied and affordable book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
October 25, 2018
I found this book very intriguing. I started out thinking okay a book about a writer, this could be interesting. I found I could not put it down. The plot twists were so unexpected and very engaging. I wanted to jump into the scene and help poor Jasper and Jenn so many times. I would recommend this book for all mystery enthusiasts as well as inquiring minds. I look forward to reading more by Anthony Bidulka.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
April 2, 2019
Brilliant! I loved every minute of this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Not only the writing is brilliant, that didn't surprise me. Time ago I read Russell Quant mystery series, and despite it took me some time to get used to Mr. Bidulka's writing style back then, I knew this book also was going to be good, but also it seems I've read it at the rigth time and mood. Sometimes timing is everything. The book has been languishing in my to-read pile since 2016/11/05 when I got it through Amazon as a freebie, but at that time I was reading Wheel of Time series and I was still in a phase when I was really invested in the story and I didn't want to change from fantasy to suspense. And then, I'm ashamed to say, I forgot I had this book in my Amazon account waiting for me. But better late than never as they say!
The book is fast paced and alternates between Jaspar's and Katie's point of view. First we have Jaspar, he is a writer with a suscessful carrer and whose life shatters one day when his daughter Mikki and later on, himself, are kidnapped. The book also shows us how he copes through his writing with all those life changing situations and how he start healing, and through that healing, his life changes again. Then we have Katie, a reporter, friend of Jaspar and his wife who is by their side the whole ordeal, first as a friend, making tea and just being there, later as a spoke person for the press and, later on, as a journalist telling their story. However, nothing is what is seems. There're a lot of things going on here at the same time, different plots interwining, and everything that you think is happening maybe is not.
The story and the writing style is gripping, once you put your eyes in the first lines you'll find difficult to stop and the ending... just incredible!
I highly recommend this book!
The book is fast paced and alternates between Jaspar's and Katie's point of view. First we have Jaspar, he is a writer with a suscessful carrer and whose life shatters one day when his daughter Mikki and later on, himself, are kidnapped. The book also shows us how he copes through his writing with all those life changing situations and how he start healing, and through that healing, his life changes again. Then we have Katie, a reporter, friend of Jaspar and his wife who is by their side the whole ordeal, first as a friend, making tea and just being there, later as a spoke person for the press and, later on, as a journalist telling their story. However, nothing is what is seems. There're a lot of things going on here at the same time, different plots interwining, and everything that you think is happening maybe is not.
The story and the writing style is gripping, once you put your eyes in the first lines you'll find difficult to stop and the ending... just incredible!
I highly recommend this book!
November 23, 2021
For me, a novel earns a 5-star rating:
• when I connect with the characters,
• when the story is plausible and compelling, and
• when the ending stays with me long after I’ve finished the last page.
'Set Free' does all of that and weaves it together with superb writing.
This novel is a total departure from Bidulka’s earlier work. Jaspar Wills is not the witty, globe trotting PI of the Russell Quant series, or the high-living, disaster recovery agent of the Adam Saint series. Rather, Jaspar Wills is an ordinary man—likeable, successful, a contented husband and father—until a life-shattering event crushes his family and sends Jaspar down a path of dangerous bad decisions Along the way he is forced to examine himself in ways that most of us will never do.
In 'Set Free' Bidulka has managed a tricky balance of sometimes unbearable suspense with moments of deep introspection and a plot that keeps on twisting.
• when I connect with the characters,
• when the story is plausible and compelling, and
• when the ending stays with me long after I’ve finished the last page.
'Set Free' does all of that and weaves it together with superb writing.
This novel is a total departure from Bidulka’s earlier work. Jaspar Wills is not the witty, globe trotting PI of the Russell Quant series, or the high-living, disaster recovery agent of the Adam Saint series. Rather, Jaspar Wills is an ordinary man—likeable, successful, a contented husband and father—until a life-shattering event crushes his family and sends Jaspar down a path of dangerous bad decisions Along the way he is forced to examine himself in ways that most of us will never do.
In 'Set Free' Bidulka has managed a tricky balance of sometimes unbearable suspense with moments of deep introspection and a plot that keeps on twisting.
September 5, 2016
I started reading Anthony Bidulka a few years ago after I typed into Google something along the lines of Canadian, crime stories. I had been reading good authors, but I wanted Canadian literature. I discovered Anthony and another author who lives and bases his stories (so far) in Edmonton.
One of several things I liked about Anthony’s works was the setting …. rural Saskatchewan and the city of Saskatoon, both familiar places. I went to university in Saskatoon, lived for a year prior to that in a smaller community between Regina and Saskatoon, so the setting was comfortable.
Anthony has an easy style of writing characters. I quickly devoured his Russell Quant series and recommended them to a German friend of mine who was as equally enthusiastic about them. Then I sat back to wait for more. In a short period of time came Adam Saint. I finished the first book, and by this time had started following Anthony on social media (poor man!). I barely ended the book when I tweeted: “You did not just end the book that way. You did not just do that to your character!” His response was: “Sorry!”. The second Adam Saint came out and I rushed through that one. My tweet this time was along the lines of: “You really like to leave him hanging don’t you?” This time the response was “But it’s so much fun!”
This sense of humour shines through in Anthony’s work. The main characters are human, with foibles, shortcomings, and attitude, and strengths. The homefront is comfortable …. I recognize the settings since I lived there, or in places similar to that. The characters have a strong sense of home, deep roots; so regardless of whether Russell Quant was in Saskatoon or somewhere on safari in Africa, or hanging out in Hawaii, the sense of home stayed with the tone of the book. The same with Adam Saint - his first instinct when presented with the underlying thread of the story was to go home to Saskatchewan, to his family. To recharge and regroup by stepping back on the soil of his hometown. I think that’s where the strength of the characters come from … that sense of roots.
In Set Free, Anthony once again gets the reader deep within the story. He sets up a plot, this time the kidnapping of a child, then turns it on its side, when the father also gets kidnapped and then turns it on its side again. Plots within plots within plots, intricately woven together to keep the reader guessing until the end. He also has a habit of pulling a plot twist out of left field and ending in a way readers wouldn’t expect.
And he STILL ends the book on a note which would have me tweeting him my exasperation …. keep us coming back for more, Anthony, because I certainly will!!!
One of several things I liked about Anthony’s works was the setting …. rural Saskatchewan and the city of Saskatoon, both familiar places. I went to university in Saskatoon, lived for a year prior to that in a smaller community between Regina and Saskatoon, so the setting was comfortable.
Anthony has an easy style of writing characters. I quickly devoured his Russell Quant series and recommended them to a German friend of mine who was as equally enthusiastic about them. Then I sat back to wait for more. In a short period of time came Adam Saint. I finished the first book, and by this time had started following Anthony on social media (poor man!). I barely ended the book when I tweeted: “You did not just end the book that way. You did not just do that to your character!” His response was: “Sorry!”. The second Adam Saint came out and I rushed through that one. My tweet this time was along the lines of: “You really like to leave him hanging don’t you?” This time the response was “But it’s so much fun!”
This sense of humour shines through in Anthony’s work. The main characters are human, with foibles, shortcomings, and attitude, and strengths. The homefront is comfortable …. I recognize the settings since I lived there, or in places similar to that. The characters have a strong sense of home, deep roots; so regardless of whether Russell Quant was in Saskatoon or somewhere on safari in Africa, or hanging out in Hawaii, the sense of home stayed with the tone of the book. The same with Adam Saint - his first instinct when presented with the underlying thread of the story was to go home to Saskatchewan, to his family. To recharge and regroup by stepping back on the soil of his hometown. I think that’s where the strength of the characters come from … that sense of roots.
In Set Free, Anthony once again gets the reader deep within the story. He sets up a plot, this time the kidnapping of a child, then turns it on its side, when the father also gets kidnapped and then turns it on its side again. Plots within plots within plots, intricately woven together to keep the reader guessing until the end. He also has a habit of pulling a plot twist out of left field and ending in a way readers wouldn’t expect.
And he STILL ends the book on a note which would have me tweeting him my exasperation …. keep us coming back for more, Anthony, because I certainly will!!!
October 27, 2016
I was sent this book by the author through booktasters on twitter in exchange for an honest review.
WOW that was all I could think when I finished this book last night. Well that and What kind of ending was that? (more about that later)
This is the first book I have read by this author and it makes me want to read every book he has ever written. I picked this book from booktasters to read because the synopsis sounded intriguing to me and it had a pretty high star rating on goodreads and now I see why. It was AMAZING!! It switches back and forth between past and present which I usually have a difficult time keeping up with but the transition between past and present was done so well in this book I followed along with no problem. It was full of twists and turns that I never saw coming and it has plots within plots that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I kind of expected to be able to figure out what happened and who was behind everything because usually I am pretty good at guessing but that didn't happen with this book. I never knew what was going to happen next so I have to applaud the author for that.
Now we can talk about that ending. I am not going to say what happens or how he ended it or anything like that because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. When I finished this last night I literally looked at my husband and was like what kind of ending was that?(of course he had no idea what I was talking about lol) I initially didn't like it because it leaves you on a sort of cliffhanger. It wasn't until I went to bed and literally couldn't stop thinking about the book that I was like wait maybe my first initial though of the ending was wrong. So I got up this morning and re read the last paragraph or two of the ending and realized I was wrong. Yes it leaves you on sort of a cliffhanger but at the same time if you pay close attention you do get closure. If you enjoy suspenseful reads I highly recommend you pick this one up!! Also there is slight mature content in this novel so be aware of that.
WOW that was all I could think when I finished this book last night. Well that and What kind of ending was that? (more about that later)
This is the first book I have read by this author and it makes me want to read every book he has ever written. I picked this book from booktasters to read because the synopsis sounded intriguing to me and it had a pretty high star rating on goodreads and now I see why. It was AMAZING!! It switches back and forth between past and present which I usually have a difficult time keeping up with but the transition between past and present was done so well in this book I followed along with no problem. It was full of twists and turns that I never saw coming and it has plots within plots that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I kind of expected to be able to figure out what happened and who was behind everything because usually I am pretty good at guessing but that didn't happen with this book. I never knew what was going to happen next so I have to applaud the author for that.
Now we can talk about that ending. I am not going to say what happens or how he ended it or anything like that because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. When I finished this last night I literally looked at my husband and was like what kind of ending was that?(of course he had no idea what I was talking about lol) I initially didn't like it because it leaves you on a sort of cliffhanger. It wasn't until I went to bed and literally couldn't stop thinking about the book that I was like wait maybe my first initial though of the ending was wrong. So I got up this morning and re read the last paragraph or two of the ending and realized I was wrong. Yes it leaves you on sort of a cliffhanger but at the same time if you pay close attention you do get closure. If you enjoy suspenseful reads I highly recommend you pick this one up!! Also there is slight mature content in this novel so be aware of that.
February 1, 2020
Started off kinda slow, but once the story gets going it really gets going! There are lots of plot twist and moments that I didn’t see coming. A very enjoyable read.
April 10, 2017
Set Free
“How was I to know that, instead, I was simply being taken?”.
Meet Jaspar Wills, best selling author of In The Middle, as he arrives in Marrakesh, Morocco. He is taken from the airport, beaten, starved, photographed and left for dead. What do his kidnappers want? Is it fame and money? Is it related to his past?
His wife Jenn is left at home in Boston, with their friend Katie Edwards. As we travel through the book, we go back in time, seeing Jaspar's marriage to Jenn, how they met and a kidnapping of their own to name a few trips down memory lane.
“Voices. People. Were they here to save me or hurt me?”.
A great thriller with lots of twists and turns, a betrayed friendship, marital difficulties and a massive strain on the couple.
“Either he needed to trust her, and hold on for dear life, or let go and get as far away from her as possible”.
The last third of this book is absolutely packed with some massive twists in which I couldn't put the book down, to find out what would happen!
The ending of this book is left to the discretion of the reader, which is an ending I personally do not enjoy because it can be interpreted in different ways. However, to me the ending was clear in what I felt happened so in this instance I didn’t mind as much as I would normally!
Thank you to Booktasters and Anthony Bidulka for the copy of this book in return for an honest review, I very much enjoyed this book!
“How was I to know that, instead, I was simply being taken?”.
Meet Jaspar Wills, best selling author of In The Middle, as he arrives in Marrakesh, Morocco. He is taken from the airport, beaten, starved, photographed and left for dead. What do his kidnappers want? Is it fame and money? Is it related to his past?
His wife Jenn is left at home in Boston, with their friend Katie Edwards. As we travel through the book, we go back in time, seeing Jaspar's marriage to Jenn, how they met and a kidnapping of their own to name a few trips down memory lane.
“Voices. People. Were they here to save me or hurt me?”.
A great thriller with lots of twists and turns, a betrayed friendship, marital difficulties and a massive strain on the couple.
“Either he needed to trust her, and hold on for dear life, or let go and get as far away from her as possible”.
The last third of this book is absolutely packed with some massive twists in which I couldn't put the book down, to find out what would happen!
The ending of this book is left to the discretion of the reader, which is an ending I personally do not enjoy because it can be interpreted in different ways. However, to me the ending was clear in what I felt happened so in this instance I didn’t mind as much as I would normally!
Thank you to Booktasters and Anthony Bidulka for the copy of this book in return for an honest review, I very much enjoyed this book!
December 7, 2018
Thank you @Booktasters and Anthony Bidulka for this book.
An unputdownable book.In the beginning I was ready to abandon the book not even halfway but somehow I couldn't put it down, and continued; and I am happy that I did (though I've never left a book halfread) but here something about the plot compelled me to read. The book starts with a kidnapping and the story of the main character also starts with a kidnapping. Both kidnappings are for a different reason but egg you to find out "What Next" Though the repeated past and present in the first half was a little frustrating but it makes sense in the end. And the the friend/journalist reminds me of the James Bond Villain Carver of "Tomorrow never dies"
I have given this book 5 stars only for the chapters / novel "Truth Be Told" These chapters just turn the whole plot around and have different tone than the rest of the book. Though the ending leaves you to wonder but still a very good read.
I am now starting if ever there is a sequel to this book what would it reveal? Only Jaspar or Anthony Bidulka know
An unputdownable book.In the beginning I was ready to abandon the book not even halfway but somehow I couldn't put it down, and continued; and I am happy that I did (though I've never left a book halfread) but here something about the plot compelled me to read. The book starts with a kidnapping and the story of the main character also starts with a kidnapping. Both kidnappings are for a different reason but egg you to find out "What Next" Though the repeated past and present in the first half was a little frustrating but it makes sense in the end. And the the friend/journalist reminds me of the James Bond Villain Carver of "Tomorrow never dies"
I have given this book 5 stars only for the chapters / novel "Truth Be Told" These chapters just turn the whole plot around and have different tone than the rest of the book. Though the ending leaves you to wonder but still a very good read.
I am now starting if ever there is a sequel to this book what would it reveal? Only Jaspar or Anthony Bidulka know
November 7, 2016
As a fan of Anthony Bidulka's books, I was extremely excited to read this stand-alone novel. And I was not disappointed! From the first sentence, through the harrowing twists and turns, to the very unexpected ending I was held captive (pun intended!) by the mysterious characters and interesting locales. From the big city of Boston, to the exotic Middle East, to small town America; each place reveals something about our main characters. I had one main thought running through my head as I read this novel: "Where is he going with this?" And I mean it in the best way possible--I did not see that twist coming! The only thing I didn't love about this book was that it ended.
October 8, 2016
This book would make an interesting film.
May 23, 2017
Set Free - Anthony Bidulka
Title: Set Free
Author: Anthony Bidulka
First Published in the UK: 2016
Publisher: Bon Vivant Books
Pages: 284
Price on Amazon: Paperback £11.44 Kindle: £4.58
ISBN: 099522921X
Two Kidnappings, One family and a Journalist.
Mikki is kidnapped on her way home from school one evening, the one night her parents decide she is old enough to be on her own for a few hours. Not long after the parents receive the ransom demands, through the post. Not over the phone or e-mail. The ransom says nothing about not contacting the police just how much money they want in return for their daughter alive. However, the ransom is never collected and the case goes cold. Mikki is not found.
Some weeks down the line Jenn, Mikki's mother is arrested for attempted murder of their neighbour Scott, as she found one of Mikki's pink hair clips in Scott's bed. It then comes out that Jenn has slept with Scott. Scott is arrested and his daughter then accuses his of abuse.
A few months down the line Jester Mikki's father decides to go travelling to get back into his writing. He flys to Morocco, he lands in Morocco, where he catches what he believes to be a taxi. He has however been kidnapped himself. Jester goes through a terrible time whilst being a prisoner including beatings.
When Jester makes it home he writes a book about the kidnapping of his daughter and of his own kidnapping experiences. Is all how it seems though?
Throughout all of this, the family's friend Katie who is a journalist is helping them, she is controlling the media and being the spokesperson for the family.
I started off enjoying this book, I found I couldn't put it down and I found myself praying that Mikki would be returned safely to her family. I also found myself hoping that Jenn and Jester wouldn't be torn apart by this ordeal as we see so many times.
I found Katie at this stage of the book to be a really great friend, helping with the media, it's the last thing the parents want to deal with. Giving the family advice. Yes it helped boost her career but I believed she saw that as an added extra not her reason for doing it.
When Jester was kidnapped I did think did this have something to do with Mikki's kidnapping. I also felt so bad for Jenn, first her daughter and now her husband. This book throws you through a rollercoaster of emotions.
Later on, when Katie reveals her secret I won't say any more than that for spoilers I was shocked I couldn't believe it. I didn't know whether to be angry or sad or just damn confused.
I must admit at this stage I didn't know where the book could go from here and thought it was going to end in a very disappointing way and I was no longer going to enjoy it. How wrong was I?
This book had plenty of places to go, I must say when Mikki's kidnapper is revealed it floored me. I am usually so good at guessing who done it as they say but I was so far out with this one. So seriously well done.
I was confused with the ending I don't know whether Mikki is alive or dead though so that's put my mind to thinking. I have chosen to give this book 5-Stars as it put me through my paces emotionally, it kept me guessing throughout and it still managed to surprise me. I would recommend to anyone looking for a great read. This is deffo on my to reread list. This is a book I will be thinking about for some time.
Title: Set Free
Author: Anthony Bidulka
First Published in the UK: 2016
Publisher: Bon Vivant Books
Pages: 284
Price on Amazon: Paperback £11.44 Kindle: £4.58
ISBN: 099522921X
Two Kidnappings, One family and a Journalist.
Mikki is kidnapped on her way home from school one evening, the one night her parents decide she is old enough to be on her own for a few hours. Not long after the parents receive the ransom demands, through the post. Not over the phone or e-mail. The ransom says nothing about not contacting the police just how much money they want in return for their daughter alive. However, the ransom is never collected and the case goes cold. Mikki is not found.
Some weeks down the line Jenn, Mikki's mother is arrested for attempted murder of their neighbour Scott, as she found one of Mikki's pink hair clips in Scott's bed. It then comes out that Jenn has slept with Scott. Scott is arrested and his daughter then accuses his of abuse.
A few months down the line Jester Mikki's father decides to go travelling to get back into his writing. He flys to Morocco, he lands in Morocco, where he catches what he believes to be a taxi. He has however been kidnapped himself. Jester goes through a terrible time whilst being a prisoner including beatings.
When Jester makes it home he writes a book about the kidnapping of his daughter and of his own kidnapping experiences. Is all how it seems though?
Throughout all of this, the family's friend Katie who is a journalist is helping them, she is controlling the media and being the spokesperson for the family.
I started off enjoying this book, I found I couldn't put it down and I found myself praying that Mikki would be returned safely to her family. I also found myself hoping that Jenn and Jester wouldn't be torn apart by this ordeal as we see so many times.
I found Katie at this stage of the book to be a really great friend, helping with the media, it's the last thing the parents want to deal with. Giving the family advice. Yes it helped boost her career but I believed she saw that as an added extra not her reason for doing it.
When Jester was kidnapped I did think did this have something to do with Mikki's kidnapping. I also felt so bad for Jenn, first her daughter and now her husband. This book throws you through a rollercoaster of emotions.
Later on, when Katie reveals her secret I won't say any more than that for spoilers I was shocked I couldn't believe it. I didn't know whether to be angry or sad or just damn confused.
I must admit at this stage I didn't know where the book could go from here and thought it was going to end in a very disappointing way and I was no longer going to enjoy it. How wrong was I?
This book had plenty of places to go, I must say when Mikki's kidnapper is revealed it floored me. I am usually so good at guessing who done it as they say but I was so far out with this one. So seriously well done.
I was confused with the ending I don't know whether Mikki is alive or dead though so that's put my mind to thinking. I have chosen to give this book 5-Stars as it put me through my paces emotionally, it kept me guessing throughout and it still managed to surprise me. I would recommend to anyone looking for a great read. This is deffo on my to reread list. This is a book I will be thinking about for some time.
March 29, 2020
Review originally posted at kittylishareviews.blogspot.com.
Jasper was an award winning author and had everything a man could ask for. He had a beautiful wife whom he loved, he had an amazing daughter, and he was able to stay at home to focus on his writing career. What more could a man want? That is until one night when he and his wife were out late and his daughter didn't come home. She had been kidnapped.
As if that was not bad enough months later he went on a trip to Africa in order to clear his mind and do his best to get back some semblance of normal after all they had gone through. Once again his life took a turn when he was captured and sent through hell. The question is, could he come out of this alive as well?
First off I want to start by saying that I both love and hate this author now. Not for any bad reasons of course. When I actually began to focus on this book, which I hate to admit was today, I found I couldn't put it down. I was just under halfway through it when I truly began to read it today (at 6 PM) and now (at 11:30 PM) the book is finished.
Now for the reasons I hate him. He managed to draw me into the story so thoroughly that when something in my perspective changed I felt as betrayed as the characters in the book. I felt pushed through every emotion and I never suspected the truth. Now that it is finished it seems so obvious. But he hid his intentions for this book so well. I will not give anything away, but the fact that he knows what he did at the end to the point he writes out the questions without answering them makes me want to scream in frustration.
Now that I have ranted my fill on what has displeased me let's focus on the positives, shall we? This book has everything that one could need. It is raw and real. It is something that could easily happen to someone and the emotion leaks out of every page. You don't find yourself getting bored part of the way through because you know what is happening. Instead you are so totally absorbed in the book that even after having only read it for a few minutes reality begins to fade and you have only this book. Only know what is going on in front of you. The words blurring from written descriptions to a movie that is playing in your head.
Now. Since I have said that I will say something else. Everyone needs to read this book. While they need to read this book I truly hope that it is never made into a movie or any kind of screenplay. I mean that in the best way possible. The only thing a movie or screenplay of this would do is tarnish what it is. There is no way that a movie would be able to so thoroughly drag you in and not let you up. I hope you understand.
Jasper was an award winning author and had everything a man could ask for. He had a beautiful wife whom he loved, he had an amazing daughter, and he was able to stay at home to focus on his writing career. What more could a man want? That is until one night when he and his wife were out late and his daughter didn't come home. She had been kidnapped.
As if that was not bad enough months later he went on a trip to Africa in order to clear his mind and do his best to get back some semblance of normal after all they had gone through. Once again his life took a turn when he was captured and sent through hell. The question is, could he come out of this alive as well?
First off I want to start by saying that I both love and hate this author now. Not for any bad reasons of course. When I actually began to focus on this book, which I hate to admit was today, I found I couldn't put it down. I was just under halfway through it when I truly began to read it today (at 6 PM) and now (at 11:30 PM) the book is finished.
Now for the reasons I hate him. He managed to draw me into the story so thoroughly that when something in my perspective changed I felt as betrayed as the characters in the book. I felt pushed through every emotion and I never suspected the truth. Now that it is finished it seems so obvious. But he hid his intentions for this book so well. I will not give anything away, but the fact that he knows what he did at the end to the point he writes out the questions without answering them makes me want to scream in frustration.
Now that I have ranted my fill on what has displeased me let's focus on the positives, shall we? This book has everything that one could need. It is raw and real. It is something that could easily happen to someone and the emotion leaks out of every page. You don't find yourself getting bored part of the way through because you know what is happening. Instead you are so totally absorbed in the book that even after having only read it for a few minutes reality begins to fade and you have only this book. Only know what is going on in front of you. The words blurring from written descriptions to a movie that is playing in your head.
Now. Since I have said that I will say something else. Everyone needs to read this book. While they need to read this book I truly hope that it is never made into a movie or any kind of screenplay. I mean that in the best way possible. The only thing a movie or screenplay of this would do is tarnish what it is. There is no way that a movie would be able to so thoroughly drag you in and not let you up. I hope you understand.
October 28, 2016
I received this book from the author for an honest review. That said, wow! Once I started reading I didn't stop until 3 am.
Who do you believe?
What do you believe?
Do you even believe yourself or, more to the point, do you start questioning every damned thing?
Every character in “Set Free” is likeable right off the bat and the reader wants to cuddle up and hug them all and cheer on efforts to console when Mikki is kidnapped.
After that, everything goes down the crapper.
“Set Free” will keep you second guessing yourself (and switching loyalties) from beginning to end.
My own conclusions, which do not include any actual spoilers:
Abuse and torture, either mental, physical, or a combination of both, can break and even completely shatter a psyche. How a person responds to abuse/torture manifests itself in a variety of ways; some become stronger, others are broken beyond repair.
As a professional journalist (as well as a retired university professor of journalism, media communications, and ethics in journalism), I am really outraged with Katie just for that. The rest about her, enough said there for now...
Jenn, I believe, has problems within her marriage (and even her own life plans) that had nothing to do with Mikki's kidnapping.
Jaspar...where to start? So much guilt, but where did the guilt begin and where does it end, if ever? Jaspar's mental state throughout is so complex and interesting. Did he fake everything or were his experiences “real”? Some combination of the two?
Is the ending of the novel a true ending of Jaspar's story or a continuation of a delusion?
And who, after experiencing the events in the novel, can ever know for certain that the here and now is “true” and they are without a doubt “set free”?
Who do you believe?
What do you believe?
Do you even believe yourself or, more to the point, do you start questioning every damned thing?
Every character in “Set Free” is likeable right off the bat and the reader wants to cuddle up and hug them all and cheer on efforts to console when Mikki is kidnapped.
After that, everything goes down the crapper.
“Set Free” will keep you second guessing yourself (and switching loyalties) from beginning to end.
My own conclusions, which do not include any actual spoilers:
Abuse and torture, either mental, physical, or a combination of both, can break and even completely shatter a psyche. How a person responds to abuse/torture manifests itself in a variety of ways; some become stronger, others are broken beyond repair.
As a professional journalist (as well as a retired university professor of journalism, media communications, and ethics in journalism), I am really outraged with Katie just for that. The rest about her, enough said there for now...
Jenn, I believe, has problems within her marriage (and even her own life plans) that had nothing to do with Mikki's kidnapping.
Jaspar...where to start? So much guilt, but where did the guilt begin and where does it end, if ever? Jaspar's mental state throughout is so complex and interesting. Did he fake everything or were his experiences “real”? Some combination of the two?
Is the ending of the novel a true ending of Jaspar's story or a continuation of a delusion?
And who, after experiencing the events in the novel, can ever know for certain that the here and now is “true” and they are without a doubt “set free”?
October 10, 2018
Absolutely Thrilling Read
I absolutely loved this book! It was a thrilling ride from start to finish and with so many superb twists and turns. I never guessed any of them before they happened! That’s when you know you’ve read a good book! Getting to know the relationships between the characters and their back stories was interesting and I felt close them. The wealth of emotion in this book was a real page turning aspect for me alongside the mystery and intrigue of wanting to know more. The descriptions of the places featured in this book were perfect and I really felt immersed into them, imaging the sights, sounds, smells and culture; even in Boston! I am now an avid follower of the author and I look forward to seeing what else he releases, his fortune will be greater than that of Jaspers I’m sure! Fantastic book and I would highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved this book! It was a thrilling ride from start to finish and with so many superb twists and turns. I never guessed any of them before they happened! That’s when you know you’ve read a good book! Getting to know the relationships between the characters and their back stories was interesting and I felt close them. The wealth of emotion in this book was a real page turning aspect for me alongside the mystery and intrigue of wanting to know more. The descriptions of the places featured in this book were perfect and I really felt immersed into them, imaging the sights, sounds, smells and culture; even in Boston! I am now an avid follower of the author and I look forward to seeing what else he releases, his fortune will be greater than that of Jaspers I’m sure! Fantastic book and I would highly recommend it.
Read
May 28, 2017"Don’t let the movies fool you about how easy it is to be a hero. Or worse, give you unreasonable expectations for your significant other’s performance in dire circumstances."
Jasper Willis, an author, a traveler and a discovery junkie. Find himself in a similar situation, negotiating for a life, only this time it wasn't his daughters. Finding himself fighting for his life as he is held for ransom at the hands of murderers in Morocco, the reader follow the thoughts of Jasper as he undergoes the unimaginable- kidnapping.
As Jasper resurfaces into the world six months later after escaping from his kidnappers in Morocco, many have questions and he's not sure how the world will take his answers. With his story on the line and his life already in twists, Jasper has no choice but to dig deeper for the truth.
As an old friend, detective and now famous network host, Katie plans to use Jasper's story for her own fortune and travels to Morocco to find more details about his kidnapping. Little does she know she is walking right into a trap.
What she finds, will change.
What Jasper finds, will change everything.
It's been a lie, since the beginning.
Jasper Willis, an author, a traveler and a discovery junkie. Find himself in a similar situation, negotiating for a life, only this time it wasn't his daughters. Finding himself fighting for his life as he is held for ransom at the hands of murderers in Morocco, the reader follow the thoughts of Jasper as he undergoes the unimaginable- kidnapping.
As Jasper resurfaces into the world six months later after escaping from his kidnappers in Morocco, many have questions and he's not sure how the world will take his answers. With his story on the line and his life already in twists, Jasper has no choice but to dig deeper for the truth.
As an old friend, detective and now famous network host, Katie plans to use Jasper's story for her own fortune and travels to Morocco to find more details about his kidnapping. Little does she know she is walking right into a trap.
What she finds, will change.
What Jasper finds, will change everything.
It's been a lie, since the beginning.
May 29, 2017
Set Free is a book with so many twists and unsuspected turns, that the reader gets to feel as if riding a rollercoaster. The story is about a famous author, Jaspar Wills, and his wife Jenn, whose 13 year old daughter Mikki is abducted to not appear again. The book tells the story of the upcoming events that follow this tragedy, as he decides to travel to Morocco where he's being abducted himself.
The book captured my attention from beginning to end, making it difficult to put it away, as there's so many surprises and unexpected developments. I have to acknowledge the authors imagination in the composition of this story, as it is nothing like a "flat" story, but packed with events and revealing the characters real faces that were surprising and original. The description of the characters also makes it easy to comprehend their motives, even to sympathize with them, in the case of Jaspar and Jenn.
It's a very enjoyable and moving read.
The book captured my attention from beginning to end, making it difficult to put it away, as there's so many surprises and unexpected developments. I have to acknowledge the authors imagination in the composition of this story, as it is nothing like a "flat" story, but packed with events and revealing the characters real faces that were surprising and original. The description of the characters also makes it easy to comprehend their motives, even to sympathize with them, in the case of Jaspar and Jenn.
It's a very enjoyable and moving read.
January 19, 2017
My imagination came to life through the use of vivid wording. The author leads you through the lives of four individuals and how one life intertwined with the other. Each obstacle the characters face leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The use of flashback lends itself well throughout the stories plot. Without it the story would not have come alive. It was easy to relate to all the characters at one point or another. Overall, I enjoyed entering the lives of the characters and was amazed at how it all came together.
June 11, 2017
A brilliant read full of twists and turns that take you through the lives of Jaspar and Jenn Wills and the tragedy that befalls them.
It took me a couple of tries to be able to actually read this without interruption but when I was finally able to I couldn't stop.
It is a thrilling read that makes you hold your breath in anticipation for the next page, the next part of the roller coaster that made up the lives of Jaspar and Jenn. It starts with Jaspar in an airport in Marrakesh and you are slowly, almost teasingly, told the story of why he was there interspersed with what is happening to him as he delves into his past while questioning if he was being punished for failing his daughter, kidnapped a few months prior to his own abduction.
Anthony Bidulka is a fantastic writer who skillfully keeps you on the edge of your seat with a wonderfully written plot, characters that are easy to identify with and a tale that leaves you wanting more.
And even though the ending left me frustrated I liked it as it gave me the reader an opportunity to decide their fate for myself.
It took me a couple of tries to be able to actually read this without interruption but when I was finally able to I couldn't stop.
It is a thrilling read that makes you hold your breath in anticipation for the next page, the next part of the roller coaster that made up the lives of Jaspar and Jenn. It starts with Jaspar in an airport in Marrakesh and you are slowly, almost teasingly, told the story of why he was there interspersed with what is happening to him as he delves into his past while questioning if he was being punished for failing his daughter, kidnapped a few months prior to his own abduction.
Anthony Bidulka is a fantastic writer who skillfully keeps you on the edge of your seat with a wonderfully written plot, characters that are easy to identify with and a tale that leaves you wanting more.
And even though the ending left me frustrated I liked it as it gave me the reader an opportunity to decide their fate for myself.
June 10, 2018
***LITTLE SPOILER HERE AND THERE***
The Book/plot-
Okay so the reason I gave this four stars was, the first part of the book, in which Jasper was hostage in Morocco was bit stale for me, I'm not saying it was uninteresting or boring, just seemed to tire me out and took me so long to read.
I could've given a five star if not for the first part.
part really got me on edge, I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked and wanted to finish the book as soon as possible because I wanted to find out what is gonna happen next.
And don't get me started on Jasper's 'Truth Be Told.' In all honesty, it was best part of the whole 'Set Free.' I loved every bit of it, it was the most interesting and indulgent part of the book.
The ending was really abrupt, I was left with a few questions still dancing in my head. Like what happened to Mikki and Katie. To Be honest i didn't even get the ending at all.
My feelings towards the characters-
Jasper and Jenn - I've always loved and sympathized with him from the start, he played a great protagonist. And about Jenn, can't say I really liked her or disliked her. I just sympathized with her and felt bad for her because she lost her daughter. The thing that really impressed me was their relationship growth and how they loved each other even when they weren't really each others fans! I'm usually not the person who considers revenge but I'm glad Jasper got some kind of revenge or else he wouldn't have known what happened to his daughter and who did it.
Katie - well, I never liked her, at all. I always had a nagging feeling inside my head that she's gonna screw over but- my, my, she screwed over is the understatement of the whole timeline but- She really made me outrageous when she humiliated Jasper in the national TV, I get it- he did something wrong but she used that to climb that ladder of success- used for her selfish reasons and never once thought about Jasper. Being success driven is good until you don't hurt someone purposefully or intentionally. I'd never praised her throughout the book but I also won't say that she was an antagonist.
Mikki - I don't know what to say about her because I didn't get know her. But seriously- did Mikki die? or she is alive and well?
Style-
I loved the writing style and format very much, the flashback scenes and how they molded with each and every thing that was happening in the past was just fabulous! Reading this book felt like butter, smooth and flowery.
*
So overall, I'm usually a only suspense and mystery kind of reader. I'm more of a murder mystery one but won't say this one disappointed me. I actually really liked the book- the plot, characters, story- basically everything!
The Book/plot-
Okay so the reason I gave this four stars was, the first part of the book, in which Jasper was hostage in Morocco was bit stale for me, I'm not saying it was uninteresting or boring, just seemed to tire me out and took me so long to read.
I could've given a five star if not for the first part.
part really got me on edge, I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked and wanted to finish the book as soon as possible because I wanted to find out what is gonna happen next.
And don't get me started on Jasper's 'Truth Be Told.' In all honesty, it was best part of the whole 'Set Free.' I loved every bit of it, it was the most interesting and indulgent part of the book.
The ending was really abrupt, I was left with a few questions still dancing in my head. Like what happened to Mikki and Katie. To Be honest i didn't even get the ending at all.
My feelings towards the characters-
Jasper and Jenn - I've always loved and sympathized with him from the start, he played a great protagonist. And about Jenn, can't say I really liked her or disliked her. I just sympathized with her and felt bad for her because she lost her daughter. The thing that really impressed me was their relationship growth and how they loved each other even when they weren't really each others fans! I'm usually not the person who considers revenge but I'm glad Jasper got some kind of revenge or else he wouldn't have known what happened to his daughter and who did it.
Katie - well, I never liked her, at all. I always had a nagging feeling inside my head that she's gonna screw over but- my, my, she screwed over is the understatement of the whole timeline but- She really made me outrageous when she humiliated Jasper in the national TV, I get it- he did something wrong but she used that to climb that ladder of success- used for her selfish reasons and never once thought about Jasper. Being success driven is good until you don't hurt someone purposefully or intentionally. I'd never praised her throughout the book but I also won't say that she was an antagonist.
Mikki - I don't know what to say about her because I didn't get know her. But seriously- did Mikki die? or she is alive and well?
Style-
I loved the writing style and format very much, the flashback scenes and how they molded with each and every thing that was happening in the past was just fabulous! Reading this book felt like butter, smooth and flowery.
*
So overall, I'm usually a only suspense and mystery kind of reader. I'm more of a murder mystery one but won't say this one disappointed me. I actually really liked the book- the plot, characters, story- basically everything!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2018
I received a free copy from the author/Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
Jaspar Willis, his wife Jenn and their daughter Mikki live in Boston. All is good in their world, until it isn't anymore. The story opens with Jaspar being kidnapped and beaten shortly after arriving in Morocco.
The story switches effortlessly between past and present the past is where their daughter Mikki was kidnapped and never recovered, the past also contains his wife's infidelity as their marriage fell apart following the abduction. Adrift and alone Jaspar is unable to write and convinces Jenn that a trip to Morocco to research a travel book is what he needs to do. His wife will be OK she has her best friend reporter/news anchor Kate there to support her.
This book is so carefully crafted, it unfolds and you can do nothing but keep following where he is directing you. The last 40 minutes or so of this book is a revelation - I confess I was shocked when I realised who and the why. Stunned and clapping, a finely crafted thriller that would make an amazing film.
I see there are more books by Mr Budulka to read, with thanks to Booktasters for the introduction
Jaspar Willis, his wife Jenn and their daughter Mikki live in Boston. All is good in their world, until it isn't anymore. The story opens with Jaspar being kidnapped and beaten shortly after arriving in Morocco.
The story switches effortlessly between past and present the past is where their daughter Mikki was kidnapped and never recovered, the past also contains his wife's infidelity as their marriage fell apart following the abduction. Adrift and alone Jaspar is unable to write and convinces Jenn that a trip to Morocco to research a travel book is what he needs to do. His wife will be OK she has her best friend reporter/news anchor Kate there to support her.
This book is so carefully crafted, it unfolds and you can do nothing but keep following where he is directing you. The last 40 minutes or so of this book is a revelation - I confess I was shocked when I realised who and the why. Stunned and clapping, a finely crafted thriller that would make an amazing film.
I see there are more books by Mr Budulka to read, with thanks to Booktasters for the introduction
March 28, 2020
So first time I have read a book by Anthony and I really enjoyed it!
Got this book through Book Tasters.
Started of a bit slow but once you get into intriguing,thrilling and page turning!
Also felt could connect with characters
Got this book through Book Tasters.
Started of a bit slow but once you get into intriguing,thrilling and page turning!
Also felt could connect with characters
January 21, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A reporter goes to Morocco, where he is kidnapped. Turns out this runs in the family.
Tough to get through.
A reporter goes to Morocco, where he is kidnapped. Turns out this runs in the family.
Tough to get through.
November 2, 2017
Set Free by Anthony Bidulka is a story with many thought-provoking twists.
At first the book led me in one direction when the main character Jaspar Wills is taken in Morocco and held for ransom. During his imprisonment, Wills reflects on his daughter's abduction and is stricken with the guilt of not being home on the day she was taken. As the story unfolds more about the three main characters disposition comes to light. Each twist kept me questioning the characters motives and their desire to be needed and to be set free from their own adversities. This was a thrilling story with a revelation that left me questioning if I had any sympathy for Katie Edwards or if I just disliked everything about her character.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first the book led me in one direction when the main character Jaspar Wills is taken in Morocco and held for ransom. During his imprisonment, Wills reflects on his daughter's abduction and is stricken with the guilt of not being home on the day she was taken. As the story unfolds more about the three main characters disposition comes to light. Each twist kept me questioning the characters motives and their desire to be needed and to be set free from their own adversities. This was a thrilling story with a revelation that left me questioning if I had any sympathy for Katie Edwards or if I just disliked everything about her character.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2017
It's a great book, the history is very interesting and catches you from the first pages :D
November 17, 2016
gripping story, couldn't put it down! Check out the full review on my blog
September 6, 2018
This was quite a story with many unexpected twists and turns. Definitely well-written and kept me intrigued through the whole novel. I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and I thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to reading future books by Anthony.
May 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first time reading from this author, and I will be searching for his other work. Set Free at first glance was about a kidnapper and victim. Simple, psychological thriller, but in fact, this truly opens the reader to other forms of chains and bonds. I was driven to try and solve this understanding and confusion, looking for an aha moment. Still trying to contemplate how and why and if. I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free. Ok. Would I recommend this book to another? I have a few people in mind who would enjoy this type of storytelling, which is unique and refreshing, and why I gave this book 4 stars.
July 13, 2017
[I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review].
No, that is not a spoiler, so you can put down your pitchfork. In fact, that is actually the very first sentence on page one of chapter one in the voice of Jaspar Wills, the narrator/semi-famous author who gets caught up in what is quite possibly the worst year-or-so of his life.
Reflecting back, I was ignorant to the depth of crippling loss and tumultuous treachery that I was about to spiral into as I looked upon the cover of this novel. Bidulka effectively portrays his characters in an almost scarily realistic light, making me feel as though I were a character in the book looking in on a friend’s situation. I found myself wishing I were able to console, to protect, to help, to do anything for these people. My entire attention and full height of my emotions was so focused into this novel that I remember feeling the physical effects of reading it as the final pages approached—the long-held breaths, the contorted expressions of confusion and shock, the rising body temperature. But why? The plot is simple: man takes a trip to another country and gets kidnapped. It sounds like it would make for a decent story, but nothing tremendously interesting; and that’s where Bidulka proves such an assumption pathetically wrong. Throughout the novel, he takes a seemingly bland skeleton of a storyline and adds the veins, muscles, meat, and skin in a thrilling, deep way that catches the reader off guard. I am confident in saying that, if you think you know what’s going to happen/who did what, you’re wrong in at least ten ways.
Truth be told, after finishing the last page of this book, I stared at the final word and audibly whispered “Wow” out of astonishment. If I have ever read the literary equivalent of a tornado, an earthquake, and a tsunami all wrapped in one superstorm of personal betrayal, shocking twists, and gut-wrenching emotion, it would be Set Free by Anthony Bidulka. I can’t even count the number of times my eyebrows furrowed in confusion so as to ask “What in the world just happened?” Whenever I picked up this book, I just did not want to stop reading it. More often than not, I ended up extending my planned twenty-minute reading periods into hours just to see what happens next. There was never a dull moment, and that is thanks to the novel's fast pace and alluring writing style.
The bread and butter of Anthony Bidulka’s novel is not just the sinister story of the main character’s abduction, torture, and solitude, but it is the twisted intertwining of that account with an even more ominous, even more painful sequence of events overshadowing the entire story; such a dark combination is what truly gives this book its addictive, shocking essence.
After reading Set Free, I have learned that the truth may not always set you free and that trust is deadlier than it may seem.
Read this review, and others, on my website!
“I would have packed less if I knew I was going to die.”
No, that is not a spoiler, so you can put down your pitchfork. In fact, that is actually the very first sentence on page one of chapter one in the voice of Jaspar Wills, the narrator/semi-famous author who gets caught up in what is quite possibly the worst year-or-so of his life.
Reflecting back, I was ignorant to the depth of crippling loss and tumultuous treachery that I was about to spiral into as I looked upon the cover of this novel. Bidulka effectively portrays his characters in an almost scarily realistic light, making me feel as though I were a character in the book looking in on a friend’s situation. I found myself wishing I were able to console, to protect, to help, to do anything for these people. My entire attention and full height of my emotions was so focused into this novel that I remember feeling the physical effects of reading it as the final pages approached—the long-held breaths, the contorted expressions of confusion and shock, the rising body temperature. But why? The plot is simple: man takes a trip to another country and gets kidnapped. It sounds like it would make for a decent story, but nothing tremendously interesting; and that’s where Bidulka proves such an assumption pathetically wrong. Throughout the novel, he takes a seemingly bland skeleton of a storyline and adds the veins, muscles, meat, and skin in a thrilling, deep way that catches the reader off guard. I am confident in saying that, if you think you know what’s going to happen/who did what, you’re wrong in at least ten ways.
Truth be told, after finishing the last page of this book, I stared at the final word and audibly whispered “Wow” out of astonishment. If I have ever read the literary equivalent of a tornado, an earthquake, and a tsunami all wrapped in one superstorm of personal betrayal, shocking twists, and gut-wrenching emotion, it would be Set Free by Anthony Bidulka. I can’t even count the number of times my eyebrows furrowed in confusion so as to ask “What in the world just happened?” Whenever I picked up this book, I just did not want to stop reading it. More often than not, I ended up extending my planned twenty-minute reading periods into hours just to see what happens next. There was never a dull moment, and that is thanks to the novel's fast pace and alluring writing style.
The bread and butter of Anthony Bidulka’s novel is not just the sinister story of the main character’s abduction, torture, and solitude, but it is the twisted intertwining of that account with an even more ominous, even more painful sequence of events overshadowing the entire story; such a dark combination is what truly gives this book its addictive, shocking essence.
After reading Set Free, I have learned that the truth may not always set you free and that trust is deadlier than it may seem.
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March 1, 2017
really enjoyable read.Suspenseful,intriguing and full of twists and mystery.This is the first of Anthony Bidulka's books that I have read, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Author gave me pdf version of this book for which i am very grateful to him. this is one of the most thrilling story i have ever read. must read if you're fan thriller and suspense books.
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