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The Choice
An incredible new psychological crime thriller from the Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling author
‘Relentlessly fast paced, a compelling plot and anxiety inducing finale. A cracking read’ John Marrs, bestselling author of The One
‘Opens with a nightmare scenario and races to a gripping, horribly tense ending – I think I actually stopped breathing several times. Loved it! Jackie Kabler, author of The Perfect Couple
A kidnap…
Matt Westbrook only turned his back for a moment. But when he looks around, his car – with his three young children inside – has vanished.
A ransom…
Panicked, Matt assumes a car thief has got more than he bargained for, but then he starts to receive text messages: This is a kidnap. If you want to see your children again, you will exchange them for your wife.
A choice…
Matt and his wife Annabelle are horrified. They can’t involve the police, or their children will be killed. Which means they have to choose: Annabelle, or their children. Either option is unthinkable. But one is inevitable. And they have only hours to make their decision…
The gripping new thriller you won’t be able to put down!
What Netgalley reviewers are saying about The Choice
‘Alex Lake is at the top of the game. An electrifying read of 2020’
‘Brilliant! Loved it. The way the story unfolds kept me at the edge of my seat’
‘Oh my goodness what a rollercoaster of a read, just brilliant, full of twists and turns and I was gripped from the very first page’
‘This is the must read thriller of 2020 no question’
‘This book hooked me from page one and kept me gripped right to the end’
‘The revelation was shocking and the last bits of the book were really tense and exciting’
‘My heart was pounding and this only served to make me read faster!!!’
‘Relentlessly fast paced, a compelling plot and anxiety inducing finale. A cracking read’ John Marrs, bestselling author of The One
‘Opens with a nightmare scenario and races to a gripping, horribly tense ending – I think I actually stopped breathing several times. Loved it! Jackie Kabler, author of The Perfect Couple
A kidnap…
Matt Westbrook only turned his back for a moment. But when he looks around, his car – with his three young children inside – has vanished.
A ransom…
Panicked, Matt assumes a car thief has got more than he bargained for, but then he starts to receive text messages: This is a kidnap. If you want to see your children again, you will exchange them for your wife.
A choice…
Matt and his wife Annabelle are horrified. They can’t involve the police, or their children will be killed. Which means they have to choose: Annabelle, or their children. Either option is unthinkable. But one is inevitable. And they have only hours to make their decision…
The gripping new thriller you won’t be able to put down!
What Netgalley reviewers are saying about The Choice
‘Alex Lake is at the top of the game. An electrifying read of 2020’
‘Brilliant! Loved it. The way the story unfolds kept me at the edge of my seat’
‘Oh my goodness what a rollercoaster of a read, just brilliant, full of twists and turns and I was gripped from the very first page’
‘This is the must read thriller of 2020 no question’
‘This book hooked me from page one and kept me gripped right to the end’
‘The revelation was shocking and the last bits of the book were really tense and exciting’
‘My heart was pounding and this only served to make me read faster!!!’
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
495 people are currently reading
2863 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lake
14 books897 followersAlex Lake is a British novelist who was born in the North West of England. After Anna, the author’s first novel written under this pseudonym, was a No.1 bestselling ebook sensation and a top-ten Sunday Times bestseller. The author now lives in the North East of the US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
November 1, 2020
Okay! I’m confused: I have tons of things for enjoying this story so much including its breathtaking, high tense, fast pacing beginning and I have to admit I was breathless throughout the action packed, heart pounding ending parts. But in the middle of it, the story lost its charm because the execution of the ideas became flat. It gives us so much and we already found the perpetrator and his reasonings to commit such a dangerous crime.
I didn’t use my spidey spider senses. I already sent them to Vegas for enjoying their masked jackpot experience! As I mentioned before I felt like the author whispered the ending to our ears in the middle of the book.
Before I’m telling my decision between three and four stars let’s give you brief summary of story:
Matt Westbrook thinks there is no harm to stop by the shop for a few seconds. His three children can wait him in the car. It won’t take more than a minute. But the worst thing he cannot even imagine happens and somebody steals his car with his children still inside! Whattt??? What kind of freak does that?
He goes back to his house to talk with his wife with a small hope: his children found their way back but his children are not at home and they receive threatening messages tell them: this is kidnap and if they want to see their children alive, they have to pay a ransom. A ransom like “leave the gun and wife, take the cannelloni and children.” Okay, you got what I mean! They want Annabelle switch places with his children.
And eventually she accepts the offer! As a devoted mother she was ready to take any risk to save her children. And then... yes I’m shut my blabbering mouth right now not to give away so much!
I think I chose to be more optimistic grader this time: I finally decided rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 because of promising start and amazing ending but I think if second half of the book could be rewritten and those short chapters can be a little elaborated, it would turn into guaranteed five starred reading for me! But I still enjoyed the heart pounding pace and satisfying outcome!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360/ Harper Collins for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I didn’t use my spidey spider senses. I already sent them to Vegas for enjoying their masked jackpot experience! As I mentioned before I felt like the author whispered the ending to our ears in the middle of the book.
Before I’m telling my decision between three and four stars let’s give you brief summary of story:
Matt Westbrook thinks there is no harm to stop by the shop for a few seconds. His three children can wait him in the car. It won’t take more than a minute. But the worst thing he cannot even imagine happens and somebody steals his car with his children still inside! Whattt??? What kind of freak does that?
He goes back to his house to talk with his wife with a small hope: his children found their way back but his children are not at home and they receive threatening messages tell them: this is kidnap and if they want to see their children alive, they have to pay a ransom. A ransom like “leave the gun and wife, take the cannelloni and children.” Okay, you got what I mean! They want Annabelle switch places with his children.
And eventually she accepts the offer! As a devoted mother she was ready to take any risk to save her children. And then... yes I’m shut my blabbering mouth right now not to give away so much!
I think I chose to be more optimistic grader this time: I finally decided rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 because of promising start and amazing ending but I think if second half of the book could be rewritten and those short chapters can be a little elaborated, it would turn into guaranteed five starred reading for me! But I still enjoyed the heart pounding pace and satisfying outcome!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360/ Harper Collins for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 17, 2020
Matt Westbrook parks his car and makes the decision to leave his three children inside and quickly pop into a shop. What harm can it do? When he goes back outside, the car is gone and the children with it and he obviously goes into panic mode. He runs home to tell his wife Annabelle and then they get some very scary text messages and their lives unravel. The story is told principally by Matt, Annabelle and the perpetrator in 2020 but backtracks to the couples life from 2004.
The book starts really well, the premise is good, Matt’s panic is palpable, the perps nerve comes across loud and clear and the ransom is very twisted sister. The couples past lives are intriguing as you have several possible contenders for who the offender is in 2020 and one of those is particularly fruity loops which is interesting! For the first 50% there is some tension especially at the ransom meet up and there are some exciting sections here. Then unfortunately for me it starts to go pear shaped as it begins to lose plausibility. It is obvious after a while who the perpetrator is so the element of surprise is lost. The offenders ‘voice’ does not feel authentic, the delusions are a bit bonkers which would be ok if there’s menace but this does not come across in the writing, it just feels a bit mad. It leads to some eye rolling but not in a good way. The very short chapters don’t help as there are some very abrupt ends as the dialogue switches to another characters perspective which makes it feel disjointed. The pace picks up towards the end which is quite exciting.
Overall, the first half is 4 star, the second is 2 and so it’s an overall 3 star read for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the ARC
The book starts really well, the premise is good, Matt’s panic is palpable, the perps nerve comes across loud and clear and the ransom is very twisted sister. The couples past lives are intriguing as you have several possible contenders for who the offender is in 2020 and one of those is particularly fruity loops which is interesting! For the first 50% there is some tension especially at the ransom meet up and there are some exciting sections here. Then unfortunately for me it starts to go pear shaped as it begins to lose plausibility. It is obvious after a while who the perpetrator is so the element of surprise is lost. The offenders ‘voice’ does not feel authentic, the delusions are a bit bonkers which would be ok if there’s menace but this does not come across in the writing, it just feels a bit mad. It leads to some eye rolling but not in a good way. The very short chapters don’t help as there are some very abrupt ends as the dialogue switches to another characters perspective which makes it feel disjointed. The pace picks up towards the end which is quite exciting.
Overall, the first half is 4 star, the second is 2 and so it’s an overall 3 star read for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the ARC
November 5, 2020
I'd wondered how soon Covid-19 would feature as a plot point, it's partly the reason why Matt Westbrook decides to leave his kids in the car on their own as he pops to the shop.
The novel opens on the 7th of March 2020 (so about 3 weeks before the U.K. actually lockdown) and the nervousness of the virus spreading and the massive upheaval of getting the 3 kids out of the car for just a few essential items convinces Matt that they will be fine...
Of course the car and passengers have disappeared once Matt has exited the shop.
The narrative follows many POVs with really short chapters that really entices the reader in.
The main hook is the ransom demand of the kidnapper, a straight swap for the children's mother Annabelle.
The various flashbacks in the couples relationship helps build a picture of who's behind the plan.
The short burst of chapters adds to the enjoyment and covers over a few too many convient plot contrivances.
The references to the pandemic could easily have been added in at the last minute to make Matt less culpable - it was never really mentioned again.
Also it wasn't until after finishing the book that I started questioning how predictably in character Matt leaveing them unattended and Annabelle willing to swap would have been?
That's how easily caught up in this simple fun thriller.
The novel opens on the 7th of March 2020 (so about 3 weeks before the U.K. actually lockdown) and the nervousness of the virus spreading and the massive upheaval of getting the 3 kids out of the car for just a few essential items convinces Matt that they will be fine...
Of course the car and passengers have disappeared once Matt has exited the shop.
The narrative follows many POVs with really short chapters that really entices the reader in.
The main hook is the ransom demand of the kidnapper, a straight swap for the children's mother Annabelle.
The various flashbacks in the couples relationship helps build a picture of who's behind the plan.
The short burst of chapters adds to the enjoyment and covers over a few too many convient plot contrivances.
The references to the pandemic could easily have been added in at the last minute to make Matt less culpable - it was never really mentioned again.
Also it wasn't until after finishing the book that I started questioning how predictably in character Matt leaveing them unattended and Annabelle willing to swap would have been?
That's how easily caught up in this simple fun thriller.
November 24, 2020
Oh how disappointing! It started so well but then it got very silly... what a shame 😥
August 22, 2020
Matt Westbrook only went into the shop for a couple of minutes. But when he comes back out of the shop, the car along with his three children inside, has disappeared. He thinks a car thief has stolen it not realising that the children were in there. But then Matt gets a ransom text message telling him if he wants to see his children again, and what the ransom is. Matt and his wife Annabelle are horrified. They have to make a sacrifice, but really, there is only one option.
This story is told through the past and present day. The past is when Matt and Annabelle were at university. I had a good idea who the kidnapper was., but I was wrong. I eventually got it right just before they were revealed. What a weird and wonderful concoction of characters. The pace is steady in this well written book. I didn't want to put the book down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Alex Lake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told through the past and present day. The past is when Matt and Annabelle were at university. I had a good idea who the kidnapper was., but I was wrong. I eventually got it right just before they were revealed. What a weird and wonderful concoction of characters. The pace is steady in this well written book. I didn't want to put the book down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Alex Lake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2020
Oooh oh oh oh, this was SO good! This is the first thing I've ever read by Alex Lake and it was so damn good! Had me gripped from the start and kept me guessing until the end.
Even after finding out who kidnapped Annabelle, it was a constant guessing game of what they were going to do next.
Even after finding out who kidnapped Annabelle, it was a constant guessing game of what they were going to do next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2022
Summary: When a man's children are kidnapped the ransom asked for is his wife.
Overall: Great for fans of James Patterson. Great premise, but missing some substance.
Characters:5/10: Nothing made them stand out to me, and I'll probably forget them quickly.
Uniqueness: 10/10
Plot:7/10: Action-packed, but I found the first half better than the second.
Cover:9/10
Atmosphere:8/10
Knowledge:5/10 A lot of the police facts seem unrealistic or just plain wrong.
Enjoyment:9 The short chapters keep the book moving, however constantly starting the chapter #'s over was confusing!
August 14, 2020
Matt Westbrook only turned his back for a moment. But when he looks around, his car has vanished and his three young children inside have been kidnapped. Panicked, Matt rushes back home to his wife Annabelle.
As Matt and Annabelle await frantically as to how much the ransom demand might be, Matt receives a horrifying text message from the kidnapper ,"This is a kidnap. If you want to see your children again, you will exchange them for your wife."
They can’t involve the police, or their children will be killed. Which means they have to choose: Annabelle, or their children. Either option is unthinkable. But one is inevitable. And they have only hours to make their decision…
The premise and the book were both so intriguing. It was so exciting to read this and find who was the kidnapper and why would they make such an absurd demand.
It was well written and almost every character was suspicious. I didn't expect the person it turned out to be be and the reasoning behind it was completely delusional.
Overall, a fast and enjoyable read.
Thank You to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC!!
As Matt and Annabelle await frantically as to how much the ransom demand might be, Matt receives a horrifying text message from the kidnapper ,"This is a kidnap. If you want to see your children again, you will exchange them for your wife."
They can’t involve the police, or their children will be killed. Which means they have to choose: Annabelle, or their children. Either option is unthinkable. But one is inevitable. And they have only hours to make their decision…
The premise and the book were both so intriguing. It was so exciting to read this and find who was the kidnapper and why would they make such an absurd demand.
It was well written and almost every character was suspicious. I didn't expect the person it turned out to be be and the reasoning behind it was completely delusional.
Overall, a fast and enjoyable read.
Thank You to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC!!
August 22, 2020
Matt Westbrook only went into the shop for a couple of minutes. But when he comes back out the shop his car along with his three children inside, had disappeared. He thinks a car thief has stolen it not realising that the children were in there. But then Matt gets a ransom text message telling him if he wants to see his children again, and what the ransom is. Matt and his wife Annabelle are horrified. They have to make a sacrifice, but really, there is only one option.
This story is told through the past and present day. The past is when Matt and Annabelle were at university. I had a good idea who the kidnapper was, but I was wrong. I did eventually get it right just before they were revealed. What a weird and wonderful concoction of characters. The pace is steady in this well written book. I didn't want to put the book down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Alex Lake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told through the past and present day. The past is when Matt and Annabelle were at university. I had a good idea who the kidnapper was, but I was wrong. I did eventually get it right just before they were revealed. What a weird and wonderful concoction of characters. The pace is steady in this well written book. I didn't want to put the book down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Alex Lake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
Matt Westbrook is driving home with his three children in the car, he decides to stop at a shop as his wife Annabelle needs some groceries. He quickly leaves the children in the car, as he will only be gone a minute. Unbeknown to him someone is watching and when he leaves the shop his car and the children have disappeared!!!
The kidnapper texts him with an ultimatum, he can have his children back if his wife takes their place. Why did he not take his wife if that’s who he was after? No that would be too simple, and this book has a more complex and twisting plot than that!!
This story is told through the present day and back in the past when Annabelle and Matt were at university.
I loved the fast pace of this book and at times my heart was going like the clappers as the kidnapper was identified.
Another great book from this author. I will be looking forward to her next one.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
The kidnapper texts him with an ultimatum, he can have his children back if his wife takes their place. Why did he not take his wife if that’s who he was after? No that would be too simple, and this book has a more complex and twisting plot than that!!
This story is told through the present day and back in the past when Annabelle and Matt were at university.
I loved the fast pace of this book and at times my heart was going like the clappers as the kidnapper was identified.
Another great book from this author. I will be looking forward to her next one.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
March 7, 2022
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Having thoroughly enjoyed Alex Lake's previous thriller "Seven Days" as well as his debut "After Anna" , I was excited to delve into this author's unique style once again. I say he has a unique style and yet I can't actually put my finger on exactly what makes his books stand out from the rest...but they do. Well, for me anyway. Even if I have missed a few others along the way.
What would you do if, on your way home, you stop a corner shop and, as it's only for a few quick minutes, leave your kids in the car and then come out just mere minutes later to discover your car, along with your children, were gone? You'd call the police, right? Right. But what if you then got a text message spookily at that very moment telling you not to? Ignore it and call them anyway? Maybe. But then what if another text message follows informing you that if you did you would never see your children again? Hesitation...then nope. Your children's lives are at stake. Would you, really? Personally, I'd probably call the kidnapper's bluff and call them anyway since they have the resources and the manpower to track them down that we don't. But...then we wouldn't have an exciting fast paced thriller that such a fun read...would we?
And that's the conundrum Matt Westbrook and his author wife Annabelle face when Matt stopped to buy groceries and left their three children in the car for a few moments. He had thought they were safe. He was only gone for a few moments and the child locks were activated so there was no way they could have gotten out of the car without climbing into the front seat. So where did they go?
And then the text messages began.
"Do not call the police. If you do, you will never see your children again."
That's it...plead to the parent in them. They would never deny their children nor their safety so of course they would do what the kidnapper had anticipated they would do...they wouldn't call the police, thus waiting for further demands. And when it comes...it is nothing like they expect it to be. The kidnapper doesn't want money. So what do they want?
The ultimatum...your kids for your wife. The kidnapper wants Annabelle.
And so the rollercoaster begins as Matt and Annabelle at first try to work out who is behind this. Is it someone they know? A crazed fan? Or something they have yet to consider? And why, if they had wanted Annabelle, did they not take her in the first place? But time is running out as they work to meet the kidnapper's demands with a little plan of their own at play. They only have a few hours to decide. But more to the point, will it work?
Addictive from start to finish, THE CHOICE really is about an ultimate choice that threatens to change their lives forever. Could you do it? I don't know if I could...but then the kidnapper is relying on something primal that will speak to the heart of the parent - your children or yourself? The concept is incredibly unique, as is the plot that is both complex and imaginative. What the reader discovers is that there is so much more to this twisted tale than meets the eye.
Told over two timelines, THE CHOICE begins with the main event - the kidnap - and the hours that follow. Then it rewinds to 2004 and Matt's university days and things begin to get interesting. We are given key events from Matt and Annabelle's past - from when they met, married and had their first child to Annabelle's rise as an accomplished author. We are even given a whole bunch of crazy characters from an obsessed ex, a weird fan who is just that little bit creepy enough to get your spidey senses tingling and a sister with a warped sense of loyalty. And from this we need to really pay attention or we could miss a vital clue.
When the reveal came, which is about three quarters of the way through, I wasn't at all shocked because I had learnt to expect the unexpected; to not go for the blindingly obvious; to delve a little deeper and peel back the layers to piece together my own hypothesis. I'd not only worked out who the kidnapper was but also why...which is a lot harder to figure out because it seriously is so far fetched it certainly wouldn't occur to most people. It is a whole bunch of crazy put together as one deranged and twisted thrill-ride.
I loved the various viewpoints we are given, most prominently Matt, Annabelle and the kidnapper to begin with, before we move onto Detective Inspector Wynne's interspersed narrative of the investigation, and even a random witness and police constable towards the end. Even COVID gets a mention, as events take place just weeks before the first lockdown.
I admit that it's the beginning of the book that grabs the reader by the throat initially, dragging them into this fast paced read from the first moment. It doesn't let up as the reader questions everyone and everything. When the reveal came, things tend to slow down a little as we know who it is, right? But this is Alex Lake...and we know it doesn't end there. Don't get too comfortable. Expect the unexpected.
An addictive read, THE CHOICE plays out like a movie thriller which I can easily see on the big screen...without going all Hollywood. The British landscape and setting is far more atmospheric and chilling...and nothing can match that ending.
Enjoyable and fast-paced, THE CHOICE is fast, fun and oh so far fetched. But who cares? It's fresh and fun and the past is wild. The plot may be complex, the kidnapper delusional but it was bloody addictive reading.
A gripping thriller perfect for fans of John Marrs, Nicola Marsh, Kerry Wilkinson, Valerie Keogh and Sheryl Browne.
I would like to thank #TheChoice, #Netgalley, #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #TheChoice in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Alex Lake's previous thriller "Seven Days" as well as his debut "After Anna" , I was excited to delve into this author's unique style once again. I say he has a unique style and yet I can't actually put my finger on exactly what makes his books stand out from the rest...but they do. Well, for me anyway. Even if I have missed a few others along the way.
What would you do if, on your way home, you stop a corner shop and, as it's only for a few quick minutes, leave your kids in the car and then come out just mere minutes later to discover your car, along with your children, were gone? You'd call the police, right? Right. But what if you then got a text message spookily at that very moment telling you not to? Ignore it and call them anyway? Maybe. But then what if another text message follows informing you that if you did you would never see your children again? Hesitation...then nope. Your children's lives are at stake. Would you, really? Personally, I'd probably call the kidnapper's bluff and call them anyway since they have the resources and the manpower to track them down that we don't. But...then we wouldn't have an exciting fast paced thriller that such a fun read...would we?
And that's the conundrum Matt Westbrook and his author wife Annabelle face when Matt stopped to buy groceries and left their three children in the car for a few moments. He had thought they were safe. He was only gone for a few moments and the child locks were activated so there was no way they could have gotten out of the car without climbing into the front seat. So where did they go?
And then the text messages began.
"Do not call the police. If you do, you will never see your children again."
That's it...plead to the parent in them. They would never deny their children nor their safety so of course they would do what the kidnapper had anticipated they would do...they wouldn't call the police, thus waiting for further demands. And when it comes...it is nothing like they expect it to be. The kidnapper doesn't want money. So what do they want?
The ultimatum...your kids for your wife. The kidnapper wants Annabelle.
And so the rollercoaster begins as Matt and Annabelle at first try to work out who is behind this. Is it someone they know? A crazed fan? Or something they have yet to consider? And why, if they had wanted Annabelle, did they not take her in the first place? But time is running out as they work to meet the kidnapper's demands with a little plan of their own at play. They only have a few hours to decide. But more to the point, will it work?
Addictive from start to finish, THE CHOICE really is about an ultimate choice that threatens to change their lives forever. Could you do it? I don't know if I could...but then the kidnapper is relying on something primal that will speak to the heart of the parent - your children or yourself? The concept is incredibly unique, as is the plot that is both complex and imaginative. What the reader discovers is that there is so much more to this twisted tale than meets the eye.
Told over two timelines, THE CHOICE begins with the main event - the kidnap - and the hours that follow. Then it rewinds to 2004 and Matt's university days and things begin to get interesting. We are given key events from Matt and Annabelle's past - from when they met, married and had their first child to Annabelle's rise as an accomplished author. We are even given a whole bunch of crazy characters from an obsessed ex, a weird fan who is just that little bit creepy enough to get your spidey senses tingling and a sister with a warped sense of loyalty. And from this we need to really pay attention or we could miss a vital clue.
When the reveal came, which is about three quarters of the way through, I wasn't at all shocked because I had learnt to expect the unexpected; to not go for the blindingly obvious; to delve a little deeper and peel back the layers to piece together my own hypothesis. I'd not only worked out who the kidnapper was but also why...which is a lot harder to figure out because it seriously is so far fetched it certainly wouldn't occur to most people. It is a whole bunch of crazy put together as one deranged and twisted thrill-ride.
I loved the various viewpoints we are given, most prominently Matt, Annabelle and the kidnapper to begin with, before we move onto Detective Inspector Wynne's interspersed narrative of the investigation, and even a random witness and police constable towards the end. Even COVID gets a mention, as events take place just weeks before the first lockdown.
I admit that it's the beginning of the book that grabs the reader by the throat initially, dragging them into this fast paced read from the first moment. It doesn't let up as the reader questions everyone and everything. When the reveal came, things tend to slow down a little as we know who it is, right? But this is Alex Lake...and we know it doesn't end there. Don't get too comfortable. Expect the unexpected.
An addictive read, THE CHOICE plays out like a movie thriller which I can easily see on the big screen...without going all Hollywood. The British landscape and setting is far more atmospheric and chilling...and nothing can match that ending.
Enjoyable and fast-paced, THE CHOICE is fast, fun and oh so far fetched. But who cares? It's fresh and fun and the past is wild. The plot may be complex, the kidnapper delusional but it was bloody addictive reading.
A gripping thriller perfect for fans of John Marrs, Nicola Marsh, Kerry Wilkinson, Valerie Keogh and Sheryl Browne.
I would like to thank #TheChoice, #Netgalley, #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #TheChoice in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 31, 2021
Fast paced, fresh and fun!
I definitely enjoyed the beginning of this thriller. It gave me that “ what would I do in this situation” vibe.
By the time the reveal came, I had long guessed the villain, but this did not spoil my enjoyment. The ending is not as strong as the beginning, however it was still entertaining.
A solid 4⭐️ read for me. Will definitely be reading more Alex Lake in the future.
I definitely enjoyed the beginning of this thriller. It gave me that “ what would I do in this situation” vibe.
By the time the reveal came, I had long guessed the villain, but this did not spoil my enjoyment. The ending is not as strong as the beginning, however it was still entertaining.
A solid 4⭐️ read for me. Will definitely be reading more Alex Lake in the future.
October 23, 2020
Couldn't finish this book - got to about 70% and realised I a) didn't care what happened to the characters and b) couldn't believe who the kidnapper was without laughing.
Sorry - this just wasn't for me.
Sorry - this just wasn't for me.
August 30, 2020
Full disclosure; I love Alex Lakes' books, they are one of my absolute favourite authors. I was delighted to receive an ARC of this new book.
As always the writing is superb, atmospheric, hard hitting and the plot is gripping and exciting, I feel all Alex Lake books are unique, nothing else like them, and this book had me gripped from the start.
In my view this is not one off their best books though, I have reread all other other books but in all honesty would not read this one again. Whilst it is very good and well written, it didnt quite have the excitement and twistiness of the other books, usually I cant guess what is going to happen but with this I did guess and felt not very much really happened and the conclusion wasn't as special as I have come to expect from the other books.
This is still a great read from a great writer, just for me not quite as good as previous superb books.
As always the writing is superb, atmospheric, hard hitting and the plot is gripping and exciting, I feel all Alex Lake books are unique, nothing else like them, and this book had me gripped from the start.
In my view this is not one off their best books though, I have reread all other other books but in all honesty would not read this one again. Whilst it is very good and well written, it didnt quite have the excitement and twistiness of the other books, usually I cant guess what is going to happen but with this I did guess and felt not very much really happened and the conclusion wasn't as special as I have come to expect from the other books.
This is still a great read from a great writer, just for me not quite as good as previous superb books.
October 5, 2020
Narrated from three view points, Matt, Annabelle and the kidnapper, this is told mostly in the present (with a few Covid mentions) and flashbacks to their time at University in 2004. Then further on we also have narrative from Detective Wynn.
All the characters are well thought out and written in such a way to plant seeds of doubt. I found myself questioning marriages, friendships and every random introduction. Matt and Annabelle seem happy or am I being led up the garden path?
There are a whole bunch of crazies in this book, including an obsessed ex, a book fan who isn’t quite Annie Wilkes but isn’t the whole ticket either, and a sister with warped loyalties. So your suspect list is full but this is where you need to pay attention. The clues are there and for the first time in what feels like forever I actually worked it out and all because of one little teensy clue which could easily be missed. All is not revealed until about three quarters of the way through so you have time to hone your detective skills.
Reading like an action thriller at times the chase is on once the swap is made and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is pure unadulterated fun from start to finish. If you enjoyed the film Knives out this would also make a great film and I’ve already got the two leads cast, James McAvoy for Matt and Kelly Macdonald as Annabelle.
All the characters are well thought out and written in such a way to plant seeds of doubt. I found myself questioning marriages, friendships and every random introduction. Matt and Annabelle seem happy or am I being led up the garden path?
There are a whole bunch of crazies in this book, including an obsessed ex, a book fan who isn’t quite Annie Wilkes but isn’t the whole ticket either, and a sister with warped loyalties. So your suspect list is full but this is where you need to pay attention. The clues are there and for the first time in what feels like forever I actually worked it out and all because of one little teensy clue which could easily be missed. All is not revealed until about three quarters of the way through so you have time to hone your detective skills.
Reading like an action thriller at times the chase is on once the swap is made and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is pure unadulterated fun from start to finish. If you enjoyed the film Knives out this would also make a great film and I’ve already got the two leads cast, James McAvoy for Matt and Kelly Macdonald as Annabelle.
March 26, 2023
"I have his kids and his car. Easy to steal. Especially when you have the key. His spare, taken from the jar above the fridge in his kitchen, one day last summer when they were off on their family holiday. Too easy."
You leave the kids in the car, parked outside of the shop while you run in and grab a few bits. It's okay, isn't it? You'll only be a couple minutes. They'll be safe. This is what Matt thinks as he walks away from the car holding his three young children. But when he leaves the shop, his car is gone with his children still inside. He thinks it's a random car jacking until he starts receiving texts telling him it's a kidnapping. He runs home to tell his wife Anabelle, and they wait for the kidnapper to demand money. Instead, he demands Anabelle. He wants her to exchange herself for the children. Matt and Anabelle desperately try to find a way to stop this from happening, but in the end, they know what they have to do.
Another story with dual timelines. In one, we follow the story of Matt, from meeting Anabelle for the first time, to when they get married and have their first child, to when Anabelle publishes her first book and tries to pave her way in the literary world.
The other is present day. Switching between the POV of Matt, Anabelle and the kidnapper; we follow the story from the moment Matt walks away from his car.
It's a fast-paced and gripping story that had me hooked from the start. My anxiety levels were also waay up just from the synopsis alone.
Another great book from Alex Lake.
You leave the kids in the car, parked outside of the shop while you run in and grab a few bits. It's okay, isn't it? You'll only be a couple minutes. They'll be safe. This is what Matt thinks as he walks away from the car holding his three young children. But when he leaves the shop, his car is gone with his children still inside. He thinks it's a random car jacking until he starts receiving texts telling him it's a kidnapping. He runs home to tell his wife Anabelle, and they wait for the kidnapper to demand money. Instead, he demands Anabelle. He wants her to exchange herself for the children. Matt and Anabelle desperately try to find a way to stop this from happening, but in the end, they know what they have to do.
Another story with dual timelines. In one, we follow the story of Matt, from meeting Anabelle for the first time, to when they get married and have their first child, to when Anabelle publishes her first book and tries to pave her way in the literary world.
The other is present day. Switching between the POV of Matt, Anabelle and the kidnapper; we follow the story from the moment Matt walks away from his car.
It's a fast-paced and gripping story that had me hooked from the start. My anxiety levels were also waay up just from the synopsis alone.
Another great book from Alex Lake.
October 6, 2020
A thriller that is sure to be enthrall!
Leaving his three young children in the car, Matt makes a quick stop to a corner store. Returning outside - his car and his children are not there! Maybe, he thinks, I parked somewhere else? No. A prank? No. He receives a text from someone that says they have the children and NOT to contact the police. Matt runs home.
Matt and his wife, Annabelle, find out that it isn't money the kidnapper wants. The kidnapper wants a trade - the children for Annabelle...
A superb suspense thriller! Great premise and solidly written.
RECOMMEND!
Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins ,Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Leaving his three young children in the car, Matt makes a quick stop to a corner store. Returning outside - his car and his children are not there! Maybe, he thinks, I parked somewhere else? No. A prank? No. He receives a text from someone that says they have the children and NOT to contact the police. Matt runs home.
Matt and his wife, Annabelle, find out that it isn't money the kidnapper wants. The kidnapper wants a trade - the children for Annabelle...
A superb suspense thriller! Great premise and solidly written.
RECOMMEND!
Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins ,Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
November 23, 2020
A nasty little book with lots of twists and turns!
It read a bit like a YA novel, which was a bit confusing based on the subject matter.
It read a bit like a YA novel, which was a bit confusing based on the subject matter.
August 22, 2020
A kidnap… a ransom... a choice...
Matt Westbrook nips into the shop to get some essentials on the way home, leaving his three kids in the car, when he emerges five minutes later the car and his children are gone, what he at first thinks is a prank, played by a friend, becomes much more sinister when he arrives home and receives a text telling him not to inform the police or he will never see his children again, the ransom demand is his wife in exchange for the children. They have a few hours to make their decision and the clock is ticking...
This latest by Alex Lake hits the ground running, from page one the drama unfolds and quickly turns into the crisis that every parents dreads, but the ransom demand is very unexpected, if they wanted Annabel, why not just take her? There is so much more to this than meets the eye! The plot is complex, imaginative and creative, and there are lots of twists along the way. The story is told over two timelines; the present day and Matt's uni days, it's fast paced with choppy chapters which made it an easy read that I finished in a day, and the characters are very well written. Another great book from this author and I'm looking forward to the next one which is out next year.
I'd like to thank HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Matt Westbrook nips into the shop to get some essentials on the way home, leaving his three kids in the car, when he emerges five minutes later the car and his children are gone, what he at first thinks is a prank, played by a friend, becomes much more sinister when he arrives home and receives a text telling him not to inform the police or he will never see his children again, the ransom demand is his wife in exchange for the children. They have a few hours to make their decision and the clock is ticking...
This latest by Alex Lake hits the ground running, from page one the drama unfolds and quickly turns into the crisis that every parents dreads, but the ransom demand is very unexpected, if they wanted Annabel, why not just take her? There is so much more to this than meets the eye! The plot is complex, imaginative and creative, and there are lots of twists along the way. The story is told over two timelines; the present day and Matt's uni days, it's fast paced with choppy chapters which made it an easy read that I finished in a day, and the characters are very well written. Another great book from this author and I'm looking forward to the next one which is out next year.
I'd like to thank HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
September 15, 2020
What a simply horrifying situation to find yourself in. Matt leaves his kids in his unlocked car while popping into the shop for a minute and when he turns around the car and the kids are gone.
Worse still there is a ransom and the kidnapper wants his wife Annabelle - or the kids get it.
Leaving Matt and Annabelle to have to make well the only decision that people could make and that is when it gets completely addictive...
We are given short chapters from the kidnappers point of view, giving a startling insight into their mind. But at no point until we are reaching the finale, is the identity of our villain known, much less the motives.
We see key events from Matt and Amanda past, and there are quite a few names that crossed my mind, including the correct answer but I just couldn't work out why for anyone.
From the start I was drawn into Alex Lake's warped mind, and gripping story, as I had the book on my brain even when I wasn't reading. I couldn't get enough of it, trying to see just how things may turn out for Matt and Annabelle.
I loved the various viewpoints, so we were really able to get up close and personal with the key characters, and I do wonder, if this might make parents think twice about leaving their kids unattended in public, as it only takes a second and something can change your life for ever.
Enthralling book that has cemented Alex Lake as one of my favourite psychological thriller writers, and an auto read regardless of blurb in the future.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Worse still there is a ransom and the kidnapper wants his wife Annabelle - or the kids get it.
Leaving Matt and Annabelle to have to make well the only decision that people could make and that is when it gets completely addictive...
We are given short chapters from the kidnappers point of view, giving a startling insight into their mind. But at no point until we are reaching the finale, is the identity of our villain known, much less the motives.
We see key events from Matt and Amanda past, and there are quite a few names that crossed my mind, including the correct answer but I just couldn't work out why for anyone.
From the start I was drawn into Alex Lake's warped mind, and gripping story, as I had the book on my brain even when I wasn't reading. I couldn't get enough of it, trying to see just how things may turn out for Matt and Annabelle.
I loved the various viewpoints, so we were really able to get up close and personal with the key characters, and I do wonder, if this might make parents think twice about leaving their kids unattended in public, as it only takes a second and something can change your life for ever.
Enthralling book that has cemented Alex Lake as one of my favourite psychological thriller writers, and an auto read regardless of blurb in the future.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 16, 2020
Note I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as part of this blog tour. Many Thanks to Harper Collins and Anne Cater #gifted 💕
💭 Part one sets the scene of this book well. Matt has stopped off in a shop on his way from getting the kids. Annabelle, his wife is at home. In the back of Matt's car are their three kids. They'll be safe while he nips into the shop? Won't they?
One text changes his and Annabelle's lives...
"This is a kidnapping"
💭 This story sets of at 100mph and I loved it. It made us the reader question what would we do in a situation like this.
💭 There were plenty of suspects to point the finger at. I did figure out who was behind the kidnapping 👍🏼
💭 The storyline did slow down a lot once the culprit was named, and I felt this dropped the tension that had been built. I wanted to be on the edge of my seat till the end.
💭 The ending did make up for it though 😊
💭 Part one sets the scene of this book well. Matt has stopped off in a shop on his way from getting the kids. Annabelle, his wife is at home. In the back of Matt's car are their three kids. They'll be safe while he nips into the shop? Won't they?
One text changes his and Annabelle's lives...
"This is a kidnapping"
💭 This story sets of at 100mph and I loved it. It made us the reader question what would we do in a situation like this.
💭 There were plenty of suspects to point the finger at. I did figure out who was behind the kidnapping 👍🏼
💭 The storyline did slow down a lot once the culprit was named, and I felt this dropped the tension that had been built. I wanted to be on the edge of my seat till the end.
💭 The ending did make up for it though 😊
November 15, 2021
Why do we write reviews?
I can understand if you had maybe bought something so poor that you wanted to stop others from making the same mistake. Such as the rubbish bike rack that failed after just a few months, resulting in it crashing down onto the back of my car and taking a gouge out of the bumper. Conversely, if you had loved something so much that you want other people to know about it. Which covers me and just about any book by S E Lynes or Angela Marsons.
However, if you've already bought something and love it, do you actually, honestly want to know what other people think?
I'm reminded here of the time earlier this year, when my neighbour pulled up on her drive in her new car. It's a black Nissan Juke and she was visibly delighted with it. So much so that when she saw me, she asked the inevitable question: "Like it?"
Now I could have been honest. I know that the Juke is a small SUV that underneath, is based mechanically on the previous version of the Nissan Micra. And sorry to anyone who has a Nissan Micra, but I hired one once and hated it very much. So the very idea of buying what, effectively is an old Micra that's a bit heavier, and consequently a bit slower and uses more fuel, is something that makes me cringe. I'd rather walk.
But what would have been the point of saying any of this to my neighbour, who was not only happy with her purchase but proud of having spent her own hard-earned money on it? I'd just have been being cruel for the sake of it. And in any case, despite my opinion, there's nothing really wrong with it. It probably won't break down. It will get her to and from work and shops, and it's big enough to get her young daughter's child seat in.
So instead: "Ummm," I said. "Nice".
I kind of felt the same way about The Choice by Alex Lake, which is my first novel by this author. I've seen so many other rave reviews about both this book and some of his others that I formed the impression that he could have re-written the phone book and it would still have been wonderful. So the only thing that I might achieve by continuing to write an honest, but critical review is to make you think twice about reading this book. And I really don't want to do that. Go ahead and read it. I can see why you might like it very much. It's a fast-paced, entertaining, easy to read and fairly simple thriller.
Therefore, if you want to stop reading this review now, and enjoy this book without knowing what I really thought, that's fine by me. But if there's anyone still interested, here goes.
This isn't a book that demands you pay attention. It's one that grabs your attention by the throat from the very first page. It should have been fine for Matt Westbrook to leave his three young children in the car while he ran into a local corner shop. Certainly it's something that as a child, I remember my parents doing. But when he returned just a few minutes later, his car, with his children in it, were gone. Then the text arrives: his children have been kidnapped. If he wants to see them alive again, the ransom is his wife, Annabelle. And he has only hours to decide ...
My main problem with the book is something that's fairly simple to identify, if harder to overcome: it lacks depth.
There are three main aspects that illustrate this. Firstly, I felt that so much more could have been made of the opening chapters. The anguish that the parents were feeling. The "why"? We also hear nothing at all from the perspectives of the children themselves, which could have given the story another dimension. Instead, there are a series of chapters which deal with Matt's back-story, starting with his time at university when he met and fell in love with Annabelle. I found myself skipping these and having to force myself to go back and re-read them in case I missed something that was essential to the story. But - minor spoiler alert - there wasn't anything. Not really.
My second problem is that the identity of the kidnapper is revealed about half way through the book, and from then on it fell a bit flat for me. Mainly because it seemed that anything implausible was as a result of the kidnapper's insanity. The trouble here though is something about which Agatha Christie, in The ABC Murders, hit the nail on the head rather brilliantly:
"A madman is as logical and reasoned in his actions as a sane man - given his particular biased points of view. For example, if a man insists on going out and squatting about in nothing but a loin cloth his conduct seems eccentric in the extreme. But once you know that the man himself is firmly convinced that he is Mahatma Gandhi, then his conduct becomes perfectly reasonable and logical".
Which means that for The Choice to have really worked, the kidnapper's "biased point of view" would have to have been made so clear that we understood, and empathised with everything he did even though we knew it to be oh, so wrong. But it didn't quite manage it.
My final problem is the ending, which, without wanting to give away any big spoilers, is the one that I sort of wanted, but also expected. There could have been a shocking final twist that made me gasp, but there isn't. And this meant that a book which had been absolutely gripping at the beginning and still entertaining in the middle had seemed to fizzle out to a damp squib by the finish.
It gets three stars from me because I would only ever give anything less to a book that I struggled to read, which is absolutely not the case with this one. I read it easily. And perhaps what I'll do now is give it to my neighbour, and encourage her to write a more positive review if she loves it more than I did.
I can understand if you had maybe bought something so poor that you wanted to stop others from making the same mistake. Such as the rubbish bike rack that failed after just a few months, resulting in it crashing down onto the back of my car and taking a gouge out of the bumper. Conversely, if you had loved something so much that you want other people to know about it. Which covers me and just about any book by S E Lynes or Angela Marsons.
However, if you've already bought something and love it, do you actually, honestly want to know what other people think?
I'm reminded here of the time earlier this year, when my neighbour pulled up on her drive in her new car. It's a black Nissan Juke and she was visibly delighted with it. So much so that when she saw me, she asked the inevitable question: "Like it?"
Now I could have been honest. I know that the Juke is a small SUV that underneath, is based mechanically on the previous version of the Nissan Micra. And sorry to anyone who has a Nissan Micra, but I hired one once and hated it very much. So the very idea of buying what, effectively is an old Micra that's a bit heavier, and consequently a bit slower and uses more fuel, is something that makes me cringe. I'd rather walk.
But what would have been the point of saying any of this to my neighbour, who was not only happy with her purchase but proud of having spent her own hard-earned money on it? I'd just have been being cruel for the sake of it. And in any case, despite my opinion, there's nothing really wrong with it. It probably won't break down. It will get her to and from work and shops, and it's big enough to get her young daughter's child seat in.
So instead: "Ummm," I said. "Nice".
I kind of felt the same way about The Choice by Alex Lake, which is my first novel by this author. I've seen so many other rave reviews about both this book and some of his others that I formed the impression that he could have re-written the phone book and it would still have been wonderful. So the only thing that I might achieve by continuing to write an honest, but critical review is to make you think twice about reading this book. And I really don't want to do that. Go ahead and read it. I can see why you might like it very much. It's a fast-paced, entertaining, easy to read and fairly simple thriller.
Therefore, if you want to stop reading this review now, and enjoy this book without knowing what I really thought, that's fine by me. But if there's anyone still interested, here goes.
This isn't a book that demands you pay attention. It's one that grabs your attention by the throat from the very first page. It should have been fine for Matt Westbrook to leave his three young children in the car while he ran into a local corner shop. Certainly it's something that as a child, I remember my parents doing. But when he returned just a few minutes later, his car, with his children in it, were gone. Then the text arrives: his children have been kidnapped. If he wants to see them alive again, the ransom is his wife, Annabelle. And he has only hours to decide ...
My main problem with the book is something that's fairly simple to identify, if harder to overcome: it lacks depth.
There are three main aspects that illustrate this. Firstly, I felt that so much more could have been made of the opening chapters. The anguish that the parents were feeling. The "why"? We also hear nothing at all from the perspectives of the children themselves, which could have given the story another dimension. Instead, there are a series of chapters which deal with Matt's back-story, starting with his time at university when he met and fell in love with Annabelle. I found myself skipping these and having to force myself to go back and re-read them in case I missed something that was essential to the story. But - minor spoiler alert - there wasn't anything. Not really.
My second problem is that the identity of the kidnapper is revealed about half way through the book, and from then on it fell a bit flat for me. Mainly because it seemed that anything implausible was as a result of the kidnapper's insanity. The trouble here though is something about which Agatha Christie, in The ABC Murders, hit the nail on the head rather brilliantly:
"A madman is as logical and reasoned in his actions as a sane man - given his particular biased points of view. For example, if a man insists on going out and squatting about in nothing but a loin cloth his conduct seems eccentric in the extreme. But once you know that the man himself is firmly convinced that he is Mahatma Gandhi, then his conduct becomes perfectly reasonable and logical".
Which means that for The Choice to have really worked, the kidnapper's "biased point of view" would have to have been made so clear that we understood, and empathised with everything he did even though we knew it to be oh, so wrong. But it didn't quite manage it.
My final problem is the ending, which, without wanting to give away any big spoilers, is the one that I sort of wanted, but also expected. There could have been a shocking final twist that made me gasp, but there isn't. And this meant that a book which had been absolutely gripping at the beginning and still entertaining in the middle had seemed to fizzle out to a damp squib by the finish.
It gets three stars from me because I would only ever give anything less to a book that I struggled to read, which is absolutely not the case with this one. I read it easily. And perhaps what I'll do now is give it to my neighbour, and encourage her to write a more positive review if she loves it more than I did.
May 2, 2025
A+ for premise, D for execution
I really like the idea behind this book. It’s engaging and can be taken in so many different ways. But this was not any of that.
The beginning was okay. The writing style isn’t my favorite, but the suspense was built rather well. And I enjoyed the speculation behind the mystery.
The reveal is where I had a problem. It didn’t seem like a lot of thought was put into it. I wasn’t shocked in the usual omg I never could have guessed but in the are you serious way. Guy was not an interesting antagonist, and it ruined the whole story for me
Even if you love the summary on the back of the book, I wouldn’t recommend this one!
I really like the idea behind this book. It’s engaging and can be taken in so many different ways. But this was not any of that.
The beginning was okay. The writing style isn’t my favorite, but the suspense was built rather well. And I enjoyed the speculation behind the mystery.
The reveal is where I had a problem. It didn’t seem like a lot of thought was put into it. I wasn’t shocked in the usual omg I never could have guessed but in the are you serious way. Guy was not an interesting antagonist, and it ruined the whole story for me
Even if you love the summary on the back of the book, I wouldn’t recommend this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
Oh my goodness what a roller coaster of a read, just brilliant, full of twists and turns and I was gripped from the very first page, an addictive psychological thriller.
This book just drew me in and I couldn't stop reading, a very worthy five stars from me. I have read a few books from this author but this one is by far the best.
Well done Alex, I look forward to your new book next year.
This book just drew me in and I couldn't stop reading, a very worthy five stars from me. I have read a few books from this author but this one is by far the best.
Well done Alex, I look forward to your new book next year.
November 27, 2021
This book was so good! It kept you turning, page after page. Even when I figured out who the bad guy was, there was about 100 pages of none stop action to finish the book.
Your three kids are kidnapped. The ransom is your wife. What is your choice?
Your three kids are kidnapped. The ransom is your wife. What is your choice?
November 12, 2020
This was a bit far fetched plot wise but there's something about Lake's writing that I just devour. Loved how this incorporated COVID-19 into the storyline too, very interesting.
September 25, 2021
[3,5 stars] The first half of the book is really good. There are some looks back and we find out how the couple met and became a couple. There are several people who could have a motive for getting back at either husband or wife. But after the exchange everything falls flat. We know who is behind it and from then on the story loses momentum and just somehow fizzles out. Not a bad book but it could have been a lot better.
November 16, 2021
2.5. Started well but the 'reveal' was quite early in the story and it was very far fetched. Revealing so early meant I was muttering about how silly it was for much of the book. I did finish it though as it was an easy read and passed the time!
September 10, 2020
A thriller that is sure to be enthrall!
Leaving his three young children in the car, Matt makes a quick stop to a corner store. Returning outside - his car and his children are not there! Maybe, he thinks, I parked somewhere else? No. A prank? No. He receives a text from someone that says they have the children and NOT to contact the police. Matt runs home.
Matt and his wife, Annabelle, find out that it isn't money the kidnapper wants. The kidnapper wants a trade - the children for Annabelle...
A superb suspense thriller! Great premise and solidly written.
RECOMMEND!
Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins ,Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Leaving his three young children in the car, Matt makes a quick stop to a corner store. Returning outside - his car and his children are not there! Maybe, he thinks, I parked somewhere else? No. A prank? No. He receives a text from someone that says they have the children and NOT to contact the police. Matt runs home.
Matt and his wife, Annabelle, find out that it isn't money the kidnapper wants. The kidnapper wants a trade - the children for Annabelle...
A superb suspense thriller! Great premise and solidly written.
RECOMMEND!
Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins ,Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
November 5, 2020
Someone has kidnapped Matt and Annabelle’s kids. The ransom? Annabelle.
This was an entertaining and engaging story for the first half of the book. And then the perpetrator is revealed, and it went downhill from there. It just lost a lot of its thriller aspect and it lost some of its urgency and tension. There were also just too many red herrings, to the point of being ridiculous. Even so, I called the kidnapper pretty early on before they were revealed. Which, to me, if you have an abundance of red herrings and the reader can still figure out who the perp is then maybe there should’ve been more focus on fewer possible suspects rather than just overloading the pool. The villain themselves was also a little OTT and not really super believable.
ARC received via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was an entertaining and engaging story for the first half of the book. And then the perpetrator is revealed, and it went downhill from there. It just lost a lot of its thriller aspect and it lost some of its urgency and tension. There were also just too many red herrings, to the point of being ridiculous. Even so, I called the kidnapper pretty early on before they were revealed. Which, to me, if you have an abundance of red herrings and the reader can still figure out who the perp is then maybe there should’ve been more focus on fewer possible suspects rather than just overloading the pool. The villain themselves was also a little OTT and not really super believable.
ARC received via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
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