Lindsey Nash was living her own private nightmare in her own home. Husband Andrew seemed perfect, loving and attentive to everyone, including Lindsey’s family. But alone with her, he was controlling, threatening and hypersensitive to every move she made. When things escalated, she found her moment to escape to freedom but it came at a high cost.
This story had a slow build, starting provocatively so that you knew early on what was to come next. I liked the approach used to portray the situations, beginning in the past and transitioning back and forth to the present. It’s not a unique storytelling device but it was executed effectively with good timing. The tension was always there but gradually heightened as things progressed to an extremely exciting climax.
What makes this story standout from others focused on domestic abuse is in its subtlety. Andrew’s abuse isn’t extreme and probably represents the more common experience. The damage to Lindsey is more psychological but the outcome is the same. I thought the author got it right and achieved the more accurate resonance. Also, using two narrators for Lindsey and daughter, Sophie’s voice and points of view made for a great listening experience. The contrasts in their perspectives of like events was fascinating and eye opening.
It’s not often that I completely miss a twist at the end of a mystery or thriller. I NEVER saw it coming, which says a lot for the quality of this story. It’s my first book by this author and I’m now a fan.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 14, 2017
- Narrators: Rachel Fulginiti & Caitlin Davies
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 56 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Sounds like a good story and a terrific start for a new author. Great review, Jonetta!
Btw we are in Winston Salem. Going out with a real estate agent today.
Had a delicious dinner last night at The Village
Tavern.
Thank you, Marialyce💜 The Village Tavern is one of my most favorite restaurants (the tavern house salad is scrumptious) and the Greensboro location is less than a mile from me. Good luck house hunting, one of my fun things to do!
Just checked we were in the one in Winston Salem. It was delicious!
I will let you know about our search.
You’re in Reynolda Village.
Saw quite a few areas. We liked so far the Lockhurst development.
I deeply enjoyed this book! So glad you did too. I thought it was really twisty. Excellent review! ♥️
Thank you, Mischenko💜 Most definitely twisty, stuff I just flat out missed!
Me too. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. So far I haven’t.
Great review Jo! I still haven’t gotten to this one. Thanks for the reminder!🌞📚💙
Thank you, Susan💜 It’s worth the wait!
Lovely review, Jonetta! This was my first from this author and I thought it was really exciting too!
Thanks, Jennifer! I’ve got to add more to my shelf.
Woah this sounds fantastic. Great review I have to check this one out.
Thanks, Shalini! This was a library read.
This one had me at the opening line, Jonetta. And, as you point out this isn’t focused on extreme violence, or abuse, I would probably read it. Though the audio does sound more intriguing. Damn I wish there were more hours in the day, and that my library stocked all these audio recordings. 😀
The suspense was initially subtle and slowly built throughout the story…just like I prefer! Let’s hope you can find this one, Alexandra💜
I like the sound of that. Too many authors have lost the art of subtly. 😀
Wonderful review! I read another novel by Chevy Stevens (the title escapes me now) and I really enjoyed that one too!
Thank you, Inge💜 I’m definitely checking out her back list.
Oh, domestic abuse makes me so angry! It does sound like a good story, with a build-up skilfully done but to be honest, I don’t know if I would enjoy it. Great review though!
Thanks, Stargazer💜 I got angry with this one, too, but still enjoyed it.
I swear I got this one from the library but didn’t get to it and then never got back to it I think an Audible Daily deal at one point maybe. I want to get this one. I’ll have to get it back into my library list. Excellent review!
Thanks, Anne💜 Mine came from the library.
Fab review! I have copy of this one on my shelves waiting to be read, and you definitely made me want to see if I can bump it towards the top of my TBR now. xx