
the setup…
Nicola (Nicki) O’Sullivan disappeared a year ago after leaving her friends at a Dublin pub late at night. Her sister Lucy becomes frustrated with the Garda’s lack of progress, even after a task force was created once they connected Nicki’s disappearance with that of two other women. Lucy goes out at night, trying to set a trap for the man who is perhaps responsible for her sister’s abduction. Angela Fitzgerald is a volunteer in the Missing Persons Unit who believes she has a theory about these disappearances that she wants to explore but doesn’t have the authority to do so. Meanwhile, we get the abductor’s perspective, giving us the details of how he captures his victims…apparently telling the story to his latest in his back seat!
the heart of the story…
Holy schmoly!!!! This thing had me clutching at my chest from the first paragraph. It was like waiting for the train wreck you know is coming but you can’t look away. And, you’re hoping some rescuer will come and save the day. I’ve never felt so off balance emotionally in a story as I did here, struggling with my fear and need to know. Nothing about it is predictable and not one of my theories worked out (they were pitifully weak at best). When Angela gets paired with Garda Detective Denise Pope, things got interesting but still it all felt precarious.
the narration…
I am so glad I got to listen to this story as the two narrators were wonderful. There were multiple points of view at various times but primarily those of Lucy and the nameless abductor. By the way, Keating voiced him so well I couldn’t stand him! Both are highly skilled storytellers.
the bottom line…
Oh, the twists! I couldn’t patch together decent theories so you know the surprises were equally head snapping. The ending? Brilliant. It’s a great story in any format but if you have a choice, opt for the audio version. And please listen to/read the author’s notes at the end. It helps with the final digestion.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 1, 2023
- Narrators: John Keating & Alana Kerr Collins
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 10 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
(Thanks to Libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

Wow this sounds brilliant Jo, and the fact that you hated one character because of the narration makes it sound even better! Fantastic review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 It is one of the most cleverly written thrillers/mysteries I’ve read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds so intriguing. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joy💜 It was riveting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. It sounds like a real winner. I think you have been positive about much of this author’s work.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was extraordinary, Anne💜 I love her The Nothing Man and have several others to read. Love her writing style.
LikeLike
It was so good! So glad you loved it too!
Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marialyce💜 I was completely unprepared for the complexity of this story!
LikeLike
Fantastic review, Jonetta! I was always going to pick this one up but now I’ll opt for the audiobook 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kelly💜 I’ll be interested in how the abductor makes you feel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds so amazing but I know I’ve already told you that. Again – excellent review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa💜 Don’t mean to add to your TBR mountain but…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t lie when I said was clever, did I 😂.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No you didn’t, Eva💜 This was brilliant!
LikeLike
Fab review! I’m glad you were able to enjoy The Trap this much… I’m looking forward to read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvo💜 Be prepared to be unprepared!
LikeLike
Wonderful review, Jo. I have read a few good reviews of this one, but yours is the first for the audiobook. I am hoping my library gets it, but I might have to use a credit. It sounds absolutely gripping and chilling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla💜 Both narrators were great but it was Keating who got under my skin, which was what you want when he’s voicing a very bad guy. I’m so glad I listened versus read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one sounds amazing! I will be picking it up at the library next week. I love her books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, Diana💜 Enjoy!
LikeLike