Powerless

by Dennis Shock

Do you have any idea what is truly going on inside the house next door? Occurrences just beyond your view could shock you.

Julia's uneventful life takes an unexpected turn when her parents separate, but that is just the beginning. Something dark and sinister is happening near her home. As she makes new friends and hopes for romance, residents of her quiet, little neighborhood start to disappear. What kind of community has she moved into?

Are there unthinkable truths hidden beyond the casual facades we encounter every day?

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2023

Reviews

[Ashley Chmielewski]

3.5 stars ⭐️
Had a good pace, kept me hooked, but just something about the plot that I wasn't crazy about.

[Chris]

An average story.

Some characters in this subdivision certainly were very strange and questionable. It had you wondering who, if anyone, was the kidnapper of cheating men.

The mother/daughter relationship was strange - not a normal mother and daughter but a friend/friend relationship. I think the mother requested that because it did not make her feel or look “old.” She was called by her first name by her own daughter. Plus, she is newly divorced and starting a new life in a new place, a successful new job - she feels young again, on top of the world, even though her ex was found having sex on the kitchen table in their former home and she continues to be very angry and bitter. Though she does not want her anger and bitterness to break up the close relationship dad and daughter had. But how can it not?

When the latest kidnapping hits even closer to home and the suspects are revealed - I kind of saw some of this coming…so was not really a surprise. An okay read.

[davidgonzalezsr]

This was a fun story with great narration. I enjoyed the quick pace that made this book an easy one sitting read. The narrator was able to give each character a distinct voice and that was a nice touch.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times.

I requested this book from the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Bob Edward]

Must read thriller!

I've read all of Dennis' books so far. Great author with a knack for suspense. I found myself having a hard time putting this one down and I'm looking forward to the next chance to pick it back up. Can't wait for the sequel. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, surprise! Not so much. Love it! Keep em coming Dennis.

[Siobhan D]

Loved the narration of Kathryn Mockerman, who brings out dark suspense of this thriller.

What goes on at your neighbour's, could it be so dark, thinking about it cause nightmares. Julia's life was normal, but when her parents separate her life takes a different turn. There are twists and turns galore keeping you guessing until the awful truth comes to light.

[Carla G. Allen]

Plot Twist

Another great book by Dennis Shock! This is a quick read with a great storyline. Nosy neighbors, young love & vengeance except maybe it’s not what it seems. Can’t wait for more!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs']

I enjoyed this, found it strange that the mother didn't want to be called mum and the neighbours relations, but in the scheme of things doesn't really matter. The story itself kept me guessing - I had thought it was going to be one of three people - not going to say who but I may have been right. Liked that as kept me really intrigued.

I wasn't sure about the male voices but overall the narration worked - the female voices were great, really changed depending on person and tone needed.

Overall an addictive listen

[Gloria]

Powerless

By: Dennis Shock
Narrated by: Kathryn Mockerman

Tense, Gritty and Enthralling!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-18-26

Neighbors … some nosy, some friendly, some aloof … they have secrets … some scandalous, some deadly … and like a spider to a fly, if you get caught up in their web, you could be “Powerless”! Tense, GRITTY, enthralling, and that TWIST, which I won’t be revealing, WOW, “Powerless”, grabbed me, held me, and kept me throughly engaged from beginning to end! I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED, this one! Five Fantastic Stars!

[Vickie Vaughn]

Poorly written. Main characters names getting spelled different ways all within the same paragraph. Punctuation is atrocious with quotation marks missing in conversations. Mother/daughter relationship is unbelievable. Can't say as I would let my high school senior hang out with a 30 year old woman that I have never met right after I moved to a new neighborhood from across the country. Or spend time with the older guy next door who I met briefly. And the conversations these people have are not normal. No one talks to each other the way these guys do. This book had no redeeming qualities.

[Brad]

I was sent this audiobook by it’s author in exchange for an honest review. From the beginning with the set-up, I was hooked. I love a good hostage scene in the beginning of a book.

I thought the story played out really nicely. By the end of the book, I was honestly surprised by who the killer was.

If you’re looking for a quick thriller from an indie author, with empowered women (written by a male ally), and a likable mother/daughter team, definitely check this book out!

[Jessica Bishop]

I listened to the audio version. While I did enjoy the story, I found some of the dialogue between characters a little stiff. I did like the ending.

[Morgan Page]

3.5 stars rounded up for me. Was a good, quick read. However, I enjoyed the Murder By Tacos story more.

[B. A.]

I loved this book. This was a simple mystery that was fun to read. I especially enjoyed the plot twists, one I did not see coming! Looking forward to reading more of his work!