The Prickling

by M.A. Savino

The Prickling is a fiction thriller about an overworked paralegal, Ashley, struggling in her personal life. She goes to the mountains for the weekend to clear her head and make some tough choices. While hiking with her dog, she falls, strikes her head, and passes out. When she wakes up on a stranger's shoulder, she thinks she is being rescued. She is wrong. Now she is fighting for her life as a serial killer torments her in a cave. Fortunately for Ashley, her dog was trained in hide and seek and helped aid in her rescue. Unfortunately for her, the killer is not through with her, and now she is on the run with him hot on her trail. Will she discover the truth before it's too late?

Genres: Thriller

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2023

Reviews

[Nicole Rubbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley goes on vacation with her boyfriend for a weekend of camping and hiking. While out on a walk on her own she slips and falls unconscious. She awakens to a cave prison which is occupied by a psychotic mountain man.
Unfortunately, I figured out the twist midway through the book, but it didn’t ruin the story for me. I found it very fast paced and a good read.

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbelievable and predictable.

Her stomach grew an inch in pregnancy in the month (ish). You don't show until 3-4 months.
She was so miserable at her workplace because of her antagonistic and belittling boss but for some unknown reason he's there when she's rescued and is now her love interest? There were a few other unrealistic things that happened, but I probably hated the repetitiveness the most.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past 3 books I’ve read have not been my favorite and this one FINALLY was one I could NOT PUT DOWN!! Like oh myyyyy goodness!! Twist and turns all throughout which I love a book that keeps you guessing like this. A Must read for sure!

[Melissa Widener · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prickling by M. A. Savino
4.1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2.5/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook from KU
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, suspense, captivity
Audience: Adult
Setting: Blue Ridge mtn
Characters: Ashley, Ethan, Mills, Marilyn
👍 short chapters, multi POV, fast-paced, easy read, twist, very little cursing
👎 Ashley cries way too much (I understand the trauma, but every other page is ridiculous)

[Brittany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read!. Melissa is one of my favorite authors. Her books are well written, deeply emotional, gut punching topics, with well developed characters. She is an author I will never hesitate to purchase a book from and one I will always recommend when someone is asking for recs. The Prickling is a tough topic to cover and I think it was well done, definitely check trigger warnings before reading.

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking thriller.

What a truly sensational psychological thriller by Melissa Savino.
I mean, WOW, this one has the chill factor, it's dark and fast-paced, it has you on the edge of your seat.

I was drawn in and glued to this extremely gripping thriller from the off.
Ashley is going through a difficult time in her personal life and goes off on a hike in the mountains with her dog Ruger to try clear her head and decide what to do with her life.

Ashley stumbled and cracked her head and blacked out, Roger returned alone without Ashley.
When she comes to in a strangers arms she thinks she's been rescued, but she was so wrong, she's in the hands of a brutal serial killer and fighting for her life.

Ruger successfully leads the FBI to rescue Ashley, and after recovering from her injuries in hospital and suffering from psychological traumas has to run and keep moving from the the killer who is always hot on her trail.

Will she escape from the threat and her life, will she ever be free?
You must read to find out, you will be as was I hooked into this book.

The Prickling is an exciting suspenseful thriller, exceptionally well written as I expected by Melissa Savino a favourite author of mine.

Exceeds my ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prickling by M.A. Savino
Rating - 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre - psychological thriller
Pace- fast
Mood - dark, tense, suspense, mysterious, emotional

Trigger warning - ⚠️ sexual abuse, domestic violence, murder, hypoglycemic episodes. I think this book needs to come with a much stronger trigger warning for sexual assault. ⚠️

Ashley is hiking on a mountain with her dog. She loses consciousness and finds herself being carried further up the mountain when she comes to. Only he isn’t rescuing her…he’s taking her.

This was a fast paced read that I could not put down. I just had to know what happened and who did it. I read this book in less than two days. I recommend but again be prepared for a large amount of SA.

I knocked off one star for timeline. The timeline did not seem realistic to me. This felt like weeks or months had passed when I think the entirety of the main plot was about a week.

[Debrah Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!

Where to start, first off this book is by far the best thriller; who did it and why did it happen book I've dead in a Kong time. The author did an outstanding job in this edge of your seat, game of cat and mouse story.. The first page draws you in and by the end of the chapter you are hooked, waiting for more. The way the author guides you through the story is simply genius and leaves you wanting more and more. This book is almost like playing a game of CLUE, as you find yourself constantly guessing the who' the what, and the why!! This book will take you through a series of emotions that your not prepared for and I often felt myself speechless after reading a chapter!! The Prickling can easily be read in one sitting or a weekend. Salute to M.A. Savino for bringing this book to life!!/!

[Olivia Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed the storyline! It definitely pulled you in right away! I demolished this book in 3 sittings. I did not expect Ethan to be Ashley's kidnapper, and was slightly disappointed when finding out.

My only critique would be character development. I understand that Ethan went through his own trauma in his childhood/home, but it would have been nice to get a better understanding of him as the serial killer as well as a person.

I also wish there was more to the character and story of Mike. It was slightly odd for him to come into the story so strong right after the end of her capture and then they just move forward in a relationship, yes slowly, but without as much hesitation as she did with Ethan before finding out he was her kidnapper.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Prickling" is a psychological thriller centering around the kidnapping, assault, and subsequent hunt of a woman named Ashley. What happens to Ashley is unthinkable. Savino writes about it with such evocative emotion your heart simply breaks. I loved Savino's writing. She truly makes you go through the emotional gambit with her characters. However, there were a couple plot points that seemed unplausiable, and occasional phrases seemed out of place. I loved Ashley and her strength, especially as the story progressed. My only other complaint is the ending felt a little rushed and not fully fleshed out. Still, a very solid novel. I highly recommend "The Prickling" and look forward to reading more from Savino.

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, you MUST read this book. It draws you in at the very first chapter, and keeps you glued until the very last page. It is so cleverly written, with many twists and turns. It is a dark and twisted tale of a survivor. I won’t give any spoilers, just know it’s unlike anything you’ve read before. I’d give 10 stars if I could

[Samantha Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prickling

This is a story with a strong female lead, that involves a bad ass woman who will do anything to survive. She goes on a trip with her boyfriend to rekindle their relationship- do they stay together?? Will she make it out alive? There's so many questions in this book, it is a 100% MUST READ! Seriously, this book isn't like any other you've read.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had me from the start and strong female lead?? Love it!

Only complaint was Mike came from nowhere.. would have liked a little more than just a oh yeah this could work. If that makes sense.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would’ve been a 5⭐️’s had Mike not come in at the end out of no where. Why did he arrive at the house with the cops and Agent Mills? Did Mills call him on the way and why? It was really confusing. Other than that this book was great! The killer’s identity really shocked me. I wasn’t expecting it all. Great twist!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic psychological read. I loved the writing style of the author, she pulls you in from the beginning and kept you engaged to the very end. The author does a great job invoking an emotional reaction showing how the character feels. The story is very strong, dark, and well developed, with many twists that you sent see coming. The ending, I was blown away

[Nicole BHam · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

I wouldn’t calll this horror or a thriller. It was a little dark. And had some decent mystery. The SA is mild really not too detailed and over in a sentence or two. So if you’re starting out new to these types of genres it’s a good start. If you read dark, this is vanilla.

[Cindy Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wouldn’t believe this is a new author, this grabs you from the beginning. It is a thriller and the author takes you right there. May be a trigger for SA. Very little time is spent on that and I thought I knew who until the last 10 pages! I love to be wrong!! I already bought another one for my kindle. Happy chills on these dog days of summer

[Carly Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute 'must read'. It is a page turning, unputdownable thriller with great characters and a story line that makes you want to (no NEED to) to carry on reading. A huge 5 ⭐ from me! Quick, go, read it now!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this author on a Facebook book group page. She was promoting her book. I got the book for my tablet. I started the book and couldn't put it down. The book does have triggers, so beware. It it was a good book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn of a horrifying story. Ashley is kidnapped while on a hike with her boyfriend. This story takes you through the whole process of her abduction and the investigation. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Marlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely should have a trigger warning. Really great concept, but I hated the fmc😅 super quick read though and it held my attention from the beginning

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with a good twist. Make sure you check the trigger warnings if you have any.

[Jhayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such a strong start but fell completely flat at the end. The ending was rushed and didnt do the rest of the story any justice.

[Marnie O'Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unexpected ending! The twist in the book had me shook!!!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow the ending of book was not what I was expecting. It was a fast read. Finished it in 2 days. You will not be disappointed.

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So what we got here is a very, "new to the scene" author, trying a shot at a "psychological thriller." If You were to ask me, I would definitely say, "I highly recommend this book, AND I highly recommend reading more from this up and coming author!" I am writing this review many years after the release of this book. The author now has accomplished writing so many more amazing books! I read my first book by Melissa Savino on 2024. After that, I contacted her, and bought every book she ever wrote. YES!! THAT GOOD! 👍 So, back to the point; this book IS MISSING ONE THING, (In my OPINION), and that would be a list of TRIGGER warnings in the front pages. The story is about Ashley, a woman who goes hiking in the mountains with her dog, and boyfriend. He's there to take photos of "nature". She's there to clear her head, and make a decision about her "fading relationship" with Ethan. Soon after she starts her hike, she slips and cracks her head. Her dog runs for help, while a stranger grabs her, and throws her over his shoulder, then continues to ascend the mountain. She wakes in a cave, thinking she is rescued, until she feels a skeleton by her feet, and silver bracelets binding her to the cave wall. The story only gets better, Page by page. I promise, you can not put the book down, until the end. The end could use some, "revamping", other than that, there is so many unexpected twists and turns, that you really can't have the time to even try and guess what the outcome will be!! 10💥 out of 5💥 STARS!!

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is a walking, talking ICK. Brotha eughh 🫡

[Natasha Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is poorly written, and honestly boring. I kept waiting for something good to happen but this book is filled with short stop and go sentences.
Dnf at 61% through

[Ericka Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn on my rating because I almost didn’t finish halfway thru just because I was bored. && then, the ending when Mike just showed up like what was the point of that?

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prickling is a physiological mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until all the twists and turns are finally revealed! As soon as you think you have it figured out….you haven’t even scratched the surface! Melissa Savino does a perfect job of keeping the story interesting, captivating, and surprising us more than once with WHAT JUST HAPPENED moments. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down and read it almost entirely in one sitting. If you love a suspenseful, nail-biting, punch-to-the-gut thriller, this is a must read for you!

From the very first chapter, the author grabbed my attention and kept me enraptured as this story unfolded. The Prickling starts after Ashley has already been kidnapped and is being carried to a cave deep in the woods that will become her place of torture with her captor for the next several days. I thought this added another layer of depth and discovery to the story that I really enjoyed. We get to figure out not only the who-dun-it of the kidnapping, but also discover bit by bit how she came to be in the mountains in the first place. It added just a little bit more mystery to unravel.

While Ashley is kept captive, she is blindfolded and never sees her kidnapper clearly, which adds to her torment, especially after she is rescued. Often a thriller ends shortly after our main character is rescued, but this one is just getting started at that point. Ashley’s paranoia and mental anguish goes into overdrive and trusting anyone is difficult because she suspects every man she sees. Strange coincidences start to happen, and she just knows that HE is still after her, still stalking her, and now she knows she must run as far as she can before he gets to her. Will she ever feel normal again? Will she ever be able to live freely again? How does she come back from this experience? Will she ever escape the overlooking threat of her captor still roaming free? Savino gives us all these answers and so much more! You will not be disappointed!!