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Trapped
The darkness is still, silent. Jackee Maren’s heart pounds reverberating through her body as fear sears her veins. Someone’s coming. No way out. This time they will kill me. Her breath is short, her chest burns. Must run. Faster. Faster! Her eyes fly open, her heart still racing with blinding fear. Jackee breathes deeply with relief and stares at the ceiling desperately trying to calm herself. The same dream. Something, someone is watching … and waiting.
A car accident leaves Jackee Maren paralyzed, able to move only her eyes. Her physical therapist, Kevin, teaches her to “talk” by blinking her eyes. Soon she finds she can sense others thoughts, but tells no one but her sons, unsure who she can trust. Then she learns her car accident was no accident, and vows to expose the person who wants her dead. Exercising her psychic skills, she finally learns who masterminded the accident, but feels helpless to stop them from trying to kill her again.
Fading physically, she embarks on a psychic plan to not only ensure her boys future is safe forever, but to exact revenge on her would-be murderer. Jackee vows not to rest until this killer understands what it is to be TRAPPED! But she must hurry, with only months left to live.
A car accident leaves Jackee Maren paralyzed, able to move only her eyes. Her physical therapist, Kevin, teaches her to “talk” by blinking her eyes. Soon she finds she can sense others thoughts, but tells no one but her sons, unsure who she can trust. Then she learns her car accident was no accident, and vows to expose the person who wants her dead. Exercising her psychic skills, she finally learns who masterminded the accident, but feels helpless to stop them from trying to kill her again.
Fading physically, she embarks on a psychic plan to not only ensure her boys future is safe forever, but to exact revenge on her would-be murderer. Jackee vows not to rest until this killer understands what it is to be TRAPPED! But she must hurry, with only months left to live.
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2010
17 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
George A. Bernstein
10 books33 followersGeorge A. Bernstein, now living in south Florida, is the retired President of a modest, publically held appliance manufacturer. He spent years attending writing seminars and conferences, learning to polish his work and developing a strong “voice.” George is acclaimed by his peers as a superb wordsmith and a crafter of surprise endings no one expects. He works with professional editors to ensure his novels meet his own rigorous standards, and all of his books are currently published by small indie press, GnD Publishing LLC, in which he has an interest.
White Death is the fourth of his Detective Al Warner Suspense series, with the first three; Death’s Angel; Born to Die; and The Prom Dress Killer all garnering rave reviews. His Detective Al Warner has attracted many fans, with readers likening Warner to James Patterson’s Alex Cross.
Bernstein’s first novel, Trapped, was a winner in a small Indie publisher’s “Next Great American Novel” contest, and received high praise, gaining many mostly 5-star reviews, reaching “Top 100” status. His second novel, A 3rd Time to Die (A paranormal Romantic Suspense) has also garnered mostly 5-Star & 4-Star reviews, with one reader likening him to the best, less “spooky” works of Dean Koontz & Stephen King.
Bernstein is also a “World-class” fly-fisherman, setting a baker’s dozen IGFA World Records, mostly on fly-rods. He’s written the popular Toothy Critters Love Flies (www.pikeflyguy.com), the complete book on fly-fishing for pike & musky
White Death is the fourth of his Detective Al Warner Suspense series, with the first three; Death’s Angel; Born to Die; and The Prom Dress Killer all garnering rave reviews. His Detective Al Warner has attracted many fans, with readers likening Warner to James Patterson’s Alex Cross.
Bernstein’s first novel, Trapped, was a winner in a small Indie publisher’s “Next Great American Novel” contest, and received high praise, gaining many mostly 5-star reviews, reaching “Top 100” status. His second novel, A 3rd Time to Die (A paranormal Romantic Suspense) has also garnered mostly 5-Star & 4-Star reviews, with one reader likening him to the best, less “spooky” works of Dean Koontz & Stephen King.
Bernstein is also a “World-class” fly-fisherman, setting a baker’s dozen IGFA World Records, mostly on fly-rods. He’s written the popular Toothy Critters Love Flies (www.pikeflyguy.com), the complete book on fly-fishing for pike & musky
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2013
Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
The premise for Trapped was great. After a car accident and a surgery gone wrong, Jackee is trapped inside her own body. The only thing she can still do, is blink. Her husband seems to take sadistic pleasure in her current state, but at least she still has her therapist to talk to. When Phil, the husband, decides to bring her home and arrange for nurses to take care of her, she thinks he does it out of the goodness of his heart. But the more time passes, the more she figures out something is wrong. When she nearly dies, Jackee grows convinced someone wants her dead. With her new-found ability to read minds and influence other people’s thoughts, she manages to communicate with her sons and other people in her household. Unfortunately the one person she longs to communicate with the most, her physical therapist and best friend, Kevin, can’t hear her mental messages.
Jackee swears to take revenge on the one’s who put her in this condition and ruined her life. But trapped in her own body, she’ll have to play it smart if she wants to get her vengeance…
I liked the supernatural aspect of this book. After she gets trapped in her own body, Jackee gets the ability to communicate with others in her mind, which I thought was kind of cool. There’s also plenty of suspense, with the attempts on Jackee’s life. It’s quite obvious from the get-go who the culprit is though, but it’s still fascinating to find out why he did it, and I kept wondering how exactly Jackee was going to get her vengeance, and if she ever would.
Some parts of the book I didn’t enjoy all that much. Rhonda, for instance. I had no idea why Jackee liked her, or why Kevin did. She was obnoxious and boring, mean and cruel. It made no sense for them to like her at all. I kept on hoping Rhonda wouldn’t get a happy ending, because she certainly didn’t deserve one.
There were a few unexpected plot twists, the most notable one at the end. And may I say, thank God for that one. Else I probably wouldn’t have liked the book all that much, but that last plot twist really saved the day.
If you like romantic suspense with a darker-themed plot, then Trapped will probably be a good choice for you. The overall theme is rather dark, kind of reminiscent of gothic horror. The book has a rather claustrophobic feel, mostly because half of it takes place in Jackee’s mind, and because our main character, Jackee, is in a rather claustrophobic spot herself. If you’re looking for light-hearted romantic suspense, then this is not it – it’s too dark and depressing for that. However, I thought the depressing atmosphere actually added to the book, and made it more intriguing than it would’ve been otherwise. Either way, it’s well written and suspenseful, and with plenty of romance.
The premise for Trapped was great. After a car accident and a surgery gone wrong, Jackee is trapped inside her own body. The only thing she can still do, is blink. Her husband seems to take sadistic pleasure in her current state, but at least she still has her therapist to talk to. When Phil, the husband, decides to bring her home and arrange for nurses to take care of her, she thinks he does it out of the goodness of his heart. But the more time passes, the more she figures out something is wrong. When she nearly dies, Jackee grows convinced someone wants her dead. With her new-found ability to read minds and influence other people’s thoughts, she manages to communicate with her sons and other people in her household. Unfortunately the one person she longs to communicate with the most, her physical therapist and best friend, Kevin, can’t hear her mental messages.
Jackee swears to take revenge on the one’s who put her in this condition and ruined her life. But trapped in her own body, she’ll have to play it smart if she wants to get her vengeance…
I liked the supernatural aspect of this book. After she gets trapped in her own body, Jackee gets the ability to communicate with others in her mind, which I thought was kind of cool. There’s also plenty of suspense, with the attempts on Jackee’s life. It’s quite obvious from the get-go who the culprit is though, but it’s still fascinating to find out why he did it, and I kept wondering how exactly Jackee was going to get her vengeance, and if she ever would.
Some parts of the book I didn’t enjoy all that much. Rhonda, for instance. I had no idea why Jackee liked her, or why Kevin did. She was obnoxious and boring, mean and cruel. It made no sense for them to like her at all. I kept on hoping Rhonda wouldn’t get a happy ending, because she certainly didn’t deserve one.
There were a few unexpected plot twists, the most notable one at the end. And may I say, thank God for that one. Else I probably wouldn’t have liked the book all that much, but that last plot twist really saved the day.
If you like romantic suspense with a darker-themed plot, then Trapped will probably be a good choice for you. The overall theme is rather dark, kind of reminiscent of gothic horror. The book has a rather claustrophobic feel, mostly because half of it takes place in Jackee’s mind, and because our main character, Jackee, is in a rather claustrophobic spot herself. If you’re looking for light-hearted romantic suspense, then this is not it – it’s too dark and depressing for that. However, I thought the depressing atmosphere actually added to the book, and made it more intriguing than it would’ve been otherwise. Either way, it’s well written and suspenseful, and with plenty of romance.
March 15, 2013
Trapped is good fun. It's fast, tight, exotic, and demanding. It's a thrill.
A suspense thriller can quickly lose an audience's interest if the writing is not spare and well-paced; Bernstein avoids these dangers by skillfully manipulating shifts in point of view, dialect, and time. Some plot points push the limits of plausibility. Yet, Trapped maintains sufficient traction to satisfy as Jackee exacts revenge.Trapped is tightly written. Its characters are colorfully described. It's a perfect afternoon-at-the-beach or rainy-night-at-home read: entertaining, diverting, evocative, and interesting.
A story's heart, and its ability to hold us, always depends upon how much the audience cares about the human drama. Regardless of genre or period, even of theme, a story's success depends upon its ability to evoke empathy. Trapped hangs onto the heart by presenting scenarios that one can imagine - the potential loss of family or health, the experiences of betrayal or love. Bernstein carefully stokes these emotional currents through deft use of dialogue and internal monologue and precise description of movements. He does not show too much, but just enough. He brings us in close enough to care, but not too close to be blind to the moral ambiguity of the relationships. We question the actions of the characters, even as we cheer for them.
A suspense thriller can quickly lose an audience's interest if the writing is not spare and well-paced; Bernstein avoids these dangers by skillfully manipulating shifts in point of view, dialect, and time. Some plot points push the limits of plausibility. Yet, Trapped maintains sufficient traction to satisfy as Jackee exacts revenge.Trapped is tightly written. Its characters are colorfully described. It's a perfect afternoon-at-the-beach or rainy-night-at-home read: entertaining, diverting, evocative, and interesting.
A story's heart, and its ability to hold us, always depends upon how much the audience cares about the human drama. Regardless of genre or period, even of theme, a story's success depends upon its ability to evoke empathy. Trapped hangs onto the heart by presenting scenarios that one can imagine - the potential loss of family or health, the experiences of betrayal or love. Bernstein carefully stokes these emotional currents through deft use of dialogue and internal monologue and precise description of movements. He does not show too much, but just enough. He brings us in close enough to care, but not too close to be blind to the moral ambiguity of the relationships. We question the actions of the characters, even as we cheer for them.
March 15, 2013
Suspenseful and gripping, Trapped is a deep, and hauntingly realistic story of a woman who almost lost her life, several times, because of her money-crazed spouse.
The plot itself was uniquely captivating. All the while, it didn't feel like I was reading only a single book. Everything was well laid out, and with each page turned, there's always something new to be unveiled. I find Trapped so beautifully done. The way it was told was so realistic, bordering dangerously between fact and fiction. Jackee's thought, and the narration, was so very well-described, emphasizing on her improved sense of sight and hearing.
As time passes, we get to see how being trapped in her own body turned Jackee into an almost new person. There were times when it scared me how Jackee sounded so angry and vengeful, desperately wanting to get even with her husband when she found out his secrets, and how it also broke my heart when she despairs.
I felt that the ending was so unfair. It was really lovely yet unexpected, and a bit scary because I didn't know how it was possible. On the other hand, I do think it was a good ending because I desperately want Jackee to finally be happy.
All in all, a lovely read full of suspense, thrill and romance. 5 stars.
The plot itself was uniquely captivating. All the while, it didn't feel like I was reading only a single book. Everything was well laid out, and with each page turned, there's always something new to be unveiled. I find Trapped so beautifully done. The way it was told was so realistic, bordering dangerously between fact and fiction. Jackee's thought, and the narration, was so very well-described, emphasizing on her improved sense of sight and hearing.
As time passes, we get to see how being trapped in her own body turned Jackee into an almost new person. There were times when it scared me how Jackee sounded so angry and vengeful, desperately wanting to get even with her husband when she found out his secrets, and how it also broke my heart when she despairs.
I felt that the ending was so unfair. It was really lovely yet unexpected, and a bit scary because I didn't know how it was possible. On the other hand, I do think it was a good ending because I desperately want Jackee to finally be happy.
All in all, a lovely read full of suspense, thrill and romance. 5 stars.
March 11, 2013
Good idea, just not executed completely. It was like re-reading the chapters over and over. I had to skim over some of it. I understand it was the point the author was trying to make, but if you took out the repeats, the book would have been half the size, quick action, developing plot etc. just know, if you're looking for a book to pick up and read a chapter here or there, this isn't the book. It's too hard to focus and follow that way.
February 18, 2021
The story was fantastic, however the writing was atrocious. It was as if someone with barely a grasp of grammar had a thesaurus next to them while writing. I’m amazed that this book was edited by a separate party. It doesn’t even seem that a basic program grammar check was ran. The story was gripping enough to keep me reading despite the flaws in writing.
January 4, 2013
The Language of Love
Jackee Maren, a beautiful blond young wife and mother has a terrible car wreck with her two young sons, Malcolm and Bryon in the back seat. Her body is beat up badly and especially her face. Her sons suffer little physical hurt. After five months, Jackee’s husband, Phil, who runs North Chicago Printing, convinces her to have facial surgery to correct severe disfigurement. But when she wakes up from the surgery, she finds that she has no feeling anywhere nor can she talk. It is like she is in a black body of water, non-existent. She can’t understand it until she hears three doctors in her room discussing her and they say she is brain dead except for her eyes, which she can open and close. She is in a “Locked In” syndrome. They also say it can only happen when some type of tranquilizer is given prior to the anesthetic and her admittance form said she had taken nothing. But she remembered that Phil had insisted before coming that she take two tranquilizers to calm her and he filled out the admittance form. She is in the hospital for many days and during that time, Phil never brings her sons to visit her. He is having the house remodeled so that a nurse can sleep next to her bedroom and the bedroom is being converted to meet her special needs like her bed, a therapy table, refrigerator for her special liquid food and a cabinet. She cannot eat normally. Food is provided her by a tube that goes through her nose into her esophagus and then to her stomach. She absolutely can move nothing. But it is like she has bionic hearing, sight, smell, sound and thought: these senses are far more sensitive than usual for a human. She can hear sounds clearly far away, identifies objects by smell and can pick up the thoughts of others if she concentrates.
Kevin Martin, a huge, muscular older man, a physical therapist, is hired to massage and exercise her body each day to keep her muscle mass. He speaks like a southerner from Appalachia and his face is scarred and disfigured because he was an ex-fighter and when he gave that up, he went to school to be a therapist. He is extremely gentle with Jackee, senses her every need, and feels what she feels. Eventually he develops a code for her to communicate by blinking her eyes and in the beginning one blink is yes and two blinks is no. A small, strong, extremely competent Filipino nurse, Maria, is hired to take care of her bathing, changing of diapers and clothing and any other medical help she may need. Jackee can never be left alone because she is totally helpless. If she is lying down flat when the feeding tube is being used, she will suffocate and this happens once when Phil sends everyone on an errand, guaranteeing he will stay with her, but instead makes her bed flat and leaves. Jackee is rescued almost too late.
Jackee is wealthy. Her father Chester Webster, a widower, left three trusts when he died. One for Jackee and one for each of her sons. He left nothing for Phil and Phil is extremely angry over that. Attorney Arthur Osborn takes care of the trusts, but allows Phil to draw on them to support the family with these added expenses. Jackee always wondered why Phil would work so late so many nights, literally ignoring his sons and her. He used the job as an excuse but eventually a beautiful red haired woman enters Jackee’s life. Her name is Rhonda.
The plot of this story is brilliant. Jackee has talents and gifts she is unaware of until she strains to communicate. Through her own love of the others in her life and the love that Kevin, Maria and her children hold for her, obstacles are overcome, even though mysteriously bad things happen. This tale is well written and the reader feels what Jackee is feeling, what the others are feeling and how Jackee uses her newly found gifts to help herself and the others, eventually bringing about justice to herself and her family. It is a most entertaining story and I truly enjoyed it.
Jackee Maren, a beautiful blond young wife and mother has a terrible car wreck with her two young sons, Malcolm and Bryon in the back seat. Her body is beat up badly and especially her face. Her sons suffer little physical hurt. After five months, Jackee’s husband, Phil, who runs North Chicago Printing, convinces her to have facial surgery to correct severe disfigurement. But when she wakes up from the surgery, she finds that she has no feeling anywhere nor can she talk. It is like she is in a black body of water, non-existent. She can’t understand it until she hears three doctors in her room discussing her and they say she is brain dead except for her eyes, which she can open and close. She is in a “Locked In” syndrome. They also say it can only happen when some type of tranquilizer is given prior to the anesthetic and her admittance form said she had taken nothing. But she remembered that Phil had insisted before coming that she take two tranquilizers to calm her and he filled out the admittance form. She is in the hospital for many days and during that time, Phil never brings her sons to visit her. He is having the house remodeled so that a nurse can sleep next to her bedroom and the bedroom is being converted to meet her special needs like her bed, a therapy table, refrigerator for her special liquid food and a cabinet. She cannot eat normally. Food is provided her by a tube that goes through her nose into her esophagus and then to her stomach. She absolutely can move nothing. But it is like she has bionic hearing, sight, smell, sound and thought: these senses are far more sensitive than usual for a human. She can hear sounds clearly far away, identifies objects by smell and can pick up the thoughts of others if she concentrates.
Kevin Martin, a huge, muscular older man, a physical therapist, is hired to massage and exercise her body each day to keep her muscle mass. He speaks like a southerner from Appalachia and his face is scarred and disfigured because he was an ex-fighter and when he gave that up, he went to school to be a therapist. He is extremely gentle with Jackee, senses her every need, and feels what she feels. Eventually he develops a code for her to communicate by blinking her eyes and in the beginning one blink is yes and two blinks is no. A small, strong, extremely competent Filipino nurse, Maria, is hired to take care of her bathing, changing of diapers and clothing and any other medical help she may need. Jackee can never be left alone because she is totally helpless. If she is lying down flat when the feeding tube is being used, she will suffocate and this happens once when Phil sends everyone on an errand, guaranteeing he will stay with her, but instead makes her bed flat and leaves. Jackee is rescued almost too late.
Jackee is wealthy. Her father Chester Webster, a widower, left three trusts when he died. One for Jackee and one for each of her sons. He left nothing for Phil and Phil is extremely angry over that. Attorney Arthur Osborn takes care of the trusts, but allows Phil to draw on them to support the family with these added expenses. Jackee always wondered why Phil would work so late so many nights, literally ignoring his sons and her. He used the job as an excuse but eventually a beautiful red haired woman enters Jackee’s life. Her name is Rhonda.
The plot of this story is brilliant. Jackee has talents and gifts she is unaware of until she strains to communicate. Through her own love of the others in her life and the love that Kevin, Maria and her children hold for her, obstacles are overcome, even though mysteriously bad things happen. This tale is well written and the reader feels what Jackee is feeling, what the others are feeling and how Jackee uses her newly found gifts to help herself and the others, eventually bringing about justice to herself and her family. It is a most entertaining story and I truly enjoyed it.
February 10, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Blinking Never Felt So Good
This story is really well constructed. You have a complex, if extremely naïve, main character in Jackee, who survives not one but four attempts on her life to solve the mystery of who wants her dead so badly! And two of the attempts were after she was completely paralyzed and could only move her eyes. Jackee is an heiress with a devoted husband and two small boys, Malcolm and Brian. One day Jackee is in a horrible car accident. The police have some questions but Jackee doesn’t think very much about it. She wonders why her busy executive husband is more distant than usual but puts it out of her mind.
When Jackee goes in for reconstructive surgery and comes out totally paralyzed, she begins to have some suspicions but still doesn’t want to think about it. When a third attempt is made on her life, she can no longer ignore the obvious and must make plans for not only her own safety but also for the safety of her little boys.
Soon after Jackee finally accepts that someone is trying to kill her, she discovers that she can tap into peoples’ feelings and can speak to her sons with her mind. She attempts to shield her sons the best she can using this form of communication but her only ally in this horrible situation is her live-in physical therapist, Kevin, who devises a Morse code type of communication using her ability to blink her eyes. He becomes her confidant and shields her from the callousness of her now blatantly hostile and inconsiderate husband.
Things get interesting when Jackee becomes entangled with the sexual happenings in her house. At first just maddening, the activity slowly (and I do mean slowly) allows Jackee an avenue of influence in her dire situation. This is my only real complaint with this book. You are subjected to Jackee’s sensations during sex again and again…and again throughout this book. It is integral to the storyline, I get it, but enough is enough. It began to seem like erotica or soft porn. Anyway, once Jackee figures out she can impact the people around her with her mind, a solution to her dilemma and a way to achieve retribution takes shape in her mind. Time is working against her, though. Will Jackee have time to complete her plan before one of the attempts on her life succeeds or her own body gives out on her?
I really enjoyed the narration by Mary Kootsikas. She captured the thoughts and turmoil in Jackee perfectly and performed the other voices admirably. The only voice I did not care for was the voice of Kevin. This physically hulking, yet intelligent and sensitive hero deserved a better performance and voice than the one given to him in this narration. It did not ruin the book but it did detract a little from my enjoyment of the otherwise superb recounting of this suspenseful listen.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Blinking Never Felt So Good
This story is really well constructed. You have a complex, if extremely naïve, main character in Jackee, who survives not one but four attempts on her life to solve the mystery of who wants her dead so badly! And two of the attempts were after she was completely paralyzed and could only move her eyes. Jackee is an heiress with a devoted husband and two small boys, Malcolm and Brian. One day Jackee is in a horrible car accident. The police have some questions but Jackee doesn’t think very much about it. She wonders why her busy executive husband is more distant than usual but puts it out of her mind.
When Jackee goes in for reconstructive surgery and comes out totally paralyzed, she begins to have some suspicions but still doesn’t want to think about it. When a third attempt is made on her life, she can no longer ignore the obvious and must make plans for not only her own safety but also for the safety of her little boys.
Soon after Jackee finally accepts that someone is trying to kill her, she discovers that she can tap into peoples’ feelings and can speak to her sons with her mind. She attempts to shield her sons the best she can using this form of communication but her only ally in this horrible situation is her live-in physical therapist, Kevin, who devises a Morse code type of communication using her ability to blink her eyes. He becomes her confidant and shields her from the callousness of her now blatantly hostile and inconsiderate husband.
Things get interesting when Jackee becomes entangled with the sexual happenings in her house. At first just maddening, the activity slowly (and I do mean slowly) allows Jackee an avenue of influence in her dire situation. This is my only real complaint with this book. You are subjected to Jackee’s sensations during sex again and again…and again throughout this book. It is integral to the storyline, I get it, but enough is enough. It began to seem like erotica or soft porn. Anyway, once Jackee figures out she can impact the people around her with her mind, a solution to her dilemma and a way to achieve retribution takes shape in her mind. Time is working against her, though. Will Jackee have time to complete her plan before one of the attempts on her life succeeds or her own body gives out on her?
I really enjoyed the narration by Mary Kootsikas. She captured the thoughts and turmoil in Jackee perfectly and performed the other voices admirably. The only voice I did not care for was the voice of Kevin. This physically hulking, yet intelligent and sensitive hero deserved a better performance and voice than the one given to him in this narration. It did not ruin the book but it did detract a little from my enjoyment of the otherwise superb recounting of this suspenseful listen.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Tomorrow. It all begins tomorrow."
A book of two parts, a story of love and loathing. The opening chapters are gripping, frightening as the dreadfulness of the situation of main protagonist, Jackee, through whose day by day account the whole story is told, slowly is revealed. A car crash, leaving her badly scarred but otherwise without long term disability then reconstructive surgery to repair her facial damage which goes horrible wrong. And leaves her trapped inside a body which is able only to move her eyelids, unable to even feel any other part, but still fully alive to think, think, think.
So this is what she does, reviewing her life before the surgery - her idyllic childhood as daddy's little dutchess, her lovely two children and her marriage to Phil, the man daddy had not wanted her to marry. With money no problem - a trust fund ensured she and her sons had more than they could ever spend - she lives on in rooms converted at her home with two constant helpers, a nurse, Maria, and an ex-boxer named Kevin to help her useless body to keep fit with physiotherapy. As time passes slowly, and "nothing to do but think, think, think," her senses, starting with that of hearing, begin to develop far beyond the normal, and she realises that all was not as it had seemed. But what can she do, trapped?
I found this first half gripping, despite repetition of her day by day observation and recollection. But then Jackee, with the story, takes a darker turn. and with constant erotic entries than felt more frequent than necessary, the reader is taken into a nearsupernatural area, and even our leading lady becomes depersonalised with 'the blonde one' being sometimes substituted for her name. Sadly, the story, once so original and gripping, became predictable and rather tedious. Throughout it all, however, narrator Mary Kootsikas is superb, reading with just the right degree of emotion, perfectly balanced to the text - if anything, underplaying the horror of the situation and thus intensifying it. She does become Jackee. Her voicing of the other characters is also distinct and well performed.
So an easy five stars for the first but only (a generous) three for the second parts of this book, an average of four. I received Trapped as a gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom, and my thanks for that. Would I recommend it to other listeners? Oh, yes, most definitely. But only read half way (unless you enjoy soft porn) - you'll know when to stop and, by then, I'm sure you will have worked out the ending anyway.
"Tomorrow. It all begins tomorrow."
A book of two parts, a story of love and loathing. The opening chapters are gripping, frightening as the dreadfulness of the situation of main protagonist, Jackee, through whose day by day account the whole story is told, slowly is revealed. A car crash, leaving her badly scarred but otherwise without long term disability then reconstructive surgery to repair her facial damage which goes horrible wrong. And leaves her trapped inside a body which is able only to move her eyelids, unable to even feel any other part, but still fully alive to think, think, think.
So this is what she does, reviewing her life before the surgery - her idyllic childhood as daddy's little dutchess, her lovely two children and her marriage to Phil, the man daddy had not wanted her to marry. With money no problem - a trust fund ensured she and her sons had more than they could ever spend - she lives on in rooms converted at her home with two constant helpers, a nurse, Maria, and an ex-boxer named Kevin to help her useless body to keep fit with physiotherapy. As time passes slowly, and "nothing to do but think, think, think," her senses, starting with that of hearing, begin to develop far beyond the normal, and she realises that all was not as it had seemed. But what can she do, trapped?
I found this first half gripping, despite repetition of her day by day observation and recollection. But then Jackee, with the story, takes a darker turn. and with constant erotic entries than felt more frequent than necessary, the reader is taken into a nearsupernatural area, and even our leading lady becomes depersonalised with 'the blonde one' being sometimes substituted for her name. Sadly, the story, once so original and gripping, became predictable and rather tedious. Throughout it all, however, narrator Mary Kootsikas is superb, reading with just the right degree of emotion, perfectly balanced to the text - if anything, underplaying the horror of the situation and thus intensifying it. She does become Jackee. Her voicing of the other characters is also distinct and well performed.
So an easy five stars for the first but only (a generous) three for the second parts of this book, an average of four. I received Trapped as a gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom, and my thanks for that. Would I recommend it to other listeners? Oh, yes, most definitely. But only read half way (unless you enjoy soft porn) - you'll know when to stop and, by then, I'm sure you will have worked out the ending anyway.
December 15, 2012
3.5/5 stars
"Trapped" is the steamy, breathtaking first novel from author George Bernstein. Jackee Marren, mother of two young children and wife of the cold, cruel Phil Marren is injured and ends up paralyzed, only able to blink her eyes, which is how she communicates.
This may seem like a novel with no real conflict but here’s the twist; Jackee’s accident which left her paralyzed was no accident and she discovers her almost killer through psychic powers. Yes, you read that right. Psychic powers. Psychic powers which allow her to read minds and much more. But don’t be deterred by this bit of the novel which seems unrealistic; it works well with the plot and if she didn’t have powers there really wouldn’t be much of a plot because she wouldn’t be able to do anything.
The writing from this novel was average; it was a little difficult to get over the writing in the present tense because that’s rather unusual but you get used to it. It wasn’t the most descriptive novel I’ve ever read but it certainly wasn’t the most non-descriptive. The beginning starts off a little slow but once it picks up speed, you’ll find this book hard to put down. I read it in less than two days and I barely have any time to read anymore, which goes to show that once you get into this novel, you have to finish it.
The characters were interesting. They're motives weren’t the most original but I enjoyed reading about them and cared about what happened to them. Jackee was exceedingly interesting because it seemed her character didn’t evolve into a better, more caring person but devolved into vengeful, almost evil type of woman. It was pretty awesome and if that was what the author was going for he did a fantastic job.
The plot was good; solid and interesting. It wasn’t the most thought provoking plot in the world; it was pretty obvious who the killer was and what was going to happen, but it still had a hint of originality to it and a good twist when Jackee’s powers start to develop. As it went further on, the plot had some steamy scenes which were fun to read and it got darker as Jackee’s thoughts got darker. The ending, which I saw coming, was creepy nonetheless and while I knew what would happen I didn’t expect it to play out exactly like that. And when I say creepy, I mean creepy in a good way.
Overall, this was a very interesting read. It had a slow but suspenseful build up to it, and if you enjoy that kind of thing (I did; it was very well done) then you’ll like this novel. It gets progressively better and everything falls neatly into place when it reaches the climax. It was never really explained why or how she got her powers but it wasn’t really essential to the plot so it can be forgiven. The romance was lovely, with some love triangles and squares going on and a whole bunch of stuff that you’ll have to read the book to find out about. So if you’re bored and looking for a steamy, different read than normal, this one’s for you!
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
"Trapped" is the steamy, breathtaking first novel from author George Bernstein. Jackee Marren, mother of two young children and wife of the cold, cruel Phil Marren is injured and ends up paralyzed, only able to blink her eyes, which is how she communicates.
This may seem like a novel with no real conflict but here’s the twist; Jackee’s accident which left her paralyzed was no accident and she discovers her almost killer through psychic powers. Yes, you read that right. Psychic powers. Psychic powers which allow her to read minds and much more. But don’t be deterred by this bit of the novel which seems unrealistic; it works well with the plot and if she didn’t have powers there really wouldn’t be much of a plot because she wouldn’t be able to do anything.
The writing from this novel was average; it was a little difficult to get over the writing in the present tense because that’s rather unusual but you get used to it. It wasn’t the most descriptive novel I’ve ever read but it certainly wasn’t the most non-descriptive. The beginning starts off a little slow but once it picks up speed, you’ll find this book hard to put down. I read it in less than two days and I barely have any time to read anymore, which goes to show that once you get into this novel, you have to finish it.
The characters were interesting. They're motives weren’t the most original but I enjoyed reading about them and cared about what happened to them. Jackee was exceedingly interesting because it seemed her character didn’t evolve into a better, more caring person but devolved into vengeful, almost evil type of woman. It was pretty awesome and if that was what the author was going for he did a fantastic job.
The plot was good; solid and interesting. It wasn’t the most thought provoking plot in the world; it was pretty obvious who the killer was and what was going to happen, but it still had a hint of originality to it and a good twist when Jackee’s powers start to develop. As it went further on, the plot had some steamy scenes which were fun to read and it got darker as Jackee’s thoughts got darker. The ending, which I saw coming, was creepy nonetheless and while I knew what would happen I didn’t expect it to play out exactly like that. And when I say creepy, I mean creepy in a good way.
Overall, this was a very interesting read. It had a slow but suspenseful build up to it, and if you enjoy that kind of thing (I did; it was very well done) then you’ll like this novel. It gets progressively better and everything falls neatly into place when it reaches the climax. It was never really explained why or how she got her powers but it wasn’t really essential to the plot so it can be forgiven. The romance was lovely, with some love triangles and squares going on and a whole bunch of stuff that you’ll have to read the book to find out about. So if you’re bored and looking for a steamy, different read than normal, this one’s for you!
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
April 21, 2013
Jackee Maren is going in for some reconstructive surgery a few months after she was in a horrific car accident. Luckily, her sons weren’t seriously injured and Jackee is healing up nicely. Yet when she wakes up from surgery, she knows something is very wrong. She’s now suffering from a condition called Locked-in syndrome. She is aware and awake, but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes. Jackee can hear everything going on around her and now her hearing is acutely sensitive, so she’s starting to put the pieces together. With help from her physical therapist, Kevin, Jackee develops a shorthand way to communicate through eye-blinks. Life is pretty monotonous for Jackee, until she realizes she can communicate with her sons telepathically and also psychically influence the people around her. Can she figure out who is behind the accident and stop them before it’s too late…?
I can’t imagine (and don’t ever want to find out) what it’s like for Jackee Maren being trapped in her own body and completely at the mercy of those around her. Thankfully, she’s got a great physical therapist, Kevin, and a very sweet nurse, Maria. However, her husband is a whole different matter. He’s condescending and rude because he now has to spend time with his family – Jackee and their sons, Bryan and Malcolm. I hated Phil Maren from the get-go. He’s a bully who only cares about himself. Fair warning, there is quite a bit of sex in this book, but I felt most of it was a necessary part of the story to showcase Jackee’s newfound abilities. Of course, most of this book is in Jackee’s head, because it’s not as if she can speak for herself even though she is able to communicate. In the end, I enjoyed how all the seemingly disparate pieces fell into place and how Jackee was able to stage her revenge.
I can’t imagine (and don’t ever want to find out) what it’s like for Jackee Maren being trapped in her own body and completely at the mercy of those around her. Thankfully, she’s got a great physical therapist, Kevin, and a very sweet nurse, Maria. However, her husband is a whole different matter. He’s condescending and rude because he now has to spend time with his family – Jackee and their sons, Bryan and Malcolm. I hated Phil Maren from the get-go. He’s a bully who only cares about himself. Fair warning, there is quite a bit of sex in this book, but I felt most of it was a necessary part of the story to showcase Jackee’s newfound abilities. Of course, most of this book is in Jackee’s head, because it’s not as if she can speak for herself even though she is able to communicate. In the end, I enjoyed how all the seemingly disparate pieces fell into place and how Jackee was able to stage her revenge.
May 16, 2013
Trapped was quite a thrilling read. While it was easy to see who the "bad guy" was early on, it was still interesting to watch Jackee try and get even and save her children. I didn't expect it to be as erotic as it was! It was almost creepy, but not quite once I really took all things into account.
The formatting of the dialogue was a little sketchy at times and it was hard to distinguish who was talking to whom. I also got annoyed at all the different ways the author had of talking about Jackee's green eyes: green lasers, emerald orbs, malachite...blah blah blah. It got a little tiring. This book also had the oddest typo I've ever come across. Three times the first letter of a word was replaced by XXX. I'm not really sure how that happens.
The ending, the real true final ending, caught me so off guard that if I'd had a physical copy I would have tossed it away like it bit me! Looking back I should have seen it coming, but I just didn't and it was delightfully creepy!
The formatting of the dialogue was a little sketchy at times and it was hard to distinguish who was talking to whom. I also got annoyed at all the different ways the author had of talking about Jackee's green eyes: green lasers, emerald orbs, malachite...blah blah blah. It got a little tiring. This book also had the oddest typo I've ever come across. Three times the first letter of a word was replaced by XXX. I'm not really sure how that happens.
The ending, the real true final ending, caught me so off guard that if I'd had a physical copy I would have tossed it away like it bit me! Looking back I should have seen it coming, but I just didn't and it was delightfully creepy!
January 28, 2013
I read this book for a fair and honest and review by the author.
This is a unique story, I've never read a book with this kind of storyline. I found myself sucked into the story from page one. I was eager to know what happens next. There were parts I figured out but at the same time, parts I did not.
I can't even begin to imagne what it was like to Jackee. To be trapped in your own body, to be able to think but not be able to feel, talk, touch. It's truely heartbreaking. I loved that Jackee learned a way to communicate with others. That had to take a lot of time and patience.
I loved that she figured out what happened to her was not an accident. She made sure that person or person(s) paid for their actions.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I actually suggested it to a few friends already.
This is a unique story, I've never read a book with this kind of storyline. I found myself sucked into the story from page one. I was eager to know what happens next. There were parts I figured out but at the same time, parts I did not.
I can't even begin to imagne what it was like to Jackee. To be trapped in your own body, to be able to think but not be able to feel, talk, touch. It's truely heartbreaking. I loved that Jackee learned a way to communicate with others. That had to take a lot of time and patience.
I loved that she figured out what happened to her was not an accident. She made sure that person or person(s) paid for their actions.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I actually suggested it to a few friends already.
September 30, 2013
Intense is the first word that comes to mind in this story! Bernstein does an amazing job a making you feel the frustration, anger, fear, and determination of Jackee. It took ma a little time to understand Jackee's situation, but then I think that is how Bernstein wanted it. After all, it took Jackee some time to understand as well.
I didn't feel any slow parts in this story. The only dragging I noticed was it dragging me ever onward. It felt like an edge of your seat read, constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how Jackee would cope. All I can tell you is you MUST read this to find out!
Trapped was an exciting read that I'm sure I will read again. I even plan to buy this in print to have it on my shelf. Thank you George Bernstein for this great book.
I didn't feel any slow parts in this story. The only dragging I noticed was it dragging me ever onward. It felt like an edge of your seat read, constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how Jackee would cope. All I can tell you is you MUST read this to find out!
Trapped was an exciting read that I'm sure I will read again. I even plan to buy this in print to have it on my shelf. Thank you George Bernstein for this great book.
June 13, 2013
Jackee was in a horrible car accident that left her paralyzed. She couldn't even talk. The only thing she was able to do was blink. Over time, Jackee starts to wonder if her car accident was an accident at all. With the help of her friends and the power of the mind, Jackee looks to find answers.
Eh, this book was a little out of my realm. I guess things can happen but just seemed a little far fetched. The premise of the book was good but the content was a little borning. I felt it just seemed to drag on.
Eh, this book was a little out of my realm. I guess things can happen but just seemed a little far fetched. The premise of the book was good but the content was a little borning. I felt it just seemed to drag on.
May 8, 2013
I liked some of the - ah - "novel" ideas in Trapped. Some of the other happenings were a bit too far fetched. At times I thought I was accidentally rereading portions as parts were oft-repeated such as Jackee's feelings for a certain someone and her plans for revenge. I think the ending bombed out.
What made it a 3 instead of lower? It kept my interest -- up til the very end. At that point I just wanted it to be over and done with.
What made it a 3 instead of lower? It kept my interest -- up til the very end. At that point I just wanted it to be over and done with.
March 17, 2013
This was pretty good, apart from the fact that one of the things she 'senses' are other people's sexual experiences, which become quite a large focus of the book. Not to mention how far fetched the ending is. I think it would have been a fine line between a slightly surreal book and an absolutely ridiculous one, and sadly the author got it wrong
February 25, 2014
This was a very good story
I really liked this story. I love that a heroine who was so injured by a blood thirsty villain could still find retribution in a unusual way. I was on the edge of my seat a few times. I would read more from this author.
I really liked this story. I love that a heroine who was so injured by a blood thirsty villain could still find retribution in a unusual way. I was on the edge of my seat a few times. I would read more from this author.
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March 21, 2013it looks like a good book to read
May 17, 2013
Reviewed by Emily
Link: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Link: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
April 27, 2015
Read it in one sitting. I simply. could. not put it down.
August 22, 2015
I'm sorry, I don't understand how this has such a good rating. I found it ridiculous and predictable. And more ridiculous.
March 14, 2013
Good idea for a story but a little repetitive
April 20, 2017
I really couldn't read all of this book.The narration by Mary Kootsikas was next to terrible.The book was WAY too long, mostly fu
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