Skylight

by Kelly Simmons

Claire, a mother of three, wakes to discover an intruder in her daughter's bedroom in the middle of the night. In desperation, she offers herself as hostage instead. Her kidnapper, a quiet Mexican, handcuffs her and takes her to a run-down motel. Tense days pass as she learns more about him- but not what he wants. Why would such a gentle man take a hostage? And is Claire a random victim, or has her past come back to haunt her?

Gradually she uncovers the truth. But how can she escape? And does she really want to go home at all?

Gripping, intelligent and deeply frightening, Skylight is every mother's worst nightmare.

Genres: Fiction

281 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

My sixth novel NOT MY BOY debuted January 2021. Booklist compared it to Big Little Lies, and Julie Clark, the author of LAST FLIGHT said it was "impossible to put down." I hope you enjoy it -- and please check out my backlist, Amazon Exclusive standalones and NEW 2025 Crime Collection -- all featuring good women making bad decisions.

Start with my best-selling book, ONE MORE DAY, maybe? Or my first two, a bit more literary in tone -- STANDING STILL and THE BIRD HOUSE, both with unilaterally glowing reviews. (If you like it dark, you might prefer THE FIFTH OF JULY.)

My books have been applauded by bestselling authors like Megan Abbott, Caroline Leavitt, and Sarah Pekkanen. They've been hailed as "great titles for book groups who love strong female characters" by the Library Journal. Publishers Weekly called my first novel, Standing Still "An electrifying debut" in its starred review. Even Kirkus likes me! Maybe you'd enjoy discovering a new-to-you author?

Prefer SHORTER books to binge?
My indie pubbed NEW 2025 Crime Collection includes: THE OFF SEASON, THE SHOULDER SEASON, and THE HIGH SEASON. Great page turning short reads featuring unforgivable crimes in unforgettable locations.

I've visited hundreds and hundreds of book clubs via Zoom, Google Hangouts or in person. I'd love to meet with yours.

For book signing events or more information, see my website kellysimmonsbooks.com. Or friend me on Facebook (kellyatbubble) or Insta (kellyasimmons) or follow me on twitter (kellysimmons) for more giveaways etc etc.

Thanks for being part of the goodreads community!

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was somewhat underwhelmed by this book. It had the potential to be really quite great but felt it almost just skimmed over the top of its own potential. Its storyline - a woman who persuades a kidnapper to take her hostage instead of her child - held promise, but after reading the book a few weeks back, I couldn't really rave about it and this was the book that really stalled my reading in 2017.

[Abigail T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to give this book 4 stars but the end just flopped for me. I liked the writing style and it was quick paced throughout. I just take issue with a couple of things ... the reason the main character was kidnapped and the whole ‘ david’ mystery. Such a shame as I really was enjoying this book until the final quarter 🙄

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good story about a woman who persuades a kidnapper to take her hostage instead of her child and how her relationship with her kidnapper develops as the reason for her kidnapping is revealed. The story was interspersed with flashbacks to her earlier life, which were distracting in a way as they jumped back and forth in time with no apparent logic. 7/10 for me.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished this book about a week ago, and it was weird and creepy! Basically a twisted (but harmless and pain-free) kidnapping... **goosebumps**

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. The main character was pretty unlikeable, the daughters were cardboard cut-outs and the whole thing was just a bit wishy-washy for me. A (bad) holiday read, except I wasn't on holiday.