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Torn Apart: The Abduction of Gillian Curtis
On a night she would never forget, sixteen-year-old Gillian Curtis stumbles into the middle of her father’s fraudulent and lucrative scheme that puts millions of lives at stake in the biggest health insurance scam in US history – and he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way – including her.
Within seconds of running away Gillie finds herself kidnapped by Walter Lovett, who ironically shows her more kindness than her own father. Clearly he has no intention of hurting her – it’s her dad, Dr. Curtis, who’s the real target. Walter’s wife died because of him.
When her dad’s hired guns show up to take on Walter they get more than they bargained for from this retired Green Beret. Armed with formidable skill, Walter puts it all on the line to protect Gillie. Only a few steps ahead of a bullet, they careen through city streets and the dark wooded hills of New Hampshire in a race to expose the truth before it’s too late and face the one man she hates the most – her father.
Within seconds of running away Gillie finds herself kidnapped by Walter Lovett, who ironically shows her more kindness than her own father. Clearly he has no intention of hurting her – it’s her dad, Dr. Curtis, who’s the real target. Walter’s wife died because of him.
When her dad’s hired guns show up to take on Walter they get more than they bargained for from this retired Green Beret. Armed with formidable skill, Walter puts it all on the line to protect Gillie. Only a few steps ahead of a bullet, they careen through city streets and the dark wooded hills of New Hampshire in a race to expose the truth before it’s too late and face the one man she hates the most – her father.
334 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2013
About the author
Marta Sprout
11 books15 followersThat I write thrillers is no surprise for those who know me. When not writing, I love skiing big mountains, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling with 40’ whale sharks.
I teach at the police academy and have done training scenarios with SWAT. The cord that binds us is the pursuit of justice and protecting the innocent. Being an advocate for others came as a result of one incident that rocked my world. As a teen, I drove to Hollywood long before sunrise. After becoming hopelessly lost, I parked near a driveway in a gated community to read a map. Arriving home later that night, I spotted that driveway on the news. It was Sharon Tate’s home. I’d been there just before the bodies were discovered.
Today, writing thrillers gives us all a safe way to unravel why some are violent, to honor the brave, and to wonder what you or I would do in the shoes of a hero.
I teach at the police academy and have done training scenarios with SWAT. The cord that binds us is the pursuit of justice and protecting the innocent. Being an advocate for others came as a result of one incident that rocked my world. As a teen, I drove to Hollywood long before sunrise. After becoming hopelessly lost, I parked near a driveway in a gated community to read a map. Arriving home later that night, I spotted that driveway on the news. It was Sharon Tate’s home. I’d been there just before the bodies were discovered.
Today, writing thrillers gives us all a safe way to unravel why some are violent, to honor the brave, and to wonder what you or I would do in the shoes of a hero.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 6, 2014
This book isn't totally in my genre but I did receive a free signed copy from GoodReads (Thanks!) so I did what any bookworm would do and started reading. All in all this book somewhat falls under the young adult genre but I had no problem relating to Gillian once I was immersed. The twists and turns kept me interested along with Nam tie-in and the insurance fraud there is more than enough to keep the above average reader interested. Thanks again.
October 22, 2013
Couldn't put the book down until I finished it! Interesting characters, great storyline, can't wait for the sequel!!!
September 22, 2014
I had the good fortune of winning this book on Goodreads.com and simply put, this book was amazing! I can't remember the last time read a book that made me cry, laugh, and even get angry. I truly enjoy reading and for the most part the books I read do not affect me beyond perhaps identifying with the characters but this book left me speechless.
I really like Gillie, she was spunky, fun, smart, and a little bit wild and I could not help but think how much like my 15 year old she was. I absolutely loved Walter. I found myself crying over the loss of his wife and the parts in the story where it talked about his wife and children and the things he had been through. In fact, I find myself tearing up even now just writing about him. Deter was also another of my favorite characters and when I reached the end of the book and saw that Marta Sprout has written a story about him I got so excited because I can't wait to read that one as well as the other book she has written. Lyn was ok too and I saw a little bit of myself in her but the character I absolutely despised was Michael. He reminds me of my daughter's father. He doesn't really care about what happens to her as long as no one else is allowed to be on top. He doesn't care who he steps on to get what he wants. There were many times during the reading of the book that I found myself replacing Mike's name with that of my daughter's father.
I loved the ending of the book as well. So many times, I will read a book and the ending just leaves me frustrated. However, the end of this book gives you closure for the characters and lets you know how things turn out and for that I am eternally grateful!
I think this book would make an excellent movie and the last four times I have said that, the book was made into a movie so here's to hoping for this one. Now that I am finished with the review, I am off to find the other books Ms. Sprout has written!
I really like Gillie, she was spunky, fun, smart, and a little bit wild and I could not help but think how much like my 15 year old she was. I absolutely loved Walter. I found myself crying over the loss of his wife and the parts in the story where it talked about his wife and children and the things he had been through. In fact, I find myself tearing up even now just writing about him. Deter was also another of my favorite characters and when I reached the end of the book and saw that Marta Sprout has written a story about him I got so excited because I can't wait to read that one as well as the other book she has written. Lyn was ok too and I saw a little bit of myself in her but the character I absolutely despised was Michael. He reminds me of my daughter's father. He doesn't really care about what happens to her as long as no one else is allowed to be on top. He doesn't care who he steps on to get what he wants. There were many times during the reading of the book that I found myself replacing Mike's name with that of my daughter's father.
I loved the ending of the book as well. So many times, I will read a book and the ending just leaves me frustrated. However, the end of this book gives you closure for the characters and lets you know how things turn out and for that I am eternally grateful!
I think this book would make an excellent movie and the last four times I have said that, the book was made into a movie so here's to hoping for this one. Now that I am finished with the review, I am off to find the other books Ms. Sprout has written!
July 27, 2014
I won this book in a Goodread's First Read Giveaway! Thank you very much! This story is a page turner! One heart stopping surprise after another. Gillian is being held prisoner in a mansion controlled by her evil, ruthless father. He is an arrogant doctor about to commit the fraud of the century! The only time Dr. Curtis pays any attention to Gillie is to insult or disparage her. The rich kids in her new school either ignore her or mock her. As a means of control and revenge against his ex-wife, Dr. Curtis refuses to let Gillian return to her Mom, her old neighborhood, or her true friends.
Gillian is so miserable that she contemplates suicide. Instead, she packs her meager belongings and runs away, right smack into a kidnapper. Walter, the kidnapper, hates Dr. Curtis and blames him for destroying his family so he intends to pay him back. What's ironic is that Walter treats Gillian with more respect than her father ever did. The outcome of this story is mind-blowing! Awesome story!
Gillian is so miserable that she contemplates suicide. Instead, she packs her meager belongings and runs away, right smack into a kidnapper. Walter, the kidnapper, hates Dr. Curtis and blames him for destroying his family so he intends to pay him back. What's ironic is that Walter treats Gillian with more respect than her father ever did. The outcome of this story is mind-blowing! Awesome story!
September 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book and really am looking forward to reading the second one about the detectives son. This book pulled me in with the teenage comedy that was laced through out it. We all feel we are invincible at that time in our lives and that we know everything. It was clever how the writer laced Walter and Gillie together, I enjoyed this book more than I honestly thought I would have. I will be looking for more of her books to read.
September 16, 2013
Once again, I have a Goodreads Giveaway to thank for finding me an author to add to my "look for more by" list.
"Torn Apart" moves from the very first page, and keeps moving. Not once did feel I needed to skim over unnecessary detail/descriptions, wishing for the story to move along. Solid premise, well worked.
"Torn Apart" moves from the very first page, and keeps moving. Not once did feel I needed to skim over unnecessary detail/descriptions, wishing for the story to move along. Solid premise, well worked.
September 17, 2018
I WON THE TORN APART: THE ABDUCTION OF GILLIAN CURTIS BOOK ON THE GIVEAWAY. Gillian Curtis is a teenager and her father is Dr.Curtis. a man named Walter Lovett kidnaps Gillian Curtis to harm Dr.Curtis.
August 26, 2015
Might just have to save this thriller for my October reading list.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews