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His Kidnapper's Shoes
Daniel is my son. He has always been mine. And he always will be.
On some level deep inside, Laura Bateman knows something is wrong. That her relationship with her son is not what it should be. That it is based on lies.
But bad things have happened to Laura. Things that change a person. Forever.
For twenty-six-year-old Daniel, the discovery that his mother is not who he thought comes close to destroying him. As his world turns upside down, he searches for sanity in the madness that has become his life. Daniel is left with nothing but questions. Why did Laura do something so terrible? Can he move past the demons of his childhood?
And the biggest question of all: can he ever forgive Laura?
Revised edition: This edition of His Kidnapper's Shoes includes editorial revisions.
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
990 people are currently reading
2131 people want to read
About the author
Maggie James
13 books291 followersMaggie James is a British author who lives near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She writes psychological suspense novels.
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 398 reviews
February 25, 2017
When I was a kid and I got in a snit with my mother (which was often) I would fantasise about her not being my real mother; that there had been a mix up in the hospital and I had come home with the wrong parents; that I had been adopted and my real mother (incredibly wealthy of course) was searching frantically for me. But, of course, my mother was my mother. I was never in any real doubt. But what if she hadn't been........what if it was all a lie?
Daniel Bateman has never felt like he belonged. He has hazy memories of another woman being his mother and another, younger, woman who played with him. When he asks his mother Laura, she assures him that they are just dreams, figments of his imagination and that of course she is his mother.
Then Daniel meets Katie, the perfect girl from the perfect family. And suddenly it becomes imperative that he knows for certain just who he is. So he removes some hair from his mother's hairbrush and sends it off for a DNA test.
But is Daniel prepared for the result and the fallout it will cause?
His Kidnapper's Shoes is a story of love and loss, obsession and revenge, but most of all, forgiveness. It is tragic and heart-wrenching, and its characters very human. The title is clever and I thought it referred to something else entirely until just before the end.
There is some vulgarity contained within, and for a while I wondered why it was necessary, but all became clear.
There were times I wanted to slap both Laura and Daniel and tell them to just get over it, as it all got just a little repetitive, hence only 4 stars.
All in all a good read and I will be looking out for more to read from Maggie James.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the digital ARC of His Kidnapper's Shoes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Daniel Bateman has never felt like he belonged. He has hazy memories of another woman being his mother and another, younger, woman who played with him. When he asks his mother Laura, she assures him that they are just dreams, figments of his imagination and that of course she is his mother.
Then Daniel meets Katie, the perfect girl from the perfect family. And suddenly it becomes imperative that he knows for certain just who he is. So he removes some hair from his mother's hairbrush and sends it off for a DNA test.
But is Daniel prepared for the result and the fallout it will cause?
His Kidnapper's Shoes is a story of love and loss, obsession and revenge, but most of all, forgiveness. It is tragic and heart-wrenching, and its characters very human. The title is clever and I thought it referred to something else entirely until just before the end.
There is some vulgarity contained within, and for a while I wondered why it was necessary, but all became clear.
There were times I wanted to slap both Laura and Daniel and tell them to just get over it, as it all got just a little repetitive, hence only 4 stars.
All in all a good read and I will be looking out for more to read from Maggie James.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the digital ARC of His Kidnapper's Shoes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 22, 2016
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I'd gladly do so...What an incredible read!
If you are a mystery/thriller junkie like I am, you have probably read a couple of books with the theme that this one focuses on-a child kidnapping. That wasn't a spoiler, as the author clearly wants you to know where this book is headed.
But unlike some of the other unmemorable reads with this focus, James stands out with her stellar characters and 'Smack upside your head' twists. There were 2 jaw dropping moments for me that I never saw coming and am still thinking about.
Told from 2 different voices and bouncing from past to present, I found that while I initially didn't like either voice, I soon came to empathize and understand where both of these tortured souls were coming from. I quickly became invested in the how and why of what happened so many years ago, so much so that my emotions were all over the place as I got closer to the end.
Beautifully constructed and wonderfully paced mystery that you will find incredibly hard to put down. This one will stay with me for awhile...
ARC from NetGalley
If you are a mystery/thriller junkie like I am, you have probably read a couple of books with the theme that this one focuses on-a child kidnapping. That wasn't a spoiler, as the author clearly wants you to know where this book is headed.
But unlike some of the other unmemorable reads with this focus, James stands out with her stellar characters and 'Smack upside your head' twists. There were 2 jaw dropping moments for me that I never saw coming and am still thinking about.
Told from 2 different voices and bouncing from past to present, I found that while I initially didn't like either voice, I soon came to empathize and understand where both of these tortured souls were coming from. I quickly became invested in the how and why of what happened so many years ago, so much so that my emotions were all over the place as I got closer to the end.
Beautifully constructed and wonderfully paced mystery that you will find incredibly hard to put down. This one will stay with me for awhile...
ARC from NetGalley
January 13, 2018
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is the first book I’ve read by Maggie James. This was a little gem of a book. It’s shortish, so it’s an easy read (or listen in my case!). But don’t let that fool you, there’s a lot of story packed into those 200-some-odd pages.
26-year-old Daniel has never truly bonded with his mother the way most kids have. Then, he and his stepfather just outright did not get along. (He refers to him as asshole many times throughout the book).
He has a lot of visions of two other kind women, which he sometimes thinks is in his head, sometimes thinks is reality. But when he asks his mother Laura merely says, “Honey, that’s just a dream.” But is it?
Laura herself has had a rough upbringing. She spent many years taking care of her vomit soaked drunk mother, fell pregnant at 18 by a boy who dumped her. She landed in foster care because her beautiful but ill Gram could not take care of her.
Upon surviving a traumatic event at her foster home, she finally moves in with her gran to take care of her. She and her baby Daniel are finally getting their lives back on track until two more tragedies strike.
My Review
Despite any wrong-doing Laura had done in her adult life, I was rooting for her. She had a sad experience in the world in her first 18-20 years. I would be shocked if she wasn’t a little messed up in the head.
Maggie James alternates Her Kidnapper’s Shoes between Laura’s history and Daniel’s present. In the audiobook, they are both distinguished by female and male voices respectively.
There are two big shocking twists, both of which I didn’t see coming. That always makes for good reading for me! If I gasp and cover my mouth because of something that blindsided me, that's almost always at least 3 or 4 stars right there.
I am looking forward to checking out Maggie James’ other novels. 4-stars for His Kidnapper’s Shoes.
26-year-old Daniel has never truly bonded with his mother the way most kids have. Then, he and his stepfather just outright did not get along. (He refers to him as asshole many times throughout the book).
He has a lot of visions of two other kind women, which he sometimes thinks is in his head, sometimes thinks is reality. But when he asks his mother Laura merely says, “Honey, that’s just a dream.” But is it?
Laura herself has had a rough upbringing. She spent many years taking care of her vomit soaked drunk mother, fell pregnant at 18 by a boy who dumped her. She landed in foster care because her beautiful but ill Gram could not take care of her.
Upon surviving a traumatic event at her foster home, she finally moves in with her gran to take care of her. She and her baby Daniel are finally getting their lives back on track until two more tragedies strike.
My Review
Despite any wrong-doing Laura had done in her adult life, I was rooting for her. She had a sad experience in the world in her first 18-20 years. I would be shocked if she wasn’t a little messed up in the head.
Maggie James alternates Her Kidnapper’s Shoes between Laura’s history and Daniel’s present. In the audiobook, they are both distinguished by female and male voices respectively.
There are two big shocking twists, both of which I didn’t see coming. That always makes for good reading for me! If I gasp and cover my mouth because of something that blindsided me, that's almost always at least 3 or 4 stars right there.
I am looking forward to checking out Maggie James’ other novels. 4-stars for His Kidnapper’s Shoes.
November 16, 2016
This book just kept on giving.
We guess by the title and we know by the blurb and even get more of an idea what the book is about by reading reviews. But let me say, as long as no ones given any spoilers, the story is just not straight forward.
The depths the author goes to the heart and soul of this complete story left me feeling so sorry and really empathetic towards all the characters involved.
All the characters came to life in my minds eye.
The way in which the author writes had me visualizing everything. All this became so real to me.
This was not only about the kidnapped son, but, the kidnapped, the Biological parents, the Nanny, the Grandparents and the step dad.
The revelations at the end had me gasping and asking myself questions.
Annie was the most sweetest, kind, down to earth reasonable person. Although her story too was heart rendering.
Would I recommend this book?
Hell yes and more....
I love this authors books, and it's hard to choose a favorite but this one by far brought out more emotional feelings and reactions in me.
My thanks to Lake Union for my copy. Via Net Galley.
We guess by the title and we know by the blurb and even get more of an idea what the book is about by reading reviews. But let me say, as long as no ones given any spoilers, the story is just not straight forward.
The depths the author goes to the heart and soul of this complete story left me feeling so sorry and really empathetic towards all the characters involved.
All the characters came to life in my minds eye.
The way in which the author writes had me visualizing everything. All this became so real to me.
This was not only about the kidnapped son, but, the kidnapped, the Biological parents, the Nanny, the Grandparents and the step dad.
The revelations at the end had me gasping and asking myself questions.
Annie was the most sweetest, kind, down to earth reasonable person. Although her story too was heart rendering.
Would I recommend this book?
Hell yes and more....
I love this authors books, and it's hard to choose a favorite but this one by far brought out more emotional feelings and reactions in me.
My thanks to Lake Union for my copy. Via Net Galley.
August 16, 2019
Audiobook Version
His Kidnappers Shoes was advertised as a psychological thriller, but I didn't find it suspenseful or thrilling at all. Even though this book wasn't what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed the Daniel and Laura's stories.
Daniel just found out, as an adult, that the woman who raised him kidnapped him from his biological family. I've always wondered how an adult would process this. If the family who kidnapped him gave him a good life, would he be angry? If the home he grew up in was bad, would it fuel his anger further? Daniel's reactions to this life-altering news seemed very genuine and realistic to me. There were some parts of the story that moved a little slower than I usually like, but it still held my attention and took me for a ride.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version of His Kidnappers Shoes and ended up with mixed feelings about the narration. I felt the male narrator, Nico Evers-Swindell, did a great job voicing Daniel's chapters, but the female narrator, Susan Duerden, left me with mixed feelings. There were some places the female narration seemed too breathy, if that makes any sense. I ended up getting used to the female narration, but it could be frustrating at times.
His Kidnappers Shoes was advertised as a psychological thriller, but I didn't find it suspenseful or thrilling at all. Even though this book wasn't what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed the Daniel and Laura's stories.
Daniel just found out, as an adult, that the woman who raised him kidnapped him from his biological family. I've always wondered how an adult would process this. If the family who kidnapped him gave him a good life, would he be angry? If the home he grew up in was bad, would it fuel his anger further? Daniel's reactions to this life-altering news seemed very genuine and realistic to me. There were some parts of the story that moved a little slower than I usually like, but it still held my attention and took me for a ride.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version of His Kidnappers Shoes and ended up with mixed feelings about the narration. I felt the male narrator, Nico Evers-Swindell, did a great job voicing Daniel's chapters, but the female narrator, Susan Duerden, left me with mixed feelings. There were some places the female narration seemed too breathy, if that makes any sense. I ended up getting used to the female narration, but it could be frustrating at times.
December 18, 2018
I’m obviously in the minority here as it has so many glowing 5 star reviews, but I just wasn’t into this book. I thought it was kind of boring with no suspense or twists, unlikeable characters and it was a struggle to finish. Sorry Maggie James. But a lot of people clearly loved it so maybe it’s me 🤷🏻♀️
November 15, 2016
Wow, what a thought provoking and emotional read.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is told in alternating chapters by Daniel, who has just recently found out that Laura is not his mother, and Laura, whose chapters are in the past and leading up to and after kidnapping Daniel.
I think for anyone it would come as a shock to find out that you’re parents are not really you’re parents, but for poor Daniel he has to try and come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t taken away from his family for his sake but for the sake of the person that he came to call mum.
It’s really interesting to get to see both sides. As with most of us, I think we are quick to judge people without fully understanding what has gone on in that persons life to make them do what they have. It certainly gave me a better understanding to Laura and even though I know she was very wrong for what she did, I could certainly empathise with her.
Daniel is understandably affected the worst. He is very mixed up and is filled with anger, frustration as well as questions. He has so much to deal with and as his story got further on, my heart really went out to him.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is a story that quickly draws you in. In parts, it makes for a truly uncomfortable read but those parts really need to be in there to get the full impact of the emotions that the characters are going through. At some points the characters emotions overwhelmed me as I was so wrapped up in their stories and I felt like I was personally involved in what was going on in their lives. A truly harrowing and at times, heart breaking read.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is told in alternating chapters by Daniel, who has just recently found out that Laura is not his mother, and Laura, whose chapters are in the past and leading up to and after kidnapping Daniel.
I think for anyone it would come as a shock to find out that you’re parents are not really you’re parents, but for poor Daniel he has to try and come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t taken away from his family for his sake but for the sake of the person that he came to call mum.
It’s really interesting to get to see both sides. As with most of us, I think we are quick to judge people without fully understanding what has gone on in that persons life to make them do what they have. It certainly gave me a better understanding to Laura and even though I know she was very wrong for what she did, I could certainly empathise with her.
Daniel is understandably affected the worst. He is very mixed up and is filled with anger, frustration as well as questions. He has so much to deal with and as his story got further on, my heart really went out to him.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is a story that quickly draws you in. In parts, it makes for a truly uncomfortable read but those parts really need to be in there to get the full impact of the emotions that the characters are going through. At some points the characters emotions overwhelmed me as I was so wrapped up in their stories and I felt like I was personally involved in what was going on in their lives. A truly harrowing and at times, heart breaking read.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 11, 2016
Ok let's get to it. What an incredible read. This one really took me by surprise.
The story of Laura and Daniel Bateman, mother and son on the surface, but as we find out early on, Daniel is not her real son but a child she kidnapped when he was four years old. The story is told back and forth from both their perspectives, skipping to the past and back again to the present. It works beautifully as a premise. Not only does it get the story told but we get to know the two main characters intimately, understanding both their pain and motives in the lives they are leading.
The cast of characters supporting them in the book are as vividly written as the two main protagonists. A couple of characters, while playing only a supporting role in the story will stay long with me.
I don't want to go any deeper into the story as the synopsis on the cover tells you all you need to know going in(if indeed you need to know anything). To delve further would be certainly spoiler territory. What I will say is this was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had this year. Described as a mystery thriller, there certainly is an element of that to it but I found it more of a story about people and how they cope with bad things happening in their lives and how their behaviour affects so many people around them.
The subject matter and story is very dark but I got great pleasure reading this book. The pacing is fantastic throughout. Constant, almost meditative, this story doesn't need to build up to grand climax or finale, it just needs to be told until the end, which it is and beautifully so.
I can't think of a book I've read like it(even though I've read some with similar subject matters) and that's credit to the author and her writing craft and skill.
If you get a chance I'd urge you to get your hands on a copy of this and give it a go. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. A 5 star book for me all day long.
Thanks to NetGalley, Maggie James and Lake Union publishing for an ARC in exchange for and unbiased review.
The story of Laura and Daniel Bateman, mother and son on the surface, but as we find out early on, Daniel is not her real son but a child she kidnapped when he was four years old. The story is told back and forth from both their perspectives, skipping to the past and back again to the present. It works beautifully as a premise. Not only does it get the story told but we get to know the two main characters intimately, understanding both their pain and motives in the lives they are leading.
The cast of characters supporting them in the book are as vividly written as the two main protagonists. A couple of characters, while playing only a supporting role in the story will stay long with me.
I don't want to go any deeper into the story as the synopsis on the cover tells you all you need to know going in(if indeed you need to know anything). To delve further would be certainly spoiler territory. What I will say is this was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had this year. Described as a mystery thriller, there certainly is an element of that to it but I found it more of a story about people and how they cope with bad things happening in their lives and how their behaviour affects so many people around them.
The subject matter and story is very dark but I got great pleasure reading this book. The pacing is fantastic throughout. Constant, almost meditative, this story doesn't need to build up to grand climax or finale, it just needs to be told until the end, which it is and beautifully so.
I can't think of a book I've read like it(even though I've read some with similar subject matters) and that's credit to the author and her writing craft and skill.
If you get a chance I'd urge you to get your hands on a copy of this and give it a go. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. A 5 star book for me all day long.
Thanks to NetGalley, Maggie James and Lake Union publishing for an ARC in exchange for and unbiased review.
January 8, 2017
Maggie James is a British author who writes psychological suspense novels. Laura Bateman is in a police cell. They tell Laura Daniel is not her son. They say he has another mother. They also tell Laura that she kidnapped Daniel. Laura denied everything. But DNA tests will open up a can of worms.
December 2, 2016
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is told from two alternating points of view: The kidnapper (Laura) and the victim (Daniel). I always enjoy books written this way. My Kidnapper’s Shoes begins with Laura already in jail. We go on a journey with both Laura and Daniel seeing what both of their lives are like.
We learn about Laura’s past from childhood to adulthood. She did not have an easy life. For me this does not excuse what she did by kidnapping Daniel, but surprisingly I found myself understanding her through her story and I also felt empathy for her. As you read His Kidnapper’s Shoes you can see that she is a damaged woman and has mental issues. You would think that Maggie James would have some kind of experience working with the mentally ill with the way that Laura is described.
Daniel also did not have an easy life. He fell victim as a child in another way other than being kidnapped. I can not say how without a spoiler, which I will not do. His childhood affected him and in some ways turned him into the person he became. He would have been a very different person if he had not been kidnapped. We can see how one decision (the kidnapping) affected so many lives in negative ways.
Maggie James does a superb job putting us in Laura’s and Daniel’s thoughts. We can see a very disturbed woman and a troubled young man. You can see the descent Laura has leading up to her kidnapping Daniel. We also see how troubled Daniel is. We see and understand his anger and frustration at the loss of what his life should have been compared to what it actually was.
Maggie James covers some issues that could be disturbing to some readers. There is the difficult subject matter of a kidnapping, but then there are some other issues including sexual abuse, rape, and multiple sexual partners including same sex partners. There is also language in the novel as well. This is mentioned as a disclaimer fort those that may not want to read a book with these type of subjects.
There are more characters in the novel than Laura and Daniel. There is also Daniel’s stepfather, his birth parents and grandparents, his nanny, Daniel’s girlfriend Katie, and Annie, a bartender. They all become important in various ways in the novel.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes deals with many things, but a big one is forgiveness. Can Daniel recover from what happened to him as a child and will be be able to forgive Laura for kidnapping him?
I enjoyed His Kidnapper’s Shoes. Her writing is well written. I wasn’t in suspense with the novel, so I can not rate it 5 stars, but it is a very close 4.5 stars. I will read more by Maggie James in the future.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy!
We learn about Laura’s past from childhood to adulthood. She did not have an easy life. For me this does not excuse what she did by kidnapping Daniel, but surprisingly I found myself understanding her through her story and I also felt empathy for her. As you read His Kidnapper’s Shoes you can see that she is a damaged woman and has mental issues. You would think that Maggie James would have some kind of experience working with the mentally ill with the way that Laura is described.
Daniel also did not have an easy life. He fell victim as a child in another way other than being kidnapped. I can not say how without a spoiler, which I will not do. His childhood affected him and in some ways turned him into the person he became. He would have been a very different person if he had not been kidnapped. We can see how one decision (the kidnapping) affected so many lives in negative ways.
Maggie James does a superb job putting us in Laura’s and Daniel’s thoughts. We can see a very disturbed woman and a troubled young man. You can see the descent Laura has leading up to her kidnapping Daniel. We also see how troubled Daniel is. We see and understand his anger and frustration at the loss of what his life should have been compared to what it actually was.
Maggie James covers some issues that could be disturbing to some readers. There is the difficult subject matter of a kidnapping, but then there are some other issues including sexual abuse, rape, and multiple sexual partners including same sex partners. There is also language in the novel as well. This is mentioned as a disclaimer fort those that may not want to read a book with these type of subjects.
There are more characters in the novel than Laura and Daniel. There is also Daniel’s stepfather, his birth parents and grandparents, his nanny, Daniel’s girlfriend Katie, and Annie, a bartender. They all become important in various ways in the novel.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes deals with many things, but a big one is forgiveness. Can Daniel recover from what happened to him as a child and will be be able to forgive Laura for kidnapping him?
I enjoyed His Kidnapper’s Shoes. Her writing is well written. I wasn’t in suspense with the novel, so I can not rate it 5 stars, but it is a very close 4.5 stars. I will read more by Maggie James in the future.
His Kidnapper’s Shoes is recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy!
November 21, 2016
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This was an emotional and heartbreaking read! At the age of twenty six, Daniel finds out that his mother isn’t actually his biological mother. He’s always felt like something was off and wondered why he felt a lack of a connection between his mother, Laura and himself. So it all makes sense in a way, but then there is so much that doesn’t make sense to him and probably never will. This book is the story of a completely broken pair of people who have experienced pain and hurt that is unfathomable.
The story starts from Laura’s perspective right after she’s been detained after the truth about what she’s done comes to light. She’s very adamant that she never did anything wrong and that no matter what DNA tests say, he is her son. She comes off as delusional and ill, with no grasp on reality. Over the course of the book, she details her own life and the hardships she’s endured, and she has dealt with some truly terrible things. Though kidnapping Daniel is completely awful, after hearing her motivations I could at least understand what drove her to do it. I didn’t agree with her, but I could empathize with her.
In between Laura’s chapters you hear from Daniel and man did he completely shatter my heart. I cannot imagine how it would feel to learn your entire life was a lie and that you can’t even trust your own mother. Terrible. His story is just so very sad and I really felt for him as he struggled with his emotions throughout his journey. I wanted him to find peace so badly and felt he deserved a chance at a happy life.
I do want to say that there is some very heavy subject matter here and many references and descriptions of abuse. If that is at all a trigger for you, you may want to steer clear. Though much of the story is difficult to read, it was also very necessary to the characters background and present life. There is nothing gratuitous or added for shock value, only added for relevance and understanding.
This was an emotional and heartbreaking read! At the age of twenty six, Daniel finds out that his mother isn’t actually his biological mother. He’s always felt like something was off and wondered why he felt a lack of a connection between his mother, Laura and himself. So it all makes sense in a way, but then there is so much that doesn’t make sense to him and probably never will. This book is the story of a completely broken pair of people who have experienced pain and hurt that is unfathomable.
The story starts from Laura’s perspective right after she’s been detained after the truth about what she’s done comes to light. She’s very adamant that she never did anything wrong and that no matter what DNA tests say, he is her son. She comes off as delusional and ill, with no grasp on reality. Over the course of the book, she details her own life and the hardships she’s endured, and she has dealt with some truly terrible things. Though kidnapping Daniel is completely awful, after hearing her motivations I could at least understand what drove her to do it. I didn’t agree with her, but I could empathize with her.
In between Laura’s chapters you hear from Daniel and man did he completely shatter my heart. I cannot imagine how it would feel to learn your entire life was a lie and that you can’t even trust your own mother. Terrible. His story is just so very sad and I really felt for him as he struggled with his emotions throughout his journey. I wanted him to find peace so badly and felt he deserved a chance at a happy life.
I do want to say that there is some very heavy subject matter here and many references and descriptions of abuse. If that is at all a trigger for you, you may want to steer clear. Though much of the story is difficult to read, it was also very necessary to the characters background and present life. There is nothing gratuitous or added for shock value, only added for relevance and understanding.
December 16, 2015
What a terrific story and beautifully presented too. Take note, e-book publishers, they do NOT have to be chock-full of grammatical and spelling mistakes !! It really can be done ! AND this was a free download which is amazing.
I was totally hooked to the story the whole way through. I liked it was told from both Daniel and Laura's points of view the whole way through. I so wanted them to be reconciled in some way. Both had had bad breaks in their lives through no fault of their own and it was impossible to take sides. At times I was quite irritated by Daniel till I learned a lot more about his background. I was quite sniffy a couple of times....the mark of a great book.
Of course, being the anal observer I am I did spot a couple of tiny mistakes but I am not even going to relate them for a change as they were not howlers and the author has clearly put such a lot of work into presenting it well. Good for her-I'm really impressed and will definitely be happy to pay for a book of hers.
I was totally hooked to the story the whole way through. I liked it was told from both Daniel and Laura's points of view the whole way through. I so wanted them to be reconciled in some way. Both had had bad breaks in their lives through no fault of their own and it was impossible to take sides. At times I was quite irritated by Daniel till I learned a lot more about his background. I was quite sniffy a couple of times....the mark of a great book.
Of course, being the anal observer I am I did spot a couple of tiny mistakes but I am not even going to relate them for a change as they were not howlers and the author has clearly put such a lot of work into presenting it well. Good for her-I'm really impressed and will definitely be happy to pay for a book of hers.
November 25, 2016
Wow. What an incredible story! I felt truths in it and realities which I know happen everyday in this messed up world. It sends the reader on all the expected feelings and emotions one should have when completely engaged in a book.
And the writing, perfect. I noted straight away while reading this title how much I enjoyed the way the author made her story flow. She didn't waste words and the story moved along at an inviting pace. I have an author that I do tend to love, but find she can get a wee bit wordy in her writing. Not here. Maggie James keeps everything rolling and with the suspense one craves as to all its unanswered questions.
A few plot points one does see coming at times, but it does not take away or spoil this piece of work what-so-ever. I'm completely intrigued by this author and will most definitely be looking at her other works this year.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And the writing, perfect. I noted straight away while reading this title how much I enjoyed the way the author made her story flow. She didn't waste words and the story moved along at an inviting pace. I have an author that I do tend to love, but find she can get a wee bit wordy in her writing. Not here. Maggie James keeps everything rolling and with the suspense one craves as to all its unanswered questions.
A few plot points one does see coming at times, but it does not take away or spoil this piece of work what-so-ever. I'm completely intrigued by this author and will most definitely be looking at her other works this year.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2017
In my experience, one of the biggest frustrations with this genre is how a relatively decent sounding synopsis and intriguing cover art can be let down by very forced writing tones.
Told alternately by the kidnapper, Laura, and her son Daniel this book began rather promisingly. I thought Laura's chapters were more believable than her sons; when Daniel conversed with other characters I thought much of it sounded false and not at all realistic.
Later on the book failed to improve. I found neither leads or any of the supporting characters well developed enough to be likeable or interesting. And where was the psychological suspense I was promised?
The supposed climax of the book was unnecessarily graphic and made for uncomfortable reading. I felt the author was trying to shock as opposed to tidying up her storyline.
It's unlikely I will read something else by this author. These days, a decent psychological thriller must do what it says on the tin and this book missed the mark.
Told alternately by the kidnapper, Laura, and her son Daniel this book began rather promisingly. I thought Laura's chapters were more believable than her sons; when Daniel conversed with other characters I thought much of it sounded false and not at all realistic.
Later on the book failed to improve. I found neither leads or any of the supporting characters well developed enough to be likeable or interesting. And where was the psychological suspense I was promised?
The supposed climax of the book was unnecessarily graphic and made for uncomfortable reading. I felt the author was trying to shock as opposed to tidying up her storyline.
It's unlikely I will read something else by this author. These days, a decent psychological thriller must do what it says on the tin and this book missed the mark.
November 25, 2016
Oh my goodness what a tangled web Maggie James presents the reader with, from the opening chapter I just knew I was going to love His Kidnappers Shoes. Full of suspense and intrigue it’s one of those books you just want to read in one sitting. The novel explores the twisted relationship between a mother and her son, both have dark secrets which up until the novel began have been well and truly buried, but secrets have a nasty habit of coming out when you least expect them, and this is certainly the case in this novel.This is a story that explores secrets, lies, denial and ultimately forgiveness, and I enjoyed every page of this intriguing novel.
This is a hard book to review without giving away major spoilers so I’m going to keep my review short. All the characters in His Kidnappers Shoes have their own demons to confront, and what follows is a tense and at times a very disturbing and shocking read. Maggie James has managed to create such complex characters that I found myself completely invested in their sorrowful tale. At times I couldn’t help disliking Laura, after all here was a mother who had done the most terrible thing without any thought for others or the consequences of her actions, but her character also generated a great deal of sympathy from me at times which I wasn’t expecting. Whilst not condoning her actions I could understand what drove her to commit a horrifying crime after a terrible tragedy.
As for Daniel my heart broke as we learn more about his childhood and the harrowing things that happened to him, you can’t help but become emotionally involved in his story. Thanks to the authors superb plotting of her characters by the end of the novel I felt I really got to know them and their reasons for certain behaviour were made clear. As Daniel tries to come to terms with events you can feel his anger, torment and frustration, you can’t help feeling every emotion alongside him as he tries to get to the truth.
Some of the subject matter in this novel may upset some readers, but it’s not used for the “shock factor” but adds depth to the plot and the characters. A quote came to mind when I was reading His Kidnappers Shoes “Before you start to judge me, Step into my shoes and walk the life I’m living and if you get as far as I am, just maybe you will see how strong I really am”, you won’t be able to help but judge the characters in this book, but the author has expertly explored issues that may well help you understand their motives better, my feelings towards Laura changed as I learnt more about her. I found this book to be incredibly sad and a thought provoking read with realistic characters and a taut and highly original plot, it’s a psychological thriller that I would highly recommend.
This is a hard book to review without giving away major spoilers so I’m going to keep my review short. All the characters in His Kidnappers Shoes have their own demons to confront, and what follows is a tense and at times a very disturbing and shocking read. Maggie James has managed to create such complex characters that I found myself completely invested in their sorrowful tale. At times I couldn’t help disliking Laura, after all here was a mother who had done the most terrible thing without any thought for others or the consequences of her actions, but her character also generated a great deal of sympathy from me at times which I wasn’t expecting. Whilst not condoning her actions I could understand what drove her to commit a horrifying crime after a terrible tragedy.
As for Daniel my heart broke as we learn more about his childhood and the harrowing things that happened to him, you can’t help but become emotionally involved in his story. Thanks to the authors superb plotting of her characters by the end of the novel I felt I really got to know them and their reasons for certain behaviour were made clear. As Daniel tries to come to terms with events you can feel his anger, torment and frustration, you can’t help feeling every emotion alongside him as he tries to get to the truth.
Some of the subject matter in this novel may upset some readers, but it’s not used for the “shock factor” but adds depth to the plot and the characters. A quote came to mind when I was reading His Kidnappers Shoes “Before you start to judge me, Step into my shoes and walk the life I’m living and if you get as far as I am, just maybe you will see how strong I really am”, you won’t be able to help but judge the characters in this book, but the author has expertly explored issues that may well help you understand their motives better, my feelings towards Laura changed as I learnt more about her. I found this book to be incredibly sad and a thought provoking read with realistic characters and a taut and highly original plot, it’s a psychological thriller that I would highly recommend.
November 19, 2016
An emotionally-filled and thought-provoking read! :) xx
July 18, 2017
Daniel is convinced that he was kidnapped as a child. Yet his 'mother' Lauren thinks it is all his imagination, not only does she thinks that he is making it up, but she does not understand why he will hurt her by even thinking such a thing. Lauren has nourished him since he was a toddler, she wanted to give him the world, there is nothing standing between their connection. Locked in a mental state, Lauren is naive but convinced that Daniel will soon come to his senses. Afterall, she is his mother, according to her biology does not make a mother but a strong bond does.
Scorned from the demons that haunts him, Daniel has never had a solid relationship. Sleeping around is how he cope, he refuses to get close to any girl, fearing that he will not be vulnerable. Yet when he meets Katie, he thinks he has found the one. Mainly cause she is unlike any girl he has met, she is sweet, supportive and love to pleasure him in more ways than one. Katie is one person that he can depend on, but when he finds out a deep secret, it will threaten their entire relationship. As Daniel struggles to discover the truth about his paternity, more secrets are revealed in this chilling and unforgettable novel about loyalty!
HOLY S***! This is by far the best book I have ever read in my life! The characterization is remarkable,I FELT the characters emotions! Daniel was so sympathetic, the things he went through as a child was heartbreaking. I wanted to embrace him, at least encourage him that he is not the product of his mistakes, so it is okay to feel like a victim! Not only him but all the characters had so much characterization, it was hard to not feel empathy to their struggles and wanted them to prevail in the end. Lauren was one twisted mental nutcase, without giving away spoilers, her character frustrated the hell out of me!
Too many twists and turns to summarize this novel, this book will be HARD to beat!
Best book I ever read,READ IT AND READ IT NOW!!
Scorned from the demons that haunts him, Daniel has never had a solid relationship. Sleeping around is how he cope, he refuses to get close to any girl, fearing that he will not be vulnerable. Yet when he meets Katie, he thinks he has found the one. Mainly cause she is unlike any girl he has met, she is sweet, supportive and love to pleasure him in more ways than one. Katie is one person that he can depend on, but when he finds out a deep secret, it will threaten their entire relationship. As Daniel struggles to discover the truth about his paternity, more secrets are revealed in this chilling and unforgettable novel about loyalty!
HOLY S***! This is by far the best book I have ever read in my life! The characterization is remarkable,I FELT the characters emotions! Daniel was so sympathetic, the things he went through as a child was heartbreaking. I wanted to embrace him, at least encourage him that he is not the product of his mistakes, so it is okay to feel like a victim! Not only him but all the characters had so much characterization, it was hard to not feel empathy to their struggles and wanted them to prevail in the end. Lauren was one twisted mental nutcase, without giving away spoilers, her character frustrated the hell out of me!
Too many twists and turns to summarize this novel, this book will be HARD to beat!
Best book I ever read,READ IT AND READ IT NOW!!
November 9, 2017
I must admit that the characters were a bit flat to me maybe because I started with audio first, then switched to reading, thinking it would get better but it didn't. Not really the psychological thriller I was looking forward to.
March 27, 2016
This was one of the hardest books to get thru. I kept thinking it was going to get better. The story offered nothing new. I just kept thinking the main character did a lot of whining.
January 14, 2020
A tragic story of loss, revenge and forgiveness. The intriguing plot, all the secrets and the complex characters hooked me to the story and had me flying through the pages, trying to understand how and why. The twists I never saw coming, the taboo topics were perfectly woven in.
The switching POVs and bouncing from past to present made this story enfold slowly. There's so many details to pay attention to, so many questions popping up because we're thrown into the middle of this. And the story became so real, it made me shiver.
Laura would do anything for her son Daniel. Now all she wants is for him to forgive her.
Daniel is a mess. His world was turned upside down by the results and the outcome of the DNA test he took. He never really bonded with his mother, didn't at all get along with his stepfather and had these memories he couldn't place. But now he lost it all.
Lauras confession to her Gram, spiked with hurtful memories of her rough life, beginning with the years she had to take care of her drunk mother over getting pregnant and being dumped, foster care and the time her Gram was ill until the few days that changed her life forever.
The interesting insight on the human psyche, like how she never thought about what she has done being wrong and the tragic giving-up during foster care, that seemed to repeat her mother's tragic story, added to that.
And Daniel's current state of mind is a mess anyway. Not only from learning about his family but also from the loss of his girlfriend. And when he confides in the somewhat strange barkeeper Annie, I really shifted from "why doesn't he just talk to her?" to "how could he forgive her?!" and began to understand how hateful he was. And the sick way of getting revenge in his mind.
I loved how the special relationship between Laura and her Grandmother was transported through the way she talked to her.
Despite everything she has done I found myself rooting for her and was so satisfied with her revenge.
With all the main characters I got the feeling to really know them and was always somewhere between like and disgust. Besides the stepfather, there's no doubt about him. And the original father amazed me with trying to see Laura's reasoning.
Such a surprisingly good read. Definitely will be looking out for more from the author!
The switching POVs and bouncing from past to present made this story enfold slowly. There's so many details to pay attention to, so many questions popping up because we're thrown into the middle of this. And the story became so real, it made me shiver.
Laura would do anything for her son Daniel. Now all she wants is for him to forgive her.
Daniel is a mess. His world was turned upside down by the results and the outcome of the DNA test he took. He never really bonded with his mother, didn't at all get along with his stepfather and had these memories he couldn't place. But now he lost it all.
Lauras confession to her Gram, spiked with hurtful memories of her rough life, beginning with the years she had to take care of her drunk mother over getting pregnant and being dumped, foster care and the time her Gram was ill until the few days that changed her life forever.
The interesting insight on the human psyche, like how she never thought about what she has done being wrong and the tragic giving-up during foster care, that seemed to repeat her mother's tragic story, added to that.
And Daniel's current state of mind is a mess anyway. Not only from learning about his family but also from the loss of his girlfriend. And when he confides in the somewhat strange barkeeper Annie, I really shifted from "why doesn't he just talk to her?" to "how could he forgive her?!" and began to understand how hateful he was. And the sick way of getting revenge in his mind.
I loved how the special relationship between Laura and her Grandmother was transported through the way she talked to her.
Despite everything she has done I found myself rooting for her and was so satisfied with her revenge.
With all the main characters I got the feeling to really know them and was always somewhere between like and disgust. Besides the stepfather, there's no doubt about him. And the original father amazed me with trying to see Laura's reasoning.
Such a surprisingly good read. Definitely will be looking out for more from the author!
April 2, 2018
Absolutely fascinating!!!! Oh my! There are no words for the shocking twists and turns that take place as Daniel uncovers the facts of his kidnapping. The story is told from dual POV's that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go. Laura feels she is justified stating she is Daniel's "mother". Daniel hates that Laura lied and is still being deceitful. Then add his girlfriend, Katie, to the mix and this mess is absolutely mind-blowing! I cried thinking about how poor Daniel suffered at the hands of these cruel and selfish adults.
March 7, 2017
This is the first book by Maggie James that I've read but it certainly won't be the last. Her writing is well paced, perfectly planned and full of emotion.
The story is written on two timelines with Daniel in the present time and Laura Bateman giving her story on both timelines. We get a good background story of Laura's early life, how she lost her mother, was sent to disastrous foster parents, became pregnant at a young age and just as things were looking better, she lost her grandmother. Laura had such a tragic start in life and Maggie James does a good job of making the reader feel so sorry for her, to the point that you would forgive her of almost anything.
At the same time we are crying buckets over Laura's life, Daniel's present day is being told in alternate chapters. Daniel is a complex characters, he isn't a loving family kind of guy, he dates women only for sex and sometimes dates men too when he's feeling particularly rough. Suddenly, he dates a woman who he can't get out of his mind (or his bed!) and he thinks that finally he has found someone he might possibly be able to spend the rest of his life with. The only problem is that she's about to take a job in Australia and wants him to come too. This is moving much too quickly for Daniel, he's feeling the pressure, and then the biggest, most shocking moment of his life hits him.
The pace of the book is very quick. There are no moments of boredom or any thought of skipping a bit because so much is happening all the time. I must admit that the story does have a certain predictability about it because from the first chapters, Laura on the dual timeline is telling her present day story from a police interview room. But none of that matters, it's not the guessing what happens that's important, it's how we get there and this story is a beautiful one to the very end. The whole telling of Daniel and Laura's life is so emotional and realistic that it doesn't matter that you can see the inevitable coming, you just have to keep reading to find out how it all happens.
This is an excellent telling of flawed characters who in different ways have had awful things happen in their lives to create complex and broken people. It's a story of struggle and hardship, of deep love, hate, confusion and a kind of forgiving too.
The story is written on two timelines with Daniel in the present time and Laura Bateman giving her story on both timelines. We get a good background story of Laura's early life, how she lost her mother, was sent to disastrous foster parents, became pregnant at a young age and just as things were looking better, she lost her grandmother. Laura had such a tragic start in life and Maggie James does a good job of making the reader feel so sorry for her, to the point that you would forgive her of almost anything.
At the same time we are crying buckets over Laura's life, Daniel's present day is being told in alternate chapters. Daniel is a complex characters, he isn't a loving family kind of guy, he dates women only for sex and sometimes dates men too when he's feeling particularly rough. Suddenly, he dates a woman who he can't get out of his mind (or his bed!) and he thinks that finally he has found someone he might possibly be able to spend the rest of his life with. The only problem is that she's about to take a job in Australia and wants him to come too. This is moving much too quickly for Daniel, he's feeling the pressure, and then the biggest, most shocking moment of his life hits him.
The pace of the book is very quick. There are no moments of boredom or any thought of skipping a bit because so much is happening all the time. I must admit that the story does have a certain predictability about it because from the first chapters, Laura on the dual timeline is telling her present day story from a police interview room. But none of that matters, it's not the guessing what happens that's important, it's how we get there and this story is a beautiful one to the very end. The whole telling of Daniel and Laura's life is so emotional and realistic that it doesn't matter that you can see the inevitable coming, you just have to keep reading to find out how it all happens.
This is an excellent telling of flawed characters who in different ways have had awful things happen in their lives to create complex and broken people. It's a story of struggle and hardship, of deep love, hate, confusion and a kind of forgiving too.
December 7, 2016
Finished reading: November 27th 2016
“Sometimes the people who touch our lives the most are only passing through.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 28, 2017
This is the first book by Maggie James and it certainly won't be the last.
Right from the very first page I was drawn into this heart-breaking, at times nerve-crunching tale. Wonderful characterisation that has you rooting for everyone concerned. The past shapes our futures and can be riddled with pain as in Laura's case.
I admit to sharing a few tears throughout this epic tale when Daniel searches for reasons why he should forgive Laura.
Some readers will find the content of this novel tough going but to me every news bulletin is filled with tales of what this story is all about. To say more would mean spoiling it for other readers.
Get your tissues ready, you're in for an emotional rollercoaster, thought-provoking ride.
Right from the very first page I was drawn into this heart-breaking, at times nerve-crunching tale. Wonderful characterisation that has you rooting for everyone concerned. The past shapes our futures and can be riddled with pain as in Laura's case.
I admit to sharing a few tears throughout this epic tale when Daniel searches for reasons why he should forgive Laura.
Some readers will find the content of this novel tough going but to me every news bulletin is filled with tales of what this story is all about. To say more would mean spoiling it for other readers.
Get your tissues ready, you're in for an emotional rollercoaster, thought-provoking ride.
August 31, 2021
dark and sad, and at times, very hard to read/listen to. An excellent thriller/mystery novel. I loved how the chapters switched points of view between the mom and the son, giving us a look into each main characters' stories, thoughts, and motivations. Highly Recommend for mystery and thriller lovers. :D
August 27, 2022
I really really liked this book. It had me hooked from the very start with the changing povs.
December 5, 2016
This is a thought provoking story about how tragic events, and each persons' way of dealing with them, can impact on the lives and actions of others.
Laura suffered more before she was an adult than most people would be able to cope with during a lifetime. When she loses the 2 most important people in her life she becomes mentally unstable causing the lines between right and wrong to become blurred resulting in Laura truly believing that fate planned for her to 'save' Daniel. Maggie has created a complicated but realistic character in Laura that you will love and hate at the same time. I feel her intentions were good although very misguided but you may think differently that is one of the good aspects of this book, it forces the reader to think outside the box.
Daniel is kidnapped as a 4 year old infant but despite his young age he retains memories of his Mother and Nanny and these memories stay with him through a tragic childhood which see him become a very troubled adult. A serious relationship persuades him to look into his past and he finds out that his life has been a lie. The discovery sets in motion a train of events that cannot be stopped and comes at a great personal cost.
This is a very gripping book once you start reading you have to carry on it is so difficult to put down. I don’t usually re-read books, but made an exception with this book as I was interested to see if Maggie had changed the ending or anything. I found that having read it already didn’t spoil the story for me at all it is a brilliant book that is heart-breaking and heart lifting all at the same time and will stay with you for a long time to come (if not forever).
I have never understood how a woman could steal a child knowing how much pain she is causing the parents but this book has made me understand a lot more. The title is perfect as you will realise as you read the book.
I feel the book is 'made' by a person who, although damaged by tragedy has the compassion and unselfishness to be able to help others. This person, to me, is a realistic character who makes up in a small way for all the evil in the world. I am not going to say too much as I am trying to write this without spoilers.
His Kidnappers Shoes is one of the best books I have ever read and will appeal to readers of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain and is every bit as good, if not better.
I recommend you read this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Laura suffered more before she was an adult than most people would be able to cope with during a lifetime. When she loses the 2 most important people in her life she becomes mentally unstable causing the lines between right and wrong to become blurred resulting in Laura truly believing that fate planned for her to 'save' Daniel. Maggie has created a complicated but realistic character in Laura that you will love and hate at the same time. I feel her intentions were good although very misguided but you may think differently that is one of the good aspects of this book, it forces the reader to think outside the box.
Daniel is kidnapped as a 4 year old infant but despite his young age he retains memories of his Mother and Nanny and these memories stay with him through a tragic childhood which see him become a very troubled adult. A serious relationship persuades him to look into his past and he finds out that his life has been a lie. The discovery sets in motion a train of events that cannot be stopped and comes at a great personal cost.
This is a very gripping book once you start reading you have to carry on it is so difficult to put down. I don’t usually re-read books, but made an exception with this book as I was interested to see if Maggie had changed the ending or anything. I found that having read it already didn’t spoil the story for me at all it is a brilliant book that is heart-breaking and heart lifting all at the same time and will stay with you for a long time to come (if not forever).
I have never understood how a woman could steal a child knowing how much pain she is causing the parents but this book has made me understand a lot more. The title is perfect as you will realise as you read the book.
I feel the book is 'made' by a person who, although damaged by tragedy has the compassion and unselfishness to be able to help others. This person, to me, is a realistic character who makes up in a small way for all the evil in the world. I am not going to say too much as I am trying to write this without spoilers.
His Kidnappers Shoes is one of the best books I have ever read and will appeal to readers of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain and is every bit as good, if not better.
I recommend you read this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
November 19, 2016
There are a lot of books out there in the psychological genre but none have ever got inside my head more than His Kidnapper's Shoes. I still feel as if Laura is in my head, even after I finished the book. Laura got into my head and under my skin as I pieced together the jigsaw of her life in this page turning novel.
We're introduced to Laura who has been arrested for abducting her 'son', Daniel, and refuses to utter a word in her defence. All we can 'hear' are her deepest and darkest thoughts about how she ended up where she is, and what an emotional story that is. Laura's son, Daniel, has always been tormented by the hazy memories of a woman beside his bed and a dark haired girl who played with him, neither of these women being the woman he knows as his mother. Daniel is a tormented soul in the main anyway. He sleeps with anyone he takes a fancy to but never gets too close, until he meets Katie. He is encouraged by Katie to do a DNA test, the results of which cause jaw-dropping repercussions that nobody could ever have imagined.
The story has two distinct voices in Laura and Daniel, both of which started towards the dislike end of my love/hate scale but as the story unfolded I could feel the balance shifting - with reasons for actions comes compassion and understanding. You always think of kidnappers as murderers or perverts, but what about the person who convinces themselves that they are doing it for love. Laura didn't think that she was doing anything wrong; after a time, she convinced herself that Daniel was her son. The only thing that was missing was the invisible bond that a mother has for her child. Daniel never really felt that close to his mother and he absolutely hates his step-father and my heart was shattering as I wondered what kind of life he would have had if he'd never been taken.
His Kidnapper's Shoes is a psychological novel with a capital 'P'. I felt as if Laura was telling her story only to me - I could hear her in my head as if I was listening to an audiobook. It's a powerful novel of how we often judge things on face value, but once you walk a few miles in his kidnapper's shoes you see everything in a completely different light. A superb novel that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
We're introduced to Laura who has been arrested for abducting her 'son', Daniel, and refuses to utter a word in her defence. All we can 'hear' are her deepest and darkest thoughts about how she ended up where she is, and what an emotional story that is. Laura's son, Daniel, has always been tormented by the hazy memories of a woman beside his bed and a dark haired girl who played with him, neither of these women being the woman he knows as his mother. Daniel is a tormented soul in the main anyway. He sleeps with anyone he takes a fancy to but never gets too close, until he meets Katie. He is encouraged by Katie to do a DNA test, the results of which cause jaw-dropping repercussions that nobody could ever have imagined.
The story has two distinct voices in Laura and Daniel, both of which started towards the dislike end of my love/hate scale but as the story unfolded I could feel the balance shifting - with reasons for actions comes compassion and understanding. You always think of kidnappers as murderers or perverts, but what about the person who convinces themselves that they are doing it for love. Laura didn't think that she was doing anything wrong; after a time, she convinced herself that Daniel was her son. The only thing that was missing was the invisible bond that a mother has for her child. Daniel never really felt that close to his mother and he absolutely hates his step-father and my heart was shattering as I wondered what kind of life he would have had if he'd never been taken.
His Kidnapper's Shoes is a psychological novel with a capital 'P'. I felt as if Laura was telling her story only to me - I could hear her in my head as if I was listening to an audiobook. It's a powerful novel of how we often judge things on face value, but once you walk a few miles in his kidnapper's shoes you see everything in a completely different light. A superb novel that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 18, 2017
Yet another gripping read from start to finish!
November 19, 2016
This is the first book by Maggie James that I have had the pleasure of reading and it certainly won't be the last. What a wonderful piece of writing. The story is told from two different viewpoints - Laura the 'mother' and her son Daniel. The pair have had a strained relationship. Laura is described by Daniel as a 'smother mother' and he finds her love almost over bearing. Despite her dedication and devotion to him, Daniel has never felt close to her. Never really felt she was his mother. Childhood memories of two women keep surfacing, leaving Daniel confused. His new girlfriend encourages Daniel to look more closely at his relationship with his mother and try to get some answers about his past. Daniel doesn't like what he finds.
Laura has had a life that is the stuff of nightmares. Being raised by an alcoholic mother is not the worst thing to happen to her. Finding herself pregnant as a teenager, Laura's life descends into further despair which leads to some poor decision making. On a very base level, all Laura has ever wanted is to be loved and not to feel so alone in the world.
I absolutely flew through this book. It was extremely difficult to put down and I almost became a little obsessed by how it would all turn out. My heart just absolutely bled for Laura reading about all the horrors of her life. Written in such a way, the reader could almost rationalise her actions. After all, what would you do if you were in her shoes! It was only as I was writing this review that the significance of the title hit me! Duh!
The consequences of Daniel's kidnap as a child have far reaching implications for more people than Daniel and Laura. Lives are left in turmoil and now that Daniel knows the truth about his past , his future now feels uncertain. The story had me gripped right from the start. The suspense is breathtaking and takes you on an emotional roller coaster. A very moving book that explores many issues such as grief, loss, forgiveness and a need to belong. There are some hard hitting issues explored too. I think this is one book I'll be recommending to my book club!
Laura has had a life that is the stuff of nightmares. Being raised by an alcoholic mother is not the worst thing to happen to her. Finding herself pregnant as a teenager, Laura's life descends into further despair which leads to some poor decision making. On a very base level, all Laura has ever wanted is to be loved and not to feel so alone in the world.
I absolutely flew through this book. It was extremely difficult to put down and I almost became a little obsessed by how it would all turn out. My heart just absolutely bled for Laura reading about all the horrors of her life. Written in such a way, the reader could almost rationalise her actions. After all, what would you do if you were in her shoes! It was only as I was writing this review that the significance of the title hit me! Duh!
The consequences of Daniel's kidnap as a child have far reaching implications for more people than Daniel and Laura. Lives are left in turmoil and now that Daniel knows the truth about his past , his future now feels uncertain. The story had me gripped right from the start. The suspense is breathtaking and takes you on an emotional roller coaster. A very moving book that explores many issues such as grief, loss, forgiveness and a need to belong. There are some hard hitting issues explored too. I think this is one book I'll be recommending to my book club!
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