What do you think?
Rate this book
The Abduction of Lilly Waters
Beth never anticipated her life would end up like it did. The last beating she received at the hands of her boyfriend threw her over the edge. She had to escape him, so she fled taking her daughter Lilly with her. She didn’t know where she’d go, but she didn’t care. All she could manage to think about was the safety of her unborn child and her daughter Lilly.
The frequent stops the mother and daughter had to make were uneventful until Beth pulled into a Diner in Moore, Oklahoma where her daughter Lilly was taken by unseen hands.
Detective’s Daniel Prescott and Frank Martinez head the investigation trying relentlessly to solve the case before it’s too late. These days, when children are taken it’s a unified frenzy to find them. In this case, every lead turns up empty and every turn they take reveals a clue they couldn’t have anticipated. The detectives aren’t quite sure where to turn or who to trust; even the mother herself is a prime suspect.
The Abduction of Lilly Waters is a fast paced child abduction thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat in anticipation until the end where you’ll discover the deepest and darkest secret waiting.
The frequent stops the mother and daughter had to make were uneventful until Beth pulled into a Diner in Moore, Oklahoma where her daughter Lilly was taken by unseen hands.
Detective’s Daniel Prescott and Frank Martinez head the investigation trying relentlessly to solve the case before it’s too late. These days, when children are taken it’s a unified frenzy to find them. In this case, every lead turns up empty and every turn they take reveals a clue they couldn’t have anticipated. The detectives aren’t quite sure where to turn or who to trust; even the mother herself is a prime suspect.
The Abduction of Lilly Waters is a fast paced child abduction thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat in anticipation until the end where you’ll discover the deepest and darkest secret waiting.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 23, 2013
Bought this book last year and I enjoyed this suspense filled book dearly, could hardly put it down.
Wrapped in mystery and suspense we learn about Beth and Lilly and the search that followed after Lilly's kidnapping. At first I was wrapped up into this story wondering who this crazed person could be that would abduct a little girl. But the more you read and leads dies down you know that some where something bigger is going on than you've first believed. What an unexpected twist; it bowled me over for sure.
This makes the story very original as you anticipate the outcome. Together with Detectives Frank and Daniel we discover the real reasons behind the kidnapping and who the crazed person is. It will truly stun you as reader. With the help of a concerned doctor all questions will be answered and secrets revealed.
Very well done TM Novak, thanks for a great book.
Wrapped in mystery and suspense we learn about Beth and Lilly and the search that followed after Lilly's kidnapping. At first I was wrapped up into this story wondering who this crazed person could be that would abduct a little girl. But the more you read and leads dies down you know that some where something bigger is going on than you've first believed. What an unexpected twist; it bowled me over for sure.
This makes the story very original as you anticipate the outcome. Together with Detectives Frank and Daniel we discover the real reasons behind the kidnapping and who the crazed person is. It will truly stun you as reader. With the help of a concerned doctor all questions will be answered and secrets revealed.
Very well done TM Novak, thanks for a great book.
March 15, 2026
The first chapter had me covered in goosebumps and genuinely terrified…The thought of a child being abducted is absolutely petrifying. However, for such a short book, it felt filled with a lot of pointless information (like how badly the detectives wanted coffee). It may not have helped that I read it from a PDF copy that had quite a few spelling mistakes and messy formatting. That said, it did keep me interested enough to want to know how it ended
September 7, 2013
"The Abduction of Lilly Waters" by T.M. Novak is an intelligent, suspenseful and brooding psychological thriller.
On a dark, rainy night in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, Beth Waters stops at a diner along the highway to use the restroom. She asks her daughter, Lilly, to sing to her outside of the stall so she knows that her daughter is there and safe. When the singing stops and her daughter disappears into thin air, the frenzied search is on.
TAOLW is a very fast read...a short novel, in fact, more the size of a novella. It is taut, tense and a page turner. T.M. Novak is a skilled storyteller and she knows how to engross the reader. Novak is adept at building the suspense little by little to the story's climax, which does satisfy. The author knows how to reveal things at the right times. She will tickle you and whet your appetite and give you just enough without involving you too much. Her characters are somewhat a mystery, as she also chooses not to indulge you too much into what makes them "tick". Yet, you are still drawn in and can connect to them. The overall story maintains a darkness that spills over from chapter to chapter, and Novak maintains a strong continuity throughout, though she does bounce you back and forth between scenes. No real main character is evident here, but it still works very well.
However, with as many questions that are answered, just as many are left unanswered. Not wanting to disclose spoilers here, I will just suffice it to say that some of the 5 W's (why? where? when?) were left unanswered. In fact, if some of the "why's" had been addressed, then a lot of the detectives' leg work might have been saved. The biggest of which would be, "why" didn't the detective get Beth's ID and run it? This wasn't even explained away. T.M. Novak is very talented and I loved her writing style. She had me hooked. So I am hoping this objective review will only encourage her to grow and keep writing. I mentioned earlier this was a short novel, novella really. Perhaps expanding this book to a full novel size, taking the time to work in all the angles and cover all the bases might have helped a little here.
I loved TAOLW and I do highly recommend it. A little suspension of disbelief is required here, but not much. Overall, this was a well constructed and intelligent thriller. She does effectively tie up most of the loose ends here. It is a solid first effort at a psychological thriller and I foresee a bright future for this writer. I will be anxiously looking forward to more from T.M. Novak and for this book I say...Bravo!
On a dark, rainy night in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, Beth Waters stops at a diner along the highway to use the restroom. She asks her daughter, Lilly, to sing to her outside of the stall so she knows that her daughter is there and safe. When the singing stops and her daughter disappears into thin air, the frenzied search is on.
TAOLW is a very fast read...a short novel, in fact, more the size of a novella. It is taut, tense and a page turner. T.M. Novak is a skilled storyteller and she knows how to engross the reader. Novak is adept at building the suspense little by little to the story's climax, which does satisfy. The author knows how to reveal things at the right times. She will tickle you and whet your appetite and give you just enough without involving you too much. Her characters are somewhat a mystery, as she also chooses not to indulge you too much into what makes them "tick". Yet, you are still drawn in and can connect to them. The overall story maintains a darkness that spills over from chapter to chapter, and Novak maintains a strong continuity throughout, though she does bounce you back and forth between scenes. No real main character is evident here, but it still works very well.
However, with as many questions that are answered, just as many are left unanswered. Not wanting to disclose spoilers here, I will just suffice it to say that some of the 5 W's (why? where? when?) were left unanswered. In fact, if some of the "why's" had been addressed, then a lot of the detectives' leg work might have been saved. The biggest of which would be, "why" didn't the detective get Beth's ID and run it? This wasn't even explained away. T.M. Novak is very talented and I loved her writing style. She had me hooked. So I am hoping this objective review will only encourage her to grow and keep writing. I mentioned earlier this was a short novel, novella really. Perhaps expanding this book to a full novel size, taking the time to work in all the angles and cover all the bases might have helped a little here.
I loved TAOLW and I do highly recommend it. A little suspension of disbelief is required here, but not much. Overall, this was a well constructed and intelligent thriller. She does effectively tie up most of the loose ends here. It is a solid first effort at a psychological thriller and I foresee a bright future for this writer. I will be anxiously looking forward to more from T.M. Novak and for this book I say...Bravo!
April 28, 2014
This book opened up and just pulled me right in.....In an instant I was consumed by the turmoil. It become difficult not to get caught up in all the suspenseful drama that was taking place. I could feel the anguish that this young woman was going through. I wanted to somehow help her even though that would be impossible. The writing is sharp and to the point with clever metaphors. There are surprises that I didn't quite see coming. The twists and turns played tricks on my imagination. I couldn't have anticipated any of it.. From the very beginning there is an emotional pull that kept me entertained as the unpredictable ride unfolded. More than anything I wished for a peaceful resolve.
"Outside in the ominous night the rain slapped Beth across the face. Each drop insulted her flesh with sharp jabs, but she didn't care. She tried with a strained effort to search the sinister parking lot. The rain however, wouldn't allow a clear view. The drops were more like thick streams. A scream pierced the darkness, meeting the relentless thunder with a competing force. It was like a battle of wills, each one trying to surpass the other."
December 16, 2013
I read this book in less than a day. It was that good and was just long enough that I didn't grow bored. The characters were complex. I must say that Beth confused me at times. However, after I finished the story, I realized that her behavior was not only 'normal' (considering what is revealed), but it kept me guessing the entire time. Her actions and words threw me off and I think it was a brilliant move by the author.
The only 'complaint' I have is that I wish I'd gotten to know the detectives more. In the beginning, I was led to believe Frank was the more aggressive cop, but after the first chapter or so, his partner took over that role and I couldn't connect with him.
This is a book that keeps you turning pages. I found myself yelling at a character in the car rider-line at school as I waited for my son during one part. I'm so glad it was raining and everyone had their windows rolled up! I highly recommend this book and look forward to more work from the author.
The only 'complaint' I have is that I wish I'd gotten to know the detectives more. In the beginning, I was led to believe Frank was the more aggressive cop, but after the first chapter or so, his partner took over that role and I couldn't connect with him.
This is a book that keeps you turning pages. I found myself yelling at a character in the car rider-line at school as I waited for my son during one part. I'm so glad it was raining and everyone had their windows rolled up! I highly recommend this book and look forward to more work from the author.
August 26, 2013
"The Abduction of Lilly Waters" is a good read. Beth stops at a diner to use the restroom and it is too small so she tells her daughter to wait outside of the stall and sing to know that she's still there. Lilly's feet are there one minute and the next minute she's gone. Beth is frantic, stressed and passes out while searching for her daughter that no one seems to have noticed kidnapped. The detectives search frantically for Lilly determined that she won't be another statistic in a kidnapping and as they come closer to clues their lives are in danger. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading a book filled with mystery and suspense.
February 13, 2014
Wow!
Wow!
I really enjoyed the alternatives in plot line every time I read a few more pages. The characters were delightful in their actions and seemed to become more real as the story unfolded...and that is what this story did...unfold. Well worth the time to read.
Wow!
I really enjoyed the alternatives in plot line every time I read a few more pages. The characters were delightful in their actions and seemed to become more real as the story unfolded...and that is what this story did...unfold. Well worth the time to read.
September 12, 2013
I really liked this book and found it hard to put down. I did guess part of the ending about half-way through the book, but it was still fun to see if I was right. I especially loved the detectives' personalities.
November 7, 2013
Another writer who writes as the though the book will not be read by adults. Very simple, no pizzazz. Also, quite a few typos and other mistakes. Will not read anything else by this author.
Read
January 4, 2014EXCELLENT SUSPENSE
This is an I can't put down SUSPENSE thriller. With lots of twist and turns to keep your attention. I would definitely recommend this as a much read book.
This is an I can't put down SUSPENSE thriller. With lots of twist and turns to keep your attention. I would definitely recommend this as a much read book.
January 29, 2024
OMG! Okay, I know that I'm very late to the game in reading The Abduction of Lilly Waters, but holy crap! It's 2 in the morning and I just had to write my review while the book was fresh in my mind.
Wow! That's what I said multiple times while reading this. T.M. Novak weaved an intricate web of utter brilliance. What would you do if your child was kidnapped? What would you do if you were a detective and every lead was a deadened? What happened to Lilly? T.M. had me convinced the story was going one way then, out of no where she pulled a 360 and was taking me a whole other direction, leaving my mouth hanging open, and my husband staring at me like I had a stroke or something. The amount of times I said, "Wait" "What?" "Oh my God!" had him asking me if I was alright. The twist... I'm speechless. I honestly didn't see it coming until I was like, "could it be?" and then BAM!
Do I recommend The Abduction of Lilly Waters? Also-freaking-lutely! It's a fairly fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing until the what, why and who are revealed. Written in multiple POVs to give you 360° view of the case.
Wow! That's what I said multiple times while reading this. T.M. Novak weaved an intricate web of utter brilliance. What would you do if your child was kidnapped? What would you do if you were a detective and every lead was a deadened? What happened to Lilly? T.M. had me convinced the story was going one way then, out of no where she pulled a 360 and was taking me a whole other direction, leaving my mouth hanging open, and my husband staring at me like I had a stroke or something. The amount of times I said, "Wait" "What?" "Oh my God!" had him asking me if I was alright. The twist... I'm speechless. I honestly didn't see it coming until I was like, "could it be?" and then BAM!
Do I recommend The Abduction of Lilly Waters? Also-freaking-lutely! It's a fairly fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing until the what, why and who are revealed. Written in multiple POVs to give you 360° view of the case.
August 2, 2023
Perfect summer beach reading. I will start by saying, psychological thrillers are not my usual go-to, but my husband encouraged me to read it and I’m glad he did. I was sucked in immediately and had to know what happened. It sparked a lively book club conversation. I’m having trouble writing a full review without spoilers, so I’ll just say this: there are twists, and it’s a book that leaves you satisfied with one outcome, but wanting more from another outcome. I hope one day she will write a prequel or a sequel that delves into certain characters a bit deeper.
December 26, 2017
The Abduction of Lilly Waters kept me moving through the book at a furious pace because the author set up such tension that I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The twists and turns as the story approached its climax had me holding my breath.
What I thought was going to be an exciting police drama turned out to be an exceptional psychological thriller.
What I thought was going to be an exciting police drama turned out to be an exceptional psychological thriller.
October 16, 2023
If you are looking for a perfect book for a rainy afternoon quick read. This is it. Just make sure you have a cup of tea, high capacity insulated mug, because you won’t want to put it down for a refill. This author is a Master of the Intriguing chapter endings which results in the famous, “just one more chapter” phrase readers know all too well.
June 8, 2021
Wow
What a powerful twisted story. The author is an expert at weaving weird, strange nail biting scenes into a very detailed story. Being retired from a Sheriff’s office I can relate to parts of her tale and understand others. I absolutely loved it.
What a powerful twisted story. The author is an expert at weaving weird, strange nail biting scenes into a very detailed story. Being retired from a Sheriff’s office I can relate to parts of her tale and understand others. I absolutely loved it.
November 13, 2024
The only reason this got more than 1 star is because the story itself was good. The writing is very elementary. Most sentences have unnecessary adjectives, and there was a lack of actual detail. If it were a normal length book, I wouldn't have finished it.
January 2, 2018
A suspenseful well written story.
January 13, 2018
Debut novel by a CT author. Looking forward to her other books
November 29, 2023
Quick read great plot twist but wish there was more to it
September 1, 2013
The book did not really peak my full interest until about 80% into the story, when the action and twists started to pop up quickly. The story takes place from the views of many different characters in the story and I love that about books. The author seemed to really develop each of the characters so we could attach to each one individually. I really like “Pajama Man” he seems nerdy enough to be my kind of guy. Daniel and Frank have such a great relationship, you can really get the connection of the two of them through the story.
July 9, 2024
3.5 Stars
I want to give it 4 stars, because it did keep me guessing. I also want to give it 3 stars, because it was poorly proofread and I got tired of the "oh we found this bread crumb" end of chapter. It was a good tactic, but it quickly got redundant. So, we'll go with 3.5.
It was a good book and well worth the read. At times there was pointless information added like the author was trying to build the scene, but it added nothing. After a while, Novak did move away from that. I do look forward to reading more from this authot.
I want to give it 4 stars, because it did keep me guessing. I also want to give it 3 stars, because it was poorly proofread and I got tired of the "oh we found this bread crumb" end of chapter. It was a good tactic, but it quickly got redundant. So, we'll go with 3.5.
It was a good book and well worth the read. At times there was pointless information added like the author was trying to build the scene, but it added nothing. After a while, Novak did move away from that. I do look forward to reading more from this authot.
May 22, 2014
Pretty interesting...
I enjoyed this book...it had a good storyline. My only problem with it was that it had repetitive words/sentences, the most frequent was '...couldn't help but...'. All in all the book/story kept things interesting enough that I hardly wanted to put the book down.
I enjoyed this book...it had a good storyline. My only problem with it was that it had repetitive words/sentences, the most frequent was '...couldn't help but...'. All in all the book/story kept things interesting enough that I hardly wanted to put the book down.
September 15, 2013
The abduction of Lilly Waters is an intriguing story the refuses to allow one to put the book down. It demands you stay and quickly turn the page to find out what's on the next one. Interwoven twists with an unexpected ending. Eagerly look forward to more from this author.
May 5, 2014
From the first chapter, the book had me going.
From the first chapter, the book had me going.
this book was great. you didn't want to put it down for very long. i will definitely remember this author and read another . great book!!
From the first chapter, the book had me going.
this book was great. you didn't want to put it down for very long. i will definitely remember this author and read another . great book!!
June 6, 2014
This was a great plot that moved quickly making the book a real page-turner. Beth Waters was an interesting character. Not sure if I liked her that much. Definitely a recommended read!
December 29, 2014
An absolute must read!!!
I could not put this book down. great storyline,you nailed it for sure......brilliant! Can not wait for the next book
I could not put this book down. great storyline,you nailed it for sure......brilliant! Can not wait for the next book
January 2, 2015
Story line has unexpected twists. A most enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews