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The One That Got Away
Graduate students Zoë and Holli only mean to blow off some steam on their road trip to Las Vegas. But something goes terribly wrong on their way home, and the last time Zoë sees her, Holli is in the clutches of a sadistic killer. Zoë flees with her life, changed forever.
A year later and still tortured with guilt, Zoë latches on to a police investigation where the crime eerily resembles her abduction. Along with a zealous detective, she retraces the steps of that fateful night in the desert, hoping that her memory will return and help them find justice for Holli. Her abductor—labeled the “Tally Man” by a fascinated media—lies in wait for Zoë. For him, she is not a survivor but simply the one that got away.
With an unforgettable heroine, a chillingly disturbed psychopath, and a story that moves at breakneck speed, The One That Got Away is thriller writer Simon Wood at his finest.
A year later and still tortured with guilt, Zoë latches on to a police investigation where the crime eerily resembles her abduction. Along with a zealous detective, she retraces the steps of that fateful night in the desert, hoping that her memory will return and help them find justice for Holli. Her abductor—labeled the “Tally Man” by a fascinated media—lies in wait for Zoë. For him, she is not a survivor but simply the one that got away.
With an unforgettable heroine, a chillingly disturbed psychopath, and a story that moves at breakneck speed, The One That Got Away is thriller writer Simon Wood at his finest.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
2999 people are currently reading
10000 people want to read
About the author
Simon Wood
91 books518 followersSimon Wood is a California transplant from England. He's an ex-competitive racecar driver, a licensed pilot and an occasional private investigator. He shares his world with his American wife, Julie. Their lives are dominated by a longhaired dachshund and five cats. In the last ten years, he's had over 150 stories and articles published. His stories have been included in “Best of” anthologies and he's a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest. He's the Anthony Award winner and a Crime Writers Dagger Award finalist. He's the author of Working Stiffs, Accidents Waiting to Happen, Paying the Piper, Terminated, We All Fall Down, Deceptive Practices, The Fall Guy, Hot Seat and Did Not Finish. His latest thriller is, Saving Grace. He also writes horror under the pen name of Simon Janus. Those titles include The Scrubs and Road Rash.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,368 reviews
April 17, 2015
I downloaded this as an audiobook via Audible. The premise sounded interesting enough: two girls are abducted by a stranger intent on doing them harm and one girl (Zoe) manages to escape leaving her friend, bound and naked, at the mercy of the evil-doer. But what happened next was very, very routine with nothing even approaching a twist to sharpen the tale. This really is a simpletons story, one for the reader (or listener) who doesn’t want to be teased or challenged – not to mention excited!
Had I read this in printed form it might have left a slightly less negative impression but the audio version was just terrible. The female narrator produced some of the strangest sounding male voices I can ever recall hearing and read it with an exaggerated awe that simply confirmed the true dullness of the whole thing.
On the upside, I did finish it and therefore it escapes a one star review from me. But only just.
Had I read this in printed form it might have left a slightly less negative impression but the audio version was just terrible. The female narrator produced some of the strangest sounding male voices I can ever recall hearing and read it with an exaggerated awe that simply confirmed the true dullness of the whole thing.
On the upside, I did finish it and therefore it escapes a one star review from me. But only just.
February 14, 2015
A weekend trip to Las Vegas for college chums Zoe and Holli plays into something for which they had not gambled. The course of Zoe's life is altered dramatically after escaping what could have been a deadly abduction. Beat with her as she battles survivor's guilt, PTSD, and impulsive behavior that may very well be masking a death wish.
Fast-paced, believable dialogue, and a story that kept my interest. This was a Kindle First offering and most enjoyable. Thank you.
Fast-paced, believable dialogue, and a story that kept my interest. This was a Kindle First offering and most enjoyable. Thank you.
March 1, 2015
Decent but Flawed
Story was ok, standard victim tormented by perpetrator plot. However, some of the elements of the story held no truth. So, 2 girls being abducted and one not coming home didn't make the news? The people at the bar that saw them (pretty much everyone there since they made a spectacle of themselves) and no one saw the story and came forward? Laurie is murdered and no one from the shelter discusses it? Would have liked more development of the friendship between Holli and Zoe.
Story was ok, standard victim tormented by perpetrator plot. However, some of the elements of the story held no truth. So, 2 girls being abducted and one not coming home didn't make the news? The people at the bar that saw them (pretty much everyone there since they made a spectacle of themselves) and no one saw the story and came forward? Laurie is murdered and no one from the shelter discusses it? Would have liked more development of the friendship between Holli and Zoe.
February 10, 2017
Graduate student Zoe and her friend Holli go on a road trip to Vegas. On the way home, they are abducted and tortured by a man who says he wants to teach them a lesson. Zoe manages to escape while Holli is being tortured, and she leaves, swearing she'll come back to save Holli. The problem is, she was given rohypnol, and doesn't remember where the building was located or where she came from. Holli is never found and the killer is still out there.
A year later, Zoe is racked with guilt, and acts out because of it. One night after bar hopping alone, she stumbles onto a police investigation of a murder that sounds eerily familiar to the man who tortured her. She decides she is going to help do whatever she can in order to see the killer brought to justice.
I've read a number of books lately where the killer's identity is not a secret. In The One that Got Away, we know who the killer is by chapter three, and the book alternates perspectives between Zoe and Marshall, the man who kidnapped her. To Marshall, Zoe is only a girl who escaped, who still needs to be taught a lesson. He's not done with her. After reading so many of these books lately, I have to say that I don't love them. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them, but they just aren't as exciting for me as the ones where the bad guy is a surprise or the ones where the protagonist also knows who the bad guy is, but is being stalked or can't go to the police for some reason. But when we know who the antagonist is but the protagonist doesn't? It takes away from the suspense for me.
Zoe is a mixed bag for me. I was rooting for her, but I also didn't love her as a character. She was reckless and immature, and while I get that there's probably a lot of guilt around the fact that she survived while her friend didn't, I would like to think that she'd try and live her life and be grateful for the second chance at life rather than purposely try and throw it away by putting herself into situations similar to the one where she got abducted, sort of hoping it would happen again.
Overall, I liked the book despite the lack of surprise twists. I thought Marshall as a killer was really creepy. His thought process was so twisted and disturbed that he was definitely a scary character, especially knowing he lived a relatively normal life outside of his nighttime proclivities, and no one suspected a thing. The book was really fast paced, and I finished it in a few hours. If you're looking for a thriller that's short and quick but that doesn't have a lot of surprise elements, this is the book for you!
A year later, Zoe is racked with guilt, and acts out because of it. One night after bar hopping alone, she stumbles onto a police investigation of a murder that sounds eerily familiar to the man who tortured her. She decides she is going to help do whatever she can in order to see the killer brought to justice.
I've read a number of books lately where the killer's identity is not a secret. In The One that Got Away, we know who the killer is by chapter three, and the book alternates perspectives between Zoe and Marshall, the man who kidnapped her. To Marshall, Zoe is only a girl who escaped, who still needs to be taught a lesson. He's not done with her. After reading so many of these books lately, I have to say that I don't love them. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them, but they just aren't as exciting for me as the ones where the bad guy is a surprise or the ones where the protagonist also knows who the bad guy is, but is being stalked or can't go to the police for some reason. But when we know who the antagonist is but the protagonist doesn't? It takes away from the suspense for me.
Zoe is a mixed bag for me. I was rooting for her, but I also didn't love her as a character. She was reckless and immature, and while I get that there's probably a lot of guilt around the fact that she survived while her friend didn't, I would like to think that she'd try and live her life and be grateful for the second chance at life rather than purposely try and throw it away by putting herself into situations similar to the one where she got abducted, sort of hoping it would happen again.
Overall, I liked the book despite the lack of surprise twists. I thought Marshall as a killer was really creepy. His thought process was so twisted and disturbed that he was definitely a scary character, especially knowing he lived a relatively normal life outside of his nighttime proclivities, and no one suspected a thing. The book was really fast paced, and I finished it in a few hours. If you're looking for a thriller that's short and quick but that doesn't have a lot of surprise elements, this is the book for you!
November 19, 2017
This started out pretty stereotypical and got better through the middle and then had a great ending which saved it a star. I could see this as a movie with the right characters and only if it was not Hollywooded up.
June 13, 2015
The One That Got Away by Simon Wood is a 2015 Thomas & Mercer publication.
I am not sure about this, but I think this book was a “Kindle First” book I chose with my prime membership.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed this one well enough to go back for more.
Zoe and Holli, two girls working hard on obtaining their PHD's, decide to kick up their heels for a change, so they drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas and hoop it up for awhile. But, things go horribly awry and Zoe wakes up to Holli's screams and the horrible realization she is being held captive and whatever is happening to Holli, is going to happen to her next. But, Zoe manages to escape... however, Holli was never seen or heard from again.
A year passes, and now Zoe is a completely different person, with dreams of acquiring a PHD long forgotten. She is working as a mall cop now, is in therapy, and still showing signs of PTSD on top of what one might term “survivor's guilt”.
But, when by sheer chance, Zoe hears of a murder victim she is positive was killed by her own abductor, she begins working alongside the police to catch the guy and puts herself directly into the line of fire as a result. Will Zoe find peace or will she lose the fight the second time around?
This is a dark, graphic, tense, and fast paced thriller that will suck you in from the first chapter on. Zoe is a mess after having survived her ordeal, haunted by the death of her friend, and consumed, or maybe ravaged is a better word, by guilt. Her psychological behavior is most curious as it certainly does appear Zoe is attempting to put herself in risky situations on purpose, perhaps as a way of punishing herself for having left Holli behind.
The murders were disturbing enough, but the underlying theme that women should be “good girls” , meaning they should not go out and have fun, flirt with men, or drink, was not only picked up by the inner thoughts of our killer, but even Zoe's therapist pointed out her provocative clothing was waving an “I'm asking for it” sign. Zoe too, seemed to buy into that logic, by going out at night, alone, dressed a certain way, and having a few too many, she believed she was putting herself in harm's way, which was something she seemed to hope would happen, recreating the Vegas scenario.
Do you think if a woman goes out dressed up in sexy clothes, has a few drinks, and maybe flirts a little, that she is asking to be raped, abducted, or murdered?
The sicko killer having those thoughts was in line with the character, but I did cringe when the therapist also made this suggestion to Zoe. I understood he was pointing out certain behaviors, prompting her to examine her motives, which was a valid point. However, I did I think he was sending out the wrong message by mentioning the way she was dressed. Otherwise, the good doctor went above and beyond for his patient was the best support system Zoe had.
I had the feeling Zoe was a ticking time bomb and was quite concerned about her, but then she finds purpose by joining forces with a determined cop to stop a dangerous serial killer. From this point on, the suspense is absolutely edge of your seat. The last paragraph of chapter twelve guaranteed I would not be putting this book down until the last chapter was read.
There was only one weak area for me in the book, and that was the the killer's psychological state of mind and a full explanation of his motives were pretty much skimmed over. I would have liked more clarification or maybe a brief recap in the last chapter, just so I was sure I had picked up on all the finer points.
Otherwise, I thought this was a solid psychological thriller, quite thought provoking and chilling. If you can handle graphic violence, creepy serial killers, and edgy suspense, then this book has your name on it.
I am not sure about this, but I think this book was a “Kindle First” book I chose with my prime membership.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed this one well enough to go back for more.
Zoe and Holli, two girls working hard on obtaining their PHD's, decide to kick up their heels for a change, so they drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas and hoop it up for awhile. But, things go horribly awry and Zoe wakes up to Holli's screams and the horrible realization she is being held captive and whatever is happening to Holli, is going to happen to her next. But, Zoe manages to escape... however, Holli was never seen or heard from again.
A year passes, and now Zoe is a completely different person, with dreams of acquiring a PHD long forgotten. She is working as a mall cop now, is in therapy, and still showing signs of PTSD on top of what one might term “survivor's guilt”.
But, when by sheer chance, Zoe hears of a murder victim she is positive was killed by her own abductor, she begins working alongside the police to catch the guy and puts herself directly into the line of fire as a result. Will Zoe find peace or will she lose the fight the second time around?
This is a dark, graphic, tense, and fast paced thriller that will suck you in from the first chapter on. Zoe is a mess after having survived her ordeal, haunted by the death of her friend, and consumed, or maybe ravaged is a better word, by guilt. Her psychological behavior is most curious as it certainly does appear Zoe is attempting to put herself in risky situations on purpose, perhaps as a way of punishing herself for having left Holli behind.
The murders were disturbing enough, but the underlying theme that women should be “good girls” , meaning they should not go out and have fun, flirt with men, or drink, was not only picked up by the inner thoughts of our killer, but even Zoe's therapist pointed out her provocative clothing was waving an “I'm asking for it” sign. Zoe too, seemed to buy into that logic, by going out at night, alone, dressed a certain way, and having a few too many, she believed she was putting herself in harm's way, which was something she seemed to hope would happen, recreating the Vegas scenario.
Do you think if a woman goes out dressed up in sexy clothes, has a few drinks, and maybe flirts a little, that she is asking to be raped, abducted, or murdered?
The sicko killer having those thoughts was in line with the character, but I did cringe when the therapist also made this suggestion to Zoe. I understood he was pointing out certain behaviors, prompting her to examine her motives, which was a valid point. However, I did I think he was sending out the wrong message by mentioning the way she was dressed. Otherwise, the good doctor went above and beyond for his patient was the best support system Zoe had.
I had the feeling Zoe was a ticking time bomb and was quite concerned about her, but then she finds purpose by joining forces with a determined cop to stop a dangerous serial killer. From this point on, the suspense is absolutely edge of your seat. The last paragraph of chapter twelve guaranteed I would not be putting this book down until the last chapter was read.
There was only one weak area for me in the book, and that was the the killer's psychological state of mind and a full explanation of his motives were pretty much skimmed over. I would have liked more clarification or maybe a brief recap in the last chapter, just so I was sure I had picked up on all the finer points.
Otherwise, I thought this was a solid psychological thriller, quite thought provoking and chilling. If you can handle graphic violence, creepy serial killers, and edgy suspense, then this book has your name on it.
February 1, 2015
Another great Simon Wood thriller
As soon as as I saw a novel by Simon Wood as one of the selections for the Kindle First for February, I snapped it up and began reading. My first introduction to Simon's writing was his novel "Accidents Waiting to Happen." I liked it so much, I bought and read "Paying the Piper." I liked that book so well, I bought 3 more of his novels. That is rare for me. Rarely do I own more than 2 novels by the same author, especially Indie authors.
The One That Got Away is one of Simon's greater works. He keeps getting better. Great writing style, quick pace, interesting story that you can't put down. The hardest part was getting through the first chapter, not because there was anything wrong but because of the spoilers that I had read before buying the book.
So.... no spoilers... no additional comments about the story..... Just this. Get the book. You won't be disappointed.
FYI. I am not a writer or a reviewer. I am just a 60-year-old woman who likes to read good books.
As soon as as I saw a novel by Simon Wood as one of the selections for the Kindle First for February, I snapped it up and began reading. My first introduction to Simon's writing was his novel "Accidents Waiting to Happen." I liked it so much, I bought and read "Paying the Piper." I liked that book so well, I bought 3 more of his novels. That is rare for me. Rarely do I own more than 2 novels by the same author, especially Indie authors.
The One That Got Away is one of Simon's greater works. He keeps getting better. Great writing style, quick pace, interesting story that you can't put down. The hardest part was getting through the first chapter, not because there was anything wrong but because of the spoilers that I had read before buying the book.
So.... no spoilers... no additional comments about the story..... Just this. Get the book. You won't be disappointed.
FYI. I am not a writer or a reviewer. I am just a 60-year-old woman who likes to read good books.
February 21, 2015
The One That Got Away is a story about a young woman named Zoë who escaped from a serial killer, leaving behind her friend who had also been abducted, but did not escape. Fifteen months later, as Zoë struggles to keep her life together, the killer discovers her location and vows to finish the job.
This book has the makings of a good story. Unfortunately, that's all it has. The book is full of clichés, including the characters and plot line. Zoë's life has crumbled and she has turned to martial arts for self defense. While I believe this is a good idea in real life, it just seemed too obvious, and later in the book, too convenient for the story. The police officers seem to be taken directly from just about every template serial killer story, including one good cop and one bad cop. No surprises there.
The serial killer is ridiculous. He plans out his killings leaving nothing to chance. He miraculously finds Zoë within minutes of her appearing on the news. These miracles happen several times throughout the book, making the story less and less plausible. Many of the killer's lucky breaks come from unbelievable gaffes from the police. Then, when it's convenient for the book, the killer makes his own (unbelievable mistakes) and the story ends. Disappointment. It was easy to see what was going to happen at every turn.
The story wasn't totally un-enjoyable, but I found myself shaking my head too often. I feel that a little more depth to Zoë's character and the killer would have gone a long way. This is a fast read, but it's also forgettable. Unfortunately, I can't recommend The One That Got Away.
This book has the makings of a good story. Unfortunately, that's all it has. The book is full of clichés, including the characters and plot line. Zoë's life has crumbled and she has turned to martial arts for self defense. While I believe this is a good idea in real life, it just seemed too obvious, and later in the book, too convenient for the story. The police officers seem to be taken directly from just about every template serial killer story, including one good cop and one bad cop. No surprises there.
The serial killer is ridiculous. He plans out his killings leaving nothing to chance. He miraculously finds Zoë within minutes of her appearing on the news. These miracles happen several times throughout the book, making the story less and less plausible. Many of the killer's lucky breaks come from unbelievable gaffes from the police. Then, when it's convenient for the book, the killer makes his own (unbelievable mistakes) and the story ends. Disappointment. It was easy to see what was going to happen at every turn.
The story wasn't totally un-enjoyable, but I found myself shaking my head too often. I feel that a little more depth to Zoë's character and the killer would have gone a long way. This is a fast read, but it's also forgettable. Unfortunately, I can't recommend The One That Got Away.
February 12, 2015
Survivor's guilt and post traumatic stress have left our heroine slightly damaged, though not in the timid, skittish way often portrayed in this type of book. I enjoyed the way Simon Wood handled these issues. Zoe's character incites sympathy in her recklessness. I wanted to both hold her back and help her surge forward.
This book is more suspense/thriller than mystery, since we always know who the bad guy is. The author does include enough twists to keep us slightly off balance. The pace is quick, while also allowing the story room to breathe.
The opening scene is a blast of terror straight in our face. If you're squeamish or you dislike violent books, you might want to skip this. But the violence here is necessary to move the story forward, to show us what shapes Zoe's future and what torments her subconscious no matter how fast she runs.
This is a powerful story that left me thinking about victims, and how sometimes surviving can feel worse than dying.
This book is more suspense/thriller than mystery, since we always know who the bad guy is. The author does include enough twists to keep us slightly off balance. The pace is quick, while also allowing the story room to breathe.
The opening scene is a blast of terror straight in our face. If you're squeamish or you dislike violent books, you might want to skip this. But the violence here is necessary to move the story forward, to show us what shapes Zoe's future and what torments her subconscious no matter how fast she runs.
This is a powerful story that left me thinking about victims, and how sometimes surviving can feel worse than dying.
January 5, 2016
Zoe Sutton and her friend Holli are college friends who decide to take a break from their studies with a trip to Las Vegas. The trip turns into a nightmare when they are kidnapped. Zoe manages to escape but not before seeing her friend in the clutches of a sadistic killer. Fifteen months later Zoe is trying to deal with the PTSD. She has quit school and taken a job as a mall security guard. She is a loner having shunned family and friends. When Zoe hears of another murder that sounds eerily similar to what happened to Holli she forces herself into the investigation. With the help of one of the investigators she retraces the events of the night she and Holli were abducted. Her involvement brings her to the attention of the serial killer the media have dubbed the “Tally Man”. For him she is not a survivor rather the one that got away. Zoe is portrait of a person dealing with PTSD and a real heroine. The “Tally Man” is a chillingly psychopath. The One That Got Away is a terrific read.
May 27, 2016
Feb-15
This is the 2nd Simon Wood thriller I have read and both have been excellent. Gripping heart racing everything a thriller should be. I will be reading more by this author
May-16
This book is still very much in my mind over a year later so I wanted to add to my review as I dont feel I did the book justice back then. This book is 'edge of your seat' gripping and Simon expertly described the effect of post traumatic stress and survivor guilt. The characters are realistic and well developed throughout the book. This was one of the first books I read by this author and I have since made up for lost time and have never been disappointed. I am still hoping that Simon will write a sequel to this.
This is the 2nd Simon Wood thriller I have read and both have been excellent. Gripping heart racing everything a thriller should be. I will be reading more by this author
May-16
This book is still very much in my mind over a year later so I wanted to add to my review as I dont feel I did the book justice back then. This book is 'edge of your seat' gripping and Simon expertly described the effect of post traumatic stress and survivor guilt. The characters are realistic and well developed throughout the book. This was one of the first books I read by this author and I have since made up for lost time and have never been disappointed. I am still hoping that Simon will write a sequel to this.
April 3, 2015
This book is very much like an episode of criminal minds but very enjoyable quick read.
April 28, 2015
I received this book from the Kindle First Program, this was a new to me author and the description intrigued me, so I thought I’d give it a chance and I was not disappointed. I really liked this book this was a great thriller. Zoë and her friend Holli take a road trip to Las Vegas but something terrible happens on the way home; Zoë wakes up in a shed naked and handcuffed with Holli screaming in the next room but Zoë is able to get loose but can’t see any way to save Holli other than going for help. The problem is she has been drugged and by the time she finds help she can’t remember any details, she has no idea how she got to the place, she doesn’t know what the man looked like or where he took them from and can’t remember the route she took to get away. The cops in the small town aren’t really buying her story.
A year later Zoë is still suffering from PTSD and Holli has never been found after Zoë got home she dropped out of school took a job as a mall security guard and is taking self-defense classes . She’s also seeing a shrink for her PTSD and her impulse control because she seems to keep putting herself in situations that may put her back in danger and has had a few run ins with the cops because the littlest touch sets Zoë into a rage. Then there is another murder that sounds like what she remembers seeing Holli go through. But can the cops believe her? Is she a victim or a killer or just a nutcase they should be wary of?
I had trouble putting this book down; I needed to know what happens next and when we see the story from the killer’s point of view we realize Zoë is not safe and this guy is a whack job. I liked that the story was told from both sides for me it upped the tension because Zoë kept putting herself out there even after she realized the man who took her was right in her own town. I also understood in some way where Zoë was coming from she wanted this guy caught she wanted to find Holli and that catching him might ease some of the survivors guilt she feels the guilt of leaving Holli there. Yes there are times you have to shake your head and say oh Zoë. However that just adds to the tension because she is working on pure adrenaline and in the back of head knows she is putting herself in danger again but seems to not be able to stop herself.
Ok I’ll stop now, as you can tell I really liked this one and would highly recommend it. I will also be reading more from this author because I liked his style.
4 Stars
A year later Zoë is still suffering from PTSD and Holli has never been found after Zoë got home she dropped out of school took a job as a mall security guard and is taking self-defense classes . She’s also seeing a shrink for her PTSD and her impulse control because she seems to keep putting herself in situations that may put her back in danger and has had a few run ins with the cops because the littlest touch sets Zoë into a rage. Then there is another murder that sounds like what she remembers seeing Holli go through. But can the cops believe her? Is she a victim or a killer or just a nutcase they should be wary of?
I had trouble putting this book down; I needed to know what happens next and when we see the story from the killer’s point of view we realize Zoë is not safe and this guy is a whack job. I liked that the story was told from both sides for me it upped the tension because Zoë kept putting herself out there even after she realized the man who took her was right in her own town. I also understood in some way where Zoë was coming from she wanted this guy caught she wanted to find Holli and that catching him might ease some of the survivors guilt she feels the guilt of leaving Holli there. Yes there are times you have to shake your head and say oh Zoë. However that just adds to the tension because she is working on pure adrenaline and in the back of head knows she is putting herself in danger again but seems to not be able to stop herself.
Ok I’ll stop now, as you can tell I really liked this one and would highly recommend it. I will also be reading more from this author because I liked his style.
4 Stars
March 30, 2018
Expanding on and explaining the original five star rating:
This is one of those thrillers that makes me remember why I read thrillers. The best part of the book is its flawed female lead, who makes some breathtakingly terrible decisions for reasons that the reader can completely believe and understand. That's some seriously good character building. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY IS one of those books I hated to put down and couldn't wait to pick back up. Highly recommended.
This is one of those thrillers that makes me remember why I read thrillers. The best part of the book is its flawed female lead, who makes some breathtakingly terrible decisions for reasons that the reader can completely believe and understand. That's some seriously good character building. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY IS one of those books I hated to put down and couldn't wait to pick back up. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2015
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
I am glad I chose this book for my Kindle First, it is very good. Zoe is the victim who doesn't want to be one, she's a very likeable, understandable character- even when she does some strange things. It's a fast, easy read; very interesting and thrilling.
I am glad I chose this book for my Kindle First, it is very good. Zoe is the victim who doesn't want to be one, she's a very likeable, understandable character- even when she does some strange things. It's a fast, easy read; very interesting and thrilling.
June 5, 2025
This is the first I’ve read by this author. The victim is likable as well as the detective who works to help her find the person who killed her friend. I liked the pace and the storyline. I’ll read more by this author.
April 29, 2015
Page Turner!
Excellent thriller, kept me on the edge of my seat. Would highly recommend it. I'm on to my next Simon Wood now :-)
Excellent thriller, kept me on the edge of my seat. Would highly recommend it. I'm on to my next Simon Wood now :-)
May 25, 2015
This review was originally published on link: Free (Read and) Write
I received this book as part of the Amazon Prime Kindle First Books Program. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Amazon Prime has a program where on the first of the month you can choose a free book from about 4-5 options (books that have been promoted into this program by their authors/editors, I would assume). Normally the books cost something like $3-$5, is my understanding.
Though I’ve been getting these free book notifications for months, this was the first one I actually downloaded. The description sold it as something of a thriller about a young adult female (Zoe) who had escaped a serial killer (The Tally Man) years ago (though her friend had not been so lucky), only to find herself running from him again now.
Most of the negative reviews of this book on Goodreads focused on the unrealistic elements of the serial killer himself. I actually disagree with them. I obsess over real life crime (I can’t help myself, even on the nights when it means I’m going to be checking behind every single crevice in my tiny one-bedroom condo), and given the number of active serial killers assumed to be in the U.S. at any given time, and the pathology that creates potential psychopaths, I think someone like this (with the detailed history included) could quite possibly genuinely exist.
Which didn’t help me much when I was reading it, as it takes place in the Bay Area. While reading this book, I was constantly checking the nooks of my condo at night and suppressing the urge to google potential active serial killers in the area (these make the news less than they should!). No, but really – these make the news less than they should. Thank you, BAU.
In addition, the book was so spot on about the impact of victims and survivors of violence that it almost cut me to the core thinking about women I’ve worked with in the prison system (I previously volunteered as a teacher in a women’s prison system, and more recently wrote my sociological master’s thesis after observing women in prison therapy groups over a period of months). Most of those women were survivors of serious domestic violence. While dealing with the return of the serial killer and lack of protection by the police, our protagonist Zoe states, “So, the upshot of all this is leave town, lose my job, and start over, while he gets to carry on doing his thing. That’s just what every victim wants to hear.” It’s upsetting that it’s true – so often the victim must lose everything to make any attempt to move on or be protected, while the abuser maintains a position of control and normalcy. It is in the small phrases like these that I felt Wood actually did in some way understand the reality not only of the potential social component connected to psychopaths, but also the victimology that women are so often subject to. For brief moments, he appears to actually have sincere insight into the human psyche and societal impacts.
Then you remember what you’re reading and it all goes to shit.
This book was a fast read – the thriller element strong enough to keep me turning pages and finishing it quickly. That is not to say that the book was necessarily good. In the end, I almost certainly wouldn’t recommend it.
The book would have been an even faster read if not for the repetitive nature of the author’s writing. “He couldn’t let her escape punishment again” must have been mentioned by the Tally Man about 50 times, along with Zoe, the main character, discussing her guilt over leaving her friend behind during her first kidnapping experience. Valid points, but points that were seared into the reader’s mind the first or even second mention. Eventually, I started wondering how much shorter the book would be if Wood continually moved the story forward rather than focusing on emotional elements of the characters he had already provided.
I found the writing style providing the killer’s point of view equally frustrating. The point of view in the story bounces between Zoe and the killer himself (the reader experiences this for the first time 1-2 chapters in), along with very unnecessarily and confusingly bouncing the view of a police officer in for a few pages every few chapters. The serial killer perspective really found its way under my skin, and I started wondering why. It held more of a feel of violent horror porn, and oftentimes this book seemed to follow that genre more than a thriller.
Then again, I started to wonder, (and a spoiler alert in this paragraph for Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl), didn’t Gone Girl do something similar, just from a female killer’s point of view? Was I being biased, appreciating the detailed descriptions of a female killer but feeling off-put by this male thought-pattern? But, no, it wasn’t just the gendered point of view. Gone Girl gave the impression of calculation and tactics; the narration moved the story forward with motive and logical action. The One That Got Away seemed rather to revel in unnecessarily violent descriptions. “No reply came from the dead woman, but he thought she had learned. She had said she had while he flogged her, but most of them did. They were willing to say anything just to make the pain stop. But there always came a point, usually just before he ended the punishment, when the sinner either confessed to their crimes or remained silent in defiant.” Rather than reading the logistical calculations to a cold goal, The One That Got Away provides entire chapters dedicated solely to the killer’s pleasure in his kills and desires for more.
This doesn’t create a feeling of tension regarding what’s going to happen in the book, but more of a cringe-worthy exploitative description of intense violence that does not help me to understand the characters or story in any stronger a light. The writing style may have almost been acceptable if each time Wood popped into the killer’s psyche we got a new piece of a puzzle, got a better understanding, but more often the reader gets phrases like those quoted above said in different ways, repetitively, as a violent indulgence more so than a literary device. I almost stopped reading halfway through as a result.
The core problem of the book, however, came down to the thematic element (or lack of development thereof): punishment and what one does or does not deserve. Some of the deep-rooted theme seemed intentional by the author, and at other moments, I almost had to wonder if Wood was witty or intelligent enough to draw the connections he was making. The killer’s motive, provided early on in the story, revolved around punishment that he believed his sinners “deserved.” It seemed to be described by Wood as an unhealthy psychiatric obsession – this need to punish. Yet he then took what was a killer’s pathology and demonstrated the elements of basic human nature underlying it through his other characters in the book, particularly Zoe, his victim: “No one who inflicted harm on others got to escape. Not this guy. Not Laurie Hernandez’s and Holli’s killer”; “He couldn’t escape punishment again.” And the law enforcement figures supported the idea as well: “He couldn’t wait to arrest the bastard. The unfortunate side of the justice system was that the Tally Man would never experience the same level of pain as his victims had.”
This look at our desire and need to punish as a society, evident by the way we run our justice system as punitive rather than rehabilitative, makes the Tally Man’s motivations seem like second nature, similar to those described by so-called “normal” humans and characters. And this may have been the most interesting part of the book, this deeper theme of our inherent need to feel punishment has been properly inflicted. And yet, the author went nowhere with it – what does this mean of the line between Zoe’s need for vengeance and the killer’s need for proper punishment of observed sin? Whose desire for punishment is correct, and why – who determines what level of punishment is correct and for what crimes? Are these subjective or objective factors? And if subjective, why are we so quick to separate the Tally Man from our own humanness? Because of this inherent fear of violence within us?
I wouldn’t have expected Wood to take the time to answer out each question individually, but even the allusion to some greater meaner to these connections he had woven would have made the book worth the read.
Instead, I feel that what I got left with was the outline for a truly interesting look at human nature in the form of the thriller, executed in repetitive, poor writing and an almost pornographic justification for violent imagery consistently throughout. While quick, I felt a glad relief once the read was over. I have two more books waiting for me that I have already downloaded from Amazon Prime’s program, and I can’t help but wonder what quality I should anticipate.
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I received this book as part of the Amazon Prime Kindle First Books Program. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Amazon Prime has a program where on the first of the month you can choose a free book from about 4-5 options (books that have been promoted into this program by their authors/editors, I would assume). Normally the books cost something like $3-$5, is my understanding.
Though I’ve been getting these free book notifications for months, this was the first one I actually downloaded. The description sold it as something of a thriller about a young adult female (Zoe) who had escaped a serial killer (The Tally Man) years ago (though her friend had not been so lucky), only to find herself running from him again now.
Most of the negative reviews of this book on Goodreads focused on the unrealistic elements of the serial killer himself. I actually disagree with them. I obsess over real life crime (I can’t help myself, even on the nights when it means I’m going to be checking behind every single crevice in my tiny one-bedroom condo), and given the number of active serial killers assumed to be in the U.S. at any given time, and the pathology that creates potential psychopaths, I think someone like this (with the detailed history included) could quite possibly genuinely exist.
Which didn’t help me much when I was reading it, as it takes place in the Bay Area. While reading this book, I was constantly checking the nooks of my condo at night and suppressing the urge to google potential active serial killers in the area (these make the news less than they should!). No, but really – these make the news less than they should. Thank you, BAU.
In addition, the book was so spot on about the impact of victims and survivors of violence that it almost cut me to the core thinking about women I’ve worked with in the prison system (I previously volunteered as a teacher in a women’s prison system, and more recently wrote my sociological master’s thesis after observing women in prison therapy groups over a period of months). Most of those women were survivors of serious domestic violence. While dealing with the return of the serial killer and lack of protection by the police, our protagonist Zoe states, “So, the upshot of all this is leave town, lose my job, and start over, while he gets to carry on doing his thing. That’s just what every victim wants to hear.” It’s upsetting that it’s true – so often the victim must lose everything to make any attempt to move on or be protected, while the abuser maintains a position of control and normalcy. It is in the small phrases like these that I felt Wood actually did in some way understand the reality not only of the potential social component connected to psychopaths, but also the victimology that women are so often subject to. For brief moments, he appears to actually have sincere insight into the human psyche and societal impacts.
Then you remember what you’re reading and it all goes to shit.
This book was a fast read – the thriller element strong enough to keep me turning pages and finishing it quickly. That is not to say that the book was necessarily good. In the end, I almost certainly wouldn’t recommend it.
The book would have been an even faster read if not for the repetitive nature of the author’s writing. “He couldn’t let her escape punishment again” must have been mentioned by the Tally Man about 50 times, along with Zoe, the main character, discussing her guilt over leaving her friend behind during her first kidnapping experience. Valid points, but points that were seared into the reader’s mind the first or even second mention. Eventually, I started wondering how much shorter the book would be if Wood continually moved the story forward rather than focusing on emotional elements of the characters he had already provided.
I found the writing style providing the killer’s point of view equally frustrating. The point of view in the story bounces between Zoe and the killer himself (the reader experiences this for the first time 1-2 chapters in), along with very unnecessarily and confusingly bouncing the view of a police officer in for a few pages every few chapters. The serial killer perspective really found its way under my skin, and I started wondering why. It held more of a feel of violent horror porn, and oftentimes this book seemed to follow that genre more than a thriller.
Then again, I started to wonder, (and a spoiler alert in this paragraph for Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl), didn’t Gone Girl do something similar, just from a female killer’s point of view? Was I being biased, appreciating the detailed descriptions of a female killer but feeling off-put by this male thought-pattern? But, no, it wasn’t just the gendered point of view. Gone Girl gave the impression of calculation and tactics; the narration moved the story forward with motive and logical action. The One That Got Away seemed rather to revel in unnecessarily violent descriptions. “No reply came from the dead woman, but he thought she had learned. She had said she had while he flogged her, but most of them did. They were willing to say anything just to make the pain stop. But there always came a point, usually just before he ended the punishment, when the sinner either confessed to their crimes or remained silent in defiant.” Rather than reading the logistical calculations to a cold goal, The One That Got Away provides entire chapters dedicated solely to the killer’s pleasure in his kills and desires for more.
This doesn’t create a feeling of tension regarding what’s going to happen in the book, but more of a cringe-worthy exploitative description of intense violence that does not help me to understand the characters or story in any stronger a light. The writing style may have almost been acceptable if each time Wood popped into the killer’s psyche we got a new piece of a puzzle, got a better understanding, but more often the reader gets phrases like those quoted above said in different ways, repetitively, as a violent indulgence more so than a literary device. I almost stopped reading halfway through as a result.
The core problem of the book, however, came down to the thematic element (or lack of development thereof): punishment and what one does or does not deserve. Some of the deep-rooted theme seemed intentional by the author, and at other moments, I almost had to wonder if Wood was witty or intelligent enough to draw the connections he was making. The killer’s motive, provided early on in the story, revolved around punishment that he believed his sinners “deserved.” It seemed to be described by Wood as an unhealthy psychiatric obsession – this need to punish. Yet he then took what was a killer’s pathology and demonstrated the elements of basic human nature underlying it through his other characters in the book, particularly Zoe, his victim: “No one who inflicted harm on others got to escape. Not this guy. Not Laurie Hernandez’s and Holli’s killer”; “He couldn’t escape punishment again.” And the law enforcement figures supported the idea as well: “He couldn’t wait to arrest the bastard. The unfortunate side of the justice system was that the Tally Man would never experience the same level of pain as his victims had.”
This look at our desire and need to punish as a society, evident by the way we run our justice system as punitive rather than rehabilitative, makes the Tally Man’s motivations seem like second nature, similar to those described by so-called “normal” humans and characters. And this may have been the most interesting part of the book, this deeper theme of our inherent need to feel punishment has been properly inflicted. And yet, the author went nowhere with it – what does this mean of the line between Zoe’s need for vengeance and the killer’s need for proper punishment of observed sin? Whose desire for punishment is correct, and why – who determines what level of punishment is correct and for what crimes? Are these subjective or objective factors? And if subjective, why are we so quick to separate the Tally Man from our own humanness? Because of this inherent fear of violence within us?
I wouldn’t have expected Wood to take the time to answer out each question individually, but even the allusion to some greater meaner to these connections he had woven would have made the book worth the read.
Instead, I feel that what I got left with was the outline for a truly interesting look at human nature in the form of the thriller, executed in repetitive, poor writing and an almost pornographic justification for violent imagery consistently throughout. While quick, I felt a glad relief once the read was over. I have two more books waiting for me that I have already downloaded from Amazon Prime’s program, and I can’t help but wonder what quality I should anticipate.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog: https://freereadandwrite.wordpress.com
Or better yet, follow me!
Instagram.com/free_read_and_write
Twitter.com/freereadnwrite
Facebook.com/freereadandwrite
January 29, 2018
Two young women take a road trip, only one comes home after being abducted and tortured. The reader picks up the survivor as she picks her way through the minefield of living life with PTSD and survivor's guilt.Inexplicably she crosses paths with her abductor when he kills again.
While the storyline is flawed, it also made for a compelling read. I had no trouble getting involved with the characters and staying invested in the outcome. i would be willing to give this author another go.This was a Kindle first read from 2015.
While the storyline is flawed, it also made for a compelling read. I had no trouble getting involved with the characters and staying invested in the outcome. i would be willing to give this author another go.This was a Kindle first read from 2015.
February 28, 2020
Good Reaf
I love a good thriller, and this book was good. Very little rough language and no sex! Good writing mechanics. I started this book at 10 a.m. Thursdar morning and finished at 2:55 a.m. on Friday.
Thank you, Mr. Wood, for a good read!
I love a good thriller, and this book was good. Very little rough language and no sex! Good writing mechanics. I started this book at 10 a.m. Thursdar morning and finished at 2:55 a.m. on Friday.
Thank you, Mr. Wood, for a good read!
April 8, 2015
4.5 stars
Holli and Zoë’s road trip to Las Vegas ended in a way neither of them could ever have imagined. Waking up on the floor of a shed naked and bound hand and foot, Zoë was unable to comprehend how she got there. She remembered stopping for food on their way back but after that, nothing. Then she heard the screams. She had to get out and help Holli. Managing, after several failed attempts, to cut her ties she frantically ran through her options. Unable to see a way to overpower their abductor and free Holli, she told herself the best option was to try and reach her car and get help. Realising neither option would end well she raced for the car.
Over twelve months on from that horrific experience Zoë’s life has altered drastically. Suffering from guilt because she survived and PTSD type symptoms, Zoë is haunted by Holli’s screams for help. She wants to believe Holli is alive somewhere but knows it’s highly unlikely. Having taken up self-defence classes Zoe now works as a mall security guard. She has a tendency to put herself in potentially threatening situations where she can feel in control of her life instead of victimized. The only person she really trusts is her therapist, David Jarocki.
Seeing a news report of a murder victim found locally, Zoë is sure it’s the work of her abductor. Without thinking rationally she races over to the crime scene and her reckless actions get her on the news report covering the story, causing her path to cross once again with the abductor who is never far from her thoughts.
I like the antagonist to have a back story and this one certainly did. There’s no excuse for the atrocities a person like this commits although I can feel sorry for the child he was. The story is told from the viewpoints of Zoë and the killer, which gives a good insight into both characters. The survivor’s guilt feelings, remaining anger, lack of control in certain situations, all the after effects of Zoë’s trauma are described in detail and with realism. It shows how a personality can be reshaped by something shocking and completely unexpected happening and what it takes to get a life back on track. I’d pictured several endings, none of which were correct and I enjoyed Emily Durante’s narration, she did a great job.
Holli and Zoë’s road trip to Las Vegas ended in a way neither of them could ever have imagined. Waking up on the floor of a shed naked and bound hand and foot, Zoë was unable to comprehend how she got there. She remembered stopping for food on their way back but after that, nothing. Then she heard the screams. She had to get out and help Holli. Managing, after several failed attempts, to cut her ties she frantically ran through her options. Unable to see a way to overpower their abductor and free Holli, she told herself the best option was to try and reach her car and get help. Realising neither option would end well she raced for the car.
Over twelve months on from that horrific experience Zoë’s life has altered drastically. Suffering from guilt because she survived and PTSD type symptoms, Zoë is haunted by Holli’s screams for help. She wants to believe Holli is alive somewhere but knows it’s highly unlikely. Having taken up self-defence classes Zoe now works as a mall security guard. She has a tendency to put herself in potentially threatening situations where she can feel in control of her life instead of victimized. The only person she really trusts is her therapist, David Jarocki.
Seeing a news report of a murder victim found locally, Zoë is sure it’s the work of her abductor. Without thinking rationally she races over to the crime scene and her reckless actions get her on the news report covering the story, causing her path to cross once again with the abductor who is never far from her thoughts.
I like the antagonist to have a back story and this one certainly did. There’s no excuse for the atrocities a person like this commits although I can feel sorry for the child he was. The story is told from the viewpoints of Zoë and the killer, which gives a good insight into both characters. The survivor’s guilt feelings, remaining anger, lack of control in certain situations, all the after effects of Zoë’s trauma are described in detail and with realism. It shows how a personality can be reshaped by something shocking and completely unexpected happening and what it takes to get a life back on track. I’d pictured several endings, none of which were correct and I enjoyed Emily Durante’s narration, she did a great job.
June 8, 2015
Anthony Award winner and a Crime Writers Dagger Award finalist, and a thriller writer par excellence, Simon Wood has entertained and fascinated fans with more than a dozen mystery, thriller and suspense novels, including Working Stiffs, Accidents Waiting to Happen, Paying the Piper, Terminated, We All Fall Down, Asking For Trouble, The Fall Guy, Hot Seat and Did Not Finish. His latest offering, The One That Got Away, tops all his previous works in terms of suspense, momentum, thrill, and drama.
Zoë and Holli had driven hundreds of miles across state lines from the Bay Area to Vegas, hoping to enjoy themselves. Once they got to Vegas, they threw off the grad-student respectability and gambled, drank, and partied. And when Zoë comes to her senses, she was tied up in a shed and Holli’s scream of pain renting the night air. When Zoë manages to untangle herself, and knew it was suicidal to attempt to save her friend, she made a dash for safety but not before hearing Holli screamed, “No, no, no. Help me, Zoë!”
Holli’s scream for help haunted Zoë, and author Simon Wood crafted an unsettling story of guilt hovering over her, forcing Zoë to return to the scene of the nightmare of a year ago to seek justice for Holli and piece together the jigsaw puzzles that threaten to stay with her the rest of her life. The One That Got Away by Simon Wood is a breathtaking suspense mystery thriller, furiously paced designed to keep one hooked from start to finish as the main protagonist is on the trail of a psychopath. In Zoë, Simon Wood has created a stunning character who is vulnerable yet determined, a character who will endear with most readers.
Zoë and Holli had driven hundreds of miles across state lines from the Bay Area to Vegas, hoping to enjoy themselves. Once they got to Vegas, they threw off the grad-student respectability and gambled, drank, and partied. And when Zoë comes to her senses, she was tied up in a shed and Holli’s scream of pain renting the night air. When Zoë manages to untangle herself, and knew it was suicidal to attempt to save her friend, she made a dash for safety but not before hearing Holli screamed, “No, no, no. Help me, Zoë!”
Holli’s scream for help haunted Zoë, and author Simon Wood crafted an unsettling story of guilt hovering over her, forcing Zoë to return to the scene of the nightmare of a year ago to seek justice for Holli and piece together the jigsaw puzzles that threaten to stay with her the rest of her life. The One That Got Away by Simon Wood is a breathtaking suspense mystery thriller, furiously paced designed to keep one hooked from start to finish as the main protagonist is on the trail of a psychopath. In Zoë, Simon Wood has created a stunning character who is vulnerable yet determined, a character who will endear with most readers.
May 23, 2015
This book was insanely great! It starts with the abduction of two girls, and one of them is hanging from the ceiling. It was and intense read without a big break in the suspense in thrill. I was racing home to read and enjoy the next chapter.
"The Tally Man" was marvelous character with a cheesy nickname given by the media. Tactically brilliant. I love how the story took a look at his past, showing that he was a product of a bigger monster.
I loved Zoe's character as well, especially her flaming temper. In the middle of the book I thought she would be ending up in court ordered anger management classes. After her tragic experience and guilt, I don't blame her temper. The reader does get to see the growth of Zoe throughout the book.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a suspense thriller! Definitely worth the read.
"The Tally Man" was marvelous character with a cheesy nickname given by the media. Tactically brilliant. I love how the story took a look at his past, showing that he was a product of a bigger monster.
I loved Zoe's character as well, especially her flaming temper. In the middle of the book I thought she would be ending up in court ordered anger management classes. After her tragic experience and guilt, I don't blame her temper. The reader does get to see the growth of Zoe throughout the book.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a suspense thriller! Definitely worth the read.
June 24, 2016
This was a page-turning thriller and is also very well written, too. It starts a little slowly and at first I wasn't too sure but I stuck with it and I'm pleased I did. So I probably read the first 25% in a couple of days and the remainder in one day.
There were hardly any mistakes, either....he used cinches when I would've used clinches, this sentence lost to-"I want you absorb..." then right at the end Sherriff's should be Sheriff's.
I found it odd that the killer had to keep reminding Zoe what he had against her when it had been established, more than once.
That was the lot for any criticism from me. I liked the ending could leave it open for a sequel if the author chose to head in that direction which would be great. I see he has a series about racing drivers, too, so that will go on my wishlist for sure.
I really enjoy stories like this and I'm pleased I downloaded it.
There were hardly any mistakes, either....he used cinches when I would've used clinches, this sentence lost to-"I want you absorb..." then right at the end Sherriff's should be Sheriff's.
I found it odd that the killer had to keep reminding Zoe what he had against her when it had been established, more than once.
That was the lot for any criticism from me. I liked the ending could leave it open for a sequel if the author chose to head in that direction which would be great. I see he has a series about racing drivers, too, so that will go on my wishlist for sure.
I really enjoy stories like this and I'm pleased I downloaded it.
March 19, 2015
I really enjoyed the book much more than I anticipated. The story was well paced and interesting. I enjoyed all of the characters and especially liked how the author portrayed the main character Zoe as broken but strong. I kept waiting for the obligatory romance where Zoe would become interested in one of the male figures but I was pleased that the author never even teased at that cliche. In fact the character of Zoe was so well written, I just assumed the author was female. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book and will definitely be reading more Simon Wood.
April 9, 2015
I enjoyed and love this book so much. I will keep this review short since writing the review is so overwhelming to me.
Simon Woods is a masterpiece, everything with this book from horror to psychology is marvelous. The book was written in a way to keep you going for more and more. I am not exactly of a fan of 3rd-person, but this book makes me rethink that. This book is perfect the way it is and doesn't need any changing.
I am not a fan of series, but I would love to continue to read the story to know how well Zoe recovers.
Thank you Simon Woods for writing such a masterpiece.
Simon Woods is a masterpiece, everything with this book from horror to psychology is marvelous. The book was written in a way to keep you going for more and more. I am not exactly of a fan of 3rd-person, but this book makes me rethink that. This book is perfect the way it is and doesn't need any changing.
I am not a fan of series, but I would love to continue to read the story to know how well Zoe recovers.
Thank you Simon Woods for writing such a masterpiece.
December 15, 2016
So I constantly harp about stupid, impulsive decisions in protagonists in my reviews. In this case (and I am reluctant to admit this) it worked. The protagonist is deliberately drawn as an impulsive wreck so when she makes stupid, unrealistic choices I was prepared for them. I have found a new author that I enjoy and promptly bought two of his books yesterday before I even finished this one. I look forward to reading more from Simon Wood.
February 3, 2015
It's been a long time since I've read something so gripping. Well written, fast paced with an obviously troubled female lead character, I could not put this down. From the very beginning, the author has you hooked. This was my first Simon Wood novel and I will definitely be checking out some of his other work.
June 22, 2015
A good quick read, once I remembered which device I was reading. I thought the characters were very good and the story was a page turner.
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