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Bane Island Trilogy #1
The Runaway: Bane Island, Book 1
I'm in trouble. Come get me.
On a remote island off the coast of Maine lies a secluded estate. There, behind wrought iron gates and rock walls, sits Halcyon Hall. Today, it is an exclusive spa catering to wealthy elites and pampered celebrities. But once, it had another name - and a terrifying reputation....
Rosemary Tulle has come to Halcyon Hall desperate to find her younger sister. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve left a brief, troubling message on Rosemary's phone, begging to be picked up. But Rosemary is not on the visitor list, and no one will let her in....
Halcyon Hall was once Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane. Such places often draw whispers about gruesome treatments and tortured inmates. In the case of Bainesworth, the reality may have been far worse. Now, staff insist that Genevieve ran away, but Rosemary's instincts say otherwise. Rosemary and Genevieve share an unusual bond, and she knows Genevieve wouldn't have just left. Compelled to turn for help to a man she hoped never to see again, Judge Whit Lawrence, she tries to learn the truth about Genevieve. But it will mean uncovering secrets about Bainsworth Manor and about Rosemary's own dark past - secrets with the power to kill....
On a remote island off the coast of Maine lies a secluded estate. There, behind wrought iron gates and rock walls, sits Halcyon Hall. Today, it is an exclusive spa catering to wealthy elites and pampered celebrities. But once, it had another name - and a terrifying reputation....
Rosemary Tulle has come to Halcyon Hall desperate to find her younger sister. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve left a brief, troubling message on Rosemary's phone, begging to be picked up. But Rosemary is not on the visitor list, and no one will let her in....
Halcyon Hall was once Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane. Such places often draw whispers about gruesome treatments and tortured inmates. In the case of Bainesworth, the reality may have been far worse. Now, staff insist that Genevieve ran away, but Rosemary's instincts say otherwise. Rosemary and Genevieve share an unusual bond, and she knows Genevieve wouldn't have just left. Compelled to turn for help to a man she hoped never to see again, Judge Whit Lawrence, she tries to learn the truth about Genevieve. But it will mean uncovering secrets about Bainsworth Manor and about Rosemary's own dark past - secrets with the power to kill....
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First published October 27, 2020
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About the author
Lisa Childs
409 books990 followersBorn one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.
Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.
Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 25, 2021
The Runaway
by Lisa Childs brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and secrets to the first book of the Bane Island mystery series. It’s set on an island off the coast of Maine during winter and is dark, disturbing, and atmospheric. It features Rosemary Tulle who travels to Halcyon Hall on the island desperate to find her younger sister, Genevieve. 17-year-old Genevieve had left a voice mail for Rosemary begging to be picked up from the estate that is an exclusive spa catering to the wealthy and celebrities. However, when she gets there, Rosemary isn’t allowed in the gates. She begs for help from a high school friend that she never wanted to see again: Judge Whit Lawrence.
Rosemary is independent, well respected in her career, and not about to be deterred in finding her sister. Whit is successful and getting set to run for governor. Both have secrets, but so do the owners of Halcyon Hall and many of the residents of Bane Island. The secondary characters play pivotal roles in the story. Some are supportive and some provide conflict. But who can be trusted? Who will survive?
The prologue captures a reader’s immediate attention and pulls one into Rosemary’s struggles. The old name for the estate was Bainesworth Manor where unseemly things happened to young girls before the state shut it down. Are the current owners legitimate businessmen and above board or are they following in their grandfather’s footsteps? The world-building was perfect for this novel. Readers can almost feel the cold, wind and snow as Rosemary braves the hazards of the island. I was drawn into Rosemary’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the secrets held by many. The story has several twists and turns and periodic action. There are some switches in points of view and the reader doesn’t know who they are other than Rosemary. However, the transitions worked well for me. The pace isn’t a race, but a journey that kept me turning the pages. Will you solve the mystery? While the main story line is resolved in this novel, there are threads that can be unraveled in future books. Themes include murder, relationships, family, physical abuse, secrets and much more.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and somewhat creepy. I found the writing style relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like amateur sleuths and romantic suspense.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Lisa Childs provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was October 27, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Rosemary is independent, well respected in her career, and not about to be deterred in finding her sister. Whit is successful and getting set to run for governor. Both have secrets, but so do the owners of Halcyon Hall and many of the residents of Bane Island. The secondary characters play pivotal roles in the story. Some are supportive and some provide conflict. But who can be trusted? Who will survive?
The prologue captures a reader’s immediate attention and pulls one into Rosemary’s struggles. The old name for the estate was Bainesworth Manor where unseemly things happened to young girls before the state shut it down. Are the current owners legitimate businessmen and above board or are they following in their grandfather’s footsteps? The world-building was perfect for this novel. Readers can almost feel the cold, wind and snow as Rosemary braves the hazards of the island. I was drawn into Rosemary’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the secrets held by many. The story has several twists and turns and periodic action. There are some switches in points of view and the reader doesn’t know who they are other than Rosemary. However, the transitions worked well for me. The pace isn’t a race, but a journey that kept me turning the pages. Will you solve the mystery? While the main story line is resolved in this novel, there are threads that can be unraveled in future books. Themes include murder, relationships, family, physical abuse, secrets and much more.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and somewhat creepy. I found the writing style relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like amateur sleuths and romantic suspense.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Lisa Childs provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was October 27, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
November 27, 2021
Dark and brooding, Halcyon Hall stands in a pine forest on the remote island of Bane Island off the coast of Maine. It is surrounded by a tall wrought iron gate and a towering rock wall in order to keep people out as much as to keep them in. Throw in the time of year, late November, snow, freezing rain and fog, and you have the perfect setting for a Gothic Mystery. This book isn't that, but there are definite noir elements that really add to the atmosphere, well, for the first few chapters anyway. After that it was all down hill.
Before Halcyon Hall, a holistic treatment center, came into existence the old mansion was a crumbling pile. Before that it was Bainsworth Manor, a psychiatric hospital where unspeakable things happened. The name has changed, but have the practices? It is to this place that Rosemary Tulle has come to find her teenage sister after Genevieve leaves a desperate message for help on her sister's cell phone. She runs into that impenetrable stone wall, literally and figuratively, in her quest to find her sister. Rosemary desperately turns to the one man, judge Whit Lawrence, she hasn't seen in 17 years, except in her nightmares, for help. But, is he involved or is his self interest better served in having Rosemary disappear as well.
Before Halcyon Hall, a holistic treatment center, came into existence the old mansion was a crumbling pile. Before that it was Bainsworth Manor, a psychiatric hospital where unspeakable things happened. The name has changed, but have the practices? It is to this place that Rosemary Tulle has come to find her teenage sister after Genevieve leaves a desperate message for help on her sister's cell phone. She runs into that impenetrable stone wall, literally and figuratively, in her quest to find her sister. Rosemary desperately turns to the one man, judge Whit Lawrence, she hasn't seen in 17 years, except in her nightmares, for help. But, is he involved or is his self interest better served in having Rosemary disappear as well.
August 4, 2020
The blurb of 'The Runaway' has a seductive lure to it, which was what led me to request for the ARC: Rosemary Tulle's in a rush to locate her sister and she's given the runaround at every turn, even as she runs into a man whom she finds herself unable to forgive.
But as soon as I started 'The Runaway', it became clear that this wasn't quite the book for me as I went through numerous switches in POV (making this feel more like a mystery/thriller type of book without any romantic bent), a plot that felt like it was too choked to advance because of these bewildering switches and supposedly romantic protagonists who just didn't exactly get a proper build-up from the very start.
Child's writing itself isn't the issue; she gets on well with atmosphere and unearthing character motivations/feelings and thoughts. But this just wasn't a book that I could comfortably get on with, let alone finish, unfortunately. Again, this might just be a case of my own preferences and reading inclinations, as I'm suspecting that there's a particular set of rules that I unconsciously adhere to whenever there's a 'romance' tag attached to a book's category.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
But as soon as I started 'The Runaway', it became clear that this wasn't quite the book for me as I went through numerous switches in POV (making this feel more like a mystery/thriller type of book without any romantic bent), a plot that felt like it was too choked to advance because of these bewildering switches and supposedly romantic protagonists who just didn't exactly get a proper build-up from the very start.
Child's writing itself isn't the issue; she gets on well with atmosphere and unearthing character motivations/feelings and thoughts. But this just wasn't a book that I could comfortably get on with, let alone finish, unfortunately. Again, this might just be a case of my own preferences and reading inclinations, as I'm suspecting that there's a particular set of rules that I unconsciously adhere to whenever there's a 'romance' tag attached to a book's category.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
September 26, 2023
Rosemary Tulle received a troubling message from her 17 year old sister, Genevieve, beginning her to come get her. Genevieve had been locked up in Halcyon Hall by her parents while they went on vacation. But the Hall says she ran away. Questions about why & where send Rosemary on a quest to unlock the truth about her own past & that of the hall.
A marvelously twisted mystery full of surprises.
A marvelously twisted mystery full of surprises.
August 24, 2020
Contents are not what they appear ... and not in the best way unfortunately :( I was gifted this ARC as part of the Kensington books influencer program and shot it to the top of my TBR list because I was totally in LOVE with blurb/description of the book. And that is basically where the obsession ended for me. I feel like the book I read was completely different than the actual description which left me with a pretty sour taste in my mouth :(
This book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL: the perfectly creepy atmosphere of an insane asylum turned spa for the wealthy and troubled, but the actual facility played very little into the plot. And there was ZERO mention about what happened to the patients in the asylum past and present day. The book mainly focused on the cat and mouse chase to find the main characters daughter (who escaped from the aslyum ... but why) and re-ignite a romantic flame who went from friend to foe years earlier. I was hoping and praying that things would pick up in the middle of the book, but unfortunately, this was a slow one all around.
I did appreciate the ending/plot twist, but I was left wanting so much more of everything - more characters, more creepiness, more gore, etc. I'd definitely consider reading the other books in this new series if it helped me piece together some of the big gaps left in the plot for this initial story.
This book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL: the perfectly creepy atmosphere of an insane asylum turned spa for the wealthy and troubled, but the actual facility played very little into the plot. And there was ZERO mention about what happened to the patients in the asylum past and present day. The book mainly focused on the cat and mouse chase to find the main characters daughter (who escaped from the aslyum ... but why) and re-ignite a romantic flame who went from friend to foe years earlier. I was hoping and praying that things would pick up in the middle of the book, but unfortunately, this was a slow one all around.
I did appreciate the ending/plot twist, but I was left wanting so much more of everything - more characters, more creepiness, more gore, etc. I'd definitely consider reading the other books in this new series if it helped me piece together some of the big gaps left in the plot for this initial story.
November 23, 2021
The Runaway
By Lisa Childs.
This is a perfectly written
Book I totally enjoyed.
A perfect Suspense book.
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page you turn.
Rosemary Tulle,
Big Sister Receives a call from her sister Genevieve, a voicemail left come get me..
Begging to be picked up from this hall of horror.. What rosemary finds is not what she expects.. She's not on the list. Will she be able to get to her sister.
Whit Lawrence.
an old Friend of rosemary past
But someone she thought she could trust. Time will tell.
Halcyon Hall, Once was called bainsworth manner..
Halls of horror now rebuilt or so they say, Things that happened in the past. They say no longer happen. But family still owns the manner.
This story has so much going on so many twists and turns that it was just amazing I would love to tell more about this story but it's better if you pick up the book and read it...
Thank you Lisa Childs
For another Fabulous Book.
By Lisa Childs.
This is a perfectly written
Book I totally enjoyed.
A perfect Suspense book.
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page you turn.
Rosemary Tulle,
Big Sister Receives a call from her sister Genevieve, a voicemail left come get me..
Begging to be picked up from this hall of horror.. What rosemary finds is not what she expects.. She's not on the list. Will she be able to get to her sister.
Whit Lawrence.
an old Friend of rosemary past
But someone she thought she could trust. Time will tell.
Halcyon Hall, Once was called bainsworth manner..
Halls of horror now rebuilt or so they say, Things that happened in the past. They say no longer happen. But family still owns the manner.
This story has so much going on so many twists and turns that it was just amazing I would love to tell more about this story but it's better if you pick up the book and read it...
Thank you Lisa Childs
For another Fabulous Book.
November 9, 2020
The Runaway (Book 1 Bane Island Trilogy)
By: Lisa Childs
Published: 10/27/20 AVAILABLE NOW
Genre: Romantic Suspense
When I caught a blurb about this book on Instagram and checked the synopsis I was immediately drawn to it. I’ve read a few romantic suspense novels lately and really enjoyed them. The Runaway seemed to have all the makings of a great read:
Setting: Both creepy and atmospheric, an asylum on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Formerly Bainesworth Manor, known for its gruesome treatments and tortured patients, so it’s obviously haunted, right?
Missing Person: Rosemary Tulle receives a message from her 17 year old sister, Genevieve, sobbing and begging Rosemary to come get her. Rosemary had no idea that Genevieve had been admitted to Halcyon Hall, a treatment facility. When Rosemary arrives at the facility the staff claims that Genevieve ran away.
Romance: Rosemary reconnects with Whitt a friend turned enemy from high school. The relationship between Whitt and Rosemary seemed far fetched based on the circumstances around which they parted ways. I can’t say a lot about this without spoilers but this aspect just didn’t work for me.
Pacing and tension: The book started off slow but it did pick up in the middle and end. I was disappointed that the author didn’t build more tension in the story. I think going into this book thinking it is a thriller is a mistake. It’s definitely more mystery and less thriller/suspense.
Point of View: I generally enjoy multiple POVs in a story. This book had frequent and somewhat abrupt changes in perspective and it made things a bit confusing.
My thoughts: This book had the potential to be a great suspense novel. Unfortunately in the end it left me looking for answers that weren’t there. I realize that this is part of a series so I am hopeful that the author used this first book to build the plot lines for subsequent books. There were a lot of characters that were heavily described and present that ultimately, didn’t play a significant role in this book.
My rating is 3 stars. I see potential here and will definitely read more from this author and series. Thank you @Kensingtonbooks for my advanced copy of the book to review.
By: Lisa Childs
Published: 10/27/20 AVAILABLE NOW
Genre: Romantic Suspense
When I caught a blurb about this book on Instagram and checked the synopsis I was immediately drawn to it. I’ve read a few romantic suspense novels lately and really enjoyed them. The Runaway seemed to have all the makings of a great read:
Setting: Both creepy and atmospheric, an asylum on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Formerly Bainesworth Manor, known for its gruesome treatments and tortured patients, so it’s obviously haunted, right?
Missing Person: Rosemary Tulle receives a message from her 17 year old sister, Genevieve, sobbing and begging Rosemary to come get her. Rosemary had no idea that Genevieve had been admitted to Halcyon Hall, a treatment facility. When Rosemary arrives at the facility the staff claims that Genevieve ran away.
Romance: Rosemary reconnects with Whitt a friend turned enemy from high school. The relationship between Whitt and Rosemary seemed far fetched based on the circumstances around which they parted ways. I can’t say a lot about this without spoilers but this aspect just didn’t work for me.
Pacing and tension: The book started off slow but it did pick up in the middle and end. I was disappointed that the author didn’t build more tension in the story. I think going into this book thinking it is a thriller is a mistake. It’s definitely more mystery and less thriller/suspense.
Point of View: I generally enjoy multiple POVs in a story. This book had frequent and somewhat abrupt changes in perspective and it made things a bit confusing.
My thoughts: This book had the potential to be a great suspense novel. Unfortunately in the end it left me looking for answers that weren’t there. I realize that this is part of a series so I am hopeful that the author used this first book to build the plot lines for subsequent books. There were a lot of characters that were heavily described and present that ultimately, didn’t play a significant role in this book.
My rating is 3 stars. I see potential here and will definitely read more from this author and series. Thank you @Kensingtonbooks for my advanced copy of the book to review.
November 2, 2020
"The Runaway" by Lisa Childs is a gripping, fascinating tale about the lengths someone will go to just to protect their family. This novel is suspenseful, chilling, and unpredictable right until the end.
When Rosemary Tulle receives a chilling phone call from her younger sister, begging her to rescue her from Halcyon Hill, an insane asylum, Rosemary's sole focus is doing whatever she can to rescue Genevieve. Except, Rosemary's name is not on the visitor's list and nobody will let her inside. Rumors about Halcyon Hill's past and the locals' fear of the place have Rosemary questioning what goes on behind closed doors and what is being done to her sister.
"The Runaway" by Lisa Childs is a novel to look out for. Spooky, suspenseful, and full of dark secrets, this book is guaranteed to take readers down winding twists and turns that leave them with more questions than answers. I really enjoyed the dark, gothic vibes of a mysterious asylum that has a twisted history and a lot of secrets. When I started this book, I was worried it would be another cliche, but Childs' writing is evocative and whimsical while keeping a hold of those darker themes that run throughout the novel. The author really impressed me with their ability to keep the truth of what was occurring at the asylum from the reader, along with complex characters with their own secrets and hidden agenda.
I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy suspenseful, gothic novels and being surprised at every sudden twist that gets thrown their way. Cannot wait to read more books in this series, as well as novels by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel and write a review.
When Rosemary Tulle receives a chilling phone call from her younger sister, begging her to rescue her from Halcyon Hill, an insane asylum, Rosemary's sole focus is doing whatever she can to rescue Genevieve. Except, Rosemary's name is not on the visitor's list and nobody will let her inside. Rumors about Halcyon Hill's past and the locals' fear of the place have Rosemary questioning what goes on behind closed doors and what is being done to her sister.
"The Runaway" by Lisa Childs is a novel to look out for. Spooky, suspenseful, and full of dark secrets, this book is guaranteed to take readers down winding twists and turns that leave them with more questions than answers. I really enjoyed the dark, gothic vibes of a mysterious asylum that has a twisted history and a lot of secrets. When I started this book, I was worried it would be another cliche, but Childs' writing is evocative and whimsical while keeping a hold of those darker themes that run throughout the novel. The author really impressed me with their ability to keep the truth of what was occurring at the asylum from the reader, along with complex characters with their own secrets and hidden agenda.
I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy suspenseful, gothic novels and being surprised at every sudden twist that gets thrown their way. Cannot wait to read more books in this series, as well as novels by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel and write a review.
March 1, 2021
I received this book via a giveaway.
Troubled by a telephone message from her seventeen-year old sister, Rosemary Tulle races to Halcyon Hall to collect her. Upon approaching the walled compound, Rosemary is turned away because she is not on the visitor's list. Taking residence at a local boarding house, Rosemary learns the history of Halcyon Hall, once named Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane; where rumors still hold the terrors that patients were put through.
Attempting to get access to Genevieve, Rosemary must allow a secret she has held for the past seventeen years to come to light; she is really the mother of the seventeen year old. Leaving this message on her mother's phone, she gets placed on the list only to learn that the girl has run away.
Rosemary knows that her daughter would never have simply left without letting her know. She has also not contacted any of her friends, nor has she answered her phone or returned any messages.
Despite the nightmares that Rosemary has been suffering for years, she thinks she knows who the father of her child is. Knowing that he is now a high ranking judge, she demands he help her, only to hear him say he never touched her all those years ago. Yet, he follows her the island which hosts Halcyon Hall, with the help of another psychiatrist she is hypnotized, learning the truth of what happened so long ago.
With the Sheriff, the head of Halcyon Hall and the Judge, will Rosemary find her daughter? If she does find her, will she still be alive?
Troubled by a telephone message from her seventeen-year old sister, Rosemary Tulle races to Halcyon Hall to collect her. Upon approaching the walled compound, Rosemary is turned away because she is not on the visitor's list. Taking residence at a local boarding house, Rosemary learns the history of Halcyon Hall, once named Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane; where rumors still hold the terrors that patients were put through.
Attempting to get access to Genevieve, Rosemary must allow a secret she has held for the past seventeen years to come to light; she is really the mother of the seventeen year old. Leaving this message on her mother's phone, she gets placed on the list only to learn that the girl has run away.
Rosemary knows that her daughter would never have simply left without letting her know. She has also not contacted any of her friends, nor has she answered her phone or returned any messages.
Despite the nightmares that Rosemary has been suffering for years, she thinks she knows who the father of her child is. Knowing that he is now a high ranking judge, she demands he help her, only to hear him say he never touched her all those years ago. Yet, he follows her the island which hosts Halcyon Hall, with the help of another psychiatrist she is hypnotized, learning the truth of what happened so long ago.
With the Sheriff, the head of Halcyon Hall and the Judge, will Rosemary find her daughter? If she does find her, will she still be alive?
January 17, 2021
In Lisa Childs' The Runaway, the first installment in the Bane Island romantic suspense trilogy, this would keep you hooked on a wild and twisted journey. It all started for Rosemary Tulle when she received a phone call from her half-sister Genevieve in Maine. That propelled her to search for her in Halycon Hall, formerly known as Bainesworth Manor, where bad things happened to young girls. During a winter storm, her car had trouble driving across the bridge when she met Sheriff Deacon Howell who encouraged her to go home since it was too dangerous for her. When she reached the hall, she's been denied entry since she wasn't on the list. So she needed to figure out a way to help her get to the truth...and that was Whittaker Lawrence, someone she met at a party twenty years ago. But the real truth was Genevieve was Rosemary's daughter she had given up for adoption to her own mother and step-father. While she searched for the truth on who fathered her child, it sent chills across her spine when someone's been wanting to take her out multiple times. The closer they get to the truth on who's been killing people on the island, it makes her more desperate to find out if her daughter's dead or alive and to find out if she has a future with Whit in the end.
September 29, 2021
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. With a forbidding environment set on an isolated island, covered with snow and ice and stalked by a killer, this book was fast-paced and totally engrossing. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially the dedication of Rosemary to find her missing sister Genevieve, a wayward teen locked away in Halcyon Hall and who called Rosemary to come help her get away. I loved the dedication of the sheriff and the tender character of the judge, an old beau of Rosemary’s named Whit. There was so many twists and so much danger at every turn that I almost got whiplash. Fans of psychological thrillers mixed with romantic suspense will devour this book.
Disclaimer
I received an autographed copy of this book from the author, but I had also previously purchased the book from Amazon for myself. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer
I received an autographed copy of this book from the author, but I had also previously purchased the book from Amazon for myself. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2020
*I won this novel for my Amazon Kindle from a giveaway on GoodReads and was asked for an honest review*
This novel is #1 in the new series, "Bane Island Trilogy" by author; Lisa Childs. This is also my first read by this author. I have mixed feelings about this novel, it started out really slow for me and I figured after reading the prologue that it was going to pick up from there but it didn't, it jumped into something else. However, the middle and ending turned into a mystery/thriller in which I really hope explains everything in future novels because this novel really wasn't that bad of a read once you get into it. If you are into the genre of mystery/thrillers then you should give this novel and author a try. Happy Reading!
This novel is #1 in the new series, "Bane Island Trilogy" by author; Lisa Childs. This is also my first read by this author. I have mixed feelings about this novel, it started out really slow for me and I figured after reading the prologue that it was going to pick up from there but it didn't, it jumped into something else. However, the middle and ending turned into a mystery/thriller in which I really hope explains everything in future novels because this novel really wasn't that bad of a read once you get into it. If you are into the genre of mystery/thrillers then you should give this novel and author a try. Happy Reading!
December 6, 2023
To be honest, I don’t really know how I feel about this book. I am intrigued and definitely want to know more about the secrets of Halcyon Hall and the terrible things that has happened in this manor since 40 years ago. I’m not really a fan of the author’s execution. It held traces of my favourite authors but something is missing for me.
Readers please go in with triggers warning. Lots of terrible family dynamics and sexual assaults and mistreatment of women.
Readers please go in with triggers warning. Lots of terrible family dynamics and sexual assaults and mistreatment of women.
December 13, 2020
Si le résumé est prometteur j’ai malheureusement trouvé qu’il n’était pas à la hauteur. Le début de la relation amoureuse est invraisemblable, le suspense est mou, et il y a trop de points de vue différents et de questions sans réponses.
1,5/5
Avis complet VF https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/lesro...
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1,5/5
Avis complet VF https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/lesro...
VO https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 3, 2021
Total page turner couldn’t put this book down! I thought I had this book figured out at different parts and I was right in some instances and completely wrong in others this author has a really awesome way of tying characters to the storyline! Don’t want to give any spoilers but a must read for sure!
July 8, 2022
Lisa Childs is a new author for me. I wasn't to sure when I started this book that I was going to like it. After reading a few more pages the pace picked up and the story started coming together. Was pleasantly surprised. This being a first in a trilogy I will definitely continue reading.
January 2, 2024
I really had to work to keep my focus on this plot. Hated the end since apparently its the first in a series. Will not continue on with others.
May 29, 2022
The book had such potential but it just wasn´t for me. When a book has the tag "romantic" or "romancce" I want something different than the little there was of it in this book.
There were numerous references to gloomy weather, creepy houses, strange people and dark waters but I never felt as I was "there".
And when I started to think that the heroine was stupid, she could hardly drive a car for Pete's sake! That was it for me, I´m afraid. I closed the book after not even reading 50%.
Maybe it wasn´t fair to read this quasi/wannabe-gothic book after having finished the atmospheric Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Phew! Talk about eerie settings.
I love the romantic suspence genre and Lisa Childs are getting fine reviews so maybe I´ll try another of her books in the future.
There were numerous references to gloomy weather, creepy houses, strange people and dark waters but I never felt as I was "there".
And when I started to think that the heroine was stupid, she could hardly drive a car for Pete's sake! That was it for me, I´m afraid. I closed the book after not even reading 50%.
Maybe it wasn´t fair to read this quasi/wannabe-gothic book after having finished the atmospheric Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Phew! Talk about eerie settings.
I love the romantic suspence genre and Lisa Childs are getting fine reviews so maybe I´ll try another of her books in the future.
February 8, 2022
I definitely give this 4.5 stars. I was pleased with all the breadcrumbs dropped and then bam followed by plot twists. Not just once but several times. I was so engrossed with this novel from beginning to end. Now I have to read the rest of the series. The lies, deception, rape history, who’s the father??? And the list goes on. Rosemary was definitely a strong and determined character. It all started with a frantic call from her sister Genevieve to come and rescue her from this treatment center or is it an asylum??
October 26, 2020
I have mixed feelings about The Runaway. It was a very slow start for me and I struggled to get into it. I will say that it definitely picked up in the middle and I read the second half pretty quickly. The synopsis makes this sound like a super creepy thriller or a romantic suspense but it’s more of a mystery. The main focus of this book is Rosemary’s search for her sister and her developing love story.
There is A LOT going on in this book with so many story lines. I felt like it jumped around a bit too much and the ending left me feeling confused without all of the answers. However, as I said, this book did get me hooked in the middle and kept me flipping pages until I finished. I will also say that it’s listed as the first in a series and I would definitely read subsequent books to find out what happens.
The characters were interesting with various issues from their pasts and many complicated relationships. There are really strong characters who have overcome tragedy and heartbreak. There are also hints that some of these characters are. hiding skeletons in their closets and we've only scratched the surface of this story.
The Bainesworth Manor/Halcyon Hall setting definitely gives off some bad vibes and I think there's so much more to the story than we explored in this book. It's possible that the author threw so much into this initial installment because she is laying the foundation for the story going forward. We are left with so many questions at the end about who has been involved in horrible things during the manor's history so I am looking forward to finding out the truth.
Overall, there is a lot of potential here and a really great premise for a story. If you go into it understanding that it's not a creepy thriller but rather a slower-paced mystery, you will enjoy it.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Zebra Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There is A LOT going on in this book with so many story lines. I felt like it jumped around a bit too much and the ending left me feeling confused without all of the answers. However, as I said, this book did get me hooked in the middle and kept me flipping pages until I finished. I will also say that it’s listed as the first in a series and I would definitely read subsequent books to find out what happens.
The characters were interesting with various issues from their pasts and many complicated relationships. There are really strong characters who have overcome tragedy and heartbreak. There are also hints that some of these characters are. hiding skeletons in their closets and we've only scratched the surface of this story.
The Bainesworth Manor/Halcyon Hall setting definitely gives off some bad vibes and I think there's so much more to the story than we explored in this book. It's possible that the author threw so much into this initial installment because she is laying the foundation for the story going forward. We are left with so many questions at the end about who has been involved in horrible things during the manor's history so I am looking forward to finding out the truth.
Overall, there is a lot of potential here and a really great premise for a story. If you go into it understanding that it's not a creepy thriller but rather a slower-paced mystery, you will enjoy it.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Zebra Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2023
Rosemary Tulle has come to Halcyon Hall after receiving a call from her sister, Genevieve, begging her to come and get her. The former mental asylum holds many secrets of former residents and the atrocities they faced there, but now, some of those secrets are coming to light and not everyone wants them to. While looking for her sister, Rosemary crosses paths with her former boyfriend, Judge Whit Lawrence, who is running for governor. For years, she has blamed the judge for something that happened to her when they were kids, but now she must face the fact that what she thought about him might not really be true.
The Runaway is a mishmash of secrets held by an abundance of characters in this first book in the Bane Island Trilogy. There are moments and events in this book that had promise, but multiple subplots and underdeveloped characters overshadow what might have been a better story. Even though Rosemary is a psychologist, she runs around screaming and yelling with very little plan in mind. Many of Whit's actions are illogical and the romance between the two just isn't believable. Even though Genevieve is the center of the story, we never get much about her until the very end of the book. Overall, The Runaway contains many elements of a good suspense romance but never delivers on the execution that might have saved this story. 2 1/2 stars
The Runaway is a mishmash of secrets held by an abundance of characters in this first book in the Bane Island Trilogy. There are moments and events in this book that had promise, but multiple subplots and underdeveloped characters overshadow what might have been a better story. Even though Rosemary is a psychologist, she runs around screaming and yelling with very little plan in mind. Many of Whit's actions are illogical and the romance between the two just isn't believable. Even though Genevieve is the center of the story, we never get much about her until the very end of the book. Overall, The Runaway contains many elements of a good suspense romance but never delivers on the execution that might have saved this story. 2 1/2 stars
October 26, 2020
3.5 stars.
The first installment in the Bane Island series, The Runaway by Lisa Childs is an intriguing mystery.
Rosemary Tulle is frantically attempting to locate her missing seventeen year old sister Genevieve Walcott. After receiving Genevieve's terrifying message, Rosemary drops everything to travel to Bane Island, ME. Unbeknownst to Rosemary, her mom and stepfather sent Genevieve to Halcyon Hall for some unnamed treatment. Once known as Bainesworth Manor, the facility has a dark past because of its history as an insane asylum that horrifyingly mistreated their patients.
Rosemary is met with resistance at Halcyon Hall and she is warned away by local Sheriff Deacon Howell. Angry and increasingly worried, she confronts Judge Whit Lawrence, the man she blames for long events that occurred when they were teenagers. Afraid to trust anyone and worried about her sister's fate, Rosemary refuses to give up searching for Genevieve.
Rosemary is so worried about Genevieve that she does not always make well thought out choices. She also mistrusts Sheriff Howell so she is not always forthcoming with him. As Rosemary finds herself in unexpected danger, she makes a worrisome decision to continue her search. Although Sheriff Howell does not always trust her, he also believes that something is not right at Halcyon Hall. After a shocking discovery, Rosemary grows even more determined to find out the truth about her sister's disappearance and what is going on at Halcyon Hall.
The Runaway is an absorbing mystery that is suspenseful. The characters are interesting but they lack development. The history of Halcyon Hall is fascinating and the people within its walls are harboring many secrets. With the chapters alternating between several points of view, the storyline sometimes feels a little disjointed. Some elements of the plot require a suspension to disbelief. With some clever plot twists, Lisa Childs brings this atmospheric mystery to a mostly satisfying conclusion. A bit of a cliffhanger will leave readers awaiting the next release in the Bane Island series.
The first installment in the Bane Island series, The Runaway by Lisa Childs is an intriguing mystery.
Rosemary Tulle is frantically attempting to locate her missing seventeen year old sister Genevieve Walcott. After receiving Genevieve's terrifying message, Rosemary drops everything to travel to Bane Island, ME. Unbeknownst to Rosemary, her mom and stepfather sent Genevieve to Halcyon Hall for some unnamed treatment. Once known as Bainesworth Manor, the facility has a dark past because of its history as an insane asylum that horrifyingly mistreated their patients.
Rosemary is met with resistance at Halcyon Hall and she is warned away by local Sheriff Deacon Howell. Angry and increasingly worried, she confronts Judge Whit Lawrence, the man she blames for long events that occurred when they were teenagers. Afraid to trust anyone and worried about her sister's fate, Rosemary refuses to give up searching for Genevieve.
Rosemary is so worried about Genevieve that she does not always make well thought out choices. She also mistrusts Sheriff Howell so she is not always forthcoming with him. As Rosemary finds herself in unexpected danger, she makes a worrisome decision to continue her search. Although Sheriff Howell does not always trust her, he also believes that something is not right at Halcyon Hall. After a shocking discovery, Rosemary grows even more determined to find out the truth about her sister's disappearance and what is going on at Halcyon Hall.
The Runaway is an absorbing mystery that is suspenseful. The characters are interesting but they lack development. The history of Halcyon Hall is fascinating and the people within its walls are harboring many secrets. With the chapters alternating between several points of view, the storyline sometimes feels a little disjointed. Some elements of the plot require a suspension to disbelief. With some clever plot twists, Lisa Childs brings this atmospheric mystery to a mostly satisfying conclusion. A bit of a cliffhanger will leave readers awaiting the next release in the Bane Island series.
June 21, 2024
Rosemary odbiera niepokojąca wiadomość od młodszej siostry, dziewczyna nagrała jej się na poczcie z prośbą o pomoc i zabranie z ośrodka Halycon Hall, w którym umieścili ją rodzice. Gdy kobieta próbuje dostać się do ośrodka, okazuje się że nie została wpisana na listę odwiedzających i nie ma takiej możliwości, w dodatku komórka młodszej siostry nie odpowiada. Rosemary na wyspie spotyka mężczyznę z przeszłości, unikała go od wielu lat, teraz jednak jest zmuszona prosić go o pomoc, ponieważ wie czym w przeszłości bylo Halycon Hall, czym tam się zajmowano i bardzo boi się o siostrę.
Czy Rosemary odnajdzie siostrę? Dlaczego rodzice umieścili ją w owianym złą sławą i mroczną przeszłością ośrodku? Czy kobieta moze liczyć na pomoc mężczyzny z przeszłości?
Nie tylko ośrodek skrywa mroczną przeszłość, Rosemary też ma swoje tajemnice, z resztą nie tylko ona. Od początku miałam nadzieję że wszystkie one ujrzą światło dzienne, a zaginiona nastolatka się odnajdzie.
Wydawało mi się że ta historia aż tak mną nie wstrząśnie, myliłam się, od pierwszych chwil napięcie tylko rosło, a każdy kolejny sekret okazywał się coraz okrutniejszy. Wciągająca, trzymająca w napięciu, nie mogłam się oderwać, a historię niektórych bohaterów nadal nie mogą wyjść mi z głowy
Czy Rosemary odnajdzie siostrę? Dlaczego rodzice umieścili ją w owianym złą sławą i mroczną przeszłością ośrodku? Czy kobieta moze liczyć na pomoc mężczyzny z przeszłości?
Nie tylko ośrodek skrywa mroczną przeszłość, Rosemary też ma swoje tajemnice, z resztą nie tylko ona. Od początku miałam nadzieję że wszystkie one ujrzą światło dzienne, a zaginiona nastolatka się odnajdzie.
Wydawało mi się że ta historia aż tak mną nie wstrząśnie, myliłam się, od pierwszych chwil napięcie tylko rosło, a każdy kolejny sekret okazywał się coraz okrutniejszy. Wciągająca, trzymająca w napięciu, nie mogłam się oderwać, a historię niektórych bohaterów nadal nie mogą wyjść mi z głowy
July 13, 2024
„Ucieczka” Lisy Childs jest debiutem i pierwszą książką z serii kryminałów na Wyspie Bane.
Gdy rodzice wysyłają nastoletnią Genevieve do ośrodka terapeutycznego, ta o pomoc zwraca się do starszej siostry Rosemary. Znajdujący się na wyspie ośrodek cieszy się paskudną renomą.
Akcja rozgrywa się zimą na wyspie u wybrzeży Maine i jest mroczna, niepokojąca i klimatyczna. Brak zasięgu jest pierwszym alarmującym dzwonkiem, sama wyspa naszpikowana ostrymi szarymi skałami sprawia ponure wrażenie, a nieprzyjaźnie nastawieni mieszkańcy miasteczka dopełniają całości. Rosemary nie może dostać się do ośrodka i nikt nie zamierza jej w tym pomóc. Wszyscy skrywają tajemnice i nie wiadomo komu, można zaufać, a ich odkrywanie stanie się bardzo wciągające.
Styl pisania jest przystępny, energetyczny i lekki. Autorka świetnie oddała atmosferę złowrogości, zamknięcia, klaustrofobii, zmowy milczenia. Fabuła ma kilka zwrotów akcji, która toczy się dość wartkim tempem. Chociaż główna intryga zostanie rozwiązana, to istnieją wątki, które można rozwikłać dopiero w przyszłych częściach.
Podsumowując, powieść zrobiła na mnie duże wrażenie — tylko takie debiuty chciałabym czytać i nie mogę się już doczekać kolejnych wydań tej serii.
Gdy rodzice wysyłają nastoletnią Genevieve do ośrodka terapeutycznego, ta o pomoc zwraca się do starszej siostry Rosemary. Znajdujący się na wyspie ośrodek cieszy się paskudną renomą.
Akcja rozgrywa się zimą na wyspie u wybrzeży Maine i jest mroczna, niepokojąca i klimatyczna. Brak zasięgu jest pierwszym alarmującym dzwonkiem, sama wyspa naszpikowana ostrymi szarymi skałami sprawia ponure wrażenie, a nieprzyjaźnie nastawieni mieszkańcy miasteczka dopełniają całości. Rosemary nie może dostać się do ośrodka i nikt nie zamierza jej w tym pomóc. Wszyscy skrywają tajemnice i nie wiadomo komu, można zaufać, a ich odkrywanie stanie się bardzo wciągające.
Styl pisania jest przystępny, energetyczny i lekki. Autorka świetnie oddała atmosferę złowrogości, zamknięcia, klaustrofobii, zmowy milczenia. Fabuła ma kilka zwrotów akcji, która toczy się dość wartkim tempem. Chociaż główna intryga zostanie rozwiązana, to istnieją wątki, które można rozwikłać dopiero w przyszłych częściach.
Podsumowując, powieść zrobiła na mnie duże wrażenie — tylko takie debiuty chciałabym czytać i nie mogę się już doczekać kolejnych wydań tej serii.
November 5, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, I definitely sped through this book because I really wanted to know what had happened to Genevieve at Halcyon Hall after she leaves a worrisome voicemail to Rosemary. There is lots of action and thrills in this story with Rosemary on the search for the missing Genevieve. The one thing that bothered me was the switching of the point of view from character to character. I don't mind that in books, but this one did the switching from paragraph to paragraph and it would throw me to have jumped from Rosemary to Elijah and then Whitt. I think it did not need to have that many points of view and definitely not with the constant switching.
I also wish that more of the history of Halcyon Hall had been added for the creepy factor. That was pushed to the side by Rosemary's history. The ending felt a bit rushed too with the mysterious attacker and the reason why he was doing what he did.
I think it was a fairly good thriller that suffered from too many side characters though I think those were setting up for the next book.
Well, I definitely sped through this book because I really wanted to know what had happened to Genevieve at Halcyon Hall after she leaves a worrisome voicemail to Rosemary. There is lots of action and thrills in this story with Rosemary on the search for the missing Genevieve. The one thing that bothered me was the switching of the point of view from character to character. I don't mind that in books, but this one did the switching from paragraph to paragraph and it would throw me to have jumped from Rosemary to Elijah and then Whitt. I think it did not need to have that many points of view and definitely not with the constant switching.
I also wish that more of the history of Halcyon Hall had been added for the creepy factor. That was pushed to the side by Rosemary's history. The ending felt a bit rushed too with the mysterious attacker and the reason why he was doing what he did.
I think it was a fairly good thriller that suffered from too many side characters though I think those were setting up for the next book.
September 23, 2023
Rosemary goes to all lengths to find her runway sister who turns out to be her kidnapped daughter because she was raped at age 16 after being drugged at her house during a party. She was convinced a boy whit Lawrence she liked raped her because she remembered him carrying her to bed before getting raped but turns out he left the party the girls mother kicked them all out. The mother held her arms while she had her bf rape her daughter to make the her useful for something for once so that they could get her pregnant n convince her to hand the baby to them so that they could keep the trust fund. They made it her promise to not tell the girl that her sister was really her Mom. They sent the teen to a institution. The girl called her sisters for help. Rosemary went to get her but they wouldn't let her in the hall. Then a guy tried to kill her driving in to her car on the bridge. The hall tells Rosemary her daughter ran away but she knows it's not true n does everything to find out where she is meanwhile some 1 keeps trying to murder her but she lives and at the end is happy. She's reunited with her mom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
ughhh um the first half was functionally useless. the romance doest come in until later and is very rushed. at first she's just basically harassing anyone who works at the institute, sweet talking the doctors and sheriff until they hire her(?). she's been breaking in to your building and stopping people going to their cars but she'll make a good therapist surely??
we don't even learn who's been stalking her until the end we don't get to meet the daughter till the 10th to last page. It just takes too long to tell us anything it sucked and it took me forever to finish cuz I just didn't like it. my goal was to speed read this book which is what I did for 60% while nothing was happening but I took my time with the last bit which was nice. the last part was nice once things started happening but there's no stakes and the action goes by soooo quickly and they just explain everything afterwards it's depressing and boring.
It wasn't good. the story was fucked up like her SISTER is her DAUGHTER and she was raped by her MOTHER's pimp. what the fuck.
but it was $5 at big w so who cares
2/5
we don't even learn who's been stalking her until the end we don't get to meet the daughter till the 10th to last page. It just takes too long to tell us anything it sucked and it took me forever to finish cuz I just didn't like it. my goal was to speed read this book which is what I did for 60% while nothing was happening but I took my time with the last bit which was nice. the last part was nice once things started happening but there's no stakes and the action goes by soooo quickly and they just explain everything afterwards it's depressing and boring.
It wasn't good. the story was fucked up like her SISTER is her DAUGHTER and she was raped by her MOTHER's pimp. what the fuck.
but it was $5 at big w so who cares
2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
In this exciting new read from Child's we meet Rosemary Tulle. Rosemary gets a upsetting phone call from her younger sister Genevieve asking her to come get her. Genevieve was sent to Halcyon Hall by their parents, they hoped her stay there would help straighten her out. Once she gets there she isn't allowed in because she is not on her sisters visitors list. Once she does finally get in the staff tells her that her sister ran away. Rosemary truly doubts her sister ran away, especially after she called her asking her for help. She soon asks for help from a man from her past who she had hoped would stay there but with her sister missing she is willing to do anything. Soon secrets are uncovered that Rosemary had hoped would stay in the past but finding her sister is more important. Follow along as a sordid tale from the past is exposed. Will Rosemary find her sister and will her past come back to bite her in the end?
January 3, 2021
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,5/5
This book is presented as the first volume in a new series, and if the synopsis is promising, unfortunately I thought it wasn’t up to it. We meet Rosemary when she arrives on the island to pick up her sister.
Usually the couple is clear quite quickly in a romance, but here it’s not the case: the male characters don’t seem interesting nor interested, and for once in a romance the heroine isn’t guided by her hormones. When some (feeble) feelings appear, they don’t override her quest for her sister. It’s rare enough to be noticed, even if I was looking at this relationship with raised eyes as it seems unlikely.
What’s more they finally have few interactions, so I thought the final declaration of love came from nowhere.
On the plot side, the author probably wanted to spike up the mystery about the clinic, its past, and its inhabitants, perhaps to incite to read the next volume, but it didn’t work with me as I spent too much time grumbling because a lot of information was lacking. If at least the whole had been gripping, but no, it’s too slow to make me want to read more. I didn’t appreciate the multiple POV changes, we go in the head of the heroine, the woman at whose place she’s staying, one of her father’s friends, the “hero”, the sheriff, the director, his brother, and of course the bad guy. That’s a lot of people to follow, especially as we don’t have a lot of information about each of them.
What’s more I thought totally unbelievable that after having refused several time to let the heroine enter the clinic to look for her daughter, the director would finally accept to hire her (she’s a psychologist), wide opening the door for her searches.
On the positive side, we see Rosemary’s evolution; at the beginning she’s a little lost, and she ends up affirming herself, first by recognizing her sister is in fact her daughter, then by confronting her mother when she learns the truth about what happened 18 years ago through a hypnosis session. I actually must say the mother is as despicable as can be.
Second positive point, I was wrong about the bad guy’s identity, even if I had roughly understood the motivation. Well, on the other side, I have some excuses as we had just glimpsed him for 3 seconds.
All in all it’s a novel I didn’t appreciate and that I don’t recommend. It left me with too many questions and I don’t intend to read the sequel to have answers.
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,5/5
This book is presented as the first volume in a new series, and if the synopsis is promising, unfortunately I thought it wasn’t up to it. We meet Rosemary when she arrives on the island to pick up her sister.
Usually the couple is clear quite quickly in a romance, but here it’s not the case: the male characters don’t seem interesting nor interested, and for once in a romance the heroine isn’t guided by her hormones. When some (feeble) feelings appear, they don’t override her quest for her sister. It’s rare enough to be noticed, even if I was looking at this relationship with raised eyes as it seems unlikely.
What’s more they finally have few interactions, so I thought the final declaration of love came from nowhere.
On the plot side, the author probably wanted to spike up the mystery about the clinic, its past, and its inhabitants, perhaps to incite to read the next volume, but it didn’t work with me as I spent too much time grumbling because a lot of information was lacking. If at least the whole had been gripping, but no, it’s too slow to make me want to read more. I didn’t appreciate the multiple POV changes, we go in the head of the heroine, the woman at whose place she’s staying, one of her father’s friends, the “hero”, the sheriff, the director, his brother, and of course the bad guy. That’s a lot of people to follow, especially as we don’t have a lot of information about each of them.
What’s more I thought totally unbelievable that after having refused several time to let the heroine enter the clinic to look for her daughter, the director would finally accept to hire her (she’s a psychologist), wide opening the door for her searches.
On the positive side, we see Rosemary’s evolution; at the beginning she’s a little lost, and she ends up affirming herself, first by recognizing her sister is in fact her daughter, then by confronting her mother when she learns the truth about what happened 18 years ago through a hypnosis session. I actually must say the mother is as despicable as can be.
Second positive point, I was wrong about the bad guy’s identity, even if I had roughly understood the motivation. Well, on the other side, I have some excuses as we had just glimpsed him for 3 seconds.
All in all it’s a novel I didn’t appreciate and that I don’t recommend. It left me with too many questions and I don’t intend to read the sequel to have answers.
January 29, 2021
It took me longer to read this than I thought it would. The story line was convoluted enough to hold my interest but somehow it seemed a little ...I don't know....off somehow...contrived maybe? I could talk to someone else who read this about how some of the parts seemed stuck in on purpose to make the conclusion work. Also, the turnaround from her nightmares about Whit to so loving him later.. Okay and then the whole where's Genevieve part which dragged on and on...and Whit's mother's story and relationship to him so paralleling Rosemary's story. Oh, and the mother and stepfather's evil plot. That was some long term sting. Really. Oh, and how about Bonita always looking for her baby.
Put it all together with a creepy institution on a remote island....It was a dark and stormy night, anyone?
That being said, I appreciate the author's effort. It held my attention and kept me guessing throughout.
Put it all together with a creepy institution on a remote island....It was a dark and stormy night, anyone?
That being said, I appreciate the author's effort. It held my attention and kept me guessing throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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