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Trapdoor
Livestreaming now! Trapdoor - Five go in, none come out.
Eva Kavinsky wakes in a dark cellar, with no memory of how she got here. Imprisoned with her, seemingly at random, are four men. The only way out is the trapdoor in the ceiling – and it's locked.
The single clue about what brings them all here is a cryptic message sprayed onto one wall. Connect the dots. Repent. A camera fixed high above reach is livestreaming this whole nightmare to the world. What confessions are they meant to make to their unseen audience?
With only a single lighter between them and the cellar steadily filling with water, Eva races to discover what connects her to the four men. But nobody here is who they claim to be. And in this dark place, secrets and lies are so much easier to tell than the truth that could destroy them all.
Eva Kavinsky wakes in a dark cellar, with no memory of how she got here. Imprisoned with her, seemingly at random, are four men. The only way out is the trapdoor in the ceiling – and it's locked.
The single clue about what brings them all here is a cryptic message sprayed onto one wall. Connect the dots. Repent. A camera fixed high above reach is livestreaming this whole nightmare to the world. What confessions are they meant to make to their unseen audience?
With only a single lighter between them and the cellar steadily filling with water, Eva races to discover what connects her to the four men. But nobody here is who they claim to be. And in this dark place, secrets and lies are so much easier to tell than the truth that could destroy them all.
Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2023
About the author
J.P. Pomare
14 books1,532 followersJ. P. Pomare is a New Zealand author who lives in Melbourne, Australia.
He is the author of a number of critically acclaimed and best-selling novels including Seventeen Years Later, Tell Me Lies, and The Wrong Woman.
His novel In The Clearing was adapted for the screen as an eight part miniseries by Disney (The Clearing) and The Last Guests (Watching You) has been adapted as a series by Stan.
He is the author of a number of critically acclaimed and best-selling novels including Seventeen Years Later, Tell Me Lies, and The Wrong Woman.
His novel In The Clearing was adapted for the screen as an eight part miniseries by Disney (The Clearing) and The Last Guests (Watching You) has been adapted as a series by Stan.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
November 12, 2023
This came from the audible plus catalogue and I was excited even if the quality of the books aren’t always what I hoped for. This was up to the challenge however. I loved the locked mystery vibe, and the first part was the most exciting. In the end I was a bit tired of it all, but it was a complex read and entertaining.
January 6, 2024
A decent end brings this up to a worthwhile story. 5 of 10 stars
December 20, 2023
3.50 🌟— An extremely talented Kiwi/Aussie Thriller Fiction Author gives Audible a decent chop for an exclusive, it’s not her absolute best, but has some very intense moments & remains engaging throughout.m, with the final 10-15% perhaps suffering from an air of mild predictability.
J.P Pomare is fast building an epic catalogue of excellent suspenseful thrillers, and whilst this Audible exclusive isn’t one that’s going to thrust her into the Literary Elite for her genre, it is an absolutely fun and entertaining locked-room action mystery that is far superior to 99% of their FREE for members range.
Embarking upon the live-streamed narrative of "Trapdoor," Pomare’s protagonist, Eva Kavinsky awakens shrouded in darkness within a cellar, her arrival shrouded in amnesia. Beside her, four men share this confounding imprisonment, tethered by an enigmatic message urging them to decipher its cryptic essence—"Connect the dots. Repent." Elevated above, an unyielding trapdoor mocks them, its key elusively withheld.
Bearing witness to their plight is an omnipresent camera, broadcasting this macabre drama to an unseen audience. Within this ominous space, the quintet is compelled to confess, yet the nature of these revelations remains an enigma. As the cellar's waters rise and a solitary lighter becomes their fragile lifeline, Eva embarks on a frenetic quest to unravel the ties binding her to these mysterious companions.
Amidst the submerged secrets, the veracity of identities unravels, and falsehoods eclipse the elusive truth that could prove catastrophic for them all.
Overall, an enjoyable ride that worth exploring, the last 15% gets a little… ‘meh’ in my humble opinion, however JP has added another strong addition to her somewhat audacious body-of-work, and I look forward to the next of them k choose to read!
J.P Pomare is fast building an epic catalogue of excellent suspenseful thrillers, and whilst this Audible exclusive isn’t one that’s going to thrust her into the Literary Elite for her genre, it is an absolutely fun and entertaining locked-room action mystery that is far superior to 99% of their FREE for members range.
Embarking upon the live-streamed narrative of "Trapdoor," Pomare’s protagonist, Eva Kavinsky awakens shrouded in darkness within a cellar, her arrival shrouded in amnesia. Beside her, four men share this confounding imprisonment, tethered by an enigmatic message urging them to decipher its cryptic essence—"Connect the dots. Repent." Elevated above, an unyielding trapdoor mocks them, its key elusively withheld.
Bearing witness to their plight is an omnipresent camera, broadcasting this macabre drama to an unseen audience. Within this ominous space, the quintet is compelled to confess, yet the nature of these revelations remains an enigma. As the cellar's waters rise and a solitary lighter becomes their fragile lifeline, Eva embarks on a frenetic quest to unravel the ties binding her to these mysterious companions.
Amidst the submerged secrets, the veracity of identities unravels, and falsehoods eclipse the elusive truth that could prove catastrophic for them all.
Overall, an enjoyable ride that worth exploring, the last 15% gets a little… ‘meh’ in my humble opinion, however JP has added another strong addition to her somewhat audacious body-of-work, and I look forward to the next of them k choose to read!
November 22, 2023
Nope. It was your fault too girl. You could have done so much more. Should never have done that. Your ‘friends’ are an echo chamber and who’s going to say ‘it’s your fault’ except those who see the truth. Nope. Your fault too MC.
Not going to say what, but 100% they all had a part to play. Justice is different for different people and their parts.
No matter what the Mc might try and say, she also knew she was a part of it. The girl would’ve been better without her.
Not going to say what, but 100% they all had a part to play. Justice is different for different people and their parts.
No matter what the Mc might try and say, she also knew she was a part of it. The girl would’ve been better without her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
Didn't see the end coming but this was amazing
November 7, 2023
J.P, you've done it again!
When I posted that I was starting to read/ listen to Trapdoor, JP replied that it was darker than his previous work and hoped I enjoyed it. And enjoy it I did!
Trapdoor... I mean come on, the title itself is unsettling! The combination of a sinister take on the locked room mystery trope, while also touching on topics of abuse, addiction, loss and past trauma, had me on edge the entire time. It can be hard to navigate backstories for multiple characters in such a short book, but JP nailed that in my opinion.
I am going to be intentionally vague here because it will ruin the story for you if I say much more, but some elements are reminiscent of a recent scandalous event in the Hollywood world. The way this plot point was integrated surprised me, and honestly, had me questioning which side of the line I stood on and sympathising with our villain. I love a good moral dilemma.
...and my gosh, the ending!! It did not end at all how I anticipated 😭
I can't wait to read what you have in store for us next J.P!
Trapdoor is J.P's latest Audible exclusive release, at just shy of 6hrs (or if you're like me, 4hrs on 1.5x.) you will want to devour in a single sitting.
When I posted that I was starting to read/ listen to Trapdoor, JP replied that it was darker than his previous work and hoped I enjoyed it. And enjoy it I did!
Trapdoor... I mean come on, the title itself is unsettling! The combination of a sinister take on the locked room mystery trope, while also touching on topics of abuse, addiction, loss and past trauma, had me on edge the entire time. It can be hard to navigate backstories for multiple characters in such a short book, but JP nailed that in my opinion.
I am going to be intentionally vague here because it will ruin the story for you if I say much more, but some elements are reminiscent of a recent scandalous event in the Hollywood world. The way this plot point was integrated surprised me, and honestly, had me questioning which side of the line I stood on and sympathising with our villain. I love a good moral dilemma.
...and my gosh, the ending!! It did not end at all how I anticipated 😭
I can't wait to read what you have in store for us next J.P!
Trapdoor is J.P's latest Audible exclusive release, at just shy of 6hrs (or if you're like me, 4hrs on 1.5x.) you will want to devour in a single sitting.
January 14, 2024
4 stars because that end made me want to punch a wall.
Such an unnecessary twist
I was a little skeptical with it being a audible original. Usually I don’t find many of those that I really enjoy. This one though……so good. I couldn’t stop. I listened to it in one sitting.
I had all sorts of anxiety through the whole thing and I kept going back and forth on who was responsible. I was not expecting the outcome at all.
Such an unnecessary twist
I was a little skeptical with it being a audible original. Usually I don’t find many of those that I really enjoy. This one though……so good. I couldn’t stop. I listened to it in one sitting.
I had all sorts of anxiety through the whole thing and I kept going back and forth on who was responsible. I was not expecting the outcome at all.
December 12, 2023
This book will keep you on your toes at the start. The only issue I had was that it became too long. I was ready for the story to be over. I got bored. Some of the detail could be left out to make the story better.
December 2, 2023
The author drags the reader through triggering, horrible events to an unsatisfying ending. I feel like I've been assaulted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
Kept me on the edge of my seat then broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Trapped in a basement with strangers... what next?
Why did Eva wake up in a dark cellar next to a strange unknown man? Searching her memory she only recalled a normal evening at home. Then blackness. She woke up to blackness. It was so dark. Who would not be intrigued with a novel that begins with this mysterious scene?
There were two other men in the cellar that night, plus one corpse. In order to get out of this place Eva had to figure out how all of them were somehow connected.
The novel continued like that for hours. As each character reveals their backstory the truth gradually emerges.
I enjoyed listening to this Audible-only audiobook. I haven't read any other books by J.P. Pomare - yet. I might do so sometime. This was short enough to call a novella, but long enough for several evenings of literary entertainment.
The novel is not completely "clean" as there's some bad language, but it was not gratuitous. And it was not steady throughout the book. However if you take umbrage at the sound of the F word you're now forewarned. Some of the characters were desperate enough to get out of the basement, that's the only word they could think to use at times.
Why did Eva wake up in a dark cellar next to a strange unknown man? Searching her memory she only recalled a normal evening at home. Then blackness. She woke up to blackness. It was so dark. Who would not be intrigued with a novel that begins with this mysterious scene?
There were two other men in the cellar that night, plus one corpse. In order to get out of this place Eva had to figure out how all of them were somehow connected.
The novel continued like that for hours. As each character reveals their backstory the truth gradually emerges.
I enjoyed listening to this Audible-only audiobook. I haven't read any other books by J.P. Pomare - yet. I might do so sometime. This was short enough to call a novella, but long enough for several evenings of literary entertainment.
The novel is not completely "clean" as there's some bad language, but it was not gratuitous. And it was not steady throughout the book. However if you take umbrage at the sound of the F word you're now forewarned. Some of the characters were desperate enough to get out of the basement, that's the only word they could think to use at times.
January 10, 2024
Revenge. Dark thriller/suspense that reminded me of the movie Saw.
Five people trapped in a cellar. As they began to talk to one another to determine how and why they are all there, they figured out it had to do with there past. They also know, they are familiar with each other as well.
Great book!
Five people trapped in a cellar. As they began to talk to one another to determine how and why they are all there, they figured out it had to do with there past. They also know, they are familiar with each other as well.
Great book!
December 7, 2023
This was a great listen! Kept me guessing the whole time. Listened to the audiobook which I highly recommend!
December 15, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ the concept of this story is very inspired by the movies "Saw". It wasn’t a new idea, but it forced you to think of some good questions. What is the cost of vengeance ? What do you do if Justice fail? And my favorite of them: are you as responsible to the harm that was caused if you didn’t actively create it, but you did nothing to stop it?
August 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
January 2, 2024
In a gripping narrative filled with haunting echoes of abuse and regret, I found myself entangled in a web of emotions, navigating through the protagonist's journey of despair and desperation.
As the character confronted the consequences of past decisions, a surge of sorrow and determination accompanied me through the narrative. However, amidst the darkness, a sudden twist revealed the protagonist's unexpected cleverness, injecting a breath of hope into the storyline.
This resilient turn of events captivated me, showcasing the character's unwavering spirit and determination to never give up. The delicate balance between harrowing themes and empowering moments in this dark tale makes it a compelling read, highlighting the profound resilience of the human spirit.
For those who appreciate stories that delve into the depths of emotion while celebrating triumph over adversity, this narrative is a must-read.
As the character confronted the consequences of past decisions, a surge of sorrow and determination accompanied me through the narrative. However, amidst the darkness, a sudden twist revealed the protagonist's unexpected cleverness, injecting a breath of hope into the storyline.
This resilient turn of events captivated me, showcasing the character's unwavering spirit and determination to never give up. The delicate balance between harrowing themes and empowering moments in this dark tale makes it a compelling read, highlighting the profound resilience of the human spirit.
For those who appreciate stories that delve into the depths of emotion while celebrating triumph over adversity, this narrative is a must-read.
June 21, 2026
This was alright, I guess. Not really my cup of tea. The 'Saw' vibe is obvious enough that the story itself acknowledges that and it was the draw that convinced me to give it a go.
One other review, I think on audible, called it a heart warming story which is wild, and definitely not the reaction that I had.
Anyway it's a freebie on audible and it doesn't take very long, so no harm in trying it if the premise appeals to you.
One other review, I think on audible, called it a heart warming story which is wild, and definitely not the reaction that I had.
Anyway it's a freebie on audible and it doesn't take very long, so no harm in trying it if the premise appeals to you.
February 29, 2024
Do you like the saw movies? Well then this book is for you!! 5 strangers trapped in a wine cellar…who makes it out alive? Who dies? You’ll find out but the twist at the end you won’t see coming. This was a good listen & it was fast to the story starts off immediately in the middle of the action!
December 18, 2023
This wasn’t what I expected at all. Well written. Plot wasn’t boring at all and there was lots of twists I genuinely wasn’t expecting. That was a great book.
November 26, 2023
A shorter book at just under 6hrs but every minute is action-packed. Eva wakes up in the dark, in a cellar, with no recollection how she got there. She discovers that four men are also trapped in there with her. The only way out is a locked cellar door, and water is filling the cellar. Their fate is being livestreamed. Can Eva work through the clues to discover how they are all connected to solve the lock combination and escape? This story keeps you guessing throughout. A good read.
April 30, 2025
I listened to this on audio; good narration! I thought it was suspenseful and the plot was interesting. I was surprised at the ending and entertained throughout.
November 22, 2023
It was pretty good. The narrator did a good job too. Definitely worth a listen.
June 23, 2024
Great book, it kept you suspense the while way through!
November 8, 2023
4.5⭐️
So bingeable, just had to keep listening. Great narrators and building of suspense through flashbacks between then and now. A solid read and full of twists!
So bingeable, just had to keep listening. Great narrators and building of suspense through flashbacks between then and now. A solid read and full of twists!
December 6, 2023
Phenomenal and loved the whole book! Very very recommend this book!
October 3, 2024
- This is my personal review. In no way do I hope this deters you from reading or not. -
Incredible. Bingeable.
I enjoyed the different timelines between those who were trapped and the cop. I liked the part about the "live video" really being pre-recorded so Brady's father could conduct and finish his plan.
I liked how those trapped were unknowinglyconnected in some way to each other and the person they were really there for was Veronica. I didn't really care for the cop's storyline. Even though it was probably written for depth and to help carry the story further. Her character came across meaningless to me.
It didn't feel like Brandy was a bad guy, just mis-guided.
The pregnancy bomb shell was a complete curve ball. Props to J.P. for catching me off guard.
The ending was satisfying. I was expecting Eva to make a miraculous recovery but I'm glad she didn't. Feels more realistic that way.
I'm not a bad person. It's just refreshing to read about a main character that dies at the end of a story. At least every once and a while.
I wish this was available in paperback format so I could put it will all the other books I have that are written by J.P.
Incredible. Bingeable.
I enjoyed the different timelines between those who were trapped and the cop. I liked the part about the "live video" really being pre-recorded so Brady's father could conduct and finish his plan.
I liked how those trapped were unknowinglyconnected in some way to each other and the person they were really there for was Veronica. I didn't really care for the cop's storyline. Even though it was probably written for depth and to help carry the story further. Her character came across meaningless to me.
It didn't feel like Brandy was a bad guy, just mis-guided.
The pregnancy bomb shell was a complete curve ball. Props to J.P. for catching me off guard.
The ending was satisfying. I was expecting Eva to make a miraculous recovery but I'm glad she didn't. Feels more realistic that way.
I'm not a bad person. It's just refreshing to read about a main character that dies at the end of a story. At least every once and a while.
I wish this was available in paperback format so I could put it will all the other books I have that are written by J.P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
This book was pretty decent if you’ve ever seen that movie about the escape room where everyone in the escape room has a similar storyline and there’s a connection between all of them and they have to like work together to get out. That’s kind of how this book went. However, in this book, one of the bad guys was, also kind of a victim and he was in the trapped room seller with all of the other people that were connected through Rebecca‘s horrible backstory. I really quick read I highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
I am a harsh critic when it comes to thrillers, just putting that out there right off the bat. I think this started off pretty good but ended too quickly which took away from the overall wow factor. The big twist just was suddenly upon us and almost felt contrived because it happened so fast. I will say twists are unbelievable even when the book isn’t super short though so maybe it’s just a me thing. A twist has to feel authentic and I think twists in thrillers just miss the mark for me too often.
November 24, 2025
Pros:
- Interesting storyline
- Good twist
- Heartbreaking ending but in a good way ?
Cons:
- In an ensemble cast, why do they not just use each actor voice their character throughout? Why have the main actor voice them all?
- Interesting storyline
- Good twist
- Heartbreaking ending but in a good way ?
Cons:
- In an ensemble cast, why do they not just use each actor voice their character throughout? Why have the main actor voice them all?
April 4, 2024
Got this one free from the Audible Plus Catalog. A few have been disappointing but this was one of the good ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews