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The Second Captive
Stockholm syndrome: the psychological tendency of a hostage to bond with his or her captor.
Beth Sutton is eighteen years old when Dominic Perdue abducts her. Held prisoner in a basement, she’s dependent upon him for food, clothes, her very existence. As the months pass, her hatred for him changes to compassion. Beth never allows herself to forget, however, that her captor has killed another woman. She has evidence to prove it, not to mention Dominic’s own admission of murder.
Then Beth escapes…
And discovers Dominic Perdue is not a man who lets go easily. Meanwhile, despite being reunited with her family, she spirals into self-destructive behaviour. Release from her prison isn’t enough, it seems. Can Beth also break free from the clutches of Stockholm syndrome?
A study of emotional dependency, The Second Captive examines how love can assume strange guises.
Beth Sutton is eighteen years old when Dominic Perdue abducts her. Held prisoner in a basement, she’s dependent upon him for food, clothes, her very existence. As the months pass, her hatred for him changes to compassion. Beth never allows herself to forget, however, that her captor has killed another woman. She has evidence to prove it, not to mention Dominic’s own admission of murder.
Then Beth escapes…
And discovers Dominic Perdue is not a man who lets go easily. Meanwhile, despite being reunited with her family, she spirals into self-destructive behaviour. Release from her prison isn’t enough, it seems. Can Beth also break free from the clutches of Stockholm syndrome?
A study of emotional dependency, The Second Captive examines how love can assume strange guises.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
297 people are currently reading
1048 people want to read
About the author
Maggie James
13 books291 followersMaggie James is a British author who lives near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She writes psychological suspense novels.
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
September 28, 2015
Stockholm syndrome, or capture-bonding, is a psychological tendency in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors. At times the "love" they feel can even lead to them defending their captor.
I've always been interested in Stockholm syndrome. We see it mentioned often in cases of kidnappings. However, it can also be present in any type of abusive relationship and even used to describe an animal who stays with an abusive owner.
The Second Captive is a psychological suspense story about Beth Sutton. Beth was kidnapped and kept captive for two years. We learn a lot about what happened to her in the two years she was kept captive, as well as how she copes after she escapes.
****The description of the book gives quite a bit of detail so I don't think this review will necessarily spoil anything. However, if you are planning on reading the book soon, you may want to stop here. Not that I plan on giving anything away. *******
I'm intrigued right away as we meet Beth in present day. She is walking down familiar streets, wanting to go into a coffee shop she frequented two years ago. Teenagers and Elderly people alike are watching Beth warily. She's dressed in a pair of pants that are ripped and bloody, a huge men's jacket and old pink fluffy bedroom slippers. She keeps thinking of Dominic whom she has been dependent on for the last two years. One moment she thinks she wants to find him and the next she's having thoughts and memories of a woman with dark hair and a loving smile beckoning her to come home.
Two years ago when she was eighteen years old she was abducted by Dominic Perdue. He was intent on "breaking" Beth in order for her to become his perfect companion. He controlled her every move, making her dependent on him for food, clothing, sunlight, her very existence. He has also made her aware that he has killed before. She fights him at first, her hatred of him as extreme as you would imagine. As the time passes though, her feelings confuse her as she no longer feels such hatred. In fact she feels quite a bit of compassion for and what she deems as love for him.
Two years later, Beth escapes and is finally reunited with her family. Back home she struggles in her relationship with most of her family. Beth wants her life back but finds it extremely difficult to adjust due to her conflicting emotions for him. She starts to self-destruct making poor decisions. Beth finds it a struggle to make her own decisions without someone telling her what to do at every moment.
I read this book in a few sittings. It was another book I had started reading and somehow got left to the side. Not because it wasn't interesting but probably because I always have a few going, but then one will come along that I just must read right away. I'm trying to break this habit but it's not easy.
I'm really happy that I picked this up again. The plot was great, very exciting and intense at times. I found the alternating points of view easy to follow. I enjoyed knowing what was going on in the minds of Beth, Dominic and Beth's mother both during her time in captivity and present day two years later.
I enjoyed many of the characters in the book. The were all pretty well developed. Beth was very likable and even though at times she felt things were hopeless she had a strength that kept her going. Surprisingly there were times when I even felt sorry for Dominic. Beth's mother was a standout character. She never gave up hope and was patient and understanding with Beth. She wanted to get the monster that hurt her daughter as well as help her daughter find her way back to her life.
At times the story was quite intense as I wondered what was going to happen next. I worried about how it would all turn out. In the end I was extremely satisfied with how it came together. It is obvious that the author did her research on how someone who suffered from Stockholm Syndrome could be.
A great psychological thriller from Maggie James that I highly recommend.
I've always been interested in Stockholm syndrome. We see it mentioned often in cases of kidnappings. However, it can also be present in any type of abusive relationship and even used to describe an animal who stays with an abusive owner.
The Second Captive is a psychological suspense story about Beth Sutton. Beth was kidnapped and kept captive for two years. We learn a lot about what happened to her in the two years she was kept captive, as well as how she copes after she escapes.
****The description of the book gives quite a bit of detail so I don't think this review will necessarily spoil anything. However, if you are planning on reading the book soon, you may want to stop here. Not that I plan on giving anything away. *******
I'm intrigued right away as we meet Beth in present day. She is walking down familiar streets, wanting to go into a coffee shop she frequented two years ago. Teenagers and Elderly people alike are watching Beth warily. She's dressed in a pair of pants that are ripped and bloody, a huge men's jacket and old pink fluffy bedroom slippers. She keeps thinking of Dominic whom she has been dependent on for the last two years. One moment she thinks she wants to find him and the next she's having thoughts and memories of a woman with dark hair and a loving smile beckoning her to come home.
Two years ago when she was eighteen years old she was abducted by Dominic Perdue. He was intent on "breaking" Beth in order for her to become his perfect companion. He controlled her every move, making her dependent on him for food, clothing, sunlight, her very existence. He has also made her aware that he has killed before. She fights him at first, her hatred of him as extreme as you would imagine. As the time passes though, her feelings confuse her as she no longer feels such hatred. In fact she feels quite a bit of compassion for and what she deems as love for him.
Two years later, Beth escapes and is finally reunited with her family. Back home she struggles in her relationship with most of her family. Beth wants her life back but finds it extremely difficult to adjust due to her conflicting emotions for him. She starts to self-destruct making poor decisions. Beth finds it a struggle to make her own decisions without someone telling her what to do at every moment.
I read this book in a few sittings. It was another book I had started reading and somehow got left to the side. Not because it wasn't interesting but probably because I always have a few going, but then one will come along that I just must read right away. I'm trying to break this habit but it's not easy.
I'm really happy that I picked this up again. The plot was great, very exciting and intense at times. I found the alternating points of view easy to follow. I enjoyed knowing what was going on in the minds of Beth, Dominic and Beth's mother both during her time in captivity and present day two years later.
I enjoyed many of the characters in the book. The were all pretty well developed. Beth was very likable and even though at times she felt things were hopeless she had a strength that kept her going. Surprisingly there were times when I even felt sorry for Dominic. Beth's mother was a standout character. She never gave up hope and was patient and understanding with Beth. She wanted to get the monster that hurt her daughter as well as help her daughter find her way back to her life.
At times the story was quite intense as I wondered what was going to happen next. I worried about how it would all turn out. In the end I was extremely satisfied with how it came together. It is obvious that the author did her research on how someone who suffered from Stockholm Syndrome could be.
A great psychological thriller from Maggie James that I highly recommend.
July 31, 2017
Eighteen year old Beth Sutton is thrilled when she meets a slightly older (very handsome) man named Dominic who seems to take an interest in her. Things are home are tense, and her father is putting a lot of pressure on her to decide what to do after she graduates.
What starts off as a seemingly normal relationship quickly turns sinister when Dominic invites Beth to his house for a fancy home-cooked meal, but instead traps her in his basement and tells her she’ll never escape.
What Dominic is looking for is a companion. If Beth follows his rules, she’ll gain privileges until she realizes that she needs him. When Beth is completely reliant on him, Dominic will make her love him. Relying on Stockholm Syndrome to gain Beth’s compliance and trust, Dominic has no plans of ever letting Beth go…not even when she escapes.
Stockholm Syndrome is defined as “the psychological tendency of a hostage to bond with, identify with, or sympathize with his or her captor” and is a real condition that plagues many people who have been abducted or were in an abusive relationship. I’ve never read a thriller with this premise before, so I was immediately intrigued before even beginning the book.
Beth is like many 18 year olds – she’s naive and seeking independence, and she doesn’t worry about the potential peril she could be putting herself in by lying to her parents about her relationship and where she’ll be going until it’s too late. After her abduction, Beth tries everything to escape, with no luck. She’s physically and emotionally abused by Dominic, and she’s almost to her breaking point. Two years after being locked in the basement, she manages to escape (all of this is on the book blurb, so they aren’t spoilers!) but she struggles to regain her normal life. Not wanting to betray Dominic, she doesn’t want to go to the police, but she also doesn’t want him to attempt to kidnap her again.
The book is essentially told in two parts, and is told in a few different POVs. In the first half of the book, we see Beth’s point of view before and during her abduction, with some chapters being told through Dominic’s point of view. In the second half, we jump to the present time, where Beth has managed to escape, and we then see her mother’s POV in addition to her own. What unfolds is a chilling story of a young woman trying to come to terms with what happened to her and find herself again.
Make no mistake, this is definitely a thriller, and one you wont want to miss if you can handle the dark subject matter! If you’ve been in a situation that caused Stockholm Syndrome for you, this may be too much to handle, but I trust you’ll know best if that’s the case!
All in all, I loved this book. It was wonderfully written, and I could tell the author did her homework on the intricacies of Stockholm Syndrome, and it really worked for me. There were definitely times that I wanted to shake Beth, but I feel like many of her reactions were realistic for someone suffering the way she was. I also loved Beth’s mom, and was so happy to see that we got to read part of the book from her point of view. She was such a strong character, who never gave up on her daughter, and I loved that. I did see the twist at the end coming, but I love how everything was resolved and tied up. All in all, I definitely recommend this one!
What starts off as a seemingly normal relationship quickly turns sinister when Dominic invites Beth to his house for a fancy home-cooked meal, but instead traps her in his basement and tells her she’ll never escape.
What Dominic is looking for is a companion. If Beth follows his rules, she’ll gain privileges until she realizes that she needs him. When Beth is completely reliant on him, Dominic will make her love him. Relying on Stockholm Syndrome to gain Beth’s compliance and trust, Dominic has no plans of ever letting Beth go…not even when she escapes.
Stockholm Syndrome is defined as “the psychological tendency of a hostage to bond with, identify with, or sympathize with his or her captor” and is a real condition that plagues many people who have been abducted or were in an abusive relationship. I’ve never read a thriller with this premise before, so I was immediately intrigued before even beginning the book.
Beth is like many 18 year olds – she’s naive and seeking independence, and she doesn’t worry about the potential peril she could be putting herself in by lying to her parents about her relationship and where she’ll be going until it’s too late. After her abduction, Beth tries everything to escape, with no luck. She’s physically and emotionally abused by Dominic, and she’s almost to her breaking point. Two years after being locked in the basement, she manages to escape (all of this is on the book blurb, so they aren’t spoilers!) but she struggles to regain her normal life. Not wanting to betray Dominic, she doesn’t want to go to the police, but she also doesn’t want him to attempt to kidnap her again.
The book is essentially told in two parts, and is told in a few different POVs. In the first half of the book, we see Beth’s point of view before and during her abduction, with some chapters being told through Dominic’s point of view. In the second half, we jump to the present time, where Beth has managed to escape, and we then see her mother’s POV in addition to her own. What unfolds is a chilling story of a young woman trying to come to terms with what happened to her and find herself again.
Make no mistake, this is definitely a thriller, and one you wont want to miss if you can handle the dark subject matter! If you’ve been in a situation that caused Stockholm Syndrome for you, this may be too much to handle, but I trust you’ll know best if that’s the case!
All in all, I loved this book. It was wonderfully written, and I could tell the author did her homework on the intricacies of Stockholm Syndrome, and it really worked for me. There were definitely times that I wanted to shake Beth, but I feel like many of her reactions were realistic for someone suffering the way she was. I also loved Beth’s mom, and was so happy to see that we got to read part of the book from her point of view. She was such a strong character, who never gave up on her daughter, and I loved that. I did see the twist at the end coming, but I love how everything was resolved and tied up. All in all, I definitely recommend this one!
August 7, 2015
Beth is 18-years-old and infatuated with an older man, Dominic. After a couple of date, Dominic kidnaps Beth and keeps her down in his basement for 2 years. He wants to 'train' her to be a companion and take care of him.
The first half of the book is Beth in the basement. There is so much repetition .. she rebels, he punishes until she finally understands what is expected of her.
The second part of the books describes how she escapes the basement and walks to her home where she is greeted by mom, dad, and brother. Beth declines to tell them where she has been all this time.
The next third of the book is mom trying to get Beth to open up about what happened to her.
In the meantime, Beth has set out to seduce an older man.. a friend of her family. She craves the controlling manner of a man after having been controlled for so long in every aspect.
I could not connect with any of the characters. They were not believable. When Beth returns home, she was not taken to the hospital, even though she was dirty, bruised, and wearing strange clothes. Nor were the police contacted to let them know she was no longer a missing person.
And the last part of the book was just strange to me. Mom finds the house where Beth had been held and confronts Dominic.. and then leaves. Just not believable.
I was really hoping to like this one. But it just didn't happen.
My thanks to the author and publicist for furnishing the ebook in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The first half of the book is Beth in the basement. There is so much repetition .. she rebels, he punishes until she finally understands what is expected of her.
The second part of the books describes how she escapes the basement and walks to her home where she is greeted by mom, dad, and brother. Beth declines to tell them where she has been all this time.
The next third of the book is mom trying to get Beth to open up about what happened to her.
In the meantime, Beth has set out to seduce an older man.. a friend of her family. She craves the controlling manner of a man after having been controlled for so long in every aspect.
I could not connect with any of the characters. They were not believable. When Beth returns home, she was not taken to the hospital, even though she was dirty, bruised, and wearing strange clothes. Nor were the police contacted to let them know she was no longer a missing person.
And the last part of the book was just strange to me. Mom finds the house where Beth had been held and confronts Dominic.. and then leaves. Just not believable.
I was really hoping to like this one. But it just didn't happen.
My thanks to the author and publicist for furnishing the ebook in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
September 1, 2016
This review is hard. Although what happened to me was quite different in many ways, this story hit a bit too close to home for my emotional comfort. Therefore, I almost didn't write one. But...this is an exceptional work of fiction, as I would only expect from Maggie James, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Finally, this copy was delivered to me free of charge, carrying a small request that I write an honest review.
This book was incredibly well written with considerable insight; furthermore it was such a complete page turner, that in spite of the memories that swirled in each paragraph's wake I had to keep reading. In a way it was a form of catharsis.
Maggie James has tackled a subject I've rarely seen addressed in psychological thrillers: Stockholm Syndrome. She has not only shown her brilliance as a hold-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat writer, but taken on a psychological disorder completely glossed over in the most recent DSM manual.
The Second Captive is brilliantly divided into two main sections....DURING captivity, and AFTER the return home. I feel this delineation shows perfectly the ways captivity of any form changes a person. In each section the chapters are divided between two people; in part one, the chapters change between Beth and Dominic. Part two is shared between Ursula, Beth's mother, and Beth.
****If you have not read The Second Captive I want to give you fair warning that I plan to discuss many details of this book, I do think that I have left enough of the story out that any reader would not have their experience spoiled, yet I leave the decision up to you as whether to read the next section or not. Simply click on the spoiler section, if you wish to read this part of my review.
This book was incredibly well written with considerable insight; furthermore it was such a complete page turner, that in spite of the memories that swirled in each paragraph's wake I had to keep reading. In a way it was a form of catharsis.
Maggie James has tackled a subject I've rarely seen addressed in psychological thrillers: Stockholm Syndrome. She has not only shown her brilliance as a hold-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat writer, but taken on a psychological disorder completely glossed over in the most recent DSM manual.
The Second Captive is brilliantly divided into two main sections....DURING captivity, and AFTER the return home. I feel this delineation shows perfectly the ways captivity of any form changes a person. In each section the chapters are divided between two people; in part one, the chapters change between Beth and Dominic. Part two is shared between Ursula, Beth's mother, and Beth.
****If you have not read The Second Captive I want to give you fair warning that I plan to discuss many details of this book, I do think that I have left enough of the story out that any reader would not have their experience spoiled, yet I leave the decision up to you as whether to read the next section or not. Simply click on the spoiler section, if you wish to read this part of my review.
February 4, 2015
Wow. This was one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in quite awhile. I have to admit I initially felt little sympathy for the character of Beth; part of me felt she was in a mess of her own making. Until I began to realize what an excellent manipulator Dominic was and, as the book progressed, how truly disturbed he was. However, just as you're at the point of writing him off as your cookie-cutter psycho, Maggie James is able to create a spark of sympathy for him. What complex characters she has here!
I thought writing the book from different perspectives was fantastic. It really amped up the tension and made me feel more of a connection to each character. This book really makes you consider what Stockholm Syndrome is all about and how a person can be victimized by it even more than they were by their captor.
I half expected a disappointing ending to this book. Probably from past experience of being let down by books that started out fantastic and then lost steam by the end. Not so here. This story kept me engrossed from beginning to end, and I felt the conclusion did the story justice.
This is a book that puts the reader through the gamut of emotions; at least it did to this one.
I highly recommend this book if you like psychological thrillers. I know that I will be checking out more of this author's work.
I thought writing the book from different perspectives was fantastic. It really amped up the tension and made me feel more of a connection to each character. This book really makes you consider what Stockholm Syndrome is all about and how a person can be victimized by it even more than they were by their captor.
I half expected a disappointing ending to this book. Probably from past experience of being let down by books that started out fantastic and then lost steam by the end. Not so here. This story kept me engrossed from beginning to end, and I felt the conclusion did the story justice.
This is a book that puts the reader through the gamut of emotions; at least it did to this one.
I highly recommend this book if you like psychological thrillers. I know that I will be checking out more of this author's work.
July 28, 2017
Beth is a young and naive 18 year old that does not have much going for her. While her demanding father wants her to get a job and actually support herself, her mother is content with her living her life. As the oldest sister of a brother, she is not her parents pride and joy as he is. Yet their family is normal if you take into the account of others who may not be living a noble life. However, when she meets Dominic Purdue, her idea life takes a sharp turn. Purdue is much older than her, but she is convinced that he is as infatuated with her as she is with him. When she leaves to meet him for a date, she returns two years later abused and mute as to what happened two years prior.
Beth wants to forget all of the threats and abuse she experienced in the hands of her abuser. Recalling all the trauma she went through, she cannot help but feel smitten with a childhood father who she swears she always been attracted to. Nothing stands between their unhealthy relationship but her mother is convinced that her daughter is not telling the truth about where she was for two years. Not to mention her mute brother, who knows more about her disappearance than he is willing to admit.
Evocative, chilling and unparalleled is this epic thriller that will have you glued until you reach the conclusion!
Thrillers are my favorite genre so needless to say if this book has five stars: it had perfect pacing, great characterization and an amazing ending! Despite his erratic behavior,Dominic was one twisted bipolar vulnerable monster. Sounds like a paradox right? If you actually understood the background of his story,it will explain his ways. I liked him a lot in the story, although I am not justifying his behavior.The author had a great way of making you feel sympathetic to him,he had a lot of redeeming qualities.
This book was very similar to Chevy Stevens book, Still Missing, at least in plot but it is different in a lot of ways as well.
It is always rare for me to rate ANY book five stars, much less a thriller, but this exceeded my expectations.
HIGHLY recommended, an unforgettable novel!
Beth wants to forget all of the threats and abuse she experienced in the hands of her abuser. Recalling all the trauma she went through, she cannot help but feel smitten with a childhood father who she swears she always been attracted to. Nothing stands between their unhealthy relationship but her mother is convinced that her daughter is not telling the truth about where she was for two years. Not to mention her mute brother, who knows more about her disappearance than he is willing to admit.
Evocative, chilling and unparalleled is this epic thriller that will have you glued until you reach the conclusion!
Thrillers are my favorite genre so needless to say if this book has five stars: it had perfect pacing, great characterization and an amazing ending! Despite his erratic behavior,Dominic was one twisted bipolar vulnerable monster. Sounds like a paradox right? If you actually understood the background of his story,it will explain his ways. I liked him a lot in the story, although I am not justifying his behavior.The author had a great way of making you feel sympathetic to him,he had a lot of redeeming qualities.
This book was very similar to Chevy Stevens book, Still Missing, at least in plot but it is different in a lot of ways as well.
It is always rare for me to rate ANY book five stars, much less a thriller, but this exceeded my expectations.
HIGHLY recommended, an unforgettable novel!
September 8, 2015
Told from multiple perspectives, The Second Captive portrays one family's journey as they come to grips with the daughter suffering from Stockholm Syndrome after having been held captive in a basement for two years. You hear the daughter's and the mother's points of view as well as the kidnapper's.
It is a fairly well written story that moves along at a nice pace and keeps you turning the pages, but it wasn't as thrilling, deep or dark as I had hoped for. I was waiting for some surprising twists and turns but the story line was just pretty standard and culminated in a rather neat ending. An OK read but nothing outstanding.
Thanks to the author and her publicist for my copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
It is a fairly well written story that moves along at a nice pace and keeps you turning the pages, but it wasn't as thrilling, deep or dark as I had hoped for. I was waiting for some surprising twists and turns but the story line was just pretty standard and culminated in a rather neat ending. An OK read but nothing outstanding.
Thanks to the author and her publicist for my copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 4, 2016
Review Pending
February 7, 2017
He’ll shut me back in the basement if I do. For good.
The Second Captive is a tale about Stockholm Syndrome, told in two parts. Part one is the POVs of Beth, the captive, and Dominic, the captor. Part two from Beth's and her mother, Ursula's, POVs.
Beth manages to escape after two years of being held captive in Dominic's basement. Being taken at the young & naive age of just 18 she goes though a lot of emotions, anger, sadness, loneliness for missing her family very much and hate towards Dominic.
Since she no longer lives by the rules, control & punishment forced upon her by Dominic and that she had grown to accept as "normal", Beth has a hard time adjusting to life as a free person.
She grows more closed off everyday and slides rapidly towards depression.
I did not wanted to like Dominic, but I felt very sad for him. I do not condone the way he kidnapped Beth, held her captive and treated her sometimes, but I can see that a person might snapped the way he did. He's had a hard life resulting in him becoming a really fucked-up person.
Ursula, Beth's mom, is ecstatic to have her daughter back after two very long years, but is also very heartbroken. She wants to help and becomes the fierceness lioness that lies in every mother. What she manages for the sanity of her baby girl? Just awesome!
The suspense in the book will keep you planted in your seat, reading until you reach the end. This is a book that I highly recommend.
Search hard enough, and you might discover gold in what happened to you
The Second Captive is a tale about Stockholm Syndrome, told in two parts. Part one is the POVs of Beth, the captive, and Dominic, the captor. Part two from Beth's and her mother, Ursula's, POVs.
Beth manages to escape after two years of being held captive in Dominic's basement. Being taken at the young & naive age of just 18 she goes though a lot of emotions, anger, sadness, loneliness for missing her family very much and hate towards Dominic.
Since she no longer lives by the rules, control & punishment forced upon her by Dominic and that she had grown to accept as "normal", Beth has a hard time adjusting to life as a free person.
She grows more closed off everyday and slides rapidly towards depression.
I did not wanted to like Dominic, but I felt very sad for him. I do not condone the way he kidnapped Beth, held her captive and treated her sometimes, but I can see that a person might snapped the way he did. He's had a hard life resulting in him becoming a really fucked-up person.
Ursula, Beth's mom, is ecstatic to have her daughter back after two very long years, but is also very heartbroken. She wants to help and becomes the fierceness lioness that lies in every mother. What she manages for the sanity of her baby girl? Just awesome!
The suspense in the book will keep you planted in your seat, reading until you reach the end. This is a book that I highly recommend.
Search hard enough, and you might discover gold in what happened to you
June 1, 2019
This is a psychological thriller but will also appeal to readers of contemporary fiction.
The main theme of the story is Stockholm Syndrome but there are many other psychological issues that are also examined in this book. Also discussed are dysfunctional families and sibling rivalry.
The book begins with Beth escaping (present) and then goes back to the events that lead to her captivity before returning to the present. The characters of Beth and Dominic are very realistic and Maggie makes an excellent job of building them gradually through the book and makes the reader realise the implications of events on the mind of a child. This book works particularly well because Beth doesn’t have a very good relationship with her Father and Brother which has a bearing on her captivity. The book also examines the way the dynamics of a family changes when a member is removed.
Ursula is Beth’s Mother and her character is developed around a Mother’s love for her children. As with the other characters Ursula is very realistic and acts in the way I would expect a Mother who wants to protect her child to act.
There are many twists and turns to this story and I especially like the realistic way that Maggie tells of Beth falling into a bad place after her return home. We would all like to believe that when a person is found the family lives happily ever after making up for the lost time. In the real world I think that is unlikely to happen and the fact that the story reinforces that makes it very realistic.
This is another heart rending and thought provoking book from Maggie that will have the reader turning page after page. I am looking forward to more books from this very talented author.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books who provided me with an ARC of this book.
The main theme of the story is Stockholm Syndrome but there are many other psychological issues that are also examined in this book. Also discussed are dysfunctional families and sibling rivalry.
The book begins with Beth escaping (present) and then goes back to the events that lead to her captivity before returning to the present. The characters of Beth and Dominic are very realistic and Maggie makes an excellent job of building them gradually through the book and makes the reader realise the implications of events on the mind of a child. This book works particularly well because Beth doesn’t have a very good relationship with her Father and Brother which has a bearing on her captivity. The book also examines the way the dynamics of a family changes when a member is removed.
Ursula is Beth’s Mother and her character is developed around a Mother’s love for her children. As with the other characters Ursula is very realistic and acts in the way I would expect a Mother who wants to protect her child to act.
There are many twists and turns to this story and I especially like the realistic way that Maggie tells of Beth falling into a bad place after her return home. We would all like to believe that when a person is found the family lives happily ever after making up for the lost time. In the real world I think that is unlikely to happen and the fact that the story reinforces that makes it very realistic.
This is another heart rending and thought provoking book from Maggie that will have the reader turning page after page. I am looking forward to more books from this very talented author.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books who provided me with an ARC of this book.
June 5, 2015
After meeting Dominic Perdue and going on a few dates with him, Beth Sutton can’t believe her luck. But we soon learn that her luck is about to run out! After getting Beth to his cottage, Dominic imprisons her in his basement. Beth becomes reliant on him for everything. Dominic doesn’t believe he’s doing anything wrong. Beth is his companion and he is merely making amends for the past.
I really enjoyed this book. The development of the characters’ personalities and their relationships added to the tension and suspense of the story. The examination of Stockholm Syndrome is well used to show Beth’s behavior and how she grows attached to Dominic and sees her situation as normal.
Dominic’s presence and personality were dark and unnerving. His explanation for keeping Beth captive was written so convincingly that the author almost makes readers feel some sympathy for him.
A great suspense thriller. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this book. The development of the characters’ personalities and their relationships added to the tension and suspense of the story. The examination of Stockholm Syndrome is well used to show Beth’s behavior and how she grows attached to Dominic and sees her situation as normal.
Dominic’s presence and personality were dark and unnerving. His explanation for keeping Beth captive was written so convincingly that the author almost makes readers feel some sympathy for him.
A great suspense thriller. Highly recommended.
July 25, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Review to follow soon
Review to follow soon
July 6, 2017
Well at 18 you pretty well know everything and Beth was no exception. After meeting dark haired Dominic she felt that she was ready to move on from the sort of boy she would normally go out with. She would leave alone the 18 year old lads that were her age and make a play for this 28 year old man, after all he did seem interested in her even when he found out the age gap. Wow had she got a night planned for him! And Wow had he got something a little longer planned for her!
I love Maggie James’s books specially as you just don’t find two alike with this one being my favourite of them all so far. Apart from the opening, the first half of the book consists of just two characters, Beth and Dominic, with the chapters alternating between them. Believe me this is a mouth open read, the sort where you could hear the proverbial pin drop. To say Dominic had a bad start in life just doesn’t quite fit the bill so I quickly got the feel of why he was a little bit unbalanced. Ok a raving nut case.
What a super gripping read this book is that takes imprisonment that one step further to the Stockholm Syndrome, where the imprisoned become obsessed with their prisoner. It is fascinating and so very well written. Talk about tensions running high it has just about every emotion covered from both sides of the coin at times twisted in the most bizarre ways. This is very much a ‘talking book’ the sort where when you are reading you are trying to give advise to the characters. Like ‘no, no, no, don’t do it��� and eventually ‘what are you doing, please be quick’. It certainly has a few look behind you moments too.
The second half of the book opens up to involve more people that are affected in a tragedy like this, with the story being told through Beth and her mum and highlights how each person in the family dealt with their own feeling of lose when Beth was missing. When you think wow this is a great story Maggie James carries on and makes it into awesome! A really superb book again that just makes me want more and more.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this ARC which I have chosen to review
I love Maggie James’s books specially as you just don’t find two alike with this one being my favourite of them all so far. Apart from the opening, the first half of the book consists of just two characters, Beth and Dominic, with the chapters alternating between them. Believe me this is a mouth open read, the sort where you could hear the proverbial pin drop. To say Dominic had a bad start in life just doesn’t quite fit the bill so I quickly got the feel of why he was a little bit unbalanced. Ok a raving nut case.
What a super gripping read this book is that takes imprisonment that one step further to the Stockholm Syndrome, where the imprisoned become obsessed with their prisoner. It is fascinating and so very well written. Talk about tensions running high it has just about every emotion covered from both sides of the coin at times twisted in the most bizarre ways. This is very much a ‘talking book’ the sort where when you are reading you are trying to give advise to the characters. Like ‘no, no, no, don’t do it��� and eventually ‘what are you doing, please be quick’. It certainly has a few look behind you moments too.
The second half of the book opens up to involve more people that are affected in a tragedy like this, with the story being told through Beth and her mum and highlights how each person in the family dealt with their own feeling of lose when Beth was missing. When you think wow this is a great story Maggie James carries on and makes it into awesome! A really superb book again that just makes me want more and more.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this ARC which I have chosen to review
May 7, 2016
The Second Captive is a story that is told in two parts. The first half is told to us through Beth and Dominic whilst Beth is being held prisoner. The second half is told through Beth and her mum, Ursula, after Beth escapes.
Stockholm syndrome is certainly a fascinating topic and I think the author does a great job in helping the reader try to understand why someone being held captive would develop feelings for their captor.
Beth is just a young naive woman, who at eighteen, is really just starting to live her life when she is taken and kept in a basement. She goes through so many emotions of anger, hate, sadness, loneliness etc. She misses her family very much and her only companion now is Dominic, the man who took her.
Dominic, I had really mixed feelings for. I didn't want to like him or have empathy for him. Whilst I certainly didn't like him, I did start to feel empathy for him. Anyone who does what he does, usually comes from a troubled background and Dominic's is certainly no different, so in a way I could kind of understand why he was doing what he did even though it certainly isn't acceptable.
Ursula I certainly had every empathy for. Having your daughter disappear into thin air then turn up on the doorstop a couple of years later, I could very much feel her joy and pain. There is also a lot of frustration there as Beth does not want to divulge where she's been and for a mother to know her daughter has probably been through a horrible experience but to not know exactly what or how to help, well it made for some emotional reading.
The Second Captive is a story very much about relationships and the bonds that tie us. I enjoyed the insight from so many perspectives as it makes for some interesting reading. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more by the author.
Stockholm syndrome is certainly a fascinating topic and I think the author does a great job in helping the reader try to understand why someone being held captive would develop feelings for their captor.
Beth is just a young naive woman, who at eighteen, is really just starting to live her life when she is taken and kept in a basement. She goes through so many emotions of anger, hate, sadness, loneliness etc. She misses her family very much and her only companion now is Dominic, the man who took her.
Dominic, I had really mixed feelings for. I didn't want to like him or have empathy for him. Whilst I certainly didn't like him, I did start to feel empathy for him. Anyone who does what he does, usually comes from a troubled background and Dominic's is certainly no different, so in a way I could kind of understand why he was doing what he did even though it certainly isn't acceptable.
Ursula I certainly had every empathy for. Having your daughter disappear into thin air then turn up on the doorstop a couple of years later, I could very much feel her joy and pain. There is also a lot of frustration there as Beth does not want to divulge where she's been and for a mother to know her daughter has probably been through a horrible experience but to not know exactly what or how to help, well it made for some emotional reading.
The Second Captive is a story very much about relationships and the bonds that tie us. I enjoyed the insight from so many perspectives as it makes for some interesting reading. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more by the author.
August 14, 2015
I received a free copy from the author and her publicist in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Maggie James!
The Second Captive is not about whether Beth Sutton will break free from her prison, since you know this from the beginning. Instead, its focus is on whether she will ever break the chains that tie her to her abductor, Dominic. The first part tells of her imprisonment, which leads back to the introduction and then involves her mother, who never gave up hope that she would return. Even having read the prologue, my heart kept beating faster and I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened next. No heroics here, the characters are realistic and relatable. At least Beth and her friends and family are. I was surprised, though, of how I connected with Dominic. Maybe it's because you get to see him through the rose-colored glasses of Stockholm Syndrome on Beth's eyes but, even if he is a monster and there is no way around that, you feel for him. My favorite part, however, was the relationship between Beth and her Mom. I have been blessed with an awesome mother and I know that, in the worst of circumstances, just as Beth, I can always count on her. I can't really say much more because of spoilers but despite of all the twists and turns, this novel is not so much about an abduction as it is about the lack of freedom. And it can happen in a basement, your bedroom or anywhere you go. This is a really good book.
The Second Captive is not about whether Beth Sutton will break free from her prison, since you know this from the beginning. Instead, its focus is on whether she will ever break the chains that tie her to her abductor, Dominic. The first part tells of her imprisonment, which leads back to the introduction and then involves her mother, who never gave up hope that she would return. Even having read the prologue, my heart kept beating faster and I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened next. No heroics here, the characters are realistic and relatable. At least Beth and her friends and family are. I was surprised, though, of how I connected with Dominic. Maybe it's because you get to see him through the rose-colored glasses of Stockholm Syndrome on Beth's eyes but, even if he is a monster and there is no way around that, you feel for him. My favorite part, however, was the relationship between Beth and her Mom. I have been blessed with an awesome mother and I know that, in the worst of circumstances, just as Beth, I can always count on her. I can't really say much more because of spoilers but despite of all the twists and turns, this novel is not so much about an abduction as it is about the lack of freedom. And it can happen in a basement, your bedroom or anywhere you go. This is a really good book.
December 8, 2014
THIS CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS
I read this book in one straight run, I loved everything about it. I enjoyed that the chapters jumped back and fore between characters, I found myself.. Not exactly liking Dominic, but not exactly hating him either, almost understanding him. Was Amy/Anne the first captive? Or was it Dominic himself? Held captive by the memory of his father actions? I found myself pondering this for days after I'd finished because this isn't a book you read and immediately forget, I found myself a little more away of my surrounds, and more responsibly for safety. If I'd have got to the last page to see ' Beth now runs classes in abduction prevention ' and it had been a true story I wouldn't have been surprised
I like that the book carried on, nothing worse that a book that just ends three pages after the ' bad guy gets what's coming to him' scene, which to me was the escape. It went on to show Beth's slow recovery, her realisations and set backs.
However, I thought maybe she 'stockholmed' a little too readily, she needed to have fought him more, she learnt too quickly, but that's just how I think I would have reacted in that situation. all in all great book, Maggie James is climbing my favourite authors list very fast. definitely one to watch, mark my words on that one
I read this book in one straight run, I loved everything about it. I enjoyed that the chapters jumped back and fore between characters, I found myself.. Not exactly liking Dominic, but not exactly hating him either, almost understanding him. Was Amy/Anne the first captive? Or was it Dominic himself? Held captive by the memory of his father actions? I found myself pondering this for days after I'd finished because this isn't a book you read and immediately forget, I found myself a little more away of my surrounds, and more responsibly for safety. If I'd have got to the last page to see ' Beth now runs classes in abduction prevention ' and it had been a true story I wouldn't have been surprised
I like that the book carried on, nothing worse that a book that just ends three pages after the ' bad guy gets what's coming to him' scene, which to me was the escape. It went on to show Beth's slow recovery, her realisations and set backs.
However, I thought maybe she 'stockholmed' a little too readily, she needed to have fought him more, she learnt too quickly, but that's just how I think I would have reacted in that situation. all in all great book, Maggie James is climbing my favourite authors list very fast. definitely one to watch, mark my words on that one
January 1, 2016
The Second Captive is a psychological suspense story of kidnap, captivity and the aftermath of escape.
The first half is Beth's two years with Dominic. Beth starts dating the tall dark and handsome Dominic. He collects her for a date at his house but she never returns. He locks Beth in his basement and Beth has to follow his rules to earn privileges. Eventually she escapes but after two years Dominic has invaded her head, her every thought. The second half of the book is Beth trying to settle back into normal life with her family and friends. But normal life is a lot harder when you haven't had to make a decision for yourself for two years. Can Beth ever be free from her captor or is she always going to suffer from what psychologists call Stockholm Syndrome?
This is the first book I've read by Maggie James and it won't be the last. She has a way of writing that draws you right into the world she's created. I had my own image of Beth, Dominic and the miners cottage they shared.
I'd like to thank the author and her publicist for sending me this book for me to read and review.
The first half is Beth's two years with Dominic. Beth starts dating the tall dark and handsome Dominic. He collects her for a date at his house but she never returns. He locks Beth in his basement and Beth has to follow his rules to earn privileges. Eventually she escapes but after two years Dominic has invaded her head, her every thought. The second half of the book is Beth trying to settle back into normal life with her family and friends. But normal life is a lot harder when you haven't had to make a decision for yourself for two years. Can Beth ever be free from her captor or is she always going to suffer from what psychologists call Stockholm Syndrome?
This is the first book I've read by Maggie James and it won't be the last. She has a way of writing that draws you right into the world she's created. I had my own image of Beth, Dominic and the miners cottage they shared.
I'd like to thank the author and her publicist for sending me this book for me to read and review.
March 29, 2019
Did I read the same book as the other people reviewing it?
I was in the mood for a psychological thriller, something to wake me up and make me feel stuff. I came across this book and felt it could be good.
Oh man, how do I begin unpacking my thoughts?
First of all, Beth is so stupid. It's impossible to root for her because she is an idiot. It's beyond being 18 and naive, I was 18 not too long ago. Beth is in a whole new catagory.
I feel like the author didn't consult any actual victims of Stockholm Syndrome, that she read the psychological definition somewhere (and made a character repeat it to prove her knowledge). All the steps are there but I just didn't believe it.
It's all so unrealistic, like this book keeps being like "I'm a book so this can happen" and I'm here like "okay no, where is your obligation to portraying something real".
Ah, I will continue later, I'm not into this now.
I was in the mood for a psychological thriller, something to wake me up and make me feel stuff. I came across this book and felt it could be good.
Oh man, how do I begin unpacking my thoughts?
First of all, Beth is so stupid. It's impossible to root for her because she is an idiot. It's beyond being 18 and naive, I was 18 not too long ago. Beth is in a whole new catagory.
I feel like the author didn't consult any actual victims of Stockholm Syndrome, that she read the psychological definition somewhere (and made a character repeat it to prove her knowledge). All the steps are there but I just didn't believe it.
It's all so unrealistic, like this book keeps being like "I'm a book so this can happen" and I'm here like "okay no, where is your obligation to portraying something real".
Ah, I will continue later, I'm not into this now.
April 18, 2016
Another smash hit from this author. This book will probably be the best description and give understanding to the Stockholm Syndrome. A book with a great deal of despair, frustration and finally hope. I enjoyed the stories ending. I now look forward to reading more from this author.
May 18, 2024
Thoroughly chilling and hard to step away from, this reminded me a lot of Thirteen with Jodie Comer, which I’m unsure now if it was based on a true story, perhaps it was based on a book. Nevertheless; this kept me thinking of it a lot.
When Beth is pursued by an older man she’s keen to go out with him. After a couple of dates he holds her captive in his basement for two years, until she escapes. Obviously distressing, clearly harrowing. However, the most interesting part is after Beth’s escape when we are able to delve deeper into the Stockholm syndrome that has manifested throughout her captivity and how the reliance she has on Dominic has played into that. It was a hard listen, but a really enjoyable one. Beth broke my heart, such a young girl. I’d highly recommend this one, however as i say it was distressing. The research has clearly been done on this one, if you’ve ever studied psychology or even just been curious as to how Stockholm syndrome manifests, I think you’d find this really interesting.
In regard to the narration, I found I’d to really speed it up as there were a lot of really long pauses where I thought I’d lost connection or accidentally paused.
When Beth is pursued by an older man she’s keen to go out with him. After a couple of dates he holds her captive in his basement for two years, until she escapes. Obviously distressing, clearly harrowing. However, the most interesting part is after Beth’s escape when we are able to delve deeper into the Stockholm syndrome that has manifested throughout her captivity and how the reliance she has on Dominic has played into that. It was a hard listen, but a really enjoyable one. Beth broke my heart, such a young girl. I’d highly recommend this one, however as i say it was distressing. The research has clearly been done on this one, if you’ve ever studied psychology or even just been curious as to how Stockholm syndrome manifests, I think you’d find this really interesting.
In regard to the narration, I found I’d to really speed it up as there were a lot of really long pauses where I thought I’d lost connection or accidentally paused.
July 4, 2017
"Stockholm syndrome: the psychological tendency of a hostage to bond with, identify with, or sympathize with his or her captor."
Bloodhound Books really knows how to pick good thrillers! This one is no exception. I've always been fascinated by Stockholm syndrome and the psychological manipulation from both captor and captive. This novel really shows both sides of the equation.
Dominic has a disturbing childhood, being the victim of his father's abuse and also witnessing that same abuse on others. After his parents pass, all he craves is companionship and he sets his sights on Beth. If he can train her right, she'll love him and he'll have the partner he needs. Beth, only 18, falls hard for Dominic but upon abduction, is strong willed and fights hard against her captor... eventually submitting to survive. How much can one endure... and how many times does it take to appear grateful and loving before you start to believe you really feel that way?
The book is written in two parts... the first part being Dominic and Beth's song and dance from first meeting to her eventual escape. I'm not giving anything away here, we know she gets away from the prologue. (No spoilers here!) The second half is her homecoming, dealing with her newfound freedom, her instilled need to be controlled and fear of Dominic finding her. Her relationships with her friends and family are strained as she can't find it in her to tell them what really happened. As always, her feelings are torn. Her mother will do everything she can to get the truth and make her feel safe again.
If you like abduction thrillers and getting inside the heads of captor and captive, you will love this book. I was enthralled from the first page to the very last. The only thing stopping me from a full 5 star review, is that I wanted more from the ending. Although I did love where the author went, I was emotionally invested that I just... wanted.. more... which is absolutely not a bad thing. The author's ability to make Dominic even a little bit likable shows her prowess. I truly like being in the head of the bad guy. Maggie gives full fleshed out characters and seeing the back and forth between Dominic and Beth as they psychologically dance with each other was utterly fascinating and had my full attention. A read that anyone with a fascination in this subject matter will love.
Bloodhound Books really knows how to pick good thrillers! This one is no exception. I've always been fascinated by Stockholm syndrome and the psychological manipulation from both captor and captive. This novel really shows both sides of the equation.
Dominic has a disturbing childhood, being the victim of his father's abuse and also witnessing that same abuse on others. After his parents pass, all he craves is companionship and he sets his sights on Beth. If he can train her right, she'll love him and he'll have the partner he needs. Beth, only 18, falls hard for Dominic but upon abduction, is strong willed and fights hard against her captor... eventually submitting to survive. How much can one endure... and how many times does it take to appear grateful and loving before you start to believe you really feel that way?
The book is written in two parts... the first part being Dominic and Beth's song and dance from first meeting to her eventual escape. I'm not giving anything away here, we know she gets away from the prologue. (No spoilers here!) The second half is her homecoming, dealing with her newfound freedom, her instilled need to be controlled and fear of Dominic finding her. Her relationships with her friends and family are strained as she can't find it in her to tell them what really happened. As always, her feelings are torn. Her mother will do everything she can to get the truth and make her feel safe again.
If you like abduction thrillers and getting inside the heads of captor and captive, you will love this book. I was enthralled from the first page to the very last. The only thing stopping me from a full 5 star review, is that I wanted more from the ending. Although I did love where the author went, I was emotionally invested that I just... wanted.. more... which is absolutely not a bad thing. The author's ability to make Dominic even a little bit likable shows her prowess. I truly like being in the head of the bad guy. Maggie gives full fleshed out characters and seeing the back and forth between Dominic and Beth as they psychologically dance with each other was utterly fascinating and had my full attention. A read that anyone with a fascination in this subject matter will love.
July 15, 2017
The Second Captive is split into two parts: before the abduction and after the abduction, so I’m going to split my review into two parts – and you’ll clearly see which part I enjoyed more…
Part I – Before: I enjoyed part one, I thought it laid the foundation perfectly for part two by detailing how Beth’s captivity with Dominic played out – the abuse he reigned down on her wasn’t intense physically but so emotionally manipulative, truly psychological. This part is narrated by Beth and Dominic. Interestingly, I didn’t feel as drawn to Beth as I thought I would and I didn’t dislike Dominic as much as I thought I would either. The more I think about it, the more I see how Stockholm syndrome works, it’s so subtle, that even as the reader, I didn’t feel it’s impact until part 2…
Part II – After: Now this is where the plot really took off for me, the aftermath, narrated by Beth and her mum, Ursula, we see the impact Beth’s captivity and escape had on her and her family. Enter my favourite character – Ursula – her determination to help her daughter was commendable. James did a wonderful job showing how events affected Ursula – I was confused by Beth’s actions, I so wanted to understand how she could feel anything, except hatred, towards her captor and that’s what made me like Ursula so much, the way she handled things, the patience she exhibited.
The tension in this part was sky-high, Beth was so fragile, while reading this part of the book, I keep thinking “oh no, she’s going to go back to Dominic.” While understanding the plot, my inability to put myself in Beth’s shoes made this psychologically thrilling because I keep asking myself what I would do in her situation but I just couldn’t see myself acting the way she did. My desire to understand coupled with the way Ursula supported her daughter gripped me to the pages of part II.
The plot doesn’t move at breakneck speed as that wasn’t needed in this novel, the slower, steadier pace allows the reader to get psychologically involved in this story. If you’re a fan of abduction thrillers, or interested in how Stockholm syndrome works, The Second Captive is a must read!
*My thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
Part I – Before: I enjoyed part one, I thought it laid the foundation perfectly for part two by detailing how Beth’s captivity with Dominic played out – the abuse he reigned down on her wasn’t intense physically but so emotionally manipulative, truly psychological. This part is narrated by Beth and Dominic. Interestingly, I didn’t feel as drawn to Beth as I thought I would and I didn’t dislike Dominic as much as I thought I would either. The more I think about it, the more I see how Stockholm syndrome works, it’s so subtle, that even as the reader, I didn’t feel it’s impact until part 2…
Part II – After: Now this is where the plot really took off for me, the aftermath, narrated by Beth and her mum, Ursula, we see the impact Beth’s captivity and escape had on her and her family. Enter my favourite character – Ursula – her determination to help her daughter was commendable. James did a wonderful job showing how events affected Ursula – I was confused by Beth’s actions, I so wanted to understand how she could feel anything, except hatred, towards her captor and that’s what made me like Ursula so much, the way she handled things, the patience she exhibited.
The tension in this part was sky-high, Beth was so fragile, while reading this part of the book, I keep thinking “oh no, she’s going to go back to Dominic.” While understanding the plot, my inability to put myself in Beth’s shoes made this psychologically thrilling because I keep asking myself what I would do in her situation but I just couldn’t see myself acting the way she did. My desire to understand coupled with the way Ursula supported her daughter gripped me to the pages of part II.
The plot doesn’t move at breakneck speed as that wasn’t needed in this novel, the slower, steadier pace allows the reader to get psychologically involved in this story. If you’re a fan of abduction thrillers, or interested in how Stockholm syndrome works, The Second Captive is a must read!
*My thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
September 26, 2015
Massive thanks to Maxine at Booklover Catlady and Maggie James for my copy of this book!
Having not read any books by this author before I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly ( if you can write that about a psychological thriller!!!!) surprised by this book!
The Second Captive follows Beth, an eighteen year old girl who is abducted and held by a man for two years. She subsequently escapes! This book goes between present day and the events of the two years she was held captive.
Written in alternative views from Beth, her captor and her mother, we get the different thoughts from each. I found this style of writing really good for this book as you get into the minds of the victim and her captor as well as the emotional turmoil her mother and family faced as well.
We know that Beth escapes, so that's not really a spoiler. The reader learns that Beth will have to attempt to adjust back into normal life, away from the rules, control and punishment she had grown to accept from Dominic, her captor. You would think that the story would finish dramatically with her escape and subsequent return home.
It doesn't.
Maggie James has done a great job of enhancing the story in the aftermath of Beth's return. We learn more from her mother, Ursula, and we also gain emotional insight into Dominic's state of mind once Beth has left him. Stockholm syndrome is the psychological term for what Beth has experienced and the way it is portrayed in the book is interesting.
There were many questions left unanswered for me when I finished this book, but all in all I enjoyed it! I gave it a solid 3 stars on Goodreads.
My thanks again to Maxine and Maggie James!
Happy reading!
Having not read any books by this author before I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly ( if you can write that about a psychological thriller!!!!) surprised by this book!
The Second Captive follows Beth, an eighteen year old girl who is abducted and held by a man for two years. She subsequently escapes! This book goes between present day and the events of the two years she was held captive.
Written in alternative views from Beth, her captor and her mother, we get the different thoughts from each. I found this style of writing really good for this book as you get into the minds of the victim and her captor as well as the emotional turmoil her mother and family faced as well.
We know that Beth escapes, so that's not really a spoiler. The reader learns that Beth will have to attempt to adjust back into normal life, away from the rules, control and punishment she had grown to accept from Dominic, her captor. You would think that the story would finish dramatically with her escape and subsequent return home.
It doesn't.
Maggie James has done a great job of enhancing the story in the aftermath of Beth's return. We learn more from her mother, Ursula, and we also gain emotional insight into Dominic's state of mind once Beth has left him. Stockholm syndrome is the psychological term for what Beth has experienced and the way it is portrayed in the book is interesting.
There were many questions left unanswered for me when I finished this book, but all in all I enjoyed it! I gave it a solid 3 stars on Goodreads.
My thanks again to Maxine and Maggie James!
Happy reading!
October 31, 2015
The main theme in this novel is the Stockholm Syndrome but as we see the author delve into the characters it is obviously a study of the minds and hearts of each complex personality. They are all unique and come together to create a story that you simply cannot put down. Actually, it opens with an escape so there are no spoilers ahead.
Beth is 18 years old and ready to break free of her family in search of the perfect man. She meets Dominic and not only is she swept away with his extremely handsome looks, she is in awe of his expensive car and sophistication. Her dreams come true when he invites her to his home for a romantic meal. Shortly after she arrives for dinner Dominic locks her in the basement and she spends the next two years totally under his control. When she returns home she finds herself longing to be back with Dominic and she hates herself for her thoughts. The more her mother desperately tries to help her, the more Beth acts out in a surprising way. She doesn’t know that she is suffering from a condition called Stockholm Syndrome. The author also gives a look at Dominic’s point of view as we learn about his abusive childhood. The story never drags as you experience the emotion while your mind begs for relief and resolution.
I knew about this syndrome but I found that there was more to this irrational psychological phenomenon than I realized. I want to thank Deanna for the excellent review that intrigued me so much that I immediately read the novel. I recommend it to anyone who loves a mystery.
Beth is 18 years old and ready to break free of her family in search of the perfect man. She meets Dominic and not only is she swept away with his extremely handsome looks, she is in awe of his expensive car and sophistication. Her dreams come true when he invites her to his home for a romantic meal. Shortly after she arrives for dinner Dominic locks her in the basement and she spends the next two years totally under his control. When she returns home she finds herself longing to be back with Dominic and she hates herself for her thoughts. The more her mother desperately tries to help her, the more Beth acts out in a surprising way. She doesn’t know that she is suffering from a condition called Stockholm Syndrome. The author also gives a look at Dominic’s point of view as we learn about his abusive childhood. The story never drags as you experience the emotion while your mind begs for relief and resolution.
I knew about this syndrome but I found that there was more to this irrational psychological phenomenon than I realized. I want to thank Deanna for the excellent review that intrigued me so much that I immediately read the novel. I recommend it to anyone who loves a mystery.
August 25, 2015
How well do you really know someone? They could look harmless and be the nicest person, but underneath their facade they're cold and calculating. That's the case with Dominic Perdue. Believes what he does is the right thing and harmless.
Ms James introduces you a very dark man. What he witnessed as a child turns him upside down. He orchestrates a kidnapping of a teenager so he can force her to love him. It's the only way he can find love as he calls it.
The study about Stockholm Syndrome was well done. Her writing of Dominic was exceptionally well done of a classic narcissist who makes his captures believe what he says. SS is more common than people know. This book show cases how one lives with it. A great read if you want to learn more about SS.
Thanks to booklovercatlady publication for allowing me read and review this book.
Ms James introduces you a very dark man. What he witnessed as a child turns him upside down. He orchestrates a kidnapping of a teenager so he can force her to love him. It's the only way he can find love as he calls it.
The study about Stockholm Syndrome was well done. Her writing of Dominic was exceptionally well done of a classic narcissist who makes his captures believe what he says. SS is more common than people know. This book show cases how one lives with it. A great read if you want to learn more about SS.
Thanks to booklovercatlady publication for allowing me read and review this book.
July 6, 2017
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This is a really solid book that looks at the subject of emotional dependency through Stockholm Syndrome – a subject matter that has always fascinated me. The book is written at an excellent pace, it slowly creeps forward leaving you knowing what will happen in the first part, just not when. The pace for me was just ideal for the subject matter, it left me wondering how Beth would fair by the end of the book, how her family would get over the loss and her return and how her life could ever move forward. I really enjoy Maggie’s books and I thought it was definitely a good read and needs a high 4 stars from me!!
This is a really solid book that looks at the subject of emotional dependency through Stockholm Syndrome – a subject matter that has always fascinated me. The book is written at an excellent pace, it slowly creeps forward leaving you knowing what will happen in the first part, just not when. The pace for me was just ideal for the subject matter, it left me wondering how Beth would fair by the end of the book, how her family would get over the loss and her return and how her life could ever move forward. I really enjoy Maggie’s books and I thought it was definitely a good read and needs a high 4 stars from me!!
September 20, 2015
Beth is kidnapped by Dominic and kept in the basement if she behaves herself she gets privileges if not things are taken away from her.
The book is divided into 2 parts while she is captive and after her escape.For 2 years she is held captive by Dominic.
When she escapes and returns home Beth's mother want to find out all the things that have happened to her while being help captive.
Beth is finding it difficult to settle back to normal home life after 2 years doing as she is told by Dominic will beth ever get over what has happened? or will she always suffer what they call Stockholm Syndrome.
Thanks to Maggie James, Booklovers Catlady and the publishers fro a chance to read this book.
The book is divided into 2 parts while she is captive and after her escape.For 2 years she is held captive by Dominic.
When she escapes and returns home Beth's mother want to find out all the things that have happened to her while being help captive.
Beth is finding it difficult to settle back to normal home life after 2 years doing as she is told by Dominic will beth ever get over what has happened? or will she always suffer what they call Stockholm Syndrome.
Thanks to Maggie James, Booklovers Catlady and the publishers fro a chance to read this book.
June 6, 2017
The premise and majority of this book deserved 5 stars yet there were times that I felt that the writing was a bit redundant and protracted. Overall, it's an enjoyable story and with additional editing, it would be phenomenal.
December 16, 2015
This book reminded me of a really bad Lifetime movie.
January 19, 2018
Strong women
I lv the attention to detales on victims.kidnapper.this book reads like you are their. I couldn't put it down. Love
I lv the attention to detales on victims.kidnapper.this book reads like you are their. I couldn't put it down. Love
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