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The Drowning Game
They said she was armed.
They said she was dangerous.
They were right.
Petty Moshen spent eighteen years of her life as a prisoner in her own home, training with military precision for everything, ready for anything. She can disarm, dismember, and kill—and now, for the first time ever, she is free.
Her paranoid father is dead, his extreme dominance and rules a thing of the past, but his influence remains as strong as ever. When his final will reveals a future more terrible than her captive past, Petty knows she must escape—by whatever means necessary.
But when Petty learns the truth behind her father's madness—and her own family—the reality is worse than anything she could have imagined. On the road and in over her head, Petty's fight for her life has just begun.
Fans of female-powered thrillers will love debut author LS Hawker and her suspenseful tale of a young woman on the run for her future…and from the nightmares of her past.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
495 people are currently reading
4409 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Hawker
5 books134 followersLS Hawker grew up in suburban Denver, indulging her worrisome obsession with true-crime books, and writing stories about anthropomorphic fruit and juvenile delinquents. She wrote her first novel at 14.
Armed with a B.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, she had a radio show called “People Are So Stupid,” edited a trade magazine, and worked as a traveling Kmart portrait photographer, but never lost her passion for fiction writing.
Her debut thriller, THE DROWNING GAME, was a finalist in the 2016 ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category.
She’s got a hilarious, supportive husband, two brilliant daughters, and a massive music collection. She lives in Colorado but considers Kansas her spiritual homeland. Visit her website at LSHawker.com.
Armed with a B.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, she had a radio show called “People Are So Stupid,” edited a trade magazine, and worked as a traveling Kmart portrait photographer, but never lost her passion for fiction writing.
Her debut thriller, THE DROWNING GAME, was a finalist in the 2016 ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category.
She’s got a hilarious, supportive husband, two brilliant daughters, and a massive music collection. She lives in Colorado but considers Kansas her spiritual homeland. Visit her website at LSHawker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
January 16, 2016
The Drowning Game is a standalone suspense/thriller written by debut author LS Hawker. I absolutely love kickass heroines, and the main character Petty has been training since the age of three to kick some serious ass. This girl is a one-woman militia in the making, but not because she necessarily wants to be...she truly doesn't know that life can be any different. Petty's upbringing brings “strange and dysfunctional” to a whole other level!
In addition to all her inherent badassery, Petty is also fragile, uncertain, questioning, lonely, understandably paranoid, and a hopeless dreamer. I loved her character! The contrast between her core innocence and deadly capabilities made her an interesting character to follow. The first half of this novel was on point as Petty's isolated world was built, the villains and side characters were introduced, and the thriller/suspense/mystery element started to come to life. There did come a point later on in the story when things began to feel a bit one-dimensional in my opinion, but the stress of the events kept me turning the pages without regret.
Overall, I liked The Drowning Game and I loved that all my questions were addressed by the end. Ms. Hawker definitely has a lot of imagination and I am excited to see what else this first-time author has up her sleeve. If you enjoy the genres noted for this novel, then consider checking it out!
My favorite quote:
“I learned early not to praise the beauty I saw around me. Dad liked to show me how the pretty surface of things in this world always hid ugliness. For instance, the Star of Bethlehem flowers that grow like crazy by the side of the road are poisonous. And those oak trees. In the summertime they're robed in hundreds of succulent, transparent-green leaves that clap politely in the breezes like spectators at a golf match. In the fall they turn Creamsicle orange with brilliant red edges. But when the bitter winter winds strip the leaves away, you see what the trees are really made of: sinister, granite-hard bark, angry-looking and full of vengeance...”
01/11/2016:
Wow, that was a wild ride!
Toss up between 3.5 and 4 stars.
Review to come...
In addition to all her inherent badassery, Petty is also fragile, uncertain, questioning, lonely, understandably paranoid, and a hopeless dreamer. I loved her character! The contrast between her core innocence and deadly capabilities made her an interesting character to follow. The first half of this novel was on point as Petty's isolated world was built, the villains and side characters were introduced, and the thriller/suspense/mystery element started to come to life. There did come a point later on in the story when things began to feel a bit one-dimensional in my opinion, but the stress of the events kept me turning the pages without regret.
Overall, I liked The Drowning Game and I loved that all my questions were addressed by the end. Ms. Hawker definitely has a lot of imagination and I am excited to see what else this first-time author has up her sleeve. If you enjoy the genres noted for this novel, then consider checking it out!
My favorite quote:
“I learned early not to praise the beauty I saw around me. Dad liked to show me how the pretty surface of things in this world always hid ugliness. For instance, the Star of Bethlehem flowers that grow like crazy by the side of the road are poisonous. And those oak trees. In the summertime they're robed in hundreds of succulent, transparent-green leaves that clap politely in the breezes like spectators at a golf match. In the fall they turn Creamsicle orange with brilliant red edges. But when the bitter winter winds strip the leaves away, you see what the trees are really made of: sinister, granite-hard bark, angry-looking and full of vengeance...”
01/11/2016:
Wow, that was a wild ride!
Toss up between 3.5 and 4 stars.
Review to come...
June 11, 2017
3.5 Badass Stars
Every community has a weird family and for Saw Pole, the Moshens do the job. Petty (21-year-old) and her father live with each other. they live a secluded life, especially Petty. She has no friends, no contact at all with outside world. Even her father home-schooled her and every night he locked her in her room. until Petty found her dead dad in his room.
"I was going to cry, and I couldn’t decide whether I was sad that Dad was gone or elated that I was finally going to be free. Free to live the normal life I’d always dreamed of."
But her father in his will announced that he has bought a million-dollar life insurance but there are two conditions. In order to get the money, she must marry his friend and if he wasn’t single, she must join the Dominican Sisters and live and serve with them for twenty years!
"This was worse than drowning. Worse than having no mother. Worse than living with a silent crazy father. I wouldn’t be free after all. I wouldn’t have the normal life I’d planned."
But everything has a reason, right?! Now that the bubble her father had made for her to live is gone, she realizes there are secrets that she has to unravel them so she can live freely!
The story told in dual POV, 1st person. it’s a standalone story. At some point it was an enjoyable read for me so I hope you like it as well!
Every community has a weird family and for Saw Pole, the Moshens do the job. Petty (21-year-old) and her father live with each other. they live a secluded life, especially Petty. She has no friends, no contact at all with outside world. Even her father home-schooled her and every night he locked her in her room. until Petty found her dead dad in his room.
"I was going to cry, and I couldn’t decide whether I was sad that Dad was gone or elated that I was finally going to be free. Free to live the normal life I’d always dreamed of."
But her father in his will announced that he has bought a million-dollar life insurance but there are two conditions. In order to get the money, she must marry his friend and if he wasn’t single, she must join the Dominican Sisters and live and serve with them for twenty years!
"This was worse than drowning. Worse than having no mother. Worse than living with a silent crazy father. I wouldn’t be free after all. I wouldn’t have the normal life I’d planned."
But everything has a reason, right?! Now that the bubble her father had made for her to live is gone, she realizes there are secrets that she has to unravel them so she can live freely!
The story told in dual POV, 1st person. it’s a standalone story. At some point it was an enjoyable read for me so I hope you like it as well!
August 25, 2016
An exceptional debut novel from L.S Hawker although I found it a little slow to begin with. Once it got going I found it hard to put down. There is so much going on here, twists, turns, secrets, deception and the suspence will keep you enthralled till the end. Just when you think you have an idea what is going on you find out you are wrong, a brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 7, 2015
I received a review copy from Edelweiss for honest review. Fantastic fast pace. There was just enough discomfort to add to the suspense, without being overwhelming. I always appreciate not knowing where the plot will lead next, and this was very much true for The Drowning Game. As it unfolded there were definite signs that not everything was as it seemed, but I was kept guessing as to how it all would end. I read this over the course of two days and couldn't put it down. Trying not to get specific so as not to introduce spoilers.
November 19, 2017
Het verhaal begint met een confrontatie tussen Petty Moshen en de politie, die de dood van haar vader onderzoekt. Ze is bijna volledig buiten de normale maatschappij opgegroeid, is een kei in zelfverdediging en kan met wapens omgaan alsof het speelgoed is. Als ze angstig is reciteert ze de eed aan de Grondwet, en ze heeft door haar geïsoleerd leven totaal geen idee hoe ze met mensen moet omgaan. Terwijl ze worstelt met haar nieuwe vrijheid, wordt ze op de hoogte gebracht van haar vaders testament en ontdekt ze al snel dat ze misschien niet zo 'vrij' is als ze dacht. Want haar vader heeft alles in een trust gestoken, en de voorwaarden die hij eraan verbonden heeft, zijn ronduit schokkend.
Petty weigert aan deze voorwaarden te voldoen, en besluit op zoek te gaan naar haar verleden. En ze ontdekt dingen die ze liever niet had willen weten!
De ongemakkelijke relatie die zich ontwikkelt tussen Petty en Dekker, een plaatselijke jongen die alleen roddel over dit vreemde (maar verbluffend mooie) meisje heeft gehoord, vormt het hart en de authenticiteit van het verhaal. Hij leert haar navigeren door de alledaagse wereld die zij zo verwarrend vindt en zij roept bij hem een moed en onbaatzuchtigheid op, waarvan hij niet wist dat hij ze bezat.
Het verhaal beweegt in een snel tempo met vele wendingen die de lezer laten raden wat echt is, wat leugens zijn en wie wel of niet te vertrouwen is. Ik houd van een goed mysterie en dit boek stelde absoluut niet teleur. Een prachtig debuut van deze auteur. Haar volgende boeken komen heel zeker op mijn TBR-lijstje.
Petty weigert aan deze voorwaarden te voldoen, en besluit op zoek te gaan naar haar verleden. En ze ontdekt dingen die ze liever niet had willen weten!
De ongemakkelijke relatie die zich ontwikkelt tussen Petty en Dekker, een plaatselijke jongen die alleen roddel over dit vreemde (maar verbluffend mooie) meisje heeft gehoord, vormt het hart en de authenticiteit van het verhaal. Hij leert haar navigeren door de alledaagse wereld die zij zo verwarrend vindt en zij roept bij hem een moed en onbaatzuchtigheid op, waarvan hij niet wist dat hij ze bezat.
Het verhaal beweegt in een snel tempo met vele wendingen die de lezer laten raden wat echt is, wat leugens zijn en wie wel of niet te vertrouwen is. Ik houd van een goed mysterie en dit boek stelde absoluut niet teleur. Een prachtig debuut van deze auteur. Haar volgende boeken komen heel zeker op mijn TBR-lijstje.
February 10, 2017
I am going to tell everyone something here. This book deserves 100 stars, I try not to just give 5 stars out unless I am sure that everything in my opinion really is top notch. The writing style, the emotives that the author brings out in me the reader, the plot, the ending, the characters, setting matters to me too and how it is conveyed, I dont like a lot of atmosphere, so I look for books that are not overly descriptive in nature, ect. This book was FANTASTICALLY MAGNIFIQUE!
Its everything I want in a book.
I was totally sucked in from page one, you can not escape it. This is one of those books that when you stop where you are on a chapter, you lay the book down, you cant get it out of your head, you must pick it up again. I couldn't stop thinking about what was going to happen next. I was totally biting my nails.
This is movie quality. The author is highly intelligent and it comes through in the reading, she knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff! Well done LS Hawker. I very much recommend this book to anyone. What an excellent thriller!
This book was a first read, I won it on Goodreads in exchange for my honest opinion.
Its everything I want in a book.
I was totally sucked in from page one, you can not escape it. This is one of those books that when you stop where you are on a chapter, you lay the book down, you cant get it out of your head, you must pick it up again. I couldn't stop thinking about what was going to happen next. I was totally biting my nails.
This is movie quality. The author is highly intelligent and it comes through in the reading, she knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff! Well done LS Hawker. I very much recommend this book to anyone. What an excellent thriller!
This book was a first read, I won it on Goodreads in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 7, 2016
The writing style was good. The characters were good. The plot had me on the edge of my seat. Best of all was a mystery I didn't have the whole thing figured out before the end.
I'm not sure I'm going to take a chance on this writer again. Other than that gigantic plot hole or contrivance, whatever it was, the writing is fairly well polished. I don't know, it'll have to be something pretty unique to get me to take a chance.
I'm not sure I'm going to take a chance on this writer again. Other than that gigantic plot hole or contrivance, whatever it was, the writing is fairly well polished. I don't know, it'll have to be something pretty unique to get me to take a chance.
September 21, 2015
REVIEW: THE DROWNING GAME by LS Hawker
An exceptional debut novel, THE DROWNING GAME is an incredibly visceral story not for the emotionally faint-hearted. I engaged so closely with the young narrator, Petty, that reading was difficult. Kudos to the author on that, because she made me feel as if I lived the events. Whenever Petty howled, I wanted to howl also. When she yearned for freedom and plotted escape, so did I. Days later, I still can't shake the emotions elicited by this novel.
An exceptional debut novel, THE DROWNING GAME is an incredibly visceral story not for the emotionally faint-hearted. I engaged so closely with the young narrator, Petty, that reading was difficult. Kudos to the author on that, because she made me feel as if I lived the events. Whenever Petty howled, I wanted to howl also. When she yearned for freedom and plotted escape, so did I. Days later, I still can't shake the emotions elicited by this novel.
September 22, 2015
I opened this up on my Kindle app to read the first chapter before bed, and the next thing I knew it was 3:30 am and I had read the whole thing! It was such a page turner, I just couldn't find a good place to stop. The characters are fascinating and complex, as the ideas of what constitutes family, how family affects us, and how they try to protect and control us are all examined while you're on a thrilling ride across the heartland in search of answers to the mysteries that keep unfolding!
August 26, 2019
All these 5 star reviews seem to conveniently forget the ridiculous will.
The book was interesting but the will was so.ludicrous I just couldn't get past it for the rest of the book. I get that he was trying to protect her but that was too extreme and cruel to believe.
The book was interesting but the will was so.ludicrous I just couldn't get past it for the rest of the book. I get that he was trying to protect her but that was too extreme and cruel to believe.
March 9, 2016
From my blog
4 1/2 stars
I saw this book mentioned during a book meme, I was intrigued and downloaded it. Sometimes the best books are the one's you know nothing about outside of the summary. I want to just say read it, there is something for all, especially the thriller, mystery fans but I think this is perfect for the YA fans that want to get into thrillers. I was captivated and didn't want to go to sleep nights and even bought it to work, which I never do, I just couldn't get enough and had to know what was going to happen.
Petty is a 21 year old GI Jane. Her father has passed and left a will for Petty, this information was a shock to Petty's system. She finally felt free to explore the world and the will had her to continue to be locked up, she would not have it. The will bought up other questions that made her say she needs to research her history, what is really going on. She has been isolated creating a social awkwardness and the kids and town think she is weird but they are also scared of her. She plans her escape and it involves another young adult, Dekker.
Dekker is more than happy to assist Petty, he has a crush on her but in an intriguing advocate way but he quickly ends up in a life or death escape plan without his blessing. This is one of the best characters partnered together for me, it just worked, they were exactly what the other needed. This story is fast paced with twists and secrets being revealed along the way.
Petty has been taught to observe, orient, decide and act, the OODA. She is also a NYCPD tv addict and quotes the TV oath when she is scared. Petty is a character to love and I would love to read more on her but the story ended perfectly, I love my stand alone's and the debut author LS Hawker did it brilliantly. I am excited to read such an intense brilliant thriller. There is no guessing with this one, your guess will be wrong, you are shocked with the secrets and twists and get to the end saying wow, how did the story turn. You are cheering for Petty hoping she finds the family she deserves and before she is captured to continue living a locked up life.
I recommend this one to all my blogging friends, so good. I really hope to see this one around the blogosphere, It will be on my Top 10 list for 2016 I'm sure.
And.......... so exciting and laughable. I have chose this as my book club read, they will receive it at next months meeting to read for April's meeting, YES, finally will get them to read something I love but I think they can handle.
4 1/2 stars
I saw this book mentioned during a book meme, I was intrigued and downloaded it. Sometimes the best books are the one's you know nothing about outside of the summary. I want to just say read it, there is something for all, especially the thriller, mystery fans but I think this is perfect for the YA fans that want to get into thrillers. I was captivated and didn't want to go to sleep nights and even bought it to work, which I never do, I just couldn't get enough and had to know what was going to happen.
Petty is a 21 year old GI Jane. Her father has passed and left a will for Petty, this information was a shock to Petty's system. She finally felt free to explore the world and the will had her to continue to be locked up, she would not have it. The will bought up other questions that made her say she needs to research her history, what is really going on. She has been isolated creating a social awkwardness and the kids and town think she is weird but they are also scared of her. She plans her escape and it involves another young adult, Dekker.
Dekker is more than happy to assist Petty, he has a crush on her but in an intriguing advocate way but he quickly ends up in a life or death escape plan without his blessing. This is one of the best characters partnered together for me, it just worked, they were exactly what the other needed. This story is fast paced with twists and secrets being revealed along the way.
Petty has been taught to observe, orient, decide and act, the OODA. She is also a NYCPD tv addict and quotes the TV oath when she is scared. Petty is a character to love and I would love to read more on her but the story ended perfectly, I love my stand alone's and the debut author LS Hawker did it brilliantly. I am excited to read such an intense brilliant thriller. There is no guessing with this one, your guess will be wrong, you are shocked with the secrets and twists and get to the end saying wow, how did the story turn. You are cheering for Petty hoping she finds the family she deserves and before she is captured to continue living a locked up life.
I recommend this one to all my blogging friends, so good. I really hope to see this one around the blogosphere, It will be on my Top 10 list for 2016 I'm sure.
And.......... so exciting and laughable. I have chose this as my book club read, they will receive it at next months meeting to read for April's meeting, YES, finally will get them to read something I love but I think they can handle.
September 23, 2015
In such a short time this book was completed... and I want more...lol. I feel like maybe this could be a series, mini series, or something. It's really that good! Page turner! Intriguing! Well written! Realistic feel! Sucks you in!! Yep all that in one book!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
January 4, 2019
Buckle up and enjoy the ride! Very good book that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
August 19, 2016
The tale opens when we meet Petty Moshen at home with her Dad. From the onset, we realize Petty’s life is a tad strange. When her father dies in his sleep, we begin a journey as Petty tries to outwit her dominant, controlling and paranoid father.
I loved trying to figure out whether or not Petty’s Dad was crazy or if he had reason. We learn Petty slept with dead bolts on the outside of her bedroom door and that her father trained her with military precision. For her it is pure instinct to walk into a room, look for exits and trust no one. When the terms of her Dad’s will make it clear, he plans to control her life even in death she devises an escape…only she cannot drive. Dekker, a delivery boy for the local grocer becomes her unwitting accomplice.
Petty is such a unique character.Her life has been sheltered. Most of her knowledge comes from her Dad and television. Her favorite shows are crime shows like CSI and Criminal Minds. She felt authentic and I loved seeing her process information.
Twists, turns, and shocking reveals kept me listening. We are given both the perspective of Petty and Dekker as we travel in search of answers to questions that arise. Who is Petty? Why was her Dad paranoid? Where is her mother? Hawker kept me guessing, had me on edge, and I found myself fully engaged with these characters.
The synopsis is vague and personally I think it enhanced the story. Avoid spoilers! This was a clever well-paced tale that unfolds perfectly. We learn information along with the characters and there was never a dull moment. Hawker managed a unique storyline with climatic scenes all while creating a realistic feel. The imagery in some scenes gave moments a 3D feel. For example a sudden storm had me holding my breathe.
Unique, quirky and suspenseful The Drowning Game was the perfect audio listen. Both Amanda Dolan and Paul Woodson did an excellent job in capturing the character’s personalities and setting the tone of their story. This tale came to live on audio, from the villains to the friends they met along the way. It's the type of listen where you find yourself stopping to just listen.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I loved trying to figure out whether or not Petty’s Dad was crazy or if he had reason. We learn Petty slept with dead bolts on the outside of her bedroom door and that her father trained her with military precision. For her it is pure instinct to walk into a room, look for exits and trust no one. When the terms of her Dad’s will make it clear, he plans to control her life even in death she devises an escape…only she cannot drive. Dekker, a delivery boy for the local grocer becomes her unwitting accomplice.
Petty is such a unique character.Her life has been sheltered. Most of her knowledge comes from her Dad and television. Her favorite shows are crime shows like CSI and Criminal Minds. She felt authentic and I loved seeing her process information.
Twists, turns, and shocking reveals kept me listening. We are given both the perspective of Petty and Dekker as we travel in search of answers to questions that arise. Who is Petty? Why was her Dad paranoid? Where is her mother? Hawker kept me guessing, had me on edge, and I found myself fully engaged with these characters.
The synopsis is vague and personally I think it enhanced the story. Avoid spoilers! This was a clever well-paced tale that unfolds perfectly. We learn information along with the characters and there was never a dull moment. Hawker managed a unique storyline with climatic scenes all while creating a realistic feel. The imagery in some scenes gave moments a 3D feel. For example a sudden storm had me holding my breathe.
Unique, quirky and suspenseful The Drowning Game was the perfect audio listen. Both Amanda Dolan and Paul Woodson did an excellent job in capturing the character’s personalities and setting the tone of their story. This tale came to live on audio, from the villains to the friends they met along the way. It's the type of listen where you find yourself stopping to just listen.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 28, 2017
Petty lebt sein 18 Jahre wie eine Gefangene in ihrem Zuhause und geht tagein, tagaus einer eintönigen Arbeit auf einem mehr als einsamen Schrottplatz nach und muss ein knallhartes Überlebenstraining absolvieren, das ihr Vater bestimmt. Das alles soll nur zu ihrem Besten sein, wie er immer wieder betont. Als ihr Vater aber plötzlich stirbt, scheint die Freiheit greifbar zu sein, aber auch für diesen Fall hat ihr Vater vorgesorgt. Aber das will Petty auf keinen Fall hinnehmen, und flieht auf der Suche nach ihrer Vergangenheit und Freiheit und bald sogar vor der Polizei…
Grausames Erbe stammt aus der Feder von LS Hawker.
Petty lebt mit ihrem Vater in einer fast in sich abgeschlossenen Welt, der wortkarge Mann, verwehrt Petty fast jeden Kontakt zur Außenwelt und zwingt sie zu einem fast unmenschlichen Training, um vor den Gefahren der Welt geschützt zu sein. Als der Vater urplötzlich stirbt, muss sich Petty nun nicht nur mit der Außenwelt auseinandersetzen, sondern muss sich auch noch gegen die Vorkehrungen ihres Vaters erwehren, die in seinem Todesfall greifen sollen. Petty flieht, auch um nach ihrer wirklichen Vergangenheit zu suchen, denn ihr Vater scheint ihr nicht immer die Wahrheit erzählt zu haben. Auf der Flucht begleitet sie Dekker, ein junger Mann, der mit sich selbst noch nicht im Reinen ist und in die Geschichte von Patty unversehens hineingezogen wird.
Die Geschichte wird jeweils aus Pettys oder Dekkers Sicht erzählt, was am Anfang nicht ganz so einfach zu lesen war, aber relativ schnell war ich in dann doch in dem Rhythmus der beiden Erzählenden drin. Die Geschichte hat an vielen Stellen ein sehr hohes Tempo und viele actionreiche Szenen, die sich immer wieder mal mit ruhigeren Passagen abwechseln, was mir gut gefallen hat. Die Protagonisten Petty und Dekker sind eigentlich sympathische gezeichnet, wobei dies bei Petty am Anfang mehr der Naivität geschuldet ist, die sie bedingt durch ihre Gefangenschaft Zuhause zeigt, als das sie in ihrem Wesen und ihrer Erziehung wirklich sympathische Züge oder empathische Eigenschaften entwickeln konnte.
Die Geschichte hat die eine oder andere Wendung parat, die mir ausgesprochen gut gefallen haben und mit denen auch nicht immer direkt zu rechnen war.
Mein Fazit:
Eine oftmals rasante und für mich ungewöhnliche Geschichte, die mir gut gefallen hat.
Grausames Erbe stammt aus der Feder von LS Hawker.
Petty lebt mit ihrem Vater in einer fast in sich abgeschlossenen Welt, der wortkarge Mann, verwehrt Petty fast jeden Kontakt zur Außenwelt und zwingt sie zu einem fast unmenschlichen Training, um vor den Gefahren der Welt geschützt zu sein. Als der Vater urplötzlich stirbt, muss sich Petty nun nicht nur mit der Außenwelt auseinandersetzen, sondern muss sich auch noch gegen die Vorkehrungen ihres Vaters erwehren, die in seinem Todesfall greifen sollen. Petty flieht, auch um nach ihrer wirklichen Vergangenheit zu suchen, denn ihr Vater scheint ihr nicht immer die Wahrheit erzählt zu haben. Auf der Flucht begleitet sie Dekker, ein junger Mann, der mit sich selbst noch nicht im Reinen ist und in die Geschichte von Patty unversehens hineingezogen wird.
Die Geschichte wird jeweils aus Pettys oder Dekkers Sicht erzählt, was am Anfang nicht ganz so einfach zu lesen war, aber relativ schnell war ich in dann doch in dem Rhythmus der beiden Erzählenden drin. Die Geschichte hat an vielen Stellen ein sehr hohes Tempo und viele actionreiche Szenen, die sich immer wieder mal mit ruhigeren Passagen abwechseln, was mir gut gefallen hat. Die Protagonisten Petty und Dekker sind eigentlich sympathische gezeichnet, wobei dies bei Petty am Anfang mehr der Naivität geschuldet ist, die sie bedingt durch ihre Gefangenschaft Zuhause zeigt, als das sie in ihrem Wesen und ihrer Erziehung wirklich sympathische Züge oder empathische Eigenschaften entwickeln konnte.
Die Geschichte hat die eine oder andere Wendung parat, die mir ausgesprochen gut gefallen haben und mit denen auch nicht immer direkt zu rechnen war.
Mein Fazit:
Eine oftmals rasante und für mich ungewöhnliche Geschichte, die mir gut gefallen hat.
July 21, 2016
The Drowning Game can be easily explained as genius. We follow a girl, Petty, through an INSANE journey of uncovering the truth about her past and who she is. Has she been kidnapped and held captive her whole life or just protected from danger?
I can honestly say I have never been taken aback by SO MANY shocking twists and turns in a book. LS Hawker keeps you hooked and wide-eyed. Petty was so easy to like, as was Dekker. We get both of their point of views! Secondary characters are as creepy as they should be. The setting and plot is vivid and amazing!
Petty is the star here though. She is a total bada** and I want to be her. The pairing of Petty and Dekker is the best. She carries him, she outruns him, she protects him! There are a lot of sexist remarks from said secondary creepy characters but Petty defies them all. Female empowerment for the win!
Pick this book up. Pick it up pronto I promise you won't regret it!!
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2015...
I can honestly say I have never been taken aback by SO MANY shocking twists and turns in a book. LS Hawker keeps you hooked and wide-eyed. Petty was so easy to like, as was Dekker. We get both of their point of views! Secondary characters are as creepy as they should be. The setting and plot is vivid and amazing!
Petty is the star here though. She is a total bada** and I want to be her. The pairing of Petty and Dekker is the best. She carries him, she outruns him, she protects him! There are a lot of sexist remarks from said secondary creepy characters but Petty defies them all. Female empowerment for the win!
Pick this book up. Pick it up pronto I promise you won't regret it!!
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2015...
August 12, 2016
With this being the author's first book, I give it 4 stars. I was definitely hooked from the first few sentences in the book. There were a couple of things that I wished were settled at the end.
1) Why not leave Petty with the truth written and hidden somewhere like a safety deposit and give her the key in case he died. That would have been more helpful instead of that crazy will. Is putting the life insurance in a trust fund in her best interest? That drives me crazy, but I suppose there wouldn't be a story to write.
2) Why did he lock her in her bedroom at night? With the locks on the outside of the door????? Seems she would have been safer with the locks on the inside .
Maybe, the door locks were a red herring. All in all, a fast paced read.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
1) Why not leave Petty with the truth written and hidden somewhere like a safety deposit and give her the key in case he died. That would have been more helpful instead of that crazy will. Is putting the life insurance in a trust fund in her best interest? That drives me crazy, but I suppose there wouldn't be a story to write.
2) Why did he lock her in her bedroom at night? With the locks on the outside of the door????? Seems she would have been safer with the locks on the inside .
Maybe, the door locks were a red herring. All in all, a fast paced read.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2015
Well, mark me down as yet another that blew through this amazing story in one sitting. This chilling story draws you in and does not disappoint. Every twist and turn gives you another piece of the puzzle, except that with every new piece you realize that you must be working on a puzzle of The Beatles' White Album because you really haven't actually put anything together yet. The story is mystifying and captivating, with characters that do not disappoint. Hawker's writing is brilliant and vivid with a story that packs a punch.
Now, I don't have a Kindle or eReader or anything, so I was just staring at my desktop for several hours. I can't say that I recommend doing that to your eyes, but I definitely can't say that it wasn't worth it.
Now, I don't have a Kindle or eReader or anything, so I was just staring at my desktop for several hours. I can't say that I recommend doing that to your eyes, but I definitely can't say that it wasn't worth it.
May 21, 2016
Great debut novel by LS Hawker
This was a great read! I never expected to like the book so much. Petty was a well-established character, powerful and yet so fragile. The dialogues are good, funny and believable. The story made me teary-eyed a couple of times, and ....I loved this book!!
This was a great read! I never expected to like the book so much. Petty was a well-established character, powerful and yet so fragile. The dialogues are good, funny and believable. The story made me teary-eyed a couple of times, and ....I loved this book!!
Read
August 28, 2015A good first novel, with some tweaks and maturing the second one will be even better.
September 12, 2016
Such a great book! I couldn't put it down. I literally pissed my family off because I had my nose stuck in it (instead of attending to them) the whole time I read it.
August 3, 2019
Very engaging, interesting story. Well written, I did not want to put it down.
April 17, 2017
Das Vermächtnis – Psychologisch gut aufgebaut, spannend und erfrischend anders
Kansas, USA: Die 21-jährige Petty Moshen lebt mit ihrem einsilbigen Vater ein eintöniges Leben, abseits jeden Trubels. Nur die Arbeit im Kassenhäuschen des Schrottplatzes, gewährt Petty ein wenig Abwechslung, denn sie lebt seit 18 Jahren wie eine Gefangene im eigenen Zuhause.
Nachts ist ihre Zimmertür mit sechs Riegeln verschlossen, das Grundstück wird von zwei scharfen Hunden bewacht und Petty ist stets bewaffnet. Vom Vater ist sie in Reaktionsbereitschaft, Beobachtungsgabe und Orientierung geschult und trainiert, außerdem beherrscht Petty den Nahkampf, doch das Warum bleibt ihr fremd.
Petty träumt von Freiheit und als ihr Vater plötzlich stirbt, sieht sie ihr bereits entgegen. Doch bei der Testamentseröffnung wird deutlich, dass der Vater ein grausames Vermächtnis hinterlässt, das Petty weiterhin kontrollieren und einsperren wird.
Petty kann die unvorstellbaren Bedingungen des Vermächtnisses nicht annehmen und setzt sich diesen mit aller Kraft zur Wehr. Auf der Suche nach der Vergangenheit muss Petty plötzlich flüchten und setzt dem Auslieferungsfahrer Decker eine Waffe an die Schläfe, der sich dann zu ihrer einzigen Hilfe entpuppt, bevor sie in einen Strudel geraten, der ihre Leben in höchste Gefahr bringen.
Die Autorin:
LS Hawker wuchs in einem Vorort von Denver auf, wo sie eine Besorgnis erregende Faszination für True-Crime-Bücher entwickelte und Geschichten über menschenartige Früchte und jugendliche Straftäter schrieb. Ihren ersten Roman verfasste sie mit 14 Jahren.
An der University of Kansas hat sie erfolgreich Journalismus studiert, danach eine Radioshow mit dem Namen „People are so stupid“ moderiert, für ein Fachmagazin korrigiert und als reisende Porträtfotografin fotografiert - bei alldem aber niemals ihre Leidenschaft für das Schreiben verloren.
Sie hat einen urkomischen, verständnisvollen Ehemann, zwei großartige Töchter und eine riesige Musiksammlung. Sie lebt in Colorado, fühlt sich aber in Kansas spirituell zuhause. (Quelle: HarperCollins Verlag)
Reflektionen:
LS Hawker ist ein fesselnder Thriller gelungen, der zwar mit geringem Blutvergießen auskommt, aber trotzdem grausam und brutal ist. Psychologisch geschickt aufgebaut zieht sich die konstant knisternde Spannung wie ein roter Faden durch die Seiten.
Der Einstieg in die Handlung gelingt mühelos, trotz dass man von Anfang an aus dem Staunen nicht mehr herauskommt, da Pettys stark eingeschränktes Leben durch ihre Gefangenschaft so brutal und furchteinflößend erscheint.
Für Petty hingegen ist das Leben mit Überlebenstraining, Disziplin und Waffenausbildung tägliches Brot und normal. Ihre Lebenserfahrung bezieht sie einzig aus einer Krimiserie, die sie abgöttisch liebt und der sie das menschliche Verhalten entnimmt, das ihr Vater sie in Gefangenschaft nicht lehren konnte.
Wortkarg geht er mit ihr um, sodass sie kaum etwas von ihrer Familie und vor allem von ihrer Mutter weiß, die einem Brand zum Opfer gefallen ist und deren Namen sie noch nicht einmal kennt.
Als der Vater plötzlich verstirbt, prallt das wahre Leben mit einer enormen Wucht auf sie ein und gleichzeitig muss sie vor der Polizei und einem grausamen Vermächtnis fliehen. Begleitet wird sie auf der dramatischen Flucht von Decker, der etwa gleichaltrig nicht fassen kann, das Petty Alltägliches nicht kennt und jede Form von Nähe als Bedrohung wahrnimmt, die sie mit Waffengewalt beantwortet. Für Dekker, der sich in Petty verliebt, werden Redensarten, Flunkereien und rhetorische Fragen zum bedrohlichen Spießroutenlauf.
Den Konflikt den Petty in Freiheit mit sich und ihrer Umwelt austragen muss, ist dramatisch in Szene gesetzt. Einerseits ist es durchaus auch amüsant, das Petty viele Dinge fremd sind, aber größtenteils erkennt man den Wahn, mit dem Pettys Vater sie beschützen wollte, und der macht Angst vor dem Ungewissen.
Auf der Flucht vor der Polizei und den dunklen Gestalten die ihnen folgen, lernt Petty Dekkers Familie kennen, die sie fürsorglich und liebevoll aufnehmen. Petty ist es kaum möglich mit ihnen umzugehen, da ihr all das Zwischenmenschliche fremd ist. Diese Situationen sind von der Autorin glaubwürdig dargestellt, sodass der Leser auch emotional gefangen genommen ist.
Die gefährliche und lebensbedrohliche Flucht ist gleichzeitig auch die Suche nach Pettys Vergangenheit, die in actionreichen Szenen durchaus an einen weiblichen Jason Bourne erinnern.
LS Hawks schreibt in einer klaren und ansprechenden literarischen Tonalität, die die beängstigende Stimmung gut einfängt und damit auch die Lesegeschwindigkeit beeinflusst. Nicht immer agiert das Tempo auf einem hohen Niveau, es kommt auch zu kleineren Längen, aber insgesamt darf man einen äußerst spannenden Thriller erwarten, der erfrischend anders eine Thematik einfängt, die andere längst durch eine Art totgeschrieben haben, die nur noch langweilt.
Die Perspektiven, die zwischen Petty und Decker wechseln, können anfangs leicht verwirren, aber einmal eingelesen, kreieren sie eine lebendige Erzählweise, die die Sichtweisen der wohl und interessanten Charaktere gut zeichnen.
Besonders gelungen sind überraschende Wendungen, die hervorgerufen durch Handlungen der Figuren immer wieder Rätsel aufgeben, sodass man bis zur letzten Seite kaum vermuten kann, wer tatsächlich auf Pettys Seite steht.
Tiefgründig beleuchtet LS Hawks mit ihrem Titel auch Zwischenmenschliches, Vertrauen, Verrat und Freundschaft und lässt ihr Werk so zu einem rundherum guten und spannenden Leseerlebnis werden, das spannende Stunden garantiert.
Fazit und Bewertung:
Grausamens Erbe ist ein psychologisch intelligent aufgebauter Thriller, spannend und erfrischend anders. Er erzählt die Geschichte von Petty, die 18 Jahre lang in ihrem Zuhause wie eine Gefangene lebte. Als ihr Vater stirbt und die langersehnte Freiheit zum Greifen nah ist, offenbart man ihr das grausames Vermächtnis des Vaters, das dramatische Folgen nach sich zieht.
Kansas, USA: Die 21-jährige Petty Moshen lebt mit ihrem einsilbigen Vater ein eintöniges Leben, abseits jeden Trubels. Nur die Arbeit im Kassenhäuschen des Schrottplatzes, gewährt Petty ein wenig Abwechslung, denn sie lebt seit 18 Jahren wie eine Gefangene im eigenen Zuhause.
Nachts ist ihre Zimmertür mit sechs Riegeln verschlossen, das Grundstück wird von zwei scharfen Hunden bewacht und Petty ist stets bewaffnet. Vom Vater ist sie in Reaktionsbereitschaft, Beobachtungsgabe und Orientierung geschult und trainiert, außerdem beherrscht Petty den Nahkampf, doch das Warum bleibt ihr fremd.
Petty träumt von Freiheit und als ihr Vater plötzlich stirbt, sieht sie ihr bereits entgegen. Doch bei der Testamentseröffnung wird deutlich, dass der Vater ein grausames Vermächtnis hinterlässt, das Petty weiterhin kontrollieren und einsperren wird.
Petty kann die unvorstellbaren Bedingungen des Vermächtnisses nicht annehmen und setzt sich diesen mit aller Kraft zur Wehr. Auf der Suche nach der Vergangenheit muss Petty plötzlich flüchten und setzt dem Auslieferungsfahrer Decker eine Waffe an die Schläfe, der sich dann zu ihrer einzigen Hilfe entpuppt, bevor sie in einen Strudel geraten, der ihre Leben in höchste Gefahr bringen.
Die Autorin:
LS Hawker wuchs in einem Vorort von Denver auf, wo sie eine Besorgnis erregende Faszination für True-Crime-Bücher entwickelte und Geschichten über menschenartige Früchte und jugendliche Straftäter schrieb. Ihren ersten Roman verfasste sie mit 14 Jahren.
An der University of Kansas hat sie erfolgreich Journalismus studiert, danach eine Radioshow mit dem Namen „People are so stupid“ moderiert, für ein Fachmagazin korrigiert und als reisende Porträtfotografin fotografiert - bei alldem aber niemals ihre Leidenschaft für das Schreiben verloren.
Sie hat einen urkomischen, verständnisvollen Ehemann, zwei großartige Töchter und eine riesige Musiksammlung. Sie lebt in Colorado, fühlt sich aber in Kansas spirituell zuhause. (Quelle: HarperCollins Verlag)
Reflektionen:
LS Hawker ist ein fesselnder Thriller gelungen, der zwar mit geringem Blutvergießen auskommt, aber trotzdem grausam und brutal ist. Psychologisch geschickt aufgebaut zieht sich die konstant knisternde Spannung wie ein roter Faden durch die Seiten.
Der Einstieg in die Handlung gelingt mühelos, trotz dass man von Anfang an aus dem Staunen nicht mehr herauskommt, da Pettys stark eingeschränktes Leben durch ihre Gefangenschaft so brutal und furchteinflößend erscheint.
Für Petty hingegen ist das Leben mit Überlebenstraining, Disziplin und Waffenausbildung tägliches Brot und normal. Ihre Lebenserfahrung bezieht sie einzig aus einer Krimiserie, die sie abgöttisch liebt und der sie das menschliche Verhalten entnimmt, das ihr Vater sie in Gefangenschaft nicht lehren konnte.
Wortkarg geht er mit ihr um, sodass sie kaum etwas von ihrer Familie und vor allem von ihrer Mutter weiß, die einem Brand zum Opfer gefallen ist und deren Namen sie noch nicht einmal kennt.
Als der Vater plötzlich verstirbt, prallt das wahre Leben mit einer enormen Wucht auf sie ein und gleichzeitig muss sie vor der Polizei und einem grausamen Vermächtnis fliehen. Begleitet wird sie auf der dramatischen Flucht von Decker, der etwa gleichaltrig nicht fassen kann, das Petty Alltägliches nicht kennt und jede Form von Nähe als Bedrohung wahrnimmt, die sie mit Waffengewalt beantwortet. Für Dekker, der sich in Petty verliebt, werden Redensarten, Flunkereien und rhetorische Fragen zum bedrohlichen Spießroutenlauf.
Den Konflikt den Petty in Freiheit mit sich und ihrer Umwelt austragen muss, ist dramatisch in Szene gesetzt. Einerseits ist es durchaus auch amüsant, das Petty viele Dinge fremd sind, aber größtenteils erkennt man den Wahn, mit dem Pettys Vater sie beschützen wollte, und der macht Angst vor dem Ungewissen.
Auf der Flucht vor der Polizei und den dunklen Gestalten die ihnen folgen, lernt Petty Dekkers Familie kennen, die sie fürsorglich und liebevoll aufnehmen. Petty ist es kaum möglich mit ihnen umzugehen, da ihr all das Zwischenmenschliche fremd ist. Diese Situationen sind von der Autorin glaubwürdig dargestellt, sodass der Leser auch emotional gefangen genommen ist.
Die gefährliche und lebensbedrohliche Flucht ist gleichzeitig auch die Suche nach Pettys Vergangenheit, die in actionreichen Szenen durchaus an einen weiblichen Jason Bourne erinnern.
LS Hawks schreibt in einer klaren und ansprechenden literarischen Tonalität, die die beängstigende Stimmung gut einfängt und damit auch die Lesegeschwindigkeit beeinflusst. Nicht immer agiert das Tempo auf einem hohen Niveau, es kommt auch zu kleineren Längen, aber insgesamt darf man einen äußerst spannenden Thriller erwarten, der erfrischend anders eine Thematik einfängt, die andere längst durch eine Art totgeschrieben haben, die nur noch langweilt.
Die Perspektiven, die zwischen Petty und Decker wechseln, können anfangs leicht verwirren, aber einmal eingelesen, kreieren sie eine lebendige Erzählweise, die die Sichtweisen der wohl und interessanten Charaktere gut zeichnen.
Besonders gelungen sind überraschende Wendungen, die hervorgerufen durch Handlungen der Figuren immer wieder Rätsel aufgeben, sodass man bis zur letzten Seite kaum vermuten kann, wer tatsächlich auf Pettys Seite steht.
Tiefgründig beleuchtet LS Hawks mit ihrem Titel auch Zwischenmenschliches, Vertrauen, Verrat und Freundschaft und lässt ihr Werk so zu einem rundherum guten und spannenden Leseerlebnis werden, das spannende Stunden garantiert.
Fazit und Bewertung:
Grausamens Erbe ist ein psychologisch intelligent aufgebauter Thriller, spannend und erfrischend anders. Er erzählt die Geschichte von Petty, die 18 Jahre lang in ihrem Zuhause wie eine Gefangene lebte. Als ihr Vater stirbt und die langersehnte Freiheit zum Greifen nah ist, offenbart man ihr das grausames Vermächtnis des Vaters, das dramatische Folgen nach sich zieht.
August 4, 2017
This has got to be one of my favorite top ten books for 2017 so far!! I don't know why more people haven't read it, but I simply cannot state enough how everyone should! It was thrilling, exciting, adventuresome, suspenseful and action packed. I loved it.
Although I knew the twist at the end, I still loved the story line! I shall read more stories from this author!
The main character is a badass girl who knows how to use guns and knives, beat up bad men and is in athletic shape. She was locked up all her life, but her dad taught her how to protect herself on every level, including how to train a dog. She lacked worldly knowledge of what went on around her by not being able to socialize, but what she lacked in that department, she got some mean machine defense skills most people wouldn't even know about.
This is a complete novel that will not leave you hanging. I simply enjoyed it. A must read.
Although I knew the twist at the end, I still loved the story line! I shall read more stories from this author!
The main character is a badass girl who knows how to use guns and knives, beat up bad men and is in athletic shape. She was locked up all her life, but her dad taught her how to protect herself on every level, including how to train a dog. She lacked worldly knowledge of what went on around her by not being able to socialize, but what she lacked in that department, she got some mean machine defense skills most people wouldn't even know about.
This is a complete novel that will not leave you hanging. I simply enjoyed it. A must read.
March 24, 2020
WOW!!! This was a really great story and would have given it 4.5stars if I could have. I loved the characters - the good, bad and ugly. The story line and plot were thrilling and suspenseful. Just an overall great book and would highly recommend.
February 5, 2024
I was hooked from page one! This book had me on a roller coaster, and I loved every minute. It was so easy to read. This book will live in my head for a while.
June 23, 2017
Good book. I needed a break from the deep historical fiction I was reading and this was enjoyable.
March 5, 2021
This was a very exciting action packed story! Great writing-my first for this author. I’m definitely going to check out her others.
October 8, 2015
The Drowning Game was most definately a very intriging read. Eventhough the story starts of with quite an opening it does start of a bit slow and it made me wonder a bit how the story would evolve since it was quite an odd start.
It is also most definately not for the faint hearted. Once the story starts making a bit more sense it is nearly impossible to put it down. There are a lot of twists and plots during the story and it is a guessing game what will happen right up until the end.
To be quite honost I had to warm up to Petty, but then again with her upbringing it isn't easy to like her and I do believe LS Hawker did a great a job with the character development. None of them are your standard characters and they all had their own odd quirks, if they were good guys or bad guys.
I liked to see Petty evolve and learning to interact with other people, especially with Dekker. Their interaction was spot on from the beginning. They had to warm up to eachother.
If you enjoy thrillers I really recommend you read The Drowning Game by LS Hawker. I cannot wait for her next book.
It is also most definately not for the faint hearted. Once the story starts making a bit more sense it is nearly impossible to put it down. There are a lot of twists and plots during the story and it is a guessing game what will happen right up until the end.
To be quite honost I had to warm up to Petty, but then again with her upbringing it isn't easy to like her and I do believe LS Hawker did a great a job with the character development. None of them are your standard characters and they all had their own odd quirks, if they were good guys or bad guys.
I liked to see Petty evolve and learning to interact with other people, especially with Dekker. Their interaction was spot on from the beginning. They had to warm up to eachother.
If you enjoy thrillers I really recommend you read The Drowning Game by LS Hawker. I cannot wait for her next book.
July 6, 2016
I did enjoy this book but it was one where I couldn't suspend my disbelief sufficiently to love it.
Petty Moshen is 21 when her father dies. He has kept her a virtual prisoner all her life teaching her combat and survival skills. When the will is read she discovers that she is expected to marry a man called Randy King to claim her inheritance. Randy will keep her safe, her father reckons, despite the fact that Petty could easily put Randy in a neck brace, or worse.
Petty doesn't want to marry anyone but she is ill equipped to deal with the real world. She enlists the help of a young local man, Dekker, who has been friendly and helpful to her but things go belly-up pretty quickly (of course they do) and they end up on the run in a quest to find the remainder of her family. Randy King keeps popping up and I have to say his character just doesn't ring true, he seems like a caricature. Anyway it gets so that danger threatens them at every turn yada yada. Look it was fun but I couldn't take it seriously.
Petty Moshen is 21 when her father dies. He has kept her a virtual prisoner all her life teaching her combat and survival skills. When the will is read she discovers that she is expected to marry a man called Randy King to claim her inheritance. Randy will keep her safe, her father reckons, despite the fact that Petty could easily put Randy in a neck brace, or worse.
Petty doesn't want to marry anyone but she is ill equipped to deal with the real world. She enlists the help of a young local man, Dekker, who has been friendly and helpful to her but things go belly-up pretty quickly (of course they do) and they end up on the run in a quest to find the remainder of her family. Randy King keeps popping up and I have to say his character just doesn't ring true, he seems like a caricature. Anyway it gets so that danger threatens them at every turn yada yada. Look it was fun but I couldn't take it seriously.
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