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Lizzy Gardner #1
Réplique
À dix-sept ans, Lizzy Gardner vécut un terrible cauchemar lors d’une nuit qui aurait dû être parfaite. Enlevée à quelques rues de chez elle après une soirée romantique en compagnie de son petit ami, Jared, elle s'est réveillée à la merci d'un tueur en série dépravé. Emprisonnée et torturée pendant des mois par le psychopathe, surnommé Spiderman, Lizzy parvint à s’enfuir in extremis. Ce fut la seule survivante parmi les victimes. Mais Spiderman réussit lui aussi à s'esquiver en déjouant la police, condamnant la jeune fille à vivre dans la peur.
Quatorze ans plus tard, Lizzy est devenue détective privée. Sur son temps libre, elle enseigne l'autodéfense aux adolescentes. Elle s'efforce d'aider les autres à se protéger et d'oublier sa terrible épreuve, mais craint de demeurer à jamais « celle qui s'en est sortie ». C'est alors qu'elle reçoit un appel de Jared, désormais agent spécial du FBI. Il a de bien sombres nouvelles. Le tueur a refait surface, avec une cible très précise : Lizzy. Et cette fois, il est formel, elle ne lui échappera pas. Commence alors un jeu du chat et de la souris périlleux, une traque terrifiante et palpitante dont un seul sortira vivant.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2011
4628 people are currently reading
11032 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Ragan
25 books2,080 followersT.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,490 reviews
November 25, 2012
In Abducted by T.R. Ragan, fourteen years ago, Lizzy Gardner was kidnapped by a man she calls "Spiderman" because of his obsession with using poisonous spiders to torture the girls he kidnaps. She manages to escape after two months, the only victim of Spiderman's to live. Now, Lizzy is a private investigator and also teaches self-defense to help young girls if they are ever attacked.
After Lizzy escaped from her abductor, Spiderman has stopped killing but has the need to find the "one that got away." She has betrayed him and now he seeks his revenge.
This "thriller" was incredibly disappointing. I was bored before even getting halfway through the book, and then I was annoyed at all of the problems with Abducted. I am just going to list them...
1. All of the characters seem to forget their cell phones in their car or the battery dies, just when they need it the most.
2. The common link between ALL of the victims is missed by the police and it's way too obvious to miss.
3. Lizzy is the WORST private investigator on the face of the earth. She ignores her intuition and ignores odd behavior every other scene. Plus, there's several times where she doesn't contact the police when any person would.
4. There are some really pointless characters in this book and I felt as though their mini-stories were just a way of dragging the plot along.
5. I read almost 400 pages, waiting for a twist that never came. When it was revealed who Spiderman was, I was not in the least bit suprised.
6. For a book released in 2012, I'm pretty sure it's common knowledge that you don't have to wait 60 seconds before a trace starts on your phone when set up by police.
7. Nobody ever takes Lizzy seriously besides her love interest.
8. There are dates and times (Law & Order style) which indicate a change of scene. In my opinion, if you're going to do that, add the place as well so you know which character you're supposed to be following at the time.
9. Anything exciting or action that happens is short and quickly cuts to a new scene and when the author goes back to that storyline I was always disappointed.
I don't understand why this book has so many five star reviews. There was nothing amazing about it at all. There was only one character, Hayley, that I actually liked and her storyline wasn't very long. She is the only reason I am rating this book 2 stars instead of 1.
Abducted is the first book in The Lizzy Gardner Series. Luckily, there's no huge cliffhanger at the end where you need to read the next one to find out what happens. Yes, there's some unanswered questions, but I don't care enough to find out those answers. I will not be picking up any more books in this series.
Overall, I rate Abducted (The Lizzy Gardner Series #1) 2 out of 5 stars. I would not recommend this book considering the amount of great thrillers out there. For more honest reviews, visit tiffanysuelovering.blogspot.com
After Lizzy escaped from her abductor, Spiderman has stopped killing but has the need to find the "one that got away." She has betrayed him and now he seeks his revenge.
This "thriller" was incredibly disappointing. I was bored before even getting halfway through the book, and then I was annoyed at all of the problems with Abducted. I am just going to list them...
1. All of the characters seem to forget their cell phones in their car or the battery dies, just when they need it the most.
2. The common link between ALL of the victims is missed by the police and it's way too obvious to miss.
3. Lizzy is the WORST private investigator on the face of the earth. She ignores her intuition and ignores odd behavior every other scene. Plus, there's several times where she doesn't contact the police when any person would.
4. There are some really pointless characters in this book and I felt as though their mini-stories were just a way of dragging the plot along.
5. I read almost 400 pages, waiting for a twist that never came. When it was revealed who Spiderman was, I was not in the least bit suprised.
6. For a book released in 2012, I'm pretty sure it's common knowledge that you don't have to wait 60 seconds before a trace starts on your phone when set up by police.
7. Nobody ever takes Lizzy seriously besides her love interest.
8. There are dates and times (Law & Order style) which indicate a change of scene. In my opinion, if you're going to do that, add the place as well so you know which character you're supposed to be following at the time.
9. Anything exciting or action that happens is short and quickly cuts to a new scene and when the author goes back to that storyline I was always disappointed.
I don't understand why this book has so many five star reviews. There was nothing amazing about it at all. There was only one character, Hayley, that I actually liked and her storyline wasn't very long. She is the only reason I am rating this book 2 stars instead of 1.
Abducted is the first book in The Lizzy Gardner Series. Luckily, there's no huge cliffhanger at the end where you need to read the next one to find out what happens. Yes, there's some unanswered questions, but I don't care enough to find out those answers. I will not be picking up any more books in this series.
Overall, I rate Abducted (The Lizzy Gardner Series #1) 2 out of 5 stars. I would not recommend this book considering the amount of great thrillers out there. For more honest reviews, visit tiffanysuelovering.blogspot.com
August 25, 2013
The not so amazing Spiderman.
Creepy, scary, heartbreaking, sad and amazing story.
The most disturbing part of it was that there were parts written from killers point of view. You could see how cold and merciless he is towards his victims.
He thinks of him self as a hero, as someone who is doing a favor to the society by punishing bad girls who disrespects their elders. Right then you know that dude has some serious either daddy or mommy issues, but you don't know what triggered that crazy behavior.
Lizzy was the only victim who managed to escape. She lied, told him what he wanted to hear, befriended him, said and did what ever he wanted, to get away.
14 years later she still have nightmares about it. You would think that her escaping his captivity and coming home should have brought peace and happiness. Nope. There is a lot of jealousy, guilt and mistrust between her parents and her, her sister and her, between her father and mother, and between her ex-boyfriend and her. He was the one who drove her home that lethal night when she got kidnapped.
14 years goes by and there is another girl found by the lake, with a message addressed to Lizzy... She gets a call from her ex who is now a detective working on the case. There is a lot of bad memories and anger, but the right thing needs to be done.
The story wasn't much of a mystery. Readers could easily figure it out who the killer was, some time after 70%. But you still wouldn't be able know if or how they going to catch a Spiderman. Like Lizzy said, he doesn't have a tattoo "I'm a serial killer." on his forehead. He looks like average Joe. For all you know he could be your neighbor, your teacher, your swimming coach your doctor or even your boyfriend, lover or a husband.
Disturbing, but very well written story. Loved it.
Creepy, scary, heartbreaking, sad and amazing story.
The most disturbing part of it was that there were parts written from killers point of view. You could see how cold and merciless he is towards his victims.
He thinks of him self as a hero, as someone who is doing a favor to the society by punishing bad girls who disrespects their elders. Right then you know that dude has some serious either daddy or mommy issues, but you don't know what triggered that crazy behavior.
Lizzy was the only victim who managed to escape. She lied, told him what he wanted to hear, befriended him, said and did what ever he wanted, to get away.
14 years later she still have nightmares about it. You would think that her escaping his captivity and coming home should have brought peace and happiness. Nope. There is a lot of jealousy, guilt and mistrust between her parents and her, her sister and her, between her father and mother, and between her ex-boyfriend and her. He was the one who drove her home that lethal night when she got kidnapped.
14 years goes by and there is another girl found by the lake, with a message addressed to Lizzy... She gets a call from her ex who is now a detective working on the case. There is a lot of bad memories and anger, but the right thing needs to be done.
The story wasn't much of a mystery. Readers could easily figure it out who the killer was, some time after 70%. But you still wouldn't be able know if or how they going to catch a Spiderman. Like Lizzy said, he doesn't have a tattoo "I'm a serial killer." on his forehead. He looks like average Joe. For all you know he could be your neighbor, your teacher, your swimming coach your doctor or even your boyfriend, lover or a husband.
Disturbing, but very well written story. Loved it.
June 26, 2016
I picked up this book based on all the positive reviews. Now I wish I hadn't. The synopsis was interesting; however, I felt it was executed poorly. I didn't like any of the characters, especially the protagonist, Lizzy. This is supposed to be a romance-slash-thriller book. I didn't find it romantic, nor thrilling. There were too many characters thrown in the mish-mash of a story. It was obvious the author was trying to keep the readers on edge having them guess who the serial killer is by inserting many suspectful male counterparts - all of which I thought failed. I found it absolutely ridiculous that Lizzy's assistant, Jessica, a university student, was the one to find a common element between all the victims in order to deduce the killer. One would think the FBI had done that, but no. I guess we're to believe the FBI are completely inept at their job as Lizzy is able to leave the safe house under the watchful eye of the FBI. Not to mention the killer is able to kill an agent on watch. Whatever. What also doesn't make sense is how no one came looking for Cynthia, the killer's wife. I mean if he killed her, you'd think someone from her work or family or a friend would ask about her, but no. Oh, I love how Lizzie draws her gun along with the agents as though she is one of them. A bit melodramatic if you ask me. As for Lizzie and Jared, absolutely no chemistry between them. They are one boring couple. I have no intention of reading the sequel to this yawn-fest of a novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2022
5,000 Amazon reviews and 88% were 4 and 5 stars-Not bad!
The bad guy is a serial killer that loves spiders and loves to watch his teenage victims squirm as he watches the spiders crawl all over them. But he is brutal, tortures the girls, and then kills them.
Lizzy gets grabbed when young but escapes, then as an adult, she becomes a PI and runs into the same serial killer. He wants to get the one that got away (her) and it impacts everyone around her. Good story, a few flaws, but very good.
I kept forgetting where the story took place, and then it’ll mention Sacramento, CA. For some reason, I just couldn’t feel immersed in the setting. But it takes nothing away from the book.
This is the first book of a series and a couple of reviewers said the series keeps getting better.
I liked it.
Mike Slavin
Author of award-winning crime thriller Kill Crime
The bad guy is a serial killer that loves spiders and loves to watch his teenage victims squirm as he watches the spiders crawl all over them. But he is brutal, tortures the girls, and then kills them.
Lizzy gets grabbed when young but escapes, then as an adult, she becomes a PI and runs into the same serial killer. He wants to get the one that got away (her) and it impacts everyone around her. Good story, a few flaws, but very good.
I kept forgetting where the story took place, and then it’ll mention Sacramento, CA. For some reason, I just couldn’t feel immersed in the setting. But it takes nothing away from the book.
This is the first book of a series and a couple of reviewers said the series keeps getting better.
I liked it.
Mike Slavin
Author of award-winning crime thriller Kill Crime
May 8, 2014
**3" SPIDERMAN ROCKED....WHILE OTHERS DID NOT" STARS**
... Okay, I know my song writing ability is not the best but I'm slightly disappointed and when I'm bummed my inner asshole rears it's ugly head.
This story started off awesome. SpiderMan was creepy as hell. Lizzy was a badass heroine and in my humble opinion Hayley and Jessica stole the show. BUT the FBI agents and pretty much every other character were not the brightest crayons in the box, which ruined the story for me. I figured out the serial killer at the 40% mark (I'm not the brightest crayon either people) There were also a few too many " oh how convenient" moments for picky me.
With that said, I will be reading more from this author as the first half of the story completely captivated my short attention span. Please don't let my sarcastically sweet *cough-cough* self deter you from reading Abducted. I liked it , I just didn't love it.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
The itsy bitsy spidey
had such a promising start.
The stupidity of the other characters
washed his brilliant dialogue out.
Spidey's creepy side shined
And dried up my distain.
But the idiotic FBI agents
made the story lame...
... Okay, I know my song writing ability is not the best but I'm slightly disappointed and when I'm bummed my inner asshole rears it's ugly head.
This story started off awesome. SpiderMan was creepy as hell. Lizzy was a badass heroine and in my humble opinion Hayley and Jessica stole the show. BUT the FBI agents and pretty much every other character were not the brightest crayons in the box, which ruined the story for me. I figured out the serial killer at the 40% mark (I'm not the brightest crayon either people) There were also a few too many " oh how convenient" moments for picky me.
With that said, I will be reading more from this author as the first half of the story completely captivated my short attention span. Please don't let my sarcastically sweet *cough-cough* self deter you from reading Abducted. I liked it , I just didn't love it.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 6, 2018
I was first introduced to T.R. Ragan through her latest series featuring Jessie Cole, which to be honest from the start I was blown away by her writing style and character development. That inspired me to go back and check out some of her previous work, what better to start with than the infamous Lizzy Gardner series.
So... I've rated this book a 4, because I believe that if I had started with this series that that is how I would have rated it. Now, having read her latest, the start of the Jessie Cole series, there are some things I am disappointed in. For starters, I have to be honest and say that I'm disappointed to see the staring character is once again a P.I., now... this is going to forever sway my feelings towards the Jessie Cole series. Secondly, I noticed some repeated "scenes" or "scenarios" however you want to look at it. Material that was only slightly altered from this novel into the latest Deadly Recall. For example, the P.I. assistant walks in to find a man gagged and bound naked on a bed with a camera on a tripod nearby. This can be found in both novels. The circumstances leading up to and following this in both novels is of course different, but nevertheless, this still stuck out in my mind.
One thing that really irritated me about this novel... aside from the mentioned above, and this would have bothered me had I read this series prior to starting the Jessie Cole series, is the name given to the antagonist... Spiderman. I just could not get behind this name, and it just makes me cringe and not for the reasons it should. It's just too easy to associate that name with the Marvel superhero, rather than the villain that he's supposed to be. As for his character, I was okay with how he was portrayed. I didn't mind that his choice in torturing his victims was by using their greatest fear, though I would like to have seen this explored a bit more. There wasn't as much depth given to this as I believe their could have been.
I enjoyed Hayley's character and her snarky attitude. She's a kid that's been dealt a bad hand and decides that putting herself in harms way could be the answer to solving everyone's problems. Which is typical behavior for someone who has a poor opinion of themselves after living a life that has been less than desirable. In the face of it all, she finds an inner strength to hang on, she sees Lizzy as a inspiration and knows that if Lizzy can survive, so can she.
I'm going to continue on with the series and hopefully I'll fall in love with this series just as others have. So far... I'm on fence as I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of deja vu.
So... I've rated this book a 4, because I believe that if I had started with this series that that is how I would have rated it. Now, having read her latest, the start of the Jessie Cole series, there are some things I am disappointed in. For starters, I have to be honest and say that I'm disappointed to see the staring character is once again a P.I., now... this is going to forever sway my feelings towards the Jessie Cole series. Secondly, I noticed some repeated "scenes" or "scenarios" however you want to look at it. Material that was only slightly altered from this novel into the latest Deadly Recall. For example, the P.I. assistant walks in to find a man gagged and bound naked on a bed with a camera on a tripod nearby. This can be found in both novels. The circumstances leading up to and following this in both novels is of course different, but nevertheless, this still stuck out in my mind.
One thing that really irritated me about this novel... aside from the mentioned above, and this would have bothered me had I read this series prior to starting the Jessie Cole series, is the name given to the antagonist... Spiderman. I just could not get behind this name, and it just makes me cringe and not for the reasons it should. It's just too easy to associate that name with the Marvel superhero, rather than the villain that he's supposed to be. As for his character, I was okay with how he was portrayed. I didn't mind that his choice in torturing his victims was by using their greatest fear, though I would like to have seen this explored a bit more. There wasn't as much depth given to this as I believe their could have been.
I enjoyed Hayley's character and her snarky attitude. She's a kid that's been dealt a bad hand and decides that putting herself in harms way could be the answer to solving everyone's problems. Which is typical behavior for someone who has a poor opinion of themselves after living a life that has been less than desirable. In the face of it all, she finds an inner strength to hang on, she sees Lizzy as a inspiration and knows that if Lizzy can survive, so can she.
I'm going to continue on with the series and hopefully I'll fall in love with this series just as others have. So far... I'm on fence as I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of deja vu.
June 25, 2014
Lord have MERCY!
This book was so... silly! Juvenile writing. The plot... actually it had promise. But then it got sloppy. Seriously lame contradictions in character behaviors and unrealistic actions to connect events to further the plot. It was laughable. I laughed out loud at the end when I was supposed to be worried and scared.
During one particularly "tense" moment: was SPIDERMAN IN HER HOUSE??? this is what was written:
"Jared was on the move, heading toward the back of the house. She followed him. He still had a nice ass."
Oh puh•leez.
This book was so... silly! Juvenile writing. The plot... actually it had promise. But then it got sloppy. Seriously lame contradictions in character behaviors and unrealistic actions to connect events to further the plot. It was laughable. I laughed out loud at the end when I was supposed to be worried and scared.
During one particularly "tense" moment: was SPIDERMAN IN HER HOUSE??? this is what was written:
"Jared was on the move, heading toward the back of the house. She followed him. He still had a nice ass."
Oh puh•leez.
April 25, 2018
I'll admit I'm a bit biased. I've read a few of Ragan's books and enjoyed them all so I was always going to like this. I can see that there is some divided opinion on it. A lot of the 'faults' that others identified are things I don't even notice when I'm swept up in a story. And I did get swept up in this.
Lizzy Gardner is 'the one that got away'. Walking home from meeting her boyfriend one night as a teenager she is abducted by a serial killer dubbed Spiderman because he likes to use spiders to torture his victims. She escapes after two months. Cut to the present and Lizzy is a PI who also teaches self defence to young women.
Her former boyfriend, who is now an FBI agent, contacts her. It seems Spiderman is back and has a message for Lizzy. You can imagine how it goes from there. And so it does. I'm thinking that as this is one of Ragan's early works the series should get a little more sophisticated as it progresses. I'm going to read the rest of them anyway.
Lizzy Gardner is 'the one that got away'. Walking home from meeting her boyfriend one night as a teenager she is abducted by a serial killer dubbed Spiderman because he likes to use spiders to torture his victims. She escapes after two months. Cut to the present and Lizzy is a PI who also teaches self defence to young women.
Her former boyfriend, who is now an FBI agent, contacts her. It seems Spiderman is back and has a message for Lizzy. You can imagine how it goes from there. And so it does. I'm thinking that as this is one of Ragan's early works the series should get a little more sophisticated as it progresses. I'm going to read the rest of them anyway.
February 3, 2019
This was quite good. I'd say it started off stronger than it ended, and it's not an overly deep or complete plot. But I'd recommend it if you enjoy crime thrillers, and fancy quite an easy read.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
August 25, 2023
Увлекателен трилър, който много повече ми допадна от Новата къща на Тес Стимсън. С интерес ще прочета и останалите части от поредицата, ако ги издадат де.
March 27, 2012
Meh.
I found the characters to be flat, the plot unrealistic, and way too close to torture porn with semi-sexualized young girls for my taste. I didn't really care who the killer was; his identity was so peripheral to the plot that it didn't make much difference. This wasn't really a who dunnit.
I felt that I didn't learn much about the romantic male character, and much of the secondary characters' conflicts appeared to be tossed into the story as an after thought. Mostly those conflicts were unresolved and I didn't feel that they gave me a lot of insight into the characters.
Once again, this is an e-book that I borrowed from Amazon. Given that these are free, I've been borrowing outside my usual comfort zone to explore a little beyond my usual genre boundaries. So far, the books are reconfirming for me why I like the books I do.
I found the characters to be flat, the plot unrealistic, and way too close to torture porn with semi-sexualized young girls for my taste. I didn't really care who the killer was; his identity was so peripheral to the plot that it didn't make much difference. This wasn't really a who dunnit.
I felt that I didn't learn much about the romantic male character, and much of the secondary characters' conflicts appeared to be tossed into the story as an after thought. Mostly those conflicts were unresolved and I didn't feel that they gave me a lot of insight into the characters.
Once again, this is an e-book that I borrowed from Amazon. Given that these are free, I've been borrowing outside my usual comfort zone to explore a little beyond my usual genre boundaries. So far, the books are reconfirming for me why I like the books I do.
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January 11, 2016
To be honest the plot sounds fairly okay, standard crime thriller trope, but the writing was just terrible. Clichés all over the place, and most of them were misused or slightly wrong. The dialogue was abysmal and I just can't deal with a protagonist who sounds like she asks herself "What would Oprah do?"
August 27, 2015
This book has cured me!!
I admit that I have OCD, I hate to not finish a book.. But for the first time in a long time, I decided that life is just too short to fill it with this kind of clumsy half arsed drivel.
I admire writers, it's not something that I could do, but I just got a mental picture in my head of the writer in this case sitting at her pc writing a few lines, running out of ideas and then opening a fortune cookie for the next line. The plot is risible, poorly articulated, doesn't hang together well, and the relationships between the characters thin and unrealistic.
Other than all of the above, it was superb!
I admit that I have OCD, I hate to not finish a book.. But for the first time in a long time, I decided that life is just too short to fill it with this kind of clumsy half arsed drivel.
I admire writers, it's not something that I could do, but I just got a mental picture in my head of the writer in this case sitting at her pc writing a few lines, running out of ideas and then opening a fortune cookie for the next line. The plot is risible, poorly articulated, doesn't hang together well, and the relationships between the characters thin and unrealistic.
Other than all of the above, it was superb!
March 21, 2018
I haven't read this author before, but she writes crime/mystery type books, which are genres I enjoy immensely. This book however, was just okay for me. I was hoping I had found a great new series. I liked the story line, but I wasn't grabbed by any of the characters.
The MC seemed strong and I liked that she had conviction and passion for what she does. I also liked her back story but there was also a lot of repetitive inner dialogue going on with her. It was too much of the same. I wanted to know more about the other characters. So 2 stars.
The MC seemed strong and I liked that she had conviction and passion for what she does. I also liked her back story but there was also a lot of repetitive inner dialogue going on with her. It was too much of the same. I wanted to know more about the other characters. So 2 stars.
June 8, 2012
I've been hooked from the begining of this book! Love it!
January 22, 2024
A likable MC, short and easy-to-read chapters, and suspenseful throughout. I did not guess the killer until they were revealed. This is a decent thriller. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
March 18, 2013
This has to be one of the worst books I've read in years. I'm not usually one to give bad reviews, but I had to speak up. I am a huge fan of crime fiction and this was THE most predictable book I have ever read. Nothing about this book seemed fresh.
Then there was the character development and dialog. Lizzie's character was what oompelled me to the novel. Though the author strove to make Lizzie seem independent and "tough" she seems to be afraid of her own shadow. Why would she be a private investigator if this were the case? I understand that she was the victim, but c'mon... be consistent with your character development.
Finally... Lizzie's love interest. Jared seems to be some 16 year old's fantasy. An FBI agent with a shapely bum and caring persona. It all seemed so cliche and generic. With a story line like, "Then he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. 'We've got all night,' he said. 'I've waited a long time for this and I don't want to miss a thing" I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
If you're looking for good crime fiction, keep looking.
Then there was the character development and dialog. Lizzie's character was what oompelled me to the novel. Though the author strove to make Lizzie seem independent and "tough" she seems to be afraid of her own shadow. Why would she be a private investigator if this were the case? I understand that she was the victim, but c'mon... be consistent with your character development.
Finally... Lizzie's love interest. Jared seems to be some 16 year old's fantasy. An FBI agent with a shapely bum and caring persona. It all seemed so cliche and generic. With a story line like, "Then he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. 'We've got all night,' he said. 'I've waited a long time for this and I don't want to miss a thing" I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
If you're looking for good crime fiction, keep looking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2011
Just when you think there simply can't be yet another book about a sicko serial killer who abducts and tortures young girls, along comes Abducted. Nothing new or groundbreaking in this book, but it is an excellent example of the genre, and more importantly, it draws you in. A classic beach read or late-night alone at home nail biter.
October 29, 2015
Great book about a serial killer one girl escapes years later comes after her,loved reading the mind of a serial killer who is called the spiderman he loves to torture his victims with spiders.can't wait to read the next book love this author style of writing had me gripped all the way through this book worth more than 5*rating.
June 4, 2016
Two-haiku review:
She was kidnapped teen
Copycat killer confessed
Is bad guy now back?
Didn't like this one
Not sure why ratings so high
Maybe it's just me
I bought the first three books of this series as bargain books, based on the many good reviews. I barely got through this one, and I won't be reading the others. :(
She was kidnapped teen
Copycat killer confessed
Is bad guy now back?
Didn't like this one
Not sure why ratings so high
Maybe it's just me
I bought the first three books of this series as bargain books, based on the many good reviews. I barely got through this one, and I won't be reading the others. :(
November 9, 2025
Това е едно от добрите ми попадения тази година.
Преди 14 години Лизи по грешка е отвлечена от ужасяващ сериен убиец, който отвлича тийнейджърки, изтезава ги като използва паяци, изгаряния, змии и какво ли не и накрая ги убива брутално. Сериен убиец с прозвището Спайдърмен. Тя оцелява благодарение на ума си и силната си воля за живот. 14 години Лизи живее в страх и кошмари. Сега тя е частен детектив и провежда лекции, на които обучава млади момичета как да се защитават. Но зловещия убиец се завръща и започва да убива отново, а Лизи няма друг вариант освен да се изправи срещу него. Като почитател на трилърите, прочетох с удоволствие тази книга. Историята започва ударно и държи в напрежение до самия край. Финалът беше предвидим, но това ни най-малко не намали удоволствието от четенето! Няма и нищо излишно. Просто добре замислена, добре структурирана и добре изпълнена история. Образът на Лизи също ми хареса много. Харесвам хора, които се изправят лице в лице срещу проблемите и не се отказват, докато не ги решат.
Преди 14 години Лизи по грешка е отвлечена от ужасяващ сериен убиец, който отвлича тийнейджърки, изтезава ги като използва паяци, изгаряния, змии и какво ли не и накрая ги убива брутално. Сериен убиец с прозвището Спайдърмен. Тя оцелява благодарение на ума си и силната си воля за живот. 14 години Лизи живее в страх и кошмари. Сега тя е частен детектив и провежда лекции, на които обучава млади момичета как да се защитават. Но зловещия убиец се завръща и започва да убива отново, а Лизи няма друг вариант освен да се изправи срещу него. Като почитател на трилърите, прочетох с удоволствие тази книга. Историята започва ударно и държи в напрежение до самия край. Финалът беше предвидим, но това ни най-малко не намали удоволствието от четенето! Няма и нищо излишно. Просто добре замислена, добре структурирана и добре изпълнена история. Образът на Лизи също ми хареса много. Харесвам хора, които се изправят лице в лице срещу проблемите и не се отказват, докато не ги решат.
June 8, 2025
I am so glad my Gf told me about this author becuz just this one book alone was fantastic!! The past few books I've listened to definitely did not make me feel alive and totally engrossed. I loved this story from start to finish! And I'm happy it's the start to a series so I have more books and more entertainment! This story kept me at the very edge of my seat, and it was taut with suspense! What happens in this book is awful, sad, and scary. Private Investigator Lizzy Gardner is frantically trying to find kidnapper and serial killer pegged as "Spiderman." She does this with such determination as he has affected her entire life. I really enjoy learning about Lizzy and all she's been through and still going through. I can't wait to continue on with her in the 2nd book! Definitely recommend this!!
August 16, 2017
Lizzy is a go-getter private investigator who, 14 years before, escaped the two month abduction by a notorious serial killer.
After a lull, the antagonist has started targeting again, making a point to subject Lizzy to more mind games.
With her young assistant, Jessica, and a past love interest, Jared, she faces her past fears and failures to take the psycho down before she loses her life.
After a lull, the antagonist has started targeting again, making a point to subject Lizzy to more mind games.
With her young assistant, Jessica, and a past love interest, Jared, she faces her past fears and failures to take the psycho down before she loses her life.
September 23, 2011
Elizabeth Gardner (Lizzy) was seventeen-years old when she informed her parents that she was going out with her girlfriends only to meet up with her boyfriend Jared Shayne instead. Not wanting to get caught, she asked Jared to drop her off around the corner from her home so she could walk home. As she walked, a figure came out from the darkness and abducted her. Fourteen years later, Lizzy is now a licensed PI known as the “one who got away.” She spends much of her time outside of work at the high school teaching young girls how to defend themselves. Unfortunately, for a second time her world comes crashing around her after receiving a call from Jared Shayne who is now a agent in the FBI. It looks like her kidnapper, the man Lizzy has come to refer to as Spiderman, is back and has left her a message. Escaping from a madman should have been the end of her nightmare…but for Lizzy it was only the beginning.
Abducted by T.R. Ragan is a thrilling adventure into the mind of a madman and the woman who got away fourteen years ago. Lizzy was a very likable character. She has issues, but who wouldn't after having been held and tortured for 2 months by a psycho? I love that while still having problems, Lizzy didn't let her abduction break her, instead she went out and learned how to defend herself, both with hands on training and with a firearm. She also began teaching young girls how to defend themselves in case of attack. That shows Lizzy's strong will to not be a victim, a theory of which I am a firm believer. Jared Shayne was a doll! I crushed on his character from the very beginning. He's a good looking, intelligent, caring and compassionate man who blamed himself many years for Lizzy's abduction...if only he'd drove her to the door instead of letting her talk him into dropping her off around the corner. Spiderman is a sick and twisted man who thinks he is just in what he is doing because of the reason behind his madness. There were various other characters I thoroughly enjoyed, too many to go over in this post, just know that all were well written and played a significant role in the story.
Ultimately, Aducted is a well thought out, well planned thriller that I highly suggest to those who enjoy a good thriller/mystery. The author kept me guessing for quite a while before I did eventually figure out who was Spiderman, but even then there were twists that made me second guess a time or two. Excellent job, T.R. Ragan!
Abducted by T.R. Ragan is a thrilling adventure into the mind of a madman and the woman who got away fourteen years ago. Lizzy was a very likable character. She has issues, but who wouldn't after having been held and tortured for 2 months by a psycho? I love that while still having problems, Lizzy didn't let her abduction break her, instead she went out and learned how to defend herself, both with hands on training and with a firearm. She also began teaching young girls how to defend themselves in case of attack. That shows Lizzy's strong will to not be a victim, a theory of which I am a firm believer. Jared Shayne was a doll! I crushed on his character from the very beginning. He's a good looking, intelligent, caring and compassionate man who blamed himself many years for Lizzy's abduction...if only he'd drove her to the door instead of letting her talk him into dropping her off around the corner. Spiderman is a sick and twisted man who thinks he is just in what he is doing because of the reason behind his madness. There were various other characters I thoroughly enjoyed, too many to go over in this post, just know that all were well written and played a significant role in the story.
Ultimately, Aducted is a well thought out, well planned thriller that I highly suggest to those who enjoy a good thriller/mystery. The author kept me guessing for quite a while before I did eventually figure out who was Spiderman, but even then there were twists that made me second guess a time or two. Excellent job, T.R. Ragan!
April 4, 2013
It's official! I love the Kindle App on my phone. I thought that I was a voracious reader before, but now I have millions of books literally at my fingertips. Also contributing to my frequent book orgies are the fact that many of the titles are reasonably priced (I can justify any impulse buy between .99 and 5.99) so I have been reading a lot more lately. I have also discovered a lot of great new authors this way. One of my recent finds has been T.R. Ragan, author of the Lizzy Gardner Series. The first book, Abducted, introduces Private Detective, Lizzy Gardner.
Lizzy is the only surviving victim of Spiderman (not the beloved costumed superhero) but a serial killer who abducted and murdered a number of teenage girls in the Sacramento area. Lizzy escaped him but Spiderman was never captured. The murders stopped for over a decade, but now they have started again. Lizzy has never fully recovered from her abduction and neither did her family. Her parents divorced soon after her return and her father no longer speaks to her. Her sister, Cathy, harbors deeply held and barely concealed resentment towards Lizzy, but her teenage daughter, Brittany, is very close to her aunt.
I have read a lot of fiction about serial killers such as Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and Red Dragon. Those books have all scared the living crap out of me and probably left me with some deep psychological scars. Abduction was definitely suspenseful and it had some frightening moments, but it wasn't overly graphic or cringe inducing. I really connected to the character of Lizzy. She has emotional damage from the abduction, but she is not a victim. She works hard to not let Spiderman and his actions define her. It's a great read and fortunately it has a sequel, Dead Weight. Guess what I will be reviewing next time?
Lizzy is the only surviving victim of Spiderman (not the beloved costumed superhero) but a serial killer who abducted and murdered a number of teenage girls in the Sacramento area. Lizzy escaped him but Spiderman was never captured. The murders stopped for over a decade, but now they have started again. Lizzy has never fully recovered from her abduction and neither did her family. Her parents divorced soon after her return and her father no longer speaks to her. Her sister, Cathy, harbors deeply held and barely concealed resentment towards Lizzy, but her teenage daughter, Brittany, is very close to her aunt.
I have read a lot of fiction about serial killers such as Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and Red Dragon. Those books have all scared the living crap out of me and probably left me with some deep psychological scars. Abduction was definitely suspenseful and it had some frightening moments, but it wasn't overly graphic or cringe inducing. I really connected to the character of Lizzy. She has emotional damage from the abduction, but she is not a victim. She works hard to not let Spiderman and his actions define her. It's a great read and fortunately it has a sequel, Dead Weight. Guess what I will be reviewing next time?
February 19, 2012
4 1/2 ****
I really love this book,it was a fast paced and intense read and I found it hard to put down. The only reason that I didn't give the book a full 5 ** is because I feel, as a reader,we didn't get to know Jared (H) very well.....there didn't seem to be enough of what he thought and what makes him who he is today.
Also this book is 90% suspence and 10% romance and there is one nice love scene between the H and h.
Lizzie (h) had been kidnapped by a serial killer as a teenager. This killer preyed on teenage girls,would keep them and torture them before killing them. Lizzie however managed to escape and he's never forgotten or forgotten her for being the one who got away. Now he's back and killing again after 10 years of silence and he's leaving Lizzie personal notes at the crime scenes.
Jared (H) has never forgiven himself for not seeing Lizzie to the door that fateful night,if he had just not listened to her, walked her to the door instead of dropping her off down the street from her house,none of this would have happended to her...to them. Sure her dad would have been pissed that she was out with him and not her girlfriends like she had told him but she would have been safe. And their lives wouldn't have been irrevocably changed by a mad man. Now he's an F.B.I. agent and he's working to catch the same killer that had taken his girlfriend 10 years ago and now he needs her help.
Working together after all of this time brings them closer together again but can they catch a killer, who so wants to teach Lizzie a lesson ,before it's too late. He has a single gaol in mind and hes wont stop until he gets her.
I really love this book,it was a fast paced and intense read and I found it hard to put down. The only reason that I didn't give the book a full 5 ** is because I feel, as a reader,we didn't get to know Jared (H) very well.....there didn't seem to be enough of what he thought and what makes him who he is today.
Also this book is 90% suspence and 10% romance and there is one nice love scene between the H and h.
Lizzie (h) had been kidnapped by a serial killer as a teenager. This killer preyed on teenage girls,would keep them and torture them before killing them. Lizzie however managed to escape and he's never forgotten or forgotten her for being the one who got away. Now he's back and killing again after 10 years of silence and he's leaving Lizzie personal notes at the crime scenes.
Jared (H) has never forgiven himself for not seeing Lizzie to the door that fateful night,if he had just not listened to her, walked her to the door instead of dropping her off down the street from her house,none of this would have happended to her...to them. Sure her dad would have been pissed that she was out with him and not her girlfriends like she had told him but she would have been safe. And their lives wouldn't have been irrevocably changed by a mad man. Now he's an F.B.I. agent and he's working to catch the same killer that had taken his girlfriend 10 years ago and now he needs her help.
Working together after all of this time brings them closer together again but can they catch a killer, who so wants to teach Lizzie a lesson ,before it's too late. He has a single gaol in mind and hes wont stop until he gets her.
April 18, 2016
I had this book on my kindle for god knows how long but i hated this the plot was very weak & the characters especially the protagonist Lizzy was not likeable at all she was weak & self indulgent very poor
January 16, 2022
What a ride this book was, I started it in the morning thinking am gonna read few chapters due to my craving for mystery, in the end it was 5am and I finished the book.
Anyways this book was a race against time, barely stopped to take a breath, and while it needed a bit more in depth regarding the back story, but never the less, it was a chill and quick read.
P.s already got the rest of the series and the 2nd book is loaded to be read.
Anyways this book was a race against time, barely stopped to take a breath, and while it needed a bit more in depth regarding the back story, but never the less, it was a chill and quick read.
P.s already got the rest of the series and the 2nd book is loaded to be read.
June 29, 2011
Creepy but very entertaining.
New author took me by surprise with this thriller. Lizzy and her boyfriend are together for the last night before he leaves for college. She’s snuck out to be with him and she has him let her off down the block from home so her dad won’t find out. As a result Lizzy, is one of the teenage girls kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer but escapes after a few months. Fast forward 10 years, the serial killer has returned and is out to get Lizzy – the one that got away. Lizzy‘s high school boyfriend is now an FBI agent and Lizzy is practicing as a PI as well as an instructor teaching high school girls how to defend themselves. Lizzy has loads of mental and emotional problems and is still struggling to overcome the terror she experienced at the hands of the killer. She and Jared both have tons of guilt issues over it all.
Let me tell you the serial killer is just downright creepy. The guy’s nicknamed “Spiderman” for a reason. This book labeled as a romantic suspense is heavy on the thriller/suspense and very, very light on the romance. Jared and Lizzy’s story is still a good one as they try to reconnect after everything that’s happened in the last 10 years. Lizzy’s character develops slowly as the story moves along and there are times I wondered if she’d ever be able to move forward. The torture scenes are graphically detailed which intensifies the creep factor. The side characters are realistic and I was amazed at how Lizzy, Jared and Spiderman’s family dynamics twist and turn. The story is nicely woven together for a terrific ending. The story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire time. Totally engrossing and a terrific read.
New author took me by surprise with this thriller. Lizzy and her boyfriend are together for the last night before he leaves for college. She’s snuck out to be with him and she has him let her off down the block from home so her dad won’t find out. As a result Lizzy, is one of the teenage girls kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer but escapes after a few months. Fast forward 10 years, the serial killer has returned and is out to get Lizzy – the one that got away. Lizzy‘s high school boyfriend is now an FBI agent and Lizzy is practicing as a PI as well as an instructor teaching high school girls how to defend themselves. Lizzy has loads of mental and emotional problems and is still struggling to overcome the terror she experienced at the hands of the killer. She and Jared both have tons of guilt issues over it all.
Let me tell you the serial killer is just downright creepy. The guy’s nicknamed “Spiderman” for a reason. This book labeled as a romantic suspense is heavy on the thriller/suspense and very, very light on the romance. Jared and Lizzy’s story is still a good one as they try to reconnect after everything that’s happened in the last 10 years. Lizzy’s character develops slowly as the story moves along and there are times I wondered if she’d ever be able to move forward. The torture scenes are graphically detailed which intensifies the creep factor. The side characters are realistic and I was amazed at how Lizzy, Jared and Spiderman’s family dynamics twist and turn. The story is nicely woven together for a terrific ending. The story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire time. Totally engrossing and a terrific read.
September 3, 2023
Три трилъра от лятото: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
Лизи е оцеляла по чудо, след като съвсем млада е отвлечена от зловещ сериен убиец. Той е изключително методичен и всъщност тя не е набелязаната му за конкретната вечер жертва, което всъщност я спасява отжестока смърт. Вместо това тя се оказва негова пленница и обект на любимите му мъчения с паяци, но получава и шанса, който никоя друга от жертвите няма – да избяга от мъжа, когото тя нарича Спайдърмен. Лизи оцелява, но нейният мъчител така и не е заловен и заплахата завинаги остава да виси над главата ѝ. И година след година тя живее в постоянен страх и очакване Спайдърмен да се завърне, като се отдава на това да учи други момичета да се защитават от насилие. Но нищо не може да я подготви за завръщането на чудовището, което отново започва да убива, но ясно показва и че има недовършена работа с Лизи. На нейна страна е само някогашният ѝ приятел, понастоящем агент на ФБР, който също се измъчва, че неговото момиче е станало жертва на отвличане. И играта на котка и мишка започва.
Издателство „Сиела“
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
Лизи е оцеляла по чудо, след като съвсем млада е отвлечена от зловещ сериен убиец. Той е изключително методичен и всъщност тя не е набелязаната му за конкретната вечер жертва, което всъщност я спасява отжестока смърт. Вместо това тя се оказва негова пленница и обект на любимите му мъчения с паяци, но получава и шанса, който никоя друга от жертвите няма – да избяга от мъжа, когото тя нарича Спайдърмен. Лизи оцелява, но нейният мъчител така и не е заловен и заплахата завинаги остава да виси над главата ѝ. И година след година тя живее в постоянен страх и очакване Спайдърмен да се завърне, като се отдава на това да учи други момичета да се защитават от насилие. Но нищо не може да я подготви за завръщането на чудовището, което отново започва да убива, но ясно показва и че има недовършена работа с Лизи. На нейна страна е само някогашният ѝ приятел, понастоящем агент на ФБР, който също се измъчва, че неговото момиче е станало жертва на отвличане. И играта на котка и мишка започва.
Издателство „Сиела“
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
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