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First There Was Silence
Nele finally had her life back on track. After her first marriage crumbled, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to recover—until she met Andreas.
Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.
Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.
Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2014
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490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 10, 2018
A very disturbing emotional read about a woman who has gone through so much.
A child who died with cot death, a baby stolen or gone missing then after not finding out about this child and all leads ended she finally comes to terms with it when her next child goes missing.
Who do you think that finger is pointing to?
Yes. The mother.
Shes had post natal depression before so maybe its her, there is no other explanation or leads.
This is such a well written book you will be holding your breath.
AmazonCrossing thank you for my copy via Net Galley
January 12, 2016
FIRST THERE WAS SILENCE by Leonie Haubrich and translated by Ruth Gentes Krawczyk, is a psychological thriller that deals with the kidnapping of a baby…Every parent’s worst nightmare!
Now, Nele, a few years later has moved on as best she could, remarried and has a beautiful baby girl, Lotta. But horror strikes again when she wakes up one morning to find that Lotta has gone.
The story follows Nele and the disappearance of her nine month old daughter, Lotta and the lengths she goes to try and find her baby. Nele had been through a lot. In her first marriage, to Henrik, she lost her son Jacob to crib death. At the time Henrik blamed her and the marriage broke down. Now she was married to Andreas, and they had a beautiful little girl, called Lotta…her 9 month old baby is missing! Who would do such a thing?
But with Nele’s history of post-natal depression, and admission to a hospital psychiatric ward, her daughter was placed in a foster home. Nele immediately becomes the prime suspect in her daughter's disappearance. Even her husband and the detectives suspect her.
This was a well written novel, fast-paced with high levels of suspense. But the most memorable attributes of this book, are its unforgettable characters that bring a life and soul to this dilemma.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and wish to thank the author & translator, AmazonCrossing and NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now, Nele, a few years later has moved on as best she could, remarried and has a beautiful baby girl, Lotta. But horror strikes again when she wakes up one morning to find that Lotta has gone.
The story follows Nele and the disappearance of her nine month old daughter, Lotta and the lengths she goes to try and find her baby. Nele had been through a lot. In her first marriage, to Henrik, she lost her son Jacob to crib death. At the time Henrik blamed her and the marriage broke down. Now she was married to Andreas, and they had a beautiful little girl, called Lotta…her 9 month old baby is missing! Who would do such a thing?
But with Nele’s history of post-natal depression, and admission to a hospital psychiatric ward, her daughter was placed in a foster home. Nele immediately becomes the prime suspect in her daughter's disappearance. Even her husband and the detectives suspect her.
This was a well written novel, fast-paced with high levels of suspense. But the most memorable attributes of this book, are its unforgettable characters that bring a life and soul to this dilemma.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and wish to thank the author & translator, AmazonCrossing and NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
When she first opens her eyes and looks at the clock, it's late morning. And then she hears the silence. She jumps from the bed and runs to her infant daughter's room, thinking ..please, God, not again!
Nele is about to live every parent's nightmare. Her 9-month-old baby is gone ....
Nele has a history ... her first son by a former husband was found dead in his crib. Her husband at the time blamed her. Five years later, she's moved on as best she could, remarried and has a beautiful baby girl. She also has a history of having been admitted to the hospital psychiatric ward and during that time her daughter was in a foster home.
So it's no surprise that the police are looking directly at her despite her anguished pleas for someone to find her baby.
Suspects abound everywhere ......... her husband returns from a business trip early, in order to spend time with another woman. Did one of them, both of them take baby Lotta?
The barren foster mother who really, really did not want to give up the baby?
Nele's sister ... who she hasn't communicated with for 10 years and who is very helpful to the police?
Nele's ex-husband .. who wants her back in order to start another family?
The neighbor who insists that Nele was a neglectful mother?
And is the baby still alive?
The suspense builds and builds until it explodes ... and someone will not survive.
I lose my breath just thinking of this book. So well-written. The author has breathed life into all her characters. This is one of the best I have read this year.
I wish to thank the author & translator / AmazonCrossing / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 30, 2016
Boy this is really going to be THE year for the Psychological Thriller and I am sure I said that last year. I think the quality of novels available in this genre just keeps getting better and better which it need to as it's a busy genre to write in! First There Was Silence was another that I could not resist reading and adding to the early read pile for 2016 and I was glad that I did.
Nele finally had her life back on track. After her first marriage crumbled, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to recover—until she met Andreas.
Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.
Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
What a nightmare, twice over right? Can't imagine it? No, me either...
With fingers pointing at Nele the book weaves and twists it's way around with a strong paced plot and easy to connect with characters (some to love, some to hate) until you really just NEED TO KNOW what happened and why. I found the book to be a really good read to escape into and tune out the rest of the world with. I spent quite a few hours in Nele's world and by God it's not nice.
The writing is good and I would be keen to read more books from this author in future. If you enjoy your psychological thrillers then you might want to add First There Was Silence to your list to-read. I have to say this is the third book I have read in 2016 already with a baby missing in the plot, is there something in the water? Glad to say all have been quite different! 4 stars from moi!
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Nele finally had her life back on track. After her first marriage crumbled, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to recover—until she met Andreas.
Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.
Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
What a nightmare, twice over right? Can't imagine it? No, me either...
With fingers pointing at Nele the book weaves and twists it's way around with a strong paced plot and easy to connect with characters (some to love, some to hate) until you really just NEED TO KNOW what happened and why. I found the book to be a really good read to escape into and tune out the rest of the world with. I spent quite a few hours in Nele's world and by God it's not nice.
The writing is good and I would be keen to read more books from this author in future. If you enjoy your psychological thrillers then you might want to add First There Was Silence to your list to-read. I have to say this is the third book I have read in 2016 already with a baby missing in the plot, is there something in the water? Glad to say all have been quite different! 4 stars from moi!
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
January 8, 2016
This is the story of Nele whose nine-month-old daughter disappears from her cot at home. It's not the first tragedy that befell Nele. Her son from a previous marriage was found dead in his cot. Soon, all fingers point at Nele as the prime suspect in her daughter's disappearance. On her own, Nele goes on the run to find her daughter and ends up receiving help from an unlikely source.
I found the story a little slow to start off with and thought the mystery of who was behind the kidnapping was far too obvious. But I enjoyed the various perspectives of how the disappearance affected everyone and thought the different relationships, between Nele and her husband, between the foster parents and even between the detectives investigating the case, were explored really well. Some of it was deeply moving.
So while there were a few suspenseful moments, for me, the real strength of this book was the well drawn characters, their believable mental states and their fascinating relationships. I would certainly like to read more by this author who was new to me.
Thanks to AmazonCrossing for my copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I found the story a little slow to start off with and thought the mystery of who was behind the kidnapping was far too obvious. But I enjoyed the various perspectives of how the disappearance affected everyone and thought the different relationships, between Nele and her husband, between the foster parents and even between the detectives investigating the case, were explored really well. Some of it was deeply moving.
So while there were a few suspenseful moments, for me, the real strength of this book was the well drawn characters, their believable mental states and their fascinating relationships. I would certainly like to read more by this author who was new to me.
Thanks to AmazonCrossing for my copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 23, 2017
First there was silence by Leonie Hautrich.
Nele finally had her life back on track. After her first marriage crumbled, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to recover—until she met Andreas.Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
This was a absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. What a twister of a read. I was surprised. Nele wouldn't give up. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Definitely worth more than 5*. Netgalley and amazon crossing.
Nele finally had her life back on track. After her first marriage crumbled, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to recover—until she met Andreas.Their marriage and the birth of Lotta had been a small miracle. But when the baby, now nine months old, mysteriously disappears, Nele’s world turns dark again. Suspicion immediately falls on her—but Detective Sven Jansen suspects that there’s more to the story, especially when Nele’s long-estranged sister suddenly reappears and begins talking about their past.Desperate to retrieve her missing daughter, Nele finds herself on the run. With her world crashing down around her, she combats the growing distrust from those closest to her, along with her own self-doubt, to find out what happened to Lotta. But can she or Detective Jansen uncover the truth? Or will Nele’s worst nightmare become a reality for a second time?
This was a absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. What a twister of a read. I was surprised. Nele wouldn't give up. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Definitely worth more than 5*. Netgalley and amazon crossing.
January 10, 2016
Nele lived every parent’s worst nightmare when she lost her first son to crib death. At the time her husband blamed her and the marriage broke down. Now, a few years later she has moved on as best she could, remarried and has a beautiful baby girl, Lotta. But horror strikes again when she wakes up one morning to find that Lotta has gone.
Because of the mysteriousness of the disappearance and Nele’s history of post-natal depression, suspicion immediately falls on her and there is a growing distrust even from those closest to her. Although her world is disintegrating around her once again, Nele is convinced that Lotta is still alive and in her desperation to search for her, she finds herself on the run.
This is a great psychological thriller and suspects abound to keep the reader guessing. It also addresses how fragile relationships and people’s own psyche can be during times of crisis. However, it also illustrates the power of a mother’s love and the seemingly impossible lengths she would go to in order to save her child. Overall, it’s a heart-rending story with excellent characterisation and plotline.
This novel is set in Wiesbaden, Germany. As we know, literature offers us a vital window into other cultures, promoting understanding in a way that even travel cannot. Yet English-language publishers have a woeful track record when it comes to translating great stories from other parts of the world. It is encouraging therefore to see that this has changed recently with the popularity of authors like Stieg Larsson which reflects a growing demand for translated novels.
Translators then have massive impact on the reader’s experience of a novel and in this one the richly descriptive and fluid writing style is a testament to the superb reconstruction and translation skills of Ruth Gentes Krawczyk. It demonstrates not just her understanding of the mechanics of a language, but also her sense of nuance, texture and allusion and above all her stunning talent as a translator of prose.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for the advance copy of this book which I received in exchange for my unbiased review.
Because of the mysteriousness of the disappearance and Nele’s history of post-natal depression, suspicion immediately falls on her and there is a growing distrust even from those closest to her. Although her world is disintegrating around her once again, Nele is convinced that Lotta is still alive and in her desperation to search for her, she finds herself on the run.
This is a great psychological thriller and suspects abound to keep the reader guessing. It also addresses how fragile relationships and people’s own psyche can be during times of crisis. However, it also illustrates the power of a mother’s love and the seemingly impossible lengths she would go to in order to save her child. Overall, it’s a heart-rending story with excellent characterisation and plotline.
This novel is set in Wiesbaden, Germany. As we know, literature offers us a vital window into other cultures, promoting understanding in a way that even travel cannot. Yet English-language publishers have a woeful track record when it comes to translating great stories from other parts of the world. It is encouraging therefore to see that this has changed recently with the popularity of authors like Stieg Larsson which reflects a growing demand for translated novels.
Translators then have massive impact on the reader’s experience of a novel and in this one the richly descriptive and fluid writing style is a testament to the superb reconstruction and translation skills of Ruth Gentes Krawczyk. It demonstrates not just her understanding of the mechanics of a language, but also her sense of nuance, texture and allusion and above all her stunning talent as a translator of prose.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for the advance copy of this book which I received in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 31, 2015
I would like to thank Netgalley, AmazonCrossing and Leonie Haubricht for providing me with a preview of this novel. I would have given a 5-star rating were it not for the subject matter of the book. The kidnapping of a baby makes me cringe. That said, I couldn't put the book down! It's well-written and I look forward to more from this author.
January 25, 2016
Omg this book was amazing, wow this book kept me up all night and ruined my beauty sleep I just couldn't put it down. It was an emotional roller coaster of a read well done for writing such an amazing story your definitely worthy of 5 stars.I enjoyed it that much I read it in one sitting I was hooked from the very first word.
March 31, 2018
Decent thriller
I felt the story seemed to drag at times, that maybe too much history was described instead of letting the story do the unfolding and letting the reader grasp it as the story unfolds. I like how Nele was willing to do whatever she could to find her child. Overall, not my style but not too bad of a read.
I felt the story seemed to drag at times, that maybe too much history was described instead of letting the story do the unfolding and letting the reader grasp it as the story unfolds. I like how Nele was willing to do whatever she could to find her child. Overall, not my style but not too bad of a read.
September 3, 2017
Too much unnecessary words..found myself flipping through the pages
The premise held my interest but the writing went on and on .. more than necessary and I just flipped through so many pages with no loss of knowledge of the plot until I finally got to the end.
The premise held my interest but the writing went on and on .. more than necessary and I just flipped through so many pages with no loss of knowledge of the plot until I finally got to the end.
July 15, 2019
I think 3 stars may have been too generous. I almost gave up on this book. There were several characters that were difficult to keep separate due to their names and nicknames, and the author did nothing to endear any of the characters to the audience.
First you are introduced to a foster mom who doesn't want to return a baby to the parents. She seems a little nutty. The biological mom, you learn much later, had lost a child to SIDS during her first marriage. Her current husband knew nothing about it until their daughter is kidnapped. Most of the story is about the search for Lotta.
The characters are not developed such that you root for one over the other; in fact, I didn't really like any of the characters including the police. I honestly did not care if they ever found Lotta or not.
I believe this was written in German because they cover says, "translated by Ruth A. Gentes Krawczyk." Perhaps that was one reason I couldn't get into it. I sooo contemplated abandoning this book, and now that I've finished it, I would have been good with the choice to abandon. Sorry, folks. This one is slow, unrealistic, and not suspenseful.
First you are introduced to a foster mom who doesn't want to return a baby to the parents. She seems a little nutty. The biological mom, you learn much later, had lost a child to SIDS during her first marriage. Her current husband knew nothing about it until their daughter is kidnapped. Most of the story is about the search for Lotta.
The characters are not developed such that you root for one over the other; in fact, I didn't really like any of the characters including the police. I honestly did not care if they ever found Lotta or not.
I believe this was written in German because they cover says, "translated by Ruth A. Gentes Krawczyk." Perhaps that was one reason I couldn't get into it. I sooo contemplated abandoning this book, and now that I've finished it, I would have been good with the choice to abandon. Sorry, folks. This one is slow, unrealistic, and not suspenseful.
April 2, 2023
I bought this book at one of the Amazon Prime stores for less than a dollar. I need more change back. The book was not very long but it was a slow read. It felt so repetitive that I started getting angry. Anyway, I finished it and I am glad I did.
September 12, 2017
THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL STORY. I HAD HARD TIME PUTTING IT DOWN. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TWISTS AND TURNS WILL COME NEXT
September 16, 2017
Predictable. Implausible. I should hate it but I don't. I don't know why.
February 20, 2015
Gibt es etwas Schlimmeres, als wenn man in das Bettchen seines Kindes schaut und es ist nicht mehr da? Ich bin eine Mutter und ich denke nicht.
Dies passiert Nele, ihre Tochter Lotta ist 9 Monate alt und sie wurde aus ihrem Bett heraus entführt.
Nach und nach gerät Nele in Visier der Ermittlungen, hat sie ihr Baby verschwinden lassen. Lotta ist ein sogenanntes Schreikind, war Nele mit ihren Kräften am Ende?
Nele versucht auf eigene Faust den Täter zu ermitteln, muss sich aber vor der Polizei verstecken.
Auch ihr Mann Andreas glaubt ihr nicht mehr, vor allem nachdem bekannt wurde, dass Nele bereits ein Baby hatte, Jacob ist am plötzlichen Kindstod gestorben. Kann er Nele überhaupt noch vertrauen?
Mit dem Psychothriller "Am Anfang war die Stille" hat mich die Autorin Leonie Haubrich in den Bann gezogen. Gleich zu Anfang wird eine gute Spannung aufgebaut, die auch bis zum Schluss gehalten wird.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und sehr gefühlvoll, ich konnte gut in die Geschichte eintauchen.
Die Perspektivwechsel sind gut gelungen, so erfährt der Leser alles über die Verzweiflung von Nele, der Unsicherheit ihres Mannes Andreas und den Handlungen des unbekannten Täters.
Mir war bis zum kurz vorm Schluss nicht klar, ob Lotta überlebt und wer hinter der Entführung steckt.
Die Protagonisten sind authentisch und mit Nele habe ich gelitten, auch wenn ich ihre Handlungen nicht immer nachvollziehen kann.
Ihr Mann Andreas wurde mir im Laufe des Buches sympathisch, nämlich erst dann, als er so langsam seine Gefühle zulässt.
Diesem spannenden Psychothriller kann ich eine klare Leseempfehlung geben.
Dies passiert Nele, ihre Tochter Lotta ist 9 Monate alt und sie wurde aus ihrem Bett heraus entführt.
Nach und nach gerät Nele in Visier der Ermittlungen, hat sie ihr Baby verschwinden lassen. Lotta ist ein sogenanntes Schreikind, war Nele mit ihren Kräften am Ende?
Nele versucht auf eigene Faust den Täter zu ermitteln, muss sich aber vor der Polizei verstecken.
Auch ihr Mann Andreas glaubt ihr nicht mehr, vor allem nachdem bekannt wurde, dass Nele bereits ein Baby hatte, Jacob ist am plötzlichen Kindstod gestorben. Kann er Nele überhaupt noch vertrauen?
Mit dem Psychothriller "Am Anfang war die Stille" hat mich die Autorin Leonie Haubrich in den Bann gezogen. Gleich zu Anfang wird eine gute Spannung aufgebaut, die auch bis zum Schluss gehalten wird.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und sehr gefühlvoll, ich konnte gut in die Geschichte eintauchen.
Die Perspektivwechsel sind gut gelungen, so erfährt der Leser alles über die Verzweiflung von Nele, der Unsicherheit ihres Mannes Andreas und den Handlungen des unbekannten Täters.
Mir war bis zum kurz vorm Schluss nicht klar, ob Lotta überlebt und wer hinter der Entführung steckt.
Die Protagonisten sind authentisch und mit Nele habe ich gelitten, auch wenn ich ihre Handlungen nicht immer nachvollziehen kann.
Ihr Mann Andreas wurde mir im Laufe des Buches sympathisch, nämlich erst dann, als er so langsam seine Gefühle zulässt.
Diesem spannenden Psychothriller kann ich eine klare Leseempfehlung geben.
January 21, 2016
The book opens with Cornelia, known as Nele, collecting her infant daughter, Lotta, from foster care. We, the reader, begin the story by hearing the doubts of the foster carer, Susanne, as to Nele's suitability as a parent. Susanne is devoted to Lotta and critical of Nele's interaction with the child.
She asks, "What does this woman know about her own baby?"
When we next meet Nele, she has awakened to silence. Lotta has gone from her crib and she is distraught. What has become of Lotta? Has she been harmed by the unstable Nele, or kidnapped? The police, and even her own husband, suspect Nele, who has already lost a child to cot death and suffered from Post Natal Depresssion. Unfortunately we find out quite quickly that she has been taken, by a man, who attempts to look after her. I would have liked to have seen the uncertainty of Nele's culpability in the disappearance of her child stretched out a little further, but there is still plenty of suspense until we learn her fate.
I was drawn in from the first chapter in this well written novel, and genuinely could not put it down. I would recommend it to other readers, particularly those who enjoy Gillian Flynn and Elizabeth Haynes.
The translation from the German is excellent and flows well, one can even forget that this is a book that was not originally written in English.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair review.
She asks, "What does this woman know about her own baby?"
When we next meet Nele, she has awakened to silence. Lotta has gone from her crib and she is distraught. What has become of Lotta? Has she been harmed by the unstable Nele, or kidnapped? The police, and even her own husband, suspect Nele, who has already lost a child to cot death and suffered from Post Natal Depresssion. Unfortunately we find out quite quickly that she has been taken, by a man, who attempts to look after her. I would have liked to have seen the uncertainty of Nele's culpability in the disappearance of her child stretched out a little further, but there is still plenty of suspense until we learn her fate.
I was drawn in from the first chapter in this well written novel, and genuinely could not put it down. I would recommend it to other readers, particularly those who enjoy Gillian Flynn and Elizabeth Haynes.
The translation from the German is excellent and flows well, one can even forget that this is a book that was not originally written in English.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair review.
January 24, 2016
The beginning of the book started out well. I was curious to know who had kidnapped the baby and why exactly. However, I very quickly guessed who the kidnapper was and I was right. I knew it before the character did which meant there was never an element of surprise. I also had no idea why some chapters were focused on the police officers on the case. I wondered if it was because they would become important to the story but nope, they were just there.
I didn't realise when I started the book that is had been translated as the original book was German. I did have suspicions due to the characters names but it wasn't till I read other reviews that I realised. I do think certain things may have been lost in translation. It was mostly fine but every now and then something would read a little weird but nothing major.
Overall, I didn't really enjoy the book. I liked the premise of the story but it just didn't really do it for me. Most likely because I knew who the kidnapper was early on, I lost interest.
I didn't realise when I started the book that is had been translated as the original book was German. I did have suspicions due to the characters names but it wasn't till I read other reviews that I realised. I do think certain things may have been lost in translation. It was mostly fine but every now and then something would read a little weird but nothing major.
Overall, I didn't really enjoy the book. I liked the premise of the story but it just didn't really do it for me. Most likely because I knew who the kidnapper was early on, I lost interest.
February 2, 2016
I won this book via a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thought this book was very good. It left me guessing around every corner. I thought that I had solved the mystery shortly into the book but I was very wrong. I started developing relationships with the characters and wanted certain things for certain people. This is a great mystery book that isn't too over the top scary. The events in the book seem logical and like they could happen.
The end of the book left me wanting more, not about the main storyline but some of the surrounding relationships like Sven and Jana, Stefanie and Nele, and Nele and Andreas. I am happy that the author included what she did about these stories at the end but I certainly wanted to know more.
Great read when you want a real who done it.
I thought this book was very good. It left me guessing around every corner. I thought that I had solved the mystery shortly into the book but I was very wrong. I started developing relationships with the characters and wanted certain things for certain people. This is a great mystery book that isn't too over the top scary. The events in the book seem logical and like they could happen.
The end of the book left me wanting more, not about the main storyline but some of the surrounding relationships like Sven and Jana, Stefanie and Nele, and Nele and Andreas. I am happy that the author included what she did about these stories at the end but I certainly wanted to know more.
Great read when you want a real who done it.
January 10, 2016
Who has the baby??? All Nele knows is that she is innocent. Unfortunately for her, the police and her husband believe otherwise. Nothing is quite as it seems in this novel, and many of the characters have something to hide. This thriller had several twists and turns that kept me guessing through the first three-quarters of the book. I found the book to be a fun, fast, and enjoyable read. Kudos to the translator for such a seamless transition into English! I'm so happy I had the opportunity to receive a complementary copy of this book for review through Net Galley.
January 1, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via NetGalley.
The story follows Nele and the disappearance of her nine month old daughter, Lotta and the lengths she goes to try and find her baby.
The story is well written focusing on the different relationships Nele has and although I guessed the outcome it is still interesting how the story proceeds.
This book is well written with good strong characters and I would recommend it.
The story follows Nele and the disappearance of her nine month old daughter, Lotta and the lengths she goes to try and find her baby.
The story is well written focusing on the different relationships Nele has and although I guessed the outcome it is still interesting how the story proceeds.
This book is well written with good strong characters and I would recommend it.
January 22, 2016
I tried really hard to get into this book and like it, but it was impossible. Maybe something got lost in the translation but every single character, especially Nele, got on my nerves. None of them were very likeable. All came off as whiny. I understand the situation of a missing child will cause tears and drama, but theirs was so much, I found myself skipping parts to get past the whining.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
April 25, 2016
I received this book from the goodreads giveaway. It is a tense, well written, psychological thriller.
Nele awoke to silence. Her nine month old was no longer in her crib. All eyes, including her husband's, turn on Nele as it is discovered that her first child from a previous marriage had died at nine months. Nele is desperate to find her child and will risk everything to find her.
This book was originally written in German. It has been translated into English.
Nele awoke to silence. Her nine month old was no longer in her crib. All eyes, including her husband's, turn on Nele as it is discovered that her first child from a previous marriage had died at nine months. Nele is desperate to find her child and will risk everything to find her.
This book was originally written in German. It has been translated into English.
February 5, 2016
Good suspense / mystery. Scored for $2 on Amazon! I thought the end was a bit rushed, it seemed like once the main plot was finished the author kind of hurried to polish up some of the side plots and unanswered questions. Thought the motive for the bad guy was a bit tough to swallow which is pretty pivotal, loss of a star.
April 10, 2016
A truly moving story and a mothers worst nightmare. Nela is such a strong person. She moved on from the death of her first child and remarried and had Lotta. Then she is taken. I think this book really showed the emotions well of both parents of the missing baby. Nela ends up on the run when her husband admits her to hospital and it is her that works out who has her precious baby. I loved it
December 31, 2016
If you're into foreign films...
Then you'll enjoy this book. I've often found the style of verbal interaction in foreign films to seem stilted, abrupt and, at times random in thought. Anyway, this book hit me that way too. However, if you get past that, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are interesting. That kept me reading and I was glad I did.
Then you'll enjoy this book. I've often found the style of verbal interaction in foreign films to seem stilted, abrupt and, at times random in thought. Anyway, this book hit me that way too. However, if you get past that, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are interesting. That kept me reading and I was glad I did.
January 8, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
Unfortunately I can't say that I enjoyed this book very much. Something about it just seemed to be off. I guess something may have gotten lost in translation. Overall barely a passable read. I doubt I will be reading anything else by this author.
Unfortunately I can't say that I enjoyed this book very much. Something about it just seemed to be off. I guess something may have gotten lost in translation. Overall barely a passable read. I doubt I will be reading anything else by this author.
January 22, 2016
Goodreads win. Will review once received.
This was a pretty decent book. It is one of those books you read really slowly so it doesn't end or you read it within a few hours. It was nicely written and original. A good read.
This was a pretty decent book. It is one of those books you read really slowly so it doesn't end or you read it within a few hours. It was nicely written and original. A good read.
February 12, 2016
Could not put it down
Although I figured out the plot early on this book held my attention. There is a certain stiffness in the dialogue that comes with a translation, but the three main characters were vivid.
Although I figured out the plot early on this book held my attention. There is a certain stiffness in the dialogue that comes with a translation, but the three main characters were vivid.
March 9, 2016
Wonderful
Wonderful story. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. The main characters were very relatable and the ways in which they reacted felt true to life for the most part.
Highly recommended.
Wonderful story. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. The main characters were very relatable and the ways in which they reacted felt true to life for the most part.
Highly recommended.
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