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Search Angel
A RIVETING NOVEL OF SUSPENSE ABOUT A WOMAN WHO HELPS REUNITE BIRTH MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, AND A MADMAN WHO PREYS ON THEM
Suzanne Trayle is a "search angel" who has earned national fame tracking down and reuniting thousands of birth mothers and their adopted children. Yet Suzanne has failed to find the son she put up for adoption thirty years ago. In an ironic twist, a serial killer dubbing himself "The Searcher" contacts her, claiming to have located her now-grown son. He also begins to murder her clients——vowing to kill her son and his family——if she tries to stop him. Who is The Searcher, and why has he targeted Suzanne? These are the horrifying questions she struggles with, and her attempts to answer them turn Search Angel into one of the most harrowing thrillers of our time. Ingeniously plotted and nightmarishly realistic, Search Angel is a fearsome tale steeped in love, hate, and the unbridled terror that can link them both.
Suzanne Trayle is a "search angel" who has earned national fame tracking down and reuniting thousands of birth mothers and their adopted children. Yet Suzanne has failed to find the son she put up for adoption thirty years ago. In an ironic twist, a serial killer dubbing himself "The Searcher" contacts her, claiming to have located her now-grown son. He also begins to murder her clients——vowing to kill her son and his family——if she tries to stop him. Who is The Searcher, and why has he targeted Suzanne? These are the horrifying questions she struggles with, and her attempts to answer them turn Search Angel into one of the most harrowing thrillers of our time. Ingeniously plotted and nightmarishly realistic, Search Angel is a fearsome tale steeped in love, hate, and the unbridled terror that can link them both.
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 3, 2011
First of all, let me just say that I could see this being turned into an AWESOMELY creepy horror movie, if done well... though I could just as easily see it being toned down into a guilty-pleasure Lifetime flick!
As for the book itself... to be honest, I had mixed feelings about this one. There were several really dark, creepy scenes, which I'm all for(!), so that aspect of it was right up my alley. It actually got pretty suspenseful at times, which is always good! But as far as the basic story, I felt that the characters were somewhat shallow and one-dimensional, and the plotlines a bit unbelievable. I think the main problem for me was that I didn't feel any emotional connection to, or even any interest in, any of the characters. However, it could be just some personal blockage that I have - the overriding theme had to do with open vs. closed adoption, and since I don't have (or want) kids, I rarely feel that I can relate to anything about parenthood - even when it's about grown adult children. It's almost like some strange turn-off for me when stories center on such.
Anyhoo, I was about 50/50 on this one, and I'd give it 3.5 stars!
As for the book itself... to be honest, I had mixed feelings about this one. There were several really dark, creepy scenes, which I'm all for(!), so that aspect of it was right up my alley. It actually got pretty suspenseful at times, which is always good! But as far as the basic story, I felt that the characters were somewhat shallow and one-dimensional, and the plotlines a bit unbelievable. I think the main problem for me was that I didn't feel any emotional connection to, or even any interest in, any of the characters. However, it could be just some personal blockage that I have - the overriding theme had to do with open vs. closed adoption, and since I don't have (or want) kids, I rarely feel that I can relate to anything about parenthood - even when it's about grown adult children. It's almost like some strange turn-off for me when stories center on such.
Anyhoo, I was about 50/50 on this one, and I'd give it 3.5 stars!
March 1, 2011
I can't believe I haven't read a review for this yet, but here goes! Hands down, Nykanen's best. There is no other way to say it but this book creeped the hell out of me. Follow this with Hush and The Bone Parade. His last book, Primitive, simply stunk and I hope he heads back to this type of writing soon.
WORD OF WARNING...IF YOU DO NOT LIKE BOOKS WITH GRAPHIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, THIS BOOK IN NOT YOUR FORTE!
WORD OF WARNING...IF YOU DO NOT LIKE BOOKS WITH GRAPHIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, THIS BOOK IN NOT YOUR FORTE!
July 14, 2017
Way. Too. Creepy.
March 10, 2019
Apparently I requested the wrong book from the library. "The Search Angel" is what I wanted to read. I read the first third and skimmed the rest because of the serial killer story. Now going to reserve the correct book.
June 27, 2021
Ein interessantes Thema, um das sich die Geschichte dreht
July 8, 2023
hab ein paar kapitel von dem Buch gelesen und fand es schrecklich langweilig und die Kapitel waren alle viel zu lang
November 28, 2009
This book was a real surprise. It was on super clearance and I have no idea why. I think this would make a really good movie, too! It kept me reading and asking questions and completely involved. Surprise ending, too, I always like those!
March 2, 2009
Very good book, somewhat twisted and disturbing.
July 22, 2009
Page turner - though the subject matter is a little disturbing - once you get past that it's a good read.
August 26, 2009
a real thriller
March 15, 2010
Some interesting information about adoptees and birth parents. Story was a little far fetched but very readable.
May 13, 2011
Not as good as his other book the Bone Parade but still entertaining. It took me about 100 pages to get into it. I suggest reading Bone Parade instead. It will knock your socks off!
August 10, 2011
Not as good as The Bone Parade but a very creepy read as well . Definately look forward to any books by this author.
June 5, 2013
This is too 'disturbingly calculated' to be shocking for me. I don't enjoy novels that are this revealing and transparent.
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January 31, 2015Abgebrochen auf Seite 118.
Die Geschichte hat mich bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht gepackt. Da warten definitiv bessere Bücher zum Lesen!
Die Geschichte hat mich bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht gepackt. Da warten definitiv bessere Bücher zum Lesen!
March 21, 2016
Ein reichlich brutaler Thriller, der trotzdem zu fesseln wußte.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews