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Çocuklarınızın hayatta kalıp kalmaması alacağınız tek bir karara bağlı olsaydı, ne yapardınız? Saygın bir işi ve sevgi dolu bir ailesi olan Yargıç Scott Sampson'ın bütün yaşamı karısı Alison'dan gelen sıradan bir mesajla tamamen değişmek üzeredir. Scott, altı yaşındaki ikizlerini yüzmeye götürmek için okuldan almaya hazırlanırken, karısından çocukları kendisinin alacağına dair bir mesaj gelir. Daha sonra eve gidip biraz dinlendikten sonra Alison gelir, fakat bir sorun vardır: İkizler yoktur. Scott ve Alison ne olduğunu anlamaya çalışırken birden telefon çalar. Her ebeveynin en kötü kâbusu olan trajik gerçekle karşı karşıya kalırlar: Birileri Emma ve Sam'i kaçırmıştır ve şartları Scott'ın bir duruşmada verecekleri talimatlar doğrultusunda karar vermesidir. Bu noktadan sonra Scott kendisini sürekli gerçekle yalanın karıştığı ve köşe kapmaca oynadığı, en yakınlarından bile şüphelendiği korkunç bir oyunun içinde bulur. Scott, her şeye rağmen çocuklarını kurtarabilecek midir?
576 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2017
738 people are currently reading
8240 people want to read
About the author
Brad Parks
24 books775 followersInternational bestseller author Brad Parks is the only writer to have won the Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, three of American crime fiction's most prestigious prizes. His books have been translated into 16 languages and have earned starred reviews from every major pre-publication journal.
A father of two and a husband of one, Brad is a slow runner and an even slower swimmer. He's grateful for his readers, because otherwise he'd just be a guy who has a lot of conversations with himself in his own head.
For more information -- or to sign up for the newsletter written by his impertinent interns -- visit his website at www.bradparksbooks.com.
To find Brad on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/Brad_Parks.
And for Facebook: www.facebook.com/BradParksBooks.
A father of two and a husband of one, Brad is a slow runner and an even slower swimmer. He's grateful for his readers, because otherwise he'd just be a guy who has a lot of conversations with himself in his own head.
For more information -- or to sign up for the newsletter written by his impertinent interns -- visit his website at www.bradparksbooks.com.
To find Brad on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/Brad_Parks.
And for Facebook: www.facebook.com/BradParksBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews
August 8, 2024
Gripping is the word best suited to describe this wonderful phsychological thriller from Brad Parks.
Alison thinks her husband (Judge Scott Sampson) has picked the kids up from school as he usually does on a Wednesday, but Scott received a text from Alison saying that she'd pick them up - the only problem being, it wasn't Alison who sent the text! When Alison arrives home without the kids, Scott is about to ring the school when he receives a call saying the kids have been kidnapped and that he must do exactly as he's told in a drug case that he's about to rule on or the kids will be harmed.
This call is only the beginning of the most unimaginable journey of terror that a parent could ever have to suffer. The anguish turns Scott and Alison's lives upside down, and cracks begin to appear in their once loving marriage, with suspicion and jealousy rearing their ugly heads. As if all this isn't enough for them to contend with, fate has yet another cruel blow to deliver.
Oh gosh! This was a heartbreaking journey to follow, and their were times when I thought "for God's sake give these people a break!"
It was a well thought out plot, the characters were well developed, and it was utterly compelling. I haven't read Brad Parks before, but I'll have to have a look at his earlier work now. A great read!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for my ARC for which I have given an honest review*
Alison thinks her husband (Judge Scott Sampson) has picked the kids up from school as he usually does on a Wednesday, but Scott received a text from Alison saying that she'd pick them up - the only problem being, it wasn't Alison who sent the text! When Alison arrives home without the kids, Scott is about to ring the school when he receives a call saying the kids have been kidnapped and that he must do exactly as he's told in a drug case that he's about to rule on or the kids will be harmed.
This call is only the beginning of the most unimaginable journey of terror that a parent could ever have to suffer. The anguish turns Scott and Alison's lives upside down, and cracks begin to appear in their once loving marriage, with suspicion and jealousy rearing their ugly heads. As if all this isn't enough for them to contend with, fate has yet another cruel blow to deliver.
Oh gosh! This was a heartbreaking journey to follow, and their were times when I thought "for God's sake give these people a break!"
It was a well thought out plot, the characters were well developed, and it was utterly compelling. I haven't read Brad Parks before, but I'll have to have a look at his earlier work now. A great read!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for my ARC for which I have given an honest review*
February 15, 2017
This is a fast paced and tense hybrid domestic and legal thriller set in Virginia that kept me totally glued to the book until the end. It all begins with Judge Scott Sampson receiving a text from his wife telling him she will pick up their six year old twins, Sam and Emma, from school. Whilst resentful of missing the opportunity to spend time swimming with them, he thinks nothing more of it until his wife, Alison, comes home without them and says she sent no such text. At this point, Scott and Alison's lives begin to spiral out of control and sink to tortuous depths when Scott is contacted by their kidnappers who hammer home that he must do exactly as he is told if he wants to see the twins alive. It is reinforced that he is to say nothing to anyone unless he wants serious harm to befall them. Scott and Alison will do whatever it takes to ensure their beloved children return.
Scott is set a test to see whether he will follow orders on a specific court case that he is presiding over. Against all the prevailing evidence and testimony he frees a man that should have served at least 12 years in prison. This sets off an intense media focus on him, there are rumours of corruption, questioning and impugning Scott's integrity. His reputation is in tatters and he is facing the prospect of impeachment. His son, Sam, is returned but there are further expectations of him with regard to a high profile pharmaceutical patent hearing which Scott was unaware was on his list. Scott has no choice but to do as he is told, they still have Emma. Scott finds himself under extreme pressure, his relationship with his wife is now riddled with insecurities and suspicions, everyone is a suspect including Justina, the nanny, friends and his team at work. Where will it all end? He and his wife, Alison, find significant support from her family, particularly her sisters Karen and Jennifer.
Brad Parks does a sterling job in capturing the unravelling lives of Scott and Alison at the hands of ruthless and amoral kidnappers. It's every parents nightmare that their children should be so horrifically endangered. This is a well written and beautifully plotted book that holds the readers attention with ease and biting their nails at the tension, suspense and heartbreak. A brilliant read that comes highly recommended. Thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
Scott is set a test to see whether he will follow orders on a specific court case that he is presiding over. Against all the prevailing evidence and testimony he frees a man that should have served at least 12 years in prison. This sets off an intense media focus on him, there are rumours of corruption, questioning and impugning Scott's integrity. His reputation is in tatters and he is facing the prospect of impeachment. His son, Sam, is returned but there are further expectations of him with regard to a high profile pharmaceutical patent hearing which Scott was unaware was on his list. Scott has no choice but to do as he is told, they still have Emma. Scott finds himself under extreme pressure, his relationship with his wife is now riddled with insecurities and suspicions, everyone is a suspect including Justina, the nanny, friends and his team at work. Where will it all end? He and his wife, Alison, find significant support from her family, particularly her sisters Karen and Jennifer.
Brad Parks does a sterling job in capturing the unravelling lives of Scott and Alison at the hands of ruthless and amoral kidnappers. It's every parents nightmare that their children should be so horrifically endangered. This is a well written and beautifully plotted book that holds the readers attention with ease and biting their nails at the tension, suspense and heartbreak. A brilliant read that comes highly recommended. Thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
August 22, 2017
A Traveling sister read with Norma, Brenda and Holly!
4.5*
Scott and Allison are living the ideal life. Both highly successful in their careers and blessed with adorable 6 year old twins named Sam and Emma.
Receiving a text from Alison that she’ll be picking the twins up from school, Scott doesn’t think twice about it. That is until Alison arrives home without the children.
“What text?”
When the phone suddenly rings… the true nightmare begins!
“You will do nothing. You will say nothing.”
This is a very fast, intense read! There were portions in the beginning I found long winded and had some difficulty keeping track of all the players. But then the momentum really ramped up and became absolutely impossible to put down! You feel personally involved in the desperate struggle to get the children back home alongside their loving parents. The ending was fantastic! Exciting, action-packed and wrapped up extremely well with no loose ends. I was actually brought to tears at one point! That never happens in a thriller!
I highly recommend!
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
4.5*
Scott and Allison are living the ideal life. Both highly successful in their careers and blessed with adorable 6 year old twins named Sam and Emma.
Receiving a text from Alison that she’ll be picking the twins up from school, Scott doesn’t think twice about it. That is until Alison arrives home without the children.
“What text?”
When the phone suddenly rings… the true nightmare begins!
“You will do nothing. You will say nothing.”
This is a very fast, intense read! There were portions in the beginning I found long winded and had some difficulty keeping track of all the players. But then the momentum really ramped up and became absolutely impossible to put down! You feel personally involved in the desperate struggle to get the children back home alongside their loving parents. The ending was fantastic! Exciting, action-packed and wrapped up extremely well with no loose ends. I was actually brought to tears at one point! That never happens in a thriller!
I highly recommend!
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
March 7, 2018
Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Norma, Brenda, Kaceey and Holly
*4.5 stars*
SAY NOTHING by BRAD PARKS is a wonderfully blended tale with an extremely engaging storyline that includes child kidnapping, a legal thriller, and a psychological thriller that was tense, thrilling, and gripping that kept us guessing and wondering right to the very end. This book really grabbed our attention quite early on and the ending was so powerful that it had a few of us actually weepy and having to grab that box of Kleenex! I think this is the first time that Kaceey & Norma have actually cried while reading a thriller which we think is actually a first and quite unheard of!
BRAD PARKS delivers a fast-paced and tension-filled read here as we were feeling the desperation and overwhelming fear from the characters as they were helpless to do anything to save their children. Say nothing and do nothing - we couldn’t even imagine the anguish that the parents would be going through as they were powerless to do anything. As we were reading this some of the parents reactions and actions had Holly looking for Lindsay our believability police but she wasn’t on the case with us for this read. BRAD PARKS does a really good job at creating and placing some good red herrings here that had us asking each other a few questions. How would we react and what would we do if we were told to Say Nothing?
Brenda and Kaceey found some of the legal jargon a little long-winded, with a few too many political players to keep track of and some of it just went over their heads.
The ending is powerful and emotionally charged with no loose ends that left some of us feeling sad and heart-broken but we thought the ending came together perfectly leaving us feeling completely satisfied. We couldn't read it fast enough! Highly recommend!
The Traveling Sisters Group Read Review can be found on Brenda’s and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
*4.5 stars*
SAY NOTHING by BRAD PARKS is a wonderfully blended tale with an extremely engaging storyline that includes child kidnapping, a legal thriller, and a psychological thriller that was tense, thrilling, and gripping that kept us guessing and wondering right to the very end. This book really grabbed our attention quite early on and the ending was so powerful that it had a few of us actually weepy and having to grab that box of Kleenex! I think this is the first time that Kaceey & Norma have actually cried while reading a thriller which we think is actually a first and quite unheard of!
BRAD PARKS delivers a fast-paced and tension-filled read here as we were feeling the desperation and overwhelming fear from the characters as they were helpless to do anything to save their children. Say nothing and do nothing - we couldn’t even imagine the anguish that the parents would be going through as they were powerless to do anything. As we were reading this some of the parents reactions and actions had Holly looking for Lindsay our believability police but she wasn’t on the case with us for this read. BRAD PARKS does a really good job at creating and placing some good red herrings here that had us asking each other a few questions. How would we react and what would we do if we were told to Say Nothing?
Brenda and Kaceey found some of the legal jargon a little long-winded, with a few too many political players to keep track of and some of it just went over their heads.
The ending is powerful and emotionally charged with no loose ends that left some of us feeling sad and heart-broken but we thought the ending came together perfectly leaving us feeling completely satisfied. We couldn't read it fast enough! Highly recommend!
The Traveling Sisters Group Read Review can be found on Brenda’s and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
March 10, 2017
2.5 A well respected judge and his wife of many years. Two abducted six year old twins. A text that advises the judge to "Say nothing" if he ever wants to see his children again.
Intriguing premise, so why did I utterly fail to connect with this story, one that has garnered many high ratings and reviews? Well for one, from the very beginning I found the tone irritating, off putting. I can't imagine anything worse then having your children abducted, not knowing where they are, would you ever see them again. Yet, the tone is unemotional, throughout the book seldom varies, for me a clear case of tell, not show. Second, I didn't like any of these characters, except for the children of course, they just failed to engage me emotionally in any way. Third, I didn't really care about the legal case that would be at the heart of this novel and the legalese went on way too long, and I skimmed through much. Lastly, I question whether a judge would get away, nor even think he could get away with some of his rulings. Would an intelligent person, which as a judge I would presume he was, really think he would be allowed, not questioned about these things. Which eventually he was, but for me I would have thought these things would have been apparent to him from the start.
This is just my opinion though and as I mentioned many have found this to be a thrilling read, maybe I just wasn't the right reader.
ARC from Dutton.
Intriguing premise, so why did I utterly fail to connect with this story, one that has garnered many high ratings and reviews? Well for one, from the very beginning I found the tone irritating, off putting. I can't imagine anything worse then having your children abducted, not knowing where they are, would you ever see them again. Yet, the tone is unemotional, throughout the book seldom varies, for me a clear case of tell, not show. Second, I didn't like any of these characters, except for the children of course, they just failed to engage me emotionally in any way. Third, I didn't really care about the legal case that would be at the heart of this novel and the legalese went on way too long, and I skimmed through much. Lastly, I question whether a judge would get away, nor even think he could get away with some of his rulings. Would an intelligent person, which as a judge I would presume he was, really think he would be allowed, not questioned about these things. Which eventually he was, but for me I would have thought these things would have been apparent to him from the start.
This is just my opinion though and as I mentioned many have found this to be a thrilling read, maybe I just wasn't the right reader.
ARC from Dutton.
August 21, 2017
This was a great book to read along with the Traveling Sisters Group! Including Norma, Brenda, Kaceey and myself! We had so much fun pointing fingers at all the characters we suspected of the kidnapping! I really needed Lindsay to help me out with a believability issue I was having, but she was no where to be found!
I was transfixed to this book after the first chapter. There is no slow build-up here, we go straight into the horrifying conclusion that someone has kidnapped the children of Alison and her husband, Judge Scott Sampson. They had it all. And now it is evaporating before their eyes.
The Judge receives a phone call alerting him that the twins are in danger and this is just the beginning of the shattering of their picture perfect family and life. He is a judge, he does have influence, but what do they want? Who are these kidnappers? What are his options and who is involved? Scott and Alison are experiencing the worst nightmare any parent could imagine. His next move could alter their lives forever. He can’t afford to make a mistake.
The ordeal that follows is a frantic, twisted chain of events that will bring out lies and deceit and the question who to trust? Do you really know who your married to and what they might be capable of? So many questions!! So little time!!
A fast paced and energy filled story that kept me picking it up every chance I had! I read it in a couple of days. It was very emotional at times involving the two kids and very intense. It is a combination of legal, domestic, and psychological thriller which I really enjoyed!
The Traveling Sisters full reviews can be read here...
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
I was transfixed to this book after the first chapter. There is no slow build-up here, we go straight into the horrifying conclusion that someone has kidnapped the children of Alison and her husband, Judge Scott Sampson. They had it all. And now it is evaporating before their eyes.
The Judge receives a phone call alerting him that the twins are in danger and this is just the beginning of the shattering of their picture perfect family and life. He is a judge, he does have influence, but what do they want? Who are these kidnappers? What are his options and who is involved? Scott and Alison are experiencing the worst nightmare any parent could imagine. His next move could alter their lives forever. He can’t afford to make a mistake.
The ordeal that follows is a frantic, twisted chain of events that will bring out lies and deceit and the question who to trust? Do you really know who your married to and what they might be capable of? So many questions!! So little time!!
A fast paced and energy filled story that kept me picking it up every chance I had! I read it in a couple of days. It was very emotional at times involving the two kids and very intense. It is a combination of legal, domestic, and psychological thriller which I really enjoyed!
The Traveling Sisters full reviews can be read here...
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
July 30, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpress.com/
“A good routine is the bedrock of a happy family”
Judge Scott Sampson seems to have it all, an important job, a wonderful marriage and two children, six-year-old twins, Sam and Emma, who are the light of his life.
Wednesdays are "swimming with dad" day. Scott loves swimming with his children, so he’s a little bit miffed when a text from his wife comes in saying that the children have a doctor’s appointment and can’t go swimming.
Scott heads home to relax. He thinks about how good his life is going. Then his wife Allison arrives home...alone.
Scott asks where the kids are. Allison seems confused and says that it is swimming with dad day. He reminds her about the text she sent about the doctor’s appointments.
“What text?”
Right then the phone rings. It’s a phone call that changes everything….
“You’re probably wondering where Sam and Emma are”
Scott is told he will receive instructions the next day. If he wants to see his children again he will do exactly as he’s told. He’s not to call the police. He’s not to tell anyone. If he wants his children to remain unharmed, he is to follow their instructions.
And at the end of the call, they remind the judge again...
“Say nothing”
Scott and his wife are stunned….and absolutely terrified. Who would do this? Why? Should they call the police anyway?
Every parent's worst nightmare!
The beginning of this book was so intense!!
However, after a dramatic start, I suddenly felt like I was questioning everything. I can’t even imagine how I would react in a situation like this. It is a fictional book, but I found that some of the main characters' reactions and actions were nowhere near what I was expecting.
The description of the court cases felt long-winded and my interest started to wane. There was a lot of information about patent laws and politics. I also found some of the violence excessive and uncomfortable to read. However, I don’t know how much I can complain about that since I went into this knowing what the subject matter was. I just felt a few parts were unnecessary and needlessly drawn-out.
Regardless of these things, I’m glad I stuck with it as things did pick up for me again, pulling me back into the story. I really wanted to know how everything was going to play out. It was intense; keeping my full attention right up until what I thought was a satisfying and powerful ending.
This was my second novel by Brad Parks. Although I enjoyed “Closer Than You Think” quite a bit more, I still thought this was a decent read. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
May 23, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Brad Parks, and the publisher, Faber & Faber, for this opportunity.
The terrifying subject of abduction is explored here in a twisted and yet sensitive light. When Judge Scott Sampson receives a text from his wife, stating that his weekly swim with his six-year-old twins has to be postponed due to a doctor's appointment, he feels nothing but slight disappointment. When he arrived home, however, to find his wife has no knowledge of the text sent from her own phone and their twins nowhere in sight, disappointment morphs into agitation. This heightens into terror and grief when an anonymous phone caller reveals that his precious children are now being used as collateral. A preferred case outcome will see twins, Sam and Emma, released back to their parents. The caller has only one rule for them: say nothing.
The fast-pace of this novel had me tearing through the pages in my eagerness to know more. The multiple twists and red herrings made the outcome an unguessable one and the impact of it that much greater.
I found the initial fast-pace distanced me from the characters, however. I felt I wasn't given sufficient time to acclimatise to the plot or get to empathise with the characters before the abduction occurred and the terrain was altered. This initially distanced me from any emotion towards the events depicted but my reservations didn't last long before I was once again swept away by the terror and angst exuded from this novel.
The reader is given a simultaneous insight into the grief of parents without their children, the children themselves as they live their terrifying situation, the abductors perspectives, and the more legal aspects of this thriller due to the nature of Scott's line of work. These multiple viewpoints really fleshed out the story and made for a unique reading experience. The reader is invited into the mindset of all the characters, which really drove the subject matter home and gave the narrative added tension.
Parks has done a brilliant job of capturing the gravity of the situation discoursed and has created an unputdownable thriller in the process. I can't wait to read more from this skilled author.
The terrifying subject of abduction is explored here in a twisted and yet sensitive light. When Judge Scott Sampson receives a text from his wife, stating that his weekly swim with his six-year-old twins has to be postponed due to a doctor's appointment, he feels nothing but slight disappointment. When he arrived home, however, to find his wife has no knowledge of the text sent from her own phone and their twins nowhere in sight, disappointment morphs into agitation. This heightens into terror and grief when an anonymous phone caller reveals that his precious children are now being used as collateral. A preferred case outcome will see twins, Sam and Emma, released back to their parents. The caller has only one rule for them: say nothing.
The fast-pace of this novel had me tearing through the pages in my eagerness to know more. The multiple twists and red herrings made the outcome an unguessable one and the impact of it that much greater.
I found the initial fast-pace distanced me from the characters, however. I felt I wasn't given sufficient time to acclimatise to the plot or get to empathise with the characters before the abduction occurred and the terrain was altered. This initially distanced me from any emotion towards the events depicted but my reservations didn't last long before I was once again swept away by the terror and angst exuded from this novel.
The reader is given a simultaneous insight into the grief of parents without their children, the children themselves as they live their terrifying situation, the abductors perspectives, and the more legal aspects of this thriller due to the nature of Scott's line of work. These multiple viewpoints really fleshed out the story and made for a unique reading experience. The reader is invited into the mindset of all the characters, which really drove the subject matter home and gave the narrative added tension.
Parks has done a brilliant job of capturing the gravity of the situation discoursed and has created an unputdownable thriller in the process. I can't wait to read more from this skilled author.
April 27, 2023
Actual rating 4.5 stars. This is a brilliant combination of child kidnapping, a legal thriller and a psychological thriller.It's blended wonderfully. I was really into this book from very early pages and the ending just about ripped my heart out!
Judge Sampson, his wife Alison and his two twins are a happy family. The Judge is well-respected and regarded for his decisions in the courtroom and life is fairly peachy.
Until one day when it all changes and darkness descends upon the family...
This book really kept me guessing - I had no idea of the reveals and twists that it through up at me and for that reason I was hooked. Wanting more and more. Judge Sampson has to make life and death choices that nobody should have to make. Will he do the right thing?
It's got got loads of surprises, full of suspects and suspicion- who the hell can you trust?Judge Scott Sampson can't let his kids down. He's a daddy after all. This is an intricate web of lies, blackmail and power play that will thrill readers. I really enjoyed this book hugely and it's very well-written.
Some scenes are very powerful especially at the end. I was choked up with tears.
Put this one on your to read list whether you like crime, child abduction cases, legal thrillers or family psychological dramas. It's all here. Awesome. 4.5 stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalkey. All views are entirely my own and totally unbiased.
Judge Sampson, his wife Alison and his two twins are a happy family. The Judge is well-respected and regarded for his decisions in the courtroom and life is fairly peachy.
Until one day when it all changes and darkness descends upon the family...
This book really kept me guessing - I had no idea of the reveals and twists that it through up at me and for that reason I was hooked. Wanting more and more. Judge Sampson has to make life and death choices that nobody should have to make. Will he do the right thing?
It's got got loads of surprises, full of suspects and suspicion- who the hell can you trust?Judge Scott Sampson can't let his kids down. He's a daddy after all. This is an intricate web of lies, blackmail and power play that will thrill readers. I really enjoyed this book hugely and it's very well-written.
Some scenes are very powerful especially at the end. I was choked up with tears.
Put this one on your to read list whether you like crime, child abduction cases, legal thrillers or family psychological dramas. It's all here. Awesome. 4.5 stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalkey. All views are entirely my own and totally unbiased.
February 23, 2017
3.5 stars
The book begins with every parent’s worst nightmare. Judge Scott Sampson & wife Alison get a phone call one afternoon & just like that, life as they know it is over. Someone has snatched their 6 year old twins. The instructions are simple: say nothing.
The next call concerns a drug case Scott is due to pass sentence on. It’s pretty open & shut but if he wants to see the twins again, he has no choice but to follow the kidnappers’ directions. He doesn’t know it yet but it’s just the first step in his dealings with a very organized & resourceful enemy.
This is a stand alone novel by the author of the popular Carter Ross series. Chapters alternate between the bad guys & the 2 MC’s so we get both sides of the story. Scott & Alison are in full on fight or flight mode & as the book progresses, cracks begin to appear as they struggle to make the right decisions. There’s more emphasis on action than character development but that’s a minor complaint for a book in this genre.
It’s a fast paced & emotionally charged read that should appeal to fans of straight up suspense/thrillers. And it might make wonder what you’re capable of if pushed too far.
The book begins with every parent’s worst nightmare. Judge Scott Sampson & wife Alison get a phone call one afternoon & just like that, life as they know it is over. Someone has snatched their 6 year old twins. The instructions are simple: say nothing.
The next call concerns a drug case Scott is due to pass sentence on. It’s pretty open & shut but if he wants to see the twins again, he has no choice but to follow the kidnappers’ directions. He doesn’t know it yet but it’s just the first step in his dealings with a very organized & resourceful enemy.
This is a stand alone novel by the author of the popular Carter Ross series. Chapters alternate between the bad guys & the 2 MC’s so we get both sides of the story. Scott & Alison are in full on fight or flight mode & as the book progresses, cracks begin to appear as they struggle to make the right decisions. There’s more emphasis on action than character development but that’s a minor complaint for a book in this genre.
It’s a fast paced & emotionally charged read that should appeal to fans of straight up suspense/thrillers. And it might make wonder what you’re capable of if pushed too far.
December 27, 2017
This one grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go!
Scott receives a text from his wife, Alison, telling him she is picking up their 6 year old twins to take them to the doctor so he does not need to pick them up from school. She arrives at their home a few hours later with no children. She never sent any text. The children have been kidnapped and won't be let go unless Scott who is a judge gives the right verdict in a federal court case.
An excellent and enthralling read!
Scott receives a text from his wife, Alison, telling him she is picking up their 6 year old twins to take them to the doctor so he does not need to pick them up from school. She arrives at their home a few hours later with no children. She never sent any text. The children have been kidnapped and won't be let go unless Scott who is a judge gives the right verdict in a federal court case.
An excellent and enthralling read!
June 1, 2022
“Say Nothing” by Brad Parks started out with a wild situation that any parent should never have to deal with having their kids kidnapped and then being blackmailed. Right from the start, this novel pulls you in and does a pretty good job at keeping that suspense going to build up an incredibly tough situation to be in and try to get out of.
I enjoyed the characters and how things unraveled over time as the main protagonist, a judge by the name of Scott, did what he could in order to get his kidnapped children back. As I kept reading, the way situations played out was pretty interesting but things did drag on a bit when it came to the court cases.
I’m not all that into federal court cases, legal jargon, and the politics behind it as it did take me away from this mystery novel for a bit. There were some decent thrilling and creepy moments but for me, when I read a mystery novel that flirts with the genres of suspense and thriller, I was hoping for the big reveal to be a drop the mic moment but that wasn’t the case here.
I won’t ruin anything for you but the final reveal and the purpose behind it were okay but not anything that blew me away or was an authentic OMG moment. I was hoping with such a build-up it would have been an insane reveal but it felt very safe in the grand scheme of things. The ending was satisfying as it was something I didn’t expect coming and it was a nice way to finish this novel off.
Overall, I give “Say Nothing” by Brad Parks a 3/5 as it was a well-written mystery novel that had some thrilling moments here and there which made it a decent read. Some parts dragged on a bit and the final reveal didn’t live up to what I was hoping. This novel wasn’t terrible but it definitely wasn’t anything memorable.
I enjoyed the characters and how things unraveled over time as the main protagonist, a judge by the name of Scott, did what he could in order to get his kidnapped children back. As I kept reading, the way situations played out was pretty interesting but things did drag on a bit when it came to the court cases.
I’m not all that into federal court cases, legal jargon, and the politics behind it as it did take me away from this mystery novel for a bit. There were some decent thrilling and creepy moments but for me, when I read a mystery novel that flirts with the genres of suspense and thriller, I was hoping for the big reveal to be a drop the mic moment but that wasn’t the case here.
I won’t ruin anything for you but the final reveal and the purpose behind it were okay but not anything that blew me away or was an authentic OMG moment. I was hoping with such a build-up it would have been an insane reveal but it felt very safe in the grand scheme of things. The ending was satisfying as it was something I didn’t expect coming and it was a nice way to finish this novel off.
Overall, I give “Say Nothing” by Brad Parks a 3/5 as it was a well-written mystery novel that had some thrilling moments here and there which made it a decent read. Some parts dragged on a bit and the final reveal didn’t live up to what I was hoping. This novel wasn’t terrible but it definitely wasn’t anything memorable.
February 21, 2017
Absolutely addictive,this is a fantastic page turner, that grabs your attention, from the very first page and never lets up.
Can't recommend this enough.
Can't recommend this enough.
March 15, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This is another book, that as a parent shattered my heart. Scott Sampson has a pretty awesome life, he’s a federal judge and has been married to his wife Alison for years and they have adorable six year old twins, Sam and Emma. Then one day Scott gets a text from Ali saying she’s picking up the kids from school even though it’s his day. When they meet up at home it’s immediately clear that something has gone horribly wrong. Sam and Emma have been taken, and the Sampsons have no idea why. Soon enough, he realizes that’s he just the pawn in someone’s sick game and they only need him because of the power he holds as a judge.
I’ve read several books where the plot centers around a parent having to go to extreme measures to keep their child safe , but I haven’t come across one quite like this. For Scott and Alison, they’re asked to do basically nothing. Yes, he has to pass down verdicts in his cases based on what the kidnappers tell him, but they’re not to speak about it to anyone. I can’t fathom how hard this would be, the feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming and Parks coveys their desperation perfectly, I could feel their pain leaping off of the pages.
This has a complex plot with tons of twists packed in, both big and small. The characterization is credible, especially as Scott and Alison’s marriage falters under the extreme stress. Cracks begin to appear as they try to live their lives so no one suspects anything untoward is going on and they begin to doubt one another. This is a seamless blending of genres, it’s part mystery, part domestic suspense and part legal thriller. It all culminates in a powerful, explosive ending that left me broken-hearted and showed the true depth of a parental bond and love.
This is another book, that as a parent shattered my heart. Scott Sampson has a pretty awesome life, he’s a federal judge and has been married to his wife Alison for years and they have adorable six year old twins, Sam and Emma. Then one day Scott gets a text from Ali saying she’s picking up the kids from school even though it’s his day. When they meet up at home it’s immediately clear that something has gone horribly wrong. Sam and Emma have been taken, and the Sampsons have no idea why. Soon enough, he realizes that’s he just the pawn in someone’s sick game and they only need him because of the power he holds as a judge.
I’ve read several books where the plot centers around a parent having to go to extreme measures to keep their child safe , but I haven’t come across one quite like this. For Scott and Alison, they’re asked to do basically nothing. Yes, he has to pass down verdicts in his cases based on what the kidnappers tell him, but they’re not to speak about it to anyone. I can’t fathom how hard this would be, the feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming and Parks coveys their desperation perfectly, I could feel their pain leaping off of the pages.
This has a complex plot with tons of twists packed in, both big and small. The characterization is credible, especially as Scott and Alison’s marriage falters under the extreme stress. Cracks begin to appear as they try to live their lives so no one suspects anything untoward is going on and they begin to doubt one another. This is a seamless blending of genres, it’s part mystery, part domestic suspense and part legal thriller. It all culminates in a powerful, explosive ending that left me broken-hearted and showed the true depth of a parental bond and love.
February 26, 2017
The tension in Say Nothing is palpable – and that is what you want from a decent thriller, for it to actually feel like you are right on the edge of a cliff..
This novel featured many nail biting cliff hanging moments and is written beautifully to drag the reader into an impossible decision making process taking place within the pages. Judge Scott Sampson is stuck between a rock and hard place, from the moment he and his wife Alison realise their children are gone, you are hook line and sinkered into the rest of the tale which bangs along at breakneck speed, barely giving you a chance to breathe.
At the heart of it is an intriguing and thought provoking theme – how far as parents would you go to save your children, well all the way of course, but this tale also has a lot of twists and turns that make it more edgy and dynamic – and the ultimate resolution was perfectly plotted to maximum effect.
It is the ultimate moral dilemma – whatever Scott does there will be consequences and as the couple try to find a solution, you will be utterly gripped and totally rooting for them. Great characterisation, genuinely riveting storytelling and a bang on target writing style means Say Nothing really is a top notch read.
Recommended.
This novel featured many nail biting cliff hanging moments and is written beautifully to drag the reader into an impossible decision making process taking place within the pages. Judge Scott Sampson is stuck between a rock and hard place, from the moment he and his wife Alison realise their children are gone, you are hook line and sinkered into the rest of the tale which bangs along at breakneck speed, barely giving you a chance to breathe.
At the heart of it is an intriguing and thought provoking theme – how far as parents would you go to save your children, well all the way of course, but this tale also has a lot of twists and turns that make it more edgy and dynamic – and the ultimate resolution was perfectly plotted to maximum effect.
It is the ultimate moral dilemma – whatever Scott does there will be consequences and as the couple try to find a solution, you will be utterly gripped and totally rooting for them. Great characterisation, genuinely riveting storytelling and a bang on target writing style means Say Nothing really is a top notch read.
Recommended.
February 28, 2017
3.5 stars
A federal judge's twin children are brazenly kidnapped. It turns out someone wants to fix a lawsuit that's on the judge's docket. They give it a test run and the judge comes through beautifully so he is rewarded. Then the major case comes up. What will the judge do this time?
There were a lot of implausibilities in this book for me. I have a hard accepting a federal judge would not involve law enforcement no matter what the kidnappers threaten. I find it hard to accept that an armed patrol of his wife's family would be what he selects. Why would they confide in the wife's family and not law enforcement? He lies to the head judge and faces impeachment. His friend, the senator from Virginia, goes over and aboard to help with out knowing anything.
The writing gets a little saccharine and over the top too. He says, "If I had known ...that it would end with the worst agony imaginable." Alison, the wife, won't let him contact the authorities in case they cut off the children's fingers by saying, "I grew those fingers." "Death was creeping closer."
Parks writes a great, humorous series of mysteries with Carter Ross. I really recommend you try one of those. There's a nice homage to Ross in this book that was my favorite part.
What saves this book is the ending. The outcome comes out of nowhere and yet was totally honest and fit. I was shocked to my core. The ending brought the rating up for it. It is a real page turner but it's not the best of Parks' work.
My thanks to Net Galley for this book to review.
A federal judge's twin children are brazenly kidnapped. It turns out someone wants to fix a lawsuit that's on the judge's docket. They give it a test run and the judge comes through beautifully so he is rewarded. Then the major case comes up. What will the judge do this time?
There were a lot of implausibilities in this book for me. I have a hard accepting a federal judge would not involve law enforcement no matter what the kidnappers threaten. I find it hard to accept that an armed patrol of his wife's family would be what he selects. Why would they confide in the wife's family and not law enforcement? He lies to the head judge and faces impeachment. His friend, the senator from Virginia, goes over and aboard to help with out knowing anything.
The writing gets a little saccharine and over the top too. He says, "If I had known ...that it would end with the worst agony imaginable." Alison, the wife, won't let him contact the authorities in case they cut off the children's fingers by saying, "I grew those fingers." "Death was creeping closer."
Parks writes a great, humorous series of mysteries with Carter Ross. I really recommend you try one of those. There's a nice homage to Ross in this book that was my favorite part.
What saves this book is the ending. The outcome comes out of nowhere and yet was totally honest and fit. I was shocked to my core. The ending brought the rating up for it. It is a real page turner but it's not the best of Parks' work.
My thanks to Net Galley for this book to review.
July 3, 2020
Thriller psicológico que nos cuenta el calvario de un juez por el secuestro de sus hijos. Tiene una parte de mucho ritmo pero hay otras partes (las judiciales) que se hacen menos amenas. Aún así es difícil dejar de leer, los giros son efectivos y el final bastante bueno. Cuatro estrellas.
March 8, 2019
I really need to get better at writing reviews more promptly after finishing a book!
This one is a really good suspense story. Without giving too much away, well respected federal judge Scott Sampson has his life torn apart and career and lifestyle threatened when his twin children get kidnapped. He quickly figures out that the kidnappers will want him to throw a verdict but which case? Which side will he have to rule for? Who is behind it? Will he see his kids again even if he complies? Can he even trust those closest to him? As you can see, lots to keep you guessing and lots to build the suspense.
The book is not without flaws. Scott himself isn't necessarily the most likeable main character, at least not for me. I found him a bit self-obsessed. The resilience and resourcefulness of 6 year old children also seemed a little overstated, but how would I know, actually? I also wondered how realistic it was that he avoided being suspended or even removed from his job before the story played out. These are minor and personal gripes though, and overall the plot was well developed and the suspense built very nicely to a great climax.
This is the first I've read by Brad Parks and I found it very well written, and certainly worthy of seeking out more of his work. Sorry about the short and belated review, but a solid 4 stars and a healthy "recommended" from me.
This one is a really good suspense story. Without giving too much away, well respected federal judge Scott Sampson has his life torn apart and career and lifestyle threatened when his twin children get kidnapped. He quickly figures out that the kidnappers will want him to throw a verdict but which case? Which side will he have to rule for? Who is behind it? Will he see his kids again even if he complies? Can he even trust those closest to him? As you can see, lots to keep you guessing and lots to build the suspense.
The book is not without flaws. Scott himself isn't necessarily the most likeable main character, at least not for me. I found him a bit self-obsessed. The resilience and resourcefulness of 6 year old children also seemed a little overstated, but how would I know, actually? I also wondered how realistic it was that he avoided being suspended or even removed from his job before the story played out. These are minor and personal gripes though, and overall the plot was well developed and the suspense built very nicely to a great climax.
This is the first I've read by Brad Parks and I found it very well written, and certainly worthy of seeking out more of his work. Sorry about the short and belated review, but a solid 4 stars and a healthy "recommended" from me.
March 19, 2017
Say Nothing, by Brad Parks, is a crime thriller about a federal judge whose two young kids are kidnapped. He and his wife must do exactly as the kidnappers say — and they certainly have reasons; they've planned it out very thoroughly — or else.
This is a fine novel. It has all the elements of addictive crime reading, but . . . it just never came together, for me. The writing isn't emotional; the prose is very pedestrian, matter-of-fact. I couldn't warm up to any of the characters and, therefore, wasn't scared (or really thrilled).
I just didn't feel myself pulled to this one. The premise itself is good — it's what made me buy this novel at full price — and the execution is . . . okay. It could have certainly been worse. I just wish the author hadn't gotten caught up in legal-ese. Any scenes dealing with the court cases almost made me fall asleep. They're so dry, listless. I couldn't keep up with who was involved and when and why I should care. I skimmed those parts, honestly.
This isn't a bad book. It's okay. I don't regret reading it, but it's one I will never visit again. Check it out if you can score a free or discounted copy.
This is a fine novel. It has all the elements of addictive crime reading, but . . . it just never came together, for me. The writing isn't emotional; the prose is very pedestrian, matter-of-fact. I couldn't warm up to any of the characters and, therefore, wasn't scared (or really thrilled).
I just didn't feel myself pulled to this one. The premise itself is good — it's what made me buy this novel at full price — and the execution is . . . okay. It could have certainly been worse. I just wish the author hadn't gotten caught up in legal-ese. Any scenes dealing with the court cases almost made me fall asleep. They're so dry, listless. I couldn't keep up with who was involved and when and why I should care. I skimmed those parts, honestly.
This isn't a bad book. It's okay. I don't regret reading it, but it's one I will never visit again. Check it out if you can score a free or discounted copy.
April 4, 2018
Author's Guarantee:
I cried when I wrote the end of this book, and you'll cry when you read it.
I cried when I wrote the end of this book, and you'll cry when you read it.
April 10, 2018
This is a terrific five-star thriller with darkness, humour, and depth from a very talented author who's not yet that well-known to the broader reading public on the European side of the Atlantic.
Brad Parks is an award-winning writer from the United States (he's the only author to ever win the Lefty, Shamus, and Nero Awards), and is extremely well-regarded over there. But this standalone, which steps away from Parks' books starring investigative journalist Carter Ross, is being touted as something of a UK 'debut'. Regardless, it's a cracking great read. I tore through it in an afternoon.
Judge Scott Sampson has a good life, but that's completely upturned when his wife returns home without their six-year-old twins one day. It was the Judge's turn to pick them up, but he'd got a text from his wife Allison saying she'd do it. Only she didn't, and says she never sent the text.
So who did?
Parks drops readers straight into an emotional maelstrom as Judge Sampson becomes wedged between the worst version of a rock and a hard place: the kidnappers don't want money, but for him to do whatever they want when it comes to an upcoming trial. Only, they haven't specified which one.
Judge Sampson has committed his life to law and justice, but that's exactly what he'll have to betray in order to keep his children alive. He's isolated and almost alone, unable to call on his friends in law enforcement to help. As strange details start to emerge, he's not even sure if he can trust his wife.
Parks does a stellar job creating edge-of-the-seat tension, deliciously toying with readers as the pages spin. He leavens the darkness with moments of humour and a good sense for character and family life, so it's not unremittingly dark or dwelling in nastiness. SAY NOTHING is a finely crafted thriller that ticks boxes across the board, and is a great introduction to Parks for European readers.
I was soldered to my seat, fully engaged throughout. Parks not only entertains, but makes us care deeply for the Judge and his family, razoring our emotions as well as our curiosity. Terrific.
January 9, 2018
No Digas Nada es mi primera vez leyendo un libro de Brad Parks y narra la historia del juez Scott Sampson.
Siempre que inicio una novela de este genero lo hago con mucha emocion, no solo porque es un genero que no leo muy a menudo sino tambien porque me gusta la sensacion que me acompaña mientras leo este tipo de historias, esa incertidumbre, los nervios y el echo de crear teoria tras teoria hasta que se descubre el misterio, es una experiencia que me encanta pero que por desgracia no siempre consigo sentir, hay ocasiones en las que la historia me decepciona o simplemente no resulta ser lo que esperaba.
Con esta lectura me siento un poco dividida, por un lado no fue tan extraordinaria como imaginaba, realmente tenia grandes expectativas con este libro, expectativas que en un principio se cumplieron pero que en algun momento del camino se desinflaron junto con la trama.
Y por otro lado la novela me mantuvo atrapada casi en su totalidad ademas de hacerme pasar un buen rato creando explicaciones en mi mente.
Mis dos grandes inconvenientes con la historia de Scott y su familia fueron los siguientes :
1• Me sobraron muchas partes tecnicas de el trabajo del protagonista masculino, senti que no aportaban demasiado a la trama y que solo hacian el ritmo de la novela denso.
2• Los ultimos capitulos me decepcionaron bastante. Me parecio que el misterio se resolvio de una forma demasiado simple, predecible y un tanto peliculera.
Tampoco me termino de convencer ese giro de las ultimas paginas, no cuadraba con lo que veniamos descubriendo de la historia hasta el momento.
En fin, No Digas Nada es un libro recomendable e interesante pero para mi perdio puntos en la manera que tuvo el autor de resolver el enigma en las ultimas paginas, sino le hubiera dado mucha mas puntuacion.
3 Estrellas!
January 9, 2017
This is the true definition of a thriller! A lil Grisham thrown in for good measure & maybe Grippando! All added together made for a true page turner!
Thanks to Dutton for this early copy in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for review!
Thanks to Dutton for this early copy in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for review!
October 29, 2017
Acabei de terminar este livro e tenho de vos dizer que estou cada vez mais fã do género thriller! Nunca tinha ouvido falar do escritor norte-americano Brad Parks e confesso que se a editora não tivesse tido a simpatia de me enviar um exemplar para crítica, muito provavelmente tinha-me passado completamente ao lado, o que teria sido uma pena. “Não Digas Nada” foi o pedido que os raptores fizeram ao Juiz Scott Sampson depois de terem levado os seus dois filhos gémeos de seis anos, Sam e Emma. Scott não poderia contactar a polícia nem pedir ajuda a ninguém sob pena de ver os seus filhos sofrerem as consequências. E o que é que um pai faz perante um pedido destes? Acata, claro.
Scott sabe que os seus filhos foram raptados por causa da sua profissão e do poder que tem relativamente à decisão dos casos que lhe vão parar às mãos. Inicialmente, as intenções dos raptores não são claras e Scott e a mulher Alison vivem num tormento, esperando instruções e temendo o que poderá estar a acontecer aos gémeos, bem como as sequelas que este episódio terá nas suas vidas futuras. Quando as instruções começam a chegar, Scott vê-se perante a obrigação de ir contra os seus princípios morais e profissionais, ainda que isso para ele nunca seja verdadeiramente uma escolha. Só que essas ações começam a pôr em causa a sua integridade no meio profissional, levando-o a uma espiral de mentiras da qual parece não conseguir sair.
Não Digas Nada é um livro que não se consegue parar de ler, sufocante e cheio de tensão. Quem tem filhos – especialmente das idades das crianças raptadas – facilmente se questiona como reagiria perante uma situação destas e não consegue evitar concordar com cada um das decisões que Scott toma, ou que é forçado a tomar. Os capítulos que vão mostrando o que se passa com as crianças são curtos mas terríveis e chegaram mesmo a provocar-me angústia física. Não é a primeira vez que leio algo que envolve maus tratos a crianças, e até já li coisas mais gráficas, mas a forma como Brad Parks conseguiu despertar em mim tais sentimentos, neste caso, foi simplesmente brilhante.
Aliás, penso mesmo que a forma como o autor consegue envolver o leitor na trama é o ponto mais bem conseguido do enredo. Tudo parece real: a angústia dos pais, os seus dilemas, as suas suspeitas, a sensação de impotência… No final, espera-nos um coração algo quebrado numa viagem alucinante que vale sem dúvida a pena ser experienciada. No final de contas, Não Digas Nada é um livro intenso e emocionante, que me agarrou do início ao fim como um bom thriller deve fazer. Um dos meus livros preferidos do ano, certamente!
Scott sabe que os seus filhos foram raptados por causa da sua profissão e do poder que tem relativamente à decisão dos casos que lhe vão parar às mãos. Inicialmente, as intenções dos raptores não são claras e Scott e a mulher Alison vivem num tormento, esperando instruções e temendo o que poderá estar a acontecer aos gémeos, bem como as sequelas que este episódio terá nas suas vidas futuras. Quando as instruções começam a chegar, Scott vê-se perante a obrigação de ir contra os seus princípios morais e profissionais, ainda que isso para ele nunca seja verdadeiramente uma escolha. Só que essas ações começam a pôr em causa a sua integridade no meio profissional, levando-o a uma espiral de mentiras da qual parece não conseguir sair.
Não Digas Nada é um livro que não se consegue parar de ler, sufocante e cheio de tensão. Quem tem filhos – especialmente das idades das crianças raptadas – facilmente se questiona como reagiria perante uma situação destas e não consegue evitar concordar com cada um das decisões que Scott toma, ou que é forçado a tomar. Os capítulos que vão mostrando o que se passa com as crianças são curtos mas terríveis e chegaram mesmo a provocar-me angústia física. Não é a primeira vez que leio algo que envolve maus tratos a crianças, e até já li coisas mais gráficas, mas a forma como Brad Parks conseguiu despertar em mim tais sentimentos, neste caso, foi simplesmente brilhante.
Aliás, penso mesmo que a forma como o autor consegue envolver o leitor na trama é o ponto mais bem conseguido do enredo. Tudo parece real: a angústia dos pais, os seus dilemas, as suas suspeitas, a sensação de impotência… No final, espera-nos um coração algo quebrado numa viagem alucinante que vale sem dúvida a pena ser experienciada. No final de contas, Não Digas Nada é um livro intenso e emocionante, que me agarrou do início ao fim como um bom thriller deve fazer. Um dos meus livros preferidos do ano, certamente!
March 4, 2017
The plot of this book depends on a lot of people saying nothing, when the sensible thing to do would be to call the police or give warnings or to say something. But if they did the sensible thing, there wouldn't be a book and that would be too bad, because this was an enjoyable thriller.
The six year old twins of federal judge Scott Sampson are kidnapped and the judge is told to say nothing to anyone and to just await instructions. The kidnappers seem intent on manipulating the outcome of a trial, but along the way there is murder, treachery and legal bargaining while the judge and his wife become increasingly desperate. The beginning and end of the book were very suspenseful, but I found the middle got a little repetitive and I think the book could easily have been 75 pages shorter. The last part of the book was quite exciting and I'll probably read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The six year old twins of federal judge Scott Sampson are kidnapped and the judge is told to say nothing to anyone and to just await instructions. The kidnappers seem intent on manipulating the outcome of a trial, but along the way there is murder, treachery and legal bargaining while the judge and his wife become increasingly desperate. The beginning and end of the book were very suspenseful, but I found the middle got a little repetitive and I think the book could easily have been 75 pages shorter. The last part of the book was quite exciting and I'll probably read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 26, 2018
I'm a bit torn on my rating - A part of me really loved this story, an OMG thriller. Then while reading it , it was a bit far fetched.... He we have a respected Judge who got a text saying he must follow instructions if he ever wants to see his twins again. He knows he is being watched, and he was told not to call the police or the FBI. I just went along with the story and the thrill of it, and wound up enjoying it - again.... some of what the Judge had to do to keep his twins safe was a bit far fetched, there is no way he would get away with some of the things he was told to do... but hey, this is a book, so I just 'went with it' and I did enjoy the ride for sure. So with all the back and forth, I'm giving this a 4 star read- I was glad that I read it!
March 9, 2017
Wow!! A gripping thriller that I highly recommend. I could not put this down. Loved it!!!
April 4, 2017
A judge and his wife twins are kidnapped from school. As Sam and Emma leave school at the end of the day, the car looks like their parents car and the woman in the drivers seat looks like their mum, but they are being kidnapped. The parents are put through an ordeal if they want to see their children again, say nothing. A story filled with tension throughout and with twists in and with tears at the end.
January 24, 2018
Um livro interessante desde a primeira página! Um livro sobre o desespero e o amor dos pais pelos filhos e do sacrifício de uma mãe!Gostei muito e em muitos momentos pensei o que seria passar pelo mesmo com o meu filho! Recomendo!
March 14, 2017
Every parent with a baby or toddler has this one terrible, dark fear: that someone will take that baby. In Say Nothing, that horrific event is doubled when Sam and Emma, twin sons of Scott and Alison, are taken and the note that sends frozen tendrils of fear up their spines instructs them not to tell anyone. No police; no one at all can know. “Say nothing.” Thanks go to Net Galley and Dutton Penguin for the DRC, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The book came out last week and is now available for purchase.
This story takes off like a rocket. Scott Sampson is a Federal judge, and some devious criminals that know the family’s every habit snatch the children and send him a text message before either parent knows they are gone. Someone has impersonated Alison, swept by their preschool, and whisked the little ones away. How absolutely terrifying!
The purpose is soon clear: the kidnappers want to manipulate a major case on the Federal docket, assigned to Scott Sampson. Contacting police is out of the question. They’ve threatened to cut off their little fingers, one by one, and mail them to their parents.
Parks is a champ at building suspense. For me, the thrill is tarnished when I see a repetitive error—one many people won’t even notice—that has the effect of sweeping aside the curtain and showing me that the Great and Powerful Oz is just a guy in a chair. In this case, having had a judge in the family for many years and seeing the mistake in the text makes it hard to maintain the premise. You see, when one is in court, the judge is “The Honorable” and is addressed as “your Honor”; in private life, his employees, friends and family all call him John, or Mr. W---. We used to eat out with this man frequently, and there was always a little family eye roll and slight smile when the obsequious maitre d’ at a downtown restaurant where we often ate came dashing out to the valet parking area calling, “Oh, Judge W---! Judge W---! We have your table ready now!”
In private life, if you need a title, a Supreme Court judge is called “Justice Jones”. Everyone else is called “Mr. Jones” or “Ms. Jones”.
I try to push past this obstacle but the error is made often in the dialogue, and so the memory of my relative’s patient courtesy is always lurking in the margins of my perception of the story. The upshot is that for me, it really gets in the way.
That said, I like the pacing of this story, and the solution is elegant and plausible.
Recommended to fans of the author’s Carter Ross series.
This story takes off like a rocket. Scott Sampson is a Federal judge, and some devious criminals that know the family’s every habit snatch the children and send him a text message before either parent knows they are gone. Someone has impersonated Alison, swept by their preschool, and whisked the little ones away. How absolutely terrifying!
The purpose is soon clear: the kidnappers want to manipulate a major case on the Federal docket, assigned to Scott Sampson. Contacting police is out of the question. They’ve threatened to cut off their little fingers, one by one, and mail them to their parents.
Parks is a champ at building suspense. For me, the thrill is tarnished when I see a repetitive error—one many people won’t even notice—that has the effect of sweeping aside the curtain and showing me that the Great and Powerful Oz is just a guy in a chair. In this case, having had a judge in the family for many years and seeing the mistake in the text makes it hard to maintain the premise. You see, when one is in court, the judge is “The Honorable” and is addressed as “your Honor”; in private life, his employees, friends and family all call him John, or Mr. W---. We used to eat out with this man frequently, and there was always a little family eye roll and slight smile when the obsequious maitre d’ at a downtown restaurant where we often ate came dashing out to the valet parking area calling, “Oh, Judge W---! Judge W---! We have your table ready now!”
In private life, if you need a title, a Supreme Court judge is called “Justice Jones”. Everyone else is called “Mr. Jones” or “Ms. Jones”.
I try to push past this obstacle but the error is made often in the dialogue, and so the memory of my relative’s patient courtesy is always lurking in the margins of my perception of the story. The upshot is that for me, it really gets in the way.
That said, I like the pacing of this story, and the solution is elegant and plausible.
Recommended to fans of the author’s Carter Ross series.
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