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Abducted
Just a second. That was all it took. In that second Anita Sherwood sees the face of the young boy in the window of the bus as it stops at the curb...and she knows it is her son. The son who had been kidnapped two years before. The son who had never been found and who had been declared legally dead. But now her son is alive. Anita knows it in her heart. She is certain that the boy is her son, but how can she get anyone to believe her? She'd given the police leads before that ended up going nowhere, so they're not exactly eager to waste much time on another dead end on a dead case. It's going to be up to Anita, and she'll stop at nothing to get her son back.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
166 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Brian Pinkerton
21 books80 followersBrian Pinkerton is the author of Abducted, Vengeance, Rough Cut, Killer’s Diary, How I Started the Apocalypse, Bender, Anatomy of Evil and The Gemini Experiment. Select titles have also been released as audio books, ebooks and in foreign languages.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 13, 2025
Could someone abduct our next-door neighbour's 2 year old, please? (Just kidding, but we might get more sleep.)
So Anita's kiddo is abducted, or possibly killed, by "someone", then the story gets boring and drawn out, then it gets interesting again with an appropriate twist at the end.
Yawn. It's been done before...many times.
So Anita's kiddo is abducted, or possibly killed, by "someone", then the story gets boring and drawn out, then it gets interesting again with an appropriate twist at the end.
Yawn. It's been done before...many times.
January 14, 2021
COULD NOT PUT DOWN
LOVED THIS BOOK! It was such a fun read with plenty of excitement ! I would definitely recommend this to EVERYONE! I’m going to look for more by Brian Pinkerton right now!
LOVED THIS BOOK! It was such a fun read with plenty of excitement ! I would definitely recommend this to EVERYONE! I’m going to look for more by Brian Pinkerton right now!
March 27, 2015
A www.topoftheheapreviews.com Review
It only takes a moments look away from your child for something horrible to happen. Oh sure, you may think, “It won’t happen to me.” Chances are, you may be right. But what if it does? Things can change in the blink of an eye. Which is appropriate because this book will be over in the same amount of time and you’ll be left wondering where the time went.
This is my first foray into Brian Pinkerton’s work. I can promise it won’t be my last. Brian has taken this sensitive subject of an abducted child and covered every gut wrenching detail with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Each detail from the frantic search, to the emotional fallout and the re-building of life after coming to terms with the fact their child is dead from the abduction are all written in such a way that you can’t help but have a knot in your stomach and truly feel for Dennis and Anita.
The unthinkable then happens, and whether it’s because Anita has gone off the deep end and seeing her son in every face, or she actually does see him, their son Tim is sighted, and it starts a twisting turning firestorm that takes you from California to Chicago to Wisconsin in a break-neck frantic pace.
You truly get that sense of urgency that Anita has. When the events are set in motion for the final showdown, you root for her all the way.
It’s one of those thrillers that you just can’t walk away from once you start reading. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it sets out to do exactly what it intended to do.
The only thing that I couldn’t help shake though, is the fact that this kid is going to be one very confused little boy by the time everything is said and done.
The Bottom Line: The book keeps you on the edge of your seat through all phases. It’s incredibly fast paced, it’s emotional, and it’s intense, and well worth the one sitting that you’ll be forced to devour it in.
It only takes a moments look away from your child for something horrible to happen. Oh sure, you may think, “It won’t happen to me.” Chances are, you may be right. But what if it does? Things can change in the blink of an eye. Which is appropriate because this book will be over in the same amount of time and you’ll be left wondering where the time went.
This is my first foray into Brian Pinkerton’s work. I can promise it won’t be my last. Brian has taken this sensitive subject of an abducted child and covered every gut wrenching detail with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Each detail from the frantic search, to the emotional fallout and the re-building of life after coming to terms with the fact their child is dead from the abduction are all written in such a way that you can’t help but have a knot in your stomach and truly feel for Dennis and Anita.
The unthinkable then happens, and whether it’s because Anita has gone off the deep end and seeing her son in every face, or she actually does see him, their son Tim is sighted, and it starts a twisting turning firestorm that takes you from California to Chicago to Wisconsin in a break-neck frantic pace.
You truly get that sense of urgency that Anita has. When the events are set in motion for the final showdown, you root for her all the way.
It’s one of those thrillers that you just can’t walk away from once you start reading. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it sets out to do exactly what it intended to do.
The only thing that I couldn’t help shake though, is the fact that this kid is going to be one very confused little boy by the time everything is said and done.
The Bottom Line: The book keeps you on the edge of your seat through all phases. It’s incredibly fast paced, it’s emotional, and it’s intense, and well worth the one sitting that you’ll be forced to devour it in.
March 16, 2015
It’s the writing that makes Abducted by Brian Pinkerton special. Good writing is hard to do. Believe me, I know. But Pinkerton has the eye for detail that makes good writing, and his narrative and dialog are so realistic you can’t help but be drawn into the story.
Pinkerton begins by patiently and painstakingly introducing the characters and the situation. Anita Sherwood is a workaholic mother who has just quit her job to stay at home with Tim, her infant son. Anita and husband Dennis leave Tim with nanny Pam Beckert one final time to go out to dinner to celebrate Anita’s new-found freedom from the daily grind. When they arrive home, Tim and Pam have disappeared along with five hundred dollars in cash Dennis had stashed in a drawer.
An hour after looking everywhere for Pam and Tim, Dennis calls the police. Anita is overwhelmed by police procedures as investigators search the house and surrounding neighborhood, waking neighbors, putting out an Amber alert, reporting the kidnapping to the FBI. News reporters hound Anita for interviews. Then things go from bad to worse as Pam’s Toyota is found abandoned near the ocean.
Pinkerton expertly builds suspense. This is the kind of novel you won’t be able to put down. I highly recommend Abducted by Brian Pinkerton to anyone who wants a good read.
Pinkerton begins by patiently and painstakingly introducing the characters and the situation. Anita Sherwood is a workaholic mother who has just quit her job to stay at home with Tim, her infant son. Anita and husband Dennis leave Tim with nanny Pam Beckert one final time to go out to dinner to celebrate Anita’s new-found freedom from the daily grind. When they arrive home, Tim and Pam have disappeared along with five hundred dollars in cash Dennis had stashed in a drawer.
An hour after looking everywhere for Pam and Tim, Dennis calls the police. Anita is overwhelmed by police procedures as investigators search the house and surrounding neighborhood, waking neighbors, putting out an Amber alert, reporting the kidnapping to the FBI. News reporters hound Anita for interviews. Then things go from bad to worse as Pam’s Toyota is found abandoned near the ocean.
Pinkerton expertly builds suspense. This is the kind of novel you won’t be able to put down. I highly recommend Abducted by Brian Pinkerton to anyone who wants a good read.
July 22, 2018
Child Custody After Divorce: What’s Best For The Child
When a marriage between a man and woman starts to go bad and there are children, concern by both parents about custody and visitation rights generally becomes personal and can turn selfish. Concern about the best arrangement for their children becomes concern about which parent will have the most time with the child or children. Sometimes, a parent might conceive an elaborate plan to kidnap the children and blame it on the nanny, as the author depicts in this story of intrigue, terror, and the persistent love of a mother for her son. See for yourself how this mother regains her son after the twists and turns of the years and miles in her desperate search.
When a marriage between a man and woman starts to go bad and there are children, concern by both parents about custody and visitation rights generally becomes personal and can turn selfish. Concern about the best arrangement for their children becomes concern about which parent will have the most time with the child or children. Sometimes, a parent might conceive an elaborate plan to kidnap the children and blame it on the nanny, as the author depicts in this story of intrigue, terror, and the persistent love of a mother for her son. See for yourself how this mother regains her son after the twists and turns of the years and miles in her desperate search.
May 18, 2017
For some reason, I am drawn to books about missing children, so when I read the teaser to this one, I had to read it! However, I did not expect to like it as much as I did! I had to finish it in one night. Once you start, you just have to know what's going to happen next, so no way can you put it down and leave to do something else! That's a suggestion to not begin reading it till you know you will have time to continue for awhile. I'm not often surprised at the resolution but was certainly not expecting this one! If you enjoy a great suspense story, I know you will love this one!
July 9, 2017
This is a fantastically-plotted book. I found it very difficult to stop reading once I started, and I actually gasped in surprise at one point in the action. The writing is vivid, the characters are fully-drawn, the plot moves smoothly and rapidly. The amount of violence was a little excessive; there were a few structurally awkward passages; but those minor faults paled in comparison to the strong interest factor of the storyline. This was an extremely engrossing read. This author was new to me, but I just downloaded three more of his novels.
May 5, 2018
Had a hard time reading for my heart breaks for the innocence that a child provides our world. Once I started turning page after page had to know why and if this child was the 80 or 10 percent.
Mothers love and guilt, as mothers we battle between the two frequently. Mothers bond with our child before their born however we neglect to see the love a father bores for the same child we made out of love.
Mothers love and guilt, as mothers we battle between the two frequently. Mothers bond with our child before their born however we neglect to see the love a father bores for the same child we made out of love.
August 26, 2019
A mother never gives up hope.
A day's read, this story captivated me from the start. A mother's worst nightmare--her two year old son is missing. Apparently kidnapped by his nanny, Anita and her husband, Dennis are spellchecker to find their son has been taken from them. Will they survive? Will their marriage? From despair comes hope. Will Anita ever see her blind blue eyes son again? Some twists could never be fathomed.
A day's read, this story captivated me from the start. A mother's worst nightmare--her two year old son is missing. Apparently kidnapped by his nanny, Anita and her husband, Dennis are spellchecker to find their son has been taken from them. Will they survive? Will their marriage? From despair comes hope. Will Anita ever see her blind blue eyes son again? Some twists could never be fathomed.
February 11, 2026
Abducted had me hooked from beginning to end.
The motherly love of Anita for her son Tim really showed in the writing. Loved it when the story took Anita to Chicago in search for her son Tim. Being from the Chicago area and familiar with Belmont Harbor made it extra special to read the book. The twist of the story I didn’t see coming. Love it when a twist of a story does that. I can never go wrong when it comes to a Brian Pinkerton novel. Always look forward to reading his books. So do yourself a favor and read Abducted!
The motherly love of Anita for her son Tim really showed in the writing. Loved it when the story took Anita to Chicago in search for her son Tim. Being from the Chicago area and familiar with Belmont Harbor made it extra special to read the book. The twist of the story I didn’t see coming. Love it when a twist of a story does that. I can never go wrong when it comes to a Brian Pinkerton novel. Always look forward to reading his books. So do yourself a favor and read Abducted!
March 18, 2018
Gripping horror, outstanding love and courage
This story kept me interested well past my sleep time, and it’s written with such passion. The narrative flows easily and is deceptively simple. It’s one of the best mysteries..... wait! Love stories? No, stories of love, devotion, madness and courage I’ve read.
This story kept me interested well past my sleep time, and it’s written with such passion. The narrative flows easily and is deceptively simple. It’s one of the best mysteries..... wait! Love stories? No, stories of love, devotion, madness and courage I’ve read.
September 27, 2018
Fast paced and attention-grabbing!
For fans of stories with a twist and non-stop action, this book is a must-read! Explore the intense emotions involved as Anita tries to find the un-findable answers as to "why" while dealing with the reality of living with every parent's deepest nightmare. Well done, Brian!
For fans of stories with a twist and non-stop action, this book is a must-read! Explore the intense emotions involved as Anita tries to find the un-findable answers as to "why" while dealing with the reality of living with every parent's deepest nightmare. Well done, Brian!
February 20, 2018
The guilty part was a surprise to me. No such horror should ever be visited on a mother. Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen and to have it caused by someone she loved.
Not surprised tho by the police not believing her when she said she saw him on a bus 2 years after the abduction.
Not surprised tho by the police not believing her when she said she saw him on a bus 2 years after the abduction.
August 17, 2018
Nail biter
Just when you think you know what is happening you are surprised again, and again. Until you can finally put the book down because you have finally read the satisfying ending
Just when you think you know what is happening you are surprised again, and again. Until you can finally put the book down because you have finally read the satisfying ending
August 26, 2020
It is a good book. Not a new storyline, but did have some surprises. I like that a few chapters were from other characters perspectives, but it would have been a more complete picture if that was done throughout the book.
August 31, 2020
Tim is a precious baby.
Dennis will never let his baby boy go. No matter what. I had read this book years ago. After a few chapters, I remembered. It was a good enough that I read it again. Good, not outstanding, read.
Dennis will never let his baby boy go. No matter what. I had read this book years ago. After a few chapters, I remembered. It was a good enough that I read it again. Good, not outstanding, read.
May 4, 2021
I thought this book was good, but a little frustrating. Not sure I liked any of the characters at first. Eventually liked his Mother, but she went surprisingly overboard, but she was single minded and ruthless.
September 19, 2025
This book is extremely intriguing from beginning to end! It was easy to follow but contained a lot of descriptions and details. The story follows Anita and her husband who lose their son in a tragic event. Great read!
June 3, 2017
The plots and twist were great. I thought I knew where the story was going but but was surprised. End was great. Very fast paced.
June 14, 2017
A very good book.
This book held my attention all the way through. And a surprise ending is always fun. I would recommend this book to everyone. You will not be disappointed.
This book held my attention all the way through. And a surprise ending is always fun. I would recommend this book to everyone. You will not be disappointed.
January 17, 2018
Great fast paced story of abduction and murder, with a few twists that I did not see coming. Gripping until the end. Good story.
February 17, 2018
It was okay until the villain was revealed then it turned into complete schlock with the characters and plot becoming pure cartoon/slapstick.
February 18, 2018
Couldn't stop reading
Great story line and kept me guessing till the end. Hoping to find more from this author. Read it in a day!
Great story line and kept me guessing till the end. Hoping to find more from this author. Read it in a day!
February 23, 2018
Boring
Boring and full of unnecessary descriptions that went on and on. I would not recommend reading. Such a waste of my time!
Boring and full of unnecessary descriptions that went on and on. I would not recommend reading. Such a waste of my time!
March 1, 2018
Abducted was fast paced read
I enjoyed this book it really had me in some areas down right sacred, and angry! Making it a thumps up from me
I enjoyed this book it really had me in some areas down right sacred, and angry! Making it a thumps up from me
May 1, 2018
A long search
I liked the fact that it took me a while to figure it out. Chance sightings solved the mystery. Hard to believe.
I liked the fact that it took me a while to figure it out. Chance sightings solved the mystery. Hard to believe.
May 2, 2018
Wow. Just Wow. I did not see the story unfold the way it did. This book did not get the best reviews - really???!!!! This book was amazing - I did not see that twist coming
June 14, 2018
Well written
Great story line. Great twist. Had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Would read more from this Author.
Great story line. Great twist. Had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Would read more from this Author.
May 11, 2019
Kept me guessing.
June 6, 2019
Creepy yet very interesting and tensed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews