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Shefford Files #1
Abduction
"Where's Jessie?" Even as she breathes out the words, Karen Matthews knows that her worst nightmare has become a reality. Her seven-month-old baby is gone, stolen during the night. When the police call a famous psychic, Zoe Shefford, to use her mysterious "powers" to locate the child, Karen hesitates. When her husband suddenly disappears as well, Karen becomes the prime suspect. Apparently, God has forgotten about poor Karen Matthews, left to mourn the loss of her baby, her husband, and even her faith--or has He? That's what Karen--and Zoe--must find out before it's too late.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Wanda L. Dyson
9 books22 followersWanda Dyson (W L Dyson) is the critically acclaimed author of 7 suspense novels and coauthored Tina Zahn, Why I Jumped, which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riveting" and "Packed with twists and turns."
She is a member of several suspense writing organizations including Thriller Writers of America.
Wanda currently resides in North Carolina where she is working on her next novel.
She is a member of several suspense writing organizations including Thriller Writers of America.
Wanda currently resides in North Carolina where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 27, 2015
Okay, wow. Just..... *deep breath* Wow.
This book was pretty intense. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't real, it was just a story. If I didn't, I would catch myself starting to cry for these victims. And then the peeks you get into the killer's head? Super disturbing!! I was so angry at and disgusted with that guy! Sick, sick, sick!!! But very well written, I must say. It was very creepy-- in a too realistic way. I have two nieces about the ages of the little girls who were being kidnapped & killed so... it was hitting a little too close to home, I guess.
Overall, the story was very attention-grabbing. I was anxious to finish it. Not quite to the point that I could not force myself to put the book down, but I think I could have read it in one day if I'd had the time to do so. The mystery aspect was great. I did figure out some of it before it was revealed, but it was still quite good.
The characters were, for the most part, interesting and enjoyable. Though JJ's saying about pigs flying really got on my nerves! I get that it was supposed to kinda be established as something unique to him and all, but it was way overdone and I found myself wanting to demand that he not say it again. Also, there were some things that I really wanted to know more about, such as: when and how Zoe became a psychic (now that was an interesting aspect to the story!), her salvation, and some other things that I will not mention due to spoilers.
And Rene. She's supposed to be a pretty important character , but she really annoyed me more than anything. I wanted to like her, but I couldn't. I'm glad she was able to have the affect that she did, but... She just didn't feel... real-- genuine, I guess. In fact, to me, she was the most fake-feeling character in the book. I did really like JJ and Zoe, though, as well as Zoe's parents and Matt. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these characters in the next book. :)
And I think I'll leave it at that because I'm getting sleepy and there's no telling what this will end up saying if I keep typing. ;P
NOTE: If you do not want to read a book that you may find disturbing or creepy, this book is NOT for you. If you do not want to read a book about a serial killer (esp. one who is killing little kids), this book is NOT for you.
If you do, however, want to read a book that is intense, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and kinda gives you the shivers... definitely give this book a try!
This book was pretty intense. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't real, it was just a story. If I didn't, I would catch myself starting to cry for these victims. And then the peeks you get into the killer's head? Super disturbing!! I was so angry at and disgusted with that guy! Sick, sick, sick!!! But very well written, I must say. It was very creepy-- in a too realistic way. I have two nieces about the ages of the little girls who were being kidnapped & killed so... it was hitting a little too close to home, I guess.
Overall, the story was very attention-grabbing. I was anxious to finish it. Not quite to the point that I could not force myself to put the book down, but I think I could have read it in one day if I'd had the time to do so. The mystery aspect was great. I did figure out some of it before it was revealed, but it was still quite good.
The characters were, for the most part, interesting and enjoyable. Though JJ's saying about pigs flying really got on my nerves! I get that it was supposed to kinda be established as something unique to him and all, but it was way overdone and I found myself wanting to demand that he not say it again. Also, there were some things that I really wanted to know more about, such as: when and how Zoe became a psychic (now that was an interesting aspect to the story!), her salvation, and some other things that I will not mention due to spoilers.
And Rene. She's supposed to be a pretty important character , but she really annoyed me more than anything. I wanted to like her, but I couldn't. I'm glad she was able to have the affect that she did, but... She just didn't feel... real-- genuine, I guess. In fact, to me, she was the most fake-feeling character in the book. I did really like JJ and Zoe, though, as well as Zoe's parents and Matt. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these characters in the next book. :)
And I think I'll leave it at that because I'm getting sleepy and there's no telling what this will end up saying if I keep typing. ;P
NOTE: If you do not want to read a book that you may find disturbing or creepy, this book is NOT for you. If you do not want to read a book about a serial killer (esp. one who is killing little kids), this book is NOT for you.
If you do, however, want to read a book that is intense, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and kinda gives you the shivers... definitely give this book a try!
December 9, 2023
Okay this book was beyond my expectations. Dyson is a gifted writer forging into the crime/suspense/thriller world. She not only captures the detectives mind but also the heart and soul of the victims. She brings people to their knees and has their eyes lift to the magnificent God who loves them and gives them the perfect peace that only He can give. Wow. No curses or blasphemy! Layers of story to discover until the end. I highly recommend this novel to all!!!
January 15, 2009
'Abduction' is Book 1 in the 'Shefford-Johnson Case' trilogy (followed by 'Obsession' and 'Intimidation') written by Wanda L. Dyson
I was given this book for me one day when I was feeling a bit down. A new book always cheers me up immediately and this one was no different. I was intrigued by the back cover as it was a different theme to what I normally read. It follows the mind of a serial killer and one woman's fight for justice.
This book kept me in suspense right up to the very end. Sometimes with novels you can guess the ending, or even parts of it, but a good writer will keep things hidden allowing you only to see what they want you to see. For her first novel, Wanda has done an incredible job and I will definately be on the lookout for more of her books. It's blatantly Christian, yet unlike some books which tend to offend me with their religious talk, I found Abduction kept things very real and made me take a fresh look at how I view things.
If you are a parent, I'm guessing this book could be quite a shocking read. For me, I could only imagine what it would be like to have a child suddenly disappear.
If you are into new ways of learning about how to trust God in all circumstances, this book is definately for you. Reality interlaced with the mind of a killer and plenty of intrigue and suspense...
I was given this book for me one day when I was feeling a bit down. A new book always cheers me up immediately and this one was no different. I was intrigued by the back cover as it was a different theme to what I normally read. It follows the mind of a serial killer and one woman's fight for justice.
This book kept me in suspense right up to the very end. Sometimes with novels you can guess the ending, or even parts of it, but a good writer will keep things hidden allowing you only to see what they want you to see. For her first novel, Wanda has done an incredible job and I will definately be on the lookout for more of her books. It's blatantly Christian, yet unlike some books which tend to offend me with their religious talk, I found Abduction kept things very real and made me take a fresh look at how I view things.
If you are a parent, I'm guessing this book could be quite a shocking read. For me, I could only imagine what it would be like to have a child suddenly disappear.
If you are into new ways of learning about how to trust God in all circumstances, this book is definately for you. Reality interlaced with the mind of a killer and plenty of intrigue and suspense...
July 25, 2015
I hated this book. I hated the characters and their over-the-top religious views straight out of the 1950's. I hated the meek, pathetic housewife, I hated her abusive domineering husband AND father. I hated the religious dribble that made this book difficult for me to even finish. I hated that the ending tied everything in a tidy little bow, where the devout christians were right all along, and the people who were not of the exact same religious ideas were made to see the error of their ways and exalt in the glory of being put on the 'right' path. The storyline was scary, as intended, if it hadn't been submerged in antiquated ideas and views it could have been good. Maybe. I will never read this author again. Waste of my time and left a seriously bad taste in my mouth.
October 13, 2025
I feel as though I have an unpopular opinion on this book. I did listen to it as an audiobook, so I will give it the benefit of the doubt that I might have had a better, more immersive experience if I had read the physical copy.
This book for me was mediocre. I did thoroughly enjoy the Christian themes and how the story was centered around that and developed as such.
However, I felt like there were just so many sub-plots happening at the same time that I was unable to grasp everything that was happening. I feel like the story was very well-written though, but I wouldn’t say it had a ton of “plot twists” like some of my favorite thrillers out there.
I do still plan on reading the next book in the series even though this book didn’t have the “wow” factor for me. I am hoping and wishfully thinking that the remainder of the series will be better.
@jjs.book.nook
This book for me was mediocre. I did thoroughly enjoy the Christian themes and how the story was centered around that and developed as such.
However, I felt like there were just so many sub-plots happening at the same time that I was unable to grasp everything that was happening. I feel like the story was very well-written though, but I wouldn’t say it had a ton of “plot twists” like some of my favorite thrillers out there.
I do still plan on reading the next book in the series even though this book didn’t have the “wow” factor for me. I am hoping and wishfully thinking that the remainder of the series will be better.
@jjs.book.nook
August 11, 2019
The mystery was decent but far from great. Some main characters were annoying. There was too much filler that had nothing to do with the plot, such as a subplot about one of the secondary characters’ troubled relationship with his girlfriend, and also quite a lot of religious preaching. Not recommended.
February 8, 2021
Wow, what a heart breaking subject to write about. First book I've read by this author. Very well researched. and very delicately covered. Started and finished in one day. Read the second book Obsession and I'm looking forward to finishing of the series with the last book Intimidation.
December 7, 2017
I truly enjoyed every page of this book! It had me guessing all the way through and I was not disappointed in the ending. For a bit of a cheesy title, it was a fantastic read.
April 24, 2024
Am loving these novels. Full of mystery, murder, and mayhem. Also full of God. The characters are so delightful and doubtful. Is much fun. Am in third and hope to get fourth soon.
May 12, 2025
it was good, it wasn't a crap I can't put this down. a few unexpected twists that I enjoyed!
June 30, 2013
This was a good story but was let down by the amount of mistakes in it and too much religion too. I'd seen mention of the religious aspect in other reviews but I've read other books where it's been mentioned and it's really not been an issue. There was too much of it in this book, though. It seemed to get worse as I went along as well !!
There were a lot of errors-lost speechmarks, random hyphens (in-dication/photo-graphs), missed apostrophes galore and the obligatory misspelling of poring/pored. That is oft-repeated in books by American authors. Strait-jacket and wracked were also spelt wrong.
There were also the odd moments when it seemed hard to believe someone would have said what they did such as a policeman telling a mother whose baby was missing, "you're not helping your daughter with all these hysterics" !! It wouldn't be something that was said in that situation.
All in all, it was an interesting tale but I'd not bother with anymore in the series.
There were a lot of errors-lost speechmarks, random hyphens (in-dication/photo-graphs), missed apostrophes galore and the obligatory misspelling of poring/pored. That is oft-repeated in books by American authors. Strait-jacket and wracked were also spelt wrong.
There were also the odd moments when it seemed hard to believe someone would have said what they did such as a policeman telling a mother whose baby was missing, "you're not helping your daughter with all these hysterics" !! It wouldn't be something that was said in that situation.
All in all, it was an interesting tale but I'd not bother with anymore in the series.
August 3, 2012
In A Perfect World…
Abduction starts out with great promise but then the ‘can’t-stand-each-other-but-can’t-help-myself” that is so typical of romance novels takes over and the story takes a turn for the worse. Relationship issues are resolved just because. A psychic gains and loses her psychic ability. A very mousy woman suddenly develops courage with no setbacks.
Its saving grace is its mysteries: The missing man and the serial killer.
Abduction starts out with great promise but then the ‘can’t-stand-each-other-but-can’t-help-myself” that is so typical of romance novels takes over and the story takes a turn for the worse. Relationship issues are resolved just because. A psychic gains and loses her psychic ability. A very mousy woman suddenly develops courage with no setbacks.
Its saving grace is its mysteries: The missing man and the serial killer.
January 27, 2015
3 1/2 stars. A good, solid suspense novel, though a little dated now as far as technology. Dyson kept me guessing for most of the book, and that's always enjoyable in a suspense novel. However, I do wish a few more things would've been explained. Such as, how and when did Zoe obtain her psychic gift? I would've liked to understand that better. Still, a worthwhile read if you don't mind a story where a killer does kill children (though it's not shown thankfully).
March 5, 2012
This book was fantastic. The author did a fantastic job with keeping this story alive through the entire book. I could not put this book down. The story kept taking on new life all the way to the final chapter. My only regret is that now I have to wait til Nov. to read the next book. I am going to learn one day to not pick up a series until the author has written the entire story line.
July 27, 2011
This was a great mystery. Fun to read much like James Patterson's books but incorporating God into it. I really enjoyed this - finished it in one day. Glad it is a series because now I feel invested in these characters!
December 4, 2008
I enjoyed this book.
September 23, 2007
Good mystery. Will be looking foward to reading the other books in the series.
March 2, 2008
Good suspense book
June 12, 2008
An interesting inspirational mystery. A "good read".
September 7, 2008
HOLY COW(not that they are holy)!!!! GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD read!!! HIGHLY RECOMENDED
November 22, 2009
I loved it so much. it is about peoples childern getting abdicted!!
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August 4, 2011Not bad. Awesome twists & turns. I believe in God, but this book took it too far & was very blatant in throwing it in my face.
September 27, 2011
HOLY COW(not that they are holy)!!!! GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD read!!! HIGHLY RECOMENDED
June 8, 2012
Intense book - about dealing with a child serial killer - BUT - great Christian message throughout the book!
January 30, 2013
murder, mystery, and mayhem. This book has it all. I didn't quite feel it was a 4 star book, but I can definitely see why some people gave it that rating.
November 30, 2013
Love a book that keeps you guessing and this one certainly does, almost to the very end. Anxious to read the next one in the series.
November 30, 2013
Not really my style. Read it because I was bored.
October 23, 2014
terrifying. DO NOT READ BEFORE BED.
December 13, 2009
Love it everytime i read it
January 29, 2014
Lame. Totally unbelievable. I'd write more, but I don't want to waste anymore time on this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews