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The One Who Got Away
The next chilling thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR…“Get out while you can. You’ll die here…”
Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.
When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.
But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.
Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…
A compelling serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR, perfect for fans of A.J Finn, K.L. Slater and Teresa Driscoll.
What readers are saying about The One Who Got
“Wow! I totally loved this book! I was gripped from the very beginning and it never let go. Such a dark and twisted tale about real life scary situations.”
“A delicious domestic thriller!”
“Such a great read. The plot and storyline were very well done. I could not put it down. Read in one day.”
“Tense chilling kept me reading late in to the night. My favorite type of multi-layered and a twist on each page. Kept me guessing to the end.”
“I was totally gripped”
“It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start . I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.”
“Literary magic… For lovers of a proper psychological thriller that truly lives up to its name, The One Who Got Away is the one you won't want to get away.”
“Oh my, what a little beauty this is!… The story escalates in intensity… a book that I couldn't put down. There are some real shockers to come and an ending that knocked the wind out of me!”
“An edge of your seat thriller.”
“I wanted to pick up where I left off as soon as I could.”
Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.
When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.
But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.
Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…
A compelling serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR, perfect for fans of A.J Finn, K.L. Slater and Teresa Driscoll.
What readers are saying about The One Who Got
“Wow! I totally loved this book! I was gripped from the very beginning and it never let go. Such a dark and twisted tale about real life scary situations.”
“A delicious domestic thriller!”
“Such a great read. The plot and storyline were very well done. I could not put it down. Read in one day.”
“Tense chilling kept me reading late in to the night. My favorite type of multi-layered and a twist on each page. Kept me guessing to the end.”
“I was totally gripped”
“It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start . I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.”
“Literary magic… For lovers of a proper psychological thriller that truly lives up to its name, The One Who Got Away is the one you won't want to get away.”
“Oh my, what a little beauty this is!… The story escalates in intensity… a book that I couldn't put down. There are some real shockers to come and an ending that knocked the wind out of me!”
“An edge of your seat thriller.”
“I wanted to pick up where I left off as soon as I could.”
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2019
251 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Detwiler
29 books303 followersL.A. Detwiler is the USA TODAY Bestselling thriller author of The Widow Next Door with HarperCollins UK and several other chilling page-turners. Her novel The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter was awarded the bronze medal for thrillers by Readers' Favorite and also translated into Polish. Her novels are noted for their dark, emotional depth and realistic portrayals of haunting topics.
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 31, 2019
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
There were too many things that although are fiction and I took it as that, may, in other readers make them concerned.
It’s set in an old people’s home. A place where staff are meant to look after them.
And if there’s several topics that can start upset and friction it’s politics, religion, children suffering or elderly folk,
And this hits one of them.
It’s difficult putting a parent into a nursing home, it’s usually the last resort. We see this in this book. Her daughter is struggling, so is she. But although she’s not happy to be put in this place she’s ‘trying’ to come to terms with this for her daughters sake.
She’s suffering from dementia. So her thoughts are in and out.
The thing is, the author leads us down a sinister path within the home itself.
There is a person/persons who are murdering the elderly. But they are dying any way.
Then to top this, the staff are suspect and abusive.
The writing itself was good. I followed it all well. And in any other situation this would have worked but this was set in a place that some readers are just going to feel uncomfortable with.
Those are my opinions and nothing against the author.
There were too many things that although are fiction and I took it as that, may, in other readers make them concerned.
It’s set in an old people’s home. A place where staff are meant to look after them.
And if there’s several topics that can start upset and friction it’s politics, religion, children suffering or elderly folk,
And this hits one of them.
It’s difficult putting a parent into a nursing home, it’s usually the last resort. We see this in this book. Her daughter is struggling, so is she. But although she’s not happy to be put in this place she’s ‘trying’ to come to terms with this for her daughters sake.
She’s suffering from dementia. So her thoughts are in and out.
The thing is, the author leads us down a sinister path within the home itself.
There is a person/persons who are murdering the elderly. But they are dying any way.
Then to top this, the staff are suspect and abusive.
The writing itself was good. I followed it all well. And in any other situation this would have worked but this was set in a place that some readers are just going to feel uncomfortable with.
Those are my opinions and nothing against the author.
February 15, 2020
Adeline Evans is an elderly woman with dementia. She's just moved into a care home. She has her good days and her bad days. She spends a lot of time in her past remembering her husband. The year was 1959. There had been a murderer on the loose targeting women. Then strange things start to happen in the nursing home. Is it her ind or is something sinister about to happen? Adeline receives cryptic messages, but she doesn't know who she can trust.
There were some nasty abusive workers in the care home. The story is told through multiple points of view. It also flips back and forward in time. I found this book a little confusing in parts. The ending came across as a little abrupt. The story does have a unique plotline. I did enjoy this story.
I would like to thank NetGalley HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author L.A. Detwiler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were some nasty abusive workers in the care home. The story is told through multiple points of view. It also flips back and forward in time. I found this book a little confusing in parts. The ending came across as a little abrupt. The story does have a unique plotline. I did enjoy this story.
I would like to thank NetGalley HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author L.A. Detwiler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
Disturbing, in many ways!
Adeline has had a chequered past, a brutal relationship with Oliver and being brought up in Crawley where at the time a manic killer who took delight in biting his victims was on the loose, her fortunes then changed and she was happily married to Charles for many years and with a lovely daughter Claire, she did, however, carry 2 secrets with her, 1 from most people, the other from everyone...
Present day and Adeline has moved into a nursing home, she has times when her dementia kicks in but other times when the horrors of the home are all too clear to her, from the evil, bullying staff to the other residents, most waiting to die, it depresses and upsets her and at times it did me too, very real and graphic descriptions of the elderly and their ailments made at times for an uncomfortable read and the staff, well, they were just shocking
But more than that some strange things are happening to Adeline, things no one believes, she recognises 1 then another of the residents and believes they are going to kill her!
Told in the present, the past and in newspaper headline form it is a fairly quick but chilling read, there are very few LOL moments, it is really well written though and atmospheric and the badness of the home seeps
through and made me grimace a lot of the way through
A little less description of how Adeline’s heart was beating in reaction to events was needed but thats a small point in what is a very unusual and unforgettably dark novel
Oh, and the ending, its grimly good
9/10
5 Stars
February 11, 2020
This book really was not for me. In the beginning I was enjoying it, but as the story progressed it become more and more out there and hard to believe. There seemed to me to be too many cliches and I lost interest in the story.
Thank you Harper Collins UK for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Thank you Harper Collins UK for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
April 7, 2021
An edge of your seat thriller! It will have you so on edge you will be checking under your bed and behind doors. A must read!
February 19, 2020
Yikes!! And double Yikes!! This book scared me. A killer on the loose in an old age nursing home tormenting Adeline Walker with notes. And nobody believed her as she had a touch of dementia sometimes.
My first book by L. A. Detwiler, I was quite taken in by the concept of the story. Fear at a vulnerable age along with health problems that affect the elderly together with a killer targeting them made this a chilling plot arc. I wouldn't say I connected with Adeline but my sympathies were evoked. I hoped she would get away and unmask the killer.
Secrets of the past slowly revealed themselves as I read her story. Abuse by the staff in the nursing home scared me. Certain sections made it an uncomfortable read. My heart bled for the truly vulnerable. The author kept the suspense going until the last few chapters. The final reveal was quite a shocker.
Overall, it was an thrilling read, especially in the last few chapters.
My first book by L. A. Detwiler, I was quite taken in by the concept of the story. Fear at a vulnerable age along with health problems that affect the elderly together with a killer targeting them made this a chilling plot arc. I wouldn't say I connected with Adeline but my sympathies were evoked. I hoped she would get away and unmask the killer.
Secrets of the past slowly revealed themselves as I read her story. Abuse by the staff in the nursing home scared me. Certain sections made it an uncomfortable read. My heart bled for the truly vulnerable. The author kept the suspense going until the last few chapters. The final reveal was quite a shocker.
Overall, it was an thrilling read, especially in the last few chapters.
February 9, 2020
Oh my, what a little beauty this is! Adeline Evans doesn't want to be a burden to her only child who has her own very busy life. So when Carol finds her a place in a residential home for the elderly, back in her home town, Adeline accepts that this is where she will see the rest of her days out in peace. Adeline has Dementia, with some days being better than others, but it will get worse as she loses more of her mind.
What you see isn't what you get in this place as many of the staff have a cruel streak in them. When Adeline begins to get disturbing messages it is put down to her deteriorating condition, making her frightened and confused even more. If no-one will believe her then she will have to find out if it is all real or not herself.
The story goes back and forth between the past, in 1959 when she was a young girl to present day in the home. Adeline was a bit of a wild card in her day and popular with a couple of young men. Around the same time, a number of young women were being abducted and found brutally murdered afterwards.
The story escalates in intensity both in the past and present making it a book that I couldn't put down. Adeline's condition is portrayed perfectly in the book, the frustrations she feels and the distress that it brings with it for her. Did I doubt Adeline, was she reliable? There are some real shockers to come and an ending that knocked the wind out of me!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
What you see isn't what you get in this place as many of the staff have a cruel streak in them. When Adeline begins to get disturbing messages it is put down to her deteriorating condition, making her frightened and confused even more. If no-one will believe her then she will have to find out if it is all real or not herself.
The story goes back and forth between the past, in 1959 when she was a young girl to present day in the home. Adeline was a bit of a wild card in her day and popular with a couple of young men. Around the same time, a number of young women were being abducted and found brutally murdered afterwards.
The story escalates in intensity both in the past and present making it a book that I couldn't put down. Adeline's condition is portrayed perfectly in the book, the frustrations she feels and the distress that it brings with it for her. Did I doubt Adeline, was she reliable? There are some real shockers to come and an ending that knocked the wind out of me!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
April 19, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up. I liked the interesting setting, an elderly care home, and the unreliability of the narrator (because we know she has dementia). But the other narration was a little off-putting. The elderly abuse was upsetting to imagine. The end felt a bit muddled and abrupt but I did like that it all wrapped up and I did feel compelled to find out how the story ended. So while I liked this one, there were enough topics that were tough to read and just an okay end.
February 4, 2020
It was an okay book but a wild story lol...I can’t believe it!
It was confused to see her so lost and confused which person who comes after her and killed her the most but he did push her down the stairs so she tried to fights him in the end but he always wins! So sad to see her gone..
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...
It was confused to see her so lost and confused which person who comes after her and killed her the most but he did push her down the stairs so she tried to fights him in the end but he always wins! So sad to see her gone..
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...
March 8, 2020
The One Who Got Away is a book that could have quite easily passed me by, but I am so glad I read it. When I did start reading, I did wonder how a psychological thriller was going to work set in a care home for the elderly, but once I got into the book, I just couldn’t stop reading. It did remind me of when I used to visit my great-grandmother in a care home, but unlike the care home in this book, she really enjoyed living there and never wanted to leave. The author, L.A. Detwiler, paints a vivid portrayal of how vulnerable those suffering with dementia are. It is quite a tough read at times, but I found it utterly compelling, and I liked how L.A. Detwiler tied everything up with a series of murders that happened in the 50s which have remained unsolved.
This is a novel with a real difference. We meet Adeline who is close to the end of her life and her daughter, Claire, has taken the difficult decision of moving her into a care home, believing that her mother will be safe there. Adeline is beginning to suffer from dementia, and she knows from the moment she steps over the threshold into the home that this will be her final destination. But things are not all they seem at the home, and soon ghosts from her past start to haunt her as she recalls the terrible choice she made decades earlier, which has had an impact on her for the rest of her life.
L.A. Detwiler did a brilliant job at creating a claustrophobic setting. There were some really horrible characters working in the home which do make it quite uncomfortable to read at time. There have been some cases in the news recently where elderly residents have been abused in care homes, and it is a sickening idea to think about. It makes you think that these types of people have no right to be in the position that they are.
As we begin to learn more about Adeline’s past, we begin to realise that she is harbouring a devastating secret, and I wanted to find out what happened in her past. At the time when she was growing up, a terrifying serial killer was targeting women in her hometown, and the killer was never caught. I was desperate to know who the killer was, and I kept thinking about two potential suspects. As the author revealed more about what happened during that time, I did manage to guess who the killer was, so the final reveals didn’t come as a complete surprise to me, but I really liked how the book ended and how different it was. I really didn’t expect it to end this way and I don’t think I’ll be forgetting about it for a long time.
If you’re looking for a book that stands out in the psychological thriller market, this is definitely one that you need to read. L.A. Detwiler’s highly intriguing plot drew me in from the first page. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.
This is a novel with a real difference. We meet Adeline who is close to the end of her life and her daughter, Claire, has taken the difficult decision of moving her into a care home, believing that her mother will be safe there. Adeline is beginning to suffer from dementia, and she knows from the moment she steps over the threshold into the home that this will be her final destination. But things are not all they seem at the home, and soon ghosts from her past start to haunt her as she recalls the terrible choice she made decades earlier, which has had an impact on her for the rest of her life.
L.A. Detwiler did a brilliant job at creating a claustrophobic setting. There were some really horrible characters working in the home which do make it quite uncomfortable to read at time. There have been some cases in the news recently where elderly residents have been abused in care homes, and it is a sickening idea to think about. It makes you think that these types of people have no right to be in the position that they are.
As we begin to learn more about Adeline’s past, we begin to realise that she is harbouring a devastating secret, and I wanted to find out what happened in her past. At the time when she was growing up, a terrifying serial killer was targeting women in her hometown, and the killer was never caught. I was desperate to know who the killer was, and I kept thinking about two potential suspects. As the author revealed more about what happened during that time, I did manage to guess who the killer was, so the final reveals didn’t come as a complete surprise to me, but I really liked how the book ended and how different it was. I really didn’t expect it to end this way and I don’t think I’ll be forgetting about it for a long time.
If you’re looking for a book that stands out in the psychological thriller market, this is definitely one that you need to read. L.A. Detwiler’s highly intriguing plot drew me in from the first page. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.
July 1, 2020
This was a book that verged on the very dark and twisted. It is told over two main timelines and by two people. One of them is Adeline Evans, she has recently moved into a home for the elderly. She has signs of dementia and is forgetful, easily agitated and since her arrival, the home hasn’t been quite the same. The other voice is that of the killer.
Adeline’s story is told as her time as a 19-year-old. In her home of West Sussex, there have been disappearances of girls, their bodies turning mutilated. There is a serial killer on the loose and the police have no idea who it is.
Now as much as I liked this book I did feel that I was impatient while reading it. My impatience made it feel as if the story was dragging slightly. There are various topics that come to light in this story, one is the mutilation of the bodies and the other is of unprofessional practices in a home and I do admit to these not being my favourite topic in a book, but saying that it does add to the dark and twisted nature of the killer and also to how Adeline was so easily dismissed in some of the things she mentions.
This was a good read, as I mentioned I did feel it was a little slow in places but I still found it was quite addictive as I really needed to know all the answers. The story was quite complex with various things going on and I was kept on my toes until the author was ready to drop a hint. This hint was one that left me with an “Oh, it’s …” a sort of eureka moment if you like.
One for crime, thriller readers that is quite addictive and well-plotted and one I would recommend reading.
Adeline’s story is told as her time as a 19-year-old. In her home of West Sussex, there have been disappearances of girls, their bodies turning mutilated. There is a serial killer on the loose and the police have no idea who it is.
Now as much as I liked this book I did feel that I was impatient while reading it. My impatience made it feel as if the story was dragging slightly. There are various topics that come to light in this story, one is the mutilation of the bodies and the other is of unprofessional practices in a home and I do admit to these not being my favourite topic in a book, but saying that it does add to the dark and twisted nature of the killer and also to how Adeline was so easily dismissed in some of the things she mentions.
This was a good read, as I mentioned I did feel it was a little slow in places but I still found it was quite addictive as I really needed to know all the answers. The story was quite complex with various things going on and I was kept on my toes until the author was ready to drop a hint. This hint was one that left me with an “Oh, it’s …” a sort of eureka moment if you like.
One for crime, thriller readers that is quite addictive and well-plotted and one I would recommend reading.
December 11, 2019
Adeline Evans and elderly lady suffering from Dementia agrees to go into a nursing home,there she has good days and bad days.One thing addy does remember is the summer of 1959 when a killer was on the loose the town was in a panic but addy starts getting cryptic messages but doesn't know who to tell as she does not trust anyone.I enjoyed reading this book Thank you.5*
February 18, 2020
This book is about a woman who is put into an assisted living facility and begins to fear for her life. The basic premise is a good one. It is just where the story goes from there, or maybe more so where the story was to get to here? I ended the book not being able to believe a lot of what the reader needed to accept to buy in to the story. A 60 year long grudge? The coincidence that the people involved in the situation all ended up in the same nursing home? On the same floor? With an inattentive and abusive nursing staff? I realize it is fiction and therefore the author can make whatever is needed happen, but at some point it crosses over and becomes completely unbelievable! Add to that an epilogue that was completely unnecessary left a dissatisfied taste in my mouth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
January 14, 2020
I read The One Who Got Away over a couple of days and whilst I liked the book, I didn’t love it. The premise of the book was intriguing and I felt like I would be in for a gripping and thrilling page turner. However I felt it lacked something. Although well written it just didn’t have the wow factor for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the chance to review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the chance to review.
November 4, 2019
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book, like the author’s previous, was just too twisted for color TV. But I loved every minute. I would be really scared to meet this writer in a dark alley, but the books amuse
Solid four batshit stars
This book, like the author’s previous, was just too twisted for color TV. But I loved every minute. I would be really scared to meet this writer in a dark alley, but the books amuse
Solid four batshit stars
May 30, 2020
Disturbing on so many levels, THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY is a somewhat unique but scary concept. It makes you stop and think what if this really happened. Unlikely, I know, but with some of the unsavoury things that do often go undetected in aged care homes, it does make you wonder.
The story begins in the present day with Adeline Evans, an elderly woman nearing 80, who has moved into a aged care home. Adeline has the early stages of dementia so her memory is not what it used to be, often playing tricks on her and leaving her questioning the validity of everything she knows. But it's not just the care home that Adeline is worried about - it's the fact that her daughter Claire has brought her back to where her nightmares began sixty years ago. A place she vowed she would never return. A place where old memories begin to resurface.
It was 1959 and Adeline Walker was 19 years old. Having moved from their previous place under somewhat dubious circumstances three years previous, her parents wanted a new start for themselves and their only daughter in West Green, Crawley. But life has not turned out how she, nor her parents, had envisioned. Her mother wanted more for her only daughter and set her sights on the most eligible bachelor in town - Oliver Parsons. But Oliver was not who he appeared to be and when Addy broke off with him, the repercussions were relentless.
But Adeline had also gained the attention of another admirer. Someone who remained in the shadows. Someone who watched and waited and bides his time. A killer with an appetite beyond all measures who snatched his victims and left bite marks all over their bodies, some dismembered. Each of his kills were the lead up to his grand finale that was to be Adeline Walker. But with six women living in such close proximity having been brutally murdered, Adeline's parents decided it was time to move...for fear their daughter may be next. But Adeline was going nowhere without Charles. So they made their own plans to escape in the middle of the night, catching the first train out of Crawley and never looking back.
Now sixty years later, having been happily married for many years before Charles' death the previous year, Addy now finds herself in Smith Creek Manor Care Home where the past begins to haunt her. Strange things start happening - at first little things - but disturbing nonetheless. Notes left on her noticeboard, Bible verses damning her to hell, mice in the bed, blood on the walls, her photos smashed. There is a man she recognises from her past and another who seems vaguely familiar who stares at her daily from his window - do these men mean her harm? Then her only friend dies suddenly after she discovers something important she was about to disclose to her. But no one believes Addy when she tries telling them what's happening and that someone is trying to kill her. It's just dismissed as "the confused mind of dementia".
Added to that is the disgraceful behaviour of some of the bullying staff who spare no thought to the elderly residents in their care, abusing them constantly on a daily basis. But who will listen to the cries of an old woman whose addled brain is decaying from dementia?
Told in the past, the present and in newspaper clippings, THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY is a chilling read that is both shocking and confronting. As secrets of the past are slowly revealed, we learn more about Adeline and her dubious past and the fear that plagues her now.
THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY is an atmospheric read as the fear and vulnerability of those within the walls of a care home, that is supposed to care for its residents, is downright disturbing. As is the past that is equally chilling.
My first read by L.A. Detwiler and it is such a thrilling read that while I pieced together parts of the puzzle early on, the ending was rather unexpected. But a thrilling and chilling read which I thoroughly recommend for fans of psychological and domestic thrillers.
I would like to thank #LindsayDetwiler, #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheOneWhoGotAway in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story begins in the present day with Adeline Evans, an elderly woman nearing 80, who has moved into a aged care home. Adeline has the early stages of dementia so her memory is not what it used to be, often playing tricks on her and leaving her questioning the validity of everything she knows. But it's not just the care home that Adeline is worried about - it's the fact that her daughter Claire has brought her back to where her nightmares began sixty years ago. A place she vowed she would never return. A place where old memories begin to resurface.
It was 1959 and Adeline Walker was 19 years old. Having moved from their previous place under somewhat dubious circumstances three years previous, her parents wanted a new start for themselves and their only daughter in West Green, Crawley. But life has not turned out how she, nor her parents, had envisioned. Her mother wanted more for her only daughter and set her sights on the most eligible bachelor in town - Oliver Parsons. But Oliver was not who he appeared to be and when Addy broke off with him, the repercussions were relentless.
But Adeline had also gained the attention of another admirer. Someone who remained in the shadows. Someone who watched and waited and bides his time. A killer with an appetite beyond all measures who snatched his victims and left bite marks all over their bodies, some dismembered. Each of his kills were the lead up to his grand finale that was to be Adeline Walker. But with six women living in such close proximity having been brutally murdered, Adeline's parents decided it was time to move...for fear their daughter may be next. But Adeline was going nowhere without Charles. So they made their own plans to escape in the middle of the night, catching the first train out of Crawley and never looking back.
Now sixty years later, having been happily married for many years before Charles' death the previous year, Addy now finds herself in Smith Creek Manor Care Home where the past begins to haunt her. Strange things start happening - at first little things - but disturbing nonetheless. Notes left on her noticeboard, Bible verses damning her to hell, mice in the bed, blood on the walls, her photos smashed. There is a man she recognises from her past and another who seems vaguely familiar who stares at her daily from his window - do these men mean her harm? Then her only friend dies suddenly after she discovers something important she was about to disclose to her. But no one believes Addy when she tries telling them what's happening and that someone is trying to kill her. It's just dismissed as "the confused mind of dementia".
Added to that is the disgraceful behaviour of some of the bullying staff who spare no thought to the elderly residents in their care, abusing them constantly on a daily basis. But who will listen to the cries of an old woman whose addled brain is decaying from dementia?
Told in the past, the present and in newspaper clippings, THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY is a chilling read that is both shocking and confronting. As secrets of the past are slowly revealed, we learn more about Adeline and her dubious past and the fear that plagues her now.
THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY is an atmospheric read as the fear and vulnerability of those within the walls of a care home, that is supposed to care for its residents, is downright disturbing. As is the past that is equally chilling.
My first read by L.A. Detwiler and it is such a thrilling read that while I pieced together parts of the puzzle early on, the ending was rather unexpected. But a thrilling and chilling read which I thoroughly recommend for fans of psychological and domestic thrillers.
I would like to thank #LindsayDetwiler, #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheOneWhoGotAway in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 27, 2020
Time taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon books
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
The next chilling thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR…
“Get out while you can. You’ll die here…”
Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.
When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.
But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.
Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…
A compelling serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR, perfect for fans of A.J Finn, K.L. Slater and Teresa Driscoll.
My Review
Adeline Evans is our main character, a new diagnosis of early dementia and losing her husband relatively recently, her and her daughter agree it is time for a nursing home. Adeline still has her wits, for the most part and the biggest issue is being back in her hometown. Her daughter Claire wanted them both back there after her father brought the town to her attention. Adeline is furious, after everything they ran away from, why why would he do this. Adjusting to a nursing and her condition is task enough but some of the residents and staff are downright hostile. When she makes a friend she is warned that not everything is as it seems and she needs to keep her head down if she wants to stay safe!
Eeek so the book splits into a few parts, present day and back to when Adeline was a teen and the drawn out what she ended up running from. We soon come to know there is a serial killer operating in Adeline's home town. She also has issues from her past she is struggling to stay ahead of, she just wants to be with her new love & free of her nagging parents. We also hear from the killer and snippets of news reports covering the killings.
I did much prefer the past parts of the book, it worked better for me and I felt compelled to read because I wanted to know the who, why and what of it all. Present day - the nursing home, there was so much, even suspending reality I found myself getting a bit annoyed and ratty with the present chapters. Some of the characters are truly horrific, horrible, abusive and nasty and some of the best books have these "baddies" such as they are but I found myself thinking really? several times. I wanted retribution, comeuppance and a bit more of the why.
I also thinks the fact it was in first person narrative helps create the real feel of someone with dementia, the confusion and fear with their thoughts however I found it confusing at times. It certainly lends an authentic feel/voice to the character and how they are struggling and experiencing everything that is happening to them. I feel like I am being quite harsh and I didn't hate the book but I got really frustrated, I would have liked to have reached in and shouted "What are you doing, DO THIS, DO THAT". Even with present day Adeline you can forgive some of the reactions but young Adeline, some points I was like WHY WOULD YOU NOT DO X,Y,Z. Some people absolutely loved this book so don't take my grumpy moaning take because I did say I didn't hate it, I did enjoy parts of it and think she gave Adeline (modern day) an authentic voice I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. 2.5/5 for me, this was my first time reading this author, I would absolutely read her other books - this one just sadly wasn't the best fit for me.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon books
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
The next chilling thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR…
“Get out while you can. You’ll die here…”
Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.
When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.
But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.
Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…
A compelling serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of THE WIDOW NEXT DOOR, perfect for fans of A.J Finn, K.L. Slater and Teresa Driscoll.
My Review
Adeline Evans is our main character, a new diagnosis of early dementia and losing her husband relatively recently, her and her daughter agree it is time for a nursing home. Adeline still has her wits, for the most part and the biggest issue is being back in her hometown. Her daughter Claire wanted them both back there after her father brought the town to her attention. Adeline is furious, after everything they ran away from, why why would he do this. Adjusting to a nursing and her condition is task enough but some of the residents and staff are downright hostile. When she makes a friend she is warned that not everything is as it seems and she needs to keep her head down if she wants to stay safe!
Eeek so the book splits into a few parts, present day and back to when Adeline was a teen and the drawn out what she ended up running from. We soon come to know there is a serial killer operating in Adeline's home town. She also has issues from her past she is struggling to stay ahead of, she just wants to be with her new love & free of her nagging parents. We also hear from the killer and snippets of news reports covering the killings.
I did much prefer the past parts of the book, it worked better for me and I felt compelled to read because I wanted to know the who, why and what of it all. Present day - the nursing home, there was so much, even suspending reality I found myself getting a bit annoyed and ratty with the present chapters. Some of the characters are truly horrific, horrible, abusive and nasty and some of the best books have these "baddies" such as they are but I found myself thinking really? several times. I wanted retribution, comeuppance and a bit more of the why.
I also thinks the fact it was in first person narrative helps create the real feel of someone with dementia, the confusion and fear with their thoughts however I found it confusing at times. It certainly lends an authentic feel/voice to the character and how they are struggling and experiencing everything that is happening to them. I feel like I am being quite harsh and I didn't hate the book but I got really frustrated, I would have liked to have reached in and shouted "What are you doing, DO THIS, DO THAT". Even with present day Adeline you can forgive some of the reactions but young Adeline, some points I was like WHY WOULD YOU NOT DO X,Y,Z. Some people absolutely loved this book so don't take my grumpy moaning take because I did say I didn't hate it, I did enjoy parts of it and think she gave Adeline (modern day) an authentic voice I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. 2.5/5 for me, this was my first time reading this author, I would absolutely read her other books - this one just sadly wasn't the best fit for me.
May 21, 2023
Unique Thriller!
This has to be the first time a story took the reader over the mind of a serial killer well into his senior year of life. The fact that he had a plan that targeted several women and Addy was the last one on his list. The story maps through over 60 years,
where Addy ran away from her life at 19 years old, not knowing that she also ran away from her death. The book took the reader back and forth from 1959 to the present, where both Addy and the serial killer ended up in the same nursing home. Him, knowing that she was there and her, not knowing he was the one who killed in her neigherhood during the summer of 1959.
I gave this book 4 stars because the first 60% of the book moved very slowly. I was constantly wondering, "What was the terrible thing?" Addy had done. It became so frustrating that I even thought of not finishing the book. However, I am glad that I did. When the reader gets past this point in the book, the story picks up, and the person who you thought was the killer wasn't the person you expected.
The writer does a good job with getting in the mind of those in their senior years and the struggle with the start of dementia. It was truly heartbreaking to read about the state of Abby in the nursing home environment. Her vulnerability in that environment. Not being believed and knowing that she was in danger.
I was also sad and dissappointment with the ending. I won't spoil it. But it was definitely unexpected.
Overall, this was a good read!
This has to be the first time a story took the reader over the mind of a serial killer well into his senior year of life. The fact that he had a plan that targeted several women and Addy was the last one on his list. The story maps through over 60 years,
where Addy ran away from her life at 19 years old, not knowing that she also ran away from her death. The book took the reader back and forth from 1959 to the present, where both Addy and the serial killer ended up in the same nursing home. Him, knowing that she was there and her, not knowing he was the one who killed in her neigherhood during the summer of 1959.
I gave this book 4 stars because the first 60% of the book moved very slowly. I was constantly wondering, "What was the terrible thing?" Addy had done. It became so frustrating that I even thought of not finishing the book. However, I am glad that I did. When the reader gets past this point in the book, the story picks up, and the person who you thought was the killer wasn't the person you expected.
The writer does a good job with getting in the mind of those in their senior years and the struggle with the start of dementia. It was truly heartbreaking to read about the state of Abby in the nursing home environment. Her vulnerability in that environment. Not being believed and knowing that she was in danger.
I was also sad and dissappointment with the ending. I won't spoil it. But it was definitely unexpected.
Overall, this was a good read!
May 8, 2021
This was a “I liked it, but....”
Story was compelling. Our elderly protagonist Adeline is a widow with early stage dementia and has been reluctantly put into aged care by her only daughter. I liked Adeline a lot and I really felt for her.
Through flashbacks, we learn about Adeline’s life in the late 50’s as a young woman, how she meets her husband, about her abusive ex and about the murders of young women occurring in her area at the time.
I read this under its original title, The One who got Away, and that’s what Adeline was, the intended final victim who ran away before she was caught and killed.
Some of the POV is from the killer, whose identity is not confirmed until the end. The feeling is it was probably the abusive ex, Oliver, and when Adeline realises Oliver is actually in the home with her, it seems likely it is.
Okay, if you’re reading this for spoilers, it’s obviously not Oliver. Oliver is actually my problem with this. He is pissed at Adeline because she had an abortion behind his back and she did that because he was physically and emotionally abusive and a disgusting piece of work. I really felt like there was too much sympathy at the end for what Adeline “took” from him.
I also felt banged over the head by the hell and damnation and the guilt. I feel like Adeline died in the end as the author needed her punished for her mortal sin.
Please. Adeline was a strong and likeable heroine. Regret is fine, but spare me the blame shit.
Story was compelling. Our elderly protagonist Adeline is a widow with early stage dementia and has been reluctantly put into aged care by her only daughter. I liked Adeline a lot and I really felt for her.
Through flashbacks, we learn about Adeline’s life in the late 50’s as a young woman, how she meets her husband, about her abusive ex and about the murders of young women occurring in her area at the time.
I read this under its original title, The One who got Away, and that’s what Adeline was, the intended final victim who ran away before she was caught and killed.
Some of the POV is from the killer, whose identity is not confirmed until the end. The feeling is it was probably the abusive ex, Oliver, and when Adeline realises Oliver is actually in the home with her, it seems likely it is.
Okay, if you’re reading this for spoilers, it’s obviously not Oliver. Oliver is actually my problem with this. He is pissed at Adeline because she had an abortion behind his back and she did that because he was physically and emotionally abusive and a disgusting piece of work. I really felt like there was too much sympathy at the end for what Adeline “took” from him.
I also felt banged over the head by the hell and damnation and the guilt. I feel like Adeline died in the end as the author needed her punished for her mortal sin.
Please. Adeline was a strong and likeable heroine. Regret is fine, but spare me the blame shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
This book was okay, but definitely not my favorite. I felt like the writing was very repetitive. It reminds me of when I was in college and I had an essay that had to be 10 pages but I was stuck at 6 and just had to stretch out the language in order to reach the assignments requirement. I was very intrigued in the beginning of the book, and it definitely had me enthralled, but as I continued reading, it became very cliché, and I pretty much figured out what was going on halfway through the book (which could possibly add to why I felt everything was so repetitive). In addition, I felt like there were a lot of abrupt endings to chapters, and the end of the book seemed rushed. I do enjoy books that change time and perspective, so I did enjoy that aspect. Overall though I felt Adeleine’s life to be very depressing and it was a pretty sad ending for her. I do wish she would have found more peace with her decision, and not felt so much guilt for what she did in the past. Lastly, given that the nursing home was taken place in 2019 I find it hard to believe that there would be such poor staffing and bad treatment of patients, so with that and some other additional parts of the plot (that I won’t say just so I don’t give away any spoilers) the book as a whole was pretty unrealistic (yes I know sometimes you have to suspend your beliefs on reality when reading certain books, but just my opinion wit this book).
September 4, 2022
I consider myself pretty lucky to have a local author whose books I enjoy so much, and The One Who Got Away was no exception. This was my first time reading one of her thrillers, and it did not let me down--this book went to some DARK places. The feeling of a claustrophobia and tension absolutely permeate the pages of this book. And I really loved how unique this story was--from the setting taking place inside a corrupt nursing home to Adeline's perspective. Her point-of-view put such a distinct twist on everything. Having dementia, she was, at times, an unreliable narrator, but it was also heartbreaking to read, at the same time. The pacing of the story does ebb and flow a bit, but the ending hit me like a sucker punch. I did NOT see that coming. I appreciate it so much when an author doesn't take the safe way out, and in this case, it just added to the overall bleakness and horror of this book.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am so glad to have read one of Lindsay's thrillers, finally. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am so glad to have read one of Lindsay's thrillers, finally. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels!
October 30, 2024
Not a bad read. The story takes place over two timelines, the present and 1959 when a serial killer is killing young women. The story in the present takes place in an aged care facility where Adeline Evans has moved into after the recent onset of dementia, where notes and other things are left threatening her, but Adeline is tormented by things in her past. I felt the present was dragged out too much and took away some of the tension. The serial killer is in the nursing home and Adeline was to be his final kill in 1959, but she got away, and now he has his opportunity to claim his final prize, his final victory.
March 5, 2024
This book is a very gripping read. It was very interesting to read from the perspective of Adeline, and elderly woman with dementia and see how she experiences life. She is different from any main character I’ve read before and very fascinating. The plot of the book was also very interesting and not something that I have read about before. The main downside of the book is that it was quite predictable. At no point was I surprised by anything that was happening and I saw the “twists” coming a mile off. The book was still enjoyable to read but more twists and turns would have made it better.
January 12, 2022
I’m actually surprised at how much I liked this book. The author kept things interesting alternating the POV between the main character in both past and present day as well as giving us a taste of the killer’s POV. Reading that perspective was bonechilling but incredibly creative and truly felt like it was written by a different person than the main character (which I LOVED). All around a solid, intriguing read. 4.1/5
February 26, 2020
Thrilling chilling twists and turns
One of the best thrillers I have read in a while! Guaranteed to make you look behind the doors and under the beds.
I simply could not put this one down. I finished it in 2 short sittings!
If your looking for thrills and chills, love books about serial killers look no further. This one has you covered.
One of the best thrillers I have read in a while! Guaranteed to make you look behind the doors and under the beds.
I simply could not put this one down. I finished it in 2 short sittings!
If your looking for thrills and chills, love books about serial killers look no further. This one has you covered.
May 22, 2020
Adeline has dementia and she doesn't want to be a burden to her daughter, so she moves into a home for the elderly. It's heartbreaking to see her so confused and lost. I had a hard time staying focused and finishing the book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK!
November 7, 2021
repetitive and boring
I disliked most of the characters in this book, although I was definitely hoping Adeline could come to her senses and stay alive, but she became a sniveling characature of old age. As for her daughter, Claire, she should have been much more alert to her mother’s disintegration and problems.
I disliked most of the characters in this book, although I was definitely hoping Adeline could come to her senses and stay alive, but she became a sniveling characature of old age. As for her daughter, Claire, she should have been much more alert to her mother’s disintegration and problems.
May 17, 2020
The one who got Away is a very unique thriller. This book follows the lives of the characters in the past and present tense. It’s a very different and interesting way this author writes her books. I will be looking for more books in the future from this Author.
January 21, 2024
A woman finds herself in a care center surrounded by people from her past with secrets. One of them wants her dead because she escaped his evil plan years ago, but as she tries to let others know about the danger, they do not believe her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2020
Loved this book but was disappointed with the ending. That’s why I only gave it 4 stars.
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