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Pray for the Girl
Joseph Souza, acclaimed author of The Neighbor , brings readers into the dark heart of a small town in this riveting, relentlessly twisting new novel . . .
Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she’s realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Lucy’s sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity—much like the refugees who’ve arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy’s time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy—who knows something about hiding secrets—must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
“Delivers one devilish twist after another, pulling you into the story and never letting go. A tightly paced suspense drawn with compellingly real characters, Souza’s newest domestic thriller is a genre-defining tour-de-force.”
— Steve Konkoly
Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she’s realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Lucy’s sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity—much like the refugees who’ve arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy’s time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy—who knows something about hiding secrets—must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
“Delivers one devilish twist after another, pulling you into the story and never letting go. A tightly paced suspense drawn with compellingly real characters, Souza’s newest domestic thriller is a genre-defining tour-de-force.”
— Steve Konkoly
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
65 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Souza
16 books88 followersJoseph Souza's award-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals throughout the country. Winner of the Andre Dubus Award for short fiction, he also won Honorable Mention for the Al Blanchard Award and the 2013 Maine Literary Award. His mystery, UNPAVED SURFACES, was published by Kindle Press in 2015 and was an Amazon bestseller. NEED TO FIND YOU, his crime thriller set in Portland, was the first novel to go direct-to-publish by Kindle Press. His new domestic thriller, THE NEIGHBOR (Kensington) will be published April 24, 2018. Visit josephsouza.net for more information about his work.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
Joseph can be contacted at souzajf@hotmail.com and on Twitter @josephsouza3. You can also visit his website to read more about Joseph. www.josephsouza.net.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
Joseph can be contacted at souzajf@hotmail.com and on Twitter @josephsouza3. You can also visit his website to read more about Joseph. www.josephsouza.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 3, 2019
EXCERPT: When I left New York City, I left with my suitcase filled with my best clothes (admittedly, not many), some personal stuff, a canvas roll of professional knives, and my ego in splinters. Heather was not exactly a happy camper when I gave my notice, which took effect immediately after saying 'I quit.' She was eight months pregnant at the time but looked ten, and most of her line cooks were junkies, or whack jobs. I felt bad about leaving like that. But shit happens in this business. I tried not to stare down at her pumpkin belly as I said the dreaded phrase. I tried not to dwell on the fact that her body would soon burst with life, something mine would never do. She was already short-staffed on the line, and the restaurant was packed to the gills night after night.
Heather was a victim of her own success. If I could have stayed and helped her until she found a replacement, I would have. But in the fragile state I'd descended into, I knew I wouldn't last another minute in that place. Dropping the ball in that fashion was a terrible thing to do, and considered one of the worst offenses in our profession. But what choice did I have? When the inner demons awaken from their deep slumber, there's not much one can do but let fate run its course.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she's realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Lucy's sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity--much like the refugees who've arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy's time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy--who knows something about hiding secrets--must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
MY THOUGHTS: Wow! And I don't often say this, but Wow! After d-n-fing a previous book by this author, he has taken me by surprise with Pray for the Girl. It is topical on more than one front, fast paced, and contains many surprises.
The author doesn't give much away. Particularly during the first part of the book, he makes the reader work for every nugget of information, but it is worth it. There are few likeable characters in this book, and few, if any, are what they seem.
There are so many current issues woven into the storyline: the struggle and disintegration of small town life; the refugee crisis; racial intolerance; drug abuse; veteran health, and others that I won't go into because to do so would give away valuable aspects of the plot. It is, amongst other things, a valuable social commentary.
This is a dark read but, despite the grim picture I may have painted, not a depressing one. It is a read that kept me turning pages long into the night, and continuing to read when I ought to have been packing for our upcoming move.
😊😊😊😊
THE AUTHOR: Joseph Souza's award-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals throughout the country. Winner of the Andre Dubus Award for short fiction, he also won Honorable Mention for the Al Blanchard Award and the 2013 Maine Literary Award. His mystery, UNPAVED SURFACES, was published by Kindle Press in 2015 and was an Amazon bestseller. NEED TO FIND YOU, his crime thriller set in Portland, was the first novel to go direct-to-publish by Kindle Press. Visit josephsouza.net for more information about his work.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Joseph Souza for providing me with a digital ARC of Pray for the Girl via Kensington Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Heather was a victim of her own success. If I could have stayed and helped her until she found a replacement, I would have. But in the fragile state I'd descended into, I knew I wouldn't last another minute in that place. Dropping the ball in that fashion was a terrible thing to do, and considered one of the worst offenses in our profession. But what choice did I have? When the inner demons awaken from their deep slumber, there's not much one can do but let fate run its course.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she's realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Lucy's sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity--much like the refugees who've arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy's time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy--who knows something about hiding secrets--must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
MY THOUGHTS: Wow! And I don't often say this, but Wow! After d-n-fing a previous book by this author, he has taken me by surprise with Pray for the Girl. It is topical on more than one front, fast paced, and contains many surprises.
The author doesn't give much away. Particularly during the first part of the book, he makes the reader work for every nugget of information, but it is worth it. There are few likeable characters in this book, and few, if any, are what they seem.
There are so many current issues woven into the storyline: the struggle and disintegration of small town life; the refugee crisis; racial intolerance; drug abuse; veteran health, and others that I won't go into because to do so would give away valuable aspects of the plot. It is, amongst other things, a valuable social commentary.
This is a dark read but, despite the grim picture I may have painted, not a depressing one. It is a read that kept me turning pages long into the night, and continuing to read when I ought to have been packing for our upcoming move.
😊😊😊😊
THE AUTHOR: Joseph Souza's award-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals throughout the country. Winner of the Andre Dubus Award for short fiction, he also won Honorable Mention for the Al Blanchard Award and the 2013 Maine Literary Award. His mystery, UNPAVED SURFACES, was published by Kindle Press in 2015 and was an Amazon bestseller. NEED TO FIND YOU, his crime thriller set in Portland, was the first novel to go direct-to-publish by Kindle Press. Visit josephsouza.net for more information about his work.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Joseph Souza for providing me with a digital ARC of Pray for the Girl via Kensington Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 27, 2019
Pray For The Girl by Joseph Souza - wow what a story! This book had me hooked straight away and I just wanted to keep reading. And that twist - I certainly didn't see that coming and I can't imagine that anybody else will either. There are so many layers to this story and it is one that you can relate to in some way. Fawn Grove is definitely not somewhere that I would want to live - so many unlikeable characters. This was the first book by Joseph Souza that I have read but it will not be the last.
The story is a tragic story in so many ways. Lucy Abbott is a war vet who has returned severely injured and a different person. War in Afghanistan has changed her and suffering from PTSD she leaves her job as a chef in Ney York City and comes back to Fawn Grove in Maine where she grew up to stay with her sister and family to recover and rest. When a 15 year old Muslim girl is murdered Lucy feels connected and memories of her time at war come flooding back. She is determined to find out who killed the girl and why, especially as the local police don't seem to have a clue. Lucy soon makes enemies in this racist town, full of unkind and downright nasty people but she is beyond caring.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Netgalley and Joseph Souza for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
The story is a tragic story in so many ways. Lucy Abbott is a war vet who has returned severely injured and a different person. War in Afghanistan has changed her and suffering from PTSD she leaves her job as a chef in Ney York City and comes back to Fawn Grove in Maine where she grew up to stay with her sister and family to recover and rest. When a 15 year old Muslim girl is murdered Lucy feels connected and memories of her time at war come flooding back. She is determined to find out who killed the girl and why, especially as the local police don't seem to have a clue. Lucy soon makes enemies in this racist town, full of unkind and downright nasty people but she is beyond caring.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Netgalley and Joseph Souza for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
May 23, 2019
Having read The Neighbor by Joseph Souza last year and remembering all the twists and turns in that story I knew I needed to read Pray for the Girl. Pray for the Girl again showcased that Joseph Souza seems to have completely mastered shock and awe in his novels.
In Pray for the Girl Lucy Abbott has returned to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine which she really didn’t think she’d see again not having such fond memories of the town. After fifteen years away, some while serving in Afghanistan where she was injured and lost both legs and now has prosthetic legs and then becoming a sous chef in New York, it’s now time to go back.
Hiding from the hustle and bustle of her New York life Lucy tries to make a way for herself in Fawn Grove. When Lucy hears the story of a murdered 15 year old Afghani refugee she feels a pull to solve the case thinking she may be the only one who would try to get justice for the girl.
When reading The Neighbor I didn’t particularly like the characters but the plot drew me in and made me curious only to discover a very twisted tale. Pray for the Girl definitely reminded me of those same feelings starting off although I will say these characters were not as bad and grew on me but the surprises are most definitely still present. Just as I started to think the book was becoming a bit slow a wake up call picked it all up and carried it on out so yes, another solid thriller readers should enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In Pray for the Girl Lucy Abbott has returned to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine which she really didn’t think she’d see again not having such fond memories of the town. After fifteen years away, some while serving in Afghanistan where she was injured and lost both legs and now has prosthetic legs and then becoming a sous chef in New York, it’s now time to go back.
Hiding from the hustle and bustle of her New York life Lucy tries to make a way for herself in Fawn Grove. When Lucy hears the story of a murdered 15 year old Afghani refugee she feels a pull to solve the case thinking she may be the only one who would try to get justice for the girl.
When reading The Neighbor I didn’t particularly like the characters but the plot drew me in and made me curious only to discover a very twisted tale. Pray for the Girl definitely reminded me of those same feelings starting off although I will say these characters were not as bad and grew on me but the surprises are most definitely still present. Just as I started to think the book was becoming a bit slow a wake up call picked it all up and carried it on out so yes, another solid thriller readers should enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 3, 2019
Holy Cow! This book is full of surprising twists and turns, none of which you anticipate or see coming. But they're delivered in a such brilliant way! This book ticks off all the boxes of what I look for in a thriller. Everything right from the beginning to the end is a one mad ride(in a really good way)!
The book is about a US army vet, Lucy Abbott back from Afghanistan. She moves back to her childhood home in Fawn Grove, a small town in Maine after overhearing a conversation about a murdered 15 year old Afghani refugee living in the town. She develops an intense need to solve the murder and bring justice to the girl who reminds her of another girl back in Afghanistan she couldn't save. Lucy, compelled to solve the murder (and blessed with mad culinary skills) sets out on finding who murdered the poor girl.
I found this book to be very compelling and twisted! The twists in here are so delicious, so well-written I stayed up well into the night just to finish reading this one. The ending too, in my opinion is brilliant!
Thanks to Joseph Souza, Netgalley and Kensington books for an arc!
The book is about a US army vet, Lucy Abbott back from Afghanistan. She moves back to her childhood home in Fawn Grove, a small town in Maine after overhearing a conversation about a murdered 15 year old Afghani refugee living in the town. She develops an intense need to solve the murder and bring justice to the girl who reminds her of another girl back in Afghanistan she couldn't save. Lucy, compelled to solve the murder (and blessed with mad culinary skills) sets out on finding who murdered the poor girl.
I found this book to be very compelling and twisted! The twists in here are so delicious, so well-written I stayed up well into the night just to finish reading this one. The ending too, in my opinion is brilliant!
Thanks to Joseph Souza, Netgalley and Kensington books for an arc!
April 3, 2019
NOT LIKE ANY OTHER NOVEL! Surprises, Mystery, and unique but odd characters grace these pages. The story line is a hero who is wounded in Afghanistan that returns to Fawn Grove. The WOW factor of this book is the part of Pray for the Girl's that sets it apart from other stories. Can Not Say much here without sharing too much. Does have some violent situations to note. "A copy of this book was provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
May 7, 2019
It’s time for one of those rare gushing reviews. (Sorry, but it’s got to be done.)
I loved this book. I got so lost in it that I burned something I had in the oven. The timer was set, but when it went off, it was ages before I heard it – I was just so into this.
In Pray For the Girl, author Joseph Souza brings us a town full of damaged people – a town that is slowly, but surely dying. When an influx of immigrants comes to the town, that slow death threatens to become a murderous inferno.
The characters are so well drawn, I could practically see them. And the tension in the town was so taut I could feel it. Lucy was especially vivid – no spoilers here, but I wanted to weep for her and cheer her successes.
I loved every moment of this. I was just sorry when it was over.
*ARC provided by Net Galley
I loved this book. I got so lost in it that I burned something I had in the oven. The timer was set, but when it went off, it was ages before I heard it – I was just so into this.
In Pray For the Girl, author Joseph Souza brings us a town full of damaged people – a town that is slowly, but surely dying. When an influx of immigrants comes to the town, that slow death threatens to become a murderous inferno.
The characters are so well drawn, I could practically see them. And the tension in the town was so taut I could feel it. Lucy was especially vivid – no spoilers here, but I wanted to weep for her and cheer her successes.
I loved every moment of this. I was just sorry when it was over.
*ARC provided by Net Galley
April 4, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up --There was a big twist in the book after part 2 which I did not see coming at all--up until then the book was a petty good tale of Lucy trying to find the murderer of an Afghani girl in her decaying home town. However, the book diverges from there and that is why I am rating it higher just because of that. If it had just stayed a whodunit it would have been average.. The character development of Lucy is fantastic. The author does such a good job describing her ailments-physical and mental --as she suffers greatly from PTSD among other things.
I recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about characters who can break your heart or make you flinch in disgust. There were a few of them in this book too.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.
I recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about characters who can break your heart or make you flinch in disgust. There were a few of them in this book too.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.
May 16, 2019
I appreciate what the author was trying to do in this book as it had a unique hook and portrayal of many sensitive issues. At the same time, it wasn’t preachy but the characters felt authentic. I am intrigued to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and the author Joseph Souza for a digital review copy. This book was first published April 30, 2019.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and the author Joseph Souza for a digital review copy. This book was first published April 30, 2019.
March 26, 2019
Pray for the Girl seems to have more twist than a reader might need. The story is intruding with a descent pace that readers can dive into and beg for more. The author has the ability to create a story that knows what it wants to be. The story pick up half way though the story keeping readers memorized.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
April 25, 2019
‘The girl’s body was found after a daylong search …’
Fawn Grove, Maine was a place that Lucy Abbott never expected to return to. It was part of a life that Lucy hoped to leave behind. She was injured during military service in Afghanistan and is haunted by what happened there. Lucy had a successful career as a chef in New York, but she’s carrying some heavy baggage from the past.
Back in Fawn Grove, Lucy is staying with her sister Wendy and her family. Outside her immediate family no one recognises her. The town has changed: there’s been an influx of Afghani refugees and not everyone is welcoming. Then a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered. This murder triggers memories of Lucy’s service in Afghanistan and she becomes quite obsessed by the case.
‘Why in the world would you care about any of that when you have your own issues to care about?’
Lucy starts her own investigation, taking her on a dangerous path into her own past. Who killed the fifteen-year-old girl, and why? And then there’s another murder, and another girl goes missing.
There are a couple of layers of mystery within this novel: some set in the present, others in the past. There are some thoroughly despicable characters, and a couple of quite interesting twists. One of these twists hooked me, another didn’t. While almost anything is believable in fiction, I found a couple of parts of the story difficult to accept.
The best part of the novel was Lucy. Mr Souza’s depiction of her life, past and struggles held my attention completely. Some aspects of how Lucy went about solving problems didn’t work for me. But then Fawn Grove is not a place in which I’d like to live either.
And the ending? You’ll have to read it for yourself.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Fawn Grove, Maine was a place that Lucy Abbott never expected to return to. It was part of a life that Lucy hoped to leave behind. She was injured during military service in Afghanistan and is haunted by what happened there. Lucy had a successful career as a chef in New York, but she’s carrying some heavy baggage from the past.
Back in Fawn Grove, Lucy is staying with her sister Wendy and her family. Outside her immediate family no one recognises her. The town has changed: there’s been an influx of Afghani refugees and not everyone is welcoming. Then a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered. This murder triggers memories of Lucy’s service in Afghanistan and she becomes quite obsessed by the case.
‘Why in the world would you care about any of that when you have your own issues to care about?’
Lucy starts her own investigation, taking her on a dangerous path into her own past. Who killed the fifteen-year-old girl, and why? And then there’s another murder, and another girl goes missing.
There are a couple of layers of mystery within this novel: some set in the present, others in the past. There are some thoroughly despicable characters, and a couple of quite interesting twists. One of these twists hooked me, another didn’t. While almost anything is believable in fiction, I found a couple of parts of the story difficult to accept.
The best part of the novel was Lucy. Mr Souza’s depiction of her life, past and struggles held my attention completely. Some aspects of how Lucy went about solving problems didn’t work for me. But then Fawn Grove is not a place in which I’d like to live either.
And the ending? You’ll have to read it for yourself.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 9, 2019
Lucy Abbott has returned home to Fawn Grove after being away for over fifteen years. First she served in Afghanistan, then she was a very successful sous chef in New York. When she hears of the murder if a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl, she is driven by memories and even voices to go back to Fawn Grove to get to the bottom of things.
Lucy does not have it easy, but her cousin gladly provides her a home in order to help her to adjust. This is a blessing, because things are more than awful. Not only is Lucy dealing with PTSD and other traumas due to the war, there are secrets and hatred in the town. Lucy is very pained by the racial inequality that is so prevalent.
This was a very sensitive story. This passage provides insight about the protagonist. “Was broken in more ways than one, What person in their right mind would want to be with a woman like me? A tortured mind to go along with a tortured body. Two prosthetics that hid my sorry past, although they were the least of my secrets. Then so close to a dishonorable discharge before the incident that cost me my legs. I spent two brutal years recovering at Walter Reed. Who in their right mind would want someone like me sleeping next to them at night?”
Lucy begins asking questions and befriends Dalton, the detective handling the case. Although she has very good reasons for keeping him at arm’s length, she is very drawn to him. Before long, another teen is found murdered. Eventually things get very dangerous for Lucy and she makes a very difficult decision.
What an effective read! I was completely drawn in by Lucy. In no way, however, was I expecting the massive twist that occurred during this story. There were some doubts about her as I read, especially as this story was delivered in first person. Despite my shock, I kept on reading with eager anticipation for the identification of the murderer of the girl, but also for Lucy to find peace in her life.
Pray for the Girl is a very well-rounded book. I have never read anything by Joseph Souza before, but I enjoyed this book so much that I am eager to place his backlist in my TBR. If he writes other stories that are equally as twisted as this book, then consider me a fan.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lucy does not have it easy, but her cousin gladly provides her a home in order to help her to adjust. This is a blessing, because things are more than awful. Not only is Lucy dealing with PTSD and other traumas due to the war, there are secrets and hatred in the town. Lucy is very pained by the racial inequality that is so prevalent.
This was a very sensitive story. This passage provides insight about the protagonist. “Was broken in more ways than one, What person in their right mind would want to be with a woman like me? A tortured mind to go along with a tortured body. Two prosthetics that hid my sorry past, although they were the least of my secrets. Then so close to a dishonorable discharge before the incident that cost me my legs. I spent two brutal years recovering at Walter Reed. Who in their right mind would want someone like me sleeping next to them at night?”
Lucy begins asking questions and befriends Dalton, the detective handling the case. Although she has very good reasons for keeping him at arm’s length, she is very drawn to him. Before long, another teen is found murdered. Eventually things get very dangerous for Lucy and she makes a very difficult decision.
What an effective read! I was completely drawn in by Lucy. In no way, however, was I expecting the massive twist that occurred during this story. There were some doubts about her as I read, especially as this story was delivered in first person. Despite my shock, I kept on reading with eager anticipation for the identification of the murderer of the girl, but also for Lucy to find peace in her life.
Pray for the Girl is a very well-rounded book. I have never read anything by Joseph Souza before, but I enjoyed this book so much that I am eager to place his backlist in my TBR. If he writes other stories that are equally as twisted as this book, then consider me a fan.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 15, 2019
I received this book via Netgalley to give an honest review.
So when I started the story I was intrigued then I started to lose a bit of interest and then at part 2 of the story everything picked back up and I was ready to see where it was going to head.
We are introduced to Lucy who left Fawn Grove (which I love the name), to get away from her past. Yet, she now back home. While here she will find herself in an adventure, that will not be fun. Now for a while I felt confused about Lucy and who she was and at first I thought her to be a drug addict when it kept saying she would stick herself followed by not leaving her room and the sunlight bothering her. Then it all made sense. I did like how Lucy really wanted to find out who murdered the young girl and was going to stop at nothing to make sure she found answers. Now the detective on the case Dalton he seemed to me a bit loose lips on the case. I do know that cops talk but man he was like giving things up that should have been kept quiet. I did like how the author did a good job with describing how the residents of Fawn Grove were with the immigrants coming and living within the community. You see this happen in real life and people are not always so happy about it. So for the author to write the way people would honestly be like it was good to see.
The author did a great job with bringing Lucy to life as a character from describing how she felt to what she was going through, to how she looked and dealt with different things.
This little town has more going on then it seems from murder, to arson, to spoiled kids doing what they want.
I think Lucy coming back to Fawn Grove was good for her as she could close her past without any regrets. I did like how it all came together and everything made sense.
So when I started the story I was intrigued then I started to lose a bit of interest and then at part 2 of the story everything picked back up and I was ready to see where it was going to head.
We are introduced to Lucy who left Fawn Grove (which I love the name), to get away from her past. Yet, she now back home. While here she will find herself in an adventure, that will not be fun. Now for a while I felt confused about Lucy and who she was and at first I thought her to be a drug addict when it kept saying she would stick herself followed by not leaving her room and the sunlight bothering her. Then it all made sense. I did like how Lucy really wanted to find out who murdered the young girl and was going to stop at nothing to make sure she found answers. Now the detective on the case Dalton he seemed to me a bit loose lips on the case. I do know that cops talk but man he was like giving things up that should have been kept quiet. I did like how the author did a good job with describing how the residents of Fawn Grove were with the immigrants coming and living within the community. You see this happen in real life and people are not always so happy about it. So for the author to write the way people would honestly be like it was good to see.
The author did a great job with bringing Lucy to life as a character from describing how she felt to what she was going through, to how she looked and dealt with different things.
This little town has more going on then it seems from murder, to arson, to spoiled kids doing what they want.
I think Lucy coming back to Fawn Grove was good for her as she could close her past without any regrets. I did like how it all came together and everything made sense.
April 19, 2019
A unique mystery about a girl returning to her hometown to help solve a crime (and confront her past demons). As many other reviews have stated, the twist in Book 2 is unexpected and brilliant. Highly recommend!
April 9, 2019
Fawn Grove, Maine is a small town full of small-minded people. It's been a long time since Lucy Abbott has come back to her hometown and some things have changed and some are fighting change.
The refugees who have settled here are not wanted. There is so much tension you could cut it with a knife. Everyone seems to be prejudiced and duplicitous. Kids, adults, no one is being honest.
After suffering in Afghanistan, Lucy is hiding her identity from everyone but her immediate family. No one in town recognizes her. After what happened to her over there she is having trouble just leaving her room.
She can't let go of the crimes happening in her own town. An Afghani girl buried up to her neck and stoned. A boy with his throat slit and an Islamic symbol left behind. Who is behind all of this hate and violence?
Well let me tell you this, the second half of the book there is a huge WOW! And the Wows just keep coming after that. The teenagers, including her own niece are absolutely despicable and you will have to read it to see just how bad they are.
One ending I did not see coming!
NetGalley/ April 30th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
The refugees who have settled here are not wanted. There is so much tension you could cut it with a knife. Everyone seems to be prejudiced and duplicitous. Kids, adults, no one is being honest.
After suffering in Afghanistan, Lucy is hiding her identity from everyone but her immediate family. No one in town recognizes her. After what happened to her over there she is having trouble just leaving her room.
She can't let go of the crimes happening in her own town. An Afghani girl buried up to her neck and stoned. A boy with his throat slit and an Islamic symbol left behind. Who is behind all of this hate and violence?
Well let me tell you this, the second half of the book there is a huge WOW! And the Wows just keep coming after that. The teenagers, including her own niece are absolutely despicable and you will have to read it to see just how bad they are.
One ending I did not see coming!
NetGalley/ April 30th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
March 29, 2019
Pray For The Girl by Joseph Souza
Thank you Net Galley, Kensington Books, and Joseph Souza for sending above book for review.
This is my second book by Joseph Souza and it won't be the last. Just like The Neighbors I enjoyed this book. I like how the Author described the town and people I felt like I was there. I also like his style of writing, the plot with it's twists and secrets, his character development, and the theme which is in our current time. It's always a good book when you can't predict the plot. You won't want to skip this book when it is published April 30th. This book is a great one for passing around to family and friends.
Lucy Abbott quits her job, leaves New York City and returns to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine after 14 years. Not long after returning the body of a Muslim teenage girl is discovered buried along the river. Soon Lucy feels like she has a purpose and is playing detective along side long time resident Detective Dalton and former classmate. This is probably my favorite part because of the way these two banter back and forth. Lucy stays with her sister Wendy and husband Russ who have a daughter Brynn. There's a few people introduced in the book but not too many. Some of them are not happy about the Muslims that have moved into their town a few years ago. But then another body is found. Who could be the killer?
This book review will be on Amazon, Good Reads, and BookBub.
Thank you Net Galley, Kensington Books, and Joseph Souza for sending above book for review.
This is my second book by Joseph Souza and it won't be the last. Just like The Neighbors I enjoyed this book. I like how the Author described the town and people I felt like I was there. I also like his style of writing, the plot with it's twists and secrets, his character development, and the theme which is in our current time. It's always a good book when you can't predict the plot. You won't want to skip this book when it is published April 30th. This book is a great one for passing around to family and friends.
Lucy Abbott quits her job, leaves New York City and returns to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine after 14 years. Not long after returning the body of a Muslim teenage girl is discovered buried along the river. Soon Lucy feels like she has a purpose and is playing detective along side long time resident Detective Dalton and former classmate. This is probably my favorite part because of the way these two banter back and forth. Lucy stays with her sister Wendy and husband Russ who have a daughter Brynn. There's a few people introduced in the book but not too many. Some of them are not happy about the Muslims that have moved into their town a few years ago. But then another body is found. Who could be the killer?
This book review will be on Amazon, Good Reads, and BookBub.
April 4, 2019
Within the first few pages of reading Joseph Souza’s latest thriller, Pray for the Girl, I knew I was in for a page-turner that would not stop churning. Having finished the book, I am happy to report I was right.
The story is set in the small town of Fawn Grove, Maine. It's here we meet Lucy Abbott who has returned after 15 years, most of the time working as a sous chef in New York City. Before that, Lucy was stationed in Afghanistan as a medic where she lost both her legs after an IED went off. Lucy’s life has not been easy since. Physical and psychological problems have plagued her. Returning to her hometown of Fawn Grove she is living with her wheelchair-bound (MS) sister, Wendy, her husband Russ and their teenage daughter Brynn. Lucy suffers flashback nightmares due to an honor killing she did not attempt to stop during her time in Afghanistan. Now upon her return, a teenage high school age Afghan girl is buried up to her neck and stoned to death. The local town Detective in charge of the investigation is anti-immigrant, and Lucy soon becomes obsessed with the case. Soon after, a second kid, a non-Afghani, turns up dead near the same field the girl was killed. While the first killing seemed like a ritual within the immigrant community, the question now arises as to why was a local boy killed. The deeper Lucy investigates, the more questions come up as to who is responsible.
In Lucy Abbott, Joseph Souza has created a character like no other. Pray for the Girl is a twisty, disturbing suspense thriller taking on issues of PTSD, bigotry, nationalism, and the continuing struggle of small-town America when the one local industry supporting most residents is on its last legs. The comfort and facade of peaceful small-town life hides dark, cruel secrets that are about to be exposed.
Note: I received an Advanced Review Copy
The story is set in the small town of Fawn Grove, Maine. It's here we meet Lucy Abbott who has returned after 15 years, most of the time working as a sous chef in New York City. Before that, Lucy was stationed in Afghanistan as a medic where she lost both her legs after an IED went off. Lucy’s life has not been easy since. Physical and psychological problems have plagued her. Returning to her hometown of Fawn Grove she is living with her wheelchair-bound (MS) sister, Wendy, her husband Russ and their teenage daughter Brynn. Lucy suffers flashback nightmares due to an honor killing she did not attempt to stop during her time in Afghanistan. Now upon her return, a teenage high school age Afghan girl is buried up to her neck and stoned to death. The local town Detective in charge of the investigation is anti-immigrant, and Lucy soon becomes obsessed with the case. Soon after, a second kid, a non-Afghani, turns up dead near the same field the girl was killed. While the first killing seemed like a ritual within the immigrant community, the question now arises as to why was a local boy killed. The deeper Lucy investigates, the more questions come up as to who is responsible.
In Lucy Abbott, Joseph Souza has created a character like no other. Pray for the Girl is a twisty, disturbing suspense thriller taking on issues of PTSD, bigotry, nationalism, and the continuing struggle of small-town America when the one local industry supporting most residents is on its last legs. The comfort and facade of peaceful small-town life hides dark, cruel secrets that are about to be exposed.
Note: I received an Advanced Review Copy
March 31, 2019
Souza’s novel follows many of the standard modern murder mystery tropes, but’s it’s all told from the point of view of a protagonist unlike any other.
Lucy Abbott is a veteran of the Afghan War, both emotionally and physically scarred by her experiences and haunted by the death of a young girl she couldn’t save while stationed there. After a stint in New York City where she honed her culinary skills as a way to avoid dealing with her PTSD and other issues, she returns home to Fawn Grove, Maine to help her ailing sister only to find the once proud mill town economically devastated and tensions rising between the townies and recent influx of Afghan refugees. When a young Afghan girl (like the girl Lucy couldn’t save in the war) is found buried up to her head and stoned to death, Lucy takes on the classic role of amateur detective as a way to wrestle her own demons and find redemption, she hopes for both herself and her town.
In Lucy Abbott, Souza has created an unforgettable character who is tortured, complex, and tough as nails.
Despite my mostly minor quibbles (with a few of the plot points and "who-dun-it" twists), Pray for the Girl easily earns my most enthusiastic recommendation. Through the unforgettable character of Lucy Abbott, Souza is able to turn many of the genre’s clichés on their heads and explore issues of modern warfare, identity politics, and small-town decay while weaving a smoldering commentary on the American Dream.
Note: I received an advanced review copy through NetGalley. Pray for the Girl will be released on April 30th, 2019.
For a more detailed review, check out The Spin:
https://theschleicherspin.com/2019/03...
Lucy Abbott is a veteran of the Afghan War, both emotionally and physically scarred by her experiences and haunted by the death of a young girl she couldn’t save while stationed there. After a stint in New York City where she honed her culinary skills as a way to avoid dealing with her PTSD and other issues, she returns home to Fawn Grove, Maine to help her ailing sister only to find the once proud mill town economically devastated and tensions rising between the townies and recent influx of Afghan refugees. When a young Afghan girl (like the girl Lucy couldn’t save in the war) is found buried up to her head and stoned to death, Lucy takes on the classic role of amateur detective as a way to wrestle her own demons and find redemption, she hopes for both herself and her town.
In Lucy Abbott, Souza has created an unforgettable character who is tortured, complex, and tough as nails.
Despite my mostly minor quibbles (with a few of the plot points and "who-dun-it" twists), Pray for the Girl easily earns my most enthusiastic recommendation. Through the unforgettable character of Lucy Abbott, Souza is able to turn many of the genre’s clichés on their heads and explore issues of modern warfare, identity politics, and small-town decay while weaving a smoldering commentary on the American Dream.
Note: I received an advanced review copy through NetGalley. Pray for the Girl will be released on April 30th, 2019.
For a more detailed review, check out The Spin:
https://theschleicherspin.com/2019/03...
April 7, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is amazing. The characters are all flawed and unique, and the story is really interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before. There are several really surprising twists too.
Definitely give this book a chance, you won’t be disappointed!
Definitely give this book a chance, you won’t be disappointed!
March 25, 2019
It took a while to get in to this one, but I really wanted to see who killed the girl. There were twists, and everything wrapped up in the end. Or did it? Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my fair and honest review.
March 25, 2019
Pray for the Girl is a twisted thriller that will keep you engaged from the start. The premise of this book was like no other that I have read. I really enjoyed this book.
April 7, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Joseph Souza. This is not a light hearted story, it is intense. The book is told from Lucys point of view. Our vet who returns from the war minus her legs, who detoured to New York as a Sous chef to try and drown out the voices. She returns to her small home town to get her life together. The books starts with Lucy taking an interest in the murder of an Afghanistan 15 year old. You settle in as much as you can dealing with mental anguish and physical being Lucy. The story is so deftly told you ARE Lucy. While your investigating the death along with members from your past who don't recognize you, your catapulted into twist, turns, secrets and evil in book 2. And what about the ending? She's ready. Thank you you Joseph Souza, Kensington Books and Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
August 5, 2020
Wow! This story had so many unexpected twists and turns, that I almost fell out of my rocking chair! LOL 😱😱😱
May 6, 2019
Thank you so much to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have never read anything by Joseph Souza but this book immediately intrigued me. I loved the authors writing style and how you actually felt like you were in the town along with the characters. The plot had lots of secrets and twists and the characters were well developed. I also loved that this story revolved around a woman that was injured and came back from deployment with multiple mental ailments that were controlling her life. I've read a lot of books about men coming back from the war but it was nice to read one from a woman's character.
Lucy never thought she’d find herself going back to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine to live with her sister’s family. After serving in Afghanistan then as a chef in New York she realizes the only way she can move on from the past and forget what the war has done to her is face it again. When a Muslim girl is found murdered by stoning Lucy becomes immersed in the case and feels a connection to the girl from her time in the war. The more Lucy digs into the murder and her hometown, the more she realizes how much the town has changed since she’s been there.
This was definitely a page turner and I, like everyone else, was not prepared for the plot twist, I didn’t see it coming. This was one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile which is really saying something, the author’s writing style was amazing and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
The beginning of the book was a little slow for me as Lucy is trying to overcome her PTSD and self-wallowing but the further you get into the book the better it gets. Lucy is such a strong amazing character that I felt an immediate connection with through all of her flaws and setbacks. I loved her personality and how brave she was in front of other people even when she was suffering so much inside.
Excellent novel and I’m very excited to read more by Joseph Souza!
I have never read anything by Joseph Souza but this book immediately intrigued me. I loved the authors writing style and how you actually felt like you were in the town along with the characters. The plot had lots of secrets and twists and the characters were well developed. I also loved that this story revolved around a woman that was injured and came back from deployment with multiple mental ailments that were controlling her life. I've read a lot of books about men coming back from the war but it was nice to read one from a woman's character.
Lucy never thought she’d find herself going back to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine to live with her sister’s family. After serving in Afghanistan then as a chef in New York she realizes the only way she can move on from the past and forget what the war has done to her is face it again. When a Muslim girl is found murdered by stoning Lucy becomes immersed in the case and feels a connection to the girl from her time in the war. The more Lucy digs into the murder and her hometown, the more she realizes how much the town has changed since she’s been there.
This was definitely a page turner and I, like everyone else, was not prepared for the plot twist, I didn’t see it coming. This was one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile which is really saying something, the author’s writing style was amazing and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
The beginning of the book was a little slow for me as Lucy is trying to overcome her PTSD and self-wallowing but the further you get into the book the better it gets. Lucy is such a strong amazing character that I felt an immediate connection with through all of her flaws and setbacks. I loved her personality and how brave she was in front of other people even when she was suffering so much inside.
Excellent novel and I’m very excited to read more by Joseph Souza!
May 15, 2019
Wow! You talk about being completely surprised, this is one that will make you that way. Never, ever would have guessed this one.
Lucy Abbott was a medic in the military, and serving time in Afghanistan. She was injured, both her legs below the knee were blown off, but after two years of rehabilitation, she is in New York and thriving as a chef. She has her nightmares. But, she is going to return to Fawn Grove (her hometown) to stay with her sister and her husband and their daughter. For time to get her life back to normal.
But she comes home to a different Fawn Grove. The town is divided because of the immigrants and when she gets there, she hears of a murder of a young girl that they think was an "honor killing"
Lucy is still guilty after the war and wants to find out who or why a fifteen year old girl was killed and tortured. Did her own people do this or was it something else going on in their town.
All I can say, is don't miss this one!!! I loved it.
Lucy Abbott was a medic in the military, and serving time in Afghanistan. She was injured, both her legs below the knee were blown off, but after two years of rehabilitation, she is in New York and thriving as a chef. She has her nightmares. But, she is going to return to Fawn Grove (her hometown) to stay with her sister and her husband and their daughter. For time to get her life back to normal.
But she comes home to a different Fawn Grove. The town is divided because of the immigrants and when she gets there, she hears of a murder of a young girl that they think was an "honor killing"
Lucy is still guilty after the war and wants to find out who or why a fifteen year old girl was killed and tortured. Did her own people do this or was it something else going on in their town.
All I can say, is don't miss this one!!! I loved it.
May 20, 2019
I had to take my time with this one because it rocked me to the core. I've cried, felt outraged, and helplessness while reading. Definitely not for the faint of heart but a must-read for fans of suspense.
I could not imagine the life Lucy has experienced. This book made me look at her experiences in a whole new light. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give the suspense and surprises away.
If you are sensitive regarding the LGBTQ community please be warned this book may be upsetting. Personally, I suggest you read it to get more understanding.
There are violence and curse words in the book but not unnecessarily.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I could not imagine the life Lucy has experienced. This book made me look at her experiences in a whole new light. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give the suspense and surprises away.
If you are sensitive regarding the LGBTQ community please be warned this book may be upsetting. Personally, I suggest you read it to get more understanding.
There are violence and curse words in the book but not unnecessarily.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
April 23, 2019
You could read this as a thriller or a mystery and be completely satisfied but you would miss the fact that it's also an excellent character study. Lucy is a disabled vet - maimed in Afghanistan and bearing the psychological burden not only of her own trauma but guilt for what she did not do. Going home felt like a good option to hide for a while but then she's pulled into the open by the murder of a muslim girl. Fawn Grove, Maine has changed a lot since she left home and not, frankly, in a good way. Souza does an excellent job of pulling Lucy into the story and making you think. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This has good twists and is a rewarding read.
April 13, 2019
I am very grateful to Kensington and Netgalley for the chance to be an early reader of this title that publishes the end of April. “The Neighbor” was my first novel by Souza and I was hooked. I’ve been waiting for this new one and I was not disappointed.
Lucy Abbott returns to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine, after serving in Afghanistan and working as a chef in Manhattan. Her goal was to face her past so she could move on with her future. Then a Muslim girl is murdered and later a Caucasion boy ends up dead. Lucy realizes she needs to help solve these crimes if she’s ever going to feel satisfied.
My favorite part of the book was the tiered plotting. Just like an onion, you pull back one layer and think you’ve uncovered the mystery, only to find the author reveals another unexpected tidbit a little later on. And those reveals don’t stop until you’ve finished the last page. I also like that Lucy, the heroine, could be so inventive and downright sly.
Honestly, “Pray for the Girl” is unlike any book I’ve read. It deals with issues ripped from the headlines, yet not in the way one would expect. The author uses ingenious methods to discover what is being said in a video and who took a photo, besides other ways I don’t want to reveal.
Choose this book for a read that will keep you engrossed throughout. I also predict it will be on a lot of “Best of” lists for 2019.
Lucy Abbott returns to her hometown of Fawn Grove, Maine, after serving in Afghanistan and working as a chef in Manhattan. Her goal was to face her past so she could move on with her future. Then a Muslim girl is murdered and later a Caucasion boy ends up dead. Lucy realizes she needs to help solve these crimes if she’s ever going to feel satisfied.
My favorite part of the book was the tiered plotting. Just like an onion, you pull back one layer and think you’ve uncovered the mystery, only to find the author reveals another unexpected tidbit a little later on. And those reveals don’t stop until you’ve finished the last page. I also like that Lucy, the heroine, could be so inventive and downright sly.
Honestly, “Pray for the Girl” is unlike any book I’ve read. It deals with issues ripped from the headlines, yet not in the way one would expect. The author uses ingenious methods to discover what is being said in a video and who took a photo, besides other ways I don’t want to reveal.
Choose this book for a read that will keep you engrossed throughout. I also predict it will be on a lot of “Best of” lists for 2019.
May 8, 2019
This was a really intriguing, dark and twisted story. It was atmospheric and the characters were well developed and interesting. The story had many twists and turns and I never knew what was around the corner. It kept me guessing and the plot twist at the end was especially unexpected!
April 14, 2019
This book was an interesting easy read and it touches on many issues.
The presence of refugees in an small town in Maine. The local population is already struggling to survive with the reduced factory productions. The resentment of the refugees who are getting federal assistance.
A veteran having lost both legs and having PTSD returning back home to seek help in recovering.
A sister with a slow degenerating disease and wheelchair bound with a husband having lots of medical problems after a work accident.
How far will parents go to protect their teenage children? How many excuses will be made to justify the teenagers behavior. This includes murder. All this is nicely put together to make an intriguing read..
Ones you start this book it is hard to put it down.
The presence of refugees in an small town in Maine. The local population is already struggling to survive with the reduced factory productions. The resentment of the refugees who are getting federal assistance.
A veteran having lost both legs and having PTSD returning back home to seek help in recovering.
A sister with a slow degenerating disease and wheelchair bound with a husband having lots of medical problems after a work accident.
How far will parents go to protect their teenage children? How many excuses will be made to justify the teenagers behavior. This includes murder. All this is nicely put together to make an intriguing read..
Ones you start this book it is hard to put it down.
April 1, 2019
Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she’s realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book it was a great experience
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book it was a great experience
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