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The Day I Disappeared
A terrifying crime reunites a mother and daughter in a novel of psychological suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Trespassing.
Three months after four-year-old Holly Gebhardt was kidnapped, she was inexplicably returned to the same park from which she’d vanished…with no memory of the ordeal. Though a local handyman was convicted, suspicion also fell on his friend—Holly’s mother, Cecily. The troubling doubts about her involvement shattered the family, forever driving a wedge between mother and daughter.
Twenty years later, another girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances. It’s just the latest in a series of kidnappings that Detective Jason Guidry thinks Holly can help solve. Though Holly has tried to move on with her life, a young girl’s life hangs in the balance. All she has to do is try to remember…
With her memory still mostly blank, Holly is missing vital pieces of the puzzle, and she believes her mother can put them in place. In desperation and fear, Holly and her mother come together again. But in a chilling rush toward the past, Cecily still has secrets she’s yet to share with her daughter. Should she dare to breathe a word, she could lose Holly all over again.
Three months after four-year-old Holly Gebhardt was kidnapped, she was inexplicably returned to the same park from which she’d vanished…with no memory of the ordeal. Though a local handyman was convicted, suspicion also fell on his friend—Holly’s mother, Cecily. The troubling doubts about her involvement shattered the family, forever driving a wedge between mother and daughter.
Twenty years later, another girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances. It’s just the latest in a series of kidnappings that Detective Jason Guidry thinks Holly can help solve. Though Holly has tried to move on with her life, a young girl’s life hangs in the balance. All she has to do is try to remember…
With her memory still mostly blank, Holly is missing vital pieces of the puzzle, and she believes her mother can put them in place. In desperation and fear, Holly and her mother come together again. But in a chilling rush toward the past, Cecily still has secrets she’s yet to share with her daughter. Should she dare to breathe a word, she could lose Holly all over again.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 547 reviews
June 23, 2020
While this one was a bit predictable, it was still a fun read. I'd also like to applaud the publisher for shelving this on NetGalley under the Women's Fiction genre, because while this definitely has elements of mystery and suspense, I think those looking for a traditional psychological thriller might be disappointed in those expectations. My first read from Brandi Reeds, and I look forward to seeing what she pens in the future.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
August 10, 2022
Holly was kidnapped over 20 years ago, when she was 4, and held for 94 days. Holly has never remembered what happened during the time she was gone and secure in the belief the guilty person was in prison she moved on with her life until the day the police question her again as another 10 girls have gone missing over the years.
This story is told in alternating perspectives from Holly and her mother, who is trapped in a coma). The book did have suspense but mostly in the last third or so. The twist ending I predicted and the misleading clues felt too obvious. Regardless I enjoyed this book a lot and will be seeking out more by this author!
This story is told in alternating perspectives from Holly and her mother, who is trapped in a coma). The book did have suspense but mostly in the last third or so. The twist ending I predicted and the misleading clues felt too obvious. Regardless I enjoyed this book a lot and will be seeking out more by this author!
July 24, 2020
When she was 4 years old, Holly was kidnapped and returned to the same park from which she disappeared three months later. Although she didn't have any memories, a man got convicted. Twenty years later, another girl disappears in similar circumstances and the Detective in charge of the new case thinks Holly might be able to help solve it.
When I received the widget for this one I had never heard about this book or its author and it's been a pleasant surprise as I enjoyed it pretty much. It is told in dual perspectives, Holly's and her mum Cecily. In Holly's chapters we learn about the present investigation and her role in it while she tries to remember what happened to her all those years ago. She gets some glimpses into the past, but are they real? Are they a dream? Cecily is in a coma after a suspicious car accident, and in her chapters she tells us about the past and the events that took place around Holly's kidnapping. But soon we learn she may be not telling all the truth as she has some secrets to hide.
What follows is a fun page turner where you can't trust anyone. You come to suspect every single character as they all are pretty unreliable. The only character I didn't liked and think could have been more fleshed out was Kitten, as she came as selfish and self-absorbed. The fact that both narrators were pretty unrealiable themselves made this a quite intriguing read. With several twists thrown around (some of them should be taken with a pinch of salt) in the end all leads to a satisfying conclusion. Some side plots got resolved quite quickly and I would have liked for a little more depth.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I received the widget for this one I had never heard about this book or its author and it's been a pleasant surprise as I enjoyed it pretty much. It is told in dual perspectives, Holly's and her mum Cecily. In Holly's chapters we learn about the present investigation and her role in it while she tries to remember what happened to her all those years ago. She gets some glimpses into the past, but are they real? Are they a dream? Cecily is in a coma after a suspicious car accident, and in her chapters she tells us about the past and the events that took place around Holly's kidnapping. But soon we learn she may be not telling all the truth as she has some secrets to hide.
What follows is a fun page turner where you can't trust anyone. You come to suspect every single character as they all are pretty unreliable. The only character I didn't liked and think could have been more fleshed out was Kitten, as she came as selfish and self-absorbed. The fact that both narrators were pretty unrealiable themselves made this a quite intriguing read. With several twists thrown around (some of them should be taken with a pinch of salt) in the end all leads to a satisfying conclusion. Some side plots got resolved quite quickly and I would have liked for a little more depth.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: August 25, 2020
“The Day I Disappeared” is the fourth novel by author Brandi Reeds, although she has previously written some YA novels under a pseudonym. This novel was my introduction to Ms. Reeds, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
Holly Gebhardt was kidnapped at four years old, taken right in front of her mother and best friend at a local park. Three months later, she was returned to the same park, unharmed and completely without any memory of what had happened to her. Twenty years later, Holly is working as a journeyman in her father’s construction business and is trying to balance her on-again-off-again relationship with her mother’s illness. When girls start disappearing, and clues that indicate they may be related to Holly’s case start appearing, Holly is drawn back to those days she was missing. The man who allegedly kidnapped Holly is behind bars, but why are girls disappearing in the same exact way, and why are they all being found dead? Who kidnapped Holly and, most importantly, why was Holly left alive?
This novel is told from two viewpoints. Although Holly is our main protagonist and most of the story is hers, we still get snippets of the story told from Cecily, Holly’s mother, as she lies in a hospital in a coma, incurred after an auto accident. Both views are particularly intriguing- Holly relives her kidnapping through the brief glimpses of memories she has from those months, and Cecily gives the relevant background information, which provides suspect theories and character development. The story being told this way increases the suspense, and allows the reader to become immersed in the dramatic plot.
As characters are introduced, there are individuals who can be eliminated as suspects right away. But there are a few remaining ones who linger at the back of your mind like an itch, as they have just enough suspicion to garner a possibility. I thought I had the entire ending of this story figured out—until I didn’t.
Well told and suspenseful, this novel tells the story of a missing girl and turns it on its head. Suspects are introduced and carefully eliminated and the ending of the novel provides a succinct and satisfying conclusion. Although I wasn’t 100% sold on this novel at the beginning, once it pulled me in, “The Day I Disappeared” became one heck of a page turner.
Expected pub date: August 25, 2020
“The Day I Disappeared” is the fourth novel by author Brandi Reeds, although she has previously written some YA novels under a pseudonym. This novel was my introduction to Ms. Reeds, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
Holly Gebhardt was kidnapped at four years old, taken right in front of her mother and best friend at a local park. Three months later, she was returned to the same park, unharmed and completely without any memory of what had happened to her. Twenty years later, Holly is working as a journeyman in her father’s construction business and is trying to balance her on-again-off-again relationship with her mother’s illness. When girls start disappearing, and clues that indicate they may be related to Holly’s case start appearing, Holly is drawn back to those days she was missing. The man who allegedly kidnapped Holly is behind bars, but why are girls disappearing in the same exact way, and why are they all being found dead? Who kidnapped Holly and, most importantly, why was Holly left alive?
This novel is told from two viewpoints. Although Holly is our main protagonist and most of the story is hers, we still get snippets of the story told from Cecily, Holly’s mother, as she lies in a hospital in a coma, incurred after an auto accident. Both views are particularly intriguing- Holly relives her kidnapping through the brief glimpses of memories she has from those months, and Cecily gives the relevant background information, which provides suspect theories and character development. The story being told this way increases the suspense, and allows the reader to become immersed in the dramatic plot.
As characters are introduced, there are individuals who can be eliminated as suspects right away. But there are a few remaining ones who linger at the back of your mind like an itch, as they have just enough suspicion to garner a possibility. I thought I had the entire ending of this story figured out—until I didn’t.
Well told and suspenseful, this novel tells the story of a missing girl and turns it on its head. Suspects are introduced and carefully eliminated and the ending of the novel provides a succinct and satisfying conclusion. Although I wasn’t 100% sold on this novel at the beginning, once it pulled me in, “The Day I Disappeared” became one heck of a page turner.
August 26, 2020
3.75 Criminal Stars
Holly was kidnapped when she was four and held for 90+ days before she was mysteriously returned to the same park from where she had disappeared. She doesn’t remember anything about being missing and a man has been jailed for the crime for years. Now there is another girl missing with the same modus operandi, so a detective wants to talk to Holly, is the wrong man in jail?
Her love life is a mess, her Dad refuses to appoint her foreman, and her best friend Kitten is marrying someone that she doesn’t like. However, she wants to help the detective find the girl who has been missing almost as long as Holly.
The other point of view in the story is from Holly’s mother Cecily. The twist is that she’s in a coma after a mysterious accident. We learn what has been happening in Cecily’s life prior to the accident and wonder if she will wake up. The chapters fly by as Holly seems to be remembering a few details now.
The author did a great job with lots of red herrings and I suspected just about everyone in Holly’s life. I loved the premise of this one and I enjoyed the writing too, not a perfect read, but a good one.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary copy to read through NetGalley.
Holly was kidnapped when she was four and held for 90+ days before she was mysteriously returned to the same park from where she had disappeared. She doesn’t remember anything about being missing and a man has been jailed for the crime for years. Now there is another girl missing with the same modus operandi, so a detective wants to talk to Holly, is the wrong man in jail?
Her love life is a mess, her Dad refuses to appoint her foreman, and her best friend Kitten is marrying someone that she doesn’t like. However, she wants to help the detective find the girl who has been missing almost as long as Holly.
The other point of view in the story is from Holly’s mother Cecily. The twist is that she’s in a coma after a mysterious accident. We learn what has been happening in Cecily’s life prior to the accident and wonder if she will wake up. The chapters fly by as Holly seems to be remembering a few details now.
The author did a great job with lots of red herrings and I suspected just about everyone in Holly’s life. I loved the premise of this one and I enjoyed the writing too, not a perfect read, but a good one.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary copy to read through NetGalley.
September 15, 2020
As a child, Holly was kidnapped and returned home a few months later. She's an adult now, and has no memory of what happened during the time she was kidnapped. Twenty years later, another child is missing, and Holly may be able to help solve the case if she can remember her past.
Told with alternating points of view - Holly and her mother. Holly wants to know about her kidnapping, and her mother may know a lot more than she has led on.
A complex mother-daughter relationship and a suspenseful mystery. This was a fast-paced and entertaining thriller. Gripping and dramatic.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told with alternating points of view - Holly and her mother. Holly wants to know about her kidnapping, and her mother may know a lot more than she has led on.
A complex mother-daughter relationship and a suspenseful mystery. This was a fast-paced and entertaining thriller. Gripping and dramatic.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
Holly was four years old when she was kidnapped from the park. Ninety four days later, Holly was returned to the park she had been taken from. She has little memory of what had happened to her while in captivity. Holly's mother had been a suspect in her disappearance.
As a young woman, Holly does not have a good relationship with her mother. When the police ask Holly's assistance with several kidnappings that were similar to hers, she can't remember enough to help them. But these children were not being returned to their parents and Holly's mother is under suspicion again.
The story builds up slowly but it's definitely worth the wait. It will keep you guessing throughout. This is a well written story that in places, it's hard to read. The characters and plotline are believable, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. The story is told from Holly's perspective with snippets from her mother. This is a gripping read that's filled with twists. I will be looking out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a young woman, Holly does not have a good relationship with her mother. When the police ask Holly's assistance with several kidnappings that were similar to hers, she can't remember enough to help them. But these children were not being returned to their parents and Holly's mother is under suspicion again.
The story builds up slowly but it's definitely worth the wait. It will keep you guessing throughout. This is a well written story that in places, it's hard to read. The characters and plotline are believable, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. The story is told from Holly's perspective with snippets from her mother. This is a gripping read that's filled with twists. I will be looking out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
WOW! Absolutely fantastic with a plot that sucks you in like quicksand. I read this one in hours and then wanted more. The first time I have read this author but not the last.
This has everything I love, crime, psychological elements, complex gritty and damaged characters, twists, reveals that blew me away, red-herrings and a book that stirred many emotions. That's quite a lot in one book. I really highly recommend this one.
The search for the abductor of little girls with a similar MO is the focus of the novel. Our main character can hold the key to remembering her own trauma to help save another young girl but the blanks are many. She is a fantastic character, so realistic, very damaged reflective of her life journey. The hunt is on for the sick person that is focusing on these young girls. Not just any young girl. They must fit the picture perfectly.
I suspected almost everyone in the book at one stage and loved the final reveal. The end chapters had me on the edge of my seat (well, bed) as the conclusion swept me up. In addition to the crime elements, Brandi has fleshed out characters that are brilliant to get to know. Reletionship complexities, past secrets and many lies intertwine through the whole novel.
I cannot rave enough. This one is a must-have for your reading list. I’ve read it twice.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read
my review! I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.🐱.
If you are an Author and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book please just message me.
You can also find me on Twitter (X) @bookishcats
(I follow back) and on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer as Booklover Catlady.
This has everything I love, crime, psychological elements, complex gritty and damaged characters, twists, reveals that blew me away, red-herrings and a book that stirred many emotions. That's quite a lot in one book. I really highly recommend this one.
The search for the abductor of little girls with a similar MO is the focus of the novel. Our main character can hold the key to remembering her own trauma to help save another young girl but the blanks are many. She is a fantastic character, so realistic, very damaged reflective of her life journey. The hunt is on for the sick person that is focusing on these young girls. Not just any young girl. They must fit the picture perfectly.
I suspected almost everyone in the book at one stage and loved the final reveal. The end chapters had me on the edge of my seat (well, bed) as the conclusion swept me up. In addition to the crime elements, Brandi has fleshed out characters that are brilliant to get to know. Reletionship complexities, past secrets and many lies intertwine through the whole novel.
I cannot rave enough. This one is a must-have for your reading list. I’ve read it twice.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read
my review! I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.🐱.
If you are an Author and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book please just message me.
You can also find me on Twitter (X) @bookishcats
(I follow back) and on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer as Booklover Catlady.
September 13, 2020
It took me some time to get into the story of this book. Initially, I felt a bit lost over the plot but before the book hit the halfway mark, everything started to gel in together and from there onwards it was a compelling read. Told in the dual POV of Holly and her mother Cecily (who is in a coma after a road accident), this book has enough twists and turns to keep one guessing till the end. I definitely did not guess correctly who the actual culprit really was... sure wasn't the 2-3 people I had placed my suspicions on. Cecily's POV was the most interesting and her's was the character I liked best....she is complicated and flawed, having to live with the distrust of her own husband and community, who deemed her to be complicit in her own daughter's kidnapping and struggling with her own issues of alcoholism and depression and yet she is strong enough to be a lone warrior in her fight for the truth to be revealed.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for the e-Arc of the book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for the e-Arc of the book.
May 9, 2020
Holly was kidnapped when she was four years old. She was returned to her family but has no memory of what happened.
Now another child has disappeared in similar circumstances.
A slow moving story that has some twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now another child has disappeared in similar circumstances.
A slow moving story that has some twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
Holly was four years old when she was kidnapped from the park. Ninety four days later, Holly was returned to the park she had been taken from. She has little memory of what had happened to her while in captivity. Holly's mother had been a suspect in her disappearance.
As a young woman, Holly does not have a good relationship with her mother. When the police ask for Holly's assistance with several kidnappings that were similar to hers, she can't remember enough to help them. But these children were not being returned to their parents and Holly's mother is under suspicion again.
The story builds up slowly but it's definitely worth the wait. It will keep you guessing throughout. This is a well written story that in places, it's hard to read. The characters and plotline are believable, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. The story is told from Holly"s perspective with snippets from her mother. This is a gripping read that's filled with twists. I will be looking out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a young woman, Holly does not have a good relationship with her mother. When the police ask for Holly's assistance with several kidnappings that were similar to hers, she can't remember enough to help them. But these children were not being returned to their parents and Holly's mother is under suspicion again.
The story builds up slowly but it's definitely worth the wait. It will keep you guessing throughout. This is a well written story that in places, it's hard to read. The characters and plotline are believable, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. The story is told from Holly"s perspective with snippets from her mother. This is a gripping read that's filled with twists. I will be looking out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Brandi Reeds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2024
This book was one that I enjoyed with a pace that made me want to keep reading. The characters were easy to read and want to help her find her lost time. I like how the book was broken down into the past and present and with two voices of Holly & her mom, Cecily. I wasn’t expecting the twist of Holly’s kidnapper stalking her throughout her life and coming to finish her years later. The secrets families keep can eat at you and cause more harm and wasted time as they all see years later!!
This book kept me guessing and is a fun read.
Keep reading and find your next adventure in black and white.
Momstr
This book kept me guessing and is a fun read.
Keep reading and find your next adventure in black and white.
Momstr
April 25, 2022
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE DAY I DISAPPEARED by Brandi Reeds in exchange for my honest review.***
4.5 STARS
Four-year-old Holly is kidnapped and returned three months later with no memory of her abduction. Twenty years later, her mother lies in a coma from a drunk driving crash that may or may not have been an accident. Holly, like her mother, drinks excessively. Still close to her best friend Kitten, the only witness to the kidnapping, Holly struggles to fulfill her role as maid of honor.
Told primarily in Holly’s point of view, with some chapters in her comatose mother’s I stayed interested from start to finish. Although her captor sits in jail, new evidence makes everyone a suspect, from Kitten’s older brother and father to the creepy foreman on her father’s construction site to Holly’s own parents. My initial guess was wrong.
My only criticism is the subtle pro-gun message that permeated throughout the book including the shooting range called The Second Amendment Club. Everybody is pro gun and carrying concealed weapons, which prevented me from rounding up.
THE DAY I DISAPPEARED is an engaging, unpredictable mystery.
4.5 STARS
Four-year-old Holly is kidnapped and returned three months later with no memory of her abduction. Twenty years later, her mother lies in a coma from a drunk driving crash that may or may not have been an accident. Holly, like her mother, drinks excessively. Still close to her best friend Kitten, the only witness to the kidnapping, Holly struggles to fulfill her role as maid of honor.
Told primarily in Holly’s point of view, with some chapters in her comatose mother’s I stayed interested from start to finish. Although her captor sits in jail, new evidence makes everyone a suspect, from Kitten’s older brother and father to the creepy foreman on her father’s construction site to Holly’s own parents. My initial guess was wrong.
My only criticism is the subtle pro-gun message that permeated throughout the book including the shooting range called The Second Amendment Club. Everybody is pro gun and carrying concealed weapons, which prevented me from rounding up.
THE DAY I DISAPPEARED is an engaging, unpredictable mystery.
September 19, 2020
4 stars. Holly was kidnapped as a child, but has no memory of it. Now twenty years later another little girl has gone missing. Holly can help solve the case if only she can remember the details of her own abduction.
The Day I Disappeared is told in alternating points of view between Holly and the thoughts of her mother, Cecily, who’s currently in a coma. Holly had sensed her mother knew more than she’s telling about what happened twenty years ago. What is Cecily keeping from Holly?
I had so much fun unraveling this creepy who-dunnit mystery, and was completely stumped. Suspicion and danger pointed all directions. I wanted to throw cuffs on most of the characters. When I thought I had it all figured out, I didn’t, then had to start over again. And wow did I love the big plot twist at the end! It’s a good quick read I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a free copy for review.
The Day I Disappeared is told in alternating points of view between Holly and the thoughts of her mother, Cecily, who’s currently in a coma. Holly had sensed her mother knew more than she’s telling about what happened twenty years ago. What is Cecily keeping from Holly?
I had so much fun unraveling this creepy who-dunnit mystery, and was completely stumped. Suspicion and danger pointed all directions. I wanted to throw cuffs on most of the characters. When I thought I had it all figured out, I didn’t, then had to start over again. And wow did I love the big plot twist at the end! It’s a good quick read I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a free copy for review.
August 25, 2020
Solidly good psychological thriller. Even if you figure out the identity of the culprit before the book is finished, it is still full of surprises and well-paced action. There are no shortage of suspects for who might be involved with Holly's kidnapping and return as a young child, so it keeps the reader turning the pages to find out if suspicions are correct.
The narrative alternates between chapters from Holly's point of view and that of her mother Cecily, who is in a coma after a car accident that might not have been an accident. Although the mystery is front and center in the tale, there are also elements of romance and coming-of-age as Holly at age 25 is trying to discover the type of person she is and wants to be.
In a genre that is getting a bit saturated, this novel stands out as a winner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The narrative alternates between chapters from Holly's point of view and that of her mother Cecily, who is in a coma after a car accident that might not have been an accident. Although the mystery is front and center in the tale, there are also elements of romance and coming-of-age as Holly at age 25 is trying to discover the type of person she is and wants to be.
In a genre that is getting a bit saturated, this novel stands out as a winner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 30, 2024
This book was fine but ultimately just a basic mystery. I got to the point where I was reading it primarily to finish it not out of enjoyment. There are too many characters who lack personality, the story is slow, and the plot is predictable.
August 31, 2020
I wanted to love this, I really did, the premise is fantastic and I liked the idea of a previously kidnapped victim going back to help solve similar crimes, but boy did this fall flat. It's accurate as a women's fiction, yes that is how it is shelved, but the thriller-ish aspects of it were predictable and formula. There was no anticipation, I knew how that plot in the book would turn out, so I was quite bored. I found myself invested in the main character more, wanting her story leading up to the book events and beyond, and less so on her previous kidnapping. She's unreliable, thanks to her memories, but so compelling and ultimately trying to solve the current kidnappings made me feel like I was missing the good stuff.
It wasn't a win for me, but I can see this working out for others.
ARC provided.
It wasn't a win for me, but I can see this working out for others.
ARC provided.
May 12, 2020
I don’t like to give synopsis’s for thrillers! However, this involves kidnapping, my favorite! I thought I was going to love & fly through this book but that was not the case. It took me 10 days to finish it because it was so boring at times and dragged. I found myself skimming through most of the time. It was also predictable. However, at times it was entertaining! Unfortunately, I will not be buying a copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy!
Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy!
November 19, 2023
Rating this one is hard. I feel like it's a 3.5.
October 4, 2020
This is how you write a thriller! Review to come.
July 22, 2020
Predictable, yet entertaining. Not much is left to the imagination here but there is still a lot to appreciate. The storyline is dark but excellently plotted. Overall, a dark and disturbing read.
April 8, 2020
Well ... where do I start? This book was amazing. It was really deep. A little girl gets kidnapped for 3 months when she's 4 years old but then one day the police find her sitting at the park where she was abducted from. She's totally fine and doesn't even remember being kidnapped. What happens in this book is the tale of two families and how this kidnapping came to be. Someone is in jail for the kidnapping which happened 20 years ago, but is the right person in jail? It was just such a wild Story how it all happened and what lies can do and have a domino effect. This was a really really good book
August 20, 2020
To be honest, I did not like the book very much. It is slow, very predictable and has flat characters. They are all uninteresting and unlikable. There are other books out there with similar stories but better crafted. I had huge problems with the writing style. It is unprecise and aloof. Some things just did not run smooth. I could not connect to Holly or her mother Cecily and I did not buy Holly’s friendship to self-centered Kitten or her feelings for Matt. It is a weird story with a lot of fractions in the storytelling.
I hate to give bad reviews to books I received from the publisher but this is my honest review. I would not recommend it.
I hate to give bad reviews to books I received from the publisher but this is my honest review. I would not recommend it.
October 8, 2020
"There's something about not knowing the truth that makes me want to disappear all over again."
For some reason, this book and I just didn't mesh well. I didn't find the main character enjoyable to read and I had a tough time buying the friendship between her and Kitten *cringe*
The mystery was interesting and I know others will really love this one - if the synopsis sounds like your kind of story, grab it. Maybe I'm just having an off day.....
An e-ARC was provided to me by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
For some reason, this book and I just didn't mesh well. I didn't find the main character enjoyable to read and I had a tough time buying the friendship between her and Kitten *cringe*
The mystery was interesting and I know others will really love this one - if the synopsis sounds like your kind of story, grab it. Maybe I'm just having an off day.....
An e-ARC was provided to me by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
October 13, 2020
Quite an intriguing book that I got my hands on. Author Brandi Reeds made me feel as if the story was being told from both ends of the spectrum, rushing toward each other to clash into a final reveal.
Holly at age 4 disappeared for 3 months, but was returned back almost intact, except for loss of memory for only those 3 months. After 20 years, children were disappearing again, but were returned back. DEAD. The Detective in charge had a theory. Both Holly and her mom Cecily knew something. Holly couldn’t remember, and Cecily was in coma post an accident.
My first book by this author, initially it took me time to get oriented to the story as there were two POV, but the timelines weren’t clear. Slowly the picture started coming to light as the rays from the author’s pen strokes made the picture clearer one page at a time.
The writing smoothed out for me after the first few chapters, and I got to see what was happening in the present time with Holly, and Cecily in her comatose state provided me the backstory. There were many things hidden in the days prior to the disappearance.
Suspense was built up slowly, though it seemed slightly erratic at places. A sharper prose would have helped. Nevertheless, unreliable narrators, a few suspects, some twists, and fast paced storyline from 30%, it was quite a suspenseful story.
Holly at age 4 disappeared for 3 months, but was returned back almost intact, except for loss of memory for only those 3 months. After 20 years, children were disappearing again, but were returned back. DEAD. The Detective in charge had a theory. Both Holly and her mom Cecily knew something. Holly couldn’t remember, and Cecily was in coma post an accident.
My first book by this author, initially it took me time to get oriented to the story as there were two POV, but the timelines weren’t clear. Slowly the picture started coming to light as the rays from the author’s pen strokes made the picture clearer one page at a time.
The writing smoothed out for me after the first few chapters, and I got to see what was happening in the present time with Holly, and Cecily in her comatose state provided me the backstory. There were many things hidden in the days prior to the disappearance.
Suspense was built up slowly, though it seemed slightly erratic at places. A sharper prose would have helped. Nevertheless, unreliable narrators, a few suspects, some twists, and fast paced storyline from 30%, it was quite a suspenseful story.
August 27, 2020
As soon as I saw this cover, I knew I had to read it. New author to me, I look forward to reading her again. A tough subject, missing child (now adult) and more missing children. To go into detail would be a disservice to this book and possibly give away some of the story line. The characters are well thought out and develop well from beginning to end. The back and forth of narrators keeps the tension flowing and heightens as the chapters get shorter. Family and friendships are tested with surprising results.
The cover sets the tone of the book. Holly is returned 94 days after going missing the park where she was taken. Relatively unharmed with only an odd scar and no memory of what transpired. Other children are reported missing in the years after Holly is returned. Holly starts getting flashes of memory, but there is a lot of missing pieces and blackouts. Who can she trust?
Thanks to Ms. Reeds, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
The cover sets the tone of the book. Holly is returned 94 days after going missing the park where she was taken. Relatively unharmed with only an odd scar and no memory of what transpired. Other children are reported missing in the years after Holly is returned. Holly starts getting flashes of memory, but there is a lot of missing pieces and blackouts. Who can she trust?
Thanks to Ms. Reeds, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
August 8, 2020
Dark, creepy, deep, and disturbing at times! This was a jam-packed story full of stories and crazy characters! So many characters were involved and because I found it a little hard to follow at some points and had to backtrack, it lost a star. And just a side note: I found Kitten to be very annoying and self-absorbed! But I think that was the point of her character!
At 4 years old, Holly was kidnapped from a park and was returned 3 months later in the same location. Even though she has no recollection of the event, a man was arrested, convicted, and is serving 25 years in prison. But how if there was no proof? Fast forward 20 years and another girl goes missing. The detective on the case reaches out to Holly in hopes that she can somehow recall her ordeal and help find the current missing girl. This story is told from two points of view - Holly, and her mother, Cecily. Holly’s views are current and Cecily’s views are from what happened in the past, as she is in a coma from a car accident. Secrets come to light and many people become involved in this nightmare! I recommend it!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
At 4 years old, Holly was kidnapped from a park and was returned 3 months later in the same location. Even though she has no recollection of the event, a man was arrested, convicted, and is serving 25 years in prison. But how if there was no proof? Fast forward 20 years and another girl goes missing. The detective on the case reaches out to Holly in hopes that she can somehow recall her ordeal and help find the current missing girl. This story is told from two points of view - Holly, and her mother, Cecily. Holly’s views are current and Cecily’s views are from what happened in the past, as she is in a coma from a car accident. Secrets come to light and many people become involved in this nightmare! I recommend it!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2020
The main character, Holly was abducted as a young girl, only to be found with little to no memory of the time she was away. Now an adult, there is either a copy cat or the person who abducted her is still out there and doing the same thing to other little girls.
This was a book that grabbed me from the first pages. I love a good mystery and this book didn't disappoint. Although the ending was predictable to me, I think it is just from years of reading and not anything that the author lacked. Suspense until the end of the chapters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced reader copy, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a book that grabbed me from the first pages. I love a good mystery and this book didn't disappoint. Although the ending was predictable to me, I think it is just from years of reading and not anything that the author lacked. Suspense until the end of the chapters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced reader copy, in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2024
Really long a lot of characters and this girl thinks she is with the freaking FBI
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October 1, 2025I don’t feel comfortable rating this because I was in a bad mood the whole time, it wasn’t the books fault. LOL
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