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Unsafe Haven
A chance meeting on the New York subway leads to the destinies of two very different women becoming intertwined with terrifying consequences in this nerve-jangling thriller.
Sixteen-year-old Addison is on the run. She's leaving her life on New York's streets behind for a new one with Rafe, armed with just his phone number on a scrap of paper. She's taking the subway to meet him in New Jersey. He'll take care of her. Or so she thinks ...
Elizabeth Brown's world has fallen apart and she's thinking about her newly ex-fiancé. Until she locks eyes with a teenage girl while waiting for the train doors to open, and a bundle is thrust into her arms as she leaves the subway. A baby, wrapped in a dirty coat.
Elizabeth phones the number she finds in the coat pocket. Then wishes she hadn't. Someone wants Addison and the baby. And they'll do whatever it takes to get them ...
Sixteen-year-old Addison is on the run. She's leaving her life on New York's streets behind for a new one with Rafe, armed with just his phone number on a scrap of paper. She's taking the subway to meet him in New Jersey. He'll take care of her. Or so she thinks ...
Elizabeth Brown's world has fallen apart and she's thinking about her newly ex-fiancé. Until she locks eyes with a teenage girl while waiting for the train doors to open, and a bundle is thrust into her arms as she leaves the subway. A baby, wrapped in a dirty coat.
Elizabeth phones the number she finds in the coat pocket. Then wishes she hadn't. Someone wants Addison and the baby. And they'll do whatever it takes to get them ...
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Burdette
24 books834 followersLucy Burdette is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries. Her first thriller, UNSAFE HAVEN, is out from Severn House this month. As Roberta Isleib, she has also written the golf lovers mystery series and the advice column mysteries. Her books and stories have been nominated for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She is the president of the Friends of the Key West Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 23, 2021
I just want to start off by saying that this is a decent read. There's nothing really that turned me off about it. It is surprising that it came from this author, whose previous books have all been cozy mysteries. This one is a bit more hard hitting, however I don't think she really goes far enough to make it truly suspenseful or emotionally impactful.
The premise is intriguing--Medical student Elizabeth is heading on the subway to meet a friend and discuss her wedding that was called off at the last minute. A young girl approaches her and thrusts a bundle into her arms, Elizabeth is shocked to see that it is a newly born infant wrapped in a coat. After relinquishing the baby to the authorities, she and her friend call a phone number found in the coat's pocket and start a chain of events that they can't stop or turn away from.
It's difficult to put my finger on the issues that caused me not to rate this any higher. It moves forward at a decent pace and is interesting enough that it kept me invested throughout. There just weren't any surprises, a large number of coincidences, and I never really understood the motives of the bad people until the very end when they were completely laid out. We just know that everyone wants the baby and the baby's mother, but other than a few vague references and a few things that get uncovered along the way, we don't really know why.
One last quibble--I think that if writers are going to write about teenagers they should make them authentic and believable: for example, teenagers do NOT use Facebook, and the way they speak in this book didn't seem authentic.
Overall though, it's a decent suspense novel with an intriguing premise and should appeal to those who like a fast-paced read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The premise is intriguing--Medical student Elizabeth is heading on the subway to meet a friend and discuss her wedding that was called off at the last minute. A young girl approaches her and thrusts a bundle into her arms, Elizabeth is shocked to see that it is a newly born infant wrapped in a coat. After relinquishing the baby to the authorities, she and her friend call a phone number found in the coat's pocket and start a chain of events that they can't stop or turn away from.
It's difficult to put my finger on the issues that caused me not to rate this any higher. It moves forward at a decent pace and is interesting enough that it kept me invested throughout. There just weren't any surprises, a large number of coincidences, and I never really understood the motives of the bad people until the very end when they were completely laid out. We just know that everyone wants the baby and the baby's mother, but other than a few vague references and a few things that get uncovered along the way, we don't really know why.
One last quibble--I think that if writers are going to write about teenagers they should make them authentic and believable: for example, teenagers do NOT use Facebook, and the way they speak in this book didn't seem authentic.
Overall though, it's a decent suspense novel with an intriguing premise and should appeal to those who like a fast-paced read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 22, 2021
An excellent thriller from an author known for her cozy mystery series. Burdette displays the same deft character development that features in all her books as she creates a likable heroine coping with her own personal struggles (NOT drugs and alcohol--a refreshing change of pace from many thrillers!) and a poignant teen victim searching to love and safety in all the wrong places. An absorbing, well-paced read.
September 22, 2021
Well this book should come with a warning " Do not start reading unless you are prepared to stay up all night "
YIKES! Way to go Lucy Burdette! This has made for netflix written all over it !
Unsafe Haven follows the life of 16 year old Addison, a recent runaway. Having lived her life on the NYC streets she is ready to start anew with Rafe. Addison believes Rafe is going to take care of her and shes ready for a new life in New Jersey.
Elizabeth is consumed by the recent break up with her ex-fiance. As shes day dreaming of the life she once had at the subway she has a baby thrown into her arms. What just happened?
When the baby was thrown into Elizabeth's arms they were wrapped in a dirty coat. Inside the coat is a phone number. This is going to send Elizabeth on a wild ride because someone wants to get to Addison and to the baby and they will stop at nothing.
This is a story you do not want to miss with a twist you will not see coming!
Due out December 7, 2021, everyone needs to add this to their to be read pile .
YIKES! Way to go Lucy Burdette! This has made for netflix written all over it !
Unsafe Haven follows the life of 16 year old Addison, a recent runaway. Having lived her life on the NYC streets she is ready to start anew with Rafe. Addison believes Rafe is going to take care of her and shes ready for a new life in New Jersey.
Elizabeth is consumed by the recent break up with her ex-fiance. As shes day dreaming of the life she once had at the subway she has a baby thrown into her arms. What just happened?
When the baby was thrown into Elizabeth's arms they were wrapped in a dirty coat. Inside the coat is a phone number. This is going to send Elizabeth on a wild ride because someone wants to get to Addison and to the baby and they will stop at nothing.
This is a story you do not want to miss with a twist you will not see coming!
Due out December 7, 2021, everyone needs to add this to their to be read pile .
January 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It’s hard to summarize without giving too much away. I would highly recommend giving it a try!
December 9, 2021
This is the action-packed drama that you should be reading! Outstanding characters, suspenseful plot and a slew of wrong turns make this the drama you didn't know you needed. Incredibly realistic issues such as underage drinking, human trafficking, underage sex abuse, child mom, dirty politicians and more that stomp through the lives of innocent bystanders who are dealing with their own unique family dramas. I have to say, I think this is Lucy Burdette's best book yet! I don't know how she does it, but I am definitely looking forward to the next book that comes from her creative mind!
August 8, 2022
While this book clicks along at a fast pace, it is heavily burdened by much of the action being due to coincidence. It’s reasonable to suspend your sense of disbelief, especially with mysteries and thrillers, but too much happens in this book coincidently. I like the spunky characters, especially Elizabeth, and Caroline and Addy turn out to be much better characters than we might first believe. And this is the type of book where most everything turns out for the best. Elizabeth even correctly guesses at something in her own past. But a more believable plot would have greatly enhanced this novel.
January 17, 2026
Lucy Burdette's Unsafe Haven takes the author away from her successful Key West food writer cozies into thriller territory. Believable characters caught up in the desperation of a teenage runaway and her abandoned newborn show us compassion and evil. Pay attention because this is a complex plot. Yes, it's a thriller, but Burdette offers readers a hybrid of thriller and cozy. Sixteen-year-old Addy gives birth alone in a train station. She thrusts the newborn into the arms of a med student and runs. Addy's boyfriend Rafe promised to rescue her from a life of prostitution, but she lost his phone number on the way to meet him. Elizabeth, the med student, was having her own bad day dealing with her cancelled wedding. She called the phone number she found in the coat the baby was wrapped in and ended up in danger. A man tracked her down from the phone call and approached her in the park. She did not feel comfortable talking to him, but before she could move away from him, he was shot dead. The plot suddenly expands with more danger for Elizabeth and Addy and their friends, relatives, and people trying to help. Burdette's previous career as a psychologist helps add depth to the characters, including some of the those who play small parts. Recipes are not included, but food adds both color and clues.
January 13, 2022
In Lucy Burdette's stand-alone thriller UNSAFE HAVEN, readers meet pregnant 16-year-old Addison. On the run after escaping from a human trafficker, she is making her way to her "boyfriend" when she goes into labor and gives birth all alone in the bowels of the New York City subway system.
Scared, bloodied and exhausted, Addison ends up thrusting the newborn baby into the hands of a woman and running away to try and meet up with the guy.
The woman in question? Elizabeth Brown. She's a first-year medical student having quite possibly the worst day of her life. Her fiancée has just dumped her days before the wedding and now she has a baby on her hands.
After turning the baby over to the police, she tries to go back to dealing with her own problems. But her own curiosity about the baby leads her to checking up on her. But when she is contacted by a reporter doing a story, Elizabeth finds herself drawn unwillingly into situation that is fraught with peril for her, Addison and the baby.
A murder ups the stakes and sends Elizabeth to her hometown, where she will start rebuilding her life...but someone has followed Elizabeth home. Addison has tracked Elizabeth down and the two soon meet for real. Elizabeth tries to help but Addison runs away and soon everything is spinning out of control for both of them.
Addison winds up in more than one bad situation after another and as the clues fall into place for everyone else in the story, Elizabeth finds her home isn't any safer than the city. The traffickers want the baby and Addison back and will do whatever it takes to accomplish this. The baby is worth a lot of money, but Addison has something else they want badly.
As the tension ratchets up, both women find themselves working without a net as they try to survive a deadly conflagration of murder, power, politics, blackmail and the true depths of humanity determined to destroy anything that gets in their way.
While Lucy Burdette is best known for her cozy mysteries, this long gestating standalone thriller really hits the mark too. You are instantly drawn into the story and develop a feel for each of the main characters. Addison is a tragic figure, a girl who never had a chance for a normal life, let down by everyone who should've protected her. Ending up in what should be an unimaginable situation, she is almost impossibly naive about most of those around her. But she shows a surprising stubborn streak at times that hints at who she could've been if she'd been raised by someone other than the wolves of humanity.
As for Elizabeth, on the worst day of her life, she still shows the wherewithal to keep going when all she might want to do is curl up in a ball and shut out the world. While some of that attitude likely comes from having everything come rushing towards her, leaving her with no choice but to respond, it's nice to see her be so resilient. And her desire to help Addison comes from at least somewhat understanding at least a part of her life.
As for the book's thriller aspects, the action is perfectly timed without feeling forced or making Xena like heroines out of either woman. Resilient but not cartoonish!
I also quite enjoyed the Detective Meigs character. Already dealing with a grieving and rebellious stepdaughter (while dealing with his own grief as well), he's drawn into the events spinning out of Addison and Elizabeth's fateful meeting when it becomes more personal than just another case.
In the end, the action in UNSAFE HAVEN explodes in ways the characters never could've imagined. Readers will have to see for themselves where the dust will settle but I think they will quite enjoy the thrill ride that Lucy Burdette has provided for them.
Scared, bloodied and exhausted, Addison ends up thrusting the newborn baby into the hands of a woman and running away to try and meet up with the guy.
The woman in question? Elizabeth Brown. She's a first-year medical student having quite possibly the worst day of her life. Her fiancée has just dumped her days before the wedding and now she has a baby on her hands.
After turning the baby over to the police, she tries to go back to dealing with her own problems. But her own curiosity about the baby leads her to checking up on her. But when she is contacted by a reporter doing a story, Elizabeth finds herself drawn unwillingly into situation that is fraught with peril for her, Addison and the baby.
A murder ups the stakes and sends Elizabeth to her hometown, where she will start rebuilding her life...but someone has followed Elizabeth home. Addison has tracked Elizabeth down and the two soon meet for real. Elizabeth tries to help but Addison runs away and soon everything is spinning out of control for both of them.
Addison winds up in more than one bad situation after another and as the clues fall into place for everyone else in the story, Elizabeth finds her home isn't any safer than the city. The traffickers want the baby and Addison back and will do whatever it takes to accomplish this. The baby is worth a lot of money, but Addison has something else they want badly.
As the tension ratchets up, both women find themselves working without a net as they try to survive a deadly conflagration of murder, power, politics, blackmail and the true depths of humanity determined to destroy anything that gets in their way.
While Lucy Burdette is best known for her cozy mysteries, this long gestating standalone thriller really hits the mark too. You are instantly drawn into the story and develop a feel for each of the main characters. Addison is a tragic figure, a girl who never had a chance for a normal life, let down by everyone who should've protected her. Ending up in what should be an unimaginable situation, she is almost impossibly naive about most of those around her. But she shows a surprising stubborn streak at times that hints at who she could've been if she'd been raised by someone other than the wolves of humanity.
As for Elizabeth, on the worst day of her life, she still shows the wherewithal to keep going when all she might want to do is curl up in a ball and shut out the world. While some of that attitude likely comes from having everything come rushing towards her, leaving her with no choice but to respond, it's nice to see her be so resilient. And her desire to help Addison comes from at least somewhat understanding at least a part of her life.
As for the book's thriller aspects, the action is perfectly timed without feeling forced or making Xena like heroines out of either woman. Resilient but not cartoonish!
I also quite enjoyed the Detective Meigs character. Already dealing with a grieving and rebellious stepdaughter (while dealing with his own grief as well), he's drawn into the events spinning out of Addison and Elizabeth's fateful meeting when it becomes more personal than just another case.
In the end, the action in UNSAFE HAVEN explodes in ways the characters never could've imagined. Readers will have to see for themselves where the dust will settle but I think they will quite enjoy the thrill ride that Lucy Burdette has provided for them.
September 17, 2021
16 year old Addy is in a terrible position, homeless,frightened, running – and not only pregnant but in labour. She gives birth in a filthy subway toilet and uses her coat to wrap the new born baby. She is trying to escape and needs to meet Rafe her boyfriend who is taking her to California. She knows she needs help and her eyes meet Elizabeth who is about to alight from the train and she thrusts the baby into her arms and runs. So starts Elizabeth’s entanglement in this fascinating, exciting and compelling novel.
I cannot recommend it enough if you like good characters, great plot development and are prepared to accept that sometimes fate sometimes uses coincidence to her own ends.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
I cannot recommend it enough if you like good characters, great plot development and are prepared to accept that sometimes fate sometimes uses coincidence to her own ends.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
UNSAFE HAVEN by Lucy Burdette
A favorite Jewish tale has the repeated message “it could be worse” and that theme fits the developments in this absolutely mesmerizing tale. Elizabeth’s fiancé calls off their New Year’s Eve wedding two days before . . . terrible. Med. school is harder than she expected . . . but then she find out how small her problems are in the larger scope of things. Frightened 16-year-old Addy puts a newborn into her arms and disappears in a nearly-deserted subway stop, which begins a frightening chain of events that call upon all their courage, compassion, cleverness, and family solidarity as things do go from bad to worse.
I love when a book makes me care so much that all other pursuits take a back seat and I just can’t stop reading. I’m told that there might need to be a warning for those who prefer cozier books. IMHO, it’s worth the stretch beyond one’s comfort zone to enjoy the good writing and to open one’s eyes to the plight of others who need things to get better instead of worse, and deserve some help along the way.
A favorite Jewish tale has the repeated message “it could be worse” and that theme fits the developments in this absolutely mesmerizing tale. Elizabeth’s fiancé calls off their New Year’s Eve wedding two days before . . . terrible. Med. school is harder than she expected . . . but then she find out how small her problems are in the larger scope of things. Frightened 16-year-old Addy puts a newborn into her arms and disappears in a nearly-deserted subway stop, which begins a frightening chain of events that call upon all their courage, compassion, cleverness, and family solidarity as things do go from bad to worse.
I love when a book makes me care so much that all other pursuits take a back seat and I just can’t stop reading. I’m told that there might need to be a warning for those who prefer cozier books. IMHO, it’s worth the stretch beyond one’s comfort zone to enjoy the good writing and to open one’s eyes to the plight of others who need things to get better instead of worse, and deserve some help along the way.
October 21, 2021
Review of eBook
First-year medical school student Elizabeth Brown is stunned when a homeless young girl thrusts a newborn baby into her arms and vanishes. Addison, a runaway determined to escape her life on the street, is on the run, hoping to meet up with Rafe, the one person she can trust to help her. And so, on the subway platform, she entrusts her newborn baby daughter, wrapped in a dirty jacket, to a stranger, begging her to take care of the baby, before she vanishes into the crowd.
Two days before their planned New Year’s Eve nuptials, Kevin suddenly calls off the wedding, leaving Elizabeth, in turmoil. And now she finds herself with an abandoned newborn and some heartfelt concern for the baby’s young mother. Thus, when she finds a phone number in the pocket of the dirty coat, she hopes it will help her find the young girl and makes the mistake of calling it.
Now someone is after Addy and her baby. And if Elizabeth [or anyone else] gets in their way . . . .
=========
This can’t-put-it-down thriller grabs the reader from the outset and pulls them along as a terrifying chain of events unfolds to threaten a newborn baby, her young mother, and those determined to help her. Well-drawn, nuanced characters populate this complex, intriguing tale of consequences, determination, commitment, and family. Believable, relatable characters, caught up in realistic situations, ratchet up the suspense and keep those pages turning at breakneck speed.
The tension, authentic and palpable, provides a constant undercurrent of uneasiness that keeps the reader on edge as the evolving narrative takes several unexpected twists. As the plot takes some unforeseen turns, it highlights the plight of the young mother in this all-too-real scenario.
Readers will find themselves drawn into the young mother’s predicament even as they can relate to those who would seek to help both her and her child. Courage and compassion play an important part in the story, and, although the denouement is spot-on perfect for the narrative, readers are likely to wish there was more to the story that brings two disparate women together and celebrates the strength of family, love, and doing the right thing.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Severn House and NetGalley
#UnsafeHaven #NetGalley
First-year medical school student Elizabeth Brown is stunned when a homeless young girl thrusts a newborn baby into her arms and vanishes. Addison, a runaway determined to escape her life on the street, is on the run, hoping to meet up with Rafe, the one person she can trust to help her. And so, on the subway platform, she entrusts her newborn baby daughter, wrapped in a dirty jacket, to a stranger, begging her to take care of the baby, before she vanishes into the crowd.
Two days before their planned New Year’s Eve nuptials, Kevin suddenly calls off the wedding, leaving Elizabeth, in turmoil. And now she finds herself with an abandoned newborn and some heartfelt concern for the baby’s young mother. Thus, when she finds a phone number in the pocket of the dirty coat, she hopes it will help her find the young girl and makes the mistake of calling it.
Now someone is after Addy and her baby. And if Elizabeth [or anyone else] gets in their way . . . .
=========
This can’t-put-it-down thriller grabs the reader from the outset and pulls them along as a terrifying chain of events unfolds to threaten a newborn baby, her young mother, and those determined to help her. Well-drawn, nuanced characters populate this complex, intriguing tale of consequences, determination, commitment, and family. Believable, relatable characters, caught up in realistic situations, ratchet up the suspense and keep those pages turning at breakneck speed.
The tension, authentic and palpable, provides a constant undercurrent of uneasiness that keeps the reader on edge as the evolving narrative takes several unexpected twists. As the plot takes some unforeseen turns, it highlights the plight of the young mother in this all-too-real scenario.
Readers will find themselves drawn into the young mother’s predicament even as they can relate to those who would seek to help both her and her child. Courage and compassion play an important part in the story, and, although the denouement is spot-on perfect for the narrative, readers are likely to wish there was more to the story that brings two disparate women together and celebrates the strength of family, love, and doing the right thing.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Severn House and NetGalley
#UnsafeHaven #NetGalley
October 2, 2022
She can write suspense, I'll say that for her. I found this hard to put down even though I didn't feel closely bound to any of the characters. The only one I really liked was the cop's daughter who was doing her teenage act-out number in a frighteningly dangerous way. Her mother had died, she felt alienated from her father(s), and all the anger, stress, and raging hormones had her whacked out, totally.
But she befriended a lost girl on the street and just might have come to act like a decent person by the end.
So the book is suspenseful, freakishly fast-paced, and full of potential. But while Ms. Burdette set the stage for the other characters to be deep and heart-warming in their varied problems and life situations, I never got sucked in enough to really care. Yeah, Miss Main Character, you blew your chances for a wedding by your own weak-willed nature, saying yes to so many people that you never had a thought of your own. Yes, you redeemed yourself in the end--(best part of the book)--but that didn't make me ever want to meet you in literature again. Sorry--not my idea of a new best friend.
And I'm not criticizing the writing--it was superb so far as I noticed--but it hit a couple of my superpet peeves. Changing perspective and jumping inside too many people's heads, for one. And really unexpected leaps of insight unsupported by logic, for another. Plus an awful lot of coincidences. Oh, well--still a very good book, just not my fave.
But she befriended a lost girl on the street and just might have come to act like a decent person by the end.
So the book is suspenseful, freakishly fast-paced, and full of potential. But while Ms. Burdette set the stage for the other characters to be deep and heart-warming in their varied problems and life situations, I never got sucked in enough to really care. Yeah, Miss Main Character, you blew your chances for a wedding by your own weak-willed nature, saying yes to so many people that you never had a thought of your own. Yes, you redeemed yourself in the end--(best part of the book)--but that didn't make me ever want to meet you in literature again. Sorry--not my idea of a new best friend.
And I'm not criticizing the writing--it was superb so far as I noticed--but it hit a couple of my superpet peeves. Changing perspective and jumping inside too many people's heads, for one. And really unexpected leaps of insight unsupported by logic, for another. Plus an awful lot of coincidences. Oh, well--still a very good book, just not my fave.
January 2, 2022
Wow- this was a great read which drew me in from the very first page. I just couldn’t put it down until I got to the very end.
Addy is 16 years old, pregnant and alone and on the run from a dangerous situation, trying to reach her boyfriend Rafe, when the baby decides to arrive. Unsure what to do she acts on instinct and hands the newborn to Elizabeth, a first year medical student whom she meets on the New York subway. She then runs off, literally leaving Elizabeth holding the baby.
Elizabeth, herself, is not in a good place as her fiancé has just dumped her the day before the wedding and she is en route to meet up with her friend to try and sort out her life.
Elizabeth hands the baby over to the authorities but cannot get Addy out of her mind. However the story does not end there as some very bad people are after the young mother and they see Elizabeth as key to finding out where she has run to.
This was such a compelling book full of some wonderful characters. Not only was it an exciting, page turning thriller it also examined what it means to be a parent and how one doesn’t have to be a birth parent to feel those natural family ties.
Definitely a five star read for me and recommended to thriller fans who like well drawn and interesting characters as well as a fast paced read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc.
Addy is 16 years old, pregnant and alone and on the run from a dangerous situation, trying to reach her boyfriend Rafe, when the baby decides to arrive. Unsure what to do she acts on instinct and hands the newborn to Elizabeth, a first year medical student whom she meets on the New York subway. She then runs off, literally leaving Elizabeth holding the baby.
Elizabeth, herself, is not in a good place as her fiancé has just dumped her the day before the wedding and she is en route to meet up with her friend to try and sort out her life.
Elizabeth hands the baby over to the authorities but cannot get Addy out of her mind. However the story does not end there as some very bad people are after the young mother and they see Elizabeth as key to finding out where she has run to.
This was such a compelling book full of some wonderful characters. Not only was it an exciting, page turning thriller it also examined what it means to be a parent and how one doesn’t have to be a birth parent to feel those natural family ties.
Definitely a five star read for me and recommended to thriller fans who like well drawn and interesting characters as well as a fast paced read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc.
November 29, 2021
Addie is sixteen, pregnant, and trying to escape a situation that unfortunately a lot of runaway girls are tricked into. Trying desperately to get to what she thinks is her savior, Rafe. And as if she didn’t have enough on her plate, she’s about to give birth in the subway toilets.
Terrified and not knowing what to do she stumbles out to the subway platform with baby and placenta wrapped in a coat.
Elizabeth Brown should be getting married but that isn’t happening now. Time to go home to lick her wounds and return wedding gifts. As she walks up from the subway a young girl runs to her and thrusts the baby into Elizabeth’s arms with just a whispered,” I can’t take care of her” and then runs.
Elizabeth is a med student and to say she is shocked is an understatement. She finds a phone number in the pocket of the coat and calls it. Something she will soon come to regret. Addie isn’t running from one person, they all want that baby and murder may be the way to get her.
This was an excellent transition from Burdette’s cozy mysteries! She has amped up the suspense and left us biting our fingernails and reading past our bedtimes! Well worth it!
NetGalley/December 7th, 2021 by Severn House Publishers
Terrified and not knowing what to do she stumbles out to the subway platform with baby and placenta wrapped in a coat.
Elizabeth Brown should be getting married but that isn’t happening now. Time to go home to lick her wounds and return wedding gifts. As she walks up from the subway a young girl runs to her and thrusts the baby into Elizabeth’s arms with just a whispered,” I can’t take care of her” and then runs.
Elizabeth is a med student and to say she is shocked is an understatement. She finds a phone number in the pocket of the coat and calls it. Something she will soon come to regret. Addie isn’t running from one person, they all want that baby and murder may be the way to get her.
This was an excellent transition from Burdette’s cozy mysteries! She has amped up the suspense and left us biting our fingernails and reading past our bedtimes! Well worth it!
NetGalley/December 7th, 2021 by Severn House Publishers
July 3, 2022
This book grew on me as I read on. Firstly, Addy, who is pregnant, alone and gives birth in a train station toilet, gives the baby to successful medical student Elizabeth. Thereafter is the story of trying to find Addy and, when they do, avoiding the danger she has inadvertently put them in.
At the beginning of the book, there are some issues, e.g. there is not way Elizabeth would be able to describe Addy's eyes in such detail (p27) and if she was 'renting a book', she sure as heck would NOT be underlining 'important phrases in it' (p30) unless she wants to be kicked out of university! In addition, NO newspaper would publish the name of the person to whom Addy gave the baby and, finally, there is no need to keep having Elizabeth repeat the story time and time again to different people in the book. We get it, Lucy Burdette, we've got it!
Despite the above, I think this is a well-written, engaging book, gritty without being gratuitous, with characters who I actually did care about. It's short, only about 212 pages, but very readable and, I think, a little gem. I've not read any of her other series of books, but if she writes any more standalone books, I would definitely read them.
At the beginning of the book, there are some issues, e.g. there is not way Elizabeth would be able to describe Addy's eyes in such detail (p27) and if she was 'renting a book', she sure as heck would NOT be underlining 'important phrases in it' (p30) unless she wants to be kicked out of university! In addition, NO newspaper would publish the name of the person to whom Addy gave the baby and, finally, there is no need to keep having Elizabeth repeat the story time and time again to different people in the book. We get it, Lucy Burdette, we've got it!
Despite the above, I think this is a well-written, engaging book, gritty without being gratuitous, with characters who I actually did care about. It's short, only about 212 pages, but very readable and, I think, a little gem. I've not read any of her other series of books, but if she writes any more standalone books, I would definitely read them.
November 8, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this page-turner, my first by author Lucy Burdette. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, provoking one of those "what would you do?" situations.
The story alternates POV between 16-year-old Addy, a runaway forced into prostitution, and Elizabeth, an affluent first-year medical student whose fiance just dumped her, only days before their big-ticket wedding.
On her way to meet Rafe, her so-called boyfriend, Addy gives birth in a filthy bathroom in the New York subway. Panicked, she hands the newborn to the first friendly face she sees, which happens to be Elizabeth, and then disappears.
Stunned, Elizabeth turns the baby over to the proper authorities, but she becomes curious about the young mother. She notices a phone number in the pocket of the coat Addy used to wrap around the baby, and, against her better judgment, calls it. The phone call was the first of a series of decisions that put Elizabeth in the crosshairs of some very bad people who are looking for Addy, and especially, her baby.
There are a few too many coincidences that help wrap this case up neatly, but it's a wild ride and a terrific read.
.
The story alternates POV between 16-year-old Addy, a runaway forced into prostitution, and Elizabeth, an affluent first-year medical student whose fiance just dumped her, only days before their big-ticket wedding.
On her way to meet Rafe, her so-called boyfriend, Addy gives birth in a filthy bathroom in the New York subway. Panicked, she hands the newborn to the first friendly face she sees, which happens to be Elizabeth, and then disappears.
Stunned, Elizabeth turns the baby over to the proper authorities, but she becomes curious about the young mother. She notices a phone number in the pocket of the coat Addy used to wrap around the baby, and, against her better judgment, calls it. The phone call was the first of a series of decisions that put Elizabeth in the crosshairs of some very bad people who are looking for Addy, and especially, her baby.
There are a few too many coincidences that help wrap this case up neatly, but it's a wild ride and a terrific read.
.
January 25, 2022
A change of pace for Lucy Burdette, the author of the Key West Food Critic cozy mystery series.
This stand alone is gritty, filled with suspense, and set in a very cold setting. The story opens with a young homeless woman in a subway in New York City. She has just given birth. At the same time, Elizabeth, daughter of privilege, riding on the train, is mourning the end of a dream relationship. She has been jilted just 3 days before her Christmas wedding . As Elizabeth disembarks the train and moves towards the street, Addy, Addy, the birth mother, thrusts the child into Elizabeth's arms and vanishes.
The newborn is wrapped in a dirty coat. Inside a pocket Elizabeth finds a phone number. She calls and is connected to Rafe. An unsavory guy, Rafe is part of the world that exploits teen age runaways. He wants the baby and is after Elizabeth. Elizabeth returns to Connecticut to her snow covered haven. Her parents bring in the police, and we meet a good cop who is doing his job while trying to stumble out of the grief. His wife has died, he and his step daughter are at odds.
Addy too is on the run. Thinking Rafe was safe was a big mistake. She has street smarts yes, but does she have enough luck or stamina to safe herself and the baby. Rafe is a killer and wants it all. Will he win?
Severn House chose a winner with Unsafe Haven. Burdette understands how to write a page turner. Fans of thrillers will be delighted that they found Burdette.
Very highly recommended
This stand alone is gritty, filled with suspense, and set in a very cold setting. The story opens with a young homeless woman in a subway in New York City. She has just given birth. At the same time, Elizabeth, daughter of privilege, riding on the train, is mourning the end of a dream relationship. She has been jilted just 3 days before her Christmas wedding . As Elizabeth disembarks the train and moves towards the street, Addy, Addy, the birth mother, thrusts the child into Elizabeth's arms and vanishes.
The newborn is wrapped in a dirty coat. Inside a pocket Elizabeth finds a phone number. She calls and is connected to Rafe. An unsavory guy, Rafe is part of the world that exploits teen age runaways. He wants the baby and is after Elizabeth. Elizabeth returns to Connecticut to her snow covered haven. Her parents bring in the police, and we meet a good cop who is doing his job while trying to stumble out of the grief. His wife has died, he and his step daughter are at odds.
Addy too is on the run. Thinking Rafe was safe was a big mistake. She has street smarts yes, but does she have enough luck or stamina to safe herself and the baby. Rafe is a killer and wants it all. Will he win?
Severn House chose a winner with Unsafe Haven. Burdette understands how to write a page turner. Fans of thrillers will be delighted that they found Burdette.
Very highly recommended
January 15, 2022
I have read all of Lucy Burdette's books. Her previous books have been "light" mysteries. "Unsafe Haven" is a major departure for the author. This is a serious mystery. Ms. Burdette incorporates the terrible things that can happen to young runaways, a teen-age pregnancy, and illegal adoptions. Due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, a medical student has a newborn baby thrust into her arms in the New York subway system. From that point the story of the baby's mother and the story of the medical student cross paths a number of times. The story ends in kidnappings, shootings and car chases. I am very impressed that the author can go from a "cozy mystery series" to a hard-hitting novel that addresses several current serious issues.
November 14, 2021
So different from Burdette's earlier novels! That said, I struggled with this one, which I thought needed a dose of common sense. Elizabeth, a medical student whose fiance has just called off the wedding, is standing on a subway platform when a teen thrusts a newborn into her arms and takes off. Logic would dictate, well, I'll let you decide. I liked that this is topical and focuses on the plight of homeless teens and predators but there are some plot holes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm sure others will enjoy this but it wasn't for me.
October 11, 2021
An edge of your seat thriller you can’t set down, made me really glad I was seamlessly reading on my iPad and phone as needed. The way the characters all react to the horrible arrangements they’ve been thrust into felt realistic. There’s a sense the every new poor decisions could arise at any moment. The only people women can count on our other women, they pull through no matter what. A few coincidences felt over the top, it made for a perfect climax.
December 25, 2021
Unsafe haven by Lucy Burdette.
Sixteen-year-old Addison is on the run. She’s leaving her life on New York’s streets behind for a new one with Rafe, armed with just his phone number on a scrap of paper. She’s taking the subway to meet him in New Jersey. He’ll take care of her. Or so she thinks . . .
This was a riveting read. I was hooked from page one. Great story and characters. I really felt for Addison. 5*.
Sixteen-year-old Addison is on the run. She’s leaving her life on New York’s streets behind for a new one with Rafe, armed with just his phone number on a scrap of paper. She’s taking the subway to meet him in New Jersey. He’ll take care of her. Or so she thinks . . .
This was a riveting read. I was hooked from page one. Great story and characters. I really felt for Addison. 5*.
July 8, 2022
An incredible, heart wrenching book. The characters and their lives pulled at my heart strings; I was rooting for them the whole time. The plot was also interesting and super engaging- very fast paced, never boring. My favorite part was the happy ending. Addy’s situation is all too common in the real world, but in the real world most don’t get happy endings like her, so I am grateful this book gave us what we can’t always have in real life. I think that’s what fiction is meant to do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Quick and fast paced. Good characters and a killer of a beginning. Addy has her baby in a dirty subway station bathroom and leaves her with stranger Elizabeth Brown and runs for her life. Not knowing what to do or why she has this baby, Elizabeth delves deeper. Some great characters. Kept my attention the whole time. Good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
Really liked the storyline and very much enjoyed the book overall! Wished the storyline about extorting the politician had been further developed as that could have been very intriguing and entertaining. Didn't really like Elizabeth's mother as she seemed smothering but she did seem like a very believable/realistic character.
August 11, 2023
This book started out well and was somewhat suspenseful. It got murky in the middle and then kind of predictable. The characters were making obvious bad choices and anyone over 30 seemed pretty out of touch with common sense and social media, and is coming from someone middle aged. It was alright though and a fast read.
May 21, 2025
Elizabeth Brown and medical student locks eyes with 16 year old Addison whose on a subway and both their lives change forever. Elizabeth was supposed to be married in a week when her fiance calls it off. And when Addison thrusts a newborn baby into Elizabeth's arms and runs away - needless to say Elizabeth is stunned and the excitement doesn't end there.
January 19, 2026
A NYC medical student is trying to navigate the Christmas holidays and her fiancé canceling the wedding at the last minute when a young girl thrusts a newborn baby into her arms and running away. After turning the baby over to the authorities she heads home to Connecticut to regroup. Little did she know, the young girl would seek her out and bring all her troubles with her.
October 15, 2021
I really like this book, it was tense, twisty, suspenseful and emotive. I was gripped from the start right until the end and it was spinechillingly good. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more from Lucy Burdette
December 2, 2021
I read this new thriller with my heart pounding. These characters are so well written and the story is so compelling.... Burdette has outdone herself. Mystery loves rejoice. You do not want to miss this one.
December 14, 2021
Very different from her other books, this one is gritty, not for the faint of heart. An intricate plot but never confusing, Unsafe Haven provided me with three evenings of pleasure. I look forward to more standalones from Lucy Roberta!
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