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Little Owl
Adaline Rushner is a woman in pieces. Her daughters have gone missing, and although the authorities seem to have found their bodies, something still isn't right. Her husband, Cache, can't bear the pain and wants to move on, but Adaline can't shake the feeling they're still alive. She even starts seeing them in the house, though Cache does not. Adaline wonders whether this current tragedy has something to do with the misfortune and painful experiences she suffered in her own childhood, but her memories have gaps in them that she can't quite close on her own.
After Adaline and Cache move to Salt Lake City, everything gets even stranger. Local cop Officer Abbott thinks Adaline's distinctive owl necklace may somehow link to his own missing daughter. Adaline's neighbor Maggie offers assistance and comfort, but Adaline suspects her of hiding other truths from her. Adaline tries to prepare for her girls' eventual return while investigating her own past forgotten traumas, but a threatening message urges her to let the past stay forgotten. Can Adaline find the truth and save her marriage to Cache, or will the tangled web of memories from her past keep her from moving on?
Author Lauri Schoenfeld's psychological thriller is a suspenseful tale of family trauma, discovering our inner strength, and understanding the power of forgiveness.
After Adaline and Cache move to Salt Lake City, everything gets even stranger. Local cop Officer Abbott thinks Adaline's distinctive owl necklace may somehow link to his own missing daughter. Adaline's neighbor Maggie offers assistance and comfort, but Adaline suspects her of hiding other truths from her. Adaline tries to prepare for her girls' eventual return while investigating her own past forgotten traumas, but a threatening message urges her to let the past stay forgotten. Can Adaline find the truth and save her marriage to Cache, or will the tangled web of memories from her past keep her from moving on?
Author Lauri Schoenfeld's psychological thriller is a suspenseful tale of family trauma, discovering our inner strength, and understanding the power of forgiveness.
432 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
7 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 14, 2022
3.5 stars
Such an emotional read, especially for someone who is a parent. Can you imagine your child/children being gone?
Would you be able to accept such a thing or would you still believe and have hope as long as there was no proof?
Adaline’s grief throughout this story was heartbreaking and throughout this story you will be questioning who she is able to trust…..
Such an emotional read, especially for someone who is a parent. Can you imagine your child/children being gone?
Would you be able to accept such a thing or would you still believe and have hope as long as there was no proof?
Adaline’s grief throughout this story was heartbreaking and throughout this story you will be questioning who she is able to trust…..
October 30, 2021
Did you ever play the board game Clue as a kid? You go around Gathering Clues to figure out "who done it" and "where they did it"? That game came to mind several times while reading this book.
This book is described as a multiple POV psychological thriller but it's laced with mystery and suspense as well.
It's one of those books that awakens your inner detective so I hope you've reached sleuth status because it's not as easy as it seems to figure this storyline out.
For a thriller it's real smooth and multi-layered. You probably won't be on the edge of your seat but it is a story that will keep you intrigued as you find out what and who kidnapped the two daughters of Adaline and Cache Rushner.
A really good read and the Intrigue Factor was fabulous! The only problem I had was with the ending, which personally just led me a little bit too far away from the story as a whole. It was almost like too much information. I would still recommend this read and I look forward to reading future works by this author.
@laurischoenfeld
This book is described as a multiple POV psychological thriller but it's laced with mystery and suspense as well.
It's one of those books that awakens your inner detective so I hope you've reached sleuth status because it's not as easy as it seems to figure this storyline out.
For a thriller it's real smooth and multi-layered. You probably won't be on the edge of your seat but it is a story that will keep you intrigued as you find out what and who kidnapped the two daughters of Adaline and Cache Rushner.
A really good read and the Intrigue Factor was fabulous! The only problem I had was with the ending, which personally just led me a little bit too far away from the story as a whole. It was almost like too much information. I would still recommend this read and I look forward to reading future works by this author.
@laurischoenfeld
August 8, 2021
An exceptionally fine debut novel!
Utah author Lauri Schoenfeld teaches creative writing, is the owner and host of Inner Enlightenment, ‘a business built around connecting to your inner light and child within,’ an editor of Twisted Whisperings, hosts Enlightenment Podcast, and is a motivational speaker. LITTLE OWL is her debut as a novelist.
Entering the literary realm of psychological thrillers is a challenge for experienced writers, but Lauri proves her mettle in this dark but very real story of missing children, able to capture – and sustain – the degree of terror the subject matter suggests and still provide a cast of characters so credible that the story soars. Wisely, she has created a primary character in Adaline Rushner whose own suggested ominous dreams make her just that much more susceptible to the effects of the tragedy she faces.
This dark nature is defined as the story opens, in the moments before the children go missing. “Adaline poured herself a cup of coffee and rubbed her eyes. Continual nights of sleeplessness wouldn’t be sustainable. She knew that. She wanted to crawl back into bed and not get up for a while If it weren’t for the girls, she’d be there now. For days. Weeks. Who knew – it all blended together. Her daughter Leora, had been having recurring night terrors and claimed someone was watching their house. Adaline pretended not to show her discomfort, or to mention she felt this way all the time. Her insomnia came form the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull your eyes out, but people.…’
The author’s ability to ‘shadow’ Adaline’s psyche while recreating the disappearance of her children is a major breakthrough in psychological thrillers. Of equal interest is the marital schism that develops because of Adaline’s past and current fears. From the book’s back cover, we read, ‘Adaline and Cache Rushner are falling apart. Their daughters are missing, presumed dead. Their marriage is crumbling. Their attempt at starting over in a new city is failing. Adaline is sure their daughters are alive somehow, but Cache finds it too painful to hop and wants to move on with their lives. Adaline wonders whether her marriage to Cache can be saved amidst the doubt and uncertainty taking hold of all that she knows to be true.’ The note adds, ‘LITTLE OWL is a tale of truth, redemption, and the hope that urges us onward in spite of our worst fears.’
Both a fascinating plot concept an impressive execution with Lauri’s writing skills, this is a book that appears to introduce an author of authority. Hopefully a screenwriter or director will recognize the cinematic possibilities! Very highly recommended.
Utah author Lauri Schoenfeld teaches creative writing, is the owner and host of Inner Enlightenment, ‘a business built around connecting to your inner light and child within,’ an editor of Twisted Whisperings, hosts Enlightenment Podcast, and is a motivational speaker. LITTLE OWL is her debut as a novelist.
Entering the literary realm of psychological thrillers is a challenge for experienced writers, but Lauri proves her mettle in this dark but very real story of missing children, able to capture – and sustain – the degree of terror the subject matter suggests and still provide a cast of characters so credible that the story soars. Wisely, she has created a primary character in Adaline Rushner whose own suggested ominous dreams make her just that much more susceptible to the effects of the tragedy she faces.
This dark nature is defined as the story opens, in the moments before the children go missing. “Adaline poured herself a cup of coffee and rubbed her eyes. Continual nights of sleeplessness wouldn’t be sustainable. She knew that. She wanted to crawl back into bed and not get up for a while If it weren’t for the girls, she’d be there now. For days. Weeks. Who knew – it all blended together. Her daughter Leora, had been having recurring night terrors and claimed someone was watching their house. Adaline pretended not to show her discomfort, or to mention she felt this way all the time. Her insomnia came form the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull your eyes out, but people.…’
The author’s ability to ‘shadow’ Adaline’s psyche while recreating the disappearance of her children is a major breakthrough in psychological thrillers. Of equal interest is the marital schism that develops because of Adaline’s past and current fears. From the book’s back cover, we read, ‘Adaline and Cache Rushner are falling apart. Their daughters are missing, presumed dead. Their marriage is crumbling. Their attempt at starting over in a new city is failing. Adaline is sure their daughters are alive somehow, but Cache finds it too painful to hop and wants to move on with their lives. Adaline wonders whether her marriage to Cache can be saved amidst the doubt and uncertainty taking hold of all that she knows to be true.’ The note adds, ‘LITTLE OWL is a tale of truth, redemption, and the hope that urges us onward in spite of our worst fears.’
Both a fascinating plot concept an impressive execution with Lauri’s writing skills, this is a book that appears to introduce an author of authority. Hopefully a screenwriter or director will recognize the cinematic possibilities! Very highly recommended.
August 31, 2021
"It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you."~Harold Finch
Synopsis: Adaline Rushner is a woman in pieces. Her daughters have gone missing, and although the authorities seem to have found their bodies, something still isn't right. Her husband, Cache, can't bear the pain and wants to move on, but Adaline can't shake the feeling they're still alive. She even starts seeing them in the house, though Cache does not. Adaline wonders whether this current tragedy has something to do with the misfortune and painful experiences she suffered in her own childhood, but her memories have gaps in them that she can't quite close on her own.
My review: This book was such a compelling read and really explores what a traumatic upbringing can do to a person; how you splinter into different parts that have one common goal...protection. Adaline's grief was almost too much to bear, but her steadfast belief that her girls were alive is what really propelled the story for me. As the story progressed, it was shocking to see all of the secrets from the past come to light and how they all worked together in creating this present-day tragedy.
Synopsis: Adaline Rushner is a woman in pieces. Her daughters have gone missing, and although the authorities seem to have found their bodies, something still isn't right. Her husband, Cache, can't bear the pain and wants to move on, but Adaline can't shake the feeling they're still alive. She even starts seeing them in the house, though Cache does not. Adaline wonders whether this current tragedy has something to do with the misfortune and painful experiences she suffered in her own childhood, but her memories have gaps in them that she can't quite close on her own.
My review: This book was such a compelling read and really explores what a traumatic upbringing can do to a person; how you splinter into different parts that have one common goal...protection. Adaline's grief was almost too much to bear, but her steadfast belief that her girls were alive is what really propelled the story for me. As the story progressed, it was shocking to see all of the secrets from the past come to light and how they all worked together in creating this present-day tragedy.
July 28, 2021
First, thank you to Lauri Schoenfeld for providing me with a free arc of her new book, Little Owl.
Little Owl is a thriller told from multiple POVs. The main character, Adaline, is a mother of two little girls, Eliza and Leora. One day, after her husband leaves for work, the girls disappear from their front yard, and are later discovered deceased. Adaline doesn’t believe it for a second though and continues to hold onto the belief that they are still very much alive.
After she and her husband relocate from Owling, Utah to Salt Lake City, things get even crazier. Adaline swears she sees her daughters, only for them to disappear again. People that she can’t remember and others from her past beginning popping back into her life unexpectedly, adding to the confusion that already engulfs Adaline.
Who can she trust? What really happened to Leora and Eliza? Find out when Little Owl drops on August 24th!
Little Owl is a thriller told from multiple POVs. The main character, Adaline, is a mother of two little girls, Eliza and Leora. One day, after her husband leaves for work, the girls disappear from their front yard, and are later discovered deceased. Adaline doesn’t believe it for a second though and continues to hold onto the belief that they are still very much alive.
After she and her husband relocate from Owling, Utah to Salt Lake City, things get even crazier. Adaline swears she sees her daughters, only for them to disappear again. People that she can’t remember and others from her past beginning popping back into her life unexpectedly, adding to the confusion that already engulfs Adaline.
Who can she trust? What really happened to Leora and Eliza? Find out when Little Owl drops on August 24th!
December 24, 2021
The Story:
Little Owl centers around Adaline Rushner - a woman who believes that her daughters are still alive although the police has discovered their bodies. Hoping for a fresh start, her husband, Cache move them both to Salt Lake City but things take a turn for the worse for Adaline. She suspects the people in this town is somehow connected to what happened to her daughters.
My thoughts: This was a psychological thriller with a good amount of shocking twists. I liked the suspenseful story build up and how each twist builds upon the last that added a lot of depth to the mystery.
There are quite a lot of characters in the story and they all have their own secrets.
Although I liked how complex the plot is, I personally felt it wanders off a bit midway and this slowed down the story. But the pace did pick up towards the end leading to a good but quite bizarre ending.
Overall, this was a pretty good multi-layered mystery/thriller. I liked the twists and that the story also encapsulates themes like childhood trauma, forgiveness and redemption.
***Thank you author Lauri Schoenfeld for this gifted copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: This was a psychological thriller with a good amount of shocking twists. I liked the suspenseful story build up and how each twist builds upon the last that added a lot of depth to the mystery.
There are quite a lot of characters in the story and they all have their own secrets.
Although I liked how complex the plot is, I personally felt it wanders off a bit midway and this slowed down the story. But the pace did pick up towards the end leading to a good but quite bizarre ending.
Overall, this was a pretty good multi-layered mystery/thriller. I liked the twists and that the story also encapsulates themes like childhood trauma, forgiveness and redemption.
***Thank you author Lauri Schoenfeld for this gifted copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.***
October 1, 2025
Little Owl
I loved this book! I captured me right from the start. What I didn’t know is that when I started reading it, I would be much busier than normal and my time would be limited for reading. I still managed to read it in four days! I just couldn’t put it down in my spare time!
The characters were well developed and you really felt like you knew each one. The family struggles felt real and you just wanted to see Cache and Adeline’s marriage struggle survive the kidnapping of their two girls.
Many other characters were developed along the way and you got to know each one. The twists came in figuring out how they all fit into this cleverly craft thriller. So many times I thought I had figure out where things were going, but I can assure you, the twists at the end will not be seen!
Don’t miss this one! It’s a great thriller!
I loved this book! I captured me right from the start. What I didn’t know is that when I started reading it, I would be much busier than normal and my time would be limited for reading. I still managed to read it in four days! I just couldn’t put it down in my spare time!
The characters were well developed and you really felt like you knew each one. The family struggles felt real and you just wanted to see Cache and Adeline’s marriage struggle survive the kidnapping of their two girls.
Many other characters were developed along the way and you got to know each one. The twists came in figuring out how they all fit into this cleverly craft thriller. So many times I thought I had figure out where things were going, but I can assure you, the twists at the end will not be seen!
Don’t miss this one! It’s a great thriller!
September 30, 2021
This book. Oh my goodness! The closer I got to the end the less I was able to put it down! Usually I can figure out the mystery in books but this one kept me guessing. It’s a delicious, twisty ride full of complicated people that do questionable things--all in the name of love and you won’t know who’s to be trusted until the surprise ending! Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators.
September 26, 2021
Little Owl lures you in with the heart-stopping drama of the sudden disappearance of Adaline Rushner's little girls, but immediately we know things are not what they seem. Fast-paced and utterly binge-able, Little Owl plays fast and loose with lost time, multiple narrators with varying levels of reliability, and reveals dark secrets with flourish after flourish. A true thriller in every sense of the word.
September 1, 2021
This book captured my attention right away. I love unreliable narrators and stories told in multiple POVs. There were so many good twists throughout the book. Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 5, 2021
Surprised...
This book had me thinking the time, just when I thought I figured it out, It surprised me. Kept me on the edge til the end. Really enjoyed this read.
This book had me thinking the time, just when I thought I figured it out, It surprised me. Kept me on the edge til the end. Really enjoyed this read.
July 27, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you @laurischoenfeld ,who sent me an ARC ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.🤍
“Her insomnia came from the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull out your eyes, but people. They wore a skin and looked pleasant, but evil lurked inside, underneath their sinister and perfect smiles.” - Lauri Schoenfeld
Imagine, two broken people finding each other and starting a family together. Now imagine, those two individuals going through one of the hardest obstacles that a parent could face- losing their children and being told that they are dead.
I was hooked from the very first page! We see how both Adaline and Cache navigate this tragedy differently and how this causes major problems throughout their relationship. Lauri also touched on how one’s childhood traumas could affect them and how hurt people, hurt people - loved that!
There were so many plot twists and secrets revealed that I felt like I didn’t know who to trust. I felt so many emotions while reading Little Owl. There’s one part that had me bawling my eyes out! Kudos to Lauri, because I’ve yet to read a psychological thriller that has made me cry.
If you like psychological thrillers that are fast-paced, have multiple POVs and will have you questioning who to trust, then check out Little Owl.
Little Owl is Lauri Schoenfeld’s debut novel and it releases on August 31st! You can pre-order it now on Amazon. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think! ☺️
Thank you @laurischoenfeld ,who sent me an ARC ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.🤍
“Her insomnia came from the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull out your eyes, but people. They wore a skin and looked pleasant, but evil lurked inside, underneath their sinister and perfect smiles.” - Lauri Schoenfeld
Imagine, two broken people finding each other and starting a family together. Now imagine, those two individuals going through one of the hardest obstacles that a parent could face- losing their children and being told that they are dead.
I was hooked from the very first page! We see how both Adaline and Cache navigate this tragedy differently and how this causes major problems throughout their relationship. Lauri also touched on how one’s childhood traumas could affect them and how hurt people, hurt people - loved that!
There were so many plot twists and secrets revealed that I felt like I didn’t know who to trust. I felt so many emotions while reading Little Owl. There’s one part that had me bawling my eyes out! Kudos to Lauri, because I’ve yet to read a psychological thriller that has made me cry.
If you like psychological thrillers that are fast-paced, have multiple POVs and will have you questioning who to trust, then check out Little Owl.
Little Owl is Lauri Schoenfeld’s debut novel and it releases on August 31st! You can pre-order it now on Amazon. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think! ☺️
September 22, 2021
The Review
Wow. This was my first thought after reading this incredible thriller. The character growth was outstanding in this narrative. The heartbreak and tragic nature of the protagonist and her refusal to accept the loss of her daughters was such a natural and emotional reaction that any parent would likely be able to relate to in those circumstances. Her relationships and the twists and turns the narrative takes to force the readers to question if Adaline is truly having a break from reality due to the loss of her children, or if something far more sinister is afoot.
The thing that really drew me into this narrative was the atmosphere and theme of trust that the author played with. One thing I always look for in a thriller is if you can guess right away who the true “culprit” is, or if the story is so rich that you can’t make up your mind either way. This novel was definitely in the latter category, making me question everyone and truly shocking me several times over the narrative.
The Verdict
A haunting, shocking, and entertaining thriller, author Lauri Schoenfeld’s “Little Owl” is a must-read novel of 2021! Honestly, this book captured the same shock and wow factor that Dean Koontz’s “False Memory” did, not necessarily by shocking with the revelation but the actions and twists the narrative took readers in. The final revelation of what happened to these children and who is responsible will absolutely be a jaw-dropper of a revelation, and make this story really stand out!
Wow. This was my first thought after reading this incredible thriller. The character growth was outstanding in this narrative. The heartbreak and tragic nature of the protagonist and her refusal to accept the loss of her daughters was such a natural and emotional reaction that any parent would likely be able to relate to in those circumstances. Her relationships and the twists and turns the narrative takes to force the readers to question if Adaline is truly having a break from reality due to the loss of her children, or if something far more sinister is afoot.
The thing that really drew me into this narrative was the atmosphere and theme of trust that the author played with. One thing I always look for in a thriller is if you can guess right away who the true “culprit” is, or if the story is so rich that you can’t make up your mind either way. This novel was definitely in the latter category, making me question everyone and truly shocking me several times over the narrative.
The Verdict
A haunting, shocking, and entertaining thriller, author Lauri Schoenfeld’s “Little Owl” is a must-read novel of 2021! Honestly, this book captured the same shock and wow factor that Dean Koontz’s “False Memory” did, not necessarily by shocking with the revelation but the actions and twists the narrative took readers in. The final revelation of what happened to these children and who is responsible will absolutely be a jaw-dropper of a revelation, and make this story really stand out!
August 26, 2021
Told through multiple pov's this story is about a family that is torn apart and the devastation the family is left with. Adaline and Cache grieve in two very different ways, Cache wanting to move forward knowing, there is nothing that can change what has happened and Adaline, who can't seem to believe that the girls are gone. This is a very heart wrenching story and I felt so bad for both mc's.
This is a fast paced read that you won't want to put down! After the girls disapearance, Cache and Adaline move from their home to a different location for Cache's work and that's where the story really gets crazy. You will not know who's telling the truth and what is really happening. You will go through an emotional rollercoaster and feel like you are actually in this story. It was so well written and weaved together. I'm still second guessing all my thoughts and emotions lol.
Laurie has masterfully crafted this story and I can't believe that this is her debut. I truly can't wait to see what comes next with her writing!
This is a fast paced read that you won't want to put down! After the girls disapearance, Cache and Adaline move from their home to a different location for Cache's work and that's where the story really gets crazy. You will not know who's telling the truth and what is really happening. You will go through an emotional rollercoaster and feel like you are actually in this story. It was so well written and weaved together. I'm still second guessing all my thoughts and emotions lol.
Laurie has masterfully crafted this story and I can't believe that this is her debut. I truly can't wait to see what comes next with her writing!
July 4, 2021
This is a fast-paced, gripping story that I literally could not put down. The characters are intriguing and relatable. I felt a lot of emotions--fear, pain, and relief, just to name a few. Lauri does an excellent job weaving a story that creates mystery, suspense, and has the reader rooting for good to overcome evil.
My only critique was that there were more cuss words/profanity than I would have preferred, but it did not take away or distract from the flow of the book. I mention this mostly for the benefit of people like me who may be on the lookout for books without language.
It has been a long time since I've picked up a book that I couldn't put down. Anytime someone tried to pull me away, I got frustrated because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, this book is definitely for you!
My only critique was that there were more cuss words/profanity than I would have preferred, but it did not take away or distract from the flow of the book. I mention this mostly for the benefit of people like me who may be on the lookout for books without language.
It has been a long time since I've picked up a book that I couldn't put down. Anytime someone tried to pull me away, I got frustrated because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, this book is definitely for you!
October 2, 2021
A mother's worst fear is realized when her daughters disappear and the authorities seem to confirm their death. But Lauri Schoenfeld's protagonist isn't so sure and each new day brings another whisper that reality might not be what it seems. Lauri's gripping debut explores the intersection where grief and sanity converge. The story moves at a lightning pace and ends up challenging us to explore our capacity for faith and forgiveness. It's a visceral but ultimately rewarding read from an author I hope will bring us many more stories that test our paradigms in a way that would make Rod Serling proud. Highly recommended.
September 21, 2021
I finished this in 3 days…and days later, I’m still thinking about it.
Wow. It’s not easy to take readers on a journey in their mind and keep it fresh and interesting, but this did it. What a beautiful way to weave in nuanced characters.
But damn. That ending. It cuts to the heart and challenges you to think about the result of abuse and years of psychological trauma.
What a read. Highly recommend 💜
Wow. It’s not easy to take readers on a journey in their mind and keep it fresh and interesting, but this did it. What a beautiful way to weave in nuanced characters.
But damn. That ending. It cuts to the heart and challenges you to think about the result of abuse and years of psychological trauma.
What a read. Highly recommend 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
Little Owl is definitely a page turner. If you like a good "who dunnit" mystery, this is a book you should read!
The way Lauri developed the characters is very intriguing.
I like the way the main characters have their own secrets that they've have been carrying from a young age. They definitely have trust issues.
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a new twist and turn.
I can't wait for the sequel!
Vcohen
The way Lauri developed the characters is very intriguing.
I like the way the main characters have their own secrets that they've have been carrying from a young age. They definitely have trust issues.
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a new twist and turn.
I can't wait for the sequel!
Vcohen
August 9, 2021
Loved this story. I just couldn’t put this down and not a lot of books get me this feeling. I really wanted to now what happened. I was scared when I was reading this I felt like I was in the book.
Thank you for Lauri Schoenfeld for giving me an arc!
Thank you for Lauri Schoenfeld for giving me an arc!
September 19, 2021
Such an exciting thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end!
August 27, 2021
Adeline suffers from Anxiety and PTSD, yet is trying to find peace and be a good mother to her two daughters and a good wife while trying to not be affected by her traumatic past.
It’s all good and well, until her instincts tell her that she is in danger, and her eldest daughter confirms that with worries of them being watched by a strange man, having nightmares that keep her awake for nights, and it doesn’t take long before the book “starts” and the pent-up anxiety is released full-burst into chilling and weird scenes promised with the suspense filled narrative of Lauri Schoenfeld.
It’s something beautiful, the way the author tells us the little details about what the characters do, their thoughts, the way they pause and all the little motions that gives us time to envision what is actually happening and how each character is reacting to the world, allowing us to accept the invitations to pay more attention to the story and to be drawn to it from the beginning.
The author gives off statements that are familiar with a lot of people such as : “Adaline was so tired of being told by other people how to feel. That she somehow didn’t know her own body, heart, and mind”, allowing readers to connect with Adeline and the novel itself. Nice touch.
As characters are put into display such as the cute Eliza, increasing the grip of this book on the reader, we start to get enough information to start constructing the psych of the main character without effort as the info is given to us in small comments and reactions, showing the prowess of Lauri Schoenfeld in making things move seamlessly on the background.
One thing that is intriguing and makes readers pay attention is the way the writer “lets us know” how the mind of someone with severe anxiety works, specially when cause by a trauma and abuse, by showing all the lingering doubts and all the “holding back” in order not to cause conflict because they are seen by others as fragile and not “being able to distinguish their own reality”, no matter how right they can be, something that we need to read more of. This speaks even louder when that person turns out to be your life partner.
The tension between a couple that starts to fall of alignment due to stress, tragedy and selfishness is well put in words, feelings and acts, this, given that the trauma Adeline endured starts affecting her, escalating into what seems like a coping mechanism for her.
Mystery grows with the number of pages and the line between illusion, insanity caused by trauma and reality blur together and swirl with tension in a tango of suspense and possibilities. It’s something… new to read, as even us, the readers, although we are given more clues than each character, we cannot decide what to believe, or at least, not until we know more about the story that is being told, which is EXACTLY why we keep reading until we cannot dare to turn back, there are just too many loose ends, too much in stake in order not to know how this is going to end.
If Lauri Schoenfeld wanted us glued to our seats, then she achieved that with an A+.
As it seems, above all the tension between the characters that seem like to either hold an box of secrets or dark intentions, more than one part plays the role of victim of this ghostly, cunning attacker, extending the possibilities that all of them being related to him in some way, as he seems to be able to manipulated everyone in order to make Adeline look insane, adding her torment in this whole situation.
As a writer, I should congratulate Lauri Schoenfeld in the aspect of leaving many routes open, and leaving the reader wandering more and more as the story progresses without losing the hold and total control of the plot, which gave her the ability to wrap up a plot twist that will never be expected, no matter how the story turns out. Impressive indeed.
It’s nice how everything just starts coming together, with characters jumping in and having a part of the action, the mystery, raising more questions, opening side-stories while they start to interact with each other as they go, casually making the story more cohesive and joining some loose strands of the plot and striating possibilities as the story progresses.
Tension, emotional tension, is the trademark of this book because it seems like everybody is on the edge given that there are a lot of secrets, pent-up emotions, such as rage, grief, distress, confusion in many characters. It’s not a bad thing, but a necessary condition in order to keep the mood of the story, as everyone wants to find out what’s is going on and why so many other characters keep things hidden. It seems like everyone is suspect, and everyone is suspecting on others in this web of victims of the Owl Keeper that hides himself in plain sight, or so it seems.
With fragmented, randomly surfacing memories about her past, our main character holds the key to solve everything about this mystery, but she can’t remember much due to trauma, and as it seems, more than one character is highly interested in her, that, and the fact that the people around Adeline are involved in some type of conspiracy to hold her… captive of herself, some to protect her and some to kill her, but the question is WHY?
We don’t know at all what is at stake here. Things are just not revealed enough to us, not even a sneak peek of a dust speck that will shed some light in this, nothing. Questions are added one over the other and only minor progress is made by the characters that also don’t show themselves enough for we to take sure conclusions, or at least the right ones, as we think that everyone here might be compromised in a way or another.
The Owl Keeper, the villain, is a presented as a twisted, totally narcissistic, manipulative psycho. That’s the only way to describe him, he is just sick, or is he? Is he the real monster? Is the Owl Keeper the real villain of this story? Is the Owl Keeper the only villain in this tale?
Nothing is what it seems and everything keeps changing, until the end, making this an entertaining story that keeps us curious until the end, and end that promises another book, as this vicious cycle of killing promises to repeat itself.
VERY nicely done by Lauri Schoenfeld. If you love a shifting mystery, and to be held by the power of a puzzle, this book is the treat you should give to yourself.
Pros:
Excellent portrait of anxiety and PTSD
Excellent portrait of the workings of a victim of abuse, and how verbal abuse can affect someone
The take of overcoming her condition by herself is very empowering to readers
Great portrait of characters emotions, thoughts, expressions and doubts
A powerful female main character that refuses to be taken as the damsel in distress
Excellent tension in the narrative even without a fast-paced approach
Nice mystery
Unpredictable plot. TOTALLY unpredictable plot
Unpredictable ending that promises a sequel!
Cons:
I think that the identity of the Owl Keeper was little too obvious. I mean, if one thinks about it a little, it’s clear who he is WAY before he is revealed. That might have been the intention of the writers though.
There was a slight exaggeration of the strength of the villain in the final scenes.
Favourite Character: Adeline
Lesson: “People are too narcissistic to see beyond of what they want things to be like”
Cover score: 8.4/10
Book Score: 8.3/10
Original Review @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
It’s all good and well, until her instincts tell her that she is in danger, and her eldest daughter confirms that with worries of them being watched by a strange man, having nightmares that keep her awake for nights, and it doesn’t take long before the book “starts” and the pent-up anxiety is released full-burst into chilling and weird scenes promised with the suspense filled narrative of Lauri Schoenfeld.
It’s something beautiful, the way the author tells us the little details about what the characters do, their thoughts, the way they pause and all the little motions that gives us time to envision what is actually happening and how each character is reacting to the world, allowing us to accept the invitations to pay more attention to the story and to be drawn to it from the beginning.
The author gives off statements that are familiar with a lot of people such as : “Adaline was so tired of being told by other people how to feel. That she somehow didn’t know her own body, heart, and mind”, allowing readers to connect with Adeline and the novel itself. Nice touch.
As characters are put into display such as the cute Eliza, increasing the grip of this book on the reader, we start to get enough information to start constructing the psych of the main character without effort as the info is given to us in small comments and reactions, showing the prowess of Lauri Schoenfeld in making things move seamlessly on the background.
One thing that is intriguing and makes readers pay attention is the way the writer “lets us know” how the mind of someone with severe anxiety works, specially when cause by a trauma and abuse, by showing all the lingering doubts and all the “holding back” in order not to cause conflict because they are seen by others as fragile and not “being able to distinguish their own reality”, no matter how right they can be, something that we need to read more of. This speaks even louder when that person turns out to be your life partner.
The tension between a couple that starts to fall of alignment due to stress, tragedy and selfishness is well put in words, feelings and acts, this, given that the trauma Adeline endured starts affecting her, escalating into what seems like a coping mechanism for her.
Mystery grows with the number of pages and the line between illusion, insanity caused by trauma and reality blur together and swirl with tension in a tango of suspense and possibilities. It’s something… new to read, as even us, the readers, although we are given more clues than each character, we cannot decide what to believe, or at least, not until we know more about the story that is being told, which is EXACTLY why we keep reading until we cannot dare to turn back, there are just too many loose ends, too much in stake in order not to know how this is going to end.
If Lauri Schoenfeld wanted us glued to our seats, then she achieved that with an A+.
As it seems, above all the tension between the characters that seem like to either hold an box of secrets or dark intentions, more than one part plays the role of victim of this ghostly, cunning attacker, extending the possibilities that all of them being related to him in some way, as he seems to be able to manipulated everyone in order to make Adeline look insane, adding her torment in this whole situation.
As a writer, I should congratulate Lauri Schoenfeld in the aspect of leaving many routes open, and leaving the reader wandering more and more as the story progresses without losing the hold and total control of the plot, which gave her the ability to wrap up a plot twist that will never be expected, no matter how the story turns out. Impressive indeed.
It’s nice how everything just starts coming together, with characters jumping in and having a part of the action, the mystery, raising more questions, opening side-stories while they start to interact with each other as they go, casually making the story more cohesive and joining some loose strands of the plot and striating possibilities as the story progresses.
Tension, emotional tension, is the trademark of this book because it seems like everybody is on the edge given that there are a lot of secrets, pent-up emotions, such as rage, grief, distress, confusion in many characters. It’s not a bad thing, but a necessary condition in order to keep the mood of the story, as everyone wants to find out what’s is going on and why so many other characters keep things hidden. It seems like everyone is suspect, and everyone is suspecting on others in this web of victims of the Owl Keeper that hides himself in plain sight, or so it seems.
With fragmented, randomly surfacing memories about her past, our main character holds the key to solve everything about this mystery, but she can’t remember much due to trauma, and as it seems, more than one character is highly interested in her, that, and the fact that the people around Adeline are involved in some type of conspiracy to hold her… captive of herself, some to protect her and some to kill her, but the question is WHY?
We don’t know at all what is at stake here. Things are just not revealed enough to us, not even a sneak peek of a dust speck that will shed some light in this, nothing. Questions are added one over the other and only minor progress is made by the characters that also don’t show themselves enough for we to take sure conclusions, or at least the right ones, as we think that everyone here might be compromised in a way or another.
The Owl Keeper, the villain, is a presented as a twisted, totally narcissistic, manipulative psycho. That’s the only way to describe him, he is just sick, or is he? Is he the real monster? Is the Owl Keeper the real villain of this story? Is the Owl Keeper the only villain in this tale?
Nothing is what it seems and everything keeps changing, until the end, making this an entertaining story that keeps us curious until the end, and end that promises another book, as this vicious cycle of killing promises to repeat itself.
VERY nicely done by Lauri Schoenfeld. If you love a shifting mystery, and to be held by the power of a puzzle, this book is the treat you should give to yourself.
Pros:
Excellent portrait of anxiety and PTSD
Excellent portrait of the workings of a victim of abuse, and how verbal abuse can affect someone
The take of overcoming her condition by herself is very empowering to readers
Great portrait of characters emotions, thoughts, expressions and doubts
A powerful female main character that refuses to be taken as the damsel in distress
Excellent tension in the narrative even without a fast-paced approach
Nice mystery
Unpredictable plot. TOTALLY unpredictable plot
Unpredictable ending that promises a sequel!
Cons:
I think that the identity of the Owl Keeper was little too obvious. I mean, if one thinks about it a little, it’s clear who he is WAY before he is revealed. That might have been the intention of the writers though.
There was a slight exaggeration of the strength of the villain in the final scenes.
Favourite Character: Adeline
Lesson: “People are too narcissistic to see beyond of what they want things to be like”
Cover score: 8.4/10
Book Score: 8.3/10
Original Review @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
November 2, 2023
“Grief takes you down roads you don’t plan, until it happens, and coping with it becomes a whole different beast.”
Schoenfeld takes readers on an emotional, suspenseful and surprising journey in Little Owl, as a mom fights to prove her instincts are correct, even as everyone tells her she is wrong. It’s one of those novels where I did not trust any of the characters and had to keep reading until all secrets were revealed. It’s intense and powerful and quite a page-turner!
Schoenfeld takes readers on an emotional, suspenseful and surprising journey in Little Owl, as a mom fights to prove her instincts are correct, even as everyone tells her she is wrong. It’s one of those novels where I did not trust any of the characters and had to keep reading until all secrets were revealed. It’s intense and powerful and quite a page-turner!
April 23, 2024
I was hooked from page one and this book didn't slow down until the very last page. Author Lauri Schoenfeld is a local author and I am so impressed with her debut! This is the perfect summer read although once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down!
January 24, 2022
The plot of this book is ridiculous and convoluted. There are so many plot points that make no sense in this story.
1. The depiction of both mental illness and therapy are both off. At one point the therapist discusses her patient (Adaline) with an outside individual (Sam) and they speculate that the patient remembers more than she says and has started manipulating them by engineering an attack. And there are vague references to something bad happening "last time" she began to remember. Sam at this point thinks that Adaline is the one who burned down her house with her parents in it but Dr Lynchester knows Adaline isn't the one who did it yet they seem to both be under the impression that Adaline has this violent manipulative tendency if she "remembers" with no evidence or explanation. None of this is how PTSD works nor how therapy works. Additionally throughout the book, Cache keeps asking Adaline if she is on her meds, but there is never any indication of what type of medication she is on or what symptoms she has that she needs them for. Then there's Adaline who seems resistant to taking her medication with no explanation as to why until she is frantically trying to find some of it in her purse. The therapist at one point uses something like a vulcan nerve pinch to render Adaline unconscious (wtf?) in order to "protect" her and then calls Sam to let him know she is safe. And then Adaline just...goes home like nothing has happened.
2. Cache was hired by Adaline's mother to kill Adaline ten years ago but doesn't go through with it because he fell in love with her. Except Cache is a former con man and thief--not a hit man or assassin. That he wouldn't go through with it make sense--he's never had any experience in killing. But you don't suddenly jump into "hitman" from "thief" why would he even have accepted the job? its like approaching a completely random person on the street and asking them to kill someone for you.
3. Adaline, when she finally realizes that Seth is the Owl Keeper asks about him being out of prison already as he took the blame for her parents home burning--except then it is revealed that he was never in prison--he was 'kept' by Adaline's not-dead abusive mother. And somehow Adaline just didn't know that the man who took the blame for her parents' death was never prosecuted? Never sent to prison?
4. Dr Lynchester actually is the one who burned down Adaline's home, incidentally killing Cache's parents too. And then she proceeds to stalk Adaline for the rest of her life.
5. Cache gets fired from his job because the company doesn't want the hassle of the media scrutiny on his family touching them. As he is leaving, someone knocks him out and slashes his tires...and then we see him at home (he got home by calling Sam for a ride--a man who he met once and didn't stop to ask a number for? how did he call him then?). Not going to the police, not reporting this to his company security. Also his boss is somehow involved in something with his realtor/fake Miss Tishner/Arlene Williams and that is never addressed--a mysterious note about him "doing this last job for her" and nothing happens?
6. Cache at one point feels betrayed that he never knew about Adaline's psychiatric hospitalization and diagnosis with schizophrenia as a child but somehow justifies never having told her he was a conman and thief.
This is just some of the points-there are more. As a whole the story is completely ridiculous.
1. The depiction of both mental illness and therapy are both off. At one point the therapist discusses her patient (Adaline) with an outside individual (Sam) and they speculate that the patient remembers more than she says and has started manipulating them by engineering an attack. And there are vague references to something bad happening "last time" she began to remember. Sam at this point thinks that Adaline is the one who burned down her house with her parents in it but Dr Lynchester knows Adaline isn't the one who did it yet they seem to both be under the impression that Adaline has this violent manipulative tendency if she "remembers" with no evidence or explanation. None of this is how PTSD works nor how therapy works. Additionally throughout the book, Cache keeps asking Adaline if she is on her meds, but there is never any indication of what type of medication she is on or what symptoms she has that she needs them for. Then there's Adaline who seems resistant to taking her medication with no explanation as to why until she is frantically trying to find some of it in her purse. The therapist at one point uses something like a vulcan nerve pinch to render Adaline unconscious (wtf?) in order to "protect" her and then calls Sam to let him know she is safe. And then Adaline just...goes home like nothing has happened.
2. Cache was hired by Adaline's mother to kill Adaline ten years ago but doesn't go through with it because he fell in love with her. Except Cache is a former con man and thief--not a hit man or assassin. That he wouldn't go through with it make sense--he's never had any experience in killing. But you don't suddenly jump into "hitman" from "thief" why would he even have accepted the job? its like approaching a completely random person on the street and asking them to kill someone for you.
3. Adaline, when she finally realizes that Seth is the Owl Keeper asks about him being out of prison already as he took the blame for her parents home burning--except then it is revealed that he was never in prison--he was 'kept' by Adaline's not-dead abusive mother. And somehow Adaline just didn't know that the man who took the blame for her parents' death was never prosecuted? Never sent to prison?
4. Dr Lynchester actually is the one who burned down Adaline's home, incidentally killing Cache's parents too. And then she proceeds to stalk Adaline for the rest of her life.
5. Cache gets fired from his job because the company doesn't want the hassle of the media scrutiny on his family touching them. As he is leaving, someone knocks him out and slashes his tires...and then we see him at home (he got home by calling Sam for a ride--a man who he met once and didn't stop to ask a number for? how did he call him then?). Not going to the police, not reporting this to his company security. Also his boss is somehow involved in something with his realtor/fake Miss Tishner/Arlene Williams and that is never addressed--a mysterious note about him "doing this last job for her" and nothing happens?
6. Cache at one point feels betrayed that he never knew about Adaline's psychiatric hospitalization and diagnosis with schizophrenia as a child but somehow justifies never having told her he was a conman and thief.
This is just some of the points-there are more. As a whole the story is completely ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
Intriguing
I had to keep reading to find out if their girls were still alive. Definitely worth reading. Highly recommend. Loved it.
I had to keep reading to find out if their girls were still alive. Definitely worth reading. Highly recommend. Loved it.
August 8, 2021
An exceptionally fine debut novel!
Utah author Lauri Schoenfeld teaches creative writing, is the owner and host of Inner Enlightenment, ‘a business built around connecting to your inner light and child within,’ an editor of Twisted Whisperings, hosts Enlightenment Podcast, and is a motivational speaker. LITTLE OWL is her debut as a novelist.
Entering the literary realm of psychological thrillers is a challenge for experienced writers, but Lauri proves her mettle in this dark but very real story of missing children, able to capture – and sustain – the degree of terror the subject matter suggests and still provide a cast of characters so credible that the story soars. Wisely, she has created a primary character in Adaline Rushner whose own suggested ominous dreams make her just that much more susceptible to the effects of the tragedy she faces.
This dark nature is defined as the story opens, in the moments before the children go missing. “Adaline poured herself a cup of coffee and rubbed her eyes. Continual nights of sleeplessness wouldn’t be sustainable. She knew that. She wanted to crawl back into bed and not get up for a while If it weren’t for the girls, she’d be there now. For days. Weeks. Who knew – it all blended together. Her daughter Leora, had been having recurring night terrors and claimed someone was watching their house. Adaline pretended not to show her discomfort, or to mention she felt this way all the time. Her insomnia came form the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull your eyes out, but people.…’
The author’s ability to ‘shadow’ Adaline’s psyche while recreating the disappearance of her children is a major breakthrough in psychological thrillers. Of equal interest is the marital schism that develops because of Adaline’s past and current fears. From the book’s back cover, we read, ‘Adaline and Cache Rushner are falling apart. Their daughters are missing, presumed dead. Their marriage is crumbling. Their attempt at starting over in a new city is failing. Adaline is sure their daughters are alive somehow, but Cache finds it too painful to hop and wants to move on with their lives. Adaline wonders whether her marriage to Cache can be saved amidst the doubt and uncertainty taking hold of all that she knows to be true.’ The note adds, ‘LITTLE OWL is a tale of truth, redemption, and the hope that urges us onward in spite of our worst fears.’
Both a fascinating plot concept an impressive execution with Lauri’s writing skills, this is a book that appears to introduce an author of authority. Hopefully a screenwriter or director will recognize the cinematic possibilities! Very highly recommended.
Utah author Lauri Schoenfeld teaches creative writing, is the owner and host of Inner Enlightenment, ‘a business built around connecting to your inner light and child within,’ an editor of Twisted Whisperings, hosts Enlightenment Podcast, and is a motivational speaker. LITTLE OWL is her debut as a novelist.
Entering the literary realm of psychological thrillers is a challenge for experienced writers, but Lauri proves her mettle in this dark but very real story of missing children, able to capture – and sustain – the degree of terror the subject matter suggests and still provide a cast of characters so credible that the story soars. Wisely, she has created a primary character in Adaline Rushner whose own suggested ominous dreams make her just that much more susceptible to the effects of the tragedy she faces.
This dark nature is defined as the story opens, in the moments before the children go missing. “Adaline poured herself a cup of coffee and rubbed her eyes. Continual nights of sleeplessness wouldn’t be sustainable. She knew that. She wanted to crawl back into bed and not get up for a while If it weren’t for the girls, she’d be there now. For days. Weeks. Who knew – it all blended together. Her daughter Leora, had been having recurring night terrors and claimed someone was watching their house. Adaline pretended not to show her discomfort, or to mention she felt this way all the time. Her insomnia came form the fear that childhood monsters had never left. They weren’t the kind of monsters with snarling teeth or claws that pull your eyes out, but people.…’
The author’s ability to ‘shadow’ Adaline’s psyche while recreating the disappearance of her children is a major breakthrough in psychological thrillers. Of equal interest is the marital schism that develops because of Adaline’s past and current fears. From the book’s back cover, we read, ‘Adaline and Cache Rushner are falling apart. Their daughters are missing, presumed dead. Their marriage is crumbling. Their attempt at starting over in a new city is failing. Adaline is sure their daughters are alive somehow, but Cache finds it too painful to hop and wants to move on with their lives. Adaline wonders whether her marriage to Cache can be saved amidst the doubt and uncertainty taking hold of all that she knows to be true.’ The note adds, ‘LITTLE OWL is a tale of truth, redemption, and the hope that urges us onward in spite of our worst fears.’
Both a fascinating plot concept an impressive execution with Lauri’s writing skills, this is a book that appears to introduce an author of authority. Hopefully a screenwriter or director will recognize the cinematic possibilities! Very highly recommended.
January 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ I read a lot of thrillers, so I was excited to read this one. One thing’s for sure: this was a page-turner because I wanted to know what was going on. Because of the multiple POVs, you had to really pay attention to who was who and what was going on. But the heart of the story boils down to this: the love and motherly instinct of a mother.
When Adaline’s girls were taken away from her home and presumed dead, Adaline refused to believe it. Even when her husband and everyone else were ready to move on, Adaline clung to the hope and her instinct that her girls were still alive. Later on, Adaline and her husband Cache would move to a different city in order to start their lives anew, but odd things started happening and it seemed like someone was targeting Adaline.
As more characters appear into this couple’s new life, the story becomes a little confusing and convoluted because there are so many secrets that no one’s willing to tell. Plus, Adaline lost a big chunk of her childhood memory, preventing her (and the reader) from understanding what happened, what is happening, and why things are happening. All Adaline ever wanted was to find her girls, but because no one would believe or help her, her journey would take her to face her past instead. I wish I knew the villain’s motivation, as well as those of other certain characters (no spoilers here), and there are some parts or aspects to the story that were left hanging…but I think the author is paving a way for a sequel, so maybe the next book would have better answers for the questions that came up while I was reading.
All in all, a good effort.
When Adaline’s girls were taken away from her home and presumed dead, Adaline refused to believe it. Even when her husband and everyone else were ready to move on, Adaline clung to the hope and her instinct that her girls were still alive. Later on, Adaline and her husband Cache would move to a different city in order to start their lives anew, but odd things started happening and it seemed like someone was targeting Adaline.
As more characters appear into this couple’s new life, the story becomes a little confusing and convoluted because there are so many secrets that no one’s willing to tell. Plus, Adaline lost a big chunk of her childhood memory, preventing her (and the reader) from understanding what happened, what is happening, and why things are happening. All Adaline ever wanted was to find her girls, but because no one would believe or help her, her journey would take her to face her past instead. I wish I knew the villain’s motivation, as well as those of other certain characters (no spoilers here), and there are some parts or aspects to the story that were left hanging…but I think the author is paving a way for a sequel, so maybe the next book would have better answers for the questions that came up while I was reading.
All in all, a good effort.
December 3, 2021
Rating : 4.5⭐️
Thank you soooo much Lauri Schoenfeld for a free copy of your debut book for an honest review ❤️
This was my first book by this author and I’m absolutely obsessed. The more answers we received the more confused I became 😭 I honestly felt just like Adaline at one point, and just stopped trusting everybody. A lot of the characters you could really only take at face value because everyone seemed to be hiding something. It started becoming hard to tell who really had Adaline’s best interest at heart.
I wanted to smack Cache around several times for not having faith in his wife 😒 I was going to lose my mind if he asked her about her medication one more time. By the time he finally started believing in her it was too late.
By the end of the story I didn’t really know how I felt about Sam or Dr. Lynchester. I really liked the doctor at first but once all the secrets were exposed she wasn’t really as good of a person as she made herself seem. And at what point were the two of them going to stop and just think, hey maybe the way we’re going about trying to get Adaline to remember is all wrong. I felt frustrated for her after awhile. It’s like they were playing mind games.
Don’t even get me started on the plot twists 😩 Quite a few of them I didn’t see coming but I refuse to believe the story ends like this 😭 I could literally feel my heart breaking reading those last few pages. After everything it just doesn’t seem fair. Literally praying for a book two 🙏🏽 Please don’t let my girl go out like that Lauri! Loll
Thank you soooo much Lauri Schoenfeld for a free copy of your debut book for an honest review ❤️
This was my first book by this author and I’m absolutely obsessed. The more answers we received the more confused I became 😭 I honestly felt just like Adaline at one point, and just stopped trusting everybody. A lot of the characters you could really only take at face value because everyone seemed to be hiding something. It started becoming hard to tell who really had Adaline’s best interest at heart.
I wanted to smack Cache around several times for not having faith in his wife 😒 I was going to lose my mind if he asked her about her medication one more time. By the time he finally started believing in her it was too late.
By the end of the story I didn’t really know how I felt about Sam or Dr. Lynchester. I really liked the doctor at first but once all the secrets were exposed she wasn’t really as good of a person as she made herself seem. And at what point were the two of them going to stop and just think, hey maybe the way we’re going about trying to get Adaline to remember is all wrong. I felt frustrated for her after awhile. It’s like they were playing mind games.
Don’t even get me started on the plot twists 😩 Quite a few of them I didn’t see coming but I refuse to believe the story ends like this 😭 I could literally feel my heart breaking reading those last few pages. After everything it just doesn’t seem fair. Literally praying for a book two 🙏🏽 Please don’t let my girl go out like that Lauri! Loll
October 4, 2021
*Spoiler alert*
Over a decade in the making, 'Little Owl' is a story of a woman's pursuit of the truth amid opposition and disbelief. Adaline is a woman who loves her daughters dearly, but is also diagnosed with PTSD from her traumatic past, the details of which is uncovered throughout the book.
Villains from her past resurface like ghosts of the dead to haunt her and torment her, all while she finds little help from police, her husband, and a kind stranger she meets along the way. Her childhood friend, Sam, also comes to her aid, but his motives are questioned as a jealous tension is built between him and Adaline's husband.
The reader is hooked by quick action at the start of the novel and their attention is sustained by the question, 'will she find her daughters, and are her daughters still alive or dead?' It's a good story, however, there is also room for improvement. I found the story had sporadic pacing, overused vocabulary, a confusing amount of characters with similar initials, and a slightly convoluted plot that could have been ameliorated by simplifying a few scenes and key points. Besides that, I think this story has a lot of potential and it did make me feel emotion. I look forward to a sequel!
Over a decade in the making, 'Little Owl' is a story of a woman's pursuit of the truth amid opposition and disbelief. Adaline is a woman who loves her daughters dearly, but is also diagnosed with PTSD from her traumatic past, the details of which is uncovered throughout the book.
Villains from her past resurface like ghosts of the dead to haunt her and torment her, all while she finds little help from police, her husband, and a kind stranger she meets along the way. Her childhood friend, Sam, also comes to her aid, but his motives are questioned as a jealous tension is built between him and Adaline's husband.
The reader is hooked by quick action at the start of the novel and their attention is sustained by the question, 'will she find her daughters, and are her daughters still alive or dead?' It's a good story, however, there is also room for improvement. I found the story had sporadic pacing, overused vocabulary, a confusing amount of characters with similar initials, and a slightly convoluted plot that could have been ameliorated by simplifying a few scenes and key points. Besides that, I think this story has a lot of potential and it did make me feel emotion. I look forward to a sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 📚
Title: Little Owl
Author: Lauri Schoenfeld
Number of Pages: 420
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publication Date: 08/31/21
Rating: 📕📕📕📕🔖(4.5 stars)
Rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads
This is the first book I have read from this author. Thank you Lauri for my #gifted copy. I love the cover.
Lauri wrote a novel that had me emotionally invested from the start. This domestic thriller in multiple povs, and had great pacing. Her writing style made this an emotionally charged thriller that definitely hit me hard. I would definitely read more books by this author, because she has a way of making a book flow, while hitting you hard emotionally. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers, give this one a chance.
*This book deals with abuse, so if it is a trigger to you, please proceed with caution.*
Title: Little Owl
Author: Lauri Schoenfeld
Number of Pages: 420
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publication Date: 08/31/21
Rating: 📕📕📕📕🔖(4.5 stars)
Rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads
This is the first book I have read from this author. Thank you Lauri for my #gifted copy. I love the cover.
Lauri wrote a novel that had me emotionally invested from the start. This domestic thriller in multiple povs, and had great pacing. Her writing style made this an emotionally charged thriller that definitely hit me hard. I would definitely read more books by this author, because she has a way of making a book flow, while hitting you hard emotionally. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers, give this one a chance.
*This book deals with abuse, so if it is a trigger to you, please proceed with caution.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews