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Buried
You're trapped underground with a serial killer.
Would you save their life to protect your own?
The Artist
No one knows who The Sculptor is. A successful artist, whose works sell for millions - each one with a deadly secret at the centre of each piece.
The Killer
There's a serial killer on the loose - dismembering women's bodies and leaving them washed up along the shore. The Coastline Killer is free and no one knows how to catch him.
The Victim
Alice has designed her life to be as safe as it possibly can be. She takes no risks, and makes sure nothing is a threat to her or those she loves.
But when an earthquake brings all three together, will anyone get out alive? And if you were trapped with a serial killer, would you protect their secrets to save your own life?
Would you save their life to protect your own?
The Artist
No one knows who The Sculptor is. A successful artist, whose works sell for millions - each one with a deadly secret at the centre of each piece.
The Killer
There's a serial killer on the loose - dismembering women's bodies and leaving them washed up along the shore. The Coastline Killer is free and no one knows how to catch him.
The Victim
Alice has designed her life to be as safe as it possibly can be. She takes no risks, and makes sure nothing is a threat to her or those she loves.
But when an earthquake brings all three together, will anyone get out alive? And if you were trapped with a serial killer, would you protect their secrets to save your own life?
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2022
9 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Elle Croft
8 books143 followersElle Croft was born in South Africa, grew up in Australia and now lives in London, where she works as a social media manager. Her debut novel, The Guilty Wife, is a top 10 Kindle Bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 19, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The synopsis for Buried by Elle Croft intrigued me and I knew I needed to get a copy. Thanks to The Pigeonhole Book Club for the opportunity to read this thrilling book.
What would be your reaction if you found yourself strapped to a gurney; a unstable man hovering above you, waiting to cut off your arm with a rusty saw? Then at the point of him putting the saw to your arm an earthquake measuring 9.1 hits, trapping you both and forcing you to rely on each other for survival. Alice, an emergency planning expert, found herself in such a precarious situation.
I would not want to be in that position, and to be honest, I do not know what I would have done. Alice, on the other hands showed her skills as an emergency planner, although most of the situations required her to think on her feet. Alice’s strength and determination leapt from the pages. The author did a superb job of portraying her conflicting emotions as it relates to her interactions with her captor.
The thing that fascinated me most about this story is the villain relying on his captive for survival. During these moments, his weaknesses came to light.
Buried wreaked havoc on my nerves throughout the story. It had me wondering at every page turn will Alice make it out alive or will she fall prey to her captor.
A spine tingling, mind-boggling and edge of your seat read, Buried will have you flipping the pages. The manner in which the story unfolded completely boggled mind. It had me re-reading the chapters from the villain’s POV to see what did I miss.
The story did not not completely go the way I hoped it would, and I experienced a twinge of disappointment at the outcome. However, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. It ended in a fashion which suggests that readers can look forward to a sequel. Keeping fingers crossed.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, Buried a fully developed story took the reader on a twisted and spellbinding journey. Perfect for fans of dark, gritty and suspense thrillers featuring a strong female lead.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
What would be your reaction if you found yourself strapped to a gurney; a unstable man hovering above you, waiting to cut off your arm with a rusty saw? Then at the point of him putting the saw to your arm an earthquake measuring 9.1 hits, trapping you both and forcing you to rely on each other for survival. Alice, an emergency planning expert, found herself in such a precarious situation.
I would not want to be in that position, and to be honest, I do not know what I would have done. Alice, on the other hands showed her skills as an emergency planner, although most of the situations required her to think on her feet. Alice’s strength and determination leapt from the pages. The author did a superb job of portraying her conflicting emotions as it relates to her interactions with her captor.
The thing that fascinated me most about this story is the villain relying on his captive for survival. During these moments, his weaknesses came to light.
Buried wreaked havoc on my nerves throughout the story. It had me wondering at every page turn will Alice make it out alive or will she fall prey to her captor.
A spine tingling, mind-boggling and edge of your seat read, Buried will have you flipping the pages. The manner in which the story unfolded completely boggled mind. It had me re-reading the chapters from the villain’s POV to see what did I miss.
The story did not not completely go the way I hoped it would, and I experienced a twinge of disappointment at the outcome. However, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. It ended in a fashion which suggests that readers can look forward to a sequel. Keeping fingers crossed.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, Buried a fully developed story took the reader on a twisted and spellbinding journey. Perfect for fans of dark, gritty and suspense thrillers featuring a strong female lead.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
September 5, 2021
This was a thrilling read. Alice is an emergency expert and lectures on what to do in emergency situations so when she is kidnapped and finds herself in the basement of a building strapped to a gurney, will her expertise save her? Her problems are compounded when the area in which she finds herself suffers a monumental earthquake and if that isn't enough to traumatize her, she isn't alone. Her captor, is for all intents and purposes a mentally unstable man who was in the process of sawing off her arm when the earthquake struck. In another location, Lucy, a victim of The Sculptor finds herself in a room with no doors. Will she be able to escape before the monster returns to take her life? Overall an engaging, nerve tingling story. 4 and a half stars.
September 14, 2021
How would you react if you find yourself partially buried in a wrecked building in Vancouver with a man who is looking to saw off your arm?
In Buried, Elle Croft's latest psychological thriller, Alice Dalroy finds herself in that precise situation. Elle is a lecturer who advises on surviving dangerous situations and emergency planning. She has delivered a lecture to a group and on her next day off she is on a hike up Grouse Grind a gruelling climb even for someone fit. Sipping coconut water with her friend Celia in the café at the summit she discusses a dream job offer she received after her presentation the day before, involving running disaster planning for the city. The last thing she remembers is trying to open her front door after being dropped at her condo. Then she wakes up strapped to a gurney...
This is a real nerve-tingler and a cracking tale! It has suspense in spades and a thoroughly engrossing mystery element. The shocking ending is the icing on the cake. Very highly recommended.
A special thank you to Orion Publishing, Elle Croft, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
In Buried, Elle Croft's latest psychological thriller, Alice Dalroy finds herself in that precise situation. Elle is a lecturer who advises on surviving dangerous situations and emergency planning. She has delivered a lecture to a group and on her next day off she is on a hike up Grouse Grind a gruelling climb even for someone fit. Sipping coconut water with her friend Celia in the café at the summit she discusses a dream job offer she received after her presentation the day before, involving running disaster planning for the city. The last thing she remembers is trying to open her front door after being dropped at her condo. Then she wakes up strapped to a gurney...
This is a real nerve-tingler and a cracking tale! It has suspense in spades and a thoroughly engrossing mystery element. The shocking ending is the icing on the cake. Very highly recommended.
A special thank you to Orion Publishing, Elle Croft, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
September 18, 2021
Oh my, oh my, oh my, how AMAZING is this book?!
Tense doesn't even begin to describe the terror I felt and which the characters must have felt as they are buried underground after an earthquake hits Vancouver. The whole city has been prepared forever for a disaster of this magnitude to happen, and for Alice an emergency/disaster expert who spends her life preparing others to cope and survive in just such conditions all of a sudden finds herself experiencing it for real.
As if this wasn't frightening and claustrophobic enough Alice happens to be buried alive with a killer. Being kidnapped and strapped to a gurney and about to have her arm sawn off, Alice is saved by the earthquake but then faces a race to survive, injured, unable to breathe and with very little water. Should she work with the killer to gain their freedom or should she sacrifice him to ensure her own survival?
In the area women have been disappearing and turning up in the sea, washed ashore and with a limb missing. Is Alice trapped with The Coastline Killer or with someone else?
There are so many twists and shocks that it is impossible not to read peeking out between your fingers with an elevated heart rate, it is that adrenaline fuelled and scary!
But there is also another woman trapped. Is she nearby or trapped in a different building? She has felt the earthquake but she is not buried beneath rubble as Alice is. Instead she is trapped in a white room with no obvious door or way out. An extreme escape room but without any safety of it being a game. This is a real life challenge which might not end well.
Buried is a novel with two strong and resilient female characters and as you get swept along in their trauma you are very conscious of the clock ticking and time running out.
Add in a very macabre, nameless artist who the world only knows as The Sculptor, and you have a gruesome thriller with one, maybe two , or could there be even more killers?
Not for the faint hearted but definitely worth facing your fears for a supremely chilling and entertaining read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
And thanks to Pigeonhole for making such an electrifying read available.
Tense doesn't even begin to describe the terror I felt and which the characters must have felt as they are buried underground after an earthquake hits Vancouver. The whole city has been prepared forever for a disaster of this magnitude to happen, and for Alice an emergency/disaster expert who spends her life preparing others to cope and survive in just such conditions all of a sudden finds herself experiencing it for real.
As if this wasn't frightening and claustrophobic enough Alice happens to be buried alive with a killer. Being kidnapped and strapped to a gurney and about to have her arm sawn off, Alice is saved by the earthquake but then faces a race to survive, injured, unable to breathe and with very little water. Should she work with the killer to gain their freedom or should she sacrifice him to ensure her own survival?
In the area women have been disappearing and turning up in the sea, washed ashore and with a limb missing. Is Alice trapped with The Coastline Killer or with someone else?
There are so many twists and shocks that it is impossible not to read peeking out between your fingers with an elevated heart rate, it is that adrenaline fuelled and scary!
But there is also another woman trapped. Is she nearby or trapped in a different building? She has felt the earthquake but she is not buried beneath rubble as Alice is. Instead she is trapped in a white room with no obvious door or way out. An extreme escape room but without any safety of it being a game. This is a real life challenge which might not end well.
Buried is a novel with two strong and resilient female characters and as you get swept along in their trauma you are very conscious of the clock ticking and time running out.
Add in a very macabre, nameless artist who the world only knows as The Sculptor, and you have a gruesome thriller with one, maybe two , or could there be even more killers?
Not for the faint hearted but definitely worth facing your fears for a supremely chilling and entertaining read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
And thanks to Pigeonhole for making such an electrifying read available.
September 5, 2021
I do love a serial killer novel and this one has it all. The Sculptor is an artist with a dark secret, Alice is a survival expert. When a devastating earthquake hits Vancouver, Alice finds herself trapped in the rubble with a man who had been trying to saw her arm off as the quake hit. In order to survive they must work together. Elsewhere a potential victim is also trapped. Who will be able to free themselves and catch a killer?
This is a single sitting read. Gruesome in places and the most tense I’ve felt reading a book for a very long time, Elle Croft has written a real page-Turner, with plot revelation which really surprised me. Great stuff. Read with The Pigeonhole.
This is a single sitting read. Gruesome in places and the most tense I’ve felt reading a book for a very long time, Elle Croft has written a real page-Turner, with plot revelation which really surprised me. Great stuff. Read with The Pigeonhole.
September 5, 2021
I read this with Pigeonhole over 10 days and was hooked from the very start. What a gripping, chilling read and the final twist at the end was truly brilliant! I don’t think many of my fellow pigeons managed to guess this! Thanks PH and Elle for the chance to read this.
September 5, 2021
This was a brilliant, suspense filled read. I have never read anything written by Elle Croft before, but I am going to look up previous books.
There is a serial killer on the loose. He enjoys killing and dismembering bodies, removing one limb and throwing the rest into the water to be washed up days later. Nicknamed The Coastline Killer by the press, it seems like no one has any idea how to find him as more and more bodies turn up.
Alice has a job she loves, more a way of life really, as she advises people on safety and how to be prepared and take few risks. That’s how she lives her life and ensures those around her, like her family and friends, are safe too.
Until one fateful day when Elle is taken captive and she finds herself trapped underground following a massive earthquake. She is not alone. Her captor is with her, and he was stopped by the earthquake just as he was about to saw off her arm. That’s right. She is trapped with The Coastline Killer. They will need to fight to survive together to battle towards their survival.
The aftershocks continue long after the book is finished. This is a dark and twisty tale that leads to an unexpected and fabulous conclusion. There is a battle of wills between Alice and her captor as both struggle to live long enough to survive this ordeal. Lots of heart stopping, breath holding moments accompany you towards a most shocking conclusion.
There is a serial killer on the loose. He enjoys killing and dismembering bodies, removing one limb and throwing the rest into the water to be washed up days later. Nicknamed The Coastline Killer by the press, it seems like no one has any idea how to find him as more and more bodies turn up.
Alice has a job she loves, more a way of life really, as she advises people on safety and how to be prepared and take few risks. That’s how she lives her life and ensures those around her, like her family and friends, are safe too.
Until one fateful day when Elle is taken captive and she finds herself trapped underground following a massive earthquake. She is not alone. Her captor is with her, and he was stopped by the earthquake just as he was about to saw off her arm. That’s right. She is trapped with The Coastline Killer. They will need to fight to survive together to battle towards their survival.
The aftershocks continue long after the book is finished. This is a dark and twisty tale that leads to an unexpected and fabulous conclusion. There is a battle of wills between Alice and her captor as both struggle to live long enough to survive this ordeal. Lots of heart stopping, breath holding moments accompany you towards a most shocking conclusion.
September 6, 2021
I wish I’d discovered Elle Croft before. What an explosive, brilliant ‘serial-killer-thriller’ (I love that description).
Alice gives talks about disaster management. She’s good at her job though she’s never actually experienced a real disaster. Her life is risk-free – she takes no chances and makes sure she and her family and friends are always safe. Until she is kidnapped by a serial killer, trapped underground and tied to a gurney. Then an earthquake strikes – it’s The Big One that the people of Vancouver have been waiting for – and she must use all her knowledge to stay alive.
But it’s not that simple. She’s buried underground with the man who took her - the serial killer known as The Coastline Killer who dismembers women’s bodies and leaves them washed up along the shoreline. But they need each other to survive.
We also hear from The Sculptor, a strange, twisted artist, a fan of Rodin, whose work is celebrated worldwide and sells for millions. But each sculpture carries a deadly secret and no-one knows the identity of this talented individual.
It’s so tense and at times terrifyingly brutal (not for the faint-hearted), if I had not been reading in staves with online book club The Pigeonhole, I would have devoured it in one go.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and to my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Alice gives talks about disaster management. She’s good at her job though she’s never actually experienced a real disaster. Her life is risk-free – she takes no chances and makes sure she and her family and friends are always safe. Until she is kidnapped by a serial killer, trapped underground and tied to a gurney. Then an earthquake strikes – it’s The Big One that the people of Vancouver have been waiting for – and she must use all her knowledge to stay alive.
But it’s not that simple. She’s buried underground with the man who took her - the serial killer known as The Coastline Killer who dismembers women’s bodies and leaves them washed up along the shoreline. But they need each other to survive.
We also hear from The Sculptor, a strange, twisted artist, a fan of Rodin, whose work is celebrated worldwide and sells for millions. But each sculpture carries a deadly secret and no-one knows the identity of this talented individual.
It’s so tense and at times terrifyingly brutal (not for the faint-hearted), if I had not been reading in staves with online book club The Pigeonhole, I would have devoured it in one go.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and to my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
February 27, 2022
Totally underrated thriller, really enjoyed this. Not the most amazing writing, but the characters were enjoyable. Four main points of view, and a superb twist.
December 27, 2025
I enjoyed the first couple of chapters then the novel took an unexpected turn. However, it was one which built up the tension and made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen. Easy to read and the changing perspectives of the different characters added to the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, I found the last part of the novel disappointing.
The author was trying too hard for a twist and shock the reader wouldn't see coming. Sadly, it became a bit convoluted and that spoiled what had been a brilliant premise and a really good book up till then. There were other possibilities for the ending which may well have been more effective.
Unfortunately, I found the last part of the novel disappointing.
The author was trying too hard for a twist and shock the reader wouldn't see coming. Sadly, it became a bit convoluted and that spoiled what had been a brilliant premise and a really good book up till then. There were other possibilities for the ending which may well have been more effective.
December 14, 2021
Now this had to be one of the most intriguing synopsis I have read in quite a while.
This was one hell of a read. Totally original and seriously made me question the whole 'could I do that'?
Alice is an Emergency expert who lectures on how to survive emergency situations. An anxious character who has set herself up to survive any disastrous situation but never fully expecting it to happen.
Now imagine waking up strapped to a gurney. Looming over you is a manic 'Artist' getting ready to chop of a limb! Just as the gruesome process begins there is an earthquake... two disastrous situations in one short space of time.
I love the way the whole story then flipped to the killer being the one depending solely on the victim. Alice shows true grit, determination and strength. The conflicting emotions that Alice portrays came across amazingly, you could feel the realness and it truly made you sit back and question what you would do yourself.
Whilst this massively traumatic scene is taking place, in a sealed room in an unknown location we meet Lucy, another victim of The Sculptor, awaiting his return, will she manage to escape before her imminent death?
There is SO much going on within this amazingly plotted book but it is so well paced you never feel overwhelmed with information, it flows fantastically.
Superb characters, amazingly original storyline and a 'wrapped up with a bow' ending, what more could you ask for?
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the ARC.
This was one hell of a read. Totally original and seriously made me question the whole 'could I do that'?
Alice is an Emergency expert who lectures on how to survive emergency situations. An anxious character who has set herself up to survive any disastrous situation but never fully expecting it to happen.
Now imagine waking up strapped to a gurney. Looming over you is a manic 'Artist' getting ready to chop of a limb! Just as the gruesome process begins there is an earthquake... two disastrous situations in one short space of time.
I love the way the whole story then flipped to the killer being the one depending solely on the victim. Alice shows true grit, determination and strength. The conflicting emotions that Alice portrays came across amazingly, you could feel the realness and it truly made you sit back and question what you would do yourself.
Whilst this massively traumatic scene is taking place, in a sealed room in an unknown location we meet Lucy, another victim of The Sculptor, awaiting his return, will she manage to escape before her imminent death?
There is SO much going on within this amazingly plotted book but it is so well paced you never feel overwhelmed with information, it flows fantastically.
Superb characters, amazingly original storyline and a 'wrapped up with a bow' ending, what more could you ask for?
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the ARC.
December 23, 2021
A really interesting premise differentiates this novel from other thrillers: Not only is there the threat of a serial killer on the loose, but there is also the potentially fatal consequences of a huge earthquake to contend with. The book is certainly a page-turner and has its share of twists and turns. However, I didn't feel totally connected to the main characters and the final twist seemed a bit gratuitous rather than plot driven. Overall, a good, quick and exciting read that will entertain.
July 13, 2025
An expert in disaster preparation finds herself caught in a basement with a serial killer just as a force 9 earthquake destroys the building above her? What a premise!
As you would expect, the resulting 350 pages are thrilling- although the conclusion (the serial killer is more complex and in many ways sympathetic than she thinks) takes it down to three stars if only because it is so telegraphed in advance.
As you would expect, the resulting 350 pages are thrilling- although the conclusion (the serial killer is more complex and in many ways sympathetic than she thinks) takes it down to three stars if only because it is so telegraphed in advance.
January 6, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It kept me interested enough to keep reading it to find out what happens next but the ending left me feeling dissatisfied and a little confused. There's a real disconnect between all the characters and the basement chapters seem to drag a little. But still entertaining enough.
May 12, 2022
Lengthy. Predictable definitely not my favourite
June 26, 2022
WOW! Best psychological thriller I've read in ages!
Told from multiple view points, the main two being "Alice" and "The Sculptor"
Alice wakes up tied to a stretcher, she appears to be the next victim of "The Coastline Killer" as a masked man is about to saw off her arm. (The coastline killer has been terrorising the area by killing young women after removing a body part and leaving their remains to be found on the coastline of North-western US states/Canada.)
At that moment an earthquake hits, a 9.1, the fabled "Big One" and Alice and the man are trapped together.
The other main viewpoint, "The sculptor" describes some of the backstory of the killer, how as part of their process for the perfect sculpture from "their muse" they have become "The Coastline Killer". It also describes their battle to survive, trapped by the earthquake with "their latest muse", and their injuries.
This was a gripping read, I was willing Alice (and Lucy, another "muse", trapped in the earthquake at the sculptor's cabin) to survive and ensure the killer was dealt with by the authorities. This was disturbing and claustrophobic in atmosphere, the characters were well written and the plot was very clever.
Hard to discuss further without spoilers but I loved it, highly recommended reading if you love the genre.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole (even though I was nearly a year late reading) and the author for the opportunity.
Told from multiple view points, the main two being "Alice" and "The Sculptor"
Alice wakes up tied to a stretcher, she appears to be the next victim of "The Coastline Killer" as a masked man is about to saw off her arm. (The coastline killer has been terrorising the area by killing young women after removing a body part and leaving their remains to be found on the coastline of North-western US states/Canada.)
At that moment an earthquake hits, a 9.1, the fabled "Big One" and Alice and the man are trapped together.
The other main viewpoint, "The sculptor" describes some of the backstory of the killer, how as part of their process for the perfect sculpture from "their muse" they have become "The Coastline Killer". It also describes their battle to survive, trapped by the earthquake with "their latest muse", and their injuries.
This was a gripping read, I was willing Alice (and Lucy, another "muse", trapped in the earthquake at the sculptor's cabin) to survive and ensure the killer was dealt with by the authorities. This was disturbing and claustrophobic in atmosphere, the characters were well written and the plot was very clever.
Hard to discuss further without spoilers but I loved it, highly recommended reading if you love the genre.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole (even though I was nearly a year late reading) and the author for the opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
I got this book as part of an exchange. I wish I had buried it, rather than read it.
The main character, Alice, is annoying and I found it impossible to connect with her. She's an emergency expert who unexpectedly gets caught in an earthquake - all of her knowledge is useless as she never envisioned being kidnapped and then trapped in a building after an earthquake.
We spend chapter upon chapter upon chapter of Alice (there are other characters who have their own chapters) moaning about her aches and pains, how thirsty she is and how she will either die because no one will find her or the kidnapper will kill her. Occasionally, there's a change of pace where Alice falls over and injures herself further. It's endlessly repetitive and I skipped a few of her chapters in the middle - I doubt I missed anything by doing so.
The chapters of the Kidnapper, a young woman named Lucy and an emergency worker by the name of Bill are infinitely more interesting.
There were no thrills, just a lot of spills. No mystery, just hysteria.
The biggest problem with "Buried" is that almost all the action happens in the last few chapters and it feels rushed - like a TV show about to be cancelled that needs to get the rest of the story out. The scenes in the basement in particular are slow and plodding; and don't seem to go anywhere or do anything to further the plot.
I would not recommend it as a read, but it might be fun to bury it.
The main character, Alice, is annoying and I found it impossible to connect with her. She's an emergency expert who unexpectedly gets caught in an earthquake - all of her knowledge is useless as she never envisioned being kidnapped and then trapped in a building after an earthquake.
We spend chapter upon chapter upon chapter of Alice (there are other characters who have their own chapters) moaning about her aches and pains, how thirsty she is and how she will either die because no one will find her or the kidnapper will kill her. Occasionally, there's a change of pace where Alice falls over and injures herself further. It's endlessly repetitive and I skipped a few of her chapters in the middle - I doubt I missed anything by doing so.
The chapters of the Kidnapper, a young woman named Lucy and an emergency worker by the name of Bill are infinitely more interesting.
There were no thrills, just a lot of spills. No mystery, just hysteria.
The biggest problem with "Buried" is that almost all the action happens in the last few chapters and it feels rushed - like a TV show about to be cancelled that needs to get the rest of the story out. The scenes in the basement in particular are slow and plodding; and don't seem to go anywhere or do anything to further the plot.
I would not recommend it as a read, but it might be fun to bury it.
September 5, 2021
Thank you to the author, publishers Orion and online book club The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this for free. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Being trapped in a basement in an earthquake is bad enough, but Alice is trapped with a killer who had intended to make her his latest victim.
A fantastically tense and claustrophobic thriller, this book is extremely cleverly plotted. The perspectives switch between Alice, Lucy - who is also trapped during the earthquake, The Sculptor - an artist who targets young women to contribute to their artistic creations, and Bill - a firefighter working as part of a team dealing with the aftermath of the quake.
Despite the jumps between perspectives it’s an easy to follow book, perhaps deceptively so, as at various points I was questioning whether I had read a piece of information or was just assuming it. The author also manages to get a good balance between surprises and clues, so I’m sure some people will figure out the story behind what’s going on before it’s revealed, but I certainly didn’t.
An enjoyable thrill ride.
Being trapped in a basement in an earthquake is bad enough, but Alice is trapped with a killer who had intended to make her his latest victim.
A fantastically tense and claustrophobic thriller, this book is extremely cleverly plotted. The perspectives switch between Alice, Lucy - who is also trapped during the earthquake, The Sculptor - an artist who targets young women to contribute to their artistic creations, and Bill - a firefighter working as part of a team dealing with the aftermath of the quake.
Despite the jumps between perspectives it’s an easy to follow book, perhaps deceptively so, as at various points I was questioning whether I had read a piece of information or was just assuming it. The author also manages to get a good balance between surprises and clues, so I’m sure some people will figure out the story behind what’s going on before it’s revealed, but I certainly didn’t.
An enjoyable thrill ride.
January 13, 2026
A serial killer mystery in an urban setting.
Elle has done an amazing job at keeping the main plot confined to one claustrophobic setting and keeping it interesting and fast paced.
This book was in a lot of short chapters, only a few pages long per chapter, in multiple first person POVs. For me, this was perfect to keep the pages turning due to my ADHD, even if there wasn't always much going on as I knew that the next part would be coming up shortly and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Some parts were a bit predicitable, however, this does not apply to the novel as a whole. There were still parts that mislead me slightly and not being over cliched toward the end. Although I had an incline of where the novel was heading, it was still a satisfying ending.
I would rate this as a 3.5 star but round it up on Good Reads as I feel a 3 star would be too low.
Although personally I wouldn't read a book such as this again, this does not mean that I didn't enjoy it. It was just not fully for me.
Elle has done an amazing job at keeping the main plot confined to one claustrophobic setting and keeping it interesting and fast paced.
This book was in a lot of short chapters, only a few pages long per chapter, in multiple first person POVs. For me, this was perfect to keep the pages turning due to my ADHD, even if there wasn't always much going on as I knew that the next part would be coming up shortly and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Some parts were a bit predicitable, however, this does not apply to the novel as a whole. There were still parts that mislead me slightly and not being over cliched toward the end. Although I had an incline of where the novel was heading, it was still a satisfying ending.
I would rate this as a 3.5 star but round it up on Good Reads as I feel a 3 star would be too low.
Although personally I wouldn't read a book such as this again, this does not mean that I didn't enjoy it. It was just not fully for me.
September 9, 2021
This was gripping! After a massive earthquake in Vancouver Alice wakes to find herself strapped to a gurney unable to move, in a room now partly demolished by the quake and its aftershock. She can scarcely breathe due to the dust and debris. But trapped with her is the man who strapped her down. Much of the book describes their conversations, and their unexpected reliance on each other despite everything, in order to bind up wounds, find water etc. At the same time, a woman called Lucy is also trapped, elsewhere, in a room with seemingly no way out.
Alongside all this is the knowledge by both of them that there’s a killer called The Sculptor, the Coastline Killer, and we share their fear that they are (unbeknown to each other) the next victims. Throughout the read I was at times almost forgetting to breathe, especially remembering how poor the air quality was for Alice and her captor. Engrossing!
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
Alongside all this is the knowledge by both of them that there’s a killer called The Sculptor, the Coastline Killer, and we share their fear that they are (unbeknown to each other) the next victims. Throughout the read I was at times almost forgetting to breathe, especially remembering how poor the air quality was for Alice and her captor. Engrossing!
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
September 6, 2021
Wow! Wow! What a humdinger of a book! This was a brilliant book, you won't be able to put it down unless it's to bury your head under the bedclothes!
It is a story of terror, heart beating suspense and cheering your heroines on! Alice and Lucy are your heroines and boy do they need you cheering them on, especially after you meet The Sculptor.
Imagine being underground with a serial killer in the middle of an earthquake, what would you do? No way out no way in, stuck, not knowing if you'll be dead or alive at the end.
If you are afraid of the dark or scared of your own shadow, be careful when reading this because you can't put it down till the end!
Thank you Elle Croft for a brilliant book, you sure know how to write cliff hangers and keep your reader glued to each page holding their breath until the end. I look forward to the sequel or another story?
It is a story of terror, heart beating suspense and cheering your heroines on! Alice and Lucy are your heroines and boy do they need you cheering them on, especially after you meet The Sculptor.
Imagine being underground with a serial killer in the middle of an earthquake, what would you do? No way out no way in, stuck, not knowing if you'll be dead or alive at the end.
If you are afraid of the dark or scared of your own shadow, be careful when reading this because you can't put it down till the end!
Thank you Elle Croft for a brilliant book, you sure know how to write cliff hangers and keep your reader glued to each page holding their breath until the end. I look forward to the sequel or another story?
September 5, 2021
Alice loves her job as a survival expert but when an earthquake strikes she is trapped in a basement with a man who she believes wants to kill her. The Sculptor is an artist who uses his victims body parts to enhance his work and Alice is his next intended victim. Lucy is also trapped in a room without any visible means of escape. Is she another of the Coastline killers potential victims? This was a well written book which kept me guessing right till the end. I haven't read any of Elle Croft's before but will certainly look out for them in the future. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
October 29, 2021
What a rollercoaster of a book this was! Alice is a disaster management expert who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and definitely with the wrong person (a serial killer!) when a massive earthquake strikes. This book is the story of her attempts to stay alive whilst waiting to be rescued from what is a tense, claustrophobic situation. I read this book over 10 days with Pigeonhole and each day I couldn't wait to read the next instalment to find out what happened next, and there were definitely a few surprises along the way. Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book.
September 5, 2021
Thank you so much Elle, for restoring my faith in thriller writing. So often the writing is either totally implausible, or very obvious, but this had me gripped from beginning to end.
Hard to review without any spoilers, so I'll just say that all is not what it seems, and I can forgive one or two stretches of believability, because the writing is soooo good.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Elle and Pigeonhole for a totally enjoyable read.
Hard to review without any spoilers, so I'll just say that all is not what it seems, and I can forgive one or two stretches of believability, because the writing is soooo good.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Elle and Pigeonhole for a totally enjoyable read.
November 5, 2021
Buried is such a tense, atmospheric and cleverly executed book which if I hadn’t been reading through Pigeonhole over 10 daily staves, I would have devoured in one sitting! An absolutely brilliant read with a twist which almost none of my fellow readers spotted and although I did, it absolutely didn’t change my enjoyment of this read one bit, I was completely absorbed from start to finish. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2021
Wow, what a clever book! My nerves are shattered after finishing "Buried" (in a good way, if that makes sense). A very thrilling read, tense and terrifying with an unsuspected twist. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the experience was made even better by reading along with my fellow readers via the Pigeonhole. I still can't breathe properly!
September 6, 2021
Just wow wow wow.
Thanks to the author, Elle and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this.
I wish I could give this book ten stars. Finished it earlier this evening and was emotionally exhausted. My meal was burnt in the oven.
This is a MUST read. Even if you don’t read much, you have to read this.
Thanks to the author, Elle and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this.
I wish I could give this book ten stars. Finished it earlier this evening and was emotionally exhausted. My meal was burnt in the oven.
This is a MUST read. Even if you don’t read much, you have to read this.
September 5, 2021
There has to be a sequel and I have to read it! I love how this book played on our assumptions of the serial killer being a man!
A few medical related parts were slightly unbelievable but I can excuse them as the overall book was fantastic
A few medical related parts were slightly unbelievable but I can excuse them as the overall book was fantastic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
This gripped me all the way through, from start to finish. Full of twists and turns, with the plot centred on a serial killer and his next victim, trapped together following a catastrophic earthquake.
September 19, 2021
This is one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time. Truly unpredictable, nobody did really unbelievable things, nothing was contrived, and the ending was perfect. I loved it. Thanks to Elle and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read it.
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