Hope: He wanted to give her freedom. She wanted her daughter back

by Julian Papadia

What is the difference between justice and fairness?

What are the limits you are willing to overcome for the one you love?

When DCI Paul Peterson meets Hope for the first time, he confronts a struggling teenager with her hands and shirt full of blood. It seemed to be the easiest of cases to close seeing as she has confessed to her double murder.
So why does Paul feel his mission must be to prove her innocence rather than close the case? What are the secrets Hope is hiding?

When Helen, Olivia's mother and celebrated neurosurgeon, chooses her dedication to work instead of the long-awaited vacation trip to Paris with her husband and daughter, she doesn't know she is making one of those decisions able to change her life forever.
How far can a mother go to keep her hope alive?

Sometimes the culprit is the real victim.

Hope is a gripping and mysterious thriller with twists you won't see coming.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished “Hope” I just wanted to shout what an addictive book! It’s so filled with emotions and fast action that I felt at the edge of my seat most of the time.
Julian Papadia is a new author on my list but I will definitely keep him on my radar and buy whatever he writes next since this novel caught my attention at all! I only keep few books on my e-book that I know I will read again. Of course, this is staying in my library.
As I was speeding through the novel, I knew I about to finish it and although I wanted to continue I couldn't so I felt a bit disappointed. When I finished reading it, I wished Julian could turn out another one immediately. But beyond my anxiety I'll wait, very difficult task!!!

[Candice Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Daughter was murdered. He is separated from his wife.
How does he cope? His co-workers know life is calm when he takes his son for the weekends. Life for Paul hasn’t been the same since his daughter's death. Working for the police department hasn’t been anything but calm. Individuals getting off, and knowing they have people who could hurt him if he fights back. A family wanted to have a needed vacation. After averting a crisis of a missing toy, vacation was on the horizon. However, Dr Helen received a call asking her to come in to perform surgery. After saving the patient's life she is thrust in the news scene for saving a wealthy and well-known individual. Throughout the interview she finds out there was an attack in Paris where her family is vacationing. A fear runs through her. She is able to find messages from them,
but nothing brings her peace in what was happening in Paris. Were they going to be ok? Was this the last time she was going to speak with them?

These two scenes immediately grabbed my attention. My heart breaks for Paul because he had a tragedy in his family. This can lead individuals to make bad decisions and to not have peace within their life. Though this was interesting My heart was more captivated by the reality of Dr Helen. My heart felt for her. Where was her family? She wanted to be there; hug her daughter and her husband. Stories like these grab my attention. It cuts to my heart. My heart was struck with her desire to love her family more than her job. She wanted to know more than to make sure they
were safe. These moments captivate my heart, and lead me to want to read more!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book one night to read something before bed. My mistake because this was such a page-turner that I barely got any sleep. Hope by Julian Papadia starts off in England with Paul Peterson, a DCI that works on murder/mystery cases. He’s a recent divorcee trying to figure out how to balance work, life, personal trauma/demons, and being a father to his son. We also meet Helen, an amazing, overworked neurosurgeon. Both have had unimaginable losses and when a young teen, Hope, walks in disheveled with blood all over her claiming her parents’ death, both Paul and Helen have a strong urge to help the young girl. Sure, she made her claim but Paul has a feeling that she is actually the victim. They are on the search for the truth not only about the young girl but their losses, a sadistic cult, and how to continue living within chaos. I don’t want to say much more because truly, this is one book you just can’t pass up or put down!

[Ashley Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters!

Hope by Julian Papadia is a crime thriller about Hope, a teenage girl that has just confessed to the murder of her parents, and the people trying to help her, Paul and Helen. Paul is a police officer who has lost his own daughter, and now struggles to rebalance his life. Helen is a wife, mother, and neurosurgeon on her way to fame.
I liked the different facets of drama and mystery that Papadia was able to tie into the story. We’re not reading about a single character or storyline, but instead get fleshed out stories in Paul, Helen, and then see where they merge with Hope. This could have made each character shallow, but I think the characterization is done well, as well as character development. This was definitely a gripping read, for those that enjoy thrillers.

[Märtha Custis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do two forlorn parents with lost children countries apart have in common? Well apparently, a lot according to Julian Papadia’s mystery thriller Hope.
Set between two countries, England and France a decade apart the novel follows the stodgy detective Paul and celebrated doctor Helen in their search for the truth about the fate of a young girl and their fight against a sadistic cult. The storyline is well written and engaging with an unexpected twist really elevating the text and drawing in the reader. The subject matter although intense, is well presented and tactfully discussed.
Overall, an endearing thriller, Hope is a good read and one that I’m sure any reader will appreciate and revisit again in the future.

[Susel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while I come across a book that is so amazing, I almost feel sad when I finish reading it. Hope was exactly that kind of book for me.

This incredible thriller was written by amazing author Julian Papadia, and it tells the story of a teenager girl who finds herself in a very difficult situation. In despite of being caught as the author of a murder, she luckily meets detective Paul, who feels the inexplicable need to help her and prove that she is indeed innocent.

I think that the descriptive language and fast action are what make this book a page turner. Julian has developed the characters in a way that makes this story feel about real people and also like I was part of the story, too.

I can’t wait until another Julian Papadia's novel hit the book sellers!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope written by Julian Papadia is a heart-wrenching, suspenseful and thrilling roller coaster ride that starts with an attractive cover and doesn’t stop until the last page. DCI Paul Peterson faces a difficult case when he realises that the culprit he has caught red-handed is probably a victim. He will have to revise his methods and beliefs while he navigates some dangerous and mysterious waters in order to make justice prevail.
I really enjoyed this novel a lot. The plot is consistent and very well developed. It immediately captivates readers’ imagination and attention and makes them feel anxious, thrilled and emotional at every turn and twist in the narrative. The characters are great and my favorite element in this book. I highly recommend it.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeting someone for the first time is always a struggle, especially if that person is a teen covered in blood confessing a double murder. That was what happened to Paul Peterson, a detective chief inspector that must find out what actually happened to Hope. On the other hand, Helen is a neurosurgeon that constantly chooses her work over life and when she decided to stay at work instead of traveling to Paris, she had no idea her life was about to change.
I loved this book! A great thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. The book is filled with twists and mystery, the characters are compelling, and they have a lot of mixed emotions. Julian Papadia, the author, did a great job creating this psycho-thriller scenario. A great book to read!

[Susan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of thrillers and crime books, I must say I approve of this one. Highlighted feelings of suspense and mystery prevail throughout the chapters and the character’s actions are unpredictable to such an extent that when we flip a page, we do not know what is going to come next.
This book is witty, relatable and full of elements that create anxiety. I was on the alert all
the time, on the edge of my seat trying to figure things out since the twists are the ones that bring out the drama and ultimate climax of the storyline. Not knowing what to expect is what makes crime thrillers.
I think this is one-of-a-kind thriller, I enjoy reading it a lot!

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absorbing thriller! While the story is unique and the characters feel realistic and original, the twists and turns of the plot kept me completely hooked. “Hope” by author Julian Papadia surpassed my expectations on a mystery reading.
From my experience, the cover of the book is masterfully designed and it intrigued me at first sight. Then, the writing style is unique and engaging. Every chapter brings the story development to a fitting end that motivated me on to the next pages for more. All in all, the substance of a suspense plot is riveting.
I must admit that this was one of the best books of this kind I have ever read!

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hope: He wanted to give her freedom. She wanted her daughter back" is a fiction novel written by Julian Papadia. It follows the story of Paul Peterson, a detective of crime investigation who used to work as an undercover cop. He meets Hope, a scared teenager drenched in blood, who declares she killed her parents.

The statement won't be enough for the American/Englishman, who sees in her the reflection of his dead daughter. He is determined to go to the bottom of the case, till the last consequences.

I personally find this book intriguing and well-written, filled with diverse characters and a compelling story. Recommended!

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story involving murder, cover up, abduction and retribution. Two stories are being told but they are a decade apart. One tale is about detective Paul who is dealing with a teen covered in blood and confessing to killing her parents. There is also neurosurgeon Helen who travels to France and is looking for her young daughter who has gone missing. Lots of action and great character development. However, better editing required.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing!

Hope by Julian Papadia is an excellent thriller which develops in a small town near London. The story starts with DCI Paul Peterson who must investigate Hope, a teenager who has confessed the murder of her parents. It seemed to be a very easy case but it was one of those situations where the culprit is the true victim.
The plot has really been intriguing and engaging since the beginning. The book has various storylines, not only the main problem. We are going to know the personal life and their problems of those who help Hope: Peterson and Helen, a celebrated neurosurgeon. I really liked the story and its turns and twists although I would have liked knowing more details of each story. It is a great option for lovers of the thriller genre!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all starts when Paul Peterson meets Hope. But who is Hope? And why does this teenager have blood stains on her clothes? For Paul one thing is certain, Hope is hiding something, and he will have to find out what it is.
Julian Papadia is the author of this incredible novel called "Hope: He wanted to give her freedom. She wanted her daughter". In my opinion, it is undoubtedly an excellent suspense thriller, which had me at the edge of my chair all the time.
Right from the beginning and just by looking at the cover this book is inviting. I'm going to give it 5 out of 5 stars because I think it is exceptional.

[Manu Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Papadia’s work and I think I have been for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that he has written so far but I am getting there. Papadia did a good job, this tale is just amazing!
Suspense is sustained until the very last minute, not understanding why DCI Paul Peterson wants
to prove the main protagonist’s innocence while all the proofs are against her is what kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more.
The storyline is well crafted, and written with easy-to-follow language. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time. This book is one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read!

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing mystery crime thriller that had many twists and turns. “Hope: He wanted to give her freedom. She wanted her daughter back,” by author Julian Papadia was a suspenseful and layered drama. It follows detective Paul and neurosurgeon Helen and their quest to understand the truth. The reader follows along on a journey to uncover the mystery behind a girl who may be a victim rather than a perpetrator. At first, I didn’t understand that the stories were happening on different timelines, but once I knew this, I liked this aspect. Overall, it was a pretty good read and I liked the storyline and the many layers to it.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope by Julian Papadia is definitely one of the books that are gripping and a page-turner itself. I found the plot so interesting and unique. I felt connected to the characters. It seems like I am watching a suspense thriller movie just by reading the narratives and the dialogues between the characters.

What I loved most about this book was the characterization of Detective Paul Peterson. He is such a genuine character and I can feel his sincerity towards helping Hope get away from her miserable situation. The writing style of Julian Papadia is also amazing. He has a way of pulling you towards the story and make feel the thrill of it. Over all, a compelling book!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the development of the characters author Julian Papadia did. It adds a lot to the story and complements the plot tremendously. I really like Paul Peterson and Helen characters; their stories and emotions captivated me from the beginning wanting to know what their next steps would be.

Papadia has a very good writing style; although from time to time it gets a little obvious, it does not modify the experience the reader is going to go through in "Hope".

To conclude, this is a fast-paced and very enthralling read. I think readers are going to sympathize with all the characters and follow them cheering from behind.

[Alfredo R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite thriller

“Hope” is an unexpected thriller written by Julian Papadia.

In his book, love and death mingle in a web of lies which is hard to break and difficult to get out. The job of a hard-working detective, together with a little bit of intuition, are able to reveal secrets that not everyone is ready to hear.

I was absolutely trapped by the plot. It contains vivid descriptions but it kept me on the alert. I was uncertain and puzzled and I gave this book a lot of thought. It has been a while since I felt this way, and this is the reason why I give this story five stars.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope: He wanted to give her freedom by author Papadia is a story that captured my attention completely. The plot is gripping and has many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, something I really liked about the book.

Characters were well developed from the very beginning, making it easy to empathize with them. It is the kind of thriller novel I haven’t read in a while, so it was a good surprise. Decisions and hope are the main themes of this novel. I liked it a lot and I would completely recommend reading it, especially to those who like this genre.

[Siesta · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Didn’t like the MC or the style, couldn’t get into it.