DS Scott Harris was bored. A once celebrated, successful detective, he was responsible for the conclusion of several high profile cases, but action and excitement in his profession had become few and far between. Scott needed a challenge, he craved it and without it, his cynicism grew by the minute. Little did he know, his greatest test was right around the corner and his disillusion would lead to someone's life hanging in the balance. When a girl goes missing, his scepticism leads to him dropping the ball early and by the time he becomes aware of his blunder, it may already be too late. Scott would have to draw on all of his experience, resilience and cunning to rescue the girl and rectify his mistake in what would truly become a matter of life and death.
Wow! Just wow. I am so shocked by the entirety of this book. Absolutely breathtaking writing from Tom Franks. I was fully engulfed into the book by his writing, it just left me in a trance. I felt like I was actually there. Such a suspenseful book with so many twists and turns you will NOT expect. Thrilling, shocking and leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I truly LOVED how the story is told not only through the Detective's point of view but also the victim and kidnappers point of view as well. I absolutely loved this book and was shocked by the ending. How is this not on the Bestsellers list? How is Tom Franks not a top author? This was an absolute masterpiece. I will absolutely be buying anything Tom Franks creates from now on.
Oh my gosh! What a book! My first complaint is the exclamation marks! There were so many! On every sentence! There is no way to respect a book that uses so many exclamation points! My goodness! Ok I’m done with that part now! On to the rest of the review! Good grief. I’m sorry but I have very little that is good to say about this book. It was ridiculous. First off, the prologue makes NO SENSE. The timeline doesn’t fit with anything in the book and it’s never addressed again or explained. But that’s just the beginning. There’s no characterization. I didn’t care about anyone in this book. There’s just superficial information about everyone. So there’s no emotions felt when things happen, because you just can’t care about these people. There are many spellings errors and whyyyy don’t people catch these things?! Honestly. There are several things that make no sense in the story- but it’s easy to move on and ignore it because I just didn’t care. The ending is not gratifying and was only mildly shocking. Things happened so fast and got so out of hand that there was no time to get excited or worry about what might happen next. Why did I finish It you may ask? Well, because I needed to know how the damn prologue fit in, of course! But I still don’t! Now I’m the one using all the exclamation points!!! Also- the title. He uses this nickname “Little Lamb” for her the whole time but there’s no reason. He never explains how it was a nickname from childhood, a line from a song, a sheep fetish, whatever. He just calls her this arbitrary name and uses it the whole book. It’s really aggravating. Don’t read this. I want that 4 hours of my life back.
Knowing this is a first book, I'm trying not to judge it too harshly. I will say in this first paragraph I wont leave spoilers but don't go past it if you havent read it yet! There was a lot of unnecessary repetition that I didnt enjoy about this book. Example, you find out what each of the characters look like because each of them *on separate occasions I'll add* looks at themselves in the mirror naked and describe themselves to themselves. I feel like the main character just rambled on for too many chapters about how he hated himself or his life or his job or people. Not exactly character building. Just exhausting. And of course, everyone is quintessentially attractive.
SPOILERS: I will say that I didn't feel connected to anyone in the book. Not even the mother that lost her child, though that might have been the saddest part. I dont understand why 3 years was summed up in under 300 pages. What was Scott doing all that time? And why hadn't Sara tried to escape again? Surely she didnt go so docile so quickly? I didnt get anything from her character except she was conventionally attractive and liked running. Overall, I think this book could have been better if there was more meat to it. All I know is Scott hates himself, Mikey boy is creepy, and Sara is dumb as hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
With short chapters - each written from a different perspective and how well the story was organized, it was a very easy read for me, and like most of the books I read, I took my time trying to draw out the ever-looming ending. I wanted the story to continue because it was that good!
There were a small number of characters introduced which made it a close-knit read. I found Sara’s perspective to be the most fascinating throughout. Franks’ ability to jump from one characters’ perspective to another seemed flawless, and even though descriptions were written similarly, the use of words echoed that of the perspective of the character. They experienced real and raw emotions. The author’s ability to write them with ease makes it feel as though he’s been through all of their positions before. It’s just that realistic. I found myself guessing the end before I had a chance to digest (like most thrillers enable us to do), but the pace and mechanical flow made it almost unbearable to put down, having very little or almost no room to guess! I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book!
I look forward to reading more of Franks’ work. I can’t wait to see what else his mind will cook up!
In Little Lamb we are taken on a three year long journey. This thriller is told in the perspectives of a kidnapper, his victim, the victims parents and the detective on the case. My favorite POV to read from was the kidnappers… what does that say about me?
I found the grieving parents to be very realistic and do and say things I assume any parent whose child has gone missing would do given their situation.
Absolutely LOVED the ending.
I even learned some British slang: Pot = medicine bottle (little round containers)
Occasionally you read a thriller that you need to get to end of, but don't want it to finish and this debut novel by @tomfranksauthor Iis 100% one of those book
Little lamb is a incredible thriller and debut novel from Tom Frank's, your would never know he not been writing books for decades, with a well constructed story and characters.
The book is written from a few diff perspectives and swaps between them flawlessly each chapter adding more to the story, not a single page in this book is wasted, it's a fast flowing story that make you want to keep reading way past bed time
Little lamb is set over a 3 year time period and mainly written from Sara (the victim), Scott (inspector) and Micheal (abductor) perceptives, we do also get chapters from other key character but these are main three. Sara chapters in my opinion where by far the most Intresting. But this isn't by any stretch of imagination saying the others are weak.
This books was a great read, and I was glad i was reccomend it from a friend @lisathewife101 and I will 100% be telling everyone I know to read it
Authror Tom Frank's is on Instagram so pop across and give him a like and the book is currently on KU, if you a fan of this genre you won't regret reading
And that ending, just wow, who doesn't love a good twist and this one I didn't see coming, if you read this book message me so I can share me pure level of shock
Told from multiple perspectives, adds to the enticement in this psychological thriller. The author really took his time to introduce the characters. Each character finds themself a victim of circumstance, traverses a gradual descent into madness, and ascends to survival in their own way.
The plot allows for speculation, drives your inner detective, but keeps enough hidden to allow for some shock and awe at the end. It is a very true-to life fiction and brings tension with every turn!
Must read if you enjoy the Mr. Mercedes Trilogy, Thirteen by Steve Cavanaugh, or movies like The Collector.
I reviewed this book for my blog, tweetables.com. Detective Sergeant Scott Harris is the protagonist who is decidedly jaded having been in the force for twenty years. He’s world-weary, hates paperwork and is grumpy most of the time, but that’s because his life isn’t going too well.
Then we have our victim, the beautiful blonde Sara Williams who we meet as she goes out for her daily jog before work. You know something’s going to happen and I loved the lump-in-throat prelude to the action. Needless to say, her world gets turned upside down as Michael Thompson thrusts himself into her life. He’s a clean freak who hasn’t had the best start in life and I disliked him from the second he appeared in the book. This is not someone I wanted to know, let alone get kidnapped by, but he’s a fascinating antagonist.
This is the setup and I’m not going to spoil it by giving away more of the story - you need to read it for yourself! I’m a fan of thrillers because I love a pacy plot, and Tom has certainly achieved that in Little Lamb. Even typing the name of the book gives me shivers, as it’s used by one of the characters and I have to say, I’m still a little haunted!
Yes, elements of a crime novel need to be formulaic but Tom’s plotting is strong and there’s a big twist I really didn’t see coming. The chapters are short and I loved how the character’s point-of-view kept changing - it’s always fascinating seeing the story through someone else’s eyes and Tom took some interesting choices which I found refreshing.
Tom has done a good job in crafting his first book and it will be interesting to see how his literary career progresses. I found Little Lamb an enjoyable read and can recommend to fans of crime fiction.
Published: March 3, 2022 Perfect Publishing Pages: 298 Genre: Mysteries KKECReads Rating: 4/5 I downloaded this book for free with Kindle Unlimited, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Tom Franks is a former forestry worker turned crime fiction/ thriller writer. He was born and raised in Hampshire, England but now resides with his American wife in Colorado, USA. Tom is a keen rugby player and fan, lover of dogs and good whisky.
“Sleep, my little lamb. All will be well soon enough.”
Scott is a dedicated and accomplished detective. He is known for solving his cases and being an excellent investigator. When he gets a call about a potential missing person late one evening after having a few drinks, he brushes it off as possibly nothing. Until the call comes through again the following day, now, Scott must carry the weight of his guilt and the fact that life may be lost.
This was an interesting story. I enjoyed the alternating narrators. I found that well done. I enjoyed that we often saw the same scene from different perspectives, which was neat.
I enjoyed the characters. The characters had their pasts sprinkled throughout their narratives, which helped bring them to life. We dig into Scott a fair amount, and I enjoyed him as the lead.
This was a reasonably fast-paced novel with some unique twists. I did enjoy the storyline arc and the themes that played out. This was a pretty decent debut. I would read a Tom Franks novel again.
"Sleep, my little lamb. All will be well soon enough." . Sara Williams started her day like every other, with a brisk run before work. She is a creature of habit, and Michael Thompson knows it. Sara's parents report her missing that very same evening, and Detective Sergeant Scott Harris dismisses it as another young girl "probably out on the piss and making her parents worry." A decision he will very soon grow to regret! . . Little lamb is @tomfranksauthor debut novel, and I still refuse to believe that fact. Little lamb is one of my favorite books so far this year, and let me tell you the reasons why I love it... This book is written in multiple points of view, including the detective, the captor, the victim and the parents. It was so interesting to me that the author included every point of view possible and STILL was able to deliver such an incredible twist at the end- let me tell you, I LIVE for twisty thrillers, and this one did not disappoint. The victims point of view was most interesting to me, and without any spoilers I will just say that it was as heartbreaking as it was shocking. I will be thinking about this story for a long time. Go buy this book! . Tom Franks is a fresh voice in the thriller world, and I can NOT wait to read his next book! . 📖281 pages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was the book that got me to my goal, so it gets extra points for that, not to mention it took me only a day to read. A book that good rates high for me.
The plot of the story was very intriguing and chilling with the constant mentions of the ‘Little Lamb’. Michael was a very creepy antagonist and well developed.
I would have preferred a little more time to get to know the other main characters in this book, especially Scott. I never understood what really drove him to the case and what made it more special.
The book is short (points for that because I can’t really read books the size of War and Peace) but I feel like it could have been a little longer to get to know some stuff in between. I’m not a fluff kind of person but with this book taking place three years, maybe some fluff was necessary?
That said, it was a great debut and Tom Franks is a talented author who knows how to craft a story that’s hard to put down.
You follow Detective Sergeant Scott Harris who investigates an abduction of a girl. He puts all he has into this case, but weeks, months, even years go by without any results. Harris can't let it go and sacrifices so much in this hunt for the kidnapper and, hopefully alive, the girl.
Tom is a true word master and the sentences he forms are brilliantly written and beautifully made. I've not read that many authors who are able to transform sentences into word Art. I love language myself (as being a teacher myself) and this author amazed me with each turn of the page. It is a thriller with all the usual aspects in it, but it is one with amazing word artistry. It was a double joy while reading this!
The story of a kidnapping, and an obsessed detective willing to find closure in the case has been told hundreds of times. It would be a classic mystery of ‘who done it’, while following a former law enforcer, determined to bring the perpetrator in and save the day, and their reputation. Little Lamb has those, and presents them from a whole new angle. Outstanding credit as well, for you see this genre in a new picture from the protagonist, antagonist, and even the victims point of view. The first half is a detailed slow burn, building up the desperation and hopelessness. The second half is a fast paced, page flipping, grey-hair-enduring wild ride! This is a brilliant book, and deserves to be in the hands of any thriller lover!
Bravo Tom! Your aim “is to create suspenseful thrillers that are so gripping, so captivating, it can give you a complete break from the stresses of everyday life “. Mission accomplished. I’m currently facing a serious health challenge and your latest thriller, Little Lamb, diverted my attention from my troubles. What a great story! Just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes an unexpected turn. My daughter presented me with this book. I’m glad that she did. I was previously unfamiliar with your work. I’m definitely going to look up your other books! Thank you for the much needed distraction in some long, trying days. God bless you in your work.
The other reviews hinted at some crazy, you’ll never guess this twist, and I kept reading, waiting for it to emerge. I think I know the twist they were referring to, but I didn’t find it very… twisty. There was so much foreshadowing leading up to it that it wasn’t at all surprising. I finished a bit disappointed, because I was waiting for this jaw dropping moment, and it never came.
That said, it was a compelling story and kept my interest. It could have used a bit more proofreading, and I could have done without some of the descriptors like “ample bosom.” I did finish it oil one day, so I guess that says something.
So. Many. Exclamation. Points. It was redundant with how exciting everything was made to be, even though it typically wasn't exciting.
I had high hopes, but if just dragged for me. I found most of it very hard to believe (yes I know it's fiction.) A big detective losing his crap over one case that had no evidence? Sara stabbing her savior? Then killing herself (which btw would not have happened fast at all, she would have been found before she died)?
Then after being shunned Scott is being made the boss? Most of it didn't make sense. I was bored, and skipping over multiple paragraphs to get just it finished.
It could have been so good...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was recommended to read this book by a friend and I am so glad that I did and even finished it within a couple of days.
The storyline is well constructed and I was really impressed with the way the author managed to effortlessly switch between the different character’s POV, which really built character depth.
I was gripped throughout and loved the twist at the end as it definitely didn’t play out the way I thought it would. I would really recommend this book and am excited to read Tom’s next release
If you ever get a chance to read this book, I highly suggest you do. True to the description, this book was a page turner. With an ending that I did not expect. Right when you think the story plot is going one way it shifts and goes a different direction keeping, you on your toes.
I thought that having a three person perspective might get a little complicated, but the author did a great job at keeping the narratives uniquely different and physically separated between the chapters.
Chapters were short and easy to read. Overall, a lot of fun and an enjoyable thriller.
Sara goes for her morning run not knowing her life will never be the same again. Michael will kidnap her and leave no trace behind. Detective Sergeant Scott Harris will become obsessed with this case.
Her parents lives will be changed as they can't seem to work through the loss. Hotlines will be set up for hopes of getting some clue as to where Sara is. This is every parents worst nightmare.
The ending was just so dark I wasn't prepared for it. Yikes!
I reviewed this book on my book Instagram: delaineytrost23 - 4/5 stars!
Little Lamb is one of the few thrillers that I have had absolutely no idea how it was going to end. Throughout the whole book my guesses on the ending kept shifting & each time I was out-smarted by Tom’s imagination.
Perfect thriller for anyone new to the thriller genre who wants to get their feet wet in crime novels. It’s gripping, captivating and horrifying - the way a thriller should be.
Sara Williams has become accustomed to a way of life that’s is her normal, but her routine has caused her to become a victim.
Michael Thompson seeks someone to love, in his voyage of finding this special someone he becomes famous. The need to for love, affection, and to belonging has warp his way of finding it.
Together by force, but the willingness to care, allows its to work.
Those around are just a long for the ride. Hold on to your assumptions on this one, no one safe.
This book was so exciting. Tom had me going. Loved the way he told each characters story how they were feeling, thinking of everything that was happening. 2 thumbs up for sure. And being his book WOW!!
WOW!!! Such a great read and the ending was absolutely stunning. I'm still in shock. I loved how each chapter was a different character and you got to see how each character felt about what was happening. Definitely a new favorite!
This was such a good read. I really enjoyed the changing perspectives and how during some parts of the book it showed the same situation from multiple perspectives, that was super cool! This is a great short read that I would recommend if you are in between books!
I’m having a tough time getting into this book. I’m not sure if it’s the story or the style of writing but I’ve decided to put it down and try again later after I’ve read a few other things. I wouldn’t normally try again but this good has pretty good ratings to date so I’ll give it a second chance.
This book was amazing from start to finish. I love it when a book delivers something I’m not expecting and this book gave it to me on several occasions. The writing style really appealed to me. I can’t wait to read more of his work
The writing was uneven and repetitious, and the characters, while relatable, were a bit shallow. However, the plot was solid and well-paced, and quickly built to an exciting and somewhat shocking climax.
I really enjoyed this thriller. I thought the plot flowed well and it kept me wanting to keep reading. Definitely one you didn't want to put down. I felt like I was reading something from an actual true crime event.