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Perilous #1
Perilous
Detective Carl Hamilton is called out on a homicide case, where the partially decayed body of an unidentified teenage girl is found along a remote highway. . . . Weeks before, Jaci Rivera join her best friends Callie, Sara and Amanda for a night of pizza and shopping. But an evening at the mall turns into a terrifying twist of events that drives Jaci and her friends 2000 miles across the Canadian border.
The girls escape the kidnapper's lair only to find that he has spies and agents working on both sides. They are being hunted, and not even the police can be trusted. . . . And Detective Hamilton is in a life and death race to find the three remaining girls before the kidnapper does.
The girls escape the kidnapper's lair only to find that he has spies and agents working on both sides. They are being hunted, and not even the police can be trusted. . . . And Detective Hamilton is in a life and death race to find the three remaining girls before the kidnapper does.
210 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
54 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 4, 2013
Halfway through, and I'm throwing in the towel. I counted at least six instances where the ol' "my phone isn't working/available!" excuse is used (including one in French, incroyable!) The bad guy seems to have entire police forces in multiple countries on his payroll. Just when things look dire, something conveniently falls into place. There is ONE COP, ONE WHOLE COP apparently investigating the kidnapping of three girls and , until he gets a member of the RCMP to help him out. And finally, most inexplicably, the girls decide their best bet to get safely home is to...walk there? Cross-country? Through heavily wooded sections of huge state parks? Oh, because all the cops in the world are after them, that's right.
The writing and the dialogue in this book are very stilted... "We're going to collide!" Said just before almost getting squished by a train in a sequence that SHOULD be moving too quickly for the character to take note of this and then utter it aloud. Screaming "OH SHIT!" would probably be a more realistic reaction here.
My apologies to the author, but I'm not interested enough to get through the second half to find out what happens.
ETA: I've discovered, from reading others' reviews, that this book ends on a cliffhanger and you have to (naturally) buy the sequel to find out what happens! I'm very weary of authors doing this, and I'm doubly glad now that I stopped when I did.
The writing and the dialogue in this book are very stilted... "We're going to collide!" Said just before almost getting squished by a train in a sequence that SHOULD be moving too quickly for the character to take note of this and then utter it aloud. Screaming "OH SHIT!" would probably be a more realistic reaction here.
My apologies to the author, but I'm not interested enough to get through the second half to find out what happens.
ETA: I've discovered, from reading others' reviews, that this book ends on a cliffhanger and you have to (naturally) buy the sequel to find out what happens! I'm very weary of authors doing this, and I'm doubly glad now that I stopped when I did.
May 23, 2020
This story was okay and pretty average. I felt more time was spent on what happened after the girls were kidnapped instead of the kidnapping. At times the story was a bit unbelievable in regards to all the "close calls" the teens had but managed to always get out of. I really didn't like the narrator changing her voice when some of the characters spoke. I found it annoying. I can't say I liked the story enough to want to continue to read the series. I'd had high hopes for the story, but just found it disappointing.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2010
Tamara Hart Heiner takes 4 teenage girls with their ordinary lives, and turns it all upside down for them. Jaci, Callie, Sara and Amanda become real as you follow them on this wild ride that goes from an everyday trip to the mall to a fight for their lives through the Canadian wilderness. You have no idea how this will play out. It's unpredictable. Tamara Hart Heiner knows how to plot, how to write action, how to keep you turning pages when you should be turning out the light and going to sleep.
The story is told from Jaci's viewpoint, and she works well as a main character, especially when something turns up about her own family that makes you wonder who is her dad and what connection does he have with The Hand? The Hand is the villain you love to hate. He doesn't show up a lot but his power is far-reaching, and the scenes with him are chilling.
Another major character is the detective who is following the case. I really enjoyed getting his viewpoint. I liked how Heiner developed this character, making Perilous more appealing to those of us who generally don't read YA novels these days.
I'm the first to admit YA is not my genre. But I thoroughly enjoyed Perilous, when my heart wasn't racing at each new twist.
September 24, 2010
Terrifying, riveting, and jaw dropping. Jaci's world is turned upside down after a night out with her friends at a shopping mall. Patiently waiting for their ride the girls witness something scandalous and before they know they are kidnapped and fighting for their lives.
These scenes will keep you on your toes time and time again. Just when you think your heart has stopped racing, Jaci and her friends have done something to stir the pot. You root for them to escape and are terrified when you find out these men truly are out for blood.
The wild ride you are about to encounter will have your heart racing all the way until the end. This book will be one you think about for quite awhile after it's over, allowing yourself time to come down from the adrenaline rush. You'd be crazy not to pick this novel up!
These scenes will keep you on your toes time and time again. Just when you think your heart has stopped racing, Jaci and her friends have done something to stir the pot. You root for them to escape and are terrified when you find out these men truly are out for blood.
The wild ride you are about to encounter will have your heart racing all the way until the end. This book will be one you think about for quite awhile after it's over, allowing yourself time to come down from the adrenaline rush. You'd be crazy not to pick this novel up!
July 25, 2013
This book started off good. I found the whole thing with Sara being their sister way to "out there" and the book didn't have a proper ending IMO. I get that it's a serie but still, I wanted a little bit more than that. The plot isn't interresting or creepy enough for me to continue this serie. The goodreader Zanzarr sums this up better than me, scroll down to find the review at the books page.
September 29, 2010
What a book!
Despite not being a regular reader of YA, Tamara Hart Heiner had me turning the pages! The twists and turns of the story as a group of young girls fight for their lives meant I never knew what to expect from one chapter to the next -- exactly what I want from a book.
Despite not being a regular reader of YA, Tamara Hart Heiner had me turning the pages! The twists and turns of the story as a group of young girls fight for their lives meant I never knew what to expect from one chapter to the next -- exactly what I want from a book.
August 2, 2014
No! Not another book fragment! Authors, please do not divide your books in half and sell them as two books; I so hate it. Despite that, I did enjoy the story, though it did strain my credulity at times.
August 2, 2022
Wow! I don't know what I was expecting when I started Perilous by Tamara Hart Heiner, but it certainly wasn't to be so glued to the story I just had to keep turning the pages! I think I flew by it and it would have been a one-sit kind of read were it not for #life, lol. I really enjoyed the mix of action, intrigue, and suspense of this "being on the run" book. Talk about being "in the wrong place at the wrong time" for Jaci, Sara, and Amanda! I liked how some details were slowly given throughout the story, and how Jaci's dad's background is also revealed to be tied with the girls and their kidnapping. For someone who is easily spooked and considers herself to be a scaredy cat, it truly surprised me how fast I got sucked into the story, and how "clean" it was. Maybe that's not the right term, but what I mean with this is that there are wounds, murder (mostly in self-defense), violence, and even it's implied that a character has been raped, but it's never shown on screen nor is it graphic or gore-ish. All the (main) characters are teenagers (the girls are between 14-15), and I think it's written with them in mind. I'm glad I came to GR and found from a couple of reviews that this was going to end up in a cliffhanger, but since I already have the next book, it didn't floor me, just prepared me. I definitely enjoyed having Defective Carl's POV, how it helped to keep track of time, as well as how much the investigation had progressed. Yes, there are many times throughout the story where the girls have close calls to being able to go home, but I knew it wouldn't happen since it was too early. I'm just really glad I was in the mood for this kind of story, and now I'm off to the next one. ~ 5 stars
April 23, 2020
Four teens happen onto a robbery at a mall. Kidnapped and imprisoned by the gang they manage to escape and go on an odyssey that takes them from across countries. Pursued by both good guys and bad guys they don't know who to trust. Their parents are frantic and determined cop endeavours to find them and the truth.
This book is wildly implausible. Even the dumbest, a most hormone-driven teen would know better than to hang out by a door when they know a robbery is occurring. Professional criminals don't leave witnesses and certainly don't opt to take a bunch of whiny teens with them. Even worse after they escape then they decide they better kill them. Coincidences abound including the connection between on of the girls and two boys they meet along the way. I didn't buy for a minute that an organization to wimpy and stupid to ice the witnesses had tentacles in police departments internationally. Seemed they sometimes trust and sometimes not. Hard to fathom that kids with no survival skills could live in the wild for months without detection or serious harm. The cliffhanger ending was just annoying. Pace is good and there is plenty of action. Enjoyable if you can completely suspend disbelief.
This book is wildly implausible. Even the dumbest, a most hormone-driven teen would know better than to hang out by a door when they know a robbery is occurring. Professional criminals don't leave witnesses and certainly don't opt to take a bunch of whiny teens with them. Even worse after they escape then they decide they better kill them. Coincidences abound including the connection between on of the girls and two boys they meet along the way. I didn't buy for a minute that an organization to wimpy and stupid to ice the witnesses had tentacles in police departments internationally. Seemed they sometimes trust and sometimes not. Hard to fathom that kids with no survival skills could live in the wild for months without detection or serious harm. The cliffhanger ending was just annoying. Pace is good and there is plenty of action. Enjoyable if you can completely suspend disbelief.
May 2, 2020
How does hanging out at the mall turn into your worst nightmare? Easy, your ride is late and you're the witness to a jewelry store break in, multiply that by four. You and your three friends' lives will never be the same. With believable characters and a twisting suspenseful plot, you'll find yourself listening much longer then you intended. And even though, I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review, I will be getting the next book.
August 28, 2020
This was an interesting book. Some sad things happened. I was able to figure out a clue that was given during the book but it was hard to tell which direction the book was going to take. I kept wondering why the girls wouldn’t turn to people and ask for help but the had reasons to mistrust the police. The book wraps up the main issues but it left room for more books in the series. I’m looking forward to listening to more. The narrator did a fine job.
January 4, 2021
Absolutely Loved It!
Wow! This book was an excellent YA suspense! Four girls go to the mall and while waiting for a mom to pick them up witness a robbery. They get kidnapped. The rest is a whirlwind of their horror and adventure as victims and running away. I highly recommend this book. It’s a clean YA fiction book, no strong language. There is an incident that happens with one of the girls but details are not discussed.
Wow! This book was an excellent YA suspense! Four girls go to the mall and while waiting for a mom to pick them up witness a robbery. They get kidnapped. The rest is a whirlwind of their horror and adventure as victims and running away. I highly recommend this book. It’s a clean YA fiction book, no strong language. There is an incident that happens with one of the girls but details are not discussed.
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detective Carl Hamilton races against time to find missing teenage girls who’ve escaped a kidnapper’s lair but remain hunted by dangerous enemies. A tense thriller that combines mystery, suspense, and a cross-border manhunt, keeping readers on edge as trust breaks down and danger lurks everywhere.
Detective Carl Hamilton races against time to find missing teenage girls who’ve escaped a kidnapper’s lair but remain hunted by dangerous enemies. A tense thriller that combines mystery, suspense, and a cross-border manhunt, keeping readers on edge as trust breaks down and danger lurks everywhere.
July 1, 2020
Interesting read with a bit of a cliffhanger ending. While Detective Carl Hamilton is investigating a homicide, Jaci Rivera and her best friends are kidnaped and taken to Canada. Give this book a listen/read to find out how these journeys come together. Great narration.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 27, 2010
I obtained this book through first-reads, and I have to say that I'm relieved I didn't buy it. The synopsis for this book was intriguing, the idea was brilliant, and the writing was superb. Then why only three stars? Because, while reading, I was incessantly annoyed by a number of things. (Not a large number, just a few.)
1. I didn't find a lot of the events/characters to be believable. I don't want to point out specific instances, least I ruin the book for others, but I think I'll be specific anyway.
First instance: I felt that the girls escaped the kidnappers far too easily, in reality those windows probably would have been locked.
Second instance: the whole escape thing with Natalie was straight out of an action movie, and thus entirely bogus. What stranger is going to pick up a bunch of scruffy looking girls and engage in a high speed chase to save them? Just randomly, 'oh these girls need help, I think I'll cram them in my itsy-bitsy foreign sports car and go really super fast.' No one is that nice. Not to mention this woman zooms across train tracks...on which a train is travelling...putting her life and her friend's life in danger for three girls that she hadn't even met five minutes earlier.
Third instance: I doubt the Hand could have been rich enough to pay off ENTIRE police forces in both Canada AND America. Surly someone would have had a conscious and turned him in. Just like not everyone is nice, not everyone is evil. In reality, (and I know that this is a fictional book, but it should bear some resemblance to real life...at least that's what I think.) the Hand operation would not have been kept under wraps for so long.
Fourth instance: The girls, especially Jaci, did not act like typical fifteen year olds. At all. I've heard of 'instincts', and 'going with you gut', but Jaci was far too insightful. She was impossibly wise beyond her years, and while this would have been okay if there had been some kind of foundation/reason for this wisdom, there wasn't, so it irritated me.
Fifth instance: Wisdom and instinct aside, there were way too many kind strangers, everywhere the girls went someone was offering them buckets of food and a place to stay. Maybe I'm a pessimist and maybe there are people out there willing to risk it all for odd looking girls that they don't know and probably can't trust, but I have yet to meet them. That, the complete altruism of strangers, wasn't believable, so it too annoyed me.
Sixth instance: If the Hand was so high and mighty, why did he want the girls so badly anyway? Surly it wasn't because of the jewel Amanda had. What was one jewel when he had enough money to keep whole police forces in two countries quiet? I don't understand why he went through all the trouble trying to get them back. So what they saw his face. With the kind of dough he was rolling in he could had his whole face reconstructed.
I could go on and on about the things that bugged me, but I honestly don't feel like it. That's not to say that this book was all bad, it certainly had it's redeeming qualities. I just felt that the bad outweighed the good. The way I see it, according to Mrs. Heiner, it took her over a decade to write this book, what's a few more days to edit and shape things up, then? She devoted over ten years of her life to this story, I felt that, seeing as how she spent all that time, she should have gotten the details and whatnot ironed out. I don't even think, and this isn't to be disrespectful, she read what she wrote afterwards. If she had the book would have came out differently.
Then again, maybe she did read it and edit things, maybe everyone else will love this book and won't have the issues I had with it. Maybe I'm a cynical, perfectionist, asshole, that needs to have a professional check out this critical eye of mine.
1. I didn't find a lot of the events/characters to be believable. I don't want to point out specific instances, least I ruin the book for others, but I think I'll be specific anyway.
First instance: I felt that the girls escaped the kidnappers far too easily, in reality those windows probably would have been locked.
Second instance: the whole escape thing with Natalie was straight out of an action movie, and thus entirely bogus. What stranger is going to pick up a bunch of scruffy looking girls and engage in a high speed chase to save them? Just randomly, 'oh these girls need help, I think I'll cram them in my itsy-bitsy foreign sports car and go really super fast.' No one is that nice. Not to mention this woman zooms across train tracks...on which a train is travelling...putting her life and her friend's life in danger for three girls that she hadn't even met five minutes earlier.
Third instance: I doubt the Hand could have been rich enough to pay off ENTIRE police forces in both Canada AND America. Surly someone would have had a conscious and turned him in. Just like not everyone is nice, not everyone is evil. In reality, (and I know that this is a fictional book, but it should bear some resemblance to real life...at least that's what I think.) the Hand operation would not have been kept under wraps for so long.
Fourth instance: The girls, especially Jaci, did not act like typical fifteen year olds. At all. I've heard of 'instincts', and 'going with you gut', but Jaci was far too insightful. She was impossibly wise beyond her years, and while this would have been okay if there had been some kind of foundation/reason for this wisdom, there wasn't, so it irritated me.
Fifth instance: Wisdom and instinct aside, there were way too many kind strangers, everywhere the girls went someone was offering them buckets of food and a place to stay. Maybe I'm a pessimist and maybe there are people out there willing to risk it all for odd looking girls that they don't know and probably can't trust, but I have yet to meet them. That, the complete altruism of strangers, wasn't believable, so it too annoyed me.
Sixth instance: If the Hand was so high and mighty, why did he want the girls so badly anyway? Surly it wasn't because of the jewel Amanda had. What was one jewel when he had enough money to keep whole police forces in two countries quiet? I don't understand why he went through all the trouble trying to get them back. So what they saw his face. With the kind of dough he was rolling in he could had his whole face reconstructed.
I could go on and on about the things that bugged me, but I honestly don't feel like it. That's not to say that this book was all bad, it certainly had it's redeeming qualities. I just felt that the bad outweighed the good. The way I see it, according to Mrs. Heiner, it took her over a decade to write this book, what's a few more days to edit and shape things up, then? She devoted over ten years of her life to this story, I felt that, seeing as how she spent all that time, she should have gotten the details and whatnot ironed out. I don't even think, and this isn't to be disrespectful, she read what she wrote afterwards. If she had the book would have came out differently.
Then again, maybe she did read it and edit things, maybe everyone else will love this book and won't have the issues I had with it. Maybe I'm a cynical, perfectionist, asshole, that needs to have a professional check out this critical eye of mine.
September 5, 2011
Perilous is the type of adventure book that I like to cozy up with when I want to escape from the world for a while. Fast-paced and intriguing, Perilous explores hard issues in a way that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Food to eat while reading: Pickles in a Pinch (www.dearestdreams.com)
The main character and point of view in Perilous, by Tamara Hart Heiner, is Jacinta Rivera. Heiner successfully alternates the point of view between Jaci and Detective Carl Hamilton, the man who has been given the task of finding Jaci when she is kidnapped by thieves from the local mall. I appreciate knowing both points of view. Somehow it makes me fell smart-knowing information that the character I am reading about hasn’t found out yet.
Jaci is Hispanic and I got very interested when I entered her home and interacted with her family. I love that her heritage and background are portrayed here. By the end of the book I was disappointing that her heritage did not come up again or play a role in the story. It would have been neat to see Jaci use her knowledge of her ancestry or ethnicity to her advantage--pushing the story forward and helping her out of the situation.
Detective Carl is a nice contrast to the teen storyline and I love his choice of brain food-pickles. I enjoyed his internal dialogue and his relationship with his wife. The only thing lacking in Carl’s storyline is a dynamic change from beginning to end. I did not see how following Jaci’s case changed him as a person.
I enjoyed the banter between the girls at the mall before the kidnapping occurs. I could have read a few more chapters of Jaci’s life before the capture and felt surprised when the event happened so soon in the story.
There are quite a few teenage females to keep track of in the story and they all started to blend together for me. Because of what happens to Sara, I was able to separate her from the others in the middle of the book. Again, I am disappointed in the lack of change that I saw in the girls. I wanted to get into Jaci’s head and really see how the events affected and changed her by the end of the story.
The twin boys, Neal and Ricky, add another layer to the story and introduce a bit of romance. Because Neal is introduced first, I became quite attached to him and I saw Ricky as immature and irresponsible. Later in the story I found it confusing when Jaci began to vacillate in her interest between the two boys.
Some of the scenes felt contrived to me, such as Jaci’s rescue at the river. And yet other scenes that might have felt artificial (including their ultimate rescue in the end) made me want to believe in miracles.
The ending felt abrupt and I didn’t get a sense of completion. There is a sequel coming out to Perilous and I realize that there needs to be a few loose ends, but I still wanted that missing catharsis.
I am impressed with the way Heiner is able to write a story about harsh topics that face teens today, such as murder and rape, but in a way that any parent would want them presented to their teen. The events that happen in the book are dealt with, but not played out in detail or dwelt upon in a way that would make a reader uncomfortable.
Food to eat while reading: Pickles in a Pinch (www.dearestdreams.com)
The main character and point of view in Perilous, by Tamara Hart Heiner, is Jacinta Rivera. Heiner successfully alternates the point of view between Jaci and Detective Carl Hamilton, the man who has been given the task of finding Jaci when she is kidnapped by thieves from the local mall. I appreciate knowing both points of view. Somehow it makes me fell smart-knowing information that the character I am reading about hasn’t found out yet.
Jaci is Hispanic and I got very interested when I entered her home and interacted with her family. I love that her heritage and background are portrayed here. By the end of the book I was disappointing that her heritage did not come up again or play a role in the story. It would have been neat to see Jaci use her knowledge of her ancestry or ethnicity to her advantage--pushing the story forward and helping her out of the situation.
Detective Carl is a nice contrast to the teen storyline and I love his choice of brain food-pickles. I enjoyed his internal dialogue and his relationship with his wife. The only thing lacking in Carl’s storyline is a dynamic change from beginning to end. I did not see how following Jaci’s case changed him as a person.
I enjoyed the banter between the girls at the mall before the kidnapping occurs. I could have read a few more chapters of Jaci’s life before the capture and felt surprised when the event happened so soon in the story.
There are quite a few teenage females to keep track of in the story and they all started to blend together for me. Because of what happens to Sara, I was able to separate her from the others in the middle of the book. Again, I am disappointed in the lack of change that I saw in the girls. I wanted to get into Jaci’s head and really see how the events affected and changed her by the end of the story.
The twin boys, Neal and Ricky, add another layer to the story and introduce a bit of romance. Because Neal is introduced first, I became quite attached to him and I saw Ricky as immature and irresponsible. Later in the story I found it confusing when Jaci began to vacillate in her interest between the two boys.
Some of the scenes felt contrived to me, such as Jaci’s rescue at the river. And yet other scenes that might have felt artificial (including their ultimate rescue in the end) made me want to believe in miracles.
The ending felt abrupt and I didn’t get a sense of completion. There is a sequel coming out to Perilous and I realize that there needs to be a few loose ends, but I still wanted that missing catharsis.
I am impressed with the way Heiner is able to write a story about harsh topics that face teens today, such as murder and rape, but in a way that any parent would want them presented to their teen. The events that happen in the book are dealt with, but not played out in detail or dwelt upon in a way that would make a reader uncomfortable.
April 8, 2020
A great coming of age story. It just goes to show that the author has range. I love her books. I got this one through StoryOrigin and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 18, 2012
One of the best things about attending a writers conference is meeting authors. Many sell their books at a discount and the selection can be a bit overwhelming. While at the Ozark Writers Conference, I met Tamara Hart Heiner and purchased her first novel, Perilous. I promised her an honest review.
Perilous is a journey in more ways than one. Jaci and her friends not only travel across country and cross international borders, they move from innocence to maturity. It’s evident Heiner put a lot of time into the development of these characters.
The story moves along at a comfortable pace, neither too slow nor rushed. The plot shows cause and effect, as it should. At times it felt a little forced, but not so much that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief.
Those who prefer a resolute ending will be disappointed. This book ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger. The arc that leads to the next novel is evident and once you reach the final page of Perilous you’ll be Jonesing for the sequel, Altercation.
Overall, I think Tamara Hart Heiner’s debut sets her up for a long and fruitful writing career. I give it three and a half stars. My reasons for not rating it higher include the non-resolution ending and the first scene was the only one to be out of sequence. Nitpicky, I know.
I urge you to give Perilous a read and let me know what you think.
Synopsis taken from Goodreads:
Detective Carl Hamilton is called out on a homicide case, where the partially decayed body of an unidentified teenage girl is found along a remote highway. . . . Weeks before, Jaci Rivera join her best friends Callie, Sara and Amanda for a night of pizza and shopping. But an evening at the mall turns into a terrifying twist of events that drives Jaci and her friends 2000 miles across the Canadian border.
The girls escape the kidnapper's lair only to find that he has spies and agents working on both sides. They are being hunted, and not even the police can be trusted. . . . And Detective Hamilton is in a life and death race to find the three remaining girls before the kidnapper does.
Perilous is a journey in more ways than one. Jaci and her friends not only travel across country and cross international borders, they move from innocence to maturity. It’s evident Heiner put a lot of time into the development of these characters.
The story moves along at a comfortable pace, neither too slow nor rushed. The plot shows cause and effect, as it should. At times it felt a little forced, but not so much that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief.
Those who prefer a resolute ending will be disappointed. This book ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger. The arc that leads to the next novel is evident and once you reach the final page of Perilous you’ll be Jonesing for the sequel, Altercation.
Overall, I think Tamara Hart Heiner’s debut sets her up for a long and fruitful writing career. I give it three and a half stars. My reasons for not rating it higher include the non-resolution ending and the first scene was the only one to be out of sequence. Nitpicky, I know.
I urge you to give Perilous a read and let me know what you think.
September 26, 2018
I don’t like leaving spoilers, so will try my best to review. What a journey these girls had. There was a constant state of mental or nervous strain, that you felt down to your bones. The times or conditions they suffered was a continuous loop of alarm or terror. All for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. How Tamara Hart Heiner created this story and turned it into words on a page, that was able to create such deep connection with the reader was pure brilliance. This is a parents worst nightmare. However nothing compared to the nightmares the girls had to live through on there desperate journey to get home. The people that should have been there to help them, was mainly corrupted by the very people they was escaping from. They could trust nobody except themselves. Until they met a couple of twin brothers who decided to join them on their journey and offer them protection. Where there are vulnerable girls and boys together, sparks was almost certain to fly. These girls was hunted like dogs, and had to live like animals. This book, lets you into there stories. The story was narrated more than by the first person, which personally I would have preferred the whole thing through the first person, but that’s only my preference. Don’t expect any up moments in this book, it is purely the telling of how a group of girls survived a vicious kidnapping. You won’t be disappointed. The emotions will keep you from wanting to close the book as you become, entirely enthralled by this author until the very last word of the very last page. A definite thumbs up. I’m so glad it’s going to be a series, so I can follow the next step in their recoveries.
December 13, 2010
Creative, racy, and driven, PERILOUS captivated me from the onset.
Initially, there is a homey feel to it: descriptions of family life, school, and typical teen attitudes that surround these lead characters. But soon, and very soon the story takes off on a raceway with twists, turns, and troubled roadblocks. The characters are real and believable, as they struggle with their unexpected reality and ponder how to fix it.
With the exception of a few 'too convenient' subplots and scenes, the story is one of strength and survival. The girls, along with two other teens they pick up, travel endless hours and miles on foot, braving Mother Nature's elements and those hunting them, all while trying to make a connection home. (Although I loved most of the scenes, a few I would have liked to have more of a twist to make me say 'Wow, I didn't expect that.')
Overall, the writing was clear and concise, yet descriptive enough to paint a backdrop of mystery and intrigue. Seeing the story from two points-of-view heightens the suspense and makes the reader yearn for more as the story climbs to the climax and answers are exposed. I would definitely recommend it, and I look forward to Tamara's next project.
Initially, there is a homey feel to it: descriptions of family life, school, and typical teen attitudes that surround these lead characters. But soon, and very soon the story takes off on a raceway with twists, turns, and troubled roadblocks. The characters are real and believable, as they struggle with their unexpected reality and ponder how to fix it.
With the exception of a few 'too convenient' subplots and scenes, the story is one of strength and survival. The girls, along with two other teens they pick up, travel endless hours and miles on foot, braving Mother Nature's elements and those hunting them, all while trying to make a connection home. (Although I loved most of the scenes, a few I would have liked to have more of a twist to make me say 'Wow, I didn't expect that.')
Overall, the writing was clear and concise, yet descriptive enough to paint a backdrop of mystery and intrigue. Seeing the story from two points-of-view heightens the suspense and makes the reader yearn for more as the story climbs to the climax and answers are exposed. I would definitely recommend it, and I look forward to Tamara's next project.
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November 20, 2010This is the author of an exciting and suspenseful debut novel, Perilous. If you like young adult novels as much as I do, you'll like this one. It begins in small town Shelley, Idaho. Four ordinary teenagers go to the mall, and witness a jewelry heist. One of the girls is murdered. The other three make it out alive, but then they're kidnapped. . . .
The novel is filled with many interesting characters. I like the detective, who likes pickles and his wife. I like the three girls too, although at times I had trouble distinguishing their personalities, maybe because there wasn't enough information about them--especially how they think and feel about their harrowing and life-threatening situations--for me to really get to know them. I hope this will change in the sequel.
I suspect it will. Tamara is a good writer and exhibits a keen eye for suspense in this debut novel. Compared with other suspenseful plots, this is a good one, and very well paced. The plot twists and turns, and kept me turning pages. I was eager to find out what happens to the girls. There are secrets and intrigue, and the promise of more to come.
The novel is filled with many interesting characters. I like the detective, who likes pickles and his wife. I like the three girls too, although at times I had trouble distinguishing their personalities, maybe because there wasn't enough information about them--especially how they think and feel about their harrowing and life-threatening situations--for me to really get to know them. I hope this will change in the sequel.
I suspect it will. Tamara is a good writer and exhibits a keen eye for suspense in this debut novel. Compared with other suspenseful plots, this is a good one, and very well paced. The plot twists and turns, and kept me turning pages. I was eager to find out what happens to the girls. There are secrets and intrigue, and the promise of more to come.
November 17, 2019
What a cracker! I have both the ebook and Audible copies of this book and I loved it!! I hadn't much idea what to expect when I first started it and the first couple of chapters had me a bit unsure how I was going to get on with it. I wasn't sure it was my kind of story, but I was SO wrong! I actually squeaked out a "What?!! No!! It can't stop there! " when the closing Audible message kicked in at the end of the book. I was so into the story that I'd lost all sense of how long I'd been listening to it. The characters are great, even if there is a little wimpy voice for one of them that makes me just want to shake the character...but other than that the narration is well paced and acceptable to the ear. The plot is a bit far fetched but if you let that go and just enjoy the story for it's own merits then you won't be at all disappointed. I really enjoyed it and am off to find the next one right now, I want to know what comes next. I think I"ll be going for ebook and audible copies again because I can still stay with the story on the move, and if it's as good as this one, that's precisely what I want to do.
July 13, 2018
This was a free Kindle read that has been on my shelf for a while. I had kind of lost all hope over time in Kindle freebies and young adult novels in general, as gems like The Hunger Games and Twilight are so hard to come by, but this book was just enough to make me want to read young adult again.
This book wasn't great, but the story was solid enough. Yes, there were a lot of cliche moments (no cell phone, dirty cops everywhere, meeting your long lost birth brothers while on the run, etc.), but I have to remind myself that the audience this is meant for wouldn't be as critical as I was, and the author did write this story while in the eighth grade- which is pretty cool if you ask me.
What I didn't realize was that this is a series, if you can call it that. It really upsets me when an author splits up a story that clearly has no reason to be a sequel, just to continue on adding book titles to their name and keeping that income rolling in, but the story gave me enough that I want to know more, and I want to know how it all ends.
This book wasn't great, but the story was solid enough. Yes, there were a lot of cliche moments (no cell phone, dirty cops everywhere, meeting your long lost birth brothers while on the run, etc.), but I have to remind myself that the audience this is meant for wouldn't be as critical as I was, and the author did write this story while in the eighth grade- which is pretty cool if you ask me.
What I didn't realize was that this is a series, if you can call it that. It really upsets me when an author splits up a story that clearly has no reason to be a sequel, just to continue on adding book titles to their name and keeping that income rolling in, but the story gave me enough that I want to know more, and I want to know how it all ends.
August 14, 2023
Not a terrible story but I've read better. Lots of coincidences & convenient happenings that are not really believable or realistic but on the whole the plot is good and the characters are not too bad. Definitely more likely to appeal to the YA market than to adults in my opinion.
My biggest criticism is that this book is only a part book with no wrap up at the end and clearly continuing into the next book which, although I know this is the first in a series, annoys me that no conclusion is reached, too many things not explained and too much left hanging.
I have the second book downloaded already but doubt I'll ever read it as I have so many better options and I just couldn't get involved enough in the characters or the story to bother about what comes next.
I received a free copy of this audiobook either from the author or a promotion or giveaway and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
My biggest criticism is that this book is only a part book with no wrap up at the end and clearly continuing into the next book which, although I know this is the first in a series, annoys me that no conclusion is reached, too many things not explained and too much left hanging.
I have the second book downloaded already but doubt I'll ever read it as I have so many better options and I just couldn't get involved enough in the characters or the story to bother about what comes next.
I received a free copy of this audiobook either from the author or a promotion or giveaway and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
November 27, 2010
Debut author Tamara Hart Heiner has created a chilling tale about a group of girls who have to escape their kidnappers and journey across the country to get home, not knowing who they can trust. The characters in the story are all interesting with unique characteristics that makes them different from each other. The two point of view characters, Jaci and Detective Hamilton, are the perfect characters to tell the story. The reader learns little clues from both sides and makes you want to turn the page.
The fast pace and numerous twists and turns add interest to the story and will keep you on the edge of your seat, hoping that the girls will be able to make it home safely. The ending suggests that a sequel is in progress, or I hope so because I want to know what's going to happen next on the girls journey.
The fast pace and numerous twists and turns add interest to the story and will keep you on the edge of your seat, hoping that the girls will be able to make it home safely. The ending suggests that a sequel is in progress, or I hope so because I want to know what's going to happen next on the girls journey.
December 14, 2013
This is such a great suspense. Of course it ends with a bunch of new developments which means I need to get the next in the series.
So four girls witness a burglary at their local shopping mall right after closing hours while they are waiting to be picked up. They were unable to hide and the burglars kidnap them.
The head of the bad guys holds them captive in Canada but they escape. Well mostly all of them escapes.
They then need to get to safety but it turns out even the police cannot be trusted and so for weeks they go on foot through the wilderness to get back to their families in Idaho.
The girls are resourceful and tough. They go through a lot as so their families.
The book is written very well and I flew through it.
So four girls witness a burglary at their local shopping mall right after closing hours while they are waiting to be picked up. They were unable to hide and the burglars kidnap them.
The head of the bad guys holds them captive in Canada but they escape. Well mostly all of them escapes.
They then need to get to safety but it turns out even the police cannot be trusted and so for weeks they go on foot through the wilderness to get back to their families in Idaho.
The girls are resourceful and tough. They go through a lot as so their families.
The book is written very well and I flew through it.
January 28, 2014
I liked this book, but it was just too hard for me to suspend my disbelief. For me, a good mystery/suspense novel is so believable that you are on pins and needles believing that this could potentially happen to you. The book starts out well, but there are just too many factors that don't seem plausible. What small town in Idaho would have the funding to send one cop all over the country to solve the disappearance of three teens? Why not hand this case over to the FBI in the beginning? How could an evil mastermind who controls police forces in several states and even Canada not be able to control three teenage girls? I think for teenagers, this would be a fun mystery novel. The ending is a cliffhanger, but I don't know if I will read the next book in the series.
April 17, 2014
There was nothing.... spectacular about this book.
The plot was interesting but could of been executed better.
The characters.... well i suppose they were realistic version of young teenagers but i just couldnt seem to find myself caring about them. The detective had the most boring life ever, poor thing. Plus there's no way in hell he'd be allowed to tell his significant other such top secret information.
The writing..... well it wasnt bad, but neither was it great.
Just everything about this book was slightly off kilter. Shame cause it could of been great.
so im rating this book 2.5 stars. unfortunately i dont think i'll be reading many books from this author in the future.
The plot was interesting but could of been executed better.
The characters.... well i suppose they were realistic version of young teenagers but i just couldnt seem to find myself caring about them. The detective had the most boring life ever, poor thing. Plus there's no way in hell he'd be allowed to tell his significant other such top secret information.
The writing..... well it wasnt bad, but neither was it great.
Just everything about this book was slightly off kilter. Shame cause it could of been great.
so im rating this book 2.5 stars. unfortunately i dont think i'll be reading many books from this author in the future.
December 4, 2010
For a debut novel, this isn't a bad start for Tamara. I enjoyed the tenacity of the characters and the determination they show throughout their journey home. I'm not sure I could have survived as long as they seem to in the book. I found myself continuing to read to see what was going to happen next. However, there were some plot holes and areas that didn't seem real or plausible, and maybe even a little out there or too coincedental. But the book is a decent read, and though the book just seems to end without explanation, the sequel will hopefully plug the holes and resolve things for the girls.
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