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The Door at the Top of the Stairs
ASIN B0045EOK9Y moved to the more recent edition
The Door at the Top of the Stairs is a gripping sapphic psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing experiences of police detective Jesse Shaunessy. This resilient yet vulnerable young woman endures the agony of being kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately discarded by her department as damaged goods.
The novel powerfully portrays the heart-rending story of a lesbian couple struggling to bring a broken Jesse out of her lonely darkness and back into the light of love. The story not only explores Jesse's struggle with PTSD but also provides moments of humor and heartwarming friendships with remarkable women, creating an instant connection for readers.
˃˃˃ Intelligent. Gritty. Emotive"The psychological damage inflicted on the main character, Jesse Shaunessy, is soul-wrenching, yet in the midst of the darkness, Holt somehow interjects a lightness and humor that allows the reader to take a deep breath before plunging back into the nightmare."
˃˃˃ An Amazing roller coaster of a story.“I finally got some time yesterday and decided to read a couple of chapters. Well, I simply couldn’t stop. I HAD to find out what happened and I read the entire book (completely blowing off my other projects). You have certainly created a very chilling premise and three utterly memorable characters in Morgan, Ryland, and Jesse.”
- Victoria Lucas, President of Lucas Script consulting
For a heart-rending yet reaffirming look at love and friendship, scroll up and grab a copy today.
The Door at the Top of the Stairs is a gripping sapphic psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing experiences of police detective Jesse Shaunessy. This resilient yet vulnerable young woman endures the agony of being kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately discarded by her department as damaged goods.
The novel powerfully portrays the heart-rending story of a lesbian couple struggling to bring a broken Jesse out of her lonely darkness and back into the light of love. The story not only explores Jesse's struggle with PTSD but also provides moments of humor and heartwarming friendships with remarkable women, creating an instant connection for readers.
˃˃˃ Intelligent. Gritty. Emotive"The psychological damage inflicted on the main character, Jesse Shaunessy, is soul-wrenching, yet in the midst of the darkness, Holt somehow interjects a lightness and humor that allows the reader to take a deep breath before plunging back into the nightmare."
˃˃˃ An Amazing roller coaster of a story.“I finally got some time yesterday and decided to read a couple of chapters. Well, I simply couldn’t stop. I HAD to find out what happened and I read the entire book (completely blowing off my other projects). You have certainly created a very chilling premise and three utterly memorable characters in Morgan, Ryland, and Jesse.”
- Victoria Lucas, President of Lucas Script consulting
For a heart-rending yet reaffirming look at love and friendship, scroll up and grab a copy today.
294 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2010
107 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Alison Naomi Holt
36 books160 followersAlison is devoted to giving her readers strong female characters who go about life with zest and abandon. Whether they solve mysteries or fight epic fantasy battles, they all have one trait in common; they are people you'd love to call friend. Alison has worn many hats in her life and, as a result, writes in several genres. From twenty years as a cop to being a lifelong horsewoman and an avid reader of fantasy fiction, she writes what she knows. Alison has a bizarre sense of humor, a realistic look at life, and an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest. She loves all horses and hounds and some humans… Alison enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her website at https://www.AlisonHoltBooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 2, 2016
Extraordinary!
Nobody should ever experience what Jesse has experienced. I cann't imagine to endure such trauma. I felt so much emotions reading this book. My heart bled for Jesse. This was a very unusual story and my first introduction to the world of mental health. I don't know nothing about psychotherapy but for my it felt very real. For me it felt like I was sitting next to Jesse and that I was a part of the therapy session. It was down right painful to watch Jesse, to see her ups and downs, her good and bad days, her anger. To see her crumpled into a ball on the couch. All three women working together to achieve a mutual goal, helping Jesse to come back on track, to heal her brain. There was progress but very slowly. Together they fight against Jesse's anger, her memory problems and to not let her demons dominate her life. Three very powerful characters, an impressive strong storyline, a lot of angst, love and friendship. The writing style is excellent, it is a coherent and well-structured piece of work. It was an emotional read but I loved it. Two thumbs up for the author.
Nobody should ever experience what Jesse has experienced. I cann't imagine to endure such trauma. I felt so much emotions reading this book. My heart bled for Jesse. This was a very unusual story and my first introduction to the world of mental health. I don't know nothing about psychotherapy but for my it felt very real. For me it felt like I was sitting next to Jesse and that I was a part of the therapy session. It was down right painful to watch Jesse, to see her ups and downs, her good and bad days, her anger. To see her crumpled into a ball on the couch. All three women working together to achieve a mutual goal, helping Jesse to come back on track, to heal her brain. There was progress but very slowly. Together they fight against Jesse's anger, her memory problems and to not let her demons dominate her life. Three very powerful characters, an impressive strong storyline, a lot of angst, love and friendship. The writing style is excellent, it is a coherent and well-structured piece of work. It was an emotional read but I loved it. Two thumbs up for the author.
January 20, 2024
Emotional
Wow! What a read. I couldn’t put it down. Why did I start this book so late at night, I’ll never know. I didn’t know a book this engaging and suspenseful could also be cathartic. I can relate to some of the issues facing the main character. I got the ebook and the audio book so when I couldn’t bear to hear some of the dialogue, I switched to reading the ebook. Somehow it was easier for me to read the words than hear them.
This story was done so well and with the exact right touch for such a tender subject. I really was uplifted in the end. This book is totally worth your time. I highly recommend it.
Wow! What a read. I couldn’t put it down. Why did I start this book so late at night, I’ll never know. I didn’t know a book this engaging and suspenseful could also be cathartic. I can relate to some of the issues facing the main character. I got the ebook and the audio book so when I couldn’t bear to hear some of the dialogue, I switched to reading the ebook. Somehow it was easier for me to read the words than hear them.
This story was done so well and with the exact right touch for such a tender subject. I really was uplifted in the end. This book is totally worth your time. I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2011
I am still torn about this..but I guess in the end the only way to describe it is "torture porn."
Why it was necessary to describe the violence in such graphic detail is beyond me. Maybe the book tried to contrast the relationship between Ryland and Morgan and the suffering of Jesse.
The violence is misogynous and reminds one of the sexual nature of the torture inflicted by the Church on women in the Middle Ages. Maybe this was intentional but it does not make a good read.
Be it as it may, I could not put the book down because I wanted to find out what happened at the end. Curiosity did kill the cat and caused the reader a lot of anguish along the way.
Why it was necessary to describe the violence in such graphic detail is beyond me. Maybe the book tried to contrast the relationship between Ryland and Morgan and the suffering of Jesse.
The violence is misogynous and reminds one of the sexual nature of the torture inflicted by the Church on women in the Middle Ages. Maybe this was intentional but it does not make a good read.
Be it as it may, I could not put the book down because I wanted to find out what happened at the end. Curiosity did kill the cat and caused the reader a lot of anguish along the way.
July 1, 2019
This is a difficult book to read because of the graphic narrations in it and it is also one of the most "I am so looking forward to the happy/healed ending" lesbian themed novel i have read.
On one hand, i had to keep reminding myself that this is fiction and it will end positively well. And on the other, I often allowed the fear and emotions from the book get to me.
I guess what i am saying is that this author did an amazing job!
On one hand, i had to keep reminding myself that this is fiction and it will end positively well. And on the other, I often allowed the fear and emotions from the book get to me.
I guess what i am saying is that this author did an amazing job!
May 10, 2011
Wow. This was a difficult read. That’s not to say it’s poorly written, that there were problems with the story, or that I had issues with the characters. Far from it. When I say it was a difficult read, I’m referring to the emotional depth and the incredibly moving scenes of graphic torture. That may sound odd coming from a self-proclaimed fan of the likes of King, Barker, Lumley, and Laymon, but Alison hits you right in the gut, sucking the very wind from you with how she frames the violence.
Morgan and Ryland are a lesbian couple, but it’s important to note that is definitely not an erotic story. They’re simply two strong individuals, in a committed relationship, who both happen to be women. There are some mildly romantic moments, but mostly this is a story comprised of normal, everyday domestic comfort. Morgan is, by far, the more highly strung of the two, being strong willed, quick to temper, and extremely protective of her animals. Ryland is the yin to her yang, being more intellectual than emotional, but also of a more even temperament.
Jesse is a woman very much like Morgan, and that brings the two of them into conflict early and often. Their scenes together are tense, at best, and antagonistic, at worst. Just when you figure this contest of wills either has to explode into physical violence or simply fall apart, Rylan clues into Jesse’s motivation and begins the slow exploration of the forgotten trauma that is slowly ruining her life.
That trauma is the source of the emotional discomfort, contrasting scenes of rural tranquility with scenes of urban despair. Ryland, aided by Morgan, slowly helps Jesse to recover frightening, disjointed, isolated memories of the undercover narcotics sting that ended her career. I won’t go into too much detail, except to say I can still feel the nails being driven through her wrists, and I still see the spray of blood as a bullet explodes through the head one remorseful captor as his forehead is pressed against hers.
If you’re a fan of the darker episodes of Criminal Minds and are looking for a tale of psychological suspense, populated by three very strong women, that pulls no punches, this is a read worth checking out. It’s not a book you’re likely to devour in one sitting, but only because you’ll need a break to settle your own nerves and distance yourself from the horror.
Morgan and Ryland are a lesbian couple, but it’s important to note that is definitely not an erotic story. They’re simply two strong individuals, in a committed relationship, who both happen to be women. There are some mildly romantic moments, but mostly this is a story comprised of normal, everyday domestic comfort. Morgan is, by far, the more highly strung of the two, being strong willed, quick to temper, and extremely protective of her animals. Ryland is the yin to her yang, being more intellectual than emotional, but also of a more even temperament.
Jesse is a woman very much like Morgan, and that brings the two of them into conflict early and often. Their scenes together are tense, at best, and antagonistic, at worst. Just when you figure this contest of wills either has to explode into physical violence or simply fall apart, Rylan clues into Jesse’s motivation and begins the slow exploration of the forgotten trauma that is slowly ruining her life.
That trauma is the source of the emotional discomfort, contrasting scenes of rural tranquility with scenes of urban despair. Ryland, aided by Morgan, slowly helps Jesse to recover frightening, disjointed, isolated memories of the undercover narcotics sting that ended her career. I won’t go into too much detail, except to say I can still feel the nails being driven through her wrists, and I still see the spray of blood as a bullet explodes through the head one remorseful captor as his forehead is pressed against hers.
If you’re a fan of the darker episodes of Criminal Minds and are looking for a tale of psychological suspense, populated by three very strong women, that pulls no punches, this is a read worth checking out. It’s not a book you’re likely to devour in one sitting, but only because you’ll need a break to settle your own nerves and distance yourself from the horror.
January 2, 2012
This book was amazing! All else in my world came to a halt as I became deeper and deeper engrossed in the book. I could not put it down. I truly did not know what to expect from the book when I read the preface. I wasn’t sure how gory the book would be and I was worried that I would not be able to complete the book.
The book drew me in and I was unable to put it down. It was full of emotion and suspense and it was next to impossible to figure out what the next page held in store. I fell in love with characters. They were honest and raw.
Jesse, a young undercover cop, is a sassy young woman with bad attitude and news written all over her when she shows up looking for work at Morgan’s farm.
Morgan, sporting her own emotional scars from years gone by meets her match in the saucy young girl, seeing herself in Jesse.
Ry, Morgan’s life partner and retired psychologist, sees through Jesse’s smart mouth and attitude and is determined to help her face her demons.
Three women, hanging on for the ride of a life-time, manage to make it through tumultuous days on the farm where Morgan fights to keep her temper in check while all the while wanting to either throttle Jesse, or fire her. Jesse, unconsciously feeling the security that Morgan doesn’t realize she gives, tests Morgan at every turn. In the security of these two women, Jesse’s hidden memories of the abduction and torture begin to surface, and Morgan and Ry are determine to save her tortured soul.
The book has a powerful message contained within its covers. It is a story of courage, of betrayal, of learning to trust again, and in its own way, a coming of age. The descriptive text used throughout the story leaves you spellbound; the plot well written.
Alison captures the essence of the tortured mind of a young undercover cop who subconscious buries a time of abduction and torture by a drug Lord. This book is one of those books that beg to be read.
The book drew me in and I was unable to put it down. It was full of emotion and suspense and it was next to impossible to figure out what the next page held in store. I fell in love with characters. They were honest and raw.
Jesse, a young undercover cop, is a sassy young woman with bad attitude and news written all over her when she shows up looking for work at Morgan’s farm.
Morgan, sporting her own emotional scars from years gone by meets her match in the saucy young girl, seeing herself in Jesse.
Ry, Morgan’s life partner and retired psychologist, sees through Jesse’s smart mouth and attitude and is determined to help her face her demons.
Three women, hanging on for the ride of a life-time, manage to make it through tumultuous days on the farm where Morgan fights to keep her temper in check while all the while wanting to either throttle Jesse, or fire her. Jesse, unconsciously feeling the security that Morgan doesn’t realize she gives, tests Morgan at every turn. In the security of these two women, Jesse’s hidden memories of the abduction and torture begin to surface, and Morgan and Ry are determine to save her tortured soul.
The book has a powerful message contained within its covers. It is a story of courage, of betrayal, of learning to trust again, and in its own way, a coming of age. The descriptive text used throughout the story leaves you spellbound; the plot well written.
Alison captures the essence of the tortured mind of a young undercover cop who subconscious buries a time of abduction and torture by a drug Lord. This book is one of those books that beg to be read.
September 20, 2011
This has got to be one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a long time. Brilliantly written with descriptive details forcing you to turn the pages to find out what happens next. You will find yourself at the end before you know it!
Jesse was a mouthy woman with a bad attitude looking for work. When she comes to Morgan's farm, both woman have met their match. Luckily for Jesse, Morgan's partner Ry is a psychologist who is willing to come out of retirement to help her face her demons.
Morgan is always ready to fire Jesse on a dime, but Ry sees a damaged woman in need of being saved. Convincing Morgan to reign in her temper, both woman take Jesse under their wings as she relives the torture she once faced as a cop. Unable to remember what exactly happened to her, the only thing Jesse does remember is that she was a cop and they threw her away as damaged goods.
As the wounds are re-opened and the memories come flooding back, Morgan and Ry must keep their own emotions wrapped up tight as they help Jesse to relive the the torture of when she was kidnapped and move on to healing. Will they be able to reach her before it's too late?
This was my first experience with Holt's work, and I am so glad I was given the opportunity. Holt has a fantastical way of drawing you in, making you feel like you are really there and vividly seeing what she sees in her mind. This is one book you won't want to pass up if you get the chance to read it!
Jesse was a mouthy woman with a bad attitude looking for work. When she comes to Morgan's farm, both woman have met their match. Luckily for Jesse, Morgan's partner Ry is a psychologist who is willing to come out of retirement to help her face her demons.
Morgan is always ready to fire Jesse on a dime, but Ry sees a damaged woman in need of being saved. Convincing Morgan to reign in her temper, both woman take Jesse under their wings as she relives the torture she once faced as a cop. Unable to remember what exactly happened to her, the only thing Jesse does remember is that she was a cop and they threw her away as damaged goods.
As the wounds are re-opened and the memories come flooding back, Morgan and Ry must keep their own emotions wrapped up tight as they help Jesse to relive the the torture of when she was kidnapped and move on to healing. Will they be able to reach her before it's too late?
This was my first experience with Holt's work, and I am so glad I was given the opportunity. Holt has a fantastical way of drawing you in, making you feel like you are really there and vividly seeing what she sees in her mind. This is one book you won't want to pass up if you get the chance to read it!
August 30, 2022
I liked this one a lot more than I had anticipated. The characters are great and the narrative voice that shifts between perspectives was different, but effective. The narrator did a great job with voices, inflection, and pacing.
I would love to see a lot more sapphic thriller, suspense, and horror novels!!
I would love to see a lot more sapphic thriller, suspense, and horror novels!!
July 26, 2017
I really like the writing style of the author, her imagination and the depth of the characters are so easy to follow.
As a psychotherapist though I was cringing and often felt physical pain while reading the methods that were suggested for dealing with Jess's PTSD. It is a very dangerous game to use psychological terms and theories and create something so perverted that often felt like sadistic psycho experiment rather than a therapy...there was not much compassion and understanding for Jess's experience...there is sooo much wrong about the approach of both women (although I would mainly blame the therapist as she has a duty of care towards her patients) that I do not care to even start talking about it as it makes me angry...no wonder 6 of her clients has succeeded in killing themselves if that was the way she treated them!...the saving grace of this book is that it does provide a note and explains that the methods described in the book are fictional...however as I read the reviews many people actually believe that this could be a way of dealing with person who struggles with trauma and PTSD ...Miss Holt has a great talent for writing, it is a pity that she chose to write such a misinformed and cruel representation of this serious illness.
As a psychotherapist though I was cringing and often felt physical pain while reading the methods that were suggested for dealing with Jess's PTSD. It is a very dangerous game to use psychological terms and theories and create something so perverted that often felt like sadistic psycho experiment rather than a therapy...there was not much compassion and understanding for Jess's experience...there is sooo much wrong about the approach of both women (although I would mainly blame the therapist as she has a duty of care towards her patients) that I do not care to even start talking about it as it makes me angry...no wonder 6 of her clients has succeeded in killing themselves if that was the way she treated them!...the saving grace of this book is that it does provide a note and explains that the methods described in the book are fictional...however as I read the reviews many people actually believe that this could be a way of dealing with person who struggles with trauma and PTSD ...Miss Holt has a great talent for writing, it is a pity that she chose to write such a misinformed and cruel representation of this serious illness.
November 1, 2024
AMA amazing.
This is the first book I’ve read by Alison Naomi Holt. It certainly will not be the last I found it almost impossible to put it down. The storyline was mesmerizing. It’s one of the first lesbian stories that was not full of unnecessary sex. There was a a story that you could follow and get caught up in, I could actually picture the characters and by the end of the book I was cheering for all of them to win Ryland Morgan, Mary and Jessie were women that I wanted to be in my posse.
Hats off to Allison what an incredible writer I don’t know how I happened upon her, but I’m certainly glad I did. I’ve already purchased four more of her books and I can’t wait to get into them. My only concern is I hope they’re not all aboutWarriors prehistoric people I hope their women like me
This is the first book I’ve read by Alison Naomi Holt. It certainly will not be the last I found it almost impossible to put it down. The storyline was mesmerizing. It’s one of the first lesbian stories that was not full of unnecessary sex. There was a a story that you could follow and get caught up in, I could actually picture the characters and by the end of the book I was cheering for all of them to win Ryland Morgan, Mary and Jessie were women that I wanted to be in my posse.
Hats off to Allison what an incredible writer I don’t know how I happened upon her, but I’m certainly glad I did. I’ve already purchased four more of her books and I can’t wait to get into them. My only concern is I hope they’re not all aboutWarriors prehistoric people I hope their women like me
June 8, 2022
What a super read/listen!
I was gifted an audiobook copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.
I am in awe. The trauma police detective, Jessica went through in the hands of drug lord, Richard, was mind blowing. How does one survive? She gets a job on a horse ranch and befriends the two women who own it. They learn of her past and Dr. Ryland and her partner decide to help her recover her memories. A strong bond, creepy memories, some humor and lots of time.
Many kudos for the narrator! She read a very upsetting story with compassion and perfect voices for these characters. I felt all the feels of this story. 5 plus stars.
I was gifted an audiobook copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.
I am in awe. The trauma police detective, Jessica went through in the hands of drug lord, Richard, was mind blowing. How does one survive? She gets a job on a horse ranch and befriends the two women who own it. They learn of her past and Dr. Ryland and her partner decide to help her recover her memories. A strong bond, creepy memories, some humor and lots of time.
Many kudos for the narrator! She read a very upsetting story with compassion and perfect voices for these characters. I felt all the feels of this story. 5 plus stars.
November 23, 2020
The two women should be arrested. I constantly wanted to smack them upside the head. It seemed like the author was trying to find even the more random, stretch-of-the-imagination excuses to talk about the torture Jesse went through. So much of it was utter bullshit. This actually had the bones (like the BAREST of bones) to be a potentially interesting story if the writer gave even one iota about making likable, believable characters and adding a touch of realism and... oh yea... a PLOT!
August 21, 2022
Outstanding 5+ stars. I wasn't expecting this excellent story and had delayed listening because it says "Psychological" which sounded heavy. Once started I listened without stopping (there went my Saturday). The story brings up the full gamut of emotions - anger,disbelief,laughter,caring,tears... I wish the last 20 minutes of the story was longer with a few final details but it gives enough. The Audiobook is done by Christa Lewis and she nails all the characters perfectly.
September 21, 2024
I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH
About this book. It is epic. It is terrifying, exhilarating, exhausting, and ultimately satisfying. I am in awe of Alison Holt's talent as a storyteller. She has drawn these characters with such skill that I would love to have them for neighbors. Well, at least some of them. Parts of this story are hard to read, but the destination is more than worth the journey.
About this book. It is epic. It is terrifying, exhilarating, exhausting, and ultimately satisfying. I am in awe of Alison Holt's talent as a storyteller. She has drawn these characters with such skill that I would love to have them for neighbors. Well, at least some of them. Parts of this story are hard to read, but the destination is more than worth the journey.
December 31, 2019
Gut Wrenching.
OK. I read The Door at the Top of the Stairs. This is where you you are supposed to say you “loved” or “enjoyed “ the book. This book will rip your heart out and leave it exposed on your chest. This book will make you Thank whatever deity you believe in, that you live a “normal” unremarkable life.
OK. I read The Door at the Top of the Stairs. This is where you you are supposed to say you “loved” or “enjoyed “ the book. This book will rip your heart out and leave it exposed on your chest. This book will make you Thank whatever deity you believe in, that you live a “normal” unremarkable life.
February 20, 2021
What a kick ass book. You can feel Jesse's pain as she tells the story of her abuse. I have read a lot of this authors books and I have to say this has been the best. I read it in one sitting as I wanted to see how it all came together. One of those books you can read over and probably discover something new in it.
March 25, 2024
Spellbinding!
I started feeling like all the predictive books were all starting to sound the same. I just recently read two of Allison Bolts books, and they are like no other! I couldn't put either of them down! I'm in my mid 60's and am an avid reader. I hope you continue to produce works like this. On to read another of your books! I think I have a new favorite author!!!!
I started feeling like all the predictive books were all starting to sound the same. I just recently read two of Allison Bolts books, and they are like no other! I couldn't put either of them down! I'm in my mid 60's and am an avid reader. I hope you continue to produce works like this. On to read another of your books! I think I have a new favorite author!!!!
June 17, 2022
It was an extremely well written psychological thriller. The narrator of the story was excellent. Not advertised as a horror story, it detailed some incredible horrors. Jessie was very tough and resilient but it took a major effort to peel away the layers that she used to hide these horrors. The author pulled you into the telling so well that you could almost feel them. A powerful story with some very powerful female characters.
November 25, 2023
I love these characters
Ryland and Morgan save Jesse. And she saves herself. I was so wrapped up this all unfolding that when the book was over I was stunned. These characters are going to live in my head for a long time.
Ryland and Morgan save Jesse. And she saves herself. I was so wrapped up this all unfolding that when the book was over I was stunned. These characters are going to live in my head for a long time.
September 24, 2024
The door at the top of the stairs
Had to keep reading, only put the book down long enough to get some sleep, very fast, just a totally enjoyable read even the subject matter was tough to take at times. First time with this author, will read more for sure
Had to keep reading, only put the book down long enough to get some sleep, very fast, just a totally enjoyable read even the subject matter was tough to take at times. First time with this author, will read more for sure
June 14, 2025
Great Read
This was a great read. It reminded me of Yellowstone which I found kind of funny but it was a good read on trauma and working through it in a healthy way with a good support system who has your best interest at heart.
This was a great read. It reminded me of Yellowstone which I found kind of funny but it was a good read on trauma and working through it in a healthy way with a good support system who has your best interest at heart.
February 7, 2021
One of the best books I've read! I laughed,cried & everything in between. Looking forward to reading another by her!!
June 19, 2022
Very exciting and gripping story that grabs you and never let’s go and keeps you in suspense and loving it
July 13, 2023
3.5 Stars
November 13, 2024
What a wild ride. I was hooked pretty quick. There is minimal spice. Features a lesbian couple. Lots of violence, sexual assault, depravity…check your TW. Over all a very crazy book!
December 12, 2024
Outstanding.
This book was one of the best books I have read in a while. Very captivating and you did not know what was coming up next. It pulled you right into the story.
This book was one of the best books I have read in a while. Very captivating and you did not know what was coming up next. It pulled you right into the story.
January 27, 2025
Interesting detailed story
I followed the therapy sessions with great interest. This was a book that I wanted to get back to so I could find out the next part of the story.
I followed the therapy sessions with great interest. This was a book that I wanted to get back to so I could find out the next part of the story.
June 13, 2025
intense! terrifying. Graphic. well written & will probably give me nightmares
November 20, 2025
Kept rooting for Jesse throughout the novel.
Her recent past is traumatic and at times, a very tough read.
A caution for potential readers -- The violence inflicted upon Jesse is very graphic. This could be a difficult and triggering read for some.
Her recent past is traumatic and at times, a very tough read.
A caution for potential readers -- The violence inflicted upon Jesse is very graphic. This could be a difficult and triggering read for some.
March 12, 2011
Deep and hidden memories, new-found friends to help, a job that helps with the pain....Jesse had all of these, but could the pain go away?
When Jesse arrives on Morgan and Ryland's farm for a job, the conflict between Jesse and Morgan was instantaneous...they both were head strong and wanted to be in control. Morgan had a great life as owner of a profitable farm, Ryland was the calm, retired psychoanalyst, and Jesse was 26 with horrible memories of torture that affected her daily life and memories that she couldn't get to surface.
Using her professional skills, Ryland set up a session each day at one o'clock to try to help Jesse get rid of the demons that were plaguing her and causing her to have unbearable headaches. The sessions were tortuous for all, but they must help Jesse. Jesse was difficult, but they understood why....she was always ready for a fight, and did get into a few. They all agreed, though, that whatever it takes to cure Jesse is what they would do. Of course, there were others who tried to get in their way and cause more problems.
The book had excellent details of situations and the characters' feelings....you could easily visualize each scene and experience the emotions. Ms. Holt did a superb job with getting you involved..the book definitely held your interest, and made you hopeful that Jesse would finally get well. The book reminds the reader that the mind is very powerful, but also very fragile.
Just an ending note...I would classify some parts of this book as a thriller...so don't expect all sweetness and light...there are some brutal scenes. 5/5
When Jesse arrives on Morgan and Ryland's farm for a job, the conflict between Jesse and Morgan was instantaneous...they both were head strong and wanted to be in control. Morgan had a great life as owner of a profitable farm, Ryland was the calm, retired psychoanalyst, and Jesse was 26 with horrible memories of torture that affected her daily life and memories that she couldn't get to surface.
Using her professional skills, Ryland set up a session each day at one o'clock to try to help Jesse get rid of the demons that were plaguing her and causing her to have unbearable headaches. The sessions were tortuous for all, but they must help Jesse. Jesse was difficult, but they understood why....she was always ready for a fight, and did get into a few. They all agreed, though, that whatever it takes to cure Jesse is what they would do. Of course, there were others who tried to get in their way and cause more problems.
The book had excellent details of situations and the characters' feelings....you could easily visualize each scene and experience the emotions. Ms. Holt did a superb job with getting you involved..the book definitely held your interest, and made you hopeful that Jesse would finally get well. The book reminds the reader that the mind is very powerful, but also very fragile.
Just an ending note...I would classify some parts of this book as a thriller...so don't expect all sweetness and light...there are some brutal scenes. 5/5
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