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Counterfeit Son
Cameron Miller is the son of a murderer. All he has ever known is the stench of the locked cellar, where he can hear the blows and cries and his father's torrent of terror and abuse. Then a miracle happens: his father is killed in a police shootout. In the aftermath, Cameron grabs his one chance for a normal life: he takes on the identity of Neil Lacey, a boy who Mr. Miller had abducted six years ago. As Neil, he has a life with loving parents, a brother and sister, and the comforts only money can buy. But someone knows what Cameron's doing—someone with the power to turn his life back into a nightmare.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
30 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Marie Alphin
27 books29 followersI was born on 30 October 1955 in San Francisco, California, and attended Lafayette Elementary School in San Francisco. Then my family moved to New York City, where I attended William H. Carr Junior High School. This is a school picture of me from my junior high school days. After that we moved to Houston, and I went to Westchester High School and on to Rice University.
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May 11, 2011So Anna and I were at the library...
"Counterfeit Son...mmm...."
O.O
I've read this book "DUDE! I've read this book!!!!"
Memories flashing around as I recall the plot and the startling ending
"I SO READ THIS!!!"
How old was I? It has been so many years...one of my story ideas was like, created out of this plot...This book haunted me.
"I SO have read this bok."
But not really haunt...to strong a word...and to weak...Emotionally powerful...what story idea was it?? Wow. This book! I can't believe I almost forgot it
So there you have a taste of all the thoughts that crammed their way into my head in about thirty seconds. By this point, Anna was staring at me in that You're-Really-Weird way
So...yeah. I read this book xD
The story involves this kid whose Dad is a murderer, he lures young boys and kills them. When the man dies, the main character decides to impersonate one of the boys who was killed (because his Dad kept newspaper clippings about his victims and the main character would read them)
He would be the kid who liked sailing.
Sailing sounded wonderful.
And so he "becomes" this kid...
And wow . I mean, it has been several years so it might not be as good as I'm remembering it. But it was a very emotionally powerful book, *nods* and I've never forgotten it.
Its one of those books that played a large part in who I am "as a writer".
Or even a reader.
And you really can't forget books like that.
"Counterfeit Son...mmm...."
O.O
I've read this book "DUDE! I've read this book!!!!"
Memories flashing around as I recall the plot and the startling ending
"I SO READ THIS!!!"
How old was I? It has been so many years...one of my story ideas was like, created out of this plot...This book haunted me.
"I SO have read this bok."
But not really haunt...to strong a word...and to weak...Emotionally powerful...what story idea was it?? Wow. This book! I can't believe I almost forgot it
So there you have a taste of all the thoughts that crammed their way into my head in about thirty seconds. By this point, Anna was staring at me in that You're-Really-Weird way
So...yeah. I read this book xD
The story involves this kid whose Dad is a murderer, he lures young boys and kills them. When the man dies, the main character decides to impersonate one of the boys who was killed (because his Dad kept newspaper clippings about his victims and the main character would read them)
He would be the kid who liked sailing.
Sailing sounded wonderful.
And so he "becomes" this kid...
And wow . I mean, it has been several years so it might not be as good as I'm remembering it. But it was a very emotionally powerful book, *nods* and I've never forgotten it.
Its one of those books that played a large part in who I am "as a writer".
Or even a reader.
And you really can't forget books like that.
March 23, 2021
2.5 STARS
Cameron, son of a pedophile and child murderer pretends to be Neil, a boy his father kidnapped and killed.
COUNTERFEIT SON is a pretty bad book. The unrealistic situation and corny ending aren’t the worst parts, the horrible characters are. From the cop who treats faux Neil, who was horribly abused, no matter who he was to sister Diana who wished her brother stayed dead the flat characters ruined what could have been a salvageable book. So why two stars? I’m a sucker for abductee books.
Cameron, son of a pedophile and child murderer pretends to be Neil, a boy his father kidnapped and killed.
COUNTERFEIT SON is a pretty bad book. The unrealistic situation and corny ending aren’t the worst parts, the horrible characters are. From the cop who treats faux Neil, who was horribly abused, no matter who he was to sister Diana who wished her brother stayed dead the flat characters ruined what could have been a salvageable book. So why two stars? I’m a sucker for abductee books.
November 21, 2011
Oh wow, very very powerful. The ending is heartwarming, a little corny but the ending was satisfying.
February 27, 2013
My Thoughts.......
I love it. No explicit violent scene, but tragedies and abuses is the only think Cameron remember and know. It's a hard book to read, it's only his point of view. So yes, no need to explain it's horrible.
I loved it. Finish it. Now will burn the paperback and bury the ashes under a ton of dirty.... And burn the dirty too.... And put a stone above it... A big stone... Maybe I can put the Everest. Yep, that can be big enough to keep this book away from me... And from all humankind.
Don't want to read it ever again. Loved it... And never fear a book as I fear the end of this one.
5 stars *goes search a match*
I love it. No explicit violent scene, but tragedies and abuses is the only think Cameron remember and know. It's a hard book to read, it's only his point of view. So yes, no need to explain it's horrible.
I loved it. Finish it. Now will burn the paperback and bury the ashes under a ton of dirty.... And burn the dirty too.... And put a stone above it... A big stone... Maybe I can put the Everest. Yep, that can be big enough to keep this book away from me... And from all humankind.
Don't want to read it ever again. Loved it... And never fear a book as I fear the end of this one.
5 stars *goes search a match*
January 8, 2024
I don't usually rate books five stars, but this book was amazing. It had my head spinning and left me thinking about it for weeks after finishing it. This is an amazingly realistic book. It freaks me out. The ending was so shocking, too! I remember reading this while sitting on my bed, and my jaw dropped. I wouldn't necessarily say it is a horror/creepy book because it's not like a ghost story or anything like that. It just doesn't give me horror vibes. It's more disturbing than scary. I remember being asked what my book was about, and I started to explain it like I wrote the thing. I was excited to explain the plot, and I haven't felt that way about a book in quite a while, except for books I don't like. One thing though, is Detective Simmons. I feel like he was a little one-dimensional. *little spoiler here* He felt so strongly about Cameron not being Neil, but why? Like I know he was trying to prove it and there was a lot of evidence he could've used to prove it, but why? What was the reason he assumed that? Also, why was Diana so cool about finding out about Cameron? She was so okay with it! The only reason I can think of is that she was happy she was right. Was she really that selfish? *spoilers over* This book portrays Cameron's feelings so well and makes them seem real, which most books struggle with. I really felt bad for Cameron. *bigger spoilers* Okay, I called him Cameron throughout this whole review, but it feels wrong. I really considered writing his name as Neil, but I didn't want new readers to be confused. *spoilers over* Anybody who hasn't read this book then I would really recommend it and if you have been considering reading it, do it! Don't hesitate! This book is so good and I promise you won't regret it. You can yell at me if I end up being wrong, but I don't think you'll have to.
January 2, 2025
(3.5)
a very arduous path..
a very arduous path..
June 20, 2018
"Sheer brilliance" isn't quite strong enough a term to describe the absolutely overwhelming suspense that permeates everything about this book. It is very, very rare that an author comes along with such a pronounced flair for the high art of writing as to be able to make me feel physically sick while I'm reading a book, but Counterfeit Son is all about that kind of dizzying, gnawing, nauseating tension. It never quits, not for one single moment, and waiting for the inevitable unleashing of such horrors as are always potentially right behind the next door is almost too hard, as the reader, to handle. I actually feel justified in dropping the name "Cormier" in comparison with such an author as Elaine Marie Alphin, and Cormier's best novels in the same conversation as Counterfeit Son.
Cameron Miller has lived through the kinds of unspeakable evil that could fill a dozen distressing tomes, all with what happened before page one of this book begins. For years he lived with his father in captivity as the man preyed upon other children when they least suspected harm, snatching them and bringing them back to his den of evil where he could inflict the ichorous filth of his imagination upon them, torturing them one by one until he would kill them. Cameron learned to stay quiet and help his father hide the bodies once they were destroyed; he knew that this was the only way to extend his own life. All of the other boys eventually tried to escape and brought down the vicious wrath of Cameron's father upon them, but Cameron stayed quiet enough to keep himself alive, despite all of the various forms of abuse that he was forced to endure. Until...
Until Cameron's father was killed by the police in a raid on his place. Cameron was fortunate enough not to be there when the bust went down, and now he has concocted a shocking plan to save himself from the consequences of the brutal legacy of his father. In the file of news clippings about the victims that Cameron's father had kept in the basement, where Cameron was often locked away, he had found one boy who looked enough like himself to be able to pass himself off as that boy, the lone survivor of a murderer's rampage returning now after the death of his abductor to reunite with his loving family. If he's lucky, Cameron can try to fake his way into his faux family and convince them that he really is their long-lost son, returned from the surety of the grave to once again, improbably, be a part of their lives.
There is someone who knows Cameron's secret, though. Someone who could blow apart the false world that he has desperately sought to take for himself, and put him right back in the miry throes of constant danger again. Living a lie is, necessarily, to be performing a tenuous balancing act at all times, and with the slightest shove it could all topple over for Cameron...
Counterfeit Son is pure gold, written at the highest standard of excellency, a level maintained at all times with extraordinary ability by the magnificently skilled Elaine Marie Alphin. I came so, so close to giving this five stars, but I would definitely give it at least four and a half stars. This is, in every way, a masterful work of fine literature, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Cameron Miller has lived through the kinds of unspeakable evil that could fill a dozen distressing tomes, all with what happened before page one of this book begins. For years he lived with his father in captivity as the man preyed upon other children when they least suspected harm, snatching them and bringing them back to his den of evil where he could inflict the ichorous filth of his imagination upon them, torturing them one by one until he would kill them. Cameron learned to stay quiet and help his father hide the bodies once they were destroyed; he knew that this was the only way to extend his own life. All of the other boys eventually tried to escape and brought down the vicious wrath of Cameron's father upon them, but Cameron stayed quiet enough to keep himself alive, despite all of the various forms of abuse that he was forced to endure. Until...
Until Cameron's father was killed by the police in a raid on his place. Cameron was fortunate enough not to be there when the bust went down, and now he has concocted a shocking plan to save himself from the consequences of the brutal legacy of his father. In the file of news clippings about the victims that Cameron's father had kept in the basement, where Cameron was often locked away, he had found one boy who looked enough like himself to be able to pass himself off as that boy, the lone survivor of a murderer's rampage returning now after the death of his abductor to reunite with his loving family. If he's lucky, Cameron can try to fake his way into his faux family and convince them that he really is their long-lost son, returned from the surety of the grave to once again, improbably, be a part of their lives.
There is someone who knows Cameron's secret, though. Someone who could blow apart the false world that he has desperately sought to take for himself, and put him right back in the miry throes of constant danger again. Living a lie is, necessarily, to be performing a tenuous balancing act at all times, and with the slightest shove it could all topple over for Cameron...
Counterfeit Son is pure gold, written at the highest standard of excellency, a level maintained at all times with extraordinary ability by the magnificently skilled Elaine Marie Alphin. I came so, so close to giving this five stars, but I would definitely give it at least four and a half stars. This is, in every way, a masterful work of fine literature, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 2, 2024
It was terrifying, traumatizing, but brutally honest, though I guessed the ending from the moment I saw the title and glanced the cover. I would read it again. Elaine earned that Edgar Allen Poe award with every word, even as short as this book was. I enjoyed it, though its reality bit down on my consciousness the entire time I read it. Bravo, Elaine.
February 4, 2018
Good premise and the boy’s voice was convincing albeit repetitive.
All other characters were one dimensional. I couldn’t tell you anything about any of them. Look at the bad cop who didn’t think the boy was Neil because he didn’t believe in happy endings - why? What has happened to this cop to make him feel that way?
The plot was ok but the ending was sickly. I was hoping that Cameron’s bones weren’t found and family would accept him then, during the next few months, the tables would turn and Cameron would start suspecting Neil’s dad was hiding something. Then Cameron would die and the big reveal was that he was an imposter and Neil’s dad pushed the whole family to believe it was Neil to cover up the fact the he had murdered Neil himself. Perhaps Neil went with Pop but managed to get away and his dad was incensed that he’d disobeyed him that he hit him and he accidentally fell and died. Cameron found out somehow and Neil’s dad then had to murder him to silence him. The sister had potential so she could have been the one who uncovered it all. Yep, that would’ve made a better ending.
All other characters were one dimensional. I couldn’t tell you anything about any of them. Look at the bad cop who didn’t think the boy was Neil because he didn’t believe in happy endings - why? What has happened to this cop to make him feel that way?
The plot was ok but the ending was sickly. I was hoping that Cameron’s bones weren’t found and family would accept him then, during the next few months, the tables would turn and Cameron would start suspecting Neil’s dad was hiding something. Then Cameron would die and the big reveal was that he was an imposter and Neil’s dad pushed the whole family to believe it was Neil to cover up the fact the he had murdered Neil himself. Perhaps Neil went with Pop but managed to get away and his dad was incensed that he’d disobeyed him that he hit him and he accidentally fell and died. Cameron found out somehow and Neil’s dad then had to murder him to silence him. The sister had potential so she could have been the one who uncovered it all. Yep, that would’ve made a better ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2019
got about halfway through when the typos and awful sentence structure got to me. I liked the concept of this book. Short read.
May 21, 2016
So this book was a quick read. It took me like half an hour. I'm so happy to read again! I've forgotten how amazing it is to read something that isn't philosophy without feeling guilt (I love philosophy but come on, how many times can you attempt to deal with unanswerable questions. At least I didn't embarrass myself at the Olympiad).
Anyway, so I loved this book's idea. It's creative and unique. Cameron's flow of thoughts is so painful and engaging. It was incredibly well done. I loved how his mind flew to memories and how you really felt the abuse he went through.
I'm assuming this book's intended audience is young but I'm not sure? The themes are mature-ish but the writing and plot is so young. The plot is very spoon-fed. I was very aware of the way it was built. Instead of a flow, I could easily map out what should happen in each scene and how it relates to other scenes. It wasn't very subtle.
I also disliked how fake the writing felt. Cameron talking about himself and his flow of consciousness was well done but whenever there was a description of conversations and such, I was cringing.
Diana's characterization is a mess. I accept that Cameron is good with plotting his moves and calculating situations due to his past. I can't comprehend that Diana is the same. I also didn't like how she jumps to the conclusion that he's fake. It happened so quickly. I can see that she disliked her brother but jumping to the conclusion that he's fake is ridiculous and the author doesn't address this issue. Wouldn't it be better for her to think that he was abused and traumatized?
Spoilers from the end of this chapter till the end! I don't quite recommend this book but it's not a bad book.
That ending. Gross. So messy. So cliche. Dammit, why? I hated it. I feel like it was a quick way to wrap it up. I was hoping for the family to fight for him even if he was Miller's son. That ending was just so dumb. I mean, (a) how did he not have any memories at all from his former house? 8 years old isn't that young, (b), why would Miller care so much? I mean, I get that he was obedient and stuff but come on, that's weak, (c), how did the switch even happen?, (d), you can't seriously be pulling the whole, he was kidnapped and is now a better more caring person. Seriously? That's so disrespectful to victims.
Anyway, I'm not pleased with how sickly sweet the ending was. There were so many interesting options the author could have picked that made more sense, could have been better executed and made a cooler story.
Also the detective's character made no sense and was annoying. Give me real characters with meat! End the stereotype cookie cutter characters! Like ugh, the mom. Apart from Cameron, all the characters were undeveloped and just cringey.
What I'm taking with me
• Contrary to what Plato argues in Gorgias, punishments are bad for you (this is a great philosophy reference, I'm proud of myself).
• Cougar had nothing better to do than threaten a 14 yo guy. Really? Unbelievable.
• I still tear up easily when I read about abuse even when I know it's fictional. This book was the opposite of vivid but it was still painful for me. Ugh.
Anyway, so I loved this book's idea. It's creative and unique. Cameron's flow of thoughts is so painful and engaging. It was incredibly well done. I loved how his mind flew to memories and how you really felt the abuse he went through.
I'm assuming this book's intended audience is young but I'm not sure? The themes are mature-ish but the writing and plot is so young. The plot is very spoon-fed. I was very aware of the way it was built. Instead of a flow, I could easily map out what should happen in each scene and how it relates to other scenes. It wasn't very subtle.
I also disliked how fake the writing felt. Cameron talking about himself and his flow of consciousness was well done but whenever there was a description of conversations and such, I was cringing.
Diana's characterization is a mess. I accept that Cameron is good with plotting his moves and calculating situations due to his past. I can't comprehend that Diana is the same. I also didn't like how she jumps to the conclusion that he's fake. It happened so quickly. I can see that she disliked her brother but jumping to the conclusion that he's fake is ridiculous and the author doesn't address this issue. Wouldn't it be better for her to think that he was abused and traumatized?
Spoilers from the end of this chapter till the end! I don't quite recommend this book but it's not a bad book.
That ending. Gross. So messy. So cliche. Dammit, why? I hated it. I feel like it was a quick way to wrap it up. I was hoping for the family to fight for him even if he was Miller's son. That ending was just so dumb. I mean, (a) how did he not have any memories at all from his former house? 8 years old isn't that young, (b), why would Miller care so much? I mean, I get that he was obedient and stuff but come on, that's weak, (c), how did the switch even happen?, (d), you can't seriously be pulling the whole, he was kidnapped and is now a better more caring person. Seriously? That's so disrespectful to victims.
Anyway, I'm not pleased with how sickly sweet the ending was. There were so many interesting options the author could have picked that made more sense, could have been better executed and made a cooler story.
Also the detective's character made no sense and was annoying. Give me real characters with meat! End the stereotype cookie cutter characters! Like ugh, the mom. Apart from Cameron, all the characters were undeveloped and just cringey.
What I'm taking with me
• Contrary to what Plato argues in Gorgias, punishments are bad for you (this is a great philosophy reference, I'm proud of myself).
• Cougar had nothing better to do than threaten a 14 yo guy. Really? Unbelievable.
• I still tear up easily when I read about abuse even when I know it's fictional. This book was the opposite of vivid but it was still painful for me. Ugh.
November 4, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
For years, a young boy lives with a serial killer and witnesses horrible acts of abuse and killing. Convinced that he has been "bad" and the beatings he receives are intended to correct his behavior, he follows the orders of his captor by attending school daily as if nothing is wrong, appearing in public places calmly and quietly, and returning to help his captor hide evidence and bury the bodies of other not-so-lucky boys.
When the serial killer is finally caught in a police raid, the young boy, who for years has been told he is the son of the killer, decides his only chance for a better life is to pretend to be one the missing boys. Neil Lacey's parents can hardly believe that the son they lost six years ago has been returned. Although at least one detective is suspicious of such a happy ending, they take Neil home and try to resume a normal family life.
Neil still thinks of himself as Cameron, and in his mind, he thinks of his cruel abuser as Pop. With knowledge he gained from newspaper clippings recounting stories of the missing Neil Lacey, he hopes to fool his new family. Between fear of discovery and the fear that the horrible beatings and other abuse he suffered at the hands of Pop will somehow return, Neil tries to settle in and renew relationships with his parents and brother and sister.
As the days and weeks after his rescue pass, Neil feels less and less secure. His sister, Diana, claims to have doubts that he is really her brother, and forensic testing on the bodies of the killer's victims might still ruin everything. Can he possibly pull this off? And why is he feeling more and more like maybe he might actually be Neil Lacey?
COUNTERFEIT SON is the type of story you might expect to watch on some TV docu-drama. It's the amazing story of survival of a kidnap victim being reunited with anxious family members, but with twists and turns that make this a riveting adventure. Author Elaine Marie Alphin creates an immediate emotional attachment to Neil. Whether he is the long-lost kidnap victim or the abused son of the maniac doesn't really seem to matter. His character will captivate readers and their desire to know his complete story make this book excellent reading.
For years, a young boy lives with a serial killer and witnesses horrible acts of abuse and killing. Convinced that he has been "bad" and the beatings he receives are intended to correct his behavior, he follows the orders of his captor by attending school daily as if nothing is wrong, appearing in public places calmly and quietly, and returning to help his captor hide evidence and bury the bodies of other not-so-lucky boys.
When the serial killer is finally caught in a police raid, the young boy, who for years has been told he is the son of the killer, decides his only chance for a better life is to pretend to be one the missing boys. Neil Lacey's parents can hardly believe that the son they lost six years ago has been returned. Although at least one detective is suspicious of such a happy ending, they take Neil home and try to resume a normal family life.
Neil still thinks of himself as Cameron, and in his mind, he thinks of his cruel abuser as Pop. With knowledge he gained from newspaper clippings recounting stories of the missing Neil Lacey, he hopes to fool his new family. Between fear of discovery and the fear that the horrible beatings and other abuse he suffered at the hands of Pop will somehow return, Neil tries to settle in and renew relationships with his parents and brother and sister.
As the days and weeks after his rescue pass, Neil feels less and less secure. His sister, Diana, claims to have doubts that he is really her brother, and forensic testing on the bodies of the killer's victims might still ruin everything. Can he possibly pull this off? And why is he feeling more and more like maybe he might actually be Neil Lacey?
COUNTERFEIT SON is the type of story you might expect to watch on some TV docu-drama. It's the amazing story of survival of a kidnap victim being reunited with anxious family members, but with twists and turns that make this a riveting adventure. Author Elaine Marie Alphin creates an immediate emotional attachment to Neil. Whether he is the long-lost kidnap victim or the abused son of the maniac doesn't really seem to matter. His character will captivate readers and their desire to know his complete story make this book excellent reading.
March 16, 2014
This book was set somewhat in present time. the setting takes place at a house in the middle of the woods, which later turns to a mansion in town. Cameron Miller is the son of a murder. His dad kidnaps boys and eventually kills them, depending how they follow the rules and listen. When Cameron's dad is killed by the police he hides and eventually goes to the police as a profile of one of the boys his Pop murdered. As Cameron miller disguises himself as Neil Lacey, and tries to keep his "real identity" from the police his life becomes harder. While living somewhat happily with the Lacey family, he runs into a man that his Pop used to have over sometimes called "Cougar". This man threatens to reveal his identity unless Cameron (Neil) gives him a large ransom. Cameron fails and Cougar then threatens to go get Neil's little brother. Finally, when all hope seems lost and Cameron saves Stevie from Cougar Cameron thinks he will go to jail for what his Pop did, even though all he wanted was freedom from punishment he knows the Lacey family won't want him once they find out that he played an imposter to their murdered son. But that is not the case, it took a lot of explaining at the end of the story to tell Cameron he really is Neil and that his Pop kidnapped him, so Cameron(Neil) was really their son.
This book is mostly mystery and fiction ,but an amazing story. The author wrote it so you couldn't really figure out the ending by guessing. The point of view is 2nd person. You may not be able to relate fully to this character ,but you can feel some of the emotions that Cameron goes through through the story. A good book with a surprising ending, hooked from the beginning.
You should read this book if you are into mystery and murders. I have missed a good story with suspense and a shocking ending, and this story had it all. After you finish it you'll be in such a shock you can hardly comprehend it, or when you stop reading I couldn't help but think what Cameron was going to do next. When reading it you can imagine a clear image of what is happening in the book. Such a stupendous book with an amazing ending! Loved it all the way!
This book is mostly mystery and fiction ,but an amazing story. The author wrote it so you couldn't really figure out the ending by guessing. The point of view is 2nd person. You may not be able to relate fully to this character ,but you can feel some of the emotions that Cameron goes through through the story. A good book with a surprising ending, hooked from the beginning.
You should read this book if you are into mystery and murders. I have missed a good story with suspense and a shocking ending, and this story had it all. After you finish it you'll be in such a shock you can hardly comprehend it, or when you stop reading I couldn't help but think what Cameron was going to do next. When reading it you can imagine a clear image of what is happening in the book. Such a stupendous book with an amazing ending! Loved it all the way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2014
I have got to find some funnier books. The main character, Cameron, finds himself freed of his father, a mass-murderer who abducted and killed boys. Cameron decides to take on the identity of one of the boys his father (who he calls "Pops") abducted, a boy by the name of Neil. He takes on Neil's identity for two reasons: the family is wealthy and they go sailing. Neil finds it difficult to pretend to be Cameron because he has to constantly guess what Neil would do, like to eat, and so on. Plus, there's the detective who thinks Cameron is pretending to be Neil.
One of the novel's themes is that abuse stays with a person and changes them. When Neil's mom tries to hug him, Cameron shudders because the only contact he's ever had has been painful, and when he does something wrong, he keeps expecting his "punishment," which he is sure will involve a belt. This book reminded me a lot of Robert Cormier's novels, especially The Rag and Bone Shop. I would rate this book an 8 out of 10 and recommend it to students who like edgy books.
And I have got to find some funnier books.
One of the novel's themes is that abuse stays with a person and changes them. When Neil's mom tries to hug him, Cameron shudders because the only contact he's ever had has been painful, and when he does something wrong, he keeps expecting his "punishment," which he is sure will involve a belt. This book reminded me a lot of Robert Cormier's novels, especially The Rag and Bone Shop. I would rate this book an 8 out of 10 and recommend it to students who like edgy books.
And I have got to find some funnier books.
September 3, 2009
This book is about a young 14 year old boy who has a dad that abductes, rapes, and kills the children. One day his dad is shot by the police, not knowing what to do he takes the life of a similiar boy, Neil Lacey. While he lives with his "parents", he is faced with difficulties trying to fit in and live the way Neil "lived". There's many suprises at the end, and who knows maybe he discovers something of his past. =] I Recommend
Oh and P.S
I read this book in only one day [=
Oh and P.S
I read this book in only one day [=
June 3, 2015
I remember I first read this book in high school. I thought this was a good book and it was a fast read. I thought the plot and the characters were very well written.
February 15, 2022
I know this type of book was a thing during the time of its publication but my goodness, this is bad. BAD. The siblings were terrible people. Most of them were terrible people. BAD.
March 30, 2018
I was initially hesitant to purchase this book simply because of the subject matter but a trusted friend assured me the horrors the main character remembers enduring are not graphic, so I took the plunge and clicked 'Buy'. And boy am I glad I did. As a YA author myself, I can honestly say that this was a wonderful read from start to finish! In fact, I finished the entire book in one sitting—minus the short supper break!
The main character of Cameron/Neil is heartbreakingly endearing to the point that you just want to hug the stuffing out of him. My one hang up was that the mother was more than a little infuriating. Mind you, I've never had to endure this kind of heartbreak, but there were times I kinda wanted to smack her upside the head a little bit. She wasn't a villain by any sense of the word. Just, well, annoying. Still, we can't (and are not really supposed to) love every character in a book and she was but a minor one. All of the other characters, including the dad, were a joy to read.
I would definitely recommend this book. I don't believe it would be a problem for a young adult/teen to read because, like I said, it's not graphic. But that is essentially up to the parent/guardian of said teen to decide. Either way, I give it 5 stars!
The main character of Cameron/Neil is heartbreakingly endearing to the point that you just want to hug the stuffing out of him. My one hang up was that the mother was more than a little infuriating. Mind you, I've never had to endure this kind of heartbreak, but there were times I kinda wanted to smack her upside the head a little bit. She wasn't a villain by any sense of the word. Just, well, annoying. Still, we can't (and are not really supposed to) love every character in a book and she was but a minor one. All of the other characters, including the dad, were a joy to read.
I would definitely recommend this book. I don't believe it would be a problem for a young adult/teen to read because, like I said, it's not graphic. But that is essentially up to the parent/guardian of said teen to decide. Either way, I give it 5 stars!
April 20, 2018
p.91 he though he'd found freedom at last, but it was only the illusion of escape.
A compelling use of dramatic irony in the longest form. For the duration of the novel, we, as the reader, know something that the rest of the characters do not. This basic fact creates a compelling level of tension throughout the story. Of course, the author is not satisfied with merely toying with our emotions, oh no, she also spices up the story line with a clever twist for the dear reader. Upon reflection, the twist is embedded within the plot, it is simply mentioned and ignored by the author. The turn in the direction of the story is satisfying after a long inspection of dramatic irony.
The climax is ugly but wonderful. The main character channels his inner John Paul Jones, using a famous American battle cry as inspiration. Foreshadowing the quote before the scene is certainly a slick writing technique, but planting the quote within the climatic scene is quality writing.
However horrifying the story is and can be, it is an important topic. What can children, and society, do to protect themselves from predators? The author only shows fragments and snippets of the horror, but the simple suggestion is enough create a sadly familiar story.
A compelling use of dramatic irony in the longest form. For the duration of the novel, we, as the reader, know something that the rest of the characters do not. This basic fact creates a compelling level of tension throughout the story. Of course, the author is not satisfied with merely toying with our emotions, oh no, she also spices up the story line with a clever twist for the dear reader. Upon reflection, the twist is embedded within the plot, it is simply mentioned and ignored by the author. The turn in the direction of the story is satisfying after a long inspection of dramatic irony.
The climax is ugly but wonderful. The main character channels his inner John Paul Jones, using a famous American battle cry as inspiration. Foreshadowing the quote before the scene is certainly a slick writing technique, but planting the quote within the climatic scene is quality writing.
However horrifying the story is and can be, it is an important topic. What can children, and society, do to protect themselves from predators? The author only shows fragments and snippets of the horror, but the simple suggestion is enough create a sadly familiar story.
February 22, 2017
I read this book in a reading class back in high school. I was supposed to have my own book but I didn't have one that day and my teacher was really upset and started to raise her voice and told me I was disrespecting her classroom. She totally called me out in front of everyone and I didn't know what to do so I grabbed the first book I saw on her little bookshelf and was stuck with it for two weeks. She made that clearly.
I don't regret grabbing this book at all. Although I just grabbed whatever off that shelf so I could get the attention away from me. I kinda knew how it was going to end when I first started reading it. In a way it was kind of predictable but at the same time I was surprised at the end because I didn't know for sure if I was right or wrong. I recommend reading this book if you're waiting for a book to come out or just want a easy and exciting read. Cheers!
Oh and by the way this same teacher gave me the book A Million Little Pieces so that was pretty cool of her.
I don't regret grabbing this book at all. Although I just grabbed whatever off that shelf so I could get the attention away from me. I kinda knew how it was going to end when I first started reading it. In a way it was kind of predictable but at the same time I was surprised at the end because I didn't know for sure if I was right or wrong. I recommend reading this book if you're waiting for a book to come out or just want a easy and exciting read. Cheers!
Oh and by the way this same teacher gave me the book A Million Little Pieces so that was pretty cool of her.
December 9, 2018
Elaine Marie Alphin writes an interesting, page turner story that I would encourage teens and young adults to read. She describes the life of a young boy named Cameron Miller, who not only is beaten and tortured by his own father, Hank Miller, but watches his father abduct other young boys, and even worse... Hank kills them.
One of the victim's Hank abused was a boy named, Neil Lacey. Unfortunately this Neil fails to escape and doesn't make it out. Cameron is struggling to escape his father's torment himself and so the only way to a better life, is for Cameron to steal the name of Neil, allowing him to become one of the Lacey's family members, as they yearned for their long lost son to return home to they're loving arms.
This story is caught up in many mysteries and it is told wondrously by Alphin. There is so much action and back stories and suspense! Definetly add this list of your reads!
One of the victim's Hank abused was a boy named, Neil Lacey. Unfortunately this Neil fails to escape and doesn't make it out. Cameron is struggling to escape his father's torment himself and so the only way to a better life, is for Cameron to steal the name of Neil, allowing him to become one of the Lacey's family members, as they yearned for their long lost son to return home to they're loving arms.
This story is caught up in many mysteries and it is told wondrously by Alphin. There is so much action and back stories and suspense! Definetly add this list of your reads!
June 10, 2018
Suspense, suspense, suspense. Disturbing topic of a serial torturer, killer of young boys told from the point of view of his son. As the story unveils what Cameron/Neil went through while in captivity for 6 years, we are unsure if he is Neil or Cameron. The Lacy family dynamic is intriguing and the reader isn't sure until the last page of his identity. A quicker read with 180 pages, but found myself holding my breath as Cameron's past comes back to haunt him. Although there aren't graphic scenes, or any language issues, the insinuation of child rape is repeated throughout, not to mention the killings of young boys and the sick mind of Hank Miller makes this a better fit for older students 8th grade and up. It reminded me of an episode of Criminal Minds, or Law & Order SVU.
Read
January 7, 2020Cameron would get locked in a cellar in his house by his dad. His dad not only abused him but abused and killed over 20 other boys. His dad was killed by police officers when they found him. When Cameron was found he pretended to be Neil Lacey, which was one of the other boys that his dad had kidnapped. One of Cameron's fathers friends found Cameron. His name was Cougar. Cougar wanted him to help in his crimes and if he didnt help him then he was going to expose Cameron to who he really is. In the end Cameron still lived as Neil.
May 3, 2021
Winner of the Edgar Allen Poe Award, this psychological book did not disappoint! The abuse (mental, sexual and physical) is all Cameron Miller knew. While the pain is so real, there are no explicit scenes. When “Pop” is gunned down by police, Cameron now has the opportunity to replace Neil Lacey & have a family if his own.
Great suspenseful part towards the end in the boat.
It started to become clear “Cameron” really had been Neil all along. 🤷🏻♀️
Great suspenseful part towards the end in the boat.
It started to become clear “Cameron” really had been Neil all along. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
good story but poor editing
I bought this book to replace a paperback version I used to own. I don’t remember the paperback version having so many type of graphical errors in it. The e-book has a lot of run together words, capitalization, and punctuation errors that are distracting from the novel. The book itself is good. It’s a good story. If the mechanical errors were fixed up, it would be excellent.
I bought this book to replace a paperback version I used to own. I don’t remember the paperback version having so many type of graphical errors in it. The e-book has a lot of run together words, capitalization, and punctuation errors that are distracting from the novel. The book itself is good. It’s a good story. If the mechanical errors were fixed up, it would be excellent.
August 10, 2017
Cameron Miller is the abused son of a serial killer. When is dad his killed in a shoot out with police he takes the identity of one of his father's victims to hopefully find a better life. He is afraid he will be blamed for not coming forward with the knowledge of the boys who were murdered in his cellar, but his father threatened him with his life if he told.
October 11, 2019
I don't even know where to start with this book.
It was one of THE best stories I've ever read. Amazing characters, thrilling plot and an INSANE plot twist.
I think nothing could have been done to make this story any better, I'm so proud of the author.
My favorite book by far. I enjoyed it so much and would love to read more of the same stlye and concept.
Best psychological mystery.
It was one of THE best stories I've ever read. Amazing characters, thrilling plot and an INSANE plot twist.
I think nothing could have been done to make this story any better, I'm so proud of the author.
My favorite book by far. I enjoyed it so much and would love to read more of the same stlye and concept.
Best psychological mystery.
July 10, 2021
I didn’t realize it was a teen book. It was a fast read and the story was like a made for tv drama.
A 8 yr. old boy gets kidnapped by a serial killer and is kept in a basement for years. Abused and tormented watching the serial killer killing other boys. At 14 he escapes and that’s when we discover the truth.
A 8 yr. old boy gets kidnapped by a serial killer and is kept in a basement for years. Abused and tormented watching the serial killer killing other boys. At 14 he escapes and that’s when we discover the truth.
August 8, 2018
I am just in love with this book! It's short but full of action and I just can't get away from it. I picked this book up in middle or high school (can't remember which) and I have read this book so many times it's not even funny.
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