TITLE: Bring Me Back
AUTHOR: B.A. Paris
PUBLISHER: St. Martins & Macmillan Audio
PUB. YEAR: 2018
SETTING: United Kingdom
FORMAT: - eGalley and audio
FORMAT: - eGalley and audio
RATING: 3.5/5 stars
I'm a sucker for psychological thrillers and since I enjoyed this author's two previous books, I looked forward to her newest book. As this story opens, Finn and Layla, a young British couple on vacation in France, are on the road when Finn needs to use the restroom. He stops at a remote service area while Layla waits in the car. When he returns, Layla is no where to be found. Although Finn is suspected in her disappearance he is never charged.
Fast forward twelve years and Finn is now engaged to Ellen, Layla's sister. There has been a reported sighting of Layla, but she hasn't turned up nor, has her body been found. Emails from unknown individuals who seem to know things that have been kept secret start arriving, shortly after Russian dolls begin appearing. The dolls have a significant link to both Layla and Ellen. Is Layla alive or is someone playing cruel trucks, and why?
Told from the before and after POVs, I must say part 1 really kept me riveted, but, by parts 2 and 3 the story seemed to slow and get very repetitive. It seemed like every chapter began to mention "Russian dolls" and "Peggy the Dog". The ending left me somewhat disappointed and, overall, for me this story just lacked the suspense and surprises found in the author's earlier books.
I felt the same way. I think this is the weakest of her books.
ReplyDeleteGlad it wasn't just me!
DeleteI wasn't wild about Behind Closed Doors, so will probably pass on this one.
ReplyDeleteI liked Behind Closed Doors .
DeleteDang, that is 2/3s disappointing!
ReplyDeleteYes, disappointing.
DeleteSadly, your reaction is one I've read at more than one place. I'll still read this one, but I'm not rushing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I noticed several "not so favorable reviews".
DeleteI read a review when the book was released from another disappointed reader. It seems that the author went a little to far--incredible is the word, actually--with the surprises and the ending.
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DeleteYes, Why do they do that?
I think authors write sometimes to please themselves, not really paying attention to their prospective readers. ;-)
DeleteI haven't read this one, but I have Behind Closed Doors on my TBR shelf. Did you like that one?
ReplyDeleteYes, I did like Behind Closed Doors.
DeleteNo definitely not this author's best effort.
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ReplyDeleteThis one just seemed like a real stretch to me. And those damn dolls. Never want to see or hear about Russian dolls again.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author but I am reading a story with a similar theme: The Daylight Marriage by Heidi Pitlor.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bummer when a book isn't quite as good as you'd hoped, especially when you've enjoyed the author before. I keep up to date with B.A. Paris releases, and had somewhat similar thoughts... However, for me, it is my middle favourite book of hers, with Behind Closed Doors being my favourite.
ReplyDeleteI was not a fan of the first book but the second one kept me entertained. I was game to try this one but it sounds like maybe I'll pass.
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