Friday, March 4, 2016

In the Blood; Lisa Unger

In the Blood; Lisa Unger
Simon & Schuster Audio -2014

In the Blood is a psychological thriller that really held my interest. The audio book was easy to listen to and quite enjoyable.

The story for the most part is told from the POV of Lana Granger, a psychology student at a small college.  The reader learns early on that Lana had a rough childhood at the hands of an abusive father and that her mother is dead.  Left with a trust fund that is all but depleted, she takes a job as a nanny for Luke, a young, trouble boy, who is more than his mother can handle.  Luke's mother seems to have some secrets of her own and, it is easy to surmise that Lana is an unreliable narrator which makes this thriller all the more interesting and suspenseful. To add even another piece to this thriller, Lana's close friend Beck, goes missing at the beginning of the novel and Lana was the last person with her, so the police are anxious to question Lana about Beck's disappearance.

The way the story rolls out is not entirely smooth, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. First we learn bits and pieces about Lana's terrible childhood, but never enough to know her whole story.  Then we learn that she was the last person to see her best friend, and then there was her nanny job with a sometimes violent Luke.  There were times when I wondered who had the most baggage and who was the most disturbed character in this thriller.  I patiently waited to find out more about Lana's secret past.  

Although I figured out some of this thriller, there were a few surprises.  Lana was a terrific character, unlikable yet interesting all the same.  Everything is revealed by the end and, although I enjoyed this story, I can see some readers being upset with certain elements and how the story played out.  Lisa Unger is a talented writer of psychological thrillers, I always look forward to her books.

4/5 stars
(audio book sent by the publisher)


30 comments:

  1. I really like Unger's work - this sounds like another winner!

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    1. It was really good, and although I've read others of her set in The Hollows you don't need to.

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  2. Lisa Unger is a favorite of mine. I listened to this book recently and really enjoyed it. I've been listening to all her books connected with The Hollows in prepartion for INK AND BONE coming out in the summer. Yes, some might not like how the story goes for Lana, but I liked it a lot. It was a well done audio.

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    1. I am looking forward to Ink and Bone as well and do like The Hollows setting.

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  3. I enjoy psych thrillers such a this one and would read on!

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  4. I've to read more Lisa Unger books! I enjoyed reading her "Crazy Love You" and liked her writing style there. Will see if I'm able to find a library copy of this.

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    1. Melody, I may have missed a couple of her books but, try to read everything she writes.

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  5. I loved this one! It was set in The Hollows, which is such a creepy place, and the setting for some of her other books. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. I do love the Hollows setting as well and for new readers this works fine as a stand alone as well.

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  6. Good to know! Will keep an eye out for the audio of this!

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  7. Oh, that sound like a real good one!

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  8. I like thrillers so this is definitely me.

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  9. I like this author and look forward to this book.

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  10. I loved this book! I read along with a couple of friends a while back, and in fact, we starting talking about it again today. It was a big hit with everyone. ;-)

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  11. I keep meaning to read Unger. I must give her a try!

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  12. I've read a couple of her books and have found them to be great, fast-paced reads. Definitely wanting to check this one out!

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  13. It's been a few year since I've read her books but I always enjoy them. I'll have to get this one!

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  14. I too am an Unger fan .. I haven't gotten to this one yet.

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