Penguin Publishing Group | August 2016 | 320 pgs
Source: Purchased
This book caught my attention as it's been over the blogosphere lately. Many enjoyed this domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbours and while I agreed it was an absorbing thriller, the plot and what happened left me feeling cold and disheartened over the things some people would do for everything.
Anne and Marco Conti seem to have a perfect life. They are loving, blessed with a fanciful house, and most of all they have their six-month-old beautiful baby, Cora. One night, Cynthia and Graham Stillwell, a couple next door, invite the Conti couple for a dinner party. Before the party, Anne and Marco have a bit of a disagreement over the baby issue as their babysitter has cancelled her plan of coming over the last minute. Cynthia has mentioned beforehand that it would be an adults-only party and in spite Anne insists she wants to stay at home to look after Cora, Marco manages to convince Anne to go in the end. After all, he told Anne, they could monitor Cora through the audio baby monitor and take turns on checking on her physically every half an hour. However, Anne's nightmares came true when they return to their house and find the crib empty.
Detective Rasbach attends to this case and his initial impression is that there must be something about the Conti couple. After all, it is a natural reaction to point fingers at the parents over their negligence and on top of that, there is no evidence of a break in or any tracing signifies an outsider kidnapping their baby. The only evidence they could find is the fact that Anne is on postpartum depression medication.
Like many such psychological thrillers, this story was twisty and gripping with a few unlikeable characters and I thought the plot was quite well crafted and was suspenseful from the beginning till the end. That uncertainty feeling and the curiosity was what kept me glued to the book and wouldn't let go until I have all the answers.
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I'm pretty much in agreement about this one. It kept me involved throughout, and the author did a great job of giving a little information at a time, but some of the characters were truly creepy as they tried to justify their behavior.
Yes, you said pretty much what I thought as well. I liked it well enough, but guessed some of the twists. That's not necessarily a bad thing as I try to guess them, but I found it hard to like any of the characters even a little bit. Maybe I'm just getting tired of reading about unlikable people. I seem to need a few to cheer for. Nice review, Melody!
I just finished a book about neighbors. I am glad I live in a more peaceful neighborhood where everyone pretty much keeps to themselves. Haha. I have a copy of this one to read and a anxious to see what I think.
Jenclair - Indeed! This one was a suspenseful read with little information except the characters' annoying behaviours, lol. That said, I'm curious to know what's in store for the author's next book.
Kay - Many of these characters are unlikeable but I suppose that's the point of it - to make us ponder and wonder, lol. Unlikeable and unreliable characters seem to be the trend when thrillers are concerned; I'm fine with them as long as the story keep me engaged.
Wendy - My neighbours pretty much keep to themselves, too. Most of us always keep our doors closed and it's natural given that our units are so close to one another. That's the cons of living in an multi-story apartment, ha. I can't wait to hear what you'll think of it, Wendy.
This one sounds a little too dark and creepy for me. Maybe because there's a young child involved. But a lot of people are talking about it. I think it's a maybe-read for me.
Lark - I agree it's not easy to read a thriller with a child involved. Hopefully you'll get to read this at some point.
Melody this is on my maybe list. I'm really not feeling the pull with the hype among the blogosphere. I find unlikable characters I rate lower.
This has been a popular read hasn't it? I do have it on my Kindle so I'm looking forward to it. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Marce - I can totally relate that some hype may kill off our desires of reading a book. Unlikeable characters are always off putting, but as long as the story is intriguing enough to pull me in I think I'll bear with them, lol.
Iliana - Yes it sure is, Iliana. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it. :)