This is the first Lisa Gardner book I've read. Overall, I liked it, although there were a lot of unbelievable moments. I can't really say that I liked any of the characters, which is disappointing. I take into consideration though, that it was the author's first attempt at writing a thriller, many years ago. The author is good at building suspense. I will read more of this author's books.

Lisa gardner had this book very well evenly paced, and was able to build the characters of Tj, Jim, Tess and Marion. I loved the story but I love murder mystery and thrillers. There was times I felt, it was spacey in how she described the action parts. I had a hard time picking up on that. I plan on reading the rest of the series in the time to come

2 1/2 stars, rounded up because the ending had me turning pages. not my favorite i’ve read by this author though. the characters were ok, but some tended toward caricatures in their one-dimensionality. also, the “shock value” backstories seemed too numerous to be entirely plausible. and it was disappointing that the main relationship was so unhealthy, yet still romanticized.

Y

I wish we could give half stars. This is a 3.5. It was really enjoyable. The characters well developed. A quick enjoyable read. I will read more of her books.

Interesting though predictable story. Too much angry sex.

I pray I never have to experience Ms. Gardner writing smut again dear lord amen. Otherwise good.

I was really sad about this book because I ADORE Lisa Gardner and have loved every book of hers I've read so far. Thank God this one wasn't the first! The actual suspense and plot portions of this book were really good but just could not overcome the contrived romance that seemed like it was added as an afterthought. I would have loved to read more about JT and Marion' or Tess' past and less about the cliche attraction between the tiny little woman and her strong male protector.

First off, this was not what I expected. Instead of a slow-burn, psychological drama as a woman slowly realizes her perfect husband is a serial killer, instead we get a dynamic cast of characters helping the aforementioned woman, who has already learned his secret, escape her deranged husband's wrath. Sleeping with the enemy if Julia Robert's new squeeze was a special ops super soldier. It kept me reading and entertained. I found the dialogue somewhat stilted and didn't get the romantic attraction but the premise and suspense were great.

A master of weapons is described as being "the only man he knew who could bag a six-point buck with a single shot."

First of all, a six-pointer isn't even that large or that wily. Secondly, I know CHILDREN who can take down a bigger deer than that with a single shot. THE WHOLE POINT IS TO NEED AS FEW SHOTS AS POSSIBLE! THERE'S NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THIS CLAIM!

This kind of ignorant crap aside, the book was still bad. So bad that I stopped reading at 28%, and after reading several spoilers-containing reviews, I am so glad I did.