Never have I read such a complex, and compelling, story based on so few characters.
This book has two protagonists, Maggie and Holly. The fate of both of these women is controlled by the mysterious Babysitter.
The Babysitter kidnaps women’s young children, and will only return them when they have completed his tasks.
So, when Holly is sent to kill Maggie, it is to save the life of her young daughter Abigale.
The story is that of these two women as they fight for their own survival, and takes place over an 8-hour time frame, Maggie must be dead before sunrise
Maggie is not the innocent woman that Holly though she was, and it soon becomes apparent that she has more in common with Holly than you would expect.
Holly is dead set on killing Maggie; and the struggle between the two women, in Maggie’s house, is one of the most engrossing bits of writing I’ve ever read.
The story sways to and fro, one chapter narrated from Maggie’s point of view the next Holly’s. It’s a struggle between right and wrong, good and bad, but it’s perspective is never black and white.
All the while the struggle is taking place text messages, from the Babysitter, make it obvious he can see what is happening, so there is no escaping the fact Holly needs to kill Maggie or die trying.
At first different readers will want Holly to succeed, others Maggie; but I can guarantee whichever one you start with you will change your mind more than once.
After all what would you do to save your child, alternatively how far would you go to save your life if somebody broke into your house and tried to kill you.
More compelling than most books which have many more characters, and take place over days, weeks, or months, this book had me turning each page with as much nervous trepidation as anticipation. I had not got a clue how the story was going to end, and I was fully engaged with both Maggie and Holly.
I may have made this tale sound simplistic. Two main characters and a short time period, but if you love psychological thrillers you will go an awful long way to find a better book.
Pages: 329
Publishing date UK: 11th January 2018.
Publishers: Bookouture
Available to pre-order on Amazon.
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