REVIEW:

What makes a true page turner*? For me, it’s often when an author absolutely nails the formula of shorter chapters that each end on mini cliff hangers.

Who writes a true page turner? Tess Stimson! In her latest thriller, Stolen, I never shook the urge to read “just one more chapter.”

The plot certainly isn’t groundbreaking. Single mum Alex loses her young daughter and is naturally shamed for her life choices rather than given the sympathy and support she needs to track down her missing child. Stimson lays out the story in such a way though that readers are never sure what truly happened until the very end, and you want to get there as quickly as possible. Just. One. More. Chapter.

Alas, as many prior readers have pointed out, the ending is a bit of an over-the-top turd. But as with life, books can be more about the journey than the destination.

My journey with Stolen was via the audiobook that’s primarily performed by one female narrator who’s voice seemed a bit more mature than Alex’s 29 years. I probably would have read her differently on the page, but otherwise I enjoyed experiencing the book in this format. I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK Audio and the author for providing me with a gifted review copy via NetGalley.

*Print purists, settle down. I realize that an audiobook doesn’t have literal pages and therefore can’t truly be a “page turner.” If anyone has any suggestions on what the audio equivalent of that is, I’m all ears. ;)

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

A twisting and emotional thriller that demands to be read in one sitting. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jackie Kabler.

You thought she was safe. You were wrong…

Alex knows her daughter would never wander off in a strange place. So when her three-year-old vanishes from an idyllic beach wedding, Alex immediately believes the worast.

The hunt for Lottie quickly becomes a world-wide search, but it’s not long before suspicion falls on her mother. Why wasn’t she watching Lottie?

Alex knows she’s not perfect, but she loves her child. And with all eyes on her, Alex fears they’ll never uncover the truth unless she takes matters into her own hands.

Who took Lottie Martini? And will she ever come home?