A Bookish Thriller...

Title: What Doesn't Kill Her by Carla Norton
First Line: The last time she would ever go swimming, all of Seattle was baking beneath a sky of blameless blue.
My Thoughts:  This is Carla Norton's second novel about Reeve LeClaire, who is fast becoming one of my all-time favorite characters. She's a survivor; seven years ago she escaped from Daryl Wayne Flint, the man who kidnapped her and then kept and tortured her for over four years. Now, Flint is the one who's escaped from the psychiatric hospital where he's been locked up since his trial, and Reeve realizes that if she doesn't do everything she can to help the FBI find Flint, she will never be free of him or her past.

I like how Reeve never gives up; she's such a gutsy character, even when she's scared to death. And I admire how determined she is to overcome the nightmares of her past. There are some other great characters in this book as well, like Milo Bender, the retired FBI agent who was on the scene when Reeve was found all those years ago, and J.D., his handsome son. All in all, this is a fast-paced and fun thrill ride. I hope Norton writes many more novels about Reeve LeClaire.

Happy Reading!

Be sure to check out Clara Norton's first novel:  The Edge of Normal

Bookish Suspense...

Three years, ten months, and twelve days. That's how long Reeve LeClaire was held captive in a dark basement, tortured and raped by her captor. It's six years later and Reeve, now 22, is still recovering from her ordeal; she only needs to meet with her psychiatrist, Dr. Lerner, once a week, she only has a part-time job, and the nightmares have mostly stopped. Until another young kidnap victim is found:  Tilly Cavanaugh. Dr. Lerner thinks Reeve is just the person to offer Tilly the support she needs. What he doesn't know, and what Reeve is about to find out, is that the mastermind behind Tilly's kidnapping is still out there, keeping both girls under surveillance. And as long as he's around, neither girl is safe.


Watching this dominating and smart sexual predator close in on Reeve, and being helpless to stop him, makes this novel genuinely creepy. Especially when no one else is even aware of his existence. The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton is psychological suspense at it's best--it's dark and compelling, but not too disturbing or graphic. But what really makes this memorable thriller a cut above the rest is Reeve herself. What a great character! For all her fragility, Reeve is surprisingly tough. She's also smart and resourceful. And I really liked her. She's the type of heroine you could write an entire series around...and I hope Norton does.

Happy Reading!