My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m reviewing The Breakdown: The 2017 gripping thriller from the bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, by B A Paris. This is a review of a free book I received through the Amazon Vine Reviewers programme. Here’s what I thought:
^^ On a rainy night, Cass Anderson discovers a girl sitting in her car in a lay-by. Although she pulls over to see if she wants help the girl doesn’t get out to ask for it, so thinking she’s wants to be left alone Cass drives away. The next day Cass is horrified to hear the girl’s been found murdered and perhaps she could have prevented it from happening, or even saved her.
^^ Now, Cass is wracked with guilt and an uneasy feeling that the murderer is watching her. Does that mean both Cass and the murderer were there at the same time that night? Is her own life now in danger? Who is behind the nuisance calls she’s getting? Is her forgetfulness getting worse just because of the stress she is going through, or is this a sign of early onset dementia just like her mother had? It’s certainly looking like the latter.
^^ Oh, where to start? The beginning would be a good place! I love the book beginning – it really sets the dark tone — with an echoing crack of thunder, hot dense air, and the promise of something happening as she rushes to her car with her phone ringing. Immediately, I knew I was going to love this because of the author’s great writing style! The suspense is so well written I could not read it fast enough.
^^ Just so you know, I’ve not read Behind Closed Doors, so The Breakdown is basically my first book by BA Paris. I’d heard so much about both books, I really wanted to like this one. Did it live up to my expectations? Oh yes, and if you’re a regular reader of my blog you’ll already know this, as I picked it out as one of my Instagram Friday56 and Book Beginning features!
^^ Here’s what I said as I was reading it: “I’m at the last quarter of the book now, and O.M.G. the shock has been revealed and I’m now racing along eager to know what happens, but at the same time I don’t want it to finish!! Now, I have my suspicions how it’s going to end. I hope I am right! *Excited*”
^^ By the way, I wasn’t sure — until I received this book and started reading — if this was about a car breaking down, or her breakdown. I tried avoid all clues and reviews that might tell me. I’m pleased to say the title hints at both…
^^ I loved the way the texts Cass discovered changed the whole feeling of the book. Yes, this is purposely cryptic, so I don’t give anything away.
^^ I felt the author, BA Paris, wrote so seamlessly. She makes writing look so easy, even though you can tell a lot of effort has gone into such a good read. That, and of course she’s a pretty skillful writer.
Overall: I’m surprised it DIDN’T end as I suspected, but not in a bad way. Although, part of me did feel like the last chapter wasn’t needed, so I could be left on an exhilarated high. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and will now be buying her first book Behind Closed Doors. If this is anything to go by, it’s going to be another fast-paced read. Besides, I need to catch up ready for her next book. Happy to recommend!
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Just added you on Goodreads! I can’t believe we hadn’t done that yet! lol
Also adding this book to my library request queue as we speak!
I know I couldn’t believe it either! 😆
Good review…thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I read this book also. I liked it better than her first book only because it didn’t give me nightmares. 🙂 They both were very good.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Blog
It gave you nightmares? Sorry to hear that! Although, now I’m wondering just how scary it is … and want to read it more! 😆