I don't know exactly why but I keep reading other novels by Paullina Simons looking for the same feeling "The Bronze Horseman" trilogy left me, which I devoured in no time (and they are not short books at all!).This is my second book by Simons after the trilogy, and again, I feel more than disappointed, I feel disgusted.No trace of the smart and subtle prose of her most acclaimed series, just another impossibly likable characters in a superficial story not believable at all...In this "thriller", we meet nine-month pregnant Didi (short name for Desdemona...) who is kidnapped by a disturbed young man in the parking of a mall (going shopping stupid make up and underwear when you're due any minute?). We are supposed to wonder why he kidnaps her, and even though it isn't revealed until the last pages, it's completely obvious from the beginning, which makes all the story even more pointless...Her husband Rich tries to save her with the help of a typical film FBI Agent, half stupid half funny (or at least he tries to be...).Plus I couldn't help but dislike Didi; she seemed false and swallow, her supposed Christianity and her willingness to save everybody didn't match her passion and strength in her fighting of the last pages, I doubt a pregnant woman mistreated the way she was could have the nerve to react the way she does in the last chapter.All in all, the novel failed to move me, I found it charmless and predictable and vulgar. And let me warn you, there are some passages with explicit violence, disgusting detailed descriptions of physical abuse and torture, which I personally found unnecessary.So, if you're looking for a thriller, go for a Stephen King's or even a James Patterson's and don't bother with this novel.In fact, I think I won't bother myself with Simons anymore...
Had me in it's grasp from chapter one as I went further into the story I couldn't keep it down. Finished it one sitting. Didi was a brave woman, hated Lyle (obviously) but had to say it. If it weren't for him there wouldn't be this story. This is one heck of a thriller. Had me in knots. At times when I wanted to read faster and see what happens I was like trying to push my way faster to the ending. Didi liked to believe that there is good in everyone but there are times when reality slaps you in the face and it did many times. What I really liked was the when Rich didn't have much on him about his wife disappearance but he knew she was in trouble. He broke down once but he did his level best even when it wasn't much for him he stood strong and hoped for the best. I really liked that about him. Scott the FBI agent was a promising character I liked how he kept assuring Rich that he is the best and he will find the kidnapper. It was until later that in Rich grief and tense mind processed that how will he know if he will get his wife and child after this hellish, nightmarish reality. To find out more and what happens read Eleven Hours. You won't be disappointed.
What do You think about Eleven Hours (1999)?
Another great read by Paullina Simmons. Obviously this is no Bronze Horseman but I've long since stopped searching, but I was in the mood for a thriller and she delivered what I wanted. Moves fast, usual brilliant characterisation as I've come to expect from her. Kept me turning pages right to the end. It's not 5 star, but it's a great read. My only gripe was the main characters religious ramblings got on my nerves but that's probably because I'm particularly intolerant of anything religious. Says more about me I guess. Great book. Love Paullina.
—Lynette
Amazing. Harrowing. Gripping from page 1 to the last. The story is strong I think because of the bravery of the subject. Paullina writes of a heavily pregnant woman kidnapped and battling for her survival in extreme heat and terrifying circumstances. I found this story shocking and Paullina brave to put a pregnant woman into this sort of situation and to be so graphic about the happenings. This story is gutsy and really does punch you in the stomach right to the end. You feel the desperation of this woman and understand her actions instinctively, you feel her reasoning through your whole being through your essence as a human. Paullina also does not yb any means romanticise the situation or the kidnapper as some writters tend to do and I appreciated this for the truth of the situation. It is a no holds barred ride which will leave you literally breathless.
—Susan
This was very different from any of the other books by PS that I have read. It was a quick and easy read, with an insight of what it's like to be kidnapped at the hands of a crazed mad man with a sickening motive in mind.The book alternated between the goings on of the kidnapped Didi and her frantic husband Rich, who with the aid of the FBI is on their trail. You are kept in suspense throughout, wondering what Lyle the kidnappers' next move will be, and I was left hoping that Didi and her baby would come out unscathed from this horrible ordeal. Poor Didi struggles to deal with the situation - as anyone would, but being near full term in her pregnancy adds to her fear. I felt a little compassion at one point for Lyle, when we learn what is behind his motives, but at the same time I couldn't comprenend how he could be so heartless and inconsiderate to someone in Didi's condition.I thought the ending was quite fitting and it left me satisfied with the outcome. If you enjoy a good suspense, I think you will like this one! Another feather in PS's cap!!
—Mary
