What do You think about Five Days In Summer (2011)?
Sometimes I need a week for a book, not only because I don't have enough time to read but also because a story doesn't interest me that much or it is interesting but strenuous to read. This one here I read in something like 28 hours (so two evenings, a lunch break and even at the breakfast table!) It was a gripping story, one of the kind where you can easily imagine yourself being the victim. That makes it even more creepy! As the story unfolds we're presented with the viewpoints of different characters (but luckily not so often with that if the victim(s), I couldn't stand reading only about their suffering), but of course we don't know the whole picture - otherwise it wouldn't be that captivating, right?The very end was 'solved' a bit too fast, meaning without a detailled explanation about the motive of the killer (there is a short version, yes, but only sketchily) and why he gave clues this time, why it seemed as if he wanted to be caught. Nevertheless a very good read, and I'm glad I already have two more books by this author sitting on my shelves.
—Karschtl
This is an excellent thriller. It's dark, disturbing, pure psychological and suspenseful. On a typical summer afternoon, Emily Parker disappears in Cape Cod. A madman abducted her. We're warped inside her head as a hostage for the next five days and a search start for her. We see how her family reacts and panics, when they learn about the serial killer. Enter a former FBI profiler, John Geary, and his best friend, Roger Bell to solve the case, while we learn about Emily's family and the people involved who's on her rescue. You'll care for them as I did, while the clock ticked and the countdown begun. Fast-paced for an easy read, this makes you want to hold your breath for a wild ride. And this one will keep you guessing who done it and why. Very deep for an edge of a seat thriller. What a rush!
—Kristen
It isn't very often that I read a book that I have to put down and walk away from in order to collect myself emotionally before continuing to read it. However, with this book, I found myself only able to read about 15 pages before having to set it aside and go kiss, love and squeeze every single one of my children--and yes that includes the dog! LOL. I'm not sure what it was about this book that made me feel this way, it isn't as though I've never read books that follow this same basic plot line. I think it was the idea of knowing I have two boys of my own, and that I could have easily substituted them for Sammie and David in this story.As a mother, I can't imagine anything more horrible, more devastating than wanting to prevent harm from coming to your child and for your brain to scream and command your body do something...and your body just be physically incapable of doing it. As much as the book tortured me as a parent, it also intrigued me as a reader and I found myself in a constant battle of wanting to know how it ended and not wanting to read what had to happen to get to the end. There were scenes in which my heart raced, my hands were clammy and I almost forgot to breathe! I was in serious need of a hug upon finishing this! I also enjoyed the twist at the end of the story. Some have said they figured it out from the beginning and weren't surprised at all...but I didn't. Perhaps that makes me slow and counter-intuitive;but I think I was so wrapped up in the emotion of Emily and the boys that I almost forgot there was an actual "who dunnit" part to the story. So, as much as I loved it, why 4 stars and not 5? Well, I wasn't really a fan the grandmother. She was a weak character and honestly, did little to add to the story. Also, I felt as though the author introduced characters and then didn't get back to them for a long time and by the time they showed up again, I'd just about forgotten who they were. This is in specific reference to Daisy and her parents. They played a crucial role in the climax of the story. However, they had a very brief introductory scene and then weren't heard from again until that critical moment in the story when everything begins to come together.All in all though, it is a story that I recommend. If you're a mother though, I advise you to brace yourself and hold on to your heart, because it will rip it out and tear it up! (I'll let you read it and see whether or not it puts it back together again!)
—Dori
