The premise sounded interesting, but the book just didn't deliver. I normally love mysteries and thrillers, but this had neither mystery nor thrill. It was far too predictable. The villain was apparent from early on and I honestly finished the book just to see if I was right. Because of this, I spent the majority of the book frustrated by the characters and [spoiler]the obvious red herring[/spoiler]. The characters themselves weren't very developed and that made it difficult to connect with any of them. And I just didn't like the main character much at all. She was inconsistent and seemed to lack basic reasoning skills, jumping to conclusions a few too many times and far too surprised by the villain's identity for the information she had available. One of the detectives seemed like little more than a caricature and the near constant banter between the detectives also detracted from the tension I expected to feel reading about a situation like this. I had trouble believing that they took it seriously at times. Really, though, I had trouble believing quite a few things. There are plot holes, largely regarding protocol, resource allocation, and just plain common sense in a situation in which children are missing. [spoiler]Where was the Amber Alert? Why did it take the elementary schools take so long to call the police? A five-year-old is missing and they don't call the police for an hour? Two ten-year-olds go missing in a public space and the same thing? They know to lock down the school, but not call the cops? Too many questions, too many slow reactions. Not to mention the weak explanation for the villain and accomplices' motives.[/spoiler]Overall, the predictability spoiled the ending and kept there from really being any suspense. I kept hoping for a twist and was disappointed. At least it was short, I guess. Just an ordinary day in the office for Sara, until she is called by her children's various schools - "Your child has gone missing." When she dashes to her car, under the wipers is a note saying, "Are you ready to play the game?"Even though I guessed the kidnapper early on, this is still a good read, full of suspense, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Very well written account of every parents worst nightmare. Will certainly read more of the series.
What do You think about Sara's Game (2000)?
I liked the book however I felt it was kind of predictable, still it was a good read.
—Wiiha
This story is a mystery with a game thrown in with some fast paced action.
—Larissa
