
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner – The Taking of Annie Thorne is not to be missed!
Book Description
Then . . .
One night, Annie went missing. Disappeared from her own bed. There were searches, appeals. Everyone thought the worst. And then, miraculously, after forty-eight hours, she came back. But she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, say what had happened to her.
Something happened to my sister. I can’t explain what. I just know that when she came back, she wasn’t the same. She wasn’t my Annie.
I didn’t want to admit, even to myself, that sometimes I was scared to death of my own little sister.
Now. . .
The email arrived in my inbox two months ago. I almost deleted it straight away, but then I clicked OPEN:
I know what happened to your sister. It’s happening again . . .
My Thoughts
I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of Tudor’s previous novel, The Chalk Man, so I went into this one unsure of what to expect. But, oh my, did Tudor blow my socks off with this one, and that’s what you want, an author’s novels to get better with each book! Tudor took the best bits from The Chalk Man, her original, fresh writing style, and the cool 80’s vibe, and added them into this novel. Along with the suspense, the tension, the unease, the great characters, nothing was missing in this novel, and that’s why I gave it all the stars!
Tudor’s fantastic use of wit and dark humour really stood out in this novel.
“[xxxx] might look like a delicate china doll. But the only doll she has anything in common with is Chucky.”
This novel is a dark one, and the humour acts as a barrier to keep the themes dark, but not so dark that they cannot be accessible. To put it another way, this novel is at home in the horror section but is perfect for those who want to dip their toe in the genre, but still be able to sleep at night. Don’t misunderstand me though, parts of this novel sent shudders down my spine!
Interestingly, this novel has been compared to a novel written by King, some going so far as to say if you’ve read that particular King book, you’ll find nothing new here. I have to disagree [although I completely understand], because I read said King book (which I’m purposely not naming) very recently, so recently I was able to see the similarities, and predict a huge part of this plot based on my knowledge of the King book. Despite that fact, I still loved this novel, and that’s how I know it was exceptional! I didn’t really enjoy the King novel with similar themes, Tudor has taken the great concept, and written the book I wish King did!
Now, I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s my truth – yes, the plot concept my not be entirely original, but Tudor has taken a great concept and told the story in her way, in a better way. Constant Readers, I’m a huge King fan, I’m just drawing on the criticism I’ve seen for this book, and adding my two cents. Also, ‘the missing child’, ‘the serial killer’, ‘the killer spouse’, all ideas and concepts we’ve seen before, but we don’t mind as long as they’re fresh in their telling, gripping in their delivery, and that’s exactly what The Taking of Annie Thorne is.
Author, Lee Child stated “The Taking of Annie Thorne is terrific in every way” – never were truer words spoken. Dark in nature, dark in humour, great characters (those to like and those to hate), a gripping plot, perfect level suspense. Highly, highly recommended.
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK / Book Depository
*My thanks to the publisher (Michael Joseph) for providing me with a copy of this book*
Needs more exclamation points to be fair 😉
I’m thrilled you decided to give this one a go, even after The Chalk Man. And as you know, totally relieved you loved it as much as I did 😂
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There’s just no pleasing some people, you should be happy I read it! 😂
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I am! I said that! 😜
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I’ve never heard of this, but the darker humour sounds just up my street. Nice review ❤
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Thank you! O, I absolutely recommend this one! I love dark humour in books too!
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My current read Janel, I agree her writing is similar to King’s, he came to mind when I was reading The Chalk Man.
See you later x
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Will pop over and read your review now x
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Oh Janel firstly I am so unbelievably happy to see that someone else didn’t enjoy The Chalk Man quite as much as most people seemed too. I really struggled with it last year so was just as anxious about getting into this one as you were, but yes I loved Annie Thorne too. I was gripped the whole way through!x
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Yeah, I definitely wasn’t part of The Chalk Man hype, but so pleased I decided to give this one a go – I think it goes to show it’s always worth giving authors another chance if you didn’t enjoy the first book by them 🙂
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Fantastic review! I’m so glad you think this one’s better than The Chalk Man as I wasn’t keen on it mysrlf.
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Thank you 😊
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Coming up later in week. Really looking forward to it. Great review Janel
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Thanks, Mairead x
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I haven’t read any of this author yet, but I am so intrigued. I may start with this one!
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Yes, I 10000% recommend starting with this one, haha!
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The Chalk Man wasn’t a five star read for me either, I liked it well enough but not as much as everybody else seemed to, so I’m very happy you’re raving about this one cuz I really want to read it and love it 😄
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Yes, this one is definitely worth your time, I hope you love it as much as I did!
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YESSS I really enjoyed The Chalk Man so I’m having even higher hopes for this one now! Fantastic review.
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Thank you! Personally, I think this one blows The Chalk Man outta the water, no contest at all, this one excels!
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That makes me even more excited to pick it up!!
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Ohhh I want to read this!! Great review!!
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Thank you!x
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Lovely review. This book is in my TBR.. Hope to read it soon
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Thank you!
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Hmmm 🤔 I’m so intrigued Janel. I didn’t read The Chalk Man as I’d heard mixed reviews but I’m really, really interested to read this one after your review! Plus, I’m too curious about the King comparisons!! 😆
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I really liked this one, I’m interested to hear what camp you fall into – whether the SK likeness will put you off or whether it’ll endear you to it!
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OOh, well then… I didn’t like The Chalk Man much either but if you’re saying this one is better… well! Might just have to add it to my TBR 😛
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So much better!
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Excellent review Janel! I’ve never read this author but you’ve got my interest with this one.
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Thank you!
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