Book Review: The Taking of Annie Thorne by C. J. Tudor

~ Janel (Keeper of Pages)

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*

Published by Janel (Keeper of Pages)

Blogging about books and other bookish ramblings

31 thoughts on “Book Review: The Taking of Annie Thorne by C. J. Tudor”

  4. 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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  8. 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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  12. 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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  13. Pingback: Links I’ve Enjoyed This Week – 10/03/19 – Secret Library Book Blog

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