Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Paperbacks (2015), 416 pages
Description
Struggling with a need for closure, Sara Gallagher attempts to reconnect with her birth parents only to learn that her biological father is an infamous serial killer, a discovery that causes her to fear she has inherited violent tendencies.
User reviews
LibraryThing member BONS
I didn't love this book. I enjoy a psychological thriller. I enjoy books about adoption, it hits me personally. It's a great plot but I'm thinking the personality of the main character, Sara probably killed it for me. I get things weren't the same for her in the family but the obsessive, impulsive,
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compulsive, neurotic personality became old....but of yeah she's such a strong character too. Well no she isn't, all thoseother traits just makes her crazy. I won't give away anything here but I was really glad when I had finished the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member jlsimon7
After reading "Still Missing" by Chevy Stevens I couldn't wait to get my hands on another book by the same author. The second book wasn't as good for me. I'm not sure why.
The main character is talking to the same psychologist as in "Still Missing." She is telling her story of her serial killer
It was an interesting plot, an interesting story line, and I just couldn't get into it.
The main character is talking to the same psychologist as in "Still Missing." She is telling her story of her serial killer
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father and his attempt to work his way into her life. Sarah is cooperating with the police in order to aid in the capture of her father. The thing is, the characters just don't seem to act in ways that seem logical. It was an interesting plot, an interesting story line, and I just couldn't get into it.
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LibraryThing member castironskillet
This book was terrible. It moved slowly, the characters were all stupid and caricatures, and I there was too much nonsense suspense built up without payoff. I quit half way through and didn't care what happened to the characters.
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
An entertaining crime thriller with lots of twists and turns.
LibraryThing member chrissilu68
Great Read!! Loved it!!
LibraryThing member suzanne5002
Woman seeks to find out about her birth mother. Is she prepared to find out who the father is?
LibraryThing member SugarCreekRanch
Never Knowing is the story of Sara Gallagher, a young woman who is searching for her birth mother. When she finds her, she discovers that her father is an infamous criminal, and he soon finds out about her. It's a tight, suspenseful story.
This novel is told through conversations between Sara and
Disclosure: I received this book from Amazon Vine, in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is told through conversations between Sara and
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her therapist. While I thought this narrative device worked pretty well in Chevy Stevens' "Still Missing", it feels more contrived here. It doesn't seem realistic that in relating the story to a therapist, it would all come out sequentially. Wouldn't you think they'd discuss the most traumatic stuff first, and fill in details with questions and answers? This kept grating on me; I could not believe this was really was a series of therapy sessions, so it was hard to get absorbed in the story being told. I think I would've loved it as a straight narrative.Disclosure: I received this book from Amazon Vine, in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Brenda63
452 pages of a story that should have taken half as much. Ad adopted woman searches for her birth parents and finds that she is the product of rape and her father is a famous serial killer- still on the loose. The protagonist Sara Gallagher is extremely unlikable. The story is told through her
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speaking to her psychiatrist. She is whiny, flighty, highly emotional and I just wanted her to be quiet. Her 6 year old daughter Ally is a brat, but Sara blames herself for it. Her fiance, Evan, seems nice but I can't believe anyone would put up with her! The story is very predictable with a slight twist at the end, but by then I just wanted to get back the time I spent reading this interminable novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gatorhater
One of the best psychological thrillers that I've read to date, gripping and suspenseful with the turn of each page, never knowing what's about too happen around the next bend.
LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
Not one of my favorite books, as a little slow and the main character would drive even me nuts! Also did not care for the ending. Basically, a psychological thriller about one woman’s search into her past and the deadly truth she uncovers.
Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents as she was
After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother—only to be met with horror and rejection. Then she discovers the devastating truth: her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. She gets more than she has bargained for and some others along the way who does not have her best interest at heart. The novel is a complex and compelling portrayalof one woman’s quest to understand herself, her origins, and her family.
Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents as she was
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adopted by family who was not always nice to her (father and siblings). When she is about to get married, so sets out to find her real birth mother and father. However, some questions are better left unanswered. After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother—only to be met with horror and rejection. Then she discovers the devastating truth: her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. She gets more than she has bargained for and some others along the way who does not have her best interest at heart. The novel is a complex and compelling portrayalof one woman’s quest to understand herself, her origins, and her family.
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LibraryThing member SqueakyChu
Just wait for this story's interesting twist. You'll be surprised. Chevy Steven's novel of a woman in search of her birth parents turns into a psychological thriller. It's indeed one that is fast-paced and interesting to read. The only down side to this story is that I found it not quite
This is the second book by Chevy Stevens that I've read. I especially like the tension she creates in this book and not knowing for certain which are the good and bad characters.
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believable. It basically boils down to how powerful women can physically be when confronted by men who are truly the more physical and muscular type. However, I was willing to put aside my skepticism to just let the fun of this frightening tale of a mother trying to protect her only young child carry me along. This is the second book by Chevy Stevens that I've read. I especially like the tension she creates in this book and not knowing for certain which are the good and bad characters.
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LibraryThing member SweetReaderMA
Yet another brilliant novel. Great character development and a suspenseful plot
LibraryThing member haymaai
In Never Knowing, Chevy Stevens presents a fast-paced, intriguing story about a woman who has been adopted, and in her quest to find her birth parents, discovers that her dad is a serial killer. Much of the story is devoted to her developing relationship with her birth dad, and how she commiserates
Without giving the ending away, let me just say that I was disappointed with the way that the story was resolved. Throughout the novel, the author never gave any indication that this might have been a possibility, so I was taken aback when my perspective of one of the main characters was abruptly changed. I would have liked for the author to have at least developed this idea a little more, possibly with a few insignificant hints, before presenting it at the end of the story.
Otherwise, Never Knowing is a full-proof page-turner, and I was mesmerized in reading it. Although the pace does quicken at moments of conflict, the story is not too bizarre or too horrid to read, and I was captured by Sara’s efforts to understand herself.
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with the police to bring the serial killer to justice. The author very successfully portrays Sara as a somewhat obsessive, emotional woman who has never felt truly accepted by her adopted dad and siblings. This is a story about Sara’s desire to survive and to protect her daughter, Ally, from impending danger. Without giving the ending away, let me just say that I was disappointed with the way that the story was resolved. Throughout the novel, the author never gave any indication that this might have been a possibility, so I was taken aback when my perspective of one of the main characters was abruptly changed. I would have liked for the author to have at least developed this idea a little more, possibly with a few insignificant hints, before presenting it at the end of the story.
Otherwise, Never Knowing is a full-proof page-turner, and I was mesmerized in reading it. Although the pace does quicken at moments of conflict, the story is not too bizarre or too horrid to read, and I was captured by Sara’s efforts to understand herself.
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LibraryThing member LaChaton
First of all, I won a free advanced readers copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Chevy Stevens writes well, similar to many other popular authors who write many books (think of James Patterson, for example). She draws you in to this story, and this book is told during the main character's
The basic plot is that Sarah was adopted as a baby and she wants to find her birth parents. What she discovers is horrific, and sets the plot in motion since this is all discovered in the first few pages.
This is a thriller, but it's more psychological than action-packed. Sara's own emotional issues and responses are probably the most fascinating draw of the book as she finds herself trapped without any real escape. There are shocking twists along the way, and while the book really isn't a mystery it is an exciting ride to go on.
It's hard to put down, and really doesn't take long to read if you sit down over a couple days and really immerse yourself in the story and characters. For myself, I found it fascinating to see the family relationships play out, especially the biological similarties Sara starts to notice after a while between herself, her birth father, and her daughter. People who come from interesting family backgrounds (particularly those with difficult parents) would probably enjoy this, as would those who enjoy the thriller genre
Chevy Stevens writes well, similar to many other popular authors who write many books (think of James Patterson, for example). She draws you in to this story, and this book is told during the main character's
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(Sara) therapy sessions so you really get to hear her honest thoughts and feelings. The basic plot is that Sarah was adopted as a baby and she wants to find her birth parents. What she discovers is horrific, and sets the plot in motion since this is all discovered in the first few pages.
This is a thriller, but it's more psychological than action-packed. Sara's own emotional issues and responses are probably the most fascinating draw of the book as she finds herself trapped without any real escape. There are shocking twists along the way, and while the book really isn't a mystery it is an exciting ride to go on.
It's hard to put down, and really doesn't take long to read if you sit down over a couple days and really immerse yourself in the story and characters. For myself, I found it fascinating to see the family relationships play out, especially the biological similarties Sara starts to notice after a while between herself, her birth father, and her daughter. People who come from interesting family backgrounds (particularly those with difficult parents) would probably enjoy this, as would those who enjoy the thriller genre
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LibraryThing member sewardvet
“Never Knowing” by Chevy Stevens is a book that captures the imagination of the reader and provides an outlet for Ms. Stevens to showcase her marvelous story telling abilities. I have never read a book where the author is able to hold the reader in suspense throughout the entire book without
I am now a dedicated follower of Chevy Stevens and I look forward to a lifetime of wonderful stories that echo real life and personal character background with a story that shows the true craftsmanship and dedication to entertain both the mind and soul.
One of the very best novels that I have read in recent memory!
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giving away the ending. Chevy Stevens is a true artist who wrote a book that anyone who reads will be unable to put down, trust me. I am now a dedicated follower of Chevy Stevens and I look forward to a lifetime of wonderful stories that echo real life and personal character background with a story that shows the true craftsmanship and dedication to entertain both the mind and soul.
One of the very best novels that I have read in recent memory!
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LibraryThing member keycat
“Never Knowing” by Chevy Stevens is a gripping psychological thriller about 33 year old adopted Sara’s search for her biological parents. Upon tracking down her birthmother, Sara is met with rejection that prompts her to hire a private investigator. Sara is horrified by what is revealed. Is
Chevy Stevens takes readers on a thrilling roller-coaster ride full of twists and turns. “Never Knowing” is a very well written novel that keeps the reader flipping pages until the shocking conclusion. Maybe some things are better left never knowing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense.
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it true that Sara is the offspring of the only surviving victim of a serial killer known as the Campsite Killer? Is it possible that the Campsite Killer is her birthfather? So what could be more haunting than finding out that Sara’s father is a killer who has never been caught? Finding out that he now knows about her. Chevy Stevens takes readers on a thrilling roller-coaster ride full of twists and turns. “Never Knowing” is a very well written novel that keeps the reader flipping pages until the shocking conclusion. Maybe some things are better left never knowing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense.
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LibraryThing member Kikoa
I of course was excited to get an ARC so I could read Never Knowing before othera...I love ARC's. This is, as Still Missing was, filled with twists and turns. The occupants fo Chevy's books are rarely perfect and I love that. I refuse to go into the plot of this book, as it would give too much
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away. I am going through a rough time in my own life and this book made me constantly think that I have no problems... You will pick it up and have a hard time putting it down. Great read. Keep 'um coming. Show Less
LibraryThing member JackieBlem
Chevy Stevens, the author "Still Missing", once again delivers a huge dose of adrenaline via the written word. Sara has always known that she's adopted--her father's treatment of her reminded her each and every day. She'd thought, on and off, about researching her biological parents, but didn't act
Somehow, the media gets a hold of the information, and soon there is a circus of attention around Sara--a circus that her biological father notices. He begins to contact her, wanting a relationship...in fact, demanding one. Very much against her adoptive family's wishes, Sara begins to work with the Canadian version of the FBI to catch her infamous father. But at what cost?
This is a thrill ride of a book, once again delving deep into psychology (once again, Steven's tells the story through a series of therapy sessions between Sara and her doctor), not the least of which deals with Sara trying to figure out if she has inherited the ability to be a killer. This book has plenty of action and plot twists and turns, right down to the last pages. It's an amazing read that will be difficult to forget.
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on it until a few months before her wedding. She hired a private investigator who soon turned up her mother's name. When Sara called the woman, she tersely denied ever having a daughter. But that was a lie, one protecting 30+ years of pain, shame and terror. Because it turns out that Sara is a child of rape--in fact the woman who gave birth to her was the only person to survive an attack by a famous serial killer, one who is still on the loose.Somehow, the media gets a hold of the information, and soon there is a circus of attention around Sara--a circus that her biological father notices. He begins to contact her, wanting a relationship...in fact, demanding one. Very much against her adoptive family's wishes, Sara begins to work with the Canadian version of the FBI to catch her infamous father. But at what cost?
This is a thrill ride of a book, once again delving deep into psychology (once again, Steven's tells the story through a series of therapy sessions between Sara and her doctor), not the least of which deals with Sara trying to figure out if she has inherited the ability to be a killer. This book has plenty of action and plot twists and turns, right down to the last pages. It's an amazing read that will be difficult to forget.
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LibraryThing member asigg44
Being adopted myself, this book hit home for me. This is a book about a woman, Sara, who is adopted and has a dysfunctional relationship with her father. She dreams of finding her birth parents to see if they will be able to fill the void in her life. She finds her birth mother through a private
This was a good book; fast paced and realistic. I like the way she depicted relationships in this book, good and bad. Sara had very difficult decisions to make concerning her biological father - connecting with him as father/daughter, while helping the police try to capture him. This book had lots of twists and turns and always kept me guessing.
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detective and learns that she has changed her name due to the fact that she is the lone survivor of "the Campsite Killer" and got pregnant with Sara because of the attack. She gave Sara up for adoption and never wanted anything to do with her. Eventually, the Campsite Killer, John, learns that he has a daughter and he starts to call and send "gifts" to Sara. The Royal Canadian Police get involved and convince Sara to be the bait so that they can catch John. This was a good book; fast paced and realistic. I like the way she depicted relationships in this book, good and bad. Sara had very difficult decisions to make concerning her biological father - connecting with him as father/daughter, while helping the police try to capture him. This book had lots of twists and turns and always kept me guessing.
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LibraryThing member Jenners26
Story Overview
Sara Gallagher has always felt like she didn’t belong in her family. Although her adoptive but fragile mother loves her, she feels that her adoptive father always withheld his love and approval, especially when her parents are able to conceive two biological children after adopting
My Thoughts
Although this is only Chevy Steven’s second novel, she already had a well-defined formula. Like her first book Still Missing, Never Knowing is structured as therapy sessions, with each chapter being a therapy session between Sara and her therapist. As each session unfolds, we find out a bit more of Sara’s story and the truth about her birth parents. And, as in Still Missing, the surprises don’t stop when you expect. Stevens has some tricks up her sleeve for the reader and keeps the adrenaline pumping even after you think the story was done.
I ripped through this book in just a few days. Stevens is an expert at creating nightmare scenarios that keep her characters tight in a vise with little relief. Unlike Still Missing, Never Knowing takes place in “real time,” with the plot developing more with each session. (Still Missing was mostly recounting a story in flashback.) I’d finish up one session and think “I really should go to bed now,” but I’d find myself needing to know what happened next. If I had to choose, I’d say that Still Missing was the better book, but this is worthy successor. My main complaints were that Sara spent a lot of time dithering about what to do (when what she had to do felt kind of obvious to me) and the premise felt more unbelievable than her first book. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with lots of psychological suspense, Never Knowing would be an excellent choice. I personally think it is the perfect book for summer reading—just strap in and head off on a wild roller coaster ride.
The book is being released on July 5th but can be pre-ordered now.
Sara Gallagher has always felt like she didn’t belong in her family. Although her adoptive but fragile mother loves her, she feels that her adoptive father always withheld his love and approval, especially when her parents are able to conceive two biological children after adopting
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Sara. (Plus, it doesn’t help that her relationship with one of her sisters is fraught with tension and jealousy.) As with many adopted children, she’s always had questions about her birth parents: Who are they? Why did they give her up? As she prepares to marry her fiancee Evan, she decides the time is right to find out about her birth parents. After all, she has a legitimate reason to find out all she can about her past besides mere curiosity. Sara is the mother to 6-year-old Ally, and she wants to have all the medical background she can for herself and her daughter. When the private investigator she hires comes back with some answers for her, Sara discovers the terrible truth about her conception and her father—opening the door to terror and horror that will force her to fight for her life and everything she holds dear.My Thoughts
Although this is only Chevy Steven’s second novel, she already had a well-defined formula. Like her first book Still Missing, Never Knowing is structured as therapy sessions, with each chapter being a therapy session between Sara and her therapist. As each session unfolds, we find out a bit more of Sara’s story and the truth about her birth parents. And, as in Still Missing, the surprises don’t stop when you expect. Stevens has some tricks up her sleeve for the reader and keeps the adrenaline pumping even after you think the story was done.
I ripped through this book in just a few days. Stevens is an expert at creating nightmare scenarios that keep her characters tight in a vise with little relief. Unlike Still Missing, Never Knowing takes place in “real time,” with the plot developing more with each session. (Still Missing was mostly recounting a story in flashback.) I’d finish up one session and think “I really should go to bed now,” but I’d find myself needing to know what happened next. If I had to choose, I’d say that Still Missing was the better book, but this is worthy successor. My main complaints were that Sara spent a lot of time dithering about what to do (when what she had to do felt kind of obvious to me) and the premise felt more unbelievable than her first book. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with lots of psychological suspense, Never Knowing would be an excellent choice. I personally think it is the perfect book for summer reading—just strap in and head off on a wild roller coaster ride.
The book is being released on July 5th but can be pre-ordered now.
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LibraryThing member punkeymonkey529
i won this from Goodreads First reads. i did not want to put this book down. i almost finished it in one night. and would have too if it wasn't midnight and of having to get up early for work in the morning.
The book is set up in sessions with the protagonist (Sara's) therapist. which i loved it
i can't spoil anymore it's too good of a book to spoil. It left me breathless and speechless. and i know it will haunt me for days
The book is set up in sessions with the protagonist (Sara's) therapist. which i loved it
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put a new twist on novels. this book was intense, nail biting and left me speechless. Sara is adopted and decides to try and locate her birth parents. She has luck with finding her mother, but she doesn't want to talk. In fact she wants nothing to do with her. Sara soon finds out that her birth father is a serial killer the "Campsite Killer" and Sara's mother being the only survivor.What is Sara to do now? She has a killers blood running through her veins. Sara already has so much going on, a wedding to plan a daughter to raise and now to help catch a killer. Will Sara pull through and be able to survive it all?i can't spoil anymore it's too good of a book to spoil. It left me breathless and speechless. and i know it will haunt me for days
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LibraryThing member teeth
This book kept me in suspense untill the end. Sara was adopted and alsways felt she didnt belong. She decides to try and find her birth parents. She finds some disturbing news and the story heats up from there.
LibraryThing member starlitehouse
Sara Gallagher has always known she was the adopted daughter. With two sisters who were her parents natural children she often felt more like an unwanted guest than a loved daughter and has always wondered about her “real” parents and why she was given up in the first place.
When she finally
However, some rocks should not be turned over. The fist meeting with her mother does not go anything like planned, not only does her mother reject her but she seems to be afraid of Sara. Finding out why will rock the very foundation of Sara’s life and who she thinks she is and what she thinks she carries inside of her.
I found my self half way through Never Knowing before I realized it. This is one of those books that you don’t put down. The characters slowly entwine you into the story and grab your hand to take you on the journey with them.
When she finally
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does decided to look for her birth parents it only take a few months for her to get a name and contact information for her birth mother.However, some rocks should not be turned over. The fist meeting with her mother does not go anything like planned, not only does her mother reject her but she seems to be afraid of Sara. Finding out why will rock the very foundation of Sara’s life and who she thinks she is and what she thinks she carries inside of her.
I found my self half way through Never Knowing before I realized it. This is one of those books that you don’t put down. The characters slowly entwine you into the story and grab your hand to take you on the journey with them.
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LibraryThing member Sharn
I thought this book dragged out a little longer than it needed to. I enjoyed it but I guess I was expecting [wanting] something a little more fast paced.
The story is about an adopted woman who set out to find her birth parents and ends up learning the lesson that you should be careful for what you
I liked how the story ended and I will recommend. I can't wait to read her first novel Still Missing.
The story is about an adopted woman who set out to find her birth parents and ends up learning the lesson that you should be careful for what you
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wish.I liked how the story ended and I will recommend. I can't wait to read her first novel Still Missing.
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LibraryThing member ReadingWithMartinis
I raved about Chevy Stevens’ debut novel Still Missing. I could not put it down. When I heard that her second novel was being released this summer, I couldn’t wait. I managed to get an ARC of Never Knowing from the Amazon Vine program and I devoured it. Stevens writing is truly mesmerizing. She
I found the plot to be extremely good. It’s not at all uncommon for adopted children to search for their birth parents. What if one of those parents was a killer? A serial killer. This is definitely a plot that holds your attention! Also, I love that Stevens used the therapy sessions as her narrative construct again. I think this is a very unique setup for a character to tell their story.
But I had some problems with this novel, too. As much as I enjoyed the writing style and the quick movement of the plot, I did not enjoy the main character. Sara came off very drama queeny. Yes, she is put into a surreal situation, but it seemed like she just kept inviting more and more drama into the situation. I had a very hard time connecting to her.
While I enjoyed the plot and found it to be rather original, I think the story drug on a little long. I was growing very impatient with the plot because it started to seem circular for the sake of a page count. I think some of this could have been eliminated and it would have been a much better novel.
Overall, I did enjoy this novel. It wasn’t as good as Still Missing, but it was quite enjoyable. I would recommend it to any fans of mystery/thriller novels!
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crafts her stories in such a way that you simply don’t want to stop reading until you have turned the last page.I found the plot to be extremely good. It’s not at all uncommon for adopted children to search for their birth parents. What if one of those parents was a killer? A serial killer. This is definitely a plot that holds your attention! Also, I love that Stevens used the therapy sessions as her narrative construct again. I think this is a very unique setup for a character to tell their story.
But I had some problems with this novel, too. As much as I enjoyed the writing style and the quick movement of the plot, I did not enjoy the main character. Sara came off very drama queeny. Yes, she is put into a surreal situation, but it seemed like she just kept inviting more and more drama into the situation. I had a very hard time connecting to her.
While I enjoyed the plot and found it to be rather original, I think the story drug on a little long. I was growing very impatient with the plot because it started to seem circular for the sake of a page count. I think some of this could have been eliminated and it would have been a much better novel.
Overall, I did enjoy this novel. It wasn’t as good as Still Missing, but it was quite enjoyable. I would recommend it to any fans of mystery/thriller novels!
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011-07-05
Physical description
7.03 inches
ISBN
125006726X / 9781250067265