Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Griffin (2019), Edition: Reprint, 304 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML: THE NEW TWISTY, GRIPPING AUDIOBOOK FROM B. A. PARIS, THE AUTHOR OF THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING TITLES BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND THE BREAKDOWN "We're in a new Golden Age of suspense writing now, because of amazing books like Bring Me Back, and I for one am loving it." �??Lee Child She went missing. He moved on. A whole world of secrets remained�??until now. Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They're driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone�??never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story. Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla's sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there's something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him...even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her. Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla�??hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla's past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen's house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive�??and on Finn's trail�??what does she want? And how much does she know? A tour de force of psychological suspense, Bring Me Back will have listeners questioning everything and everyone until its stu… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member mookie86
First of all, let me say I am a big fan of B.A. Paris and anticipate any of her new releases. With that being said, I was a little disappointed with Bring Me Back. I enjoyed both Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown but did not see the same consistency here. I was very much into the story about
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80% of the way and was pleasantly surprised by what the twist was, but found the last 20% to be a little far-reaching as the onion was being peeled and the twist was explained. There seemed to be a concept the author was going for but the unwinding fell a little flat for me. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC. I look forward to more by B.A. Paris. Show Less
LibraryThing member melaniehope
This is a book that I would say was fun to read, but was so very unrealistic! Finn and his girlfriend stop at a road side rest area along the highway. When Finn returns from the bathroom, he discovers Layla has disappeared. Now we flashforward years later and Finn is now dating the Ellen who
The book has a lot of twists and turns, but overall was too ridiculous a plot to take seriously or even recommend except for a quick, suspenseful read on the beach. I received a complimentary book as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.
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happens to be Layla's sister. The book has a lot of twists and turns, but overall was too ridiculous a plot to take seriously or even recommend except for a quick, suspenseful read on the beach. I received a complimentary book as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.
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LibraryThing member Kristymk18
I’ve had B.A. Paris on my radar for a while and I’m so glad to have finally read a book by her. Bring Me Back has just enough suspense to keep the pages turning and the right amount of twists to keep you guessing. I loved every minute of this read.
I highly suggest going into this with no
This book is pure thriller entertainment and my tbr has officially gotten longer with the back list of Paris' books I just added to it.
I highly suggest going into this with no
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further knowledge than the synopsis. There are plenty of times where you begin to question events or people and it's best to have no previous idea of what the truth is. I wouldn't say I was blown away by the twists, but there were a few I didn't figure out and I loved never knowing where the plot was heading. This book is pure thriller entertainment and my tbr has officially gotten longer with the back list of Paris' books I just added to it.
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LibraryThing member GirlWellRead
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young British couple are in France on a vacation. When they stop for gas, Finn goes in to pay and Layla stays in the car. When he returns, her car door is ajar and she is not inside. Layla vanishes
Ten years later, Finn has put the past behind him and is engaged to Ellen. When he comes home from work to find his fiancée sitting on the sofa with an object in her hand, he quickly realizes something is amiss. This object would mean nothing to most people, but Finn and Ellen know what it is—it is a Russian doll that belonged to Ellen when she was a child. Only three people know about the Russian dolls: Ellen, Layla, and Finn.
As more questions surface, fractures form in their relationship. Has Layla returned? And why after all this time?
Paris' debut Behind Closed Doors was great and I loved The Breakdown. Unfortunately, after reading this, I was left both wanting and expecting more. Make no mistake, it was definitely a page-turner, and did ultimately hold my interest but there was nothing new and just simply felt old hat.
The alternating perspectives between past and present worked well. I was hooked from the beginning which I found was the best part of the book. The middle slowed and I was left struggling to connect with Finn and wasn't vested in his relationships. At first the Russian dolls were interesting, and then I just found the whole thing incredibly repetitive. And then the ending... Well, if you can suspend your disbelief, than you will love this book.
I'm hopeful that this is a one-off since her other books were so good. This one was simply not as clever or developed.
A young British couple are in France on a vacation. When they stop for gas, Finn goes in to pay and Layla stays in the car. When he returns, her car door is ajar and she is not inside. Layla vanishes
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without a trace. Ten years later, Finn has put the past behind him and is engaged to Ellen. When he comes home from work to find his fiancée sitting on the sofa with an object in her hand, he quickly realizes something is amiss. This object would mean nothing to most people, but Finn and Ellen know what it is—it is a Russian doll that belonged to Ellen when she was a child. Only three people know about the Russian dolls: Ellen, Layla, and Finn.
As more questions surface, fractures form in their relationship. Has Layla returned? And why after all this time?
Paris' debut Behind Closed Doors was great and I loved The Breakdown. Unfortunately, after reading this, I was left both wanting and expecting more. Make no mistake, it was definitely a page-turner, and did ultimately hold my interest but there was nothing new and just simply felt old hat.
The alternating perspectives between past and present worked well. I was hooked from the beginning which I found was the best part of the book. The middle slowed and I was left struggling to connect with Finn and wasn't vested in his relationships. At first the Russian dolls were interesting, and then I just found the whole thing incredibly repetitive. And then the ending... Well, if you can suspend your disbelief, than you will love this book.
I'm hopeful that this is a one-off since her other books were so good. This one was simply not as clever or developed.
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LibraryThing member krizia_lazaro
The good things first: I liked how the narration shifts between Finn and Layla. I also shift in narration during the first part where Finn addresses Layla as if he's talking to her. I guess the shifting in the narration keeps you in your toes. That being said, I immensely found the book lacking. I
Thanks netgalley.com for the free copy!
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did not like Finn or Layla as a narrator especially Finn. I was frustrated in Finn's characters. He has been making a lot of bad decisions and is a big baby. As for Layla, she needs help, medical help. There was a lot of plot holes and for a mystery/thriller book it was on the slow side for me. Thanks netgalley.com for the free copy!
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LibraryThing member kamoorephoto
I love a good mystery and especially ones that are set in England (where I am from), written by British authors, and somehow they keep making their way to me for review; pretty convenient actually. I say keep them coming honestly. I'm a pretty good litmus test for whether the Brit lingo is going to
So Bring Me Back, with its beautiful bright yellow cover, along with some standout pink font, is the the third novel from B.A. Paris, and judging from her past successes, this will catch the eye of many mystery fans for many reasons beyond the cover.
It has a very simple premise really: a couple is away on holiday, skiing in Megeve, France, and then are driving back home through France to England. They make a stop for the toilets (at a rest area) at night, and that’s when Layla goes missing, and Finn goes looking for her, and reports her as missing…she is never seen or heard from again, and in some minds, presumed dead. Finn is cleared as a suspect, but it seems that could be from some of the embellishments he told the French police.
The novel is written from Finn's perspective, at least at the beginning; we are given accounts of Before Layla, and Now/After Layla. He is now, at least in theory, years away from what happened at that rest stop, and is about to marry Layla's sister Ellen, but it seems that he is still obsessed with Layla's disappearance, as well as it being obvious he's not wholly in love with Ellen. Finn isn't the most endearing character, since he is not entirely trustworthy and too neurotic to be that type of protagonist. But as the reader, we realize he doesn’t know the full truth about what happened that night at the rest stop.
Suddenly, these tiny (Matryoska) nesting Russian dolls start appearing in Finn's life, popping up in the strangest of places, at the bar of the local pub, on the wall outside their house; these are a sign of something that Ellen and Layla shared as children, and when Finn starts getting cryptic emails from someone, it's all too much. He has too many theories. Is Layla alive?
After about halfway through the book the tone and pace change, and while I felt a few dragging parts (Finn's neurotic brain!), the mystery unfolds evenly, with a great big thunderbolt at the end. My heart really left this book feeling so very sad, for so many reasons; there was a horrific crime of of the past, a number of mistakes of recent past, and then sad stories of the present. Even if you guess towards the end what is happening, I urge that fully read through to the end because that’s where it all comes together in all its sweet sorrow.
Some of the mystery tropes may be familiar (I can't name for spoilers) but this was an engaging, if heart-wrenching at the end, read.
*Note: I received a wonderful surprise early copy of this from St. Martin’s Press. Thank you! This does not affect my views or opinions.
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work well here (plus it always wins bonus points from me).So Bring Me Back, with its beautiful bright yellow cover, along with some standout pink font, is the the third novel from B.A. Paris, and judging from her past successes, this will catch the eye of many mystery fans for many reasons beyond the cover.
It has a very simple premise really: a couple is away on holiday, skiing in Megeve, France, and then are driving back home through France to England. They make a stop for the toilets (at a rest area) at night, and that’s when Layla goes missing, and Finn goes looking for her, and reports her as missing…she is never seen or heard from again, and in some minds, presumed dead. Finn is cleared as a suspect, but it seems that could be from some of the embellishments he told the French police.
The novel is written from Finn's perspective, at least at the beginning; we are given accounts of Before Layla, and Now/After Layla. He is now, at least in theory, years away from what happened at that rest stop, and is about to marry Layla's sister Ellen, but it seems that he is still obsessed with Layla's disappearance, as well as it being obvious he's not wholly in love with Ellen. Finn isn't the most endearing character, since he is not entirely trustworthy and too neurotic to be that type of protagonist. But as the reader, we realize he doesn’t know the full truth about what happened that night at the rest stop.
Suddenly, these tiny (Matryoska) nesting Russian dolls start appearing in Finn's life, popping up in the strangest of places, at the bar of the local pub, on the wall outside their house; these are a sign of something that Ellen and Layla shared as children, and when Finn starts getting cryptic emails from someone, it's all too much. He has too many theories. Is Layla alive?
After about halfway through the book the tone and pace change, and while I felt a few dragging parts (Finn's neurotic brain!), the mystery unfolds evenly, with a great big thunderbolt at the end. My heart really left this book feeling so very sad, for so many reasons; there was a horrific crime of of the past, a number of mistakes of recent past, and then sad stories of the present. Even if you guess towards the end what is happening, I urge that fully read through to the end because that’s where it all comes together in all its sweet sorrow.
Some of the mystery tropes may be familiar (I can't name for spoilers) but this was an engaging, if heart-wrenching at the end, read.
*Note: I received a wonderful surprise early copy of this from St. Martin’s Press. Thank you! This does not affect my views or opinions.
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LibraryThing member srazz
BA Paris is quickly becoming an author I love to follow. I loved Behind Closed Doors, was so-so on The Breakdown, but was brought me back around with Bring Me Back. I loved how awful the main character is, he is what made the book work for me. The author put an interesting theme of Russian nesting
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book to me in exchange for my honest review.
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dolls in the book as well that I quite enjoyed. This book is well written and kept me guessing until the end. I actually thought I had it figured out at one point, but when I got to the end I was proven wrong. Just goes to show that no matter how many psychological thrillers I read, I don't always have the answer.Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book to me in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member MsNick
This novel was a let down for me. I figured out the twist very early on. Now that I think about it it, I figured out Behind Closed Doors as well, but I found its plot much more satisfying.
LibraryThing member Cherylk
I loved the author's other books; therefore, I couldn't wait to dig into this book. The opening chapter was good. I could not wait to find out what Finn was lying about. Yet, after this the story went down hill. Yes, the book was a quick read but than this because it was less than three hundred
The reason I was disappointed with this book is because it read "too fast". There was not enough time to really ponder what the "truth" is and what happened to Layla. The author laid out all of the facts and truth very quickly. Also, I didn't really find Finn that intriguing.
The first half of the story was about Finn, how he met Layla and their relationship as well as the secret messages, clues, and warnings. The second half of the story was more of the reveal. Which was more interesting but again, it moved so fast. I wanted to step back and savor the moments. Than there was the ending, which I was a little let down by. Here is to hoping that the next book is like the prior novels.
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pages and the chapters were only a few pages each. The reason I was disappointed with this book is because it read "too fast". There was not enough time to really ponder what the "truth" is and what happened to Layla. The author laid out all of the facts and truth very quickly. Also, I didn't really find Finn that intriguing.
The first half of the story was about Finn, how he met Layla and their relationship as well as the secret messages, clues, and warnings. The second half of the story was more of the reveal. Which was more interesting but again, it moved so fast. I wanted to step back and savor the moments. Than there was the ending, which I was a little let down by. Here is to hoping that the next book is like the prior novels.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
Coming out June 19, 2018, there's a new psychological suspense thriller from bestselling author of "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Breakdown". "Bring Me Back" was definitely suspenseful, off-balance, twisty and thrilling, from start to finish.
Although this is my first introduction to B.A. Paris'
I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided a free early reader's edition of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
She went missing. He moved on. A whole world of secrets remained—until now.
Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They’re driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone—never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story.
Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla’s sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there’s something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him...even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her.
Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla—hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla’s past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen’s house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive—and on Finn’s trail—what does she want? And how much does she know?
A tour de force of psychological suspense, Bring Me Back will have you questioning everything and everyone until its stunning climax.
Although this is my first introduction to B.A. Paris'
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writing, I surmise that this left a few of her fans wanting. Personally, I found the book's characters unlikable and rather self absorbed - not something I enjoy terribly much. However, the story definitely had a Hitchcockian psychological-thriller-character-instability about it to which many readers of suspense thrillers are drawn. I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided a free early reader's edition of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
She went missing. He moved on. A whole world of secrets remained—until now.
Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They’re driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone—never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story.
Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla’s sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there’s something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him...even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her.
Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla—hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla’s past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen’s house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive—and on Finn’s trail—what does she want? And how much does she know?
A tour de force of psychological suspense, Bring Me Back will have you questioning everything and everyone until its stunning climax.
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LibraryThing member teachlz
My Review of “Bring Me Back” by B.A. Paris , St.Martin’s Press, June 19,2019
B.A.Paris , Author of “Bring Me Back” has written a captivating, intense, and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery and Suspense, Thriller and Fiction. The story is told in the present and goes
The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated. The characters all could be suspect in some of the mystery. There are twists and turns. Finn and Layla are are on a vacation and in love. Finn goes to the bathroom, and when he returns Layla is gone. This is the story that Finn tells the police, but it is only part of the story.
About ten years later, Finn is with Layla’s sister Ellen, and they are engaged to be married. Everything seems to be woking out well, until it doesn’t. There have been some sightings of Layla, after her 12 year absence. Strange packages are sent to Finn. Finn is also getting threatening emails, and strange things are occurring. Could it be possible that Layla is back? If she is , what does she want? If it is Layla, where has she been?
I would recommend this novel for those that like a suspenseful mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
B.A.Paris , Author of “Bring Me Back” has written a captivating, intense, and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery and Suspense, Thriller and Fiction. The story is told in the present and goes
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back twelve years or deeper into the past, when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated. The characters all could be suspect in some of the mystery. There are twists and turns. Finn and Layla are are on a vacation and in love. Finn goes to the bathroom, and when he returns Layla is gone. This is the story that Finn tells the police, but it is only part of the story.
About ten years later, Finn is with Layla’s sister Ellen, and they are engaged to be married. Everything seems to be woking out well, until it doesn’t. There have been some sightings of Layla, after her 12 year absence. Strange packages are sent to Finn. Finn is also getting threatening emails, and strange things are occurring. Could it be possible that Layla is back? If she is , what does she want? If it is Layla, where has she been?
I would recommend this novel for those that like a suspenseful mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member ouroborosangel
Very few "thrillers" surprise me anymore. I thought I had this one all figured out and was ready to completely pan this book. But then it surprised me with another twist - and it was GREAT!
If you get a chance at an ARC take it. Having read the entire thing, I'm not sure I can write a review that
If you get a chance at an ARC take it. Having read the entire thing, I'm not sure I can write a review that
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won't tip you off for that ending! Show Less
LibraryThing member Beamis12
Definitely suspenseful, quickly paced, and I did appreciate the format. Alternating viewpoints worked very well for this story. Had no clue exactly what was going on most of the time, totally fooled. Didn't like any of these characters, suspected Finn of many things, Ellen seemed the most normal,
This was a sisters read where most liked more than I. Turned out to be a mixed read for me, though it turned out to be a very strange story. I found the resolution far-fetched and unbelievable. Plus, I still don't understand the relationships between Finn and Henry.
ARC from Netgalley.
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well adjusted. Unreliable narrators was my thinking. The Russian doll gimmick I thought corny. This was a sisters read where most liked more than I. Turned out to be a mixed read for me, though it turned out to be a very strange story. I found the resolution far-fetched and unbelievable. Plus, I still don't understand the relationships between Finn and Henry.
ARC from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member dmclane
A difficult read, full of twists, suspense, and mystery; it had me fooled for most of the read, and I found the conclusion a bit contrived. Even so it had me plugging along through the entire work. Also, I did not like the first person narrative, too introspective and whiney for me, I guess. Well,
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it was different and therefore to be commended for originality in spite of my opinion concerning its failures. Suggest you read it yourself to see if you disagree. Got the advance copy via NetGalley in return for this review, nothing else. Show Less
LibraryThing member haymaai
In ‘Bring Me Back’ by B.A. Paris, the reader is consistently stretched-along by several unreliable characters in the story. When Layla Gray, who is vacationing in France with her boyfriend Finn, suddenly disappears at night from a rest stop, the authorities designate her as a missing person,
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but eventually exonerate Finn of any foul play. Layla is portrayed as being somewhat emotional, impetuous, and passionate. After meeting Layla’s sister, Ellen, at a memorial service for Layla, Finn begins a new relationship with Layla’s more responsible, caring sister. Twelve years have passed since Layla’s disappearance, and once Flynn asks Ellen to marry him, ominous events begin to occur with the appearance of Russian nesting dolls in strange locales, sightings of Layla, and mysterious email threats to Finn. But Finn is portrayed as a questionable character, himself, with a past that mentions some difficulty in controlling a virulent temper. In addition, Finn can’t get over Layla, and he tries to convince himself that he loves Ellen. The story is so far-fetched, and, not finding a character that I truly liked, I think that I was annoyed through much of the novel. By the time the story was finally resolved, I was just grateful that this reading experience had concluded. ‘Bring Me Back’ does not generate the high interest of ‘Behind Closed Doors,’ one of the author’s earlier novels in which the characters were developed more successfully. Show Less
LibraryThing member crosenar
At first I was really enjoying this book, Bring Me Back, by B. A. Paris. The main characters, Finn, his fiance Ellen, and her missing sister Layla who was Finn's prior girlfriend until she disappeared 12 years ago, were intriguing. I wanted to understand their unusual love triangle better. But
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about halfway through I started to have questions. When will the plot thicken? When will it give more intrigue? Why can't I figure out the reason the main characters are so boring to me yet I find myself wanting to know more? Finn, Ellen, Layla must surely have more to their love story besides mysterious nesting dolls turning up. Then, the surprising twist in the end redeemed the story for me. Ah ha. That is why I was confused. B. A. Paris knew exactly what she was doing when writing this and giving it the title, Bring me Back. That's exactly how she wanted me to feel. She answered my questions and left me wanting more. Great book. Recommend to my friends for an easy summer read. Thank you St. Martins Press for the Advanced Readers' Edition. Show Less
LibraryThing member kulmona
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for my complimentary review copy.
This is my third B.A. Paris book. I loved Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown so I was very much looking forward to this one.
Layla vanishes while she and Finn are vacationing in France. There is an investigation and, ultimately,
The book is divided into three parts, the first from Finn’s perspective( shifting in time from “before” and “now”), the second and third alternating between Finn and Layla. The parts are divided into short chapters. As with her previous books, I was hooked from the first page.
But, unlike her first two books, I was not riveted throughout. As the story progressed, it intermittently picked up speed and dragged. Because the main characters, Finn, Layla, and Ellen, dominated the plot, there was minimal role for the(few) others. They remained peripheral, at best. It would have helped if they were more developed and represented. It would have broken the monotony.
Overall, this book was just ok. I couldn’t predict the end(usually a good thing) because Paris throws in red herrings and it was so implausible and far-fetched that it never would have occurred to me.
This is my third B.A. Paris book. I loved Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown so I was very much looking forward to this one.
Layla vanishes while she and Finn are vacationing in France. There is an investigation and, ultimately,
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Finn is released. Twelve years have passed and Finn has moved on. He has a new life and a new love, Ellen. But, as the famous saying goes, “your past always comes back to haunt you.”The book is divided into three parts, the first from Finn’s perspective( shifting in time from “before” and “now”), the second and third alternating between Finn and Layla. The parts are divided into short chapters. As with her previous books, I was hooked from the first page.
But, unlike her first two books, I was not riveted throughout. As the story progressed, it intermittently picked up speed and dragged. Because the main characters, Finn, Layla, and Ellen, dominated the plot, there was minimal role for the(few) others. They remained peripheral, at best. It would have helped if they were more developed and represented. It would have broken the monotony.
Overall, this book was just ok. I couldn’t predict the end(usually a good thing) because Paris throws in red herrings and it was so implausible and far-fetched that it never would have occurred to me.
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LibraryThing member PattyLouise
Bring Me Back
By
B.A. Paris
What it's all about...
So...what could be better than a thrilling chilling mystery where the reader...me...has no idea who the bad guy is...or even if there is a bad guy? Well...of course there is a “bad guy” but at any time during this book I thought it could be Finn,
This is the story of Finn and Layla...Finn has quite a volatile personality and when Layla disappears in the middle of the night while they are driving home from a trip...Finn is accused of murdering her. He is cleared but Layla’s body is never found...hmmm...
Why I wanted to read it...
B.A. Paris just happens to write the best thriller chiller mysteries ever!
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Everything about this book was perfection. Finn’s questionable personality, Layla’s questionable past, the odd way that Layla disappeared and the way that Ellen came into Finn’s life...hmmm...so many questions!
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love mesmerizing books like this one should definitely read this book. It’s a difficult one to put down.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher...St. Martin’s Press...through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
By
B.A. Paris
What it's all about...
So...what could be better than a thrilling chilling mystery where the reader...me...has no idea who the bad guy is...or even if there is a bad guy? Well...of course there is a “bad guy” but at any time during this book I thought it could be Finn,
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Harry, Layla, Ellen or Ruby...the only character I trusted was Peggy...Finn’s much loved dog. This is the story of Finn and Layla...Finn has quite a volatile personality and when Layla disappears in the middle of the night while they are driving home from a trip...Finn is accused of murdering her. He is cleared but Layla’s body is never found...hmmm...
Why I wanted to read it...
B.A. Paris just happens to write the best thriller chiller mysteries ever!
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Everything about this book was perfection. Finn’s questionable personality, Layla’s questionable past, the odd way that Layla disappeared and the way that Ellen came into Finn’s life...hmmm...so many questions!
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love mesmerizing books like this one should definitely read this book. It’s a difficult one to put down.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher...St. Martin’s Press...through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
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LibraryThing member hubblegal
When the love of Finn’s life Layla disappears at a service station, he’s a suspect but is soon cleared though he hasn’t told the police the whole story. His grief is shared by Layla’s sister Ellen and it brings them together. Ten years after Layla’s disappearance, Finn and Ellen are
I really could not put this book down! I enjoyed this author’s two previous books and this was no exception. The author really knows how to ramp up tension. It’s a short book and just flew by. I never expected quality literature when I chose this one but Ms. Paris’ books are fun and entertaining and that’s all I ask for in a light thriller like this one.
Recommended for when you want a fun, fast read.
This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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engaged to be married. But now signs start appearing that Layla may still be alive and not too happy about the upcoming wedding.I really could not put this book down! I enjoyed this author’s two previous books and this was no exception. The author really knows how to ramp up tension. It’s a short book and just flew by. I never expected quality literature when I chose this one but Ms. Paris’ books are fun and entertaining and that’s all I ask for in a light thriller like this one.
Recommended for when you want a fun, fast read.
This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member jesskahlow
"OH MY GOD" accurately sums up my reactions to this amazing book. I'm not sure about the ending, but nonetheless, it was great. Again, the realistic nature of this story isn't too far from reality, which makes it all the more intense. I liked the undertones of coping mechanisms and how dealing with
Bring Me Back is just as good (if not better) than her first two books. Highly recommend.
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loss effects everyone differently. Highly recommend.Bring Me Back is just as good (if not better) than her first two books. Highly recommend.
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LibraryThing member iadam
I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. I just couldn’t get interested in this story. Part I was okay. While he went inside to pay, Finn’s girlfriend disappeared from a truck stop. They
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had just had a huge misunderstanding. She’s been gone for 12 years. He is now in a new relationship. Then things start to get creepy and strange. This is a psychological thriller which I enjoy reading, but I found that reading this book was a chore and I really didn’t enjoy it. Show Less
LibraryThing member miss.mesmerized
Twelve years ago, a stop on a highway changes the life of Finn and Layla. While he is going to the toilet, she disappears. They had been in love, he had asked her to marry him during their holidays in France, now he is desperate to find her. That’s what he tells the police, but it is only part of
Since I enjoyed “Behind Closed Doors” from B.A. Paris a lot, I was eager to read her latest thriller and again, she did not disappoint me. “Bring me back” is a classic thriller, right from the start you know that you cannot fully trust the characters, they have lied to others before and so they might not tell you the truth either. It keeps you alert, and since you don’t know where the discernible danger is actually coming from, the suspense is slowly rising.
What I liked especially was the construction of the novel. On the one hand, you have the story in the present told by Finn. On the other hand, you have something like secret diary entries which shed a slightly different light on the story told. After some time, Finn is replaced by Layla which gives you another perspective and adds to the suspense. The author deliberately leads to clues which turn out wrong, provides different explanations which cannot stand the tests they are put at, so you wonder throughout the novel what all this is about. It is not easy to find a good solution out of the plot, but for me, it absolutely worked and all was explained in a convincing way.
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the story. After some time of mourning, Finn gets closer to Layla’s sister Ellen, strange at first, but it feels right, even though he could never love her in the same way he loved Layla. Shortly after Finn asks Ellen to marry him, strange things start to happen. Ellen believes to have seen Layla, Finn is receiving e-mails seemingly coming from her and they find Russian dolls – something only Ellen and Layla know the significance of. It is impossible that somebody else is playing tricks on them. It must be Layla. But what does she want and is Ellen or Finn actually in danger?Since I enjoyed “Behind Closed Doors” from B.A. Paris a lot, I was eager to read her latest thriller and again, she did not disappoint me. “Bring me back” is a classic thriller, right from the start you know that you cannot fully trust the characters, they have lied to others before and so they might not tell you the truth either. It keeps you alert, and since you don’t know where the discernible danger is actually coming from, the suspense is slowly rising.
What I liked especially was the construction of the novel. On the one hand, you have the story in the present told by Finn. On the other hand, you have something like secret diary entries which shed a slightly different light on the story told. After some time, Finn is replaced by Layla which gives you another perspective and adds to the suspense. The author deliberately leads to clues which turn out wrong, provides different explanations which cannot stand the tests they are put at, so you wonder throughout the novel what all this is about. It is not easy to find a good solution out of the plot, but for me, it absolutely worked and all was explained in a convincing way.
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LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
I loved B.A. Paris’ first book “Behind Closed Doors”. I thought “The Breakdown” was really good. So I was really eager to jump into this book. Twelve years ago Finn and Layla were in love. But returning from their vacation one night, Finn stops at what Americans know as a rest stop -- the
Once I started reading I quickly became lukewarm to it. Where was this going? After the initial “grab you” moment, it seemed to lag. But then probably two-thirds of the way through it grabbed me. I could not put it down. It was suspenseful. The short chapters kept me reading “just one more chapter”, just one more, just one more… I didn’t know who to love and who to hate. So many lies, so many secrets kept from those supposedly loved. Their emotions reached out from the printed page, one moment tugging at my heart, the next like hands wrapped around my throat choking me. I was along for the ride.
But then the ending – it just did not work for me. I love thrillers - especially those with a good twist. But that twist has to be plausible. It has to pull me along with it. Instead I dug in my heels, shook it off, and detached. I felt like throwing the book across the room.
Even with that emotional reaction I give it 4 stars. Why? Because it did elicit a strong emotional reaction. I cared about some of the characters. I wanted things to work out for them. I feel I have to rate the book on its entirety, not just on its ending. The writing was really good – character development strong. The author is unquestionably talented. I just hope for more believability with her next book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review.
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story is set in England -- to use the restroom. When he returns Layla is gone. For twelve years there has been no sign of Layla so he moves on and is now engaged to Layla’s sister Ellen. What happened to Layla? Is she dead? If she is alive where has she been for twelve years? Did Finn have anything to do with her disappearance? Remember that the past always seems to come back to haunt you at the absolute worst time. Low and behold, once Finn and Ellen’s engagement is announced there is suddenly a sign that Layla may still be alive. Once I started reading I quickly became lukewarm to it. Where was this going? After the initial “grab you” moment, it seemed to lag. But then probably two-thirds of the way through it grabbed me. I could not put it down. It was suspenseful. The short chapters kept me reading “just one more chapter”, just one more, just one more… I didn’t know who to love and who to hate. So many lies, so many secrets kept from those supposedly loved. Their emotions reached out from the printed page, one moment tugging at my heart, the next like hands wrapped around my throat choking me. I was along for the ride.
But then the ending – it just did not work for me. I love thrillers - especially those with a good twist. But that twist has to be plausible. It has to pull me along with it. Instead I dug in my heels, shook it off, and detached. I felt like throwing the book across the room.
Even with that emotional reaction I give it 4 stars. Why? Because it did elicit a strong emotional reaction. I cared about some of the characters. I wanted things to work out for them. I feel I have to rate the book on its entirety, not just on its ending. The writing was really good – character development strong. The author is unquestionably talented. I just hope for more believability with her next book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review.
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LibraryThing member GrandmaCootie
If you’ve read either of B. A. Paris’ previous books you know one thing – that you really won’t know anything for sure until the final page. You also learn the characters are flawed. You want to like them. Sometimes you do like them. But you never are fully on board with them, and you
First there is Finn, then Layla, then not Layla, and then Ellen – and then maybe Layla is back in the picture. It all made me nervous. I even feared for Peggy the dog. The Russian nesting dolls seem to be clues. They are creepy and make you doubt Finn, or doubt Ellen, or doubt Ellen’s sanity, and wonder just what Layla was like and what happened to her. Is she alive? Is there someone out there who knows? Finn reveals more and more that he kept secret as the story moves along, but you still really have no idea what’s true and what isn’t, and who should be afraid and who you should be afraid of.
Bring Me Back is a very fast paced, complicated, compelling story. With that and all the twists and turns the ending was a little confusing and I had to suspend disbelief a bit. But that was okay and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story; maybe I was just reading as fast as I could because I couldn’t put it down, couldn’t slow down.
Bring Me Back was an enjoyable read and I recommend it. However, I feel I must point out that it is not as good as The Breakdown, which was not as good as Behind Closed Doors, and perhaps it’s time for B. A. Paris to turn her talent with words and action to something new and different. The market is so flooded now with books with dramatic, unbelievable surprise ending reveals that we are starting to expect them and rather than being completely surprised as we were in Behind Closed Doors we find ourselves trying to figure out what the surprise reveal will be rather than being blissfully unaware that there will be one at all. That takes a little of the edge off and some of the enjoyment in the plot away.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
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don’t really trust any of them. Even the sweetest, most innocent character can scare you and you flip-flop: good, bad; what you see is never what you get. And you’re in for almost more plot twists and turns and surprises than you can keep up with. Bring Me Back is no exception.First there is Finn, then Layla, then not Layla, and then Ellen – and then maybe Layla is back in the picture. It all made me nervous. I even feared for Peggy the dog. The Russian nesting dolls seem to be clues. They are creepy and make you doubt Finn, or doubt Ellen, or doubt Ellen’s sanity, and wonder just what Layla was like and what happened to her. Is she alive? Is there someone out there who knows? Finn reveals more and more that he kept secret as the story moves along, but you still really have no idea what’s true and what isn’t, and who should be afraid and who you should be afraid of.
Bring Me Back is a very fast paced, complicated, compelling story. With that and all the twists and turns the ending was a little confusing and I had to suspend disbelief a bit. But that was okay and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story; maybe I was just reading as fast as I could because I couldn’t put it down, couldn’t slow down.
Bring Me Back was an enjoyable read and I recommend it. However, I feel I must point out that it is not as good as The Breakdown, which was not as good as Behind Closed Doors, and perhaps it’s time for B. A. Paris to turn her talent with words and action to something new and different. The market is so flooded now with books with dramatic, unbelievable surprise ending reveals that we are starting to expect them and rather than being completely surprised as we were in Behind Closed Doors we find ourselves trying to figure out what the surprise reveal will be rather than being blissfully unaware that there will be one at all. That takes a little of the edge off and some of the enjoyment in the plot away.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member ivydtruitt
My thoughts....3.5 stars .
Even though she's only written three books at this point, personally speaking there're some common themes they share...
-How well do we know those we invite to share our lives? The ones we intend to be most intimate with, do we ever truly know them?
-She makes the
-She keeps me guessing right to the end. Every time I think I know, I don't. That's such a thrill to me, the unpredictability and anticipation of the next twist. Where are we going & how are we getting there?
-There's always a sense of justice being served, one way or another.
Ms. Paris delivered on the first two in BRING ME BACK. However, a page or two into Part Two and I knew with certainty who the "culprit" was. Never had a doubt. That being said there was one reveal at the end I hadn't guessed, but it didn't make a difference when all was said & done. Nor did I feel justice had been served, though I'm sure there are other readers who'll disagree.
While the sinuous, creepy path Ms. Paris led me down made for a good read, the lack of the last two elements, especially the third, kept it from being a stellar read.
Reviewed for Miss Ivy's Book Nook Take II
Even though she's only written three books at this point, personally speaking there're some common themes they share...
-How well do we know those we invite to share our lives? The ones we intend to be most intimate with, do we ever truly know them?
-She makes the
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implausible, plausible. -She keeps me guessing right to the end. Every time I think I know, I don't. That's such a thrill to me, the unpredictability and anticipation of the next twist. Where are we going & how are we getting there?
-There's always a sense of justice being served, one way or another.
Ms. Paris delivered on the first two in BRING ME BACK. However, a page or two into Part Two and I knew with certainty who the "culprit" was. Never had a doubt. That being said there was one reveal at the end I hadn't guessed, but it didn't make a difference when all was said & done. Nor did I feel justice had been served, though I'm sure there are other readers who'll disagree.
While the sinuous, creepy path Ms. Paris led me down made for a good read, the lack of the last two elements, especially the third, kept it from being a stellar read.
Reviewed for Miss Ivy's Book Nook Take II
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018-03-08
Physical description
304 p.; 8.15 inches
ISBN
1250151341 / 9781250151346