The Trap

by Melanie Raabe Narrated by Julie Teal

Overview

Now in paperback, the twisted debut thriller about a reclusive author who sets the perfect trap for her sister's murderer--but is he really the killer?

The renowned author Linda Conrads is famous for more than just her bestselling novels. For over eleven years, she has mystified fans by never setting foot outside her home. Far-fetched, sometimes sinister rumors surround the shut-in writer, but they pale in comparison to the chilling truth: Linda is haunted by the unsolved murder of her younger sister, whom she discovered in a pool of blood twelve years ago, and by the face of the man she saw fleeing the scene.

Now plagued by panic attacks, Linda copes with debilitating anxiety by secluding herself in her house, her last safe haven. But the sanctity of this refuge is shattered when her sister's murderer appears again--this time on her television screen. Empowered with sudden knowledge but hobbled by years of isolation, Linda resolves to use her only means of communication with the outside world--the plot of her next novel--to lay an irresistible trap for the man.

But as the plan is set in motion and the past comes rushing back, Linda's memories of that traumatic night--and her very sanity--are called into question. Is this man really a heartless killer or merely a helpless victim?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"This one has everything: intriguing characters, a great sense of place that grounds the action, and a devious and enthralling plot."—The Globe and Mail

"In a crisp translation from the German by Imogen Taylor, Raabe delivers on a sly premise."—Seattle Times

"A fast, twisty read for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn."—Booklist

"If you think you know what's going on in this winding psychological thriller, you're probably wrong...[a] Misery-in-reverse story."—Elle, "11 of the Best Books to Read in July"

"Intricately constructed... nicely done twists and turns."—Kirkus Reviews

"A complex, amazingly written book that deals with the subject of walking the line between sanity and insanity based on one dreadful night that changes a life forever....An excellent job in all facets of storytelling from plot to characters to tone, this one definitely deserves the full 5-stars!"—Suspense Magazine

"Suspenseful...taut storytelling."—Publishers Weekly

"[An] impressive debut...very artfully told-this is an enjoyable read which shows that the line between madness and genius is sometimes very thin."—True Viral News, "If You Liked Girl on a Train You'll Love These"

"A superb psychological thriller with a storyline that will have you hooked. Not suitable for sensitive constitutions."—AR (Spain)

"A real literary phenomenon."—Mía (Spain)

Kirkus Reviews

2016-04-13
German author Raabe puts together an intricately constructed story featuring a woman haunted by her sister's death. Linda Conrads, a bestselling author who writes lyrical prose, is tormented by a dark and terrible burden: her sister, Anna, was murdered more than a decade ago. Linda caught a glimpse of her sister's killer and has been unable to cope with life ever since. She retreated to a home that's both a fortress and a hideaway and hasn't left it in years, stirring much speculation among her readers. Then one night Linda recognizes a well-known television journalist as her sister's killer and decides to set a trap for him. She immerses herself in research and uncharacteristically writes a crime thriller in which she describes her sister's murder. Then she invites the man to her home to interview her; it's an invitation he cannot turn down—the press has been dying to interview the reclusive author—and the game to extract a confession out of him begins. Raabe has a good idea: take a reclusive author and have her dangle herself as bait, but despite the intriguing premise, the novel's hard to read for many reasons. The dialogue is ponderous and clunky. The characters are never fully developed. There's a lot of padding and verbal throat-clearing before Raabe gets to the long game, and when she does, readers will be confounded at the execution of Linda's plan, which includes writing an entire novel in order to trap the man she thinks of as the bad guy. There's also a story within the story, as the reader also has to plough through Linda's lackluster novel, which is interwoven with the main tale. The result is anything but thrilling. Despite the nicely done twists and turns, this melodramatic mess is hard to love.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173585141
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	07/05/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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