Title: Never KnowingAuthor: Chevy Stevens
Genre: Psychological Thriller
From the acclaimed author of STILL MISSING comes a psychological thriller about one woman’s search into her past and the deadly truth she uncovers.
All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara’s home life was not ideal. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and find closure.
But 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. But Sara soon realizes the only thing worse than finding out about her father is him finding out about her.
What if murder is in your blood?
Never Knowing is a complex and compelling portrayal of one woman’s quest to understand herself, her origins, and her family. That is, if she can survive… Goodreads
First off, thank you to GoodReads' First Reads for giving me the chance to read this advanced reader's copy! I received a free copy of "Never Knowing" after winning it through the GoodReads' First Reads program. This never influences my opinion, however, as my reviews are always honest. :)
What would you do if you found out your birth father was really a serial killer?
After reading this, I asked myself the same thing. And I couldn't answer myself really. I was completely dumbfounded by the possible idea. This story was riveting, realistic, and emotional.
Ms. Stevens is very likely to have another best seller on her hands, I'm sure. That's my opinion that I've gathered now that I've finished reading this.
Told in first person narrative, as if the character is speaking to her psychiatrist, the reader goes along on Sara's journey to discover some pretty dark stuff. And it's a thrilling ride all the while. I was unable to put the book down, constantly wanting to know what happened next.... and holy cow, there's a major shock at the end that absolutely floors you! You never see it coming. There was no foreshadowing. I was left in complete shock and utterly speechless.
Each character is unique and has their own three-dimensional personality, creating a bond with the reader in their own different way. Even Ally, the six year old daughter. And the serial killer. I loved the amazing characterization that was put into this with such great care. It made it all that much more realistic. At times, I felt I was reading someone's memoir, rather than just a piece of fiction- and that, my dear friends, means it was really just that good.
Here's the scary part. It COULD be real, though. Somewhere in this world, a child or adult COULD possibly the offspring of a serial killer. Someone could experience this, or could have experienced a situation similar to this. This is a story that really makes you think... not only while you're reading it, but long after you've finished.
A very compelling, deep, dark, yet lovely read. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Stevens' work!
I highly enjoyed this.
4.5 stars!
~The Bookaholic
What a riveting premise. It sounds like a really great book. Congratulations on picking it up from Goodreads. I'm always pumped when I get something from them.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I'd not heard of this book before. Is it adult fiction or Young Adult? (Just curious)
It is, and thanks! I get really excited, too, whenever I win one. :P
ReplyDeleteI would probably say this is adult fiction. But it's not graphic content. Just some language here and there.. and some other adult issues that are discussed throughout the story. :)