Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's press books for an ARC of The Prisoner.

Unfortunately, this book did not do it for me. Much of the book felt like a poorly-written movie filled with C-list actors. I found it really hard to connect with any other characters, and there were too many plot holes I couldn't overlook.

Pub day is November 1st for this psychological thriller, The Prisoner, by B.A. Paris! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for this ARC!


This thriller is dark, twisty, and full of suspense. The Prisoner time hops from past to present to piece together why a lonely girl named Amelie Lamont, trying to find her place in the world, has been kidnapped with wealthy Ned Hawthorpe. After becoming an orphan, Amelie befriends Carolyn & the two are more like long lost sisters than friends. Until things take an unexpected turn that puts Amelie in a dire situation that she hopes Carolyn will understand. This fast paced novel is one that keeps you guessing until the very end and leaves you with multiple jaw dropping discoveries. I could not put this book down, and I finished it in 3.5 days!

A story unlike any that I have read, and one that kept me engaged and horrified until the very end.

*I will be sharing this review on my Instagram page on pub day. I will update the link to the post once it is shared.

“I should be more afraid. But I’m not scared of dying, not anymore. Not after everything.”

So far I’ve read B.A. Paris’ The Breakdown and The Dilemma. I enjoyed both of those but I think I liked this one better!

This was a totally different vibe than those two books. The Breakdown is a slow burn psychological thriller and The Dilemma is more of a thought-provoking familial drama.

The Prisoner is all action! I read this book in a span of 24 hours I think. It’s short and suspenseful and Paris is not afraid to kill off characters.

Plot Summary

The basic plot is that Amelie, young and recently orphaned when her father dies from cancer, is trying to make her way on her own and is desperate enough for money that she is naively (and stupidly) willing to marry her insanely rich boss for just a month, thinking it’s above board and mutually beneficial. He gets his parents off his back, she gets $100,000.

I mean, I think we all know that nothing good happens in Vegas so that’s our first red flag.

But this ill-fated decision throws Amelie into the worst month of her life full of isolation, lies, murder, and of course, being kidnapped. The prisoner.

Her life has unraveled and she is slave to her nightmares and questions.

Can she survive long enough to get answers?

Comments

This is one of those thrillers where there’s not much to dissect about it. It’s just a good suspenseful novel.

I was surprised by the mixed reviews but apparently we have opposite preferences for Paris’s books. I liked all the action, even if it was predicated on a stupid choice. Considering the context and circumstances I can see how someone, pressured with a timeline, could make that choice. She obviously didn’t know his sordid past at the time.

My only two criticisms are that all the answers at the end are basically given in monologue form which isn’t the most creative way of telling the reader. But in some ways I didn’t mind that. It’s a concise and complete way to dot the i’s and cross the t’s and explain it all. At least it wasn’t the killer-‘revealing’-everything-to-his-victim-before-he-tries-to-kill-them cliche.

The other criticism is that Lina, Justine, and Carolyn are really important people in Amelie’s life. But because of the nature of the book and the first person POV we don’t really get to know them at all. Their absences in the story feels abrupt. Which considering the reason for their absence makes sense, but as a reader we don’t get much closure and are left unsure if we need it.

Also this book takes place in London but I kept forgetting because the terminology seemed more American which was unlike her other two books. When going to Vegas was such a big deal I forgot that they were crossing the pond to do so. I’m not sure what words should have been different, if any, the geography was just something I kept having to remind myself of as I read.

Recommendation

If you want a fast-paced thriller and like a good kidnapping, you’ll like this book.

I would say that if you’ve already read some of Paris’s books, I don’t think your opinion of those will necessarily be indicative of whether or not you like this one.

And if you’ve never read Paris, you should give her a shot.

Side note: I loved the dollar-doubled-for-31-days trick and the next time I get a choice between a million dollars or my own terms, I will definitely use it in my negotiation strategy.

[Content Advisory: 7 f-words; 6 s-words; no sexual content]

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

I would first like to say thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press once again for this ARC that I have been waiting for! This book was incredible - I started reading this during the day during my breaks at work and absolutely binged it until I finished it the same night. I waited a few days to recollect my thoughts because I truly could not stop thinking about it.. I swear my heart still feels like its racing because of this book. The characters.. the TWIST.. my mind is still everywhere regardless of me waiting to recollect my thoughts lol. I can normally guess what will happen in a thriller but this one.. nope!! B.A. Paris NEVER disappoints, The Prisoner is definitely a MUST read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: November 1, 2022

I loved this one and it kept me intrigued from thr beginning; however, I need some closure! 🤣 I didn't not like how the last chapter played out. I feel like there was still so much left unsaid.

This is a great. Fast paced read and you definitely need to go check it out.

My first B.A. Paris book and for sure will not be my last. I like the way she told the story. I was thoroughly engaged throughout and eager to see what was going to happen. A few times I felt a bit of a disconnect to the story, and I'm not too sure why but I still really enjoyed it and know lots of other readers will too!

I have been a fan of this author since her first book. I don't know what happened with this book. It just wasn't in the league as her previous books. Her first few books were incredible. Now, her last few books fell flat. It's like a different person wrote them.

The premise of this one had me thinking for sure I'd be back to the cheerleader side for BA. However, the writing and follow through of the actual story was another thing. I had to force myself to see the book to the end. I wanted to give up by the first thirty percent. It was boring and annoying. Those twists others loved? Saw them all coming a mile away.

The suspenseful parts were cheesy and bland. I really didn't care if Amelie got out and lived a happy life. She was just a girl looking for someone to take care of her instead of her taking care of herself. She definitely isn't a survivor in my eyes. She is a selfish person looking for the easy way of life. And everything comes with a cost.

Overall, the plot and characters just didn't do anything for me. This might be my last read from this author.

Our main character is held prisoner three or more ways …. Imprisoned in a marriage of convenience without being allowed to leave the house. Imprisoned by the lack of a phone. Imprisoned for weeks in a dark room.

So many bad men. It was hard to keep track who did what. Friends disappear. Many murders.

The Prisoner by B.A. Paris

Published: November 1, 2022
St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 300
Genre: Psychological Thriller
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

B.A. Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back, The Dilemma, and The Therapist. Having sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, she is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, as well as a number one bestseller on Amazon and iBooks. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages, and Film and TV rights to Behind Closed Doors have been optioned. She is currently based in the UK.

“But I have no one to help me; there is only me.”

Amelie has lived a tragic life, her mother died in childbirth, and her father became an alcoholic after losing his wife and child. When her father dies, Amelie flees to England, where she hopes to go to college and become a lawyer. Things don’t go smoothly, but she crosses paths with a kind stranger, who becomes a dear friend. Suddenly, Amelie isn’t struggling. She has friends, a job, and hope. Then she jumps at an incredible opportunity, not realizing the consequences could cost her everything, including her life.

This was a great story. The build-up, the action, the characters, everything flowed beautifully. The intensity was palpable, and the book was impossible to put down.

Amelie was such a resilient character. She was kind, savvy, and determined to succeed. I enjoyed how the side characters brought so much vibrancy and love to the story.

When things took off, I enjoyed how it felt like I was right there with Amelie; my heart was racing as I read about her fear, anxiety, and desire to survive.

The strength within this character was beautiful. She is a survivor and proves just how capable she can be.

The plot was fast-paced, and the storyline flowed well. I was drawn in immediately and held captive throughout most of the book. I wasn’t happy with the ending, but it makes sense with the story.

I found the way emotions were used in this novel fascinating and honest—the plays for power, the secrecy. The darkness is seductive, and if you’re not careful, it will swallow you whole.

Really, really good. Definitely kept me guessing as to where the storyline was going. Need I say more?

I'd heard mixed reviews about this book, but I loved "Behind Closed Doors" by B.A. Paris, so I was excited to receive an e-arc of her latest book! From the very beginning this book will have you hooked. I love short chapters, and the short chapters in this book made me feel like I was flying through the story! B.A. Paris is such a fantastic writer, from the very beginning I could totally picture the settings in my mind. The only thing I thought was missing was that *how* Amelie was kidnapped.

I have been a fan of B.A. Paris since Behind Closed Doors. Unfortunately, since the Breakdown, however, none of her other novels have lived up to the first two. Without spoiling too much, the story is a twist on domestic suspense and is told on dual timelines for the first 50-60%. The basic spoiler free synopsis is that Amelie is a poor young woman who gets roped into a twisted “relationship” (ulterior motive for faked relationship) with a rich man. Amelie sees this as her outlet perhaps from her destitution , but soon realizes the Ned, the man with whom she has agreed to enter into a marriage, has more lurking beneath the surfaces. In the cuts to the present, we see Amelie is being held captive with Ned and she tries to piece together why and who their captors are-and why she feels safer there than she did with Ned.
This is a quick read and the plot moves along with ease. Paris’s writing is always accessible for the reader and the short chapters do keep the reader engaged and turning the page. The plot, however, becomes overly consulted especially in part 2 and twists at the end are thrown in just for the sake of having twists (or at least that’s how it feels). An easy “popcorn” read, but don’t expect much else from this one.

(Advanced copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review .)

The prisoner…..the main female character is a prisoner in her marriage and then because of who she is married too, she becomes a prisoner in kidnapping situation!!! Definitely takes you on a thrill ride!! Some characters aren’t what they seem and unsure of who the good guys are during most of the book! Twists and turns throughout and kept me guessing! Reminded me more of authors earlier work and definitely recommend!!

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for my advanced electronic reader copy in exchange for my honest review!!

WHAT DID I JUST READ was my initial reaction and then I needed to take some time to decompress because wow! I don’t know what gripped me so tight to this read but from the very first page I was completely hooked! Honestly, I had been in a little bit of a reading slump the past couple of weeks and this one definitely just pulled me out of that slump.

The Prisoner follows Amelie’s story as she meets new friends during her struggles and then eventually meets her new husband. They both get kidnapped and the story gets insane from there. Just when you think oh wow this is crazy, can’t get worse, right? It absolutely gets worse. I was so drawn to this book and I could not put it down because of the gripping suspense. Definitely add this one to your shelf, 5⭐️

A big thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and B.A. Paris for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

The Prisoner is a suspenseful and twisty novel. At age 16, Amelie's father passes away leaving her homeless and poor without anyone to help support her. She is determined to make it on her own though. She is a survivor. And this mentality helps her when she is kidnapped and held as a prisoner in a dark room with no communication with her kidnappers.

Told from Amelie's point of view the story unfolds between two timelines. One the current imprisonment and the other is the lead up to the kidnapping. When I first started reading I wondered how well I would enjoy the imprisonment part since Amelie is in the dark both literally and figuratively.. but the author does an amazing job of keeping the reader engaged and guessing. The 2nd half of the story felr authentic but the ending left me a touch unsatisfied. Overall I really liked the book. I flew through the pages trying to put the pieces together. Well put together thriller.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.

This is the book for you if you want a suspense story that you can’t put down. Suspense, twists, and turns, this book has them all. B. A. Paris knows how to write thrillers! I also love a suspense story where there are sympathetic, likable characters. The Prisoner has everything I love in a suspense novel.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I was so very disappointed in this book and the only thing I like about it was the very beginning. It just went downhill from there and I found myself skimming it halfway through until end end. The characters were all annoying and there were new ones introduced constantly and I felt like it could have been a real page turner from the beginning with the kidnapping but it just went down from there.

B.A. Paris never disappoints! This book was just as suspenseful as her previous stuff and kept me guessing until the end. Good characters, great storyline. Highly recommend!

This book was so good and written so well! B.A. Paris is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with her new book. I would recommend this book to everyone! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

I have loved BA Paris since her first book. This one was no exception, but I definitely wish the ending was different.
Part one went at break neck speed and I couldn't put it down. I was comparing it to Behind Closed Doors which I do believe is her best!
Part two slowed down infuriatingly and the end just didn't do it for me. I guess it was realistic but I had hoped for a more satisfying ending, or at least an epilogue!