Member Reviews
I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I haven’t read any books by Drew Strickland before, so I was interested in trying this (new to me) author. The story seemed interesting, so I was ready to dive in!
I found, unfortunately, that I didn’t get hooked. I know that this is part way through a series, but I don’t think it was this that bothered me- you could definitely jump in and be ok not having read any of the previous books, I guess I just didn’t relate to Deputy Cook or care as much as I should have. That could bet totally on me though, so check this book or series out and give it a chance. I’m going to try another of Strickland’s books and see if it’s just me or maybe just this book!
I made it to the halfway mark of this 16 hour audiobook, but just couldn’t finish it.
The very first chapter really drew me in, but then I felt like it didn’t keep up the same momentum. There were too many irrelevant characters and it was drawn out without a purpose.
I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if a few hours were shaved off and there was a build up to what was happening next. Instead, it felt more like a “first he talks to this guy, now he talks to this girl, someone goes missing, next he talks to these guys…” kind of situation.
Narrator was enjoyable to listen to.
I really appreciate the author, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Selection for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was hopeful for this book, having grown up in Appalachia, but it didn't fully capture the region's geography, focusing instead on the stereotypical portrayal of the people and the economic struggles of rural Appalachia. The plot was fast-paced and kept me engaged, but it tried to do too much, leading to a chaotic narrative. At times, I found myself questioning the direction, like when we suddenly end up at a brothel... I also didn't realize it was part of a series until the author repeatedly referenced past relationships and events. Overall, it was a book. A book that I read—and will probably forget.
Definitely a case of I might have enjoyed this more had I read those before it. However, reading it as a stand alone, I just found that it wasn't for me. I found many scenes far-fetched and unrealistic, and I found the characters not believable. I wish I'd liked it more.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Started fast and dramatic and stayed that way throughout. I didn't realize it was a title in the middle of a series, so I felt like I was missing some of the background nuances. However, a solid story on it's own.
As I read the next book and the next book I get more invested in the characters in this series and want to know where its all going and find out what we don't know. This one had me hooked from the beginning and I was trying to my best to figure it out before they gave away who the abductors were. I didn't get it I would think one thing and then it would be wrong. Kept me interested and wanting to know more. This will be a series I continue to read and want to know more about all the characters.
Drew Strickland hit a home run with this fast paced thrilling yet chilling story. I didn't realize it was a part of a series (book 4), yet to me, it really didn't matter as the plot wasn't lacking in any way. What starts as a missing deputy soon turns into a horrific nightmare with a trail of bodies to follow. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't stop until the last page. Well done!
Narrated by Madison Niederhauser, who was easy to listen to and the pace was on point and at the right tone. Will definitely listen to other audiobooks narrated by Madison.
*I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
This book was a bit dark and gory at times, but always kept me guessing with the turns. Everytime I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong.
I really enjoyed this. The atmosphere was really set with the different POVs that this was told from.
There was plenty of twists to keep you guessing and engaged with the story.
I've always had an interest in the Appalachian mountains, so the title alone grabbed my attention. So glad that it did.
Abducted in Appalachia is a psychological-thriller, law-enforcement, rural setting in West-Virginia, psychotic, twisted, and with lots of dead bodies.
This was a little gruesome and graphic for me.
Also I couldn’t get a handle on the many characters.
This was the 4th in the series so I think character development happened in previous books.
The dual prespectives was hard to sort out in an audio book.
A fast paced and thoroughly absorbing story with twists and turns at every juncture. Take a moment to immerse yourself in to the victims lives and you too will be looking to escape
This book was longer than it needed to be. I enjoyed the different POV but wish there had been less main characters given how long and drawn out the novel was
This story lured me in.. I really wanted Madds found safe; I was even hoping the girl from the beginning was alive.
I enjoyed the back and forth between Elvin and Hollis. A little bit annoyed that Elvin had too much ego to ask for help. Maybe that was the point, but it was frustrating me.
Overall a decent read.
As a mystery, and not having read any by this author before, the book was fine. Some parts were a bit gorier than I care for, some parts went on for quite a long time so I got a bit distracted, and I'm not sure what the purpose was for other parts- Hollis' sons getting taken for instance, but it was interesting enough. I really liked the narrator- good voice and reads well.
Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the novel.
Thank you Netgalley, Drew Strickland and Dreamscape Select for the audiobook! A great narration by Madison Niederhauser. This was a one of a kind detective thriller that just had my jaw on the floor half the time. The authors note made me appreciate the book that much more! Really enjoyed!
Wow! I decided to listen to the audiobook while I have some downtime at work. It was so well-written and addicting and what an ending!! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
What a book. I didn't realize this book was 4th in a series as it is the first book by Drew Strickland I have read. I found the book to be fast paced with great characters. I did however, purchase the first 3 in the series and will purchase the rest when available in audio.
I absolutely loved this book. Atmospheric, fast paced, great characters. Can't wait to have Drew on my podcast to discuss, and I will be highly recommending this series to my viewers/readers/listeners.
Though this is the 4th book in the series, it's the first I have read. It probably would have been helpful to have read the others beforehand as it was obvious personalities had been developed and I was a bit lost on some of the characters' history. However, I managed to sort it all out.
In a small town in West Virginia, the body of a local man, a recovering alcoholic, is found by the side of the road, horrifically gutted with a knife. The sheriff's department is running light, with one deputy in the hospital and another wearing a sling. So, when Deputy Madison (Madds) goes missing, Sheriff Elven Hallie wants her found as soon as possible. Her disappearance turns out to be tied to the roadside murder and Sheriff Hallie needs help. Clues lead to the next county over, whose law enforcement personnel are not interested in helping search for the missing officer. The only one who can help is the leader of the local drug ring (Hollis Starcher) and though Elven hates to become involved with him, he has no choice if he wants to find his missing Deputy.
As the search goes on, more and more bodies litter the community and tales of a gruesome cult emerge. Elven must compromise his own values to locate the missing Madds.
Readers who enjoy a bit of the macabre will enjoy this one. It is narrated by Madison Niederhauser, professional actor and narrator.
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Abducted in Appalachia by Drew Strickland in exchange for an honest review. This story had a great premise and I was really excited about it, but it kept changing viewpoints making it hard to get into.