I couldn’t put Saratoga Woods down and read it in a day. It’s a YA book, it’s adult fiction as well. A young girl is able to hear the whispers in the minds of others, which her stepfather uses to help scam investors. Once she realizes what he’s actually doing, she hears his thoughts deciding to kill her. She and her mother flee to Whidbey island, she becomes Becca King and is supposed to live with her mother’s friend who died before she arrived. Forced to survive alone, she meets special friends, all with problems of their own, but a willingness to embrace and help her.

Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series was one of my favorites, until she killed off my favorite character, Helen, and Lynley started seeing other women; it seemed a travesty at the time and I quit reading her books. Now, many years later, I saw that she has a new series, The abandonment of Hannah Armstrong, and I thought it was worth a try. The first installment in this series, Saratoga Woods, introduces Hannah who is forced to change her name to Becca King because she and her mother are fleeing from Becca’s stepfather, who is a criminal. Hannah has the ability to hear whispers (other people’s thoughts), knows her testimony could send him to prison. Her mother makes arrangements with a friend to take 14 year old Hannah, and sends her on her own on the ferry from Seattle to Whidbey Island to hide out until she can join her. Her mother is adamant that she memorize details of her new identity; she is now Becca King and now has dyed hair and must wear heavy make-up to avoid recognition. The cell phone her mother gives her doesn’t work, and when Becca arrives at the home of her mother’s friend with only a bicycle, she learns that the friend has died; Becca has nowhere to go and has to fend for herself until her mother shows up. Becca befriends a Ugandan boy named Derric, who is injured in a fall while they are at Saratoga Woods, and most believe he was pushed.

George’s excellent storytelling ability stands out from the beginning, and while this first novel in a new series must introduce the characters and the setting, the story will grab readers immediately. The novel is well written and flows with building suspense. Becca, the protagonist, is a character that readers will love, and she is well-developed. The supporting characters seem real, and most readers will be able to relate to them. The story is fascinating, and Becca’s adventures on her way to accepting her abandonment will keep readers on the edge.

All told, Elizabeth George has created an excellent new series, and it is highly recommended for anyone who wants to read something new by a gifted writer.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Elizabeth George, renowned for her Inspector Lynley crime novels, ventures into the young adult genre with "Saratoga Woods," the first book in the Whidbey Island Saga. This captivating novel introduces readers to Becca King, a fourteen-year-old girl with a unique ability to hear the thoughts of others, referred to in this novel as "whispers".

Becca's life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her stepfather's criminal activities and goes on the run, to Whidbey island, Here, Becca meets a diverse group of friends, including Derric, a Ugandan orphan; Seth, a kind-hearted musician; Debbie, a recovering alcoholic; and Diana, with whom Becca shares a mysterious connection. The plot weaves elements of mystery, the paranormal, and romance, creating a rich and engaging narrative.

Becca is a compelling protagonist, and the supporting characters are well-drawn, each adding depth and complexity to the story. George's skill in character development shines through, making the reader invested in the fates of these young characters.

George's elegant writing style, known for intricate plotting and incisive characterization, is evident in this book, and the dialogue is authentic and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Whidbey Island.

"Saratoga Woods" combines George's signature storytelling prowess with a fresh perspective, resulting in a novel that is thrilling and heartwarming.

Whether you're a long-time fan of George's work or new to her writing, this book provides a memorable journey. I can't wait to read upcoming entries to this series!

This book was great, but it was written for Young Adults. I was kind of used to more adult type books from Elizabeth George. I will get it for my granddaughter who is 13.

I didn’t know what to expect from a Young Adult novel, but I’ll read anything by Elizabeth George. What an unexpected pleasure. The characters were realistic, and the story line had such a hook that I read ‘just one more chapter’ to finish the novel. I loved the Pacific Northwest setting. And I can’t wait to read the next installment.

This is my first book by this author. I didn't realize it was a YA book at first, but I was not disappointed. I fell in love with the characters. Especially Hannah who has a psychic ability, and is exploited by her stepfather. It's a YA book, but adult readers should really give this book a chance!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

*Saratoga Woods* follows 14-year-old Becca King, a girl with a psychic ability that causes her to hear fragments of other people's thoughts. Fleeing from her dangerous stepfather, who’s been exploiting her gift to manipulate clients and investments, Becca’s mother drops her off on Whidbey Island, hoping she’ll stay with an old friend. But when that friend unexpectedly dies, Becca is left alone, hiding from both her stepfather and the authorities.

Now living under the name "Becca," she struggles to fit in with the local teenagers. Her new friends, Derric, an adopted boy from Uganda, and Seth, a troubled outcast, are her only support. But Becca can’t share the truth of her past with anyone, even as danger closes in. When Derric is found injured in the woods, suspicion turns toward Seth and Becca, the mysterious new girl in town.

As Becca navigates the complexities of her psychic gift, teen drama, and the constant fear of being found, she’s forced to decide who she can trust in this small, tight-knit community.

This gripping, suspenseful first book in a trilogy captures the angst of adolescence, the challenges of fitting in, and the tension of living with a dangerous secret. Becca’s journey is both emotional and thrilling, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in her story.

Unusual and gripping, this made-for-teens story is the start of a new series by one of my favorite (adult mystery) authors. In this new genre, we meet Hannah Armstrong, a strangely-gifted fourteen-year-old, who has the ability to hear other’s thoughts, in the form of “whispers”, which are often chaotically disruptive and must be dampened and managed through an external auditory device.

Hannah, a San Diego-based, normal teen in all other respects, suffers from insecurity due to the weight-related nagging of her mother, Laurel, who claims to only want the best for her but is singleminded in her “fat” obsession.

When Hannah is unexpectedly exposed to information not intended for her ears (make that, thoughts), both Laurel and Hannah are thrown into danger, which takes them to seek anonymous refuge in remote Whidbey Island in Washington State.

On-the-run, terrified, Hannah must face her own demons when her mother suddenly becomes unreachable too and Hannah (now Becca) must find a way to survive on the island completely on her own. Here she meets several interesting and confusing characters, not the least of whom is Derric, a handsome black boy from Uganda, connected somehow to the repeating auditory refrain of “Rejoice”. Hannah also encounters two middle-aged women, Debbie Greider, and Diana Kinsale - both of whom have hidden pasts brimming with secrets and appear to have an interest in helping Hannah through this trauma. Hannah will also encounter a collection of high-school students, (replete with all the jealousies, bullying, and social complications one comes to expect of teenage life) and a crime/mystery which will rear it’s ugly head to perhaps threaten them all.

A gorgeously-written, interesting story, how Hannah manages this situation, and what it will lead to, promises a wonderful start to a new series.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts provided are my own.

** four and a half shiny stars

I need an Elizabeth George book for adults written like ones from years ago. I know this was written for YA, but it was still terrible. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Mystery, secrets, biases, and self discovery in a small rural town where everyone knows everyone, but maybe not as well as they think. Well developed characters give it a real feel and you will think you are actually there. A little paranormal with Hannah's gift adds to the interest.

I’ve been a huge fan of Elizabeth George’s Lynley-Havers series of mysteries, and frequently marveled at her ability to establish setting and characterization in ways that truly make them REAL to the reader. I received a copy of The Abandonment of Hannah Armstrong, #1 in the Saratoga Woods Series, in exchange for my honest review.

Honestly? I liked it, more than I expected after learning it was a YA novel set in the Pacific Northwest. The protagonist, Becca, has an ability to “hear whispers” – whatever THAT means – and goes to Whidbey Island off Seattle to hide from her stepfather after she discovered his criminal activities. Alone in a way that she hasn’t previously experienced, she becomes friends with Derric, a Ugandan orphan, a high school dropout and musician, a recovering female alcoho;lic who takes her in, and another woman with whom she shares some sort of psychic connection. Yes, all that is a LOT and while it wasn’t really what I was looking for, there is no doubt that Ms. George is an incredibly gifted writer and her plotting is, as expected, spot on. Not sure if I will continue the series, but it is definitely recommended. Four stars.

This was not the Elizabeth George I was used to but that is not a bad thing. I like when authors change things up and try something different. I reaaly enjoyed this book. It was thrilling and at the same time a nice coming to age-story.

I'm an Elizabeth George fan from way back. I devoured her Lynley series many years ago, and have since read anything she's written that I could get my hands on.
This young adult novel wasn't George's best work, but she's still Elizabeth George. Her worst writing is better than most author's best. Still, this is an Elizabeth George book. And anything Elizabeth George writes is never a waste of time.

I really enjoyed this

This is not what I expected from Elizabeth George. I have read most of her work and thought she was British. I was wrong. She is American. This book is set in an island off of Seattle, not London.

The story starts with a 14 year old girl, Hannah, who can hear the thoughts of others. It makes school difficult for her as there are so many voices in her head she has trouble concentrating. Her step-father takes advantage of her special ability and has her listen to the thoughts of his investment firm clients so he can say what they want to hear. When the step-father's partner disappears, Hannah and her mother know that something is wrong and go on the run. Hannah is dropped off by her mother at a ferry to Whitby Island to stay with her mother's friend. But the friend does not show up to pick Hannah up and Hannah finds out the friend died suddenly. Hannah is on her own until her mother can come back and get her.

There is a story line where a young man that Hannah was starting to become friends with is found severely injured from a fall. Hannah does not know if her other friend was responsible. There is lots of angst, but this is resolved just as another issue comes up and the book ends, ready for part 2. I will definitely be reading it.

Although this is from the point of view of a young adult, I did not feel like it was just for the high school aged reader. I enjoyed it quite a lot and am looking forward to reading the entire 5 book series.

I didn’t expect to be so captivated by this young adult novel, especially since YA isn't usually my go-to genre. However, this book was a pleasant surprise! The Pacific Northwest setting, which I am very familiar, was realistic without feeling heavily contrived. The characters felt incredibly real and vibrant, and I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys from the very beginning. Without giving too much away I will say the story was evocative while remaining stable, with themes that resonated. Every plot point had purpose, and the narrative kept me hooked until the final page.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to experience it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a wonderful story. Unique and so thoughtfully woven with mystery, mystery and just humanness. Though it was one of five in the series, I appreciated that all but one plotline were concluded in a totally satisfying way, which is often not the case. Looking forward to the next part!

What drew me to The Abandonment of Hannah Armstrong was the author Elizabeth George. I have read several of her Lynley and Havers police mystery series. This book is far removed from that. It’s a young adult novel that’s a mystery/thriller/teen romance. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, as I’m not a young adult, and I guess overlooked that in the description. But it’s a strong entry in this genre. It’s well written and it has a strong hook.

It’s about a girl, Hannah, with the ability to hear people’s thoughts unless she’s wearing a certain device. This ability puts her and her mother in danger early on in the book. Hannah is a young teen who had been working with her stepfather, using her abilities to help him in his business. What she hadn’t realized was he was using the information to bilk his senior clients. When he realized that she was aware of his illegal activities and the fact of his business partner’s mysterious disappearance, she and her mother realized that they were in danger. They decided to disappear separately with new identities. Hannah goes to Whidbey Island to meet up with Carol, a friend of her mother’s and a burner phone for reuniting mother and daughter when it is safe.

So Hannah becomes Becca and the story takes off when the plan to meet Carol doesn’t go quite as planned. This is Becca’s story as she tries to stay safe until she can reconnect with her mom. She is befriended and helped along the way, enters high school and deals with the mean girl Jenn. But a mystery is thrown in her path that makes her question who she can trust as she tries to figure it out.

This is the first of a series as Becca navigates her way back to her real life. I’m sure George has much in store for Hannah/Becca during this series.

#netgalley #theabandonmentofhannaharmstrong

I’ve not been able to get an Elizabeth George book for years, much to my regret. That I got this was sheer luck.

Becca King on the run from a criminal stepfather is abandoned by her mother on Whidbey Island. Becca is psychic, hears whispers which she sometimes cannot interpret, and this makes her stand out in the group of teenagers she has to live with. Derric of Ugandan origin and adopted and Seth a drop out and much maligned are her friends. Debbie becomes an adopted Aunt and Diana who understands the psychic part of Becca are her support system.

Because of her fear for her stepfather Becca cannot come clean even to those who want to help and when Derric is found unconscious after a fall in the woods, the local Sheriff turns his attention to the local bad boy Seth and then to Becca, the unknown quantity in this tiny community.

Dealing with teen angst, the way they think and react (mean girl Jenn being a case in point) the story weaves its way through small town America and how a community tries to help out one of its own.

Slightly different to this authors usual settings, this was still a very good read. One book from a trilogy, I do hope I can get to the others.

I have so enjoyed George’s Thomas Lynley series but had not read the teen/young adult stories set on Whidbey Island. I found this first of, I think, five books quite absorbing.

Becca King has had a lot go wrong. Her innate ability to hear others’ thoughts inadvertently left her and her mother in danger and needing to flee. Becca is left on her own on this island where she is meant to be anonymous.

Becca interacts with many characters. There are children, high school peers, and a number of adults. Among my favorites were Seth, Derric, Debbie, Ralph and Diana, all of whom have backstories.

Readers will remember the folks of Whidbey. They will root for Becca. Like me, they will want to move on to book two.

Note: The series is reissued so some may already have read them under the original titles.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this title. All opinions are my own.

Hannah’s journey begins when she finds herself in a precarious situation, feeling lost and disconnected from her family and friends. As she navigates through her feelings of abandonment, she encounters various characters who influence her path to self-discovery. These interactions help Hannah to confront her past and understand the reasons behind her mother’s departure.

Throughout the narrative, readers witness Hannah’s struggles with trust and acceptance as she learns to forge new relationships while coming to terms with her own emotions. The novel delves into the impact of familial bonds and the importance of community support in overcoming personal challenges.

Elizabeth George intricately develops Hannah’s character, allowing readers to experience her growth from a vulnerable girl into a strong individual who learns to embrace her identity. The supporting characters play crucial roles in shaping Hannah’s understanding of love, loss, and forgiveness.

The book addresses significant themes such as abandonment, resilience, and the search for belonging. It highlights how individuals can find strength within themselves and their communities even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, “The Abandonment of Hannah Armstrong” is not just a story about loss; it is also an inspiring tale about finding one’s place in the world despite difficult circumstances.