(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Graduate students Zoë and Holli only mean to blow off some steam on their road trip to Las Vegas. But something goes terribly wrong on their way home, and the last time Zoë sees her, Holli is in the clutches of a sadistic killer. Zoë flees with her life, changed forever.
A year later and still tortured with guilt, Zoë latches on to a police investigation where the crime eerily resembles her abduction. Along with a zealous detective, she retraces the steps of that fateful night in the desert, hoping that her memory will return and help them find justice for Holli. Her abductor—labeled the “Tally Man” by a fascinated media—lies in wait for Zoë. For him, she is not a survivor but simply the one that got away.

Now, I have given this book 2 stars so you are probably thinking it is terrible. Well, it isn't - in theory. It had all the hallmarks of a great novel - but, for me, it just seemed to lack heart, like it was a paint-by-numbers novel...

Let's look at the play-by-play results:

Silly nickname for a serial killer? Check
Girl escapes serial killer? Check
Survivor guilt? Check
Girl makes stupid decision and decides to find killer? Check
Killer has chance for revenge? Check
Uninspired ending? Check

All the things that make me mad about crime stories is here...and I just didn't like it...


Paul
ARH