Paris opens the book with a great prologue from twelve years ago, guaranteed to capture the reader from the first pages. A police report details the disappearance of Layla at a roadside stop. Finn, the narrator ends it with an inner dialogue. "That was the statement I gave to the police, sitting in the police station somewhere off the A1 in France. It was the truth. But not quite the whole truth."
Present day. Finn has moved on with his life, but not quite as expected. And then comes the day where a small Russian nesting doll is left for him to find. And there's only two people who would know the significance of that doll - Layla and her sister Ellen. Could Layla really be alive after all these years?
Bring Me Back is told from three POV's with each character's entry adding a little more to the big picture. That narrative flips from past to present as well. But is everyone telling the truth? Or the truth as they want it to be?
For this reader, Finn was not a likable lead. His actions, inner thoughts and dialogue had me prejudiced against him from the opening pages. He has a perpetual simmering edge of anger to him that lets the reader know he is capable of much more than he shows to the world. Ellen's doormat personality doesn't serve her well. But, I was drawn to the long gone Layla.
Paris provides lots of red herrings and alternative paths along the way the final reveal. Some plot developments do ask the reader to suspend disbelief. Go ahead and take a grain of salt. As the end crept closer, I started to firm up my suspicions. I was partially right, but Paris still surprised me with how she ended the book. For this reader, Bring Me Back was not quite as good as the first two books. That being said, Bring Me Back is a good read to tuck in your beach bag this summer.
The author had just finished this book when I met her last year. I'm looking forward to reading it, even if it's not her best.
ReplyDeleteGood to know what you thought. I have a copy of it, but will likely wait until summer to read it. I've only read one of the previous book - The Breakdown - and I did like that a lot. Keep meaning to read her first. It's also interesting that her protagonist in this one is a man. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI'd take my chances with this one. I like the authors style as well.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Breakdown, which was my first time reading a B.A. Paris book!
ReplyDeleteThis one was decent, but did not hold my attention the way The Breakdown did. I didn't like Behind Closed Doors at all.
Bermudaonion - lucky you to meet her! It's a good read, but not my fave of the three books.
ReplyDeleteKay, I like her books. And summer and a comfy chair and cold drink sounds like the perfect accompaniment.
Mystica - You'll like it I think!
Dianna - I've enjoyed all three, but agree that The Breakdown was really good!