laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Find Her
3.5 Stars
Upon arriving at a crime scene in which the victim was burned alive, Detective D. D. Warren is surprised to learn that the perpetrator is actually a young woman defending herself against a vicious rapist. But the more D. D. learns about Flora Danes, the more she suspects a case of vigilante justice. When Flora disappears, D. D. realizes that the hunter might just have become the hunted.
Lisa Gardner has a tendency to write problematic protagonists. Sometimes this works (Tessa Leoni) and sometimes it doesn't (Adeline Glen). In this case, it is successful as Flora Danes is one of the most damaged characters Gardner has produced, yet she still manages to resonate and evoke sympathy and empathy.
The majority of the book focuses on Flora's experiences at the hands of a sadistic kidnapper, rapist and killer. While these are presented in 1st person POV, which makes reading about her suffering more difficult, it also emphasizes her courage and resilience. Although the identity of the villain is rather obvious, the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
With regard to D.D., she has grown and changed over the series and it is good to see her so comfortable with her husband and son. Suffice it to say that Alex has the patience of a saint when it comes to his wife and Jack is simply gorgeous.
Overall, a good addition to the series.
3.5 Stars
Upon arriving at a crime scene in which the victim was burned alive, Detective D. D. Warren is surprised to learn that the perpetrator is actually a young woman defending herself against a vicious rapist. But the more D. D. learns about Flora Danes, the more she suspects a case of vigilante justice. When Flora disappears, D. D. realizes that the hunter might just have become the hunted.
Lisa Gardner has a tendency to write problematic protagonists. Sometimes this works (Tessa Leoni) and sometimes it doesn't (Adeline Glen). In this case, it is successful as Flora Danes is one of the most damaged characters Gardner has produced, yet she still manages to resonate and evoke sympathy and empathy.
The majority of the book focuses on Flora's experiences at the hands of a sadistic kidnapper, rapist and killer. While these are presented in 1st person POV, which makes reading about her suffering more difficult, it also emphasizes her courage and resilience. Although the identity of the villain is rather obvious, the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
With regard to D.D., she has grown and changed over the series and it is good to see her so comfortable with her husband and son. Suffice it to say that Alex has the patience of a saint when it comes to his wife and Jack is simply gorgeous.
Overall, a good addition to the series.
mandasbooknook's review against another edition
4.0
Love Lisa Gardner and I love her D.D. Warren series. Something about her writing just sticks with me and sucks me into the story. She is so good at suspense writing and I am hooked every time.
debra_reads_'s review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Dear Find Her,
You were a twisty dark thriller that turned the traditional tropes on their head. I didn't really like any of your characters, but I think that was by design. Flora was hard and difficult to sympathize with, but I did have to admire her grit and strength. While her coping mechanisms were not healthy by any means, she did what she felt she had to, to make through the traumas that she endured. You kept me so interested in Flora's past and present. D.D. was also not particularly likable either, and I was able to draw interesting parallels between the two women. You were an interesting story that didn't follow the traditional thriller story.
You were a twisty dark thriller that turned the traditional tropes on their head. I didn't really like any of your characters, but I think that was by design. Flora was hard and difficult to sympathize with, but I did have to admire her grit and strength. While her coping mechanisms were not healthy by any means, she did what she felt she had to, to make through the traumas that she endured. You kept me so interested in Flora's past and present. D.D. was also not particularly likable either, and I was able to draw interesting parallels between the two women. You were an interesting story that didn't follow the traditional thriller story.
lemanley's review against another edition
4.0
I found this novel to hold my attention. I wanted to hunt down Jacob and make sure he would never see the light of day again except through the bars of prison. I wanted to do everything I could to protect women and girls like "Molly," from ever meeting a person like him. The story had lots of twists and it was hard to put the down. I wanted to see how the story would end.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
3.0
Glad to see DD again, good premise, gripping plot but doesn't win points for orginality nor being shocking enough.
lindseymanz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
ericaregina's review against another edition
5.0
I received a free advance copy of this book in return of an honest review. I must say, I almost feel guilty for accepting since I've always been a fan of this author's work and this book definitely did not disappoint!
From the moment I started reading I have been engrossed in the sheer will of Flora as she finds insurmountable strength and resilience to survive the horrors of her abduction only to escape and feel like she is not the same person and never will be. Five years of trying to ensure she is never made to feel helpless again only to find herself facing a new terrifying predicament.
Between her fight to survive and the need to determine who the enemies are I finished in a day. It's definitely one of those curl up on the sofa with a good cup of coffee kind of books that reminds us what women are capable of!
From the moment I started reading I have been engrossed in the sheer will of Flora as she finds insurmountable strength and resilience to survive the horrors of her abduction only to escape and feel like she is not the same person and never will be. Five years of trying to ensure she is never made to feel helpless again only to find herself facing a new terrifying predicament.
Between her fight to survive and the need to determine who the enemies are I finished in a day. It's definitely one of those curl up on the sofa with a good cup of coffee kind of books that reminds us what women are capable of!
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Read for Review/Listened for Fun (NetGalley/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of my overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Having read this once and listened once, I can say Find Her is one of those thrillers that actually hold up on reread!
Quick Thoughts: There isn't much that I can say about the story without giving things away. So I am going to be a little general! At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Flora's POV but it ended up being oh so important. The parallel figuring out of who was behind the crime was scary good. The twists and turns are exactly what you expect from Lisa Gardner. In other words, don't get to comfortable in thinking you figured it out. She is likely to pull the rug out from under you at least once. I also love that her endings are not predictable. I love DD, she is an excellent cop. Though, in this case, I love that Lisa made her not likable at times because it really showed some character growth. She learned a lot this story about team work and knowing limitations. Find Her definitely delivered on all levels.
Audio Thoughts:
Kirsten nailed this performance. The Flora sections were chilling and very vivid. Her pacing difference between Flora and DD was spectacular. I can't recommend listening to this enough. You really need to feel the emotions that Kirsten nails. Crazy Good!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of my overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Having read this once and listened once, I can say Find Her is one of those thrillers that actually hold up on reread!
Quick Thoughts: There isn't much that I can say about the story without giving things away. So I am going to be a little general! At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Flora's POV but it ended up being oh so important. The parallel figuring out of who was behind the crime was scary good. The twists and turns are exactly what you expect from Lisa Gardner. In other words, don't get to comfortable in thinking you figured it out. She is likely to pull the rug out from under you at least once. I also love that her endings are not predictable. I love DD, she is an excellent cop. Though, in this case, I love that Lisa made her not likable at times because it really showed some character growth. She learned a lot this story about team work and knowing limitations. Find Her definitely delivered on all levels.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Kirsten Potter / Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
Kirsten nailed this performance. The Flora sections were chilling and very vivid. Her pacing difference between Flora and DD was spectacular. I can't recommend listening to this enough. You really need to feel the emotions that Kirsten nails. Crazy Good!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
kakovac's review against another edition
2.0
Not as good as her others, but still inherently enjoyable. D.D. isn't as compelling of a figure as Frankie, and her home life seems too picture perfect.
jsheldonsherman's review against another edition
4.0