Baby Doll

By Hollie Overton

3110 days that's how long the man who claimed her for his own held Lily captive.  Lily was taken as a teenager and escaped eight long years later - now an adult and a mom.  Why he forgot to lock the door that day, Lily didn't know, but she wasn't going to dwell on it and miss her only opportunity to escape in eight years.  Lily cautiously left her "prison" with her daughter and once exposed to the fresh air Lily carried her daughter running and running until they were both safe.  

Lily not only was able to identify her abductor, but she knew him.  She led the authorities to him, and while he was at work, he was put in handcuffs and taken into custody. Lily thought she would be able to finally breathe a sigh of relief and let the healing begin, until she heard him whisper, "You've made a big mistake, Baby Doll."  Lily realized this was not the end but just another beginning...the beginning of her next nightmare.

I came across the book Baby Doll accidentally and while the premise was very interesting, I found the short biography of author Hollie Overton just as interesting.  I was planning to read another book but went out and got this one instead.  I also like how Overton incorporates some of her own life into her story, like her identical twin sister.  Baby Doll was action packed and I really enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns.  I am looking forward to reading her second novel The Walls.

Right Behind You

 

By Lisa Gardner

 

Every time I thought I figured out who did what and why, there was another twist and turn to the story Right Behind You.  Telly and Sharlah are siblings separated 8 years ago after Telly killed their father in order to protect them. Though Telly saved Sharlah back then, it seems now he's the one that needs saving.  Sharlah and Telly have not seen or spoken to each other since that dreadful night and both are now with loving foster families.  When Telly's foster parents are found murdered in their own home, Telly is the most likely suspect.  If he killed once, what's to stop him from killing again?  When two other victims turn up dead at a local gas station and Telly's image is found staring into the camera right before he shoots it out, it seems there is no doubt. 

In the meantime, Sharlah is awaiting her permanent adoption by Quincy and Rainie - a true law and order family. When they find evidence that Telly seems to be stalking Sharlah, her safety becomes their number one priority even though Sharlah is convinced her brother (the Telly that she remembers) would never hurt her.  Is Telly still that protective figure Sharlah remembers, or is he now a predator that she must fear? 

As a Lisa Gardner fan, it was good to have Quincy and Rainie back.  I liked the characters of Telly Ray and Sharlah May Nash.  I think Lisa Gardner did a great service by allowing them to tell their own story. It definitely brought more dimension to their characters and it made their problems that much more real.