Finders Keepers – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Wednesday, 18 January , 2012 at 10:42 am
Author: Belinda Bauer
Publisher: Bantam Press
ISBN: 9780593066904
Shipcott is once again at the centre of some disturbing events. Children are disappearing from vehicles on Exmoor and being replaced with an accusing note.
Thirteen year old Jess is sat in her father’s horsebox when she’s dragged from the vehicle and taken. Left in her place is a note – “You don’t love her.” She might be the first, but she won’t be the last.
Policeman Jonas Holly is still recovering from a personal tragedy, but it’s time for him to get back on his feet. Is he ready? Does he stand a chance of catching the kidnapper? Can he be trusted?
Finders Keepers is the third of Belinda Bauers’ series of thriller novels set on Exmoor. A host of characters return just a short time on from the previous book, Darkside. As an avid reader of Bauer’s books, I’ve really got a feel for the location and it’s residents. Belinda Bauer certainly captures the bleak atmosphere of Exmoor. However, while the books don’t seem to be advertised as a series, I’d definitely advise reading Blacklands and Darkside before reading Finders Keepers. They will give the background for you to fully appreciate the characters and their stories.
While this book is indeed a thriller, it isn’t generally fast-paced, though it does get more pacey towards the end. Finders Keepers is still a page-turner though. It’s edgy, chilling and creepy, and there’s a few places where it tears at your heartstrings.
Of course, there’s a few twists and turns along the way… I certainly pinned my suspicion on the wrong person before the reveal!
So, if you’re after a disturbing, thriller of a mystery then Finders Keepers is for you. Just be sure to read Blacklands and Darkside first!
Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer is out now! Order your copy now.
This is the 3rd book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge 2012.
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Please note: I received this book free from Transworld Publishers in return for a review. However, this has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (7)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Mystery,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by Heidi
Made Wednesday, 18 of January , 2012 at 5:15 pm
Are her first two books as disturbing? I just read a really disturbing book and just didn’t like it due to all the gore. I really like thrillers but I am not a fan of the gross blood splattering gore.
Comment by Jenners
Made Wednesday, 18 of January , 2012 at 7:14 pm
I read Blacklands but didn’t read the second … and now there is a third book. I better get reading!
Comment by Jo
Made Wednesday, 18 of January , 2012 at 8:31 pm
I did not read the middle book and I agree with you, I think you need to read them previous two before this one as I was slightly lost whilst I was reading it, although I did get the main gist of the story.
It was not as fast paced as perhaps it could have been to start off with, but in some ways that makes you want to turn the page even more so.
Some of the scenes are quite graphic but I think handled well.
Definitely an author to keep an eye on – I can see good things.
Comment by Yvonne
Made Wednesday, 18 of January , 2012 at 10:33 pm
Hi Nikki,
I still haven’t read any of Belinda’s books, although ‘Blacklands’ and ‘Darkside’ are both still very much on my reading list, along with several dozen other books that I shall probably never have enough hours in a lifetime to read!
I love the tag line on the front cover …. ‘Do You Know Where Your Children Are?’… and I can certainly vouch for how bleak parts of Exmoor can be, whilst being beautiful at one and the same time.
I really will make the effort with this series though, as I do try to support the British authors whenever I get the opportunity. I find that much of our British crime and thriller writing isn’t as intense, graphic and fast-paced as its US counterparts, however I sometimes prefer the more descriptive, process driven procedures, with which the British authors endow their characters.
Both styles are so similar in some ways, yet so unique in others, that the contrasts make for some completely diverse reading experiences, depending on my mood.
Great review and thanks for sharing. Take Care
Comment by bermudaonion (Kathy)
Made Thursday, 19 of January , 2012 at 12:29 am
I love books like this!!
Comment by Beth Kemp
Made Thursday, 19 of January , 2012 at 6:27 am
I’ve not heard of these other than here, but they certainly sound good. Thanks for the rec to read them in order – I’ve added Blacklands to my wishlist.
Comment by stacybuckeye
Made Sunday, 29 of January , 2012 at 2:33 am
This looks like my kind of series. I’ve added Badlands to my wishlist.
