25 July 2015

Review #284: Baby Please Don't Go by Frank Freudberg



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Then I discovered that being related is no guarantee of love!”

----Stieg Larsson



Frank Freudberg, an American novelist, journalist and ghostwriter, pens his latest psychological thriller, Baby Please Don't Go , that accounts a heart-stopping and thoroughly intensifying tale about a recovering alcoholic who only desired for one thing in his life- a family, which he gets through his job, only to find out that he has to pay a hefty price to be happy again with a family.





Synopsis:

Lock is a dedicated investigator at Child Protective Services. An anonymous report of neglect comes in. He responds and finds the kids in good health. Lock concludes the report was a ruse, possibly part of a scheme to make Natalie Mannheim—the kids’ mother—look bad in an upcoming divorce trial.

Natalie needs Lock’s expertise to help her win custody—and a multi-million-dollar divorce settlement. He realizes she doesn't have a prayer in court against her shrewd husband, and only Lock can help her now.

Lock knows all about addiction, and he’s aware of the powerful hold Natalie has on him. But he can’t get her out of his head. Lock is caught between his commitment to take the high road and his burning desire to have a family. In this story of love, lust, deceit and murder, what Lock chooses to do will grab your imagination and never let go.



Lock's job as an investigator at Child Protective Services doesn't guarantee to provide him much happiness in his life, but it certainly ensures that he can be closer to one of the few things he loves the most- small children. And why? Because it's his only dream/desire/wish in his life to have a family of his own- a small sweet loving family.

Lock's wish almost comes true when he gets a tip that some children at a particular household are being mistreated, thereby finding two little kids at the household of whom he gets very protective of. Eventually when he meets the beautiful, posh and manipulative mother of the kids, Natalie, who is in the middle of a bitter-divorce battle against her multi-millionaire husband, Lock can't think of having a such a great opportunity to own a family, only if he knew there are games and twists and Natalie herself was a user who can go at any lengths to become rich, even if that requires for Lock to commit any crime.

Honestly, I once again came across to such a book that hooked me right into the very heart of the story from the first page itself. And all thanks to Maxine for this great book recommendation. This book has so many, I would rather say millions of, moments which made me felt like "Christ! I did not see that coming at all" or at times, those twisting moments kicked hard on my guts. I rarely came across a book where both the positive as well as the negative characters left me enthralled.

The writing style of the author kept me mystified and engaged till the last page of the book. The fantastic as well as evocative prose of the storyline ensures that the readers are sure to feel sympathy as well as nostalgic and horrified all at the same time. The narrative style is layered with manipulations, mystery, twists that makes the book an arresting read for the readers. This book, in short, screams "DRAMA" in capital letters and with a genius story-teller like Frank, you won't be disappointed since the book will keep you on your edges till the very last page.

The characters are all strongly developed, and the author has sketched them as completely flawed as well as crippled with their prejudices, insecurities and desires. Two brilliant characters with an intense and inevitable attraction yet are vividly in contrast to each other's demeanor. Lock is sweet and innocent who dreams to have a loving family. Lock has a gruesome past where he had to fight lots of battle against himself (his addiction to drugs/alcohol), but now he is thoroughly reformed and wants to start living again.

Natalie is a shrewd character and the less I talk about her, the more she remains in the author's tightly wrapped twists. Natalie is clever and knows how to use people for her own benefit and to attain her whims and fancies, she can go at any length to achieve that. These two characters are so strikingly portrayed with such depth that it felt like I know Lock and Natalie for ages. And they leave an unforgettable essence even after the end of the story with their level of cruelty as well as dedication. The supporting characters are perfectly depicted in to the story and they are completely in tune with the main characters. Moreover every other character in the book builds up along with the progress of the story.

The mystery envelopes the storyline like a thick mist filled with suspense, actions, lies and trickery that never once leaves the room. The vivid visual imagery of every scenes helped me to see the story like it's happening right before my eyes. The twists are thrown at the right moment that are strong enough to throw me off my edges. I never ever imagined that the path to sanity can be so wrecking and dangerous. In a nutshell, I loved this story real crazily and am definitely looking forward in reading the author's previous book which is too a psychological thriller.

Verdict: I recommend every other crime fiction fans to read this exciting thriller.

Courtesy: Thanks Maxine for recommending as well as giving me an opportunity to read and review yet another gem in the world of thrillers. 
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Author Info:
Frank Freudberg is a novelist, journalist and ghostwriter. He enjoys writing about underdogs and their battles with forces seemingly bigger than them -- and he particularly likes watching them prevail. Freudberg lives near Philadelphia and he's contributed to Reuters, Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Der Spiegel, and others. His work has been mentioned in many notable publications including Time, Newsweek, and The Guardian.
Visit him here


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