Other PBS members have raved about this book, and now I understand why. The story has all the twists and turns of a Harlan Coben book, but the writing is intelligent like Michael Connelly. There is even a significant courtroom scene which should appeal to the Grisham and Turrow fans.

In the end (which I will not spoil for you), I found some of the explanations implausible. However, this is such an enjoyable mystery filled with interesting characters that the reader will willingly suspend his or her disbelief.

Share/Like this Review?

Jonathan Stride, a detective lieutenant in Duluth, Minnesota, is featured in this first novel of what, I hope, will be a series.

For this book, Freeman won the 2006 Macavity Award for Best First Novel, was a finalist 2005 Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and a finalist 2006 Anthony Award for Best First Novel. That's why I sought it out. One of the web review sites I love is TheMysteryReader.com and they gave it 4+ stars. That would be my personal rating too. Just an excellent book and very exciting author.

Share/Like this Review?

Normally I don't care for courtroom scenes in books but this book was so riveting that the courtroom scenes didn't detract from my enjoyment one bit. A terrific writer. I've already put his other books on my wish list. If you like thrillers don't miss this one.

Share/Like this Review?

First book introducing Detective Jonathan Stride, Duluth, MN

A true page turner, twist and turns right up to the end, only then do you know the complete story!
More is in store for Det. Stride's when he continues in the next book "Stripped"

Share/Like this Review?

Great mystery from first time novelist Brian Freeman. I would definately read another of his books. Just when I thought I knew "who dun it" he surprised me with a twist!

Share/Like this Review?

Introducing LT Jonathan Stride of the Duluth police department & his partner Maggie. Working on a missing persons case and now another teen has disappeared. This teen (Rachel) is a piece of work with questionable behavior and lots of enemies. Suspects galore including her mom, stepfather, and school friends have Jon & Maggie scrambling to find out if she is missing, murdered, or playing games. Lots of twisty turns & exciting action. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Share/Like this Review?

A rather stunning debut novel. A bit dark, this mystery centers around the disappearance of a beautiful, troubled teenage girl a year after the disappearance of another. The protagonist, a police detective named Jonathan Stride, is still recovering from the death of his wife and his inability to determine the fate of the first girl. While dealing with his own emotions, he must cope with a politically ambitious district attorney, journalists raising the spectre of a possible serial killer targeting teenage girls, grieving parents, and an alarmed public. Stride pulls on the efforts of his partner, Maggie Bei, and his own resources to solve the mystery. Hard to put down.

Share/Like this Review?

new time author! great story lines with many twists and turns and surprise ending!

Share/Like this Review?

The story really does keep you guessing. A lot of possibilities as to "who done it" with some interesting character development throughout the book.

Share/Like this Review?

This was a real page-turner that really kept me guessing up till the very end. I picked this book up at a used book store after reading some of the cover blurbs and I'm glad I did. This is the first in a series by Freeman featuring Lieutenant Jonathan Stride of the Duluth, Minnesota police force. It's a mystery about the disappearance of a teenage girl who appears to have murdered by her step-father. But is the girl really dead? If so, did the step-father do it? Or was it one of many other possible suspects? I don't want to give away too much but I would highly recommend this one. I'll be looking out for more by Freeman.

Share/Like this Review?

I have found another great author. Just what I need another series to get into, but truly this is an excellent thriller, the twists and turns keep coming and it is on the very last pages that the whole stor unfolds. This author is a thriller mastermind, I can't wait to get my hands on more of this series.

Share/Like this Review?