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After Anna

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'After Anna' by Alex Lake is a gripping thriller that delves into the nightmare scenario of a child abduction and its aftermath. The story follows Julia, a mother whose daughter Anna is kidnapped from school, leading to a harrowing chain of events that thrusts her into the public eye and ignites a media frenzy. As the search for Anna intensifies, secrets unravel, suspicions arise, and the true extent of a parent's worst fear is vividly portrayed. The narrative skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, including the abductor's chilling commentary, creating a suspenseful and emotionally charged atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The book expertly explores themes of guilt, blame, and the destructive power of public scrutiny, painting a raw and authentic portrayal of a family torn apart by tragedy. Through its engaging plot twists, nuanced character development, and thought-provoking commentary on the impact of media sensationalism, 'After Anna' captivates readers with its unrelenting tension and unpredictable revelations, culminating in a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are flawed and complex, with Julia as an unsympathetic mother, Brian as a weak husband, and Edna as a controlling mother-in-law.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines short, varied perspectives with emotive and at times clunky language, reflecting the tension of the story and media scrutiny.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a child's abduction, exploring the emotional turmoil of the mother and the strains on her relationships, amidst a media frenzy and a subsequent investigation.

Setting:

The setting is in a Cheshire suburb, though it is portrayed broadly to resonate with any parental fears.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly, focusing on Julia's emotional state, but accelerates in the second half, creating more action and tension.
Julia Crowne looked up at the clock on the wall of the boardroom. It was one of those Swiss railway clocks, with the blocky minute and hour hands. She happened to know that it was not an imitation; it...

Notes:

After Anna became a Sunday Times bestseller in Britain.
The story revolves around a mother named Julia whose daughter, Anna, goes missing for a week.
The plot explores themes of media influence, social judgment, and family dysfunction.
Julia, a lawyer, struggles with feelings of guilt and blame after her daughter's disappearance.
The book includes perspectives from both the mother and the kidnapper throughout the chapters.
Anna is returned unharmed after her abduction, which creates new challenges for Julia.
The book highlights the negative impact of social media on public perception of the mother involved in the case.
The character dynamics between Julia, her husband Brian, and his mother Edna add to the tension of the story.
The author, Alex Lake, is a pseudonym, and there is speculation about their true identity, with guesses about whether they are male or female.
Despite being marketed as a psychological thriller like Gone Girl, some readers found the story less intense than expected.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for After Anna include themes of child abduction, parental neglect, emotional abuse, depression, and strong societal criticism, especially regarding media portrayal.

From The Publisher:

The No. 1 ebook bestseller, Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller and USA Today bestseller

The real nightmare starts when her daughter is returned...

A girl is missing. Five years old, taken from outside her school. She has vanished, traceless.

The police are at a loss; her parents are beyond grief. Their daughter is lost forever, perhaps dead, perhaps enslaved.

But the biggest mystery is yet to come: one week after she was abducted, their daughter is returned.

She has no memory of where she has been. And this, for her mother, is just the beginning of the nightmare.Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, C. L. Taylor and Lucy Foley

Praise for Alex Lake

'Relentlessly fast paced, a compelling plot and anxiety inducing finale. A cracking read' John Marrs, bestselling author of The One

'Opens with a nightmare scenario and races to a gripping, horribly tense ending - I think I actually stopped breathing several times. Loved it ' Jackie Kabler, bestselling author of The Perfect Couple

'With an unrelenting sense of urgency, this brilliant book will get under your skin. Great hook, fast-paced, fully engrossing. Don't miss out - read it now ' Sam Carrington, author of The Missing Wife

'This is creepy storytelling of the highest order: spine-chilling and difficult to put down' Daily Mail

'A superb read for suspense fans, this taut thriller will have you racing for the finish'Heat

'A gripping page turner'Closer

'The emotional rawness will take you to dark depths, but the journey towards that last flicker of hope is one you can't pull back from' Woman & Home

'Evocative writing and emotional rawness'Woman's Weekly

'A thoroughly entertaining, gripping read' Cass Green, bestselling author of In a Cottage In a Wood

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About the Author:

Alex Lake is a British novelist who was born in the North West of England. After Anna is the first book to be written under the author's pseudonym, and it has been a No.1 bestselling ebook sensation, receiving over 100 5* reviews online. The author now lives in the North East of the US.

 
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