Abducted at the age of 15 and kept hidden in a basement, Maggie has endured shocking abuse at the hands of her captor for twelve years. With two of her children taken away from her on their third birthdays, Maggie is determined to prevent the same fate for her youngest son, Max. The story unfolds over a period of 10 years, jumping between past and present, narrated by multiple characters, including Maggie, her family, and the detective leading the investigation. As the countdown to Max's third birthday begins, Maggie faces a race against time to save her child from the same fate as her other sons.

The book "Seven Days" by Alex Lake is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. The fast-paced narrative is filled with twists, surprises, and suspense, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre. The story is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the emotional turmoil of the characters involved, from the captive Maggie to her desperate family members and the determined detective working to solve the case.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist Maggie, who demonstrates resilience, alongside her emotionally impacted family and a chilling kidnapper.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style incorporates various viewpoints and flashbacks, weaving a complex narrative that evokes strong emotions and urgency.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a kidnapping and the protagonist's race against time to save her son, intertwining past and present events that showcase the emotional turmoil of her family and her harrowing experience.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place in a basement where the main character is held captive, with additional scenes exploring the outside lives of her family over a decade.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with some readers noting slow sections while others found it gripping, particularly as the story moves toward its climax.

It was a wonder she had the calendar at all. She had started keeping it on the fifth day after she had been locked in this basement. If she hadn’t, there was no doubt she would have completely lost tr...

Notes:

The main character, Maggie, is kidnapped at the age of 15 and held captive in a basement.

Maggie gives birth to three sons during her captivity, all of whom are taken by her captor on their third birthdays.

The narrative shifts between different time periods, exploring Maggie's life before and during her abduction, as well as the impact on her family.

Maggie has seven days to devise a plan to save her youngest son, Max, from being taken away.

The book is told from multiple perspectives, including Maggie, her family, and the detective investigating her case.

Readers find the story suspenseful and gripping, with some noting it as a powerful psychological thriller.

Some critics mention the plot has parts that seem unrealistic, particularly regarding the physical capabilities of her abductor.

The writing style includes short chapters and jumps in time, which some readers found confusing but others loved.

The book explores dark themes, including the trauma of kidnapping and the emotional struggle of loved ones left behind.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings related to kidnapping, abuse, and traumatic experiences.

From The Publisher:

An incredible psychological crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling author

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

A race against time to save her child…

In seven days, Maggie's son, Max, turns three. But she's not planning a party or buying presents or updating his baby book. She's dreading it. Because in her world, third birthdays are the days on which the unthinkable happens… she loses her child.

For the last twelve years Maggie has been imprisoned in a basement. Abducted aged fifteen, she gave birth to two sons before Max, and on their third birthdays her captor came and took them from her.

She cannot let it happen again. But she has no idea how to stop it. And the clock is ticking…

'Great hook, fast-paced, fully engrossing. Don't miss out - read it now!' Sam Carrington, author of The Missing Wife

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

'A gripping page turner'Closer

'An expert at crafting chilling scenes that will instantly capture a reader's imagination'Woman & Home

'Evocative writing and emotional rawness' Woman's Weekly

'By far the best proof I've received this year' Reviews by Chloe

'OMG - WOW!!! I have no other words…go buy and read this book now, it is that AMAZING!' Rachel's Random Reads

'WHAT. A. RIDE. The adrenaline raced through me as I read this jaw-dropping thriller' Emma's Biblio Treasures

'I couldn't put the story down' Jaffa Reads Too

'An addictive, tense and chilling read' The Book Review Cafe

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1 comment(s)

amocat560

Did Not Like

4 months

The story that got told could have worked if it was approached in a different way. But to set up a suspenseful thriller where the protagonist has “seven days to save her son” then to start jumping around in time and then further, to start jumping around in POV, it just didn’t work for me. Any suspense or forward momentum was killed by the constant steps backward and sideways.

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Seven Days?

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Seven Days

Alex Lake