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All the Dangerous Things

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'All the Dangerous Things' by Stacy Willingham is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Isabelle Drake, a mother who is desperate to find her missing son, Mason, who was abducted from his crib in the middle of the night. Battling severe sleep deprivation, guilt, and a crumbling marriage, Isabelle is determined to uncover the truth behind her son's disappearance. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, as repressed secrets from Isabelle's past resurface, adding layers of suspense and mystery to the narrative. The writing style of the author creates a tense and atmospheric setting, keeping readers on edge and engaged throughout the book.

Characters:

Characters are multi-dimensional, including a complex protagonist and strong supporting roles that enrich the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, effectively mixing poetic language with a compelling narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a mother's desperate search for her kidnapped son, intertwined with her struggles with guilt and the impact on her life and relationships.

Setting:

The setting is characterized by a historically rich and Southern Gothic atmosphere that contributes to the plot's tension.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slow start that transitions into a fast-paced and gripping narrative.

Notes:

The main character, Isabelle, is a mother whose toddler son is kidnapped from his crib.
Isabelle struggles with severe sleep deprivation and guilt while searching for her son.
The story explores themes of postpartum depression and its impact on her life.
Isabelle's past includes the traumatic loss of her baby sister, which she feels responsible for.
The book combines elements of thriller, mystery, and Southern Gothic atmosphere.
There are unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing throughout the story.
Characters in the book are multi-dimensional, with complex relationships and grey areas.
The writing style is described as poetic and engaging, with short chapters for a fast-paced feel.
Readers appreciate the surprising twists at the end and the well-resolved conclusion.
The novel discusses the pressure on parents when a child goes missing and the implications of social media and public perception.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child abduction, mental illness, sleep deprivation, trauma, and a depiction of grief and guilt.

From The Publisher:

Following up her instant New York Times bestseller, A Flicker in the Dark, Stacy Willingham delivers a totally gripping thriller about a desperate mother with a troubled past in All the Dangerous Things.

One year ago, Isabelle Drake's life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. With little evidence and few leads for the police to chase, the case quickly went cold. However, Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to her-literally.

Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn't slept in a year.

Isabelle's entire existence now revolves around finding him, but she knows she can't go on this way forever. In hopes of jarring loose a new witness or buried clue, she agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster-but his interest in Isabelle's past makes her nervous. His incessant questioning paired with her severe insomnia has brought up uncomfortable memories from her own childhood, making Isabelle start to doubt her recollection of the night of Mason's disappearance, as well as second-guess who she can trust... including herself. But she is determined to figure out the truth no matter where it leads.

Ratings (35)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (13)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (5)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (98):

Read It (42)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (49)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
8 months

I was having a hard time reading this book as a new mom, but the ending was OH SO SATISFYING.

Trigger warning: pregnancy loss, postpartum psychosis

 
 
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