Who Would Like This Book:
If you love tense, atmospheric mysteries with unreliable narrators and a Southern Gothic touch, this one’s for you. The story hooks you with a mother’s relentless pursuit for answers about her missing child, while expertly weaving in elements of guilt, memory, and secrets from the past. Fans of twisty, psychological suspense, and authors like Gillian Flynn or Ruth Ware, will probably devour this book (especially if you enjoy complicated characters and a touch of hauntings). The poetic writing, unpredictable plot twists, and short chapters make it hard to put down!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pace a bit slow at the beginning and felt the focus on Isabelle’s grief made for a heavy, repetitive start. If you’re not a fan of unreliable narrators, or dislike books that dwell deeply in a character’s emotional struggles, this might feel frustrating. A few people didn’t love the final confrontation trope, and if you’re sensitive to stories about child abduction and postpartum depression, this could be tough to read.
About:
'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.
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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 (76)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (28) | |
Liked It (23) | |
It Was OK (13) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (193):
Read It (89) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (86) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (14) |
2 comment(s)
4.7, enjoyable :)
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
What can you read after
All the Dangerous Things?
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