Live. Laugh. Kidnap by Gabby Noone

Challenge #29 ~ “Two books published in the same year: Book 2”

livelaughkidnap

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

I was wanting and expecting a slightly weird and light-hearted story going into this book, and Noone more than delivered. The characters felt realistic and relatable, and despite three perspectives from three (initially unconnected) parties, each felt distinct and there were no troubles keeping all the different side characters and plotlines straight. My two main qualms with the book were the beginning and the ending – the former of which was unnecessarily weird/uncomfortable (and I can see putting many a reader off) and the latter of which felt rather rushed compared to the pacing of the rest of the novel.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

There was a strong sense of place, and, sure, they’re the types of locations many of us are familiar with (whether from personal experience or film/TV), but I found that they really leapt off the page. This helped not only cement the realism in the tale, but also added to how easily engaging it was to the reader.

A warning for the book:

It’s a very grounded-in-the-everyday kind of tale rather than a sensationalistic story. That is to say, everything could have been dialled up more, rom the stakes to the drama to the consequent adrenaline. I can see why Noone may have decided a less theatrical approach (emphasising the place televangelism, cults, real estate conglomerates etc. have in regular society) but equally the inner thrill-seeker in me wanted some more high-stakes action like the blurb and title seemed to hint at.

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