Lisa Gardner | LOOK FOR ME

Plot (via Goodreads):

The home of a family of five is now a crime scene: four of them savagely murdered, one—a sixteen-year-old girl—missing. Was she lucky to have escaped? Or is her absence evidence of something sinister? Detective D. D. Warren is on the case—but so is survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane. Seeking different types of justice, they must make sense of the clues left behind by a young woman who, whether as victim or suspect, is silently pleading, Look for me.

Review:

As my first Lisa Gardner novel, I was pleased to get to read LOOK FOR ME as I had heard so many wonderful things when FIND HER was released last year. This novel is one hell of a crime fiction story that blends together police procedural, multiple storylines, and a look inside the entire victims life through a plethora of fantastically executed essays.

LOOK FOR ME starts off with a horror movie-esque bang that left me breathless, terrified, and speechless. I knew I was in for one wild ride the minute the prologue was over and I had no idea where this story was going. The plot of this novel is not only tightly woven, but claustrophobic and genuinely chilling. I loved getting to know D.D. Warren and Flora Dane and looked forward to the alternating chapters as the two worked together and separately to try and get to the bottom of this spiderweb of a mystery. These two women were not only expertly written, but flawed and lovable at the same time. They are scared, strong, and vulnerable with a tough exterior that a bullet could bounce off. I loved getting to know them and I look forward to seeing them again.

What I really enjoyed about this novel and Gardner's writing was that not only does each word go unnoticed, but Gardner takes the reader on a journey with this case that is immersive and brilliantly twisted. The way she constructs this story is by holding onto your attention and bringing you down the dark and twisted road as they work this case...and they bring you along every step of the way. I loved how different D.D. and Flora's alternate chapters were and how each women brought something different to their narrative. Nothing is held back as you uncover each brilliant twist through their eyes. I loved that as part of a series, Gardner gives you insight into what these two women have been through in the past and what makes them who they are at that moment of your reading. 

With a spine-tingling opening, a dangerously sharp plot, and characters that bring the story to life, Gardner is really a force to be reckoned with. Her story telling, ability to write flawed and at times unreliable characters, and ease at wrapping everything up neatly with a bow by the novels chilling and bitter finale is not only remarkable, but conclusive in turning a reader into a fan. Perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell and Karin Slaughter, this is one read you don't want to have to look too far for. This title is released on February 6th, 2018 and my advice is to get a copy and don't let it too far out of your sight. You won't regret buckling your seatbelt and taking on this wild ride.

*Special thank you to Dutton Books for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5