J.P. Pomare | CALL ME EVIE

Plot (via Goodreads):

For the past two weeks, seventeen-year-old Kate Bennet has lived against her will in an isolated cabin in a remote beach town--brought there by a mysterious man named Bill. Part captor, part benefactor, Bill calls her Evie and tells her he's hiding her to protect her. That she did something terrible one night back home in Melbourne--something so unspeakable that he had no choice but to take her away. The trouble is, Kate can't remember the night in question. 

The fragments of Kate's shattered memories of her old life seem happy: good friends, a big house in the suburbs, a devoted boyfriend. Bill says he'll help her fill in the blanks--but his story isn't adding up. And as she tries to reconcile the girl she thought she'd been with the devastating consequences Bill claims she's responsible for, Kate will unearth secrets about herself and those closest to her that could change everything. 

Review:

Call Me Evie is a debut that has officially solidified itself as a psychological thriller that will be unforgettable for years to come. Pomare wastes no time introducing us to Bill and Evie - a girl who is being held against her will in a cabin and I was immediately intrigued. As we all know, I am a sucker for multiple timelines and the contrast between the past and the present in this novel is dazzling and addictive. I was quickly immersed in this plot and found myself loving both sides of Evie - the normal teenage girl turning into an adult and the captive that is terrified yet tough and illusive.

The pacing with this story just kept me right where Pomare wanted me - lost in this novel and in the most amazing way possible. This was like a deeply twisted Netflix binge. I had to remind myself to stay hydrated, eat, and most of the time I had no idea where my beloved iPhone was. That to me is a genius read. I loved how the past and the present were not only beautifully contrasted with one another but completely in sync with the pacing. The novel is intriguing and inviting for the first half, whereas the second half just skyrockets with intensity and brilliant storytelling. The characterization is not only effective, but even the secondary characters were entertaining to read (even the ones I wasn't supposed to like). As the novel progresses and the revelations come out of nowhere, I was blindsided by the very last chapter that sent a chill up my spine and yet made me laugh with delight. J.P. Pomare, I don't know where this story came from but I hope there's many more in that brilliant brain of yours for me to enjoy.

Special thanks to G.P. Putnam and Sons and Dan Lazar for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 5/5