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noveldeelights's review
4.0
Ah, the box. It got your attention in that blurb, didn’t it? As it did mine. What is this mysterious thing not everyone comes out of alive? You get a sneak peek at it in the opening chapter and it’ll send chills down your spine. But after that, the box just kind of disappears until halfway through the story when you’re almost at that point where you completely forgot about it. My point being, if said box is the reason you’re picking up this book, you may end up being slightly disappointed because ‘The Box‘ is more not about the box than it *is* about the box. If you catch my drift.
The set-up of this story reminded me a little bit of something Harlan Coben might do. In ‘The Box‘, the reader is introduced to Ed Truman. Ed is a perfectly normal every day family man, married, father of two and working as a lawyer. But suddenly he finds himself in extraordinary circumstances when his daughter is the target of an alt-right incel organisation. Things get ugly really fast. Ed’s family home is picketed by members of Men Together, former clients turn on him and accuse him of sexual assault, he and his wife seem to do nothing but argue. And then Ed’s daughter disappears. He’s convinced Men Together have something to do with that but before he can act, Ed finds himself the subject of a manhunt when his DNA is found on the body of a murdered young woman. And now this ordinary man must find a way to survive these extraordinary circumstances, keep his family safe and find his daughter before it’s too late. Piece of cake, really.
Doesn’t Ed sound like a character to root for? Yet, I can’t say I entirely was. I didn’t particularly like him, to begin with, although I wasn’t quite able to put a finger on why. He made mistakes, seemed to miss things I thought were glaringly obvious and definitely wouldn’t be up for a Father of the Year award. No, my loyalties were elsewhere.
Enter Detective Jackie Rose. Intelligent, intuitive, relentless, determined and hugely damaged Jackie. This week couldn’t possibly be worse for her as she is forced to relive the worst day of her life but she has a job to do. Will she be able to keep her head on the task at hand? I got behind Jackie from the minute I met her. She has no time for rules, or new colleagues that drive her up the wall. Actually she came across a little bit as a total not-people person and boy, can I relate to that! Jackie has no time for your bullshit. She was a character I just really liked and if at one point maybe she could get another murder case to solve, I would not be averse to that. Not so subtle hint.
‘The Box‘ is a complex and unpredictable thriller. I struggled to get to grips with it at the beginning, I must admit. It felt as if I had been thrown in at the deep end, unable to find my bearings, not seeing which way was up. It was almost as if I’d somehow missed the set-up and I was dropped into the middle of this story where things seemed rather random and little made sense to me. Now obviously, this could just be me because if you’ve been reading my reviews lately then you know my one remaining braincell is barely functioning at half capacity these days. But on the off-chance that you happen to feel the same way when you start ‘The Box‘, stick with it. It will all start to make sense at some point. I promise.
This is an author who doesn’t shy away from current and tough subject matters. ‘Men Together’ will make your blood boil, especially because it’s unfortunately utterly believable and realistic. There were some things I didn’t see coming, there were some that were a bit too predictable. It’s a chilling storyline for sure but I think I could have done with a bit more suspense and tension. That said, I enjoyed my introduction to Dan Malakin’s work and I’ll be sure to check out more.
With thanks to the publisher!
The set-up of this story reminded me a little bit of something Harlan Coben might do. In ‘The Box‘, the reader is introduced to Ed Truman. Ed is a perfectly normal every day family man, married, father of two and working as a lawyer. But suddenly he finds himself in extraordinary circumstances when his daughter is the target of an alt-right incel organisation. Things get ugly really fast. Ed’s family home is picketed by members of Men Together, former clients turn on him and accuse him of sexual assault, he and his wife seem to do nothing but argue. And then Ed’s daughter disappears. He’s convinced Men Together have something to do with that but before he can act, Ed finds himself the subject of a manhunt when his DNA is found on the body of a murdered young woman. And now this ordinary man must find a way to survive these extraordinary circumstances, keep his family safe and find his daughter before it’s too late. Piece of cake, really.
Doesn’t Ed sound like a character to root for? Yet, I can’t say I entirely was. I didn’t particularly like him, to begin with, although I wasn’t quite able to put a finger on why. He made mistakes, seemed to miss things I thought were glaringly obvious and definitely wouldn’t be up for a Father of the Year award. No, my loyalties were elsewhere.
Enter Detective Jackie Rose. Intelligent, intuitive, relentless, determined and hugely damaged Jackie. This week couldn’t possibly be worse for her as she is forced to relive the worst day of her life but she has a job to do. Will she be able to keep her head on the task at hand? I got behind Jackie from the minute I met her. She has no time for rules, or new colleagues that drive her up the wall. Actually she came across a little bit as a total not-people person and boy, can I relate to that! Jackie has no time for your bullshit. She was a character I just really liked and if at one point maybe she could get another murder case to solve, I would not be averse to that. Not so subtle hint.
‘The Box‘ is a complex and unpredictable thriller. I struggled to get to grips with it at the beginning, I must admit. It felt as if I had been thrown in at the deep end, unable to find my bearings, not seeing which way was up. It was almost as if I’d somehow missed the set-up and I was dropped into the middle of this story where things seemed rather random and little made sense to me. Now obviously, this could just be me because if you’ve been reading my reviews lately then you know my one remaining braincell is barely functioning at half capacity these days. But on the off-chance that you happen to feel the same way when you start ‘The Box‘, stick with it. It will all start to make sense at some point. I promise.
This is an author who doesn’t shy away from current and tough subject matters. ‘Men Together’ will make your blood boil, especially because it’s unfortunately utterly believable and realistic. There were some things I didn’t see coming, there were some that were a bit too predictable. It’s a chilling storyline for sure but I think I could have done with a bit more suspense and tension. That said, I enjoyed my introduction to Dan Malakin’s work and I’ll be sure to check out more.
With thanks to the publisher!
beckys_book_blog's review
4.0
This was a cleverly written dark thriller which I enjoyed.
The story starts with the Truman family who are worried about their teenage daughter Ally who has disappeared after publicly provoking the leader of an Incel group. Ed, the father is forced to go on the run after he is accused of sexual harassment and then the murder of another girl.
Meanwhile D.I Jackie Ross is trying to find Ed and solve the murder.
What has happened to Ally? Is Ed involved and how is the leader of Men Together involved?
I found this slightly slow to get into but the book really picked up pace and I was gripped by the second half. I loved the short, pacy chapters. The characters were well written and very believable. I really felt for Ed who was trying his best to uncover the truth, save his daughter (and family) and protect her friend Phoenix. He did remind me slightly of Walter from Breaking Bad when he was on the run! Benedict was also a great villain.
There were lots of good twists towards the end and I found the storyline around the incel group fascinating.
The Box is not actually featured that much so the title is slightly misleading and I would have liked the dystopian element to have been explored more. It does features in the last part of the book though and this was my favourite part. The epilogue was a clever final twist! A great, tense thriller with an original storyline.
The story starts with the Truman family who are worried about their teenage daughter Ally who has disappeared after publicly provoking the leader of an Incel group. Ed, the father is forced to go on the run after he is accused of sexual harassment and then the murder of another girl.
Meanwhile D.I Jackie Ross is trying to find Ed and solve the murder.
What has happened to Ally? Is Ed involved and how is the leader of Men Together involved?
I found this slightly slow to get into but the book really picked up pace and I was gripped by the second half. I loved the short, pacy chapters. The characters were well written and very believable. I really felt for Ed who was trying his best to uncover the truth, save his daughter (and family) and protect her friend Phoenix. He did remind me slightly of Walter from Breaking Bad when he was on the run! Benedict was also a great villain.
There were lots of good twists towards the end and I found the storyline around the incel group fascinating.
The Box is not actually featured that much so the title is slightly misleading and I would have liked the dystopian element to have been explored more. It does features in the last part of the book though and this was my favourite part. The epilogue was a clever final twist! A great, tense thriller with an original storyline.
chapter1_page1's review
4.0
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
A slow-burning, addictive read.
I thought the first few chapters were slightly slow-paced and it took me a while to get into, but once it really got going I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I particularly like Dan Malakin’s fluid writing style; I found it extremely easy to read and the short chapters heightened the feeling of tension and suspense. There’s also a gentle humour in the mix that helped lighten the mood.
The Box features diverse, relatable characters and the dialogue between them always feels authentic and believable.
The title is a little deceiving as the box doesn’t actually feature that much in the book. Overall, it’s a dark, atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Many thanks to the publisher for my proof copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
A slow-burning, addictive read.
I thought the first few chapters were slightly slow-paced and it took me a while to get into, but once it really got going I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I particularly like Dan Malakin’s fluid writing style; I found it extremely easy to read and the short chapters heightened the feeling of tension and suspense. There’s also a gentle humour in the mix that helped lighten the mood.
The Box features diverse, relatable characters and the dialogue between them always feels authentic and believable.
The title is a little deceiving as the box doesn’t actually feature that much in the book. Overall, it’s a dark, atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Many thanks to the publisher for my proof copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
annarella's review
4.0
This is a book that stats with a bang, becomes a slow burning thriller and keeps you hooked till the end.
There's a lot going on, an average man involved in something very big and an interesting detective.
I loved the storytelling and the solid plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a lot going on, an average man involved in something very big and an interesting detective.
I loved the storytelling and the solid plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
fran_mcbookface's review
3.0
Lawyer, Ed Trumans family is going through a rough patch that’s about to get much worse. When Ed’s daughter Ali goes missing and he is charged with the murder of a young woman his life goes into freefall.
Hard to say too much about this one without giving it all away and I think you’ll enjoy it more if you just jump in blind like I did.
Some thrillers throw you straight into the action but I found this to be more of a slow burn before hotting up.
The opening really grabbed me but sadly for me despite the promising start that rest of the book didn’t really live up to expectation for me.
The premise of the eponymous Box itself is really dark. Probably because it deals with obnoxious attitudes we see almost daily and it wasn’t too much of a leap to think that this could be happening somewhere in real life. However although it was a great idea I didn’t feel particularly gripped by the execution of the story.
In terms of the characters, I found the Ed to be a bit meh (and don’t even get me started on Gabrielle) but I liked the character of DCI Rose who seemed more human and relatable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper/Serpents Tail/ Profile for a chance to read an early copy of this book
Hard to say too much about this one without giving it all away and I think you’ll enjoy it more if you just jump in blind like I did.
Some thrillers throw you straight into the action but I found this to be more of a slow burn before hotting up.
The opening really grabbed me but sadly for me despite the promising start that rest of the book didn’t really live up to expectation for me.
The premise of the eponymous Box itself is really dark. Probably because it deals with obnoxious attitudes we see almost daily and it wasn’t too much of a leap to think that this could be happening somewhere in real life. However although it was a great idea I didn’t feel particularly gripped by the execution of the story.
In terms of the characters, I found the Ed to be a bit meh (and don’t even get me started on Gabrielle) but I liked the character of DCI Rose who seemed more human and relatable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper/Serpents Tail/ Profile for a chance to read an early copy of this book
passmeabookplease's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Viper Books/Serpants Tail and Dan Malakin for this advanced copy!
What a wild read this was! The Box is a twisting, crime thriller that will have you in the edge of your seat, gripped on every word! Malakin's writing of murder, extremism, incels and blackmail makes a story that is truly addictive and hard to put down. Multiple POVs are always a favourite feature of mine, there's just something about them thay create an air of suspense! When following Ed, Jackie, Phoenix and the other characters, you're left wondering what's the next twist, and which player's life is about to be upended.
I have to say I honestly found the into incel aspect scary. The entire process that's discussed in this book is mad and you just know that it's based in truth. The grooming, cyber bullying, speeches and YouTube videos. It's a terrifying reality. How one group can control and unravel so many peoples lives, just like in The Box. The last few chapters of this book really made it for me. It is so intense and there are some revelations which I did not expect at all! A few little jaw drop moments!
If you're looking for a quick read that will have you hooked, The Box is for you!
*Please research any trigger warnings before reading *
What a wild read this was! The Box is a twisting, crime thriller that will have you in the edge of your seat, gripped on every word! Malakin's writing of murder, extremism, incels and blackmail makes a story that is truly addictive and hard to put down. Multiple POVs are always a favourite feature of mine, there's just something about them thay create an air of suspense! When following Ed, Jackie, Phoenix and the other characters, you're left wondering what's the next twist, and which player's life is about to be upended.
I have to say I honestly found the into incel aspect scary. The entire process that's discussed in this book is mad and you just know that it's based in truth. The grooming, cyber bullying, speeches and YouTube videos. It's a terrifying reality. How one group can control and unravel so many peoples lives, just like in The Box. The last few chapters of this book really made it for me. It is so intense and there are some revelations which I did not expect at all! A few little jaw drop moments!
If you're looking for a quick read that will have you hooked, The Box is for you!
*Please research any trigger warnings before reading *
sarahs_bookish_life's review
4.0
The opening to this story had me well and truly hooked! I was desperate to discover more about The Box!
Ed is very much the underdog. He is your average bloke, married with two children, living a normal life. He is pushed well and truly out of his comfort zone when his daughter disappears and he finds himself wanted by the police. I found it great reading seeing this relatively weak man growing mentally stronger in his fight for the truth and in keeping his family together.
Jackie is another great character who is flawed by a devastating event from her past. It has made her relentless and to always go with her gut instinct which in itself leads her into trouble with her boss and colleagues. I loved how gutsy she is and how the detective side of things within the story was every bit as fast paced and action packed.
The Box is one of those books that is crying out to be turned into a blockbuster film! The relatively short chapters had me racing through the book and there was never a lull as there was so much going on. The tension ramps up along with the pacing until the reader is hurtling along at full speed towards the end. My first and most certainly not my last book by the author. Dare you open The Box?
My thanks to Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Ed is very much the underdog. He is your average bloke, married with two children, living a normal life. He is pushed well and truly out of his comfort zone when his daughter disappears and he finds himself wanted by the police. I found it great reading seeing this relatively weak man growing mentally stronger in his fight for the truth and in keeping his family together.
Jackie is another great character who is flawed by a devastating event from her past. It has made her relentless and to always go with her gut instinct which in itself leads her into trouble with her boss and colleagues. I loved how gutsy she is and how the detective side of things within the story was every bit as fast paced and action packed.
The Box is one of those books that is crying out to be turned into a blockbuster film! The relatively short chapters had me racing through the book and there was never a lull as there was so much going on. The tension ramps up along with the pacing until the reader is hurtling along at full speed towards the end. My first and most certainly not my last book by the author. Dare you open The Box?
My thanks to Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
bookoholic's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
The Box is the first book by Dan which I read, and I definitely want to catch-up on The Regret and Smiling Exercises!
The book flows, the writing is really good. The story is quite terrifying as I believe it could be happening somewhere in the world. I wouldn't be surprised at all, maybe even in America where all different kind of extremes happen (and are tolerated for whatever reason, often encouraged by the right-wing politicians).
Ed Truman is a lawyer, he wanted to help his daughter Ally who was targeted by the alt-right incel organisation Men Together. After his actions to take down the website which shared Ally's personal information, bad things starts happening. His daughter disappears on a supposed weekend away with friends, he's been accused of a sexual assault and potentially a murder! He's on a run with the only person who might know something... Phoenix - Ally's friend.
This fast-paced thriller is full of action, and a warning. I believe we need to be more conscious about the alt-right organisations brainwashing people and gaining more and more power. The clock is ticking, Ally is still missing, and the police is on Ed's trail...
I loved the different timelines of the book, the structure. It was a great read, chapters are written from the different people's perspectives and there's an underlying story of a detective which I found really interesting.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending of the story, nevertheless I loved the book!
PS. What a brilliant cover!
The book flows, the writing is really good. The story is quite terrifying as I believe it could be happening somewhere in the world. I wouldn't be surprised at all, maybe even in America where all different kind of extremes happen (and are tolerated for whatever reason, often encouraged by the right-wing politicians).
Ed Truman is a lawyer, he wanted to help his daughter Ally who was targeted by the alt-right incel organisation Men Together. After his actions to take down the website which shared Ally's personal information, bad things starts happening. His daughter disappears on a supposed weekend away with friends, he's been accused of a sexual assault and potentially a murder! He's on a run with the only person who might know something... Phoenix - Ally's friend.
This fast-paced thriller is full of action, and a warning. I believe we need to be more conscious about the alt-right organisations brainwashing people and gaining more and more power. The clock is ticking, Ally is still missing, and the police is on Ed's trail...
I loved the different timelines of the book, the structure. It was a great read, chapters are written from the different people's perspectives and there's an underlying story of a detective which I found really interesting.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending of the story, nevertheless I loved the book!
PS. What a brilliant cover!
michelles_book_nook's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
⚠️ TW: murder, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, racism, xenophobia, sexual assault, black mail, violence, alcoholism, drugging, rape, torture, conversion therapy, grooming, mentions of domestic violence ⚠️ Wow this is a dark, page turning rollercoaster ride of a thriller! This book follows Ed Truman and his family. He's been accused of sexual assault by 3 former clients, his son, Mitchell, won't speak to anyone and his daughter, Ally, is being targeted by an alt-right organisation when she disappears. Ed believes the organisation targeting her have abducted her, but before he can go to the police his DNA is found on the body of a murdered young woman. Suddenly he's the subject of a nationwide manhunt led by the tenacious DCI Jackie Rose. Ed finds himself on the run with Ally's friend, Phoenix, who claims she knows where Ally is. But what is the truth, is Ed a violent sexual predator or is he the victim of a ruthless conspiracy theory? This book has so many layers and will have you hooked from the very beginning. It is filled with dark and gripping twists and is so unbelievably fast paced. I really loved how it was good vs evil throughout the whole book but also didn't make Ed and his family perfect either. Also, another thing that made this book even darker for me is knowing that alt-right groups like this actually exist in the real world. Overall, I recommend giving this one a read but please take the TW's into consideration before you do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Alcoholism, Violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, Murder, Homophobia, Drug abuse, and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse