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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I really loved this book! It was different from any thriller I’ve ever read before and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a twisty thriller.
Thank you to the author & Atria Books for gifting me this book in exchange for a honest review.
Fern is about to head to her hometown to help her dad, Ted, pack for a long haul move when she sees a picture of a kidnap victim on TV. The victim is Astrid, who was kidnapped in Fern’s hometown 20 years ago, by supposedly the same captor who was never found. Something about Astrid’s picture triggers emotions and repressed memories in Fern, so she decides to seek answers and find Astrid.
I must admit that when I was at one third of this book, I hated it. The story deals with a very intense, disturbing dynamic (or I should say abuse) between father and daughter. Ted has been using Fern as a psychology experiment throughout her life, which causes Fern to be a highly self-doubting and insecure individual. Her constant anxiety permeates throughout the book so this is definitely not a book to read if you’re not in a positive frame of mind.
However the author perfectly weaves in a healthy, beautiful relationship between Fern and her husband, Eric, as a sharp contrast to that of Fern’s with her father. I marvel at how Ms. Collins crafted a textbook-perfect manipulator who delivered deceiving words and actions at impeccable timings to hold his prey’s attention and interest, especially when he felt his victim was gaining an upper hand. You will find every manipulation technique such as gaslighting and projection in this book.
As for the actual story of the book, I had figured out the two final reveals by midway. The author gives you very subtle clues, you just need to find it. In the end, I loved this book more for the way the author created her characters than the story itself. There are many triggers in this book, including xenophobic attitudes by religious fanatics towards lesbian characters.
Fern is about to head to her hometown to help her dad, Ted, pack for a long haul move when she sees a picture of a kidnap victim on TV. The victim is Astrid, who was kidnapped in Fern’s hometown 20 years ago, by supposedly the same captor who was never found. Something about Astrid’s picture triggers emotions and repressed memories in Fern, so she decides to seek answers and find Astrid.
I must admit that when I was at one third of this book, I hated it. The story deals with a very intense, disturbing dynamic (or I should say abuse) between father and daughter. Ted has been using Fern as a psychology experiment throughout her life, which causes Fern to be a highly self-doubting and insecure individual. Her constant anxiety permeates throughout the book so this is definitely not a book to read if you’re not in a positive frame of mind.
However the author perfectly weaves in a healthy, beautiful relationship between Fern and her husband, Eric, as a sharp contrast to that of Fern’s with her father. I marvel at how Ms. Collins crafted a textbook-perfect manipulator who delivered deceiving words and actions at impeccable timings to hold his prey’s attention and interest, especially when he felt his victim was gaining an upper hand. You will find every manipulation technique such as gaslighting and projection in this book.
As for the actual story of the book, I had figured out the two final reveals by midway. The author gives you very subtle clues, you just need to find it. In the end, I loved this book more for the way the author created her characters than the story itself. There are many triggers in this book, including xenophobic attitudes by religious fanatics towards lesbian characters.
I have got to be honest, I am still gathering all of my feelings up for [b:Behind the Red Door|52763592|Behind the Red Door|Megan Collins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579055031l/52763592._SY75_.jpg|67689100] by [a:Megan Collins|18280418|Megan Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1533773606p2/18280418.jpg], but I will say this is a quick, engrossing, and frustrating read. I don't think I truly liked a single character in this book and Fern and her father both made me want to throw my book across the room. BUT, I have got to hand it to Collins for producing so many emotions in me! I did not see the end coming, and it was all a surprise to me. I had so many theories while reading the book and then it turned out not a single one was right. It may have its flaws, but I am always impressed when a book can keep me guessing and that is exactly what Behind the Red Door did.
It's a rather slow burn, but all of the chapters are fairly short, and it is a very quick read so this could easily be read in one sitting. This is my first time reading a book by this author and it will definitely not be my last! I really enjoyed Collins' writing style, and I am hoping characters in her other books will have more of a backbone. I prefer books that have strong female leads and that is not what I would call Fern, but she did redeem herself a bit in the end for me which I was happy about. And honestly she was definitely the way she was because of the story and if she would have been a strong lead this would have been a different book.
I don't think a whole lot can be said about Behind the Red Door without giving anything away so I highly recommend going in mostly blind. I do wish the end would have answered more of my questions, but overall this is a thrilling, suspenseful read that I highly recommend if you don't mind unlikable characters.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
It's a rather slow burn, but all of the chapters are fairly short, and it is a very quick read so this could easily be read in one sitting. This is my first time reading a book by this author and it will definitely not be my last! I really enjoyed Collins' writing style, and I am hoping characters in her other books will have more of a backbone. I prefer books that have strong female leads and that is not what I would call Fern, but she did redeem herself a bit in the end for me which I was happy about. And honestly she was definitely the way she was because of the story and if she would have been a strong lead this would have been a different book.
I don't think a whole lot can be said about Behind the Red Door without giving anything away so I highly recommend going in mostly blind. I do wish the end would have answered more of my questions, but overall this is a thrilling, suspenseful read that I highly recommend if you don't mind unlikable characters.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is a dark, psychological thriller with very descriptive writing and decent compelling character development. You do really feel for and connect with the main character but I was left wanting when it came to some of the more important side characters.
I did correctly guess the twists but the way this book is written, with all the different turns, I kept almost second-guessing myself.
It's suspenseful and captivating and I'd recommend it to both thriller fans and those just dipping their toes in.
I did correctly guess the twists but the way this book is written, with all the different turns, I kept almost second-guessing myself.
It's suspenseful and captivating and I'd recommend it to both thriller fans and those just dipping their toes in.
**Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a great, gripping and fast read. I could not put it down! Fern suffers from an anxiety disorder and when she’s on the way to see her father she sees news of a missing woman named Astrid Sullivan. Fern swears she knows her but Fern’s husband believes its because the kidnapping was well known but Fern has no memory of the famous kidnapping. Astrid wrote a memoir about her experience being kidnapped then returned unharmed and it appears she has been kidnapped again. Fern purchases the memoir and as she begins to read she feels a disturbing connection to Astrid. Fern must confront these memories in order to survive and save Astrid.
Behind the Red Door was so well planned and detailed. It kept me guessing the entire time. The characters were complex and compelling too. Part of me wanted a different ending, which I wish I could share but it would spoil things. Overall this book was fantastic. It was dark, disturbing and everything you want a thriller to be.
What a great, gripping and fast read. I could not put it down! Fern suffers from an anxiety disorder and when she’s on the way to see her father she sees news of a missing woman named Astrid Sullivan. Fern swears she knows her but Fern’s husband believes its because the kidnapping was well known but Fern has no memory of the famous kidnapping. Astrid wrote a memoir about her experience being kidnapped then returned unharmed and it appears she has been kidnapped again. Fern purchases the memoir and as she begins to read she feels a disturbing connection to Astrid. Fern must confront these memories in order to survive and save Astrid.
Behind the Red Door was so well planned and detailed. It kept me guessing the entire time. The characters were complex and compelling too. Part of me wanted a different ending, which I wish I could share but it would spoil things. Overall this book was fantastic. It was dark, disturbing and everything you want a thriller to be.
Fern Douglas can’t shake the feeling that she knows a local missing woman, Astrid Sullivan. Fern’s husband is sure it’s because Astrid was kidnapped as a child, then set free which drew national headlines. As an adult, Astrid published a memoir which sparked new interest in her story. But it also sparked interest in her kidnapper because she’s missing again. Fern starts having vivid dreams about Astrid, that feel more like a memory. As Fern travels to her childhood home, she begins to experience flashbacks and a feeling of kinship with Astrid that uncover repressed memories. Fern is sure that if she can remember more clearly, she can find Astrid before her fate is sealed.
This book made me picture changing leaves, cold weather, and creepy little towns. I loved all the fall vibes. The plot of this story was so eccentric and unique. I say that a lot, but this one truly was unexpected. This book brings ‘psychological thriller’ to another (very literal) level and doesn’t fit the mold of many other suspense books. The characters really stand out and there’s a purpose for each one of them. There could have been an entire other book on Fern’s childhood and relationship with her parents because it’s such a strange dynamic. The character personalities certainly added to the creep factor of this story. This one is out on August 4, and is so perfect for fall!
This book made me picture changing leaves, cold weather, and creepy little towns. I loved all the fall vibes. The plot of this story was so eccentric and unique. I say that a lot, but this one truly was unexpected. This book brings ‘psychological thriller’ to another (very literal) level and doesn’t fit the mold of many other suspense books. The characters really stand out and there’s a purpose for each one of them. There could have been an entire other book on Fern’s childhood and relationship with her parents because it’s such a strange dynamic. The character personalities certainly added to the creep factor of this story. This one is out on August 4, and is so perfect for fall!
Seeing Red
Insomnia is a good thing when it comes to reading some nights. I want to say that Megan Collins writes a very twisty story in this book and it was worth every minute of lost sleep. Before I continue I do want to say that this book does contain Child Abuse, Kidnapping and Mental Abuse so if these are triggers for you then I will say tread lightly. I do not want to warn you away from the book because it is such a great read so please give it a chance just go at your own pace.
Now that all the trigger warnings are out of the way let us talk about the good parts and why I loved this so much. Fern is a school teacher who has the summer off and gets a call from her father to come help him move and the call in my opinion came across like Fern was bothered by it. She is always looking for her father’s approval and she seems to never get it. When she comes across a book by Astrid Sullivan and for a reason, she couldn’t figure out it made her uneasy. It also is important to mention that Astrid was missing and is now missing again twenty years later.
I loved the creepy feeling that this book gave me and the questions I had all the way through. What Megan Collins does beautifully in this book is that she answers all your questions and still leaves you wanting more. While this is my first exposure to this author it will not be the last. I enjoyed the fast paced ride that this book was able to offer. I do want to say I was sorry to all parties involved in deciding in my arc of this novel. My delay has nothing to do with the book and more to do with life.
Insomnia is a good thing when it comes to reading some nights. I want to say that Megan Collins writes a very twisty story in this book and it was worth every minute of lost sleep. Before I continue I do want to say that this book does contain Child Abuse, Kidnapping and Mental Abuse so if these are triggers for you then I will say tread lightly. I do not want to warn you away from the book because it is such a great read so please give it a chance just go at your own pace.
Now that all the trigger warnings are out of the way let us talk about the good parts and why I loved this so much. Fern is a school teacher who has the summer off and gets a call from her father to come help him move and the call in my opinion came across like Fern was bothered by it. She is always looking for her father’s approval and she seems to never get it. When she comes across a book by Astrid Sullivan and for a reason, she couldn’t figure out it made her uneasy. It also is important to mention that Astrid was missing and is now missing again twenty years later.
I loved the creepy feeling that this book gave me and the questions I had all the way through. What Megan Collins does beautifully in this book is that she answers all your questions and still leaves you wanting more. While this is my first exposure to this author it will not be the last. I enjoyed the fast paced ride that this book was able to offer. I do want to say I was sorry to all parties involved in deciding in my arc of this novel. My delay has nothing to do with the book and more to do with life.
I received a complimentary copy of BEHIND THE RED DOOR by Megan Collins. Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the chance to read for an honest review!
BEHIND THE RED DOOR follows Fern Douglas. When she sees on the news that a woman named Astrid Sullivan has gone missing, Fern feels like she knows the woman but she can’t figure out how. Even more bizarre, this is the second time Astrid has been missing. As a child she was abducted and held for a couple weeks and the released with no culprit identified.
Fern travels to her home town in New Hampshire to help her father prepare to move in spite of a strained relationship. While there she picks up a copy of Astrid’s recently published memoir about her first abduction. As Fern reads it, she becomes more and more sure she has some connection to Astrid in her past and her dreams and emerging memories seem to support the idea. With few answers to her many questions, Fern sets out to understand what has happened to Astrid and to her younger self.
For me the summer means BBQs and thrillers and this was the perfect summer read for me! I sat down one afternoon over lunch to start this one and before I knew it, I had whipped through the entire thing! This was a twisty read and it kept me hooked throughout. There were some things I saw coming, but there were aspects that still took me by surprise and I wasn’t sure how this would entirely play out!
Fern is a great nuanced character. She struggles with her mental health and trying to find balance in her life. Early on we learn from Fern’s husband that Fern’s dad is not going to be a likable man, but man is he a frustrating character (in a good way). Fern’s parents were less concerned with being good parents and more concerned with their own academic and artistic pursuits. As Fern begins to question her own memories from her childhood, the lack of information her own parents have about her is amazing!
This is one that I would recommend for thriller fans for a twisty read and I will be reading more from Megan Collins! Find out what is BEHIND THE RED DOOR when Megan Collin’s book is released on August 4, 2020!
BEHIND THE RED DOOR follows Fern Douglas. When she sees on the news that a woman named Astrid Sullivan has gone missing, Fern feels like she knows the woman but she can’t figure out how. Even more bizarre, this is the second time Astrid has been missing. As a child she was abducted and held for a couple weeks and the released with no culprit identified.
Fern travels to her home town in New Hampshire to help her father prepare to move in spite of a strained relationship. While there she picks up a copy of Astrid’s recently published memoir about her first abduction. As Fern reads it, she becomes more and more sure she has some connection to Astrid in her past and her dreams and emerging memories seem to support the idea. With few answers to her many questions, Fern sets out to understand what has happened to Astrid and to her younger self.
For me the summer means BBQs and thrillers and this was the perfect summer read for me! I sat down one afternoon over lunch to start this one and before I knew it, I had whipped through the entire thing! This was a twisty read and it kept me hooked throughout. There were some things I saw coming, but there were aspects that still took me by surprise and I wasn’t sure how this would entirely play out!
Fern is a great nuanced character. She struggles with her mental health and trying to find balance in her life. Early on we learn from Fern’s husband that Fern’s dad is not going to be a likable man, but man is he a frustrating character (in a good way). Fern’s parents were less concerned with being good parents and more concerned with their own academic and artistic pursuits. As Fern begins to question her own memories from her childhood, the lack of information her own parents have about her is amazing!
This is one that I would recommend for thriller fans for a twisty read and I will be reading more from Megan Collins! Find out what is BEHIND THE RED DOOR when Megan Collin’s book is released on August 4, 2020!
**I received a Kindle edition of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Fern Douglas sees a news report one night that starts to trigger a sense of uneasiness about her past. There is a story about a woman who has gone missing.....again. Astrid Sullivan was kidnapped when she was younger, only to be found left on the street 2 weeks later . Her kidnapper was never found. Now it's years later and she has a memoir coming out telling all about her experience while kidnapped. Just as her book it about to come out she disappears. Fern starts to have memories which include small visions of Astrid. She doesn't know if they're real memories, or "memories" that she's forming based on reading Astrid's memoir. Fern starts to do some of her own investigating into Astrid's past and current disappearance. Astrid mentions a second kidnapped girl who spent 1 week in the basement with her and Fern starts to believe she is that girl. Fern is supposed to be helping her father pack up and move to Florida, but she's spending the majority of her time looking into disturbing details of her childhood and Astrid's kidnapping.
I enjoyed The Winter Sister and was looking forward to the second book from Collins, however it fell flat for me. I knew who the kidnapper was very early on in the story, it was pretty obvious to me. I don't think it's a believable premise. At all. I kept rolling my eyes and how naive Fern was being throughout the whole entire story. I really didn't like or connect with any characters in the story and found the whole story unbelievable. *Spoilers Ahead*
I absolutely could not stand her parents, Ted and Mara. They are both psychopaths. Being committed to your career or your "art" is one thing. Committing a felony is something completely different and I can't wrap my head around the fact that they would do something like that twice and then go on living their lives as if nothing ever happened. This book just wasn't for me.
Fern Douglas sees a news report one night that starts to trigger a sense of uneasiness about her past. There is a story about a woman who has gone missing.....again. Astrid Sullivan was kidnapped when she was younger, only to be found left on the street 2 weeks later . Her kidnapper was never found. Now it's years later and she has a memoir coming out telling all about her experience while kidnapped. Just as her book it about to come out she disappears. Fern starts to have memories which include small visions of Astrid. She doesn't know if they're real memories, or "memories" that she's forming based on reading Astrid's memoir. Fern starts to do some of her own investigating into Astrid's past and current disappearance. Astrid mentions a second kidnapped girl who spent 1 week in the basement with her and Fern starts to believe she is that girl. Fern is supposed to be helping her father pack up and move to Florida, but she's spending the majority of her time looking into disturbing details of her childhood and Astrid's kidnapping.
I enjoyed The Winter Sister and was looking forward to the second book from Collins, however it fell flat for me. I knew who the kidnapper was very early on in the story, it was pretty obvious to me. I don't think it's a believable premise. At all. I kept rolling my eyes and how naive Fern was being throughout the whole entire story. I really didn't like or connect with any characters in the story and found the whole story unbelievable. *Spoilers Ahead*
I absolutely could not stand her parents, Ted and Mara. They are both psychopaths. Being committed to your career or your "art" is one thing. Committing a felony is something completely different and I can't wrap my head around the fact that they would do something like that twice and then go on living their lives as if nothing ever happened. This book just wasn't for me.
I really wanted to like this book but I just didn’t. I think it’s because I didn’t like any of the characters. Fern suffers from major anxiety caused by her parents all while she was growing up. Her mother pretty much ignored her. Her father spent her childhood scaring the living daylights out of her all in the name of research. Her parents have no redeeming qualities. I couldn’t even like Fern’s perfect husband because he seemed too perfect! Astrid, kidnapped as a teen and then again as an adult, is also a horrible person.
This psychological thriller definitely didn’t thrill me!
This psychological thriller definitely didn’t thrill me!