Seven Days: The gripping psychological crime suspense thriller you won’t be able to put down from a Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling author Paperback – December 30, 2019

Wow! Just wow. I have been looking for a good kidnapping story and this just topped my list! I stumbled upon this one when searching for hours looking for a book on my kindle for my next read. I’m a sucker for a good kidnapping story with an HEA. I don’t like the ones about being murdered and then it becomes a story focusing on finding the kidnapper/murderer. This one didn’t disappoint! Now I never know if if there will be an HEA when I start a book. I just have to hope no matter what the ending is, that I’ll be satisfied with it. So I don’t want to give any spoilers if it does or doesn’t because this book kept me listening from the 1st page to the last so it didn’t matter. Only stopped to sleep for a little bit. I worked, went to the store, ran errands and still had my earbuds in listening. It was that good. It starts out at the beginning where Maggie is taken from an older man. She is 15 at the time. He puts her in his makeshift cellar below the garage floor. The book goes back n forth in time and different POV. It was done so well that you could follow very easily. You felt the emotions of the parents and the brother. Maggie has a son name Max who she birthed in the cellar. He’s one week away from being 3 years old. Maggie knows what happens when her babies turn 3. The MAN takes them away only for her never to see them again. She has already gone through it twice before. She knew she would not survive it happening again. She had 7 days to figure out a plan to save her and Max, her almost 3yr old son. What I enjoyed is the story wasn’t about those 7 days. It would go back in time and let you know what the parents were doing say 4 yrs after her abduction, 8 yrs after, etc. and we got to see her brother James spiral out of control, her mom going through another rough ordeal, the dad just holding the family together and missing his Maggie. We even get the detectives POV throughout the years. Anyway, you will not go wrong getting this book. I did audio and I loved it! I’m defiantly keeping this author on my top list!

This is a story about intense and unexpected love with strong, vivid sex scenes that are sometimes sensational but never lurid.The north London setting with its collection of loveable immigrant grandparents makes a fascinating backdrop and the family closeness, its secrets and intrigues provide an added dimension to the story. The pair at the centre of the tale- sophisticated, glamorous, beautiful- are also refreshingly likeable and we can feel their anguish as impossible dilemma follows impossible dilemma. The twists and turns of the plot pull us along in sympathy and anticipation- I won't say more because I don't won't to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet.Alex George is a natural story-teller with a light touch; her dialogue appears effortless and the plot unfolds at a very good pace. A real page-turner and a jolly good read.

This book drew me in from the first page. I literally couldn't put it down and found myself muttering to myself during certain parts. I don't want to give anything away! Maggie was a bright gutsy heroine and her parents were realistic and equally as appealing , it was easy as a parent to identity with their pain.A seriously suspenseful and intriguing story, reminiscent of Room but still full of originality, well written characters and a satisfying ending. I'm actually sad I'm done!

Feb 2020 : 5 Stars. A friend "NicL" recommended this book with 4.5 Stars. She was right !! I loved the writing. Moved along at a good pace and there were a couple of "oh no's" along the way that made me gasp out loud. Loved the telling of the kidnapping from different sides. I loved that the family never gave up. Good ending. Definitely an author I will be following !

I've read several books by Alex Lake, and I run into the same disappointment in nearly every one. The story has an intriguing beginning, and the build-up of suspense is right on target. But the climax is abrupt and the denouement is written in a very sparse and businesslike manner. So I feel as though I bought into a really meaty story, but at the ending, where I'd really like to hear more about how the characters feel and have been impacted by what has happened to them, I don't get much bang for my buck.

I'm really giving this book a 3.5. It was a good story, too much repetition in the chapters. They told you the same thing at least twice in each chapter because it would jump from before and after. Uh oh, I almost let something slip there. I read the book in two evenings. Liked the storyline. It was ok, I wouldn't say fantastic. Some people may think it is better than I do. To each his own. I would probably read this author again. I read A LOT, so a book really has to knock me off my feet or a 4 or higher. This whole book revolves around one thing or one place. Makes it a bit difficult to be creative when you have to be so limited.

After reading "After Anna", an into of Seven Days appeared on my Kindle. After reading that snippet, I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Have now read 3 Alex Lake books and can't wait to read everything he wrote. Seven Days was frightening and I read it in 2 days. Good psychological thriller.

Good Story Well written. Keeps your interest to the end.