This is a solid 3-star for me. The writing and the mystery were compelling with lots of distractions, diversions, and possible suspects. I liked how the story was resolved as it was a bit unorthodox for these kinds of books. The suspense was built amazingly but frustratingly slow, though, and I almost put it down several times. I am not a big fan of the slow build. The reader is given lots of small clues over the span of many pages, through slow and, in my opinion, incomplete conversations between people. I was constantly yelling at the characters to ask the questions a real person would have asked. And they would always start the dialogue with a big "I have something to tell you" type thing, which would build up the tension and suspense. But then the reader is let down by the actual [tiny] reveal in that particular conversation. There was LOTS of that. I also thought that the characterization of Bill was very shallow. Other reviewers have said this as well - The entire book is told through Bill's perspective and yet I didn't really feel like I knew him. I felt like I knew his dead wife more than I knew him. And because of that, some of the actions he took didn't make sense to me.  Still, this book was definitely good enough to finish. I would like to try some other books by this author as well.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, via NetGalley, for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this to be a rather enjoyable read.  After really enjoying Somebody I Used to Know and Since She Went Away, I jumped at the chance to read David Bell's newest release.  I do have to say that I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the others that I have read but I still found it to be a solid story.  I liked the format of the book with short chapters that seemed to move really fast.  I found myself wanting to read this for hours at a time just to see what was going to happen next.

This book is told from Bill's point of view.   I can't say that I ever really liked Bill all that much but I did understand why he acted as he did.  Bill is still grieving the sudden loss of his wife a year and a half ago.  As this book opens, Bill is called to the hospital to be with his daughter, Summer, who has just been found after being gone for several days.  The girl she disappeared with is dead and Summer has a long recovery ahead of her.

This is a book that I think readers will enjoy more if they go in as blindly as possible so I am not going to go any deeper into the plot.  I did find some of the twists in this book to be rather predictable.  As soon as one big twist was revealed, I found that I had a pretty good idea about what would happen next.  The second half of the book wasn't as predictable for me and I found myself reading at a much faster pace.

I would recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers.  It is a very well done novel with a whole lot to the story.  I can't wait to see what David Bell comes up with next.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.

This was a great story that kept me engaged. Two missing girls are found beaten in a park and the story takes off from there with many plot twists.

I very much enjoyed the slow build of suspense, as well as the great characterization. I loved the way the story kept you guessing and the way everything unfolded. I do have to say, I didn’t find the first twist completely believable. There was also a part to the ending that I felt could have used a little more clarification. The other twists were perfect, some predictable, some not so much; and it was great trying to piece everything together. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else that can be said about the story without spoiling.  If you like a good suspense, I definitely suggest this story, as it kept me engrossed from the start. Great story!

I was very 50/50 with this book I loved the cover, the suspense was great, and you cant help but need to get to the end (no spoilers here) because by mid book you have to change your perspective on what you think happened to his daughter. Now as far as dislike I was getting overly frustrated with the dad I understand that he wants to do anything for his daughter but this character really got on my nerves. the ending was good but like I said by mid book you have to change your perspective and I figured out quick who the person behind everything was so the ending wasn't as fantastic as I was hoping for. do I recommend this book sure its a good book not a great thriller but good.

This was a suspenseful, heartbreaking story about a father whose teenage daughter is missing.  The relationship between father and daughter wasn't the best after the loss of his wife and that lends to some of the intrigue of the story.  

This story is filled with twists and had me trying to figure out what was going on.  I was pretty close to solving this minus some details.  However, I did enjoy the story.  It was well thought out and detailed.

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. - Sigmund Freud

This is a frightening look at "what ifs" told from the point of view of a single father. And I read this book from the point of view of a mother, trying to think and feel the same emotions as this father.

Bill Price is a widower. His wife died in an accident a year and a half ago and he's trying to raise their 15 year old daughter while still grieving for his wife.

One cold day in Jakesville, Kentucky, his daughter Summer and her best friend, Haley seem to disappear into thin air.

Then the worst happens. Two teenage girls are found in a local park, terribly beaten - one dead and one barely hanging on to life.

This is a scary book because it plays on every parent's worst nightmare - their child coming to grievous harm or even being killed.

The father in this story is kind of a loose cannon with a short temper and I didn't agree with how he handled several situations but then, how do I know how I would handle anything similar. I sincerely pray I never have to find out.

The story had twists, turns, roller coaster loops and dead ends. It is quite a lollapalooza of a thrill ride and I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Berkley Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Bill Price is a widower trying his best to bring up his fifteen-year-old daughter, Summer, by himself. Both are still reeling from the unexpected death of Julia, Bill's wife and Summer's mother, eighteen months ago. One evening, Summer and her best friend, Haley, disappear. Days later, one of the girls is found dead and the other severely injured, and Bill wants to find the person(s) responsible.

Following Somebody I Used to Know and Since She Went Away, this was my third book by David Bell. I enjoyed it, but can't help comparing it to the other two, and unfortunately, I didn't find this one as gripping, mysterious or suspenseful as the others.
There was a mix of surprising twists and parts that were completely predictable. It was a nice change to read something with a linear time frame and a single point of view (Bill's), though his interior monologue became slightly repetitive at times. However, the chapters were short and generally, it was quite a quick read and kept my attention.
Overall, entertaining enough and I would give it 3.5 stars if I could, but if you haven't read anything by this author before, I would suggest checking out some of his earlier books, too.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.

Bring Her Home offers a chilling tale about two teens who are found near dead in a local park. When widower Bill Price gets the call that his missing 15-year-old daughter was found beaten to near death and that her best friend was found dead, he's despondent and rushes to hold vigil. His daughter is unrecognizable and may suffer permanent brain injury due to the beating she took.

As time passes, Bill starts to uncover startling truths that make him doubt what he really knows about his daughter. As the case progresses, more is revealed leading Bill and investigators to really wonder just what is going on and who can really be trusted.

There are parts of Bring Her Home that I found very easy to solve. Usually, I'd find that to be a bit of a letdown, but that's not the case here. Even though I'd solved some of the mystery, I was still intrigued. The plot progresses with twists and turns hitting regularly. The more I figured I'd solved, the more I found myself having a hard time putting the book down. I had to know if my instincts were right and I needed to get to the truth.

At heart, Bring Her Home focuses on the murdered teen, the teen that's barely alive, and then there's a missing teen. The cases appear to be linked, but the more you read, the more you start to wonder. That makes for time well spent on this chilling summer read.

Great book for the summer - quick read, ending too predictable.

I loved the opening lines of this book. Attention grabbing from the very beginning.

A year and a half after the tragic death of his wife, Bill Price’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Summer, and her best friend, Haley, disappear. Days later, the girls are found in a city park. Haley is dead at the scene, while Summer is left beaten beyond recognition and clinging to life. 

But that’s not all. There is much more to Bring Her Home, but I can’t say more for fear of spoiling this fast-paced novel. There are twist and turns everywhere. Some I saw coming but that’s okay. It was still thrilling to watch it all play out. 
 
I enjoyed the short chapters. Short chapters always make me feel like I’m reading the book so fast ;) Seriously though, short chapters really worked here. Bell leaves you hanging at the end of each one. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to read “just one more chapter” to find out what came next.

Mystery lovers, grab this one. You’ll be glad you did. Bring Her Home has left this reader anxious for the next release from David Bell.

An entertaining read. Lots of suspense to keep you guessing. I enjoyed reading it.

Not everything is as it seems in this book.

Bill Prices's world has been turned upside down. His daughter, Summer and her best friend Haley have gone missing. Bill is still recovering from his wife's death a year and a half earlier. He is called by police and learns that the girls have been found in a city park. His daughter is badly beaten but alive. Her friend Haley did not survive the attack.

Bill sits by his daughter and waits for answers. His daughter is not responsive except to say NO NO NO NO NO. His sister Paige comes to town to sit by his side and be a support as the the police (and Bill) try to find answers. Bill begins to learn more about his daughter Summer and some unsavory actions of her peers. As more information comes to light, a pressing question is asked...is the girl in the hospital bed really his daughter? If not, who is the girl in the hospital? Bill also learns that another girl who resembles Haley and Summer is missing. Are the missing girl cases related?

Secrets come out and the truth is revealed. I was not too shocked at one of the "reveals." The pacing of the plot in this book was spot on -nothing felt rushed or hurried. I really enjoyed the mystery and as I mentioned there is more than one "reveal" in this book. Very nice touch as not everything is as it seems in this book. This book does not disappoint and keeps the action moving at a steady pace. This was my first David Bell book but it will not be my last. This book is a fast read perfect for summer. 

I received an ARC of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Berkley Books and David Bell for the opportunity to read his latest thriller!

This is the second book of Bell's that I have read and I've enjoyed them both. Even though this one is over 400 pages, it's an easy, quick read. It's divided up into very short chapters and the story is captivating enough to keep reading just one more chapter.

Bill is still grieving the death of his wife just a year and a half ago when his daughter Summer goes missing, along with her best friend, Haley. Days later, the girls are found in a park - Haley is dead and Summer is clinging to life. While in the hospital, Bill realizes that he knows very little about his daughter's life. He has tried to give her space and freedom after her mom's death and realizes that he might have given her too much.

I don't want to go into too much more detail because there are lots and twists and surprises, along with some plots that you may figure out. A great read!

David Bell’s ‘Bring Her Home’ hits an emotional punch on many fronts and results in a page-turner.  The mystery is not anything special, the reader can figure out the “twists” fairly easily.  It is the evolution of the Bill, the father, which is the real story.  He is a flawed character that finally recognizes the mistake he made.  We don’t know why he is the way he is, but we know that anything from his past isn’t too bad because his sister Paige comes to help in his time of need.  Her tenacity helps Bill take steps that any desperate parent with a missing child will do. 

‘Bring her Home’ feels a bit like ‘The Girl on the Train’ and will be a good summer read.  If you are a parent, you may start asking your kids where they are going when they leave the house more!

"She's home"


This is my first book by David Bell. After seeing the beautiful cover and reading the blurb, I couldn't wait to request it. 

Bring Her Home is narrated through the eyes of Bill Price, a broken-hearted father after his teenage daughter Summer goes missing. He's devastated especially since just over a year ago he lost his wife in an accident. Neither Summer nor Bill has processed their loss well and they are still grieving. Before Summer's disappearance, her relationship with Bill had been difficult. Summer has begun testing her boundaries and questioning Bill's authority repeatedly. 

Summer and her friend Haley are found at the park two days later. Haley is dead and Summer has been beaten to within an inch of her life. Bill leaves everything behind to stay at the hospital with his daughter. Bill's sister Paige comes to stay with him and give him the support he needs. The police have no good leads but Bill believes Summer is still in danger and he will do anything to protect her. 

And here is where I stop....It's hard to say more without giving the plot away. I can say that it has two good twists I enjoyed. 

Now, to the main issue I had with the story. My main problem was with Bill. I liked him for the most part. I could feel his desperation to help Summer in any way he could. However, he also made several hasty decisions and if anyone needed anger management counseling ASAP, it was him. Anything made him explode. His behavior was irrational. I'm not saying that his grief and pain was not affecting his judgment but some of the situations he placed himself in were just dumb. I'm surprised Detective Hawkins, didn't throw him in jail multiple times.

Overall, Bring Her Home had a suspenseful narrative that kept me guessing of what was to come until the end. 

Cliffhanger: No

3/5 Fangs 

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bring Her Home by David Bell is a suspenseful mystery about a missing teenager.

Widower Bill Price’s fifteen year old daughter Summer and her best friend Haley Rodgers have been missing for two days when they are discovered in a local park.  Summer is severely injured while sadly, Haley  succumbed to her injuries.  The police are at a loss as to what happened to the girls but Bill is convinced three of the girls’ classmates are somehow responsible after disturbing information comes to light about their activities. A shocking discovery then turns Bill’s world upside down and he immerses himself in the ongoing investigation.

Bill is still grieving the death of his wife, Julie, eighteen months after her death. His relationship with Summer is somewhat troubled and in order to preserve the peace, he takes a very hands off approach to parenting. After her disappearance, he beats himself up over his lack of involvement in life and for not asking more questions about her activities. Bill is prone to angry outbursts and he also has definite impulse control issues as he rushes headlong into rash decisions without thinking through the possible consequences for his actions. While his worry and concern for his daughter and his need to find the person or persons responsible for hurting her are understandable, Bill is not exactly a sympathetic character due to his over the top reactions and poor decisions.

The mystery surrounding what happened to Summer and Haley is quite intriguing but astute readers will most figure likely zero in on the correct suspect almost right away.  It is also relatively easy to guess that another incident involving Bill’s family is not what it appears which raises suspicions that the two events might be connected. One of the earlier plot twists is not completely unexpected but there are few unforeseen surprises that will catch readers off guard. Bill is a loose cannon whose impatience with the police eventually becomes a little repetitious and somewhat annoying. A few of the scenes and some of the dialogue fall flat and parts of the storyline are rather formulaic.

Despite a few flaws and a somewhat slow paced first half, Bring Her Home is a compelling mystery.  With a few well-paced red herrings and some interesting twists and turns, David Bell brings the novel to an exciting conclusion which neatly ties up all of the loose ends.

Being a small town, KY girl, I was excited to read this one - and I wasn't disappointed! The story is well-written, the characters are interesting and plain-spoken (the way most of us are), and the plot was full of twists. The story is told from the perspective of main character, Bill Price. Bill is quick to anger and shows his temper often, which is understandable given the circumstances. There are a few things in the story that were a bit unrealistic, but they worked for keeping the suspense going. The book is lengthy, but very hard to put down. It's gripping and the flow is such that you sit down with the intention of reading one or two chapters and before you realize it, you've read ten! Overall, this compelling thriller kept me turning pages and is one that I would easily recommend.

Still reeling a year and a half after the death of his wife, Bill Price’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Summer, and her best friend, Haley, disappear. Days later, the girls are found in a city park. Haley is dead at the scene, while Summer is left beaten beyond recognition and clinging to life.

Devastated, Bill holds vigil over Summer’s bandaged body.  The only sound she makes is one word – No.  In fact, the more time Bill spends with Summer, the more he lets his mind imagine what happened and who could have done this horrific damage to another human being. He’s also beginning to wonder, if the injured girl in the hospital bed is really his daughter.

When Bill discovered new information about Summer’s life Bill is shocked to discover things about both his wife and daughter that begin to tear him apart….

***  Wow, wow, and wow!  BRING HER HOME is definitely one of the harder books I’ve read to put down without wanting to finish in one sitting.  The suspense was tremendous wondering if the injured girl would recover, never mind the fact that Bill had to attend Summer’s best friend Haley’s funeral which was an emotional moment where I needed a tissue.

Going through the psychological roller coaster along with Bill kept the emotions high and exciting. In fact, just when you thought – ah so that’s the answer – another issue would pop up sending you off to try and discover and digest the new information.  While reading you might think you know the answers but believe me, the TWIST is waiting for you when you least expect it.  

Bottom Line:   Awesome read keeping the suspense high as well as the readers emotion.   VERY highly recommended. 

Marilyn Rondeau

Great read, kept the suspense going for most of the book, although some of the details were figured out early on. It is a fairly fast read with not a lot of characters to keep up with. However, some of the characters I could never tell if I was to love or hate them or suspect them or root for them, probably the intention! If looking for a beach read to while away the hours of the summer I'd recommend picking this up. I'll be looking for more of David's books to see if I like them even more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review to be posted on my blog in July on Thriller Thursday