Cover Image: Bring Me Back

Bring Me Back

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Finn and Layla were in a relationship in 2006. Everything was going well (or was it?) and one night while on holiday, they stop at a rest area, and she disappears. After months of not being able to find her or resolve whatever happened, she is presumed dead.

Finn moves on, finds comfort in Layla’s sister, and the two become engaged. They move in together and things start to settle down. But suddenly, little things begin to start happening that may suggest that Layla is still alive. Little Russian dolls begin to show up in places that only Finn would have noticed, and they have particular significance to Layla. Ellen, his fiance, believes she sees Layla in town. Finn begins to question if Layla did die, or is it possible that she could still be alive? And if she is, what does that mean for him now? And then the emails start coming…

The story jumps between 2006 and present day, which provides some great background when events start to happen that don’t really make sense yet. And the characters themselves are very well explained and complex, yet likable.

I found this story to be a little slow, and not as ambitious as the last book I read from B. A. Paris, which was “Behind Closed Doors”, but it was still very interesting. Indeed, a different concept, but I felt the ending wasn’t as believable as I had hoped.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I appreciate the opportunity to receive an advanced reader copy to do so. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Was this review helpful?

I started and stopped this book a few times. Overall I did like the story, but felt it was not as fleshed out as I would have liked. Layla, Finn, and Ellen dance around this psychological thriller.. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

I hated B.A. Paris' first book, Between Closed Doors, but recognized her storytelling ability and tried The Breakdown, which I thought was great. This one I struggled with and didn't feel captivated by the story, likely because of the way it switched from past to present. Not a bad read, just not great. I'll read her next book because she does have a certain quality I find appealing.

Was this review helpful?

Bring Me Back is the latest thriller from the author of Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown. The novel revolved around Finn and Layla, two lovebirds whose romance ends abruptly after Layla goes missing during a vacation with Finn. Ten years later, Finn has begun dating her sister, Ellen, but continues to fixate on Layla. After announcing their engagement, Finn begins receiving messages and gifts that lead him to doubt his belief that Layla is gone forever.

I think that new fans of thrillers will enjoy the "twists" of Bring Me Back, but nothing really surprised me while reading this book. Finn was obnoxious and came off as a broken record, and Layla's depth was lacking. I think the book could have focused more on Layla's past throughout or at least portrayed her in a more dynamic way instead of taking the quick way out. However, the plot was interesting and I really looked forward to reading about Layla and Ellen's past because it strayed from the standard thriller formula. Overall, I think this book is perfect for those who are dipping their toes into the thriller water for the first time.

Was this review helpful?

Psychological thriller about who can be closer and/or farther than we think.

Layla is gone. Went missing on the dark parking place, left no traces.

12 years later, Finn lives happily with her sister, Ellen. But then...Layla was seen. And there are very specific, personal clues found. Or it is some sinister game? But why and for which reason?

This is a "cat and mouse game" type of book. A lot of red herrings, a lot of possibilities. And the narrator/s are quite unreliable to say the least - as they are obviously hiding a lot in their hints and indications.

It has got my attention - until the ending, which has killed all my goodwill towards this book - it is an abrupt, tearjerking attempt to put all the plot parts together. Unfortunately, it is not working for me.

But as a whole the book is fresh, entertaining and in the most part witty read. I will read more from this authoress (but I will tread cautiously, given the abovementioned ending).

Was this review helpful?

This is one of those books that hook me, keeps me riveted, and then disappoints me with the ending. However, I liked Paris's style and am curious to read more books by this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

This was another amazing psychological thriller and complete mind twist from this wonderful author! I did NOT see that ending coming, how do you always do that to me?!?! I have read all the books by this author and I will ABSOLUTELY continue to read her because she just continues to amaze.

This novel flips back and forth from the present to the past with memories of a man and his first, real intense love....and when she disappeared twelve years before. Finn seems like he has moved on, especially with his disappearing girlfriend's sister, but all of the sudden it seems as though his long lost love may be reappearing in his life and he does not know what to do. This was a VERY unexpected ending, as always, gripping all the way and another novel I just did NOT want to put down. I do love this author!

Was this review helpful?

3★★★Stars

Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person

This book started pretty good and with so much potential; sadly it was just an okay story for me, it was one of those stories that once you start you can’t stop until the end because you have to know the answers to the mystery. However; the ending was just so ... disappointing. I was waiting for a big twist but it never came, I was hoping to have more of a thrilling to the story.. Overall, I enjoyed the fact that I was glued to the pages and it kept me invested in the story. Readers who like mystery stories will find this book appearing.

Was this review helpful?

Very enjoyable book. Good mystery and was a real page turner! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

Was this review helpful?

This was my first BA Paris book, and i will definitely try the others.
I've heard amazing things from behind closed doors.
So still willing to give it a chance.
It's more of a 3.5 from me.
I'm not sure if I loved the twist.
Overall I enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this story but felt like some of the things were a bit too expected. Overall though, I highly recommend this book and think many would be hooked and devour it. I read this one in less than a day!

Was this review helpful?

B.A. Paris writes edgy, gripping thrillers that keep readers turning pages until the thrilling end. This one is no different, great characters, tight story line.

Was this review helpful?

B. A. Paris is a master at thrilling the reader! I was blown away by this, and loved it even more than her first novel, which I loved. Very well written and very suspenseful.

Was this review helpful?

Amazing Story ! You do not get any better than this ! Loved it 100% ! There are a lot of twists and turns that kelpt ylou guessing through the whole book. I will be reading more by this author for sure.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a huge letdown for me. The story begins strong and remains that way for a while. Then it becomes almost torturous to read. None of the characters were likable or even memorable. The ending was easily guessed by the midway point of the book. None of it really made sense to me. Some reviews for this book mention how “soap opera like” the story is. It never crossed my mind until reading those reviews but I have to agree. I was reminded of a soap opera.

Was this review helpful?

I devoured Paris's first two novels. I loved them so much so when I found this one. I snagged that and started reading, sad to say this one was not up to par with the first two. This one had a few issues.

Word choice this one skips between English and UK word choices just in the first chapter it goes from flashlight too torch. This was very off putting because it was like I was I was reading a book in two different languages. The next issue was that parts of this story were just silly. The ending of the chapters were just so cheesy.

This story that alternates from the past to the present was a very cheesy filled story where I guessed the twist long before anyone in the book did. Sad to say this one was just not what I was expecting and was such a disappointment.

Was this review helpful?

B.A. Paris is a genius. I loved this book from the moment I read its description - it really is the kind of thriller you can't help but continue to read through the night. The ultimate twist - though I saw it coming near it was exposed - was completely thrilling! I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

I loved Behind Closed Doors and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! Paris is simply a master in the thriller/suspense genre. I was captivated with the main characters from the beginning and was on the edge of my seat for the entire time I finished this book. I feel like these type of/this theme of books has become popular, but all of Paris’ novels stand out for me.

Was this review helpful?

This book reeled me in from page 1! Highly recommend. This author is one of my favorites and I will continue to support B.A. Paris!

Was this review helpful?

B.A. Paris is a shining star in the thriller world. Her novels are so suspenseful I cannot put them down before finishing it! This one was very twisty which made it a worthwhile read. The ending will leave you speechless, trust me.

Was this review helpful?