This was my first time reading Barbara Taylor Sissel and it definitely won't be my last! This book was suspenseful & smart with great characters. If your looking for a good suspenseful read with a satisfying ending this is a must read!

I enjoyed this one, and yet had trouble relating to portions. Gilly's dreams were interesting, I worried about Zoe, but Jake.... It was readable, but not particularly memorable.

There are books that we don't know why but tend to stay on our TBR list for ages without a real explanation. I have had one Barabara Taylor Sissel old novel on my kindle for years, and I recently bought the audible copy of "Faultines", but didn't start any of the two simply because I thought they were "just some probably good thriller" as many others I read this year. In fact I read so many of them that I'm kind of bored of their similarities, their lack of depth, the big twists that doesn't shock anymore.
I'm so sorry it took me all that time to read my first book from this author. Now I have to buy all the ones I don't already own and start reading them as soon as possible! I was amazed at how good is her writing, characterization, the depth of every thought and situation. I knew when I was less that 20% that I wouldn't be disappointed because when an author knows how to write you can love the story or not but you know it will make sense and the conclusion will be fitting to the story. I could have given my five stars review right from the beginning and I wouldn't be wrong. I also took my time to read it slowly because I wanted to savour it, particularly knowing the ending will be good so no need to rush there! I admit I am a slow reader but this is the kind of book that you can't read all in one day without spoiling a little the pleasure it will give you!
About the plot, child kidnapping isn't usually one of my favourite themes but it was done so well it didn't bother me. The psychic topic also was not overdone althought I think people in real life would be a little less believing.. but I have to said I never tried telling someone I have precognition dreams! (luckily I don't!!!!!)
So if that isn't already clear enough I completely recommend this book. I can't compare to others from the author but if you're tired of all that so called thrilles, this one is different, refreshing and so good!

What Lies Below has a hint of a magic, a lot of suspense, and even more emotions. I couldn’t help but be drawn to the characters as soon as I started reading - they are all captivating. The story was engrossing, so much so that I struggled stopping to do things such as work. Amazing read by an amazing author!

I received an ARC of What Lies Below written by author Barbara Taylor Sissel from NetGalley. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and was just totally blown away! The genre is suspense, but this story is rather unique in that it actually has 2 storylines going at the same time. This really kept me interested and reading much later than I normally would. The main character Gilly, is someone you will root for and just fall in love with. The author covers many topics such as grief, murder, child abduction, substance abuse and sobriety. Gilly also is blessed or as she sees it, tormented by psychic dreams. Reading it is a roller coaster of a ride. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be reading more of this authors books. This is one you won’t want to miss!

I loved the book and it's my favorite book by Barbara Taylor Sissel. I recognized some names of characters from some of the author's previous books. The book was fast paced and there were some unexpected twists. I enjoyed the story-line, characters and writing style.

Gilly finds herself waitressing in a small Texas town after fleeing Houston. She is struggling with sobriety and the death of her husband. Gilly also has premonitions/dreams but doesn't want to be called a psychic. Her story gets intertwined with Jake's when his three year old daughter is abducted and Gilly happened to dream it. I was pretty sure who was involved in the kidnapping. I didn't know why they were involve, who their true identity was or how they were connected to Jake.

Gilly always found her gift of visions as curse, especially since her parents told her to stop having them because they disturbed people. Her dad even called her a freak. Gilly even blamed herself for her father leaving. I couldn't believe when Gilly found out that her visions were passed on to her through her mom and that she could of had someone to help her instead of criticize her.

I definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading more by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Barbara Taylor Sissel, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Gilly doesn’t think her abilities make her a psychic. Most people don’t know about her prophetic dreams or that sometimes they come true...like with the death of her husband. After her husband’s death she moved out of the city and has been hiding out in a remote Texas town working as a waitress at Crickets Café. Unsure if she will stay she is hesitant to make friends with anyone in town including Jake and Zoe Halstead, the single dad and his exuberant daughter, who she makes pancakes for every Wednesday. When Gilly has a dream about Zoe's abduction the town turns to her for help but her troubled past places her as a potential suspect. Gilly must try to control a power she has tried to suppress her whole life in order to clear her name and find Zoe before it’s too late.

What lies below is an action packed suspense mystery that begins with the abduction of a little girl. What begins as a potential custody issue becomes more complex as both Gilly and Jakes troubled pasts are slowly exposed. This is definitely a page turner as the back stories of their lives become more complex and ultimately intertwine to reveal who has Zoe and why she was taken. This was the first novel by Barbara Tayler Sissel that I have read but I will definitely be adding more of her novels to my TBR list.

WOW. From the synopsis I just knew this book would be good, but it surpassed my expectations. What Lies Below is a thrilling page turner that will keep readers glued to the pages as the storyline begins to unravel and answers rise to the surface.

This book is very well written, and though it may seem to have a slow start once it takes off the story becomes fast paced and gripping as the search for a missing girl takes place.

What Lies Below is a gripping story that needs to be shared! I definitely recommend this book and feel it is one to be read and savored.

What Lies Below is a riveting suspense novel...and so much more. There are so many layers to this story: a woman haunted by her past, a desperate father dealing with the abduction of his little girl while struggling with his own bad choices, and a story filled with unexpected moments! I loved that the characters in this book were each dealing with demons and heartache and regret...nothing was cut and dry...the relationships were ambiguous and complicated. The story was fast-paced, keeping my attention all the way thorough. I cared so much about these characters, especially Gilly...my heart was in my throat as she dealt with her demons, her heartache, and her struggle to put her past behind her and move forward.

A gripping and suspenseful novel of a delightful three year old girl who has been abducted. The waitress who befriends her and feels that she should be able to find her to Zoe's single dad who is desperate to find his daughter. The whole small town close knit people gathers to try and find her, before it might be too late.
This kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!
Congratulations to the author on this five star chilling page turner. This is the first book I've read by her, but it will definitely not be my last!

What Lies Below should come with a warning label: This book WILL keep you up all night, turning pages faster and faster so do NOT start this just before bedtime unless you can call in sick to work the next day! *end of warning label*

I fell in love with Zoe almost immediately and loved Gilly also. I am a sucker for strong female characters that are starting over for one reason or another and the premonitions or visions she has pulled me in deeper. I really like that type of thing.

The two distinct story lines that both involved Gilly were great and more than enough to keep me hoping nothing happened, but with that kind of dread thinking I know it will, is it now? Oh yes, this was a nail biter, an edge of your seat, turn on the lights and lock the door read.

Do not miss out on What Lies Below!

Thanks very much to Netgalley, the author and publishers for the early read.

A heart-pounding thriller with Heart. There is such a thing and it's this page-turning novel of suspense, mystery and wild twists you'll be staying up all night to read (I'm not kidding!). WHAT LIES BELOW grips you fast and the plot twists and questions and possible outcomes you and the characters in the book have won't be what you expect. I felt myself sucking in breath and my heart pounding quite a few times!
Barbara Sissel is a suspense master! She pulls you in with heart and you feel for and along with each character. I loved the premonitions that Gilly, the main character, has along with the masterful imagery from the author in this beautiful and intricately written story. I absolutely loved it. I had a serious book Hangover in the best of ways. THIS IS A MUST READ. 5 stars.

I just reviewed What Lies Below by Barbara Taylor Sissel. #WhatLiesBelow #NetGalley

An exhilarating psychological thriller. Entertaining. Keep you interested. Great ending, didn't see that coming! The characters interacted well together. Exceptional storyline.
Holly has left Houston leaving behind all the tragedy and loss there. She is on her way to healing. Her drug and drink addiction is going well. One day at a time, her sponsor, and her meetings. She was left her architect career behind and started waitressing. Simple life. The only thing that doesn't go away are the dreams she has. The dreams that are sometimes premonition of what is to happen. And it's not good.
5 Stars

Barbara Taylor Sissel is a truly fabulous author who never disappoints when you read one of her books and this one is just as amazing as the rest of her books. It's a great plot with strong pacing. The characters are three dimensional and she keeps the action going from the very beginning until the end. Definitely pre order this book and then plan on a chunk of time so you can enjoy this awesome book. Happy reading!

This book grabbed me from page one. I loved the main character Gilly. I can't imagine having the so called gift she had. Lots of twists and turns in this story and it had me thinking one way when it was going the other way. This was a great mystery and I was so surprised at the end. I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend reading this!!

This s a terrific story who overcomes tragedy and adversity and meets the love of her life. I loved it!

If you need a book that takes you away from reality, this book fits the bill. I found that Gilly's story hooked me from the beginning. I am not one that believes in psychics but found this book enjoyable and entertaining. I stayed up way past my bedtime last night to read the last hour of the book because I had to know how things ended.

This is my first book by Sissel and it won't be my last.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved this book! Full of suspense and trying to connect the dots. I stayed up late to read as I couldn't put it down.

I didn't want to put this book down! Seriously- I started it on a Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday morning. I found the main character, Gilly, to be very likeable. All her life she has struggled with dreams that seem to predict the future - this caused quite a bit of friction with her parents so she tried to ignore them. Her dream that predicts the death of her husband is attributed to hormones - tragically, she witnesses the death of her husband and, on that night, she loses so much more than just her spouse. A series of events prompts her to move away - she gets a job as a waitress at the town diner and meets Jake and his 3 year old daughter, Zoe. Gilly's premonition about Zoe's abduction throws her into the the thick of the investigation, and the media attention draws people from Gilly's past to seek her out. I highly recommend this action-packed book! I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley - my opinions are my own.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved the premise but struggled with some of the darkness in it. Kids being tortured is not my idea of a fun read. I also had trouble believing some of the scenes. Yet I felt compelled to keep reading and that’s always a good thing.