B. A. Paris is a staple for any bookshelf of any mystery and thriller lover. They have a way of twisting a story so many times your left with a twist at the very end. This was a good read. 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy of The Prisoner by B.A. Paris for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the book that was released prior to this one (The Therapist), so I went into this with high hopes but this one unfortunately didn't work for me.

I’ll start with the good things. This story is broken up into two parts: The Kidnapping, where we get past and present timelines and The Reckoning which is in the present. When we jump between past and present timelines, the writing is easy to follow so there is no confusion as can be the case in dual timeline sections. Another plus is that chapters are short which makes this already quick read feel even quicker.

If you’re a fan of surprises this one does have some. There were moments I didn’t see coming, but parts where although I had an idea of what it might be, the how/why was done in a way I might not have pinpointed.

Now for the things that didn’t work for me. I would have liked to see more suspense and character development. This one didn't have the level of suspense I was looking for overall or have experienced in other works by this author. I would have also liked to see some character development with the female lead, Amelie. Amelie was likeable for the most part and a strong & determined character, however despite those - she fell flat for me. There was no character growth (and there were many situations where there was opportunity for depth/growth in the latter half of the story), which led to me not caring as much as I would have liked to. When it came time for the ending I thought it, too, fell flat. We got a lengthy explanation then what felt to me as an abrupt end.

I know this book has some great reviews, so definitely check them out if you think this is one for you but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I still will continue to pick up B.A. Paris as I have enjoyed others of hers.

Thank you to netgalley/ the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this story. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

After reading the author's previous books, I had high hopes that this one would be just as captivating. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The story started off strong with a description of Amelia's difficult life at such a young age, but ultimately failed to keep my attention.

The kidnapping chapters were long and draw out, and repetitive. I kept reading to find out why or what was behind Amelia's kidnapping. What would happen if the ransom was not paid? Amelia kept hope and plotted her escape showed the character's strength because she appeared as naive earlier in Las Vegas with Ned. Speaking of Ned, there wasn't much of a backstory of his life and I kept wondering why he turned out to be such a monster. Towards the end I just wanted the story to hurry up and end. There was so much going on, plot holes that were hard to overlook and so much explaining the story became a bore for me.

A good start at the beginning, short chapters, Amelie's story was intriguing as it alternated between past and present, plenty of unexpected surprises however the ending missed the mark for me and I lost interest in the final outcome.

BA Paris is one of my favorite and most reliable thriller authors. I know when I see her name on the cover that whatever the topic, she will deliver the heart-pounding thrills, creative twists, unreliable narrators, and interesting characterizations. This story is suspenseful and pulse-pounding from the jump, as we join Amelie, who appears to have been kidnapped. But like in all BA Paris novels, all is not what it seems in this twisty and creative thriller. A solid entry in the BA Paris canon, and can't wait to read her next twisty book!

I always enjoy a fast-paced thriller from BA Paris. This was a fun and page-turning book with both a plot that was engaging and characters to root for. The plot kept the story well paced and the twists do not disappoint.
Definitely recommend.
#ThePrisoner #NetGalley #StMartinsPress

Overall, I feel like this book was just okay after taking my time to really process the entire thing. I enjoyed the last 40% of the book when things really started to progress. I felt like the majority of the book we were getting the backstory of the main character and not progressing any further with the plot line. Nonetheless I pushed through and finished the book. Once the 60% mark hit I was invested more into the main character's story and wanted more and the cliffhanger at the end made me definitely want more from the story.

This book was a pretty standard psychological thriller and a pretty faced read.

Our narrator, Amelie wakes up in a pitch-black room, not knowing where she is. Why has she been taken? Who are her mysterious captors? And why does she soon feel safer here, imprisoned, than she had begun to feel with her husband Ned?

Overall, I typically expect a pretty wild twist from B.A. Paris - and something pretty complex like Behind Closed Doors. This kind of takes the flow of a pretty standard thriller and there are flashbacks where we find out more of the story. I guess maybe at this point flashbacks just don't work as well for me so I found that a bit of a struggle. However, the chapters are short and it's faced paced so it's a pretty easy read.

It's definitely tense and there's a lot going on but overall I just didn't like this as much as the other books by this author.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Behind Closed Doors is in my opinion one of the best domestic thrillers of all time. Having read many after it, I still regard it as the top, and BA Paris continues to wow me with the Prisoner. I instantly got lost in Amelie‘s world, and never knew what was coming next.

I listened to this on audio. I thought the audio was well done and the narrator did a good job.

The book starts with a bang, with Amelie being abducted and brought to a house she doesn’t know, and locked in a dark room. We then flash back to different points in time leading up to this moment.

I think most of the book was fine? Unfortunately I was not super invested in any of the characters, including Amelie, who is overall a very passive character. The plot just kind of happens to her and around her, in both the past and present.

There weren’t any real surprises to be had here (well, maybe one). The plot was pretty linear. We know Amelie has been abducted. The rest of it is just finding out why.

There did come a point about an hour and a half/two hours from the end, where I thought the book was pretty much over. But then it just…. Continued? I didn’t care at all about the last two hours and was extremely bored. I thought it was all pretty straightforward what had happened and didn’t need it spelled out a to c in that manner.

I think overall I was just underwhelmed. BA Paris may just be an author I don’t jive with. I previously attempted to read their book The Break Down, and bounced right off it within two chapters. (And that being said, this one took me two tries to get through.)

I do want to note, I did receive a free e-ARC of this via NetGalley, however, the version I listened to was purchased via Audible.

"The Prisoner" by B.A. Paris is about to take you on one heck of a ride. Picture this: Amelie, a survivor through and through, from losing her parents in Paris to carving out a life for herself in London. She's swept off her feet by the dashing billionaire, Ned Hawthorne.

Fast forward to waking up in a pitch-black room with no clue how she got there. Suddenly, Amelie's trapped in a nightmare, questioning everything she thought she knew about her glamorous life with Ned. Who are her captors? And why does she start feeling safer in captivity than she did with her husband?

"The Prisoner" is a dark, twisty thriller that'll have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story unfolds in alternating timelines, bouncing between Amelie's harrowing present and the events that led her to this point.

What I loved most is how Paris keeps you guessing at every turn. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, she throws another curveball your way. And let me tell you, the journey is anything but dreary. From Amelie's past struggles to her present ordeal, every page is packed with tension and intrigue.

Overall, I'd give "The Prisoner" a solid 4 stars. It's a gripping read that'll keep you hooked until the very end. So if you're in the mood for a heart-pounding thriller with plenty of twists and turns, this one's definitely worth a read.

what a roller coaster! I have never read BA Paris, but have had her on my TBR for months. This was so good and confirmed that I need to read more of her novels. I love thrillers that keep you guessing and on edge. WELL DONEEEE!

This book is a thrilling rollercoaster of a novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As Flo settles into her sister's house-sitting gig, the arrival of Joe turns her peaceful retreat into a chilling game of cat and mouse. The tension between Flo and Joe is palpable as they navigate suspicion and deception in the midst of a snowstorm. This gripping tale delves deep into the complexities of trust and identity, leaving me guessing until the very end. Paris's masterful storytelling and skillful character development make "The Prisoner" a must-read for any fan of psychological thrillers.

This was an odd book. While I'm fine suspending reality for most thrillers, this one takes it way too far.

Amelie, an orphan from Paris makes her way to London, where a by chance meeting outside of a coffee shop leads were to an assistant / personal cook job. The job leads to a strange marriage proposal by her boss's wealthy boss. Which of course leads to an abduction of both Amelie and her husband, Ned.

Overall, it's a quick read, but was less than I was expecting from B.A. Paris.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I absolutely loved this book!
B.A Paris always keeps me at the edge of my seat and this book was no different.

Really enjoyed this book! Being kept locked up alone in some stranger's house seems like a total nightmare. I was kept on my toes for the full ride!

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and B. A. Paris for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

The Prisoner is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and mysterious world of a woman named Amelie who finds herself trapped in a perilous situation. The story follows Amelie's journey from a survivor who overcame loss and adversity to a prisoner in a harrowing predicament.

The author skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, unraveling the secrets and motives behind Amelie's captivity. The contrast between her glamorous life with billionaire husband Ned Hawthorne and the stark reality of her confinement adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the plot.

As Amelie navigates the treacherous waters of deception and danger, the reader is drawn into a web of suspense and uncertainty. The Prisoner is a tale of resilience, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to survive in the face of adversity.

With its compelling storyline and well-developed characters, The Prisoner is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful fiction. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations as you uncover the truth behind Amelie's captivity in this captivating novel.

I always like it when a book starts off with a bang and this one definitely did. Amelie awakes but where is she? Opening her eyes, it’s dark, she’s on a mattress but where in the heck is she? Told in alternating timelines, the reader gets Amelie’s past and her current situation. With both of her parents gone, Amelie wants to get an education but lacks the funds to do so. At 16, she heads to London and as fate would have it, she runs into Carolyn. Carolyn needs Amelia as much as Amelia needs her, so an agreement is made. Amelia is welcomed into the circle of Carolyn’s work friends, and I liked how freely they accepted her and how easily they all got along. Amelia finally has some new friends and she’s starting to feel comfortable in London. Just when things were falling into place, she meets Carolyn’s boss, Ned Hawthorpe and she accepts Ned’s job offer. This was a big surprise and I had to wonder Ned’s motive in this offer. Amelia begins working at the newspaper and it’s one big happy family now, or is it? This happy little scenario continues as Ned proposes to Amelia and their happily-ever-after-life begins, or does it?

Why? The newlyweds are kidnapped and Amelie fears for their lives. Kept isolated from Ned, she keeps her wits about her in the darken room, as she tries to unravel the sounds and sights around her. She is one smart hostage as she waits for the ransom to be paid, marking off each day as time ticks by. Piece by piece, Amelie starts to put the puzzle together, trying to put a plan into motion but who is she escaping from?

What happened next took me by surprise and I had to put on the breaks. What was happening? I was running on adrenaline reading this first part of the book and now, the pacing slowed down, and parts of the book were coming together. As the past met up with the present, we came to understand the why and, in the end, I wasn’t expecting that. I’ve always been a huge B.A. Paris fan and I look forward to future books by this talented author.

I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Amelie weds the wrong guy; gets kidnapped; released; then figures out the real story. I figured it out before she did.

I really enjoyed this book. Kept me guessing all the way until the end. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

This was a wild ride for me. As are all of this authors books. Took me a while to read it but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great book!