Name of Book: The Trap
Author: Catherine Ryan Howard
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: August 1, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars!
Pages: 352


Story is told from the POV of Lucy, Angela, and the Killer
 *Lucy O’Sullivan is the sister of Niki one of the missing girls.
 *Angela Fitzgerald is the wannabe Police Office and works with Det. Pope
 * Denise Pope is the detective working on the cases of the three missing women- named “Operation Tide.”
 * The killer is obvious and tells us about what drives the kidnappings and murders.

Jennifer Gold, Tana Meehan and now Nicola ‘Niki’ O’Sullivan all from Dublin have disappeared without a trace
It’s been a year since Lucy’s sister, Nicki, disappeared. Lucy decides to take the investigation into her own hands. She does have the help of Angela Fitzgerald who works as a clerk and wants to be a Police Office and is currently working in the Missing Persons Unit at the police station.
Angela loves working with Detective Denise Pope who is a member of ‘AN Garda Siochana’ and is hopeful that the information she’s uncovered about the missing women could be her entry into law enforcement,

Story definitely got my attention immediately.
However I soon struggle with the foul mouth unlikeable characters. This is only my second story by [author: Catherine Ryan Howard] so I am not all that familiar with her writing style. I know authors typically want to portray their characters as authentic as possible and unfortunately nasty foul-language characters seem to be everywhere.😥

Since I was struggling I stopped to double check some reviews. I saw so many 4 & 5 star praises from readers I know and trust. Everyone mentioning the twist at the end ~ one called it fascinating mind-blowing another said- Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.
I love these reviewers but it only confirms that we readers can have a different opinion on the same piece of information.
True the twist was something I didn’t see coming ~ Hmmm going to leave it at that!


I always enjoy reading the “Author’s Notes” I find authors typical give us the ‘inside-scoop’ on their motivation as well as their inspiration for the story,
In this case author, Catherine Ryan Howard tells us about the murder mysteries that occurred over the years in safe Ireland where doors were left unlocked and there were no guns ~these stories are indeed very fascinating. She then tells us readers that “The Trap” isn’t about the ”Vanishing Triangle’ of disappearing people or other shocking scandalizing situations but simply a story she made up about fictional people.

Ms. Howard appears to have a sense of humor and a person I would love to meet! I certainly will read another story she writes. Unfortunately I didn’t love this story but I know many others love it and you probably will as well!

I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 1, 2023.

Well, holy shit. A nightmare-inducing read for me. 🫠 Thank you to @netgalley and @blackstonepublishing, and thank you Catherine Ryan Howard!

The Trap is told through three lenses:
The serial killer’s chilling POV; Lucy, who is desperately and dangerously searching for her missing sister, Nicki; and Angela, a civilian working in the MPU who ends up assisting on the case because she’s got the vibes and she’s ready to crack this wide open even if it means risking her dream career on the force. Denise (my fav character) has a feeling about her and that is fkn important!

It doesn’t take long for all hell to break loose here. This was so tense and so surprising! The descriptions, the way the procedural is written, it’s like a web and you just get caught. You’re literally along for the ride in all the POV’s. I was captivated, as we all are with serial killers. The twist? Heartbreaking. The ending? Literally perfect. It made me emotional knowing this book is inspired by the real life disappearances of several women in the mid to late 90’s, also known as Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle.

This is a dark psychological thriller, yet so much horror. Like, scary as fuck. If you liked The Quiet Tenant, you’ll like this. If you liked The Silence of the Lambs, you’ll like this. If you just like crime books, you’ll like this. Fast-paced, jaw on the floor kind of stuff! A banger!

US Pub date: Aug. 1, 2023
5/🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘

I love Catherine Ryan Howard and thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chapters switch between several characters, including a civilian, working for the Missing Persons Department, a serial killer, and a missing girl’s sister.

This book did not go the way I expected it to, and kept me guessing throughout. I particularly enjoyed the chapters from the serial killer’s perspective. How well he had his interest in killing from others around him, who probably have no clue who he truly was.

My only complaint is with the ending. I found it to open ended. I needed more conclusion and wrap up about how it all ended.

4.5 stars - there was a lot of tension and suspense that sucked me in right away! lots of great twists throughout the story. The only reason it wasn't a 5 star read is because the ending infuriated me (no spoilers here)!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read anything Catherine Ryan Howard before and I really liked this so she's earned a fan in me! Definitely enjoyed the different perspectives, but there were a lot of characters to keep track of. Tons of suspense throughout which is what I look for in a thriller. And that twist!! Well executed and I didn't see it coming at all.
I read some reviews that said she had some easter eggs in there that alluded to her previous books but I haven't read them (yet!) but I love when authors do that.
Great one all around.

After her sister disappeared inexplicably a year ago, along with other women, Lucy has decided to try to find out what happened. When one of the women is found, she says she wasn't held captive alone. Angela wants to become a member of the police force. She is on the verge of blowing the case wide open, but it could compromise her chances to get what she wants...
This is a mystery that opens on a terrifyingly thrilling chapter. But I found the rest underwhelming and drawn out. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. The premise was good, but the execution fell flat. The story is told in multiple POVs, and they were hard to discern from one another, but I thought the one from the killer was the most interesting. This is a quick read with short chapters.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Trap is the latest thriller by Irish author Catherine Ryan Howard and centres around a desperate sister, Lucy, searching for her missing sister Nikki. Nikki is the third woman who has disappeared over the years, all of which remain unsolved. Lucy feels that it is her duty to find her sister, and puts herself in dangerous situations to discover the truth.

What I liked about this book:
-loved the multiple POVs that helped with the storytelling and enhanced the character development
-twists and turns throughout the thriller
-great fast paced writing that kept me wanting more
-loved seeing the perspective of the killer/abductor
-setting in Ireland
-enjoyed the off grid commune aspect
-the ENDING! Wow I didn’t see that coming!

What I disliked about the book:
-would have liked more backstory of the killer/abductor
-more about the off grid commune storyline
-Lucy’s reckless choices irritated me at times

My rating: 4 out of 5

My final takeaway- this was a fun, twisty thriller and I'd recommend this to fans of well plotted, multiple POVs, serial killer/abduction novels.

Trigger warnings- abduction,violence and gore

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC. This book will be published August 1 2023.

I had my eye on this one for a little bit. I have read this author in the past and enjoyed her writing. This one however was just ok for me. There were several different points of views, which I don't mind. But sadly only one really kept me invested and had me moving forward. That being said, I still look forward to reading more from this author.

Side note. I was very intrigued with the authors note. It had me jumping online to do a little research. I think all those who.are crime junkies as well will probably be doing the same.

Catherine Ryan Howard does it again! I already knew that I was a fan of her writing since I really enjoyed two of her other books (The Nothing Man and Distress Signals), but this one I think was the best I've read yet.

The story has multiple POV's, including a woman named Lucy who is looking for her sister Nicki who went missing a year earlier. Nicki is the third Irish woman to disappear and Lucy is determined to do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her sister. There is Angela who works in the Missing Person's Department and wants to join the police force. We also have a nameless man who is driving around with his latest victim in his trunk, telling her about everything that has happened.

I thought all of the POV's were great choices for bringing the story together. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the setting, the character details and the pacing of the plot unfolding. I think it all came together really well at the end and I appreciated that she went there (especially after reading the acknowledgements).

I would highly recommend this to fans of mysteries, thrillers, true crime and of course fans of her other books.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

I did not love this book. I think there was too much description and not enough dialogue. I would have liked to know more about “the farm”. I think the idea of the book is a good one but it was just a miss for me.

This is my first book by this author and it was a very smart thriller. Not too gruesome or gross, but full of twists and turns and complicated characters. I can't wait to dive into her back list and give a few other titles a try.

The twist in this book just kept hitting me in the face. Wow! This is my 1st book by Catherine Ryan Howard but I'm sold and she is now one of my favorites. Great thriller!

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC of Catherine Ryan Howard’s latest, The Trap.

Wow! My head is SPINNING after reading this one. The Trap was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. I loved the multiple POVs in this book, too!

Lucy’s sister Nicki disappeared a year ago, along with a handful of other women. Lucy started going out at night, in an attempt to find the man who took her sister. She won’t stop until she finds her sister AND the man who took her.

Angela works for the Irish police force, although she’s not exactly a police officer yet. She pairs up with a defective to try to find these missing women.

And lastly, the third POV is from the abductor himself. Is it bad I wanted to hear more of his perspective too??

The Trap will be available on August 1, 2023. Make sure you pick up a copy!

A propulsive, page turning thriller that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The end did feel disappointing although I understand what the author was trying to accomplish. Another great one from Catherine Ryan Howard!

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC!!

This is one of those books I felt as though I had to talk about with everyone around me. Like a lot. I was hooked and completely enthralled from start to finish.

The novel is told from multiple POVs. We follow: Lucy, who is willing to do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her missing sister. Angela, who is a civilian working with the missing persons unit and wants more than anything to work as a guard. And even the killer’s perspective, which was absolutely terrifying to follow in real time.

I felt this story is unique in the sense that it has lots of fast moving twists, yet it also has a slow burn and building of the plot and characters. It was so well written (no surprise from Catherine Ryan Howard) and parts were so realistic that I was creeping myself out!! The ending was left a bit open ended, which I don’t typically love, but I don’t feel like it took away from the book at all and I still thoroughly enjoyed this one!!

I didn’t realize the subject of this story was based on the same events of another book I read about a year ago by a different author. “The Trap” is a heartbreaking fictionalized account of numerous missing women in Ireland. It certainly remains relevant, as many of the cases are still unsolved. It is dark and unpleasant, possible triggers for some sensitive readers. The Gardaí do a poor job of investigating, following up or really even caring about the victims. The family members are forever in limbo. A few of the chapters drug on for me and the flow back and forth between characters was bumpy. It only took a day to read, it’s a relatively short book. Kudos to the author for shining a light on these events. I would read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Trap” by Catherine Ryan Howard, Blackstone Publishing. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

This was my first book by Catherine Ryan Howard and it will not be my last. I loved this book from start to finish - each chapter ended on a cliffhanger and kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next! I really loved the multiple POVs and felt like they really added to the propulsive plot! Can't wait to read more from this prolific and well loved crime writer!

Thank you to Blackstone for letting me read this one early. THE TRAP publishes on August 1.

I devoured this book. I couldn't stop thinking about it whenever life forced me to put it down. I'm a full fledged Catherine Ryan Howard fan now. I loved 56 DAYS and now her newest one goes way up on my list of favorites. Go snag your library holds and preorders of this one now!

Synopsis 👇🏻

One year ago, Lucy’s sister, Nicki, left to meet friends at a pub in Dublin and never came home. The third Irish woman to vanish inexplicably in as many years, the agony of not knowing what happened that night has turned Lucy’s life into a waking nightmare. So, she’s going to take matters into her own hands.

Angela works as a civilian paper-pusher in the Missing Persons Unit, but wants nothing more than to be a fully fledged member of An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force. With the official investigation into the missing women stalled, she begins pulling on a thread that could break the case wide open—and destroy her chances of ever joining the force.

I was captivated by Catherine Ryan Howard's latest The Trap from the first page! Three missing women, all with cell phones left behind where they disappeared. The Irish Gardai have assembled a special operations unit to find them.

This novel is from multiple perspectives, and I found that it worked really well. The reader doesn't ever languish in any one perspective too long, and the shorter chapters keep the reader on their toes. The perspectives are really interesting: a missing woman's sister Lucy, the serial killer, a civilian staffer named Angela in the Gardai who wants to be an investigator, and a few others that could potentially spoil the story.

This story, while different from The Nothing Man, seems the closest to that one. It does have a bit of a retro vibe, which I really liked. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to find out the resolution!

Wow! I literally could not put this book down and finished it in less than 24 hours. Suspense without too much gore. Easter eggs referring to one of her earlier books. And a twist at the end that made me re-read the first chapter to see how in the world I missed it. Four stars simply because of the hard subject matter - young women simply vanishing in and around Dublin. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling it...

My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced ecopy of this book - pub date 8/1/23.