This is the first Frank Freudberg I've read, and certainly not the last. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity. He writes a story that feels very true to life, and even manages to make you think about your own life. The story flows quickly, wanting you to read even more. The main character deals with a possible abuse of children but in the process discovers that all isn't what it seems. Highly recommended!!!

After a hiatus reading other genres, it was good to get back to my usual choice of reading material - psychological thrillers - and I have to say I picked a good one to return to!
Unlike some books there was absolutely no slow burn. The action kicked off right from the start and held my attention all the way through until the last page. I simply devoured this book in one sitting, reading way past my bed time but I really couldn't put it down.
The story is very well crafted, the pacing perfect and at each twist and turn it flowed well, never feeling forced. And the ending was quite simply perfect. At times I felt sure I had the book mapped out but as the story moved on, I found myself second and sometimes even third guessing and then I gave up and just went along for the ride and enjoyed myself thoroughly along the way. As a reader I like to feel connected with the story and indeed the characters and in this case, the characters were very well defined and easy to emote with. In fact, I think this is crucial with the kind of story that is being told here. In fact, I myself went through a whole host of emotions whist reading, at times I was nearly shouting at the characters to wake up to things and also really wanted to slap others!
All in all, a very well written book on all counts.I see that there is another book out by this author, I will definitely be giving that one a go too.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Oh what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”

“Baby Please Don’t Go” by Frank Freudberg is a psychological thriller that definitely is a page turner and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. I loved this book! It is a definite winner, and has all the elements to satisfy a reader.

This story is about a recovering alcoholic whose only desire in his life- is a family, which he finds through his job…but at a hefty price! This book shows how good intentions can go horribly wrong and set off an unfortunate set of events.

Lock is a senior investigator at Child Protective Services Agency (CPS), a social services agency. Lock knew what it felt like to be neglected and longed for children to make his life complete, caring for them, to provide for everything they needed. Abner, (Abby) was his boss at work, but so much more…his friend, mentor and AA sponsor, for his battle with cocaine and alcohol. Abby brought him to work to get clean and sober, and give him a purpose in life. There had been relapses, but he stuck to the program. Now after a year of sobriety and a job and profession he loved, life was better.

An anonymous report of neglect/child abuse comes in. Lock is assigned to the case and finds the kids in good health, no signs of abuse, bruising etc. Lock concludes the report was fake, possibly part of a scheme to make Natalie Mannheim, the kids’ mother to look bad in an upcoming divorce trial.

But we soon learn that Natalie, “the manipulator” needs Lock’s expertise to help her win custody of a million dollar divorce settlement. But Lock soon realizes she needs his assistance, to give ideas how to build a good custody case.

For Lock, Natalie was like an addition from his past, like gambling, cocaine or booze. She was determined to get him. But he can’t get her out of his head. “Lock was being squeezed by a sociopath he was in love with.”

This is a character-driven novel, and the flawed characters come completely alive, thanks to the talented author. It’s funny how an author can push the reader to love or hate a character. I definitely felt these emotions, and it speaks for the talent of the author.

This is a story of love, lies, and murder, and the path that Lock takes will definitely grab your attention. I loved this story and am definitely looking forward to reading the author's previous book, “Find Virgil”, inside the mind of a serial killer.

“Baby Please Don't Go” is engaging, believable and impossible to put down. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. A definite winner and an author with a very promising future.

After a recommendation from a friend, I was pleased to be given chance to read this book as I enjoy psychological thrillers and Baby Please Don't Go seemed like just my kind of book. And it certainly was, I loved it! This novel has all the key ingredients required for a brilliant page-turning psychological thriller: character, plot and pace. It is so well written, I was totally hooked by the first couple of chapters and could hardly put it down, I was kept guessing right up to the end.
A superb book and highly recommended, I'm definitely going to be looking out for more by Frank Freudberg. Thank you.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! From the first few pages I was hooked until the last page. This was really well written and completely entertaining. I wanted to give Natalie a swift kick in the behind and just shake Lock, until he came to his senses. Overall a great read that does not disappoint. Definitely going to find other books by this author.

I absolutely loved this book, read it cover to cover and was entranced by every twist and turn that it took.

If you love a book that really messes with your head, you can't go past this one. This is very sophisticated writing, not just because it's got thrills, reveals, twists and a totally brilliant ending, but because everything else is done to build plot, explore and reveal characters, set the mood and send you into a whirl.

Just when you thought you had it all worked out..wham!

I first came across Frank's first brilliant psychological thriller Find Virgil when I read and reviewed it last year and rated that one five stars also. Again, a book, like this one that had me divided as a reader as to where I stood in relation to the characters (was I going to take sides?), what I thought the book as about and of course the silly idea of trying to guess what came next.

Frank takes you on a journey, a true story teller. If you just expect empty pretty glitter, look elsewhere, Frank gives you depth in his books. Grit and tackling some complex issues people face in everyday life and putting a spin on it all. How far will a person go?

It truly kept me on my toes as the plot unraveled. Both characters Lock and Natalie are brilliantly flawed and messed up, therefore making the book very interesting as I indulged in "people watching" as I read, trying to get inside both heads or even to get a turn on the chess game they enjoy playing so much. Nothing will ever be the same again for either of them. Ever.

ALL LOCK GILKENNEY WANTS IS A FAMILY.

BUT HE’LL HAVE TO CROSS THE LINE TO GET ONE.

Lock is a dedicated investigator at Child Protective Services. An anonymous report of neglect comes in. He responds and finds the kids in good health. Lock concludes the report was a ruse, possibly part of a scheme to make Natalie Mannheim—the kids’ mother—look bad in an upcoming divorce trial.

Natalie needs Lock’s expertise to help her win custody—and a multi-million-dollar divorce settlement. He realizes she doesn't have a prayer in court against her shrewd husband, and only Lock can help her now.

Lock knows all about addiction, and he’s aware of the powerful hold Natalie has on him. But he can’t get her out of his head. Lock is caught between his commitment to take the high road and his burning desire to have a family. In this story of love, lust, deceit and murder, what Lock chooses to do will grab your imagination and never let go.

This book left me and had me conflicted so much. I powered through this book, inhaled and gasped at every brilliant reveal and twist. Don't be alarmed or worried if after truly exciting moments the book seems to cruise for a while, no it's not a dud. What the author is doing is cleverly giving us background, building the characters and plot with great detail. This makes the twists as good as they are.

I am a real fan of Frank's writing. I like his plots, characters never feel let down as a reader. In a nutshell? It's really bloody good and Frank is an author to watch. I read many books in the last year by bestselling authors and his book was better than a lot of them.

This one is an easy 5 paw prints from me - Booklover Catlady.

***Review Copy***

Talk about juicy drama! This book definitely has that and more. I found myself totally engrossed at all times. Thinking about giving it a read? do it. You'll NOT regret it.

Review By Stephanie

I want to thank Frank Freudberg, Inside Job Media and Netgalley for giving us this book for our honest review.

Baby Please Don't Go was AMAZING!!! First off I love book that take please near where I live. It's fun when imaging places you know and have been to while reading a book. Freudberg did an amazing job with two delicate topics of alcohol abuse and child protective services. It is really hard to write this review because I don't want to give anything away yet I could write paragraphs about this brilliant novel.

I was grabbed into this story at page one and literally could not put it down until I was done. At one point my husband was like....are you going to get out of bed today. Even after putting my kindle down and entering the real world I could not get the story and characters out of my mind.

This book has it all...like the synopsis says... it has love, lust, deceit and murder! And now it has a 5++ star review from me! One click this compelling book NOW! You will thank me!

I received this as an arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this story of love, lust, deceit and murder, what lock chooses to do will grab your imagination and never let go.
Wow. I knew from the first page this would be a cnpid read.
Natalie is a scheming woman.
I like lock.
The ending was really good.
This is a must read. You will be gripped.