Black Rose

by Kris Thompson

[Lindsey Gray]

The tag line for this novel really sums up the determination of Lillian Locke throughout the story.

"It's better to die on your feet than beg on your knees."

This story is the gritty depiction of the life of a kidnap victim and the people who fight to find her.

Lilly is the typical co-ed with a busy life, great friends, and a doting boyfriend. Unfortunately, she was exactly the challenge a madman thought he needed. One moment she's in her car, the next she's locked up in a darkened room with only the voices of five other victims to comfort her.

Richard is the love of Lilly's life and is determined to get her back at all costs. With the help of his friends, family, and Lilly's police officer brother, Noah, Richard begins to decipher all the elements of Lilly's disappearance. After a body is found, they have more clues, but more questions as well.

Reading about the hell these women went through as they fought against the whims of a deviant was difficult to say the least. Bone quaking chills, colossal twists, and unexpected turns left me breathless at times. The way Thompson entwined each element in this psychological thriller shows the talents of an epic storyteller. This is Thompson's debut novel and if her further work is as captivating as this, I can't wait to read it.

Thanks so much to Kris Thompson and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for granting me a Copy of Black Rose in exchange for an honest review.