Published by Penguin on February 21 2019
Pages: 352
Also by this author: The Other People, The Chalk Man, The Burning Girls
One night, Annie went missing. Disappeared from her own bed. There were searches, appeals. Everyone thought the worst. And then, miraculously, after forty-eight hours, she came back. But she couldn't, or wouldn't, say what had happened to her.
Something happened to my sister. I can't explain what. I just know that when she came back, she wasn't the same. She wasn't my Annie.
I didn't want to admit, even to myself, that sometimes I was scared to death of my own little sister.
✮ My Review ✮
This book keeps you up! This book had me burning the midnight oil with the short ambiguous chapter. Part thriller, part horror this book does not relent. It just takes takes takes, it draws you in, whispering to you to read another page, not to put the book down, a bit like “the pit”.
This is my first rodeo with Ms Tudor, but I can see why everyone has gone mad for her! Her writing is exquisite, drawing you slowly into the world of Joe Thorne. The night leading to his sisters’ disappearance is not forthcoming and when you do learn the truth it appears it might not necessarily be the whole truth. A piece of the jigsaw doesn’t quite fit and you realise you are missing a vital piece. I can wholeheartedly say I did not even attempt to guess any part of this book, I knew quite frankly I would be wrong. There were no red herrings per se, just a lot of misdirections and a lot of things implied. I allowed myself to just go with the story of Joe and Annie and hope I made it out alive.
Following Joe on his return to his home village, you are not quite sure of his intentions here. Even when do you find out you aren’t quite sure if you have been given the truth or not.
I absolutely adored (if you can adore this book), there was just the right amount of creepiness, felt a lot of Stephen King influence fore-sure, it was intense and thrilling. Put this all together and you are easily going to fall prey to one more chapter. It was so atmospheric with scenes in the graveyard slightly disturbing and the scenes in the pit had me imagining all kind of things. Especially as there were a few unanswered questions in this books, where normally I would get frustrated by, in this instance, I am sooo happy not to have them answered and adds to the magic of the story. Not only did I feel like this book channelled Stephen King, but there was also an essence of Matt Wesolowski and his Six Stories supernaturally scares. With the creepiness that ensued throughout the book with the house and that freaky ass doll!! One scene with that doll and it makes me want to throw out all my little ones’ dolls, never liked them anyway.
I haven’t read Chalk Man but I have it on my kindle so I can not wait to lose another night of sleep reading that book! I am so thrilled I got the chance to read this and discussing further with some of my blogging friends that Richard Armitage has narrated this book I may just have to pick this book up again and have a listen. Well if I dare, maybe only in the daytime would be good.
Until next time xxx
So what has been said on the blog tour so far?
Hannah’s Bookshelf says
After reading The Chalk Man a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on C. J. Tudor’s newest release and I have to say I was most definitely not disappointed! If you’re a fan of mysterious goings on in small towns and creepy younger siblings, then I’d definitely say that this book is one for you.
Katherine Reads book says
The Taking of Annie Thorne is a multitude of genres packed into one book. The storyline is woven so beautifully that you never know what is round the next corner. It brings chills, fear and mystery to the reader. The ending will leave you seeing stars!
Joy Kluver says
As the story unfolds, the creepiness that’s there from thebeginning, begins to ratchet up until it reaches screaming pitch. Cleverly, C.J. Tudor doesn’t explain everything, leaving the reader’s imagination to conjure up possible answers. And I think I can get away with saying that the ending is just as chilling as the beginning. A truly magnificent book!
Reviews by Chloe says
This book will attract thriller and crime genre lovers but interestingly, it’ll actually be pushing you outside of your usual boundaries and you’ll be dabbling in something that perhaps you’d never usually read. Without calling out the other genre that Tudor has introduced into the mix, I’ll just give a hint: The Chalk Man had already done a very sly and subtle nod in this particular direction.
Thanks to Jenny at Penguin for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Shalini says
Oh wow… I got rejected for this book.. So jealous..?
Fab review ?
Zoe says
Oh noooo!! That sucks ☹️ it was really good though…..
Rae Reads says
Eek, can’t wait to read it! I’ll just make sure I have all the lights on ?
Zoe says
? you will be fine I promise………? x
Rae Reads says
??
likeherdingcatsblog says
I Haven’t read Chalkman yet but it’s in my mountain. This one sounds brilliiant.
Zoe says
No I’ve not read Chalk Man I can’t wait to read it after having the chance to read this ! X
likeherdingcatsblog says
They are both on my kindle.
Zoe says
Ooh we could buddy read chalk man ?
likeherdingcatsblog says
We could indeed!
Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek says
Such a brilliant book.
Zoe says
Amazing isn’t it! Creepy bloody doll though lol
Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek says
It is, so damn good and yeah, dolly is creepy af.?
Zoe says
I wanted to know more about the pit…think I’m glad I don’t though lol
Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek says
I think knowing less worked well, left it to the imagination.
Zoe says
I think so, makes it all so much more creepy and bloody terrifying at points lol
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM says
Oooh I must read this book – and The Chalk Man too.
Zoe says
Yes I need to read Chalk Man ! This was so good hope you enjoy it when you get to read it
Berit@Audio Killed the Bookmark says
That title throws me off every single time! I can’t figure which title I like better? Is on my calendar for next week, this week is insane I’m not sure what I was thinking when I booked this week???
Wonderful review!
Zoe says
?? yes I didn’t realise it had a different name. It was the hiding place before wasn’t it? I have had that feeling many tines!! You don’t think about it when you sign up and you always think you will have plenty of time lol. Look forward to your review! Thanks lovely x
Berit@Audio Killed the Bookmark says
The Hiding Place is the title in the US, although I think it’s different in the rest of the world? Not sure why they do that? Why would that title appeal to the US but nobody else and vice versa?
Zoe says
? it’s crazy isn’t it. Same with changing the book cover too! I don’t even think the US name works now that I’ve read the book. ?