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Find out what Mumsnetters thought of The Trap by Melanie Raabe

84 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 23/01/2017 12:12

We gave away 50 copies of The Trap, a twisted debut thriller from Melanie Raabe.

Twelve years ago, Linda's sister Anna was murdered. Her killer was never caught, but Linda saw his face. Now, all these years on, she's just seen him for a second time – on TV. He has since become a well-known reporter, and Linda, a famous novelist and infamous recluse. What will happen when they meet again?

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free book to take part in the discussion - you're welcome to grab a copy of The Trap and post a review on this thread.

Everyone who posts detailed feedback on the book by midday Monday 13 March will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

Obsessed with crime and thrillers? The Trap is the first in Mumsnet and Thin Blue Spine's Crime and Thriller book club. Get involved and find out what other books you could win, plus enter the competition to win a £100 Waterstones voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by Thin Blue Spine crime writing blog

Find out what Mumsnetters thought of The Trap by Melanie Raabe
OP posts:
molly57 · 13/02/2017 11:38

I haven't read this book but it sounds thrilling.

debwh142 · 12/02/2017 14:02

Managed to read this over 3 evenings and at the start didn't think I would finish it - felt it took a long time to get to the core of the story and then it all came to a finish quite quickly and I felt a bit disappointed with the ending, it felt like the 2nd half of the book was a bit rushed and suddenly it was all over and all the loose ends tied up successfully!

horseyrider · 12/02/2017 11:54

I've just finished my copy. I felt it had a good beginning, but I found it slow. Not my favourite type of thriller, but there was a twist towards the end.

grannybiker · 11/02/2017 23:02

I've only just started this, but already the atmosphere has been set for a gripping read. The characters are believable and I'm starting to worry!

Givemecoffeeplease · 11/02/2017 12:42

Sorry posted too soon.

Particularly enjoyed the depiction of a woman driven crazy - or not - by her past, and her reliance on her home and her dog. The picture of a traumatised victim was cleverly done (this isn't a spoiler. You get all this from the cover!) and it kept me gripped. The translation felt clunky at times but that suited the moon so may have been intentional. Great crime novel and not predictable or convoluted.

Givemecoffeeplease · 11/02/2017 12:38

Thanks for my copy. Gripped me after a slow start. Will look out for this author

BellFromBow · 11/02/2017 12:37

Loved this. Such a page turner - thanks for my copy. Did not anticipate the ending!!

jammy388 · 10/02/2017 16:44

After a slow start, when I felt a frustrating amount of detail was holding up the story, this did become a gripping thriller, despite some rather far-fetched scenarios. The main character seemed self – absorbed and difficult to like, but I was glad I persisted with the book as I found the ending satisfying and to some extent heart-warming. The novel also explored the reliability, or otherwise, of memory in an interesting way.

Lilaclily · 09/02/2017 19:40

I skim read it as I was keen to find out what was happening but I did find the style a bit annoying, like the previous poster it could have been the translation , or just a bit convoluted
I liked the premise though and it kept me gripped until the end
I did find it a bit annoying that you had to read the narrators novel as well
I think it'll appeal to fans of Gone Girl though

Thanks for my copy , I'll be passing it around my friends to see what they think Smile

ChoccyJules · 09/02/2017 17:51

I've just finished the book, read in three sittings (due to life!). I was unsure about whether I would stick with it at the beginning, though the descriptions are good. I wondered if maybe the fact it's a translation meant it lacked something or if the author's style was supposed to be this way. As the book went on I got used to the narrator's voice and from about halfway I was hooked. I enjoyed how my questions as a reader were sometimes anticipated and answered within the book. The tension was also done really well, particularly one key scene. Overall I give it a thumbs-upSmile

Lilaclily · 07/02/2017 14:54

Received my copy today : first impressions are front cover looks intriguing and has piqued my interest a d will be starting it tonight at bedtimeSmile

juleslucas · 07/02/2017 09:08

Received my free copy in the post yesterday. Looks a good read.

hippyhippyshake · 06/02/2017 21:44

Thanks for my copy. Perfect timing - just finished my last book. Going to have an early night and get cracking on it!

RabidHarpy · 06/02/2017 13:02

Thank you, I received a copy today.

ChoccyJules · 03/02/2017 12:59

Also just had an email saying a book is on its way, perfect timing as I head off to a spa (present) soon!

horseyrider · 03/02/2017 12:32

Received my email saying I've won a copy! Really looking forward to reading this, it looks really good. Thanks Mumsnet!

sweir1 · 01/02/2017 19:34

What a fab book. It was more twistier and turnier than a twistier turnier thing

Andrews55 · 30/01/2017 19:38

Sounds like another cracking read.

crimeworm · 30/01/2017 18:16

Got everything crossed for this one! It's SO my cup of tea. Can imagine it being an all-nighter. Love a twisty book that screws with your head - just wish I could write one! Lol!

jacqui5366 · 30/01/2017 11:51

I saw this post and waited until I have read the book. The Trap has 3 stories going on at once, and it keeps you reading and wondering.. There so many nail biting moments where what I thought would happen - actually does not. The book has twists and turns which kept me turning the pages. The book plot has Linda believing that a television journalist who she saw on the evening her sister died and she tries to entice him into an interview so she can get a better picture of his mind and intents to try to work out if he was the killer. I won't give the ending away on here.

bugzie92 · 30/01/2017 08:48

A brilliantly written book that's hard to put down. Full of mystery and does make you think what could be around the corner for you!

sbruin1122 · 29/01/2017 22:50

Wonderful plot idea. Can't wait to get into this one!

RACHELSMITH45 · 29/01/2017 22:16

Sounds a great read!

Sid98 · 29/01/2017 18:44

Seems intriguing

Cailin7 · 29/01/2017 18:01

sounds good fingers crossed