Review: Desperate by Daniel Palmer

Brimming with suspense and unrelenting twists, acclaimed author Daniel Palmer's latest thriller delves into the waking nightmare of a well meaning couple whose biggest and most ordinary dream has gone terrifyingly awry Gage Dekker still blames himself for the car accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and young son. Then he meets Anna, who understands grief all too well. Within a year, Gage and Anna are married, his career is thriving, and both feel ready to become parents once more.

After a heartbreaking miscarriage, they begin the long adoption process, until fate brings Lily into their lives. Young, pregnant, and homeless, Lily agrees to give her baby to Gage and Anna in exchange for financial support. It's the perfect arrangement for everyone. Seeing his wife's happiness and optimism for their new life and child, Gage begins to feel a sense of hope he thought he'd lost forever.

But something isn't right once Lily enters their lives. At work and at home, Gage is being sabotaged, first in subtle ways, then things take a more sinister turn. Every attempt he makes to uncover the truth only drives a wedge between him and Anna. Even as he's propelled toward an unthinkable choice to save his marriage and his job, Gage discovers that the most chilling revelations are still to come.

Hardcover, 330 pages

Published April 29th 2014 by Kensington
Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Kristine's Thoughts

I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I'm not going to re-tell the story because the synopsis does a pretty good job of telling you what the book is about. I will say that this book took me by surprise. It starts with the introduction of Lily into the lives of Gaga and Anna. She seems to be the answer to their problems and a dream come true. It doesn't take long for the reader to realise that there is more to the story and that Lily isn't what she appears. Gage also begins to question the woman that seems to have miraculously appeared in their lives.

I found that I couldn't stop reading because I was dying to know what would happen next. There were so many twists and turns and they seemed to get bigger and gain more momentum as each page was turned. In all honesty, I couldn't see how it could possibly end well. I was nearing the end of the book and it was still gaining momentum to the point that I thought there would have to be a sequel. This book has a "Whoa" moment in it with a shocking twist that I did not see coming.

If I had to critique the story I would have to say that the characters were not as engaging and likeable as I would have liked. Although I wanted to know what happened to him next, I wasn't on the edge of my seat routing for him and the same goes for Anna.

Overall, this is a quick and easy read that will keep you guessing. The chapters are all short and if you are a "one more chapter" kind of person you will have it done in no time.

About the Author

Daniel Palmer spent a decade as an e-commerce pioneer helping to build first generation websites for Barnes & Noble and other popular brands. An experienced musician and songwriter, Daniel has recorded two CDs and licensed his songs for commercial use. Daniel's co-written two short stories for the trade organization International Thriller Writers, which were published in Thriller (edited by James Patterson) and First Thrills (edited by Lee Child). His debut thriller novel, Delirious, is scheduled to be published by Kensington in early 2011, part of a three book contract with the publisher. He holds a master's degree in mass communications from Boston University, and currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife and two children.

Connect with Daniel

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