OUT TODAY!! Find Her: A Novel by Lisa Gardner

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Flora Dane is a victim.

Seven years ago, carefree college student Flora was kidnapped while on spring break. For 472 days, Flora learned just how much one person can endure.

Flora Dane is a survivor.
Miraculously alive after her ordeal, Flora has spent the past five years reacquainting herself with the rhythms of normal life, working with her FBI victim advocate, Samuel Keynes. She has a mother who's never stopped loving her, a brother who is scared of the person she's become, and a bedroom wall covered with photos of other girls who've never made it home.

Flora Dane is reckless.

. . . or is she? When Boston detective D. D. Warren is called to the scene of a crime—a dead man and the bound, naked woman who killed him—she learns that Flora has tangled with three other suspects since her return to society. Is Flora a victim or a vigilante? And with her firsthand knowledge of criminal behavior, could she hold the key to rescuing a missing college student whose abduction has rocked Boston? When Flora herself disappears, D.D. realizes a far more sinister predator is out there. One who's determined that this time, Flora Dane will never escape. And now it is all up to D. D. Warren to find her.

my thoughts:

Find Her is my first book by Lisa Gardner and it will not be last.  Talk about a riveting, suspenseful and chilling read.  I found myself curling up with this book late one night and turning the final page as the sun rose.  I could not help myself.  This book was just too good to put down.

Flora Dane was in college and celebrating spring break with her friends when she was taken.  The unimaginable horrors she endured whilst held captive lasted for 472 days.  This story is about after - what happened post-kidnapping to Flora.  Well, her relationship with her brother is non-existent (he couldn't handle the new Flora that came home) and he now lives in London.  As for her mom, they communicate on a regular basis, but there is a strong disconnect.  Its been five years and Flora is still adjusting to normalcy.  She's still in contact with the FBI advocate (Samuel Keynes) who met her the night she was rescued - he's her ICE (in case of emergency) contact.  And she's taken a keen interest in the recent disappearances of young women.  Her walls are covered in newspaper clippings of information and photos of these women.  Oh, and she's also taken self-defense classes, learned how to create crude weapons, and trained to escape from dangerous situations.  Flora is ready for anything...or so she thinks.

Detective D.D. Warren finds herself in pain.  Her shoulder has yet to heal and she's struggling to keep up without anyone noticing her struggling.  She just wants to solve crimes and feel in control of her team.  D.D. finds herself at a new crime scene with a victim who somehow managed to overtake her captor - to the point that she has killed him.  D.D. wants answers, but the victim won't talk.  And then the FBI shows up and D.D. learns that the young lady who fought for her life is Flora Dane - the girl who survived being held prisoner for 472 days.  What the what?  Now, D.D. has even more questions for Flora, but she's not getting any answers.  And so she begins to dig into the young lady's past and present.  She wants to find out how Flora knew to defend herself, what she was doing with this man, and why is she so interested in the current missing persons case of a young college co-ed who has gone missing.  So many questions lead to more questions...and then a new mystery to solve.  Seems that someone isn't too happy with Flora and now she's been taken once more.  Racing to solve the disappearances of two young women and their connection, Detective D.D. enlists the help of FBI advocate Samuel Keynes, and her top notch staff.

Talk about a page-turner! I couldn't stop reading.  I loved getting to know Flora and D.D..  The danger, drama, and unthinkable events that occur within the story are at times disturbing, but integral to understanding the ways in which Flora has changed after being kidnapped.  This story digs into the ugliness and brutality of it all.  And then there is D.D. - a woman determined to find Flora.  She works round the clock following leads and clues.  She nips home to kiss her son and reassure her husband she's fine.  D.D. is not going to stop until she finds out who has taken Flora and why.

I absolutely loved reading Find Her by Lisa Gardner.  The writing was terrific! The characters were flawed and real.  And the story was haunting and unforgettable.  I can't wait to read more of Gardner's works!  I would happily recommend Find Her to fans of Gardner and fans of suspense-thrillers - you will LOVE this book!