I'd Know You Anywhere

By: Laura Lippman

Narrated by: Linda Emond

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author returns with a new stand-alone novel—a powerful and utterly riveting tale that skillfully moves between past and present to explore the lasting effects of crime on a victim's life....I'd Know You Anywhere

Eliza Benedict cherishes her peaceful, ordinary suburban life with her successful husband and children, 13-year-old Iso and eight-year-old Albie. But her tranquility is shattered when she receives a letter from the last person she ever expects—or wants—to hear from: Walter Bowman. There was your photo, in a magazine. Of course, you are older now. Still, I'd know you anywhere.

In the summer of 1985, when she was fifteen, Eliza was kidnapped by Walter and held hostage for almost six weeks. He had killed at least one girl and Eliza always suspected he had other victims as well. Now on death row in Virginia for the rape and murder of his final victim, Walter seems to be making a heartfelt act of contrition as his execution nears. Though Eliza wants nothing to do with him, she's never forgotten that Walter was most unpredictable when ignored. Desperate to shelter her children from this undisclosed trauma in her past, she cautiously makes contact with Walter. She's always wondered why Walter let her live, and perhaps now he'll tell her—and share the truth about his other victims.

Yet as Walter presses her for more and deeper contact, it becomes clear that he is after something greater than forgiveness. He wants Eliza to remember what really happened that long-ago summer. He wants her to save his life. And Eliza, who has worked hard for her comfortable, cocooned life, will do anything to protect it—even if it means finally facing the events of that horrifying summer and the terrible truth she's kept buried inside.

©2010 Laura Lippman (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

too close to reality

I agree with the member who wondered why the author chose the name Elizabeth, with the Elizabeth Smart case so fresh in our memories. I think that was insensitive to Ms. Smart's traumatic kidnapping. The story kept my interest though as she explored how trauma victims can overcome their pasts and go on to live happy lives.

interesting

Another 1st time author for me. The story was about a 15 year old girl that was kidnapped, raped, and, yet, left alive in 1985. 22 years later the kidnapper/rapist is about to die on death row. It's not like a thriller where you can't put the book down but you couldn't let it go either. It was well written and interesting but the good news is that it was just a work of fiction.

Terrific Book - Terrific Narrator

This is one of those books you hate to see come to an end. Beautifully written; couldn't put it down.

Excellent read!

Very well written and the story kept me guessing. Loved every minute of it! It gives an insight to victimism.

Daring Shortfall

This book started out with a major league hit, but fell short of the fence. This audio book story started off as a sit in the parking lot until a decent pausing point, and suddenly half way through and thought, surely this is going to get more loft, but it didn't. The end was pretty much what I figured it was when she talked to Walter the first time. Uneventful.

Page turner!

This is a great page turner. It kept me engaged and wanting more. Good read!

Excellent narration and story

Never wanted it to end. Favorite Lippman so far! Characters so well-detailed; storyline unpredictable and fresh. And Linda Edmonds is fantastic as usual... I'd listen to anything she read. Just so good.

EXCELLENT

Fascinating, nuanced. Loved the way one story was told from four characters' points of view. "Everyone is the hero of their own story," is skillfully illustrated via such a device. We all mistake our own subjectivity for the single absolute truth. This theme is deftly explored. I loved it

Terrible "Victomhood" Story

The main character is dumber than dirt. I could not finish this drivel. Don't waste your time or money.

I'd know you anywhere

This was a very disappointing book and like another reviewer I feel I wasted a credit. I kept waiting for the book to build to a climax and nothing! The story and the main character was weak and I wanted to smack the main character. I actually thought at one point that the big reveal was that she killed Holly! That would have been interesting. Laura Lippman's other books were good and that is why I downloaded this book. I hope her next effort is more engaging.