The Trap

By: Melanie Raabe, Imogen Taylor - translator

Narrated by: Julie Teal

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In this twisted debut thriller, a reclusive author sets the perfect trap for her sister's murderer - but is he really the killer?

For 11 years, best-selling author Linda Conrads has mystified fans by never setting foot outside her home. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her younger sister - who she discovered in a pool of blood - and the face of the man she saw fleeing the scene, Linda's hermit existence helps her cope with debilitating anxiety. But the sanctity of her oasis is shattered when she sees her sister's murderer on television.

Hobbled by years of isolation, Linda resolves to use the plot of her next novel to lay an irresistible trap for the man. As the plan is set in motion and the past comes rushing back, Linda's memories - and her very sanity - are called into question. Is this man a heartless killer or merely a helpless victim?

©2016 Melanie Raabe (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A fast, twisty read for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn." ( Booklist)

"Intricately constructed...nicely done twists and turns." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"A superb psychological thriller with a storyline that will have you hooked. Not suitable for sensitive constitutions." [ AR (Spain)]

a bit overwrought for my taste

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I prefer a direct, simple writing style. This seemed to me to be unnecessarily convoluted.

Would you be willing to try another book from Melanie Raabe and Imogen Taylor - translator ? Why or why not?

No. The translator seems fine. The writing, as I said, was not my cup of tea. I found myself fast forwarding through whole chapters. I never developed any feelings but annoyance toward any of the characters except the fictional police detective.

Have you listened to any of Julie Teal’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I am aware of. She seemed a talented performer.

Did The Trap inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

None

Great book

Any additional comments?

I was not sure if if I was gonna like this book.To my surprise I did enjoy it very much great storyline .Julie Teal was a good narrator .First novel by the German author I can not wait to see where will she go whit her next novel. perfect Summer novel .

The Trap

The basic storyline was good, although there have been other, more interesting shut-in plots, but the ending was weak and disappointing.

Worth the Credit

Isn't that what we all want to know?
I enjoyed the narrator and the pace of the story. I also liked how the chapters went back and forth from present story to the main character's novel.
There were a few twists and turns (similar to Flynn, but nobody does it like Gone Girl!) that kept it interesting, but the end result was not super shocking. All in all a good listen with a good narrator and quick pace. I recommend it.

Good Story

I really got duped a few times by this author. Every time I was convinced I knew what happened, the narrator switched, and she was like, “that’s what could have happened”! It was crazy! But I really liked it because it was different. It’s nice to find a story that’s unique, and this one certainly was just that. Great Story and really Great Ending 😊

predictable thriller

It was an enjoyable book with a predictable ending. Great for a lazy summer day listen.

confusing as hell...

struggled to finish, the parallel storylines didn't work for me. narrator was very good and probably the reason I finished this book.

Great book!

I really loved this book. Listening to the 1st chapter I was not sure but by the 2nd I was into it. the narrator was great, the story line was awesome. very good all around.

Very Entertaining

And it certainly held my interest. Some of the reviewers are right about the main character in that she is not very likeable. Not that a character has to be likeable, but we need to be able to empathize with her. I just could not feel for her self-imposed home prison for eleven years without going: "Get over it!"
The most enjoyable part of the book for me was the twists and turns along the way as I tried to figure out the truth. That was fun, but then comes the ending, which, without revealing anything here, was so anti-climatic and so formula that it was such a let down.
The subplot of the chapters from the novel the main character had written served as only repetition and didn't add anything to the story.
But I truly enjoyed the ride, along with Julie Teal's excellent narration.

Whew

What a ride! This well written well presented book is everything I love about books.