The Trap

By: Catherine Ryan Howard

Narrated by: John Keating, Alana Kerr Collins

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

From award-winning, internationally bestselling crime writer Catherine Ryan Howard comes The Trap: an unsettling mystery inspired by a series of still-unsolved disappearances in Ireland in the nineties, wherein one young woman risks everything to catch a faceless killer.

One year ago, Lucy’s sister, Nicki, left to meet friends at a pub in Dublin and never came home. The third Irish woman to vanish inexplicably in as many years, the agony of not knowing what happened that night has turned Lucy’s life into a waking nightmare. So, she’s going to take matters into her own hands.

Angela works as a civilian paper-pusher in the Missing Persons Unit, but wants nothing more than to be a fully fledged member of An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force. With the official investigation into the missing women stalled, she begins pulling on a thread that could break the case wide open—and destroy her chances of ever joining the force.

A nameless man drives through the night, his latest victim in the back seat. He’s going to tell her everything, from the beginning. And soon, she’ll realize: what you don’t know can hurt you …

©2023 Catherine Ryan Howard (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Engaging and interesting

I have listened to all of CRH’s novels and enjoyed them all. I was very excited to listen to her newest novel. I did enjoy it and generally found it to include the same mix of elements that I enjoyed from her previous novels. However, I found this one a little disjointed and confusing. I also wish the characters were more developed - too much switching around between characters and story lines to develop a connection. Further, there were different voices for one character which really threw me off. Finally, I don’t mind endings with a few things left open but this was shockingly abrupt. In my opinion far too abrupt. I really hope a sequel follows or that this is developed into a series. I need to know more! LOVE the female narrator.

I loved the points of view!

The points of view kept it so interesting but also had me thinking I knew somewhat what was going on… only to be mind blown by the ending! Amazing work, amazing book!

The ending was very poor

I liked the story, the ending was too rushed and no conclusion. The killer’s voice was that of an elderly man and he is supposed to be in his 30’s.

Just okay

I have read every title by CRH and this is definitely my least favorite. I did listen to the entire book because it was entertaining enough- but there were some glaring inconsistencies in the beginning and end that ruins the ending and the main character is really stupid- it’s not even reasonable despite the author’s dramatic attempts to make her decisions seem slightly believable

Unique way to tell the story

I liked the different points of view/narrators. Gave the story a somewhat unique feel

Twisted

An interesting take. I really enjoyed hearing from the killer as a narrator- it was different. Also loved listening to the narrator.

The Trap

I enjoyed having the killer's perspective. Also, it was wonderful how the writer allows you to see how our characters and emotions brings out different reactions to the same situation.

Where’s the ending?

I listened to the audible ending 4 times thinking I wasn’t paying attention.. this is so unfinished.. I love a good mystery but this one left me wanting more.. I even looked to see if there was a second book! What am I missing ???

Loved the twists

Always great storytelling - and saw the ending coming but still loved it all the way to the end.

Too many characters and confusing who is who

I eventually got bored of it all and decided to finish it to find out what happened and there was no conclusion! Waste of my time.