Still Missing - Hardcover

Stevens, Chevy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312595670 ISBN 13: 9780312595678

Publisher: St Martins Pr, 2010

Synopsis

Captured by a psychopath posing as an interested house buyer, realtor Annie spends a brutally traumatic year in captivity in a remote mountain cabin and recounts her experiences and dramatic escape to her therapist while agonizing over the ongoing police search for her captor. A first novel. 150,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

Amazon Exclusive: Lisa Gardner Reviews Still Missing

New York Times bestselling crime novelist Lisa Gardner began her career in food service, but after her hair caught on fire numerous times she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure, cutting edge forensics, and twisted plots into a streak of 11 bestselling suspense novels, including her most recent release, The Neighbor. Read her guest review of Still Missing:

Every now and then a new author comes along that totally knocks one out of the park. As a reader, I’m always thrilled to discover a great new voice. As a writer, of course I’m insanely jealous and suffer a terrible case of why-didn’t-I-think-of-that? Given that debut author Chevy Stevens is young, beautiful and talented, I’ve been gnashing my teeth for months!

Still Missing represents psychological suspense at its very best. Realtor Annie O’Sullivan is abducted from an open house and held captive for a year in a remote cabin by a sadistic survivalist who considers her to be his wife as well as preferred breeding stock. His goal is to get her pregnant and live creepily-ever-after as the last man and woman on earth. Her goal is to get away from him.

Now, you know Annie wins this war as the book opens with her talking to a therapist. So you may ask, where is the suspense? I can’t give you a simple answer to that, other than to say every page crackles with it.

Still Missing creates one of the most haunting narratives I’ve read in years. On the one hand, survivor Annie is tough, angry, and brittle. The very worst has happened to her, and she escaped through her own ingenuity and frankly, savagery. On the other hand, survivor Annie is jumpy, terrified, and sleep-deprived. All these months later, she still can’t pee “off schedule.” In one of the more moving scenes of the novel, she downs a gallon of iced tea in order to force herself to urinate by her own free will. She can’t do it.

In addition to her compelling heroine, Stevens has created one of the best psychopaths since Hannibal Lecter—and that’s not something I say lightly. Annie refers to her captor simply as The Freak. Much like Hannibal, The Freak considers himself to be a civilized human being. Intelligent, good looking and resourceful, he’s an excellent “husband.” He has provided a charming cabin. He supplies fresh food—sometimes so fresh that city slicker Annie must bleed it out first, but details, details. Of course he has expectations of his wife. She must be well groomed, properly garbed, and 100% submissive. All failures to comply are met with The Freak’s idea of appropriate punishment. The Freak is also thoughtful and tender. Want to stop sleeping for a few nights? Read the scene where The Freak first shaves Annie. And he means it in the nicest sort of way.

Stevens skillfully juxtaposes the back story of Annie’s captivity with the front story of a woman desperately trying to reclaim her old life. As with all great suspense novels, the surprises abound. Annie thought she’d survived the worst with The Freak. But has she?

As the taut cat and mouse game unfolds, you will cheer for Annie. You will hate The Freak. And you will be absolutely mesmerized by the last line of this novel. Then, most likely, you will return to page one, and start it all over again.

Review:

"Heart pounding . . . Stevens pulls out all the stops in this cat-and-mouse battle between a brilliant psychopath and his tenacious victim. . . . "Still Missing" is the not-to-be-missed thriller of the year." --Lisa Gardner, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Love You More"

""Still Missing" runs deeper than the chills it delivers. . . . " --Janet Maslin, "The New York Times"

"This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidnapped by a stranger and held against her will for more than year. Chevy Stevens is sure to rock lovers of the thriller genre." --"USA""Today"

Praise for

"Still Missing"

"An astonishingly well-crafted debut novel...will have you spellbound from the fi rst page until long after you close the book."--Karin Slaughter, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Unseen"

" "

""Still Missing "runs deeper than the chills it delivers, the surprises it holds, and the resilience of its main character. Ms. Stevens makes Annie a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium.She can't come back until she knows why she was taken away." --Janet Maslin, "The New York Times"

"Crackling with suspense, this debut thriller stars Annie O'Sullivan, a young realtor who recounts her year-long ordeal as a captive of a rapist she calls simply 'The Freak.' Her imprisonment, escape, and fraught reentry into ordinary life will have you glued to the page." --"People "magazine

"This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidnapped by a stranger and held against her will for more than a year...This is one scary novel with a new twist on the classic kidnap and conspiracy story. "Still Missing "by Vancouver Island native and resident Chevy Stevens is sure to rock lovers of the thriller genre." --"USA Today"

""Still Missing "isn't just a gripping mystery about a woman's abduction, it's a story about her hard-fought return--to self, to independence, to life. Frank, fierce, and sometimes even funny, this is a dark tale pinpricked with light--and told by an unforgettable heroine."--Gillian Flynn, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Gone Girl"

"Grim and unsettling, "Still Missing "is a fast-paced read that is utterly absorbing."--Kathy Reichs, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Bones of the Lost"

"Chevy Stevens's "Still Missing "is a compelling, unputdownable thrill ride of a debut. The twists are so treacherous and unexpected, you'll need a neck brace by the time you finish."--Linda Castillo, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Her Last Breath"

"Stevens's blistering debut follows a kidnap victim from her abduction to her escape--and the even more horrifying nightmare that follows...A grueling, gripping demonstration of melodrama's darker side."
--"Kirkus Reviews "(starred review)

"Author praise of this highly touted debut includes comparisons to Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, and those authors' fans will like this thriller. While this may be a stretch, the 'what-would-I-do' aspect of the reading experience may make this a match for some Jodi Picoult readers as well. Highly recommended." --"Library Journal "(starred review)

"This may be Stevens's debut novel, but it sure doesn't read like a first book. In fact, it's a knockout, a psychological thriller that pulls no punches and has a title that couldn't be more apt. Relentless and disturbing, Stevens's dark, mesmerizing character study follows a twisted path from victimhood toward self-empowerment. Sure to leave readers looking over their shoulders for a smiling stranger."--"Booklist "(starred review)

"Engrossing, terrifying, and ultimately full of girl-kick-ass, "Still Missing "will suck you in from page one."""

--Chelsea Cain, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Let Me Go"

"Simply terrifying."--Erica Spindler, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Justice for Sara"

"Carefully and claustrophobically, Stevens crafts a double narrative of a woman's abduction and escape, and her attempts to recover and reclaim herself after the brutal ordeal...With a gutsy but very human heroine, this book will abduct your reading time late into the night."--"RT Book Reviews"

"At each turn of the page, you'll find yourself clutching the book with white knuckles and struggling to comprehend the sickening and terror-filled moments as this realistic and horrifying tale unfolds. A book that I truly couldn't put down, "Still Missing "is a frightening story that will leave a lasting effect." --"Suspense Magazine"

"A dazzling debut from Vancouver Island's Chevy Stevens. "Still Missing "brilliantly captures the terror of a kidnapped woman trapped in a cabin in the woods--and the puzzling aftermath of her escape." --"Chatelaine "magazine

"Chevy Stevens's novel is the most unnerving novel I've read since Thomas Harris's "The Silence of the Lambs."..The conclusion is totally shocking and numbing. By far the best debut I've read this year and I'd be very surprised to read anything that tops it." --"Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine"

Engrossing, terrifying, and ultimately full of girl-kick-ass, "Still Missing "will suck you in from page one.--Chelsea Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Let Me Go

An astonishingly well-crafted debut novel will have you spellbound from the fi rst page until long after you close the book. "Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Unseen"

"Still Missing "runs deeper than the chills it delivers, the surprises it holds, and the resilience of its main character. Ms. Stevens makes Annie a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium.She can't come back until she knows why she was taken away. "Janet Maslin, The New York Times"

Crackling with suspense, this debut thriller stars Annie O'Sullivan, a young realtor who recounts her year-long ordeal as a captive of a rapist she calls simply The Freak.' Her imprisonment, escape, and fraught reentry into ordinary life will have you glued to the page. "People magazine"

This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidnapped by a stranger and held against her will for more than a year This is one scary novel with a new twist on the classic kidnap and conspiracy story. "Still Missing "by Vancouver Island native and resident Chevy Stevens is sure to rock lovers of the thriller genre. "USA Today"

"Still Missing "isn't just a gripping mystery about a woman's abduction, it's a story about her hard-fought return--to self, to independence, to life. Frank, fierce, and sometimes even funny, this is a dark tale pinpricked with light--and told by an unforgettable heroine. "Gillian Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Gone Girl"

Grim and unsettling, "Still Missing "is a fast-paced read that is utterly absorbing. "Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author of Bones of the Lost"

Chevy Stevens's "Still Missing "is a compelling, unputdownable thrill ride of a debut. The twists are so treacherous and unexpected, you'll need a neck brace by the time you finish. "Linda Castillo, New York Times bestselling author of Her Last Breath"

Stevens's blistering debut follows a kidnap victim from her abduction to her escape--and the even more horrifying nightmare that follows A grueling, gripping demonstration of melodrama's darker side. "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"

Author praise of this highly touted debut includes comparisons to Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, and those authors' fans will like this thriller. While this may be a stretch, the what-would-I-do' aspect of the reading experience may make this a match for some Jodi Picoult readers as well. Highly recommended. "Library Journal (starred review)"

This may be Stevens's debut novel, but it sure doesn't read like a first book. In fact, it's a knockout, a psychological thriller that pulls no punches and has a title that couldn't be more apt. Relentless and disturbing, Stevens's dark, mesmerizing character study follows a twisted path from victimhood toward self-empowerment. Sure to leave readers looking over their shoulders for a smiling stranger. "Booklist (starred review)"

Engrossing, terrifying, and ultimately full of girl-kick-ass, "Still Missing "will suck you in from page one. Chelsea Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Let Me Go

Simply terrifying. "Erica Spindler, New York Times bestselling author of Justice for Sara"

Carefully and claustrophobically, Stevens crafts a double narrative of a woman's abduction and escape, and her attempts to recover and reclaim herself after the brutal ordeal With a gutsy but very human heroine, this book will abduct your reading time late into the night. "RT Book Reviews"

At each turn of the page, you'll find yourself clutching the book with white knuckles and struggling to comprehend the sickening and terror-filled moments as this realistic and horrifying tale unfolds. A book that I truly couldn't put down, "Still Missing "is a frightening story that will leave a lasting effect. "Suspense Magazine"

A dazzling debut from Vancouver Island's Chevy Stevens. "Still Missing "brilliantly captures the terror of a kidnapped woman trapped in a cabin in the woods--and the puzzling aftermath of her escape. "Chatelaine magazine"

Chevy Stevens's novel is the most unnerving novel I've read since Thomas Harris's "The Silence of the Lambs" The conclusion is totally shocking and numbing. By far the best debut I've read this year and I'd be very surprised to read anything that tops it. "Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine""

An astonishingly well-crafted debut novel will have you spellbound from the fi rst page until long after you close the book. Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Unseen

Still Missing runs deeper than the chills it delivers, the surprises it holds, and the resilience of its main character. Ms. Stevens makes Annie a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium.She can't come back until she knows why she was taken away. Janet Maslin, The New York Times

Crackling with suspense, this debut thriller stars Annie O'Sullivan, a young realtor who recounts her year-long ordeal as a captive of a rapist she calls simply The Freak.' Her imprisonment, escape, and fraught reentry into ordinary life will have you glued to the page. People magazine

This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidnapped by a stranger and held against her will for more than a year This is one scary novel with a new twist on the classic kidnap and conspiracy story. Still Missing by Vancouver Island native and resident Chevy Stevens is sure to rock lovers of the thriller genre. USA Today

Still Missing isn't just a gripping mystery about a woman's abduction, it's a story about her hard-fought return--to self, to independence, to life. Frank, fierce, and sometimes even funny, this is a dark tale pinpricked with light--and told by an unforgettable heroine. Gillian Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Gone Girl

Grim and unsettling, Still Missing is a fast-paced read that is utterly absorbing. Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author of Bones of the Lost

Chevy Stevens's Still Missing is a compelling, unputdownable thrill ride of a debut. The twists are so treacherous and unexpected, you'll need a neck brace by the time you finish. Linda Castillo, New York Times bestselling author of Her Last Breath

Stevens's blistering debut follows a kidnap victim from her abduction to her escape--and the even more horrifying nightmare that follows A grueling, gripping demonstration of melodrama's darker side. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Author praise of this highly touted debut includes comparisons to Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, and those authors' fans will like this thriller. While this may be a stretch, the what-would-I-do' aspect of the reading experience may make this a match for some Jodi Picoult readers as well. Highly recommended. Library Journal (starred review)

This may be Stevens's debut novel, but it sure doesn't read like a first book. In fact, it's a knockout, a psychological thriller that pulls no punches and has a title that couldn't be more apt. Relentless and disturbing, Stevens's dark, mesmerizing character study follows a twisted path from victimhood toward self-empowerment. Sure to leave readers looking over their shoulders for a smiling stranger. Booklist (starred review)

Engrossing, terrifying, and ultimately full of girl-kick-ass, Still Missing will suck you in from page one. Chelsea Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Let Me Go

Simply terrifying. Erica Spindler, New York Times bestselling author of Justice for Sara

Carefully and claustrophobically, Stevens crafts a double narrative of a woman's abduction and escape, and her attempts to recover and reclaim herself after the brutal ordeal With a gutsy but very human heroine, this book will abduct your reading time late into the night. RT Book Reviews

At each turn of the page, you'll find yourself clutching the book with white knuckles and struggling to comprehend the sickening and terror-filled moments as this realistic and horrifying tale unfolds. A book that I truly couldn't put down, Still Missing is a frightening story that will leave a lasting effect. Suspense Magazine

A dazzling debut from Vancouver Island's Chevy Stevens. Still Missing brilliantly captures the terror of a kidnapped woman trapped in a cabin in the woods--and the puzzling aftermath of her escape. Chatelaine magazine

Chevy Stevens's novel is the most unnerving novel I've read since Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs The conclusion is totally shocking and numbing. By far the best debut I've read this year and I'd be very surprised to read anything that tops it. Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

"

-An astonishingly well-crafted debut novel...will have you spellbound from the fi rst page until long after you close the book.- --Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Unseen

-Still Missing runs deeper than the chills it delivers, the surprises it holds, and the resilience of its main character. Ms. Stevens makes Annie a strong, smart woman who won't stop fighting to regain her sanity and equilibrium.She can't come back until she knows why she was taken away.- --Janet Maslin, The New York Times

-Crackling with suspense, this debut thriller stars Annie O'Sullivan, a young realtor who recounts her year-long ordeal as a captive of a rapist she calls simply 'The Freak.' Her imprisonment, escape, and fraught reentry into ordinary life will have you glued to the page.- --People magazine

-This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidn...

About this edition

• Publisher: St Martins Pr
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0312595670
• ISBN 13: 9780312595678
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 342