The Never List. Finished 10-18-13, rating 3.5/5, thriller, pub. 2013
Unabridged audio read by Kristen Sieh. 8.5 hours.
For years, best friends Sarah and Jennifer kept what they called the “Never List”: a list of actions to be avoided, for safety’s sake, at all costs. But one night, against their best instincts, they accept a cab ride with grave, everlasting consequences. For the next three years, they are held captive with two other girls in a dungeon-like cellar by a connoisseur of sadism.
Ten years later, at thirty-one, Sarah is still struggling to resume a normal life, living as a virtual recluse under a new name, unable to come to grips with the fact that Jennifer didn’t make it out of that cellar. Now, her abductor is up for parole and Sarah can no longer ignore the twisted letters he sends from jail.
Finally, Sarah decides to confront her phobias and the other survivors—who hold their own deep grudges against her. When she goes on a cross-country chase that takes her into the perverse world of BDSM, secret cults, and the arcane study of torture, she begins unraveling a mystery more horrifying than even she could have imagined.
from goodreads
Living in Cleveland, this storyline reminded me of Cleveland’s own horrific abduction and torture reality and even though it isn’t the type of plot I usually enjoy I thought I’d give it a try. Jason and I listened to the audio on our road trip in October and we both thought it was eh or good depending on who or when you asked. Around the halfway point we considered bailing because we just weren’t all that invested in it. The story, while fast-paced and well written, was improbable and mired in the world of BDSM. There were lots of things I didn’t like about it and when we were done I felt like I needed to take a shower to get clean from all of the depravity, but it was interesting and not like anything else I’ve read. I’d read more from this debut author but not a sequel if that what she’s working on.
For the giveaway-BermudaOnion sent me her audio copy and I’d love to continue the goodwill and pass it on to one of you. Just leave a comment and tell me you want it. I’ll have Gage draw a winner next Thursday (12/12). Open internationally.
Stacy's Books 
Whoa. I’m wondering what mystery is even more horrifying than what she lived through….I think I’ll pass, though. Maybe I’ll cheat and see how it ends on Wiki for something 😉
It’s probably not great Christmas listening 🙂
I liked this more than you did but felt the ending really left things open for a series and that bugged me. No need to enter me. 😉
Oh yeah, the ending totally felt like there was going to be another book.
This may be too dark for me, but aspects of it sound interesting. I’ll have to continue thinking about whether this is for me or not.
Maybe you’ll see another review that will convince you!
Stacy, This sounds so good. Unfortunately my library system does not own a copy, so I’d love a chance at giveaway.
Thanks for offering (Kathy too)
You are entered.
I have this one on my TBR list. Kathy is wonderful to send to you and how sweet of you to continue the thought. No entry, I can’t get with audio 🙂 Hope your well Stacy
This is right up your alley, Marce!
I would completely agree with you. I guess I liked it, but as time went on, I started rolling my eyes. Really??? An hugely damaged agoraphobe goes out and CHASES her captor? No, I don’t think so. It just seemed to lose its focus, plot threads were dropped, it was frustrating. I was ready for the audio to be over (although I DID like the narrator).
We felt the same way. Most of my positive response was soon followed by eye rolling or the “really?” question.
Sounds too dark for me. But then I’m just starting Doctor Sleep!
Can’t wait to see what you think about Doctor Sleep. I’m on the fence about reading it.
I loved Doctor Sleep! I barely wanted to finish Under the Dome.
sounds very interesting. I do like stories like these even though they can be disturbing at times. Would love to enter. Thank you!
I had mixed feelings on this one too. It was compelling but at the same time frustrating. I get annoyed when the protagonist does out-of-character and really stupid things and we are expected to believe them. And then the story kind of veered off at the end. Not sure if I’d be in any hurry to read a sequel either.
I felt the same way as you did, but rated it a little higher due to the suspense.