Chad Zunker

There was so much suspense in the first chapter that I was completely hooked. This story was so, so good. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger that kept me reading. The characters were realistic and I loved all of them, except for the two "adorable" screaming kids. Alex's thought process on how to protect his family was believable but I knew that some of his decisions would not turn out well. I could almost hear violins playing in the background as there is a Twilight Zone feel to the show more story. Taylor was a dull character. Her father Joe on the other hand was uber pleasant. He was such a lovely man that it was hard to believe later on in the story that he had secrets. Joe did not seem to be that kind of guy. He was solid. As Alex kept researching Joe's life he found puzzling facts and that ratcheted up the suspense a notch or two. The ending was shocking as I expected it would be given the plot.

This is an amazing thriller. Readers of all genres will love this novel. show less

A fun, quick mystery with enough intrigue to keep just about any reader engaged. Plot twists were kept to a minimum, especially twists that are unlikely like many novelists use. No sex scenes, so if you’re looking for a good mystery to recommend to your grandmother, this would be it. Characters are believable and interesting. Situations are believable, at least until the end, when Zunker sort of jumps the shark. But that’s ok. It doesn’t ruin the book, and in today’s literary world, show more those kinds of things are par for the course and almost required to make sure a book sells. show less

3.5 stars (rating shown may differ depending on whether site allows half star ratings)

This book was an Amazon First Reads Pick. I don't think I've read this author before, but if this novel is indicative of his style, I'd be willing to read more by him. It kept me turning the pages, even though I guessed early on that one of the plot points probably wasn't true.

WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW. READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

I guessed early on that the kidnapping wasn't going to lead to a show more complete loss, but I didn't guess the why behind that. I thought perhaps it was orchestrated by the kidnap victim (or at least with his knowledge) and that maybe he was being moved by witsec and didn't want to or couldn't take his wife or other family with him. Instead, we got to go on a roller coaster ride with his son-in-law at the helm. show less

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker is a highly recommended novel of suspense following a family on the run.

Greg and Amy Olsen were going to adopt the baby they were fostering, Marcy, when the court gave the birth mother, Candace, custody. That night Candace turns up at their house, covered in blood, and begs for them to immediately run away and save Marcy because "He's coming here... for her." She dies on their doorstep and Greg and Amy went on the run to protect their daughter. Thirteen years show more later they are living under the radar as Cole and Lisa Shipley and daughter Jade in a small Colorado town.

When Cole withdrawals money from a Cayman Islands account to treat Jade’s scoliosis. Since they were suspected in the death of Candace, the account was being monitored so the withdrawal triggers a new FBI manhunt. FBI agent Mark Burns, who was on the original case, is immediately in pursuit. Making their situation more perilous is the fact that the man who killed Candace is now also hunting for them.

This is a well-written, classic cat and mouse trope of pursuit and escape. Here an innocent family is on the run being pursued by the known and unknown. They have to use their wits and attention to details to evade being captured while sending evidence of their innocence to the FBI. You'll be cheering the family on and hope they can escape the clutches of the FBI, police, and the mystery man.

The plot moves at a lightning fast pace and the tension is high right to the end. The short page counts make this a quick read that will keep you engaged throughout. It can be a bit predictable, but there are more surprises and twists along the way that will keep your interest high.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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