Peg Brantley

Trafficked from Peg Brantley is one of those novels that you almost hate to say you enjoyed because the subject matter is so horrible. I am pretty sure you know what I mean, so I won't belabor the point.

Unfortunately we often tend to think of certain crimes and certain situations as being any place else but where we live. In some ways, that works to the advantage of those criminals since we are less perceptive to any clues we might see. Human trafficking is among those things we think of as show more elsewhere.

Looking at the novel as simply a novel, to the extent that is possible, this is a very good book. The characters are compelling and the scenes draw the reader in. The plot moves along at a nice pace, not so fast that the horrors aren't made aware to us, but not so slow that we have to turn away from anything too graphic and drawn out.

The subject matter makes this as much a call to arms as a novel. Whether we are in a position to do something in a specific case or whether we take the initiative to help with legislation, we must first be aware. This book serves that purpose beautifully. If this book doesn't move you, emotionally and to help where possible, then I'm not sure I want you in my life. This isn't the kind of thing one should be able to turn one's back on after completing the book. The fact the book is also a very good read is icing on the cake. show less

Reading through some of the reviews, I am stunned. Trying to figure out if we read the same book, or perhaps the author made substantial changes, and edits based on negative reviews.

Nonetheless, I found Red Tide to be an amazing story. I found the characters real, the storyline compelling, the plot was believable. Unlike many of the books I have been reading lately, the dialog in Red Tide did not seem forced or stilted.

I rarely give out five star reviews. A book must have that extra show more something special that makes me forget the world for just a while. Red Tide did just that. I actually checked to see who the publisher was and was delighted to see that this compelling and well edited story was self-published. Congratulations, Ms Brantley, you have a new fan and have entered my very short list of auto buy authors. show less

Some years ago I began to read a mystery novel by a bestselling author whose previous work I had enjoyed. One of the plot points hinged on a certain urban legend. I don’t think I finished the book, and haven’t read another of that author’s books since. I felt he had “jumped the shark” with that one.
Fast forward, and I got the Kindle edition of Peg Brantley’s THE MISSINGS. It wasn’t long before I realized that the same plot point was central to her book. But – THE MISSINGS show more kept me reading to the very end, and I’m eagerly looking forward to more. She made it believable, suspenseful, and up-to-date. Furthermore, the characters in this police procedural were people I’d like to get to know a lot better, and the setting in a Colorado resort town rings true. Highly recommended! show less

My original Trafficked audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Trafficked by Peg Brantley brings home some very disturbing facts about trafficking – specifically young children (7 – 15). Brantley reminds us that America is just as vile as Thailand, Russia and other countries are known for human trafficking. It is the men and women – some are survivors themselves of trafficking – that dedicate their life to rescuing these victims.

Following the enslaving of show more several children – Alexis, Jayla, Olivia – we have front row seats to their journey of horror. Sold, some for mere dollars, to the highest bidder these children are bought and turned out into the streets as prostitutes.

Olivia just wanted someone to love her; Jayla was staying with a friend who had financial problems – he solved them by selling her; and, Alexis made a mistake.

Mex is the man who tries to rescue as many children as he can – entering the deadly underworld of human trafficking as a “John.” He is the only one these children can depend on to rescue them and return them home. But Mex is a man with a past and lots of pain. He must make sure that pain and his loss doesn’t get in the way of his rescues!

Brantley presents the horrible facts of human trafficking in the US at the beginning of each chapter. It was unsettling to learn that each fact she shared happened in the US. This is not a book one can hear without nightmares and it is not one that can be listened to and forgotten. The importance of hearing this book and discussing the practice is vital - it is real.

Sandra Murphy gives an excellent performance, giving each girl her own voice. One can hear the fear, longing and finally despair of each character. One cannot help but feel overwhelming pain for these children. The longing to help grows with each passing chapter and Murphy's performance moves the story forward. The disbelief that this happens in the US is there and hard to believe but one cannot dispute it given the cited sources. So much horror – makes one not trust ANYONE!

As a mother of two and grandmother of seven, this book is difficult to hear. It has made me more afraid of what could happen than any other book I have heard. Poignant, heart-rending, and painful but one that needs to be heard!

The story flows well, transitions are smooth, character development is spot on.

There were no issues with the quality or audio production of this book.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author. show less