Hide by Lisa Gardner

Annabelle Granger and her parents have led a somewhat nomadic life since Annabelle was seven years old. She and her parents rarely lived anywhere for more than two years, always a new state, and a new name. She never knew why. Twenty-five years later, her parents are both dead and she has come full circle back to living in Boston where she last felt stability and continuity. In Boston she lives in semi-seclusion and anonymity, still feeling the fear of her childhood. Only the astonishing news report that Annabelle Granger is dead, part of a gruesome crime scene involving six children buried in an underground chamber on the grounds of the now-closed state mental hospital, causes Annabelle come forth. Annabelle, now known as Tanya, tells Detectives Bobby Dodge and D.D. Warren her strange story. Not many facts of her past can be substantiated due to the frequent change of names and address. The investigation of the serial deaths unearths more than one suspect. Annabelle insists on being part of the investigation, and ends up reclaiming her name and her life.

This was an extremely fast-paced, engrossing, and engaging book. The characters were all terrific. Bobby and D.D. are characters that first appeared in the 2005 ALONE. Catherine Gagnon, the central character from ALONE, is also part of the story in HIDE. This is total stand along novel, but I think it would be really worth it to read ALONE first. There were a few problems with the book. Annebelle narrated her part of the story in first person, while the rest of the book was in third person. It made it really confusing. Also there were so many suspects, and so many clues and they all seemed to be involved in the resolution which made it seem too tidy, and far-fetched. Also, since when is a women versed in martial arts bested by a couple of old guys.

The first three-quarters of the book was excellent. The ending is rather a disappointment.


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