Trespassing: A Novel Hardcover – April 1, 2018

I had a moment of deja vu when picking book, it's my second Kindle First pick this year about a woman who's husband goes missing. Fortunately, Veronica (the woman in this book), is not a pathetic mess, so this book was much better.Really, my only gripe about this book is the three year old daughter, Elizabella (ugh, that name). It's just not believable that she's three, she sounds much older. Five, maybe, and that's still a stretch.I found myself reading the whole thing in a day, because I wanted to know how it ended. Veronica's panicked thoughts, trying to piece together what happened (Did her husband leave? Did he die? Is she losing her mind like her mother?), kept the pace pretty frantic. The creepy way her daughter seems to know some things before they happen and the way police keep talking to Veronica like a suspect kept the tension high.There were some good twists, and more importantly, things got explained without me having to totally suspend belief. Definitely one of the better thrillers I've read from the Kindle First selection.

There will be NO SPOILERS in my review. For I wouldn't want to take away the edge of your seat, high adrenaline page turner from another reader!I have been on a binge read of "psychological suspense/thrillers" (many Amazon Firsts, as this was) and some have been nearly great, with many others falling quite a bit short, but there's a formulaic quality to them all. They were beginning to blend together into "if you like Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, then..." jumble. Well not this book!And, the thing is, I loved "Gone Girl," because it was unlike any twisty thriller that I had read before. But I don't want to read another book "like" G.G., I want to read another book that grabs me from the first page and doesn't let me go until a 24 hr feverish reading frenzy, my heart pounding out of my chest as I finish the last, wholly satisfying page (literally, I had to force myself to take calming breaths after finishing "Trespassing"!). I feel elated, like I want to run out and tell everyone I know to read Trespassing. I haven't felt this way, well, since... Gone Girl (like you didn't see that one coming!)."Trespassing" is written in the newer style of 2-5 page chapters, making it difficult to put down. Plus, Brandi Reeds deftly leaves a little hook or cliff hanger at the end of each one, making it all to easy to whisper, "just one more chapter" until you look over at the clock, bleary-eyed, to discover you've read through the night and it's now 5am (ahem, talking from experience here). But the author's short chapters are not short on depth... lush, perfectly balanced descriptions are seemlessly woven into the story line so that each of the characters emotions and observations are also richly experienced by the reader; when Victoria gasps, you gasp, when she laughs, you find yourself chuckling too. But even more engaging is the way Reeds plays off the reader's imagination. I found myself constantly changing theories, some in line with the main character's and others, solely my own. But, I never once guessed the plot twists, which is so very rare for me, I'm one that guesses even the most obscure twists, even when I'm trying hard not to over-think.With Trespassing, I was so immersed in the fast-changing unfolding story line, that I didn't have time to minutely dissect it all. But even if I had, I don't think I would have guessed the directions this book took. I couldn't tell if I was reading a paranormal story (a la "Whispers," an ABC show a few years back), one of paranoia, or mental illness induced psychosis. And the great thing is, it's all of that and more... it's also a very real story of infertility, infidelity, and complicated family dynamics, with a completely likable and relatable narrator.I hate to build too much hype around a book, because there's always the risk of ruining that sense of excitement at discovering these characters for yourself. So, even though I want to keep writing about my experience (partly because I do not want to let this book go), I won't because I want you to have your own heart-in-your-throat experience. I strongly encourage you to avoid the temptation to read many reviews at the risk of reading a smidgen of a spoiler. And I won't tell you if you like "So and so" book, you'll love "Trespassing." I'll just say... if you want to read a book with a storyline unlike any other, I implore you to buy this book now. And then clear your calendar for the rest of the day, because once you start, you won't be able to focus on another thing!I can't wait to read more adult books by Brandi Reeds (she writes YA as Sasha Dawn). I just hope the next one doesn't take another 10 years to write!

I was torn between this book and another first read but ended up choosing this one. I am glad I did! I read it very quickly because I just couldn't put it down. I thought everything was very believable. I felt Victoria's pain as I began realizing her life was not as she thought it was. She felt true emotion, well all of them. She was scared, devastated, confused, crazy, rejected, deceived, and maybe even relief at the end. I won't give away any details, because I hate when people divulge all the information in the review. You will not regret reading this book! This book could spin off to another one.

Just have to say that I really REALLY enjoyed this book, and compared to some of the other First Reads psychological thrillers, I thought it was a step above. Veronica was an easy heroine to follow...very repeatable and real...and the fear, tension, and confusion the author so expertly weaves through the narrative made for an incredibly gripping ride. The plot twists weren't forced, and I thought the ending was fantastic! Most of all though, it was the emotion and confusion of this book...Veronica's slow realization of what was and wasn't real, her fear as she unravels the truth, her anger and rejection as she comes to realize who and what her missing husband is. It was all incredibly well done. The mental aspect was a really great twist as well, and was handled with skill, to the point where I felt like I was constantly guessing. Was she or wasn't she having a breakdown? Was she or wasn't she crazy?For those who care, there are a few of the more mild curse words in this book (though only a very few), and since I've recently become paranoid about missing f-bombs, I did a search for them and found only one.Which is about right, since I actually recalled seeing so few throughout the book, I felt the search was extra important!

Yes, I realize that "unputdownable" is not a word. But, after the last few months dismal choices with Kindle First, I finally found a book that not only piqued my interest, but kept it through the end.I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plot twists that I did not see coming that added to the book's mystique. The customary plot twists unfolded in a natural pace. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out.It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

I liked the description of this book but I didn't raise my hopes too high as I find that books given away free on KU tend to not live up to expectations. However this book really is a gripping thriller which draws you in - so much so that I sat up late to read it in one sitting. At first I had little sympathy for Veronica - she seems to have everything going for her, a well off adoring husband, a beautiful daughter and a lovely home in a gated community - without nothing to worry about but her IVF treatment and her daughter's imaginary friend. However as the novel progresses her life starts to unravel to the point where she can trust no-one not even herself. Was her husband really what he appeared to be, or has her whole life been a lie? After such a great buildup I was a little let down by the ending which seemed a little confusing and offered only partial closure but I kind of expected that - so many of the twists and turns have already been revealed by the plot that there really aren't that many surprises left for the reader. Great great attempt for a first novel and I would definitely buy another book by this author.

This was good- better than the last couple of Amazon Firsts I’ve read. The idea behind the plot is not a new one- very happy family of three living in a lovely gated property- when the husband disappears and it becomes increasingly obvious he’s been leading a double life. The author, however, uses a few different slants to achieve a storyline that is full of twists and full of guessing as to what is true and what is a figment of a tormented mind.Micah, a pilot and Veronica are going through an ivf programme for another baby. They have a 3 year old, Elizabella, who was born via ivf. After a routine flight to New York, Micah disappears. Later, the wreckage of a plane is found off the coast of the Florida Keys, with human remains. As details of Micah’s other life emerge, the police increasingly believe that Veronica is responsible for the ‘death’ of Micah. Things aren’t helped when Elizabella’s imaginary friend Nini, has messages linked to events. Other characters are introduced who cast doubt on Veronica’s version of occurrences. What is the truth? Is Veronica suffering mental health problems?This is intriguing. The connections to the ivf programme are well thought out. My main criticisms are that Elizabella is very irritating and far too clever for a 3 year old- her contributions to the plot are a tad unbelievable. Also, Veronica’s habit of carrying the child everywhere is annoying and doesn’t require mentioning all the while. Minor niggles which, overall, don’t detract from an accomplished book

I do like books like this – A LOT. It nurtures suspicion to perfection by playing on a person’s anxiety, leading them head-first into an unknown they didn’t think was possible.It takes several assured steps away from any run-of-the-mill ‘psychological domestic drama’, at least in my humble opinion. It didn’t miss a beat, especially when doubt and fear cast long shadows over our leading lady’s life. And her daughter’s imaginary friend is quite unsettling at times!Given her familial history and the situation she finds herself floundering in she’s not even sure she can trust herself, let alone the people nudging their way into her life. Any existing question marks appear to multiply wildly, until the only thing she achieves is drawing further suspicion about her own integrity and it takes a while to gnaw away at the truth.I’m glad I trusted my gut with this one as I found myself effortlessly and intensely gripped by it. This is certainly an author whose work I’d be more than happy to read again in future.

A new Author to me. I got this book as one of the monthly selection for Prime customers and was so pleased I did. It is cleverly written and grips you from start to finish. It was one of those books you did not want to put down. It kept you wondering if the mother was losing her mind due to the stress of fertility treatment and if her little daughter was imagining her friend - as little people sometimes do - or if she had a medical problem or wad clairvoyant. The husband seems devoted to his family and as the mother's seeming paranoia grows the plot takes twists and turns which leave the reader wondering who is to be believed and what is going on behind the scenes. Excellent story, gripping and very cleverly told. Excellent. Cant wait to read more from this Author.

Trespassing is a good solid 4 out of 5 star novel. Usually I can say that I have quite a good idea what is going on in a novel from pretty early on but this story was certainly different from so many others in that respect. I spent so much of my time thinking I'd come up with the answers in one chapter, only to have my theories blown away in the next. I don't want to give too much away but I literally suspected pretty much every character of some form of wrong doing at some point in this story.I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes a psychological rollercoaster of a novel and ill certainly be looking for titles by Brandi Reeds from now on.

I wasn't expecting much - many hyped -up thrillers turn out to be disappointingly predictable or end with so-called 'twists' when protagonists suddenly turn out to act completely out of character and for ludicrous motives. this book, however, slowly builds tension and mystery but is skilfully written and keeps the interest going while also using straightforward language which is easy to read. A genuine page Turner.

I chose this as my Kindle First book in March and have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story follows Veronica as her apparently perfect husband disappears. We gradually get pulled into the depths of despair as Micah is revealed as far from the perfect husband. Add to the problem the imaginary friend of Elizabella and we are drawn into a web of deceit and intrigue. Veronica has had a difficult upbringing and she starts to wonder if history is repeating itself. The only fault I can find with the book is the same as several other reviewers have pointed out. Veronica seems to keep picking her daughter and carrying her and much is made of this which seems a little repetitive. Other than this I would highly recommend this book.

Neat and nice. Kept me reading to the end, with some neat twists and turns and some searching questions being asked of the investigative process. Some of it was a shout too far it’s true but that’s the power of fiction - you can do what you want and lead the reader where you want to go! I liked the worry the author created as not knowing who to trust leads you to make some awful decisions, but the ending is satisfying in a story well told and worth reading.

Original story line but too many questions and scenarios raised towards the end. I found myself getting overwhelmed when the main character started to consider an increasing variety of possibilities and I started to lose interest. Would have given an extra star if this hadn't been the case.

I found it very hard to identify with the leading character in this book - a seemingly pathetic woman to whom I constantly wanted to say "pull yourself together, you're a grown woman and a mother!". However I was compelled to read the whole book just to discover how it ended. There was actually a plot, although somewhat far-fetched, but she was still a pathetic woman.

I really enjoyed this novel. I found it pacy and quick-moving and didn't feel I had to trawl through loads of stuff before we got to the story. It didn't 'meander' or drag out at all and I would recommend it. The storyline is something a little different and made a pleasant, refreshing change. I thought it was well written and the characters were well developed. Very good first novel!

This book started out promising but roughly two thirds into it started to really drag and becamed so repetitive. I was so tired of hearing about the IVF and the dead mother then it was like the author decided to through everything into the mix that it just became a jumble of words that i really skimmed through to the end. It really needed a good edit aswell which was a pity as it started of so good.

A real page turner, I couldn't put it down. "Just one more page" turned into "just one more chapter". The time is now 2am! Despite knowing I've got an early morning & a very lively son to care for, my curiosity got the better of me - I just had to know what happened next!Be prepared to put your life on hold & loose some sleep!!!!

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes with all the twists and turns. Unlike so many books and films lately I didn't guess what was going on within five minutes! Fast paced, great characters, I couldn't put this book down (well, not willingly!) absolutely would recommend. I normally read Sci fi , but this was a great step out of my usual genre.

I struggled with the first couple of chapters but then I got drawn into the story, trying to decide whether the main character was mad or, if not, what might be going on. There were several possibilities. I ended up reading it non stop to find out what the ending would be. Very good book.