Monday, August 15, 2022

"The One That Got Away", by Joe Clifford




This is the story of Alex Salerno who survived being abducted by a serial killer twelve years ago. Now she is living in New York working odd jobs. One day, she received a phone call to discuss the disappearance of Kira Shanks, the girl who vanished after her to never be seen again. If Alex could found out what happened to Kira maybe she could make peace with herself....Is there a link between Alex and Kira.....this seething story of small-town will reveal a string of macabre leads...

Alex is one unpleasant character: hostile dealing with people and no one would cooperate with her pseud-investigation. She has a hard time getting what she wants but manages nevertheless to get results. The story is mainly told from her point of view with occasional chapters from Bennie’s, the young man suspected of killing Kira now in a mental hospital. Bennie is smarter than people think but still the light is dim...His role is very touching and heartbreaking and is told with compassion.

I mildly enjoyed this story. The language is a bit rough at times and some passages are hardly believable. Would a police officer risked his job by taking advantage of a minor? Well in this drama we have one scumbag....

As the plot slowly unwinds and layer after layer are revealed, many suspenseful moments awaits us especially when Alex persists in sticking her nose in dangerous place. Ultimately some of the mysteries and secrets are resolved although by the end I was left wondering what kind of life Alex would be facing.....

In short words:

“The One That Got Away” is a dark, psychological thriller with some surprising twists and turns leading to the finale. Good story but it failed to sweep me away.

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