The Trap

By: Melanie Raabe, Imogen Taylor - translator

Narrated by: Julie Teal

Now in paperback, the twisted debut thriller about a reclusive author who sets the perfect trap for her sister's murderer--but is he really the killer?

The renowned author Linda Conrads is famous for more than just her bestselling novels. For over eleven years, she has mystified fans by never setting foot outside her home. Far-fetched, sometimes sinister rumors surround the shut-in writer, but they pale in comparison to the chilling truth: Linda is haunted by the unsolved murder of her younger sister, whom she discovered in a pool of blood twelve years ago, and by the face of the man she saw fleeing the scene.

Now plagued by panic attacks, Linda copes with debilitating anxiety by secluding herself in her house, her last safe haven. But the sanctity of this refuge is shattered when her sister's murderer appears again--this time on her television screen. Empowered with sudden knowledge but hobbled by years of isolation, Linda resolves to use her only means of communication with the outside world--the plot of her next novel--to lay an irresistible trap for the man.

But as the plan is set in motion and the past comes rushing back, Linda's memories of that traumatic night--and her very sanity--are called into question. Is this man really a heartless killer or merely a helpless victim?

Critic reviews

"This one has everything: intriguing characters, a great sense of place that grounds the action, and a devious and enthralling plot."—The Globe and Mail

"In a crisp translation from the German by Imogen Taylor, Raabe delivers on a sly premise."—Seattle Times

"A fast, twisty read for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn."—Booklist

"If you think you know what's going on in this winding psychological thriller, you're probably wrong...[a] Misery-in-reverse story."—Elle, "11 of the Best Books to Read in July"

"Intricately constructed... nicely done twists and turns."—Kirkus Reviews

"A complex, amazingly written book that deals with the subject of walking the line between sanity and insanity based on one dreadful night that changes a life forever....An excellent job in all facets of storytelling from plot to characters to tone, this one definitely deserves the full 5-stars!"—Suspense Magazine

"Suspenseful...taut storytelling."—Publishers Weekly

"[An] impressive debut...very artfully told-this is an enjoyable read which shows that the line between madness and genius is sometimes very thin."—True Viral News, "If You Liked Girl on a Train You'll Love These"

"A superb psychological thriller with a storyline that will have you hooked. Not suitable for sensitive constitutions."—AR (Spain)

"A real literary phenomenon."—Mía (Spain)

a bit overwrought for my taste

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I prefer a direct, simple writing style. This seemed to me to be unnecessarily convoluted.

Would you be willing to try another book from Melanie Raabe and Imogen Taylor - translator ? Why or why not?

No. The translator seems fine. The writing, as I said, was not my cup of tea. I found myself fast forwarding through whole chapters. I never developed any feelings but annoyance toward any of the characters except the fictional police detective.

Have you listened to any of Julie Teal’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I am aware of. She seemed a talented performer.

Did The Trap inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

None

Great book

Any additional comments?

I was not sure if if I was gonna like this book.To my surprise I did enjoy it very much great storyline .Julie Teal was a good narrator .First novel by the German author I can not wait to see where will she go whit her next novel. perfect Summer novel .

predictable thriller

It was an enjoyable book with a predictable ending. Great for a lazy summer day listen.

The Trap

The basic storyline was good, although there have been other, more interesting shut-in plots, but the ending was weak and disappointing.

Worth the Credit

Isn't that what we all want to know?
I enjoyed the narrator and the pace of the story. I also liked how the chapters went back and forth from present story to the main character's novel.
There were a few twists and turns (similar to Flynn, but nobody does it like Gone Girl!) that kept it interesting, but the end result was not super shocking. All in all a good listen with a good narrator and quick pace. I recommend it.