Snap by Belinda Bauer

Three young children are left in a car on the side of the road in the blazing heat. Their pregnant mother makes her way on foot in search for help after their car has broken down. She is never to be seen or heard from again. Eventually the family is informed that she has been murdered. It appears she had accepted a ride from a stranger. Doesn't everyone know you don't accept rides from strangers? It's the perfect way to end up dead.

Life begins to quickly unravel for the Bright family after Eileen Bright is murdered. Jack Bright, the eldest at a whopping eleven years old is forced to provide for the family. A little boy who has no choice but to grow up fast and learn a quick and dirty lifestyle. 

Fast forward three years. We meet Catherine and Adam.  Catherine is pregnant, expecting their first child. Many interesting events unfold in their home, such as death threats. Yet, they never report it to the authorities. A bit odd one would think. What do they have to hide? What does one need a four thousand pound knife for? A hefty price for a knife that you misplace or have lying around the house. So many unanswered questions.

Whew! Oh Snap! I know, but I couldn't resist, I had to say Oh Snap at least once. It was just there, I had to do it. This was one good book! I will be the first to admit that this book freaked me out a little in the beginning.  The first couple of chapters had me checking my door locks and feeling a bit uneasy. Creeped out would probably be an accurate description. The author is so precise with her descriptions that she transforms you into that place. I could feel the heat that those kids were experiencing while waiting in the hot car  for their mom. You could imagine your bare legs sticking to the hot seats. Not to mention I had to look over my shoulder while in my own house. Bravo to Belinda Bauer for making it real for me.

This was a suspense filled thriller that I didn't want to put down. It also tugs at your heart strings. Jack Bright deserved a better life. He would probably have gone down a much different path, if not for another persons disregard for human life. He appeared grown up but he was still yearning for a childhood as demonstrated with his Goldilocks lifestyle.

This is the first Belinda Bauer book I have read. I will defiantly be looking forward to reading more by her.

4 stars from me!