Blog Tour: The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton (review)

The Edge of Normal
written by Carla Norton
published by Minotaur Books

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Book Depository, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I participated in the blog tour hosted by Book Sparks PR. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: Yes.

Carla Norman’s a really strong writer. She demonstrates her unquestionable skill from page one. Her story is interesting and her characters are flawlessly developed.

(I’m going to be deliberately vague in this next paragraph in hopes of avoiding the dreaded spoiler alert.) But there’s a scene when our main character is being tricked by one seriously bad dude. As she walks into the risky situation, I had to skim ahead. I felt such a strong feeling of dread, I couldn’t force myself to read it – kind of like covering your eyes during a really scary movie.  I wanted to yell, “Stop! Run!” But it’s bad enough that I talk back to the TV. It’s probably best if I not talk to my books.

I don’t want to say any more because the end of the book is so powerful that I don’t want to ruin it.

My one ½ star gripe: The story was a little predictable. I hate it when I guess what’s coming next and get it right.

Would I recommend it: Yes.

Will I read it again: No.

About the book: Reeve LeClaire looks like a typical 22-year-old girl, but she is anything but normal. Ten years ago, she was kidnapped and held captive for four years. After a lucky escape, she’s been rebuilding her life, thanks in large part to her therapist Dr. Ezra Lerner. When he asks Reeve to help mentor another girl rescued from a similar ordeal, the two bond very quickly. But the more Tilly confides in her, Reeve realizes she may not simply need to support this young survivor, but that she may be the only one who can protect her from a cunning predator who is still out there, watching her every move.

About the author: Carla Norton is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Perfect Victim: The True Story of the Girl in the Box, which the FBI put on their Behavioral Sciences Unit reading list. She served as the special sections editor for the San Jose Mercury News and has written for numerous publications. She has an MFA from Goddard College and has twice served as a judge for the Edgar Awards. The Edge of Normal, which won a Royal Palm Literary Award for best unpublished mystery, is her debut novel. She lives in California and Florida.

Find Ms. Norton here: web, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube