The Captive by Deborah O’Connor is an intriguing Thriller set in the not to distant future, well it may even be now, in a country where the failing prison system has been ripped apart and a new restorative justice system is in place,  

No longer do the police press charges but the victim does. And if the victim does press charges then they in turn then become the jailer of the criminal who moves into the victims home to play out their sentence in a custom made cell. It’s a crazy idea.

Deborah O’Connor spins this take brilliantly as the obvious questions begin to be asked on how you would treat your captive and what relationships develop between you and them.

The 2 main protagonists are quite likeable and throughout your waiting to see exactly what Jem is up to in a twisty and enthralling mystery.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s so different with such a unique storyline.

Fast Paced, thrills a minute reading, the ending is great and this a real page turning thriller that will leave you thinking what if and buts about the whole premise. Captivating like it’s title suggests.

5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre Books

In a not too distant future, restorative justice has replaced prisons. The idea is that the criminal will reside in a tiny cell in the victim's home so that the impact of their crime becomes tangible. Hannah's police officer husband is murdered and the perpetrator, Jem, is established in a cell in her kitchen. 
This really captured my imagination and was unlike anything I had ever read before. 

The tension in the book is palpable from the start; the fear and hatred Hannah experiences with Jem being in the house is tangible. Jem continues to protest his innocence and it's unclear whether this is a mind game he is playing, to torment Hannah further, or if there is any truth in what he claims. 

Hannah does start to investigate exactly what happened to her husband and it soon starts to become evident that her dead husband had secrets. Hannah's best friend Aisling may be able to shed some light on what happened, but she has started to avoid Hannah and whilst Hannah may trust Jem, it's clear he is hiding something too. It's a tangled web and had me turning the pages desperate to find out exactly who could be trusted and what really happened to Hannah's husband. My only complaint was that there was a side story that involves Aisling that detracted from the pace and plot, thankfully once this is wrapped up the book really ramps up the tension as all the loose threads are brought together for the dramatic conclusion. 

This is a great book and I would like to thank the publishers and Net Galley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

This is a good read. It is totally unbelievable in places but thought provoking as well. This is a good who dunnit. 

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.

After reading The Dangerous mind also by Deborah O’Connor I was intrigued to see what was next instore with The Captive.
Sometime in the future Met detective John Cavey was murdered in an alleyway.  Since the prison system collapsed, victims of the crime now must house the perpetrators caged in their home for the length of their sentence. This means they must feed and clothe them and oversea the visits from the Domestic liaison officer. This is done so the perpetrators will learn the error of their ways.
Jem was sentenced to 20 years for the murder of John cavey. His wife Hannah is uncomfortable for having the murderer of her husband in the house.  What makes it worse Jem keeps saying he is innocent of the crime and when other things come to light, she thinks that she might believe him. She confides this to her best friend Asling and Micky another police detective.
The captive is a unique story, with great characters that I really enjoyed, and I think this will be talked about for a long time. This is one of them thought provoking books that would worry you if the concept really came to life. Would you want the person who robbed, raped, or murdered someone you new incarcerated in your home for the period of their sentence? There is a lot of questions that would come of this.

Right from the start this book has you in its thrall, hook, line and sinker! Hannah Cavey’s husband John, a Met detective,  is murdered. The current system of incarceration involves prisoners being placed in cells in the victims homes as part of a restorative justice programme with several rings of security. Jem Dahlin is convicted though professes innocence and duly arrives at Hannah’s house. 

The concept! How utterly appalling, it blows your mind that an innocent party has to not only confront but feed those convicted! Can you imagine anything worse? Right from the start Hannah’s nerves are understandably jangling and mine along with her! The concept feels original and as the clever plot unfolds Hannah has to start playing detective herself as various discoveries make her realise that things are just not adding up. It’s absolutely gripping as you go on a dangerous and nightmarish journey which reveals lies, corruption, wicked betrayal, organised crime and murder. It’s a very dark and intense plot full of twists which keep you immersed in the storytelling. The finale is very exciting with some jaw drooping and unexpected shocks as it reaches a very satisfying conclusion. 

Overall, I enjoyed this well written thriller very much. The whole thing from start to finish sends shivers up your spine and you recoil in horror at the thought of a prisoner glowering at you 24/7! Highly recommended to fans of this genre. 

With thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the arc for an honest review.

A unique plot based on possibly the future with our ever loaded prison system - Hannah finds herself the carer of Jem imprisioned for the murder of her husband - the system means prisoners are locked in a cell in the home of the victims family and so the story begins . Putting pieces together Hannah realises Jem is innocent and the two form a bond and put together a plan . Really enjoyed this book a really unusual plot that makes for excellent reading

This is a book with a unique premise; the family of a victim of crime can house the prisoner. It’s a weird and quite disturbing concept but it certainly creates a different setting for an interesting read.

I found it really well written if claustrophobic as the lead character deals with her grief, whilst housing the guilty perpetrator.

The relationship between captive and his captor is fascinating and as the book progresses you are drawn into the dilemma of innocence vs guilt.

An interesting 3* Good Read and I’m grateful to NetGalley and Bonnier books Zaffre for the opportunity to preview.’

In a world where restorative justice means that victims of crime house the criminals who wronged them in their own house in a specially built cell, Hannah is stuck with the prospect of years of living alongside Jem, the criminal who murdered her husband. Jem is a complex character who eventually makes Hannah question everything and investigate her husbands death.
This was a fantastic thriller, so many twists and questions with an exciting climax, a very unique plot idea! I would love to see this as a movie or series on tv!
Thanks so much to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read, enjoyed it thoroughly, great storyline and loads of twists and turns , highly recommend this book x

After reading Deborah O'Connor's impressive and memorable The Dangerous Kind, I knew I had to read this, her latest psychological thriller set in a London in the near future. The government has cynically closed down the expensive prison system that failed to curb crime in favour of the more cut price move to restorative justice, that has the criminal living in a cage in the home of the victim for the duration of their sentence, now responsible for their welfare, overseen by visits from a Domestic Liaison Officer (DLO). The idea is that the perpetrator will learn the error of their ways by seeing up close the impact of their crime. Cake maker and widow Hannah Cavey's police officer husband, John, was murdered by 28 year old Jem Dahlin, sentenced to 2o years. The still grieving Hannah cannot bear the torments of having Jem in her home, but all her objections come to nothing, as a cage is installed for Jem in her home.

Training in the processes and protocol designed to protect Hannah is given by her DLO, the cancer suffering Mr Dalgleish. To help her through the emotional pressures she is now facing, Hannah turns for support to her best friend, masseuse Aisling, and Rupert, John's police partner, his boss, DCI Michaela Coombes, is struggling with alcohol issues. Jem has a traumatic background, with a mother unable to take care of him, taken in by foster parents, the Tarkers with their young son, Lucas. Slowly but surely, Jem begins to get under Hannah's skin when he tells her he is innocent and relays information to her about John that has a ring of truth. Hannah, against all advice and warnings, begins to delve into the life of her beloved John, only for her to become aware she barely knew him, what was his interest in the death of undercover police officer, Roddy Blessop? In a narrative that takes in betrayal, corruption, money laundering and more murders, Hannah finds herself in danger, she is beginning to fall for Jem, but a relationship with him is taboo, and, more to the point, can she trust him?

O'Connor's central premise of a restorative justice system where victims are forced to live with those who may have committed the most heinous acts of crime against them is fascinating, nightmarish, and intriguing. There are inherent problems with such a concept, which requires a suspension of disbelief, but the idea is usefully explored in detail and insightfully with all its attendant horrors, such as rape victims having to live with the terrors of having the perpetrator in their home and those victims looking for revenge given the opportunity to abuse and potentially kill the perpetrator. This is a memorable, thought provoking, dark and intense crime read, with great characterisations in Hannah and the flawed Jem with his criminal tendencies. An absolutely superb psychological thriller that I recommend highly. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.

A great story set in a very different world to the one we have now with offender management. The story is captivating and keeps you guessing throughout.

Fast paced and an interesting concept whereby the victim of a crime, if they prosecute, is faced with housing the perpetrator in their home instead of a prison.

Quite an unbelievable storyline tbh, but fun and action packed enough to draw you in. Easy reading.

The central premise of the ‘The Captive’ is a wonderfully inventive idea.  In a not too distant future, the government has decided to close down the prison system.  It clearly isn’t working – look at the reoffender statistics – and it is very expensive to run.  Dressed up as the desirability of restorative justice, convicted prisoners are now looked after in the houses of those they’ve harmed so that they can come face to face with the damage they’ve inflicted.  Housed in a secure metal cage about the size of a car park space, they are fed and watered by those that they’ve desecrated in some way.
Jem has killed Hannah’s police officer husband and has been sentenced to life in a cage in her kitchen for twenty years.  From the start, he proclaims his innocence but this is just a ploy to woo Hannah, right?  It’s clear that his long-time criminal tendencies were always likely to escalate so why should she believe him?  However, as the plot develops the reader is given plenty of reasons to doubt the validity of his sentence.
Deborah O’Connor has taken the problems of a broken prison system and a cynical government and pushed them to a creative conclusion.  Whilst the practicalities of this are very difficult to imagine, despite the details she gives us, the subject matter should lead to some interesting discussions.
Is this novel an unmitigated success?  Not in my opinion.  The final sections where all of the threads are pulled together felt overcrowded and implausible.  Perhaps if some of the plot lines had been ditched earlier, the revelations and the denouement would have felt more credible.  A well-written novel which is worth reading for the main idea rather than the plot that unfolds.
My thanks to Bonnier Books UK, for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

There are unexpected (for me)  futuristic elements to this book; invisible electric fences, implanted microchip tasers (which was conveniently forgotten about and not used) which were just a bit too much for me.
The whole premise, that the only way to get a prosecution was to agree to such an arrangement is horrifying!
There were also a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies but it was definitely a different read, just much more bizarre than I expected from the blurb and reviews. What happened to Mr Dalgliesh?
Unfortunately not for me.

Imagine having someone sentenced guilty living in a cage, in your home! That has been a concept of this gripping and suspenseful novel. I have devoured this book in just couple of hours, I literally haven't been able to put this one down. Hannah has been a wonderful character who I have liked from the very beginning.

I have had to keep reading this book, Just to see how things were going to develop. I mean it's the story of nightmares isn't it? Imagine having a convicted killer caged and living in your house with you. It definitely gives me shivers just thinking about it.

There is nothing I have disliked about this book. The suspense has been built and we have really been able to get to know the characters who have been central to the plot.

I haven't read anything by this author before, however; I definitely will after reading this book. I have been converted as a fan of this author from this book. I have loved the character development, writing style and how I have been completely captivated by the pages of this book.

This book has definitely triggered a number of emotions for me. I have felt shocked, given shivers and completely addicted to this book.

I absolutely love how eerie the cover is, it has definitely made me want to read this book. The length has been absolutely perfect and the author has given a fantastic sense of before, during and after.

This book is completely original and unique to anything I've read previously. I have loved the concept of this one, I only wish I knew someone who had also read this- I feel I need to discuss.

I absolutely recommend this book. This is a definite five star read and should be on everyone's TBR.

The Captive

Excited to try a new author from my area of the world! Honestly the synopsis did not prepare me for this plot. I didn’t actually pick up on the actual plot from it and bloody hell what a shock that was! Brilliant haha!

So at some point the government gets rids of prisons and instead a cell space in installed in the victim of the crimes home. I mean what an idea! 

I couldn’t fully throw myself into this story, it has an uneasiness and even though this is a book I’ve picked up wanting to read I quickly lost that feeling? This book has so much but I couldn’t get over that feeling. I could read this story but I wasn’t enjoying it. I stopped reading at 35%.

Thank you for the chance to read.

I really enjoyed this book it was a very unique plot line and whilst I’m not quite sure how I feel about the concept of the victims of a crime having to house the perpetrator it sure made for an interesting and thrilling read. This is a book that I’m sure will spark many discussions and as for myself I find the whole idea of having the instigator of a crime against me or my family having to be housed with me horrific however this gave the book a very different twist and it really did make for a great read and it was a refreshing change to read something so different and praise to the author Deborah O’Connor for coming up with something so completely different.  
A book that kept me glued to Kindle as I desperately wanted to know the outcome and I wasn’t disappointed at all, great writing and a plot with a difference what more could you wish for so give it a go it’s well worth it !
My thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre  for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Set in a UK where instead of prisoners going to jail, they are placed  in the custody of the victim who has to become their jailor.  Electric fences surround the house to prevent escape with codes not available to the victim/jailer.  How would you feel if the man accused of murdering your husband/wife had to live in a cage in your kitchen and you were responsible for their care?

I was very unsure about this book and nearly DNF near the start as I could not get into it but I am so glad I did.  One of the most original and rewarding books I have read in a while.  There is of course as now is expected, the obligatory twist near the end.

Buy it upon release and stick with it.  Its worth it.  This book stands out due to its originality and will remain with me for a while and that is why there is only one possible rating - Certified Bostin!


Note -
Certified Bostin is the highest rating on my blog site "Black Country Short Thoughts" and is only given to the best of the best.  Books that are something special.  Think of it as like a A* or Distinction in exam grades.
Bostin is a slang term used in the Black Country region of the UK (near BIrmingham) which means very good, excellent, awesome, smashing

Loved this book, it's strange to think about restorative justice in the way it is in the book. How would you feel if the person who murdered your husband ended up in your house, with you being responsible for feeding and looking after them.? They are behind bars and are somewhere in your house that you always have to walk past so can't miss them! What would then happen if you started to believe they had been wrongly imprisoned and had been set up? What if you started to question the type of person your husband was and if he loved you at all? Then what if you began to get feelings for the prisoner and started to let them out?

Will definitely recommend to friends and family, would love to see what happens next to all of the characters or even have some back stories to them.  Thank you net galley for giving me the opportunity to read this and and to Deborah O'Connor for writing this.

When I requested this book, I was totally expecting an abduction story told from the perspective of the female abductor. I was almost a little disappointed that it looked like I was going to be reading short of futuristic sci-fi story instead. I am so pleased that I stuck with this though. This book would he am amazing TV series. There's too much to make it a film. The storyline is so complex and clever, but not difficult to follow and I loved the characters and how none of them were perfect. There were many characters I'd love to know more about, starting with Kenzie, Laurie and Kiki! 

A brilliant read and I am looking forward to reading the author's other work.