This thrilling novel kept me on my toes the whole time. Why is the protagonist afraid of the man inside the cage and how he got there are the crux of this thrilling story. Scary and brilliant!

Well. What a great concept. 

A definite 5 star on the premise, but I dropped a star because I didn't enjoy the second half as much as the first. 

The first was amazing. I could not put it down. I was 'The Captive'. The plot was unique and there was a wonderful slow-building tension that was frustrating to read but not in a bad way, in a way where you are gripping the book with white knuckles waiting for bad shit to go down because it's there bubbling away in the background like a dodgy tummy after a curry and night out. 

However I felt that the tension dissolved by the halfway point.  The focus shifted from Hannah searching answers about her husband's murder to her relationship with the prisoner in her home. The early investigation dried up, and even the plot concerning Aisling seemed to lack impact for me. By the 75% mark I almost wanted to give up. The focus had shifted so drastically that it wasn't the same book. I had officially lost interest. 

Thankfully the ending ratched up the tension again and was pretty epic. A great conclusion to the earlier focus of John's murder, though it did feel somewhat rushed. If some of the relationship building had been cut down and if the the ending had started ramping up earlier It would have been 5 star perfect. 

I really did love the whole concept of restorative justice. It could open up to so many other stories in this world. I loved Laurie's story and she was only mentioned a few times. My heart went out  to her and I'd have loved to have known more. 

The setting was a bit weird actually. It was set in London but it was quite Americanised. I kept forgetting that it was in London. There was talk of trash and such that gave it an American feel. 

I guessed some of the main twists but the reading to their reveal was still enjoyable. I won't spoiler them.

I've read one of O'Connors' other books and have the other waiting for me, might have to move to that one sooner.

3.5 stars


I'd really like my friends to read this,so that we can discuss the idea of housing criminals in your home.
Theres a lot to be said about this I think,and it's a brilliantly original idea to start your book with.

Some other parts of the book felt a bit predictable to me,but the story never lacked for twists or turns.

I enjoyed the backstory of Jem,so we could see how he landed up caged in the kitchen guilty of murder.

Book clubs will love this.

For me personally I found this book hard to get into the story line, and unfortunately wasn't really my taste and not an edge of seater which I like.

It wouldn't be fair to say I would not recommend this book as overall it was well written but just not for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.