Audiobook Review: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Here is a summary of Still Missing from Chevy Stevens website:

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two year old Realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever- patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor of the day pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. 

Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent captive of a sadistic psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered spirit back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor. 

The truth doesn’t always set you free. 

My Review:
This was a suspenseful and heartbreaking novel that brought us along on a journey of a young lady that was kidnapped and held captive for nearly a year.  The audiobook was narrated by Angela Dawe, whom I believe did a wonderful job of capturing the character and emotions of our main character, Annie.

When Annie is found she must go through therapy to learn how to cope with her feelings and basically how to live again.  It is through these therapy sessions that Annie gives a very descriptive account of the events that took place from when she was first abducted at the real estate open house to the day she found her way back to society.

Upon Annie's kidnapping, her captor takes her to a secluded cabin nestled in some mountains.  Annie doesn't have any way of knowing if they are one hour from home or ten hours away from her home.  The 'Freak' has cut themselves off from all communication from the outside world, except for his weekly trips into civilization to get supplies.  He controls all of Annie's actions from when she sleeps, eats, and even relieves herself in the bathroom.  As Annie's body becomes conditioned to this schedule that he has created she finds a way to withdraw into herself so she hopefully doesn't anger him.

Since most of Annie's story is told through her therapy sessions I don't think it's a spoiler to share with you that fortunately Annie is lucky enough to be granted freedom from this monster.  Although she returns home, she finds nearly impossible to live a normal life again.  She is always looking over her shoulder, jumps at any odd noise in her home, and can only get a good nights sleep by hiding in her bedroom closet.

As they try to identify Annie's kidnapper many truths are brought to light that will shock you as a reader.  This was such a heart-wrenching and suspenseful story, but what I found interesting is that the suspense kept building after Annie was found.  There is some language in the book that a more reserved reader may not appreciate, but if that language is taken in the context of the story it seems appropriate to me.  I highly recommend this book, especially in the audio format.

My Rating:  5/5

Disclosure:  I borrowed this audiobook from my library because my friend Miranda wouldn't stop hounding me until I did!  I obviously loved it, so thanks for being so persistent Miranda!