A murder. A missing girl. A desperate father.
Welcome!
This book was an early e-copy I received from Amazon First Reads, a program exclusive to Prime Members that allows you to choose from a small selection of yet-to-be-released books for free. Perfect for readers looking to check out up-and-coming books without breaking the bank.
Before I we get too much farther, I’d just like throw out there that a 3.5 (to me) is still a good score.. It’s better than ‘meh’ but not really ‘thrilling,’ the of read that makes a good snack in between meals.
This was an intelligent, fast-paced story where a loving father is forced to do the impossible.. he must find his little girl before he’s captured or killed.. but will it be in time?
Enjoy!
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through my links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
All He Has Left by Chad Zunker
Publication date: April. 1. 2023
Pages: 206
Genre: Crime Thriller, Domestic Thriller
Standalone
First line: Jake Slater was already having a bad night.
Characters: Human. Real.
Storyline: Predictable but Worthwhile.
Pace: Quickly moving.
Writing: Done well.
Cover: 3.5/5
POVs
Jake, Eddie, Dani, Gervais
Three and a Half Stars
After the death of his wife, Jake’s 13 year old daughter, Piper, is all he has left. So when Piper stays at her cousin Caitlin’s house and Jake arrives to retrieve her, only to hear gunshots and screaming, the nightmare is only beginning.
Caitlin has been fatally shot, his daughter abducted, and his in-laws have made it clear that they believe he’s more than capable.
So he runs.
Now the main suspect for Caitlin’s murder, Jake must navigate a city filled with trigger-happy police and a team of FBI agents led by his ex-girlfriend, if he has any hope of finding and saving his little girl in time.
This is a great book to kill time but not one I would call addictive or engrossing.
The story picks up pretty early on and keeps the pace throughout, further increased by short chapters and multiple POVs, so it’s a pretty quick read.
There are times when it’s repetitive but not enough to become obnoxious.
It did feel rushed.
I would have liked more time getting to know the characters and their backstories but there really wasn’t enough time with how short the book is. It does work for what it is—still—another 100-150 pages or so could have done it wonders.
The knowledge that a little girl’s life is on the line creates a tension that will have you on the edge of your seat, as the ever-present mystery of “Why?” holds you hostage there. Why has Piper been taken and by who? What does it have to do with her mother’s death?
Great dad’s are a rare thing in literature so this was a real treat.
Jake genuinely adores his daughter, a character trait that will have you rooting for him with every page turned.
The author did a fantastic job with what’s here and I look forward to reading more from him in the future..
Maybe I just need to pick something longer next time.
Well, that’s that for now.
Thank you for taking a moment to check out this review, I hope it was helpful!
Do you like short, quick reads or longer, fuller ones?
Follow Read Betwixt Words on WordPress.com
Sounds interesting and I can never resist a thriller. I like both shorter and longer reads depending on my mood and how much time I have lol 😅
Great review, Sheri. I do like books about great dads, and the quick pace appeals to me. I wonder about the book length and whether the author was trying to appeal to readers who want shorter books (a trend?). I know as a reader I’m more willing to try an author I don’t know if the book isn’t a tome. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation.
Great review, Sheri. I do like a quick read, especially in a thriller.
Thank you.
And I like squeezing them in between longer reads.. it keeps me from burning out.