Safe by S.K. Barnett is a tense and exciting psychological thriller that drew me in from the very first page and didn’t let go until the final, exhilarating page had been turned. I knew very little about this book going in and I’m so glad I didn’t, as this is a story you need to experience for yourself. It’s dark, twisted and not always an easy read, but is one of those tales that I know will stay with me for a long time to come.

Twelve years ago, six year old Jenny Kristal was snatched in broad daylight as she walked to a friend’s house, only a short distance from where she lived. But now, after escaping from her kidnappers, Jenny is back. But as she settles back into a life she barely remembers, questions begin to mount. Where has Jenny been all these years? How did she find her way back home? Why has she suddenly resurfaced now? And the most important question of all…

Is she safe?

This is not an easy review to write, as it’s difficult to say too much without giving something away. But suffice to say this is a book that took me by surprise more than once as the story unfolded and the truth of what had happened to Jenny finally began to be revealed. The tension is palpable as the suspense ratchets up to breaking point, the cleverly woven plot making my pulse race and keeping me on my toes throughout.

There is no doubt that S.K. Barnett knows how to write a superb psychological thriller. I was blown away by the strength of his writing, and found the story so compelling that once started I could not put this tense and suspense filled thriller down.

A must read!