Book Description
Words can not describe the horror of a young boy's life-but one woman is determined to hear him...

To the outside world Davy Boyce is a sullen, uncommunicative child cared for by a concerned stepfather since the death of his mother. Only he knows the truth behind the silence-a world of unspeakable abuse that has left him traumatized and mute. Hope arrives in the form of Celia Griswold, a young art therapist coping with tragedies of his own. Encouraged by Celia to express himself through his drawings, Davy tries to tell her his painful story, gradually offering clues that coalesce into a picture of misery and fear that no one but Celia is willing to believe. As their friendship grows, it pulls them closer to danger-and to a terrifying flight from a sadistic killer who is determined to silence them both forever.

From the Publisher
"A well-crafted and sophisticated psychological thriller" --Bestselling author Vincent Bugliosi

"Emmy and Edgar-winning journalist Nykanen uncovers his characters' psyches with wit, complexity and originality...Nykanen's attractively unpredictable characters will keep a stubborn hold on readers' attention." --Publishers Weekly

Going to AceofHearts when I'm done as she won it in the Relayer's Nov SSS.

The child abuse aspect of the story was much less horrifying than certain other aspects, probably because the author didn't get overly descriptive about the exact details of the boys suffering. Much was left to the imagination. This however did not apply to the sections which described in exquisite detail the horrors that happen to Celia Griswold when she attempts to befriend and rescue the boy.

It was gruesome and grizzly and I enjoyed the read very much. I have another book by this author in my TBR pile, and I hope to get to it soon.

On its way to Aceofhearts.

received as part of a SS swap. Thanks

Davy Boyce is referred to a childrens' center in rural Oregon because he is mute and becomes a violent biter when annoyed. Celia Griswold is an art therapist at the center. Her new boss is not a big proponent of art therapy. As Davy slowly responds to the art therapy his drawings get more and more bizarre, leading Celia to suspect the very worse of situations. She suspects abuse and very severe emotional trauma. Can she get anyone else to see her suspicions?

Celia has her own problems. Her husband is becoming more and more remote and just at a time when she wants to start a family. Celia and her husband live in a remote although beautiful area but a scary shepard had moved his herd into the area causing Celia some concern.

Then there is Chet, Davy's stepfather, the most scariest of men. What he has planned for Celia and Davy is the sickiest and grizzliest of scenarios.

Reading now!

Celia is an art therapist that works with trouble kids in a small town in Oregon. She lives with her husband Jack overlooking a valley, far removed from the town centre. Celia spends more and more time alone because her husband is cheating on her, which causes her to bring home her work more often. When Davy, a new elective mute, is brought to her centre she works with him and reviews his art to see what his story is. She also meets Davy's pushy step-father Chet. As Davy learns to trust Celia, she learns more through his drawings and starts to suspect Chet of abuse. Chet can't allow this secret to get out though and has some nasty plans for Celia.

This wasn't the best written book and you knew what was going to happen. The scene where Chet finally decided to deal with Celia was very graphically written, which I suppose was the whole point of the book. That being said, I didn't feel like the story line was engaging enough and didn't feel any connection to Celia to really care if she lived or die. Nothing about this book was original, it just felt like a bad horror movie.

mailed today to my birthday partner

Oh no! I forgot to journal this in! I read this as soon as I opened my birthday package. I actually quite enjoyed this book. Thank you so much for sending this my way Lauren. =]

Book buffet at BCinDC Convention 2011! =]