What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hollows #3
In the Blood
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2014)SOMEONE KNOWS LANA’S SECRET—AND HE’S DYING TO TELL.
Lana Granger lives a life of lies. She has told so many lies about where she comes from and who she is that the truth is like a cloudy nightmare she can’t quite recall. About to graduate from college and with her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life. But, in Lana, he may have met his match. Or has Lana met hers?
When Lana’s closest friend, Beck, mysteriously disappears, Lana resumes her lying ways—to friends, to the police, to herself. The police have a lot of questions for Lana when the story about her whereabouts the night Beck disappeared doesn’t jibe with eyewitness accounts. Lana will do anything to hide the truth, but it might not be enough to keep her ominous secrets buried: someone else knows about Lana’s lies. And he’s dying to tell.
Lana Granger lives a life of lies. She has told so many lies about where she comes from and who she is that the truth is like a cloudy nightmare she can’t quite recall. About to graduate from college and with her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life. But, in Lana, he may have met his match. Or has Lana met hers?
When Lana’s closest friend, Beck, mysteriously disappears, Lana resumes her lying ways—to friends, to the police, to herself. The police have a lot of questions for Lana when the story about her whereabouts the night Beck disappeared doesn’t jibe with eyewitness accounts. Lana will do anything to hide the truth, but it might not be enough to keep her ominous secrets buried: someone else knows about Lana’s lies. And he’s dying to tell.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
About the author
Lisa Unger
46 books9,208 followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B. With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,945 reviews
August 24, 2022
so.
did i enjoy reading this book?
absolutely.
it was a fun and pacey novel but i gotta say - and this never happens - i guessed every little surprise twist and turn very early on. so for me, the pleasure of the unexpected discovery or blow-your-mind reveal was not at all a factor. BUT, if penn and teller can be gracious and enthusiastic week after week and still enjoy the shows put on for them without experiencing the element of surprise just because they enjoy the craft so much, then i can take a page outta their book and agree that surprise isn't everything, and style really does go a long way. this was my first unger book, and her style is solid - she's written an engaging, unusual story with vivid characters and many twisty turns and red herrings and even though by some total fluke she didn't lose me this time, i am definitely looking forward to reading another of her books and giving her a second chance to make a fool out of me.
i won't say anything else about the book because other people should have a chance to be surprised by it, so instead of words, enjoy a bunch of animals who are surprised:
he's not surprised yet, but he's a slow reader - he'll get there...
come to my blog!
did i enjoy reading this book?
absolutely.
it was a fun and pacey novel but i gotta say - and this never happens - i guessed every little surprise twist and turn very early on. so for me, the pleasure of the unexpected discovery or blow-your-mind reveal was not at all a factor. BUT, if penn and teller can be gracious and enthusiastic week after week and still enjoy the shows put on for them without experiencing the element of surprise just because they enjoy the craft so much, then i can take a page outta their book and agree that surprise isn't everything, and style really does go a long way. this was my first unger book, and her style is solid - she's written an engaging, unusual story with vivid characters and many twisty turns and red herrings and even though by some total fluke she didn't lose me this time, i am definitely looking forward to reading another of her books and giving her a second chance to make a fool out of me.
i won't say anything else about the book because other people should have a chance to be surprised by it, so instead of words, enjoy a bunch of animals who are surprised:
he's not surprised yet, but he's a slow reader - he'll get there...
come to my blog!
June 15, 2021
In the Blood by Lisa Unger is a 2014 Gallery Books publication.
Riveting! Unputdownable!!
Lana has a closet full of secrets- secrets that she tells lies to cover-up- and she’s pretty good at keeping her lies straight and her secrets guarded…
Until she takes a job babysitting an eleven-year-old who is too unnervingly clever for his own good. It is quite possible that Lana has finally met her match!
At the same time, Lana’s friend, Beck, has disappeared. Because Lana's statements to the police aren't exactly truthful, and because this is not the first time Lana has been closely associated with a missing person, she might be a prime suspect... Again.
I really like this author, so I always make to sure to get a copy of her latest releases- then, for some reason, I tend to hoard them. I have no idea why I do that, but as a result, I have found several of her books on my reading list that have been languishing on my Kindle for years.
This summer I’m still working through all my various reading lists and Kindle devices, doing a major purge so I can be a more organized reader. Anything by Lisa Unger is obviously going to make the cut, but when I came to this book and had to decide how far up on the list it should go, I noticed it received all kinds of accolades back in 2014.
I was so intrigued, I got to work on this one right away!!
I know this is only June, and I know this book is seven/eight years old- but it might be one of my favorite reads, in the 'Thriller' category, of the year so far.
This is one of those books where the less one says the better. But, if you want a highly unsettling, tightly plotted thriller, with one whale of a twist, this is one you don’t want to miss!!
One word of caution though- you might want to clear your schedule because once you start reading this one, it is impossible to put down!
I turned the last page long after midnight… well past my bedtime- a very rare occurrence for me.
5 stars
Riveting! Unputdownable!!
Lana has a closet full of secrets- secrets that she tells lies to cover-up- and she’s pretty good at keeping her lies straight and her secrets guarded…
Until she takes a job babysitting an eleven-year-old who is too unnervingly clever for his own good. It is quite possible that Lana has finally met her match!
At the same time, Lana’s friend, Beck, has disappeared. Because Lana's statements to the police aren't exactly truthful, and because this is not the first time Lana has been closely associated with a missing person, she might be a prime suspect... Again.
I really like this author, so I always make to sure to get a copy of her latest releases- then, for some reason, I tend to hoard them. I have no idea why I do that, but as a result, I have found several of her books on my reading list that have been languishing on my Kindle for years.
This summer I’m still working through all my various reading lists and Kindle devices, doing a major purge so I can be a more organized reader. Anything by Lisa Unger is obviously going to make the cut, but when I came to this book and had to decide how far up on the list it should go, I noticed it received all kinds of accolades back in 2014.
I was so intrigued, I got to work on this one right away!!
I know this is only June, and I know this book is seven/eight years old- but it might be one of my favorite reads, in the 'Thriller' category, of the year so far.
This is one of those books where the less one says the better. But, if you want a highly unsettling, tightly plotted thriller, with one whale of a twist, this is one you don’t want to miss!!
One word of caution though- you might want to clear your schedule because once you start reading this one, it is impossible to put down!
I turned the last page long after midnight… well past my bedtime- a very rare occurrence for me.
5 stars
March 31, 2019
It has been a long time since I sat down with a Lisa Unger mystery, but really glad I took the time to ‘listen’ to this psychological suspense.
It is billed as a “thriller.” While it was definitely full of twists and turns, it needs to be a real nail biter to be placed in that category, which IMHO was not.
There are a few parallel storylines going on revolving around a college student who was a very troubled child, now babysitting an equally troubled, manipulative eleven year old. There was never a dull moment, which kept me happily listening and trying to ‘figure it all out.’
I am having the best time combing my two favorite hobbies, reading and quilting!! I just wish I would have delved into the audible world sooner and with more regularity.
August 23, 2019
This is available TODAY!!!
Oh how I love Lisa Unger and her fictional little world in "The Hollows"-where many of her stories take place. Having read five of her books so far, IN THE BLOOD is definitely my favorite!
Lana Granger is hiding from her past. She was a troubled child- whose world took an even darker turn when her father killed her mother. With her mother dead and her father on death row, she was raised by her aunt in Florida, but Lana never felt like she fit in her aunt's perfect family and decides to re-invent herself...a fresh start at Sacred Heart College- The Hollows, New York- where nobody knows anything about her, and she can be at peace.
Now a student of psychology, and about to graduate, Lana is persuaded by her adviser and trusted friend Langdon Hewes- to take a part-time job helping the single mother of a difficult child- 11 year old Luke.
At first Lana doesn't see Luke as anything but a typical- too smart for his own good- child, but when her best friend's disappearance coincides with Luke's suggestion of a new game they can play- a scavenger hunt- Lana starts questioning Luke's sanity and his motives.
Clue # 1 -
IN THE BLOOD alternates between Lana’s POV and diary entries from an unnamed female. The back and forth of the narrative provides the reader with two very distinct story lines, and gives you a couple of characters- that the diary could be written by- to keep you guessing. There is a twist...for people who like twists...one that sneaks up on you a little at a time.
*advanced reader's copy provided by publisher.
Oh how I love Lisa Unger and her fictional little world in "The Hollows"-where many of her stories take place. Having read five of her books so far, IN THE BLOOD is definitely my favorite!
Lana Granger is hiding from her past. She was a troubled child- whose world took an even darker turn when her father killed her mother. With her mother dead and her father on death row, she was raised by her aunt in Florida, but Lana never felt like she fit in her aunt's perfect family and decides to re-invent herself...a fresh start at Sacred Heart College- The Hollows, New York- where nobody knows anything about her, and she can be at peace.
Now a student of psychology, and about to graduate, Lana is persuaded by her adviser and trusted friend Langdon Hewes- to take a part-time job helping the single mother of a difficult child- 11 year old Luke.
At first Lana doesn't see Luke as anything but a typical- too smart for his own good- child, but when her best friend's disappearance coincides with Luke's suggestion of a new game they can play- a scavenger hunt- Lana starts questioning Luke's sanity and his motives.
Clue # 1 -
Within its walls,
For a hundred years,
People have learned and prayed and died
Now , some believe, a tortured soul is trapped inside.
On a Winter's night when the moon was full,
A broken man decided that his life wasn't much fun.
So he drank a bottle of whiskey
And ate the barrel of his gun.
Why did he do it?
What secret did he hide?
What led him to end his life
While his children cried and cried?
IN THE BLOOD alternates between Lana’s POV and diary entries from an unnamed female. The back and forth of the narrative provides the reader with two very distinct story lines, and gives you a couple of characters- that the diary could be written by- to keep you guessing. There is a twist...for people who like twists...one that sneaks up on you a little at a time.
*advanced reader's copy provided by publisher.
Shelved as 'read-audiobooks'
April 2, 2023 **I do not give audiobooks star ratings as I cannot analyze the prose**
Audiobook Rating: what in the actual fk? | Performance: 4/5 | Plot: *shrug* | Ending: keep it in the drafts
Ok so I listened to about 60% of this on the plane and it had me so fked up I needed an oxygen mask. Am I being dramatic? Yes, always... you folks should know this by now. But in all seriousness, WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FK WAS THAT REVEAL??????????????? If I did rate audiobooks regularly, this would be a one star for sure. I really have nothing else to say about the book except that the big twisty twist made me wanna call the ACLU.
SPOILER ALERT SCROLL TO BOTTOM
Ok so one of the big twists is that Lana is actually Luke's brother. Yes, Lana was born a boy. I'm not a fan of any twists that involves being transgender because what the fuck, but this was made even worse by referring to it as "gender confusion." Now what in the fresh hell is gender confusion? C'mon now. It somehow gets worse when Lana's love interest, Beck, tells Lana (I can't remember her birth name now my bizzle) "I knew you were a boy." EXCUSE MOI??? LMAOOO. This is like in Hidden Pictures where the "clue" that Teddy is actually a girl was that she liked the colour purple. Bro....... We need to do better than this.
Also, Lana thought she was the next Albert Einstein but couldn't see the baddie was right in front of her the entire time. Are you seriously so daft that mans showing up to the scene TWICE didn't alert your spidey senses that perhaps he's involved? Lana was like: "oh, funny seeing you here." GIRL??? He literally handled Lana an open envelope with a big clue on it and she was like "aw thanks but why did you open it? nvm tho." Tbh darwinism.
SPOILERS FINISHED
Just...... no.
Audiobook Rating: what in the actual fk? | Performance: 4/5 | Plot: *shrug* | Ending: keep it in the drafts
Ok so I listened to about 60% of this on the plane and it had me so fked up I needed an oxygen mask. Am I being dramatic? Yes, always... you folks should know this by now. But in all seriousness, WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FK WAS THAT REVEAL??????????????? If I did rate audiobooks regularly, this would be a one star for sure. I really have nothing else to say about the book except that the big twisty twist made me wanna call the ACLU.
SPOILER ALERT SCROLL TO BOTTOM
Ok so one of the big twists is that Lana is actually Luke's brother. Yes, Lana was born a boy. I'm not a fan of any twists that involves being transgender because what the fuck, but this was made even worse by referring to it as "gender confusion." Now what in the fresh hell is gender confusion? C'mon now. It somehow gets worse when Lana's love interest, Beck, tells Lana (I can't remember her birth name now my bizzle) "I knew you were a boy." EXCUSE MOI??? LMAOOO. This is like in Hidden Pictures where the "clue" that Teddy is actually a girl was that she liked the colour purple. Bro....... We need to do better than this.
Also, Lana thought she was the next Albert Einstein but couldn't see the baddie was right in front of her the entire time. Are you seriously so daft that mans showing up to the scene TWICE didn't alert your spidey senses that perhaps he's involved? Lana was like: "oh, funny seeing you here." GIRL??? He literally handled Lana an open envelope with a big clue on it and she was like "aw thanks but why did you open it? nvm tho." Tbh darwinism.
SPOILERS FINISHED
Just...... no.
October 17, 2023
3.5 stars. Creepy doesn’t begin to describe this thriller. I read it in 2 days; I couldn’t put it down. It’s written in first person narrative, (the unreliable narrator), Lana Granger. We learn quickly that Lana is a trauma survivor, her mother is dead, and she is a compulsive liar (by her own admission). When her best friend goes missing, she becomes a suspect. Unger provides little pieces of information to Lana’s past, keeping the reader riveted. It’s never clear who Lana is, and why she feels compelled to lie. We learn little by little Lana’s history, although we aren’t sure if we should believe what she tells us. Lana takes a part time job babysitting a very disturbed 11 year old boy. And then the mysteries seem to exponentially grow. It’s a psychological thriller that is a fast read. Definitely book candy. I’m going to read her other books.
February 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this suspenseful and exciting psychological thriller by Lisa Unger. This is my first novel by this author and she really had me turning the pages with the twist and turns in this story.
At 417 pages the the novel is a perfect length for a thriller in my opinion and edgy enough to stand out from other thrillers doing the rounds.
I don't read a lot of thrillers and when I do this is the exact type of book I am interested in, it is dark and haunting and has lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.
I especially loved the characters in the novel as they were interesting and different. The plot is clever and the pace of the story is perfect.
I enjoyed the read and I certainly look forward to other novels by this author.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful and exciting psychological thriller by Lisa Unger. This is my first novel by this author and she really had me turning the pages with the twist and turns in this story.
At 417 pages the the novel is a perfect length for a thriller in my opinion and edgy enough to stand out from other thrillers doing the rounds.
I don't read a lot of thrillers and when I do this is the exact type of book I am interested in, it is dark and haunting and has lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.
I especially loved the characters in the novel as they were interesting and different. The plot is clever and the pace of the story is perfect.
I enjoyed the read and I certainly look forward to other novels by this author.
April 3, 2015
I just read the last chapter of this book standing up, going backwards and forwards, whilst I was meant to be doing something else. This was good. It made it last longer. It drew out the end and made me work for more. This was my first book by Lisa Unger, and like so common for me, I'm late to the party! Never mind, I can catch up.
A great psychological thriller, mostly twisted characters with warped minds and ideals. These were a crazy set of characters, but one that I had to keep reading about to learn the source of the crazy, if I could put it like that. The author has a very easy to read style, I often catch myself wondering how authors can go to these deep and dark depths of these warped psyches. It must be intriguing research and learning.
This was interesting "The United States is excellent at breeding psychopaths - a country where we reward the individual with a hyperfocus on success at any cost. We reward narcissism - with our social networks and hideous reality television programs."
This is such a great read, it covers everything one would want in this genre. You can't put it down, hate some of the characters and gun for others. Love Lana and Beck, Dr Cooper. This is what I want in a book, so I was left a very happy customer. Do read it!! Now I'm off looking for more ;)
A great psychological thriller, mostly twisted characters with warped minds and ideals. These were a crazy set of characters, but one that I had to keep reading about to learn the source of the crazy, if I could put it like that. The author has a very easy to read style, I often catch myself wondering how authors can go to these deep and dark depths of these warped psyches. It must be intriguing research and learning.
This was interesting "The United States is excellent at breeding psychopaths - a country where we reward the individual with a hyperfocus on success at any cost. We reward narcissism - with our social networks and hideous reality television programs."
This is such a great read, it covers everything one would want in this genre. You can't put it down, hate some of the characters and gun for others. Love Lana and Beck, Dr Cooper. This is what I want in a book, so I was left a very happy customer. Do read it!! Now I'm off looking for more ;)
May 9, 2014
I wish to thank the author and publisher for the review copy of "In the Blood" by Lisa Unger via Netgalley. I have to admit that I was so impressed with this excellent dark psychological suspense thriller. This novel has it all, and had me gripped right from the beginning.
"It was all a game...and he had won. He had exposed her secrets."
Lana Granger lives a life of lies...what web of lies we weave! She had come from a dysfunctional family, with her mother murdered and her father in prison charged with her death. Lana, a psych major, chose to go to college at a liberal arts college, in New York, where she would feel safe. With her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke, a special needs boy. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life.
Luke is a smart, gifted, crafty and confident. He loves to play games, and win by his rules. He is a psychopath, and can figure you out, your needs, in order to get what he wants from you. Luke has his own desires, no feelings...he is a Manipulator!
Lana has a troubled past – she blocks out a lot of it and is in constant therapy. As she tries to come to terms with herself and what she has suffered, she now takes on the role of child minder to Luke – another troubled soul. As the two of them play a truly twisted game of cat and mouse, hidden secrets begin to emerge.
But then Lana's best friend, Beck didn't show up for class, and foul play was suspected, as her bag was found in the trees leading away from the campus library. This was the second girl that had gone missing from the same small university in two years. And both of them were connected to Lana. She was now a person of interest in the case. But then the game changed, and it was now a matter of life and death.
This is a multi layered fast-paced novel with fascinating realistic emotional characters. There was such depth to the characters, and I felt empathy for the mother that assumed this life-time burden, and the victims that had been exposed to psychological trauma. I can feel their pain of learning to suppress their emotions as a means of survival.
"In the Blood" is an exceptional novel, and I would highly recommend this novel especially if you are a fan, of the psychological thriller.
"It was all a game...and he had won. He had exposed her secrets."
Lana Granger lives a life of lies...what web of lies we weave! She had come from a dysfunctional family, with her mother murdered and her father in prison charged with her death. Lana, a psych major, chose to go to college at a liberal arts college, in New York, where she would feel safe. With her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke, a special needs boy. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life.
Luke is a smart, gifted, crafty and confident. He loves to play games, and win by his rules. He is a psychopath, and can figure you out, your needs, in order to get what he wants from you. Luke has his own desires, no feelings...he is a Manipulator!
Lana has a troubled past – she blocks out a lot of it and is in constant therapy. As she tries to come to terms with herself and what she has suffered, she now takes on the role of child minder to Luke – another troubled soul. As the two of them play a truly twisted game of cat and mouse, hidden secrets begin to emerge.
But then Lana's best friend, Beck didn't show up for class, and foul play was suspected, as her bag was found in the trees leading away from the campus library. This was the second girl that had gone missing from the same small university in two years. And both of them were connected to Lana. She was now a person of interest in the case. But then the game changed, and it was now a matter of life and death.
This is a multi layered fast-paced novel with fascinating realistic emotional characters. There was such depth to the characters, and I felt empathy for the mother that assumed this life-time burden, and the victims that had been exposed to psychological trauma. I can feel their pain of learning to suppress their emotions as a means of survival.
"In the Blood" is an exceptional novel, and I would highly recommend this novel especially if you are a fan, of the psychological thriller.
March 28, 2014
This was my first time to read a book by Lisa Unger. I'm not sure at this stage if I will read any more. I thought this really started off very well, suspenseful, thrilling, creepy, a good haunting atmospheric setting, lots of twists and turns, unreliable and disturbed characters, basically all the good ingredients of a real page turner, and it was...until I got to about 80%. Up to this point, I was sure that this book was deserving of four stars as I had a really hard time putting it down. Unfortunately, the last 20% of it just fell apart for me. As the layers and truths were revealed, rather than finding myself shocked, I found myself ‘eye-rolling’ more and more. I have mixed emotions about the last 20%, I think perhaps it was trying to be far too clever for its own good. It just got too impractical and unrealistic for me. Overall, a quick, suspenseful read which will definitely keep you turning the pages and if you can suspend disbelief, it will work for you. I find that I'm pushing it to three stars because it did keep me turning the pages but unfortunately it's not one I will be rushing to recommend.
January 15, 2014
Is evil predetermined genetically, or is it based on environment and upbringing? IN THE BLOOD attempts to answer this question, and I can state rather emphatically that my mind might never be the same again. The mental mind trip left me in a cold sweat, and there’s a chance I may now be prone to night terrors. If I wake up screaming, though, I’ll only have myself to blame, as I attempt to pound through the pain.
The plot moved along at a slow simmer with some rather unexpected twists and turns, as I kept a death grip on my Kindle and flipped the pages with one eye closed. Terror of the psychological variety proves much more appealing to me than some dude in a hockey mask slashing oversexed campers with a machete. And there’s plenty of terror to be had here, most of which floats just beneath the surface, bubbling up when you least expect it, and grasping you around the ankle before pulling you beneath the water.
Lana Granger may have told more than a few lies in her day, each one building upon the one before it. Even though she might show aspects of being a pathological or compulsive liar, I’d still stand behind her. Despite Luke being only eleven-years-old, I wouldn’t stand behind him, even if I were holding a shovel in one hand and a grenade in the other. There’s a term that often applies in situations such as these: little bastard. And should you look it up in the dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of Luke’s sneering mug (among others).
I am proud to say I have more Lisa Unger novels at my disposal, so when the night terrors cease, I shall revisit her to kick start the screaming and cold sweats all over again.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
The plot moved along at a slow simmer with some rather unexpected twists and turns, as I kept a death grip on my Kindle and flipped the pages with one eye closed. Terror of the psychological variety proves much more appealing to me than some dude in a hockey mask slashing oversexed campers with a machete. And there’s plenty of terror to be had here, most of which floats just beneath the surface, bubbling up when you least expect it, and grasping you around the ankle before pulling you beneath the water.
Lana Granger may have told more than a few lies in her day, each one building upon the one before it. Even though she might show aspects of being a pathological or compulsive liar, I’d still stand behind her. Despite Luke being only eleven-years-old, I wouldn’t stand behind him, even if I were holding a shovel in one hand and a grenade in the other. There’s a term that often applies in situations such as these: little bastard. And should you look it up in the dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of Luke’s sneering mug (among others).
I am proud to say I have more Lisa Unger novels at my disposal, so when the night terrors cease, I shall revisit her to kick start the screaming and cold sweats all over again.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
March 2, 2015
Lies, lies and more lies! Had to stay up late to finish this one. Once I got to the final creepy graveyard scene, there was no putting it down. This "PSYCHO" mystery-thriller has a unique plot and a surprising twist or two that made for a fast and addictive one day read for me. Enjoyed it.
October 6, 2019
This one was oozing with deranged and creepy characters and had a bit of a shocking reveal near the end. I found it to be cleverly designed and thoroughly enjoyed this thriller!
December 19, 2013
This is not my first rodeo with Lisa Unger but In the Blood is definitely my favorite. The titles I've read Black Out and Beautiful Lies pale in comparison to this title. I'm all for a good psychological thriller and In the Blood definitely fit the bill.
Lana Granger is college student who's soon to be graduating. Because of her focus in psychology she volunteers at a school for troubled children named Fieldcrest. It is here her professor shows her a posting for a job as a nanny. He convinces her that she's done great work as a counselor and should relish take on this job since her trust fund will soon be off limits until she is 30.
Lana meets Rachel Kahn, the mother of a disturbed/troubled child named Luke. Rachel expects Lana to run from the job as a nanny after she goes into the whole history of her sons past. She tells Lana that Luke has been diagnosed many times with ADHD, manic depression, bipolar disorder, and a host of other mental illnesses. This doesn't scare Lana away. She actually is inviting the challenge into her life because of her own history. But what exactly is that history?
Because Lana is a person of so many lies, she's the primary suspect when her roommate Rebecca goes missing. She was the last person seen arguing with her at the time of her disappearance. With the pressure mounting the many lies she has told becomes a source of her own anguish and she isn't sure anymore what happened either. It doesn't help that someone wants to expose her and her many lies.
Lisa Unger introduces us to a character who has some serious issues. And given her family makeup we know she's capable of anything. Lana also shares the narrative with a diary. We don't know who's diary this is so I won't spoil that her at all. This diary suggests disorders I've never even considered or heard of. Before, I'd never heard a infant referenced as being High Demand. I assure you this exists. I'm sure all the parents out there are like DUH... but seriously, I didn't know this was even an issue.
Lana's insight into the pysch field makes her the perfect narrator. She's aware of human behavior and how that relates to the people in her life. Each character is analyzed with such viridity that it's easy to see the amount of depth they have. This also leads us to realize that Lana isn't all knowing with her own self. We're only sure that something in her past has caused her to be emotionally underdeveloped and in need of finding herself.
I wish this weren't a review copy because I don't think I turned a page without highlighting a passage. Lisa Unger will reel readers in from page one with details about human behavior and never let go. I can't shake questions from my mind that have since stayed with me upon finishing the novel. How has circumstances reassembled me into the person I am today? When do we stop hiding from who we really are? What's really the difference between choice and reaction? What happens when we don't find the answers we're looking for?
There is so much that can be talked about in this book but I feel that every point I want to discuss in this review leads me to giving away clues that are best led to by the author. Sure there is a lot that was predictable and expected but the characters, especially Lana, are interesting enough to keep readers invested in this novel. In the Blood is an intense psychological thriller that will have readers wondering what's in the their blood that causes them to act as they do. I highly recommend this title.
Copy provided by Simon & Schuster via Netgalley
Lana Granger is college student who's soon to be graduating. Because of her focus in psychology she volunteers at a school for troubled children named Fieldcrest. It is here her professor shows her a posting for a job as a nanny. He convinces her that she's done great work as a counselor and should relish take on this job since her trust fund will soon be off limits until she is 30.
Lana meets Rachel Kahn, the mother of a disturbed/troubled child named Luke. Rachel expects Lana to run from the job as a nanny after she goes into the whole history of her sons past. She tells Lana that Luke has been diagnosed many times with ADHD, manic depression, bipolar disorder, and a host of other mental illnesses. This doesn't scare Lana away. She actually is inviting the challenge into her life because of her own history. But what exactly is that history?
Because Lana is a person of so many lies, she's the primary suspect when her roommate Rebecca goes missing. She was the last person seen arguing with her at the time of her disappearance. With the pressure mounting the many lies she has told becomes a source of her own anguish and she isn't sure anymore what happened either. It doesn't help that someone wants to expose her and her many lies.
Lisa Unger introduces us to a character who has some serious issues. And given her family makeup we know she's capable of anything. Lana also shares the narrative with a diary. We don't know who's diary this is so I won't spoil that her at all. This diary suggests disorders I've never even considered or heard of. Before, I'd never heard a infant referenced as being High Demand. I assure you this exists. I'm sure all the parents out there are like DUH... but seriously, I didn't know this was even an issue.
Lana's insight into the pysch field makes her the perfect narrator. She's aware of human behavior and how that relates to the people in her life. Each character is analyzed with such viridity that it's easy to see the amount of depth they have. This also leads us to realize that Lana isn't all knowing with her own self. We're only sure that something in her past has caused her to be emotionally underdeveloped and in need of finding herself.
I wish this weren't a review copy because I don't think I turned a page without highlighting a passage. Lisa Unger will reel readers in from page one with details about human behavior and never let go. I can't shake questions from my mind that have since stayed with me upon finishing the novel. How has circumstances reassembled me into the person I am today? When do we stop hiding from who we really are? What's really the difference between choice and reaction? What happens when we don't find the answers we're looking for?
There is so much that can be talked about in this book but I feel that every point I want to discuss in this review leads me to giving away clues that are best led to by the author. Sure there is a lot that was predictable and expected but the characters, especially Lana, are interesting enough to keep readers invested in this novel. In the Blood is an intense psychological thriller that will have readers wondering what's in the their blood that causes them to act as they do. I highly recommend this title.
Copy provided by Simon & Schuster via Netgalley
November 22, 2015
In The Blood by Lisa Unger is a contemporary psychological suspense that takes your emotions for a roller coaster nonstop ride from beginning to end. It is surprise, secret, OMG, repeat! This book has won several awards and it highly deserves them all. Now I am going to have to go back and read all of her backlist because she has me fascinated with her writing.
A short overview because there are so many twists and secrets it is hard to review the plot without giving something away. The book starts with Lana Granger, a trust fund baby, at a small college in The Hollows in upstate New York studying psychology. Her advisor and mentor, Langdon Hewes, points out a babysitting job that she takes to earn pocket money and help out a single mother. Luke is no ordinary eleven year old. He is attending a school for gifted and severely troubled youth that Lana has had internships at. A game begins between Lana and Luke, Lana’s best friend, Beck, goes missing and everyone has agendas and secrets.
Ms. Unger’s writing is beautiful and compelling. The characters are able to captivate and surprise you even as at times they repel you. The isolated and wooded location also plays a part in this story. I cannot recommend this book enough! I was lucky enough to win this book in a contest and I am so happy that I did. I have already passed it on for more friends to read and enjoy.
A short overview because there are so many twists and secrets it is hard to review the plot without giving something away. The book starts with Lana Granger, a trust fund baby, at a small college in The Hollows in upstate New York studying psychology. Her advisor and mentor, Langdon Hewes, points out a babysitting job that she takes to earn pocket money and help out a single mother. Luke is no ordinary eleven year old. He is attending a school for gifted and severely troubled youth that Lana has had internships at. A game begins between Lana and Luke, Lana’s best friend, Beck, goes missing and everyone has agendas and secrets.
Ms. Unger’s writing is beautiful and compelling. The characters are able to captivate and surprise you even as at times they repel you. The isolated and wooded location also plays a part in this story. I cannot recommend this book enough! I was lucky enough to win this book in a contest and I am so happy that I did. I have already passed it on for more friends to read and enjoy.
January 7, 2014
There is absolutely no question that this author has gotten the recipe down for outstanding thrillers and mysteries. This one is no exception, twists and turns galore, a few I did not guess until just before the reveal. Interesting, actually very interesting and complex characters and a very unique setting which she has used before, "The Hollows."
Of course there is the little cynic in me that kept thinking this was an updated version of the novel and movie, "The Bad Seed" and had to laugh when near the end of the book, a newspaper heading, screams, "The Bad Seed." Also maybe a few too many psychopaths in one place, really makes one wonder how many are actually out there and how easily they manage to find each other. Scary. Also the inner dialogues of Lane, while interesting at times, almost bordered on preachy.
So despite my inner cynic, this quickly paced novel, kept me turning the pages to find out how this was all going to end. Have to admit I loved it.
ARC from NetGalley.
Of course there is the little cynic in me that kept thinking this was an updated version of the novel and movie, "The Bad Seed" and had to laugh when near the end of the book, a newspaper heading, screams, "The Bad Seed." Also maybe a few too many psychopaths in one place, really makes one wonder how many are actually out there and how easily they manage to find each other. Scary. Also the inner dialogues of Lane, while interesting at times, almost bordered on preachy.
So despite my inner cynic, this quickly paced novel, kept me turning the pages to find out how this was all going to end. Have to admit I loved it.
ARC from NetGalley.
November 1, 2014
This is my first book by Lisa Unger & i absolutely loved it a psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages a real psychological thriller that kept you guessing until the end a must read
May 3, 2014
Lana Granger tried not to dwell on her past too much; the loss of her parents, while different, still had the end result of her being alone and lonely. Taken in by her Aunt Bridgette and cared for in a monetary manner by her lawyer, Skylar Lawrence, she knew she should be fine. But the state of her mind was the biggest issue – Dr Cooper was her true and only confidante as she worked her way through her studies at Sacred Heart College in The Hollows, New York.
The nearby Fieldcrest School was a place which took troubled children; children who suffered from any and all types of psychosis, ADHD, bipolar – anything where no-one else would take them anymore. While doing several internships with clinical psychologist Professor Langdon at the school, Lana felt that perhaps her goal in life was to help this type of troubled child. So when she decided to take a part time job to supplement her studies as a babysitter/child-minder, she had no idea her life was about to change in a very dramatic but terrible manner.
Luke Kahn and his mother had only recently arrived in The Hollows and when Lana went for her interview Rachel was still trying to unpack boxes. But the house was amazing and Lana felt an immediate affinity to eleven-year-old Luke. Before she knew it she was friendly with Rachel and started her time with the family that afternoon. She would keep Luke entertained from when he arrived home from Fieldcrest School until Rachel returned from her new job at the bookshop, on a daily basis.
But with a suddenness that shocked everyone, Lana’s best friend Beck went missing and the last person to see her was Lana herself. What had happened to Beck? Why did Luke seem to have such a hold over Lana? And was she actually scared of him, an eleven-year-old boy?!
This was absolutely riveting! What a gripping psychological thriller; twists, turns and a plot which just kept getting better! And the ending – WOW! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this great novel!
With thanks to The Reading Room and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
The nearby Fieldcrest School was a place which took troubled children; children who suffered from any and all types of psychosis, ADHD, bipolar – anything where no-one else would take them anymore. While doing several internships with clinical psychologist Professor Langdon at the school, Lana felt that perhaps her goal in life was to help this type of troubled child. So when she decided to take a part time job to supplement her studies as a babysitter/child-minder, she had no idea her life was about to change in a very dramatic but terrible manner.
Luke Kahn and his mother had only recently arrived in The Hollows and when Lana went for her interview Rachel was still trying to unpack boxes. But the house was amazing and Lana felt an immediate affinity to eleven-year-old Luke. Before she knew it she was friendly with Rachel and started her time with the family that afternoon. She would keep Luke entertained from when he arrived home from Fieldcrest School until Rachel returned from her new job at the bookshop, on a daily basis.
But with a suddenness that shocked everyone, Lana’s best friend Beck went missing and the last person to see her was Lana herself. What had happened to Beck? Why did Luke seem to have such a hold over Lana? And was she actually scared of him, an eleven-year-old boy?!
This was absolutely riveting! What a gripping psychological thriller; twists, turns and a plot which just kept getting better! And the ending – WOW! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this great novel!
With thanks to The Reading Room and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
August 18, 2015
This was another excellent psychological thriller from Lisa Unger.
Lana, a college student is hiding from her past in a small private college when she starts a job babysitting for a "troubled boy" who seems to know more than he should about her. She herself was a troubled child during her early years and was further traumatised by the murder of her mother, a crime for which her father was sentenced to death row. Lana's best friend Becky has just disappeared after they had a very public row and Lana and her past are now under scrutiny by the police and media. The college is set in the woods in a place sinisterly called "The Hollows" and the presence of a preternaturally clever, psychotic child and the many twists and turns in the plot makes for a creepy and gripping story.
December 30, 2013
Coming January from Touchstone (US) and Simon & Schuster (UK)
Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via Netgalley.
Lana Granger lives a life of lies. She has told so many lies about where she comes from and who she is that the truth is like a cloudy nightmare she can’t quite recall. About to graduate from college and with her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life. But, in Lana, he may have met his match. Or has Lana met hers?
A fantastic twisty tale, this is Lisa Unger back at the very top of the game when it comes to psychological thriller writing, a stunning look at the human psyche and nature versus nurture all wrapped up in a terrific page turning story.
Lana has a troubled past – she blocks out a lot of it and is in constant therapy. As she tries to come to terms with herself and what she has suffered, she takes on the role of child minder to Luke – another troubled soul. Lana is at the top of the tree when it comes to manipulation but Luke may well be on another level altogether. As the two of them play a truly twisted game of cat and mouse, hidden secrets begin to emerge.
I know I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again. I adore a clever book. One that treats the reader with intelligence, allowing that not every little nuance has to be explained, but also managing to incorporate many subtle clues that unlock the mystery that is Lana and Luke. Multi layered and intense this is truly inventive writing.
I was fascinated by these two characters for the entire book. Lana really is an enigma and Luke is actually quite a scary young boy – the ingenuity of the characterisation means that you are never quite sure where you are with him. With any of the characters in fact. I had a secret adoration for Beck, Lana’s friend, she was certainly someone you would want on your side.
Overall an exceptional novel especially if you are a fan, as I am, of the psychological thriller. I can hear a few of those who follow my reviews asking “Did Lisa Unger beat you in the twisty tale game?” Well no. I unlocked the secrets using the actual clues the characters themselves give us – but I’m willing to bet that a fair few people will be flummoxed.
None of that is the point though – yes its fun to try and work out what the blinking nora is going on, but in the case of “In The Blood” its all about the human condition. When exactly does troubled become dangerous? And are we born with no way of changing what we become? Captivating and compelling I would highly recommend this.
Happy Reading Folks!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via Netgalley.
Lana Granger lives a life of lies. She has told so many lies about where she comes from and who she is that the truth is like a cloudy nightmare she can’t quite recall. About to graduate from college and with her trust fund almost tapped out, she takes a job babysitting a troubled boy named Luke. Expelled from schools all over the country, the manipulative young Luke is accustomed to controlling the people in his life. But, in Lana, he may have met his match. Or has Lana met hers?
A fantastic twisty tale, this is Lisa Unger back at the very top of the game when it comes to psychological thriller writing, a stunning look at the human psyche and nature versus nurture all wrapped up in a terrific page turning story.
Lana has a troubled past – she blocks out a lot of it and is in constant therapy. As she tries to come to terms with herself and what she has suffered, she takes on the role of child minder to Luke – another troubled soul. Lana is at the top of the tree when it comes to manipulation but Luke may well be on another level altogether. As the two of them play a truly twisted game of cat and mouse, hidden secrets begin to emerge.
I know I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again. I adore a clever book. One that treats the reader with intelligence, allowing that not every little nuance has to be explained, but also managing to incorporate many subtle clues that unlock the mystery that is Lana and Luke. Multi layered and intense this is truly inventive writing.
I was fascinated by these two characters for the entire book. Lana really is an enigma and Luke is actually quite a scary young boy – the ingenuity of the characterisation means that you are never quite sure where you are with him. With any of the characters in fact. I had a secret adoration for Beck, Lana’s friend, she was certainly someone you would want on your side.
Overall an exceptional novel especially if you are a fan, as I am, of the psychological thriller. I can hear a few of those who follow my reviews asking “Did Lisa Unger beat you in the twisty tale game?” Well no. I unlocked the secrets using the actual clues the characters themselves give us – but I’m willing to bet that a fair few people will be flummoxed.
None of that is the point though – yes its fun to try and work out what the blinking nora is going on, but in the case of “In The Blood” its all about the human condition. When exactly does troubled become dangerous? And are we born with no way of changing what we become? Captivating and compelling I would highly recommend this.
Happy Reading Folks!
June 22, 2014
I think this is a pretty amazing book. It had me second guessing everything all the way through and then when I got to the end I found I had made several majorly wrong assumptions. I almost need to read the whole thing again knowing what I know now! This is my first book by this author and I will certainly be seeking out more.
March 5, 2015
This book was so creepy and so fun at the same time. It made me remember how much I enjoy psychological thrillers. It has been awhile since I felt this drawn to a book. I didn't just want to keep reading. I HAD to keep reading to see what the next twist was going to be. Clues were constantly given, but in just the right amount that I kept formulating new theories with every chapter. I mostly figured the answers out just shortly before they were given. That is what made it so fun. The reader was given the chance to figure out the big reveals, but not so far in advance that it made it boring. To top it all off, the ending was priceless. Perfect vacation reading material when the sole purpose is to be entertained.
August 1, 2015
HOLY MOLY JUST HIT ME OVER THE HEAD WITH A STICK!?
If you like psychological thrillers, this is the one for you. I'm not saying it wasn't slightly predictable, but the pacing and structure are so well done you'd be hard-pressed not to be impressed anyway, hence my 5-star rating. The twists in this could rival an F1 race track. And talk about an off-the-charts creep factor.
I AM STILL BUZZING FROM READING THIS!! What can I even read now?!
If you like psychological thrillers, this is the one for you. I'm not saying it wasn't slightly predictable, but the pacing and structure are so well done you'd be hard-pressed not to be impressed anyway, hence my 5-star rating. The twists in this could rival an F1 race track. And talk about an off-the-charts creep factor.
I AM STILL BUZZING FROM READING THIS!! What can I even read now?!
June 7, 2015
I was enjoying the book, and then, about 2/3 into the book, came the "twist" which I found to be too "far fetched" and my rating plummetted from maybe a four to a two...not my cup of tea.
November 24, 2022
Lana Granger is in her senior year at college when she takes a job helping out with a troubled boy. Except who knew Luke Kahn was THIS twisted. People go missing, a weird poem turns into a game, and at the end of the day will Lana survive Luke? Lana herself has a troubled past - her mom is dead and her dad is in jail, and something doesn't quite add up when her best friend suddenly disappears.
Who is telling the truth?
This was good, not great. There were a few un-necessary threads that took me out of the story a bit, but that ending was *chefs kiss*.
Who is telling the truth?
This was good, not great. There were a few un-necessary threads that took me out of the story a bit, but that ending was *chefs kiss*.
December 17, 2015
That was pretty fucked up.
3.5 stars.
Most of this book I was just terrified of Luke. He's seriously a psycho. The idea that kids out there like him actually exist haunts me. NO THANKS.
I didn't see the big twist until it was basically right in my face, so I appreciated that. Twist #2, also didn't see coming, although I should have.
The ending was so gratifying.
3.5 stars.
Most of this book I was just terrified of Luke. He's seriously a psycho. The idea that kids out there like him actually exist haunts me. NO THANKS.
I didn't see the big twist until it was basically right in my face, so I appreciated that. Twist #2, also didn't see coming, although I should have.
The ending was so gratifying.
March 5, 2014
Creepy psychological thriller that I couldn't put down. I did not figure out the ending and even went back to re-read a few portions. Very clever writing. I'm trying to remember if I've read any of her others. I'll probably go find some, but I''m not going to read these when I'm home alone.
May 31, 2015
Lana is one of our two narrators, and she lies. She lies to everyone close to her, to the police, and more importantly, to us. Readers beware of this. Twists and turns abound as Lana's many lies are revealed.
The other narrator is reading her journal to us, and I thought I had figured out which character in the book she was, but I was wrong, of course. I applaud anyone who would guess that one correctly.
Not only are there plot twists, but some of the characters are themselves twisted. So, twisty and twisted is how I'd describe this one. If that's what you like, I highly recommend it.
The other narrator is reading her journal to us, and I thought I had figured out which character in the book she was, but I was wrong, of course. I applaud anyone who would guess that one correctly.
Not only are there plot twists, but some of the characters are themselves twisted. So, twisty and twisted is how I'd describe this one. If that's what you like, I highly recommend it.
October 17, 2014
Someone shelf this as horror, please. I'm not that organized.
This was a batshit crazy novel I highly recommend to horror fans who weren't aware of this gem, hiding under all that mystery thriller suspense crap.
This was horror or dark fiction at the very least. Horror fans in particular shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up. Fun stuff.
This was a batshit crazy novel I highly recommend to horror fans who weren't aware of this gem, hiding under all that mystery thriller suspense crap.
This was horror or dark fiction at the very least. Horror fans in particular shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up. Fun stuff.
January 12, 2016
This book was a mess.
Unfortunately, all my reasons for disliking this book as much as I did are spoilers, so read with caution.
I had more books by this author on my list, but I’m hesitant to try anything else by her. I really hated this book.
Unfortunately, all my reasons for disliking this book as much as I did are spoilers, so read with caution.
I had more books by this author on my list, but I’m hesitant to try anything else by her. I really hated this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,945 reviews