A different kind of thriller

On the surface, BLACK OUT sounds like a typical thriller. A serial killer, thought to be dead, seemingly returns to threaten a woman out of his past. But in Lisa Unger's hands, what could have been a by-the-numbers story becomes much, much more.

First, she turns what could be a predictable plot on its head. Not only isn't the potential victim, Annie, not who she seems - but as the story unfolds, neither is virtually anyone around her - her husband, her in-laws, her friends, even her young daughter. Then, as Unger drops clue after clue, the revelations aren't just surprising - they're unsettling.

But what really sets BLACK OUT apart is the characters' psychological depth - Annie, first and foremost. The story is not just a trip from Point A to Point B. It is a journey through Annie's psyche. And Unger's prose is more than up to the task - at times purely expository, at times entirely dream-like. In the best thrillers, you eagerly await the resolution of the plot, which is certainly the case here. But in BLACK OUT, the real nail-biting surrounds Annie's personal journey - and the resolution there is anything but simple.

I know it's a cliche, but I sat in my driveway listening to the end of BLACK OUT. And then, as the last word faded, I had to keep sitting to think about what I just heard. Even as I'm writing this the story, in all its complexities, has stayed with me.

17 people found this helpful

Surprisingly Good

I have never listened to Lisa Unger before. Never even heard of her. I bought this book because it sounded interesting and I am a fan of the narrator. I'm one of those people that like to be reeled in with the first chapter. No playing around for me. So after the first chapters of this book I was kicking myself and feeling a great sense of loss over a credit. I shut it off, not once but three times. It was slow. It was boring. It was everything I didn't want. After a week I decided to give it another try because I hadn't time to download a new one. I stuck with it and I am glad I did.
It isn't an obvious ..'Here it is' plot.. it is slowly being blended around the main character, Annie, and everyone else around her. Her background and the lives that have and still were shaping hers. I don't want to say alot. It is a story better off listened to because after awhile there are things being dropped as clues here and there. You feel sympathy for her and start getting frustrated for her. There were one or 2 places that I wish Lisa had made more elaborate but I did like the part where she found strength protecting her daughter .
This book is a good experience, even if the first few chapters are not ( for me anyway). I will definately listen to another Unger book. I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. Ann Marie Lee gave good narration. I don't understand the reviews that have negative things to say about her because I have heard way worse in some very popular novels to where I didn't turn it back on. Was well worth giving it a 4th try.

8 people found this helpful

Oustanding!

If you are into psychological thrillers you will really dig your heals into this one! There are not a lot of books that come by with such great and unpredictable story lines!

8 people found this helpful

Narrator's characters are awful

This book had a kind of a convoluted plot which held my interest, although I kept feeling as though I'd missed something somewhere. But what bothered me most is the narrator. Just reading the book, she was fine, but her characters were HORRIBLE. The men in particular were just awful caricatures, which really took a lot away from the book.

4 people found this helpful

Stopped counting

how often I tried to get into this story
still not sure what was happening
to the "leading lady"...storyline is not believable..at all...I'm still sorry about the time I waisted listening to this.

1 person found this helpful

Almost ...

This was a unique storyline and I feel that the author could have done so much more with it. Some parts were not that believable but they could have been. Perhaps I just don't like the style of writing? At times confusing and drawn-out. Narration was good. Would love to have a version of this story done in the style of a Laura Lippmann or similar. It had all the right ingredients but still didn't quite do it for me.

1 person found this helpful

Black Out

Although the story line was a little difficult to follow because it kept bouncing between past and present, I enjoyed this book. The way the author explores the mind of her main character and the difference between reality and perception is enough to keep you guessing and contemplating the implications in real life

1 person found this helpful

I just can’t.

Less than three hours left and I cannot bring myself to finish it. I wanted to return it early on but because of the good reviews I had hoped it would get better. It has not. I am bored to death and want my credit back.

Not worth it

Long confusing and unrealistic. I tried to like it but not worth it. Don’t bother

Closing the door to the past

Ophelia was a damaged young woman manipulated by evil men. Her mother found religion and the ability to forgive a man who was a convicted rapist. Her mothers convinced he’s innocent. When he gets out she wants to marry him. In the meantime, Frank sends his son Marlowe to live with them. Ophelia connects instantly with Marlowe. He becomes her lifeline fearing the life her mother built with Frank, He offers her the attention that her mother neglected to give her.
It’s been ten years since Ophelia left her life behind. Ophelia is the past, Annie Powers is the present. In order to move forward and protect her daughter Victory Annie must face her past.
Annie is not alone in her plans to confront her past. Her husband Gray has been extremely supportive. A slew of other characters are brought into the story to aid in this plan to expose the past.

Since Annie buried Ophelia in the past she had to resurrect long forgotten memories of the things that had been done to her. Ophelia’s past is Annie’s sickness. With the help of a therapist Annie learns to face her fears. As long as the door to the past remains open memories of Marlowe will continue to haunt her.

I’ve been working my way thru Lisa Unger’s backlist or previously released books. My first read was Confessions on the 7:45. Blackout is a Character driven psychological thriller. A dark thriller with shocking and stunning twists. Each of Lisa Unger’s books offers readers something dark and twisted.

Narrator:
Ann Marie Lee was the solo female performer. I listened using the audiobook app. This is the type of story best received in audiobook format. The narrator brought these characters and story to life. This was an unabridged version ideal for following along with the ebook. Ann has a pleasant sounding voice. I enjoyed her performance. Although, I needed the assistance of the ebook to stay connected with the audio performance. I have a short attention span therefore listening to an audiobook takes great amount of attention and for me that requires following along with the written ebook. However, I didn’t download the ebook only the audiobook. I had the disadvantage of trying to stay connected when I couldn’t direct my attention to the book in front of me. While I’ll always purchase audiobooks I now know I can’t rely on listening only. My auditory skills are limited. Another downfall of my listening routine is limiting it to 1 hour per day. Not a good idea when trying to remember multiple characters.