Title: Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
In this propulsive, twist-filled, and haunting psychological suspense debut perfect for fans of Sharp Objects and Room, a seventeen-year-old girl struggles to remember the role she played on the night her life changed forever.
For the past two weeks, seventeen-year-old Kate Bennet has lived against her will in an isolated cabin in a remote beach town–brought there by a mysterious man named Bill. Part captor, part benefactor, Bill calls her Evie and tells her he’s hiding her to protect her. That she did something terrible one night back home in Melbourne–something so unspeakable that he had no choice but to take her away. The trouble is, Kate can’t remember the night in question.
The fragments of Kate’s shattered memories of her old life seem happy: good friends, a big house in the suburbs, a devoted boyfriend. Bill says he’ll help her fill in the blanks–but his story isn’t adding up. And as she tries to reconcile the girl she thought she’d been with the devastating consequences Bill claims she’s responsible for, Kate will unearth secrets about herself and those closest to her that could change everything.
A riveting debut novel that fearlessly plumbs the darkest recesses of the mind, Call Me Evie explores the fragility of memory and the potential in all of us to hide the truth, even from ourselves.
Review:
Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare is an intriguing mystery with plenty of suspense.
Seventeen year old Kate Bennet is being held against her will in a cabin in an isolated part of New Zealand. Her captor is an older man whom she calls Jim, and he watches her every move. He also changes her appearance and begins calling her Evie. Jim does allow Kate small freedoms but he is quick to rein her in when he grows suspicious of her actions. He also takes her on quick trips into town but he easily thwarts any effort she makes to convince anyone to help her. At the same time, Kate is troubled by fragments of memories that contradict what Jim is telling her. Equally confusing are the messages she finds hidden in a book she has in her possession. Why is Jim holding her prisoner? Will Kate remember what happened the terrible night that precipitated their flight from Melbourne to New Zealand?
Kate’s mom passed away many years earlier and her father is quite strict with her. He closely monitors her mobile phone usage and who she hangs out with. Kate eventually enters into a secret romance with Thom Moreau that is initially quite happy. However, little things begin to mar the relationship then Kate makes an ill-thought out decision and their romance begins a downward spiral. After Thom betrays her, Kate continues making horrible choices that destroy several lives. But what does any of these events have to do with why Jim is holding her captive in New Zealand?
Call Me Evie is an engrossing mystery despite being a little slow paced. Kate and Jim are interesting characters who are keeping some very dark secrets. The plot is engaging but the story drags a bit in the middle. With a few unexpected twists and turns, J.P. Pomare brings this suspense-laden novel to a shocking, unexpected conclusion. Fans of the genre are sure to enjoy this clever debut.
