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Sylvan #1
Hide in Place
She left the NYPD in the firestorm of a high-profile case gone horribly wrong. Three years later, the ghosts of her past roar back to terrifying life.
When NYPD undercover cop Laney Bird's cover is blown in a racketeering case against the Russian mob, she flees the city with her troubled son, Alfie. Now, three years later, she's found the perfect haven in Sylvan, a charming town in upstate New York. But then the unthinkable happens: her boy vanishes.
Local law enforcement dismisses the thirteen-year-old as a runaway, but Laney knows better. Alfie would never abandon his special routines and the sanctuary of their home. Could he have been kidnapped--or worse? As a February snowstorm rips through the region, Laney is forced to launch her own investigation, using every trick she learned in her years undercover.
As she digs deeper into the disappearance, Laney learns that Alfie and a friend had been meeting with an older man who himself vanished, but not before leaving a corpse in his garage. With dawning horror, Laney discovers that the man was a confidential informant from a high-profile case she had handled in the past. Although he had never known her real identity, he knows it now. Which means several other enemies do, too. Time is running out, and as Laney's search for her son grows more desperate, everything depends on how good a detective she really is--badge or no.
When NYPD undercover cop Laney Bird's cover is blown in a racketeering case against the Russian mob, she flees the city with her troubled son, Alfie. Now, three years later, she's found the perfect haven in Sylvan, a charming town in upstate New York. But then the unthinkable happens: her boy vanishes.
Local law enforcement dismisses the thirteen-year-old as a runaway, but Laney knows better. Alfie would never abandon his special routines and the sanctuary of their home. Could he have been kidnapped--or worse? As a February snowstorm rips through the region, Laney is forced to launch her own investigation, using every trick she learned in her years undercover.
As she digs deeper into the disappearance, Laney learns that Alfie and a friend had been meeting with an older man who himself vanished, but not before leaving a corpse in his garage. With dawning horror, Laney discovers that the man was a confidential informant from a high-profile case she had handled in the past. Although he had never known her real identity, he knows it now. Which means several other enemies do, too. Time is running out, and as Laney's search for her son grows more desperate, everything depends on how good a detective she really is--badge or no.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Laney Bird had to quit her job as an undercover detective because her son has issues that require a parent to be around as much as possible—so she can go talk to the principle 54 times, for example. But when her almost 14-year-old son is kidnapped, she uses her detective skills to track him down.
The beginning of this was slow and repetitive, and then something happened fairly early on that lost a lot of the tension for me. I still wanted to see how Laney and the local cop Ed would locate Alfie, and I wanted to learn more about the disastrous case that Laney had worked before quitting being a cop, but there wasn’t much suspense that everyone who should make it out would make it out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 9, 2021.
Laney Bird had to quit her job as an undercover detective because her son has issues that require a parent to be around as much as possible—so she can go talk to the principle 54 times, for example. But when her almost 14-year-old son is kidnapped, she uses her detective skills to track him down.
The beginning of this was slow and repetitive, and then something happened fairly early on that lost a lot of the tension for me. I still wanted to see how Laney and the local cop Ed would locate Alfie, and I wanted to learn more about the disastrous case that Laney had worked before quitting being a cop, but there wasn’t much suspense that everyone who should make it out would make it out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 9, 2021.
November 27, 2021
A former NYPD undercover detective suddenly finds her son missing. Frantically, she searches the kids at the school and runs into trouble with privacy and the local cops. But she must dig deeper if she has any hope of finding her son, including into a botched drug deal from her past. All her detective skills in the world aren’t enough without a little luck, and the day she’s having she might have to throw in the towel.
Very fast paced and scary as all hell if you are a parent. This is a debut novel, and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this talented author.
Very fast paced and scary as all hell if you are a parent. This is a debut novel, and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this talented author.
March 8, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had high expectations for this book. I jumped at the chance to read it after reading the synopsis. The story possessed enough to keep me entertained, but unfortunately it did not blow me away.
Hide in Place, book one in the Laney Bird series, introduced Laney Bird, a retired detective. She left the force after an undercover case she had been working went sideways and her husband abandoned her. She also wanted to spend more time with her son Alfie. Her son had serious behavioural issues, which had a negative impact on his ability to socialise with his peers. Then one day Alfie goes missing. The police, however, are not keen on looking for him. After all, this was not his first time missing. Laney, however, refused to accept this, and took it upon herself to investigate the situation on her own. In conducting her investigation, she discovered that one’s past has a funny way of returning to bite you on the butt.
The author narrated the story through Laney and Alfie’s’ POVs. This gave the reader the chance to experience Laney’s frantic attempts to locate her son. In addition, the reader got the chance to see Alfie’s actions throughout his experience with his kidnapper. The author portrayed the fears of both characters realistically.
Laney’s actions were typical of what would expect from a frantic mother. Alfie proved to be a brave soul. His ability to think on his feet proved to be his saving grace.
Laney loves her son, but it would appear she doesn’t understand him, placing a strain on how they relate to each other.
The majority of the story focused on Laney’s time as an undercover cop as it relates to the case, which played a role in hero resignation from the police force. She learned there was more to the case than she first realized, all of which were not good.
The author filled the kidnapping aspect of the story with tension, which had me on the edge of my seat. However, it did not possess the twists or surprises one would expect to find in a mystery.
Although not my favourite, Hide in Place proved entertaining enough for me to keep reading. Fans of police procedurals may want to add this this their shelves. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Hide in Place, book one in the Laney Bird series, introduced Laney Bird, a retired detective. She left the force after an undercover case she had been working went sideways and her husband abandoned her. She also wanted to spend more time with her son Alfie. Her son had serious behavioural issues, which had a negative impact on his ability to socialise with his peers. Then one day Alfie goes missing. The police, however, are not keen on looking for him. After all, this was not his first time missing. Laney, however, refused to accept this, and took it upon herself to investigate the situation on her own. In conducting her investigation, she discovered that one’s past has a funny way of returning to bite you on the butt.
The author narrated the story through Laney and Alfie’s’ POVs. This gave the reader the chance to experience Laney’s frantic attempts to locate her son. In addition, the reader got the chance to see Alfie’s actions throughout his experience with his kidnapper. The author portrayed the fears of both characters realistically.
Laney’s actions were typical of what would expect from a frantic mother. Alfie proved to be a brave soul. His ability to think on his feet proved to be his saving grace.
Laney loves her son, but it would appear she doesn’t understand him, placing a strain on how they relate to each other.
The majority of the story focused on Laney’s time as an undercover cop as it relates to the case, which played a role in hero resignation from the police force. She learned there was more to the case than she first realized, all of which were not good.
The author filled the kidnapping aspect of the story with tension, which had me on the edge of my seat. However, it did not possess the twists or surprises one would expect to find in a mystery.
Although not my favourite, Hide in Place proved entertaining enough for me to keep reading. Fans of police procedurals may want to add this this their shelves. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
February 10, 2021
Hide In Place by Emilya Naymark is a touted as a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Laney Bird's 13-year old son Alfie is missing, and the police think he has run away. Laney knows better. Yes, her son is troubled, and a little different from other boys his age, but he would never run away. His routines are too important to him.
Laney's career with the NYPD ended when her cover was blown while she was working a racketeering case against the Russian mob. Her marriage ended around the same time. She thought fleeing with her son to the small town of Sylvan would keep them safe. But now it looks like she was wrong. Laney will have to use all her undercover skills to track down what happened to Alfie.
My Opinions:
I must admit to struggling at times with this book. I actually enjoyed the story about Laney and her son, but disliked her whole undercover backstory, which unfortunately took up a good percentage of the book. I'm not a big fan of mob stories.
The only characters I actually liked were Agnes, who was Laney's friend and neighbour, and Ed, the police detective who was actually trying to find Alfie. The banter between Agnes and Laney was well done. I found Laney's mistrust of Ed's abilities over-done. I found Laney to be totally out of line when it came to allowing the police to do their job, and her treatment of the other children was reprehensible. I didn't like her in her back-story either. Since so much of a story's "likeability" comes from the characters, this one didn't thrill me.
As well, there didn't seem to be much "thrill" or "mystery". Everything was laid out for the reader...except the end. I liked the end.
On the good side, the actual plot was interesting, and the writing was fine.
So, overall, for me, it was an okay read, just not great.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Laney Bird's 13-year old son Alfie is missing, and the police think he has run away. Laney knows better. Yes, her son is troubled, and a little different from other boys his age, but he would never run away. His routines are too important to him.
Laney's career with the NYPD ended when her cover was blown while she was working a racketeering case against the Russian mob. Her marriage ended around the same time. She thought fleeing with her son to the small town of Sylvan would keep them safe. But now it looks like she was wrong. Laney will have to use all her undercover skills to track down what happened to Alfie.
My Opinions:
I must admit to struggling at times with this book. I actually enjoyed the story about Laney and her son, but disliked her whole undercover backstory, which unfortunately took up a good percentage of the book. I'm not a big fan of mob stories.
The only characters I actually liked were Agnes, who was Laney's friend and neighbour, and Ed, the police detective who was actually trying to find Alfie. The banter between Agnes and Laney was well done. I found Laney's mistrust of Ed's abilities over-done. I found Laney to be totally out of line when it came to allowing the police to do their job, and her treatment of the other children was reprehensible. I didn't like her in her back-story either. Since so much of a story's "likeability" comes from the characters, this one didn't thrill me.
As well, there didn't seem to be much "thrill" or "mystery". Everything was laid out for the reader...except the end. I liked the end.
On the good side, the actual plot was interesting, and the writing was fine.
So, overall, for me, it was an okay read, just not great.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 21, 2021
Laney Bird was once an undercover cop, working mostly to take down drug dealers in the Russian mafia. Three years ago, one of her cases went really sideways. She has always hoped that her real identity had never been made public. She retired at that time in order to take care of her then 10-year-old son.
She's now driving a school bus and spending time with her troubled son. But today .. her son disappeared. Abducted? Runaway? This wouldn't be the first time he's gone missing for day or so ... but now it's been 5 days with no contact and no one has seen him anywhere.
Has her past come to haunt her?
The police, for the most part, are thinking that he's run away ... but Laney knows he hasn't. So she does what she knows best ... she starts her own investigation.
This comes with an intricate plot with intriguing characters that stand out amid the swirling mass of twists and turns. All roads seem to lead in one direction ... but does it really? There are plenty of suspects, and even her former colleagues are not above suspicion. The book is well written, giving readers a close look at Laney's previous life as an undercover cop vs what's she given up in order to care for her son. The suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains that level to the very last surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She's now driving a school bus and spending time with her troubled son. But today .. her son disappeared. Abducted? Runaway? This wouldn't be the first time he's gone missing for day or so ... but now it's been 5 days with no contact and no one has seen him anywhere.
Has her past come to haunt her?
The police, for the most part, are thinking that he's run away ... but Laney knows he hasn't. So she does what she knows best ... she starts her own investigation.
This comes with an intricate plot with intriguing characters that stand out amid the swirling mass of twists and turns. All roads seem to lead in one direction ... but does it really? There are plenty of suspects, and even her former colleagues are not above suspicion. The book is well written, giving readers a close look at Laney's previous life as an undercover cop vs what's she given up in order to care for her son. The suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains that level to the very last surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 9, 2020
Life was quiet for a single mother and her high strung 13 year old son in a small town in upstate New York--until the boy disappears in the middle of a school day. The story's suspense builds to an almost unbearable level, not least because the characters are so complex and deeply relatable. It's not often that the pacing of a novel stays this taut while the characters deepen and surprise me. This is a debut novel not to be missed for those who appreciate a literary flair in their crime friction. I recommend for readers of Harlan Coben and Carol Goodman.
March 13, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
I dont know if ive ever read a Mystery Novel where it starts off with a child going missing but i have to say it made for a great opening to this Mystery Thriller Book/Series by Emilya which was also my first time reading a book by her so i wasnt sure what to expect but surprising i loved it very much!!
The Characters were so intriguing to read about. I can't pick just one favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters in this book/series.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Sylvan, NY while reading, especially since i live in NY State and when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Mystery Thriller Series!! Can't wait to read more by Emilya in the future!!
Review:
I dont know if ive ever read a Mystery Novel where it starts off with a child going missing but i have to say it made for a great opening to this Mystery Thriller Book/Series by Emilya which was also my first time reading a book by her so i wasnt sure what to expect but surprising i loved it very much!!
The Characters were so intriguing to read about. I can't pick just one favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters in this book/series.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Sylvan, NY while reading, especially since i live in NY State and when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Mystery Thriller Series!! Can't wait to read more by Emilya in the future!!
March 10, 2021
Holy moly! This book was seriously intense and I loved every second of it! A retired detective, whose husband left her and her son and never turned back, decided to make a move to a small town and start over. Her 13yo son has always had a stutter and was constantly picked on.
One day he doesn’t come home from school and the local police think ah it’s normal for kids that age to stay out late and will be back soon.
She knows her son and doesn’t believe it and knows something bad happened to her son. With her background she used her skills as a detective to take it upon herself to find out what happened to her son.
As a mom, this is a worst case scenario situation for me and this book had my heart thumping at every turn of the page.
What happened to her son will surprise you and this books reiterates the need as a parent to always trust your gut when it involves your kids.
This is a mystery you don’t want to miss. Thank you @crookedlanebooks for my gifted copy.
One day he doesn’t come home from school and the local police think ah it’s normal for kids that age to stay out late and will be back soon.
She knows her son and doesn’t believe it and knows something bad happened to her son. With her background she used her skills as a detective to take it upon herself to find out what happened to her son.
As a mom, this is a worst case scenario situation for me and this book had my heart thumping at every turn of the page.
What happened to her son will surprise you and this books reiterates the need as a parent to always trust your gut when it involves your kids.
This is a mystery you don’t want to miss. Thank you @crookedlanebooks for my gifted copy.
September 14, 2022
I always enjoy a psychological thriller, but I'm not sure what that says about me! In this new series, Laney and her son move to a small town in NY to escape her involvement in undercover work in NYC, trying to bust some drug dealers. There are other issues, too, including her husband leaving her because he doesn't want to take care of their child anymore. We see that Alfie has some issues, but it is sad to see a parent decide they don't want to parent anymore. So Laney does what she thinks is best to raise Alfie in a safe environment. However, what town is truly safe, especially when it comes to teenagers? When Alfie disappears, Laney goes off the deep end and decides that no one can do as good of a job finding him as she can. While there is some truth to her words, I felt she was somewhat manic when speaking to people and tracking down clues. Granted, she gets the job done, but at what cost?
The story does flip back and forth in time so that we can understand what she was doing as an undercover cop and what impact that has on the present day's incidents. You might get an inkling about her partner and that perhaps he isn't who he appears to be.
We also meet Laney's best friend, perhaps only friend, Holly. I think Holly gets involved for the adventure until that backfires on her, but sometimes you do need to shake up your life. I liked that Holly wasn't afraid to jump into situations and at least be there to support Laney.
I thought that Laney should have been more accepting of the police helping her find Alfie. Sometimes small-town police don't take everything seriously, but I think one officer did despite her impetuous actions. But her actions might have caused more problems despite the results she achieved.
While I had a feeling where this book was going, it still kept me engaged, and the ending sets up the next book or at least a portion of it. That book is next on my list to read, so look for a review in a few days.
Overall, a suspenseful book, and we give it 4 paws up.
The story does flip back and forth in time so that we can understand what she was doing as an undercover cop and what impact that has on the present day's incidents. You might get an inkling about her partner and that perhaps he isn't who he appears to be.
We also meet Laney's best friend, perhaps only friend, Holly. I think Holly gets involved for the adventure until that backfires on her, but sometimes you do need to shake up your life. I liked that Holly wasn't afraid to jump into situations and at least be there to support Laney.
I thought that Laney should have been more accepting of the police helping her find Alfie. Sometimes small-town police don't take everything seriously, but I think one officer did despite her impetuous actions. But her actions might have caused more problems despite the results she achieved.
While I had a feeling where this book was going, it still kept me engaged, and the ending sets up the next book or at least a portion of it. That book is next on my list to read, so look for a review in a few days.
Overall, a suspenseful book, and we give it 4 paws up.
January 11, 2021
Laney Bird is doing whatever it takes to be a good mom to her 13 year old son Alfie. She quit her beloved job as an undercover police officer and moved to a small suburb of New York, where she could work to get him therapy and special school services for the issues that Alfie has. One day, Alfie goes missing and to everyone but Laney, this is a typical troubled kid runs away from home and will come back when he wants too. As Laney starts her own investigation, she finds out that a man from her past, connected to the Russian mob, is back on the streets and looking for revenge. Will Laney find the one person who matters most to her or will she lose Alfie for good? If you’re into corruption, mobsters and mama bears who will do anything (including kicking ass and taking names) to take care of their kids, then this is the perfect book for you. I think the author did a pretty brilliant job of setting the scenery and the emotional tone of the book: I really felt Laney’s pain and the freezing cold of Upper New York State. This is definitely a good thriller, if you’re looking for reading about some badass characters.
December 22, 2020
Laney was an undercover cop at NYPD. After a huge case was blown and her personal life also imploded, she moved with her son to a small town in upstate New York. Her son Alfie is 13 and has always struggled socially. She loves him fiercely but she flounders to understand and reach him
One day Alfie doesn’t come home. Laney comes undone, he’s all she has in the world. There are no leads, the local police are getting no where. Laney sets off on her own, on a mission to find her son.
_________________________________
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Even though Laney is now a civilian, it still reads like a detective novel / police procedural. It’s fast paced and there are some parts that tug at your heart strings. I really enjoyed this one.
One day Alfie doesn’t come home. Laney comes undone, he’s all she has in the world. There are no leads, the local police are getting no where. Laney sets off on her own, on a mission to find her son.
_________________________________
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Even though Laney is now a civilian, it still reads like a detective novel / police procedural. It’s fast paced and there are some parts that tug at your heart strings. I really enjoyed this one.
March 20, 2021
According to Goodreads, Hide in Place by Emilya Naymark is book 1 of the Laney Bird series and I really hope that's true since I would love to see more of Laney. Thanks to her being an ex-NYPD undercover cop, this book read a lot like a police procedural mixed with detective fiction and I loved that about it. I also really enjoyed how the author mixed present with Laney's past so we could fully understand why she ended up leaving her job with the NYPD and why she's in the situation she's in now. The mystery in the book really comes more from her past than the disappearance of her son, although there is still a mystery hidden in that as well. This ended up being way more emotional than I was expecting it to be, and I loved that we got Laney's viewpoint as well as Alfie's.
I was immediately hooked as soon as I started Hide in Place, although I would say it is a bit on the slower side overall. There are still moments with plenty of action though and I think the switches between past and present really helped the story to flow well and keep the reader interested. Naymark did a great job weaving this plot together and the end had an element I never saw coming. It was actually a pretty realistic story as well which was a nice surprise, and it really makes it that much more emotional knowing it's something that could actually happen. And ALFIE, your heart just goes out to him, and I thought Laney was a pretty kickass character. Overall this was a very engaging novel, and I will definitely be looking forward to book 2!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was immediately hooked as soon as I started Hide in Place, although I would say it is a bit on the slower side overall. There are still moments with plenty of action though and I think the switches between past and present really helped the story to flow well and keep the reader interested. Naymark did a great job weaving this plot together and the end had an element I never saw coming. It was actually a pretty realistic story as well which was a nice surprise, and it really makes it that much more emotional knowing it's something that could actually happen. And ALFIE, your heart just goes out to him, and I thought Laney was a pretty kickass character. Overall this was a very engaging novel, and I will definitely be looking forward to book 2!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 23, 2020
Hide in Place is a thriller about a frantic ex cop searching for her missing son. Laney gave upper career as a cop when her husband walked out and left her to deal,with their needy son. She moved to a small town and dealt with Alfie’s issues. Until he disappeared. Her past haunts her as she has to deal with an old nemesis. The action is fast paced and readers will be on the edge of their seats at the turning of each page. The book kept my attention as I waited for what would unfold next. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the early copy.
August 25, 2020
The characters were well written, flawed but relatable. I liked Agnes' character and her relationship with Laney, though it did seem unlikely that they would be friends (and the author noted this as well).
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2020
Hide in Place by Emilye Naymark is a tightly coiled spring, ready to pop into the reader’s consciousness and grab hold. It hooked me from word one and wouldn’t let go. I read the whole advance reader's copy in two sittings. What I liked most was Naymark’s painstaking characterization. The deep points of view of the two main characters drew me into the most secret parts of myself. How would I behave if I were thrown into the tense situations of this mother, this son? How were their losses merging in my reader’s brain with my own? This debut novel reads with the same page-turning intensity as those of the most polished writers in the business.
April 14, 2021
Gripping read! Unputdownable
This was a page turner for sure, starting off with a mother’s nightmare, a missing son who is socially awkward. As things get worse for Laney Bird we realize she’s no ordinary mom, but one who’s quit working as an undercover cop to care for her only child.
With dual narrators this book also describes the way a teen with some difficulties might process things differently and learn how to survive in a complex adult world.
This short book 280 pages is a great read, one that will have you thinking about it long after it’s done.
This was a page turner for sure, starting off with a mother’s nightmare, a missing son who is socially awkward. As things get worse for Laney Bird we realize she’s no ordinary mom, but one who’s quit working as an undercover cop to care for her only child.
With dual narrators this book also describes the way a teen with some difficulties might process things differently and learn how to survive in a complex adult world.
This short book 280 pages is a great read, one that will have you thinking about it long after it’s done.
January 16, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book. I was kept from start to finish. The story plot is pretty realistic as well as the characters. The situation if what many have faced and to realize just what it feels like or try to was very easy to do with this read.
March 2, 2022
A solid start to a promising series!
October 1, 2020
NYPD undercover cop Laney Bird finds herself with a blown cover, a 13 year old son and a new life starting in a small town in New York. Having to leave her job was difficult but she was making a life, although not the life she wanted.
Then one day her son disappears and she is at a loss as to where he went. Local law enforcement dismissed him as a run away but she knew deep down that it was more. And more it was.
I really enjoyed this novel and felt that the author developed good characters with depth and personality. Alfie, Laney's son, has a few issues but then what kid that age doesn't? As the book continues Laney's desperation to find her son escalates and her detective skills kick in.
Definitely a page turner and a book that held my interest I would recommend this to any reader who loves a good crime fiction and kudos to author Emilya Naymark for authoring a fine book. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy of Hide in Place in exchange for my honest review.
Then one day her son disappears and she is at a loss as to where he went. Local law enforcement dismissed him as a run away but she knew deep down that it was more. And more it was.
I really enjoyed this novel and felt that the author developed good characters with depth and personality. Alfie, Laney's son, has a few issues but then what kid that age doesn't? As the book continues Laney's desperation to find her son escalates and her detective skills kick in.
Definitely a page turner and a book that held my interest I would recommend this to any reader who loves a good crime fiction and kudos to author Emilya Naymark for authoring a fine book. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy of Hide in Place in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2020
Hide in Place is the kind of crime fiction that tethers you to a seat, and, before you know, the sun has risen and set. I am not a consumer of this genre, generally—other than the occasional hyped Gillian Flynn novel—but I kept lapping up this riveting tale of love and loss, of bonds forged, of tenderness in motherhood and histrionics in teendom, of macho men and a woman who will do anything to find her son—a story of desperation and determination that will have you mentally casting the movie version.
You will love, hate, and feel for Laney, the story’s protagonist. Emilya Naymark has created a world in which universal realities and familiar struggles come to a head in a nightmarish story about a boy gone missing and a mother’s quest to find him. Do yourself a favor and read it before the movie comes out.
You will love, hate, and feel for Laney, the story’s protagonist. Emilya Naymark has created a world in which universal realities and familiar struggles come to a head in a nightmarish story about a boy gone missing and a mother’s quest to find him. Do yourself a favor and read it before the movie comes out.
March 25, 2021
This is book one in the Laney Bird series. Laney is an ex cop and single mother to her son after her husband bailed. Her job put her in some dangerous situations. Laney moves to upstate New York for a fresh start. When her son doesn't come home Laney races to figure out what happened and if her painful past is catching up with her. I really enjoy this. A fast read and I liked the main character. I'm looking forward to book two in this new crime fiction series. This was a great start.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
April 14, 2021
Laney's son is missing, and based on his history, who knows where he is?
This book was a good premise, an ex-cop mom looking for her son. But it had too much backstory for me. I didn't need so much history, and it was the part I liked the least. Good overall, but lacked more to keep me invested.
This book was a good premise, an ex-cop mom looking for her son. But it had too much backstory for me. I didn't need so much history, and it was the part I liked the least. Good overall, but lacked more to keep me invested.
December 10, 2020
3.6 rounded up
Story stars with Laney Bird is the bus driver for a school field trip to attend the performance of “Wicked”. Her 13 almost 14 year old son Alfie had band practice so doesn’t attend. Laney had prepared dinner for him but when she arrives home late that evening she finds the dinner uneaten and no sign of her son.
She had to leave her position as an undercover detective as her son requires full time parenteral assistance and dad has given up and is no longer part of the family.
Why has he gone missing, he know not to go with a stranger. We soon find out that his kidnapper is not a stranger.
Laney must use to detective training to rescue her own son! She finds out that Alfie had met with an older man.
Story backtracks to Laney’s past adventures as an undercover detective; which was certainly interesting a bit wild and terrifying (I read Emilya Naymark’s biography. She is married to an NYPD undercover detective so some of the adventures with Laney’s character were inspired by real life events.).
Although interesting, I cannot say that I liked Laney Hmmm she knew he had issues and left him alone for HOURS!!
However, I did like Alfie and was anxious to read what was happening to him.
He too had an interesting experience with Hopper. Alfie states that he also like appreciated his metaphors and his advice. Alfie was always bullied and Hooper told him that one way to stop it is to stare them down… don’t blink and you will look crazy... think like Charles Manson. You will have them fearful that one day you may do something crazy to them.
Alfie’s relationship with Hooper is more like father son. In fact, he had a much better relationship with Hooper than his own father
Note: I am a Jack Reacher fan. Currently reading The Sentinel ~ Reacher has similar advice as Hooper…He states make the bad guys THINK you are going to hurt them and they will leave you alone!
These characters were certainly complicated.
I did end up liking this story. Round up to ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 9, 2021
Story stars with Laney Bird is the bus driver for a school field trip to attend the performance of “Wicked”. Her 13 almost 14 year old son Alfie had band practice so doesn’t attend. Laney had prepared dinner for him but when she arrives home late that evening she finds the dinner uneaten and no sign of her son.
She had to leave her position as an undercover detective as her son requires full time parenteral assistance and dad has given up and is no longer part of the family.
Why has he gone missing, he know not to go with a stranger. We soon find out that his kidnapper is not a stranger.
Laney must use to detective training to rescue her own son! She finds out that Alfie had met with an older man.
Story backtracks to Laney’s past adventures as an undercover detective; which was certainly interesting a bit wild and terrifying (I read Emilya Naymark’s biography. She is married to an NYPD undercover detective so some of the adventures with Laney’s character were inspired by real life events.).
Although interesting, I cannot say that I liked Laney Hmmm she knew he had issues and left him alone for HOURS!!
However, I did like Alfie and was anxious to read what was happening to him.
He too had an interesting experience with Hopper. Alfie states that he also like appreciated his metaphors and his advice. Alfie was always bullied and Hooper told him that one way to stop it is to stare them down… don’t blink and you will look crazy... think like Charles Manson. You will have them fearful that one day you may do something crazy to them.
Alfie’s relationship with Hooper is more like father son. In fact, he had a much better relationship with Hooper than his own father
Note: I am a Jack Reacher fan. Currently reading The Sentinel ~ Reacher has similar advice as Hooper…He states make the bad guys THINK you are going to hurt them and they will leave you alone!
These characters were certainly complicated.
I did end up liking this story. Round up to ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 9, 2021
January 9, 2021
I feel grateful to have the chance to read Naymark’s debut novel. The detail in this book has me hooked from page 1.
“The bus smelled like bologna sandwiches, fruity body sprays, and old soda and sounded like a monkey house. But she was used to it. And she needed the extra money.”
Laney’s son, Alfie, has gone missing. As a former undercover cop, the worst thoughts race through Laney’s mind and, infuriatingly, nobody seems to be taking her as serious as they should.
“She pictured Alfie, her stomach clenching with fear. Where was he? Things had improved lately. A lot. He’d been sweet, even-tempered, talkative with her, had even been mentioning a friend.”
As a school psychologist, Alfie reminds me of many kids I’ve worked with and the fact that the author makes mention of a school psychologist makes me feel so seen! There were a few other far-fetched details in this story and none of the characters were particularly likeable. Some of the decisions Laney made and how she treated other children involved with Alfie’s case did not set well with me either. But I think that just added to the building intensity for Laney and her missing son. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming with an intense ending. Overall, I liked this one.
CW: missing child, child abuse, mention of substances and use, inappropriate sexual advancement, graphic injury descriptions, mention of gunfire
“The bus smelled like bologna sandwiches, fruity body sprays, and old soda and sounded like a monkey house. But she was used to it. And she needed the extra money.”
Laney’s son, Alfie, has gone missing. As a former undercover cop, the worst thoughts race through Laney’s mind and, infuriatingly, nobody seems to be taking her as serious as they should.
“She pictured Alfie, her stomach clenching with fear. Where was he? Things had improved lately. A lot. He’d been sweet, even-tempered, talkative with her, had even been mentioning a friend.”
As a school psychologist, Alfie reminds me of many kids I’ve worked with and the fact that the author makes mention of a school psychologist makes me feel so seen! There were a few other far-fetched details in this story and none of the characters were particularly likeable. Some of the decisions Laney made and how she treated other children involved with Alfie’s case did not set well with me either. But I think that just added to the building intensity for Laney and her missing son. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming with an intense ending. Overall, I liked this one.
CW: missing child, child abuse, mention of substances and use, inappropriate sexual advancement, graphic injury descriptions, mention of gunfire
Read
March 3, 2021“Laney Bird’s son vanished the night she drove a busload of high school seniors to see Wicked on Broadway.” Emilya Naymark had me hooked from the first line of her debut novel. Laney Bird is the perfect heroine. Tough, scrappy, flawed . . . and now, terrified.
Once a well-respected uncover cop with the NYPD, married to the “perfect” man, and the mother of an adorable toddler, at the start of Hide in Place Laney finds herself divorced and living in Sylvan, New York, with a difficult teen she doesn’t know how to handle.
It’s her son’s troubled history that makes the local authorities dismiss her fears when she arrives at the police station to report her son gone.
“It’s Alfie,” she said, her voice coming shrill and taut from her throat, hurting her. “He’s not home. Hasn’t come home.”
“Again?” asked Ed.
His eyes settled on her…
What’s a mother to do? Well, if you were once a hardworking police officer with multiple arrests under your belt, you race to solve your son’s disappearance yourself.
The more Laney digs into her son’s disappearance, the more she realizes her past has arrived to haunt them both. The clues lead her back into her undercover life, and her undercover persona Kendra. Wearing Kendra’s identity again allows Laney to act outside normal societal conventions.
Laney shines as a distraught mother willing to do anything to protect her son. Alfie is oddly empathetic in the chapters that shift to his point of view. Though Naymark never spells out exactly what Alfie struggles with, we come to discover the challenges he faces fitting in with his friends, his teachers, and his community.
The local cop, the aforementioned Ed, also becomes much more relatable as the story unfolds and he begins to realize that Laney is a lot more than just an overworked, overstressed mom of a challenging son.
Rounding out the characters, Laney’s best friend Holly is everything Laney is not, girly, sociable, color-coordinated, and nonjudgmental. Holly brings a little lightness to the dark world Laney inhabits, and the even darker world where Alfie finds himself. Holly is also fearless and loyal, two characteristics of a friend that are just what Laney needs.
While the novel does focus primarily on Laney in the present, we also experience Alfie’s situation from his perspective and Naymark reveals much of Laney’s past as well. Twisting the three aspects together provides the reader a full picture of the complexities of the plot, which comes to a satisfying end.
Life is never going to be easy for Laney, but that just provides an excellent platform to launch the next book in what I hope will be a long and successful series.
Once a well-respected uncover cop with the NYPD, married to the “perfect” man, and the mother of an adorable toddler, at the start of Hide in Place Laney finds herself divorced and living in Sylvan, New York, with a difficult teen she doesn’t know how to handle.
It’s her son’s troubled history that makes the local authorities dismiss her fears when she arrives at the police station to report her son gone.
“It’s Alfie,” she said, her voice coming shrill and taut from her throat, hurting her. “He’s not home. Hasn’t come home.”
“Again?” asked Ed.
His eyes settled on her…
What’s a mother to do? Well, if you were once a hardworking police officer with multiple arrests under your belt, you race to solve your son’s disappearance yourself.
The more Laney digs into her son’s disappearance, the more she realizes her past has arrived to haunt them both. The clues lead her back into her undercover life, and her undercover persona Kendra. Wearing Kendra’s identity again allows Laney to act outside normal societal conventions.
Laney shines as a distraught mother willing to do anything to protect her son. Alfie is oddly empathetic in the chapters that shift to his point of view. Though Naymark never spells out exactly what Alfie struggles with, we come to discover the challenges he faces fitting in with his friends, his teachers, and his community.
The local cop, the aforementioned Ed, also becomes much more relatable as the story unfolds and he begins to realize that Laney is a lot more than just an overworked, overstressed mom of a challenging son.
Rounding out the characters, Laney’s best friend Holly is everything Laney is not, girly, sociable, color-coordinated, and nonjudgmental. Holly brings a little lightness to the dark world Laney inhabits, and the even darker world where Alfie finds himself. Holly is also fearless and loyal, two characteristics of a friend that are just what Laney needs.
While the novel does focus primarily on Laney in the present, we also experience Alfie’s situation from his perspective and Naymark reveals much of Laney’s past as well. Twisting the three aspects together provides the reader a full picture of the complexities of the plot, which comes to a satisfying end.
Life is never going to be easy for Laney, but that just provides an excellent platform to launch the next book in what I hope will be a long and successful series.
January 30, 2021
Laney was an undercover officer with the NYPD until her husband walked out and she realized that her 13 year old son Alfie's issues demand more support than she's been able to give. She moves to a small upstate town where life is simpler and slower until Alfie disappears in the middle of a school day. Local law enforcement more or less brushes her off and then she discovers that someone she worked against is in town. This moves back and forth in time a bit to spool out Laney's work with the NYPD. Her desperate hunt for Alfie is well paced- it's tense. It's a well done thriller with good characters and storytelling. No spoilers for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A nice debut and I'm going to look for more from Naymark.
December 12, 2021
In her old life, Laney Bird was an undercover NYPD officer, developing a racketeering case against the Russian mob. But she left the city three years ago when her cover was blown. Now, she lives in a quiet town in upstate New York, driving a school bus and worrying about her son, Alfie, who, at thirteen, is a loner, often getting in trouble at school for inappropriate outbursts.
Laney returns home late one night, after driving a group of teenagers to see a musical in the city, to discover Alfie is missing. He isn’t in his room, he hasn’t eaten the dinner she left for him, and he didn’t leave her a message. She contacts the police who, knowing Alfie’s reputation, do not take his disappearance seriously, and so she decides to investigate herself.
I really enjoy both procedurals and domestic suspense, and this book has some of the best elements of both genres: it’s fast-paced and tense, with deeply developed characters and complicated relationships. Laney is a great protagonist—a worried mother and a talented cop—and I loved her relationship with her son. Can't wait for book number two!
Laney returns home late one night, after driving a group of teenagers to see a musical in the city, to discover Alfie is missing. He isn’t in his room, he hasn’t eaten the dinner she left for him, and he didn’t leave her a message. She contacts the police who, knowing Alfie’s reputation, do not take his disappearance seriously, and so she decides to investigate herself.
I really enjoy both procedurals and domestic suspense, and this book has some of the best elements of both genres: it’s fast-paced and tense, with deeply developed characters and complicated relationships. Laney is a great protagonist—a worried mother and a talented cop—and I loved her relationship with her son. Can't wait for book number two!
January 7, 2022
I really liked this one! I loved how the story kind of builds over time and the suspense definitely got me! I also loved how complex Laney was and I can only imagine what it's like to be a mom whose kid is missing. I would probably act the same way Laney did. Definitely kept me reading!
March 19, 2021
Even if it's well written I struggled because I didn't like the MC.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 4, 2021
Laney Bird is leading a ruined life. And, slight but necessary spoiler: her life doesn’t get much better by the time you close the covers of Hide in Place. I’m telling you this not to spoil the book for you, but to warn you that it’s the honesty of the book which raises it above the commonplace.
This is a book about lives in tatters. Laney’s husband has abandoned her with their problem son. She’s had to give up her beloved job with N. Y. police and move away. Everyone she’s ever trusted has betrayed her, and now her son has disappeared. Has he run away or been kidnapped? The answer is not as clear-cut as you would think. No one seems to care. But you will, inevitably, about these seemingly luckless characters who so belong together.
Is there murder and mayhem for those who like it? Oh, yes, plenty, and a plot that builds toward its inevitably ragged conclusion. You’ll be concerned about these characters long after you’ve shut this book.
This is a book about lives in tatters. Laney’s husband has abandoned her with their problem son. She’s had to give up her beloved job with N. Y. police and move away. Everyone she’s ever trusted has betrayed her, and now her son has disappeared. Has he run away or been kidnapped? The answer is not as clear-cut as you would think. No one seems to care. But you will, inevitably, about these seemingly luckless characters who so belong together.
Is there murder and mayhem for those who like it? Oh, yes, plenty, and a plot that builds toward its inevitably ragged conclusion. You’ll be concerned about these characters long after you’ve shut this book.
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