Member Reviews
This book was everything I love!
I loved how it embraced the stalker vibes and obsession within the characters and storyline. The author didn't shy away from exploring darker themes, which I found incredibly refreshing. Many authors are afraid to go to this type of darker side in a thriller, but this book dives right into it, which made it stand out for me. I often root for the villain, sorry.
I loved how the setting was written and how vivid it was, and how the author painted the scenes. The book was so easy to imagine, and the chapters played on as if I was on a cinematic experience - the best books often make me feel like this.
Crowe has a talent for weaving an unsettling yet magnetic atmosphere that pulls readers in and refuses to let go. His ability to explore morally complex characters with such depth is truly commendable. The protagonist’s obsession, the antagonist’s shadowy presence, and even the seemingly minor characters all felt layered and alive, that's what kept me wanting more and more.
While the book hits many high notes, there are very small aspects that keep it from being a full 5-star read, which are more of a personal taste than anything else, so an overall of 4.5 stars. I can’t wait to read more from him.
This author knows how to transition from the past to the future and did an amazing job of this throughout the book. I thought the writing was brilliant and the transition (which confused me on the first and second chapter) was like a chapter to chapter cliffhanger. Probably my favorite part of the book.
Ariana/Tracy was a child who grew up in the system. While the author did a great job of depicting the life of a child who has to make do with what they have. I feel that the author wrote a book that was good just, predictable. I had figured out the ending middle of the book and by the ending I sat waiting for something more to happen and it didn't.
I think the book was missing something. It kept my attention but I wanted something bigger to happen. Like a snowstorm everyone is preparing for and nothing happens.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb for this sounded really interesting, however I didn't love the execution. At first I thought the story was fun and intriguing, but the further it continued the more boring it became. The present storyline was completely free of suspense, the past timeline was interesting enough but still very predictable and I just didn't care about anything all that much. The ending was also a complete letdown, it was so anticlimatic, underwhelming and predictable. What I enjoyed was the fast pacing and this was an easy read you could finish in one setting.
Great Psychologically thriller. Crowe has become an auto buy for me. Kept me wanting more and anticipating sooo much and Crowe deliverd!
Obsession is forever. When 17 year old Ariana runs away from her foster home she finds herself living with the Willens family and looking after Daniel, their 12-year-old son! Good book! This book had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a sort of who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was interesting, it wasn't one of my top favorite but still worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
Never Let You Go by Caleb Crowe is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of love, loss, and the human spirit. Caleb Crowe has a special way of engaging his readers by the detailed and well-drawn out characters. This novel goes into the themes of redemption and resilience, exploring how individuals can overcome their past traumas and find hope in the most unexpected places. Caleb Crowe presents a relatable main character whose experiences with foster care resonate with most readers, allowing them to reflect on their own challenges and look back at what they have overcome. This story had more twists and a darker plot than I was expecting. I could not put this book down! I thought I knew what to expect from this book and it was far deeper than I imagined. After reflecting, I give this book a solid 5 stars. I also 100% recommend this book for all thriller book lovers. I look forward to reading more from Caleb Crowe!
Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my free and honest review. While I found this novel quite intriguing, loving the sarcasm and funny barbs, I have to say I was disappointed as well. I thought I figured out the plot and ending during the first parts of the book and was waiting for a crazy twist to occur to throw my entire theories into the trash. That did not happen. The depiction of Ariana/Tracy as being in care didn’t seem quite accurate either, as most characters I have seen portrayed in novels are very worldly savvy, and suspicious of most people and situations. Those depictions are not at all what this main character displayed, which was a combination of naivety and very gullible. I love this author’s previous novels and was super excited for this one. Just disappointed the ploy was fairly transparent.
Caleb Crowe delivers yet another fabulous read.
Partly believable partly crazy but overall enjoyable.
A story of obsession and madness.
I just wanted Ariana to be ok. She had endured an awful upbringing and deserved some happiness.
The ending seemed a little rushed but i really enjoyed this book.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.
While I did read this quickly, I found the outcome very predictable from early on. I was waiting for a huge 'what the' moment that I hadn't seen coming but was left wanting
Caleb Crowe delivers yet another masterful psychological thriller with Never Let You Go, a gripping tale of suspense, obsession, and redemption. Told through alternating timelines—ten years apart—the novel keeps readers hooked as it pieces together the puzzle of a young woman’s tumultuous past and her precarious present.
The story centers around Ariana, a troubled girl who escapes the foster care system and finds herself working as a nanny for a seemingly perfect family. Her bond with 12-year-old Daniel becomes the emotional anchor of her life, but a devastating fire changes everything, leaving her to face an uncertain future. A decade later, Ariana, now a widow grieving her husband’s tragic death, is forced to confront her past when Daniel reenters her life. What begins as a touching reunion quickly spirals into a series of shocking twists and turns, keeping the tension razor-sharp.
The dual timeline structure is expertly handled, creating a rhythm that immerses readers in Ariana’s evolving journey while gradually unveiling the darker secrets at the heart of the story. Crowe’s writing is evocative, blending psychological depth with an undercurrent of unease that grows with every page.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Ariana, whose resilience and vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist. Daniel’s evolution is equally fascinating, and the layers of his personality add complexity to the unfolding mystery. The chapters’ clever transitions, where many begin with echoes of their predecessors, showcase Crowe’s ingenuity and add a seamless flow to the narrative.
Without spoiling the ending, it’s worth noting that the climax is both unexpected and unforgettable—a tense and provocative conclusion that will leave readers with much to think about.
Favorite Character: Ariana, for her strength and determination amidst a life filled with challenges.
Most Memorable Twist: The revelation about the fire’s aftermath and its far-reaching consequences.
Never Let You Go is a tour de force, blending psychological suspense with emotional depth. Crowe’s ability to craft a haunting yet heart-wrenching narrative is unparalleled, making this a must-read for fans of thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC. This was a riveting and unforgettable read that I couldn’t put down. Highly recommended!
Slow clap!
The twists on this book were just fantastic! The ride to the ending was unstoppable and thrilling!
This book was easier to know whodunnit and guessed what happened/happening but it was worth the continued mind blowing. Just great book and unputdownable. Highly recommend!
Ron move over....there is another person in town.
Another good read from Caleb. His books are full of twists you don’t see coming and turns you have to take!
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the ARC of Caleb Crowe’s newest psychological thriller. I am an invested fan now waiting for his next new book. I loved this story. Fast paced. Fun read. Great characters. This one is a winner. Five stars!!!
A unique psychological thriller and I loved it!
Caleb Crowe is one of my favourite authors and the wait for this to be released felt so long but I’m glad it was well worth the wait.
I like how the story was pieced together alternating from past and present. I noticed the clever way many chapters ended and began. The characters were interesting and I was surprised by the twists.
Now let’s talk about the ending…without spoiling the ending. I’ve never come across an ending like this. I have mixed feelings about it. I think it was definitely a one of a kind and I loved it if there’s a sequel. If not, I’m a little disappointed. But only a little.
Now I’m back to waiting for the next novel by this amazing author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
I loved Never Let You Go by Caleb Crowe who is an author I have never read before. This thrilling mystery centers around Tracey who runs away from foster care, fakes her identity,and nanny’s for a family with 2 children. She bonds with the young son, Daniel, but after a tragic house fire she doesn’t see him again for ten years. After Tracey reunites with Daniel ten years later her life starts to unravel again.
This story kept me engaged and guessing. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Thank you, NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC of Never Let You Go by Caleb Crowe. This is a fast paced thriller that tells the story in a unique way of combining the past and present point of views. Arianna is a young girl who works as a nanny and has a special relationship with Daniel. His dad beats him and his weak mom does nothing to help. Then the home goes on fire and Daniel saves Arianna, they don’t see each other for ten years. When they do, it is a roller coaster of twists and turns. You won’t be able to put this one down.
I loved this book. I wasn't expecting to be so immersed in emotion, but I was. I really connected to Ariana, and enjoyed both the present and the past aspects of her story. I had suspicions throughout and there was tension at every corner. Didn't want to put it down. Sound resolution. This was a five star read from the start, I would recommend it to anyone who loves fast paced thrillers. I should also comment that the standard of the writing is breath-taking, with a beauty you don't always see in thrillers.
Mr. Crowe did a fantastic job with this book. While I don't usually like books that jump back and forth between the present and past, it was very tastefully done and I love that they interplayed with each other. The story was cohesive, flowed well, and had a good amount of suspense without being overdone.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it and Crowe's other titles to others looking for a psych suspense title!
“Never Let You Go” by Caleb Crowe is a psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish, though not in the way you might initially expect. I went into the book thinking I knew what to expect, but a major twist completely changed everything, revealing a much darker, more sinister plot.
Crowe does an excellent job of creating a creeping sense of dread, keeping you on edge as the characters’ true motivations slowly come to light. The pacing is tight, and the twists are expertly executed, making for a gripping and unnerving read. What starts as a suspenseful thriller soon evolves into something far darker, with a revelation that flips the entire narrative on its head.
Without giving too much away, the story takes an unexpected turn, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew. Never Let You Go is a twisted, suspenseful ride that will keep you guessing. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that dive deep into obsession and manipulation, this book is definitely one to pick up.
**Book Review: “Never Let You Go” by Caleb Crowe**
Caleb Crowe’s “Never Let You Go” is a book that immediately draws readers in with its inviting and fluid writing style. Crowe’s ability to seamlessly bridge the present and past through chapters that begin and end with the same last sentence is particularly clever. This technique adds a rhythmic and almost cinematic quality to the narrative structure, making it feel cohesive and polished.
However, while the prose shines, the storyline itself falls a bit flat. The central mystery lacks the tension and unpredictability needed to keep readers on their toes. It becomes clear early on that Daniel is the mastermind behind the string of unfortunate events, which leaves little room for genuine suspense. Unfortunately, this predictability undermines the impact of the narrative.
Ariana, the protagonist, is another point of contention. Her inability to piece together the painfully obvious truth about Daniel is frustrating and diminishes her credibility as a compelling character. Instead of rooting for her, readers might find themselves questioning her naivety or lack of awareness, which weakens the emotional engagement with her journey.
Despite these shortcomings, “Never Let You Go” showcases Crowe’s potential as a storyteller. The writing itself is excellent—crisp, clear, and stylistically innovative. However, a stronger and more nuanced plot would have elevated this novel from a decent read to a memorable one.
**Rating: 3/5**
Recommended for readers who appreciate well-crafted prose but don’t mind a mystery that’s light on surprises.
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