You're Next - Gregg Hurwitz

[Luanne Ollivier]

Gregg Hurwitz is another new to me author.  I chose to listen to his latest book You're Next.

The opening prologue is guaranteed to snare you. A young boy - 4 years old - is taken by his father to a playground....and left. Young Michael Doe grows up in foster care, not knowing who he is, but always watching out that front window for his dad to return. Another child at the home - Shep, who is partially deaf, becomes his only family. Mike is smart though and has plans to 'make it' in the world.

His dreams come true - he's a contractor with an award winning housing development. But, his picture in a local paper seems to trigger someone or something...from his past? Who knows? All he knows is that the cops won't help, his family is in danger and so he calls on the one friend he knows will never let hi m down - Shep.

Hurwitz keeps us guessing and guessing on the real reason behind Michael being a target and who he really is. In no way, shape or form would I have ever guessed it! The two 'bad guys' chasing Michael are truly frightening. Although violence is always a threat, it's even more insidious in a subtle presentation....like your daughter's stuffed animal being taken while you're all asleep in the house.

Hurwitz builds layer upon layer of tension and relentlessly ramps up the action, chapter after chapter. I liked Mike as the 'everyman' forced to defend his family. But it was Shep that I was really drawn to - I think he has his own story to tell.

The reader was one of my all time favourites - Scott Brick. Brick's voice is incredibly expressive. He easily captured the tension and action. His portrayal of the deaf Shep was done exceptionally well.

Yes, You're Next is a bit OTT (Over the Top). But those looking for a thriller that will keep them glued to page or disc will find it here.  Read the opening chapter of You're Next.  (I'll be picking up his next book  - The Survivor- due out in Aug/12) Fans of Linwood Barclay would enjoy Hurwitz.

You can find Gregg Hurwitz on Facebook and on Twitter.