Since I read "Hide" before I read "Alone", the end and identity of the major antagonist did not surprise me. However, that does not mean I was not surprised. Lisa Gardner has a way of doing the exact opposite of what you think she's going to do. And if it's not the exact opposite, then it's something you wouldn't have expected in a million years.
She's also not afraid to delve into issues that other's deem too sensitive for mainstream literature such as incest, rape, domestic violence, cop issues, and pedophilia. And she doesn't just talk about these issues, she takes you into the minds of those involved with each of those issues. Ever want to know how a pedophile thinks? The Burgerman in "Say Goodbye" will let you into his mind. Rape victims? Cathrine Gagnon and many other characters throughout her novels will tell you all about their tragedies and pasts. It's very clear that Lisa Gardner conducts a lot of research when planning and writing her various novels. Each one seems like it's based on a true story although she claims that everything is pure fiction. However, according to her site, she does do a lot of research. She calls cops, FBI agents, reads numerous articles about numerous crimes. All of this, although tedious, combined with her extraordinary style of writing leads to a kick-ass novel that'll keep you reading at all hours of the night guessing until the end.
So what exactly is "Alone" about?
"Alone" follows Bobby Dodge, a state trooper and one of the snipers in the Massachussetts SWAT team, after he kills Cathrine Gagnon's husband Jimmy when he and his unit are called to their brownstone for a domestic dispute. Jimmy is waving a gun at his wife, who's holding their sickly son, and when Bobby feels like Jimmy is about to shoot her, he aims, pulls the trigger, and blows Jimmy's brains out.
You would think that Dodge would be honored as a hero, but Jimmy's rich father accuses him of murder. On top of that, Jimmy's father, Judge James Gagnon, will do anything to get custody of Jimmy's son, Nathan, because he believes that Catherine is abusing her poor, sick son.
And when people surrounding the Gagnon family are murdered, no one quite knows who to blame.
Lisa Gardner explores Dodge's family history, the seductive Catherine's many lovers and tragic past, and one shocking family secret in her epic novel "Alone", making it a must read story.
I loved this book, and it only made me want to read more of her novels. :)
Up Next On My Reading List: Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton
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