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Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man’s finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.
Alone . . . that’s where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son’s death . . . and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
Alone . . . a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum security prison where he’d done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous . . . and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance. What brings them together is a moment of violence—but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous. For a killer is loose who’s woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone.
Alone . . . that’s where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son’s death . . . and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
Alone . . . a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum security prison where he’d done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous . . . and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance. What brings them together is a moment of violence—but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous. For a killer is loose who’s woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone.
451 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
5,952 people are currently reading
45.9k people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gardner
106books19.4kfollowersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,474 reviews
March 11, 2021
Alone (Detective D.D. Warren #1) by Lisa Gardner (Author), Anna Fields (Narrator)
My friend DeAnn suggested that we buddy read the eleven book Detective D.D. Warren series together and I'm glad that she did. But I can't promise that I'm not going to laugh at D.D. Warren every single time she shows up for work in her stilettos. If I were her partner, I think I'd have reservations about working with someone who could break an ankle on the job, due to footwear choices.
Despite this being labeled as a D.D. Warren book, she doesn't show up until about the halfway point and even then she's in the background, for the most part. This book belongs toMassachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge, who kills his first man ever when he has to use his sniper skills to kill a man who is threatening his wife and son with a gun. That one shot is going to be the ruin of Bobby's life as the man's father, a judge, is going to destroy Bobby for killing his son, unless Bobby lies and blames the wife, Catherine, for setting up her husband. The wife was the twelve year old victim of a kidnapper/pedophile decades ago and now that horrible man is out of prison and has some deadly jobs to do in return for this early release.
This story is fast and it's impossible to know if Catherine is just a victim or deeply involved in manipulating circumstances to meet her needs. The judge and his wife are highly suspect and all we can know is that a four year old boy is suffering greatly because of the failings of the adults in his life. I look forward to the second book in this series.
Published January 11th 2005
My friend DeAnn suggested that we buddy read the eleven book Detective D.D. Warren series together and I'm glad that she did. But I can't promise that I'm not going to laugh at D.D. Warren every single time she shows up for work in her stilettos. If I were her partner, I think I'd have reservations about working with someone who could break an ankle on the job, due to footwear choices.
Despite this being labeled as a D.D. Warren book, she doesn't show up until about the halfway point and even then she's in the background, for the most part. This book belongs toMassachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge, who kills his first man ever when he has to use his sniper skills to kill a man who is threatening his wife and son with a gun. That one shot is going to be the ruin of Bobby's life as the man's father, a judge, is going to destroy Bobby for killing his son, unless Bobby lies and blames the wife, Catherine, for setting up her husband. The wife was the twelve year old victim of a kidnapper/pedophile decades ago and now that horrible man is out of prison and has some deadly jobs to do in return for this early release.
This story is fast and it's impossible to know if Catherine is just a victim or deeply involved in manipulating circumstances to meet her needs. The judge and his wife are highly suspect and all we can know is that a four year old boy is suffering greatly because of the failings of the adults in his life. I look forward to the second book in this series.
Published January 11th 2005
April 9, 2018
I listened to this on audiobook. The female narrator did a pretty good job even when she had to imitate the voices of a cop trained as a sniper who kills a husband brandishing his gun at his wife and small son and when she had to imitate the voice of a pedophile released from prison after twenty-five years.
Twenty-five years ago when Catherine was just twelve years old, she was snatched into a van and survived twenty-eight horrifying days in a pit in the woods where she was either being sexually abused or left all alone in the dark. Now, she has married an abusive man who cheats on her and has a son with a mysterious illness that the doctors can’t identify, no matter how many tests they run. When officer Bobby Dodge kills her husband, the parents of Catherine’s dead husband swoop in and try to claim custody of her four-year-old son. While she’s struggling to keep custody, her former abuser is out on the street, killing her nanny, her son’s doctor . . . is she next?
Is she making her son sick? That’s what the grandparents claim. While Bobby is under investigation for whether the shooting was justified, he gets entangled in Catherine’s drama.
It’s strange that this is the first book in the D.D. Warren series, which I didn’t realize when I downloaded the book. It’s strange because she plays a minor role in this novel. This story is about Bobby and Catherine and a deranged pedophile serial killer. I liked the other books in the series that I’ve read more, but Gardner can consistently turn out a gripping tale.
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Twenty-five years ago when Catherine was just twelve years old, she was snatched into a van and survived twenty-eight horrifying days in a pit in the woods where she was either being sexually abused or left all alone in the dark. Now, she has married an abusive man who cheats on her and has a son with a mysterious illness that the doctors can’t identify, no matter how many tests they run. When officer Bobby Dodge kills her husband, the parents of Catherine’s dead husband swoop in and try to claim custody of her four-year-old son. While she’s struggling to keep custody, her former abuser is out on the street, killing her nanny, her son’s doctor . . . is she next?
Is she making her son sick? That’s what the grandparents claim. While Bobby is under investigation for whether the shooting was justified, he gets entangled in Catherine’s drama.
It’s strange that this is the first book in the D.D. Warren series, which I didn’t realize when I downloaded the book. It’s strange because she plays a minor role in this novel. This story is about Bobby and Catherine and a deranged pedophile serial killer. I liked the other books in the series that I’ve read more, but Gardner can consistently turn out a gripping tale.
For more reviews, please visit:
May 5, 2015
Tremendous! This is the series to read if you want to breeze through a book and be thoroughly engrossed. Did not want to put this down for one moment, and am very glad I discovered , much like my discovery of . I started reading this series at number 3, and thought this was why I didn't feel a close affinity to Detective D.D Warren, but I think on reading this book, I have realised she must not be the focus of the series.
The character of Police sniper Bobby is very likable, I really felt I knew where he was coming from, and his plight had me from the first page. I look forward to reading about Bobby again straight away, and will be doing so momentarily as I just picked up my copy of number two. I was on the hunt for the next book even before finishing this one, and it's not a common feel for this reader to go out and get the next installment immediately.. He's smart, straight forward, and oh so flawed. He's someone I want to get to the bottom of, his complexities are very appealing. There are many layers here where the author expertly peels away for us in an unobtrusive and expert way. This particular story line had many many bends in the road, and I was on a constant ride of emotion, and enjoyed a few back flips along the way.
I'm sure most of you out there are aware of this author, but I'm just so happy I didn't miss her completely.
The character of Police sniper Bobby is very likable, I really felt I knew where he was coming from, and his plight had me from the first page. I look forward to reading about Bobby again straight away, and will be doing so momentarily as I just picked up my copy of number two. I was on the hunt for the next book even before finishing this one, and it's not a common feel for this reader to go out and get the next installment immediately.. He's smart, straight forward, and oh so flawed. He's someone I want to get to the bottom of, his complexities are very appealing. There are many layers here where the author expertly peels away for us in an unobtrusive and expert way. This particular story line had many many bends in the road, and I was on a constant ride of emotion, and enjoyed a few back flips along the way.
I'm sure most of you out there are aware of this author, but I'm just so happy I didn't miss her completely.
July 1, 2021
Not that my expectations were set, but I had the second Detective D.D. Warren book on hand to start as soon as I finished this one. So far, so very good.
November 25, 2019
Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge is called to a tense domestic disturbance standoff. He’s the trained sniper on the team and has the husband, James Gagnon, in his sights. Gagnon has a gun to his wife Catherine’s head and their young son is in the room. When Gagnon makes a threatening move, Bobby takes the shot that ends the standoff and Gagnon’s life. What was an on-the-job action becomes a nightmare for him when Gagnon’s powerful father, a judge, files criminal charges against Bobby.
This turned out to be an incredibly thoughtful story as it goes beyond solving a crime. While Catherine Gagnon comes under scrutiny as a potential instigator in her husband’s death, Bobby’s struggle to come to terms with his ending a man’s life based on a judgment call was fascinating. I’ve often wondered how sanctioned snipers dealt with the job and this story provides deep insights.
There are many other angles to the situation, including Catherine’s tragic history as the man responsible for it is suddenly paroled and she becomes a target. The clues are all there but the resolutions still surprised me in the end. Also, D. D. Warren appears about midway through the story so be advised that her focus in the series really begins beyond this book. Bobby is the primary narrator and I really liked and admired him, flaws and all. I listened to the story and while Anna Fields is a skilled narrator, it would have been a stronger performance with a male narrator. She’s a wonderful storyteller but her voice for Bobby wasn’t the best. However, I really enjoyed this opener and am excited about continuing the series.
This turned out to be an incredibly thoughtful story as it goes beyond solving a crime. While Catherine Gagnon comes under scrutiny as a potential instigator in her husband’s death, Bobby’s struggle to come to terms with his ending a man’s life based on a judgment call was fascinating. I’ve often wondered how sanctioned snipers dealt with the job and this story provides deep insights.
There are many other angles to the situation, including Catherine’s tragic history as the man responsible for it is suddenly paroled and she becomes a target. The clues are all there but the resolutions still surprised me in the end. Also, D. D. Warren appears about midway through the story so be advised that her focus in the series really begins beyond this book. Bobby is the primary narrator and I really liked and admired him, flaws and all. I listened to the story and while Anna Fields is a skilled narrator, it would have been a stronger performance with a male narrator. She’s a wonderful storyteller but her voice for Bobby wasn’t the best. However, I really enjoyed this opener and am excited about continuing the series.
March 5, 2023
2.5/5
No takie to było przeciętne, fajnie się słuchało, ale nie wzbudziło to we mnie wiele emocji
No takie to było przeciętne, fajnie się słuchało, ale nie wzbudziło to we mnie wiele emocji
January 15, 2021
Holy crap, that was a ride! I’m so excited that this is the beginning of a series.. Although I am a little concerned that it’s the D.D. Warren series (& not the Bobby Dodge series!♥️) But honestly this was so good- I have faith! It’s been a while since a book caught me like this 1 did. The different aspects of the story, the clues & “reveals,� the crazy intense characters.. I couldn’t put it down!
October 6, 2015
3.5 stars.
While I enjoyed this one and it kept me on my toes, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I wasn't really connected to any of the characters. Even the main male character, Bobby, had his shortcomings. It's an introduction of D.D. Warren and future books and even she didn't enthral me.
It is set in Boston, a city I love.
Sex scenes? Forget it. I think that might have been part of my problem. I love a bit of romance in my RS books.
It doesn't even have to be explicit sex scenes, just a little romance.
Sorry I cannot be more flattering about the book. Will I read some more of the series? I probably will. Writing was excellent. Plot was good and some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
While I enjoyed this one and it kept me on my toes, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I wasn't really connected to any of the characters. Even the main male character, Bobby, had his shortcomings. It's an introduction of D.D. Warren and future books and even she didn't enthral me.
It is set in Boston, a city I love.
Sex scenes? Forget it. I think that might have been part of my problem. I love a bit of romance in my RS books.
It doesn't even have to be explicit sex scenes, just a little romance.
Sorry I cannot be more flattering about the book. Will I read some more of the series? I probably will. Writing was excellent. Plot was good and some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
December 26, 2020
4 “Let’s Start with the Beginning� stars
I’ve developed a fondness for crime series lately. Here are a few I love � Linda Castillo’s Amish series with Kate Burkholder, Karin Slaughter’s Grant County and Will Trent series, Lisa Regan’s series with Josie Quinn and now I’m digging into Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren books. My good book friend Marilyn so liked a recent Lisa Gardner book that she said she might start this series at the beginning, so of course, I wanted to jump right in too!
I found interesting that we don’t meet D.D. Warren for the first quarter of the book. Instead, we are immersed in a sniper/domestic violence situation with crack shot and state trooper Bobby Dodge. I grew to really like Bobby and it was fascinating to read this police procedural about what can happen in these situations, much more involved than I thought. Especially when the suspect is shot and killed. I thought it was a straight-forward justified shooting, but every angle is examined.
Things start to blow up for Bobby and the author does a great job of having me question all of my assumptions about the characters. Bobby is soon over his head and I wasn’t sure how this one would turn out for him! Was the shooting justified or did the wife antagonize her husband to get to this stage?
A very promising start to the series and I’m already anxious to read #2!! Thanks for a great buddy read Marilyn!
I’ve developed a fondness for crime series lately. Here are a few I love � Linda Castillo’s Amish series with Kate Burkholder, Karin Slaughter’s Grant County and Will Trent series, Lisa Regan’s series with Josie Quinn and now I’m digging into Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren books. My good book friend Marilyn so liked a recent Lisa Gardner book that she said she might start this series at the beginning, so of course, I wanted to jump right in too!
I found interesting that we don’t meet D.D. Warren for the first quarter of the book. Instead, we are immersed in a sniper/domestic violence situation with crack shot and state trooper Bobby Dodge. I grew to really like Bobby and it was fascinating to read this police procedural about what can happen in these situations, much more involved than I thought. Especially when the suspect is shot and killed. I thought it was a straight-forward justified shooting, but every angle is examined.
Things start to blow up for Bobby and the author does a great job of having me question all of my assumptions about the characters. Bobby is soon over his head and I wasn’t sure how this one would turn out for him! Was the shooting justified or did the wife antagonize her husband to get to this stage?
A very promising start to the series and I’m already anxious to read #2!! Thanks for a great buddy read Marilyn!
March 19, 2012
I did not enjoy the characters, the plot, or the narrator. I wanted it to be over.
Gunshots are heard. Neighbors call the police who surround the house. Inside Jimmy is pointing a gun at his wife Catherine. Bobby is a sniper and member of the police SWAT team. He sees Jimmy’s face change, and he believes Jimmy will shoot, so Bobby shoots and kills Jimmy. Now Jimmy’s father James is suing Bobby. If James wins Bobby goes to jail. If James loses, he will repeatedly appeal because he is wealthy. He can afford to. The problem is that the city and union will not pay Bobby’s legal fees because James is filing suit through a clerk magistrate which is not the normal process. Bobby did what he was trained to do. If he didn’t shoot Jimmy, then he believed Jimmy would have killed Catherine. Now Bobby has to pay $5000 to a defense attorney. I was furious. Policemen should not be forced to pay their own legal feels for following orders and doing their job. I don’t know if this exists in real life, but if it does, then something is very wrong. This part of the plot made me so angry that I had a hard time enjoying the rest. This legal-issue-stress hangs over Bobby until the last few pages of the book.
Was the rest of the story good? Parts of it maybe. Catherine was kidnaped and raped by Richard when she was twelve. When her only child Nathan was born, Catherine had some mental problems and did not appear to be a good mother. The child has been raised by nannies. Nathan is frequently sick and the doctors don’t know why. Some fear it is Münchausen syndrome by proxy, which means the mother is purposely doing things to make the child sick to get attention for herself. For most of the book, the reader wonders if Catherine is good or bad for her son. James is also suing Catherine for custody of Nathan.
Richard has been in jail for twenty-five years. James uses his influence to get Richard released on parole. Someone is now paying Richard to murder people connected to Catherine or the case.
I did not enjoy the characters. I felt anxiety and depression rather than sympathy. I didn’t feel fun anticipation rooting for someone. We don’t know if Catherine is good or bad, but she’s not likeable. James and Richard are too one-dimensional, powerful, and evil. Bobby spends too much time suffering and second guessing himself, wondering if he did the right thing. He was having problems with the concept of killing someone. He talks to a psychiatrist several times about this as well as troubles from his early life. Some of this was ok, but it seemed a bit much. He also did some illogical and stupid things which made him less sympathetic. Regarding the plot, I had questions unanswered at the end. But maybe part of those were necessary. I understand Catherine has some kind of role in the sequel “Hide� which I have not read.
NARRATOR:
I did not like the narrator Anna Fields. The voice she used for Bobby and some of the men was so deep that it sounded like a mentally slow person who is groggy and slurring his words. Some of her general third party narration was too sharp and hurried, almost like she was reading a report and not thinking about what she was reading. When talking about a sniper she said “he breathed in, he breathed out.� That phrase should have been read slowly and calmly, yet the narrator’s voice was sharp, staccato, and fast.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook reading time: 10 hrs and 12 mins. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual content: some references to sexual activity but no details shown. References include the rape of Catherine when she was 12. Setting: current day Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 2005. Genre: mystery suspense thriller. Ending: Good guys win.
OTHER BOOKS:
This is the first book in the D.D. Warren series. D.D. is a female cop. She has a small part in this book. In the sequels I believe she and Bobby work together as a team.
Gunshots are heard. Neighbors call the police who surround the house. Inside Jimmy is pointing a gun at his wife Catherine. Bobby is a sniper and member of the police SWAT team. He sees Jimmy’s face change, and he believes Jimmy will shoot, so Bobby shoots and kills Jimmy. Now Jimmy’s father James is suing Bobby. If James wins Bobby goes to jail. If James loses, he will repeatedly appeal because he is wealthy. He can afford to. The problem is that the city and union will not pay Bobby’s legal fees because James is filing suit through a clerk magistrate which is not the normal process. Bobby did what he was trained to do. If he didn’t shoot Jimmy, then he believed Jimmy would have killed Catherine. Now Bobby has to pay $5000 to a defense attorney. I was furious. Policemen should not be forced to pay their own legal feels for following orders and doing their job. I don’t know if this exists in real life, but if it does, then something is very wrong. This part of the plot made me so angry that I had a hard time enjoying the rest. This legal-issue-stress hangs over Bobby until the last few pages of the book.
Was the rest of the story good? Parts of it maybe. Catherine was kidnaped and raped by Richard when she was twelve. When her only child Nathan was born, Catherine had some mental problems and did not appear to be a good mother. The child has been raised by nannies. Nathan is frequently sick and the doctors don’t know why. Some fear it is Münchausen syndrome by proxy, which means the mother is purposely doing things to make the child sick to get attention for herself. For most of the book, the reader wonders if Catherine is good or bad for her son. James is also suing Catherine for custody of Nathan.
Richard has been in jail for twenty-five years. James uses his influence to get Richard released on parole. Someone is now paying Richard to murder people connected to Catherine or the case.
I did not enjoy the characters. I felt anxiety and depression rather than sympathy. I didn’t feel fun anticipation rooting for someone. We don’t know if Catherine is good or bad, but she’s not likeable. James and Richard are too one-dimensional, powerful, and evil. Bobby spends too much time suffering and second guessing himself, wondering if he did the right thing. He was having problems with the concept of killing someone. He talks to a psychiatrist several times about this as well as troubles from his early life. Some of this was ok, but it seemed a bit much. He also did some illogical and stupid things which made him less sympathetic. Regarding the plot, I had questions unanswered at the end. But maybe part of those were necessary. I understand Catherine has some kind of role in the sequel “Hide� which I have not read.
NARRATOR:
I did not like the narrator Anna Fields. The voice she used for Bobby and some of the men was so deep that it sounded like a mentally slow person who is groggy and slurring his words. Some of her general third party narration was too sharp and hurried, almost like she was reading a report and not thinking about what she was reading. When talking about a sniper she said “he breathed in, he breathed out.� That phrase should have been read slowly and calmly, yet the narrator’s voice was sharp, staccato, and fast.
DATA:
Unabridged audiobook reading time: 10 hrs and 12 mins. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual content: some references to sexual activity but no details shown. References include the rape of Catherine when she was 12. Setting: current day Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 2005. Genre: mystery suspense thriller. Ending: Good guys win.
OTHER BOOKS:
This is the first book in the D.D. Warren series. D.D. is a female cop. She has a small part in this book. In the sequels I believe she and Bobby work together as a team.
April 2, 2015
Lisa Gardner has crafted a fine psychological thriller in Alone. While I found myself immediately immersed in the drama, I got about 160 pages in, and I still wasn’t sure where she was taking me. It was that complex.
Bobby Dodge is a Massachusetts State Trooper who is a sniper called in as part of a crisis team to handle a hostage situation in a wealthy Boston neighborhood. From a window across the street, he sets up his rifle. He sees a woman, a young boy, and a man with a gun. As the man’s finger tightens on the trigger and his face contorts into an evil smile, Bobby has to make an instantaneous decision. He does. Lives change forever.
Catherine Gagnon, the widow of the man Bobby shot, is incredibly beautiful. She is also manipulative and dangerous. As a young girl, she was kidnapped and sexually molested. She was rescued, and her abuser was put in prison. But she carries some deep scars.
The story has multiple layers, as we learn that Jimmy Gagnon, the dead man, was the son of a powerful judge, who wants to gain custody of Catherine’s young son Nathan. Judge Gagnon is having murder charges brought against Bobby unless he lies about what happened the night of the shooting. And then people begin to die.
Who is behind the killings, and why? Bobby knows he should stay away from Catherine, but he also sees her as a woman who needs help. Can he really help? And can he heal the wounds of his own painful past? Did he do the right thing, or will doubts plague him the rest of his life?
This novel is billed as a Detective D.D. Warren book, but we don’t meet her until midway through the book, and we actually see very little of her in this first of the series, so I didn’t feel that I got to know her. Bobby and Catherine were both well-developed characters. Messed up, but well written. Actually, there are lots of messed up people in this book. Although I was able to predict some of what happened, I did not know what motivated the characters, at least not all of them, and I liked that.
There were a few minor things, editing errors, which stuck out. Also, the puppy is said to lick the child with a rough tongue. I know cats have rough tongues; dogs do not. That would have been a wet, sloppy kiss. Some of the events seemed rather unbelievable, especially the final scene in the hotel. That seemed to me like a made-for-TV scene. But for the most part, I did not want to turn off the lights and be alone while reading Alone, so I think the author did her job in writing a great thriller.
I’m giving it 4 ½ stars.
Bobby Dodge is a Massachusetts State Trooper who is a sniper called in as part of a crisis team to handle a hostage situation in a wealthy Boston neighborhood. From a window across the street, he sets up his rifle. He sees a woman, a young boy, and a man with a gun. As the man’s finger tightens on the trigger and his face contorts into an evil smile, Bobby has to make an instantaneous decision. He does. Lives change forever.
Catherine Gagnon, the widow of the man Bobby shot, is incredibly beautiful. She is also manipulative and dangerous. As a young girl, she was kidnapped and sexually molested. She was rescued, and her abuser was put in prison. But she carries some deep scars.
The story has multiple layers, as we learn that Jimmy Gagnon, the dead man, was the son of a powerful judge, who wants to gain custody of Catherine’s young son Nathan. Judge Gagnon is having murder charges brought against Bobby unless he lies about what happened the night of the shooting. And then people begin to die.
Who is behind the killings, and why? Bobby knows he should stay away from Catherine, but he also sees her as a woman who needs help. Can he really help? And can he heal the wounds of his own painful past? Did he do the right thing, or will doubts plague him the rest of his life?
This novel is billed as a Detective D.D. Warren book, but we don’t meet her until midway through the book, and we actually see very little of her in this first of the series, so I didn’t feel that I got to know her. Bobby and Catherine were both well-developed characters. Messed up, but well written. Actually, there are lots of messed up people in this book. Although I was able to predict some of what happened, I did not know what motivated the characters, at least not all of them, and I liked that.
There were a few minor things, editing errors, which stuck out. Also, the puppy is said to lick the child with a rough tongue. I know cats have rough tongues; dogs do not. That would have been a wet, sloppy kiss. Some of the events seemed rather unbelievable, especially the final scene in the hotel. That seemed to me like a made-for-TV scene. But for the most part, I did not want to turn off the lights and be alone while reading Alone, so I think the author did her job in writing a great thriller.
I’m giving it 4 ½ stars.
November 8, 2019
DNF dry and slow
June 5, 2023
This was so close to being a 4 star for me but the pacing/suspense could have been a little better for sure. I really enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns were pretty good too. Throughout the book Lisa Gardner managed to make all her characters unreliable which I loved - I never knew who to trust. It did slow down a lot in the middle section especially.
I would have liked a slightly more in depth character exploration for a few of the main characters other than Bobby, Bobby's character was very well done. I think because the characters had such interesting backgrounds - I would have liked this book to be longer and done a deeper dive in to the why's. The chapters were spilt between the characters were really good, they would have been amazing if we had more character development.
I would have liked a slightly more in depth character exploration for a few of the main characters other than Bobby, Bobby's character was very well done. I think because the characters had such interesting backgrounds - I would have liked this book to be longer and done a deeper dive in to the why's. The chapters were spilt between the characters were really good, they would have been amazing if we had more character development.
September 27, 2022
This book is excellent & the flow took me by surprise when I compare it to many “police� movies & TV shows that I have seen...
In movie/TV shows, when Policemen come to a crime scene, with a abusive & threatening husband cornered, holding a gun to his wife/child’s head. If not “talked“down, the police “To Serve & Protect� may have to fight and/or shoot the husband....
In this story, Bobby Dodge is a Massachusetts State “Sniper� Trooper, only used in drastic situations using his rifle to “scope� out situations in crimes & not shooting.
In this assignment, a threatening husband has a gun to his wife/son head, cornered by policemen & not being “talked� down. When Bobby’s called in for backup, he uses his rifle to “scope� out details, but when the husband appears ready to shoot, Bobby cannot stop himself & unexpectedly shoots at the last moment to save the wife/child & kills the husband !!
Bobby Dodge has “Tremendous� psychological pains with his first victim, but he really fell into a more complex crime with many questions, was the father killed really a set-up, was it for separation, child custody, kidnapping and/or money plans?
Det. D.D. Warrens plays a minor role - the first book in this series.
It's always nice reading a book with your home setting. Being from Boston you know how well the author knows the streets & suburbs as you do. (less)
Listopia - Best Female Crime/Mystery/Thriller Writers book #25 - as of June 2019
February 3, 2016
After seeing the great reviews from my GR friends on Lisa Garner's work,I decided to try one. I started with ALONE. Very enjoyable and entertaining from beginning to end! Thank you GR friends for the recommendation.
September 5, 2022
Naprawdę dobrze spędziłam czas przy tej książce.
July 28, 2018
El primer volumen de DD Warren, en el que la misma aparece como mucho en tres capítulos, y apenas tiene repercusión alguna en la trama. El verdadero protagonista es Bobby Dodge, francotirador de los SWAT, que se ve envuelto en un follón por haber cumplido con su deber.
Lectura facilona, pero que tiene demasiados clichés entre sus páginas como para ser considerada obra maestra. Aún así promete, por lo que seguiré leyendo alguna posterior. La autora tiene bastante buena fama, así que supongo que será merecida.
Lectura facilona, pero que tiene demasiados clichés entre sus páginas como para ser considerada obra maestra. Aún así promete, por lo que seguiré leyendo alguna posterior. La autora tiene bastante buena fama, así que supongo que será merecida.
March 23, 2021
I would give this book 4&1/2 stars if I could. This is a very good read that has many layers to the story. LG is good at giving the reader a few clues and a little info at a time. Just when you think the story is done she gives you one last thing. I have read many of Ms. Gardner's earlier books and enjoyed all of them. I like her flawed characters, especially the recurring ones. This book introduces D.D. Warren. I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Bobby Dodge is a great character in this book too. I would highly recommend this book or any of LG's books!
September 10, 2019
One of the GR groups I am in voted to read this series together starting in November. I got a headstart on this one, having never read this author before. For being first in the D. D. Warren series, her part here was very small. I really enjoyed the main character, Bobby Dodge, a state police sniper who gets called to a domestic dispute and ends up killing the husband. D. D. in my opinion was not likeable, I guess I thought she was mean to poor Bobby as he was suffering the aftershocks of his first kill. I hope that in the future books D. D. grows some compassion or a sense of humor. I will be continuing the series since the books are on audio and this one was done well.
March 22, 2022
The 1st book in the DD Warren series by Lisa Gardner. I have had this book on my kindle for sometime now but have never got around to reading it. While reading this book I kept changing my mind on how good it was, there were times when I really enjoyed it but others when it dragged on a little. Overall it was a good read but not quite a 4 rating.
March 29, 2017
I loved all the twist and turns of this book. it got my attention from the beginning.
August 18, 2011
Bobby Dodge is a police sniper. He was called out to a domestic dispute in an elite area, where an armed man had his wife and child hostage. The neighbours reported shots being fired...
After Bobby was briefed, he ran to the top floor of a neighbouring house, where the bedroom window overlooked the subject's master bedroom, and the standoff was taking place. He followed procedure, reporting to his captain, identifying the subject through the scope of his sniper rifle...then made the split second decision which would change his life forever...he pulled the trigger.
Bobby found out the man he had killed, the 'subject', was the son of Supreme Court Judge Gagnon, and the victim was Catherine Gagnon, who at the age of 12, had been kidnapped by a pedophile, and kept in an underground cave where she suffered abuse for a nightmarish 28 days before she was found and released...she put her tormenter in jail for 25 years...but she has never been the same since.
Judge Gagnon throws around a mighty amount of power and money, and he blames Catherine for his son's death...he is going to charge Bobby with murder...But Bobby's life is spiralling out of control, and Detective DD Warren is having a hard time convincing herself he is innocent! Catherine needs Bobby's help....A killer is on the loose, and death is surrounding them, catching up with them...
This psychological thriller keeps you on your toes, catches you unaware, and is so incredibly worth the read! Lisa Gardner weaves a brilliant tale!
After Bobby was briefed, he ran to the top floor of a neighbouring house, where the bedroom window overlooked the subject's master bedroom, and the standoff was taking place. He followed procedure, reporting to his captain, identifying the subject through the scope of his sniper rifle...then made the split second decision which would change his life forever...he pulled the trigger.
Bobby found out the man he had killed, the 'subject', was the son of Supreme Court Judge Gagnon, and the victim was Catherine Gagnon, who at the age of 12, had been kidnapped by a pedophile, and kept in an underground cave where she suffered abuse for a nightmarish 28 days before she was found and released...she put her tormenter in jail for 25 years...but she has never been the same since.
Judge Gagnon throws around a mighty amount of power and money, and he blames Catherine for his son's death...he is going to charge Bobby with murder...But Bobby's life is spiralling out of control, and Detective DD Warren is having a hard time convincing herself he is innocent! Catherine needs Bobby's help....A killer is on the loose, and death is surrounding them, catching up with them...
This psychological thriller keeps you on your toes, catches you unaware, and is so incredibly worth the read! Lisa Gardner weaves a brilliant tale!
April 8, 2020
This was an interesting read. Without giving anything away in my review, I will say that there are many plot twists and it's almost like a game of Clue. As each chapter passes by you learn more about each character. You learn more about Jimmy and Catherine, possible motivations and grievances, you learn more about Catherine's in-laws and what they would do to avenge their son, and what the string they would pull behind the scenes for him.
You most sympathize with Bobby, who was just doing his job to the best of his ability at the time and was drawn into the whole mess. The reason I only gave this three stars was partially because I didn't find most of the characters to be likable or as life-like as I typically like them. I think (again, without spoiling anything) some of the characters were very cold and it wasn't easy to have empathy for everything.
All in all, I think this turned into a book about not only survival, but also about what a mother would do for her child. I'm interested in seeing where the rest of the series will go.
You most sympathize with Bobby, who was just doing his job to the best of his ability at the time and was drawn into the whole mess. The reason I only gave this three stars was partially because I didn't find most of the characters to be likable or as life-like as I typically like them. I think (again, without spoiling anything) some of the characters were very cold and it wasn't easy to have empathy for everything.
All in all, I think this turned into a book about not only survival, but also about what a mother would do for her child. I'm interested in seeing where the rest of the series will go.
May 5, 2016
This was my first Lisa Gardner book. I was an instant fan. I remembered thinking "Wow! This book is really good and I can't think of what is it, but wow." The begining, middle and end kept you engaged and that's what I like about any new authors I come across. I don't expect all thier books to be perfect but I am glad this first book I read was good. Looking forward to more.
February 11, 2022
I don't remember when I read this book, but I started it today and realized I had definitely read it before. I can't remember how it ends very well, but I remember the story. I gave it three stars, because it wasn't memorable enough for me to realize I had read it until about 25 pages in. I might skim the end as a refresher before I try the next book.
May 23, 2017
This novel is identified as Book 1 in the Detective D.D. Warren series but she does not make an appearance until about one third of the way into the story. The central character in the story is Bobby Dodge, a Massachusetts State Trooper and sniper, who is called to a hostage scene at the end of a long day. A man is barricaded with his wife and child in their wealthy Back Bay, Boston home. In a split second, his hand on the trigger, he makes a decision. A decision that will forever change his life and his career.
Twenty-five years ago Catherine Gagnon had been kidnapped and kept underground for twenty eight days. Although she had survived the ordeal her life was forever altered and she never fully recovered. Now her husband has been killed and her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his death and for the unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
The lives of Bobby and Catherine become linked because of one incident but it is hard to believe that they would have any kind of interaction with each other except possibly in a courtroom. But that is the basis of this story. It was hard to connect with any of the characters. Detective D.D. Warren only has a few appearance in the story, appearing at a crime scene; breakfast with Bobby; a phone call here or there. The ending kind of left you wondering. I enjoyed reading this book and will probably read other books in the series. It is a good psychological thriller and it reminds me of books that I have read.
Twenty-five years ago Catherine Gagnon had been kidnapped and kept underground for twenty eight days. Although she had survived the ordeal her life was forever altered and she never fully recovered. Now her husband has been killed and her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his death and for the unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
The lives of Bobby and Catherine become linked because of one incident but it is hard to believe that they would have any kind of interaction with each other except possibly in a courtroom. But that is the basis of this story. It was hard to connect with any of the characters. Detective D.D. Warren only has a few appearance in the story, appearing at a crime scene; breakfast with Bobby; a phone call here or there. The ending kind of left you wondering. I enjoyed reading this book and will probably read other books in the series. It is a good psychological thriller and it reminds me of books that I have read.
July 27, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
Quote: Pinching a man for driving under the influence meant more paperwork, a trip to the South Boston barracks, now in the middle of rush-hour traffic, when no one respected anyone's right-of-way, not even a trooper's, and another altercation with the rich ad exec when he balked at entering the holding cell.
The ad exec had a good fifty pounds on Bobby. Like a lot of guys confronted by a smaller opponent, he confused superior weight with superior strength and ignored the warning signs telling him otherwise. The man grabbed the doorjamb with his right hand. He swung his lumbering body backwards, expecting to bowl over his smaller escort and what? Make a run for it through a police barracks swarming with armed troopers? Bobby ducked left, stuck out his foot, and watched the overweight executive slam to the floor. The man landed with an impressive crash and a few troopers paused long enough to clap their hands at the free show.
Quote:" men may be violent, Officer Dodge, but lets face it - women are cruel."
Quote:"Do you know te difference between a shooter and a sniper? A shooter has a pulse. A sniper doesn't."
Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man’s finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.
Alone . . . that’s where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son’s death . . . and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
Alone . . . a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum security prison where he’d done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous, and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance.
What brings them together is a moment of violence, but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous.
For a killer is loose who’s woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone.
Ok so perhaps I'm being cynical. There's nothing about reading this novel alone that is scary as others have suggested, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is an increasingly complex whodunit.
It has twists and turns that leave you in deep thought and trying to figure out "what the what" is going on throughout the entire development of the story. But not in a bad way. Atleast to me. So notebook in hand to writte down thoughts.
The characters are compelling, intriguing, and somehow you're able to empathize with each and every one ,well almost. Bobby the most I think.
It is a page-turner; I had to finish it, but awiken with the lights on, 3 hiurs later with the book still in my hands.
Love to time and time again, to be taken on a thrill-seeking, bone-chilling joyride in the next book.
Quote: Pinching a man for driving under the influence meant more paperwork, a trip to the South Boston barracks, now in the middle of rush-hour traffic, when no one respected anyone's right-of-way, not even a trooper's, and another altercation with the rich ad exec when he balked at entering the holding cell.
The ad exec had a good fifty pounds on Bobby. Like a lot of guys confronted by a smaller opponent, he confused superior weight with superior strength and ignored the warning signs telling him otherwise. The man grabbed the doorjamb with his right hand. He swung his lumbering body backwards, expecting to bowl over his smaller escort and what? Make a run for it through a police barracks swarming with armed troopers? Bobby ducked left, stuck out his foot, and watched the overweight executive slam to the floor. The man landed with an impressive crash and a few troopers paused long enough to clap their hands at the free show.
Quote:" men may be violent, Officer Dodge, but lets face it - women are cruel."
Quote:"Do you know te difference between a shooter and a sniper? A shooter has a pulse. A sniper doesn't."
Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man’s finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.
Alone . . . that’s where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son’s death . . . and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
Alone . . . a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum security prison where he’d done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous, and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance.
What brings them together is a moment of violence, but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous.
For a killer is loose who’s woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone.
Ok so perhaps I'm being cynical. There's nothing about reading this novel alone that is scary as others have suggested, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is an increasingly complex whodunit.
It has twists and turns that leave you in deep thought and trying to figure out "what the what" is going on throughout the entire development of the story. But not in a bad way. Atleast to me. So notebook in hand to writte down thoughts.
The characters are compelling, intriguing, and somehow you're able to empathize with each and every one ,well almost. Bobby the most I think.
It is a page-turner; I had to finish it, but awiken with the lights on, 3 hiurs later with the book still in my hands.
Love to time and time again, to be taken on a thrill-seeking, bone-chilling joyride in the next book.
November 9, 2019
3.5 stars First book of the 11 book D.D. Warren series
Hmmm. D.D.Warren barely shows her face in this book, even though the series is named after her. So I can only imagine that future books will be based on her and her cases.
There is a character in this book that I did enjoy, however. Former active alcoholic, former beat cop and current SWAT sniper, Bobby Dodge. He was the lead in this book and I hope a contributing player in future books.
Little did Bobby Dodge know that when he answered a domestic call for a SWAT sniper and shot a man in his own home, how hard and complicated taking that life would be.
On to the second book of the series...
Hmmm. D.D.Warren barely shows her face in this book, even though the series is named after her. So I can only imagine that future books will be based on her and her cases.
There is a character in this book that I did enjoy, however. Former active alcoholic, former beat cop and current SWAT sniper, Bobby Dodge. He was the lead in this book and I hope a contributing player in future books.
Little did Bobby Dodge know that when he answered a domestic call for a SWAT sniper and shot a man in his own home, how hard and complicated taking that life would be.
On to the second book of the series...
February 9, 2017
If you treat this book as pure soap opera, you might be able to get through it.
Otherwise, it was just silly!
Even though Bobby is being sued, he still goes to chat with the people suing him, without a lawyer or third party present!
At one stage Bobby says he's never met Catherine before, but then later conveniently remembers that they once did have a conversation, and it was about sniper tactics in a hostage situation! I mean, come on! Really?!?
Lisa Gardner gives false names to the Judge and pedophile, even though we already know who they are! What was the purpose of this?
How exactly can any reasonably-minded person believe that someone could "set up" a hostage situation? Unless you actually put the gun in their hand, it's an utterly absurd notion!
By the end, I was expecting a secret twin to pop up and for somebody to return from the dead!
A rare clunker from Lisa Gardner.
Otherwise, it was just silly!
Even though Bobby is being sued, he still goes to chat with the people suing him, without a lawyer or third party present!
At one stage Bobby says he's never met Catherine before, but then later conveniently remembers that they once did have a conversation, and it was about sniper tactics in a hostage situation! I mean, come on! Really?!?
Lisa Gardner gives false names to the Judge and pedophile, even though we already know who they are! What was the purpose of this?
How exactly can any reasonably-minded person believe that someone could "set up" a hostage situation? Unless you actually put the gun in their hand, it's an utterly absurd notion!
By the end, I was expecting a secret twin to pop up and for somebody to return from the dead!
A rare clunker from Lisa Gardner.
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