Stolen

I know I have read worse books than this one; but, as the song goes, "I don't know where or when..." The character I most dislike in this story is Ruby - she's weak, wimpy, nosey and right down annoying. She acts and talks like a teen-ager , instead of like a young, mature married woman. When "John" finds her, later in the story, and she has been gagged, I keep hoping that he leaves the gag on her for the remainder of the story. A girl that didn't grow up beyond 14 years of age. Mr. Daniel Palmer still has some big shoes to fill from his father, veteran and very successful writer, Michael Palmer. I kept waiting and waiting for Stolen to get better; it just never did.

4-1/2 STARS for a real terror trek - that might be a bit too long.This book will etch itself into your mind as you read. You will try to plot a way out for John and Ruby, but you will come up empty. You will examine yourself and ask: "What would I do in a similar spot, to save a loved one?"The story feels realistic enough, especially with the insurance company hassles at the beginning. The route that John takes is a response to pure desperation, also quite understandable. But some of the later instances may stretch credibility, although it is tough to say this for certain. And some of the most terrifying parts are a bit drawn out (maybe).I found myself reading fast - skimming some excess wording - so that I could learn "whodunnit" -- WHO was the man in the mask? At the same time, I think the story was a bit too lengthy and that invited a skim-read. But at some times, it was the sheer psychological stress that prompts the reader to move quickly, to pass the more disturbing scenes.This is a cleverly plotted thriller, filled with emotional and psychological nuance. How does one deal with a psychotic who has you in his power? Author Palmer leads us along a dark and frightening road, and you won't forget this one for a while.

Daniel Palmer is the son of Michael Palmer who writes medical thrillers, I have previously read one that they co-authored but I am not blown away by his solo offerings - the book was meh. I actually had to remind myself of the plot. Due to medical coverage issues the couple perpetrate medical fraud. They get found out and "invited" to play criminal games, as they are criminals. I thought it was predictable and that the villain was fairly obvious. I might read another one of his novels if they are free but I will not pay for anymore.

Daniel Palmers third book and Stolen has just become my absolute favorite. I had been looking forward to reading this book as it was pre-ordered months ago. Little did I know that once it arrived I would not be able to sleep until it was completed!I see many reviews on the Amazon site that tell you all about the plot and how the story captivates you. I can only add that the story is topical around the health insurance industry and ID theft but boy does our hero pick the wrong ID to steal. As I read through the story I could see it as if I were watching unfold on a movie screen. I hope we get to see this made into a full length film.I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the thriller genre...actually make that any fan of reading....

Stolen was a real page turner for me. I loved the idea that the young man would do anything to save his beloved wife from the ravages of cancer. It went beyond love and turned manic very quickly after he hatched his outlandish plan. Using the feasibility that in today's computerized world identities are indeed stolen very day, Palmer sets our young "hero" up to use his new identity for good and is rewarded with an evil he can't side-step! I will admit that a few parts were a little too gory for my taste and I "skimmed" a few pages as a result but I really enjoyed reading my first Palmer book and am on to my second. I love his style of writing which sweeps the reader along on a wonderful ride!

Real page turner! Couldn’t put it down. I was caught up in the game of cat and mouse and frantic to see how it would end. Almost too much but I was hooked by that point and willing to follow. I’ll definitely read more by this author.

I once had a boss that said anyone will commit a crime given the proper motivation. When John finds out his wife has cancer and only an expensive drug will put her in remission, he knows he must find a way to help her. Page turner, edge-of-your-seat read and plot twister don’t even begin to described Stolen. Other writers might have used the first three chapters as their entire novel. But not so with Palmer, he keeps finding more and more ways to keep you reading, wondering and trying to solve whodunit. Just when you think you have it, the author takes the tale in an entirely new direction. Palmer is a delight to read. I'm planning to go back and read his previous works now and hope he has something coming out again real soon.

I hate writing reviews as I much prefer reading books than reviewing them, but in this case I don't mind taking the timeto tell everyone who has not read "Stolen," by Daniel Palmer that they need to run out and buy this book or download to their EReader ASAP as it is a great read and one they will not soon forget. It's very easy to put yourself in the shoes of the main characters and you will feel every bit of their fear and frustration as you get into the book. I'll warn you in advance that it is a book you will have difficulty putting down just because it is bedtime and you need to get a good night's sleep before work the next day...probably better not to start it until a Friday night or Saturday morning....it'sjust that good!