The Trap

By: Catherine Ryan Howard

Narrated by: John Keating, Alana Kerr Collins

From award-winning, internationally bestselling crime writer Catherine Ryan Howard comes The Trap: an unsettling mystery inspired by a series of still-unsolved disappearances in Ireland in the nineties, wherein one young woman risks everything to catch a faceless killer.

One year ago, Lucy’s sister, Nicki, left to meet friends at a pub in Dublin and never came home. The third Irish woman to vanish inexplicably in as many years, the agony of not knowing what happened that night has turned Lucy’s life into a waking nightmare. So, she’s going to take matters into her own hands.

Angela works as a civilian paper-pusher in the Missing Persons Unit, but wants nothing more than to be a fully fledged member of An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force. With the official investigation into the missing women stalled, she begins pulling on a thread that could break the case wide open—and destroy her chances of ever joining the force.

A nameless man drives through the night, his latest victim in the back seat. He’s going to tell her everything, from the beginning. And soon, she’ll realize: what you don’t know can hurt you …

©2023 Catherine Ryan Howard (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Interesting twist but unresolved

I agree with some of the other reviews that state this was written more to draw attention to unsolved cases in Ireland, as explained at the end of the book in a letter from the author.
I did not find the characters particularly likable or sympathetic and though it had an interesting twist at the end it was ultimately unresolved. I didn’t feel the lack of resolution I did anything to the book but perhaps it’s just meant to mimic reality. I was disappointed in it compared to her other books so the narration is wonderful and I do appreciate the authors works! She definitely does a great job exploring the mind of a serial killer!

Love this author!

Another great book by this writer. This is my third by her and I am ready to purchase my fourth.

Interesting

I really enjoy all of this author's books including this one. I do agree that the ending was not finished. It should have had a little something more to make it feel complete. But otherwise it was really good. Worth a listen.

SUPER TWISTY

There’s a point in this book where you think you’ve got it all sorted out and then….. beware! Pay attention! It’s called The Trap for a very good reason😉

The Trap

I enjoyed having the killer's perspective. Also, it was wonderful how the writer allows you to see how our characters and emotions brings out different reactions to the same situation.

Where’s the ending?

I listened to the audible ending 4 times thinking I wasn’t paying attention.. this is so unfinished.. I love a good mystery but this one left me wanting more.. I even looked to see if there was a second book! What am I missing ???

Loved the twists

Always great storytelling - and saw the ending coming but still loved it all the way to the end.

Too many characters and confusing who is who

I eventually got bored of it all and decided to finish it to find out what happened and there was no conclusion! Waste of my time.

Intricate Tana French-ish story experience

This was my first book by this author and overall it was a treat. The narration was pitch perfect for the setting of the story and the characters. (I’m beginning to reflexively smile when I hear the Irish accent.) The story arc is simple enough but the depth and layers of the characters’ inner lives are the key ingredients of this unexpected treat.

Engaging and interesting

I have listened to all of CRH’s novels and enjoyed them all. I was very excited to listen to her newest novel. I did enjoy it and generally found it to include the same mix of elements that I enjoyed from her previous novels. However, I found this one a little disjointed and confusing. I also wish the characters were more developed - too much switching around between characters and story lines to develop a connection. Further, there were different voices for one character which really threw me off. Finally, I don’t mind endings with a few things left open but this was shockingly abrupt. In my opinion far too abrupt. I really hope a sequel follows or that this is developed into a series. I need to know more! LOVE the female narrator.