Review: The Girl in the Basement by Dianne Bates

The Girl in the Basement is a frightening glimpse into the mind of a psychopath and his teenage victim. Libby is a young woman celebrating her sixteenth birthday, when she is snatched away by a predator who is determined to make her a part of his 'family' along with a younger boy. Far from home and locked away in a basement, Libby must find a way to defeat her sadistic and often deluded captor who wants to rename her Serena and use her as a replacement for the sister he murdered many years before. Meanwhile, a smaller boy is being used as a replacement for their captors brother. Together, this trio are supposed to be a family, but Papa has all the power and rarely shows mercy on his captives.

Australian author Dianne Bates does a commendable job of showcasing the mind of a man who has many wants, thrives on cruelty and has no natural empathy for others. Meanwhile, Libby is shown to be a strong and resourceful young woman who, in places, has a lovely wisdom that is well beyond her years. The narrative had me turning pages and wanting to know more about Libby's fate and if there was a way for her to escape her captor. I wept for Angus, who wanted only to return to his rightful home and family. 

This is a fast paced read, suitable for YA audiences and beyond.

Comments

Andrew Leon said…
That does not sound like my kind of book.
12 December 2013 at 11:20
Kathryn White said…
That's a pity Andrew, I'm enjoying it almost as much as I am enjoying this copy of Shadow Spinner that I won in a competition recently ...
12 December 2013 at 18:12
Andrew Leon said…
It's like Flowers in the Attic; that kind of story just holds no attraction for me.

But it's good that you're liking Spinner. I'll have to check that one out.
:P
13 December 2013 at 05:09
Kathryn White said…
Ahh. Different books appeal to different people. I like the odd psychological thriller and seeing if, ultimately, a good person can triumph against evil and all odds.

Yeah, Spinner is great. That author seems to be quite a talented guy, you should check out his book and his blog :P
13 December 2013 at 19:57
Andrew Leon said…
I think I'll do that!
;)
14 December 2013 at 11:20
Yandere Katerina said…
Thats sounds Awesome!! I would maybe like to read this! ^.^
5 February 2014 at 03:23
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