Annabel Lee
By Mike Nappa
Were you sent to your room when you were young and told not come out until your parents said it was okay? But what if that room was tunneled deep beneath your property and you were left with a dog that terrified you? What would you do?
Eleven-year-old Annabel Lee Truckson had to face this exact circumstance when her Uncle Truck rushed her down steep, damp steps leading into a tunnel beneath his farm with a ferocious guard dog that loved to bite off people’s fingers. He left her strict instructions, “Don’t open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me, unless you hear me say the safe code.” And then he left her alone—with a dog she hated. Why?
A few miles away, private investigator Trudi Coffey, is contacted by a mysterious older man looking for someone her ex-husband used to work for, and his trail has led him to her. Trudi refuses to contact Samuel Hill, but when things turn ugly she’s left with no other choice. Trudi and Samuel are soon on the run from a team of enemy militia looking for whatever Truckson has left hidden in a gift Samuel gave Trudi. It’s the key to unlocking the mystery. What’s the connection between Truckson, The Mute, and the two precious emeralds hidden somewhere in Alabama?
This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Nappa and I have to say, I was hooked from the cover! Annabel Lee will keep you up at night, turning the pages! It’s definitely a fast-paced on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless.

The story is told from three different points of view—Annabel, The Mute, and Trudi. This is done effectively as there’s never any doubt which POV we’re in. All of the characters in this book come to life. Annabel will steal your heart. You will cheer on The Mute, Trudi, and Samuel as they team up to save the eleven-year-old.
There are many twists in the plotline, but the ending blindsided me! I did not see it coming and loved that about the story.
Mr. Napa uses vivid sensory details, placing you right into the story with the characters. There will be times when you’ll realize you’re holding your breath!
I also enjoyed the banter between Trudi and Samuel. It makes me wonder if they’ll eventually get back together again, but I guess we’ll have to see where Mr. Nappa takes the series.
The book was definitely creepy in spots but not over the top. If you like Steven James and Ted Dekker, you’ll enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series—Raven—coming in the fall.
I give Annabel Lee 4.5 hideouts. What lies beneath Truck’s farm will surprise you and keep you turning the pages, but I’ll warn you . . . leave a light on!
**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
Contest!!
I would like to give away my copy of Annabel Lee. The contest rules are simple—leave a comment on the blog and you will be entered. Bonus entry– if you leave a comment AND share this post on Facebook you will get two entries (tag me on Facebook or let me know in the comments). Contest closes Saturday, May 7^th at midnight. Enter now! (Open to residents of the USA and Canada only.)