04 November 2025

Working through Catherine Ryan Howard’s backlist, The Trap was the next book on my list — and one I was eager to dive into. The blurb promised a gripping, emotional thriller, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I must say upfront that this wasn’t my favourite of Howard’s books.

The story opens with a tense scene: a woman stranded late at night accepts a lift from a stranger. The moment is charged with fear, unease, and nervous energy — you can almost feel her relief when she finally steps out of the car. It’s an unsettling but brilliantly written opening. Still, I couldn’t help asking myself: what woman, in this day and age, would willingly get into a strange man’s car?

As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear just how desperate the main character is for answers — and for closure. Her sister’s disappearance haunts her, and her determination to uncover the truth drives her every decision, no matter how reckless.

Howard knows how to keep readers on edge. She brings Lucy’s grief vividly to life, immersing you in her fear and frustration. Even as you question her risky choices, you understand the emotions behind them — the helplessness, the obsession, the pain of not knowing.

A year earlier, Lucy’s sister Nicky vanished without a trace. Convinced that Nicky was abducted, Lucy is determined to find the person responsible, no matter the cost. When she appears on live television and publicly challenges the abductor to “come and get her,” you can’t help but cringe — it’s clearly a dangerous move, but one that captures her desperation perfectly.

The story is emotional and intense, though at times I found Lucy’s actions a bit unrealistic. I’m not entirely convinced that anyone would knowingly put themselves in that much danger — but then again, I don’t have a sister, so perhaps I can’t fully grasp the depth of that bond.

The Trap is a fast-paced, emotional read. While it wasn’t my favourite Catherine Ryan Howard novel, it certainly kept me turning the pages. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either — I finished feeling somewhere in between. I’d still recommend giving it a try and seeing where you land.