Review: The Never List by Koethi Zan

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books (July 16, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 0670026514
• Source: Publisher

Sarah and Jennifer have been best friends for years. Together, they kept a list of actions and behaviors to avoid at all risks, the most risky and dangerous situations to become involved in. One night, however, they go against everything they’ve sworn by and accept a ride from a cab driver.  For the next three years, they are held captive in a basement dungeon with several other girls. Sarah escaped, but Jennifer did not.

Ten years later, Sarah is now in her early thirties and living in New York City. She rarely leaves her apartment despite the pleas from her therapist and the police officer assigned to the case. She lives under another name, desperate to forget her previous life. She can’t get over the guilt of knowing Jennifer’s horrible fate. To make matters worse, her abductor is up for parole.  His letters over the years continue to haunt her. Now, fearful that he will be released, Sarah has to face her biggest fear.

She contacts the other survivors and begins a cross-country journey that leads her directly into the dark world of BDSM, secret cults, and torture. The reader learns early on that the other survivors have a grudge against Sarah. Slowly, methodically, the impetus for their feelings is slowly revealed. The full truth, finally uncovered, is far more unbelievable and horrifying than Sarah and the other survivors could have ever imagined.

The Never List is an incredibly intense and chilling foray into the deepest and darkest human fears. Zan delves deep into the lasting psychological ramifications to torture and abduction.  Captivating from the first pages, this debut novel exposes readers to true evil in its most fearful form: a dark and callous man. I found myself holding my breath as I turned the pages, given only a matter of seconds to recover before the next twist or turn was revealed.

I hope this stunning debut novel is just the first of many to come from Koethi Zan.  It’s difficult to find a psychological thriller that sends chills down the spine of this reader. Yet, I found myself reading with the doors locked, lights turned on, wary of every sound around me.  If you are looking for an incredibly captivating psychological thriller, this is the title for you. Highly, highly recommended.