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Detective D.D. Warren #4
Live to Tell
A savage crime has rocked a working-class neighbourhood of Boston; four members of a family have been brutally murdered. The father is lying in an intensive care unit, his survival in doubt. He is the principal suspect.
Female police detective D.D. Warren, however, is not one to take things at face value. At the same time, Danielle Burton is about to have her life thrown into turmoil; a nurse whose life is at the service of her profession, she has tentatively recovered from a devastating family tragedy of decades before – and the investigation by Warren and her partner is about to throw Danielle’s life into chaos once again. There is one more angle to the triangle: the devotion of a mother, Victoria Oliver, to her disturbed son is about to be tested to the limit.
Female police detective D.D. Warren, however, is not one to take things at face value. At the same time, Danielle Burton is about to have her life thrown into turmoil; a nurse whose life is at the service of her profession, she has tentatively recovered from a devastating family tragedy of decades before – and the investigation by Warren and her partner is about to throw Danielle’s life into chaos once again. There is one more angle to the triangle: the devotion of a mother, Victoria Oliver, to her disturbed son is about to be tested to the limit.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2010
About the author
Lisa Gardner
89 books18.3k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,451 reviews
May 5, 2022
Dawno żaden kryminał mnie tak nie wciągnął! Ostatnie 10% przeczytałam w papierze, bo nie mogłam wytrzymać napięcia.
Fakt faktem miałam dziś sen o chorych psychicznie bliźniaczkach, ale to chyba i tak działa na plus książki.
Fakt faktem miałam dziś sen o chorych psychicznie bliźniaczkach, ale to chyba i tak działa na plus książki.
October 12, 2021
Live To Tell (Detective D.D. Warren #4) by Lisa Gardner (author), Kirsten Potter (narrator)
I'm having so much fun buddy reading the D.D. Warren series with my friend DeAnn. These books are full of things happening and have so many twists and turns that it's great that I can throw all my wild thoughts, suspicions, and surprise at DeAnn. Here we are again, with D.D. and gang, and the story throws us right into the violent mess that is D.D.'s job as a homicide detective.
We are introduced to Danielle Burton, in the past, as her father slaughters her entire family, then commits suicide, leaving Danielle as the lone survivor. Now Danielle is a nurse in a locked-down pediatric psych ward and things are going to get even more chaotic than usual for the ward. It doesn't help that Detective Warren thinks Danielle is involved in current day murders of families.
We also meet Victoria Oliver and her mentally ill son. These two are estranged from everyone due to the very real chance that her son can explode into violence without warning. Victoria is putting her son first but it's at a very high cost and with the chance of herself and others being maimed and/or killed, at any time.
For all the devastation that this book throws at us, there are some really funny lines in the story. D.D.'s repartee with fellow detectives and a doctor who specializes in woowoo had me laughing. D.D. goes through this book extremely sleep deprived, scarfing down donuts by the box, fantasizing about more food and about sex on desks, in closets, where ever. The energy level in this book wore me out but I was glued to the pages until the end.
Published July 13th 2010
I'm having so much fun buddy reading the D.D. Warren series with my friend DeAnn. These books are full of things happening and have so many twists and turns that it's great that I can throw all my wild thoughts, suspicions, and surprise at DeAnn. Here we are again, with D.D. and gang, and the story throws us right into the violent mess that is D.D.'s job as a homicide detective.
We are introduced to Danielle Burton, in the past, as her father slaughters her entire family, then commits suicide, leaving Danielle as the lone survivor. Now Danielle is a nurse in a locked-down pediatric psych ward and things are going to get even more chaotic than usual for the ward. It doesn't help that Detective Warren thinks Danielle is involved in current day murders of families.
We also meet Victoria Oliver and her mentally ill son. These two are estranged from everyone due to the very real chance that her son can explode into violence without warning. Victoria is putting her son first but it's at a very high cost and with the chance of herself and others being maimed and/or killed, at any time.
For all the devastation that this book throws at us, there are some really funny lines in the story. D.D.'s repartee with fellow detectives and a doctor who specializes in woowoo had me laughing. D.D. goes through this book extremely sleep deprived, scarfing down donuts by the box, fantasizing about more food and about sex on desks, in closets, where ever. The energy level in this book wore me out but I was glued to the pages until the end.
Published July 13th 2010
September 18, 2022
SOUND THE ALARM BECAUSE IT'S A MFN BANGER ALERT 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
SYNOPSIS
A dream plot for me... Danielle's father annihilated her family and left her to tell the tale. 25 years later, another family is murdered with ties to Danielle's place of employment—a psych ward FOR KIDS.
MY OPINION
THIS BOOK BANGS AGGRESSIVELY!!! It has everything my sick ass loves: Familicide. Homicidal kids. Other disturbing shit. Wowowowow and all wrapped up with Lisa Gardner's signature, poetic prose. One of the best police procedurals I've read in a minute, and certainly my fave from the DD Warren series.
I also had a breakthrough moment where I came to terms with the fact I just don't like DD LOL. She is insensitive, brash, unnecessarily rude, and walks around with a big ole chip on her shoulder... for no reason. Unlike Kim Stone from Angela Marsons' bangerlicious series, there's no background into why DD is who she is. She's simply like this because... she's a PRETTY DROP DEAD GORGEOUS PRETTY cop? (literally we are reminded about her looks constantly–oh and the fact she loves to eat #quirkygirlthings). I think she's a poorly constructed character, but yet, this is still a five star book because we spend little time with her. Thank fuck.
Similar to The Neighbor, 66% of the time (there's 3 main POVs... peep that quick maths) is spent with Danielle and Victoria (mother of a homicidal eight yr old). MAAANNNNN the scenes when the psych ward was poppin off were so well-written, I felt like I was in there. Well done. Evan was the creepiest kid I've encountered in a book. And what's more impressive is that Gardner did her research; this wasn't just written based on vibez by researched vibez, which I always appreciate.
Tbh Gardner's books have the habit of going absolutely buck wild in the last 20%, but this one was pretty tame and believable. I usually don't understand the "i've waiting 25 yrs for revenge" trope, but in this case, the math did math. A solid book from start to finish. All the trigger warnings though. And I mean ALLLLLL of them.
ps I hope DD gets laid asap so she can stop talking about strong hands palming her ass like damn I'll palm your ass if it'll get you to stfu lmao
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Beautifully written, loved Danielle and Victoria's POVs, juicy j premise, fast-paced, well-researched
Cons: nada but I don't like DD lmao
SYNOPSIS
A dream plot for me... Danielle's father annihilated her family and left her to tell the tale. 25 years later, another family is murdered with ties to Danielle's place of employment—a psych ward FOR KIDS.
MY OPINION
THIS BOOK BANGS AGGRESSIVELY!!! It has everything my sick ass loves: Familicide. Homicidal kids. Other disturbing shit. Wowowowow and all wrapped up with Lisa Gardner's signature, poetic prose. One of the best police procedurals I've read in a minute, and certainly my fave from the DD Warren series.
I also had a breakthrough moment where I came to terms with the fact I just don't like DD LOL. She is insensitive, brash, unnecessarily rude, and walks around with a big ole chip on her shoulder... for no reason. Unlike Kim Stone from Angela Marsons' bangerlicious series, there's no background into why DD is who she is. She's simply like this because... she's a PRETTY DROP DEAD GORGEOUS PRETTY cop? (literally we are reminded about her looks constantly–oh and the fact she loves to eat #quirkygirlthings). I think she's a poorly constructed character, but yet, this is still a five star book because we spend little time with her. Thank fuck.
Similar to The Neighbor, 66% of the time (there's 3 main POVs... peep that quick maths) is spent with Danielle and Victoria (mother of a homicidal eight yr old). MAAANNNNN the scenes when the psych ward was poppin off were so well-written, I felt like I was in there. Well done. Evan was the creepiest kid I've encountered in a book. And what's more impressive is that Gardner did her research; this wasn't just written based on vibez by researched vibez, which I always appreciate.
Tbh Gardner's books have the habit of going absolutely buck wild in the last 20%, but this one was pretty tame and believable. I usually don't understand the "i've waiting 25 yrs for revenge" trope, but in this case, the math did math. A solid book from start to finish. All the trigger warnings though. And I mean ALLLLLL of them.
ps I hope DD gets laid asap so she can stop talking about strong hands palming her ass like damn I'll palm your ass if it'll get you to stfu lmao
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Beautifully written, loved Danielle and Victoria's POVs, juicy j premise, fast-paced, well-researched
Cons: nada but I don't like DD lmao
December 16, 2012
Ok, so, DD did not annoy me as much as she did in the previous book The Neighbor, but she still somehow manages to remain my least favorite character in her own series. At least this time she doesn't focus on one suspect and try to make that person the killer no matter what. However she still doesn't strike me as the sharpest knife in the drawer. Her technique for finding a killer seems to be 'That guy did it!...'No, wait, she did it!'. I had to shake my head at the fact that she seemed convinced early on that on person old killed his entire family despite the fact that the evidence clearly ruled that person out on sheer physical merits.
I really liked Danielle, the primary narrator of this book. She is a nurse in a pediatric psych ward where through the novel we get to hear stories about children with behavorial disorders, some of which do make the children incredibly violent. I was also very affected by the narration of Victoria, a mother of one of the kids. It was just sad. But just like in the previous book I was very satisfied with how the story wrapped and the fate of these characters.
I really, really dislike reading stories that deal in children in jeopardy..kidnappings, molestation etc. So far with this series it is two-for-two with this kind of storiy. I do like how Gardner is able to create a compelling story and some really sympathetic characters with some great depth. But if the stories continue to focus on molested children I may have to say goodbye to this series.
It is also a shame that the titular main character just annoys the crap out of me. I think one of my biggest problems with DD, besides the fact that she doesn't seem to, you know, figure out stuff through investigation, is that she doesn't seem to be in the job in order to seek justice for her victims. She strikes me as a person who just likes to catch bad guys and show how big her balls are. She's incredibly antagonistic when she is questioning people. Even people who her own evidence proves are not likely to be involved in the crime.
Truthfully, I think A lot of my lack of warmth toward her could do with the fact that so far in the two books I've read in this series, the only time we spend in DD's head is to hear about 1) how pretty/hot/sexy she is 2) how much she loves to eat and 3)how desperate she is to get laid. The most substantive time we get in characters' heads are of the people who are the probable perps. Gardner does such a good job with making them 3-dimensionally human and making DD somewhat opaque that I just can't seem to warm to DD. And truthfully in these last two book, DD didn't do much to solve her own cases the other characters just handed the resolution to her.
But I plan to try out the next book, despite DD I am enjoying Gardner's writing.
I really liked Danielle, the primary narrator of this book. She is a nurse in a pediatric psych ward where through the novel we get to hear stories about children with behavorial disorders, some of which do make the children incredibly violent. I was also very affected by the narration of Victoria, a mother of one of the kids. It was just sad. But just like in the previous book I was very satisfied with how the story wrapped and the fate of these characters.
I really, really dislike reading stories that deal in children in jeopardy..kidnappings, molestation etc. So far with this series it is two-for-two with this kind of storiy. I do like how Gardner is able to create a compelling story and some really sympathetic characters with some great depth. But if the stories continue to focus on molested children I may have to say goodbye to this series.
It is also a shame that the titular main character just annoys the crap out of me. I think one of my biggest problems with DD, besides the fact that she doesn't seem to, you know, figure out stuff through investigation, is that she doesn't seem to be in the job in order to seek justice for her victims. She strikes me as a person who just likes to catch bad guys and show how big her balls are. She's incredibly antagonistic when she is questioning people. Even people who her own evidence proves are not likely to be involved in the crime.
Truthfully, I think A lot of my lack of warmth toward her could do with the fact that so far in the two books I've read in this series, the only time we spend in DD's head is to hear about 1) how pretty/hot/sexy she is 2) how much she loves to eat and 3)how desperate she is to get laid. The most substantive time we get in characters' heads are of the people who are the probable perps. Gardner does such a good job with making them 3-dimensionally human and making DD somewhat opaque that I just can't seem to warm to DD. And truthfully in these last two book, DD didn't do much to solve her own cases the other characters just handed the resolution to her.
But I plan to try out the next book, despite DD I am enjoying Gardner's writing.
July 20, 2016
Whoo hoo I finally got to learn more about the elusive Detective D.D Warren, or D.D. as she is known. I started this series at number 3, and tracked back to read in order. The books in this series by Lisa Gardner are an awesome set, but funnily enough so far in this series, I feel D.D does take the back seat. But she showed herself here, and I really enjoy her character. She's a highly committed Detective Sergeant, a hard boss, a hard woman who really does have a soft centre, and this book is where me meet that softer side.
That probably actually does help offset the dark storyline, one that was highly researched I might add, as we see a very dark side in the disturbing world of very damaged and mentally ill children. I appreciated the author's note in acknowledgement of her good friends that experienced first hand this hard road: 'As parents went, she and her husband were, caring, resourceful, and involved. And they still thought they were losing the war to save their child..... They shared their story in hopes of garnering more understanding for mentally ill children and their often overwhelmed caretakers.'
I love this author's books and also her personal way of sending off each story with reflection. One thing this particular story did show me however, as an aside, is that I definitely am a cynic regarding spiritual healers!
Get to this author if you enjoy an easy fast paced read. She's never disappointed me yet.
That probably actually does help offset the dark storyline, one that was highly researched I might add, as we see a very dark side in the disturbing world of very damaged and mentally ill children. I appreciated the author's note in acknowledgement of her good friends that experienced first hand this hard road: 'As parents went, she and her husband were, caring, resourceful, and involved. And they still thought they were losing the war to save their child..... They shared their story in hopes of garnering more understanding for mentally ill children and their often overwhelmed caretakers.'
I love this author's books and also her personal way of sending off each story with reflection. One thing this particular story did show me however, as an aside, is that I definitely am a cynic regarding spiritual healers!
Get to this author if you enjoy an easy fast paced read. She's never disappointed me yet.
March 18, 2022
Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren is called in to the type crime scene all law enforcement agents dread...the murder of children. An entire family was brutally killed and there aren’t any clues leading to why, other than the father being suspected of attempted murder-suicide. When another similar murder happens days later, D. D. and her team know it can’t be a coincidence even though they struggle to find a connection. Meanwhile, pediatric trauma nurse Danielle Burton is facing the 25th anniversary of the night that changed her life forever. And Victoria Oliver is determined to care for her troubled son, even though her decision not to institutionalize him has cost her immeasurably.
The cases were tough on so many levels as when children are involved. I didn’t know how Danielle and Victoria were eventually going to connect with D. D.’s case but knew they would. All three of these situations were highly interesting on their own and combined they made for fascinating reading and listening. One added bonus was insight through Danielle of the commitment of nurses like her who provide quality care to highly disturbed children. What I learned was eye opening and made me grateful for these professionals who do much more than warehouse these kids. It was worth this aspect of the story alone to get this education.
D. D. Warren was front and center, clearly the main focus this time. And, her investigative skills improved significantly, most probably because of the influence of Alex Wilson, a former detective now a professor who is shadowing her partner to sharpen his skills. He offered her thought provoking challenges to suppositions, keeping her from falling through the normal rabbit holes of honing in on one suspect and making the evidence fit. She still has a way to go but I saw clear signs of progress. I’m really enjoying this series on audio and the use of three narrators for the three points of view worked so well. All provided great performances, which made a strong story even more compelling.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
The cases were tough on so many levels as when children are involved. I didn’t know how Danielle and Victoria were eventually going to connect with D. D.’s case but knew they would. All three of these situations were highly interesting on their own and combined they made for fascinating reading and listening. One added bonus was insight through Danielle of the commitment of nurses like her who provide quality care to highly disturbed children. What I learned was eye opening and made me grateful for these professionals who do much more than warehouse these kids. It was worth this aspect of the story alone to get this education.
D. D. Warren was front and center, clearly the main focus this time. And, her investigative skills improved significantly, most probably because of the influence of Alex Wilson, a former detective now a professor who is shadowing her partner to sharpen his skills. He offered her thought provoking challenges to suppositions, keeping her from falling through the normal rabbit holes of honing in on one suspect and making the evidence fit. She still has a way to go but I saw clear signs of progress. I’m really enjoying this series on audio and the use of three narrators for the three points of view worked so well. All provided great performances, which made a strong story even more compelling.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
August 3, 2023
This book came highly recommended from multiple people so a big thanks to Anne and also to Pink and Tabitha from Novels and Nonsense Podcast (if you haven't already, check it out - so hilarious plus fab book recs).
Live to Tell was AMAZING! My favourite book of July. It is book 4 in a series but I haven't read any other Lisa Gardner books - this works perfectly as a stand alone.
A multi-POV crime thriller/police procedural in which we're first introduced to Danielle, the lone survivor in her family after they were massacred one night decades prior. Danielle works in a paediatric psych ward in the present day and we are shown loads of the work they do for traumatised and troubled children, and the methods they use. Very fascinating and heartbreaking.
Then we meet D.D. Warren, the FMC in the series. D.D. is investigating a family killing where the Dad is the sole survivor but is in a coma. It isn't the first or last in a line of family killings.
The third POV is Victoria. She endures the pain and suffering of living with a violent, psychopathic seeming male. Her POVs are extremely intense and devastating.
There's a lot of trauma, troubled children and tragedy and it is written so well. Plus, on top of the average PP, this covers a multitude of crimes and some of the worst kinds - check your trigger warnings ⚠️.
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller that is unique and full of suspense, while also being a classic whodunit PP, then check this one out. It'll be a number 1 rec I give to fans of the crime thriller/PP genre!
Live to Tell was AMAZING! My favourite book of July. It is book 4 in a series but I haven't read any other Lisa Gardner books - this works perfectly as a stand alone.
A multi-POV crime thriller/police procedural in which we're first introduced to Danielle, the lone survivor in her family after they were massacred one night decades prior. Danielle works in a paediatric psych ward in the present day and we are shown loads of the work they do for traumatised and troubled children, and the methods they use. Very fascinating and heartbreaking.
Then we meet D.D. Warren, the FMC in the series. D.D. is investigating a family killing where the Dad is the sole survivor but is in a coma. It isn't the first or last in a line of family killings.
The third POV is Victoria. She endures the pain and suffering of living with a violent, psychopathic seeming male. Her POVs are extremely intense and devastating.
There's a lot of trauma, troubled children and tragedy and it is written so well. Plus, on top of the average PP, this covers a multitude of crimes and some of the worst kinds - check your trigger warnings ⚠️.
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller that is unique and full of suspense, while also being a classic whodunit PP, then check this one out. It'll be a number 1 rec I give to fans of the crime thriller/PP genre!
August 26, 2023
“She had the appetite of a sumo wrestler but the build of a cover girl.”
Sergeant Detective DD Warren lives in a world dominated by three considerations. Food, her job, and, coming in a sadly distant third, sex.
“Food was her passion. Mostly because her job with Boston PD’s homicide unit didn’t leave much time for sex.”
And just in case that wasn’t clear enough for you, it’s repeated in various ways several times throughout the novel:
“Dammit, she wanted a pepperoni pizza. Actually, she wanted sex. On her desk would do nicely. Just sweep the papers aside. Toss the files on the floor. Strip off her jeans, rip off Alex’s starched blue shirt, and go to town.”
Hokey as hell, but I have to admit it, I’m fond of this woman. She makes me laugh and she’s a pretty darn good detective. Or at least, she’s standing in the right place at the right time when the stars align and the clues seem to pile up in her lap so she can solve the case at hand. As thrillers go, LIVE TO TELL is entertaining but definitely fails to reach the level of compelling or gripping. Its real strength lies in its discussion of the realities of intensive pediatric psychiatry. Serious mental illness in children can be devastating and Gardner’s side-bar essays on the issues of dealing with its treatment in a constructive way are poignant, gritty, instructive, fascinating, shocking, and definitely heartbreaking.
Recommended but temper your expectations for the level of suspense in the thriller plot-line.
Paul Weiss
Sergeant Detective DD Warren lives in a world dominated by three considerations. Food, her job, and, coming in a sadly distant third, sex.
“Food was her passion. Mostly because her job with Boston PD’s homicide unit didn’t leave much time for sex.”
And just in case that wasn’t clear enough for you, it’s repeated in various ways several times throughout the novel:
“Dammit, she wanted a pepperoni pizza. Actually, she wanted sex. On her desk would do nicely. Just sweep the papers aside. Toss the files on the floor. Strip off her jeans, rip off Alex’s starched blue shirt, and go to town.”
Hokey as hell, but I have to admit it, I’m fond of this woman. She makes me laugh and she’s a pretty darn good detective. Or at least, she’s standing in the right place at the right time when the stars align and the clues seem to pile up in her lap so she can solve the case at hand. As thrillers go, LIVE TO TELL is entertaining but definitely fails to reach the level of compelling or gripping. Its real strength lies in its discussion of the realities of intensive pediatric psychiatry. Serious mental illness in children can be devastating and Gardner’s side-bar essays on the issues of dealing with its treatment in a constructive way are poignant, gritty, instructive, fascinating, shocking, and definitely heartbreaking.
Recommended but temper your expectations for the level of suspense in the thriller plot-line.
Paul Weiss
March 10, 2021
4 can't take a breath stars
This one, #4 in the D.D. Warren series, kicks off with a bang and doesn’t really let up for the whole book. There’s a cameo from Bobby Dodge, but this one really features D.D.
An entire family has been murdered at the outset and D.D. and her team get to work. Along the way, several other characters are introduced. Danielle, a nurse at the pediatric lock-down unit, with a tortured past of her own. We also meet Victoria who is struggling with a violent child. There’s also a woo-woo healer who teaches the children meditation and calming techniques.
This book is filled with troubled children and that made it hard to read at times. I don’t have the answers for the best way to treat these children, but this look into that world is a tough one.
I must say that D.D. is obsessed with food and sex, not necessarily in that order! She also had some funny exchanges with the woo-woo healer and his crazy talk! This all provided some levity into an otherwise quite dark book.
These stories all intersect in a surprising way and had the usual Lisa Gardner powerhouse ending. I’m still very much enjoying this series buddy reading with Marilyn. I will enjoy a break before the next one though!
This one, #4 in the D.D. Warren series, kicks off with a bang and doesn’t really let up for the whole book. There’s a cameo from Bobby Dodge, but this one really features D.D.
An entire family has been murdered at the outset and D.D. and her team get to work. Along the way, several other characters are introduced. Danielle, a nurse at the pediatric lock-down unit, with a tortured past of her own. We also meet Victoria who is struggling with a violent child. There’s also a woo-woo healer who teaches the children meditation and calming techniques.
This book is filled with troubled children and that made it hard to read at times. I don’t have the answers for the best way to treat these children, but this look into that world is a tough one.
I must say that D.D. is obsessed with food and sex, not necessarily in that order! She also had some funny exchanges with the woo-woo healer and his crazy talk! This all provided some levity into an otherwise quite dark book.
These stories all intersect in a surprising way and had the usual Lisa Gardner powerhouse ending. I’m still very much enjoying this series buddy reading with Marilyn. I will enjoy a break before the next one though!
April 12, 2019
I've gotten away from reading series in recent years. Mostly because I found myself waiting too long for the next book and eventually lost interest. The good news is that now, there are so many complete series for me to choose from! I'm really enjoying the D.D. Warren series and so far, this one has been my favorite. The premise was unique and the pacing was perfect. Of course, I love D.D. With her bottomless pit of a stomach and tough exterior. I'm looking forward to reading them all.
October 10, 2020
This is such a fun mystery. After the first few chapters, I was completely sucked in and couldn’t put it down.
D.D. Warren is the lead detective on a case in which the entire family was slaughtered except for the father who is clinging to life in the hospital.
There is also the nurse Danielle, who works at a hospital for children with mental and behavioral issues, either because they were born with brains that worked differently or they were so badly mistreated by the people who were supposed to care for them, they don’t have the skills to navigate life. It was hard reading about children being horribly abused.
There is a mother whose son’s behavioral issues have made her husband and daughter move away for the safety of the younger sister—the father is afraid of his eight-year-old son’s capacity for violence.
Eventually, all these story lines converge. Gardner does such of deft job of letting you think one person is the killer and then adding new facts and twists and making you think, oh, so maybe *this* is the killer . . .
This is fast-paced and fun. Recommend.
D.D. Warren is the lead detective on a case in which the entire family was slaughtered except for the father who is clinging to life in the hospital.
There is also the nurse Danielle, who works at a hospital for children with mental and behavioral issues, either because they were born with brains that worked differently or they were so badly mistreated by the people who were supposed to care for them, they don’t have the skills to navigate life. It was hard reading about children being horribly abused.
There is a mother whose son’s behavioral issues have made her husband and daughter move away for the safety of the younger sister—the father is afraid of his eight-year-old son’s capacity for violence.
Eventually, all these story lines converge. Gardner does such of deft job of letting you think one person is the killer and then adding new facts and twists and making you think, oh, so maybe *this* is the killer . . .
This is fast-paced and fun. Recommend.
November 4, 2017
This was a pretty horrific case: an entire family is murdered. Pretty cut and dry at first, but of course things are never as they appear in a Lisa Gardner mystery.
This is where the Alex and D.D. meet up for the first time, an immediate attraction brewing. D.D. is smitten once she finds out Alex can cook! Good Italian food and wine is a sure way to D.D.'s heart!
The audio version as a re-read was fantastic!
This is where the Alex and D.D. meet up for the first time, an immediate attraction brewing. D.D. is smitten once she finds out Alex can cook! Good Italian food and wine is a sure way to D.D.'s heart!
The audio version as a re-read was fantastic!
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this one, the plot was so interesting I read something with a similar plot line not too long ago 'Dark Places by Gillian Flynn' but I ended up liking this one more. Although I did enjoy this book I still find the main character D.D. Warren annoying and a little one note, she doesn't seem that realistic to me but maybe it's because she isn't in my age-range.
This book kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down I felt like I read this book fairly slowly only because of my personal circumstances if I wasn't so busy I think I would have finished this in a couple of days. The change in POV's worked really well with the plot it never got confusing and Lisa Gardner manages to separate the characters really well and kept it very fluid.
There was quite a lot of emotional moments in this book too, as a lot of this book centered around children with mental health issues and abuse it did have sort hard-hitting moments. There were some more gruesome moments too but nothing too bad. I am really enjoying this series, so far they have all been quite unique and apart from each other and I appreciate that you could read these out of order or read this book as a stand alone.
This book kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down I felt like I read this book fairly slowly only because of my personal circumstances if I wasn't so busy I think I would have finished this in a couple of days. The change in POV's worked really well with the plot it never got confusing and Lisa Gardner manages to separate the characters really well and kept it very fluid.
There was quite a lot of emotional moments in this book too, as a lot of this book centered around children with mental health issues and abuse it did have sort hard-hitting moments. There were some more gruesome moments too but nothing too bad. I am really enjoying this series, so far they have all been quite unique and apart from each other and I appreciate that you could read these out of order or read this book as a stand alone.
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars
Love Lisa Gardner. This is the first I've read in this series although it's not the first book. Seems like they can be read as stand alones.
The cases of Detective D.D Warren.
This was a good but hard to read at times psychological thriller.
The story is the povs of D.D and Danielle who works in Psych unit for children with severe mental illnesses.
Also Victoria who has a very troubled son and finds it hard getting help.
She turns to Shaman Andrew Lightfoot for help.
D.D is investigating the murder of a family and slowly starts putting the pieces together.
The murders are linked to children she thinks but after interviewing the Shaman and Danielle at the hospital the story takes a turn.
All the povs stories come together as the Detective figures out exactly what has been going on.
Great character building and plot.
Will definitely be reading more about Detective Warren.
Love Lisa Gardner. This is the first I've read in this series although it's not the first book. Seems like they can be read as stand alones.
The cases of Detective D.D Warren.
This was a good but hard to read at times psychological thriller.
The story is the povs of D.D and Danielle who works in Psych unit for children with severe mental illnesses.
Also Victoria who has a very troubled son and finds it hard getting help.
She turns to Shaman Andrew Lightfoot for help.
D.D is investigating the murder of a family and slowly starts putting the pieces together.
The murders are linked to children she thinks but after interviewing the Shaman and Danielle at the hospital the story takes a turn.
All the povs stories come together as the Detective figures out exactly what has been going on.
Great character building and plot.
Will definitely be reading more about Detective Warren.
August 11, 2016
“Oh Danny girl. My pretty, pretty Danny girl.” What a haunting melody this proves to be! I listened to Live to Tell, Lisa Gardner’s fourth D.D. Warren police procedural during a seven-and-a-half hour round trip and got more than halfway through the audio version before switching to the print version upon returning home. Danielle Burton is a 34-year-old pediatric psychiatric nurse who is tormented by the memory of her father singing her name the night he shot and killed her mother and siblings then turned the gun on himself. Danielle is the sole survivor. Every year as the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Danielle frantically does everything in her power to avoid reliving the memories of that dreadful night. Mostly, she seeks refuge in her work. Abused, emotionally disturbed children are her salvation. Twenty-five years later, she is still angry. Still hurting. Still keeping others at bay.
Live to Tell is narrated from three points of view. In addition to Danielle’s story, there is Victoria Oliver’s heart wrenching reality. She is the mother of Evan, and eight-year-old boy who is anything but “normal.” Victoria struggles with loving her son too much as she fears for her safety.
Finally, there is Detective D.D. Warren. We first see her as her hopes for a bedroom romp are ruined when her pager goes off in the middle of dinner, and she is summoned to a gory murder scene. An entire family has been wiped out in an apparent murder-suicide. What will the evidence show? And what in the world do these three story lines have in common? Where, when, and how will they intersect?
“Oh Danny girl…Sole survivor…I love you, Mommy…Do you believe in ‘woo-woo’?” My little gray cells were working overtime as I tried to connect the dots. There seemed to be many possibilities, but I couldn’t make them work. Like D.D. and her team, I had my suspicions, but I was never sure. Ms. Gardner ties things up neatly at the end, but it was a bit of a letdown
This story held my interest utterly and completely. The only gripe I have is that I felt like I really didn’t learn much new about D.D. Warren. She’s apparently beautiful, and she wants a man. She loves to eat and can really pack away the food. She’s a tough cop, and she works too much. I want to know more! As I continue reading the series, I hope that the author shows more of who Detective Warren really is.
4 stars
Live to Tell is narrated from three points of view. In addition to Danielle’s story, there is Victoria Oliver’s heart wrenching reality. She is the mother of Evan, and eight-year-old boy who is anything but “normal.” Victoria struggles with loving her son too much as she fears for her safety.
Finally, there is Detective D.D. Warren. We first see her as her hopes for a bedroom romp are ruined when her pager goes off in the middle of dinner, and she is summoned to a gory murder scene. An entire family has been wiped out in an apparent murder-suicide. What will the evidence show? And what in the world do these three story lines have in common? Where, when, and how will they intersect?
“Oh Danny girl…Sole survivor…I love you, Mommy…Do you believe in ‘woo-woo’?” My little gray cells were working overtime as I tried to connect the dots. There seemed to be many possibilities, but I couldn’t make them work. Like D.D. and her team, I had my suspicions, but I was never sure. Ms. Gardner ties things up neatly at the end, but it was a bit of a letdown
This story held my interest utterly and completely. The only gripe I have is that I felt like I really didn’t learn much new about D.D. Warren. She’s apparently beautiful, and she wants a man. She loves to eat and can really pack away the food. She’s a tough cop, and she works too much. I want to know more! As I continue reading the series, I hope that the author shows more of who Detective Warren really is.
4 stars
October 19, 2022
While not as jaw dropping as some of the others, this is still a good read in a great series!
February 6, 2020
Great book. Its my first in the series and I guess I picked good one.
September 23, 2020
The story opens with Danielle Burton having a flashback to when she was nine years old and her father killed her mother, sister, and brother before turning the gun on himself in front of her. Now as the twenty fifth anniversary of that horrific event approaches Danielle is a 34-year-old pediatric psychiatric nurse and her life is about to be thrown into turmoil. Danielle has always had an especially difficult time around this time but now two different families have been murdered. Both families had a child who had been treated at the psych ward where Danielle works.
Victoria Oliver is a devoted mother to Evan who suffers from a severe mental condition. Her husband took their daughter and left leaving Victoria to struggle alone trying to raise Evan as normally as possible and not have him institutionalized.
The two families who were killed could not be more different. The first family was from a working class neighborhood. Both parents were hard working and attended church regularly. They were loving and devoted parents. The second family was from a poor neighborhood and the father was a known drug dealer. Early on Detective Sergeant D.D Warren knows that there is a connection. D.D. just has to figure out what that connection is.
The body count rises when one of the child patients in the psych ward dies under mysterious circumstances. D.D. and her team zero in on the staff in the locked down pediatric psych ward. The story touches on some dark themes. In addition to the mass killings of entire families there is the underlying theme of children with severe mental health problems that require admittance to an acute care facility because their parents can no longer handle their care. Two of the notable cases in this story are Lucy, a nine-year-old feral girl who self-mutilates when any attention is given to her, and Evan, an eight-year-old boy who during fits threatens to kill his mother.
Victoria Oliver is a devoted mother to Evan who suffers from a severe mental condition. Her husband took their daughter and left leaving Victoria to struggle alone trying to raise Evan as normally as possible and not have him institutionalized.
The two families who were killed could not be more different. The first family was from a working class neighborhood. Both parents were hard working and attended church regularly. They were loving and devoted parents. The second family was from a poor neighborhood and the father was a known drug dealer. Early on Detective Sergeant D.D Warren knows that there is a connection. D.D. just has to figure out what that connection is.
The body count rises when one of the child patients in the psych ward dies under mysterious circumstances. D.D. and her team zero in on the staff in the locked down pediatric psych ward. The story touches on some dark themes. In addition to the mass killings of entire families there is the underlying theme of children with severe mental health problems that require admittance to an acute care facility because their parents can no longer handle their care. Two of the notable cases in this story are Lucy, a nine-year-old feral girl who self-mutilates when any attention is given to her, and Evan, an eight-year-old boy who during fits threatens to kill his mother.
September 1, 2020
Lisa Gardner's books never fail to provide a great mystery. This one isn't one of her best, but she's beginning to find a groove with D.D. and the rest of the gang.
November 12, 2018
I just love all the twist and turns of this story. Danielle lives to tell her story.
March 16, 2015
Live to Tell, begins with Danielle Burton having a flashback when she was only nine years old, her father murdered her mother and two siblings, before turning the gun on himself, for nearly twenty-five years she could not remember all the events of what happened that fateful night, but was haunted with why she was allowed to live, why did he kill them and not me?
As the anniversary of the slaughter of her family approaches, two very different families, from different neighbourhoods are murdered, only this time there are no survivors. Detective D.D. Warren struggles to find the connection, hoping they don't have a serial killer on the loose, and is soon led to an acute care facility in Boston for young children, who are not just a danger to themselves, but society, and meets Danielle Burton, a pediatric psych nurse.
D.D. is shocked, not just to learn such a place exists, but sees first hand these children, some who have been abused in ways, that even the seasoned detective struggles herself to deal with, whereas other children come from very loving homes, but have a mental illness that even today there is little understanding of.
As more clues unfold, and there is a suspicious death of a nine year old girl in the facility, D.D. knows her answers are within the pediatric psych ward, and her main suspect is Danielle Burton.
If you like a good thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and guessing the identity of the killer, then I highly recommend this book.
As the anniversary of the slaughter of her family approaches, two very different families, from different neighbourhoods are murdered, only this time there are no survivors. Detective D.D. Warren struggles to find the connection, hoping they don't have a serial killer on the loose, and is soon led to an acute care facility in Boston for young children, who are not just a danger to themselves, but society, and meets Danielle Burton, a pediatric psych nurse.
D.D. is shocked, not just to learn such a place exists, but sees first hand these children, some who have been abused in ways, that even the seasoned detective struggles herself to deal with, whereas other children come from very loving homes, but have a mental illness that even today there is little understanding of.
As more clues unfold, and there is a suspicious death of a nine year old girl in the facility, D.D. knows her answers are within the pediatric psych ward, and her main suspect is Danielle Burton.
If you like a good thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and guessing the identity of the killer, then I highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2014
Another easy 4-star book that turns into a 3 at the very end. Seriously, I could have done with a better explanation. Meh.
Also, 4 books in I am still not D.D.'s biggest fan. Just for once I'd wish Lisa Gardner would allow her main character to solve the crime instead of the crime just sort of resolving itself towards the end when everything comes to a close. That would be a good thing. Because so far all we know about D.D. is how blonde and sexy she is and how much she likes to eat and needs to get laid. Which, okay. I'm perfectly okay with that, but you can't make her the main character in an entire series and never divulge anything else.
Aside from that, I just enjoy Gardner's writing a lot. This was fast-paced as usual, and I just wanted to read the end just to see what it was all about. This book is a little darker than the previous ones, in my opinion, if only because of its subject matter. Victoria's story is heartbreaking in its own way, as are all the other kids' stories at the psych ward.
This probably needs a trigger warning for...well, any number of things.
Definitely taking a break from the series now, though.
Also, 4 books in I am still not D.D.'s biggest fan. Just for once I'd wish Lisa Gardner would allow her main character to solve the crime instead of the crime just sort of resolving itself towards the end when everything comes to a close. That would be a good thing. Because so far all we know about D.D. is how blonde and sexy she is and how much she likes to eat and needs to get laid. Which, okay. I'm perfectly okay with that, but you can't make her the main character in an entire series and never divulge anything else.
Aside from that, I just enjoy Gardner's writing a lot. This was fast-paced as usual, and I just wanted to read the end just to see what it was all about. This book is a little darker than the previous ones, in my opinion, if only because of its subject matter. Victoria's story is heartbreaking in its own way, as are all the other kids' stories at the psych ward.
This probably needs a trigger warning for...well, any number of things.
Definitely taking a break from the series now, though.
July 6, 2018
Detective D.D. Warren is called to the scene of a mass-murder. At first glance, it looks like a father has killed his three children and wife before taking his own life. As D.D. and her crew look into possible motives, they discover another family massacred. Is it just a coincidence? Or are these murders somehow tied together?
This story is told by three women. D.D. Warren is the cop investigating two murder-suicide cases. Victoria is a mother of a troubled child she is afraid will someday kill her. Danielle is a nurse in the pediatric psych ward. She is also the lone survivor or a murder-suicide when she was a child.
This is a very dark story in the D.D. Warren series. Some of the scenes concerning the mentally disturbed children were a bit hard to read. I liked that each chapter was told by a different character. Both Victoria and Danielle were sympathetic characters. I felt like I didn't learn anything new about D.D. even though this is the fourth books she has appeared in. My rating: 4 Stars.
This story is told by three women. D.D. Warren is the cop investigating two murder-suicide cases. Victoria is a mother of a troubled child she is afraid will someday kill her. Danielle is a nurse in the pediatric psych ward. She is also the lone survivor or a murder-suicide when she was a child.
This is a very dark story in the D.D. Warren series. Some of the scenes concerning the mentally disturbed children were a bit hard to read. I liked that each chapter was told by a different character. Both Victoria and Danielle were sympathetic characters. I felt like I didn't learn anything new about D.D. even though this is the fourth books she has appeared in. My rating: 4 Stars.
October 10, 2021
Rough to read but mostly well done. I have to admit that I did not find the end quite as satisfying as the rest of the story.
March 28, 2017
SUMMARY
When Danielle was nine years old her father murdered her mother and Danielle's little sister and brother as Danielle was cowering in her bed. As he was crooning the words Oh Danny girl, pretty pretty Danny girl, he turns the gun on himself. Twenty-five years later, Danielle is working as a nurse in a children's psych ward of a acute care facility in Boston Massachusetts. She still is struggling with her family's death and her survival. As the anniversary of their death approaches, two other families from two different Boston neighborhoods are murdered. There were no survivors.
Detective D.D. Warren thinks these murders might be connected. The connection may just be the pediatric acute care facility that Danielle works at. When D.D. learns of Danielle's family history, she thinks Danielle may knows something or may be involved. D.D. has to figure this out before another family is murdered.
The book is full of strong female characters. In addition to Danielle and D.D. there's also Victoria. Victoria has given up everything she holds dear in order to keep her mentally challenged son at home. But she is paying a huge price for this decision. And it's never easy.
REVIEW
Families are being murdered. Is there a connection? What's the common denominator? The mystery begins.
This was my first read of Lisa Gardner's D. D. Warren series, although I've read many of her other books. Gardner is a great writer. Her thrillers typically involve acts of desperation that leave you breathless. This book is no different. From the book's first page you are faced with a savage and horrifying family murder. As the book progresses the mystery, intrigue and suspense grows, as do the murders. The storyline seems to go off in many different directions and I wondered how Gardner could possibly bring the story in for a landing. But she does. And she does so masterfully.
Gardner introduces numerous characters in LIVE TO TELL: the families, the children, the hospital staff, and the police detectives. But despite the large cast of characters it is easy to keep track of who is who, thanks to very good character development.
LEFT TO TELL is a gripping thriller, involving the heartbreaking world of mentally challenged children. This to adds to intense feelings the book arouses.
April 2, 2024
#perskaičiau
Lisa Gardner "Išlik, kad liudytum"
Pagaliau Lisa Gardner serija su detektyve Didi Voren pilnai išversta ❤️ Ketvirta serijos knyga man tapo viena įsimintiniausių.
Nors šokiruoti gali faktas, kad šį kartą susiduriama su šeimų tragedijomis, atvykus į nusikaltimo vietą paaiškėja, kad yra išžudyta visa šeima. Kaltės šešėlis krenta ant įtampą patiriančio tėvo,kuris galbūt puolė į paniką ir šaltakraujiškai išžudė visus iki vieno vaikus, žmoną, o galiausiai ir sau paleido kulką į galvą, tačiau kai Didi ima gilintis į aplinkybes paaiškėja, kad galbūt visai ne tėvas smurtavo, o šeimoje augantis psichinių sutrikimų turintis vaikas. Kai kitą dieną išžudoma dar viena šeima, visų akys nukrypsa į gydymo įstaigą, kurioje buvo atsidūrę išžudytose šeimose augę vaikai. Įstaigoje dirba mergina, kuri deja, bet yra pati patyrusi tokias skerdynes, tačiau ji liko vienintelė išgyvenusi. Labai įtemptas siužetas, labai įdomios aplinkybės, labai išdirbti personažai, tačiau autorė mane šokiravo ne vien puikiai sustyguota ir žadą atimančia istorija, autorė šokiravo atviru, giliu, detaliu žvilgsniu į vaikus sergančius psichinėmis ligomis. Šiurpuliukai oda bėgiojo kaskart, kai veiksmas nusikeldavo į namus, kur augo aštuonių metų berniukas Evanas. Labai sukrečianti knyga. Atverianti galimybę pažvelgti į tuos, kurie dažniausiai lieka akylai saugomi nuo visuomenės dėl jų pačių ir mūsų saugumo. Sunkumai, su kuriais susiduria nepasiduodančios šeimos.ir tikėjimas, kad gal šiandien bus gera diena.
Labai labai patiko knyga. Nors esu skaičiusi ir daugiau Didi Voren serijos knygų, tačiau "Išlik, kad liudytum" man viena labiausiai patikusių ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Lisa Gardner "Išlik, kad liudytum"
Pagaliau Lisa Gardner serija su detektyve Didi Voren pilnai išversta ❤️ Ketvirta serijos knyga man tapo viena įsimintiniausių.
Nors šokiruoti gali faktas, kad šį kartą susiduriama su šeimų tragedijomis, atvykus į nusikaltimo vietą paaiškėja, kad yra išžudyta visa šeima. Kaltės šešėlis krenta ant įtampą patiriančio tėvo,kuris galbūt puolė į paniką ir šaltakraujiškai išžudė visus iki vieno vaikus, žmoną, o galiausiai ir sau paleido kulką į galvą, tačiau kai Didi ima gilintis į aplinkybes paaiškėja, kad galbūt visai ne tėvas smurtavo, o šeimoje augantis psichinių sutrikimų turintis vaikas. Kai kitą dieną išžudoma dar viena šeima, visų akys nukrypsa į gydymo įstaigą, kurioje buvo atsidūrę išžudytose šeimose augę vaikai. Įstaigoje dirba mergina, kuri deja, bet yra pati patyrusi tokias skerdynes, tačiau ji liko vienintelė išgyvenusi. Labai įtemptas siužetas, labai įdomios aplinkybės, labai išdirbti personažai, tačiau autorė mane šokiravo ne vien puikiai sustyguota ir žadą atimančia istorija, autorė šokiravo atviru, giliu, detaliu žvilgsniu į vaikus sergančius psichinėmis ligomis. Šiurpuliukai oda bėgiojo kaskart, kai veiksmas nusikeldavo į namus, kur augo aštuonių metų berniukas Evanas. Labai sukrečianti knyga. Atverianti galimybę pažvelgti į tuos, kurie dažniausiai lieka akylai saugomi nuo visuomenės dėl jų pačių ir mūsų saugumo. Sunkumai, su kuriais susiduria nepasiduodančios šeimos.ir tikėjimas, kad gal šiandien bus gera diena.
Labai labai patiko knyga. Nors esu skaičiusi ir daugiau Didi Voren serijos knygų, tačiau "Išlik, kad liudytum" man viena labiausiai patikusių ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
March 7, 2020
3 stars
Book #4 in the Detective D.D. Warren series. I am not sure that Gardner did not take on more than needed in this book - which in the beginning seemed to make things very confusing. There are actually three story lines in this book. Two murders and one psychotic child. One mentioned then seemingly forgotten, the other two seemingly without any connection, until very late in the book.
A psych nurse who had lived through the murder of her family when she was a child - one story line. A young child who caused the split of his family due to his unruly psychotic behavior - a second story line. Then throw in a shaman and it is D.D. Warrens job to find the connection and solve the problems.
On to book #5, Love You More, in hopes of a less scattered story line.
Book #4 in the Detective D.D. Warren series. I am not sure that Gardner did not take on more than needed in this book - which in the beginning seemed to make things very confusing. There are actually three story lines in this book. Two murders and one psychotic child. One mentioned then seemingly forgotten, the other two seemingly without any connection, until very late in the book.
A psych nurse who had lived through the murder of her family when she was a child - one story line. A young child who caused the split of his family due to his unruly psychotic behavior - a second story line. Then throw in a shaman and it is D.D. Warrens job to find the connection and solve the problems.
On to book #5, Love You More, in hopes of a less scattered story line.
July 20, 2020
Detective D.D. Warren is back and knee deep in murders involving entire famiies. Also, mentally ill children who have various issues, but some are psychotic in nature. The murders are horrific and there are multiple suspects. The investigation is tense and disturbing.
I like D.D. Warren as a character. She's strong, intelligent, and determined. The books have been interesting and well written. They always keep my attention. Hope I get the chance to read the next in the series soon.
I like D.D. Warren as a character. She's strong, intelligent, and determined. The books have been interesting and well written. They always keep my attention. Hope I get the chance to read the next in the series soon.
February 21, 2018
Read: February 2018
Rating: 5/5 stars (best of 2018)
The plot: Gardner tells this story from three different perspectives; our main character D.D. Warren, and two secondary female characters. Danielle was the sole survivor of the massacre of her family when she was nine years old and Victoria is a single mother living with her extremely psychologically disturbed eight year old son.
I loved this book and I read it at exactly the right time, as I've recently been reading with interest the news story of a young boy who wouldn't stop screaming during an eight hour flight and was secretly recorded by another passenger on that flight. It prompted a lot of debate online as to what the mother could've/should've done to better control her child, whether the passenger was morally or ethically wrong to film the child, and whether passengers would be willing to pay more to guarantee a child-free flight (children being classified by airlines as those aged twelve and under.)
Gardner uses Live to Tell to explore the difficult topic of children who, for a number of reasons, are deemed 'uncontrollable' by mainstream society. Some may have been abused or witnessed trauma and don't know how to process their emotions. Others may have been born to caring and loving parents who want the best for their children but for whatever medical or psychological reason, the child finds it impossible to behave or interact in 'normal' ways with the outside world. The parts of the story where D.D and Danielle meet at the hospital ward and discuss the various children and their coping mechanisms while under the care of the ward were some of the most interesting parts for me. The overarching murder mystery was also gripping and I was surprised by the way the three narratives ended up fitting together to reveal the killer. I really enjoyed this book.
Rating: 5/5 stars (best of 2018)
The plot: Gardner tells this story from three different perspectives; our main character D.D. Warren, and two secondary female characters. Danielle was the sole survivor of the massacre of her family when she was nine years old and Victoria is a single mother living with her extremely psychologically disturbed eight year old son.
I loved this book and I read it at exactly the right time, as I've recently been reading with interest the news story of a young boy who wouldn't stop screaming during an eight hour flight and was secretly recorded by another passenger on that flight. It prompted a lot of debate online as to what the mother could've/should've done to better control her child, whether the passenger was morally or ethically wrong to film the child, and whether passengers would be willing to pay more to guarantee a child-free flight (children being classified by airlines as those aged twelve and under.)
Gardner uses Live to Tell to explore the difficult topic of children who, for a number of reasons, are deemed 'uncontrollable' by mainstream society. Some may have been abused or witnessed trauma and don't know how to process their emotions. Others may have been born to caring and loving parents who want the best for their children but for whatever medical or psychological reason, the child finds it impossible to behave or interact in 'normal' ways with the outside world. The parts of the story where D.D and Danielle meet at the hospital ward and discuss the various children and their coping mechanisms while under the care of the ward were some of the most interesting parts for me. The overarching murder mystery was also gripping and I was surprised by the way the three narratives ended up fitting together to reveal the killer. I really enjoyed this book.
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