15 Seconds

15 Seconds is a book that starts fast and keeps going. I'm generally not a big fan of thrillers, but this one drew me in. 19 year-old Amanda has a life that is anything but easy. High on Oxy, and trying to escape her problems, she makes the fatal mistake that will change her life forever. Henry Steadman is on his way to deliver a keynote speech in what he hopes to be a life turning point. Little does he know what type of turning point lies ahead. I wasn't sure how Amanda and Henry's stories were connected, but I can tell you that I wanted to find out.

I read madly through the first half of this book, hanging on every word. Andrew Gross knows just how to build suspense throughout the story. It's definitely tough not to keep reading on. Love getting lost in a book? Here's one that will do that for you. Trust me. Despite the fact that I sometimes felt a bit confused by the web of events, the story was so immersive that I just couldn't stop reading. It was like watching a car wreck, but being unable to look away. You have to know what happens. 15 Seconds is pure adrenaline.

Add in gripping and believable characters, and you have a book that is hard to put down. Henry, Carrie and Amanda all have their own unique backgrounds and personalities. I'd have to say that Carrie is my favorite. Faced with the choice between helping someone she barely knows, and keeping a safe distance, Carrie chooses to be a hero. She definitely kicks butt! Even the secondary characters are fabulously written. I'll say this, Gross knows hows his character building.

The one qualm that I had was that the story slowed significantly as it neared the end. Plus the closer I got the more I was able to see what was going to happen before it did. Not necessarily a bad thing! Trust me, I still definitely enjoyed this read. If you are a thriller fan, or if you are looking for a great place to start, get your hands on a copy of 15 Seconds. Then, hold on tight.