
There is a fabulous, cinematic thriller in No Exit. I had watched the movie several months back without realizing that it was actually a book first – I prefer to read before I watch – but ultimately decided I still wanted to read it even though I knew what would happen. Glad that I did!!
Tearing across the country to get to her dying mother, Darby Thorne ends up stranded in the Rockies, at a random rest stop, in an absolutely incredible snowstorm. Inside, she finds four strangers, and a young girl locked in one of their vans in the parking lot. Unsure of the suspect, but desperate to get the girl to safety before plows and police can arrive in the dead zone, she hatches a plan.
This book reads like a movie. Once I got going, I couldn’t put it down. I knew what was going to happen and I still couldn’t tear my eyes away; it’s amazing in the suspense department and it’s written a quick-paced way that, shockingly, doesn’t skimp on plot or character development.
And speaking of character development: I *love* Darby; she is smart and heroic, quick-thinking and selfless. I thought her character was both brilliant but believable. The supporting characters – the other strangers at the bus stop – were also well-rounded enough that their actions were predictable without being dry. In fact, the book dives even deeper into the characters than I could recall from the movie, and I thought it better served the story. The small cast of people allows for the story, the plot, and the action to unfold in a way that’s not distracting, but makes it the absolute focal point.
I already knew the twists from having seen the movie, but credit where credit is due in its originality, they would’ve surprised the heck out of me had I not already known them. You expect a run-of-the-mill action thriller, but there’s a bit of mystery to this as well. I think anyone walking into it blind would be pleasantly surprised by everything within it.
Highly recommend – it’s not only making me want to rewatch the film, but read more Taylor Adams books (I require more, sir). Happy reading!