Synopsis:

At first glance, Phil Pendleton and his son Adam are just an ordinary father and son, no different from any other. They take walks in the park together, visit county fairs, museums, and zoos, and eat together overlooking the lake. Some might say the father is a little too accommodating given the lack of discipline when the child loses his temper in public. Some might say he spoils his son by allowing him to set his own bedtimes and eat candy whenever he wants. Some might say that such leniency is starting to take its toll on the father, given how his health has declined.

What no one knows is that Phil is a prisoner, and that up until a few weeks ago and a chance encounter at a grocery store, he had never seen the child before in his life.

But you’ll also learn about me — and the worst thing I’ve ever done.

Personal Thoughts:

Rating: 💫 (4.5)

In this short story, we follow Phil Pendleton as his life changed from perfect to downright hell when he met a woman and his son at Walmart. It was a supposedly normal day, and he was planning to spend it with the love of his life, but things turned out differently after he leaves the store.

I’m glad that I read this book without reading the synopsis because the synopsis give off so much of the story. Going into the book with only the knowledge that it’s has an evil child trope made me engrossed in the story. I read it in one sitting because aside from it being a quick read, it was also unputdownable. It was a harrowing reading experience and gave me all the creeps! I have not read anything like it. At some point I found myself pitying and rooting for Phil at the same time.

I highly recommend this is if you’re looking for a book that you can devour in one sitting + give you all the creepy vibes. I am definitely reading more from this author. ♡