Book Review: Providence

Providenceby: Caroline Kepnes

Date Finished: August 16, 2018
Publication Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: Lenny
Format: e-book

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of Providence from the publisher (Lenny books) and Netgalley.  All opinions expressed below are my own.

Synopsis:
Growing up, Jon and Chloe are best friends, which people don't always understand.  Jon is dorky and weird - the kid that gets bullied and picked on.  Chloe is pretty and popular.  One day, when Jon is walking to school, he is kidnapped by a substitute teacher.  Years later, Jon escapes after being held in a medically induced coma.  The only problem is, people keep dying around him. 

Review:
Okay, I'll admit it - I wasn't a big fan of YOU by Caroline Kepnes.  I feel comfortable saying that because everyone is obsessed with the book.  Yes, it was different, but it just didn't mesh with me as a reader.  In spite of that, I was still interested in reading Providence.  I didn't know much of anything about the plot prior to starting the book. 

I really enjoyed the supernatural/science fiction aspects of this story.  I had never heard of H. P. Lovecraft, so this was a new and informative storyline for me.  While I wouldn't classify this as truly suspense or thriller, it definitely had a creepy vibe where you didn't quite know what would happen next.  I enjoyed the author's take on the themes of self imposed isolation which was explored differently in each character. 

Overall, I rate Providence 3.5 stars.  I liked this one, but didn't love it.  I'd definitely recommend it for fans of Kepnes' other works.