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Karen Black
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Close Your Eyes and They're Gone Kindle Edition

by Karen Black (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
Abducted by a handler for a human trafficking operation, four-year-old Lily is taken hundreds of miles away from her home to be brain washed into believing her family doesn't want her. From there she is to be sold to one of a long list of potential clients. Some want a child to love and to raise as their own, others simply want a child.

Marcy is excellent at cleaning up and calming down the youngsters delivered to her door, and is an expert at redirection. She is the halfway house for infants, toddlers, and little ones as old as five years. Marcy provides the children with favorite foods, new clothes, toys and lots of affection. She takes the time needed for them to overcome any homesickness that lingers after their abduction. Then she gives them to back to Andre, who pays her handsomely and arranges for the next delivery.

With her husband serving in the military overseas, Rose Baker is alone and frantic when she reports her missing daughter to the police. Although the detective in charge of the investigation has little hope that the child will be found, a neighborhood canvas changes her mind. The police locate a person of interest, and the search is underway.

Lily's relationship with "Aunt Marcy" begins smoothly, and after the first night Marcy expects an easy transition. That expectation, however, is shattered when Lily sees a television press conference that shows her mother's tear streaked face telling the world that someone took her child.

After years in the business, the actions of a precocious four-year-old threaten the entire operation. Marcy needs to make Lily disappear.
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  1. Print length
    73 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 28, 2021
  4. File size
    825 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09897NWQQ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 28, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 825 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 73 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

About the author

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Karen Black

Karen Black

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Writing in a variety of genres, Black's character driven stories rarely turn out quite the way the reader would expect. The author combines imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive settings, whether contemporary or supernatural.

Those familiar with her prose can attest to her fascination with the paranormal. Even when it isn’t the basis of the plot, it is not unusual to find a touch of the supernatural in her books. Occasionally, the reference is so subtle, the reader could miss it.

With a passion for animals, the author includes a four-legged character in most storylines, even if just a cameo appearance. Two of Black’s novels, “Race into Murder” and “Ride into Romance,” draw on her background as a racehorse owner. Her experience at the racetrack supplies realism to the setting, the races and the characters.

Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. While each of the furry critters is unique, one of them is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.

http://www.Storiesbykaren.org

Twitter @KarensStories https://twitter.com/KarensStories

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Black-Author-Karens-Stories/446827615394900

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story excellent, particularly appreciating its focus on child-trafficking themes. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's a quick, easy read.

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9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, particularly its focus on child trafficking, with one customer noting it contains all elements of a full-length novel.

"...This story is no exception. Lily and her mother, Rose, are together making their family life work, waiting for Derek’s tour of duty to end...." Read more

"...The author wrote this realistic short story in such a way, that the emotions from the mother and the child are felt strongly...." Read more

"...The author offers readers a look into human trafficking and the kind of alluring techniques used to kidnap toddlers and young children...." Read more

"...It has enough backstory to let the reader know about the family's situation without being overbearing...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it's a quick and easy read.

"...While it's not for the squeamish, it's a quick easy read and does have a satisfying ending." Read more

"This short story is well told by Karen Black. I’m not going to spoil it … but read it!" Read more

"...The author did such a great job, I felt as if I were there in every scene...whispering to Lily not to go...trying to hold her back, but my arms..." Read more

"...The writing is exceptional. @GregoryDoering ✍️" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • RoxB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh, Cry, and Hold Your Breath
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Author Karen Black creates a bond with readers early in each of her stories. This story is no exception. Lily and her mother, Rose, are together making their family life work, waiting for Derek’s tour of duty to end. Lily is depicted as a fun-loving child who enjoys playing and the great outdoors. She is often kept by her neighbor Evelyn when her mother works.

    Karen’s precision writing tells you what you need to know about this child and her mother early on. It captured me, and I was unable to stop reading.

    "Lily’s pediatrician told Rose that the four-year-old was an exceptional child. Lily had begun to say words at five months and quickly added to her vocabulary. At just over two years old, she was putting simple sentences together. And now she was reading some words. An inquisitive four-year-old, Lily had above-average comprehension skills, which were occasionally a challenge for her mother.
    An old strip of canvas, attached to thick rope on each end, was suspended from an oak tree branch in the center of their small yard. The homemade swing was one of Lily’s favorite places. For a moment, Rose watched Lily from the porch. Barefoot, as usual, Lily was singing as she clutched the rope and kicked her feet. She had inherited her mother’s love of music."

    When lured by a promise of a baby doll, she is captured and taken in a moment. I wanted to snatch her back and keep her safe. This look at human trafficking and these young targets is heartbreaking. It is so difficult to protect your children while still allowing them to enjoy living. Author Karen Black creates another fantastic short story you won’t put down until the surprising ending.

    I highly recommend this to anyone as a reminder to keep your eyes open to the world surrounding you. Each of us can make a positive difference if we see someone in trouble.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JanS
    4.0 out of 5 stars It only takes a minute
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is such a heart-wrenching and nail-biting story about child trafficking. When young Lily is grabbed while riding her tricycle, her mother, Rose, is devastated. Rose had only dozed for a minute, but a minute was all it took. The author wrote this realistic short story in such a way, that the emotions from the mother and the child are felt strongly. I won't leave any spoilers for this short story. While it's not for the squeamish, it's a quick easy read and does have a satisfying ending.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Susanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Frightening but satisfying story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    One moment, the 4-year-old Lily is laughing on her swing; the next, she's gone. Her mother dozed for one moment, and that was all it took for Lily to be lured by a stranger. This is the fear held by all mothers, but for Rose, it happened. The story had a happier ending than expected because of Rose's plea on TV and Lily's keen intelligence for a child her age, but even after finishing the book, the unsettling feeling stayed with me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Maureen Twomey
    4.0 out of 5 stars Close Your Eyes and They're Gone ...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This short story is well told by Karen Black. I’m not going to spoil it … but read it!
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  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    "Close your eyes and they're gone" had me spellbound to every word. The author did such a great job, I felt as if I were there in every scene...whispering to Lily not to go...trying to hold her back, but my arms passed through hers like an apparition. When the car pulled away, I was heartbroken.

    Since I have a 3-year old granddaughter, I thought OMG, what would I do if this happened to us. What would be going through her head during the brain-washing sessions? I knew exactly how the parents felt.

    The author offers readers a look into human trafficking and the kind of alluring techniques used to kidnap toddlers and young children. I was amazed at how deeply I was engaged in this short story...it didn't miss a beat and contained every aspect of a full-length novel. Great job, Karen Black!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Close Your Eyes and They're Gone
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A fast-paced story about a four-year-old girl who gets abducted. It has enough backstory to let the reader know about the family's situation without being overbearing. Too often children like this aren't found unless they are discovered within 48 hours. Lily, being a bright child, understood what was happening. Some parts of the story felt a bit contrived, but overall it held my interest. A quick story without getting into all the horrid details of what could happen to an abducted child.
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  • Whidbey Isle- Greg😎
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Roller Coaster 🎢
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Wow
    This story immediately put me on the edge of my seat. This tears at the heart of any parents worst nightmare. At one point I couldn’t continue reading. After long consideration I was happy that I dove back in an finished. Karen Black did a wonderful job of bringing all the pieces of the story together. I highly recommend this book. I won’t discuss the plot; except to say it deals with child abductions and it’s underworld. The writing is exceptional.
    @GregoryDoering ✍️
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marian Beaman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gone in a Flash
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    “Don’t let story characters with flower names seduce into thinking the plot is lily-white.” Such can be said of Karen Black’s cast of characters in her short story, “Close Your Eyes and They’re Gone” (2021). Author Black instills a sense of foreboding as she depicts young Lily pushing her tricycle across the yard and pedaling down the asphalt-covered alley, leaving the yard without adult supervision. Abduction and brainwashing figure large in the story’s plot, which unravels to reveal a surprising conclusion.

    With a degree in criminal justice and a fascination with the supernatural, the author crafts a page-turning narrative while addressing a grievous threat to children. In this case, her story illustrates how easily a stranger can seduce a child, even precocious 4-year-old Lily. Be informed by this cautionary tale and others similar to it in author Black’s repertoire like “The Wish and His Demand” and her collection, “Long Stories Short.”
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Pat Garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Close Your Eyes and They're Gone
    Reviewed in Germany on July 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Lily is a bright four-year-old. Her mother Rose, the wife of a soldier who is stationed in Middle East, works part time. Tiredness forces her to close her eyes, while Lily is swinging. When she awakes, Lily isn’t swinging.

    Close Your Eyes and They’re Gone is a poignant reminder of how trustworthy young children are. It is not that children are dumb. In fact, many understand very well when their parents say don’t talk to strangers or don’t go anywhere with a stranger. However, most adults are not aware of the tricks some people use to lure innocence children into forgetting what Mommy or daddy said not to do by overriding it with their child’s way of thinking.

    Close Your Eyes and They’re Gone is a well written story about what might happen if we’re not being watchful.
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  • Joy M.Lilley
    5.0 out of 5 stars We all dread such an occurence.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is the story of most women's nightmares.A four year old goes missing.The characters were believable, and the story fast paced. My only criticism would be the unlikely second abduction.
    Karen has an exceptional way with words. An enjoyable read.
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