There were many reasons that I didn't like this book. The characters aren't very dynamic. I had hopes for the grandmother once she brought them the flowers but she just turned back into a one dimensional villain. Cathy and Chris were flat as well, with some of the most hideous dialogue I have ever read. They talk for paragraphs! No person does that in real life. The fact that this was semi-based on a true story was what kept me reading. But the holes, like all the chances they had to escape or call the cops for help, just killed me. I'm not sure I understand why this has such a big following, I'm going to check out the movie and see if that helps the book at all.