Nicole Kroon Reviews “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story” by Stacy Padula

By Nicole Kroon—North Andover, Massachusetts

Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula is the most suspenseful, action-packed, and intriguing novel yet in the Gripped series! It focuses on Taylor trying to get out of the Bilotti crime ring, but of course, it’s not as simple as it seems. Friends are pulled into the conflict and lives are put on the line as Luke, Missy, Pat, and Laurelle find themselves in the midst of Taylor’s dangerous situation, and Jordan and Marc wonder if they’ll ever see their big brother again. Full of twists, turns, and a thrilling cliffhanger that leaves readers in high anticipation for the next installment in the series, Gripped 5 is an amazing book for teenagers and adults alike. 

Aside from being a fantastic story that draws readers in and refuses to let them go, the messages found in this novel of honesty, communication, and bravery are important for people in all situations to hear. It provides an up-close look at what happens when substance abuse goes horribly wrong and shows the importance of talking things out with friends and family and the strength it takes to ask for help when necessary. I would recommend this book to everyone who has gone through a challenge in their life, whether physical, mental, or emotional because the journeys of the characters in this story provide the courage necessary for people to take on their real-life challenges and break through the barriers in their lives.

Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story

The Silver Winner for “Best Teen Book” in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Book Awards

Taylor Dunkin is missing.
The last message Jordan Dunkin receives from Taylor leads him to Taylor’s abandoned Jeep. Each of Taylor’s family members holds a piece of the puzzle, and as the Dunkins begin putting the details together, they are awakened to the possibility they may never see Taylor again.

No one can find Missy Kent.
Missy’s boyfriend Luke Davids last saw her dancing with their friends at a nightclub, but she hasn’t responded to anyone’s texts or calls for hours.

Everything is connected.
Taylor and Missy’s friends are dangerously close to learning the truth, but their ignorance might be the only thing keeping them safe. Every clue is leading them closer to peril.

The fifth book in the Gripped series moves through details at a thrilling pace. Secrets are revealed and lives are at stake. Taylor, Missy, their friends, and their families must figure out who they can trust before it’s too late.

About Nicole Kroon

Nicole is a junior at North Andover High School and will graduate in 2025.  Her favorite subjects in school are math and biology.  She loves reading and traveling with her family and enjoys going on challenging hikes.  Most recently she visited Iceland, where she hiked on several amazing trails.  Nicole is a varsity runner on the Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track teams at her school, and she also volunteers in the Youth Track and Field program.