Performance Task in Reading and Writing:

A Book Review on
"THE SURROGATE"

Submitted by:
MERYL BLESS J. PACHOCO
Grade 11 ABM– B

Submitted to:
RHEAROSE Q. CONDE
SHST-II
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Bibliographical Information………………………………………….1

The Author …………………………………………………………..2

The Story: Synopsis………………………………………………….3

The Characters…………………………………………………….…4

My Reviews……………………………………………………….…5
Bibliographical Information

Title: The Surrogate

Author/s: Tania Carver

Editor: None

Place of Publication: Not Specified

Publisher: Pegasus Crime

Date of Publication: August 17, 2009

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The Author:

Tania Carver is actually a pseudonym used by the husband

and wife writing team of Martyn and Linda Waites. They have gained
recognition as authors of thrilling and suspenseful novels, particularly
known for their Brennan and Esposito series. Martyn and Linda
Waites used to work separately before joining forces to write under
the pseudonym Tania Carver.

Their books often feature Detective Inspector Phil Brennan

as the main character, along with his psychologist partner, Marina
Esposito. The series delves into the dark and twisted world of crime,
exploring the psychological aspects of the characters and the intricate
details of the investigations.

While specific information about influences or

circumstances that led to the writing of "The Surrogate" is not readily
available, it is evident that Tania Carver's writing is rooted in their
collective experience and expertise in the thriller genre. Their
collaboration as a writing team brings a unique perspective and
dynamic to their storytelling.

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The Story: Synopsis

"The Surrogate" by Tania Carver is a gripping thriller that takes

readers on a chilling journey into the depths of human darkness. The
story revolves around Detective Inspector Phil Brennan and his
partner, psychologist Marina Esposito, as they investigate a series of
gruesome murders. The killer, who becomes known as the Surrogate,
targets pregnant women, leaving behind a trail of brutalized bodies.
As Brennan and Esposito delve deeper into the twisted mind of the
killer, they uncover a web of secrets and hidden motives that lead
them to question the very nature of evil. With each new discovery, the
tension escalates, and the race against time to catch the Surrogate
becomes more urgent.

As the investigation progresses, the personal lives of Brennan and

Esposito become entwined with the case, adding an emotional layer to
the story. Brennan struggles with his own demons and haunted past,
while Esposito faces the challenges of balancing her professional and
personal life. Their complex relationship adds depth to the narrative,
as they rely on each other's strengths and vulnerabilities to solve the
case.

"The Surrogate" is a masterfully crafted thriller that keeps readers

at the edge of their seats. Tania Carver skillfully weaves together a
suspenseful plot, richly developed characters, and a dark atmospheric
setting that intensifies the sense of foreboding. With its intricate twists
and turns, this book explores the depths of human psychology, the
nature of obsession, and the lengths people will go to protect their
secrets. Prepare to be captivated and disturbed as you uncover the
chilling truth behind the Surrogate's horrifying crimes.

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The Characters:

Protagonist:

1. Detective Inspector Phil Brennan: A dedicated and experienced

detective who leads the investigation into the Surrogate murders.
He is haunted by his own past and carries the weight of personal
demons.
2. Antagonist:
3. The Surrogate: The mysterious and sadistic killer who targets
pregnant women. The Surrogate's motives and identity remain
shrouded in darkness, adding to the suspense and tension of the
story.
4. Supporting Characters:
5. Marina Esposito: A psychologist and Phil Brennan's partner, who
provides valuable insights into the psychological aspects of the
case. She is determined and resilient, balancing her professional
and personal life.
6. Rebecca Shaw: A pregnant woman who becomes a target of the
Surrogate. Her life is at stake as she becomes entangled in the
investigation.
7. Angela Tate: A journalist who becomes involved in the case,
seeking to uncover the truth behind the Surrogate's crimes. Her
relentless pursuit of the story adds an additional layer of intrigue.
8. Detective Sergeant Charlie Roper: Brennan's loyal and
dependable colleague, who supports him in the investigation and
provides a steady presence amidst the chaos.
9. Emily Brennan: Phil Brennan's daughter, who adds a personal
dimension to the story as her safety becomes a concern in the
face of the escalating danger.

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My Reviews

"The Surrogate" by Tania Carver is a gripping thriller that

explores the dark and twisted world of a sadistic killer known as the
Surrogate. In this review, we will analyze the main themes, the
author's writing style, character development, societal issues raised,
and the overall effectiveness of the book.

The main theme of "The Surrogate" revolves around the

nature of evil and the depths of human darkness. Tania Carver delves
into the psychological aspects of the characters and the intricate
details of the investigation, highlighting the twisted motives and
hidden secrets that drive the Surrogate's crimes. In terms of paragraph
development, the author employs a combination of descriptive
paragraphs to create a vivid and atmospheric setting, dialogue-driven
paragraphs to reveal character interactions and motivations, and
action-packed paragraphs to build suspense and tension. This variety
keeps the narrative engaging and propels the story forward. The
author's style of writing, including the selection, organization, and
development of the text, is commendable. Carver's ability to create a
sense of unease and suspense is particularly noteworthy. The pacing is
well-balanced, with moments of intense action and quieter,
introspective scenes that allow readers to connect with the characters
on a deeper level.

The purpose of the book, which is to captivate readers with a

thrilling and suspenseful story, has been achieved. The plot is
intricately woven, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers
guessing until the very end. Carver skillfully maintains a sense of
suspense and urgency throughout the narrative, making it difficult to
put the book down. In terms of contribution to the field, "The
Surrogate" adds to the rich tradition of psychological thrillers. It
explores the dark corners of the human psyche and delves into the
complexities of criminal behavior. The book offers a thought-

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provoking examination of the lengths people will go to protect their
secrets and the psychological impact of trauma.

The story's plot is commendable, as it keeps readers engaged

with its suspenseful nature and unpredictable twists. The pacing is
well maintained, and the plot unfolds in a way that keeps readers on
the edge of their seats. The author's ability to maintain tension and
deliver satisfying revelations adds to the overall enjoyment of the
book. The characters in "The Surrogate" are well crafted and
multidimensional. While some characters undergo noticeable
development throughout the story, others serve as consistent anchors
within the narrative. Detective Inspector Phil Brennan, in particular,
experiences growth as he confronts his own demons and navigates the
challenging investigations. The complex relationships between the
characters add depth and realism to the story.

The book raises several issues and topics for discussion,

such as the nature of evil, the psychological impact of trauma, and the
lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets. These themes
prompt readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and
the complexities of criminal behavior. There are hidden societal issues
embedded within the story, such as the vulnerability of pregnant
women and the exploitation of power. The Surrogate's targeting of
pregnant women raises questions about the safety and protection of
women during pregnancy, shedding light on the importance of support
and awareness in such circumstances. The end of the story is
satisfying, as it ties up loose ends and provides closure to the
narrative. The resolution is well-executed and stays true to the overall
tone and themes of the book. While some readers may prefer a
different ending to leave room for further exploration, the chosen
conclusion effectively wraps up the story

In conclusion, "The Surrogate" by Tania Carver is a thrilling and

suspenseful novel that explores the depths of human darkness. The
author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended
audience, as it delivers a captivating and thought-provoking reading
experience. With its well-developed plot, engaging characters, and

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exploration of societal issues, this book is highly recommended for
fans of psychological thrillers.

References:

Carver, T. (2009b). The surrogate. Pegasus Crime.

Rubrics: