I loved Eyes Like Mine – I’m not sure whether it was Nora who was spot on brilliant as an engaging and divisive main protagonist, or the themes withinI loved Eyes Like Mine – I’m not sure whether it was Nora who was spot on brilliant as an engaging and divisive main protagonist, or the themes within (as an adopted child myself I related on many levels here) or the really quite brilliant storytelling but overall this one was a huge hit with me.
Nora’s past trauma defines a lot of who she is – and she is not always someone you can love – but this novel is a journey for her that is utterly riveting and totally addictive. The author plays with many themes here, each one spreading threads throughout the telling, her characters are all authentically immersive and really well drawn, I fell into Nora’s world (and that of Whisper) very easily and barely looked up until I was done.
The mystery elements are well imagined but for me were secondary to getting to know Nora, watching her cope, or not, with everything that was thrown at her. Sheena Kamal has an excellent atmospheric writing vibe that both descriptively and decisively puts you right on the spot. The whole thing had a haunted, edgy feel to it that just really appealed to me as a reader.
I’m not sure if this will be a series but I hope so because I’d like to know what happens in the aftermath of the events of “Eyes like Mine” and carry on this journey with Nora and the rest.
Intelligent, thought provoking and beautifully written, Eyes Like Mine comes highly recommended from me....more
I loved "Tell me no Secrets" from Julie Corbin so I was really looking forward to this - and What Goes Around really is a top psychological thriller wI loved "Tell me no Secrets" from Julie Corbin so I was really looking forward to this - and What Goes Around really is a top psychological thriller with a clever premise, some lovely writing and is honestly terribly addictive.
Told from the point of view of two women, the betrayed and the betrayer, Julie Corbin spins a really quite masterful tale of family secrets, nature and nurture, the ties that bind - whilst taking the reader on a twisty unpredictable journey that ends up nowhere you might expect.
Its an interesting dynamic that is created between Ellen and Leila - Ellen determined to get her revenge on the woman who "stole" her husband, Leila not even caring who Ellen is - but as things move onwards a picture begins to emerge that is hauntingly scary as at least one of these two harbours a dark past and some serious problems.
It is a clever character study incorporating many thought provoking themes - I loved how Ms Corbin managed to play on my sympathies, changing things up as everything unravels, exploring those shades of grey that make human interaction so incredibly fascinating. It all feels terriby real, a superb level of authenticity built into the narrative and when I turned that final page I honestly could not decide who I felt the most sorry for. Clever and intuitive storytelling.
A lot of us love a good psychological thriller, its the thing of the moment - What Goes Around shows that there is plenty of life here yet. Whilst it maybe has nothing unique it DOES have engaging, divisive and utterly seductive characters, a pacy and intelligent plot and overall was a very good read indeed.
Having been a huge fan of Unravelling Oliver I really wanted to see what Liz Nugent would come up with next and that would be this - Lying in Wait. IfHaving been a huge fan of Unravelling Oliver I really wanted to see what Liz Nugent would come up with next and that would be this - Lying in Wait. If you thought Oliver was a nightmare wait until you meet Lydia...
What I loved about this, and indeed about Unravelling Oliver, is the very different way the author approaches crime. Here there is no "whodunnit" but more a psychological character study of a group of people involved whether intentionally or otherwise, in murder. With Unravelling Oliver Liz Nugent literally did just that, unravelled the personality of a killer - here with "Lying in Wait" she does that again in some ways but this time expands that experience, in a completely intensely addictive ripple effect kind of way. Erm not sure if that covers it well but its the best I can come up with.
"My Husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it."
Thats where we start, with a killer opening and an introduction to Lydia, who you really have to read to believe. And you will believe too, she is completely utterly authentic and fascinatingly complex in her determination to protect her status, her husband and her child no matter what the cost. At various times we also hear from her son Lawrence and also Karen - sister of Annie who is determined to find out her siblings fate. These three do a dance of fateful consequences which is brilliantly plotted and extraordinarily immersive. The ending is as killer as the opening and the whole thing is really very clever, very evocative and very very dark.
I loved it. There are layers of mystery here, not in the who but in the why. There are themes of obsession and love and a lot of things inbetween. But mostly its just about people. Human beings and human nature in all its sometimes horrific glory.
The third in the Jess Tennant series, another favourite of mine (Its that Jane Casey and her hugely credible and loveable characters) and this finds JThe third in the Jess Tennant series, another favourite of mine (Its that Jane Casey and her hugely credible and loveable characters) and this finds Jess once more caught up in the undercurrents of the town in which she lives and getting more involved than she should be. She’s tenacious that one. A Nancy Drew for the modern times..
As an adult reading these I always get more emotionally entangled with the adult relationships within – which are given just as much gravitas – and like Derwent in the Maeve Kerrigan series I find myself mostly wanting to read about Dan – a man after my own heart. Yes ok I like the slightly dangerous ones.
The thing about these though is that they are great crime novels. Aimed at the young adult audience but tackling a whole plethora of grown up issues, you always find a banging intriguing mystery alongside general teenage angsting plus a plethora of fascinating interpersonal relationships that ebb and flow like the tides of Port Sentinal. (Note – I’m on team Ryan)
Moving along then to actual important stuff like are these novels good – YES they are blinking brilliant. Highly readable, funny, full of heart and spot on page turning material.
I really enjoyed Death in Profile – whoever called it a love letter to the detective novel was spot on and I’m not sure that any review I write can saI really enjoyed Death in Profile – whoever called it a love letter to the detective novel was spot on and I’m not sure that any review I write can say it better than that but hey, we’ll give it a go.
You have totally old school writing and atmosphere – think Christie and indeed Ms Sayers and you will probably get a sense of what this novel is like. It is a bit like reading back in the golden age of crime writing to paraphrase Ruth Dugdall but with a superbly contemporary twist – a modern day police force investigating a series of murders using a mix of current methods and, due to a superbly constructed plot, having to utilise a very old fashioned approach.
The characters are beautifully drawn, they feel like old souls in new bodies – all of them are intriguing, engaging and the author weaves some wonderfully quirky interactions into the narrative, some of the set scenes so to speak are a joy to behold.
Add to that a great mystery, that twists and turns and misdirects you the entire time, the centre of the story has an unconventional heart and soul that will totally absorb you. It is a bizarre tale in a lot of ways but GOOD bizarre, a little gem of difference within a genre of (brilliant but) similar stories and one that I would highly recommend....more
I do love a good post apocalyptic trilogy (or indeed standalone novel) and Francesca Haig’s “The Fire Sermon” was absolutely top notch, not only becau
I do love a good post apocalyptic trilogy (or indeed standalone novel) and Francesca Haig’s “The Fire Sermon” was absolutely top notch, not only because of the beautiful writing but because of the wide imaginative scope, the endearing characters and perhaps most of all the ability the author has to dump unexpected trauma onto you. A writer that is fearless is one that I admire, The Fire Sermon often surprised, always delighted and the final pages had me reeling. So to say that I was excited to read Map of Bones would be putting it mildly.
The second book then, often the one in the middle that fails slightly to deliver – not in the case of The Map of Bones which if anything just took off at a gallop. Following on immediately in the aftermath of part one, the ripples of those events heading ever outwards, once more we join up with Cass for the next part of her intense and often emotional journey. Determined to stop her brother fulfilling his twisted plans for what is left of humanity, Cass faces down a future that would scare the most stoic of us. Worse for her, she can see what is coming, what has gone before and is often powerless to make sense of it all.
This then is the world that Francesca Haig throws you into, one of conflict and betrayal, hope and despair, once again she keeps the reader on their toes as the plot thickens – every time I think I know what is coming she throws me a curveball. This is not only terrifically emotive storytelling but descriptively gorgeous, the landscape which the surviving generations of “before” inhabit is bleak yet often beautiful and creating visual imagery with language is one of the strengths here.
Cass is surrounded by a supporting cast of cleverly drawn characters, the author creating a group dynamic of unexpected allies, strange companions and ever changing loyalties – the interweaving of relationships another strength, you just live these peoples lives right alongside them. Hugely fascinating and complex is the twin relationship, specifically that between Cass and Zack, after all one cannot live without the other no matter how at odds they are. This creates some wonderful and heart stopping moments when they are in confrontation. The twin dynamic as a whole gives the author a really good chance to explore very real social issues in a totally imagined environment – she does that with bells on. The Fire Sermon and Map of Bones will make you think and consider. I wasn’t always necessarily on the side of the angels here…
Overall a really really great read. Once again I’ve reached the end and gone “OH NO WHAT NOW? How will I wait?” But wait I will because one thing is for sure I’m in this to the finish. I do like a novel that creates fear in me. Fear of the unknown because I am attached like a limpet to Cass, to Piper, to all of them, yes even Zach. I’ve bonded. Because I never learn. But then thats what great writing does.
Passionate and intense, evocative and involving, Map of Bones (and The Fire Sermon) come highly recommended from me....more
Missing, Presumed was a really excellent read - probably one of the most authentic feeling crime novels I have read recently, in that it was less mystMissing, Presumed was a really excellent read - probably one of the most authentic feeling crime novels I have read recently, in that it was less mystery and more character study - of the various people caught up in the investigation of a missing woman. Police, parents, friends, boyfriends, all caught up in the vortex of not knowing, each one carefully drawn and intuitively emotional on completely different levels.
Possible signs of a struggle, an open front door and Edith is gone - vanished into seemingly thin air, her parents and lover frantic, a police investigation team who immediately realise this is going to be huge due to the important nature of the people involved. Taking that as a starting point, Susie Steiner then weaves a narrative web around all the individuals concerned, showing us who they are, hinting at possible outcomes and giving us a tightly plotted and intensely addictive slow burner of a story which is very realistic and highly engaging.
I liked this one for its realism - the police investigation starts with a bang then loses cohesion as leads are investigated and the trail turns cold. The author does an excellent job of showing the very real issues faced both in public expectation and budgetary issues, in how difficult it is to allocate resources correctly. Because of the nature of the plot building, focusing very much on the various personalities and how they change the dynamic, how outside influence and external pressures can change things significantly, there are a lot of thought provoking moments throughout the reading.
On a personal note - all the characters here are excellent, but I was particularly drawn to Manon and very amused by her forays into internet dating - lightening the mood but also showing her fault lines she is a very good example of why this is so good. Because the people in it are all utterly believable, shown both at their very best and their very worst.
The ultimate resolution may or may not surprise you but with "Missing Presumed" the journey is the thing not the arrival. Tense, fascinating and with true page turning appeal, this would come highly recommended from me.
Bone By Bone is both a top psychological thriller and an emotional and hard hitting look at the insidious nature of bullying - it is a bit of a page tBone By Bone is both a top psychological thriller and an emotional and hard hitting look at the insidious nature of bullying - it is a bit of a page turner I read 3/4 of this in one sitting and it is scary and realistic - the realism making it more scary than if it were complete fantasy or even read as being slightly unlikely.
Autumn is being bullied at school, her mother tries to put a stop to it and ends up making it worse after one definitive and far reaching decision made in the spur of the moment.
The nature of this novel, in that it shows the slow downward spiral of a mother and daughter whom the system lets down, is extremely topical and very haunting. As they struggle to deal with knock after knock, you will be absolutely glued to the pages, in disbelief and horror at how quickly one seemingly small incident can escalate into a targeted campaign of fear. The actions of the school, of the bully, of his Dad, of the other parents, all cleverly interwoven into the underlying sense of unease will really hit home and Sanjida Kay has a keen eye for the small details that really matter when it comes to telling a story.
One of the things I thought was particularly intriguing about Bone By Bone was the way it looked at many facets, the ending may be unexpected but feels absolutely right and whilst bullying is, by its very nature, a most horrific thing, there are often multiple layers at play and this novel speaks to that very well.
I loved "Darkness Brutal" the first book in this series and "Darkness Fair" was a rollicking read, engaging, fast, often furious, lots of action, a faI loved "Darkness Brutal" the first book in this series and "Darkness Fair" was a rollicking read, engaging, fast, often furious, lots of action, a fair bit of ironic humour and a dose of rather twisted romance.
I like my YA Urban Fantasy to have a bit of grit and Rachel Marks adds plenty of grit to her narrative, following Aiden as his power develops, he begins to learn a little more about his background and parentage and continues on in his struggle to save his Sister from her dark destiny.
There is a great mythology sitting firmly behind all the action and angst - built up more here, in Darkness Brutal we got a feel for how things were, in Darkness Fair questions are answered whilst yet more arise and it really is highly addictive and very cleverly done. A proper page turner with a ending that had me gritting my teeth as I realised I'd have to wait for more, this is how to do it if you want a reader to stick with you until the end...
Not sure if this will be a trilogy or if the intention is to go on past the next novel - but whatever happens I'll be right there. I simply must find out how it all pans out for Aiden, Ava and the rest, the author has built a fantastic group dynamic, given us a likeable hero who you'd often like to kick up the butt and set them in a world where the darkness is hidden just below the surface and bubbles there furiously as you watch our protagonists attempt to save the world. And themselves. Its really great.
In my head I can imagine this as an ongoing tv show - a "Buffy"type vibe for the new generation, certainly the emotional threads running through this would work on that level and the story itself as it unfolds would be beautiful on screen.
Overall a terrific book 2. Roll on book 3. Tomorrow would be good...
Sisters and Lies is a great combination of family drama, mystery and romance – the mystery element feeding into the rest, with some great characters aSisters and Lies is a great combination of family drama, mystery and romance – the mystery element feeding into the rest, with some great characters and an intriguing vibe throughout.
Rachel is desperately trying to uncover the truth behind the accident that put her Sister into a coma – meanwhile in the hospital, Evie is alert within her own mind and struggling to make sense of it herself..
There is a lovely flow to this – as we hear from both Rachel and Evie, start to understand something of their personalites, it is compelling stuff – and as to the main plot, that which may or may not have happened to Evie, this unfolds at a great pace and allows the author to explore themes of bullying, mental health and family dynamic.
I liked the romantic elements – the things that set Rachel at odds with her husband, the way Evie feels about herself that flows out into all her relationships – the mix of this type of drama on top of a “whodunnit” if indeed anybody did, makes for a great read.
Overall another highly readable, engaging tale focusing on sisters – one that I would recommend....more
Admittedly “Brilliance” is a book that I totally went for on impulse – I wasn’t sure if it would be for me – turns out it was ABSOLUTELY for me. AlthoAdmittedly “Brilliance” is a book that I totally went for on impulse – I wasn’t sure if it would be for me – turns out it was ABSOLUTELY for me. Although its a little simple to say Brilliance is Brilliant – that really is entirely the truth.
For a start it is an absolute thrill ride start to finish, with incredibly impactful action scenes that really get the blood up interspersed with quieter focus on the backstory and the mythology the author is creating – its a perfect mix really and as such is the most addictive novel I have read in months.
The “Brilliants” or twists as they can be known are a really fantastic creation – because they could so easily be real, it gives the story an absolutely realistic feel, a basis in possibility that keeps the whole thing grounded. You can really get into it and wonder at the thought which makes it even more of an enjoyable read. They can’t do magic, they just see things differently, interpret differently, have expanded intelligence, therefore ARE different. I found the many facets of that completely fascinating and the different elements are seamlessy interwoven into the narrrative.
And Nick Cooper is a really well imagined and easy to love “anti” hero – a man who kills, a man who hunts but who you totally believe in so when his world is shattered you are right there with him. There are themes of intolerance and discrimination in the story, the character is used to perfection to highlight this – the rather nasty side of human nature that is suspicious of those different from “us” – so there is lots to think about as well. As Nick goes from hunter to hunted to something else entirely, it is completely compelling and so so soooooooo much of a page turner.
Simply excellent. I have book 2 lined up on my kindle, sadly it will have to wait a short while but I WILL be reading it in plenty of time for Book 3 due in January. I can’t wait. I’m a fan. And this HAS to be a movie surely? The Girl Who Walks Through Walls could carry that film all by herself and this novel is peppered with such characters. Mucho fun. Highly Recommended.
I bought a copy of The Foxglove Killings off the back of a Goodreads recommendation and am so glad I did – not only is it a beautiful little hardback I bought a copy of The Foxglove Killings off the back of a Goodreads recommendation and am so glad I did – not only is it a beautiful little hardback that will look good in the collection but it had a great story well told.
Nova lives in a small town year round – tourists invade in season – the summer kids or “cakes” as they are locally known have always had a fairly confrontational relationship with the residents – but when one of them goes missing and is later found murdered, Nova wonders just what exactly does she know about the people around her. Especially as the prime suspect appears to be her best friend Alex..
This was a great murder mystery – Tara Kelly has done some good old fashioned storytelling here and wrapped it up in a contemporary modern setting. Capturing the feel of small town life perfectly, the story twists and turns its way to an edge of the seat conclusion – and gives you everything you want in this kind of tale. Suspects galore, great depth to the characters and an inclination to scratch your head as you think you have worked it out, then change your mind, then change it back again and almost end up suspecting yourself. So in that sense its really great.
There is more to it though which is what I like to find in a good YA novel – the author explores the themes of friendships and trust with an insightful eye – looking at how relationships with those closest to us can change as we get older especially during those formative teenage years. I loved the dynamic between Nova and Alex – and the wider relationships she has with her family are well drawn and fascinating. As a character drama on top of a whodunnit it is excellent.
Jenika was probably my favourite character. Edgy, feisty, not taking any erm, rubbish, from anyone she is at times incredibly dislikeable but given her circumstances completely believable – but then on the character side they all have that certain something that gets you involved in their world and rooting for them (or wishing they would fall off a cliff) all the way through.
And hey, I did NOT guess the outcome. Nope I had no IDEA who it was that was hiding a darker side to themselves. Came as a complete surprise to me, Tara Kelly weaves an intelligent and intricate plot that hides nothing yet hides everything. Nicely done.
So we (sadly) come to the end of the Earth Haven saga then - Sam Kates has written a brilliant trilogy one in which the end is not disappointing but mSo we (sadly) come to the end of the Earth Haven saga then - Sam Kates has written a brilliant trilogy one in which the end is not disappointing but marvellous, I have loved it all the way through.
The thing about this story is it does have a more unusual plot, something slightly different to the normal "plague comes everyone wanders about fighting with each other then dies" type post apocalyptic drama - very character focused with moments as well of pure action, that come upon you suddenly and leave you slightly out of breath.
In The Reckoning the final battle is coming, it is a battle of unexpected allies and unusual foes as has been set up during the previous two books - on the way to the really quite excellent finale the author pulls together the various strands of the created mythology in fine fashion - addictive reading from some very clever writing.
I do like a well told yarn and this is a darned good one - the first book really set the scene and was unexpectedly clever - book two gave the middle ground as things settled then went into upheavel once more - all the time we were getting to know more and more about a set of characters I have come to love and certainly they will stay with me.
Overall a really excellent and top notch set of novels to be had here - a story to be savoured and I have no hesitation in highly recommending these for fans of Scifi, Fantasy and post apocalytic shenanigans - I can't imagine that you will be disappointed especially if you like something just slightly quirkier than expected. And absolute brownie points for never letting the quality slip. Not a single dull moment to be had anywhere in the Earth Haven trilogy. Rocking.
Devastation Road is a truly brilliant read, beautifully written, emotionally resonant and utterly gripping, a novel to be inhaled rather than just reaDevastation Road is a truly brilliant read, beautifully written, emotionally resonant and utterly gripping, a novel to be inhaled rather than just read and one that will hover in the back of your mind for a long time after finishing it.
Owen is a character you will never forget. That forms the basis for the rest – this man and his slowly returning memories, on a road to discovery – the people he meets along the way, set against the aftermath of a devastating war. With true originality of substance, the author explores humanity, the vagaries of memory and the true meaning of redemption, this novel encompasses both a physical and a symbolic journey that fills the senses and captures the heart.
Jason Hewitt writes with a melodic and poetic style, visually stunning and descriptively perfect, but most of all, best of all, he tells us a story – an old school, truthful piece of storytelling genius, doing that thing that books are supposed to do – make you feel, make you consider, make you cry or laugh or get angry at the world, to believe just for a time that these characters and events are actually unfolding and taking you right along with them. These are the books I read for, this is what it is all about.
Devastation Road is, without doubt, one of the best and most impactful novels I have read to date – it is likely one I will return to, one of those books that you just know you will get more out of upon further reading, the ending of this one had me in utter pieces on the floor. Incredible piece of writing, remarkable.
24 Hours ranks up amongst the best thrillers I've read in 2015 - and thats saying something because I've read a lot of them. Its been the year of the 24 Hours ranks up amongst the best thrillers I've read in 2015 - and thats saying something because I've read a lot of them. Its been the year of the psychological thriller, some good, some terrible, some simply enjoyable then one or two that have been truly excellent because they offer something more for me as a reader than surface entertainment. 24 Hours is one of those.
On the one hand, this is a page turning, tension inducing race against time - We spend 24 hours with Laurie as she races across country, desperate to reach her daughter before her ex-husband - who she believes is trying to kill her. Suffering both mentally and physically from the aftermath of a fire that has just killed her best friend, many obstacles are thrown in her path, not least her own inability to focus. This makes for some great edge of the seat moments, some intriguing twist and turns and creates the kind of read that is highly addictive.
Then there is another layer - many of them in fact - as we see in flashback the relationship Laurie has with her ex, their lives together and here is where the story took on an added emotional core quite aside from the thriller aspects. With a subtle and deft touch, Claire Seeber explores the theme of destructive relationships, obsessive love and the diffiulties of removing yourself from a situation that is damaging. Sid is an entirely fascinating character, creative, haunted, intense, yet oddly sympathetic despite his actions - even given the fact that he is possibly an attempted murderer. Blurring the lines, showing that these things are not simply black and white - the emotive core of the story only makes the journey Laurie is on more absorbing and utterly riveting.
The fact that I really did not know how this was going to all pan out just made it even better - it was unpredictable, compelling and for me completely brilliant. I was almost tearful at the end, I felt like I'd been through the wringer. Some top notch construction, the author moves her characters around like pieces on a chessboard, making you question everything including Laurie herself -at the same time exploring the vagaries of human nature and all its fallibilities. Really really excellent.
With 24 hours you can have a fast paced thrill ride of a novel but you can also have a delicate character driven tale - the best of both worlds for this reader and as such the book comes highly recommended from me....more
The Hive Construct is a well written and engaging scifi thriller, an intriguing mix of adventure and technology set in an imaginative world of politicThe Hive Construct is a well written and engaging scifi thriller, an intriguing mix of adventure and technology set in an imaginative world of political shenanigans.
Multiple points of view but grounded by protagonist Zala, a colourful and interesting character who has been exiled due to her Father, but who returns to New Cairo upon the death of a friend with the intention of finding out what is causing the virus that is decimating the population.
I really enjoyed this it has to be said – the scientific elements are really compelling, I am a bit of a sucker for a good hacker story and on top of that we have a rebellion and a political landscape that is well drawn and absorbing.
It is the story of a city in turmoil, the author does a good job of blurring the lines between right and wrong – some interesting and thought provoking concepts of class divide but all mixed up in plenty of action and twists and turns. Overall a really great read, absolutely riveting in places and full of fascinating characters all with different agenda’s.
Loving the spate of new Crime Fiction that is around at the moment and Dead Eyed is a perfect example of what I mean – faOne word for this – Riveting.
Loving the spate of new Crime Fiction that is around at the moment and Dead Eyed is a perfect example of what I mean – fast paced, full of twisty goodness, a well drawn and intriguing main protagonist and a well constructed and horrifically addictive storyline.
You’ve got to love a good serial killer – ok you know what I mean – plus with “Dead Eyed” Matt Brolly has managed to create the kind of highly readable, fast and furious yet insightful character driven tale that most crime fiction fans (including myself) will devour in very short order.
A really excellent debut – presumably of a series – a series I shall be looking out for in the future. There will be a slightly more expansive review plus an interview with the author coming up on the blog soon (or possibly already depending on when you are reading this) so look out for that. In the meantime I’ll say…
A new crime series. Always a good reading day especially when they turn out to be as involving and intriguing as “With Our Blessing” – a really quite A new crime series. Always a good reading day especially when they turn out to be as involving and intriguing as “With Our Blessing” – a really quite beautifully written, immediately immersive story that is completely gripping throughout.
A few things that made this a stand out for me: Firstly Tom Reynolds. A really fairly normal policeman. Its kind of nice to have someone who simply has the usual problems we all face. He was a great character, plenty of depth and he felt very realistic. In fact the police team as a whole had a wonderfully authentic feel to it, which only added to the atmospheric and emotional case they were investigating.
The story itself was fascinating and completely addictive – admittedly beyond a general knowledge that they existed I did not know anything about the Magdalene Laundries – Jo Spain manages, with her gritty and no holds barred styling to paint a really horrific picture of the things that happened in that time, the echoes of that reverberating down into the present, at times it was difficult reading….for all the right reasons.
The mystery element itself is really well done – it kept me guessing, kept me turning the pages and this is one of those novels that you devour in fairly short order, excellent pacing, unpredictable and intriguing from the moment you start to the moment you finish.
There is a terrific balance of dark and light here – the author manages to walk that line, the narrative is unrelenting in its descriptive prose, yet there is respite to be had in the odd humerous moment. No punches are pulled especially in relation to the historical aspects, an eye opener into the way women were treated, there is no way that you’ll come away from this book without a sense of sorrow for anyone who was affected.
Overall a really excellent debut and one that promises great things from this series in the future. Most definitely Highly Recommended....more
A really excellent psychological thriller this - which has a lot going for it, the fact that it doesnt have the word Girl in the title, even though thA really excellent psychological thriller this - which has a lot going for it, the fact that it doesnt have the word Girl in the title, even though this is the story of a girl - and whether or not she is a killer - is just an aside that I thought I'd throw out there!
That's not the reason it's so good though,obviously. There is some really excellent writing here, beautiful descriptive prose that gets you right into the head of the main protagonist and a really really intriguing and enthralling story. Whilst there are two timelines to be had here as well, Tania Chandler has chosen to be a lot more straighforward about it, which really helped - and she brings a deep pyschological depth to all the characters that is definitely above and beyond a lot of the similar seeming tales around this year.
Whether or not Brigitte really is a killer or simply a victim that got away may be the anchor to the story as a whole, but this is not so much about THAT as it is about HER. Her life, the relationships she develops, her upbringing and attitude. I really found her to be intensely fascinating and she does have a very hard time of it and although it's possible she once murdered somebody you will root for her all the way.
The resolution is not immediately obvious which is always a huge plus - and this is one of those novels where you are caught up in events from first page to last rather than hoppity skipping through to find out "whodunnit" - in a sense it doesnt really matter, for me this was more about how Brigitte would end up, whether she would face her inner demons and win or lose.
Overall really great stuff. And in answer to a question I saw on Twitter recently - is the Psychological thriller dead - my answer is a resounding NO. That genre lives and breathes in novels like this one.
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