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Deep Dark Secrets
*** This book was previously published as The Darkness Beneath ***
The darkest minds hide the deepest secrets…
Lizzie Kent wasn't supposed to babysit the night she was murdered. She was covering for her best friend, Nell. Nell has lived with the guilt ever since.
Eighteen years later Nell returns to the area, desperate to escape a bad relationship after inheriting her aunt's rundown guesthouse. But her return isn't welcomed by everyone - in particular Sam Kent, who blames Nell for his sister's death. And after a few unsettling incidents, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to scare her.
Is Sam responsible or has Nell's abusive ex-boyfriend managed to track her down?
Or is someone else, with a more sinister agenda, responsible?
The darkest minds hide the deepest secrets…
Lizzie Kent wasn't supposed to babysit the night she was murdered. She was covering for her best friend, Nell. Nell has lived with the guilt ever since.
Eighteen years later Nell returns to the area, desperate to escape a bad relationship after inheriting her aunt's rundown guesthouse. But her return isn't welcomed by everyone - in particular Sam Kent, who blames Nell for his sister's death. And after a few unsettling incidents, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to scare her.
Is Sam responsible or has Nell's abusive ex-boyfriend managed to track her down?
Or is someone else, with a more sinister agenda, responsible?
450 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2017
3320 people are currently reading
3515 people want to read
About the author
Keri Beevis
24 books1,657 followersHi, I'm Keri Beevis, and I'm the author of the bestselling psychological suspense thrillers, Deep Dark Secrets, Dying To Tell, The Sleepover, and The Summer House.
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
Other titles I've written include Trust No One, Every Little Breath, The People Next Door, and The House in the Woods (previously released as The Boat House).
I am signed with Boldwood Books and my twelfth thriller, Nowhere To Hide is out 2nd April.
You can find out more about me on my website.
https://keribeevis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 475 reviews
January 15, 2020
Previously been published under the title The Darkness Beneath
Nell, running from an abusive partner, returns to her aunt's home .. a place that her partner does not know even exists. This is not the only secret she has.
As a teenager, she was hired to babysit. She had a friend cover for her so she could spend some time with her boyfriend at the time. That night, intruders broke in and killed her friend. She has never forgotten nor has she never stopped feeling guilty.
Upon her return, she finds that not everyone is happy to see her. Her friend's brother, in particular, heartily blames Nell and makes it clear that she is unwelcome there.
Someone has targeted Nell in a scare campaign. Her friend's brother? Has her abusive boyfriend found her? Or someone even closer?
Suspenseful from the start, it becomes more so as the story progresses. Suspects are many..and they all bear watching. There are secrets that someone will kill to protect and Nell is front and center. With a possible new romance in the making. I enjoyed how Nell and Alex, police chief, related and interacted with each other. As with most families, there are problems, some small, some insurmountable. I liked how everything meshed for a terrific reading.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Nell, running from an abusive partner, returns to her aunt's home .. a place that her partner does not know even exists. This is not the only secret she has.
As a teenager, she was hired to babysit. She had a friend cover for her so she could spend some time with her boyfriend at the time. That night, intruders broke in and killed her friend. She has never forgotten nor has she never stopped feeling guilty.
Upon her return, she finds that not everyone is happy to see her. Her friend's brother, in particular, heartily blames Nell and makes it clear that she is unwelcome there.
Someone has targeted Nell in a scare campaign. Her friend's brother? Has her abusive boyfriend found her? Or someone even closer?
Suspenseful from the start, it becomes more so as the story progresses. Suspects are many..and they all bear watching. There are secrets that someone will kill to protect and Nell is front and center. With a possible new romance in the making. I enjoyed how Nell and Alex, police chief, related and interacted with each other. As with most families, there are problems, some small, some insurmountable. I liked how everything meshed for a terrific reading.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 15, 2020
The second book that I have read by Beevis and once again I was not disappointed. As the plot developed, I agonised over wanting to know the answers. Characters were likeable, situations believable, and with enough ambiguities to create intriguing questions.
Domestic violence takes centre stage in this novel, making it quite uncomfortable reading. If this topic makes you feel awkward, then I would not recommend reading this book because the scenarios are rather provocative. I personally found it rather squirmish to read about yet, Nell’s move for independence was empowering and I subsequently found myself supporting her in her actions to escape her abusive fiance.
Beevis cleverly uses different plot strands that only become clearer as Nell’s story develops. They are agonisingly separate until the last part of the novel. As the different plots begin to interweave, I found the pace begin to quicken – much like my own reading speed! The intricate connections are a reflection of the tight-knit community on Purity Island which, ironically, holds many secrets with its inhabitants. Thus, as answers are revealed, readers are left as shocked as the islanders themselves.
The relationship which develops between Alex and Nell certainly helps diffuse the tension of the plot. Again, much like it her other novel these characters appear totally suited to one another. Alex is a clear knight in shining armour and I was desperate to see these characters become close. This definitely was a heart-warming element to an otherwise rather gritty story and I feel like the author enjoyed adding this aspect into the story.
Whilst it became apparent who the perpetrator was in this story, I still enjoyed watching the plot develop and understanding how the different crimes were linked. Beevis held my attention throughout the story and I was keen to see how it concluded. I was almost shouting at my Kindle as I reached the climax, desperate to make sure characters were in the right place, at the right time! This is a great reflection of how much I enjoyed this read.
A compelling story that provides plenty of surprises. I was not disappointed and found the ending totally satisfying. Despite the uncomfortable subject matter, the strength that Nell displays shows that a victim does not have to hold on to this label forever.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Domestic violence takes centre stage in this novel, making it quite uncomfortable reading. If this topic makes you feel awkward, then I would not recommend reading this book because the scenarios are rather provocative. I personally found it rather squirmish to read about yet, Nell’s move for independence was empowering and I subsequently found myself supporting her in her actions to escape her abusive fiance.
Beevis cleverly uses different plot strands that only become clearer as Nell’s story develops. They are agonisingly separate until the last part of the novel. As the different plots begin to interweave, I found the pace begin to quicken – much like my own reading speed! The intricate connections are a reflection of the tight-knit community on Purity Island which, ironically, holds many secrets with its inhabitants. Thus, as answers are revealed, readers are left as shocked as the islanders themselves.
The relationship which develops between Alex and Nell certainly helps diffuse the tension of the plot. Again, much like it her other novel these characters appear totally suited to one another. Alex is a clear knight in shining armour and I was desperate to see these characters become close. This definitely was a heart-warming element to an otherwise rather gritty story and I feel like the author enjoyed adding this aspect into the story.
Whilst it became apparent who the perpetrator was in this story, I still enjoyed watching the plot develop and understanding how the different crimes were linked. Beevis held my attention throughout the story and I was keen to see how it concluded. I was almost shouting at my Kindle as I reached the climax, desperate to make sure characters were in the right place, at the right time! This is a great reflection of how much I enjoyed this read.
A compelling story that provides plenty of surprises. I was not disappointed and found the ending totally satisfying. Despite the uncomfortable subject matter, the strength that Nell displays shows that a victim does not have to hold on to this label forever.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
A promising story let down by setting and corny tropes
In this thriller we meet Nell who has fled her abusive fiance Caleb. She has returned to the place she grew up, an island she fled after the murder of her best friend which was inadvertently Nells fault. On this small island it seems everyone has secrets, no more so than the serial killer who has been operating in the area. As Nell learns to live in the Island again surrounded by friends and foes she soon learns someone or even people do not want her there and will stop at nothing to drive her out. Not to mention she constantly has the threat of her abusive ex tracking her down. As tensions run high, the body count rises and secrets come spilling out.
This story showed promise, it was a quick and easy read however I can only give it three stars because I felt it has too much wrong with it. Firstly it committed a huge pet peeve of mine- authors setting their books in a country they are not from. The tone was off, as a Brit I could tell it was written by someone from the UK despite its American setting which I find off putting because it pulls you out of the story. The character of Nell wasn't great, she's a battered woman in the run yet falls in love and bed way too easy for someone in her circumstance, I hate the whole 'love of a good man/woman solving all' trope. Too many unnecessary sub plots and an obvious killer also let the story down.
I would read the author again, I just think the book could have done with better editing. I can see how people who don't read thrillers often would enjoy this but if, like myself, a huge portion of the books you read are thrillers it is rather paint by numbers and it felt like I had read this story, or at least are parts of it, many times before.
In this thriller we meet Nell who has fled her abusive fiance Caleb. She has returned to the place she grew up, an island she fled after the murder of her best friend which was inadvertently Nells fault. On this small island it seems everyone has secrets, no more so than the serial killer who has been operating in the area. As Nell learns to live in the Island again surrounded by friends and foes she soon learns someone or even people do not want her there and will stop at nothing to drive her out. Not to mention she constantly has the threat of her abusive ex tracking her down. As tensions run high, the body count rises and secrets come spilling out.
This story showed promise, it was a quick and easy read however I can only give it three stars because I felt it has too much wrong with it. Firstly it committed a huge pet peeve of mine- authors setting their books in a country they are not from. The tone was off, as a Brit I could tell it was written by someone from the UK despite its American setting which I find off putting because it pulls you out of the story. The character of Nell wasn't great, she's a battered woman in the run yet falls in love and bed way too easy for someone in her circumstance, I hate the whole 'love of a good man/woman solving all' trope. Too many unnecessary sub plots and an obvious killer also let the story down.
I would read the author again, I just think the book could have done with better editing. I can see how people who don't read thrillers often would enjoy this but if, like myself, a huge portion of the books you read are thrillers it is rather paint by numbers and it felt like I had read this story, or at least are parts of it, many times before.
December 3, 2018
Clumsy and cliche dialogue makes this book almost impossible to get through for anyone used to authors like French or Flynn.
January 10, 2020
I must say this book is longer than the average book and to be honest, I normally struggle to keep with long storylines but this book has everything in it to keep you wanting more.
Poor Nell has to be the most unluckiest woman in the world.
4.5*
Poor Nell has to be the most unluckiest woman in the world.
4.5*
August 3, 2023
Another winner from Keri Beevis!! I’m really loving her books— unique storylines and fantastic character development! With DEEP DARK SECRETS, you’re hooked from the very beginning. It starts off strong and only gets better as the pages are quickly turned. I loved that cover, too, which is a real attention grabber in my opinion.
Our protagonist, Nora, is still guilt-ridden from the circumstances surrounding her best friend’s murder 18 years earlier— a murder that had never been solved. But this isn’t the only mystery within the pages of this book, only adding to the building suspense, intriguing plot points, and craftily devised reveals as the story unfolds. With some twisty twists thrown in for good measure, this novel will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wanting more!
Trust me — if you haven’t read anything from this author yet, please do so!! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!
Our protagonist, Nora, is still guilt-ridden from the circumstances surrounding her best friend’s murder 18 years earlier— a murder that had never been solved. But this isn’t the only mystery within the pages of this book, only adding to the building suspense, intriguing plot points, and craftily devised reveals as the story unfolds. With some twisty twists thrown in for good measure, this novel will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wanting more!
Trust me — if you haven’t read anything from this author yet, please do so!! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!
January 17, 2020
Woah!! What a book!! I am pretty sure after reading it that the author has some deep and dark subplots lurking in her brain, and some of which has popped into this book.
Nell was supposed to babysit. She made best friend Lizzie take her place. Intruders came in and killed her. Nell left the town in guilt. Years later, she was back home escaping her abusive boyfriend and new murders occurred and old were revealed. One head even floated up in the lake…
My first book by author Kerri Beevis, and I was hooked into the plot from the first chapter. There was so much happening, though initially it felt like a small town drama. But you know what they say, still waters run deep. And boy were those dark secrets buried so deep that it took them years to start surfacing. (pun intended)
I didn’t like Nell much initially; she never listened to her instincts or took precautions but she grew on me when she stood up for herself. I liked the way the author had etched the characters. Shades of light and dark played on them at different times. Other than the main characters, I suspected all of them. And I was still wrong as there were deeper things at play.
At the end of the book, I could sigh and say – what an apt title to this book. I have become a fan of this author with this book. A fun read, I would say.
Nell was supposed to babysit. She made best friend Lizzie take her place. Intruders came in and killed her. Nell left the town in guilt. Years later, she was back home escaping her abusive boyfriend and new murders occurred and old were revealed. One head even floated up in the lake…
My first book by author Kerri Beevis, and I was hooked into the plot from the first chapter. There was so much happening, though initially it felt like a small town drama. But you know what they say, still waters run deep. And boy were those dark secrets buried so deep that it took them years to start surfacing. (pun intended)
I didn’t like Nell much initially; she never listened to her instincts or took precautions but she grew on me when she stood up for herself. I liked the way the author had etched the characters. Shades of light and dark played on them at different times. Other than the main characters, I suspected all of them. And I was still wrong as there were deeper things at play.
At the end of the book, I could sigh and say – what an apt title to this book. I have become a fan of this author with this book. A fun read, I would say.
August 4, 2020
I'm pretty sure the author was aiming for this to be a romantic thriller, but she missed the mark. There was a disconnect with the characters and there were several to keep track of. The main love interest is between Nell and Alex. Nell is on the run from an abusive boyfriend of six years. She wasn't tied to him by marriage and I felt that staying with him for that long was a bit unreal. I mean, I get that women stay in these types of relationships but usually they are married. Anyway, her ex, Caleb, didn't come off as that much of a threat to be honest. Maybe I would have felt differently if the author had started the story a little earlier and shown us why Nell needed to leave and hide, but since she only told us some of the ways he controlled her I never really felt the horrible nature of it all.
Alex, cop, came across as smarmy. I can't put my finger on what it is about him that I dislike, but if he'd ended up being a fling and the book ended with them remaining friends I would have been okay with that. That tells you a lot in my opinion. He also displayed some misogynistic behavior that I didn't care for as well as her brother doing the same. Nell was 34 for crying out loud.
I don't recommend this book.
Alex, cop, came across as smarmy. I can't put my finger on what it is about him that I dislike, but if he'd ended up being a fling and the book ended with them remaining friends I would have been okay with that. That tells you a lot in my opinion. He also displayed some misogynistic behavior that I didn't care for as well as her brother doing the same. Nell was 34 for crying out loud.
I don't recommend this book.
March 3, 2024
DO NOT listen to the audio ✨
I loathed the audio on this book. The main characters voice was like nails on a chalkboard. Her reactions to things were so wrong in every way it made the book terrible.
The story is awful too. HOW ARE THE REVIEWS SO GOOD?There were so many things going on all in this small town which would never be plausible and if I had to read “I’ll catch him” or “I won’t let that happen” I was going to lose it. Spoiler: he did not catch him nor did he prevent anything from happening.
I am genuinely shocked this is the same author who wrote The Sleepover.
I loathed the audio on this book. The main characters voice was like nails on a chalkboard. Her reactions to things were so wrong in every way it made the book terrible.
The story is awful too. HOW ARE THE REVIEWS SO GOOD?There were so many things going on all in this small town which would never be plausible and if I had to read “I’ll catch him” or “I won’t let that happen” I was going to lose it. Spoiler: he did not catch him nor did he prevent anything from happening.
I am genuinely shocked this is the same author who wrote The Sleepover.
January 15, 2020
Nell O'Connor is returning to her home town Purity Island after being away for 18 years. Nell is a very unlucky girl. She must have been at the front of the queue with a bucket when they were handing out unluckiness.
Firstly her best friend Lizzie was murdered and now now feels guilty. Then she finds herself in an abusive relationship. And when she comes back to her hometown thinking things will be better the bad luck just keeps coming. Someone is stalking her, but who is this mystery person? And why are they after Nell.
The location for this story is perfect. A small close-knit community, where everybody knows everyone. It seems that everyone has a connection to someone else, and this can only lead to lots and lots of secrets.
The storyline flits from the past and present, and this is the ideal way of slowly uncovering the truth. When you think you know what's happening suddenly your thrown a massive curve ball. This story has it all. It packs all the mystery, all the tension and thrills together to give us a cracking story. Definitely not one to be missed.
Firstly her best friend Lizzie was murdered and now now feels guilty. Then she finds herself in an abusive relationship. And when she comes back to her hometown thinking things will be better the bad luck just keeps coming. Someone is stalking her, but who is this mystery person? And why are they after Nell.
The location for this story is perfect. A small close-knit community, where everybody knows everyone. It seems that everyone has a connection to someone else, and this can only lead to lots and lots of secrets.
The storyline flits from the past and present, and this is the ideal way of slowly uncovering the truth. When you think you know what's happening suddenly your thrown a massive curve ball. This story has it all. It packs all the mystery, all the tension and thrills together to give us a cracking story. Definitely not one to be missed.
April 10, 2020
Nell O’Connor stopped spending her summers over on Purity Island after her best friend Lizzie Kent was murdered in a bungled robbery. Nell should have been babysitting that night and not Lizzie.
Now that Nell’s Aunt and cousin have died and the Guest House has been left to Nell, she realises this is the perfect time to flee from her psychotic fiancé, Caleb. There are many on Purity Island who are not happy to see Nell back after all these years. Who is trying to scare Nell and why? Bad things seem to be happening on the island ever since Nell returned.
The first thing I am going to say is WOW! This book gradually sucks you in and takes you on the most amazing ride! There are so many hidden secrets on the island along with a host of suspects, you just don’t know which direction the author is taking you.
Full of tension, this is an amazing psychological thriller. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
Now that Nell’s Aunt and cousin have died and the Guest House has been left to Nell, she realises this is the perfect time to flee from her psychotic fiancé, Caleb. There are many on Purity Island who are not happy to see Nell back after all these years. Who is trying to scare Nell and why? Bad things seem to be happening on the island ever since Nell returned.
The first thing I am going to say is WOW! This book gradually sucks you in and takes you on the most amazing ride! There are so many hidden secrets on the island along with a host of suspects, you just don’t know which direction the author is taking you.
Full of tension, this is an amazing psychological thriller. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
June 9, 2020
Clumsy writing.
Awkward main character (someone has broken into my house and left a picture on my kitchen counter as a warning....buuuuuut I kinda have a crush on the police chief and it IS late so nighty night Zzzzzzzz) You will never sell me on a book where a woman takes her own safety for granted because she has a crush on some dude.
The dialogue was cringey in places and really good in others. What this did was confuse me as to who was who instead of just thinking the dialogue was bad. Tommy, Luke, Michael...they all started blending in together. I also thought the book was set in Ohio for awhile because the dialogue was so rough that "I used to live with my mom in Ohio" didn't register why she was supposed to babysitting on some island until much later.
Also can't hang with a dude who passes out after getting grazed by a pellet gun. But that's just me being petty.
Awkward main character (someone has broken into my house and left a picture on my kitchen counter as a warning....buuuuuut I kinda have a crush on the police chief and it IS late so nighty night Zzzzzzzz) You will never sell me on a book where a woman takes her own safety for granted because she has a crush on some dude.
The dialogue was cringey in places and really good in others. What this did was confuse me as to who was who instead of just thinking the dialogue was bad. Tommy, Luke, Michael...they all started blending in together. I also thought the book was set in Ohio for awhile because the dialogue was so rough that "I used to live with my mom in Ohio" didn't register why she was supposed to babysitting on some island until much later.
Also can't hang with a dude who passes out after getting grazed by a pellet gun. But that's just me being petty.
August 8, 2020
DNF. I have no idea how this book is so highly rated. None of the characters were likable and there was way too many of them to try to keep straight. Much of the story seemed unrealistic. The pace of the book was also super slow and became a snooze fest. The book is long but a lot of it seems to be filler. I gave up a little over halfway in. What I read had more to do with romance than any actual thriller suspense.
May 19, 2020
A roller coaster ride with a tale filled with many of the darker side of human behaviour: domestic violence, rape and murder.... And yes, it was a great read! More suspects and victims per square inch it was hard to keep up sometimes but worth the effort. A good read and an author I will watch out for in the future.
August 6, 2023
Nell moves back to Purity Island after leaving when her best friend Lizzie was killed on the night she was supposed to be babysitting. Her return to the island has upset a lot of people though, and someone or someone’s are out to get her!! Lots of deep dark secrets emerge in this engaging thriller! Great characters and lots of different plot points that link together nicely. 4.5*
August 10, 2023
This is an incredible thriller that had me hooked from the start. Multiple storylines that perfectly intertwine and so many twists. The ending tied everything together perfectly - 5⭐️s!!
January 14, 2020
This is Deep Dark Secrets by Keri Beevis. An intriguing thriller with a few twists and turns that possibly started eighteen years ago when Nell got Lizzie Kent to cover her for babysitting. Only
Lizzie got killed that night and they never caught the killer. Nell has blamed herself ever since so has Lizzie’s brother, Sam Kent.
Nell has decided to return though after eighteen years to make a fresh start after her latest relationship has finished and she has inherited her aunts B&B. She remembers coming there as a kid and enjoying her holidays there. Also, it means she is back near her brother who she has missed terribly and her boyfriend Caleb stopped her from keeping in touch. In fact, Caleb managed to stop her from seeing all her friends, he was very controlling and he had a terrible temper. She hopes she has covered her tracks enough to stop him from finding her.
Michael likes having his sister back near him and is very protective of her. He comes up with the idea of doing the B&B up so they can open up to guests, build a pool and Nell could have the attic so she could continue to paint, Nell said she would think it over.
One night when she got back, someone had been in the B&B, there was a picture of Lizzie on the worktop, Nell was scared and wondered who was doing this to her. What did they want?
Another night, someone was trying to get in the backdoor but luckily the door was locked and Alex was there so he went to investigate. He saw no-one. When she was with Michael and Newt one night, Luke was there and it turned out he was Newt’s brother. He was a bit depressed as his girlfriend had left him so Nell said she was there if he wanted to talk. He invited himself to dinner the next night! Newt wondered if it was too much but Nell said it would be alright. When Luke turned up the next night, he brought her wine and some flowers. Nell thought of Caleb. He only brought flowers as an apology. She showed Luke the house then they talked over food on the balcony. There was a noise, Nell jumped up and Luke’s shoulder started bleeding. He had been shot. Nell called an ambulance and Alex. Who was out there? Who was the target? Has Caleb found her?
When I first started this book, I struggled with it so I put it to one side and came back to it a few days later. Then I got into the story and really enjoyed it. It was a good thriller with an intriguing plot which drew me in. It was well thought out and written well.
Lizzie got killed that night and they never caught the killer. Nell has blamed herself ever since so has Lizzie’s brother, Sam Kent.
Nell has decided to return though after eighteen years to make a fresh start after her latest relationship has finished and she has inherited her aunts B&B. She remembers coming there as a kid and enjoying her holidays there. Also, it means she is back near her brother who she has missed terribly and her boyfriend Caleb stopped her from keeping in touch. In fact, Caleb managed to stop her from seeing all her friends, he was very controlling and he had a terrible temper. She hopes she has covered her tracks enough to stop him from finding her.
Michael likes having his sister back near him and is very protective of her. He comes up with the idea of doing the B&B up so they can open up to guests, build a pool and Nell could have the attic so she could continue to paint, Nell said she would think it over.
One night when she got back, someone had been in the B&B, there was a picture of Lizzie on the worktop, Nell was scared and wondered who was doing this to her. What did they want?
Another night, someone was trying to get in the backdoor but luckily the door was locked and Alex was there so he went to investigate. He saw no-one. When she was with Michael and Newt one night, Luke was there and it turned out he was Newt’s brother. He was a bit depressed as his girlfriend had left him so Nell said she was there if he wanted to talk. He invited himself to dinner the next night! Newt wondered if it was too much but Nell said it would be alright. When Luke turned up the next night, he brought her wine and some flowers. Nell thought of Caleb. He only brought flowers as an apology. She showed Luke the house then they talked over food on the balcony. There was a noise, Nell jumped up and Luke’s shoulder started bleeding. He had been shot. Nell called an ambulance and Alex. Who was out there? Who was the target? Has Caleb found her?
When I first started this book, I struggled with it so I put it to one side and came back to it a few days later. Then I got into the story and really enjoyed it. It was a good thriller with an intriguing plot which drew me in. It was well thought out and written well.
July 15, 2023
I read another book from this author and enjoyed it so I had high hopes for this but…uh… I’m going to be so real. This book felt misogynistic.
Every single woman seemed made only to play a role in one of the male characters lives and not a single one of them ever reveals themselves to be capable of not only simply taking care of themselves but having basic human intellect. Now listen, I’m a strong believer in let characters be dumb, because sometimes people are just dumb. That’s okay! I love me an idiot character that's just trying their best! The problem is that none of the men in this book are depicted in the same way. The women are weak and stupid. The men are strong and know best and are annoyed with the women and their silly antics for the entire novel. Yikes.
I know this is a harsh review and if I hadn’t read from this author previously I would have DNF’d and never said anything about it - but I had high hopes and powered through hoping it would get better. It did not.
Besides the disappointing characterization of every single person in this novel, the story itself just isn’t captivating. There were way too many players going on to the point that when everything is revealed in the end I was so lost on who did what that I didn’t really understand nor care. For example, I think there are a total of 6 or 7 bad guys all working around each other (some having nothing to do with the other).
I was planning to read more from this author but after this I don't think I will be doing so.
Every single woman seemed made only to play a role in one of the male characters lives and not a single one of them ever reveals themselves to be capable of not only simply taking care of themselves but having basic human intellect. Now listen, I’m a strong believer in let characters be dumb, because sometimes people are just dumb. That’s okay! I love me an idiot character that's just trying their best! The problem is that none of the men in this book are depicted in the same way. The women are weak and stupid. The men are strong and know best and are annoyed with the women and their silly antics for the entire novel. Yikes.
I know this is a harsh review and if I hadn’t read from this author previously I would have DNF’d and never said anything about it - but I had high hopes and powered through hoping it would get better. It did not.
Besides the disappointing characterization of every single person in this novel, the story itself just isn’t captivating. There were way too many players going on to the point that when everything is revealed in the end I was so lost on who did what that I didn’t really understand nor care. For example, I think there are a total of 6 or 7 bad guys all working around each other (some having nothing to do with the other).
I was planning to read more from this author but after this I don't think I will be doing so.
September 29, 2020
This is a decent book. I enjoyed the storyline and the plot of the book. I guess I was irritated by how unrealistic some parts of the book was. Like a woman fleeing from domestic violence falling in love with the cute police chief in one week lol
The storyline was told from like 6 different perspectives, it was nice to see how all the characters were connected in the end. But it was hard to keep up at times. I feel like the suspense was dragged out and I didn't really care for any of the characters. The book was just long. It had several mysteries within the book. I wouldn't call it a thriller. It was syrupy and cute and cliche. I figured out who the killer was. Give it a read if you like light "mysteries".
Trigger warnings: domestic violence, abuse of women
The storyline was told from like 6 different perspectives, it was nice to see how all the characters were connected in the end. But it was hard to keep up at times. I feel like the suspense was dragged out and I didn't really care for any of the characters. The book was just long. It had several mysteries within the book. I wouldn't call it a thriller. It was syrupy and cute and cliche. I figured out who the killer was. Give it a read if you like light "mysteries".
Trigger warnings: domestic violence, abuse of women
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
We have Lizzie, Nell, Newt, Caleb, Michael, Alex, Tommy, Sam, Jenna, Stacey, Clarke, Bella, Sarah, Luke…to name a few🙄. Nell was supposed to babysit but asked Lizzie to take her place. Lizzie was murdered. Nell is in an abusive relationship and finds the strength to leave, moving into her dead aunts guesthouse. In the course of 3 weeks, there is a serial killer, Nell finds a human head, there is a dead body in the floor of guesthouse, masked man appears several places, strange pictures appear in kitchen, a friend is shot with an air gun, her brother is hospitalized after a brutal attack, there are missing people and more than one man is in love with and obsessed with Nell. Ridiculous and juvenile writing and idiotic characters.
November 13, 2024
This wasn't a good experience for me. Strange for Beevis because I usually like her work.
This one started out okay. However, there was wayyyyyyy too much going on. There were too many characters, and every one of them had something to hide. Sometimes, this works, and sometimes it doesn't. This time, it didn't.
The romance aspect wasn't working for me either. Something about Alex annoyed me. The killer reveal wasn't a surprise for me either. I actually had it figured out in the first 10% of the book.
Not my fave by Beevis, but I still will continue to read her work.
This one started out okay. However, there was wayyyyyyy too much going on. There were too many characters, and every one of them had something to hide. Sometimes, this works, and sometimes it doesn't. This time, it didn't.
The romance aspect wasn't working for me either. Something about Alex annoyed me. The killer reveal wasn't a surprise for me either. I actually had it figured out in the first 10% of the book.
Not my fave by Beevis, but I still will continue to read her work.
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October 7, 2020This just wasn't working for me...
January 15, 2020
Excellent book. The first half was quite slow but I really liked the characters so carried on reading. Once I was halfway through I couldn't put the book down.
The book kept me guessing right up until the end with lots of twists.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Keri Beevis.
The book kept me guessing right up until the end with lots of twists.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Keri Beevis.
January 8, 2024
There were so many times that I thought I had it figured out and then another twist came.
July 31, 2025
*4.5
What an absolute baller. This woman knows how to write a diabolical man dear lord. Even though I guessed the murderer halfway through it was so juicy kept me on edge until the end! Feeling suitably disturbed and uneasy which is exactly what I want from my thrillers 😎 Hats off to you Ms Beevis 👏👏
What an absolute baller. This woman knows how to write a diabolical man dear lord. Even though I guessed the murderer halfway through it was so juicy kept me on edge until the end! Feeling suitably disturbed and uneasy which is exactly what I want from my thrillers 😎 Hats off to you Ms Beevis 👏👏
January 15, 2020
I read a book by this author so I was excited to read more. I wasn’t disappointed as this was a great read.
The author sucked me right in from the start and kept my attention throughout hence I read it within twenty four hours.
Nell is a very likeable character. Sam on the other hand I didn’t like.
The storyline is tense and unpredictable. From start to finish this was a brilliant read.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The author sucked me right in from the start and kept my attention throughout hence I read it within twenty four hours.
Nell is a very likeable character. Sam on the other hand I didn’t like.
The storyline is tense and unpredictable. From start to finish this was a brilliant read.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
December 16, 2017
I have been looking forward to this novel, since reading her first two. It certainly didn't disappoint.
The plot is good and well thought out, and the pace swift enough to keep your attention. I liked the characters, good and bad, and her instinct about relationships spot on.
If you want a good book to tuck up with, I recommend this one from Ms Beevis. You will not be disappointed.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to the author for this opportunity.
The plot is good and well thought out, and the pace swift enough to keep your attention. I liked the characters, good and bad, and her instinct about relationships spot on.
If you want a good book to tuck up with, I recommend this one from Ms Beevis. You will not be disappointed.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to the author for this opportunity.
February 13, 2018
This was the first book I have read of this Author and I wasn’t disappointed.
Full of twists, suspicion and edge of your seat scenes, I would recommend to all who love a tense crime story.
The plot is enthralling and fast paced with likeable characters and flowing language.
Will definitely read more from Keri Beevis.
Full of twists, suspicion and edge of your seat scenes, I would recommend to all who love a tense crime story.
The plot is enthralling and fast paced with likeable characters and flowing language.
Will definitely read more from Keri Beevis.
June 12, 2018
Keri knocks it out of the park again. This Brit can write great American characters and scenes. Her stories deftly weave between past and present. As she does this the characters are slowly revealed and the plot keeps you guessing until the end. Definitely recommend you read this book. Looking forward to her next one already!
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