Sheila Rawlings's Blog, page 4
September 2, 2022
A nail-biting situation
Lee James Connor is an unassuming and impressionable young man, who has fallen under the spell of Nicholas Farmer, a self-proclaimed leader of a banned right-wing group of extremists, currently serving time for inciting racial violence and arson. Believing his racist propaganda that the future of Britain is being threatened by a flood of immigrants and refugees, Lee decides to get Farmer released by concocting a plan to use hostages as a bargaining tool to obtain his goal.
Targeting a church hall in Herne Hill, south London – which openly welcomes refugees – Lee enters the hall under the pretext of taking part in a prayer meeting. However, instead of joining the group, when the curate gets up to greet him, he pulls out a gun and commands her to sit down. Unfortunately, the curate is not about to be intimidated and stands her ground, so he strikes her across the face with the gun, causing her to fall to the ground and bang her head on a chair.
From that point on a full-blown hostage situation ensues, calling for the expert involvement of Alex Lewis, an experienced police hostage negotiator. As the threat to life intensifies, Alex finds himself not only under pressure to save the hostages, but also having to struggle with his own demons, after a recent incident he had been called to unfortunately ended in the death of the perpetrator.
Over the years, I have read many police procedure and crime novels, but I can honestly say this book not only hits the spot as far as a thrilling read goes, but also provides a strong element of realism that breathes life into a terrifying situation.
A trained hostage negotiator himself, the author uses his experiences to put the reader right in the centre of the action. By telling the story from the alternating viewpoints of each of the main characters, he gives an insight into both the disturbed mind of the hostage taker and the stressful responsibility of the police negotiator to get everyone out alive, while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the extreme fear felt by the hostages, as they helplessly await their fate.
Delivering exactly what it claims on the cover, ‘The Siege’ is a tense and gripping novel that I can thoroughly recommend.
Targeting a church hall in Herne Hill, south London – which openly welcomes refugees – Lee enters the hall under the pretext of taking part in a prayer meeting. However, instead of joining the group, when the curate gets up to greet him, he pulls out a gun and commands her to sit down. Unfortunately, the curate is not about to be intimidated and stands her ground, so he strikes her across the face with the gun, causing her to fall to the ground and bang her head on a chair.
From that point on a full-blown hostage situation ensues, calling for the expert involvement of Alex Lewis, an experienced police hostage negotiator. As the threat to life intensifies, Alex finds himself not only under pressure to save the hostages, but also having to struggle with his own demons, after a recent incident he had been called to unfortunately ended in the death of the perpetrator.
Over the years, I have read many police procedure and crime novels, but I can honestly say this book not only hits the spot as far as a thrilling read goes, but also provides a strong element of realism that breathes life into a terrifying situation.
A trained hostage negotiator himself, the author uses his experiences to put the reader right in the centre of the action. By telling the story from the alternating viewpoints of each of the main characters, he gives an insight into both the disturbed mind of the hostage taker and the stressful responsibility of the police negotiator to get everyone out alive, while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the extreme fear felt by the hostages, as they helplessly await their fate.
Delivering exactly what it claims on the cover, ‘The Siege’ is a tense and gripping novel that I can thoroughly recommend.
August 6, 2022
Secrets, lies and betrayal
As children, Jessica Fox and her friend Heather were inseparable. Always together, they were as thick as thieves, sharing each other’s hopes and dreams. Then one night, after slipping out to meet her boyfriend at the local fair, Heather’s sixteen-year-old sister Flora fails to return home.
Her mysterious disappearance not only causes upset in the family but also creates a rift between the two girls. For no apparent reason, Jess suddenly begins to distance herself from Heather, deliberately shunning her in favour of her new friends, while Heather is understandably left feeling betrayed. The two girls then lose touch after leaving school.
Eighteen years later, Tess is now a journalist working for the Bristol and Somerset Herald. When two people are found dead in the seaside town of Tilby, where Tess grew up, she is tasked with the job of reporting it for the paper. A woman named Heather Underwood is accused of shooting the couple, and as Tess types up the story, she can’t help wondering if it is the same Heather she used to know. Therefore, when her editor insists that she goes there to investigate further, she jumps at the chance.
Having confirmed that the accused is indeed her old friend, Tess manages to secure an exclusive interview with Heather’s mother Margot, who still refuses to believe her missing daughter Flora is dead, or that Heather was capable of shooting anyone. However, the deeper Tess delves into the family’s history, the more secrets and lies she uncovers. It is only when she receives an anonymous warning to back off, that she realises, if she wants to find out the truth, she must decide which is more important … her job as a journalist, or her role as a friend.
‘Then She Vanishes’ is a cleverly written crime thriller with intriguing plot twists and interconnecting threads. Each chapter focusses on an individual character, and as the story progresses each character’s backstory is gradually revealed, disproving any ideas the reader may have previously formed.
Running parallel to the main story of Flora’s disappearance is Jess’s own struggle with commitment to her partner Rory. He wants to settle down and have a family, while she is reluctant to become a mother – mainly due to her relationship with her own dysfunctional mother. This, together with her colleague Jack’s relationship problems, not only adds extra tension to the story but also gives the characters more depth, providing them with relatable personalities.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was full of surprises and held my attention right to the last page, where a final twist made for a satisfying ending. It is definitely worth the read.
Her mysterious disappearance not only causes upset in the family but also creates a rift between the two girls. For no apparent reason, Jess suddenly begins to distance herself from Heather, deliberately shunning her in favour of her new friends, while Heather is understandably left feeling betrayed. The two girls then lose touch after leaving school.
Eighteen years later, Tess is now a journalist working for the Bristol and Somerset Herald. When two people are found dead in the seaside town of Tilby, where Tess grew up, she is tasked with the job of reporting it for the paper. A woman named Heather Underwood is accused of shooting the couple, and as Tess types up the story, she can’t help wondering if it is the same Heather she used to know. Therefore, when her editor insists that she goes there to investigate further, she jumps at the chance.
Having confirmed that the accused is indeed her old friend, Tess manages to secure an exclusive interview with Heather’s mother Margot, who still refuses to believe her missing daughter Flora is dead, or that Heather was capable of shooting anyone. However, the deeper Tess delves into the family’s history, the more secrets and lies she uncovers. It is only when she receives an anonymous warning to back off, that she realises, if she wants to find out the truth, she must decide which is more important … her job as a journalist, or her role as a friend.
‘Then She Vanishes’ is a cleverly written crime thriller with intriguing plot twists and interconnecting threads. Each chapter focusses on an individual character, and as the story progresses each character’s backstory is gradually revealed, disproving any ideas the reader may have previously formed.
Running parallel to the main story of Flora’s disappearance is Jess’s own struggle with commitment to her partner Rory. He wants to settle down and have a family, while she is reluctant to become a mother – mainly due to her relationship with her own dysfunctional mother. This, together with her colleague Jack’s relationship problems, not only adds extra tension to the story but also gives the characters more depth, providing them with relatable personalities.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was full of surprises and held my attention right to the last page, where a final twist made for a satisfying ending. It is definitely worth the read.
June 2, 2022
Daddy’s girl
When I first started to read ‘The Push’, I was instantly reminded of Lionel Shriver’s novel, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’. However, with each chapter I read, I soon realised this story is layered in a very different way.
The natural bond between a mother and her child should be instinctive, but from the moment Blythe’s baby daughter Violet is born, she realises her child’s behaviour is anything but natural.
Violet continually cries whenever she is alone with her mother but stops as soon as her father, Fox, picks her up. Blythe is therefore left with the feeling her daughter cannot bear to be alone with her. In fact, Violet’s preference for her father is so obvious to Blythe that she begins to feel hated by her own baby.
Unfortunately, Fox is so smitten with Violet that he refuses to accept there is anything wrong with her, and that Blythe just needs to give it time. Wanting to believe him, Blythe begins to consider the possibility that she might be the problem and not Violet. After all, her own mother, Cecilia, and her grandmother, Etta, had been terrible mothers. So, desperate to avoid history repeating itself, she tries ever harder to connect with her daughter, all to no avail.
Blythe is frustrated by her husband’s refusal to see the reality of the situation, so when her daughter starts school, she is grateful for the respite offered during school hours. However, when Violet is suspected of bullying another child, all her doubts return. Then, when she witnesses her daughter surreptitiously trip up the same child, causing him to fall from the top of a climbing frame, she realises Violet is not just a difficult child, she is also downright dangerous … perhaps even evil.
‘The Push’ is a disturbing story, at times difficult to read but impossible to put down. Interspersed with glimpses of Blythe’s family history and the recurring maternal problems of her mother and grandmother, the main storyline focuses on the psychological power struggle between Blythe and her manipulative daughter. Wanting only to be with her father, Violet is prepared to stop at nothing to get rid of her mother … or anyone else who threatens her relationship with him. Unfortunately, Blythe’s husband and mother-in-law refuse to accept that their little angel is indeed a monster. It is hard not to empathise with Blythe’s frustration, guilt, and sense of isolation, as she is forced to watch Violet’s violent tendencies escalate unabated.
A highly recommended read, ‘The Push’ traces an ever-increasing sense of impending doom, interspersed with tragedy and heartbreak, culminating in a spine-chilling crescendo.
The natural bond between a mother and her child should be instinctive, but from the moment Blythe’s baby daughter Violet is born, she realises her child’s behaviour is anything but natural.
Violet continually cries whenever she is alone with her mother but stops as soon as her father, Fox, picks her up. Blythe is therefore left with the feeling her daughter cannot bear to be alone with her. In fact, Violet’s preference for her father is so obvious to Blythe that she begins to feel hated by her own baby.
Unfortunately, Fox is so smitten with Violet that he refuses to accept there is anything wrong with her, and that Blythe just needs to give it time. Wanting to believe him, Blythe begins to consider the possibility that she might be the problem and not Violet. After all, her own mother, Cecilia, and her grandmother, Etta, had been terrible mothers. So, desperate to avoid history repeating itself, she tries ever harder to connect with her daughter, all to no avail.
Blythe is frustrated by her husband’s refusal to see the reality of the situation, so when her daughter starts school, she is grateful for the respite offered during school hours. However, when Violet is suspected of bullying another child, all her doubts return. Then, when she witnesses her daughter surreptitiously trip up the same child, causing him to fall from the top of a climbing frame, she realises Violet is not just a difficult child, she is also downright dangerous … perhaps even evil.
‘The Push’ is a disturbing story, at times difficult to read but impossible to put down. Interspersed with glimpses of Blythe’s family history and the recurring maternal problems of her mother and grandmother, the main storyline focuses on the psychological power struggle between Blythe and her manipulative daughter. Wanting only to be with her father, Violet is prepared to stop at nothing to get rid of her mother … or anyone else who threatens her relationship with him. Unfortunately, Blythe’s husband and mother-in-law refuse to accept that their little angel is indeed a monster. It is hard not to empathise with Blythe’s frustration, guilt, and sense of isolation, as she is forced to watch Violet’s violent tendencies escalate unabated.
A highly recommended read, ‘The Push’ traces an ever-increasing sense of impending doom, interspersed with tragedy and heartbreak, culminating in a spine-chilling crescendo.
May 8, 2022
A race against time
When the family’s yacht, the Lazy Susan, is found slowly sinking and drifting out to sea, with no sign of her husband onboard, Lucy Locke’s world begins to unravel. However, when she discovers that her daughter Billie and son Fin may have been with him, it disintegrates completely. Already puzzled as to why Daniel had taken the children, Lucy is horrified to learn that the inflatable life raft is still onboard the yacht, raising the suspicion of foul play.
This dramatic beginning is the opening scenario for Sam Lloyd’s novel, ‘The Rising Tide’, a breath-taking rollercoaster of action that manages to maintain the tension until the final unexpected revelation. After the discovery of the abandoned yacht, the story then follows Lucy’s desperate search to find her missing family, and the police investigation to ascertain whether or not Daniel was responsible for their disappearance.
Although convinced Daniel would never hurt their children, Lucy is still inevitably haunted by nagging doubts. Resolute in her belief they are still alive, she embarks upon a race against time to rescue them. Determined to join the official search, she persuades her ex-husband, Jake, to take her out to sea on his cruiser, Huntsman’s Daughter. Unfortunately, with a ferocious storm now raging and battering the boat, they are soon forced to return to the quay, bruised and empty handed.
At first, when they reach the shore, Lucy is overjoyed to learn from Jake that the rescue team have managed to recover Daniel and the children. Sadly, her joy is cruelly curtailed when she learns Jake was mistaken and that, although Daniel was indeed rescued, her children are still missing. Even when the police arrest Daniel, and he confesses to drowning Billie and Fin, Lucy still refuses to believe it’s true. However, as her relentless search for her children and the truth intensifies, it becomes apparent her present nightmare could well be connected to her wild and reckless past; that maybe one or more of the many people she hurt back then is now looking for revenge.
‘The Rising Tide’ is a technically well-researched story that totally captures the imagination. Full of detailed description, the novel paints a vivid picture of a wild and dangerous sea during a raging storm; an exciting background for an engrossing and intriguing mystery. With its gripping storyline and believable characters, it is thoroughly recommended.
This dramatic beginning is the opening scenario for Sam Lloyd’s novel, ‘The Rising Tide’, a breath-taking rollercoaster of action that manages to maintain the tension until the final unexpected revelation. After the discovery of the abandoned yacht, the story then follows Lucy’s desperate search to find her missing family, and the police investigation to ascertain whether or not Daniel was responsible for their disappearance.
Although convinced Daniel would never hurt their children, Lucy is still inevitably haunted by nagging doubts. Resolute in her belief they are still alive, she embarks upon a race against time to rescue them. Determined to join the official search, she persuades her ex-husband, Jake, to take her out to sea on his cruiser, Huntsman’s Daughter. Unfortunately, with a ferocious storm now raging and battering the boat, they are soon forced to return to the quay, bruised and empty handed.
At first, when they reach the shore, Lucy is overjoyed to learn from Jake that the rescue team have managed to recover Daniel and the children. Sadly, her joy is cruelly curtailed when she learns Jake was mistaken and that, although Daniel was indeed rescued, her children are still missing. Even when the police arrest Daniel, and he confesses to drowning Billie and Fin, Lucy still refuses to believe it’s true. However, as her relentless search for her children and the truth intensifies, it becomes apparent her present nightmare could well be connected to her wild and reckless past; that maybe one or more of the many people she hurt back then is now looking for revenge.
‘The Rising Tide’ is a technically well-researched story that totally captures the imagination. Full of detailed description, the novel paints a vivid picture of a wild and dangerous sea during a raging storm; an exciting background for an engrossing and intriguing mystery. With its gripping storyline and believable characters, it is thoroughly recommended.
April 4, 2022
A 30-year mystery
Mixed reviews of a book can sometimes be a curse as well as a blessing, as they can cloud your decision to buy it. Happily, in this case, I decided to make up my own mind, in spite of a few negative opinions.
Saffron Cutler and her partner Tom have just moved into a cottage, inherited from Saffy’s grandmother Rose, in the small village of Beggars Nook. Expecting their first child, the couple believe they have finally found their dream home. However, that dream suddenly becomes a nightmare when the unidentified remains of a man and a woman are uncovered by their builders while digging up the patio for an extension in the back garden.
Having established the bodies had lain there for at least 30 years, the police are keen to speak to everyone who lived in the cottage between the years 1970 to 1990, including Saffy’s grandmother who was the legal owner of the cottage back then. Sadly, Rose is now in a care home suffering from Alzheimer’s and her moments of lucidity are few and far between. Nevertheless, when the police insist on interviewing her, it soon becomes apparent, from some of the random comments she makes, that she might know something about what happened. Unfortunately, with the disease rapidly robbing Rose of her memories, the answers remain out of reach.
However, not everyone is keen for Rose to recover her memory. So, when Saffy’s mother, Lorna, spots a man lurking at the back of the cottage one night, she decides to enlist the help of her ex-husband – the chief reporter for one of the national tabloids – to help her pursue her own investigation into the murders. This then sets in motion a string of events that potentially puts all of them in danger.
‘The Couple at No.9’ is a complex story spanning a period of over 30 years. Like the fragments of Rose’s fragile memory, the tangled web of lies, deceit and murder are gradually pieced together through the alternating viewpoints and time frames of each of the main characters, until the truth is finally revealed.
All the characters are well-drawn personalities, identifying both their strengths and weaknesses. It is therefore easy to empathise with their emotions, particularly Lorna, who is forced to confront and deal with her own failings as a mother in order not to lose her daughter Saffy.
In short, ‘The Couple at No.9’ is a masterclass in how to build suspense and keep readers fully engrossed, by introducing just enough information to keep them hooked until the final revelation. It certainly worked for me, enabling me to happily join the list of positive reviews and thoroughly recommend it as a good read.
Saffron Cutler and her partner Tom have just moved into a cottage, inherited from Saffy’s grandmother Rose, in the small village of Beggars Nook. Expecting their first child, the couple believe they have finally found their dream home. However, that dream suddenly becomes a nightmare when the unidentified remains of a man and a woman are uncovered by their builders while digging up the patio for an extension in the back garden.
Having established the bodies had lain there for at least 30 years, the police are keen to speak to everyone who lived in the cottage between the years 1970 to 1990, including Saffy’s grandmother who was the legal owner of the cottage back then. Sadly, Rose is now in a care home suffering from Alzheimer’s and her moments of lucidity are few and far between. Nevertheless, when the police insist on interviewing her, it soon becomes apparent, from some of the random comments she makes, that she might know something about what happened. Unfortunately, with the disease rapidly robbing Rose of her memories, the answers remain out of reach.
However, not everyone is keen for Rose to recover her memory. So, when Saffy’s mother, Lorna, spots a man lurking at the back of the cottage one night, she decides to enlist the help of her ex-husband – the chief reporter for one of the national tabloids – to help her pursue her own investigation into the murders. This then sets in motion a string of events that potentially puts all of them in danger.
‘The Couple at No.9’ is a complex story spanning a period of over 30 years. Like the fragments of Rose’s fragile memory, the tangled web of lies, deceit and murder are gradually pieced together through the alternating viewpoints and time frames of each of the main characters, until the truth is finally revealed.
All the characters are well-drawn personalities, identifying both their strengths and weaknesses. It is therefore easy to empathise with their emotions, particularly Lorna, who is forced to confront and deal with her own failings as a mother in order not to lose her daughter Saffy.
In short, ‘The Couple at No.9’ is a masterclass in how to build suspense and keep readers fully engrossed, by introducing just enough information to keep them hooked until the final revelation. It certainly worked for me, enabling me to happily join the list of positive reviews and thoroughly recommend it as a good read.
March 1, 2022
The price of loyalty
As the villagers of Lynwick gather to watch the annual firework display, Kate Shaw considers how happy her life is. She has a loving and hardworking husband, Michael – who works as a land manager for the nearby Wadebridge Estate; a lovely daughter, Tansy, adored by both parents; and lives in a picturesque village where she is acquainted with all her fellow residents.
Sadly, life has not been so kind to her friend and neighbour, Donna, whose younger sister, Matilda, mysteriously disappeared without a trace 23 years ago. Not knowing what happened to her, Donna is now over-protective of her daughter Ellie to the point of obsession. Her husband Paul’s many infidelities do not help either, especially after Michael spotted him in a hotel with another woman and immediately informed Donna – which inevitably caused a rift between the two men. Kate cannot understand why Donna keeps forgiving Paul and, when he shows signs of having yet another affair, tries to convince her friend to confront him, but Donna refuses to listen.
With total faith in her own husband’s fidelity, when Zuzana Beros – an attractive young Polish woman – rents one of the estate cottages managed by Michael, Kate goes out of her way to make her feel welcomed. But when Michael’s boss, Irene Wadebridge, hints at a growing friendship between him and Zuzana, seeds of doubt begin to grow in Kate’s mind. So, when Zuzana disappears during the village’s annual Christmas lights event, and the police suspect Michael of being responsible, Kate is not sure what to believe.
Michael is adamant he had nothing to do with Zuzana’s disappearance. Tragically, he is then killed by a lorry while crossing the road, and the villagers are convinced that guilt drove him to suicide. Not wanting Tansy to think badly of her father, Kate tries to protect her daughter from the gossips. However, when she receives a threatening letter from some of the villagers, accusing her of withholding information and demanding that she leaves the village, she realises she has to find out the truth about Zuzana to prove her husband’s innocence.
‘The Widow’ is a well-crafted mystery thriller in which the action is very much driven by the more unpalatable aspects of living in a close-knit community; a place where people are often judged by rampant gossip rather than firm evidence. The storyline weaves together the mystery and investigation of three missing persons who all disappeared from the same village – albeit several years apart.
With the first disappearance now a cold case and the second currently under investigation, the story initially revolves around the third disappearance – that of a young Polish woman. As the police start to accumulate damning evidence against Michael, the story is interspersed with details of each missing person’s back story. This provides an insight into their lives and the possible connection between them. Add to this the ongoing tension between Kate and Donna over Paul’s infidelities and the result is an intriguing mystery that will keep you gripped until the final shocking revelation. Definitely a good read.
Sadly, life has not been so kind to her friend and neighbour, Donna, whose younger sister, Matilda, mysteriously disappeared without a trace 23 years ago. Not knowing what happened to her, Donna is now over-protective of her daughter Ellie to the point of obsession. Her husband Paul’s many infidelities do not help either, especially after Michael spotted him in a hotel with another woman and immediately informed Donna – which inevitably caused a rift between the two men. Kate cannot understand why Donna keeps forgiving Paul and, when he shows signs of having yet another affair, tries to convince her friend to confront him, but Donna refuses to listen.
With total faith in her own husband’s fidelity, when Zuzana Beros – an attractive young Polish woman – rents one of the estate cottages managed by Michael, Kate goes out of her way to make her feel welcomed. But when Michael’s boss, Irene Wadebridge, hints at a growing friendship between him and Zuzana, seeds of doubt begin to grow in Kate’s mind. So, when Zuzana disappears during the village’s annual Christmas lights event, and the police suspect Michael of being responsible, Kate is not sure what to believe.
Michael is adamant he had nothing to do with Zuzana’s disappearance. Tragically, he is then killed by a lorry while crossing the road, and the villagers are convinced that guilt drove him to suicide. Not wanting Tansy to think badly of her father, Kate tries to protect her daughter from the gossips. However, when she receives a threatening letter from some of the villagers, accusing her of withholding information and demanding that she leaves the village, she realises she has to find out the truth about Zuzana to prove her husband’s innocence.
‘The Widow’ is a well-crafted mystery thriller in which the action is very much driven by the more unpalatable aspects of living in a close-knit community; a place where people are often judged by rampant gossip rather than firm evidence. The storyline weaves together the mystery and investigation of three missing persons who all disappeared from the same village – albeit several years apart.
With the first disappearance now a cold case and the second currently under investigation, the story initially revolves around the third disappearance – that of a young Polish woman. As the police start to accumulate damning evidence against Michael, the story is interspersed with details of each missing person’s back story. This provides an insight into their lives and the possible connection between them. Add to this the ongoing tension between Kate and Donna over Paul’s infidelities and the result is an intriguing mystery that will keep you gripped until the final shocking revelation. Definitely a good read.
February 7, 2022
Take care who you invite into your home
When Libby Jones receives a letter from the trustee of her birth parents’ estate, telling her she has inherited their large house in Chelsea’s expensive Cheyne Walk, she has no idea about its tragic history. Nor does she know how, as a baby, she came to be the only surviving person in the house when the police discovered her dead parents. All she knows is – as her two older siblings are still missing, presumed dead – she is now a very rich woman.
This is the opening scenario for Lisa Jewell’s disturbing story about the rich, yet gullible Lamb family, whose comfortable, high society lifestyle is turned upside down after they invite a charming and believable conman and his family into their home. It is also the start of an intriguing and complicated mystery, which skilfully weaves three different storylines until they eventually converge for the final revelation.
Aided by the journalist who originally tried to solve the mystery, Libby’s attempts to discover the truth are interspersed with accounts of her siblings, as they each make their way back to the house. As their alternating individual stories unfold, the events leading up to the tragic demise of their parents are gradually pieced together.
At first, it is difficult to understand why the Lambs had willingly allowed such a situation to occur in the first place. However, as the story progresses you begin to realise how easy it can be to fall for the charms of an experienced con artist … especially if you are a trusting and kind person.
‘The Family Upstairs’ is a well-paced novel that will keep you gripped throughout. However, beware. It may also make you extra cautious about those you invite into your home.
This is the opening scenario for Lisa Jewell’s disturbing story about the rich, yet gullible Lamb family, whose comfortable, high society lifestyle is turned upside down after they invite a charming and believable conman and his family into their home. It is also the start of an intriguing and complicated mystery, which skilfully weaves three different storylines until they eventually converge for the final revelation.
Aided by the journalist who originally tried to solve the mystery, Libby’s attempts to discover the truth are interspersed with accounts of her siblings, as they each make their way back to the house. As their alternating individual stories unfold, the events leading up to the tragic demise of their parents are gradually pieced together.
At first, it is difficult to understand why the Lambs had willingly allowed such a situation to occur in the first place. However, as the story progresses you begin to realise how easy it can be to fall for the charms of an experienced con artist … especially if you are a trusting and kind person.
‘The Family Upstairs’ is a well-paced novel that will keep you gripped throughout. However, beware. It may also make you extra cautious about those you invite into your home.
January 4, 2022
A nightmare scenario
Jenna is a busy wife, mother and dedicated A&E doctor. She also has a stalker who is set on destroying her life.
Constantly being watched from the shadows, with cruel emails being sent to her colleagues and disturbing gifts left on her front doorstep, Jenna is driven to a state of heightened paranoia every time she leaves the house. However, when the emails start to threaten the safety of her children, the situation becomes unbearable. Unfortunately, although Jenna is convinced as to the identity of her stalker, the police are unable to find any supporting evidence to back up her suspicions, turning her life into a living nightmare.
Just as she reaches breaking point, a man is brought into the A&E department following a serious road accident. Recognising him as the man she believes to be her stalker, Jenna unexpectedly finds herself with the power to either save his life or let him die. Knowing his life is now literally in her hands, she has seconds to decide between ending her torment or upholding her sworn duty as a doctor. Having made her decision, how far is she then prepared to go to make sure she has made the right one?
‘One Step Behind’ is a novel that hits the ground running. Right from the start you are plunged headlong into Jenna’s nightmare existence as she struggles to cope with a situation guaranteed to challenge anyone’s nerves and resilience. The tension is skilfully maintained throughout as the story twists and turns its way towards a surprise ending. Even then, you are left wondering if it truly is the end.
As the story progresses, it soon becomes clear that nobody is as they seem. Everyone appears to have something to hide. These secrets are revealed gradually, but as soon as you think you know what is going on, your assumptions are thwarted by a new plot twist.
Lauren North has masterfully created an engrossing story that will keep you guessing to the very last page. The final paragraph is truly chilling.
Constantly being watched from the shadows, with cruel emails being sent to her colleagues and disturbing gifts left on her front doorstep, Jenna is driven to a state of heightened paranoia every time she leaves the house. However, when the emails start to threaten the safety of her children, the situation becomes unbearable. Unfortunately, although Jenna is convinced as to the identity of her stalker, the police are unable to find any supporting evidence to back up her suspicions, turning her life into a living nightmare.
Just as she reaches breaking point, a man is brought into the A&E department following a serious road accident. Recognising him as the man she believes to be her stalker, Jenna unexpectedly finds herself with the power to either save his life or let him die. Knowing his life is now literally in her hands, she has seconds to decide between ending her torment or upholding her sworn duty as a doctor. Having made her decision, how far is she then prepared to go to make sure she has made the right one?
‘One Step Behind’ is a novel that hits the ground running. Right from the start you are plunged headlong into Jenna’s nightmare existence as she struggles to cope with a situation guaranteed to challenge anyone’s nerves and resilience. The tension is skilfully maintained throughout as the story twists and turns its way towards a surprise ending. Even then, you are left wondering if it truly is the end.
As the story progresses, it soon becomes clear that nobody is as they seem. Everyone appears to have something to hide. These secrets are revealed gradually, but as soon as you think you know what is going on, your assumptions are thwarted by a new plot twist.
Lauren North has masterfully created an engrossing story that will keep you guessing to the very last page. The final paragraph is truly chilling.
December 6, 2021
The burden of proof
Kit Goddard knows what it is like to be a child in care. Together with her four siblings, she spent most of her childhood in and out of care herself. However, unlike the others, she was lucky enough to finally be fostered with a loving couple, whose support and encouragement eventually influenced her decision to become a social worker.
Although good at her job, Kit has never handled any high-risk cases before. So, when she is asked to investigate a respected and well-connected member of the community – accused by two women of abusing them when they were thirteen – she immediately feels out of her depth. However, with no experienced person available to take the case, Kit is reluctantly obliged to accept the assignment.
Accompanied by DS Dai Davies from the Public Protection Unit and DS Beth Mackay from CID, Kit sets off to visit the Cooper family. Unfortunately, it is clear from the outset that Matt Cooper is not only arrogant, but also believes that his status and connections render him untouchable. His wife, Annie, is no better. Openly aggressive and rude, her initial reaction is to dismiss them all from her house – especially Kit, whose authority she resents, considering her to be socially her inferior. Fortunately, Kit is made of sterner stuff and holds her ground.
Given the nature of the alleged crime, Kit is primarily concerned with the safety of the Coopers’ three children and insists on interviewing them. By using drawing as a communication technique, she soon establishes a bond with the children, including the eldest daughter who is disabled and unable to speak. It is then, by patient persistence, that a picture of what might have happened eventually begins to emerge. However, suspecting is not the same as proving, and Kit soon finds herself having to not only protect the children’s safety, but also that of her career.
‘Allegation’ is a well-written, gripping and sensitive story about one woman’s determination to expose possible child abuse – despite opposition from an influential family and her own superiors, who refuse to believe such a pillar of society could do such a thing. Fortunately, Kit’s dogged focus and refusal to be intimidated eventually reveals the shocking truth.
Supported by a strong cast of characters, it is impossible not to feel empathy for Kit, as she struggles to uncover the truth against a backdrop of prejudice. Unfortunately, the blindness to wrongdoing that wealth and power can command, is sadly not an unusual one. Add to this Kit’s tragic and complex personal life, and the result is an engaging story that pulls you in from the very start and maintains your engagement to the very end.
Although good at her job, Kit has never handled any high-risk cases before. So, when she is asked to investigate a respected and well-connected member of the community – accused by two women of abusing them when they were thirteen – she immediately feels out of her depth. However, with no experienced person available to take the case, Kit is reluctantly obliged to accept the assignment.
Accompanied by DS Dai Davies from the Public Protection Unit and DS Beth Mackay from CID, Kit sets off to visit the Cooper family. Unfortunately, it is clear from the outset that Matt Cooper is not only arrogant, but also believes that his status and connections render him untouchable. His wife, Annie, is no better. Openly aggressive and rude, her initial reaction is to dismiss them all from her house – especially Kit, whose authority she resents, considering her to be socially her inferior. Fortunately, Kit is made of sterner stuff and holds her ground.
Given the nature of the alleged crime, Kit is primarily concerned with the safety of the Coopers’ three children and insists on interviewing them. By using drawing as a communication technique, she soon establishes a bond with the children, including the eldest daughter who is disabled and unable to speak. It is then, by patient persistence, that a picture of what might have happened eventually begins to emerge. However, suspecting is not the same as proving, and Kit soon finds herself having to not only protect the children’s safety, but also that of her career.
‘Allegation’ is a well-written, gripping and sensitive story about one woman’s determination to expose possible child abuse – despite opposition from an influential family and her own superiors, who refuse to believe such a pillar of society could do such a thing. Fortunately, Kit’s dogged focus and refusal to be intimidated eventually reveals the shocking truth.
Supported by a strong cast of characters, it is impossible not to feel empathy for Kit, as she struggles to uncover the truth against a backdrop of prejudice. Unfortunately, the blindness to wrongdoing that wealth and power can command, is sadly not an unusual one. Add to this Kit’s tragic and complex personal life, and the result is an engaging story that pulls you in from the very start and maintains your engagement to the very end.
November 7, 2021
Will the real Aimee please stand up
Aimee Sinclair is an actress whose film career is just beginning to take off. One day, she comes home to discover her husband Ben has disappeared, and suddenly finds herself thrust into the part of prime suspect in a real-life drama.
Leading the investigation into Ben’s whereabouts is Inspector Alex Croft, a young and forthright female detective who is unimpressed by Aimee’s fame, or the answers she gives when questioned – especially when she learns Ben has taken nothing with him; no car, no shoes, no keys or wallet. Croft does not believe Aimee is being entirely honest about Ben and is convinced she is hiding something from her. Although this is partly correct, she is nevertheless way off the mark with her conclusions. Aimee Sinclair is indeed hiding something, but it has nothing to do with her husband’s disappearance.
Because her relationship with Ben had been disintegrating for a while, culminating in an enormous row the night before his disappearance, Aimee initially thinks he is simply trying to punish her. This thought is further reinforced when she discovers all her money has been withdrawn from her bank account. However, when the bank tells her she was the one who withdrew the money and shows her CCTV footage of a woman looking remarkably like her, her anger turns to concern – mainly because she has no recollection of being there, let alone withdrawing the money.
Already worried she is suffering from amnesia, when Croft informs her that Ben had earlier filed charges against her for assault, Aimee realises he is not just trying to punish her, he is actually trying to ruin her career by making her a suspect for possible murder. However, when a figure from her past reappears in her life, Ben’s actions immediately pale into insignificance as she realises her past is not only about to catch up with her, it might also destroy her.
‘I Know Who You Are’ is a gripping and intriguing story, demonstrating how the mind protects itself from traumatic events. Running in tandem through the use of alternate chapters, the author gradually brings Aimee’s past and present together, giving the reader an insight into her real identity, and how the events of her childhood eventually shaped the person she is now.
The story is mainly told from Aimee’s point-of-view as an adult, while the earlier scenes are related by her younger self, using the dialogue of a bewildered child to describe the unfolding events of her childhood. By employing this method, the reader is then able to share the fear and confusion Aimee feels as she tries to adapt to what has happened to her.
All the characters are well-crafted and believable, bringing to life the frightening situation Aimee finds herself in. Added to this, the author’s vivid description of people and settings is just enough to convey the atmosphere of a scene without overloading the senses. Together with a cleverly written storyline that maintains the suspense and mystery throughout, the final twist when it comes is both surprising and shocking.
Leading the investigation into Ben’s whereabouts is Inspector Alex Croft, a young and forthright female detective who is unimpressed by Aimee’s fame, or the answers she gives when questioned – especially when she learns Ben has taken nothing with him; no car, no shoes, no keys or wallet. Croft does not believe Aimee is being entirely honest about Ben and is convinced she is hiding something from her. Although this is partly correct, she is nevertheless way off the mark with her conclusions. Aimee Sinclair is indeed hiding something, but it has nothing to do with her husband’s disappearance.
Because her relationship with Ben had been disintegrating for a while, culminating in an enormous row the night before his disappearance, Aimee initially thinks he is simply trying to punish her. This thought is further reinforced when she discovers all her money has been withdrawn from her bank account. However, when the bank tells her she was the one who withdrew the money and shows her CCTV footage of a woman looking remarkably like her, her anger turns to concern – mainly because she has no recollection of being there, let alone withdrawing the money.
Already worried she is suffering from amnesia, when Croft informs her that Ben had earlier filed charges against her for assault, Aimee realises he is not just trying to punish her, he is actually trying to ruin her career by making her a suspect for possible murder. However, when a figure from her past reappears in her life, Ben’s actions immediately pale into insignificance as she realises her past is not only about to catch up with her, it might also destroy her.
‘I Know Who You Are’ is a gripping and intriguing story, demonstrating how the mind protects itself from traumatic events. Running in tandem through the use of alternate chapters, the author gradually brings Aimee’s past and present together, giving the reader an insight into her real identity, and how the events of her childhood eventually shaped the person she is now.
The story is mainly told from Aimee’s point-of-view as an adult, while the earlier scenes are related by her younger self, using the dialogue of a bewildered child to describe the unfolding events of her childhood. By employing this method, the reader is then able to share the fear and confusion Aimee feels as she tries to adapt to what has happened to her.
All the characters are well-crafted and believable, bringing to life the frightening situation Aimee finds herself in. Added to this, the author’s vivid description of people and settings is just enough to convey the atmosphere of a scene without overloading the senses. Together with a cleverly written storyline that maintains the suspense and mystery throughout, the final twist when it comes is both surprising and shocking.
