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In Too Deep
'... The window's so small I can't see what happens next. But what I do know is that Kim is dead. And I know this, too that I helped to kill her. Kim, my lovely, only, best friend.'
Five years ago Maura fled life in Dowerby and took on a new identity, desperately trying to piece her life back together and escape the dark clouds that plagued her past. But then a reporter tracks her down, and persuades her to tell her story, putting her own life in danger once again.
Layer upon layer of violence and deceit make up the full picture for Maura to see and the reporter to reveal. Hidden secrets are uncovered that have been left to settle, for far too long. But in life some things can't be left unsaid, and eventually the truth will out. Whatever the consequences.
Five years ago Maura fled life in Dowerby and took on a new identity, desperately trying to piece her life back together and escape the dark clouds that plagued her past. But then a reporter tracks her down, and persuades her to tell her story, putting her own life in danger once again.
Layer upon layer of violence and deceit make up the full picture for Maura to see and the reporter to reveal. Hidden secrets are uncovered that have been left to settle, for far too long. But in life some things can't be left unsaid, and eventually the truth will out. Whatever the consequences.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2012
19 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Bea Davenport
6 books43 followersBea Davenport is the writing name of former print and broadcast journalist Barbara Henderson.Her first crime/suspense novel, In Too Deep, was a runner-up in the Luke Bitmead Bursary and published by Legend Press in 2013. A second crime/suspense novel. This Little Piggy, was also published by Legend Press in 2014.
Bea spent many years as a newspaper reporter and latterly seventeen years as a senior broadcast journalist with the BBC in the north-east of England. She has a Creative Writing PhD from Newcastle University where she studied under the supervision of award-winning writer Jackie Kay and renowned literature expert Professor Kim Reynolds. The children's novel produced as part of the PhD, The Serpent House, was shortlisted for a Times/Chicken House Award and published in 2014 by Curious Fox. Her second children's book, My Cousin Faustina, was originally written as an interactive e-book in conjunction with schools across the world. Her novel for readers aged 13-plus, The Misper, was published in 2018 by The Conrad Press. Bea has also won several prizes for short stories.
Originally from Tyneside, she lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed with her partner and children.
Bea spent many years as a newspaper reporter and latterly seventeen years as a senior broadcast journalist with the BBC in the north-east of England. She has a Creative Writing PhD from Newcastle University where she studied under the supervision of award-winning writer Jackie Kay and renowned literature expert Professor Kim Reynolds. The children's novel produced as part of the PhD, The Serpent House, was shortlisted for a Times/Chicken House Award and published in 2014 by Curious Fox. Her second children's book, My Cousin Faustina, was originally written as an interactive e-book in conjunction with schools across the world. Her novel for readers aged 13-plus, The Misper, was published in 2018 by The Conrad Press. Bea has also won several prizes for short stories.
Originally from Tyneside, she lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed with her partner and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 21, 2014
Maura was one of those wallflowers: colorful enough to be sometimes noticeable, but most of the time so inconspicuous as to vanish into the bigger design of life on the wall, unless someone made the effort to take a closer look. Someone like her narcissistic husband, Nick.
Growing up, in school:
She would experience the same in her adopted town Dowerby.
As an already married woman with a young daughter, Maura met Kim. She was her first real friend whom she could trust and who changed her outlook on life in many ways. Kim opened up a world of exciting possibilities to her, which she grabbed onto with everything she had. There was just one problem: the Dowerby town did not find comfort in the feisty, free-spirited new journalist in their midst. They did not appreciate Kim's nosy questions about town management and people's private lives, especially not those of the council members. Suddenly there was someone who did not flinch in rocking their safe little wooden boxes in which they flourished on corruption, mismanagement, greed, unfaithfulness, hypocrisy and fraud. Kim knew how to send the wood chips flying everywhere. The only box they would not allow to be shattered was the centuries-old dunking-chair of the Dowerby Fair.
"Everyday Kim said something kind, which I took home with me and thought over, and knew I was lucky." Kim would also expose the poisoned chalice in her life - one that Maura never would have identified on her own and even denied existed. She taught her daughter to become a people-pleaser like herself to safeguard herself.
But then Kim, the person who taught her to re-evaluate her own life, believes, self-image, unexpectedly died. The circumstances in which it happened, necessitated Maura to leave her daughter, as well as husband, and flee her old life to start a new life somewhere else under a different name...
For five years she got away with it, until a journalist tracked her down and forced her to confront her past and face her own truths.
*****
It is quite intimidating to write a review for a book that has been written by an accomplished word-smith. I mean, with a Phd in Creative Writing thrown somewhere into this mix, a reviewer can only insist on this being a reader's review with a limited knowledge of the English language in all its splendor! However, whatever you think or do with this review, do not touch my adjectives! They are here to stay - at least in my version of the English language!
The book does not only charm, engross and pull the reader into the story, it also contains beautiful prose like this: " Even the lipstick-coloured roses that filled most people’s gardens in Dowerby couldn’t cheer up the scenery..."
This is an excellent debut novel. Constant suspense in a fully developed plot. The weather becomes an effective tool, as a pathetic phallacy, in the fast flowing tale of betrayal, love, intrigue, friendship and justice. A riveting drama.
Did this book comply to Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing? Mmm, I could add a few more adjectives to prove my point if you like...
I just adore the number 10 rule: "Think of what you skip reading a novel: thick paragraphs of prose you can see have too many words in them. What the writer is doing, he’s writing, perpetrating hooptedoodle, perhaps taking another shot at the weather, or has gone into the character’s head, and the reader either knows what the guy’s thinking or doesn’t care. I’ll bet you don’t skip dialogue.
I did not want to skip anything in this book.
In Too Deep did not use a plethora of thick paragraphs to fill up the pages.
The mother of all No-No's in my book always was, and still is, an over-indulgence in 'logue-fests'. You know, those epi-, pro- and other logue-paraphernalia, such as an additional introduction and foreword, destroying, even polluting, an otherwise promising tale?
I have read books before in which I wanted to megaphone-jolt the author out of a mega-attack of self importance. The urge to holler "For Goodness' sake get over yourself and get on with it!" was mega strong. And by the grace of all serious word muses and other available deities in the universe, I found someone influential and respected masters such as Elmore Leonard, who agrees with this aversion.
This book passes this test,actually the entire ten-point-test, with flying colors. So, with no further hooptedoodle, I declare this debut novel a perfect ten! So much so, that I am standing in line for the next book from this author, hopefully long before the first sentence hit the author's thoughts.
Recommended! No! HIGHLY recommended!
Growing up, in school:
She would experience the same in her adopted town Dowerby.
As an already married woman with a young daughter, Maura met Kim. She was her first real friend whom she could trust and who changed her outlook on life in many ways. Kim opened up a world of exciting possibilities to her, which she grabbed onto with everything she had. There was just one problem: the Dowerby town did not find comfort in the feisty, free-spirited new journalist in their midst. They did not appreciate Kim's nosy questions about town management and people's private lives, especially not those of the council members. Suddenly there was someone who did not flinch in rocking their safe little wooden boxes in which they flourished on corruption, mismanagement, greed, unfaithfulness, hypocrisy and fraud. Kim knew how to send the wood chips flying everywhere. The only box they would not allow to be shattered was the centuries-old dunking-chair of the Dowerby Fair.
"Everyday Kim said something kind, which I took home with me and thought over, and knew I was lucky." Kim would also expose the poisoned chalice in her life - one that Maura never would have identified on her own and even denied existed. She taught her daughter to become a people-pleaser like herself to safeguard herself.
But then Kim, the person who taught her to re-evaluate her own life, believes, self-image, unexpectedly died. The circumstances in which it happened, necessitated Maura to leave her daughter, as well as husband, and flee her old life to start a new life somewhere else under a different name...
For five years she got away with it, until a journalist tracked her down and forced her to confront her past and face her own truths.
*****
It is quite intimidating to write a review for a book that has been written by an accomplished word-smith. I mean, with a Phd in Creative Writing thrown somewhere into this mix, a reviewer can only insist on this being a reader's review with a limited knowledge of the English language in all its splendor! However, whatever you think or do with this review, do not touch my adjectives! They are here to stay - at least in my version of the English language!
The book does not only charm, engross and pull the reader into the story, it also contains beautiful prose like this: " Even the lipstick-coloured roses that filled most people’s gardens in Dowerby couldn’t cheer up the scenery..."
This is an excellent debut novel. Constant suspense in a fully developed plot. The weather becomes an effective tool, as a pathetic phallacy, in the fast flowing tale of betrayal, love, intrigue, friendship and justice. A riveting drama.
Did this book comply to Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing? Mmm, I could add a few more adjectives to prove my point if you like...
I just adore the number 10 rule: "Think of what you skip reading a novel: thick paragraphs of prose you can see have too many words in them. What the writer is doing, he’s writing, perpetrating hooptedoodle, perhaps taking another shot at the weather, or has gone into the character’s head, and the reader either knows what the guy’s thinking or doesn’t care. I’ll bet you don’t skip dialogue.
I did not want to skip anything in this book.
In Too Deep did not use a plethora of thick paragraphs to fill up the pages.
The mother of all No-No's in my book always was, and still is, an over-indulgence in 'logue-fests'. You know, those epi-, pro- and other logue-paraphernalia, such as an additional introduction and foreword, destroying, even polluting, an otherwise promising tale?
I have read books before in which I wanted to megaphone-jolt the author out of a mega-attack of self importance. The urge to holler "For Goodness' sake get over yourself and get on with it!" was mega strong. And by the grace of all serious word muses and other available deities in the universe, I found someone influential and respected masters such as Elmore Leonard, who agrees with this aversion.
This book passes this test,actually the entire ten-point-test, with flying colors. So, with no further hooptedoodle, I declare this debut novel a perfect ten! So much so, that I am standing in line for the next book from this author, hopefully long before the first sentence hit the author's thoughts.
Recommended! No! HIGHLY recommended!
November 4, 2015
What's that? First review for this book? How lucky I am!
This was a great read.
When I think crime, I don't think summer read. But I've read this whole book in the sun in my garden. It works. The setting is great and I could picture Dowerby perfectly. Although I knew it was set somewhere inspired by Alnwick and other Northern market towns, I was picturing Dowery just like that anyway, and would have regardless.
Maura was a rather frustrating character. She was in a poisonous relationship with her husband, and my, what a dick he was! Men like Nick deserve to die a very slow and painful death and I'm very glad of how the end turned out. Kim was great - glamorous and sassy she was just what Dowerby needed. And she wasn't afraid, not until the very end - and anyone would have been terrified then.
I feel sorry for Rosie in all of this and don't understand why she didn't say anything at nursery - isn't that the kind of thing a child would mention? Daddy made mummy cry? But then again, Dowerby's the kind of place this wouldn't have been taken further.
I loved the conflict between the characters and I loved the setting. I liked a lot of what the book had to say but resented some things.
Having attended an event with the author and hearing her talk of the book, I really want to know what the strand of romance was that she had had to edit out! I look forward to reading more of her adult offerings - and perhaps her young adult if they are published?
This was a great read.
When I think crime, I don't think summer read. But I've read this whole book in the sun in my garden. It works. The setting is great and I could picture Dowerby perfectly. Although I knew it was set somewhere inspired by Alnwick and other Northern market towns, I was picturing Dowery just like that anyway, and would have regardless.
Maura was a rather frustrating character. She was in a poisonous relationship with her husband, and my, what a dick he was! Men like Nick deserve to die a very slow and painful death and I'm very glad of how the end turned out. Kim was great - glamorous and sassy she was just what Dowerby needed. And she wasn't afraid, not until the very end - and anyone would have been terrified then.
I feel sorry for Rosie in all of this and don't understand why she didn't say anything at nursery - isn't that the kind of thing a child would mention? Daddy made mummy cry? But then again, Dowerby's the kind of place this wouldn't have been taken further.
I loved the conflict between the characters and I loved the setting. I liked a lot of what the book had to say but resented some things.
Having attended an event with the author and hearing her talk of the book, I really want to know what the strand of romance was that she had had to edit out! I look forward to reading more of her adult offerings - and perhaps her young adult if they are published?
June 18, 2013
“The thought of going through it all again is overwhelming. Finding a new anonymous home, finding a new job where the boss won’t ask too many questions, remembering to answer to a new, made-up name. I don’t even know if I have the strength to pull it off a second time, and anyway, how many more times would it take?”
I thought I’d found a book about a woman who had fled an abusive husband, and who feared that her husband had caught up to her. I had, but the story that unfolded had far more to it than that.
There was an abusive husband; a man who belittled his wife, a man who knew where he could hurt her and leave no marks, a man who always had an answer.
There was a small market town: an insular town where people were quick to judge, where they clung to tradition, where outsiders and new ideas were resented.
And there was a newcomer: a bright, ambitious reporter sent to the town after a campaign to get more publicity for the town’s annual mediaeval fair.
The bright reporter and the downtrodden wife became friends. Real friends. Maura stood up for Kim when she made waves in the town, when she reported the negative news as well as the positive. And Kim took steps to rebuild Maura’s self-esteem, taking her on as an assistant, and encouraging her to take steps towards a more independent lifestyle.
Maura’s husband wasn’t happy with her. The great and the good of the town weren’t happy with Kim. And when things went badly at the annual fair – bad weather and bad publicity – things boiled over. On the final day there was a terrible tragedy. Maura felt responsible, and she fled.
But five years later a journalist found her, and she realised that she had to talk about the past, deal with the past, and look to the future.
Bea Davenport tells this story very effectively. The narrative moves quite naturally between Maura’s story in the past and her telling of it in the present. And the prologue explained enough of what had happened that I could concentrate on exactly how events had unfolded without wondering who, where , when …. that brought the heart of the story into sharp focus.
It was a compelling story, simply and clearly told. The characters were real and believable, and their dialogues, their reactions, their behaviour rang true.
There were times when I found both Maura and Kim maddening. Maura should have, could have, left her husband much sooner. And Kim might have been more sensitive to the feelings of others, more aware that certain of her actions would have consequences. But at the same time, I accepted who they were – and how difficult Maura’s situation was – I saw that they were real, complex, fallible human beings.
The character of Maura’s husband was drawn with wonderful clarity and subtlety, and that made his actions all the more shocking.
Everything worked together, making a compelling human drama.
It wasn’t quite perfect – the town was a little too mediaeval, some pieces of the story fell into place a little too easily – but the story worked. It rang true psychologically. I cared about Maura, and what would become of her. I wanted to know.
I turned the pages very quickly, and I stayed up and went on reading much later than I had planned.
I thought I’d found a book about a woman who had fled an abusive husband, and who feared that her husband had caught up to her. I had, but the story that unfolded had far more to it than that.
There was an abusive husband; a man who belittled his wife, a man who knew where he could hurt her and leave no marks, a man who always had an answer.
There was a small market town: an insular town where people were quick to judge, where they clung to tradition, where outsiders and new ideas were resented.
And there was a newcomer: a bright, ambitious reporter sent to the town after a campaign to get more publicity for the town’s annual mediaeval fair.
The bright reporter and the downtrodden wife became friends. Real friends. Maura stood up for Kim when she made waves in the town, when she reported the negative news as well as the positive. And Kim took steps to rebuild Maura’s self-esteem, taking her on as an assistant, and encouraging her to take steps towards a more independent lifestyle.
Maura’s husband wasn’t happy with her. The great and the good of the town weren’t happy with Kim. And when things went badly at the annual fair – bad weather and bad publicity – things boiled over. On the final day there was a terrible tragedy. Maura felt responsible, and she fled.
But five years later a journalist found her, and she realised that she had to talk about the past, deal with the past, and look to the future.
Bea Davenport tells this story very effectively. The narrative moves quite naturally between Maura’s story in the past and her telling of it in the present. And the prologue explained enough of what had happened that I could concentrate on exactly how events had unfolded without wondering who, where , when …. that brought the heart of the story into sharp focus.
It was a compelling story, simply and clearly told. The characters were real and believable, and their dialogues, their reactions, their behaviour rang true.
There were times when I found both Maura and Kim maddening. Maura should have, could have, left her husband much sooner. And Kim might have been more sensitive to the feelings of others, more aware that certain of her actions would have consequences. But at the same time, I accepted who they were – and how difficult Maura’s situation was – I saw that they were real, complex, fallible human beings.
The character of Maura’s husband was drawn with wonderful clarity and subtlety, and that made his actions all the more shocking.
Everything worked together, making a compelling human drama.
It wasn’t quite perfect – the town was a little too mediaeval, some pieces of the story fell into place a little too easily – but the story worked. It rang true psychologically. I cared about Maura, and what would become of her. I wanted to know.
I turned the pages very quickly, and I stayed up and went on reading much later than I had planned.
March 28, 2016
This is one of those compulsive reads that draws you in from the start. In a small market town there is a man, his wife and their young daughter. The man is keen to make his mark and how do you do that in a small town? You join the annual fair committee of course and make it the most successful one to date. How do you do that? Well you invite the journalists into your town, hype the obvious big pull, the dunking stall, no matter if it’s sexist in that only the women of the town are dunked, and you dress up in costume get the townsfolk to man their stalls and this being England, pray for fine weather.
Maura Wood is happy tending to her daughter Rosie’s needs and keeping house for Nick, well mostly happy, perhaps happier when he is out organising for the fair, but happy enough, that is until Kim a sassy journalist comes to town and opens Maura’s eyes to the possibility of life as a more independent woman, one who has more to think about than what to cook for dinner. The question everyone is asking, including Maura, is why is Kim so attentive to dowdy Maura? All of this was five years ago so what on earth happened in the meantime so that when we meet Maura she is living a life in London, not Dowerby, without her daughter and in the shadows working two jobs that pay cash in hand to avoid being found.
Well the root has to be in Dowerby, where the status quo rules, not just on the committee but in the minds of its traditional-minded inhabitants. When Nick and Maura move, far from being taken into the bosom of the community as Nick has been, but then this is where he came from, Maura isn’t quite ostracized but neither is she invited to join the other women so when Kim turns up and is interested in her life, Maura is predisposed to welcome a friend into her life, even if that friend is going to cause waves in Dowerby!
This is a clever story which unveils a chain of events, seemingly started so innocently, with a coffee and a chat, but ends up changing the course of Maura’s life forever so much so that she is extremely scared when she realises someone is onto her. On the anonymous streets of North London she hears someone mention her name, notes are posted through her door; who is this man and what does he want from her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the characters were well-drawn with the back-stories just enough developed to ensure that their actions were suitably aligned while the sense of small-town life was perfectly portrayed. This is a book that covers big issues but I’m relieved to say in an entertaining fashion which meant that rather than being dwelt upon or glossed over the effects remain long after the last page has been turned.
Having read this author’s second book This Little Piggy, Bea Davenport is certainly an author I will be looking out for in the future.
Maura Wood is happy tending to her daughter Rosie’s needs and keeping house for Nick, well mostly happy, perhaps happier when he is out organising for the fair, but happy enough, that is until Kim a sassy journalist comes to town and opens Maura’s eyes to the possibility of life as a more independent woman, one who has more to think about than what to cook for dinner. The question everyone is asking, including Maura, is why is Kim so attentive to dowdy Maura? All of this was five years ago so what on earth happened in the meantime so that when we meet Maura she is living a life in London, not Dowerby, without her daughter and in the shadows working two jobs that pay cash in hand to avoid being found.
Well the root has to be in Dowerby, where the status quo rules, not just on the committee but in the minds of its traditional-minded inhabitants. When Nick and Maura move, far from being taken into the bosom of the community as Nick has been, but then this is where he came from, Maura isn’t quite ostracized but neither is she invited to join the other women so when Kim turns up and is interested in her life, Maura is predisposed to welcome a friend into her life, even if that friend is going to cause waves in Dowerby!
This is a clever story which unveils a chain of events, seemingly started so innocently, with a coffee and a chat, but ends up changing the course of Maura’s life forever so much so that she is extremely scared when she realises someone is onto her. On the anonymous streets of North London she hears someone mention her name, notes are posted through her door; who is this man and what does he want from her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the characters were well-drawn with the back-stories just enough developed to ensure that their actions were suitably aligned while the sense of small-town life was perfectly portrayed. This is a book that covers big issues but I’m relieved to say in an entertaining fashion which meant that rather than being dwelt upon or glossed over the effects remain long after the last page has been turned.
Having read this author’s second book This Little Piggy, Bea Davenport is certainly an author I will be looking out for in the future.
June 13, 2013
3.5 stars
This is an interesting psychological thriller set in a sleepy English town that holds an annual reenactment fair of medieval times. As part of the tradition, there is a "ducking" tank, but only for "wenches." Kim, the new local reporter, becomes embroiled in a town scandal and quickly despised. The town doesn't like newcomers and resents Kim's city ways, her pluck, and her lifestyle. Quiet, meek Maura, married to the vile Nick, becomes friends with Kim. When something happens to Kim, Maura blames herself.
Told from Maura's point of view, the book alternates between the present-day, with Maura living alone in London, and the past (approximately five years before), which focuses on Maura's friendship with Kim as well as her troubled marriage to Nick, with whom she has a young daughter. Domestic violence, holier-than-thou selective morality, and the insular politics of small-town life (where everything revolves around the good ol' boys' club) come into play.
This was a very quick read, even though I had a difficult time relating to Maura, particularly her weakness, her inability to act, and her complete lack of gumption. Nick was also a true villain, and I was gritting my teeth at every scene he was in; he was just that despicable. Kim was a well-developed, complex character. She was clearly meant to be the martyr here, yet not everything about her was admirable; she certainly had faults and didn't always make the right choices.
Davenport's freshman effort is certainly a worthwhile read. I love English thrillers, and this one didn't disappoint.
This is an interesting psychological thriller set in a sleepy English town that holds an annual reenactment fair of medieval times. As part of the tradition, there is a "ducking" tank, but only for "wenches." Kim, the new local reporter, becomes embroiled in a town scandal and quickly despised. The town doesn't like newcomers and resents Kim's city ways, her pluck, and her lifestyle. Quiet, meek Maura, married to the vile Nick, becomes friends with Kim. When something happens to Kim, Maura blames herself.
Told from Maura's point of view, the book alternates between the present-day, with Maura living alone in London, and the past (approximately five years before), which focuses on Maura's friendship with Kim as well as her troubled marriage to Nick, with whom she has a young daughter. Domestic violence, holier-than-thou selective morality, and the insular politics of small-town life (where everything revolves around the good ol' boys' club) come into play.
This was a very quick read, even though I had a difficult time relating to Maura, particularly her weakness, her inability to act, and her complete lack of gumption. Nick was also a true villain, and I was gritting my teeth at every scene he was in; he was just that despicable. Kim was a well-developed, complex character. She was clearly meant to be the martyr here, yet not everything about her was admirable; she certainly had faults and didn't always make the right choices.
Davenport's freshman effort is certainly a worthwhile read. I love English thrillers, and this one didn't disappoint.
October 6, 2013
In Too Deep by Bea Davenport is a Legend Press publication and was released in the summer of 2013. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maura and Nick live in the small town of Dowerby. Things are underway for the annual Dowerby Fair. One of the traditions of the fair is a medieval tradition that only women are subject to and that is a dunking booth. Nick is very involved in the planning of the fair. Maura is offended by the dunking but she is just blown off by the committee.
When a young, attractive reporter, Kim Carter, moves to town, she turns Maura and Nick's conventional life on it's ear.
Maura who has never connected with the people in Dowerby, makes an instant friend out of Kim. The two of them couldn't be more different. But, Kim sees the reality of Maura's life better than Maura. Kim helps Maura get a job and begins helping to advance herself.
Maura is also the mother of a young daughter and is beginning to have a very strained marriage. Her time with Kim is most fun she sees in life.
But, Kim is not all that popular in Dowerby. She is too open minded, to unconventional, too attractive, too outspoken and too career minded. Even Maura has a hard time with Kim's lifestyle and attitudes at times.
But, when life is really looking up for Kim, a terrible thing happens and Maura feels responsible and also feels like she could be in danger. There are people, including her husband, who do not want Maura telling her side of the story.
Maura feels as though she has no choice but to go into hiding, leaving her daughter behind.
Now five years after the events in Doweby, a reporter has found Maura. Once more she finds her life turned around.
Told from Maura's point of view, we alternate between the past and the present as she tell how she met Kim, got a job, her marriage issues, and the Dowerby fair. We then fast forward to current events and Maura deals with being found by Paul, a reporter that claims to have new information that could help Maura reunite with her daughter, Rose. But does she dare trust him? Could he lead Nick to her? Was it really possible that she could be a mother to Rose again?
The writing style is very unique in this novel. The author manages to build suspense at a slow pace that keeps you turning pages, impatient to find out how Maura's life came to this point and what has her feeling so guilty and so afraid.
The witch dunking is an actual event in fairs and this tradition was based in fact. Issues such as domestic violence, small town prejudices and politics are examined. If not for these barbaric traditions and the judgments passed by the folks of Dowerby, the events that led to this terrible tragedy would never have taken place.
Thankfully, Kim's influence on Maura was long lasting and Maura could have a second chance at a productive life and career.
I really enjoyed this book. It was difficult to read some of the passages regarding domestic violence, but I loved the slow build of suspense and the way Maura finally blossoms. Maura's transformation would never have happened if not for the friendship she nurtured with Kim. While Kim was not always the most moral person, she was the best thing that ever happened to Maura. It appears that Maura also makes some new friends that will be there for her in the future.
Overall this a good solid A.
July 27, 2013
I found the plot of this book a little thin and there was something about the writing style that I didn't get on with, or maybe it was just the main character I didn't like very much. I didn't find her a sympathetic character and I was very annoyed by how wishy washy she was and her decision about her daughter. I kept hoping there would be more to it than there was but I ended up disappointed.
February 2, 2016
This was her first novel, and I read it after I had read This Little Piggy - which is much better. That having been said, this is a good book; the difference between first and second is encouraging, and makes me want further works by her.
It's a good story, set in a fictional Northumberland town. I figured out that that was Alnwick (market square, castle, tourists). At the end she said it was inspired by Alnwick, and other places - certainly, if it was Alnwick she would have had more decent eateries to choose from.
I know some people hate the current fashion for novels written in flashback. I tend to like them, but in this case I think it was a flaw. That having been said, a strength of the novel included the contrast in lifestyle between 'before' and 'after'.
It was a decent story of a killing, good description of the build up, and some great characterisations of the petty hate-filled minds of people with small horizons. Some other aspects were less plausible. I didn't find Maura that credible a character. I totally get her isolation: like Jessica in the last book I read (Tammy Cohen's Dying for Christmas) , and like me, a bit, she never properly experienced being in a friendship group. There was a great passage where she describes being included in general invites but excluded when numbers were tight. I guess the writer speaks from the heart. Perhaps we're the normal ones!
But both characters went to Uni and into jobs that required mixing with people, and I'm surprised that neither of them learnt to fake it, especially in their 20s, when it's easy to develop pseudo-friendships with people who are equally grateful for company, someone to hang out with. Having a toddler, I don't get why she didn't take advantage of the mummy network; again, mainly pseudo-friendships. I'm not knocking those pseudo-friendships - you could dismiss them as people using each other. Maybe, but if it flows both ways its constructive and supportive, and can be fun, and contributes to sanity.
I was troubled by the husband. It was clear from early on that he was a bit controlling, in that he didn't want her to work, and wanted his dinner on the table. I can't say I warm to that sort of man, but I don't think it's irrational behaviour - and even nowadays, it's a decision many couples agree on, not necessarily for ideological reasons but because of economics. So, it seemed like a drastic change on personality when he became psychologically cruel and physically violent. I can't see how there hadn't been at least some signs earlier.
Nevertheless, she captured well Maura's response to the violence. Cowering, losing whatever self-confidence she had, trying to placate him for the sake of the child. As a reader, it's frustrating. but as someone who knows a bit about life, it's standard. Many women can't just walk away from Domestic Violence, for exactly those reasons. And it's frustrating for those who work in the area, or support their friends as victims.
It's pushing it a bit that the inquest was opened and concluded the next day - I remember waiting to register a sudden death, and it took several days to decide whether or not an inquest was required.
But I'm nit picking. It was a good read. I enjoyed it. A decent first novel. Just not as good as This Little Piggy.
It's a good story, set in a fictional Northumberland town. I figured out that that was Alnwick (market square, castle, tourists). At the end she said it was inspired by Alnwick, and other places - certainly, if it was Alnwick she would have had more decent eateries to choose from.
I know some people hate the current fashion for novels written in flashback. I tend to like them, but in this case I think it was a flaw. That having been said, a strength of the novel included the contrast in lifestyle between 'before' and 'after'.
It was a decent story of a killing, good description of the build up, and some great characterisations of the petty hate-filled minds of people with small horizons. Some other aspects were less plausible. I didn't find Maura that credible a character. I totally get her isolation: like Jessica in the last book I read (Tammy Cohen's Dying for Christmas) , and like me, a bit, she never properly experienced being in a friendship group. There was a great passage where she describes being included in general invites but excluded when numbers were tight. I guess the writer speaks from the heart. Perhaps we're the normal ones!
But both characters went to Uni and into jobs that required mixing with people, and I'm surprised that neither of them learnt to fake it, especially in their 20s, when it's easy to develop pseudo-friendships with people who are equally grateful for company, someone to hang out with. Having a toddler, I don't get why she didn't take advantage of the mummy network; again, mainly pseudo-friendships. I'm not knocking those pseudo-friendships - you could dismiss them as people using each other. Maybe, but if it flows both ways its constructive and supportive, and can be fun, and contributes to sanity.
I was troubled by the husband. It was clear from early on that he was a bit controlling, in that he didn't want her to work, and wanted his dinner on the table. I can't say I warm to that sort of man, but I don't think it's irrational behaviour - and even nowadays, it's a decision many couples agree on, not necessarily for ideological reasons but because of economics. So, it seemed like a drastic change on personality when he became psychologically cruel and physically violent. I can't see how there hadn't been at least some signs earlier.
Nevertheless, she captured well Maura's response to the violence. Cowering, losing whatever self-confidence she had, trying to placate him for the sake of the child. As a reader, it's frustrating. but as someone who knows a bit about life, it's standard. Many women can't just walk away from Domestic Violence, for exactly those reasons. And it's frustrating for those who work in the area, or support their friends as victims.
It's pushing it a bit that the inquest was opened and concluded the next day - I remember waiting to register a sudden death, and it took several days to decide whether or not an inquest was required.
But I'm nit picking. It was a good read. I enjoyed it. A decent first novel. Just not as good as This Little Piggy.
November 28, 2015
Maura is a young lady living with her husband and child in what seems to be a sleepy,flowery'Midsummer Murders' style market town living the life of a woman who is 'looked after', spending her time buying makeup, magazines and cooking dinner for the family.
A newcomer,a bright, ambitious reporter arrives in town after a campaign to get more publicity for the forthcoming summer fair - Kim.Kim is a larger than life character with no morals.Probably too full on for such a small place and it's residents that do not accept outsiders readily.Maura befriends Kim and I believe,relishes the adventure and excitement Kim has to offer and attracts.The friendship is looked down upon by the rest of the townsfolk.
Maura's husband takes charge of that summer's annual medieval fair. Things start to take a turn for the worst for Maura and eventually for Kim also.Not going into this for fear of spoiling.
This book is told in first person and is quick to reveal vital clues's to the plot and storyline from the get go.
Five years on,why has Maura changed her name and left this town? She seems to be hiding from someone or something.Maura's life is now in total contrast to what it was until she is visited by a reporter. What made him come looking for her?
Lots of questions all become clear as the story unfolds.
Eventually the truth comes out and reveals the towns hidden secrets from five years previous.
This book was,Bea Davenport's debut adult novel.I read her This Little Piggy first and was blown away by it.Loved the smoothness and flow.
However I didn't feel this so much with In Too Deep.The book jumps from when the reporter found her and the events form five years before. I have read a few books that jump between time lines but felt this one lacked the continuity and flow to carry this off and I experienced confusion every so often.This is not to say I didn't like this book and don't want you to be put off by the three stars.I liked it a lot.It just didn't blow me away like her other works.I still enjoyed Bea's style of writing and her journalist background shone through again.
I wasn't expecting the hard hitting content that bounced off the pages at me later in the book and gasped as I read it.I had only read the blurb on the back page which kept this part of the book a huge secret much like Maura's story itself.
Wow,it was uncomfortable and a tender subject to tackle and I think Bea wrote it extremely well.Making me feel, was evidence that the book had drawn me right into this distressing topic and had 'got me'. All the same,I did struggle to read these pages and even skim read quite a few.Up till this point, I didn't feel anything for these characters but this topic made me feel.
This book is well worth a read but you need to have a strong mind about you.
A good debut novel.Constant suspense throughout even though it wasn't a favourite for me personally.I will definitely read more from Bea Davenport because if This Little Piggy was even better, what will future novels be like? fabulous?
A newcomer,a bright, ambitious reporter arrives in town after a campaign to get more publicity for the forthcoming summer fair - Kim.Kim is a larger than life character with no morals.Probably too full on for such a small place and it's residents that do not accept outsiders readily.Maura befriends Kim and I believe,relishes the adventure and excitement Kim has to offer and attracts.The friendship is looked down upon by the rest of the townsfolk.
Maura's husband takes charge of that summer's annual medieval fair. Things start to take a turn for the worst for Maura and eventually for Kim also.Not going into this for fear of spoiling.
This book is told in first person and is quick to reveal vital clues's to the plot and storyline from the get go.
Five years on,why has Maura changed her name and left this town? She seems to be hiding from someone or something.Maura's life is now in total contrast to what it was until she is visited by a reporter. What made him come looking for her?
Lots of questions all become clear as the story unfolds.
Eventually the truth comes out and reveals the towns hidden secrets from five years previous.
This book was,Bea Davenport's debut adult novel.I read her This Little Piggy first and was blown away by it.Loved the smoothness and flow.
However I didn't feel this so much with In Too Deep.The book jumps from when the reporter found her and the events form five years before. I have read a few books that jump between time lines but felt this one lacked the continuity and flow to carry this off and I experienced confusion every so often.This is not to say I didn't like this book and don't want you to be put off by the three stars.I liked it a lot.It just didn't blow me away like her other works.I still enjoyed Bea's style of writing and her journalist background shone through again.
I wasn't expecting the hard hitting content that bounced off the pages at me later in the book and gasped as I read it.I had only read the blurb on the back page which kept this part of the book a huge secret much like Maura's story itself.
Wow,it was uncomfortable and a tender subject to tackle and I think Bea wrote it extremely well.Making me feel, was evidence that the book had drawn me right into this distressing topic and had 'got me'. All the same,I did struggle to read these pages and even skim read quite a few.Up till this point, I didn't feel anything for these characters but this topic made me feel.
This book is well worth a read but you need to have a strong mind about you.
A good debut novel.Constant suspense throughout even though it wasn't a favourite for me personally.I will definitely read more from Bea Davenport because if This Little Piggy was even better, what will future novels be like? fabulous?
August 25, 2016
I really enjoyed reading In too deep it is a suspenseful page turner and takes readers through a tense, disturbing journey. Many readers will be able to sympathize with Maura the mail character. Bea Davenport has marvellously put this novel together showing us damaged lives. I would definitely recommend readers to read In to Deep and book clubs would definitely have lots of topics to talk about.
The story starts in the past of five years ago. Maura Wood was idyllic stay at home wife to Nick and their daughter Rosie. They lived in the small village of Dowerby where nothing much happened to gossip about.
Then Kim Carter comes to the village as the new district reporter for the regional evening paper. Kim was pretty, bright and very ambitious.
Maura's husband Nick was on the Dowerby fair committee and wanted Kim to do a big spread for publicity for the annual traditional medieval fair. Maura goes to work for Kim on the evening paper.
Nick does not seem to like the idea of his wife working on the paper. Nick becomes violent hitting Maura without leaving any marks. So who will believe Maura her husband is being violent towards her?.
Kim finds out there is corrupt business going on with two councilors.
The day of the medieval fair heavy rain falls. Nick and some of his committee friends go to Kim's office and pull her out of her office to the square where they have plans for kim with the ducking-stool. Maura is looking out of the office window and see's kim her best friend die.
In the present
Maura leaves her husband with a new identity but a reporter is following her and persuades Maura to tell her story of the past. This could put Maura's life in danger of Nick again.
The story starts in the past of five years ago. Maura Wood was idyllic stay at home wife to Nick and their daughter Rosie. They lived in the small village of Dowerby where nothing much happened to gossip about.
Then Kim Carter comes to the village as the new district reporter for the regional evening paper. Kim was pretty, bright and very ambitious.
Maura's husband Nick was on the Dowerby fair committee and wanted Kim to do a big spread for publicity for the annual traditional medieval fair. Maura goes to work for Kim on the evening paper.
Nick does not seem to like the idea of his wife working on the paper. Nick becomes violent hitting Maura without leaving any marks. So who will believe Maura her husband is being violent towards her?.
Kim finds out there is corrupt business going on with two councilors.
The day of the medieval fair heavy rain falls. Nick and some of his committee friends go to Kim's office and pull her out of her office to the square where they have plans for kim with the ducking-stool. Maura is looking out of the office window and see's kim her best friend die.
In the present
Maura leaves her husband with a new identity but a reporter is following her and persuades Maura to tell her story of the past. This could put Maura's life in danger of Nick again.
July 21, 2013
OK I struggled with this book almost from the start, part off that is that it is the narrative is in the first person and as a reader always struggle with books written like this, but mostly because I just didn't connect with the protagonist I found myself asking why all the time like why if she was smart enough to make a new identity why was she not smart enough to leave her dick of a husband and where is Rosie her daughter and the biggest question do I care? I am not sure I do but the questions keep me reading now I am not sure if this book is really good and I am to jaded to see it or if it is very boring and I am to stubborn to admit it. Either way this book has me flummoxed and that has not happened in a long time so yeah all I can say is read this book for yourself and you decided because I cant.
I wrote this while I was reading the book and I did finish it and you know what the end few chapters make the slog worth it . The book feels like she is telling you her story if you can hold out till almost the end you are rewarded with what turned out to be a satisfyingly story but you do need patience and that is something I don't normally have but I found that 'why' is a powerful motivator.
I wrote this while I was reading the book and I did finish it and you know what the end few chapters make the slog worth it . The book feels like she is telling you her story if you can hold out till almost the end you are rewarded with what turned out to be a satisfyingly story but you do need patience and that is something I don't normally have but I found that 'why' is a powerful motivator.
July 5, 2014
This is a very clever, very chilling book. Right at the start the reader is pulled into the story, wondering what on earth can have happened to make Maura behave as she does. Bit by bit we learn more as the story swings between past and present. The horrible inevitability of Kim's fate is both chilling and fascinating, and the reason for Maura's behaviour is something too many can identify with.
In Too Deep is a book that stays in our heads long after we have finished reading it.
In Too Deep is a book that stays in our heads long after we have finished reading it.
June 10, 2017
This review may contain spoilers.
So something really bad happened five years ago. The MC was there and knows all about it, but she won't tell us readers what it is till the book nearly ends. Why not? To keep us guessing, of course. This is a storytelling trick which may work when the reveal is about halfway through, but keeping it all to the end is just wrong. Suppose the story was told linearly: We meet MC and learn of her life with her husband, little daughter and how she finds a great woman friend, gets a job with her and thus escapes the dreary housewife life she led. Nice, all good, but not exciting at all. Then trouble rears its head up and something really bad happens, and yes, we agree it is really bad. MC flees, does nothing for five years, is located by bad guy, is in a bit of danger, is rescued, bad guy is punished, and all's well that ends well. In this storyboard the reader's suspense will only start way past halfway through the story and many a reader will by then have discarded the book as uninteresting and boring. Hence the useful trick. But when nothing more is presented than the reveal of just the really bad thing and the MC being in danger because of that, the reader will still feel cheated, having learned no more than that after devoting hours of reading. Above I've used lots of words to say I found the plot flimsy and lacking, padding the review, which in a way is the same thing the author did: padding the story.
I did like the author's writing style, the main reason I continued reading till the end. I didn't care for the narrator, Alexandra Whitworth, very much, though. She kept up a nice pace, but I wonder why she made the MC speak with some kind of an accent, or dialect or whatever. I've noticed that done before, and in my opinion it always is sort of degrading the English language. What happened to the beautiful English actors use in period films and series? That's the English I want to listen to. These days I prefer watching America's Next Top Model, which I have no trouble following, over watching Britain's Next Top Model, where I would need subtitles to understand what the contestants are saying. What a shame....
So something really bad happened five years ago. The MC was there and knows all about it, but she won't tell us readers what it is till the book nearly ends. Why not? To keep us guessing, of course. This is a storytelling trick which may work when the reveal is about halfway through, but keeping it all to the end is just wrong. Suppose the story was told linearly: We meet MC and learn of her life with her husband, little daughter and how she finds a great woman friend, gets a job with her and thus escapes the dreary housewife life she led. Nice, all good, but not exciting at all. Then trouble rears its head up and something really bad happens, and yes, we agree it is really bad. MC flees, does nothing for five years, is located by bad guy, is in a bit of danger, is rescued, bad guy is punished, and all's well that ends well. In this storyboard the reader's suspense will only start way past halfway through the story and many a reader will by then have discarded the book as uninteresting and boring. Hence the useful trick. But when nothing more is presented than the reveal of just the really bad thing and the MC being in danger because of that, the reader will still feel cheated, having learned no more than that after devoting hours of reading. Above I've used lots of words to say I found the plot flimsy and lacking, padding the review, which in a way is the same thing the author did: padding the story.
I did like the author's writing style, the main reason I continued reading till the end. I didn't care for the narrator, Alexandra Whitworth, very much, though. She kept up a nice pace, but I wonder why she made the MC speak with some kind of an accent, or dialect or whatever. I've noticed that done before, and in my opinion it always is sort of degrading the English language. What happened to the beautiful English actors use in period films and series? That's the English I want to listen to. These days I prefer watching America's Next Top Model, which I have no trouble following, over watching Britain's Next Top Model, where I would need subtitles to understand what the contestants are saying. What a shame....
September 30, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC to read and give my honest opinion.
This has been sitting on my kindle for awhile and so today I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited to enjoy it. Maura Wood witnessed her friends murder which was ruled as an accident. So the book flies from past to present to offer up clues to what happened and the vents that lead up to it. It's an enjoyable read and I read it in one sitting.
What did I like? The book references cheating so if you have that as a hard limit just ignore this book. Her friend Kim is hooking up with the police chief who has been married for twenty something years. Does she deserve to die for her adultery....probably not. I found the characters were engaging and the storyline unique. It drew me in and wouldn't let go until I figured out how they killed Kim.
Would I buy this book. No, the genre is lacking. I felt it was a good read but with so many hard limits for people this book is more likely a turn off.
Thoughts for the author? This was my first book by you and although I enjoyed it, I felt like future books by you will be more enjoyable and I'd probably read them.
This has been sitting on my kindle for awhile and so today I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited to enjoy it. Maura Wood witnessed her friends murder which was ruled as an accident. So the book flies from past to present to offer up clues to what happened and the vents that lead up to it. It's an enjoyable read and I read it in one sitting.
What did I like? The book references cheating so if you have that as a hard limit just ignore this book. Her friend Kim is hooking up with the police chief who has been married for twenty something years. Does she deserve to die for her adultery....probably not. I found the characters were engaging and the storyline unique. It drew me in and wouldn't let go until I figured out how they killed Kim.
Would I buy this book. No, the genre is lacking. I felt it was a good read but with so many hard limits for people this book is more likely a turn off.
Thoughts for the author? This was my first book by you and although I enjoyed it, I felt like future books by you will be more enjoyable and I'd probably read them.
September 30, 2018
Hard limits: cheating
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC to read and give my honest opinion.
This has been sitting on my kindle for awhile and so today I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited to enjoy it. Maura Wood witnessed her friends murder which was ruled as an accident. So the book flies from past to present to offer up clues to what happened and the vents that lead up to it. It's an enjoyable read and I read it in one sitting.
What did I like? The book references cheating so if you have that as a hard limit just ignore this book. Her friend Kim is hooking up with the police chief who has been married for twenty something years. Does she deserve to die for her adultery....probably not. I found the characters were engaging and the storyline unique. It drew me in and wouldn't let go until I figured out how they killed Kim.
Would I buy this book. No, the genre is lacking. I felt it was a good read but with so many hard limits for people this book is more likely a turn off.
Thoughts for the author? This was my first book by you and although I enjoyed it, I felt like future books by you will be more enjoyable and I'd probably read them.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC to read and give my honest opinion.
This has been sitting on my kindle for awhile and so today I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited to enjoy it. Maura Wood witnessed her friends murder which was ruled as an accident. So the book flies from past to present to offer up clues to what happened and the vents that lead up to it. It's an enjoyable read and I read it in one sitting.
What did I like? The book references cheating so if you have that as a hard limit just ignore this book. Her friend Kim is hooking up with the police chief who has been married for twenty something years. Does she deserve to die for her adultery....probably not. I found the characters were engaging and the storyline unique. It drew me in and wouldn't let go until I figured out how they killed Kim.
Would I buy this book. No, the genre is lacking. I felt it was a good read but with so many hard limits for people this book is more likely a turn off.
Thoughts for the author? This was my first book by you and although I enjoyed it, I felt like future books by you will be more enjoyable and I'd probably read them.
June 14, 2023
I really liked this book, which might seem odd as it is crime (a genre I am generally a bit sniffy about) and also has abusive and illicit relationships, which are also off my usual genre or interest. It's not a book I would normally pick up, but I found myself broadening my horizons by reading this, having deliberately chosen to read a book by this author. I discovered a delightful tale of a flawed but wonderfully drawn protagonist, Maura, whose husband is a small minded control freak, and whose best friend is having an affair that will be the scandal of this small town.
Add in some corruption, police cover ups and small town intrigue and you get a very good tale. The inclusion of Maura's daughter, Rosie, into the mix made this heartbreaking in places. Good resolution too, a thoroughly good read throughout.
Add in some corruption, police cover ups and small town intrigue and you get a very good tale. The inclusion of Maura's daughter, Rosie, into the mix made this heartbreaking in places. Good resolution too, a thoroughly good read throughout.
January 24, 2020
I thought the main character was pretty lame considering she just runs away and leaves her daughter behind with her sister, not really a surprise that the child is then returned to this maniac husband but she is just going to carry on in hiding and never see her again?
I also thought she was pretty daft not to realize the guy chatting her up in the pub would likely be the same reporter that was knocking at her place just the day before..
Her character was annoying and the end didn't really live up to all the hype for me but this was an ok story/book.
I also thought she was pretty daft not to realize the guy chatting her up in the pub would likely be the same reporter that was knocking at her place just the day before..
Her character was annoying and the end didn't really live up to all the hype for me but this was an ok story/book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2017
I really waited for there to be some heat, some intensity. It felt like watching embers and wanting to see an inferno. It felt like a story from a bystander rather than a passionate telling from a friend. I found it flat and in the end unfullfilling. I recommend you chose something else.
July 5, 2020
Wow! I downed this in a single day! It’s a strong plot, well written and very dark. A debut novel and still well written. Highly recommended!
October 15, 2020
It was a decent story and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but then ending was a bit flat
February 11, 2025
A suspenseful thriller set in a sleepy English town, the type you know has dark secrets...
June 25, 2013
3.5
Drawing on her experience as a real life crime reporter, Bea Davenport has written a taut and suspenseful psychological thriller which marks her as a writer to watch and an exciting new voice in crime fiction.
For five years Maura Wood has been living a reclusive life under an alias, working menial jobs which allow her to stay under the radar, keeping to herself and careful not to let her true identity slip. It comes as a huge shock to her when out of the blue she is contacted by a young reporter who has not only discovered her former name, but also wants to investigate the events leading up to the death of Maura’s best friend Kim in the small town of Dowersby. Reluctantly and against her better judgment, Maura relents and tells her story – but by re-opening this can of worms, will the dark secrets of her past be able to destroy the fragile safety of her new life? Maura knows only too well that some people will stop at nothing to protect their own …
What instantly appealed to me about Davenport’s debut novel In too Deep was the small UK village setting which provided a taut claustrophobic atmosphere perfect for a psychological thriller. Davenport obviously is no stranger to village life and small town dynamics as she accurately captures the dark elements of a tight knit community who will stop at nothing to protect their own and what is valuable to them. It was easy to imagine how a young woman, an outsider, could be trapped in an abusive relationship in this small rural town mired in old tradition, with nobody to turn to for help.
Maura’s matter-of-fact voice as she is telling her story was appealing and captured me from the word go, and I found I really cared to find out more about this interesting character. And whilst Davenport states she drew on her experiences as a reporter when she penned her novel, her writing is in no way factual or dry – instead, dialogue and Maura’s own reflections drive the story and soon draw the reader into a dark and claustrophobic web of simmering menace.
As Maura’s story unfolds, the reader slowly finds out details about Maura’s present life as well as the events in the past which compelled her to change her identity and go into hiding. Davenport’s portrayal of Maura and Nick’s dysfunctional marriage is insightful and observant - Maura never makes a secret of how abusive her relationship has become, and yet finds it impossible to escape it. One can easily imagine why she is irresistibly drawn to the vibrant and independent Kim, despite her obvious shortcomings – and why this would upset a community bent on old traditional marital roles and morals.
The only thing which let the novel down for me was its somewhat predictable ending – I had hoped for a twist, a surprise, that certain speechless moment of “what????” which for me marks a good suspense novel. After creating an atmosphere of constant tension, it all resolved a bit too seamlessly for my linking and left me mildly dissatisfied.
In summary, In too Deep was an enjoyable read which quickly managed to draw me in and kept me up reading well into the night. Definitely a writer to watch and one I hope to hear a lot more from in future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Drawing on her experience as a real life crime reporter, Bea Davenport has written a taut and suspenseful psychological thriller which marks her as a writer to watch and an exciting new voice in crime fiction.
For five years Maura Wood has been living a reclusive life under an alias, working menial jobs which allow her to stay under the radar, keeping to herself and careful not to let her true identity slip. It comes as a huge shock to her when out of the blue she is contacted by a young reporter who has not only discovered her former name, but also wants to investigate the events leading up to the death of Maura’s best friend Kim in the small town of Dowersby. Reluctantly and against her better judgment, Maura relents and tells her story – but by re-opening this can of worms, will the dark secrets of her past be able to destroy the fragile safety of her new life? Maura knows only too well that some people will stop at nothing to protect their own …
What instantly appealed to me about Davenport’s debut novel In too Deep was the small UK village setting which provided a taut claustrophobic atmosphere perfect for a psychological thriller. Davenport obviously is no stranger to village life and small town dynamics as she accurately captures the dark elements of a tight knit community who will stop at nothing to protect their own and what is valuable to them. It was easy to imagine how a young woman, an outsider, could be trapped in an abusive relationship in this small rural town mired in old tradition, with nobody to turn to for help.
Maura’s matter-of-fact voice as she is telling her story was appealing and captured me from the word go, and I found I really cared to find out more about this interesting character. And whilst Davenport states she drew on her experiences as a reporter when she penned her novel, her writing is in no way factual or dry – instead, dialogue and Maura’s own reflections drive the story and soon draw the reader into a dark and claustrophobic web of simmering menace.
As Maura’s story unfolds, the reader slowly finds out details about Maura’s present life as well as the events in the past which compelled her to change her identity and go into hiding. Davenport’s portrayal of Maura and Nick’s dysfunctional marriage is insightful and observant - Maura never makes a secret of how abusive her relationship has become, and yet finds it impossible to escape it. One can easily imagine why she is irresistibly drawn to the vibrant and independent Kim, despite her obvious shortcomings – and why this would upset a community bent on old traditional marital roles and morals.
The only thing which let the novel down for me was its somewhat predictable ending – I had hoped for a twist, a surprise, that certain speechless moment of “what????” which for me marks a good suspense novel. After creating an atmosphere of constant tension, it all resolved a bit too seamlessly for my linking and left me mildly dissatisfied.
In summary, In too Deep was an enjoyable read which quickly managed to draw me in and kept me up reading well into the night. Definitely a writer to watch and one I hope to hear a lot more from in future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2013
Psychological Thriller – Thanks to the publisher and netgalley.
In Too Deep had an interesting premise – Hiding under an assumed name, Maura lives day to day life as quietly as possible. She is shocked therefore to discover that a reporter knows her true identity and wants to know exactly what happened in her previous life. Reluctantly but having little choice, Maura tells her story..
I enjoyed this book it has to be said, without completely loving it. Its possible that I have read so many psychological thrillers and crime stories lately that it has to be absolutely top notch for me to rave about it. Having said that it is extremely well written, with an interesting protagonist and it holds your attention – you will want to know what is going on.
The location is key here – a small village where everyone knows everyone elses business and yet can be reluctant to interfere, its easy to see how Maura got caught up in her problem. As we find out more about her in both her incarnations, things become clearer. Or do they? I think one of my problems with this particular story is I really couldnt see why Maura acted as she did, her character seemed stronger than her actions…
Domestic violence however is a difficult subject to tackle – who can tell how any one of us would act in any given situation?
To sum up I would say if you like this type of thriller you WILL enjoy this one, but I doubt you will find any surprises. I would like to read another book by this author – I feel that this was a great debut but not the greatest I have read. Elizabeth Haynes “Into the Darkest Corner” with its similar themes is definitely superior by quite a long way. BUT this is not a bad book by any means…if you are a crime and mystery aficionado I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Happy Reading Folks!
In Too Deep had an interesting premise – Hiding under an assumed name, Maura lives day to day life as quietly as possible. She is shocked therefore to discover that a reporter knows her true identity and wants to know exactly what happened in her previous life. Reluctantly but having little choice, Maura tells her story..
I enjoyed this book it has to be said, without completely loving it. Its possible that I have read so many psychological thrillers and crime stories lately that it has to be absolutely top notch for me to rave about it. Having said that it is extremely well written, with an interesting protagonist and it holds your attention – you will want to know what is going on.
The location is key here – a small village where everyone knows everyone elses business and yet can be reluctant to interfere, its easy to see how Maura got caught up in her problem. As we find out more about her in both her incarnations, things become clearer. Or do they? I think one of my problems with this particular story is I really couldnt see why Maura acted as she did, her character seemed stronger than her actions…
Domestic violence however is a difficult subject to tackle – who can tell how any one of us would act in any given situation?
To sum up I would say if you like this type of thriller you WILL enjoy this one, but I doubt you will find any surprises. I would like to read another book by this author – I feel that this was a great debut but not the greatest I have read. Elizabeth Haynes “Into the Darkest Corner” with its similar themes is definitely superior by quite a long way. BUT this is not a bad book by any means…if you are a crime and mystery aficionado I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Happy Reading Folks!
July 3, 2013
The publishers sent me a copy of this in return for an honest review.
Maura Conway, an introverted, quiet, seemingly dull woman lives an average day to day life as a stay at home mother and loyal wife to her husband Nick. Until, a new reporter arrives in the small town of Dowerby. Her name is Kim, and she is gorgeous, ambitious, spunky, and full of life. Maura and Kim become close friends, but the rest of Dowerby isn't very fond of her. When Kim and Maura begin writing articles regarding the negative aspects of Dowerby's traditional fair the town becomes outraged. Especially Nick, who takes his anger out on Maura. After a tragic incident occurs in the town, Kim winds up dead, and Maura has disappeared.
This story is unique, in the fact that it is told through flashbacks. Davenport touches on some sensitive topics in this book including feminism and domestic violence, but in my opinion she handled them very well.
The characters were a bit 2 dimensional, there was really nothing extravagent about any of them except for Kim, but Davenport may have done that on purpose, to really highlight Kim's spunky personality. The main character Maura goes through so many different emotions, that I found myself always siding with her and feeling for her.
The writing style was great, it was very easy for me to get into the story. The only problem I had with it was that it was so suspenseful, you didn't know what was going to happen until the end. But then, BOOM, it was over. Like we got all worked up, for a quick, rushed ending.
Other than that flaw, the story was fascinating, the plot was original, the writing style was enjoyable, and I recommend this to all of my thrill seeking readers.
Maura Conway, an introverted, quiet, seemingly dull woman lives an average day to day life as a stay at home mother and loyal wife to her husband Nick. Until, a new reporter arrives in the small town of Dowerby. Her name is Kim, and she is gorgeous, ambitious, spunky, and full of life. Maura and Kim become close friends, but the rest of Dowerby isn't very fond of her. When Kim and Maura begin writing articles regarding the negative aspects of Dowerby's traditional fair the town becomes outraged. Especially Nick, who takes his anger out on Maura. After a tragic incident occurs in the town, Kim winds up dead, and Maura has disappeared.
This story is unique, in the fact that it is told through flashbacks. Davenport touches on some sensitive topics in this book including feminism and domestic violence, but in my opinion she handled them very well.
The characters were a bit 2 dimensional, there was really nothing extravagent about any of them except for Kim, but Davenport may have done that on purpose, to really highlight Kim's spunky personality. The main character Maura goes through so many different emotions, that I found myself always siding with her and feeling for her.
The writing style was great, it was very easy for me to get into the story. The only problem I had with it was that it was so suspenseful, you didn't know what was going to happen until the end. But then, BOOM, it was over. Like we got all worked up, for a quick, rushed ending.
Other than that flaw, the story was fascinating, the plot was original, the writing style was enjoyable, and I recommend this to all of my thrill seeking readers.
July 23, 2013
Great Cover enticed me to read this!, 23 July 2013
This review is from: In Too Deep (Kindle Edition)
When I saw the cover of "In Too Deep" it really enticed me into wanting to read this thriller by Bea Davenport. I love the gnarled branches of the tree and the blue balloon really stood out on the grey background. I guess the balloon is depicting the need for freedom but is caught up in the branches with the fear of bursting at any given moment....
When I looked at the index I was quite surprised that there were thirteen chapters in the book, I thought it was going to be a short novel, however the chapters are long and elaborated into a great story.
The story was quite suspenseful and reminded me a little of an episode of Midsummer Murders as it was set in a small country village akin to it.
The main character Maura began by being quite weak but as her character grew so did her personality and she became much stronger by the conclusion of the story.
I received "In Too Deep" from the publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. A great read.
This review is from: In Too Deep (Kindle Edition)
When I saw the cover of "In Too Deep" it really enticed me into wanting to read this thriller by Bea Davenport. I love the gnarled branches of the tree and the blue balloon really stood out on the grey background. I guess the balloon is depicting the need for freedom but is caught up in the branches with the fear of bursting at any given moment....
When I looked at the index I was quite surprised that there were thirteen chapters in the book, I thought it was going to be a short novel, however the chapters are long and elaborated into a great story.
The story was quite suspenseful and reminded me a little of an episode of Midsummer Murders as it was set in a small country village akin to it.
The main character Maura began by being quite weak but as her character grew so did her personality and she became much stronger by the conclusion of the story.
I received "In Too Deep" from the publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. A great read.
September 9, 2016
I came across In Too Deep when I read an article by Bea Davenport about the frequent misrepresentation of journalism in crime fiction. She hoped that this book would go some way to setting the record straight.
In the novel we meet Maura, through whose eyes the story is told. At the start of the book Maura is living under a false name and hiding from her past - a past which is about to catch up with her.
The clever use of tenses weaves together the two stories of Maura's life. The 'now', showing the anxiety with which she lives as concern for her safety grows, and 5 years previously in the small town in Yorkshire where the drama first begins.
The author does a great job of creating the tension of what Maura feels as her exposure is increasingly threatened, as well as giving the reader a real sense of the person Maura was before the crisis.
I really enjoyed In Too Deep, always eager to get back to it to find out happened next. I like the way Bea Davenport writes and I look forward to reading more of her books.
In the novel we meet Maura, through whose eyes the story is told. At the start of the book Maura is living under a false name and hiding from her past - a past which is about to catch up with her.
The clever use of tenses weaves together the two stories of Maura's life. The 'now', showing the anxiety with which she lives as concern for her safety grows, and 5 years previously in the small town in Yorkshire where the drama first begins.
The author does a great job of creating the tension of what Maura feels as her exposure is increasingly threatened, as well as giving the reader a real sense of the person Maura was before the crisis.
I really enjoyed In Too Deep, always eager to get back to it to find out happened next. I like the way Bea Davenport writes and I look forward to reading more of her books.
June 16, 2016
Lately I have been reading for my writing course and my book choices are lead by that. I chose this book as it is written by a local author, a writing course tutor and someone who will be presenting a talk at my writers group tonight. My expectations were for something 'meh' however I was surprised actually go as far as say very impressed. The plot moves quickly with attention to all the detail. The characters are realistic and flawed but with a human side that you can't help like and dislike at the same time. The first person PoV is good and the main protagonist believable and sticks with character traits that at times you want to shake her and say 'get real woman' but then your realise she is being true and acting as someone in that situation would where as we the readers can see the bigger picture.
Full of suspense yet in a 'real' world setting
Totally enjoyed this read.
Full of suspense yet in a 'real' world setting
Totally enjoyed this read.
August 4, 2013
In Too Deep is the story of Maura, who leaves her home in a small northern market town after the death of her friend and starts a new life, under a new name. She is hiding from something or someone and, after five years thinks she is safe...until a journalist comes knocking on her door. Told in the first person, this novel jumps back and forth, from the past to the present as the story unfolds and we understand just why Maura might be scared. It is a good story. It isn't great though. As another reviewer said, there just isn't enough to like about any of the characters. They aren't sympathetic. I didn't care enough for any of them. Saying that, this is a first novel and there is a lot to like. The style is easy to read, it flowed well, and the story was, as I said, good.
July 4, 2013
This book was really good. It was well written with lots of suspense.
Set in small town England sometimes words were used that I was unfamiliar with, but the meaning was crystal clear anyway. Never once did I have a google a word! Oddly, this is the second book I've read recently by a British author where the main protagonist is a mom who walks away from her family. Both books have different reasons but it makes me wonder if this is something that happens often if England? hmm
If you can get your hands on this book I recommend it - I received my copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Set in small town England sometimes words were used that I was unfamiliar with, but the meaning was crystal clear anyway. Never once did I have a google a word! Oddly, this is the second book I've read recently by a British author where the main protagonist is a mom who walks away from her family. Both books have different reasons but it makes me wonder if this is something that happens often if England? hmm
If you can get your hands on this book I recommend it - I received my copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 8, 2014
I found this a bit obvious, and I really couldn't take to Maure, the main character. One moment she is portrayed as bright, intelligent and sparky, but the next she is downtrodden and weak. There are hints at the beginning that her husband is controlling, constantly talking her down, but no reason is given as to why he suddenly started to hit her - after, presumably, at least five years of marriage. And, sorry, the whole idea that she would take her daughter to safety but then go away and leave her to save her own skin, just doesn't add up. She would know that the husband would claim the child, what mother leaves a defenceless child with an abusive man? Just not believable, I'm afraid.
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