The Day She Died

by Catriona McPherson

That was the day I met Gus, the day I grew a family as if from magic beans, the day she died. That's the point, see? It was the very same day...

Jessie Constable has learned the hard way to always keep herself safe. But meeting Gus King changes everything. Before she knows it, Jessie is sleeping at Gus's house, babysitting his kids, becoming a part of his family. And yet, she can't ignore the unsettling questions. Who does she keep seeing from the corner of her eye? Why are strange men threatening her? Most importantly, what really happened to Gus's wife?

Creating a brilliant, foreboding mystery where nothing is as it seems, master storyteller Catriona McPherson weaves an ominous tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Scotland, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Catriona McPherson (she/her) was born in Scotland and immigrated to the US in 2010. She writes: preposterous 1930s private-detective stories about a toff; realistic 1940s amateur-sleuth stories about an oik; and contemporary psychothriller standalones. These are all set in Scotland with a lot of Scottish weather. She also writes modern comedies about a Scot-out-of-water in a “fictional” college town in Northern California.

She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger

Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Jessie Constable is in her 30's, childless, loveless, and has a mother who is completely off her rocker and pretty much evil. Due to experiences in her past she has Pteronophobia, a fear of feathers. Yes, a fear of feathers. She happens to be somewhat minding her own business one afternoon at the grocery store, well no, she went out of her way to spy on a guy that she has crossed paths with a few times here and there. He confesses to her that his wife, Becky, has left him, and once Jessie offers to buy some items for the daughter by his side, he suddenly realizes that his son may be left alone at his house and he urgently needs a ride.

Being the ever desperate helpful person that she is, Jessie piles them in her car and she is really taken for a ride herself. They soon learn that his wife ran her car off of the road in an apparent suicide and she somehow takes over the role of being a care-giver for his children.

Okay, I was torn with this book. There were so many reasons why I enjoyed this read and so many reasons why I thought the main character was a bit naive perhaps, but I did like her. For instance, she just takes off with this guy (Gus King) and his daughter and although he acts bizarre and very rude at times toward her, she puts up with it and starts taking over the role of the children's mother, yes, the one who just died. His wife just died and he starts coming on to Jessie and I just can't understand why she didn't find that odd in the beginning. So many strange and quite suspicious scenarios surround her and yet she convinces herself that it isn't what it seems and is always making excuses for him. I feel that if you just met someone and don't know them, these suspensions would be huge red flags and a reason to get out of there, but when she overlooks them or falls for a man who yells at her quite a bit, it comes across as Jessie is desperate and has no self-respect.

Jessie does, however, have a likability to her and therefore I kept reading. The novel is very well-written and contains the level of suspense that keeps you hanging on for more. I feel that this book is very original in every sense of the word and the various subplots weave together effortlessly.

I would recommend this one for those of you who enjoy suspense and a well constructed novel. Although I struggled and shouted at the main character when she would do things to disappoint me, it only made me realize that I was completely invested in her story.

I received this book from Netgalley.

[Fictionophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is what first attracted me to this novel. This time ‘choosing by dust jacket’ paid off in spades.

A remote, dark, and ominous Scottish locale, an emotionally damaged protagonist, a psychopath, two sweet little children… what more could you want in a thriller?

"The day she died" was the first novel I have read by Catriona MacPherson. It is a creepily foreboding psychological thriller that had me spellbound! I can honestly say I enjoyed it as much as some early Ruth Rendell novels. High praise from me – as Ruth Rendell is one of my favorite novelists. The title chosen was perfect for the novel and actually had double relevance as readers will discover.

I received my early copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I am only too pleased to say that I absolutely loved the book and look forward to more by this author.

For my full review of "The Day She Died" visit my blog
"Fictionophile".

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young mother (Becky) died. She either killed herself or was murdered. Her husband and children, were left behind. A kind woman steps in and cares for the children and their father. The situtation is too good to be true. He doesn't miss the wife and his new friend, fits pefectly into the role of mother and wife. Becky's friend Ros is missing. A lot of questions and suspicions surface. A crime was committed. Who is really dead and who is alive? The author kept the reader in suspence up until the last few chapters

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Jessie is in her thirties, vulnerable from a terrible episode in her past. She's both cautious and overly naive, and when she spots Gus in a grocery store, falling apart because his wife has left him, her life changes forever.

Suddenly she's immersed in Gus' life, caring for his two young children, caring for him, while trying to unravel the mystery of what happened to Becky, his wife. But wait, why aren't things adding up?

I love McPherson's books- they're like tumbling down rabbit holes, twisty and dark, but deeply sympathetic to their flawed protagonists. Sometimes I did want to shout at Jessie because she was so naive, but it seemed totally in character for her. The mystery unfolded in a way I didn't expect, and had a very satisfying ending.

[judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I. Don't. Think. So. This book has received much attention and quite a bit of praise. Unfortunately, I was sure I knew the ending a few pages in. Nothing between those pages and the ending on page 301 changed my thinking or surprised me at all. I kept reading because I had read so many positive comments. Surely I was reading an incredible book but it was taking a bit to get up to speed. Now, having wasted several hours, I solemnly swear to act on my instincts no matter how many awards or praise from other authors a work has garnered. So little time--so many books.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finally finished this book, and my opinion has not changed. It was one of the worst books I have read on quite a while. It is slow, so bloody slow. There is no psychological thrill that I felt or read in this book. I forced myself to finish the book. I found that her character development lacked substance and the ability for you to develop any type of attachment with. The main characters are still strangers to me. I was unable to make any connection with them.

The Scottish aspect to the book I found to be agonizing. Having a Scot family lineage, I have read hundreds of books with dialect much better than this author. There was never a point where the book picked up its pace.

The so called thrilling and psychological aspect was a futile attempt at stalking a mentally naive woman.

I would never recommend this book. I can't think of anything positive to say other the cover is intriguing. I also read so many positive reviews about the book. I am glad someone enjoyed the book. I doubt I will try any further books by this author.

[Micaela · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was easily the most unbelievable book I have ever read, and I have read my fair share of fairy tales.

Would anyone really just drive some rando all around Scotland? And take care of his kids? Just because? I certainly wouldn't. Maybe call someone. The cops. But man.

I found myself reading along, and all of a sudden my brain said, "No. This is impossible."

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sure, you KNOW it's a terrible idea to drive a random stranger home from the grocery store just because he seems too distraught to do it himself (yes, even if he seems harmless due to having a 4-year-old daughter with him), telling no one about it.

Just like you know it's hella weird to stay there overnight and also for the next few days at his request, even if he is Emotionally Wrecked from his wife leaving him / dying on the same day and he needs both a friend and a babysitter.

If you didn't know, you'd probably figure it out from all the red flags about his temper flaring at the drop of a hat and then quickly cooling behind a smile, or the way he'll claim he said or didn't say something and then act like you're weird for thinking the opposite happened. The odds he's a psycho who killed his wife are SO HIGH. This is literally the setup to a horror movie, Stephanie.

But damned if I didn't want to get sucked into the same domestic fantasy she did. HE IS SAD, OKAY. His children are adorable and instantly take to her. He is gentle and understanding about her irrational phobia. They live in a picturesque house by the seaside. No man (including this one) has ever said with sincerity, "Sleep in the bed with me? I promise I won't touch you," but d'ya think that stopped me being thrilled when she agreed? (He is Emotionally Spent and he's depending on her so much!! On a related note, I definitely will not be murdered in the future by a man I trust too soon.) You snooker me with honey like this and I will be too doped up on euphoria to even complain about them screwing the night after they meet. Seems fair, seems reasonable, could be love.

So even while the GET OUT BEFORE YA GET DEAD alarm blares constantly in the background, I had a merry old time tuning it out from the half of my brain going "no but WHAT IF" and soaking up the ill-advised romance (guilt appeased with "I didn't love her, never did, just wanted a family"), while the other half remained tensely glued to the page, quietly yelling about her string of blatantly bad choices while genuinely wondering how all the threads were going to come together -- what really happened to Becky (WAS it a suicide after all?), where is Ros, and who is this random homeless Polish man who knew her, and why is he so terrified and afraid to involve the cops.

Long story short: things are pretty much what they seem, but it's worth going on the trip to find out the particulars anyway.

Side note: this is set in Scotland, a pleasant surprise when I scooped this random novel off the shelf just because it was next to the McTiernan book I'd come for and it looked cool / suited the gloomy weather. The only annoying part is that you can't ever forget it's set in Scotland, because the word "wee" is dropped roughly every fifth sentence for a while. Where was the editor on that?

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Day She Died by Catriona McPherson is one of those small books that is deceptive in pace and content. It moves slowly, almost stumbling along as it sets itself up. You will figure out later that this was deliberate as the tale is told through its narrator who despite her outward appearance, is stumbling along through her life as it is.

"..So my point is basically this. The day I met Gus, the day she died, the day I grew a family like I'd planted magic beans, was the day I told Dot at work about my pteronophobia and told her quite a lot really, when you get right down to it, about where it came too. It was the very same day.
Maybe I ended up where I ended up, did what I did, because I was already down the rabbit hole, through the looking glass. Maybe it's not totally my fault that I tripped and went over the rainbow..."

Jessie Constable doesn't let people in. She stays to herself, her childhood and family have taught her how to do that. But a chance meeting with Gus King and his two small children changes everything. Bumping into Gus, distraught and disheveled, she helps him get his children home only to find out that his wife Becky is gone. Soon thought Jessie is more than just gone, she's dead. An apparent suicide. Gus is devastated and Jessie finds that she cannot leave him alone. Soon she is over at his home, cleaning up and taking care of his children as Gus struggles to cope with his wife's death.

But soon Jessie begins to realize that all is not as it appears on the surface. Understanding that Becky was coping with depression, she finds many signs of a young wife that was anything but depressed. Gus however, is prone to intense mood swings. At first Jessie sees these as a result of dealing with his wife's death but she finds it hard to trust her judgment.

Plus there is Becky's good friend Ros who has gone missing. Then there is the bundle of money Jessie finds and the strange man who keeps coming by looking for Becky.

Jessie begins to suspect that there is much more to Gus than what she sees but how can she be sure. Jessie has her own guilt and demons to deal with and she cannot be sure if she can believe what she thinks she sees. Or is she slipping back to a place where reality and fantasy are intertwined. Like she did when she was a child.

The Day She Died is a good old-fashioned mystery and granted there are a few plot twists that have you thinking that no, that can't be right, McPherson ties it all together very well. The mystery plays out not so much in the real world as in Jessie's mind as she tries to figure out what is and isn't real. As she tries to remember what happened as compared to what she was told. But her memories and her reality are hard for her to trust given her childhood trauma. But Jessie is a very likable character. She tries hard to reconcile her pain and struggles with the needs of those around her. When she sees Gus and the children in such grief she finds she cannot help herself in reaching out to them. The ease with which she begins a romantic and sexual relationship with him is unsettling. I mean, come on, his wife isn't even buried yet, but as it unfolds it makes sense in the end.

Catriona McPherson is an accomplished writer. Keep in mind that this is a Scottish book in a Scottish setting and the language spoken is as such. It lends a reality and time to the novel but some may find it difficult to follow.

The Day She Died is a mystery of death, abandonment, seduction and broken trust.

All told with accomplished prose and pace. A very good read.

[Mark Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Day She Died” is slow-burn creepy. Jessie Constable is three-dimensional and one of a kind.

She is both cheery and easily troubled, confident and easily thrown. She’s alert and analytical when time calls and equally willing to trust and go-along. To help.

Catriona McPherson infuses Jessie Constable with a unique point of view—the attitudes and feelings of a woman who suffers from Pteronophobia, a.k.a. fear of feathers. (It’s a real thing.)

Jessie lives it. We soon have her radar for the triggers. We’re soon on alert for where feathers or feather-like things might pose trouble. A walk on a beach? You never know. We soon learn that “none of the worst stuff is ever in the kitchen.”

A new house would certainly be a concern and when Jessie is suddenly thrust into the life of a man whose wife has disappeared, her world opens up to new horizons. And new kinds of darkness. When Jessie’s wife turns up dead (in a car wreck), Jessie has also sorts of reasons to give Gus King the benefit of the doubt. It certainly looks like an accident. Or suicide. But for this and but for that. Little things. Yes, you’ll find yourself saying, just go home Jessie and leave well enough alone.

All of Jessie’s senses seem to fire all the time. She’s thoroughly alive, reading every scene and moment. She’s good with details—a trait that will come in handy. McPherson’s deft touch, chock full of Scottish quips and idioms, makes the moments crackle on the page. “I sat down too then, right down on a stranger’s bed, and I could feel the stale close air of a stranger’s bedroom pressing in, the private smell of sleep and worn clothes.”

Jessie’s phobia has roots in a childhood incident and it’s not one she wants to discuss in depth. To trust Gus, she has to get over her belief that “guys are just guys” who “hate making mistakes.”

The story puts Jessie smack in the lives of Gus’ two children who cope with the loss of their mother and then learn about Jessie’s unusual fears. The kids bring out Jessie’s inner child (though it’s really never very far away). McPherson’s touch is nearly magical as we watch Jessie shape-shift from fill-in mom to shaky new girlfriend. Jessie goes further and further down the rabbit hole. She turns from outsider to insider to detective to prosecutor.

The clues are delicious. McPherson’s story never sags. There’s energy on every page; no hand-holding allowed. Jessie might be a bit too easy when it comes to falling for Gus, but she’s razor sharp if given the time to think things through. To survive, she has to confront the foundation of her own fears and burrow down below the surface (literally) where the dark secrets are kept—even the ones she keeps from herself. Jessie has breathing mantras to calm herself. As the creeping dread mounts, you might need your own.

[Laurie Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed at first to have all the right elements. A troubled young woman with a (pardon my saying so) bizarre phobia meets a mystery widower with kids. She begins living with him and becomes a substitute mom, all the while discovering there's more behind Mr. Mysterious's wife's death. We've seen this plot before but to McPherson's credit, the entire novel is done with a lovely Scottish brogue (and a fair share of Scottish slang) in a Scottish setting and all of that sets it apart. The characters each seem very real. The dialogue is good as well.
My problem with this novel is that the waters were a little muddy, figuratively speaking. Yes, there is something off about Mr. Mysterious and the main character (troubled young woman) knows it, so it begs the question: WHY are you so quick to live with him? TYW (TRoubled Young Woman) does have a strange phobia but it has nothing to do with explaining why she would 1)be with a weird guy and 2)readily adopt the role of mother with absolutely zero mothering experience.
That she's simply a compassionate person is not explanation enough. And if he sweeps her off her feet, charms her completely, then as a character, he shouldn't be so mysterious and weird.
It's a decent read, though, and a good-enough page-turner. Try it and let us know what you think.

[LInda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these psych. thrillers, and this was no exception. I did find Jessie quite naive, but even so I enjoyed it a lot. Amazing how quickly she came to be a mother to the children, but again -- I enjoyed it. If I must find a thing to nit-pick about, it would be all the business about Polish friends, Polish language, all things Polish. At least he could have spoken basic English. Or Scottish, as the case may be. Other than that, I loved it, and read it really quickly. Catriona McPherson is my newest favorite author.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely NOT a book to be reading at home, alone, on a dark and stormy night! Mysterious, bizarre and creepy, with a dash of warmth and fun just when you need it -- we experience the beginning of a strange relationship between the central figure (Jennie) and a man and his two children, and slowly grow to understand the peculiar details of his story. A real page-turner!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Constable is just like us all—she has secrets. Things about herself that she keeps…private. They’re nobody’s business but her own, really, and her life is going along as well as can be expected. She’s (not unhappily) single, has a job she likes, and friends. Everything is OK. Then, in one strange moment in a supermarket, everything changes.

Without really meaning to, Jessie suddenly (literally—in hours) has a completely different life, one that revolves around Gus King. Jessie wants to be a good person. To be kind and caring. To see the best in people.

Whether Gus is worthy of Jessie’s good intentions is the crux of the mystery in THE DAY SHE DIED, which is a complex story with characters so richly drawn that readers wouldn’t be surprised to have them traipse right into the room as they read.

The sub-plots in THE DAY SHE DIED interlock in a captivating fashion. It is a mark of McPherson’s storytelling prowess that none of the threads—and there are lots of them—are left dangling.

THE DAY SHE DIED also contains some elements that seem utterly fantastical and, frankly, more than a little far-fetched. “This must be fiction,” I thought as I read about one in particular (you’ll know which as soon as you read the book), and so I looked it up and found…that it’s completely true. Which made me feel all the more justified in getting completely lost in Jessie’s story and the world McPherson creates for her.

This is not an easy book to classify. It’s a psychological thriller, for sure, but it’s much more than that. Its prose is beautiful…dare I say literary? It contains not one, but several mysteries. It has crimes (nothing gruesome). It explores many aspects of family relationships. It has moments of humor. It is, ultimately, a superb story.

THE DAY SHE DIED was the first book I read this year. I knew immediately that it would be one of the best I read all year. I recommend that you read it immediately.

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first began reading this book, I wondered what in the world was going on in it. The first few pages didn't offer much in the way of explanation and I was a bit confused. As it progressed, I came to understand where the author was going with it, and really felt a sense of the story pulling together nicely.

This is an interesting book. The pace is not fast and at times I found the decisions of the main character a bit aggravating. The way she ingratiated herself into the lives of the family this story features made me stop and wonder who would do the things she was doing, but at the same time, made me respect her for giving so much of herself to a family she barely knew.

The author did a very good job of showing the emotions of her characters in this novel. I could feel the anger, confusion, hope and determination throughout. I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that featured interactions between the main character and the children who had been left behind.

The setting was lovely and described in such a manner that it was easy for me to look back and recall my own dealings with the territory.

Overall, this was a very entertaining and highly thoughtful novel that kept me wanting to turn the next page. I would recommend this to those who enjoy a more emotional/psychological novel.

This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided through Netgalley.

[Angela Oatham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very puzzling read for me this one. Jessie works in a charity shop, has no friends and is single. She also appears to be stalking a, quite obviously, married man. At this point I was a bit confused, did I mention there’s also a woman locked up against her will so there’s obviously a baddy on the scene somewhere. My advice to you would be just go with it because after a confusing start it develops nicely into a great physiological suspense.
Jessie gets sucked into Gus’ life, far too easily in my opinion but it’s not unrealistic. She’s needy and vulnerable, he’s manipulative and he has two of the greatest children ever to grace a novel. Children are quite often background characters in books like this, victims to be protected but these two are fabulous, well rounded and provide a great deal of amusement. The regular flashbacks/forwards to the imprisoned woman add greatly to the story as well and led me right up the garden path as I completely misread them.
It’s not the most original read but I thoroughly enjoyed it especially the confusion and plot changes due to Jessie’s misunderstanding of a Polish accent, a great touch. The ending was a bit predictable and the twist didn’t work entirely, I guessed most but not all of what was going on, however it was a very entertaining read and I will be looking for more from this author.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In, The Day She Died, McPherson has created a terrific story of suspense that drives the reader on a breathless race to the end. We immediately fall in love with quirky, strong, courageous and vulnerable Jessie. She’s like that really great friend who would give us her last glasse of wine or, as the saying goes, “grab the shovel and not ask questions.” She’s funny and smart and we love to spend time with her. And yet, she has blind spots and her generosity can get her into trouble. We ache for her and want her to treat herself as well as she treats everyone else. The story is compelling, Jessie is awesome but more than that, McPherson writes with such clear imagery and humor that every word is a delight to read.

[John Mchugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy, having met Catriona, put me on to this. I'm not naturally attracted to psychological thrillers, but I must say this was a treat to read. Characters I found interesting, engaging and a bit off in a way that made me want to know why. Always a delight when the people in the story are more compelling than the plot or the writing itself. Though I must say, in retrospect, her descriptive powers and dialogue are quite wonderful. Again, I'll be back for more.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very odd book. First 3/4ths of the book is highly detailed, meandering and interesting, I enjoyed the quirkiness and "Scottishness." But the plot is completely unbelievable and the last 1/4th of the book ends very quickly and tidily. It seems like the editor said "Just get on with it and finish already."

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy thriller. Only critique is the kids were not written age appropriately - no 4 and 2 year old speaks or thinks that way, they were written as 12 year olds. It was super creepy though will go back to Dandy G for a break!

[Allison Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wouldn't recommend, too many GREAT books to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like the way book was written. Was having trouble staying focused. Couldn't finish it

[Deanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not deal with the writing style. Too much jumoing all around. Loved the synopsis on the back, it sounded good from that, and it probably is, I just couldn't handle the style.

[Addy McGarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how, in a crime drama, you go through thinking it was one, obvious person while trying to pick up on clues to who is actually the killer?

That isn't this book. The obvious answer turns out to be completely accurate. Considering how clear the author made it that this guy is a psychopath, I ended up feeling deflated at the end of the book. Did the author think I was too dumb to catch these clues? Am I supposed to be surprised at the end? I'm also not sure how I was supposed to feel for this character and her absolute stupidity. Showing life in an abusive relationship is one thing, but creating a woman who clearly cannot fend for herself is quite another.

Overall, it was not a waste of time reading. Waiting to see how the puzzle pieces fit together intrigued me and kept me riveted. That said, all the pieces fall together in the last thirty pages of the book, making it feel rushed. There are also parts that feel undone, like Gary the "gangster" and Kazek's relation to this whole plot. Kind of a "six degrees of seperation" thing.

This novel does have some really unique language in it. Unlike many novels, which are written with the same American language, this one is designed to be read with a Scottish accent. It took me a few chapters to catch the rhythm, but once I did, I was hooked. Additionally, the ending has some twists in it that I wasn't expecting. It definitely gets bonus points for the surprises.

6/10

[Rog Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author is versatile and writes in several different styles. This is the twenty sixth book of hers which I have read so I suppose that makes me a fan.

The story is set in South West Scotland and is told from the first person perspective of a young woman called Jessie Constable.

Jessie has her own problems but finds herself in a situation of looking after the young children of a man whose wife has just died in a car crash. Jessie feels uneasy but puts it down to her imagination. The plot is a bit far-fetched but the book is very readable. Although I had my suspicions I did not fully understand what was going on until the author chose to reveal it.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

( Format : ebook )
"She couldn't go through it again."

A young woman, estranged from her family, with rock bottom low self esteem and a fear of feathers, finds herself attracted to a young artist recently left alone with two tiny children, an old cottage by the sea and an apparent growing dependence on her. But there is something wrong, something very strange about the circumstances - and her failure to speak Polish only complicates everything.

This is an unlikely but intriguing tale, slow moving despite the character themselves rushing about, and in need of better editing of the script. OK, though, with a very large slice of suspension of disbelief.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I picked this book up I actually grabbed two by same author seeing that it was suspense thriller. I was not really into the book, pretty much from the beginning, but decided to finish it. The plot seemed a bit unrealistic, but did have some twists. The book was set and written in a Scottish style. I am not fond of this type of writing. It took me longer than I expected to get through it and did not, nor do I plan to, read the other book. It might be fun reading for others but the jargon and setting were not my cup of tea.

[Tina Leonberger · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is awful! I’m a faster reader and it has taken me a month to finish this mess of a book! The characters are undeveloped, it’s a thin plot, I was bored and could not of cared less about what happened to any of these folks in the book. I simply keep reading because I'm stubborn and no quitter! But it made no sense for the main character to even get involved with Gus. What normal woman would sleep with a man and believe he loves her in a weeks time after his wife kills herself! None of the characters actions were plausible. I was just glad when it was over. Save yourself!!

[Marlina Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit of a slow start but I must say that it really picked up in the end and had me questioning everything that I had read from start to finish. If you enjoy a book with a good plot twist and a thrilling plot I would definitely recommend this book!! I also really liked how detailed this book was since it was based in the uk where I don’t know a lot about. I truly felt that the reviews on this book being hard to put down were from real people because I myself experienced the same thigg by reading it.

[Justkeepreading85 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this one. It had potential but with the unnecessary addition of the body in the Nith and all the Polish and then add in the Scottish dialect and I found parts quite confusing and difficult to decipher what the author was actually trying to say. I think if they would have kept the plot with just the story of Becky, Gus and Jessie it would have been much better. It all just seemed very far fetched and unrealistic. Sorry.