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DI Lorraine Fisher #3
You Belong To Me
Isabel left England to escape her past. For the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. Reluctantly she returns home, unable to shake off the feeling she's being watched but determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2015
64 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hayes
45 books1,429 followersHello!
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 30, 2015
First thing I have to mention about this book is the title. You Belong To Me. There couldn’t be a better title for a chilling book about stalking than a line from “Every Breath You Take”, a sinister creepy song sung by a stalker to his stalkee. It certainly sets the tone for this read, which just oozes menace and creepiness on every single page. This is the third outing for D I Lorraine Fisher and I have to say she is turning into my favourite female detective. In this book we see a far more vulnerable side to her. She is still the capable, determined character that we know, the one who is determined to get to the bottom of things, but here we see her also struggling to cope juggling with the pressures of an ever increasing workload and family life with a pair of teenage daughters.
All you really need to know is that this book is about stalking, manipulation and mind control and apart from that it is something you want to come to relatively fresh. Told from multiple viewpoints, some of which will chill you to the bone, it has an extremely intricate plot with quite a number of characters. However, it all comes together really nicely at an ending which can only be described as audacious. Read the book, tell your friends to read it but do not tell them what it is about for the simple reason that they will look at you and say “Are you kidding? That is dumb!” They would be right, the story hook does sound dumb if you say it out loud – but for some reason, against all the odds, it just totally works. It will make you double check your locks and have you looking over your shoulder and then at the end thinking “I can’t believe she got me like that”. Samantha Hayes really has pulled it off. Many many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
All you really need to know is that this book is about stalking, manipulation and mind control and apart from that it is something you want to come to relatively fresh. Told from multiple viewpoints, some of which will chill you to the bone, it has an extremely intricate plot with quite a number of characters. However, it all comes together really nicely at an ending which can only be described as audacious. Read the book, tell your friends to read it but do not tell them what it is about for the simple reason that they will look at you and say “Are you kidding? That is dumb!” They would be right, the story hook does sound dumb if you say it out loud – but for some reason, against all the odds, it just totally works. It will make you double check your locks and have you looking over your shoulder and then at the end thinking “I can’t believe she got me like that”. Samantha Hayes really has pulled it off. Many many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
July 9, 2016
It just seems to be the season for the psychological thriller, with so many books competing in this much loved genre. A genre I adore myself. Some are awesome, some are awful, some are mediocre, this one for me was really enjoyable, but not not quite a five star rave book.
Isabel left England to escape her past. For the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. Reluctantly she returns home, unable to shake off the feeling she's being watched but determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
What I loved most about this book was the twists, especially at the end, I can honestly say I did not see that coming in a million years, so kudos for the ending.
In saying that, whilst the ending was heart pounding and great, there were lull moments in this book that I felt were a bit so-so as the plot just slowly cruised along.
Plot wise, it's a bit unbelievable at times, but it hooks you in anyway, I mean it's escapism at it's best. And once you know the whole story it makes so much more sense. I had a lot of "ah-ha!" moments.
The characters are good, particularly Felix, Mr Control Freak - very well done I felt. For me this book was like bobbing on the waves of the sea, lots of up moments, thrills and twists, then lull down to quieter lesser moments when I was not urged on. But overall this is a good read. If for nothing less than the incredibly good twist at the end.
4 stars from me, Booklover Catlady for this one. Did you guess the ending if you have already read it?
For more of my reviews, book chat, giveaways and much more meet me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Many thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book to honestly review via NetGalley.
Isabel left England to escape her past. For the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. Reluctantly she returns home, unable to shake off the feeling she's being watched but determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
What I loved most about this book was the twists, especially at the end, I can honestly say I did not see that coming in a million years, so kudos for the ending.
In saying that, whilst the ending was heart pounding and great, there were lull moments in this book that I felt were a bit so-so as the plot just slowly cruised along.
Plot wise, it's a bit unbelievable at times, but it hooks you in anyway, I mean it's escapism at it's best. And once you know the whole story it makes so much more sense. I had a lot of "ah-ha!" moments.
The characters are good, particularly Felix, Mr Control Freak - very well done I felt. For me this book was like bobbing on the waves of the sea, lots of up moments, thrills and twists, then lull down to quieter lesser moments when I was not urged on. But overall this is a good read. If for nothing less than the incredibly good twist at the end.
4 stars from me, Booklover Catlady for this one. Did you guess the ending if you have already read it?
For more of my reviews, book chat, giveaways and much more meet me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Many thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book to honestly review via NetGalley.
February 23, 2015
I’ve read previous novels from this author and have always very much enjoyed them – but I have to say with “You Belong to Me” I think the ante has been upped considerably – I ADORED it, could not put it down, it was terribly addictive and every time I thought I could pop it aside for a moment and do some housework or something, Ms Hayes would pop another humdinger happening in there and onwards I went…
We meet Isabel, hiding away in India from what we are not sure, when she receives some horrific news which forces her back to England. Meanwhile, Lorraine Fisher is suffering anxiety from a previous case and also feeling the pressure of a new one. Told from several points of view over time, a picture begins to develop of a dark and twisted mind…
Very clever writing here, drawing you into Isobel’s world – a sinister place to be as we discover what exactly she has been running from. Some terrific psychological insight to be had into all the characters – plus some deliciously enticing twists and turns and a very real sense of menace – making this a top notch psychological thriller.
It definitely crept up on me – perhaps not one I should have been reading as darkness fell due to the fact that it is really very authentic, with events being entirely possible. A constant need to look over my shoulder developed and for me, that is the sign of a really engrossing and captivating story. So this absolutely comes Highly Recommended from me – most especially for those readers who enjoy a tense read with a twist in the tale.
Happy Reading Folks!
We meet Isabel, hiding away in India from what we are not sure, when she receives some horrific news which forces her back to England. Meanwhile, Lorraine Fisher is suffering anxiety from a previous case and also feeling the pressure of a new one. Told from several points of view over time, a picture begins to develop of a dark and twisted mind…
Very clever writing here, drawing you into Isobel’s world – a sinister place to be as we discover what exactly she has been running from. Some terrific psychological insight to be had into all the characters – plus some deliciously enticing twists and turns and a very real sense of menace – making this a top notch psychological thriller.
It definitely crept up on me – perhaps not one I should have been reading as darkness fell due to the fact that it is really very authentic, with events being entirely possible. A constant need to look over my shoulder developed and for me, that is the sign of a really engrossing and captivating story. So this absolutely comes Highly Recommended from me – most especially for those readers who enjoy a tense read with a twist in the tale.
Happy Reading Folks!
October 14, 2015
You Belong To Me. Never has a title been so apt. This is a really chilling read about obsession of the highest order. Obsession that will leave you cold and fearful and hoping that it never happens to you.
We meet Isabel, a young art teacher, who is in India escaping from whatever has happened in her past. She receives a letter informing her that her parents have been killed in a car crash and is urged to return home. What follows is a journey of manipulation, mind control and losing her grip on reality as events unfold. We also have DI Lorraine Fisher who we've met before in previous books. A busy mother and wife trying to cope with domesticity as well as holding down a responsible job. Stuck in her own nightmare from events from before, DI Fisher takes on a case that becomes more complicated and unreal the more she unfathoms, which leaves her pressured and drained.
To say much more would be to give away plot spoilers but it all comes to light in a dark, sinister way that never really felt unreal. What I found so chilling was seeing just how easy control can be lost and how easily a series of events can drive you practically crazy. Totally scary ..... it really makes you think.
I read this in a day and came away chilled knowing it's a story I won't forget in a hurry.
I recommend this one highly and will leave by saying all is not always as it seems.
Enjoy ..... if that's the right word!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy. Thanks for the chills!
We meet Isabel, a young art teacher, who is in India escaping from whatever has happened in her past. She receives a letter informing her that her parents have been killed in a car crash and is urged to return home. What follows is a journey of manipulation, mind control and losing her grip on reality as events unfold. We also have DI Lorraine Fisher who we've met before in previous books. A busy mother and wife trying to cope with domesticity as well as holding down a responsible job. Stuck in her own nightmare from events from before, DI Fisher takes on a case that becomes more complicated and unreal the more she unfathoms, which leaves her pressured and drained.
To say much more would be to give away plot spoilers but it all comes to light in a dark, sinister way that never really felt unreal. What I found so chilling was seeing just how easy control can be lost and how easily a series of events can drive you practically crazy. Totally scary ..... it really makes you think.
I read this in a day and came away chilled knowing it's a story I won't forget in a hurry.
I recommend this one highly and will leave by saying all is not always as it seems.
Enjoy ..... if that's the right word!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy. Thanks for the chills!
June 5, 2015
ALL THE GASLIGHTING.
Also, wealthy people have the means to be creepier than the average stalker.
Also, wealthy people have the means to be creepier than the average stalker.
December 1, 2015
I have nothing but praise for this book. A very high suspense thriller, with some very clever and quite outstanding twists. The strong characters continue from previous books, but this can be read as a stand-alone book with no problems at all. It keeps you intrigued right up to the last pages. I honestly didn't have a clue how it was going to end - but you won't be disappointed, jaw, drop moments all the way through. I thought I had my top 10 this year, now I am very unsure as this has to be included. 100% 5 stars - Outstanding!
February 7, 2021
Setting: India and Birmingham. In this third (and final?) book featuring D.I. Lorraine Fisher, we first meet Isabel who has fled her life and parents in Birmingham to escape the totally controlling ways of her boyfriend, Felix and is now working as a maid in a hotel in India. Still at times paranoid that he will find her, even there, she is shocked to receive a letter from the British High Commission informing her of distressing news - news that means she will have to return to the UK. A British guest at the hotel is also travelling home so she accompanies him and soon finds herself thanking him for somewhere to stay and a part-time job as she tries to get to the bottom of her tragic news...
Meanwhile, DI Lorraine Fisher (not DCI as the series information on GR says!) is showing signs of burn-out as she is haunted by the death of a young woman who claimed she was being stalked by a former boyfriend but could produce no evidence so was refused help by the police - and paid with her life, for which Lorraine feels very guilty. She is sure that this young woman's death and a similar one are linked but her boss is unconvinced so she pursues her own enquiries - and succeeds in getting in hot water with him. Forced to take leave and then injuring her ankle, she still pursues her enquiries without official approval - and ends up looking for Isabel.....
For me, this was probably the best book in the series so far - the storyline was totally gripping and the twist in the tale towards the end was breathtaking. My only gripe was that the story was told in the first person by various characters - Isabel, Lorraine and Felix (the stalker boyfriend) - but, with no chapter headings it was initially confusing as to who was 'speaking' - surely character names at the beginning of the chapters wouldn't have been too difficult?! Still rated this as just over 4 stars - 9+/10 but not quite 5 stars.
Meanwhile, DI Lorraine Fisher (not DCI as the series information on GR says!) is showing signs of burn-out as she is haunted by the death of a young woman who claimed she was being stalked by a former boyfriend but could produce no evidence so was refused help by the police - and paid with her life, for which Lorraine feels very guilty. She is sure that this young woman's death and a similar one are linked but her boss is unconvinced so she pursues her own enquiries - and succeeds in getting in hot water with him. Forced to take leave and then injuring her ankle, she still pursues her enquiries without official approval - and ends up looking for Isabel.....
For me, this was probably the best book in the series so far - the storyline was totally gripping and the twist in the tale towards the end was breathtaking. My only gripe was that the story was told in the first person by various characters - Isabel, Lorraine and Felix (the stalker boyfriend) - but, with no chapter headings it was initially confusing as to who was 'speaking' - surely character names at the beginning of the chapters wouldn't have been too difficult?! Still rated this as just over 4 stars - 9+/10 but not quite 5 stars.
March 22, 2015
Having recently read Until You’re Mine, I was really looking forward to reading this novel, and I was not disappointed. In fact, this one both gripped & traumatised me more than Until You’re Mine, probably not helped by there being a creepy controlling stalker who is into redheads with tattoos. I’m so glad I was not a character in this story, as due to my physical appearance, I don’t think my future would be very promising!
This novel has quite a complex plot, but not one that is confusing. It is clever, gripping, and sometimes somewhat terrifying. Prepare for the paranoia to kick in and experience the fear, and excruciating isolation of not knowing who to trust, as this novel takes you on a roller coaster ride of human nature, fear, desperation and desire at its worst.
You Belong To Me is written from three different points of view:
D.I. Lorraine Fisher, where in this novel, we get to see a more fragile side of her, as we experience her struggling with her job, stress, anxiety & exhaustion.
Isabel, who is unfortunate enough to fall in love with Felix. Felix is very controlling and turns her life upside down.
Felix, who has a very unhealthy obsession, and is a man no woman would wish to meet. The extent to which he will go to get what he wants is truly shocking!
This is yet another very real feeling story by Samantha Hayes, where we experience two women being driven to their limits. This story has left me feeling quite emotionally drained, as I feel like I’ve been through everything with both main female characters. I am still left with an uneasy feeling, and cannot wait to read more by this author.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a realistic and gripping psychological thriller.
I would like to thank the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel has quite a complex plot, but not one that is confusing. It is clever, gripping, and sometimes somewhat terrifying. Prepare for the paranoia to kick in and experience the fear, and excruciating isolation of not knowing who to trust, as this novel takes you on a roller coaster ride of human nature, fear, desperation and desire at its worst.
You Belong To Me is written from three different points of view:
D.I. Lorraine Fisher, where in this novel, we get to see a more fragile side of her, as we experience her struggling with her job, stress, anxiety & exhaustion.
Isabel, who is unfortunate enough to fall in love with Felix. Felix is very controlling and turns her life upside down.
Felix, who has a very unhealthy obsession, and is a man no woman would wish to meet. The extent to which he will go to get what he wants is truly shocking!
This is yet another very real feeling story by Samantha Hayes, where we experience two women being driven to their limits. This story has left me feeling quite emotionally drained, as I feel like I’ve been through everything with both main female characters. I am still left with an uneasy feeling, and cannot wait to read more by this author.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a realistic and gripping psychological thriller.
I would like to thank the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2015
Review: You Belong to Me by Samantha Hayes Publication Date: 12th March 2015
Publisher: Century
ISBN: 978-1780893396
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
The compelling new psychological suspense novel featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, from the author of Until You’re Mine and Before You Die. Perfect for fans of S J Watson and Sophie Hannah.
Fleeing the terrors of her former life, Isabel has left England, and at last is beginning to feel safe.
Then a letter shatters her world, and she returns home determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
But she's unable to shake off the feeling that someone who knows her better than she knows herself may be following her.
Watching. Waiting.
Ready to step back into her life and take control all over again.
Review:
You Belong to Me is a superbly written fast-paced psychological thriller that I simply could not put down. Samantha Hayes' disturbing and gritty novel grabbed my attention from the very outset, resulting in my reading it in one session, interrupted only by a few hours of broken sleep. It's THAT good.
Isabel's story is compelling and scary. A believable character, I felt utterly terrified for her as she's unable to shake the feeling of being stalked. Her terror leapt from every page.
Lorraine is such a great character; the determined cop with an edge of vulnerability that makes her likeable and so readable. The threads of her home life intermingled with her strong work ethic and will to solve the case is beautifully written.
Twists? Check. Turns? Check. An unforseen ending? Check. I'm thrilled to have discovered this fantastic author, whose other books have now been added to my TBR list.
You Belong to Me is breathtaking. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
Publisher: Century
ISBN: 978-1780893396
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
The compelling new psychological suspense novel featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, from the author of Until You’re Mine and Before You Die. Perfect for fans of S J Watson and Sophie Hannah.
Fleeing the terrors of her former life, Isabel has left England, and at last is beginning to feel safe.
Then a letter shatters her world, and she returns home determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
But she's unable to shake off the feeling that someone who knows her better than she knows herself may be following her.
Watching. Waiting.
Ready to step back into her life and take control all over again.
Review:
You Belong to Me is a superbly written fast-paced psychological thriller that I simply could not put down. Samantha Hayes' disturbing and gritty novel grabbed my attention from the very outset, resulting in my reading it in one session, interrupted only by a few hours of broken sleep. It's THAT good.
Isabel's story is compelling and scary. A believable character, I felt utterly terrified for her as she's unable to shake the feeling of being stalked. Her terror leapt from every page.
Lorraine is such a great character; the determined cop with an edge of vulnerability that makes her likeable and so readable. The threads of her home life intermingled with her strong work ethic and will to solve the case is beautifully written.
Twists? Check. Turns? Check. An unforseen ending? Check. I'm thrilled to have discovered this fantastic author, whose other books have now been added to my TBR list.
You Belong to Me is breathtaking. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
October 15, 2016
What a horrible, horrible story. I mean it was well done but I really felt for Isabel, being so manipulated and controlled by that man. He absolutely destroyed her and seemed not to understand or care about the damage his obsession was causing the poor woman whom he targets for his toxic brand of "love".
Its one of those train wreck stories that you know are going to end badly. I, and I imagine many other readers had trouble understanding why Isabel would keep visiting her tormentor. Its like asking why abused women don't leave their abusive relationships. I think its much harder to do than to talk about and unless you've experienced this sort of controlling behaviour you are unlikely to understand.
The story culminates with the classic twist. I love Samantha Hayes' books but boy are they hard to read sometimes. I always need some light-hearted action afterwards to reset my emotions.
Its one of those train wreck stories that you know are going to end badly. I, and I imagine many other readers had trouble understanding why Isabel would keep visiting her tormentor. Its like asking why abused women don't leave their abusive relationships. I think its much harder to do than to talk about and unless you've experienced this sort of controlling behaviour you are unlikely to understand.
The story culminates with the classic twist. I love Samantha Hayes' books but boy are they hard to read sometimes. I always need some light-hearted action afterwards to reset my emotions.
March 13, 2015
This is my first Samantha Hayes book and I'm certainly gonna be reading more as this was a fantastic story.
I don't think I've read any books with a female detective but DI Lorraine Fisher is wonderful.
This really was a gripping read. I read this one night as I couldn't put it down. If you like psychological thrillers then this is definitely a must read. Samantha certainly knows how to mess with your head- I love them kinda books. The twists and turns blew my mind. Absolutely brilliant story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I don't think I've read any books with a female detective but DI Lorraine Fisher is wonderful.
This really was a gripping read. I read this one night as I couldn't put it down. If you like psychological thrillers then this is definitely a must read. Samantha certainly knows how to mess with your head- I love them kinda books. The twists and turns blew my mind. Absolutely brilliant story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 14, 2020
I discovered Samantha Hayes about 5 years ago when the manager of my old job raved about her in one of our many book chats. Interested, I chose one to read and loved it. I suddenly remembered her yet again last week so rushed to check I could get her in my library. Success!
At nearly 500 pages I thought it would take a while to get through, but "You Belong to Me" was finished in 2 sittings...
The key topics focus on obsession, stalking, emotional abuse in a relationship and bereavement. And then, suddenly NOTHING is the same, and every idea you have had in your head about how the story actually goes is dissolved into thin air. I had to keep putting the book down to say "err what?" every half an hour. Maybe a little far-fetched for some, but it is a fiction book, so I think we can allow it...
At nearly 500 pages I thought it would take a while to get through, but "You Belong to Me" was finished in 2 sittings...
The key topics focus on obsession, stalking, emotional abuse in a relationship and bereavement. And then, suddenly NOTHING is the same, and every idea you have had in your head about how the story actually goes is dissolved into thin air. I had to keep putting the book down to say "err what?" every half an hour. Maybe a little far-fetched for some, but it is a fiction book, so I think we can allow it...
August 31, 2016
I am a Samantha Hayes fan and although I have only read a couple of her titles, I have bought more and am saving them up for when I need a "go to" thriller that I know will grip me and hold me in a suitable mode of suspense and tension for the duration of the pages.
This is the second in a series featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, but I haven't read the first book and it didn't affect my understanding - it seemed to work equally well as a standalone novel. It was interesting see read a police procedural thriller from Hayes as the other titles I have read by her do not have a detective as a protagonist. Hayes has obviously researched her writing and the all the details regarding the police investigation are faultless.
Hayes doesn't hold back - the opening of the book feels like she's pulled a pin on a grenade and lobbed it straight into her reader's path. Several different plot lines erupt in the opening chapters and the repercussions continue to rise and ripple like a tsunami until the final pages - all 480 of them! I literally did not know what had hit me when I started reading!
The prologue and first chapter reminded me of Elizabeth Haynes "Into the Darkest Corner" as we meet a character clearly broken by a dangerously controlling relationship. Hayes establishes fear, tension and suspense immediately. Then, in Chapter 2, we meet DI Lorraine Fisher at an appointment with her Doctor where she confesses to suffering from anxiety. She seems very much under pressure following a murder case where she feels she failed the victims and thinks did not do enough to save them. As well as her demanding job she is juggling a family of teenage girls and her husband also works on the force, which seems to provoke further tension between them. It seems to be very popular to have a troubled female detective as a protagonist who fights their own inner demons alongside the real ones, so this book really does include all the necessary ingredients for a gripping thriller and Hayes has created a compelling detective with whom we are invited to relate to and invest in. Although Fisher's situation is complicated and we become very involved in her emotional fragility, this is clearly justified as I'm guessing Hayes has plans for subsequent books and an ongoing series. Fisher has to be very three dimensional and intriguing enough to pull this off, which I think she is.
Isabel is equally demanding on the reader. Hearing of her parent's death while in India, she comes home with the assistance of an apparent stranger who then proceeds to offer her further hospitality. I was a little dubious about her willingness to accept so much from Owen and of some of her decisions, but I was hooked enough to want to read on and was happy to overlook a few slightly contrived moments for the greater good of a well paced read. Isabel is clearly devastated, upset, grieving and also hiding from a deep and dark past. Her narrative is confused and peppered with clues, hints, references which all come together at the end and clearly Hayes has done this deliberately to develop character and tension, but it does mean the book requires 100% of your concentration!
This is quite a long book at around 480 pages and there is a lot going on. Each character is significantly complex and battling many issues. Each has an intense back story and each story thread is absorbing and compelling. I did find that I had to concentrate quite a lot more on keeping up with everything that was happening and a few times had to be really clear which narrative I was involved in as the chapters alternate between Lorraine and Isabel and both are written in first person.
Ultimately I liked the incredible twists and turns that flung my mind around faster than a high speed carousel. The ending was suitably shocking and rewarding. I read it relatively quickly which helped me to keep track of everyone - particularly as the reliability of the character's narratives are discredited and truth behind their stories are quite intertwined. Some of the reviewers have criticised the plot for being a little too far fetched. Perhaps this is so. Hayes has been ambitious and has juggled a lot but I was happy to be carried along for the ride. I mean, it's fiction after all and for me, a bit of pure escapism.
I do have to say I preferred "Until You're Mine" and "In Too Deep" (which I gave 4/5 and 5/5 stars respectively) and they are both stand alone thrillers. I am looking forward to working my way through Hayes other titles as I think she is a good writer of contemporary psychological thrillers.
This is the second in a series featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, but I haven't read the first book and it didn't affect my understanding - it seemed to work equally well as a standalone novel. It was interesting see read a police procedural thriller from Hayes as the other titles I have read by her do not have a detective as a protagonist. Hayes has obviously researched her writing and the all the details regarding the police investigation are faultless.
Hayes doesn't hold back - the opening of the book feels like she's pulled a pin on a grenade and lobbed it straight into her reader's path. Several different plot lines erupt in the opening chapters and the repercussions continue to rise and ripple like a tsunami until the final pages - all 480 of them! I literally did not know what had hit me when I started reading!
The prologue and first chapter reminded me of Elizabeth Haynes "Into the Darkest Corner" as we meet a character clearly broken by a dangerously controlling relationship. Hayes establishes fear, tension and suspense immediately. Then, in Chapter 2, we meet DI Lorraine Fisher at an appointment with her Doctor where she confesses to suffering from anxiety. She seems very much under pressure following a murder case where she feels she failed the victims and thinks did not do enough to save them. As well as her demanding job she is juggling a family of teenage girls and her husband also works on the force, which seems to provoke further tension between them. It seems to be very popular to have a troubled female detective as a protagonist who fights their own inner demons alongside the real ones, so this book really does include all the necessary ingredients for a gripping thriller and Hayes has created a compelling detective with whom we are invited to relate to and invest in. Although Fisher's situation is complicated and we become very involved in her emotional fragility, this is clearly justified as I'm guessing Hayes has plans for subsequent books and an ongoing series. Fisher has to be very three dimensional and intriguing enough to pull this off, which I think she is.
Isabel is equally demanding on the reader. Hearing of her parent's death while in India, she comes home with the assistance of an apparent stranger who then proceeds to offer her further hospitality. I was a little dubious about her willingness to accept so much from Owen and of some of her decisions, but I was hooked enough to want to read on and was happy to overlook a few slightly contrived moments for the greater good of a well paced read. Isabel is clearly devastated, upset, grieving and also hiding from a deep and dark past. Her narrative is confused and peppered with clues, hints, references which all come together at the end and clearly Hayes has done this deliberately to develop character and tension, but it does mean the book requires 100% of your concentration!
This is quite a long book at around 480 pages and there is a lot going on. Each character is significantly complex and battling many issues. Each has an intense back story and each story thread is absorbing and compelling. I did find that I had to concentrate quite a lot more on keeping up with everything that was happening and a few times had to be really clear which narrative I was involved in as the chapters alternate between Lorraine and Isabel and both are written in first person.
Ultimately I liked the incredible twists and turns that flung my mind around faster than a high speed carousel. The ending was suitably shocking and rewarding. I read it relatively quickly which helped me to keep track of everyone - particularly as the reliability of the character's narratives are discredited and truth behind their stories are quite intertwined. Some of the reviewers have criticised the plot for being a little too far fetched. Perhaps this is so. Hayes has been ambitious and has juggled a lot but I was happy to be carried along for the ride. I mean, it's fiction after all and for me, a bit of pure escapism.
I do have to say I preferred "Until You're Mine" and "In Too Deep" (which I gave 4/5 and 5/5 stars respectively) and they are both stand alone thrillers. I am looking forward to working my way through Hayes other titles as I think she is a good writer of contemporary psychological thrillers.
March 22, 2015
Before You Die by Samantha Hayes was one of the first books I reviewed on my blog and despite still having not read Until You're Mine I was thrilled to see You Belong to Me on NetGalley and couldn't wait to get started with it. I read the first 200 pages in one sitting, another hundred in the bath and the remainder just before sitting down to write this review. You know, I knew Samantha Hayes was capable of writing a twisted book, and that she was capable of shocking her readers but I'm stunned at the twist near the end of You Belong to Me.
You Belong to Me is impossible to review without giving away half the plot in the process and I can't even talk about all the characters without ruining the story either. What I can say though is that I found the first half of the book (despite the one sitting read) quite slow going, nothing exciting or suspenseful really happened, whilst I appreciate this was to set the scene, and introduce the characters, I just wanted everything to move that little bit quicker. Isabel is hiding out in India, safe in the knowledge that she will never be found. Well, found she is, and it isn't long before she's on a plane returning to the UK, fearful that what made her flee the country in the first place will be waiting for her upon her return. I don't know what it was but I didn't take to Isabel straightaway, and found decisions that she was making back in the UK to be a bit silly, and not the decisions I expected somebody in her position to make. I wanted to reach into the book and go 'What are you doing?!' but I stuck with it and it all made sense in the end.
DI Lorraine Fisher returns, this time she's anxious, and struggling at work due to feeling that she could have done more to save a woman's life. As a DI I perhaps found her actions and the way she was feeling a little bit unrealistic, or perhaps it is because I have read a lot of crime fiction lately with such strong female detectives in them that Lorraine just felt a little bit weaker by comparison, and I didn't really care about what was going on in her personal life. I did start to like her more towards the end of the book and enjoyed attempting to solve this case. Lorraine has a perseverance to solve a case no matter the cost to herself.
All the way through the book I knew there would be a twist coming, and I was constantly on edge, second guessing everything and everyone in my attempt to work things out before the big reveal. Samantha Hayes really puts you inside the head of each of these characters, some of whom are dangerous, scary and extremely untrustworthy. I had a couple of theories and found myself wondering if they would actually be plausible. In the end, I didn't guess the big twist and it floored me. It was absolutely brilliant, and the reservations I had in the beginning, and the couple of little niggles I had with the story throughout perhaps should have made me work things out sooner. The twist in this book will surely be one of my favourites of 2015. But Samantha writes in a way that keeps you guessing throughout, dropping little clues here and there but then a few chapters later has you thinking something else. Is it the most believable story in the world? I want to say no just because of how scary this happening to somebody in real life would be! Still, totally believable or not it was fantastic.
I have no hesitation in recommending You Belong to Me, and (a year later) I am still saying that hopefully I will get round to reading Until You're Mine very soon.
You Belong to Me is impossible to review without giving away half the plot in the process and I can't even talk about all the characters without ruining the story either. What I can say though is that I found the first half of the book (despite the one sitting read) quite slow going, nothing exciting or suspenseful really happened, whilst I appreciate this was to set the scene, and introduce the characters, I just wanted everything to move that little bit quicker. Isabel is hiding out in India, safe in the knowledge that she will never be found. Well, found she is, and it isn't long before she's on a plane returning to the UK, fearful that what made her flee the country in the first place will be waiting for her upon her return. I don't know what it was but I didn't take to Isabel straightaway, and found decisions that she was making back in the UK to be a bit silly, and not the decisions I expected somebody in her position to make. I wanted to reach into the book and go 'What are you doing?!' but I stuck with it and it all made sense in the end.
DI Lorraine Fisher returns, this time she's anxious, and struggling at work due to feeling that she could have done more to save a woman's life. As a DI I perhaps found her actions and the way she was feeling a little bit unrealistic, or perhaps it is because I have read a lot of crime fiction lately with such strong female detectives in them that Lorraine just felt a little bit weaker by comparison, and I didn't really care about what was going on in her personal life. I did start to like her more towards the end of the book and enjoyed attempting to solve this case. Lorraine has a perseverance to solve a case no matter the cost to herself.
All the way through the book I knew there would be a twist coming, and I was constantly on edge, second guessing everything and everyone in my attempt to work things out before the big reveal. Samantha Hayes really puts you inside the head of each of these characters, some of whom are dangerous, scary and extremely untrustworthy. I had a couple of theories and found myself wondering if they would actually be plausible. In the end, I didn't guess the big twist and it floored me. It was absolutely brilliant, and the reservations I had in the beginning, and the couple of little niggles I had with the story throughout perhaps should have made me work things out sooner. The twist in this book will surely be one of my favourites of 2015. But Samantha writes in a way that keeps you guessing throughout, dropping little clues here and there but then a few chapters later has you thinking something else. Is it the most believable story in the world? I want to say no just because of how scary this happening to somebody in real life would be! Still, totally believable or not it was fantastic.
I have no hesitation in recommending You Belong to Me, and (a year later) I am still saying that hopefully I will get round to reading Until You're Mine very soon.
April 1, 2015
In September 2013, I read my first ever book by Samantha Hayes. That was Until You're Mine - the first in this series with DI Lorraine Fisher and her family at its centre. I really loved it, enthusiastically reviewed it, and vowed to read more of her books. I then got my hands on Before You Die, the second in this series - but you won't find my review of that one anywhere. Between you and me, I really didn't enjoy it at all - it almost felt like it was written by someone else, with far too much going on, and a story I really didn't engage with at all. But I'd enjoyed Until You're Mine so much that I decided to give the author one more try, and picked up her latest and third in the series, You Belong To Me - this one was published by Random House/Cornerstone on 12th March. And, having picked it up, couldn't and didn't put it down until the end - this book was absolutely excellent.
I've written before about how difficult it is to stand out in the crowded psychological thriller market, but this one really does. And now I have the challenge of telling you why without telling you anything about the story, in case I ruin it for you... and that would be such a shame, as this is a book that shakes you with every unexpected twist and turn. In essence, there are two story lines - maybe related, maybe not. Isabel has run away and is working in a hotel in India: she gets some shocking news, and very reluctantly returns to the UK. Then there's the story of DI Lorraine Fisher - a series of unsolved murders have really got to her, she's on the very edge, but can't make herself take the holiday she so badly needs.
And that's where I have to stop. The author really does write quite brilliantly - the tension she creates with Isabel's story is almost painful, and just when you think things might be settling down she cranks the story up again and takes it in a direction you'd never imagine in your wildest dreams. The characters who feature in this story are quite wonderfully drawn - incredibly complex, some pure evil, but wholly and disturbingly believable. And as for Lorraine Fisher - her disintegration is superbly done, and she's a fascinating counterbalance to Isabel's story. If I have a criticism, it's a very tiny one. To begin with, it was just a little bit difficult to distinguish between the different voices who narrated the chapters - but that soon stopped being a problem.
Don't be in the least put off by the fact that this is third in a series - although it's been interesting getting to know Adam and Lorraine, it won't spoil your enjoyment in the least if you've never met them before. I'm so glad I came back to Samantha Hayes' writing - this is one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a very long time.
My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for my advance reading e-copy.
I've written before about how difficult it is to stand out in the crowded psychological thriller market, but this one really does. And now I have the challenge of telling you why without telling you anything about the story, in case I ruin it for you... and that would be such a shame, as this is a book that shakes you with every unexpected twist and turn. In essence, there are two story lines - maybe related, maybe not. Isabel has run away and is working in a hotel in India: she gets some shocking news, and very reluctantly returns to the UK. Then there's the story of DI Lorraine Fisher - a series of unsolved murders have really got to her, she's on the very edge, but can't make herself take the holiday she so badly needs.
And that's where I have to stop. The author really does write quite brilliantly - the tension she creates with Isabel's story is almost painful, and just when you think things might be settling down she cranks the story up again and takes it in a direction you'd never imagine in your wildest dreams. The characters who feature in this story are quite wonderfully drawn - incredibly complex, some pure evil, but wholly and disturbingly believable. And as for Lorraine Fisher - her disintegration is superbly done, and she's a fascinating counterbalance to Isabel's story. If I have a criticism, it's a very tiny one. To begin with, it was just a little bit difficult to distinguish between the different voices who narrated the chapters - but that soon stopped being a problem.
Don't be in the least put off by the fact that this is third in a series - although it's been interesting getting to know Adam and Lorraine, it won't spoil your enjoyment in the least if you've never met them before. I'm so glad I came back to Samantha Hayes' writing - this is one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a very long time.
My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for my advance reading e-copy.
March 26, 2015
This is the third book in the series featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, the first the excellent Until You’re Mine which was followed by Before You Die.
In this outing the DI is stressed out, self-medicating with codeine and not coping, so much so that her husband Andy is bought in to give direction on her latest case of a suspected serial killer after women who have recently complained of being stalked found dead. Lorraine Fisher’s sense of failing is compounded by the fact that she had advised the first victim that there was nothing she could do without more details.
In another strand of the story Isabel is in India when she receives word that her parents have been killed in a car crash, despite her obvious reluctance she is forced to return to England to deal with matters. We know Isobel is scared of something but we are not sure what…. But it’s all ok there is a friendly face in the form of Ben who helps her to arrange her flight home, and then offers her a place to stay. Some might say that if you were that scared that you’d disappeared to another continent that you might not be so willing to trust a stranger but not Isobel, she’s wary but feels she has no options open to her.
To be honest I found this book verging on the ridiculous in terms of plot, I couldn’t invest in either the DI or Isobel as both made crashingly stupid decisions time and time again which just served to aggravate me. I understand that this is fiction and some suspension of belief is required but this plot stretched my credulity to extremes not warranted, especially in view of the fact that this book had a great premise. However as the book progressed, the credulity snapped! There seems to be a trend to put massive twists into each and every psychological thriller and where I am full of praise for those who insert these seamlessly; badly done it leaves this reader feeling at best cheated and at worst intensely irritated by a total change of direction which doesn’t seem to connect to what has been written before, sadly any twists in this book fell into the latter category.
The realism aside there weren’t any characters I really believed in, DI Fisher was morose and had morphed from the competent officer we first met in Until You’re Mine to a scatty mess which was a shame, if she could have carried out the investigation she did within the team setting I think it would have balanced out some of the unrealistic elements, instead everyone in this book is full of angst of some description or another.
I’ve been a fan of Samantha Hayes for years however I was doubtful about the plot in Before You Die and even more so with this one. If you haven’t read some of her earlier works I’d suggest you start there where she let her writing stand up for itself without trying to add too many bells and whistles which in my opinion are out of tune.
I’d like to thank the publishers Random House UK for allowing me to read this book
In this outing the DI is stressed out, self-medicating with codeine and not coping, so much so that her husband Andy is bought in to give direction on her latest case of a suspected serial killer after women who have recently complained of being stalked found dead. Lorraine Fisher’s sense of failing is compounded by the fact that she had advised the first victim that there was nothing she could do without more details.
In another strand of the story Isabel is in India when she receives word that her parents have been killed in a car crash, despite her obvious reluctance she is forced to return to England to deal with matters. We know Isobel is scared of something but we are not sure what…. But it’s all ok there is a friendly face in the form of Ben who helps her to arrange her flight home, and then offers her a place to stay. Some might say that if you were that scared that you’d disappeared to another continent that you might not be so willing to trust a stranger but not Isobel, she’s wary but feels she has no options open to her.
To be honest I found this book verging on the ridiculous in terms of plot, I couldn’t invest in either the DI or Isobel as both made crashingly stupid decisions time and time again which just served to aggravate me. I understand that this is fiction and some suspension of belief is required but this plot stretched my credulity to extremes not warranted, especially in view of the fact that this book had a great premise. However as the book progressed, the credulity snapped! There seems to be a trend to put massive twists into each and every psychological thriller and where I am full of praise for those who insert these seamlessly; badly done it leaves this reader feeling at best cheated and at worst intensely irritated by a total change of direction which doesn’t seem to connect to what has been written before, sadly any twists in this book fell into the latter category.
The realism aside there weren’t any characters I really believed in, DI Fisher was morose and had morphed from the competent officer we first met in Until You’re Mine to a scatty mess which was a shame, if she could have carried out the investigation she did within the team setting I think it would have balanced out some of the unrealistic elements, instead everyone in this book is full of angst of some description or another.
I’ve been a fan of Samantha Hayes for years however I was doubtful about the plot in Before You Die and even more so with this one. If you haven’t read some of her earlier works I’d suggest you start there where she let her writing stand up for itself without trying to add too many bells and whistles which in my opinion are out of tune.
I’d like to thank the publishers Random House UK for allowing me to read this book
March 15, 2015
You Belong To Me by Samantha Hayes was published by Century in paperback on 12 March 2015, and is the third in a series that features DCI Lorraine Fisher. I was a little unsure how I would fare with this one as I haven't read the first two in the series; Until You're Mine (June 2013) and Before You Die (April 2014). I was assured that You Belong To Me works perfectly as a stand alone story, so I got stuck in. I really had no need to worry, in fact I forgot that this is book three in a series whilst I was reading, the author cleverly lets the reader have enough background information, and the story flows very well.
It's really difficult to review You Belong To Me without giving away spoilers. However, I can say that when I turned the last page, my brain was fizzing! Samantha Hayes has written a story that twists and turns in so many directions that the reader feels as though they are riding a bloody huge roller coaster.
The reader meets Isabel, a young woman who is working in a small hotel in India. She's there because she has run away, but we are not quite sure who or what she is running from. When she receives some devastating news, she has to return to England. She doesn't want to, she's terrified of what will happen when she gets there, but she knows that she must.
Isabel's story is woven into an unsolved murder case. DCI Lorraine Fisher is on the verge of a breakdown, she is determined to solve this one, but her life seems to be spiralling out of control, and her boss has insisted that she take a 'holiday'.
I really can't go into any more detail, all I can say is that You Belong To Me is incredibly complex, very intricate and extremely cleverly written. At times, I became just a little confused as a new chapter would start in a new voice, and it took a few paragraphs to work out who was speaking. Apart from this tiny criticism, I was well and truly hooked. At times I was scared, really scared and at other times I was just stunned by the feeling of tension and suspense created by Samantha Hayes.
The character creation in this novel is expertly done. There are some seriously fucked up folk populating this story. We have manipulation, exploitation, absolute madness and total control freakery, this is a cast of people who you definitely would not like to come across in real life. Despite the evil and the madness, this story is totally compelling, it's psychologically chilling and so very very tense, and oh that ending! That ending that creeps up and scares the shit out of you, and is so totally unexpected.
You Belong To Me is a fabulous read, I enjoyed every minute of it.
March 12, 2015
As soon as Samantha Hayes has a new book out then I will buy it-there are only a handful of authors I can say that about. I have read everything she has written since I read Blood Ties (written as Sam Hayes). Her books have followed a slightly different approach since she started to write about DI Lorraine Fisher. I loved "Until you're mine" but felt slightly disappointed by the follow up "Before you die". This book is back to her twisty turny best though and I loved it.
DI Lorraine Fisher is stressed-popping pills, forgetting arrangements and not spending quality time with Adam and her daughters-so she has been "encouraged" to take some time off. She feels guilty she didn't do enough to prevent a murder. Along comes Isabel, back from India following the deaths of her parents but intent on avoiding the stalker ex she was hiding away from. Lorraine sees a connection with her unsolved murder but is Isabel mentally stable enough to help her to solve the case?
I love the character of DI Fisher. She is your typical working mum who loves her job and her family but struggles to balance both. I think if you have read her story from the start you can have more of an idea of why she acts the way she does but, saying that, this can be read as a stand alone novel. I found the first half to be slightly slower paced but by halfway through it started to flow more and I raced to the end-which I was not expecting! I love a good twisty plot and Samantha Hayes is one of the best at this type of psychological thriller.
Highly recommended 5* from me.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
DI Lorraine Fisher is stressed-popping pills, forgetting arrangements and not spending quality time with Adam and her daughters-so she has been "encouraged" to take some time off. She feels guilty she didn't do enough to prevent a murder. Along comes Isabel, back from India following the deaths of her parents but intent on avoiding the stalker ex she was hiding away from. Lorraine sees a connection with her unsolved murder but is Isabel mentally stable enough to help her to solve the case?
I love the character of DI Fisher. She is your typical working mum who loves her job and her family but struggles to balance both. I think if you have read her story from the start you can have more of an idea of why she acts the way she does but, saying that, this can be read as a stand alone novel. I found the first half to be slightly slower paced but by halfway through it started to flow more and I raced to the end-which I was not expecting! I love a good twisty plot and Samantha Hayes is one of the best at this type of psychological thriller.
Highly recommended 5* from me.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2015
I have read a couple of Samantha´s book in the past, Until you´re Mine & What You Left Behind and I loved them, great writing, and have recently read her short story No Way Out (review to come soon) but this one, You Belong To Me is the best so far, Gripping and twisty, I was so surprised when I got to the end, I had no idea.
I enjoy the character of DI Lorraine Fisher, she is real, a family person with all her faults and vulnerabilities. The perspective from Isabel, Lizzie or Belle, as she is also called, is great, she comes across as a person with a past, someone who is escaping her past. I also enjoy DI Lorraine´s character. Owen was a little creepy, imagine someone turning up and helping you out of the blue like that. Felix, I didn´t like at all.
This is a creepy and unnerving book, makes me appreciate all I have myself and the simplicity of my life.
I was wondering during the whole book who was behind it all, and this is where the fantastic ending came in, totally caught me out, I didn´t expect that at all. Well done Samantha. I was unable to put the book down, it was surprising a different for a psychological thriller.
I was going to give this 4 stars, but as I was writing the review I was mulling over how much I enjoyed reading it, I decided it is better than that, so 5 stars it is.
I enjoy the character of DI Lorraine Fisher, she is real, a family person with all her faults and vulnerabilities. The perspective from Isabel, Lizzie or Belle, as she is also called, is great, she comes across as a person with a past, someone who is escaping her past. I also enjoy DI Lorraine´s character. Owen was a little creepy, imagine someone turning up and helping you out of the blue like that. Felix, I didn´t like at all.
This is a creepy and unnerving book, makes me appreciate all I have myself and the simplicity of my life.
I was wondering during the whole book who was behind it all, and this is where the fantastic ending came in, totally caught me out, I didn´t expect that at all. Well done Samantha. I was unable to put the book down, it was surprising a different for a psychological thriller.
I was going to give this 4 stars, but as I was writing the review I was mulling over how much I enjoyed reading it, I decided it is better than that, so 5 stars it is.
April 17, 2015
This book was a bit of a struggle to get through. It was very slow, repetitive and quite unbelievable. On the positive side, the ending totally took me by surprise.
This is my 3rd book by this author. 'Until Your Mine' was excellent. I wasn't even able to finish 'Before You Die' due to how dull I found it. I read this book in hopes that I would enjoy it as much as the first book I read by her, but it just didn't happen. Unfortunately, it was just a typical stalker story with a few unbelievable twists added in, in an attempt to make it unique.
This is my 3rd book by this author. 'Until Your Mine' was excellent. I wasn't even able to finish 'Before You Die' due to how dull I found it. I read this book in hopes that I would enjoy it as much as the first book I read by her, but it just didn't happen. Unfortunately, it was just a typical stalker story with a few unbelievable twists added in, in an attempt to make it unique.
March 7, 2015
This is the fifth book I've read by this author so I knew this book would be good and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The author has you gripped from beginning to end. I got quite big headed in the middle of the book as I thought I knew who was behind the murders but as usual the author puts in a twist at the end that you don't see coming. Another brilliant story by this fantastic author that will have you sat on the edge of your seat.
December 2, 2016
A dark book about stalking and control. Told from different view points and time frames it was a bit confusing at times. The main character Isabel provokes sympathy. The detective investigating two murders is a bit unrealistic at times as are some of the events instigated by the stalker.
A saving grace might be a twist I didn't see coming but not enough for me to give it a higher rating.
A saving grace might be a twist I didn't see coming but not enough for me to give it a higher rating.
July 22, 2018
Got a bit confused towards the end of the book still a good read though
December 2, 2019
An excellent read with some truly gripping twists! (if perhaps a little far fetched).
I guessed a couple of small twists quite early on due to the way things were being said but didn't guess the main twist. Thoroughly recommend this. My only real criticism is it changes POV without any warning and it leaves you to work out who's speaking. I would have appreciated it if the chapters were labelled.
I guessed a couple of small twists quite early on due to the way things were being said but didn't guess the main twist. Thoroughly recommend this. My only real criticism is it changes POV without any warning and it leaves you to work out who's speaking. I would have appreciated it if the chapters were labelled.
September 5, 2018
This book was my bed-time sleepy book, but it did the opposite and kept me up for most of the night to get to the ending. It was very lengthy but a good read. The ending was a little unexpected but a great read overall.
April 4, 2020
Good until the end which I found a bit rushed.
March 27, 2015
Time taken to read - 3 days
Publisher - Century
Pages - 496
Blurb from Goodreads
The compelling new psychological suspense novel featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, from the author of Until You’re Mine and Before You Die.
Isabel left England to escape her past. For the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. Reluctantly she returns home, unable to shake off the feeling she's being watched but determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
My Review
The book opens with in February, with someone breaking free from her fear and going for a night out, it has been a month since she last her "from you" and she is going to have some fun. The prologue draws to a chilling end and the story starts. The first chapter opens in the first person point of view, another lady who is hiding out in India as a maid, 6 months has passed without incident. However a letter finds her from home that sees her facing her fears and heading back to the life she has ran away from, Mees Eezee, Isabel - Izzy for short or as he called her Belle. chapter 2 opens again in first person point of view, this time it is DI Lorraine Fisher, attending the GP, she isnt eating, isn't sleeping and is having palpitations, she has a big case to sort, a family to try and keep happy and things are spiraling. The chapters all come in on first person point of view and it isn't until your a page or two in you can work out who is speaking, Isabel, Lorraine or the man behind the ladies fears. Events unravel that link them all and Lorraine is going against the clock and her superiors to try and solve the case.
The story, told in this format, took a bit of getting used to, even if the chapters were highlighted at the top by who was speaking may have helped although it could have detracted from the story which is maybe why Hayes did it this way. It was a bit frustrating however, once you get used to it you settle right in and getting gripped down a dark path. He has a type and Isabel fits it perfectly, as the story continues we hear more about why Isabel fled and the person she has escaped from. Other ladies have been on his radar, same hair type, same build and now there is a body, so close in feature to Isabel could it be linked?
This is a dark tale about stalking, control, possessive relationships, how a victim can be left helpless and manipulated. There is more to the story than the murders, stalking and targeted ladies, DI Lorraine Fishers story is quite strong throughout as we see her trying to fight her own personal demons and keep on top of the job. Had life not got in the way I could have read this in one setting, I have read one of her earlier books and she is fast becoming a name I look out for when choosing my next read. 4/5 for me this time, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I believe there are others in this series but this can be picked up as a stand alone although I wonder if I had read the others I would maybe understand more what was happening with DI Fisher.
Publisher - Century
Pages - 496
Blurb from Goodreads
The compelling new psychological suspense novel featuring DI Lorraine Fisher, from the author of Until You’re Mine and Before You Die.
Isabel left England to escape her past. For the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. Reluctantly she returns home, unable to shake off the feeling she's being watched but determined not to let fear rule her life any more.
DI Lorraine Fisher is in the middle of a big murder case -- a serial killer is preying on young women. And it seems they had all complained of being stalked. She too is convinced she's being watched.
Are both women victims of their own imagination or is someone out there watching and waiting? And will one of them be next?
My Review
The book opens with in February, with someone breaking free from her fear and going for a night out, it has been a month since she last her "from you" and she is going to have some fun. The prologue draws to a chilling end and the story starts. The first chapter opens in the first person point of view, another lady who is hiding out in India as a maid, 6 months has passed without incident. However a letter finds her from home that sees her facing her fears and heading back to the life she has ran away from, Mees Eezee, Isabel - Izzy for short or as he called her Belle. chapter 2 opens again in first person point of view, this time it is DI Lorraine Fisher, attending the GP, she isnt eating, isn't sleeping and is having palpitations, she has a big case to sort, a family to try and keep happy and things are spiraling. The chapters all come in on first person point of view and it isn't until your a page or two in you can work out who is speaking, Isabel, Lorraine or the man behind the ladies fears. Events unravel that link them all and Lorraine is going against the clock and her superiors to try and solve the case.
The story, told in this format, took a bit of getting used to, even if the chapters were highlighted at the top by who was speaking may have helped although it could have detracted from the story which is maybe why Hayes did it this way. It was a bit frustrating however, once you get used to it you settle right in and getting gripped down a dark path. He has a type and Isabel fits it perfectly, as the story continues we hear more about why Isabel fled and the person she has escaped from. Other ladies have been on his radar, same hair type, same build and now there is a body, so close in feature to Isabel could it be linked?
This is a dark tale about stalking, control, possessive relationships, how a victim can be left helpless and manipulated. There is more to the story than the murders, stalking and targeted ladies, DI Lorraine Fishers story is quite strong throughout as we see her trying to fight her own personal demons and keep on top of the job. Had life not got in the way I could have read this in one setting, I have read one of her earlier books and she is fast becoming a name I look out for when choosing my next read. 4/5 for me this time, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I believe there are others in this series but this can be picked up as a stand alone although I wonder if I had read the others I would maybe understand more what was happening with DI Fisher.
January 15, 2016
You belong To Me is my first book that I have read by Samantha Hayes having read lots of fab reviews about it, I couldn't wait to get stuck in to in.
I read this in two sittings and was totally gripped from the beginning. I liked how the book is written from several points of view Firstly D.I. Lorraine Fisher who struggling with her job, stress and anxiety then Isabel who falls in love with Felix last but not least Felix. Then has the story unfolds it all becomes one.
Isabel left England to escape her past and for the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. she returns home with the feeling or being watched.
I really enjoyed the story with some great twists and turns I was guessing until the very end which i love in a psychological thriller. But for me there was something missing. Although i have to admit not knowing there is more books in this series, I would have most definitely enjoyed this more and known more of D.I Lorraine Fisher's character. But I can tell you this is not recommended as a standalone novel so I did learnt that. So I am giving this book 4 stars
Overall I did find it a page turner and I highly recommend it to fans of Samantha Hayes i am looking forward to starting this series from the beginning Also thank you to Netgalley and Century for a copy of this in return for an honest review
I read this in two sittings and was totally gripped from the beginning. I liked how the book is written from several points of view Firstly D.I. Lorraine Fisher who struggling with her job, stress and anxiety then Isabel who falls in love with Felix last but not least Felix. Then has the story unfolds it all becomes one.
Isabel left England to escape her past and for the first time in months, she's beginning to feel safe. But then a letter shatters her world once more as she learns of her parents' death in a car crash. she returns home with the feeling or being watched.
I really enjoyed the story with some great twists and turns I was guessing until the very end which i love in a psychological thriller. But for me there was something missing. Although i have to admit not knowing there is more books in this series, I would have most definitely enjoyed this more and known more of D.I Lorraine Fisher's character. But I can tell you this is not recommended as a standalone novel so I did learnt that. So I am giving this book 4 stars
Overall I did find it a page turner and I highly recommend it to fans of Samantha Hayes i am looking forward to starting this series from the beginning Also thank you to Netgalley and Century for a copy of this in return for an honest review
August 22, 2015
This was a really good psychological thriller. It was really creepy at times and I found that I was becoming suspicious of everyone, even the police. I could feel the tension building with every page turn and when Felix was introduced my suspicious mind went into overdrive!
This was the first Samantha Hayes book I have read but it is the third containing the character DCI Lorraine Fisher. I didn't feel like I needed to have read the two earlier books as I immediately liked Lorraine. We are introduced to her as she is being treated for stress, which shows her as a normal person rather than a superwoman police officer. I think she is a great character, a strong woman who lives and breathes each case she is given, to the point that she continues to work a case when she is supposed to be off work relaxing!
It's quite difficult to review this one without giving away any spoilers. There are some nice twists in the book, some I did see coming and others I didn't, but even though I guessed some things I still enjoyed the book immensely. The writing was excellent as I really couldn't put the book down, I didn't know what was real or who was crazy, and my interest was held from start to finish. So much so that I'll definitely be looking to read more books by Samantha Hayes.
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first Samantha Hayes book I have read but it is the third containing the character DCI Lorraine Fisher. I didn't feel like I needed to have read the two earlier books as I immediately liked Lorraine. We are introduced to her as she is being treated for stress, which shows her as a normal person rather than a superwoman police officer. I think she is a great character, a strong woman who lives and breathes each case she is given, to the point that she continues to work a case when she is supposed to be off work relaxing!
It's quite difficult to review this one without giving away any spoilers. There are some nice twists in the book, some I did see coming and others I didn't, but even though I guessed some things I still enjoyed the book immensely. The writing was excellent as I really couldn't put the book down, I didn't know what was real or who was crazy, and my interest was held from start to finish. So much so that I'll definitely be looking to read more books by Samantha Hayes.
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
This is not my usual reading genre but it hooked me and kept me to the very last page. I raced through it! I normally don't like reading books written in 1st person present tense, but I soon got used to it. And enjoyed the fact that all the main characters shared the narrative. It is a story about stalking and possession and very, very scary at times.
As a psychological thriller it ticks all the boxes. I felt so sorry for the women - Alex and Izzy - and their helplessness in the face of a stalker. I also felt sorry for Lorraine, the policewomen, in her helplessness to try and do something about the stalker.
I confess that I had resolved some of the case by the time we reached the final chapters but certainly not all of it! And for that reason I kept reading - to see if I was right and was so glad I did because there were more twists to the tale that even I could have envisaged.
This was my first Samantha Hayes novel and it certainly won't be my last!
I was given a copy of this book on Netgalley in return for an honest review.
As a psychological thriller it ticks all the boxes. I felt so sorry for the women - Alex and Izzy - and their helplessness in the face of a stalker. I also felt sorry for Lorraine, the policewomen, in her helplessness to try and do something about the stalker.
I confess that I had resolved some of the case by the time we reached the final chapters but certainly not all of it! And for that reason I kept reading - to see if I was right and was so glad I did because there were more twists to the tale that even I could have envisaged.
This was my first Samantha Hayes novel and it certainly won't be my last!
I was given a copy of this book on Netgalley in return for an honest review.
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