What do you think?
Rate this book
Leaving George
She made a carefully planned getaway that she thought left no trace...
After twenty years of hell, Pauline decides to leave her abusive husband. Her escape has been meticulously planned so that he will not be able to find her.
In her temporary hideaway on the Cornish coast, Pauline begins to relax and enjoy life again exploring the beach and taking in the simple rural charm. She plans a new and savours her new found freedom.
Then some strange things begin to happen.
When her past does catch up with her, it will not be at all what she is expecting.
After twenty years of hell, Pauline decides to leave her abusive husband. Her escape has been meticulously planned so that he will not be able to find her.
In her temporary hideaway on the Cornish coast, Pauline begins to relax and enjoy life again exploring the beach and taking in the simple rural charm. She plans a new and savours her new found freedom.
Then some strange things begin to happen.
When her past does catch up with her, it will not be at all what she is expecting.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
218 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Diane M. Dickson
45 books99 followersEnglish. Love writing - love reading. Feel very lucky and amazed to have books published.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 15, 2017
2.5 Stars
It's taken her 20 years, but Pauline is finally escaping her abusive husband. She waits until he is out of town for several days. She's researched how to fly under the radar so that he will not be able to find her.
There's only one hitch to her plan. She comes across a motorcyclist who was involved in an accident and he's in the ditch on the side of the road. She stays with him, uses his phone to call emergency services.
Finally getting to her hideaway many miles away, she can finally relax and enjoy her life again. But her past catches up with her.
She's escaped one abusive man only to be stalked by another.
The premise was a good one. I was expecting something along the lines of Sleeping With The Enemy. What I got was a watered down version. The author concentrated more on the violence and abusiveness without much substance. There's very little credibility with the characters ... even the police suffer any realism.
It's a short read .. under 200 pages .. for which I am profoundly grateful.
It's taken her 20 years, but Pauline is finally escaping her abusive husband. She waits until he is out of town for several days. She's researched how to fly under the radar so that he will not be able to find her.
There's only one hitch to her plan. She comes across a motorcyclist who was involved in an accident and he's in the ditch on the side of the road. She stays with him, uses his phone to call emergency services.
Finally getting to her hideaway many miles away, she can finally relax and enjoy her life again. But her past catches up with her.
She's escaped one abusive man only to be stalked by another.
The premise was a good one. I was expecting something along the lines of Sleeping With The Enemy. What I got was a watered down version. The author concentrated more on the violence and abusiveness without much substance. There's very little credibility with the characters ... even the police suffer any realism.
It's a short read .. under 200 pages .. for which I am profoundly grateful.
August 1, 2019
Forgettable. The main character annoyed me and the story dragged at times and by tomorrow I won't even remember that I read it. I didn't finish it.
June 8, 2015
In a word: Awful.
In a few more words: Trite, with surprisingly little plot and a terrible ending. This is not a "psychological thriller" by any means. The only suspense was waiting to see whether Pauline would manage to do anything right. The premise sounded interesting, but the story just didn't bear it out.
There was no plot development; it was a long, rambling list of events. I finished this story for two reasons: one, that I hate to leave books unfinished, even bad ones, and two, that I was waiting to see whether there was any redeeming value. Spoiler--there isn't.
Also, the author doesn't seem to know how to use commas or semicolons; or, if this book was edited, the editor is rubbish and the author should get a refund.
In a few more words: Trite, with surprisingly little plot and a terrible ending. This is not a "psychological thriller" by any means. The only suspense was waiting to see whether Pauline would manage to do anything right. The premise sounded interesting, but the story just didn't bear it out.
There was no plot development; it was a long, rambling list of events. I finished this story for two reasons: one, that I hate to leave books unfinished, even bad ones, and two, that I was waiting to see whether there was any redeeming value. Spoiler--there isn't.
Also, the author doesn't seem to know how to use commas or semicolons; or, if this book was edited, the editor is rubbish and the author should get a refund.
March 10, 2015
Sometimes books have too much action and everything is all bad ....
I dislike those books .
Leaving George has a lot happening and it is all bad ....I loved this book ;-)
Something to be said for psych thrillers ;-)
I dislike those books .
Leaving George has a lot happening and it is all bad ....I loved this book ;-)
Something to be said for psych thrillers ;-)
June 12, 2019
This was a great read from one of my favourite crime fiction authors.
The characters are well developed, and the story keeps you wanting to find out more.
Highly recommended.
The characters are well developed, and the story keeps you wanting to find out more.
Highly recommended.
July 22, 2017
Tapped out after 60%. No psychological thrills here
This was marketed as a psychological thriller. Sixty percent in, I shrugged my shoulders and deleted the book from my beloved Kindle. I couldn't stand the annoying bed and breakfast owners, constantly showing up to the cottage unannounced. I hated the police officers, too stupid to listen to the main character's concerns. I wasn't riveted by this one, more like annoyed.
This was marketed as a psychological thriller. Sixty percent in, I shrugged my shoulders and deleted the book from my beloved Kindle. I couldn't stand the annoying bed and breakfast owners, constantly showing up to the cottage unannounced. I hated the police officers, too stupid to listen to the main character's concerns. I wasn't riveted by this one, more like annoyed.
June 15, 2015
1.5 Stars
Another one of those types that goes up a staircase of thrills and suspense, only to stop at the very top to find out that there is nothing there, after all. I really get disappointed with stories, be it in books or movies, that are shaped like this.
The story is all about Pauline Green, an abused wife who ran away while her husband was away on some business trip. She had a plan, but her plans went awry because she tried to help a stranger. Without her knowing, she was suddenly entangled in a web of danger, and so on....until the story ended in a snap, just like that.
I would have looked past all the mishaps and bad hand that was dealt to Pauline - really, why can't she find any peace; why had danger and bad luck followed her wherever she went? I thought, can one really be so unfortunate...well, it can happen, why not; and so, until I came to the ending, I was looking at 3 stars. Then, seeing how it ended, I hovered between 1 and 2 for a number of reasons:
1. There was the unrealistically unfortunate events in Pauline's life - which I also mentioned that I could have ignored, but I am still putting here anyway.
2. The abrupt ending that came out of nowhere. Really, I couldn't believe that the last sentence was "She'd taken the cat"!!!!
3. The unexplained reason behind all the panic and dangerous excitement. What was it all about? Other than the statement that some women were saved and some men were put behind bars, there was no more mention of why Pauline's life was put in such peril. Wasn't that supposed to be significant, after all Pauline has gone through?
The only good part (and that is why the extra half star) is that it was a fast read. At least I didn't have to go through days of building up the suspense only to be snuffed out very abruptly at the end.
Another one of those types that goes up a staircase of thrills and suspense, only to stop at the very top to find out that there is nothing there, after all. I really get disappointed with stories, be it in books or movies, that are shaped like this.
The story is all about Pauline Green, an abused wife who ran away while her husband was away on some business trip. She had a plan, but her plans went awry because she tried to help a stranger. Without her knowing, she was suddenly entangled in a web of danger, and so on....until the story ended in a snap, just like that.
I would have looked past all the mishaps and bad hand that was dealt to Pauline - really, why can't she find any peace; why had danger and bad luck followed her wherever she went? I thought, can one really be so unfortunate...well, it can happen, why not; and so, until I came to the ending, I was looking at 3 stars. Then, seeing how it ended, I hovered between 1 and 2 for a number of reasons:
1. There was the unrealistically unfortunate events in Pauline's life - which I also mentioned that I could have ignored, but I am still putting here anyway.
2. The abrupt ending that came out of nowhere. Really, I couldn't believe that the last sentence was "She'd taken the cat"!!!!
3. The unexplained reason behind all the panic and dangerous excitement. What was it all about? Other than the statement that some women were saved and some men were put behind bars, there was no more mention of why Pauline's life was put in such peril. Wasn't that supposed to be significant, after all Pauline has gone through?
The only good part (and that is why the extra half star) is that it was a fast read. At least I didn't have to go through days of building up the suspense only to be snuffed out very abruptly at the end.
March 4, 2015
When Pauline decides to leave her abusive husband George, she has things planned for a new life, but as always the unexpected happens and Pauline's carefully laid plans go awry. This was a good read, I wouldn't say it was a fast past thriller, but there was enough suspense to keep the reader turning the pages. A little bit more excitement and I would have probably made this a five star review. The story kind of reminds me of a made for TV Movie and I think I could easily see this story as a movie.
February 28, 2015
This is a really good, tight and punchy psychological thriller with a nice dash of romance. Probably aimed at the ladies but I'm a bloke and I enjoyed it; in fact it kept me up very late! You know how it goes when you keep saying 'just one more chapter..' and then the next thing you know you are finishing the book and the sun is coming up...
March 6, 2015
'Leaving George' pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let go. The storyline was well written and full of suspense and definitely a gripping thriller. The way the story played out was intense. I loved how Pauline grew into a strong and independent woman. She completely surprised me. Pete was a an added bonus to the story. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.
March 14, 2015
Not what I thought
I was expecting sleeping with the enemy not leaving the enemy to find an enemy. I was a little disappointed with this story after the good reviews. This should have been titled Bad luck Pauline
I was expecting sleeping with the enemy not leaving the enemy to find an enemy. I was a little disappointed with this story after the good reviews. This should have been titled Bad luck Pauline
May 21, 2015
A great psychological thriller full of suspense. Diane M. Dickson's narrative is personal and intimate. I feel for Pauline. I want the best for her. The MC is what makes this thriller all the more interesting.
Read
May 4, 2020Leaving George
This book wasn't as good as The Grave. It was fairly slow until near the end. Abused housewife Paulette leaves her husband George while he's out of town at a convention. She has secretly reserved a cottage in a beach town for a week and purchased a home in France. While leaving, she comes across an accident and helps the motorcyclist until police and aid arrive. then goes to the cottage to hide out for a bit (a short holiday) but is attacked by a man she discovers is the motorcyclist from the accident. She survives but then another man sneaks into the cottage. Life keeps throwing danger at her and she fights to survive. This story was OK, Paulette was likeable but so many things happened to her it became almost unbelievable. She cries a LOT but finds her strength in the end. The writing was fine, it just didn't pull me in as much as The Grave did (same author). Again there was romance but it was fine. More cursing if that's something you worry about but it wasn't completely over the top.
This book wasn't as good as The Grave. It was fairly slow until near the end. Abused housewife Paulette leaves her husband George while he's out of town at a convention. She has secretly reserved a cottage in a beach town for a week and purchased a home in France. While leaving, she comes across an accident and helps the motorcyclist until police and aid arrive. then goes to the cottage to hide out for a bit (a short holiday) but is attacked by a man she discovers is the motorcyclist from the accident. She survives but then another man sneaks into the cottage. Life keeps throwing danger at her and she fights to survive. This story was OK, Paulette was likeable but so many things happened to her it became almost unbelievable. She cries a LOT but finds her strength in the end. The writing was fine, it just didn't pull me in as much as The Grave did (same author). Again there was romance but it was fine. More cursing if that's something you worry about but it wasn't completely over the top.
September 23, 2021
A great plot, this started as a 4 star book. Unfortunately the further into the story I got the more unbelievable the actions of the characters. If you want intelligent police don't go to Cornwall, I can't believe that anyone who is clearly a victim would be treated that way. Then so much repetition of actions and a very unacceptable finish. I felt sad as this book started so well and drew me in very quickly the left me disappointed.
July 8, 2025
I’m not a fast reader but this book was fantastic! It had my interest from start to finish. Pauline was a woman scorned, married for many years to a man who was abusive. It took me to a twist that I never thought the writer would. It took two days to read, couldn’t put it down. It’s a must read book! Great job to the writer, Diane Dickson. Looking forward to reading more books by her. Books 📚
July 12, 2017
Disappointing
I was so excited when I read the description of this book. It started out so good.... but then the plot became bizarre. Stupidity bizarre. So unnecessary to take what could have been a really meaningful story and made it extreme. Oh well
I was so excited when I read the description of this book. It started out so good.... but then the plot became bizarre. Stupidity bizarre. So unnecessary to take what could have been a really meaningful story and made it extreme. Oh well
July 15, 2017
While I liked the first half, the second half was far too quick-moving to really buy into the resulting emotions. I think if the author had taken more time and slowed it down, it would have been more believable. Also some things didn't make sense and were never adequately explained.
November 30, 2017
Awesome
What a great story!! It will certainly make you question strangers you come across day to day. I'm American and one of my best friends lives in a Scotland, so to hear the accent come through the way it did was so fun!
What a great story!! It will certainly make you question strangers you come across day to day. I'm American and one of my best friends lives in a Scotland, so to hear the accent come through the way it did was so fun!
July 12, 2017
What a story!
Suspense and mystery after mystery, choices made-deception in the English countryside, a book you never want to put down until the end.
Suspense and mystery after mystery, choices made-deception in the English countryside, a book you never want to put down until the end.
July 18, 2017
Boring
Not good enough .Boring .Abused wife comes into money leaves abuser .Saves a criminal ,falls in love .Nothing gripping or thrilling about it .
Not good enough .Boring .Abused wife comes into money leaves abuser .Saves a criminal ,falls in love .Nothing gripping or thrilling about it .
July 11, 2018
The book started out okay but I didn't like the ending at all.
August 14, 2018
Wow! What a great book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. From start to finish in one day, as I just couldn't put it down.
June 6, 2019
I enjoyed this from start to finish.
January 11, 2020
A bit far fetched
But readable.
I won't add spoilers but the downward spiral of disaster is a liitle too much to be believed.
Nice touch at tge end though.
But readable.
I won't add spoilers but the downward spiral of disaster is a liitle too much to be believed.
Nice touch at tge end though.
May 9, 2020
Good reading
September 30, 2020
Enjoyable thriller.
Enjoyed Leaving George. Some bits were pushing pretty improbable but that's what help contribute to it's being a thriller, right?
Enjoyed Leaving George. Some bits were pushing pretty improbable but that's what help contribute to it's being a thriller, right?
June 10, 2024
This was just fun and quite unexpected. Crisply written, intricate plot but not quite clever enough for me to figure out ahead of time, but still. Well done.
November 30, 2016
A wonderfully entertaining read. Pauline has had a tough time being married to George so decides to leave him whilst he is “away at conference”. As she does so she finds herself at the scene of an accident and dutifully plays the Good Samaritan. After several hours delay she then gets back on her way. However a few days later, just as she is settling into life away from “home” she feels that she is being watched. Things take a turn for the worst and she is in the middle of adventure she never thought possible. I loved this- it drew me in and made me smile and gasp in equal measures. Pauline is a real character and you feel for her in different ways. The descriptions are excellent, the plot although perhaps far- fetched (this is fiction!) is wonderful. I am not sure if this totally fits “psychological thriller” as there is the light-hearted about it- despite the plot. Fans of the more sinister PT books perhaps won’t get this- I love both and this was a nice change.
June 13, 2015
The story progresses too slowly for me. I couldn't bear to read more after nothing was happening for so long. Pauline is a paranoid and someone needs to explain to her that her husband isn't a super human. She keeps guessing too much about his capabilities which wouldn't be possible for a normal person to do. It makes you feel like what you feel living with someone who's constantly abusing you and making you feel helpless and as if he's an over Lord.
Anyway, there's a lot of description about her experiences which make you feel like you're there with her enjoying her experiences. Although that wasn't enough to hold my interest.
Anyway, there's a lot of description about her experiences which make you feel like you're there with her enjoying her experiences. Although that wasn't enough to hold my interest.
August 6, 2015
It started well.
A wonderful first half of the book. Peaceful and gripping with nice suspenseful moments that kept me turning the pages quickly. Shame about the second half. I know this is fiction, but blimey!! What on earth.... No spoilers but our plucky heroine is transported into dodgy dealings, fights for her life on more than one occasion with quite frankly the worlds most pathetic bad guys as adversaries and falls for the most predictable person imaginable.
I don't quite know what happened to the great start. Pauline was so brave to begin with but at the end was pretty gushing and sadly pathetic.
It ended badly. But at least she got the cat...
A wonderful first half of the book. Peaceful and gripping with nice suspenseful moments that kept me turning the pages quickly. Shame about the second half. I know this is fiction, but blimey!! What on earth.... No spoilers but our plucky heroine is transported into dodgy dealings, fights for her life on more than one occasion with quite frankly the worlds most pathetic bad guys as adversaries and falls for the most predictable person imaginable.
I don't quite know what happened to the great start. Pauline was so brave to begin with but at the end was pretty gushing and sadly pathetic.
It ended badly. But at least she got the cat...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews