Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “They All Fall Down (Scott Carluccio Randall, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

They All Fall Down

(Scott Carluccio Randall #1)

Cat Hogan (Goodreads Author)

3.67 · Rating details · 495 ratings · 55 reviews

Ring-a-ring o’ rosie . . .
... Someone wants to play.
... Who's not playing the game?
... Now Someone must pay.

Jen Harper likes to play it safe. She is settling into life on the outskirts of a sleepy fishing village with her little boy, Danny. Life by the sea – just how she wanted it.

When she meets Andy, she feels the time has come to put her baggage an ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 322 pages

Published July 1st 2016 by Poolbeg Press

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about They All Fall Down, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about They All Fall Down

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 3.67 ·

Rating details

· 495 ratings · 55 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of They All Fall Down (Scott Carluccio Randall, #1)

Aug 10, 2016 Clair rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: on-the-bookcase, 2016-reads, signed

If you like psychological thrillers then this book needs to be on your TBR list. They All Fall Down can be split into 2 distinct halves; the first half being slow burn build up of tension with the introduction of the charming, handsome and rich Scott who can charm the birds from the trees. Then, in the second half, ramps up the action to a crescendo of an ending.

The characters are realistic and likeable, other than Scott for obvious reasons – however I did love to hate him! Jen is just looking f If you like psychological thrillers then this book needs to be on your TBR list. They All Fall Down can be split into 2 distinct halves; the first half being slow burn build up of tension with the introduction of the charming, handsome and rich Scott who can charm the birds from the trees. Then, in the second half, ramps up the action to a crescendo of an ending.

The characters are realistic and likeable, other than Scott for obvious reasons – however I did love to hate him! Jen is just looking for a happy life for herself and her 8 year old son, Danny. She has had a tough time growing up and is haunted by her own demons but is grateful for Danny and the home that her Aunty Pat has left her – even if it is with a lodger in situ through to the end of the year! Although, Aunty Pat knew what she was doing there as Andy (the lodger) has shut down since the death of his beloved Sharon a few years prior – he was retreated into himself and cannot see himself being happy ever again. I loved Andy, for both his caring, romantic side and his fiery nature protecting those close to him. The relationship between Jen and Andy is predictable however this is because they are so well suited and just gel from the moment they start living with one another – as I say, Aunty Pat had a plan which she knew would work! Its interesting to have a love story running alongside a psychological thriller and it works really well as the reader becomes invested in everyone’s lives and understands how much everyone has to lose.

What can I say about Scott – what a weapon he is! The epitome of arrogance who thinks that he can control everyone and everything to his own advantage. Hogan certainly knows how to write an evil character, Scott’s ability to switch on and off his charm jumps out from the pages. Andy sees the good in everyone and everything therefore retains a good friendship with Scott even though he can see how he winds everyone up. I would have liked to have heard from Scott more from his own perspective, to get his take on things and enter his dark world – although it would definitely be a scary place to be as he is such a narcissist!

They All Fall Down is a wonderfully plotted story, building up the tension through the introduction of characters and snippets into Scott’s manipulative ways. The landscape certainly comes through as well through Hogan’s descriptions of the village and the sea. I loved the Irish language quirks coming through that really transports you over to Ireland. This is a fantastic debut and Cat Hogan is definitely one to watch! ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 08, 2016 Melanie rated it it was amazing

This is a psychological thriller at its best!
Jen likes the quiet life, possibly a little too quiet so her friends think, so they're all pleased when she meets Andy who although weighed down by the past seems to be the perfect catch (no pun intended!) Little did she bargain on him having such a downright nasty albeit charming, and dangerous friend who takes an instant dislike to her, of course the feeling is mutual...... Cat has created some wonderful and beautiful characters here who I warmed t ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2016 Margaret Madden rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, irish-fiction

3.5 stars
A small fishing village in Ireland is the setting for an unusual set of circumstances. Jen has inherited a house with a lodger and is slowly falling for his charms. Andy is a widowed fisherman, gentle of spirit and he awakens something within Jen. Their chemistry is obvious but she is afraid to act on it. Scott is the fisherman's sinister friend, determined to keep the pair apart. But why?

Single Mum, Jen, has uneasy feelings toward Scott from the get-go. He is a dark shadow that seems t 3.5 stars
A small fishing village in Ireland is the setting for an unusual set of circumstances. Jen has inherited a house with a lodger and is slowly falling for his charms. Andy is a widowed fisherman, gentle of spirit and he awakens something within Jen. Their chemistry is obvious but she is afraid to act on it. Scott is the fisherman's sinister friend, determined to keep the pair apart. But why?

Single Mum, Jen, has uneasy feelings toward Scott from the get-go. He is a dark shadow that seems to appear at the worst possible times and is the complete opposite of his best friend. Rich, suave and a complete snob, he steps over people to get what he wants in life. These includs Jen, her friends and anyone else he sees as a threat. Tense dinner parties, subtle threats and many, many secrets all become part of Scott's larger plan.

This is Cat Hogan's debut novel and the title refers to an old playground song, Ring-a-ring-o' Roses. Although there is no real connection to this rhyming tune, the house of cards that Scott is trying to control does require a lot of balancing. The novel opens with a short, sinister prelude, on a cliff edge. The story begins with an introduction to Jen and her son, Danny, and how they have ended up in their little cottage with Andy as a lodger. There is then a strong chapter which gives the reader a glimpse into the dark and seedy mind of Scott, who obviously has more than a bit of the Norman Bates about him. The novel then heads off in a different direction, with many characters (mostly friends of Jens) appearing and lots of name-repeating in each sentence of the dialogue. The second half picks up a little pace as Scott's obsession becomes irrational and Jen seems to be the only one who can see it. The story then shifts up a notch and sprints towards its ending.

Cat Hogan obviously has a love of the sea, its lighthouses, its beaches and its overall atmosphere. There are moments when you can almost feel the breeze and taste the salt air on the tip of your tongue. I would have liked to have more visuals of the village, the pub, the local shop etc, to add a little more to the story. The ongoing mention of characters names, within dialogue, can be jarring for a reader but that is a personal issue that not everyone notices. This is a clever debut, with a despicable bad guy balancing out the fair and sweet protagonist. Andy is a dream lodger, for any fresh-blooded female and one can definitely see how Jen would fall for him. I'm just not sure he would ever be friends with Scott or fall for his continuous lies. I look forward to see what direction Cat Hogan will lead us in with book two. She is not afraid of the dark side of a story, which a great thriller really needs, and I hope she delves even further into the murky minds of some fictional characters in the future.

...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jun 18, 2017 booksofallkinds rated it it was amazing

OH. MY. GOD. I know I am a little late to the party when it comes to this novel, and I have read so many amazing things about this book but nothing prepared me for this rip-roaring read that will send chills racing over your skin and have you double-checking your locks before you go to sleep.

Jen Harper carries her scars close to her heart and will do whatever she must to ensure the safety of those she loves. A loving mother, Jen doesn't have the time or the inclination for romance, but after he ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Aug 19, 2016 Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing

When Jen inherits a house it's a new start for her and her son Danny. Danny is still a little boy and Jen needs to look out for him. The house comes with a lodger and it's a relief when Jen finds out he's nice. Andy is a fisherman who's traumatized because he lost his wife a few years before. Jen and Andy like one another, but Andy's best friend isn't happy with their connection. Will they have a chance at happiness together?

Andy has an extremely loyal best friend named Scott. Scott is always by When Jen inherits a house it's a new start for her and her son Danny. Danny is still a little boy and Jen needs to look out for him. The house comes with a lodger and it's a relief when Jen finds out he's nice. Andy is a fisherman who's traumatized because he lost his wife a few years before. Jen and Andy like one another, but Andy's best friend isn't happy with their connection. Will they have a chance at happiness together?

Andy has an extremely loyal best friend named Scott. Scott is always by his side and his protectiveness knows no limits. He doesn't like Jen and he treats her with contempt. Scott is a dangerous enemy to have. He's smart and cunning and his resources are unlimited. There's a lot about him Jen doesn't like, but she seems to be the only one. Jen has a son to think of and she knows she and Danny aren't safe. Is Andy's love worth risking everything she holds dear?

They All Fall Down is a fantastic gripping story. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. The story is fabulously creepy. Scott is the charming, rich friend who has it all. He hides his real personality behind a convincing façade and I loved Cat Hogan's creative way of describing his awful schemes and unpredictable behavior. I often felt bad for Jen as she deserves happiness after everything she's been through. She's strong and resilient though, she doesn't give up and she fights for the people she loves. I liked that very much about her character. Andy is sweet and gentle. He's a kind man, but he's also a little bit naïve. Scott is toxic and evil and he comes up with the most malicious plans to chase Jen away, to stop her from being part of Andy's life. Finding out if he would succeed kept me on the edge of my seat.

Cat Hogan has a great fast-paced writing style. I enjoyed witnessing how she makes her setting, a lovely village by the sea, come to life. It's obvious she's passionate about the beach, the fishermen and the volatility and unpredictability of the water. She also describes the personalities of her main characters in a vivid and detailed way, which is the biggest strength of They All Fall Down. The atmosphere is often oppressive and I loved how much of it I actually felt while I was reading this novel. Influencing moods is something else Cat Hogan can do really well. The ending is scary and surprising and it left me reeling. I think They All Fall Down is an amazing story and I highly recommend it. ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Aug 28, 2016 Emma Crowley rated it liked it · review of another edition

They All Fall Down is the debut novel from Irish author Cat Hogan. Set in a small coastal village which relies on both the tourist and fishing industry to keep it going the story follows Jen Harper as she returns to take up residence with her young son Danny in a house which she had been left by her Auntie Pat. That may all seem straight forward enough but once Jen has begun to settle in and get over the fact she has to share her house with the resident lodger – fisherman Andy until at least the They All Fall Down is the debut novel from Irish author Cat Hogan. Set in a small coastal village which relies on both the tourist and fishing industry to keep it going the story follows Jen Harper as she returns to take up residence with her young son Danny in a house which she had been left by her Auntie Pat. That may all seem straight forward enough but once Jen has begun to settle in and get over the fact she has to share her house with the resident lodger – fisherman Andy until at least the end of the year, well then things start to take a slightly different turn. They All Fall Down is said to be a fast paced psychological thriller, I didn’t find the pace at all fast instead I felt until the closing chapters I very much felt the pace was slow and languid similarly to the ebb and flow of the tide of water next to the village. There were definitely elements of the thriller to be found in this book but I felt the whole pace could have been vastly ramped up and more of a sense of mystery incorporated throughout the story. We knew from the start who the person was we should be keeping an eye on was but still the finer details needed to be unravelled. I would have preferred to be left guessing throughout and attempting myself to slot the pieces of the puzzle together as the same time the characters were. Saying all that the male character was written to absolute perfection and I was suspicious of every movement he made and his ultimate motives, Psycho is an understatement.

Coming from the coastal county of Wexford herself Cat obviously has a love for the sea and rugged coastlines as they are described and used to great effect throughout the story. If the sea is angry and wild the characters seem to be going through some inner and outer turmoil as they all try to keep secrets from each other. Yet the more they keep hidden the bigger the tangled web of mystery and bribery widens. Throughout the entire book there really was an overwhelming oppressive feeling as if everything was closing in on the residents of the village. We only read about a few characters connected to Jen and Andy and it would have been nice to read of some other people living in the village just to add more of a community feeling to the story.

The book took on a very menacing, suffocating tone and none of the main players seemed particularly happy even though that was all Jen wanted for her life. They just appeared to be caught in a spell cast by a character and forgot their way as said character saw their flaws and weaknesses and played on them in every way possible for their own gain and to ultimately satisfy a crazy ambition they believed they had. Jen claims when speaking to her best friend Sal that this is the year she was going to get her act together and make life the best it could be. She is raising Danny on her own as the relationship with his father didn’t work out and I presume she would like to find happiness again, yet I felt there could have been a bit more delving into her background initially which would explain her later actions and thought processes. She was a mother at her core and she always wanted Danny’s safety and well being as paramount but at the same time she was a closed book and reluctant to open up the barriers she had enforced around herself. She does have a few close friends in Sal, who is an artist, and Tess, who runs the local bar, but there were times I just wanted to shake Jen and say you can see everything going on in front of your eyes why don’t you get to the bottom of the problem and confront your friends before it is too late.

Andy seemed a nice enough man and would help Jen in any way he could when he wasn’t away at sea fishing. Yet like with all the characters Andy has a past that he is not necessarily keeping hidden but at the same time he is not that forthcoming unless really pushed or questioned. He is deeply hurt by a horrific event in the past and has found it extremely difficult to move on. Andy has a friend Scott and I know I wasn’t supposed to like him (not that I really did) but he was by the far the best character within the book. He was brilliantly written - evil, rotten to the core, manipulative, menacing, a liar, corrupt, obsessive, possessive, dark, intimidating. Really I could go on and on with adjectives to describe him. He brought the bit of action so badly needed within the book. Scott was all sweetness and light on the outside but on the inside his mind was constantly whirring away plotting and scheming and he could be compares to a puppeteer. He controlled all the players and strings in the game whether they knew it or not. Unfortunately most of the characters couldn’t see through his false persona because he portrayed himself so well in that way and people fell under his spell and once hooked had no way of getting themselves out. Scott played his role with a sense of superiority and a smug feeling of satisfaction that he was the one in control. He really was one of the cruellest characters I have read in a long time and I won’t forget him in a hurry.

Sal’s storyline felt a little weak to me but Tess who was married to Doc had a believable storyline even though I wouldn’t want anything that occurred to her to happen in real life. They All Fall Down meandered along at a slow enough pace as I have said until the final few chapters which were action packed and emotion filled. Although for me the scenes and explanations were all very good and not too far fetched they didn’t make up for my feelings about the previous three quarters of the book. This wasn’t the page turner I was expecting and I know I only read very small amounts of thriller/crime but when I do I expect to be hooked and rapidly turning the pages to discover the ending. That didn’t happen here although the ending was very good and left the reader guessing and set us up nicely for book two if the author chooses to return to the same setting in the future. Cat Hogan has shown glimpses of the writing that is to come, she can certainly write an evil character very well but the overall story didn’t have the mind blowing twist that people may look for as I guessed what had happened. That said I would try another book from this author as her writing shows great promise. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 26, 2016 Joanne Robertson rated it really liked it

There is a lovely buzz about this book at the moment and as I am always afraid of missing out on the next big thing, I was delighted to accept my review copy and dive in!

I love the nursery rhyme Ring O’Roses and have sung it to differing generations of children. It’s one that never seems to get old and I love the slightly dark edge that it has due to its well documented history. And it’s used to great effect here both on the cover and inside as well. This is such a twisted psychological thriller ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 03, 2016 Margaret rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book. As with any book that has so many characters and sometimes in this case, varying points of view in each chapter, it can be difficult to keep track of who's who at the start but it becomes clear very early just who are the hero's and villains of the piece and WHAT a villain... I galloped through the second half of the book and my heart was in my mouth right up to the last page and I actually felt strangely unsettled when it was over... Super debut, will definitely look ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2019 Lady Delacour rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: listened-with-text-to-speech-app, done-with-this-author, changed-foul-words-in-pronunciation, way-too-much-foul-language, author-must-have-a-potty-mouth

Story was ok, but all the
unnecessary foul language
took the story way down.
Listened with TTS.
Mildly unClean.
Over use of Foul Language.

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 13, 2017 Kate~Bibliophile Book Club rated it liked it · review of another edition

I had seen Cat’s book knocking around social media but knowing I didn’t have the time to read it, I bought it and shelved it until I had a chance to read it in my own time.

Anyway, I picked this up after agonizing for ages about what to read, and I was pleasantly surprised. They All Fall Down is a psychological thriller, with a strong emphasis on friendship and trust. Following Jen Harper, and her son Danny as they settle in to a sleepy fishing village, it becomes obvious that there is definitely ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 10, 2016 Merrilyn rated it it was ok

Shelves: book-club

Unfortunately clunky dialogue, the characters constantly saying the name of the person being spoken to. I found it difficult to stop noticing and it suggested a lack of confidence in the writing, as if the reader wouldn't be able to follow conversations without signposts. The plot did grip in parts but none of the characters really grabbed me apart from Jen. There is enough here to suggest the author can build and improve in future books, perhaps if the style hadn't bothered me so much I would h ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 20, 2016 Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) rated it really liked it

‘Love and obsession really are two sides of the same coin, and depending on the perspective it is coming from, it can become a beautiful thing, or a thing of destruction.’

(via Trace Literary Agency)

They All Fall Down is the debut novel from Irish Writer Cat Hogan. It was just published at the beginning of July by Poolbeg Press, so I was very fortunate to receive a copy.

At the moment I have been very lucky to receive such wonderful debut novels from many Irish writers and this is no exception ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 15, 2016 Rebecca rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-for-blog-tour

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

When I first spotted They All Fall Down by Cat Hogan doing the rounds on Twitter, I was immediately grabbed by the cover and title. It had a certain sense of danger to it that I simply couldn't resist, so it came as quite a delightful surprise when the author contacted me in regards to reading and reviewing her novel, as well taking part in the blog tour. I couldn't say yes quick enough and, when the book arrived, I dived in straight away, eager to find out Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

When I first spotted They All Fall Down by Cat Hogan doing the rounds on Twitter, I was immediately grabbed by the cover and title. It had a certain sense of danger to it that I simply couldn't resist, so it came as quite a delightful surprise when the author contacted me in regards to reading and reviewing her novel, as well taking part in the blog tour. I couldn't say yes quick enough and, when the book arrived, I dived in straight away, eager to find out what Hogan had in store for me. I thought the blurb sounded fantastic and I loved the cover too.

In Cat Hogan's They All Fall Down, we're introduced to Jen and Danny Harper, who've just moved into the home which Jen has inherited from her Auntie Pat. Keen to get back on track with life and ensure her son has everything he needs, Jen is certain that this is the right choice for them both. Set in a sleepy fishing village in Ireland, there was a real essence of place within this novel and the author's wonderfully descriptive style allowed me to visualise it easily. Unfortunately for Jen, her new home comes complete with lodger Andy who, Jen doesn't fail to notice, is quite the dish, although he's suffered tragedy of the most heart-breaking kind in the past and it surely shows in his personality and character. Alongside Andy is his best friend Scott who, for some odd reason, can't seem to stand Jen and all that she could possibly represent for his best friend. From the initial meeting between these characters right the way through to the very end, Hogan displays perfectly the peeling back of layers to reveal the truth beneath which isn't always pretty...

One thing I loved about this novel was the mystery behind the characters that I couldn't wait to be revealed later on. From the moment I met Scott, I felt that something wasn't quite right and waited eagerly for the moment when all would be revealed to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the family dynamics between Jen and her son Danny, even more so when Andy began to grow close to the family too. It was an enjoyable process to see Jen get used to her new life in the village and more than anything, I truly hoped that things would go swimmingly for her. As is often the case though, swimmingly isn't how I'd choose to describe this novel now that I've finished, but it only made me enjoy it all the more.

There were moments of darkness that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about the characters, coupled with moments of truth that had me reeling. Hogan took me on a twisting, winding journey within this novel and it was addictive to say the least. Fast-paced, edgy and sharp, I couldn't wait to see what would be waiting for me in every chapter ahead, and I devoured them greedily, desperate to reach the end. Hogan's characters were exciting to learn more about and I really felt a closeness with Jen, loving her nature completely.

All in all, They All Fall Down by Cat Hogan was a fantastic psychological thriller with plenty of characters and circumstances to sink your teeth into. The Irish author is definitely one to keep an eye on, for sure. I'm excited to see what Cat Hogan has in store for her readers next! I hope we don't have too long to wait. Becca's Books is awarding They All Fall Down by Cat Hogan with four of my bookish cupcakes! A truly brilliant debut novel. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 03, 2016 Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle

I never read other reviews before writing my own, and I must admit this book came as a real surprise. No, I’ll go further than that – in a nice way of course, but it came as a total shock. With the author coming from the sunny southeast of Ireland and the talk of sleepy fishing villages, coupled with the fact that this one is published by Poolbeg, I was rather expecting it to be a gentle tale of country folk, maybe with a bit of sea-going and the odd bit of wisdom from the elders. And for the fi I never read other reviews before writing my own, and I must admit this book came as a real surprise. No, I’ll go further than that – in a nice way of course, but it came as a total shock. With the author coming from the sunny southeast of Ireland and the talk of sleepy fishing villages, coupled with the fact that this one is published by Poolbeg, I was rather expecting it to be a gentle tale of country folk, maybe with a bit of sea-going and the odd bit of wisdom from the elders. And for the first third, I guess that’s largely what it was – Jen and young son Danny are introduced (and I immediately liked them both), there’s the awkwardness of having a lodger in their new home (but I liked Andy too, a bit of a hunk but gentle and caring – romance ahead, I thought, a bit of a set-up by dear departed Aunty Pat) and we meet Jen’s friends. Tess who runs the pub and Doc her musician husband, gigging round the country to help make ends meet, are having real problems with their relationship – then there’s Jen, the artist, obviously a good mate to have. Everything’s very conversation based, and maybe a tad slower than I like things – it was a bit like eavesdropping, Tess and Doc seemed to become more central to the story than Jen, and I wondered quite where it was all going.

In the midst of all the establishing of the characters we also meet Scott – suave, smooth, charming (or is he? sometimes not…), bit of an unconventional home life (closer to the retired gardener in a nursing home than to his ex-opera singer and party hostess mother), and a liking for drugs and the high life. Oh no, he doesn’t really fit in at all – but he’s a friend of Andy’s, and he’s pretty level-headed, so maybe Jen’s wrong in not taking to him. But then things turn – when it looks as if everything’s heading for a happy ending for some and a fresh start for others, Scott starts to show his true colours. The book becomes very much darker, the pace picks up dramatically, and we enter a whole different world of evil, secrets, betrayal, violence, addiction, obsession… goodness, I really wasn’t expecting that! It’s a tremendous page-turner as Jen becomes more and more isolated, apparently the only one who can see the evil in their midst – relationships fracture as the characters find their strings being pulled by a master manipulator, and the book hurtles towards a heart-in-mouth climax that had me unable to put it down until I’d finished reading.

The book’s not without its faults – I did feel the pace sometimes flagged a little too much with some of the dialogue, which did serve well in giving insight into the characters, but sometimes had me skip-reading a little (then flipping back when I realised I’d missed something important). That said, the dialogue is very well written, and I enjoyed the little quirks of Irishness that gave it more colour. The escalation in the second half was extremely well done though – Jen’s increasing alienation and the threat hanging over her, the terrifying personification of evil, the climactic scene vividly real, and the ending quite perfect. A strong first novel, and I enjoyed it – I look forward to seeing what Cat Hogan does next. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 06, 2016 Celeste Ní raois rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-books, celeste-2016-reading-challenge

4.5/5

Thanks to Poolbeg Press and Cat Hogan, I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review......

Jen Harper and her 8 year old son Danny have recently moved into a house on the outskirts of a sleep fishing village in Wexford and she is looking forward to spending her life by the sea as she's always wanted.

She meets Andy, who is a fisherman based in the village too. Both Jen and Andy both have baggage after suffering separate and awful tragedies. Jen is then introduced to Scott who is 4.5/5

Thanks to Poolbeg Press and Cat Hogan, I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review......

Jen Harper and her 8 year old son Danny have recently moved into a house on the outskirts of a sleep fishing village in Wexford and she is looking forward to spending her life by the sea as she's always wanted.

She meets Andy, who is a fisherman based in the village too. Both Jen and Andy both have baggage after suffering separate and awful tragedies. Jen is then introduced to Scott who is Andy's best friend but he's so protective of Andy, almost to the stage where he won't let Andy out of his sight or be away from his side for too long but why is Scott so protective?? Jen attempts to find the answers and as she does she will push all her relationships to the limit she must confront her demons and face her past, but what is this dark secret that threatens to hurt all of them??

I didn't like this, I LOVED it. I would definitely recommend this book. I had it read in just a few days as I couldn't put it down and there were parts of the story I was shouting at the characters in my head to not do this and don't do that. The villian character was brilliant, very well written and cleverly constructed. They were everything you'd expect with a sociopath - cold, calculating, manipulating and has no regard for anyone's feelings or who they hurt on their path of destruction. Parts of the story where a bit creepy too which was perfect for the story. This story had it all from a little bit of humor, family, love, betrayal, a web of lies, protectiveness and deception to a little more hard-hitting issues and the lengths that some people will go to to cover up a secret. They All Fall Down has been compared to Gone Girl which to be honest I don't like publishers comparing their books to other books as I, amongst others didn't like Gone Girl so this may turn people against titles that are compared to it and it has also been compared to last year's hit The Girl On The Train but seeing as I haven't read that one (just yet) I can't really compare but this was a highly addictive and a MUST read for all fans of Psychological Thrillers.

This is Cat Hogan's debut novel and and I loved it so make sure you grab a copy to bring along with you on holidays as it'll be the perfect beach read. I'm really looking forward to Cat's new novel which will hopefully be sometime later this year (no pressure Cat). ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 30, 2016 Emma rated it really liked it

They All Fall Down is Cat Hogan’s debut novel, and what a brilliant start! I’m looking forward to seeing what Cat has in store for us next.

Single mum, Jen Harper, has inherited a beautiful house by the sea. It’s perfect for her and young son, Danny. Perfect except maybe for the live in lodger! Before long Jen starts to see Andy, her lodger in a different light. After all he is rather dishy and maybe it is time she moved on with her life. Andy seems to feel the same spark, and with very tentative ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 08, 2016 Carmel Harrington rated it it was amazing

An accomplished debut from Cat Hogan. Scott was a great villain and I loved the parts where Hogan gave us an insight into his dark, treacherous mind. I have a feeling the author hasn't done with him yet. If she does go back to Scott, I hope she shows us more of his POV, because they were my favourite parts of the story.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the fishing village also, the authors love of the area shone through. Hogan did a good job creating an eclectic mix of sub characters, who were at ti ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 06, 2016 Don Jimmy Reviews rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Had me turning and turning and turning the pages. I couldn't wait to see what happened next!

A brilliant and wonderfully Irish read. I must admit this was certainly a step into unfamiliar territory for me, and the beginning had me wondering what I'd gotten myself into, but I was drawn in rapidly. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2016 Carol rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: loaners

I don't like to leave negative reviews and there was nothing necessarily wrong with this, I mean it was well written and we'll thought out. It just wasn't my cup of tea. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 20, 2017 Dana Sullivan rated it really liked it

A good psychological thriller where the villain has everyone believing he's a wonderful, thoughtful, caring person, except for our main character who knows right away something is off about him and his behavior.

I enjoyed the drama, the Ireland setting, and the dialogue, although had to wonder throughout the book about some of the conversations --- these sound like rational adults! (for example, becoming upset about something but then having reasonable thought processes within yourself to diffus ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 06, 2018 Clazzzer C rated it it was ok

This would be a perfect by the pool choice of book, not too taxing, short paragraphs, easy to follow story. The simplicity of the speech got to me at times I have to say, it was too much like overhearing a conversation in the supermarket than reading words from a page. The story line was ok but I found Scott to be OTT from the off, he was not credible at all. I thought the plot was good in parts and I was looking forward to finding out what happened in the end.I was disappointed by the ending ho ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 10, 2018 Niamh Ennis rated it it was ok

Although the idea is somewhat clever, this book is dragged down by its God awful unrealistic dialogue (who finishes each sentence with the name of the person they're talking to?), horribly predictable plot progress and *spoiler* why would Scott be interfering in Tess and Doc's life before Andy went near Jen? Is the author trying to validate the sociopath diagnosis by removing Andy as the motive for everything, because this "twist" is done incredibly poorly to say the least. Expected maybe a litt ...more

flag Like · see review

May 28, 2017 C Eee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-have

Loved it and can't wait for Cat's next book! There were moments I held my breath, moments when I knew what would happen and yet my knuckles turned white. Moments when Cat Hogan completely pulled the rug from under me. Yeah, was emotionally exhausted after it, but not only: however to explain that, I'd have to insert some sort of spoiler. Suffice it to say, it's a belter! Come on Cat, need something to share in the ROSBC, girl! ;-) ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 24, 2019 Maura rated it liked it

Decent enough book which paves the way for a sequel which I'll definitely read. A few little criticisms. It is a bit slow to start and seems rushed at the end. Some sentences and descriptions are a bit clumsy. The narrative flips from a relatively formal style to an overly casual/colloquial style in places. All that said I did enjoy the book and liked reading a book written by a Wexford author set in Wexford! ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 26, 2017 Rhiannon rated it it was ok

I found this a slow read, took ages for anything to happen and when it did it was quick and pretty much all over. The villain of the book was a bit unbelievable in my opinion and I found the writing style not to my taste, some lines I just thought would you really say that in that way! Don't know if I'll try any more of this author. ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 03, 2017 Viki White rated it it was ok

I wanted to like this book. It looked intriguing and suspenseful. But I found some parts hard to read due to the writing style. The plot I had figured out quite early and I felt when we finally got to the climax it was hasty and rushed.
I did really enjoy the romance between Jen and Andy and I found the relationship very sweet as they both tried to heal each others past.

flag Like · see review

Jul 11, 2017 Anna marked it as did-not-finish

Shelves: read-in-2017, psychological-thriller

Had potential as a story, but abandoning at page 52 because of my major irritant in books where characters constantly refer to each other by name even if there are only two of them talking - 'Blah blah blah, Tess.' 'Yes, blah blah blah, Jen.' 'But Tess, blah blah blah.' 'Oh Jen, blah blah blah.'

Arrgghhhh.

Just. No. ...more

flag Like · see review

May 26, 2017 Jeanette ball rated it liked it

Good storyline, writing is lacking.

Good plot, predictable, but pacy, However the writing didn't match up. The descriptions were vague, and lacking, with too much emphasis on the use of the word feck, in an attempt to bring the Irish feel to the story. ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 04, 2017 Christine Allen rated it liked it

2 1/2 * really. Can't decide about this book. I thought the story was ok but the title didn't suit it. Some of the dialogue was childish and didn't fit and I was sick of the use of "feck" - the Irish swear word. ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 14, 2018 Sally rated it it was amazing

They All Fall Down

What can I say besides one terrific read! I was on pins and needles half of the time I was reading. Wow I could reread it right now, that's how well it held my attention! 5 star yep, but if possible I would go higher. 😉 ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Thriller

9 users

Fiction

2 users

Suspense

2 users

Thriller > Psychological Thriller

2 users

See top shelves…

About Cat Hogan

Cat Hogan

42 followers

Cat Hogan was born into a home of bookworms and within spitting distance of the sea. Her father, Pat, a lightship man, instilled in her a love of the sea and the stars. Her mother, Mag, taught her how to read before she could walk.
Writing, storytelling and a wild imagination is part of her DNA.

The beautiful County Wexford, Ireland is home to Cat, her musician partner Dave, two beautiful sons Joey ...more