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The Girl in Kellers Way
When a body is found buried near the desolate forest road of Kellers Way, Detective Melanie Carter must identify the victim if she is to have any chance of finding the killer. That's no easy task with fragmentary evidence from a crime committed years earlier and a conspiracy of silence from anyone who might have information.
The one person who may be able to help is Julie West. In a troubled marriage, Julie often jogs along Kellers Way to clear her mind and escape the confines of her suffocating suburban life. Until one day, something happens there that shakes Julie to the core, making her question everything she ever believed about her life, her marriage and even her sanity . . .
The one person who may be able to help is Julie West. In a troubled marriage, Julie often jogs along Kellers Way to clear her mind and escape the confines of her suffocating suburban life. Until one day, something happens there that shakes Julie to the core, making her question everything she ever believed about her life, her marriage and even her sanity . . .
318 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2017
49 people are currently reading
8217 people want to read
About the author
Megan Goldin
8 books4,853 followersMEGAN GOLDIN worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets where she covered war, peace, international terrorism and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia where she raises three sons and is a foster mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. She is the author of The Escape Room, The Night Swim, and Stay Awake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
June 7, 2018
Megan Goldin's debut novel The Girl In Kellers Way reads like she's been publishing crime fiction for years. The plot is tightly woven around well developed characters as interesting as the hidden motives and dangerous liaisons they pursue. Short, punchy chapters alternating between key characters keeps the story fresh and provides a nice yin/yang dynamic between the thin blue line of policing, and the everyday civilian.
This slice of domestic noir with a physiological suspense twist is written from two perspectives; Mel, a homicide detective, and Julie, a stay at home mum married to a man still grieving for his first wife who was tragically murdered. The ties that bind them is the discovery of a body in Kellers Way along a stretch of forest where Julie takes her regular morning run.
On the surface, the facade of normalcy cracks with each passing chapter as Julie's perfect life slowly resembles anything but. While Mel's diligence and knack for good old fashioned policing (aided by an unusual plus one tag along throughout the later stages of the investigation) leads the reader down a dark and often glossed over part of suburbia where violence and murder reign supreme. I devoured The Girl In Killers Way in two sittings and hope to read more of these characters sometime soon.
http://justaguywholikes2read.blogspot...
This slice of domestic noir with a physiological suspense twist is written from two perspectives; Mel, a homicide detective, and Julie, a stay at home mum married to a man still grieving for his first wife who was tragically murdered. The ties that bind them is the discovery of a body in Kellers Way along a stretch of forest where Julie takes her regular morning run.
On the surface, the facade of normalcy cracks with each passing chapter as Julie's perfect life slowly resembles anything but. While Mel's diligence and knack for good old fashioned policing (aided by an unusual plus one tag along throughout the later stages of the investigation) leads the reader down a dark and often glossed over part of suburbia where violence and murder reign supreme. I devoured The Girl In Killers Way in two sittings and hope to read more of these characters sometime soon.
http://justaguywholikes2read.blogspot...
October 7, 2020
I am so mad I want to slap one star on it.
This is one of those books you enjoy quietly until it gets you hooked like a junkie in a meth lab, only to turn you into a madwoman capable of inflicting mass destruction.
Because I so love spending my nights reading pretty little books and then going to work in the morning feeling like shit, exhausted and burned out. Just for the fuck of it. I don't need proper endings, closures or conclusions. Who cares how the story ends.
Well... FUCK open-to-interpretation, ambiguous and vague endings. Because I am dumb and I want it spelled out for me.
At the 99% mark I was ready to rate this book 5 stars. I was planning to keep it safely on my 'top reads' shelf. Whatever. You can have your stars for my sleepless nights and I'll be smart enough to check the reviews first next time.
This is one of those books you enjoy quietly until it gets you hooked like a junkie in a meth lab, only to turn you into a madwoman capable of inflicting mass destruction.
Because I so love spending my nights reading pretty little books and then going to work in the morning feeling like shit, exhausted and burned out. Just for the fuck of it. I don't need proper endings, closures or conclusions. Who cares how the story ends.
Well... FUCK open-to-interpretation, ambiguous and vague endings. Because I am dumb and I want it spelled out for me.
At the 99% mark I was ready to rate this book 5 stars. I was planning to keep it safely on my 'top reads' shelf. Whatever. You can have your stars for my sleepless nights and I'll be smart enough to check the reviews first next time.
Read
August 18, 2017*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*4.5 stars
Megan Goldin is a new author on the block in the overly populated domestic noir sub genre. She takes a tried and tested formula but manages to stand out from the crowd, with her debut novel, The Girl in Kellers Way. For the record I completely enjoyed my reading experience of The Girl in Kellers Way. Goldin has demonstrated through her first novel that she has made an easy transition from a foreign correspondent, to a talented writer. Goldin’s first novel demonstrates her clear aptitude for centering stories on the complicated home front.
Interestingly enough, although The Girl in Kellers Way features ‘girl’ in the title, a popular marketing ploy I suspect by publishers trying to cash in on the Gone Girl and Girl on the Train franchise, the main characters in this book are not girls. Rather, they are wives and mothers. It is dedicated mother and homicide detective, Mel Carter, who must find the killer of a victim found near the isolated Kellers Way. With scant pieces to the puzzle available to Mel, the chances of solving this case appear slim. A housewife from the same area, Julie West, who often partakes in a jog around the area of Kellers Way, may be just the person to provide an essential breakthrough Mel needs to crack this case. Lately though, Julie’s mind has been playing tricks on her, so how helpful can Julie be to solving this case?
I get a good feeling when I discover a new writer in a genre I love. As a reviewer, my favourite task is discovering and showcasing the work of new writers, especially Australian writers. Megan Goldin is new to the field of writing fiction. She previously worked as a foreign correspondent for the ABC and Reuters, where she focussed on providing comprehensive reports from war zones. Goldin has now turned her hand to fiction writing, choosing to focus on matters closer to home, the domestic front. The Girl in Kellers Way reads extremely well for a debut novelist. I was taken aback by how refined the writing was for a first time author.
The Girl in Kellers Way is narrated from two viewpoints. The first centres on Julie West, a housewife and mother to daughter Alice. Julie is the second wife of Matt West, a psychology lecturer. Julie became Matt’s wife and mother to his young daughter Alice, after his first wife Laura was tragically killed. Matt has never really gotten over the shock of his wife’s tragic death. We soon learn Matt is not a faithful man, he is a womaniser, indulging in many dalliances, much to the sufferance of Julie. Lately Julie has struggled to deal with everyday life, no longer indulging in her love of jogging, and she is being heavily medicated by Matt.
The second main narration of the novel comes from Mel Carter, the homicide detective attached to the case of the body found on Kellers Way. Mel is a single mother, who balances her dedication to her family with her professional life as a detective. She is determined to first identify the victim found on Kellers Way and follow this by finding the killer responsible for this person’s murder. She knows it is imperative to give closure to the victim’s family. Mel and Julie’s lives intersect when Mel suspects Julie may have a connection to the body found on Kellers Way.
I really enjoyed the split and flicking style of narration in this novel. The pace of The Girl in Kellers Way is consistent throughout, I was completely glued to this story for the entire length of the novel. The Girl in Kellers Way offers the reader an astute narrative, where you will find yourself guessing, double guessing and even triple guessing the events in the novel. Just when you may think you have this story ironed out, the careful insertion of red herrings and diverting plot twists really turn your perceptions around.
Despite the plot not being quite so clear-cut, Goldin’s characters are very well drawn. I was certain of my opinion of Matt from the very start of this novel. Matt is an unlikeable and loathsome character. I also didn’t really get his appeal. Quite frankly, he was an utter sleaze ball! However, Goldin’s character building is superb and Matt emerged as a full-bodied protagonist. Mel is the likeable and trustworthy character you just want to root for throughout the entire novel. I admired Mel’s tenacity in approaching her cases and her ability to co manage her career with the care of her children full-time. Julie, the other main protagonist in this novel is an odd one. I approached my assessment of her character with a sense of trepidation and a small level of trust. Part of my uncertainty around the character of Julie is influenced by her narration in the novel, which is particularly shaky. She is perhaps what we would typify as the ‘unreliable narrator’ figure, which is common in domestic noir novels. In the end, Julie’s version of events is put strongly in the spotlight and we are left with a shocking but somewhat open ending. This may not sit well with some readers. It left me pondering – what just happened?
The Girl in Kellers Way is a quality addition to the popular domestic noir genre. I think it was a wise move for debut author Megan Goldin to swap her career as a war zone journalist for one as a psychological thriller writer, she really nails her first novel. I am keen to hear more from this exciting new voice.
*4.5 stars
Megan Goldin is a new author on the block in the overly populated domestic noir sub genre. She takes a tried and tested formula but manages to stand out from the crowd, with her debut novel, The Girl in Kellers Way. For the record I completely enjoyed my reading experience of The Girl in Kellers Way. Goldin has demonstrated through her first novel that she has made an easy transition from a foreign correspondent, to a talented writer. Goldin’s first novel demonstrates her clear aptitude for centering stories on the complicated home front.
Interestingly enough, although The Girl in Kellers Way features ‘girl’ in the title, a popular marketing ploy I suspect by publishers trying to cash in on the Gone Girl and Girl on the Train franchise, the main characters in this book are not girls. Rather, they are wives and mothers. It is dedicated mother and homicide detective, Mel Carter, who must find the killer of a victim found near the isolated Kellers Way. With scant pieces to the puzzle available to Mel, the chances of solving this case appear slim. A housewife from the same area, Julie West, who often partakes in a jog around the area of Kellers Way, may be just the person to provide an essential breakthrough Mel needs to crack this case. Lately though, Julie’s mind has been playing tricks on her, so how helpful can Julie be to solving this case?
I get a good feeling when I discover a new writer in a genre I love. As a reviewer, my favourite task is discovering and showcasing the work of new writers, especially Australian writers. Megan Goldin is new to the field of writing fiction. She previously worked as a foreign correspondent for the ABC and Reuters, where she focussed on providing comprehensive reports from war zones. Goldin has now turned her hand to fiction writing, choosing to focus on matters closer to home, the domestic front. The Girl in Kellers Way reads extremely well for a debut novelist. I was taken aback by how refined the writing was for a first time author.
The Girl in Kellers Way is narrated from two viewpoints. The first centres on Julie West, a housewife and mother to daughter Alice. Julie is the second wife of Matt West, a psychology lecturer. Julie became Matt’s wife and mother to his young daughter Alice, after his first wife Laura was tragically killed. Matt has never really gotten over the shock of his wife’s tragic death. We soon learn Matt is not a faithful man, he is a womaniser, indulging in many dalliances, much to the sufferance of Julie. Lately Julie has struggled to deal with everyday life, no longer indulging in her love of jogging, and she is being heavily medicated by Matt.
The second main narration of the novel comes from Mel Carter, the homicide detective attached to the case of the body found on Kellers Way. Mel is a single mother, who balances her dedication to her family with her professional life as a detective. She is determined to first identify the victim found on Kellers Way and follow this by finding the killer responsible for this person’s murder. She knows it is imperative to give closure to the victim’s family. Mel and Julie’s lives intersect when Mel suspects Julie may have a connection to the body found on Kellers Way.
I really enjoyed the split and flicking style of narration in this novel. The pace of The Girl in Kellers Way is consistent throughout, I was completely glued to this story for the entire length of the novel. The Girl in Kellers Way offers the reader an astute narrative, where you will find yourself guessing, double guessing and even triple guessing the events in the novel. Just when you may think you have this story ironed out, the careful insertion of red herrings and diverting plot twists really turn your perceptions around.
Despite the plot not being quite so clear-cut, Goldin’s characters are very well drawn. I was certain of my opinion of Matt from the very start of this novel. Matt is an unlikeable and loathsome character. I also didn’t really get his appeal. Quite frankly, he was an utter sleaze ball! However, Goldin’s character building is superb and Matt emerged as a full-bodied protagonist. Mel is the likeable and trustworthy character you just want to root for throughout the entire novel. I admired Mel’s tenacity in approaching her cases and her ability to co manage her career with the care of her children full-time. Julie, the other main protagonist in this novel is an odd one. I approached my assessment of her character with a sense of trepidation and a small level of trust. Part of my uncertainty around the character of Julie is influenced by her narration in the novel, which is particularly shaky. She is perhaps what we would typify as the ‘unreliable narrator’ figure, which is common in domestic noir novels. In the end, Julie’s version of events is put strongly in the spotlight and we are left with a shocking but somewhat open ending. This may not sit well with some readers. It left me pondering – what just happened?
The Girl in Kellers Way is a quality addition to the popular domestic noir genre. I think it was a wise move for debut author Megan Goldin to swap her career as a war zone journalist for one as a psychological thriller writer, she really nails her first novel. I am keen to hear more from this exciting new voice.
January 7, 2018
Julie West is the second wife of psychology Professor, Matt West in a small US college town. She loves her husband and step daughter Alice, but has suffered some traumatic events and has been on medication to help her recover. However, she prefers to avoid taking the medication as it dulls her mind and plays havoc with her memory. Instead she clears her mind by enjoying her daily runs through a forest track called Kellers Way until one day something happens on her run and she suffers a set back and is forced back onto her medication.
When the body of a woman is found in the forest near Kellers Way town detective Mel Carter must re-open an old case that was believed closed. There are links to Matt and Julie and both become suspects and Mel must work out who is reliable and who is lying.
I enjoyed the way the novel flipped between Julie's point of view and Mel's. Mel is the steady, sensible detective, making a good job of juggling work and bringing up two sons after her police officer husband was killed on active duty in New York. Julie is the unreliable witness, who no longer trusts her husband and has doubts about her own memories. Matt never has a voice in the novel but is unlikeable, a womaniser as well as an unethical researcher. This is a very good debut novel and I hope there will be at least one sequel featuring Mel Carter and her partner Will.
When the body of a woman is found in the forest near Kellers Way town detective Mel Carter must re-open an old case that was believed closed. There are links to Matt and Julie and both become suspects and Mel must work out who is reliable and who is lying.
I enjoyed the way the novel flipped between Julie's point of view and Mel's. Mel is the steady, sensible detective, making a good job of juggling work and bringing up two sons after her police officer husband was killed on active duty in New York. Julie is the unreliable witness, who no longer trusts her husband and has doubts about her own memories. Matt never has a voice in the novel but is unlikeable, a womaniser as well as an unethical researcher. This is a very good debut novel and I hope there will be at least one sequel featuring Mel Carter and her partner Will.
May 22, 2017
4 1/2 stars
My View:
“Most murders are committed by someone known to the victim. More often than not, it’s an immediate relative. A husband. Or a wife.” (back cover)
What a fantastic debut novel! I love domestic noir, and this is a great example of the genre. As I read I solved the mysteries of this narrative in my head only to have nagging doubts bubble to the surface the more pages I turned. I did not like the character – Matt – what a well written egocentric, calculating individual he is. Julie is not so likeable either – but her actions are understandable, though her neediness is cloying. Julie’s version of events is unreliable – a great plot device. Who is the baddie here?
What character did I enjoy and want to see more of - Detective Melanie Carter. I do hope this is the start of a series? I do want to see more of this empathetic, diligent, intelligent woman in the future. This is a great read with a very uncomfortable ending - you will keep thinking about this book long after the last page has been turned.
My View:
“Most murders are committed by someone known to the victim. More often than not, it’s an immediate relative. A husband. Or a wife.” (back cover)
What a fantastic debut novel! I love domestic noir, and this is a great example of the genre. As I read I solved the mysteries of this narrative in my head only to have nagging doubts bubble to the surface the more pages I turned. I did not like the character – Matt – what a well written egocentric, calculating individual he is. Julie is not so likeable either – but her actions are understandable, though her neediness is cloying. Julie’s version of events is unreliable – a great plot device. Who is the baddie here?
What character did I enjoy and want to see more of - Detective Melanie Carter. I do hope this is the start of a series? I do want to see more of this empathetic, diligent, intelligent woman in the future. This is a great read with a very uncomfortable ending - you will keep thinking about this book long after the last page has been turned.
January 21, 2019
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**4.5 stars**
The Girl in Kellers Way by Megan Goldin Author. (2017).
A body is found near the forest of Kellers Way; Detective Mel needs to identify the victim to catch the killer - hard to do when the crime was committed years ago. But Julie might be able to help because she jogs that way to clear her mind. Until one day something happens to Julie there and she starts to question her life, marriage and sanity...
This is the second book I've read from this author, although it's actually her first book haha. And I really enjoyed it, just like the other book! The chapters are alternatively from Mel and Julie's perspectives; Mel being a female strong intelligent detective and Julie quickly appearing to be an 'unreliable narrator'. Julie's husband Matt is quite unlikable and the term 'tosser' comes to mind... It's tough to talk about the really interesting parts and twists of this novel without revealing spoilers so just trust me when I say that if you are a fan of psychological thrillers you will appreciate this book! I'd be interested in a sequel featuring Mel and her partner in the future if the author ever writes one, Mel was a great character. Megan Goldin is definitely an author to check out for those readers that enjoy psychological thrillers.
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**4.5 stars**
The Girl in Kellers Way by Megan Goldin Author. (2017).
A body is found near the forest of Kellers Way; Detective Mel needs to identify the victim to catch the killer - hard to do when the crime was committed years ago. But Julie might be able to help because she jogs that way to clear her mind. Until one day something happens to Julie there and she starts to question her life, marriage and sanity...
This is the second book I've read from this author, although it's actually her first book haha. And I really enjoyed it, just like the other book! The chapters are alternatively from Mel and Julie's perspectives; Mel being a female strong intelligent detective and Julie quickly appearing to be an 'unreliable narrator'. Julie's husband Matt is quite unlikable and the term 'tosser' comes to mind... It's tough to talk about the really interesting parts and twists of this novel without revealing spoilers so just trust me when I say that if you are a fan of psychological thrillers you will appreciate this book! I'd be interested in a sequel featuring Mel and her partner in the future if the author ever writes one, Mel was a great character. Megan Goldin is definitely an author to check out for those readers that enjoy psychological thrillers.
March 4, 2023
I love this author. Having read her last four books (one due out in August, later this year)…I knew I wanted more, so I began hunting down a copy of The Girl in Kellers Way. I had a hard time tracking down a library copy of this book, but I am nothing if not persistent. I finally located the book in Melbourne...and as it turns out, it is no great surprise since the author is Aussie (and lucky for me, so is my sister)...
The Girl in Kellers Way is another, earlier, page flipper by Megan Goldin. As I began reading, I was a tad disappointed because I thought this was a garden variety Gaslight...husband convincing his wife that she is ill and prone to hallucinations. Whether or not he is gaslighting will be for the reader to determine while traversing the imperfect memories, real, planted, or otherwise in the minds of susceptible, willing subjects.
Professor, and leading expert in the field of Memory, still mourns the loss of his wife years after her murder. Serial killer perp is rotting in jail for the crime, having admitted to the murder among dozens of others. This crime was different, however, as he was trying to retrieve the reward offered for evidence leading to the arrest of the murderer.
Professor’s current wife is consumed by jealousy as she knows (from personal experience) that the pious prof has a penchant for sleeping with his students. She has already espied his current squeeze, a dead ringer for his first wife. She stalks, preys, and manipulates taking desperate measures while walking around in a perpetual drug induced fog that her husband contrives as necessary for her mental well-being.
When a body turns up in Keller’s Way, a solid police procedural element is added to the pot, with a strong female detective in the lead. I loved this character.
The book is spot on when describing the fallibility of memory and, if you need convincing, there are numerous books and studies on the subject. Last year I read and reviewed Remember, by Lisa Genova, a fascinating book on memory. I’d like to say that book substantiates all that is written about memories in The Girl in Kellers Way but, sadly, I now know that I cannot trust my memory to make such bold assertions (LOL).
The Girl in Kellers Way is another, earlier, page flipper by Megan Goldin. As I began reading, I was a tad disappointed because I thought this was a garden variety Gaslight...husband convincing his wife that she is ill and prone to hallucinations. Whether or not he is gaslighting will be for the reader to determine while traversing the imperfect memories, real, planted, or otherwise in the minds of susceptible, willing subjects.
Professor, and leading expert in the field of Memory, still mourns the loss of his wife years after her murder. Serial killer perp is rotting in jail for the crime, having admitted to the murder among dozens of others. This crime was different, however, as he was trying to retrieve the reward offered for evidence leading to the arrest of the murderer.
Professor’s current wife is consumed by jealousy as she knows (from personal experience) that the pious prof has a penchant for sleeping with his students. She has already espied his current squeeze, a dead ringer for his first wife. She stalks, preys, and manipulates taking desperate measures while walking around in a perpetual drug induced fog that her husband contrives as necessary for her mental well-being.
When a body turns up in Keller’s Way, a solid police procedural element is added to the pot, with a strong female detective in the lead. I loved this character.
The book is spot on when describing the fallibility of memory and, if you need convincing, there are numerous books and studies on the subject. Last year I read and reviewed Remember, by Lisa Genova, a fascinating book on memory. I’d like to say that book substantiates all that is written about memories in The Girl in Kellers Way but, sadly, I now know that I cannot trust my memory to make such bold assertions (LOL).
July 22, 2017
Read a review on Goodreads when I came across it scrolling. Suprised me at every stage. Read this in a sitting. 2 povs, murder, mystery and family drama. One character trying to figure herself and her past/present situation whereas the other female character is in the police force figuring out crimes past/present that may or may not have some realtionship. Supsensful, easy to read, great pace and setting. Definitely read if you want a well thought out and fun read.
June 4, 2017
I read The Girl In Kellers Way on the plane. From the moment I started reading it when I boarded the plane to when I got off the plane in Perth, I could not put it down. It is easily the best book I've read for ages and I can't stop thinking about it.
June 20, 2024
The Girl in Kellers Way I would say is my favourite book read this year! I noted all the high reviews and the comparison to the big name books this year. I completely agree that this book has not got the attention it deserves.
The story begins with two different story lines that eventually merge together. It keeps you guessing and intrigued the whole way along. The two story lines are intertwined and flow so easily, unlike other books I have read where you become lost and somewhat bored.
I was fascinated by Julies character throughout. She describes herself as white trailer trash, but her life takes a turn when she meets highly educated professor Matt. Her character is complex and interesting and you continually doubt whether she is a complete psychopath or is being played for a fool. On the other hand detective Mel is a strong character dealing with her own family issues and trying to continue her career as a single mum.
I love the way you start to believe you have unfolded the plot and bam! another curve ball is thrown into the mix.
Goldings novel is a captivating story that manages to hold your attention from start to finish. It is exciting and twisted and leaves your hanging, but satisfied at the end. I hope this is the start to a long list of exciting reads from this author.
The story begins with two different story lines that eventually merge together. It keeps you guessing and intrigued the whole way along. The two story lines are intertwined and flow so easily, unlike other books I have read where you become lost and somewhat bored.
I was fascinated by Julies character throughout. She describes herself as white trailer trash, but her life takes a turn when she meets highly educated professor Matt. Her character is complex and interesting and you continually doubt whether she is a complete psychopath or is being played for a fool. On the other hand detective Mel is a strong character dealing with her own family issues and trying to continue her career as a single mum.
I love the way you start to believe you have unfolded the plot and bam! another curve ball is thrown into the mix.
Goldings novel is a captivating story that manages to hold your attention from start to finish. It is exciting and twisted and leaves your hanging, but satisfied at the end. I hope this is the start to a long list of exciting reads from this author.
May 16, 2017
Easily one of my favourite books of the year so far. It had a slow start, but once I was in I was IN. So, so good. Full review to come, hopefully!
July 20, 2017
This psychological thriller is a gripping story about the frustrated and anxious wife (Julie) of a psychology professor (Matt) who feels that her marriage is shadowed by her husband's dead wife who was murdered years ago. As the story evolves we learn that Julie has all sorts of secrets as does Matt. And then it gets really interesting when the dead wife's body is found and it turns out the person the police thought murdered her didn't. So they start investigating and as they do, the marriage unravels. The Girl In Kellers Way is the best thriller that I've read for a long time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
I read the Girl in Kellers Way and I could not put it down. The story starts with two apparently separate stories which merge together to create a reading experience that takes an unbreakable hold on the reader's attention. The story throws and teases, and you don't know which way it will go until the very end. This is one of the best books that I have read for a long time and I would highly recommend this book for readers who loves psychological thrillers, or just anyone looking for a great book.
June 8, 2017
I couldn't stop reading The Girl In Kellers Way so I ended up reading it in a day and a half. The writing was very good and the story and characters were compelling. It's among the best psychological crime thrillers that I have read in my opinion mostly because it has so many unexpected twists and it is very clever. I hope to read more books from this author.
July 4, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller. One of the best that I've read for ages.
June 28, 2017
This is one of those books that points readers in a certain direction and it seems so obvious you know it’s a classic misdirection. However… Goldin adds in enough red herrings that we’re forced to ponder if there’s a double bluff being played. Or perhaps it’s just me overthinking things again!
Julie West (who describes herself as former trailer park trash) is married to the wealthy enigmatic psychology professor and academic Matt and raising their daughter Alice. But we learn early that Julie is struggling. She’s recently suffered some tragedies and her solicitous husband is helping nurse her back to someone (or something) a little more balanced. The drugs he’s giving her are making her mind fuzzy and she’s losing time however, so Julie’s secretly avoiding them as much as possible.
We spend a lot of the novel in Julie’s head and we’re not entirely sure we can trust her. She’s unreliable and not even sure what she does / doesn’t remember about her own life. She adores Alice though and when it becomes obvious Matt’s having an affair, she knows (as do we) she’ll do whatever it takes to stop him leaving her and taking Alice.
And then there’s Mel, a homicide detective from New York who left the city with her two boys after her husband was killed on the job. Alternate chapters are told from Mel’s point of view as she tracks down the identity of a body found in Kellers Way, and then the person responsible for their death. Mel’s another complex character… not so much psychologically, but she’s struggling with her oldest son acting out and worrying about the affect their father’s loss has on her sons.
Mel however, is the person we can trust in this novel, as Julie hovers between some sort of fugue state and one of jealous mania. And Matt, well… Julie describes him for us at one point…
And then of course, just as our suspect becomes obvious…. Goldin tosses in some curve balls. There’s someone warning Julie she’s in danger, intriguing new information about Matt’s research and some questions about Alice’s parentage.
I very much enjoyed this debut thriller by Goldin who offers us interesting and complex characters – if not always likeable, and a twisty and uncertain plot – cleverly keeping us in the dark for much of the novel. And then there’s the ending…. which I can’t talk about it without giving stuff away, but I’m actually interviewing Goldin so looking forward to asking her about it!
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
Julie West (who describes herself as former trailer park trash) is married to the wealthy enigmatic psychology professor and academic Matt and raising their daughter Alice. But we learn early that Julie is struggling. She’s recently suffered some tragedies and her solicitous husband is helping nurse her back to someone (or something) a little more balanced. The drugs he’s giving her are making her mind fuzzy and she’s losing time however, so Julie’s secretly avoiding them as much as possible.
We spend a lot of the novel in Julie’s head and we’re not entirely sure we can trust her. She’s unreliable and not even sure what she does / doesn’t remember about her own life. She adores Alice though and when it becomes obvious Matt’s having an affair, she knows (as do we) she’ll do whatever it takes to stop him leaving her and taking Alice.
And then there’s Mel, a homicide detective from New York who left the city with her two boys after her husband was killed on the job. Alternate chapters are told from Mel’s point of view as she tracks down the identity of a body found in Kellers Way, and then the person responsible for their death. Mel’s another complex character… not so much psychologically, but she’s struggling with her oldest son acting out and worrying about the affect their father’s loss has on her sons.
Mel however, is the person we can trust in this novel, as Julie hovers between some sort of fugue state and one of jealous mania. And Matt, well… Julie describes him for us at one point…
And then of course, just as our suspect becomes obvious…. Goldin tosses in some curve balls. There’s someone warning Julie she’s in danger, intriguing new information about Matt’s research and some questions about Alice’s parentage.
I very much enjoyed this debut thriller by Goldin who offers us interesting and complex characters – if not always likeable, and a twisty and uncertain plot – cleverly keeping us in the dark for much of the novel. And then there’s the ending…. which I can’t talk about it without giving stuff away, but I’m actually interviewing Goldin so looking forward to asking her about it!
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
April 14, 2017
I received an Advanced Reading copy of this book.
Enthralled. That is what happened to me when I started reading this book. I was enthralled and captured, much the way one of the characters is.
There is murder, mystery and of course, mayhem aplenty! Who is the Girl in Kellers Way? How did she die? Where does Julie tie in to this and can Detective Melanie Carter connect the dots? These are just SOME of the questions raised as you read this book and it takes you on quite an adventure to the conclusion that leaves you SCREAMING for me...
I am getting used to the multiple voices telling us the stories and the jumps between past and present as a way of showing us what is happening. The Girl in Kellers Way is no different in following this new, over-utilised method of fiction, however, Goldin is an expert at weaving it all together so that you, as the reader, do not get lost or left behind.
I love that when I got to the end of the book I asked out loud 'Is that the end? Surely that can't be it? More...I need more...I need answers' You don't get too many thrillers/crime fiction these days that leave you hanging in such a way. Suffice to say that even though this book has not been published yet, I can't wait for book two...there has to be a book two!!
Enthralled. That is what happened to me when I started reading this book. I was enthralled and captured, much the way one of the characters is.
There is murder, mystery and of course, mayhem aplenty! Who is the Girl in Kellers Way? How did she die? Where does Julie tie in to this and can Detective Melanie Carter connect the dots? These are just SOME of the questions raised as you read this book and it takes you on quite an adventure to the conclusion that leaves you SCREAMING for me...
I am getting used to the multiple voices telling us the stories and the jumps between past and present as a way of showing us what is happening. The Girl in Kellers Way is no different in following this new, over-utilised method of fiction, however, Goldin is an expert at weaving it all together so that you, as the reader, do not get lost or left behind.
I love that when I got to the end of the book I asked out loud 'Is that the end? Surely that can't be it? More...I need more...I need answers' You don't get too many thrillers/crime fiction these days that leave you hanging in such a way. Suffice to say that even though this book has not been published yet, I can't wait for book two...there has to be a book two!!
June 16, 2017
I love books that I can't stop reading. The Girl in Kellers Way is in a similar genre to Gone Girl and Girl on the Train. It is very well written for a book of this genre with a fast-paced, twisting story that kept me glued to each page. Loved it!! It's one of the best books that I've read this year and the best thriller that I've read since Gone Girl.
July 14, 2017
Chloe 2017
July 20, 2017
This book was recommended to me by a friend - a bit of a six degrees of separation thing. I was skeptical, but it sounded good.
OH MY GOSH - It was un-put-down-able. It only took me 48 hours to read. I had to read in between making children's breakfast and school lunch. I had to have it with me for school pick up. I didn't talk to ANYONE during swimming or netball training for those two days!
After the first few chapters, I was sure I had it all worked out. WRONG! There was a twist or a turn in every chapter. I thought he did it, then I thought she did it, then I just knew he had done it, but wait, another path to follow....
I loved that the chapters were short. That made it very easy to fit in just one more before school pick up or turning out the light. And just one more. And, yep, you guessed it, just one more!
The characters were a mix of likeable and completely horrible, and they all went from being at both ends of the spectrum. Mel Carter was a constant though - she would be a fabulous character to develop in further stories if the opportunity arose.
Thank you Megan for a few days of mystery in my life :)
OH MY GOSH - It was un-put-down-able. It only took me 48 hours to read. I had to read in between making children's breakfast and school lunch. I had to have it with me for school pick up. I didn't talk to ANYONE during swimming or netball training for those two days!
After the first few chapters, I was sure I had it all worked out. WRONG! There was a twist or a turn in every chapter. I thought he did it, then I thought she did it, then I just knew he had done it, but wait, another path to follow....
I loved that the chapters were short. That made it very easy to fit in just one more before school pick up or turning out the light. And just one more. And, yep, you guessed it, just one more!
The characters were a mix of likeable and completely horrible, and they all went from being at both ends of the spectrum. Mel Carter was a constant though - she would be a fabulous character to develop in further stories if the opportunity arose.
Thank you Megan for a few days of mystery in my life :)
June 21, 2017
3.75 Stars. After a bit of a slow start Goldin’s alternating first person narrative really hits its stride. The contrast between the viewpoints of highly dependent and erratic housewife Julie and the very likeable, stoic and reliable detective Mel keeps readers guessing and short chapters help build suspense.
Read full review >>
August 2, 2017
I’m sorry. I really tried to like this book, especially with Goldin being a new author...
However, the structure is poor, the prose merely adequate, the pacing very uneven, Julie is an unreliable narrator so I felt manipulated by the author, the car crash clues from the past suddenly appear, etc etc
The new author has promise, but this is definitely not worth £10 ($13) on Kindle.
Returned to Amazon for refund.
However, the structure is poor, the prose merely adequate, the pacing very uneven, Julie is an unreliable narrator so I felt manipulated by the author, the car crash clues from the past suddenly appear, etc etc
The new author has promise, but this is definitely not worth £10 ($13) on Kindle.
Returned to Amazon for refund.
August 3, 2017
I first heard about this book in Women's Day magazine and then New Idea and then a few more. They all raved about it as the next The Girl on the Train. I had a few other books to read first but then I saw a review in The Age and I decided not to wait. I read it quickly because it is the type of book that is hard to stop reading. It was an excellent psychological thriller. I hope to read more books from this author.
June 21, 2017
Excellent book. I read it on a 9 hour international flight. The time flew by! I was almost sorry to have completed it in 5 hours- what was I to do the rest of the flight??? It kept me totally absorbed, the characters were very credible and had depth, and the plot was frighteningly plausible. I strongly recommend this book.
June 17, 2017
This was a great read. I figured out the basic plot fairly early on but the fact I still couldn't put it down is a testament to the great writing.
July 16, 2017
Absolutely riveting, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
August 3, 2023
Having read and loved Megan Goldin's books, Stay Awake, The Night Swim, The Escape Room, and currently reading her 2023 book, Dark Corners, I realized I had not read— THE GIRL IN KELLERS WAY and quickly grabbed the audiobook.
As with Goldin's later books, this one had all the riveting twists and turns and the psychological elements readers have come to expect.
THE GIRL IN KELLERS WAY is an intriguing novel of deception and delusion.
Set in NC (in my hometown area), a riveting domestic noir suspense from a seasoned pro (war zone journalist) turned psychological thriller novelist. Before becoming a novelist, Megan worked as a reporter covering the Middle East and Asia for the Reuters news agency, the Associate Press, and ABC, as well as other news outlets.
When the body of a woman is found in the forest near Kellers Way, detective Mel Carter must re-open an old case that was closed. There are links to Matt and Julie, and both become suspects— Mel must work out who is reliable and who is lying.
Narrated from two POVs:
Julie West:
Housewife, and mother to three-year-old Alice, Julie is the second wife of Matt West, a psychology lecturer. She loves jogging on Kellers Way. She lives in the shadow of Laura's tragedy, daily. She sees herself as the inconvenience second wife the way she is treated by Matt.
Julie became Matt's wife and mother to his young daughter Alice— after his wife, Laura, was tragically killed. Matt has never really gotten over the shock of his wife's tragic death. Matt is not a faithful husband and is a womanizer. Julie is being compromised by Matt (drugged)and has given up her love of life and jogging. She no longer trusts her husband and has doubts about her memories.
Julie is under stress from the memory of Laura, the demands of being a trophy wife, and constant worries about her husband’s attention from the young women who flock to his lectures. Her escape is in running, and one morning in the forest on Kellers Way, she is forced to dive out of the way of a crashing vehicle.
Then the dying driver gives her a chilling warning… then he dies.
Detective Melanie Carter:
The second narration is Mel Carter, the homicide detective assigned to the case of the body found on Kellers Way. Mel is a single mother who balances her family with her professional life as a detective. Her police officer husband was killed on active duty in NY. She is determined to identify the victim found on Kellers Way and the killer. She wants closure for the victim's family.
Mel is a complex character, struggling with her oldest son acting out and worrying about the effect their father’s loss has on her sons. Mel left NY with her two boys after the death of her husband. Alternate chapters are told from Mel’s point of view as she tracks down the identity of a body found in Kellers Way, and then the person responsible for their death.
Things get busy for DI Mel Carter when her partner goes on holiday. Just two weeks apart, there’s a fatal road crash and then the discovery of human remains, both on Kellers Way. Mel discovers that the murder of Laura West is not a closed case and that the trail of clues is not as clear as she had thought.
Is the obvious suspect the murderer? Or has an innocent person been condemned? Mel and Julie's lives intersect when Mel suspects Julie may have a connection to the body found on Kellers Way.
To complicate matters making it more mysterious, there’s someone warning Julie she’s in danger, intriguing new information about Matt’s research, and some questions about Alice’s parentage.
A gripping twisty story infused with psychological elements about how we perceive situations and process memory.
And that ending . . . !
Even though these are not girls as the title implies, they are women and the author keeps you guessing with red herrings and plot twists. Goldin is a talented storyteller and even though this was her first novel, she has a wealth of experience (see bio). When you read her subsequent novels, you will agree she is a star.
With well-developed characters, you will love/hate them— Especially Matt who is despicable. Even though he did not have a voice in the novel, he was highly unlikeable. I enjoyed Mel's character and her drive with her job and balancing her personal life and her partner, Will.
Julie is somewhat of a mixed bag with the memories and drugs, fugue state, and jealous mania— based on how her character is represented as being worn down by Matt and an unreliable witness and narrator. You are not sure if you can trust her.
I hope we see a sequel, later on, to continue with DI Mel Carter! (we are getting a sequel from Night Swim with Dark Corners), so maybe this one too.
AUDIOBOOK: I purchased the audiobook narrated by Anthea Greco and Susan Godfrey. The narrator for Mel was not as good as Julie's part as she was very breathy. I did enjoy Julie's narrator immensely. Overall, an entertaining performance and listened in one sitting.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 22, 2018
My Rating: 4 Stars
My MG Reviews:
Stay Awake
Night Swim
The Escape Room
The Girl on Kellers Way
As with Goldin's later books, this one had all the riveting twists and turns and the psychological elements readers have come to expect.
THE GIRL IN KELLERS WAY is an intriguing novel of deception and delusion.
Set in NC (in my hometown area), a riveting domestic noir suspense from a seasoned pro (war zone journalist) turned psychological thriller novelist. Before becoming a novelist, Megan worked as a reporter covering the Middle East and Asia for the Reuters news agency, the Associate Press, and ABC, as well as other news outlets.
When the body of a woman is found in the forest near Kellers Way, detective Mel Carter must re-open an old case that was closed. There are links to Matt and Julie, and both become suspects— Mel must work out who is reliable and who is lying.
Narrated from two POVs:
Julie West:
Housewife, and mother to three-year-old Alice, Julie is the second wife of Matt West, a psychology lecturer. She loves jogging on Kellers Way. She lives in the shadow of Laura's tragedy, daily. She sees herself as the inconvenience second wife the way she is treated by Matt.
Julie became Matt's wife and mother to his young daughter Alice— after his wife, Laura, was tragically killed. Matt has never really gotten over the shock of his wife's tragic death. Matt is not a faithful husband and is a womanizer. Julie is being compromised by Matt (drugged)and has given up her love of life and jogging. She no longer trusts her husband and has doubts about her memories.
Julie is under stress from the memory of Laura, the demands of being a trophy wife, and constant worries about her husband’s attention from the young women who flock to his lectures. Her escape is in running, and one morning in the forest on Kellers Way, she is forced to dive out of the way of a crashing vehicle.
Then the dying driver gives her a chilling warning… then he dies.
Detective Melanie Carter:
The second narration is Mel Carter, the homicide detective assigned to the case of the body found on Kellers Way. Mel is a single mother who balances her family with her professional life as a detective. Her police officer husband was killed on active duty in NY. She is determined to identify the victim found on Kellers Way and the killer. She wants closure for the victim's family.
Mel is a complex character, struggling with her oldest son acting out and worrying about the effect their father’s loss has on her sons. Mel left NY with her two boys after the death of her husband. Alternate chapters are told from Mel’s point of view as she tracks down the identity of a body found in Kellers Way, and then the person responsible for their death.
Things get busy for DI Mel Carter when her partner goes on holiday. Just two weeks apart, there’s a fatal road crash and then the discovery of human remains, both on Kellers Way. Mel discovers that the murder of Laura West is not a closed case and that the trail of clues is not as clear as she had thought.
Is the obvious suspect the murderer? Or has an innocent person been condemned? Mel and Julie's lives intersect when Mel suspects Julie may have a connection to the body found on Kellers Way.
To complicate matters making it more mysterious, there’s someone warning Julie she’s in danger, intriguing new information about Matt’s research, and some questions about Alice’s parentage.
A gripping twisty story infused with psychological elements about how we perceive situations and process memory.
And that ending . . . !
Even though these are not girls as the title implies, they are women and the author keeps you guessing with red herrings and plot twists. Goldin is a talented storyteller and even though this was her first novel, she has a wealth of experience (see bio). When you read her subsequent novels, you will agree she is a star.
With well-developed characters, you will love/hate them— Especially Matt who is despicable. Even though he did not have a voice in the novel, he was highly unlikeable. I enjoyed Mel's character and her drive with her job and balancing her personal life and her partner, Will.
Julie is somewhat of a mixed bag with the memories and drugs, fugue state, and jealous mania— based on how her character is represented as being worn down by Matt and an unreliable witness and narrator. You are not sure if you can trust her.
I hope we see a sequel, later on, to continue with DI Mel Carter! (we are getting a sequel from Night Swim with Dark Corners), so maybe this one too.
AUDIOBOOK: I purchased the audiobook narrated by Anthea Greco and Susan Godfrey. The narrator for Mel was not as good as Julie's part as she was very breathy. I did enjoy Julie's narrator immensely. Overall, an entertaining performance and listened in one sitting.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 22, 2018
My Rating: 4 Stars
My MG Reviews:
Stay Awake
Night Swim
The Escape Room
The Girl on Kellers Way
July 21, 2017
Took me a few gos to get into it, once I started though every spare second i was reading! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hubby is reading it now on his kindle!
July 19, 2017
This is the standout thriller of 2017. The newspaper reviews said it easily holds up to Gone Girl and Girl on the Train and they were more than right.
July 10, 2017
A different kind of thriller to the more conventional ones out there at the moment. I liked that it was both predictable and unpredictable at the same time. Kept me guessing and the ending was different to what I was expecting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews