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For Your Own Protection
Who could you trust to protect the ones you love?
Matt is trying to rebuild his life following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. The most important thing to him now is to be with his son, Charlie. But when Matt gets a sinister warning from a mysterious stranger, it sends chills up his spine. Then Charlie vanishes during a trip to the local pool, and it suddenly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
Desperate to protect his loved ones, Matt goes looking for answers. Who’s after them? And why? Matt finds himself caught up in a web of lies that leaves him questioning everything he once trusted.
Can he get to the truth before it’s too late?
Matt is trying to rebuild his life following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. The most important thing to him now is to be with his son, Charlie. But when Matt gets a sinister warning from a mysterious stranger, it sends chills up his spine. Then Charlie vanishes during a trip to the local pool, and it suddenly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
Desperate to protect his loved ones, Matt goes looking for answers. Who’s after them? And why? Matt finds himself caught up in a web of lies that leaves him questioning everything he once trusted.
Can he get to the truth before it’s too late?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2017
239 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Paul Pilkington
18 books254 followersPaul Pilkington is a British author of mystery, suspense and thriller novels.
He is best known for his Emma Holden Suspense Mystery series, which follows the story of a young actress named Emma Holden who is thrown into a world of danger and intrigue after the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend. The three novels of the trilogy - The One You Love, The One You Fear, and The One You Trust - have gained thousands of five star reviews worldwide.
Pilkington has also written several best-selling standalone novels, including For Your Own Protection and the Kindle Number One Someone to Save You.
His highly rated Detective Paul Cullen mystery series, featuring a dedicated and determined british transport police detective, is currently at Book 4.
Paul's new novel, You Must Remember Everything, is a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in a sealed room, unable to remember who she is or how she got there. To escape, she must face her darkest memories and fears.
Paul Pilkington's writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and character-driven. His novels explore the most human of themes and issues, such as love, loss, family, and redemption, in a way that keeps those pages turning.
He is best known for his Emma Holden Suspense Mystery series, which follows the story of a young actress named Emma Holden who is thrown into a world of danger and intrigue after the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend. The three novels of the trilogy - The One You Love, The One You Fear, and The One You Trust - have gained thousands of five star reviews worldwide.
Pilkington has also written several best-selling standalone novels, including For Your Own Protection and the Kindle Number One Someone to Save You.
His highly rated Detective Paul Cullen mystery series, featuring a dedicated and determined british transport police detective, is currently at Book 4.
Paul's new novel, You Must Remember Everything, is a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in a sealed room, unable to remember who she is or how she got there. To escape, she must face her darkest memories and fears.
Paul Pilkington's writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and character-driven. His novels explore the most human of themes and issues, such as love, loss, family, and redemption, in a way that keeps those pages turning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 6, 2019
Quick, easy read. Quite enjoyable.
September 28, 2017
Matt is trying to rebuild his life following the breakdown of a long term relationship. His son Charlie is the most important thing to him now. But then Matt gets a sinister warning from a mysterious stranger and it sends chills up his spine. When Charlie vanishes during a trip to the local swimming pool it becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.Desperate to protect his loved ones, Matt goes looking for answers. Who is after them and why?
This is a fast paced thriller. Matt has taken a year out of working in a bank and teaching ex-offenders at a college class while trying to get his life back together. Along with being tense and action packed, there are several twists and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I like the authors style of writing and the way all the loose ends were connected. I did guess some of where this story was going but I did not get it all right. I like when I have not guessed it all. So just who can you trust to keep your family safe? After reading this book it just might make you change your mind.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Paul Pilkington for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fast paced thriller. Matt has taken a year out of working in a bank and teaching ex-offenders at a college class while trying to get his life back together. Along with being tense and action packed, there are several twists and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I like the authors style of writing and the way all the loose ends were connected. I did guess some of where this story was going but I did not get it all right. I like when I have not guessed it all. So just who can you trust to keep your family safe? After reading this book it just might make you change your mind.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Paul Pilkington for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2017
I am a big fan of Paul Pilkingtons Emma Holden Series so when this new book came up on Netgalley I was very excited. This is a great book.. great characters who make you wonder who can and who can't be trusted. The story is so twisted and surprising- loved it! Thank you to Thomas and Mercer for an advance copy of this book to read and review via Netgalley
September 1, 2017
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION starts with a bang and continues with many more! The suspense doesn't let up in the tight and taught plot. I couldn't put the book down as the mystery kept mesmerizing me! I was 85% in the book and thought this author is AMAZING! But then, but then..... the plot starts losing its grip as it "scatters" in different directions. Although the author ties up all these various threads, the proverbial " nice and tidy bow" is forced and doesn't ring true. Furthermore, several important threads are left dangling and not addressed at all. (Catherine, the very dangerous Gabriel, etc) This is very frustrating. And the one who is the main culprit comes from left field. Not a satisfying ending. Therefore, the promising 5 * suspense thriller falls to an okay 3*.
FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION starts with a bang and continues with many more! The suspense doesn't let up in the tight and taught plot. I couldn't put the book down as the mystery kept mesmerizing me! I was 85% in the book and thought this author is AMAZING! But then, but then..... the plot starts losing its grip as it "scatters" in different directions. Although the author ties up all these various threads, the proverbial " nice and tidy bow" is forced and doesn't ring true. Furthermore, several important threads are left dangling and not addressed at all. (Catherine, the very dangerous Gabriel, etc) This is very frustrating. And the one who is the main culprit comes from left field. Not a satisfying ending. Therefore, the promising 5 * suspense thriller falls to an okay 3*.
September 28, 2017
View my reviews at www.drinkreadrepeat.com
Who would have expected that a banker-turned-teacher could be such a badass?
Matt Roberts, the protagonist in Paul Pilkington’s For Your Own Protection, demonstrates just has much badassery you can expect from a man when what he cares about most in the world – his family – is threatened.
At the start of this contemporary thriller, we are introduced to Matt, who is working as a teacher in an adult education program for ex-cons at the behest of his sister. This position, which he enjoys, is only temporary, however. He previously worked at a high-profile bank – and will work there again as soon as he sorts some personal issues (or at least this is the plan).
Like many unlikely heroes, Matt’s life is a bit in shambles. His long-term relationship with Beth, a woman with whom he shares a young son, has ended and Beth has taken up with a former co-worker of Matt’s – someone who we can pretty much see right away will end up being an asshole.
Meanwhile, Matt’s planning to dump his current girlfriend because he’s pretty sure she’s stalking him – which is, you know, creepy.
Unfortunately for Matt, he is (at least initially) unsuccessful in sorting out his life. In fact, things get worse, spiraling even further out of control as he realizes that he’s somehow gotten himself caught up in something big and dangerous.
In typical thriller fashion, Pilkington starts this novel with an action-rich scene – that initially appears to have nothing to do with the central plot.
Unlike many other thrillers, however, the author doesn’t let the tension drop after this first smack-you-in-the-face chapter. Instead, he keeps you engaged from start to finish, creating a cohesive and complex – yet believable – mystery that you desperately want to see solved.
Trust me, I was up until 3am reading.
#AndNowImSleepy
#NoNapForMe
Dialogue is a definite strength of Pilkington’s. He regularly uses conversation to advance the plot, engaging his characters in realistic and engrossing verbal exchanges.
Even more impressively, in these conversations, we see characters take on their own distinctive voices. With great care, he manages to channel these different characters – be it the former convict-turned-student, the smarmy banker or even the protagonist’s young son – creating clear linguistic patterns and realistic verbal tics that add authenticity to the characters and – by connection – the novel as a whole.
Despite my overall enjoyment of the book, as it drew to a close I was left feeling like it was missing… something. Something small… but still… something.
Upon reflection, I decided that what I was missing was closure.
There were a few particularly rich secondary characters in the book who I didn’t feel were explored quite as deeply as I would have liked.
Specifically, the character of Harvey, the ex-con student who inspires the protagonist to give up his lucrative life of banking and move instead into teaching.
Hope you have some money saved it, buddy… ‘cause not only are you not gonna get paid much, you’re also going to have to buy your own pencils.
#TeacherLife
Pilkington did dedicate some attention to this character, giving him a scene on his home turf and, ultimately, allowing him to play a rather important part in righting some wrongs. But I still felt that there was unexplored content that, if unpacked, would have rounded this character out nicely.
The other character I wanted to see more of was Catherine… er, Natalie… the um-she-might-be-stalking-me girlfriend who ended up providing integral assistance to Matt as he worked to piece together the puzzle that was his life.
This character didn’t receive the same amount of attention as Harvey. There is so much unchartered territory with her that Pilkington could honestly write a spin-off featuring her in the lead role – which I would gladly read, Mr. Pilkington.
Ultimately, For Your Own Protection was a tightly written and original thriller.
I would recommend it to any fan of the genre, specifically those with an affinity for James Patterson and Harlan Coben, as Pilkington’s clean and economic style reminded me of these masters of suspense.
Who would have expected that a banker-turned-teacher could be such a badass?
Matt Roberts, the protagonist in Paul Pilkington’s For Your Own Protection, demonstrates just has much badassery you can expect from a man when what he cares about most in the world – his family – is threatened.
At the start of this contemporary thriller, we are introduced to Matt, who is working as a teacher in an adult education program for ex-cons at the behest of his sister. This position, which he enjoys, is only temporary, however. He previously worked at a high-profile bank – and will work there again as soon as he sorts some personal issues (or at least this is the plan).
Like many unlikely heroes, Matt’s life is a bit in shambles. His long-term relationship with Beth, a woman with whom he shares a young son, has ended and Beth has taken up with a former co-worker of Matt’s – someone who we can pretty much see right away will end up being an asshole.
Meanwhile, Matt’s planning to dump his current girlfriend because he’s pretty sure she’s stalking him – which is, you know, creepy.
Unfortunately for Matt, he is (at least initially) unsuccessful in sorting out his life. In fact, things get worse, spiraling even further out of control as he realizes that he’s somehow gotten himself caught up in something big and dangerous.
In typical thriller fashion, Pilkington starts this novel with an action-rich scene – that initially appears to have nothing to do with the central plot.
Unlike many other thrillers, however, the author doesn’t let the tension drop after this first smack-you-in-the-face chapter. Instead, he keeps you engaged from start to finish, creating a cohesive and complex – yet believable – mystery that you desperately want to see solved.
Trust me, I was up until 3am reading.
#AndNowImSleepy
#NoNapForMe
Dialogue is a definite strength of Pilkington’s. He regularly uses conversation to advance the plot, engaging his characters in realistic and engrossing verbal exchanges.
Even more impressively, in these conversations, we see characters take on their own distinctive voices. With great care, he manages to channel these different characters – be it the former convict-turned-student, the smarmy banker or even the protagonist’s young son – creating clear linguistic patterns and realistic verbal tics that add authenticity to the characters and – by connection – the novel as a whole.
Despite my overall enjoyment of the book, as it drew to a close I was left feeling like it was missing… something. Something small… but still… something.
Upon reflection, I decided that what I was missing was closure.
There were a few particularly rich secondary characters in the book who I didn’t feel were explored quite as deeply as I would have liked.
Specifically, the character of Harvey, the ex-con student who inspires the protagonist to give up his lucrative life of banking and move instead into teaching.
Hope you have some money saved it, buddy… ‘cause not only are you not gonna get paid much, you’re also going to have to buy your own pencils.
#TeacherLife
Pilkington did dedicate some attention to this character, giving him a scene on his home turf and, ultimately, allowing him to play a rather important part in righting some wrongs. But I still felt that there was unexplored content that, if unpacked, would have rounded this character out nicely.
The other character I wanted to see more of was Catherine… er, Natalie… the um-she-might-be-stalking-me girlfriend who ended up providing integral assistance to Matt as he worked to piece together the puzzle that was his life.
This character didn’t receive the same amount of attention as Harvey. There is so much unchartered territory with her that Pilkington could honestly write a spin-off featuring her in the lead role – which I would gladly read, Mr. Pilkington.
Ultimately, For Your Own Protection was a tightly written and original thriller.
I would recommend it to any fan of the genre, specifically those with an affinity for James Patterson and Harlan Coben, as Pilkington’s clean and economic style reminded me of these masters of suspense.
Read
December 9, 2018(Haven't rated this as it's published by my employer)
February 25, 2022
Thrilling
October 12, 2017
A man suspects his girlfriend of stalking him, but he has no idea why. A woman comes home to her apartment to find it ransacked. The two live in different parts of the city but as the man starts to investigate circumstances that become more bizarre by the day, a connection emerges between the two. Author Paul Pilkington returns with command and confidence in a novel that hits all the right spots in the brand new thriller For Your Own Protection.
Matt Roberts is fighting hard to bring some normalcy back to his life. After a personal crisis, he’s in the midst of a leave of absence from his day job as a fund manager at a prominent London bank. It doesn’t help that the high point—or low point, depending on how a person looks at it—of the crisis started with Matt himself. He cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Beth, and even though they share a child Beth kicked Matt out.
Beth is kind enough to let Matt see Charlie, their son, but she’s definitely moved on to another relationship. After all this time, Matt has too but something about his new girlfriend, Catherine, makes him wonder. He thinks he’s seen her in odd times and places when they didn’t have a date, almost as if she’s following him. But why would Catherine want to follow him? Their relationship seems fine, albeit a little shallow.
Rachel Martin doesn’t know how she’s going to move forward in life. Her fiancé died in a horrific bicycle accident when someone hit him with a car, and one day when she comes home she finds out someone has turned her apartment upside down. Nothing seems to be missing, but clearly someone was looking for something. Paranoia sets in, and with good reason. Not long after the home invasion, Rachel suffers a terrible accident herself.
Matt comes to hear about Rachel’s accident through a series of situations that he can’t believe he’s following. They start when Charlie goes missing. Then Matt pins down Catherine on the issue of her following him. Both events start a chain reaction that will take Matt to parts of London he’s never seen before, and he’ll find himself challenged in a way that will make his indiscretion with Beth seem like a minor issue.
Author Paul Pilkington’s readers have come to expect stories that fulfill every promise made by his genre of choice, and For Your Own Protection doesn’t disappoint. As with his other books, Pilkington creates characters who readers will feel like they know well. He offers a tour of London in the form of written sightseeing as Matt and the others struggle to make sense of a senseless situation.
Pilkington has a knack for tying a series of conflict knots that seem beyond solutions and then pulling one thread to make each knot unravel in a way that will keep readers flipping pages. His signature stroke in previous books—cliffhanger endings for every chapter that leave readers practically breathless—has been restrained somewhat in this story, and the result is a more even, more thoughtful pace. While some readers might miss the frenzy, the story becomes more enhanced as a result of the measured approach. Pilkington still includes plenty of exciting moments, and he’s still able to surprise readers by the end.
A few minor points may stick out. Matt’s sister, who doesn’t play much of a role in the larger story, shows up early in the book and then disappears, and a seemingly dangerous situation gets resolved a little too neatly. Yet readers won’t care when they step into Matt and Rachel’s world. With Pilkington’s signature mystery-telling techniques at work, readers will forgive small slights against the plot. With its more strategic pacing, as compared to previous books, For Your Own Protection is Paul Pilkington at his best yet.
I recommend readers Binge For Your Own Protection by Paul Pilkington.
Matt Roberts is fighting hard to bring some normalcy back to his life. After a personal crisis, he’s in the midst of a leave of absence from his day job as a fund manager at a prominent London bank. It doesn’t help that the high point—or low point, depending on how a person looks at it—of the crisis started with Matt himself. He cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Beth, and even though they share a child Beth kicked Matt out.
Beth is kind enough to let Matt see Charlie, their son, but she’s definitely moved on to another relationship. After all this time, Matt has too but something about his new girlfriend, Catherine, makes him wonder. He thinks he’s seen her in odd times and places when they didn’t have a date, almost as if she’s following him. But why would Catherine want to follow him? Their relationship seems fine, albeit a little shallow.
Rachel Martin doesn’t know how she’s going to move forward in life. Her fiancé died in a horrific bicycle accident when someone hit him with a car, and one day when she comes home she finds out someone has turned her apartment upside down. Nothing seems to be missing, but clearly someone was looking for something. Paranoia sets in, and with good reason. Not long after the home invasion, Rachel suffers a terrible accident herself.
Matt comes to hear about Rachel’s accident through a series of situations that he can’t believe he’s following. They start when Charlie goes missing. Then Matt pins down Catherine on the issue of her following him. Both events start a chain reaction that will take Matt to parts of London he’s never seen before, and he’ll find himself challenged in a way that will make his indiscretion with Beth seem like a minor issue.
Author Paul Pilkington’s readers have come to expect stories that fulfill every promise made by his genre of choice, and For Your Own Protection doesn’t disappoint. As with his other books, Pilkington creates characters who readers will feel like they know well. He offers a tour of London in the form of written sightseeing as Matt and the others struggle to make sense of a senseless situation.
Pilkington has a knack for tying a series of conflict knots that seem beyond solutions and then pulling one thread to make each knot unravel in a way that will keep readers flipping pages. His signature stroke in previous books—cliffhanger endings for every chapter that leave readers practically breathless—has been restrained somewhat in this story, and the result is a more even, more thoughtful pace. While some readers might miss the frenzy, the story becomes more enhanced as a result of the measured approach. Pilkington still includes plenty of exciting moments, and he’s still able to surprise readers by the end.
A few minor points may stick out. Matt’s sister, who doesn’t play much of a role in the larger story, shows up early in the book and then disappears, and a seemingly dangerous situation gets resolved a little too neatly. Yet readers won’t care when they step into Matt and Rachel’s world. With Pilkington’s signature mystery-telling techniques at work, readers will forgive small slights against the plot. With its more strategic pacing, as compared to previous books, For Your Own Protection is Paul Pilkington at his best yet.
I recommend readers Binge For Your Own Protection by Paul Pilkington.
July 22, 2018
For Your Own Protection by Paul Pilkington was my 17th book of 2018.
I have read one of the author’s earlier novels (Emma Holden series) and enjoyed it, so when I saw this on Amazon some time ago for 99p, it seemed a good idea, it has sat on my kindle for sometime. Last weekend I decided it had sat there long enough. I wasn’t disappointed, the story soon grabbed me and the few opportunities that I have had this week I have picked it up for 20 minutes here and there. Today grabbed an hour this morning and this afternoon I took myself into the garden and a couple of hours later the book was done.
The book centres around Matt an ex banker who is rebuilding his life from a couple of deaths and a relationship breakdown. He’s taken a career break and started teaching which he enjoys. For the first part of the book you also follow Rachel who is recovering from the opening chapter of her boyfriend Alex being killed by a hit and run. Rachel thinks she is being followed and thinks there could be more to Alex’s death than meets the eye.
Matt also thinks that he is being followed or stalked would be a closer description, the girl he has started to see, Catherine, he keeps thinking he sees her when he is out. He decides to break it off with her, he meets her for lunch and whilst at the lunch a man approaches him in the gents and says he knows his girlfriend and warns him about her.
This happens just after his ex, Beth has said she wants to take his son to Australia to live with her new partner and his colleague, James.
Matt gets offered an opportunity to go back to work at the bank with a pay rise that is too good to turn down, however his newly formed bond with Harvey one of his students means his does exactly that.
I don’t want to go into more detail than that for the fear of giving too much away.
The story is really well crafted together with good connections that are there for you to try and pick up. The pace of the story is quick and engaged me into wanting to read more. The plot is not an obvious one and even right towards the end you are still left wondering how the story will work out.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a short sharp well constructed plot that delivered intrigue from page one. I give this book 4.5/5.
I have read one of the author’s earlier novels (Emma Holden series) and enjoyed it, so when I saw this on Amazon some time ago for 99p, it seemed a good idea, it has sat on my kindle for sometime. Last weekend I decided it had sat there long enough. I wasn’t disappointed, the story soon grabbed me and the few opportunities that I have had this week I have picked it up for 20 minutes here and there. Today grabbed an hour this morning and this afternoon I took myself into the garden and a couple of hours later the book was done.
The book centres around Matt an ex banker who is rebuilding his life from a couple of deaths and a relationship breakdown. He’s taken a career break and started teaching which he enjoys. For the first part of the book you also follow Rachel who is recovering from the opening chapter of her boyfriend Alex being killed by a hit and run. Rachel thinks she is being followed and thinks there could be more to Alex’s death than meets the eye.
Matt also thinks that he is being followed or stalked would be a closer description, the girl he has started to see, Catherine, he keeps thinking he sees her when he is out. He decides to break it off with her, he meets her for lunch and whilst at the lunch a man approaches him in the gents and says he knows his girlfriend and warns him about her.
This happens just after his ex, Beth has said she wants to take his son to Australia to live with her new partner and his colleague, James.
Matt gets offered an opportunity to go back to work at the bank with a pay rise that is too good to turn down, however his newly formed bond with Harvey one of his students means his does exactly that.
I don’t want to go into more detail than that for the fear of giving too much away.
The story is really well crafted together with good connections that are there for you to try and pick up. The pace of the story is quick and engaged me into wanting to read more. The plot is not an obvious one and even right towards the end you are still left wondering how the story will work out.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a short sharp well constructed plot that delivered intrigue from page one. I give this book 4.5/5.
January 12, 2018
I want to thank Paul Pilkington, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the copy of For Your Own Protection that I won in the Giveaway.
Matt, the main character in this murder mystery is really an innocent by-stander to the mystery that surrounds him and his family. He made a big mistake and lost Beth, the mother of his son Charlie and is working to figure out what he wants from life. His sister Amy has talked him into teaching ex-offenders in a night course, which he really enjoys. He has been off work for a year from his job in a high power trading company but the year is coming to an end and decision time is fast approaching.
Beth's new partner, James is working to take Beth and his son, Charlie off to Australia. Matt feels someone following him. His latest girlfriend disappears and he finds our she has been hired For Your Own Protection but it is really Charlie she is looking out for.
A young woman is pushed in front of a train and turns out to be the girlfriend of one of the people he worked with the investment firm. James panics and disappears; Matt finds a bag hidden with a large sum of money and a local owner of a casino kidnaps Beth and Charlie as the truth is revealed.
The show down to get back Beth and Charlie does not go as expected, but ends much better than expected. This was a most satisfying solution to a murder mystery when Matt figure out who is behind the killing of his co-worker and the woman being pushed in front of the train. I loved the ending!
Matt, the main character in this murder mystery is really an innocent by-stander to the mystery that surrounds him and his family. He made a big mistake and lost Beth, the mother of his son Charlie and is working to figure out what he wants from life. His sister Amy has talked him into teaching ex-offenders in a night course, which he really enjoys. He has been off work for a year from his job in a high power trading company but the year is coming to an end and decision time is fast approaching.
Beth's new partner, James is working to take Beth and his son, Charlie off to Australia. Matt feels someone following him. His latest girlfriend disappears and he finds our she has been hired For Your Own Protection but it is really Charlie she is looking out for.
A young woman is pushed in front of a train and turns out to be the girlfriend of one of the people he worked with the investment firm. James panics and disappears; Matt finds a bag hidden with a large sum of money and a local owner of a casino kidnaps Beth and Charlie as the truth is revealed.
The show down to get back Beth and Charlie does not go as expected, but ends much better than expected. This was a most satisfying solution to a murder mystery when Matt figure out who is behind the killing of his co-worker and the woman being pushed in front of the train. I loved the ending!
April 30, 2019
Pretty decent book, overall. I listened to the audiobook on my way to and from work everyday, and it was pretty captivating. I was a little bit confused at first since the book jumped around to stories involving a bunch to random characters, and I had trouble keeping track of the story in general, but it all made sense in the end. I was a bit annoyed by how Matt's child, Charlie, was portrayed. All the dialogue from Charlie made him sound dumb -- it could have been done better, I think. But then again, I don't have kids so maybe that is accurate for some, but from my experience in interacting with children, I've never encountered one like Charlie before. He seemed to be lacking a lot of common sense for kids his age, but also maybe it was just the narration that sounded strange.
I also wish there was more to some of the characters involved. Like, what really captivated me to choose to listen to this book in the first place was the Catherine/Natalie character, but she was never given an ending in this book. What happened to her in the end? I wanted to know more about her. She was intriguing. I could've done less with some of the Charlie/Beth stuff -- it felt a bit overdone.
I also wish there was more to some of the characters involved. Like, what really captivated me to choose to listen to this book in the first place was the Catherine/Natalie character, but she was never given an ending in this book. What happened to her in the end? I wanted to know more about her. She was intriguing. I could've done less with some of the Charlie/Beth stuff -- it felt a bit overdone.
August 28, 2017
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book which I received through netgalley. And I can honestly say that I'm glad I did.
I loved how fast paced it was, and I just wanted to carry on reading as I needed to know what happened next. The plot of the story isn't all easy to work out from the very start at the beginning and it builds as the book progresses which I liked about it as it kept me in suspense.
It tells the story of Matt who is a bank worker that has been taking a year out of work and teaching ex-offenders at a college class, it extends to those closest to him like his ex Beth and son Charlie as well as people that are just work colleagues as well as bringing in people he has never met..... sounds boring but I don't want to give too much away... honestly it is an excellent read. It is written just brilliantly and it all fits together perfectly for the end which still contained a couple of surprises!
The official release date is 28th September so keep your eyes peeled!
I loved how fast paced it was, and I just wanted to carry on reading as I needed to know what happened next. The plot of the story isn't all easy to work out from the very start at the beginning and it builds as the book progresses which I liked about it as it kept me in suspense.
It tells the story of Matt who is a bank worker that has been taking a year out of work and teaching ex-offenders at a college class, it extends to those closest to him like his ex Beth and son Charlie as well as people that are just work colleagues as well as bringing in people he has never met..... sounds boring but I don't want to give too much away... honestly it is an excellent read. It is written just brilliantly and it all fits together perfectly for the end which still contained a couple of surprises!
The official release date is 28th September so keep your eyes peeled!
August 10, 2018
For Your Own Protection is a fast-paced mysterious thriller set in the world of City bankers and criminals of vastly different, but deadly, backgrounds.
With a great mix of eclectic characters, the story builds slowly with enough tension and twists to keep your attention and, more importantly turning the page.
The story is well-written and well told. It is complex but easy to follow and very believable with realistic and engaging characters, most people can relate Matt’s struggles of depression and tiredness with his job and need for change, break ups etc.
I would have liked the character of Harvey, the ex-gangster trying to get his life back on track, to have had a greater part but other than that it was a fantastic, thrilling read packed with suspense and some great twists and turns.
This is the first novel I have read by Paul Pilkington and will definitely be reading more.
With a great mix of eclectic characters, the story builds slowly with enough tension and twists to keep your attention and, more importantly turning the page.
The story is well-written and well told. It is complex but easy to follow and very believable with realistic and engaging characters, most people can relate Matt’s struggles of depression and tiredness with his job and need for change, break ups etc.
I would have liked the character of Harvey, the ex-gangster trying to get his life back on track, to have had a greater part but other than that it was a fantastic, thrilling read packed with suspense and some great twists and turns.
This is the first novel I have read by Paul Pilkington and will definitely be reading more.
September 29, 2017
I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) via NetGalley
I've been a fan of Pauls writings since I read the "The one you love", the first book in The Emma Holden Trilogy.
One of the Things I like the most about Mr.Pilkingtons books is that you can't let your mind rest for a single minute while Reading.
You're kept on your toes during the entire read.
When you think you have the plot of the book all figured out, Paul manage to put in New twists and turns.
So challenging to read his stories. And now With "For your own protection" he doesn't dissapoint at all!
I just loved this book!
Read it!
I've been a fan of Pauls writings since I read the "The one you love", the first book in The Emma Holden Trilogy.
One of the Things I like the most about Mr.Pilkingtons books is that you can't let your mind rest for a single minute while Reading.
You're kept on your toes during the entire read.
When you think you have the plot of the book all figured out, Paul manage to put in New twists and turns.
So challenging to read his stories. And now With "For your own protection" he doesn't dissapoint at all!
I just loved this book!
Read it!
January 2, 2018
Matt is a next door guy, a person normal enough who could be a colleague you work with or a friend. He's a very unlikely hero, just like any of us, however when his son is put in danger he could do anything to protect him.
I loved the idea of a regular person doing the impossible and in this book tehre's so many things happening at the same time that it's virtually impossible to put it down.
Thanks Paul for this great story. I enjoyed every twist, every solution, every anguish. I was Matt in every page.
I loved the idea of a regular person doing the impossible and in this book tehre's so many things happening at the same time that it's virtually impossible to put it down.
Thanks Paul for this great story. I enjoyed every twist, every solution, every anguish. I was Matt in every page.
January 7, 2018
Another Amazing Read
I wasn’t sure this book would be up to the bar the author has set so hight with his first book, Someone To Love but he did it again.
The main character Matt, faced crises both personally and professionally. A one night stand ended his long term relationship with Beth, the mother of his child and she had moved on and into another relationship that ended up threatening them all. A novel of trials, tribulations, bad decisions and redemption.
I wasn’t sure this book would be up to the bar the author has set so hight with his first book, Someone To Love but he did it again.
The main character Matt, faced crises both personally and professionally. A one night stand ended his long term relationship with Beth, the mother of his child and she had moved on and into another relationship that ended up threatening them all. A novel of trials, tribulations, bad decisions and redemption.
May 16, 2022
For Your Own Protection by Paul Pilkington.
Matt is trying to rebuild his life following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. he wants to see his son, Charlie.But when Matt gets a sinister warning from a mysterious stranger.Then Charlie vanishes during a trip to the local pool, and it suddenly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
A very good read with good characters. Likeable story 3*.
Matt is trying to rebuild his life following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. he wants to see his son, Charlie.But when Matt gets a sinister warning from a mysterious stranger.Then Charlie vanishes during a trip to the local pool, and it suddenly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
A very good read with good characters. Likeable story 3*.
October 5, 2017
An exciting new discovery for me!
I could not rate this less than 5*.
A new author for me, and one i shall be following.
A really gripping and believable storyline, interesting characters from different, yet converging walks of life.
Tense, edge of seat reading that most crime/thriller lovers will enjoy.
Now, onto another Paul Pilkington book!
I could not rate this less than 5*.
A new author for me, and one i shall be following.
A really gripping and believable storyline, interesting characters from different, yet converging walks of life.
Tense, edge of seat reading that most crime/thriller lovers will enjoy.
Now, onto another Paul Pilkington book!
November 20, 2017
Kept Me Guessing
I love the way that Pilkington weaves all of the characters and subplots together into one. Every time I thought I knew exactly what was going on, another dimension was added. Although, some of my instincts were accurate they still did not belong to the actual resolution of the plot line. Another great read from Pilkington.
I love the way that Pilkington weaves all of the characters and subplots together into one. Every time I thought I knew exactly what was going on, another dimension was added. Although, some of my instincts were accurate they still did not belong to the actual resolution of the plot line. Another great read from Pilkington.
January 30, 2018
A man who is trying to rebuild his life gets involved in a dark and dangerous world that puts his ex partner and son at risk.
In was really enjoying it until it stared to get a but car fetched. There are superfluous characters that don't really add to the plot and some tenuous links which is a shame as I was expecting to give this at least 4 stars.
In was really enjoying it until it stared to get a but car fetched. There are superfluous characters that don't really add to the plot and some tenuous links which is a shame as I was expecting to give this at least 4 stars.
February 21, 2018
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I definitely found the book compelling but it was almost too much going on and it seemed really unrealistic. It was a bit predictable and it just felt like it was missing something in the end. Good concept, I just think it needed to be developed more.
May 28, 2019
Interesting Story Set in The UK.
Here is an entertaining novel of love, greed, and second chances. Good editing and nicely paced. This is one for those that enjoy British novels. I found one of the conflicts between characters a bit unbelievable but otherwise this is a nice read.
Here is an entertaining novel of love, greed, and second chances. Good editing and nicely paced. This is one for those that enjoy British novels. I found one of the conflicts between characters a bit unbelievable but otherwise this is a nice read.
December 19, 2020
Highly Recommended
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This is the third or fourth book I've read by Paul and he now in my top 3 favourite authors. Each one has kept me enthralled and happy with the ending. Read any pne of his books and youll become a fan instantly - I guarantee it.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This is the third or fourth book I've read by Paul and he now in my top 3 favourite authors. Each one has kept me enthralled and happy with the ending. Read any pne of his books and youll become a fan instantly - I guarantee it.
October 2, 2017
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. It’s a fast paced read with lots of twists. I found it to be a real page turner. This was my first Paul Pikington novel and I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
October 8, 2017
Another great book
Another great one from Mr P. Very well thought out and written. Keeps you guessing. Highly recommended and thanks for keeping me riveted for 24 hours, I didn't get a lot done!!
Another great one from Mr P. Very well thought out and written. Keeps you guessing. Highly recommended and thanks for keeping me riveted for 24 hours, I didn't get a lot done!!
October 16, 2017
A brilliant book
This book was not what I expected. I was so engrossed in the story I could not put it down. It is so well written with many twists and turns. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good well written mystery.
This book was not what I expected. I was so engrossed in the story I could not put it down. It is so well written with many twists and turns. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good well written mystery.
January 8, 2018
Great read
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of plot twists and well thought out characters, Nice easy read. Highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good, fast paced story!
Four stars
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of plot twists and well thought out characters, Nice easy read. Highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good, fast paced story!
Four stars
May 20, 2018
Glad when it was finished, a sort of chicklit for men, with stereotypical male characters going about their dull dramatic buisiness while wifie and child act as bargaining chip and unlikely tart with a heart character sleeps with everyone, some for free, might work better as a movie
May 23, 2019
I just kept reading
This book was suggested to me. The books I have read lately have been...slow. Thank you Paul! This book was full of everything and the pace was perfect. Wonderful read.
This book was suggested to me. The books I have read lately have been...slow. Thank you Paul! This book was full of everything and the pace was perfect. Wonderful read.
July 5, 2019
Excellent Thriller
First time I've read this author's work, and it won't be the last. Very well written with well developed characters. The plot is intriguing with twists and turns leading to an exciting conclusion. Highly recommend!
First time I've read this author's work, and it won't be the last. Very well written with well developed characters. The plot is intriguing with twists and turns leading to an exciting conclusion. Highly recommend!
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