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Save Me
A gripping thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Run , Mandasue Heller. When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever. That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on. However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published December 28, 2017
139 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
36 books448 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
March 11, 2018
This another that had to add early because don't want to forget .Last years Run was my Top female cr I love her books they are not popular with men because it's not always paints men in bad light which I find reminds me of Jo Brand
This reminds me of the Theme music to The movie M*A*S*H sung in the movie Suicide is painless it brings on many changes & I can take it or let it go. Suicide the cowards way out only cowards kill themselves & selfish bastards who don't give shit for there family's & friends leaving people up the creek without a paddle.
Ellie Fisher misses her train one night puts in wrong place at right time coward Gareth a young man about to go to hell for all eternity by damming his soul utter change - suicide the cowards way so Ellie stops him.
Ellie now has famous saying 'No good deed goes unpunished' she get what Gareth was going to get.
It like what Chinese say save somebody's life & you are responsible for them
This was published last year & not this. That puzzle for me as says it's new & I not seen it in shops .This Libuary copy
If your miserable there is nothing so good as read about some other miserable sod worse of than you, enjoy good laugh as their marriage goes down the plug hole or round the u bend this about The orninary Jones or Smiths end up in big pile of streaming horse shlt!
Now have to wait until she writs another book boo a hoo
This reminds me of the Theme music to The movie M*A*S*H sung in the movie Suicide is painless it brings on many changes & I can take it or let it go. Suicide the cowards way out only cowards kill themselves & selfish bastards who don't give shit for there family's & friends leaving people up the creek without a paddle.
Ellie Fisher misses her train one night puts in wrong place at right time coward Gareth a young man about to go to hell for all eternity by damming his soul utter change - suicide the cowards way so Ellie stops him.
Ellie now has famous saying 'No good deed goes unpunished' she get what Gareth was going to get.
It like what Chinese say save somebody's life & you are responsible for them
This was published last year & not this. That puzzle for me as says it's new & I not seen it in shops .This Libuary copy
If your miserable there is nothing so good as read about some other miserable sod worse of than you, enjoy good laugh as their marriage goes down the plug hole or round the u bend this about The orninary Jones or Smiths end up in big pile of streaming horse shlt!
Now have to wait until she writs another book boo a hoo
December 8, 2017
3.5 * rounded up to 4*. Ellie Fisher misses her train home. She's all alone in the the station. Then she sees Gareth, a young man about to take his own life. Ellie convinces Gareth not to jump. Ellie's life is no bed of roses either. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger closer to home.
I have read all of Mandasue Hellers books and I've loved them all, but not this one. I did enjoy it but not as much as the others. I guessed from very early on where this book was going. It lacked the usual edge of your seat read Mandasue normally produces. The plot line is believable with a mixture of strong and weak characters. The pace is nicely set. I look forward to reading her ext book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan MacMillian and the author Mandasue Heller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of Mandasue Hellers books and I've loved them all, but not this one. I did enjoy it but not as much as the others. I guessed from very early on where this book was going. It lacked the usual edge of your seat read Mandasue normally produces. The plot line is believable with a mixture of strong and weak characters. The pace is nicely set. I look forward to reading her ext book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan MacMillian and the author Mandasue Heller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2017
I’ve always been a huge fan of Mandasue Heller’s books, so I couldn’t wait to get my grubby paws on a copy of Save Me the latest offering from the author. I have to say this book took me by surprise as it’s very different to Mandasue Heller’s usual gritty crime thrillers, Save Me reads more like a thriller. Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed the change of direction, there’s still plenty of tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
Save Me isn’t fast paced by any means, but like any good thriller the author build on the suspense by setting the scene and introducing the characters.
Ellie’s life isn’t great by any means, but it takes a downward turn when fate plays a hand and Ellie comes across Gareth on her way home from work. Ellie doesn’t realise but her one good deed will have a disturbing impact on Ellie, her husband and family.
Although the plot isn’t one I consider to be highly original with themes such as obsession and stalking at the forefront, it’s Mandasue Heller’s style of writing that makes this book an intriguing read. Her attention to the smaller details of her characters such as dialogue, and their relationships with each other add weight to the plot. Although I was particularly fond of many of the characters, this no way spoilt my enjoyment of this book. As for Gareth well the author has certainly created one hell of character, a manipulator who preys on the venerable and downright creepy to boot, he’s certainly one character I won’t forget in a hurry.
Although I enjoyed Save Me I must admit I found it an underwhelming read, I think this was because two thirds of the book are taken up with developing the characters and the plot, and it’s only as you reach the last third of the book it really takes off, in my opinion the last part of the book felt rushed with a disappointing conclusion. Although I enjoyed this book unfortunately it isn’t one of the best books I’ve read by Mandasue Heller, but I still think it will do really well with her legion of fans and I have read some glowing reviews for Save Me in the authors defence, so perhaps it just wasn’t the book I was expecting it to be.
Save Me isn’t fast paced by any means, but like any good thriller the author build on the suspense by setting the scene and introducing the characters.
Ellie’s life isn’t great by any means, but it takes a downward turn when fate plays a hand and Ellie comes across Gareth on her way home from work. Ellie doesn’t realise but her one good deed will have a disturbing impact on Ellie, her husband and family.
Although the plot isn’t one I consider to be highly original with themes such as obsession and stalking at the forefront, it’s Mandasue Heller’s style of writing that makes this book an intriguing read. Her attention to the smaller details of her characters such as dialogue, and their relationships with each other add weight to the plot. Although I was particularly fond of many of the characters, this no way spoilt my enjoyment of this book. As for Gareth well the author has certainly created one hell of character, a manipulator who preys on the venerable and downright creepy to boot, he’s certainly one character I won’t forget in a hurry.
Although I enjoyed Save Me I must admit I found it an underwhelming read, I think this was because two thirds of the book are taken up with developing the characters and the plot, and it’s only as you reach the last third of the book it really takes off, in my opinion the last part of the book felt rushed with a disappointing conclusion. Although I enjoyed this book unfortunately it isn’t one of the best books I’ve read by Mandasue Heller, but I still think it will do really well with her legion of fans and I have read some glowing reviews for Save Me in the authors defence, so perhaps it just wasn’t the book I was expecting it to be.
February 21, 2018
I read a few reviews that said Save Me was a bit of a change in direction for Mandasue Heller and, whilst I can agree slightly, I felt that it had all of the elements that her books normally have that keep people returning. It’s a gritty read as always, just a little less gangland and more psychological thriller. It’s certainly consumed me over the past 24 hours anyway, and I found myself reading it at every available opportunity.
Save Me tells the story of Ellie who misses her train home one night and witnesses a man about to jump from the railway bridge. She saves the man’s life and returns home to get on with hers. Little does she know that danger is just around the corner. It’s incredibly hard to talk about the plot, even though most of what I want to say is a result of the gripping and twisted story that Mandasue has told here. Ellie was a likeable character in the beginning, but I soon found her to be very naive and too trusting. Whilst certain events that happen to her had me wondering just how she could be so dense, I then thought that people like this do actually exist in the world and also when reading about a character who is being victimised and controlled like Ellie, it’s easy to judge as we can see the whole picture whereas Ellie is oblivious to the control and power that somebody starts to have over her life.
Save Me is an uncomfortable read in places that makes you question your own life and relationships. It shows just how easy it is to stalk somebody and effectively ruin their life with just a few small actions. I’d like to think that I wouldn’t be as easily sucked in as Ellie was and that I would know if my partner was lying to me, but the skilful way that it is all done in this story makes it believable and very scary just how easily it is done. We read about a very messed up individual and I wished we could have got more insight into this character than we did. As the book progressed I was filled with dread at what was to come. Like all the best dramas this is a slow-burner. It isn’t incredibly fast-paced but oddly I found the story all the more exciting because of that. I knew the book was slowly building up to something huge and I couldn’t read quick enough to see how it would all conclude. I reached my stop on the bus with chapters to go and I couldn’t have been more annoyed.
Whilst I can’t obviously discuss the ending without giving away the plot, I have to say that it left me confused with how I felt about how things ended for certain characters. It’s certainly a thought-provoking storyline because I imagined myself in the various scenarios that we read about and thought about how I would act or react to what was happening. Overall Save Me was a very enjoyable read and I thought about these characters even when I wasn’t reading the book. It is something a little bit different from Mandasue but as said earlier still contains what readers have come to love from this author. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and look forward to seeing what she writes next.
Save Me tells the story of Ellie who misses her train home one night and witnesses a man about to jump from the railway bridge. She saves the man’s life and returns home to get on with hers. Little does she know that danger is just around the corner. It’s incredibly hard to talk about the plot, even though most of what I want to say is a result of the gripping and twisted story that Mandasue has told here. Ellie was a likeable character in the beginning, but I soon found her to be very naive and too trusting. Whilst certain events that happen to her had me wondering just how she could be so dense, I then thought that people like this do actually exist in the world and also when reading about a character who is being victimised and controlled like Ellie, it’s easy to judge as we can see the whole picture whereas Ellie is oblivious to the control and power that somebody starts to have over her life.
Save Me is an uncomfortable read in places that makes you question your own life and relationships. It shows just how easy it is to stalk somebody and effectively ruin their life with just a few small actions. I’d like to think that I wouldn’t be as easily sucked in as Ellie was and that I would know if my partner was lying to me, but the skilful way that it is all done in this story makes it believable and very scary just how easily it is done. We read about a very messed up individual and I wished we could have got more insight into this character than we did. As the book progressed I was filled with dread at what was to come. Like all the best dramas this is a slow-burner. It isn’t incredibly fast-paced but oddly I found the story all the more exciting because of that. I knew the book was slowly building up to something huge and I couldn’t read quick enough to see how it would all conclude. I reached my stop on the bus with chapters to go and I couldn’t have been more annoyed.
Whilst I can’t obviously discuss the ending without giving away the plot, I have to say that it left me confused with how I felt about how things ended for certain characters. It’s certainly a thought-provoking storyline because I imagined myself in the various scenarios that we read about and thought about how I would act or react to what was happening. Overall Save Me was a very enjoyable read and I thought about these characters even when I wasn’t reading the book. It is something a little bit different from Mandasue but as said earlier still contains what readers have come to love from this author. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and look forward to seeing what she writes next.
November 11, 2017
Enjoyable reading with soap opera overtones This review contains minor spoilers...On first blush Save Me reads like a soap opera examining the lives of many characters, focusing on emotional relationships to the point of melodrama...Ellie loves Matt but falls for inept and deranged Gareth. Holly, sister to Ellie, not only has an affair with Matt but also with socially unbalanced Gareth. Ellie's stepfather Billy made advances towards Ellie in her youth but has much more serious issues to confront as the story develops. Matt is hyper-sensitive, suffers from depression and is unable to acquire or hold down a job. And so the soap continues but having said all that I really enjoyed reading "Save Me" it's not a book of any real literary intent or a story that examines in any dept the characters but it doesn't purport to be this. It's simple light reading, a book that you can happily return to at any point without having lost the main thread, a book for the summer vacation, or reading as you journey by train or bus.
I think the author creates a very evil and controlling Gareth because it is his story that is the centre of all the events as they unfold...."See what you've made me do now? he hissed when her body went limp and her eyes rolled to the back of their sockets. That was your fault, not mine! All I'm trying to do is help you, so why did you have to start fighting with me?" Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in return for an honest review. It surprised me I usually prefer to be educated in my choice of reading but sometimes it is best to just enjoy without being over critical.
I think the author creates a very evil and controlling Gareth because it is his story that is the centre of all the events as they unfold...."See what you've made me do now? he hissed when her body went limp and her eyes rolled to the back of their sockets. That was your fault, not mine! All I'm trying to do is help you, so why did you have to start fighting with me?" Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in return for an honest review. It surprised me I usually prefer to be educated in my choice of reading but sometimes it is best to just enjoy without being over critical.
April 6, 2018
Ellie Fishers fatal movement of missing a train home one night and doing a good deed changes her whole World. Little does she know that been in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever.
Ellie courageously saves someones life only to have that person invade hers.
Told in true Mandasue style she pulls you right in to the story from the beginning and tells the tale of secrets, lies, jealousy & cruel obsession in her dark gritty way.
Although the plot was predictable and the style different I didn't feel distracted and the ending was just right.
A real page turning thriller perfect for any fans of this genre.
Ellie courageously saves someones life only to have that person invade hers.
Told in true Mandasue style she pulls you right in to the story from the beginning and tells the tale of secrets, lies, jealousy & cruel obsession in her dark gritty way.
Although the plot was predictable and the style different I didn't feel distracted and the ending was just right.
A real page turning thriller perfect for any fans of this genre.
December 15, 2017
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Pan MacMillan
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
A gripping thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Run, Mandasue Heller. When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever. That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on. However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?
My Review
Ellie Fisher misses her train home, bringing her into the path of a stranger Gareth who is going to take his own life. Ellie puts herself at risk, saving Gareth and in turn causing more ripples in her own life. Her controlling husband is suspicious, her colleagues take advantage of her good nature as does her sister who is utterly vile. All actions have consequences and Ellie is about to discover just how big an impact one kind deed can have on her life and those around her.
It has been a while since I read a book that grabbed me pretty much from the get go and it wasn't due to the knowing something bad was coming. The relationship dynamics infuriated me, I wanted Ellie to deal with the selfish horrible people in her life and put them in her place. I think depending on your family life and personal experiences will depend on how much that part of the story will impact on you. I was so infuriated I could have flung the book because I was so angry at how much Ellie allowed people to walk over her. The more I read and the more things happened I got so exasperated, then you have the violent side. Things start happening, you don't know who to trust or really what is coming next.
I have always enjoyed Heller's books, I didn't even look at the blurb when going for this book so it was a bit different from what I expected. It isn't her normal estate gritty type book, this is relationships, families, stalker type vibe with violence, suspense and building up page by page. 4/5 for me this time, available to buy from 28th December this year, my thanks to Netgalley.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Pan MacMillan
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
A gripping thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Run, Mandasue Heller. When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever. That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on. However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?
My Review
Ellie Fisher misses her train home, bringing her into the path of a stranger Gareth who is going to take his own life. Ellie puts herself at risk, saving Gareth and in turn causing more ripples in her own life. Her controlling husband is suspicious, her colleagues take advantage of her good nature as does her sister who is utterly vile. All actions have consequences and Ellie is about to discover just how big an impact one kind deed can have on her life and those around her.
It has been a while since I read a book that grabbed me pretty much from the get go and it wasn't due to the knowing something bad was coming. The relationship dynamics infuriated me, I wanted Ellie to deal with the selfish horrible people in her life and put them in her place. I think depending on your family life and personal experiences will depend on how much that part of the story will impact on you. I was so infuriated I could have flung the book because I was so angry at how much Ellie allowed people to walk over her. The more I read and the more things happened I got so exasperated, then you have the violent side. Things start happening, you don't know who to trust or really what is coming next.
I have always enjoyed Heller's books, I didn't even look at the blurb when going for this book so it was a bit different from what I expected. It isn't her normal estate gritty type book, this is relationships, families, stalker type vibe with violence, suspense and building up page by page. 4/5 for me this time, available to buy from 28th December this year, my thanks to Netgalley.
December 22, 2017
This is the first book of Mandasue Heller’s that I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it.
I did work out that all was not as it seems fairly early on but the story still kept me gripped, right until the end.
Ellie and her sister Holly have a volatile relationship but by the end of the book they have to be stronger than ever for one another.
There is someone who is a threat to their family, and they are obsessed with one of them, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages faster and faster to find out how it ends.
This is a really good read and one I’d recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for sending me a copy to read and review.
I did work out that all was not as it seems fairly early on but the story still kept me gripped, right until the end.
Ellie and her sister Holly have a volatile relationship but by the end of the book they have to be stronger than ever for one another.
There is someone who is a threat to their family, and they are obsessed with one of them, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages faster and faster to find out how it ends.
This is a really good read and one I’d recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for sending me a copy to read and review.
October 26, 2017
‘Save Me’ by Mandasue Heller published by Pan Macmillan on Dec 28th
I approached this book with excitement as I was honoured to be reviewing it and some trepidation as this is the latest book from my favourite author......what if it was the first book I didnt enjoy and had to do an honest review etc.......
I didnt need to worry,this is Mandasue Heller at her best,in fact I would say it was my FAVOURITE book by her!!!
As usual Mandasue leaves others standing with her ability to tell a story and literally from the first few sentences you are drawn into a powerful and compelling tale that keeps you hooked through every page
The story centres around Ellie and her husband Matt,one night Ellie witnesses something and helps someone......this triggers a chain of events that turns into Ellie’s worst nightmare,the story includes obsession,jealousy,murder,lies and stalking and hosts the usual easy to get to know characters that the author is renowned for creating.....husbands you will hate,boyfriends you will like then despise,sisters who are truly vile and various family members who are larger than life.....you picture them all in your mind from the first few descriptive words you read about each one....and then Ellie who you equally love,get annoyed with,despair of and then could cry for.
This all leads to an explosive,dark,scary and brilliant ending to the book.
These characters and the whole book will stay with me for a long time,an exciting,gripping and fantatsic book
Its the book that truly crowns Mandasue Heller as the Queen of her genre and a book you NEED to start 2018 with. 10/10 5 Stars
I approached this book with excitement as I was honoured to be reviewing it and some trepidation as this is the latest book from my favourite author......what if it was the first book I didnt enjoy and had to do an honest review etc.......
I didnt need to worry,this is Mandasue Heller at her best,in fact I would say it was my FAVOURITE book by her!!!
As usual Mandasue leaves others standing with her ability to tell a story and literally from the first few sentences you are drawn into a powerful and compelling tale that keeps you hooked through every page
The story centres around Ellie and her husband Matt,one night Ellie witnesses something and helps someone......this triggers a chain of events that turns into Ellie’s worst nightmare,the story includes obsession,jealousy,murder,lies and stalking and hosts the usual easy to get to know characters that the author is renowned for creating.....husbands you will hate,boyfriends you will like then despise,sisters who are truly vile and various family members who are larger than life.....you picture them all in your mind from the first few descriptive words you read about each one....and then Ellie who you equally love,get annoyed with,despair of and then could cry for.
This all leads to an explosive,dark,scary and brilliant ending to the book.
These characters and the whole book will stay with me for a long time,an exciting,gripping and fantatsic book
Its the book that truly crowns Mandasue Heller as the Queen of her genre and a book you NEED to start 2018 with. 10/10 5 Stars
December 28, 2017
I was thrilled to be asked to review Save Me by Mandasue Heller having being introduced to her books earlier in the year with Run. Save Me is one of those books that I could not put down and I was drawn in from the first few paragraphs with the discovery of a body in an abandoned house. We are then introduced to the main player in the story Ellie Fisher as she saves a young man (Gareth) from throwing himself off a bridge into the path of a train.
This book was unusual in that I really didn’t like a lot of the characters, I mainly wanted to give them a really good shake or slap them around the chops! Ellie is married to the controlling Matt and is oblivious (brain washed) to his flaws and stuck in a dead end job. Her sister Holly is a little free with her affections to put it nicely and always putting Ellie down. Gareth appears to be Ellie’s knight in shining armour but as we know these guys sometimes end up being an asshole wrapped in tinfoil!
There was a lot of tension throughout the story and I kept waiting for Ellie to open her eyes and realise what was happening around her. Save Me is a story about obsessional love, lies and secrets – all of which build up to an explosive conclusion. I enjoyed this gritty thriller and would definitely recommend to fans of this genre and will be buying a copy for my mum who loves Mandasue!
This book was unusual in that I really didn’t like a lot of the characters, I mainly wanted to give them a really good shake or slap them around the chops! Ellie is married to the controlling Matt and is oblivious (brain washed) to his flaws and stuck in a dead end job. Her sister Holly is a little free with her affections to put it nicely and always putting Ellie down. Gareth appears to be Ellie’s knight in shining armour but as we know these guys sometimes end up being an asshole wrapped in tinfoil!
There was a lot of tension throughout the story and I kept waiting for Ellie to open her eyes and realise what was happening around her. Save Me is a story about obsessional love, lies and secrets – all of which build up to an explosive conclusion. I enjoyed this gritty thriller and would definitely recommend to fans of this genre and will be buying a copy for my mum who loves Mandasue!
December 31, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Characters drew me in from first page. Such an easy read and found myself shouting at the characters to see what we as readers could. As always she never disappoints and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although not
As gritty as some of her other novels I’ve read I would still highly recommend it as I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Where it went and now so disappointed I’ve finished it. Top read #netgalley #saveme
As gritty as some of her other novels I’ve read I would still highly recommend it as I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Where it went and now so disappointed I’ve finished it. Top read #netgalley #saveme
August 1, 2019
Was really surprised at this book. I normally love this authors books but I thought that this was the worst one yet!! It was extremely predictable and unbelievable to the point that I nearly gave up as I knew what the ending would be but thought surely it wouldn’t be that simple as this author normally writes so well yet it ended just as I suspected!! so struggled through to the end only to find that it was!!
November 22, 2018
4.5 stars
This was a really good book and had everything that I've come to expect from this writer. It had all the twists and turns that you have come to expect from Mandasue Heller and kept me turning the pages wanting to know the outcome. If you're a fan of this author then you have to read this book.
This was a really good book and had everything that I've come to expect from this writer. It had all the twists and turns that you have come to expect from Mandasue Heller and kept me turning the pages wanting to know the outcome. If you're a fan of this author then you have to read this book.
December 30, 2017
Brilliant as always, knew where the book was going after a few chapters. Read it in 2 sittings. Looking forward to her next one
March 15, 2020
Another cracking book by one of my favourite authors
January 2, 2018
I was excited to read the new Mandasue book but have to be honest and say I was surprised at the type of book this turned out to be. It seems like a bit of a departure from the gritty gangland style books she normally produces and leans more towards a psychological thriller.
Ellie Fisher is introduced to us on her commute to work. She has no idea that her day will change when she attempts to help a young guy named Gareth who is attempting to take his own life. In the meantime she is dealing with her own problems with her husband Matt and her Mother and Sister. The thing that struck me most about this book was that I didn't actually like any of the characters which is unusual. Ellie seems to be downtrodden and has almost zero backbone. Although I felt sorry for her it seems like she just doesn't have the strength to be anything other than a doormat. On the other side of the fence we have her seemingly controlling and frankly abysmal husband Matt who I just wanted to smack for most of the book.
That strange sensation aside, what I realised was that in a strange was I was thoroughly enjoying this departure in style. It's certainly different to her previous stuff but although I disliked the characters I felt the need to keep reading. Although this doesn't have the edge of your seat type tension running through it there is a dark element which seems to be present almost from the beginning. I read this in one sitting and although initially I was thinking it wasn't as good as previous stuff, I ended up really enjoying it. I also didn't quite see the ending and found myself being pleasantly surprised. Overall, different but I think good different.
Ellie Fisher is introduced to us on her commute to work. She has no idea that her day will change when she attempts to help a young guy named Gareth who is attempting to take his own life. In the meantime she is dealing with her own problems with her husband Matt and her Mother and Sister. The thing that struck me most about this book was that I didn't actually like any of the characters which is unusual. Ellie seems to be downtrodden and has almost zero backbone. Although I felt sorry for her it seems like she just doesn't have the strength to be anything other than a doormat. On the other side of the fence we have her seemingly controlling and frankly abysmal husband Matt who I just wanted to smack for most of the book.
That strange sensation aside, what I realised was that in a strange was I was thoroughly enjoying this departure in style. It's certainly different to her previous stuff but although I disliked the characters I felt the need to keep reading. Although this doesn't have the edge of your seat type tension running through it there is a dark element which seems to be present almost from the beginning. I read this in one sitting and although initially I was thinking it wasn't as good as previous stuff, I ended up really enjoying it. I also didn't quite see the ending and found myself being pleasantly surprised. Overall, different but I think good different.
March 12, 2018
Have to hand it to Ellie - she certainly knows how to pick'em! She is naive beyond belief and needs a good talking to as she is extremely irritating, letting everyone walk all over her, a proper little "yes" girl. A character such as Gareth wouldn't have been in the position he was when Ellie and he first met and I felt that was really contrived, as was the complete change in another character from totally selfish to caring in just a couple of pages. It was hard to like anyone at all in this book! I found the first half a bit slow and all just a bit predictable, but did love some of the dialogue. Not as gritty or gripping as the gang land books, but still readable. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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November 12, 2017I was given a copy of this book from the book review site NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was very happy to be given a copy of this book as I have read books by this author in the past and really enjoyed them. You know what you are going to get with this author grit realism great characters and a good plot. I was not disappointed this book has it all. This boo has it all and the plot was also very imaginative and kept me guessing right to the end of the book. I would recommend this book to aanone who enjoys thrillers
January 16, 2018
Undecided
Being a big fan of Hellers books I didn't read the blurb so was shocked as to how different this book was to her usual style. I disliked the characters immensely, wanted to shake some and punch others for 70% of the story. The pace quickened towards the end however I'd worked out where the story was going in the first few chapters. A disappointing read for me unfortunately.
Being a big fan of Hellers books I didn't read the blurb so was shocked as to how different this book was to her usual style. I disliked the characters immensely, wanted to shake some and punch others for 70% of the story. The pace quickened towards the end however I'd worked out where the story was going in the first few chapters. A disappointing read for me unfortunately.
July 25, 2018
Really fast paced gripping story. Loads of twists I wasn't expecting. Love this author.
June 16, 2023
Definitely a 5 star read 📘💖
November 1, 2017
Save Me is my first book from this author and I am now a huge fan.
On her way home from work one evening, Ellie Fisher sees a young man, Gareth, about to commit suicide and manages to talk him down.
The story centres around Ellie her husband Matt, her sister Holly and Gareth.
Obsessive and unhealthy love, jealousy, lies, secrets ..... oh my goodness ..... some of these characters really got under my skin, but what a brilliant story that kept me hooked and at times on the edge of my seat.
I now look forward to reading previous books by Mandasue Heller and look forward to the new ones.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
On her way home from work one evening, Ellie Fisher sees a young man, Gareth, about to commit suicide and manages to talk him down.
The story centres around Ellie her husband Matt, her sister Holly and Gareth.
Obsessive and unhealthy love, jealousy, lies, secrets ..... oh my goodness ..... some of these characters really got under my skin, but what a brilliant story that kept me hooked and at times on the edge of my seat.
I now look forward to reading previous books by Mandasue Heller and look forward to the new ones.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 29, 2023
This book just pissed me off. How much can you shit on one woman?!
Like ffs, give her a break Manda! ����
Predictable but still relatively thrilling. Holly is a bitch. Matt is a gaslighting asshole. Mum is… no words. And Gareth, well he’s a literal psycho. Should’ve just carried on walking, dear Ellie!
That ending though. Ugh. Pass me the sick bucket.
ARE YOU A DOORMAT ELLIE?!
Like ffs, give her a break Manda! ����
Predictable but still relatively thrilling. Holly is a bitch. Matt is a gaslighting asshole. Mum is… no words. And Gareth, well he’s a literal psycho. Should’ve just carried on walking, dear Ellie!
That ending though. Ugh. Pass me the sick bucket.
ARE YOU A DOORMAT ELLIE?!
March 5, 2018
I've read all of Mandasue Heller's books and this is the only one that has disappointed me.
Extremely predictable.
Extremely predictable.
August 11, 2025
Loved it
December 14, 2017
I am a fan normally of Mandasue Heller novels but unfortunately not this one. The main character Ellie Fisher saves a man, Gareth, from attempting suicide whilst waiting for her train. Elle is in an unhappy marriage with fractious family relationships and a dead end job. Gareth suddenly seems to be everywhere but is he as innocent as he seems?
Unfortunately I could see where the story was going and it was predictable. Ellie isn’t a likeable character she does nothing to change her circumstances. I’m used to the normal protagonists being strong women and Ellie is anything but.
If you haven’t read Mandasue Heller before I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and author Mandasue Heller for a ARC in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately I could see where the story was going and it was predictable. Ellie isn’t a likeable character she does nothing to change her circumstances. I’m used to the normal protagonists being strong women and Ellie is anything but.
If you haven’t read Mandasue Heller before I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and author Mandasue Heller for a ARC in return for an honest review.
May 7, 2018
I normally enjoy psychological thrillers, unfortunately this one left me unsatisfied. Ellie's character is annoying from the beginning, she is a pushover, for her age very naive woman. I actually did not like any of the characters in this book. They acted well over the top, I did not understand their reactions to certain situations and I think that's one of the biggest reasons I didn't enjoy reading it. For christ sakes, when Tony thinks his pregnant fiancee might be cheating on him, his first instinct is to LEAVE!!! Who does that?!?! No seriously, I'm glad I only spend a gloomy day on this book, because otherwise I might have considered it a waste of time.
November 18, 2017
i’ve read a lot of books my this author and usually love them however, Save Me left me very disappointed.
i felt the storyline was weak and the reader knew what was going to happen and who was responsible. for me there were no shocks or twists in the tale. i didn’t really feel that the main character’s controlling and i would say abusive marriage was really addressed by the end of the book either.
many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
i felt the storyline was weak and the reader knew what was going to happen and who was responsible. for me there were no shocks or twists in the tale. i didn’t really feel that the main character’s controlling and i would say abusive marriage was really addressed by the end of the book either.
many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2018
I love Mandasue Heller’s books so I was excited when this came out. For reasons unknown to me, and although I enjoyed it I didn’t get the usual buzz from Save Me.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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