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The Walls
A heart-stopping psychological suspense novel about a Texas prison official driven to commit the perfect crime, by the author of the international bestselling thriller Baby Doll .
YOU WOULD DIE FOR YOUR FAMILY. WOULD YOU KILL FOR THEM?
Working on death row and raising her son as a single mom is tough. When Kristy Tucker meets and falls in love with handsome Lance Dobson, at last she can imagine a better future.
But after their wedding, her life becomes one of constant terror. And as Lance's violence escalates, Kristy must decide how far she will go to save herself -- and her son.
The Walls is a riveting thriller about domestic violence, murder, and one woman's desperate gambit to protect her family.
YOU WOULD DIE FOR YOUR FAMILY. WOULD YOU KILL FOR THEM?
Working on death row and raising her son as a single mom is tough. When Kristy Tucker meets and falls in love with handsome Lance Dobson, at last she can imagine a better future.
But after their wedding, her life becomes one of constant terror. And as Lance's violence escalates, Kristy must decide how far she will go to save herself -- and her son.
The Walls is a riveting thriller about domestic violence, murder, and one woman's desperate gambit to protect her family.
433 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2017
122 people are currently reading
4015 people want to read
About the author
Hollie Overton
5 books574 followersHollie Overton is a TV writer and producer. She has written for Shadowhunters, Cold Case, and The Client List, Hollie's debut thriller, BABY DOLL is an international bestseller and was published in eleven countries. Her 2nd novel, THE WALLS will be released Aug. 2017. An identical twin, Hollie grew up in Kingsville, Texas but now resides in LA with her husband and rescue dog Stevie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
September 14, 2017
4.5 Stars!!
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpress.com/
How far would you go to protect your family? Would you kill to protect them?
“The Walls” makes you consider the answers to those questions.
Kristy Tucker’s job is watching people die. That’s a blunt way of putting it and it’s definitely not the only part of her job, but it’s the part that really stands out. The people she sees put to death are all convicted killers, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Kristy has witnessed the execution of 37 people, and she can name them all.
This is definitely not her dream job. But as a single mother, working as a public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice pays the bills and offers good benefits. Kristy serves as mediator between inmates, the press, and the prison system. Her teenage son, Ryan really hates her job and is especially sensitive when it comes to the executions. He’s even started attending protests. On the one hand she’s proud of Ryan but she could lose her job if others found out.
Kristy has dealt with many different types of inmates. Some are the monsters people think they are but others are desperate people that got caught up in a bad situation. Then there are the ones who claim they are innocent.
Every day, Kristy walks past a sign that says:
NOTICE. NO HOSTAGES WILL EXIT THROUGH THIS GATE
“This sign served as a reminder that these inmates were not to be trusted, that in here, your life hung in a delicate balance”.
One of the inmates that Kristy visits is Clifton Harris. He’s been on death row for over eight years. He’s the one they call Baby Killer Harris. Although he’s been convicted of killing his two children, he has maintained his innocence all of these years.
Is he lying to Kristy or is he truly an innocent man?
Kristy’s job is never easy and when Ryan gets into trouble in school it adds to her list of worries. When she learns that Ryan has been taking martial arts classes behind her back, she gets angry. But then she meets the man training her son. His name is Lance Dobson. He reassures her and she soon sees that her son is benefiting from Lance’s tutelage. The more Kristy gets to know Lance, the more she likes him. Ryan likes him. Her Pops likes him. He seems like a wonderful man....
But is he?
And when push comes to shove....
How far will Kristy go to keep her family safe?
“Maybe she needed a monster to fight a monster”
“The Walls” deals with a lot of sensitive issues like the death penalty, domestic abuse, the justice system, parenting, and more. There are parts that were very difficult to read. There’s quite a lot going on, but I thought the author pulled it all together very well. I was glued to this book, it was very intense at times and I didn’t want to put it down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, though there were a few things that made me go hmmmmmmm... I started this book after reading a few mixed reviews, which may have helped me let go of a few things. At any rate, I was drawn in to this novel from the first page and found it to be an intriguing and action packed story with some great characters and an interesting plot. It was definitely thought-provoking and it really made me think about guilt and innocence in a different way. I liked how the author included some of the cases Kristy was working on. Kristy’s interactions with Clifton were a wonderful part of the story. There were a few things I wished ended differently but overall, I found it all came together in a satisfying way.
This was my first read from Hollie Overton but I can say for certain that it won’t be my last.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpress.com/
How far would you go to protect your family? Would you kill to protect them?
“The Walls” makes you consider the answers to those questions.
Kristy Tucker’s job is watching people die. That’s a blunt way of putting it and it’s definitely not the only part of her job, but it’s the part that really stands out. The people she sees put to death are all convicted killers, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Kristy has witnessed the execution of 37 people, and she can name them all.
This is definitely not her dream job. But as a single mother, working as a public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice pays the bills and offers good benefits. Kristy serves as mediator between inmates, the press, and the prison system. Her teenage son, Ryan really hates her job and is especially sensitive when it comes to the executions. He’s even started attending protests. On the one hand she’s proud of Ryan but she could lose her job if others found out.
Kristy has dealt with many different types of inmates. Some are the monsters people think they are but others are desperate people that got caught up in a bad situation. Then there are the ones who claim they are innocent.
Every day, Kristy walks past a sign that says:
NOTICE. NO HOSTAGES WILL EXIT THROUGH THIS GATE
“This sign served as a reminder that these inmates were not to be trusted, that in here, your life hung in a delicate balance”.
One of the inmates that Kristy visits is Clifton Harris. He’s been on death row for over eight years. He’s the one they call Baby Killer Harris. Although he’s been convicted of killing his two children, he has maintained his innocence all of these years.
Is he lying to Kristy or is he truly an innocent man?
Kristy’s job is never easy and when Ryan gets into trouble in school it adds to her list of worries. When she learns that Ryan has been taking martial arts classes behind her back, she gets angry. But then she meets the man training her son. His name is Lance Dobson. He reassures her and she soon sees that her son is benefiting from Lance’s tutelage. The more Kristy gets to know Lance, the more she likes him. Ryan likes him. Her Pops likes him. He seems like a wonderful man....
But is he?
And when push comes to shove....
How far will Kristy go to keep her family safe?
“Maybe she needed a monster to fight a monster”
“The Walls” deals with a lot of sensitive issues like the death penalty, domestic abuse, the justice system, parenting, and more. There are parts that were very difficult to read. There’s quite a lot going on, but I thought the author pulled it all together very well. I was glued to this book, it was very intense at times and I didn’t want to put it down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, though there were a few things that made me go hmmmmmmm... I started this book after reading a few mixed reviews, which may have helped me let go of a few things. At any rate, I was drawn in to this novel from the first page and found it to be an intriguing and action packed story with some great characters and an interesting plot. It was definitely thought-provoking and it really made me think about guilt and innocence in a different way. I liked how the author included some of the cases Kristy was working on. Kristy’s interactions with Clifton were a wonderful part of the story. There were a few things I wished ended differently but overall, I found it all came together in a satisfying way.
This was my first read from Hollie Overton but I can say for certain that it won’t be my last.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2017
3.5 Stars
Psychological thriller about a woman who must choose whether or not to become a murderer.
Kristy Tucker is faced with this conundrum in The Walls. She can either remain in an abusive marriage or she can take the only way out that she can see, which is by killing her husband. Making this even more complicated is the fact that Kristy works as public information officer at “The Walls,” the place where Death Row inmates are executed. Part of Kristy’s job is to mediate between the inmates and the press. As a result, she has encountered some of the most notorious criminals. While she understands the legal ramifications of committing murder, she also is presented with unique insight into how to commit the perfect crime.
When we first meet Kristy, she feels like she is stuck. She hates her job, especially when she has to witness executions. She also is struggling to take care of her ailing father, while at the same time trying to raise her 14 year old son on her own.
When she starts dating Lance Dobson, her son’s martial arts instructor, she feels like she is finally living versus just existing. At first, Lance seems like her "Knight in Shining Armor”, but soon after they marry, Kristy comes to realize that she married a monster. Kristy’s life takes a dramatic turn, to the point where she is safer in the prison than in her own home.
The Walls is fast-paced and suspenseful. Not only does it deal with domestic violence, it also presents commentaries on the justice system and death penalty
I didn’t love The Walls (I think there was a little too much going on in terms of commentaries on the justice system, the death penalty, and domestic violence), but I did like the premise of a woman who works for the prison system potentially becoming a criminal. The Walls made me think, and for this reason I bumped it up to a higher rating than I was planning.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Psychological thriller about a woman who must choose whether or not to become a murderer.
Kristy Tucker is faced with this conundrum in The Walls. She can either remain in an abusive marriage or she can take the only way out that she can see, which is by killing her husband. Making this even more complicated is the fact that Kristy works as public information officer at “The Walls,” the place where Death Row inmates are executed. Part of Kristy’s job is to mediate between the inmates and the press. As a result, she has encountered some of the most notorious criminals. While she understands the legal ramifications of committing murder, she also is presented with unique insight into how to commit the perfect crime.
When we first meet Kristy, she feels like she is stuck. She hates her job, especially when she has to witness executions. She also is struggling to take care of her ailing father, while at the same time trying to raise her 14 year old son on her own.
When she starts dating Lance Dobson, her son’s martial arts instructor, she feels like she is finally living versus just existing. At first, Lance seems like her "Knight in Shining Armor”, but soon after they marry, Kristy comes to realize that she married a monster. Kristy’s life takes a dramatic turn, to the point where she is safer in the prison than in her own home.
The Walls is fast-paced and suspenseful. Not only does it deal with domestic violence, it also presents commentaries on the justice system and death penalty
I didn’t love The Walls (I think there was a little too much going on in terms of commentaries on the justice system, the death penalty, and domestic violence), but I did like the premise of a woman who works for the prison system potentially becoming a criminal. The Walls made me think, and for this reason I bumped it up to a higher rating than I was planning.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2017
How does love turn so quickly into something ugly and evil?
Kristy is a young, single mother with her hands full. She is raising her son Ryan while also caring for her ailing father. Kristy also works full time at the local prison as their public relations liaison for the inmates on death row.
When her son’s karate coach, Lance enters their lives he seems to fit in so perfectly and become the final piece to their family puzzle. Could everything stay this perfect forever? Of course not!
This is a very well-crafted thriller that takes you down the road of a battered woman and her fight to get her life back. A slow start that had me concerned at first. I thought I was journeying down the dreaded romance road! That quickly changed as did Kristy’s marriage. As her fear and fight for her life ramped-up so did the intensity of this book.
What would you be willing to do to protect those you love?
This was my first read from this author but I will definitely be going back to take a close look at her previous book Baby Doll.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hollie Overton and Hatchette Book Group for a readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kristy is a young, single mother with her hands full. She is raising her son Ryan while also caring for her ailing father. Kristy also works full time at the local prison as their public relations liaison for the inmates on death row.
When her son’s karate coach, Lance enters their lives he seems to fit in so perfectly and become the final piece to their family puzzle. Could everything stay this perfect forever? Of course not!
This is a very well-crafted thriller that takes you down the road of a battered woman and her fight to get her life back. A slow start that had me concerned at first. I thought I was journeying down the dreaded romance road! That quickly changed as did Kristy’s marriage. As her fear and fight for her life ramped-up so did the intensity of this book.
What would you be willing to do to protect those you love?
This was my first read from this author but I will definitely be going back to take a close look at her previous book Baby Doll.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hollie Overton and Hatchette Book Group for a readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2017
This story touches on a lot of topics. The death penalty, abuse, motherhood, how far one can be willing to go to protect what's theirs, and family. A lot was packed into this book, but it never lost my attention.
If I hadn't read the blurb before the book, I still would have known there was something wrong with Lance. Even while he was still wearing the facade of perfect man, I found him to be simply too much. Too generous, too macho, too overbearing. Didn't like him much from the beginning. It's hard for many people to see beyond how a potential romantic partner presents themself in the beginning, and Kristy was no exception. Having birthed her son as a teenager and raised him as a single parent, Kristy also lacked the sort of experience most people have with dating. She didn't stand a chance against the charming, handsome Lance.
Kristy works as a public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Death is part of her job. The hardest part is witnessing executions. She also has to mediate between the staff, the prisoners, and the press. It's not a glamorous job, and she never intended it to be her career. The pay supports her little family though. She can't deny that sometimes her job bothers her sometimes, but she does it diligently. Her world is rocked when she actually begins to believe Clifton Harris, a man convicted of murdering his children and sentenced to death, may be innocent.
In the beginning of the story, it's just her, her ailing father, and her teenage son. Until Lance worms his way in, using her son to get closer to Kristy. They have a fantastic relationship until they're married and Lance snaps on her one night, smacking her face when she's about to drunkenly smoke a cigarette, which she did very rarely. She's stunned. She tells herself it was one time, one overreaction. He loves her. But it doesn't stop at one time. (Once is too many, anyway.) Her father and son Ryan are blind to his true nature, but he keeps getting worse and worse. She's now terrified of the man she married, for good reason. When she finally decides she's had enough and tells him she wants out, he injures her severely and threatens Pops and Ryan, who mean everything to her.
How can she escape without her family getting hurt? Lance is conniving, and has fooled everyone she knows. He's the selfless one, marrying a single woman with a teenage son and caring for him as if he's his own, even kind and charming to her father. She thinks there's no way out that'll guarantee the safety of her loved ones... unless she kills him. Kristy knows what gets murders caught. She knows how they slip up. She thinks she might be able to pull it off... but does she have the strength?
I'm not going to lie, the chapters with Clifton were some of my favorite parts. Good people are wrongfully convicted. It happens, the system isn't perfect. I spent the whole book on edge... wondering if he was innocent, and if he'd be saved. Wondering if Kristy could commit murder and get away with it. Intense! The ending wasn't perfect to me, but still earned four stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Hachette Book Group, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
If I hadn't read the blurb before the book, I still would have known there was something wrong with Lance. Even while he was still wearing the facade of perfect man, I found him to be simply too much. Too generous, too macho, too overbearing. Didn't like him much from the beginning. It's hard for many people to see beyond how a potential romantic partner presents themself in the beginning, and Kristy was no exception. Having birthed her son as a teenager and raised him as a single parent, Kristy also lacked the sort of experience most people have with dating. She didn't stand a chance against the charming, handsome Lance.
Kristy works as a public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Death is part of her job. The hardest part is witnessing executions. She also has to mediate between the staff, the prisoners, and the press. It's not a glamorous job, and she never intended it to be her career. The pay supports her little family though. She can't deny that sometimes her job bothers her sometimes, but she does it diligently. Her world is rocked when she actually begins to believe Clifton Harris, a man convicted of murdering his children and sentenced to death, may be innocent.
In the beginning of the story, it's just her, her ailing father, and her teenage son. Until Lance worms his way in, using her son to get closer to Kristy. They have a fantastic relationship until they're married and Lance snaps on her one night, smacking her face when she's about to drunkenly smoke a cigarette, which she did very rarely. She's stunned. She tells herself it was one time, one overreaction. He loves her. But it doesn't stop at one time. (Once is too many, anyway.) Her father and son Ryan are blind to his true nature, but he keeps getting worse and worse. She's now terrified of the man she married, for good reason. When she finally decides she's had enough and tells him she wants out, he injures her severely and threatens Pops and Ryan, who mean everything to her.
How can she escape without her family getting hurt? Lance is conniving, and has fooled everyone she knows. He's the selfless one, marrying a single woman with a teenage son and caring for him as if he's his own, even kind and charming to her father. She thinks there's no way out that'll guarantee the safety of her loved ones... unless she kills him. Kristy knows what gets murders caught. She knows how they slip up. She thinks she might be able to pull it off... but does she have the strength?
I'm not going to lie, the chapters with Clifton were some of my favorite parts. Good people are wrongfully convicted. It happens, the system isn't perfect. I spent the whole book on edge... wondering if he was innocent, and if he'd be saved. Wondering if Kristy could commit murder and get away with it. Intense! The ending wasn't perfect to me, but still earned four stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Hachette Book Group, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
December 26, 2017
Great plot!!! I was very anxious while reading this book, pausing was necessary a few times, I kept trying to guess the outcome. Somebody make a movie out of this book!!’ And ask for my input on who to cast, please. Thank you.
August 28, 2022
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This reads like it doesn't really know what it wants to be. It touches on a lot of heavy subjects - domestic abuse, the justice system, the morality of the death penalty, wrongful convictions, motherhood and family and guilt and self-preservation. But it lacks the depth and analysis to be an emotional drama. And it's missing the suspense and sinister atmosphere to be a thriller. Ultimately, it leaves a lot of themes exposed, but not examined.
For a story about a single mother who has to plan a murder to save her family from her abusive new husband, this was exceptionally slow and, at times, straight-up boring.
But, as someone who has experience with abuse in a relationship, Lance's behaviour rang true. At times it made me uncomfortable because it felt so real. Any time I thought "yeah I remember that pathetic bullshit," it meant the author made the abuse true-to-life, so that gets extra points.
There is an interesting contrast created by having a person who works in the prison system become a criminal herself, but ultimately that wasn't an angle that was woven into the theme and plot. Instead, it was knocked over the reader's head in the end with Kristy's very blatant questions to her father: "I'm a murderer! Aren't you mad at me!?"
Like, instead of Kristy experiencing danger as she uncovers Lance's lies and celebrating her freedom once he's gone, you just get a woman who is abused before by someone else and abused after, by her own guilt. It's not really satisfying.
Ultimately, this novel had potential but it feels like it lost the point.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 star rounded down
book source: Redbook via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This reads like it doesn't really know what it wants to be. It touches on a lot of heavy subjects - domestic abuse, the justice system, the morality of the death penalty, wrongful convictions, motherhood and family and guilt and self-preservation. But it lacks the depth and analysis to be an emotional drama. And it's missing the suspense and sinister atmosphere to be a thriller. Ultimately, it leaves a lot of themes exposed, but not examined.
For a story about a single mother who has to plan a murder to save her family from her abusive new husband, this was exceptionally slow and, at times, straight-up boring.
But, as someone who has experience with abuse in a relationship, Lance's behaviour rang true. At times it made me uncomfortable because it felt so real. Any time I thought "yeah I remember that pathetic bullshit," it meant the author made the abuse true-to-life, so that gets extra points.
There is an interesting contrast created by having a person who works in the prison system become a criminal herself, but ultimately that wasn't an angle that was woven into the theme and plot. Instead, it was knocked over the reader's head in the end with Kristy's very blatant questions to her father: "I'm a murderer! Aren't you mad at me!?"
Like, instead of Kristy experiencing danger as she uncovers Lance's lies and celebrating her freedom once he's gone, you just get a woman who is abused before by someone else and abused after, by her own guilt. It's not really satisfying.
Ultimately, this novel had potential but it feels like it lost the point.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 star rounded down
book source: Redbook via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
September 19, 2022
This is a Psychological Thriller. This book had me from the beginning, and I did not want to put this book down. This book was a great read, and it took you on a wild ride. This book makes you ask yourself what you would have done. I really enjoyed reading this book so much.
September 24, 2017
3.75 Stars* (rounded up).
Kristy is a hard working single mom. She has always worked hard to provide for her son Ryan and for Pops, her ailing father - and her job isn’t one Ryan approves of - in fact he despises it. The thing is, she’s a single mom and kind of got stuck working after getting pregnant in high school. As for her job? It can’t be that be that bad, right?! Wrong. She works as a press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections and also oversees the executions of everyone on Death Row at The Walls.
Kristy has never let anyone get to close but then it happens. She meets two men, Lance Dobson, her son's Judo instructor - the man who builds her son Ryan up, gives him self confidence and turns him into a man; and Clifton Harris, nicknamed "Baby Killer Harris" - a man on death row accused of intentionally killing his two children in a fire. She gets to know Lance and Clifton very well. One of these men is a monster. Is it Lance or Clifton?
This story is Kristy's and Kristy's alone. It starts out a little slow but then the pace quickens and it builds up. It grabs hold like a corset and it holds tight till the very last page and finally that corset loosens and you can breathe again. The characters are real and well developed and they draw you in immediately. While it deals with some very sensitive topics that are hard to read, they are handled well.
This was my first book by Hollie Overton and I enjoyed it and would definitely read another.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hatchette Book Group, and Hollie Overton for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 9.24.17.
Kristy is a hard working single mom. She has always worked hard to provide for her son Ryan and for Pops, her ailing father - and her job isn’t one Ryan approves of - in fact he despises it. The thing is, she’s a single mom and kind of got stuck working after getting pregnant in high school. As for her job? It can’t be that be that bad, right?! Wrong. She works as a press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections and also oversees the executions of everyone on Death Row at The Walls.
Kristy has never let anyone get to close but then it happens. She meets two men, Lance Dobson, her son's Judo instructor - the man who builds her son Ryan up, gives him self confidence and turns him into a man; and Clifton Harris, nicknamed "Baby Killer Harris" - a man on death row accused of intentionally killing his two children in a fire. She gets to know Lance and Clifton very well. One of these men is a monster. Is it Lance or Clifton?
This story is Kristy's and Kristy's alone. It starts out a little slow but then the pace quickens and it builds up. It grabs hold like a corset and it holds tight till the very last page and finally that corset loosens and you can breathe again. The characters are real and well developed and they draw you in immediately. While it deals with some very sensitive topics that are hard to read, they are handled well.
This was my first book by Hollie Overton and I enjoyed it and would definitely read another.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hatchette Book Group, and Hollie Overton for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 9.24.17.
July 26, 2018
I am a massive fan of crime fiction in all its forms so naturally this appealed to me. What increased that appeal even more was that it took a look at the criminal justice system in general and highlighted how this system is open to exploitation if the person has inside knowledge on how it works. I have experience dealing with the fallout of domestic violence when a friend was going through very rough treatment at the hands of her boyfriend. I enjoyed the fact that the book mainly focused on the impact this has on the victim. I remember learning about Battered Woman Syndrome in law school and found it an interesting concept - this is definitely in play in this book.
As the main areas of the book are surrounding domestic abuse and death row this meant that at times it was difficult to read and became an emotional journey for me especially when it reminded me of those I know who have gone through such turmoil at the mercy of others. I appreciated that Kristy was a well developed, strong character and hoped that it would end happily for her. An easily readable style that flowed perfectly and was well judged in terms of pace. Suspenseful, gripping and a page-turning success - I am so pleased I didn't miss this one.
Many thanks to Random House UK - Cornerstone/Arrow for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
As the main areas of the book are surrounding domestic abuse and death row this meant that at times it was difficult to read and became an emotional journey for me especially when it reminded me of those I know who have gone through such turmoil at the mercy of others. I appreciated that Kristy was a well developed, strong character and hoped that it would end happily for her. An easily readable style that flowed perfectly and was well judged in terms of pace. Suspenseful, gripping and a page-turning success - I am so pleased I didn't miss this one.
Many thanks to Random House UK - Cornerstone/Arrow for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2019
Kirstie had a baby as a teenager and has bought up Ryan on her own with the help of her father Frank. Her work as a Public Information Officer for the Texas Department Of Criminal Justice sees her overseeing the deaths of the prisoners on death row and communicating between the press, staff and the prisoners, not Kirstie’s dream job!!
When she meets Ryan’s martial arts instructor Lance, there is an instant attraction and they are soon married. Sadly this is no fairytale, happily ever ending, as Kirsty is living on egg shells afraid to say or do something wrong as Lance is abusive verbally and physically.
When Lance starts threatening her father and son, Kirstie realises something must change before it’s too late. Is murder the only answer?Being surrounded by murderers at the prison, she knows how easily you can get caught. With careful planning, can she succeed?
I loved reading Clifton’s chapters, although he was on death row I did 100% believe he was innocent. I loved the friendship between Clifton and Kirstie, he saw straightaway something was wrong with her and was the only person she could confide in.
I have to say this story was hard to read and at times I was so angry that I wanted to stop reading .I was quite prepared to kill Lance myself!! For me this is a sign of a good author that I felt such a strong emotion from reading this book.
You had me hooked and I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When she meets Ryan’s martial arts instructor Lance, there is an instant attraction and they are soon married. Sadly this is no fairytale, happily ever ending, as Kirsty is living on egg shells afraid to say or do something wrong as Lance is abusive verbally and physically.
When Lance starts threatening her father and son, Kirstie realises something must change before it’s too late. Is murder the only answer?Being surrounded by murderers at the prison, she knows how easily you can get caught. With careful planning, can she succeed?
I loved reading Clifton’s chapters, although he was on death row I did 100% believe he was innocent. I loved the friendship between Clifton and Kirstie, he saw straightaway something was wrong with her and was the only person she could confide in.
I have to say this story was hard to read and at times I was so angry that I wanted to stop reading .I was quite prepared to kill Lance myself!! For me this is a sign of a good author that I felt such a strong emotion from reading this book.
You had me hooked and I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
October 25, 2017
My reviews can also be seen at: https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
A COMPLETELY solid 4/5 ⭐️ for this intense book!
You can tell I liked this one since I read it basically in 1 day. I should also note that this was the first book I have read by Hollie Overton.
I had read the blurb for The Walls awhile back and put it on my TBR list, but when I started it I hadn't read the blurb again and pretty much went into it blind (which I actually really like to do). Low and behold, it was yet another domestic abuse book, mixed with a prison plotline.
This was a fast paced book for me, but I was ready to tear it into tiny pieces when Kristy started getting abused. Because really? She works at a prison, sees death row inmates executed, and can't stand up for herself or tell anyone??? I guess anyone can be pulled into that situation and not be strong enough to try to prevail past the threats, abuse, and small town mentality this book emphasises. BUT, I was still very pissed off that Kristy went from a smart, strong woman to someone completely under Lance's thumb. However, it did not stay that way. Kristy gets some sense in her head and decides she is no longer going to be abused and living in fear.
I did like how this book ended, even though it felt like maybe something was missing. Overall though, the suspense was there, the frustration was there (this book is meant to cause you frustration right?), and I really loved Kristy and her family.
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. I also plan to read her first book Baby Doll. I definitely recommend this book so you can form your own thoughts on this story.
A COMPLETELY solid 4/5 ⭐️ for this intense book!
You can tell I liked this one since I read it basically in 1 day. I should also note that this was the first book I have read by Hollie Overton.
I had read the blurb for The Walls awhile back and put it on my TBR list, but when I started it I hadn't read the blurb again and pretty much went into it blind (which I actually really like to do). Low and behold, it was yet another domestic abuse book, mixed with a prison plotline.
This was a fast paced book for me, but I was ready to tear it into tiny pieces when Kristy started getting abused. Because really? She works at a prison, sees death row inmates executed, and can't stand up for herself or tell anyone??? I guess anyone can be pulled into that situation and not be strong enough to try to prevail past the threats, abuse, and small town mentality this book emphasises. BUT, I was still very pissed off that Kristy went from a smart, strong woman to someone completely under Lance's thumb. However, it did not stay that way. Kristy gets some sense in her head and decides she is no longer going to be abused and living in fear.
I did like how this book ended, even though it felt like maybe something was missing. Overall though, the suspense was there, the frustration was there (this book is meant to cause you frustration right?), and I really loved Kristy and her family.
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. I also plan to read her first book Baby Doll. I definitely recommend this book so you can form your own thoughts on this story.
October 17, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I thought this book was excellent and couldn’t put it down. This was a unique story about single mom, Kristy Tucker, who works with death row inmates. Kristy meets her son’s Martial Arts instructor, Lance Dobson, who sweeps her off her feet. It isn’t until after the wedding that she learns she has married a monster.
This book kept my attention from the first page right through to the last page. As well as the main story, there was a friendship that developed between Kristy and a death row inmate named Clifton which I loved. I liked all of the characters from Kristy’s father, her son and her friends at work. I highly recommend this one and I will be looking to read more from Hollie Overton.
This book kept my attention from the first page right through to the last page. As well as the main story, there was a friendship that developed between Kristy and a death row inmate named Clifton which I loved. I liked all of the characters from Kristy’s father, her son and her friends at work. I highly recommend this one and I will be looking to read more from Hollie Overton.
Read
August 9, 2017DNF @40%
I am all too aware that my criticism of this book is going to be way more brutal than the average reader, but that's down the fact that I hated Baby Doll, Overton's debut novel, and so reading this one, I've automatically picked up on things I've disliked. But I'm glad I didn't continue to read this one.
What I couldn't get past was how unbelievable the relationship with Kristy and Lance was, right from the start. He shows up at her door in the evening, after one conversation... which is creepy. And then she lets him hang around the house after two conversations... that's weird. And then she lets him buy her things, like $1000 grills, after three conversations... I mean, what? That just wouldn't ever happen.
The romance part of this novel was class-A cheese. I hate romance in novels as it is, it just bothers me, but when it's subtle and doesn't take up too much of the plot, it's OK. In this novel it's not subtle at all, it's cheesy and it's right there, in your face. Thankfully, it simmers down at 25%... but by that point I was bored of reading this already.
This one was too slow for my liking. Nothing happened in the 40% of it that I read, and I admit it, I don't like Hollie Overton's writing style. For me, it feels like she's trying to hard to be cool and relate to us as readers. It's a nice gesture but it doesn't come across great.
I think it's now official that I don't get on with Overton's work and this means I won't try any more of her books. It will waste too much of my precious reading time.
P.S. This was meant to be a buddy reading with Annie @ The Misstery but she got through it in under 24 hours and I couldn't keep up because I was so bored. She also spoiled it for me (on my request) so I know what happens!
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review. Sorry I didn't like it!
I am all too aware that my criticism of this book is going to be way more brutal than the average reader, but that's down the fact that I hated Baby Doll, Overton's debut novel, and so reading this one, I've automatically picked up on things I've disliked. But I'm glad I didn't continue to read this one.
What I couldn't get past was how unbelievable the relationship with Kristy and Lance was, right from the start. He shows up at her door in the evening, after one conversation... which is creepy. And then she lets him hang around the house after two conversations... that's weird. And then she lets him buy her things, like $1000 grills, after three conversations... I mean, what? That just wouldn't ever happen.
The romance part of this novel was class-A cheese. I hate romance in novels as it is, it just bothers me, but when it's subtle and doesn't take up too much of the plot, it's OK. In this novel it's not subtle at all, it's cheesy and it's right there, in your face. Thankfully, it simmers down at 25%... but by that point I was bored of reading this already.
This one was too slow for my liking. Nothing happened in the 40% of it that I read, and I admit it, I don't like Hollie Overton's writing style. For me, it feels like she's trying to hard to be cool and relate to us as readers. It's a nice gesture but it doesn't come across great.
I think it's now official that I don't get on with Overton's work and this means I won't try any more of her books. It will waste too much of my precious reading time.
P.S. This was meant to be a buddy reading with Annie @ The Misstery but she got through it in under 24 hours and I couldn't keep up because I was so bored. She also spoiled it for me (on my request) so I know what happens!
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review. Sorry I didn't like it!
August 7, 2017
I began reading this book without knowing the storyline, reading it because of author name recognition. I enjoyed Hollie Overton’s first novel Baby Doll and a tv show she collaborated on, Cold Case.
32-year old Kristy Tucker is a public information officer for the Texas Dept of Criminal Justice, handling communications for the “The Walls”, the ‘most active death chamber in the country”, as the conduit between death row inmates and the press. Despite her criminal behavior expertise, Kristy, doesn’t spot the warning signs in a new relationship. Only after marrying the charismatic Lance (who had me fooled as well), does Kristy experience her Prince Charming’s dark side, the torturous abuser. With feelings of fear, helplessness and something resembling love, Kristy grapples with how to get this monster out of her life. I loved Kristy’s character, her resilience and unwavering commitment to protect her son and sick father. She is a resourceful survivor, with guts and tenacity.
Amidst her tumultuous home life, Kristy finds solace at work and befriends a death row inmate named Clifton Harris. Oh my gosh, I loved this character! Clifton is a gentle, kind man and I couldn’t believe he murdered his two young children. The letters he writes to Kristy throughout the book beginning as pleas for help were my absolute favorite parts. Such beautiful and profound prose as their relationship grows into a more caring one.
Overton’s recently deceased mother endured domestic abuse and Hollie’s compassion for an abuse victim shows. She also clearly has a strong opinion about the morality of capital punishment. Thanks to Hachette Book Group for the ARC.
32-year old Kristy Tucker is a public information officer for the Texas Dept of Criminal Justice, handling communications for the “The Walls”, the ‘most active death chamber in the country”, as the conduit between death row inmates and the press. Despite her criminal behavior expertise, Kristy, doesn’t spot the warning signs in a new relationship. Only after marrying the charismatic Lance (who had me fooled as well), does Kristy experience her Prince Charming’s dark side, the torturous abuser. With feelings of fear, helplessness and something resembling love, Kristy grapples with how to get this monster out of her life. I loved Kristy’s character, her resilience and unwavering commitment to protect her son and sick father. She is a resourceful survivor, with guts and tenacity.
Amidst her tumultuous home life, Kristy finds solace at work and befriends a death row inmate named Clifton Harris. Oh my gosh, I loved this character! Clifton is a gentle, kind man and I couldn’t believe he murdered his two young children. The letters he writes to Kristy throughout the book beginning as pleas for help were my absolute favorite parts. Such beautiful and profound prose as their relationship grows into a more caring one.
Overton’s recently deceased mother endured domestic abuse and Hollie’s compassion for an abuse victim shows. She also clearly has a strong opinion about the morality of capital punishment. Thanks to Hachette Book Group for the ARC.
December 9, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*4.5 stars
In April of this year I read Hollie Overton’s debut thriller, Baby Doll. Many books later, I can still attest to this book remaining my favourite thriller of the year. My excitement at the release of Overton’s second novel in August saw me order this book as soon as I could. When it finally arrived on my doorstep, I literally ripped open the packaging and began reading it immediately. In less than 24 hours I was done with The Walls and my verdict on Overton’s follow up novel was one of high regard.
The title of Hollie Overton’s second book, The Walls is in reference to the place of employment of the main character of the novel, Kristy Tucker. For many years, 32 year old single mother Kristy has worked as a Public Information Officer for The Department of Criminal Justice in the state of Texas. Kristy’s role involves liaising with the media in delivering stories from the inmates of the jail, including executions. Texas is state that adheres to capital punishment and a significant part of Kristy’s job is to oversee executions. Kristy is dedicated to her rather bleak job, as she is the breadwinner for her high school aged son Ryan and her ailing father, Pops. When Ryan lashes out at a student at school and punches his nose, information comes to light that a man by the name of Lance Dobson has been teaching Ryan judo at the local recreation centre. When Kristy goes to confront this man that she had no knowledge of her son interacting with, she finds herself drawn to him. Eventually, Kristy marries Lance and it seems like the man who took her son so unconditionally under his wing is Kristy’s knight in shining armour. However, cracks begin to form in the couple’s marriage when Lance’s protectiveness and need for control sees him physically and mentally abuse Kristy. With no one to turn to, Kristy one day breaks down in front of an inmate at work, Clifton Harris, a man dubbed the baby killer, who is in jail, on death row for killing his children in a house fire. Clifton’s support of Kristy is admirable and he even suggests help to remove Lance from Kristy’s life could come within the walls of the prison. Kristy rejects Clifton’s help but resolves to commit the perfect crime, she must kill Lance before he kills her or her family.
As far as psychological thrillers go, The Walls offers the reader something a little off kilter. It isn’t just a story about spousal abuse and one woman’s attempt to seek revenge on her lover. It is much more than that. The Walls looks at the burden of single motherhood, care for elderly family members, the history of abusers, the death penalty, the flawed criminal justice system and it critically examines the ethics of a murder. There is plenty for the reader to ponder on in Overton’s second effort.
Overton directs much attention in the first half of The Walls to setting the scene and giving the reader a solid insight into each of her characters. It some respects, readers may see this as a slow burn style narrative in the early stages of the book, but rest assured, the pace picks up and the momentum increases dramatically at the halfway point of the novel. Kristy, the leading protagonist of the book, was immediately likeable and I soon sympathised with her binding predicament. She made a terrible error of judgement in accepting Lance into her life. With both her son and sickly father duped by Lance’s charms, Kristy felt like she was blocked in a corner, with no option but to turn to murder in order to remove Lance from her life. Overton presents a good cross section of good and ugly characters in The Walls. Surprisingly, the bad characters are not all from Kristy’s workplace, the prison walls of death row. Clifton Harris, a key player in the novel and a prisoner on death row, is the most compelling character in this book and really makes it something else. Lance, Kristy’s Prince Charming, who turns into a terrifying husband, is also drawn well by Overton. In fact, Overton does a good job at concealing this character’s true dark side in the early stages of the book, so like Kristy, the reader is also duped by his character.
I was quite taken aback by how much I admired the character of Clifton Harris. Overton uses letter correspondence from Clifton to Kristy to heighten our attachment to this character. The letters and Kristy’s interactions with Clifton allowed me to feel a strong emotional tie to this protagonist. His wrongful conviction and the frustrating injustice of Clifton’s case and in fact the whole US judicial system, had me reeling. I spent the vast majority of this novel biting my fingernails, concerning myself simultaneously with Kirty’s welfare and Clifton’s impending execution (which has an unexpected twist). I spent much of my time reading this book on the edge of my seat, considering how Kristy was going to continue to survive Lance’s vicious attacks, if she would go through with murdering him and if she would be arrested for her crime. I continued to read the novel at a fairly frantic pace, wondering of Kristy would end up behind the very same walls as the prisoner’s she was sent to interview. There is no denying Overton gives the reader plenty to contemplate over, especially in the area of capital punishment and the morals impacting on the execution of a crime.
The Walls is a well informed and superbly researched novel, especially in offering the reader a realistic portrayal of domestic abuse. The Walls also builds an authentic picture of what life is like working, as well as living as a prisoner in a typical prison in the US. Overwhelmingly, I found The Walls to be quite a terrifying and pulsating psychological thriller. Adding in a death row prison slant gave more weight to this story. My eyes stayed glued to this novel for the entire time I spent reading The Walls. The final outcome of the novel was a slight deviation from what I expected to happen and I was surprised by the eventual turn of events, including the resolution of Kristy’s predicament. I have absolutely no qualms at all in endorsing this top rate psychological thriller, from respected author Hollie Overton.
*4.5 stars
In April of this year I read Hollie Overton’s debut thriller, Baby Doll. Many books later, I can still attest to this book remaining my favourite thriller of the year. My excitement at the release of Overton’s second novel in August saw me order this book as soon as I could. When it finally arrived on my doorstep, I literally ripped open the packaging and began reading it immediately. In less than 24 hours I was done with The Walls and my verdict on Overton’s follow up novel was one of high regard.
The title of Hollie Overton’s second book, The Walls is in reference to the place of employment of the main character of the novel, Kristy Tucker. For many years, 32 year old single mother Kristy has worked as a Public Information Officer for The Department of Criminal Justice in the state of Texas. Kristy’s role involves liaising with the media in delivering stories from the inmates of the jail, including executions. Texas is state that adheres to capital punishment and a significant part of Kristy’s job is to oversee executions. Kristy is dedicated to her rather bleak job, as she is the breadwinner for her high school aged son Ryan and her ailing father, Pops. When Ryan lashes out at a student at school and punches his nose, information comes to light that a man by the name of Lance Dobson has been teaching Ryan judo at the local recreation centre. When Kristy goes to confront this man that she had no knowledge of her son interacting with, she finds herself drawn to him. Eventually, Kristy marries Lance and it seems like the man who took her son so unconditionally under his wing is Kristy’s knight in shining armour. However, cracks begin to form in the couple’s marriage when Lance’s protectiveness and need for control sees him physically and mentally abuse Kristy. With no one to turn to, Kristy one day breaks down in front of an inmate at work, Clifton Harris, a man dubbed the baby killer, who is in jail, on death row for killing his children in a house fire. Clifton’s support of Kristy is admirable and he even suggests help to remove Lance from Kristy’s life could come within the walls of the prison. Kristy rejects Clifton’s help but resolves to commit the perfect crime, she must kill Lance before he kills her or her family.
As far as psychological thrillers go, The Walls offers the reader something a little off kilter. It isn’t just a story about spousal abuse and one woman’s attempt to seek revenge on her lover. It is much more than that. The Walls looks at the burden of single motherhood, care for elderly family members, the history of abusers, the death penalty, the flawed criminal justice system and it critically examines the ethics of a murder. There is plenty for the reader to ponder on in Overton’s second effort.
Overton directs much attention in the first half of The Walls to setting the scene and giving the reader a solid insight into each of her characters. It some respects, readers may see this as a slow burn style narrative in the early stages of the book, but rest assured, the pace picks up and the momentum increases dramatically at the halfway point of the novel. Kristy, the leading protagonist of the book, was immediately likeable and I soon sympathised with her binding predicament. She made a terrible error of judgement in accepting Lance into her life. With both her son and sickly father duped by Lance’s charms, Kristy felt like she was blocked in a corner, with no option but to turn to murder in order to remove Lance from her life. Overton presents a good cross section of good and ugly characters in The Walls. Surprisingly, the bad characters are not all from Kristy’s workplace, the prison walls of death row. Clifton Harris, a key player in the novel and a prisoner on death row, is the most compelling character in this book and really makes it something else. Lance, Kristy’s Prince Charming, who turns into a terrifying husband, is also drawn well by Overton. In fact, Overton does a good job at concealing this character’s true dark side in the early stages of the book, so like Kristy, the reader is also duped by his character.
I was quite taken aback by how much I admired the character of Clifton Harris. Overton uses letter correspondence from Clifton to Kristy to heighten our attachment to this character. The letters and Kristy’s interactions with Clifton allowed me to feel a strong emotional tie to this protagonist. His wrongful conviction and the frustrating injustice of Clifton’s case and in fact the whole US judicial system, had me reeling. I spent the vast majority of this novel biting my fingernails, concerning myself simultaneously with Kirty’s welfare and Clifton’s impending execution (which has an unexpected twist). I spent much of my time reading this book on the edge of my seat, considering how Kristy was going to continue to survive Lance’s vicious attacks, if she would go through with murdering him and if she would be arrested for her crime. I continued to read the novel at a fairly frantic pace, wondering of Kristy would end up behind the very same walls as the prisoner’s she was sent to interview. There is no denying Overton gives the reader plenty to contemplate over, especially in the area of capital punishment and the morals impacting on the execution of a crime.
The Walls is a well informed and superbly researched novel, especially in offering the reader a realistic portrayal of domestic abuse. The Walls also builds an authentic picture of what life is like working, as well as living as a prisoner in a typical prison in the US. Overwhelmingly, I found The Walls to be quite a terrifying and pulsating psychological thriller. Adding in a death row prison slant gave more weight to this story. My eyes stayed glued to this novel for the entire time I spent reading The Walls. The final outcome of the novel was a slight deviation from what I expected to happen and I was surprised by the eventual turn of events, including the resolution of Kristy’s predicament. I have absolutely no qualms at all in endorsing this top rate psychological thriller, from respected author Hollie Overton.
March 30, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for an advanced electronic ARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.
“The Walls” is a suspense-fueled, gripping read, by the author of the bestselling novel, “Baby Doll”.
Kristy Tucker works at a prison, in public relations, almost exclusively with death row inmates. She sees death every day, and the justices and injustices that exist within a very flawed system. Although the job is emotionally draining, Kristy is happy to have a job that supports her teenaged son and ailing father. One afternoon she meets Lance, and she finally starts to believe that she has everything she ever wanted- he treats her father and son like family, and is a beloved member of the community. However, after the two marry, Kristy begins to serve a prison sentence of her own as Lance becomes controlling and abusive, quick to anger and with a background in martial arts- Kristy thinks she will be forced to live with Lance’s violence in secret for the rest of her life. Until Kristy is introduced to wrongfully-accused inmate Clifton Harris and he puts an idea in her head- could she possibly kill her husband and get away with it?
This novel started off a bit disjointed for me- first, we are introduced to Kristy and her career and her relationship with Clifton Harris. Then, before that gets fully developed, we meet Kristy’s son Ryan and the relationship between Ryan and Lance which quickly becomes the relationship between Lance and Kristy. There is a lot of information jam-packed into the first few pages and I had a little bit of trouble trying to determine where the plot line was going. However, once Kristy and Lance marry and the abuse begins- all of the previous plot points begin to make sense and they congeal together.
Kristy, Ryan and Pops are great characters- lovable, flawed, charming and human (moreso since a lot of Pops’ character is based on the author’s recently deceased mother). Lance is an outright jerk, making it easy to root for Kristy throughout, and hope for her success.
This novel is very much a revenge novel, addictive and completely entertaining. It was difficult to put this novel down once I got started, and although the subject matter is intense and terrifying, it was very easy to continue reading this novel from beginning to end. (Speaking of endings….. Hell. Yes. ) I found it uncomfortable to root for an illegal, criminal ending for Lance but also would have found it unsatisfying if it ended any other way (a conundrum, or quagmire, of epic proportions). Either way, I was completely satisfied with the way this novel wrapped up, although I would’ve liked to have seen Janice get what she deserved too! (Guess you can’t have everything).
A completely addictive, suspense-fueled revenge novel that is difficult to put down, and even harder to forget.
“The Walls” is a suspense-fueled, gripping read, by the author of the bestselling novel, “Baby Doll”.
Kristy Tucker works at a prison, in public relations, almost exclusively with death row inmates. She sees death every day, and the justices and injustices that exist within a very flawed system. Although the job is emotionally draining, Kristy is happy to have a job that supports her teenaged son and ailing father. One afternoon she meets Lance, and she finally starts to believe that she has everything she ever wanted- he treats her father and son like family, and is a beloved member of the community. However, after the two marry, Kristy begins to serve a prison sentence of her own as Lance becomes controlling and abusive, quick to anger and with a background in martial arts- Kristy thinks she will be forced to live with Lance’s violence in secret for the rest of her life. Until Kristy is introduced to wrongfully-accused inmate Clifton Harris and he puts an idea in her head- could she possibly kill her husband and get away with it?
This novel started off a bit disjointed for me- first, we are introduced to Kristy and her career and her relationship with Clifton Harris. Then, before that gets fully developed, we meet Kristy’s son Ryan and the relationship between Ryan and Lance which quickly becomes the relationship between Lance and Kristy. There is a lot of information jam-packed into the first few pages and I had a little bit of trouble trying to determine where the plot line was going. However, once Kristy and Lance marry and the abuse begins- all of the previous plot points begin to make sense and they congeal together.
Kristy, Ryan and Pops are great characters- lovable, flawed, charming and human (moreso since a lot of Pops’ character is based on the author’s recently deceased mother). Lance is an outright jerk, making it easy to root for Kristy throughout, and hope for her success.
This novel is very much a revenge novel, addictive and completely entertaining. It was difficult to put this novel down once I got started, and although the subject matter is intense and terrifying, it was very easy to continue reading this novel from beginning to end. (Speaking of endings….. Hell. Yes. ) I found it uncomfortable to root for an illegal, criminal ending for Lance but also would have found it unsatisfying if it ended any other way (a conundrum, or quagmire, of epic proportions). Either way, I was completely satisfied with the way this novel wrapped up, although I would’ve liked to have seen Janice get what she deserved too! (Guess you can’t have everything).
A completely addictive, suspense-fueled revenge novel that is difficult to put down, and even harder to forget.
August 13, 2017
The Walls is one of the hardest books this year for me to review because I've had a hard time fully accepting the storyline. But, at the same time was it awfully thrilling to read when everything started to happen. To be honest, did I right from the start feel some hesitancy towards this book. The blurb gives away way too much of the plot, and it was pretty obvious what would happen. And, I just didn't connect at first with the story and its characters. But, I loved Baby Doll, the author's debut novel so, despite not feeling the same intriguing feeling towards this book as I did when I read Baby Doll did I decide to carry on reading to see where the story would take me.
As I wrote previously is the blurb way too revealing. You know pretty much half the book just by reading it. And, that's why it took so long time for me to really get into the book. It got better when Kristy started to investigate Lance background and at the same time starting to plan a way out of her marriage. To be honest, was I amazed that she didn't try to tell anyone (besides the most unlikely person) about her situation or in some way try to gather evidence towards her husband. Instead, did she start to think of a way to get rid of him, permanently. Felt a bit drastic. However, I can't deny that it made the last book nail-biting thrilling to read. Would she, in the end, do it? Could she really do it? I will leave it there and just say that this part of the book was my favorite part, it felt like I breezed through the pages in my pursuit of knowing what would happen at the end.
The Walls prove that Hollie Overton is here to stay. With Doll baby did she spellbind me, and with The Walls did she prove that even though the plot is pretty obvious is the writing so good that I ended the book, not 100% sure if I liked the book or not (it was very, very late and my emotions were all over the place), but at the same time did it hook me completely. I mean, there are things that bothered, besides the issues I've written about, but darn it, I must admit that the thrilling aspects of the last half of the book overrule that. Now, I can't for Overton to write something else to spellbind me.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
As I wrote previously is the blurb way too revealing. You know pretty much half the book just by reading it. And, that's why it took so long time for me to really get into the book. It got better when Kristy started to investigate Lance background and at the same time starting to plan a way out of her marriage. To be honest, was I amazed that she didn't try to tell anyone (besides the most unlikely person) about her situation or in some way try to gather evidence towards her husband. Instead, did she start to think of a way to get rid of him, permanently. Felt a bit drastic. However, I can't deny that it made the last book nail-biting thrilling to read. Would she, in the end, do it? Could she really do it? I will leave it there and just say that this part of the book was my favorite part, it felt like I breezed through the pages in my pursuit of knowing what would happen at the end.
The Walls prove that Hollie Overton is here to stay. With Doll baby did she spellbind me, and with The Walls did she prove that even though the plot is pretty obvious is the writing so good that I ended the book, not 100% sure if I liked the book or not (it was very, very late and my emotions were all over the place), but at the same time did it hook me completely. I mean, there are things that bothered, besides the issues I've written about, but darn it, I must admit that the thrilling aspects of the last half of the book overrule that. Now, I can't for Overton to write something else to spellbind me.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
August 13, 2017
'The Walls' is the new novel by best selling author Hollie Overt who previously wrote the novel 'Baby Doll'.
This is the sort of book that gets the reader thinking with its range of topics such as the death sentence, domestic abuse and single parents. Single parent Kristy Tucker works as a press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections and deals with everything on death row from inmate interviews, to recording the last moments during an execution. Her job certainly exposes Kristy to the worst of man kind. Her luck appears to change for the better when she meets Lance Dobson who is her son's martial arts instructor and for a while everything appears to be perfect.
When the relationship takes a turn for the worse she discovers that Lance is far from the white knight she dreamed and she is forced to endure his verbal and physical abuse. Kirsty feels she is trapped and has no alternative but to murder Lance in order to protect the people she loves.
I would like to thank Random House UK and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is the sort of book that gets the reader thinking with its range of topics such as the death sentence, domestic abuse and single parents. Single parent Kristy Tucker works as a press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections and deals with everything on death row from inmate interviews, to recording the last moments during an execution. Her job certainly exposes Kristy to the worst of man kind. Her luck appears to change for the better when she meets Lance Dobson who is her son's martial arts instructor and for a while everything appears to be perfect.
When the relationship takes a turn for the worse she discovers that Lance is far from the white knight she dreamed and she is forced to endure his verbal and physical abuse. Kirsty feels she is trapped and has no alternative but to murder Lance in order to protect the people she loves.
I would like to thank Random House UK and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2018
The walls by Hollie Overton is the second book I read by this author (baby doll is the first) I thought the first was great but she just gets better.
The walls kind of start's as a romance in a way and then turns into a heart pounding thriller which does keep you on the edge and guessing.
It also has many important elements in this story one being death row, domestic abuse and murder and it does in away make you think about each and every one.
Putting that a side this is a brilliant thriller which I highly recommend.
The walls kind of start's as a romance in a way and then turns into a heart pounding thriller which does keep you on the edge and guessing.
It also has many important elements in this story one being death row, domestic abuse and murder and it does in away make you think about each and every one.
Putting that a side this is a brilliant thriller which I highly recommend.
March 9, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was a gripping, yet predictable thriller. Content warnings for domestic abuse.
This was a gripping, yet predictable thriller. Content warnings for domestic abuse.
July 31, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
There are plenty of psychological thrillers on the market that deal with domestic abuse and I’ve read a large majority of them, so I’m always looking for something that makes a story “unique”, a book that stands out from the crowd. The Walls connection to death row makes this book original and I really had high hopes for the latest book by Hollie Overton as it’s a book that explores domestic violence, the morality of murder and how far one woman will go to protect her family.
Personally I found The Walls a slow burner, in the authors defence she spends the time developing her characters and their background. We learn how Kristy is a single mum working as a Public Information Officer for the Texas Dept of Corrections, dealing with death row inmates, housed in The Walls. Her life pretty much revolves around her job, her teen age son and her elderly father. So when the charming Lance enters her life, Kirsten thinks she’s found her “happy ever after” but things take a sinster and dangerous turn and Kirsty soon realises she’s made the biggest mistake of her life. Kirsty thought the biggest monsters were the ones behind “The Walls” but she soon learns that’s not necessarily true.
It was interesting to see how Kristy’s opinions of the Death Row inmates changed as Lance’s violence and mind games escalated. I should point out at this point although this book deals with a difficult subject the author never goes over board, but just gives enough detail to show how abuse both mental and physical escalates. The letters that Kristy receives from an inmate highlight the injustices that exist within the walks, but it’s these letters that give her the strength and determination to do everything she can to protect herself and her family.
Although I enjoyed The Walls and it made for a quick read I did feel this book lacked the “thrilling” element, I really thought the author was going to throw in an almighty twist but unfortunately it never came to light. Although the story gathers momentum and suspense at the half way mark I was expecting something more. I’m sure there will be many readers who will rave about this book and I can see why, but I think because I read so many books in this genre I expected more thrills and chills, I want to finish a book thinking “WOW” unfortunately this wasn’t the case. I think I sometimes expect to much from a book and it’s author, and I definitely think The Walls is one of those books where I’m going to be in the minority.
There are plenty of psychological thrillers on the market that deal with domestic abuse and I’ve read a large majority of them, so I’m always looking for something that makes a story “unique”, a book that stands out from the crowd. The Walls connection to death row makes this book original and I really had high hopes for the latest book by Hollie Overton as it’s a book that explores domestic violence, the morality of murder and how far one woman will go to protect her family.
Personally I found The Walls a slow burner, in the authors defence she spends the time developing her characters and their background. We learn how Kristy is a single mum working as a Public Information Officer for the Texas Dept of Corrections, dealing with death row inmates, housed in The Walls. Her life pretty much revolves around her job, her teen age son and her elderly father. So when the charming Lance enters her life, Kirsten thinks she’s found her “happy ever after” but things take a sinster and dangerous turn and Kirsty soon realises she’s made the biggest mistake of her life. Kirsty thought the biggest monsters were the ones behind “The Walls” but she soon learns that’s not necessarily true.
It was interesting to see how Kristy’s opinions of the Death Row inmates changed as Lance’s violence and mind games escalated. I should point out at this point although this book deals with a difficult subject the author never goes over board, but just gives enough detail to show how abuse both mental and physical escalates. The letters that Kristy receives from an inmate highlight the injustices that exist within the walks, but it’s these letters that give her the strength and determination to do everything she can to protect herself and her family.
Although I enjoyed The Walls and it made for a quick read I did feel this book lacked the “thrilling” element, I really thought the author was going to throw in an almighty twist but unfortunately it never came to light. Although the story gathers momentum and suspense at the half way mark I was expecting something more. I’m sure there will be many readers who will rave about this book and I can see why, but I think because I read so many books in this genre I expected more thrills and chills, I want to finish a book thinking “WOW” unfortunately this wasn’t the case. I think I sometimes expect to much from a book and it’s author, and I definitely think The Walls is one of those books where I’m going to be in the minority.
September 14, 2021
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.
Kristy Tucker works as press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections. She deals with inmates on death row every single day and is often unable to separate the horrors she witnesses at work from her down time with her son and Pops. When she begins a relationship with her son's martial arts instructor, she feels like she has found an outlet for her frustrations and someone to share the rest of her life with. She soon finds that their dream relationship is anything but, as a nightmare existence with an abusive partner makes the horrors of her workplace pale in comparison.
This is the second Hollie Overton book I have read this month and I'm detecting a theme with her work. They are definitely stories that belong in the thriller genre, and yet their focus does not remain on tense events or moments of action, like I would have anticipated. Instead, the attention is on the character's emotional responses to and coping mechanisms against the darkness that surrounds them.
A key theme throughout this book remained in how Kristy felt so failed by the justice system she worked for. She believed her truth would be not be believed and that those with the power to save her would neglect to do so. As she begins to take matters into her own hands events quickly spiral out of control and she becomes increasingly plagued by anxiety and fears.
As mentioned, this is a book that deals with a very traumatic subject matter. It is a bleak and suspenseful read and the focus on emotion over action ensures it humanely and sensitively delivered. I enjoyed it marginally less than Baby Doll but both, I feel, bring something new to the thriller genre.
Kristy Tucker works as press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections. She deals with inmates on death row every single day and is often unable to separate the horrors she witnesses at work from her down time with her son and Pops. When she begins a relationship with her son's martial arts instructor, she feels like she has found an outlet for her frustrations and someone to share the rest of her life with. She soon finds that their dream relationship is anything but, as a nightmare existence with an abusive partner makes the horrors of her workplace pale in comparison.
This is the second Hollie Overton book I have read this month and I'm detecting a theme with her work. They are definitely stories that belong in the thriller genre, and yet their focus does not remain on tense events or moments of action, like I would have anticipated. Instead, the attention is on the character's emotional responses to and coping mechanisms against the darkness that surrounds them.
A key theme throughout this book remained in how Kristy felt so failed by the justice system she worked for. She believed her truth would be not be believed and that those with the power to save her would neglect to do so. As she begins to take matters into her own hands events quickly spiral out of control and she becomes increasingly plagued by anxiety and fears.
As mentioned, this is a book that deals with a very traumatic subject matter. It is a bleak and suspenseful read and the focus on emotion over action ensures it humanely and sensitively delivered. I enjoyed it marginally less than Baby Doll but both, I feel, bring something new to the thriller genre.
September 14, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5-4 stars, rounding up
I very much enjoyed Baby Doll by Hollie Overtonso I was very excited to see that she had a new book coming out. My review of Baby Doll can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... While I liked Baby Doll better than The Walls, I did enjoy this book and found myself racing to the finish. I had a hard time in the beginning adjusting to the writing style, as it is written in 3rd person and I don’t typically like 3rd person narratives. However, I got past that, I got very invested into Kristy’s story and the speed and tempo of the book really picked up.
For my personal taste, I thought there was too much of the story dedicated to the prison processes and procedures and Kristy’s job. I found myself skim reading over much of that because I wanted to get “to the good stuff”. Additionally, I thought the first 30(ish)% was very disjointed and I had to refer back to the blurb several times to remind myself what this book was about and where the story was going. There is a lot of information jammed in up front before you get to the part where Kristy starts to consider “the perfect crime”.
With all of that, this book still earned a rounded up rating from me because once the pace picked up, I could not put this book down. And while there weren’t any major twists or “holy cow” moments, the suspense just built and built and provided a very satisfying ending. Which is surprising because after I checked the blurb about 10x, I realized that the blurb gives way too much away. The fact that about 50% of what you need to know is the blurb of the book just proves how good a writer that Overton really is because it did not stop me from staying up past my bedtime to make sure that I finished it.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intense family dramas, borderline psychological thriller.
3.5-4 stars, rounding up
I very much enjoyed Baby Doll by Hollie Overtonso I was very excited to see that she had a new book coming out. My review of Baby Doll can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... While I liked Baby Doll better than The Walls, I did enjoy this book and found myself racing to the finish. I had a hard time in the beginning adjusting to the writing style, as it is written in 3rd person and I don’t typically like 3rd person narratives. However, I got past that, I got very invested into Kristy’s story and the speed and tempo of the book really picked up.
For my personal taste, I thought there was too much of the story dedicated to the prison processes and procedures and Kristy’s job. I found myself skim reading over much of that because I wanted to get “to the good stuff”. Additionally, I thought the first 30(ish)% was very disjointed and I had to refer back to the blurb several times to remind myself what this book was about and where the story was going. There is a lot of information jammed in up front before you get to the part where Kristy starts to consider “the perfect crime”.
With all of that, this book still earned a rounded up rating from me because once the pace picked up, I could not put this book down. And while there weren’t any major twists or “holy cow” moments, the suspense just built and built and provided a very satisfying ending. Which is surprising because after I checked the blurb about 10x, I realized that the blurb gives way too much away. The fact that about 50% of what you need to know is the blurb of the book just proves how good a writer that Overton really is because it did not stop me from staying up past my bedtime to make sure that I finished it.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intense family dramas, borderline psychological thriller.
July 29, 2018
I loved Baby Doll by Hollie Overton and could not wait to read this. I wasn't too sure about it to begin with but I am glad that I stuck with it as I loved it. It was an intense story which covers a lot of dark subjects.
Kristy Tucker has always been a single mum , with a job that has her dealing with the most disturbing criminals in Texas. She is the press agent for the Department of Corrections and works the inmates on death row right up to their execution. She meets Lance Dobson, her sons martial arts teacher and soon they are married. It is only then that she sees what a monster he is - verbally and emotionally abusing her and threatening to hurt her family if she tells anybody. She knows the criminal justice system and realises that she only has one option to be free - but how far will be she go to protect her family.
A dark and disturbing story about family and the lengths people will go for love. Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone Arrow and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are no way biased.
Kristy Tucker has always been a single mum , with a job that has her dealing with the most disturbing criminals in Texas. She is the press agent for the Department of Corrections and works the inmates on death row right up to their execution. She meets Lance Dobson, her sons martial arts teacher and soon they are married. It is only then that she sees what a monster he is - verbally and emotionally abusing her and threatening to hurt her family if she tells anybody. She knows the criminal justice system and realises that she only has one option to be free - but how far will be she go to protect her family.
A dark and disturbing story about family and the lengths people will go for love. Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone Arrow and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are no way biased.
August 7, 2017
Amazing. It’s a great sign when all you want to do is read a book and do absolutely nothing else, and ‘The Walls’ is definitely one of those books. I really enjoyed Hollie Overton’s first book ‘Baby Doll’, and this is certainly another outstanding novel. The plot is tense and unpredictable, along with a great group of characters. The Author has that special ability in being able to connect with your emotions when you’re reading the story. I think I went through the full range of emotions, especially anger and sadness. Simply Brilliant.
Kristy Tucker has a tough job at the prison as a Public Information Officer. Dealing with inmates on death row on a day to day basis isn’t an easy thing to do. She thought she was a tough woman because of that, and also bringing up her son Ryan without a dad for the past 17 years. Kristy finally thought she had met the right man that she could see herself possibly settling down with. Lance Dobson initially was Ryan’s Judo coach, and he really did seem like the perfect man. It also helped that Ryan and her dad seemed to really like him as well. When cracks did start to appear in their relationship, the only person she could confine in was Clifton Harris, a convicted child killer on death row. Kristy has no idea what to do, after all she does love her husband. I did have to stop myself from turning straight to the end of the book to find out what happens, but I’m glad I held out. A fabulous book with a great ending. Easily worth the 5/5 Star rating.
Kristy Tucker has a tough job at the prison as a Public Information Officer. Dealing with inmates on death row on a day to day basis isn’t an easy thing to do. She thought she was a tough woman because of that, and also bringing up her son Ryan without a dad for the past 17 years. Kristy finally thought she had met the right man that she could see herself possibly settling down with. Lance Dobson initially was Ryan’s Judo coach, and he really did seem like the perfect man. It also helped that Ryan and her dad seemed to really like him as well. When cracks did start to appear in their relationship, the only person she could confine in was Clifton Harris, a convicted child killer on death row. Kristy has no idea what to do, after all she does love her husband. I did have to stop myself from turning straight to the end of the book to find out what happens, but I’m glad I held out. A fabulous book with a great ending. Easily worth the 5/5 Star rating.
October 12, 2017
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I was really confused about how to rate this book, and what my review would say. Even though I finished the book a few days ago, I needed time to think through it. I didn't know whether to give a a 3 star or a 4 star review.
On the one hand, I found this book very entertaining, easy to read, I loved the subject matter and the questions raised around the death penalty, the fact that with the death penalty there is always the possibility of an innocent person being put to death, and so on. And then on the other hand I found the book a little longer than it needed to be, I thought that not that much actually happened in 400 odd pages, and I thought that some of the scenes involving Clifton were a bit pointless, and I didn't really understand the point of the letters. Okay, so I understood them a bit, but not totally. I also would have liked a bit more of a "thriller", which is what I was expecting.
So, in an ideal world this book would probably score a 3.5 stars from me, but seeing as I don't award half stars I needed to ask myself: would I recommend to someone that they buy the book, or would I recommend that they borrower it from a friend or the library. I found myself leaning towards borrowing this book. Thus, this one notches up 3 stars.
In a nutshell, Kristy's job is dealing with convicted felons who have been sentenced to die. She deals with the criminals themselves, and the general public and reporters who have questions around each execution. She works for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and although, for obvious reasons, she doesn't love her job, she has gotten used to it. And then Lance walks into her life, a breath of fresh air, and the man of her dreams. But is he exactly who he claims to be, and how well does she actually know him when she walks down the aisle?
This is a book that deals with a number of sensitive issues and topics. Everything from the death penalty, to domestic abuse, to murder and other hideous crimes are touched on in this book. I really enjoyed it, and it did get me thinking. However, I found that it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I had probably heard too many rave reviews and so I probably expected too much. But overall, a really good read that I recommend.
I was really confused about how to rate this book, and what my review would say. Even though I finished the book a few days ago, I needed time to think through it. I didn't know whether to give a a 3 star or a 4 star review.
On the one hand, I found this book very entertaining, easy to read, I loved the subject matter and the questions raised around the death penalty, the fact that with the death penalty there is always the possibility of an innocent person being put to death, and so on. And then on the other hand I found the book a little longer than it needed to be, I thought that not that much actually happened in 400 odd pages, and I thought that some of the scenes involving Clifton were a bit pointless, and I didn't really understand the point of the letters. Okay, so I understood them a bit, but not totally. I also would have liked a bit more of a "thriller", which is what I was expecting.
So, in an ideal world this book would probably score a 3.5 stars from me, but seeing as I don't award half stars I needed to ask myself: would I recommend to someone that they buy the book, or would I recommend that they borrower it from a friend or the library. I found myself leaning towards borrowing this book. Thus, this one notches up 3 stars.
In a nutshell, Kristy's job is dealing with convicted felons who have been sentenced to die. She deals with the criminals themselves, and the general public and reporters who have questions around each execution. She works for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and although, for obvious reasons, she doesn't love her job, she has gotten used to it. And then Lance walks into her life, a breath of fresh air, and the man of her dreams. But is he exactly who he claims to be, and how well does she actually know him when she walks down the aisle?
This is a book that deals with a number of sensitive issues and topics. Everything from the death penalty, to domestic abuse, to murder and other hideous crimes are touched on in this book. I really enjoyed it, and it did get me thinking. However, I found that it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I had probably heard too many rave reviews and so I probably expected too much. But overall, a really good read that I recommend.
August 10, 2017
2.5* --> 3
I found the premise of The Walls incredibly intriguing, thinking this would make one heck of a domestic thriller. There are so many of them around lately, it takes something special to stand out from the crowd and the blurb promised that uniqueness. Yet there was a very slow and long build-up that had me anxiously waiting for something, anything (!), to actually happen.
By far the most interesting bits for me were the circumstances of Clifton Harris, a man on death row who was convicted of murdering his children. I was very close to not finishing this book but his story is what kept me reading as I was desperate to know what would happen to him.
Overall, I feel that while this one had immense potential, it fell a little flat and didn't really deliver. For me, it desperately needed a whole other level of tension to be thrilling and to keep me gripped and that was sorely lacking.
I found the premise of The Walls incredibly intriguing, thinking this would make one heck of a domestic thriller. There are so many of them around lately, it takes something special to stand out from the crowd and the blurb promised that uniqueness. Yet there was a very slow and long build-up that had me anxiously waiting for something, anything (!), to actually happen.
By far the most interesting bits for me were the circumstances of Clifton Harris, a man on death row who was convicted of murdering his children. I was very close to not finishing this book but his story is what kept me reading as I was desperate to know what would happen to him.
Overall, I feel that while this one had immense potential, it fell a little flat and didn't really deliver. For me, it desperately needed a whole other level of tension to be thrilling and to keep me gripped and that was sorely lacking.
December 11, 2017
This one has an interesting concept that makes one question how far they would go in order to protect their family.
Kristy is a single mother to Ryan, also taking care of her sick father and working a full time job on death row. She meets her son's martial arts instructor Larry, which turns into a romantic relationship and eventually marriage. But what happens when you learn you've married a monster?
How far will Kristy go to protect her family?
I enjoyed how suspenseful the novel was. This was my first from Overton, but I enjoyed it. It was more than just a thriller with an exploration of domestic violence and the justice system as a whole.
full review up soon.
I won this through goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Kristy is a single mother to Ryan, also taking care of her sick father and working a full time job on death row. She meets her son's martial arts instructor Larry, which turns into a romantic relationship and eventually marriage. But what happens when you learn you've married a monster?
How far will Kristy go to protect her family?
I enjoyed how suspenseful the novel was. This was my first from Overton, but I enjoyed it. It was more than just a thriller with an exploration of domestic violence and the justice system as a whole.
full review up soon.
I won this through goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2017
210 minutes ago I started to read The Walls. I was pretty much hooked from the first few pages, and have not stopped reading it until I have just now come to the end of the book.
Completely unputdownable it has taken me on a journey that at times were plain scary and others I was choked up with emotion.
It tells the story of something that no-one should have to go through and just what happens when you reach the end of your tether. What grabbed me even more than the shocking story between Kristy and Lance, was the letters that appeared between some chapters.
They tell the story of one man on death row in Texas who was convinced of his innocence. I may be living on a different planet as until I read The Walls I was not fully aware that the death sentence was still in place in Texas, and reading a story of a press agent who sets up inmate interviews for those on death row, and that visits them in prison and witnesses their executions is completely different to anything else I have ever read.
All of that along would have made one incredibly interesting story, but add in her new relationship with a martial arts instructor, that has fooled everyone into thinking what sort of man he really is, and you get a truly excellent book.
I loved Baby Doll last year, and this year The Walls by Hollie Overton stepped up her writing a step further, and I am beyond eager to see what her next release will be. Any book that has dragged me away from the work that I am obsessed with and won't let me go until I finish it, at the moment truly is fabulous, and I am delighted to have read it. Of course I suspect I'm about to have some really bad dreams so may not be as pleased in the morning!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Cornerstone for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Completely unputdownable it has taken me on a journey that at times were plain scary and others I was choked up with emotion.
It tells the story of something that no-one should have to go through and just what happens when you reach the end of your tether. What grabbed me even more than the shocking story between Kristy and Lance, was the letters that appeared between some chapters.
They tell the story of one man on death row in Texas who was convinced of his innocence. I may be living on a different planet as until I read The Walls I was not fully aware that the death sentence was still in place in Texas, and reading a story of a press agent who sets up inmate interviews for those on death row, and that visits them in prison and witnesses their executions is completely different to anything else I have ever read.
All of that along would have made one incredibly interesting story, but add in her new relationship with a martial arts instructor, that has fooled everyone into thinking what sort of man he really is, and you get a truly excellent book.
I loved Baby Doll last year, and this year The Walls by Hollie Overton stepped up her writing a step further, and I am beyond eager to see what her next release will be. Any book that has dragged me away from the work that I am obsessed with and won't let me go until I finish it, at the moment truly is fabulous, and I am delighted to have read it. Of course I suspect I'm about to have some really bad dreams so may not be as pleased in the morning!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Cornerstone for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 22, 2017
3.5 Stars. Our main character Kristy, a single mom, works as a press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections, taking care of everything on Death Row, from interviewing inmates to handling details of an execution. Working in the enviornment that she does, she witnesses some of the worst people one might encounter. When she meets her son's martial arts instructed, Lance, she thinks she has found her happy ending, only to discover that he really is an abusive monster. With her knowledge of the justice system, she decides to take matters into her own hands to get rid of Lance permanently.
This book dealt with some heavy topics, such as domestic abuse and death row. I also thought that having the prision as sort of a backdrop to the story made it more interesting, as sometimes some thrillers tend to start having sort of the same story line. I actually wouldn't categorize this book as a thriller, it was suspensful at times, but not what I associate with a typical thriller. I enjoyed Kristy as a character and the plot line itself was quite intersting and moved along at a steady pace throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.
This book dealt with some heavy topics, such as domestic abuse and death row. I also thought that having the prision as sort of a backdrop to the story made it more interesting, as sometimes some thrillers tend to start having sort of the same story line. I actually wouldn't categorize this book as a thriller, it was suspensful at times, but not what I associate with a typical thriller. I enjoyed Kristy as a character and the plot line itself was quite intersting and moved along at a steady pace throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.
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