What do you think?
Rate this book
The Stories She Tells
When Michael decides to track down ex-girlfriend Rae, who disappeared ten years ago while pregnant with his baby, he knows it could change his life forever. His search for her takes unexpected turns as he unearths multiple changes of identity and a childhood she tried to pretend never happened, but nothing could prepare him for what awaits when he finally finds her.
Rae appears to be happily married with a brand new baby daughter. But she is cagey about what happened to Michael’s child, and starts to say alarming things: that her husband is trying to force her to give up her new baby for adoption, that he’s attempting to undermine the bond between her and her child, and deliberately making her doubt her own sanity.
As Michael is drawn in deeper to her disturbing claims, he begins to doubt the truth of what she is saying. But is she really making it all up, or is there a shocking and heartbreaking secret at the root of the stories she tells?
Rae appears to be happily married with a brand new baby daughter. But she is cagey about what happened to Michael’s child, and starts to say alarming things: that her husband is trying to force her to give up her new baby for adoption, that he’s attempting to undermine the bond between her and her child, and deliberately making her doubt her own sanity.
As Michael is drawn in deeper to her disturbing claims, he begins to doubt the truth of what she is saying. But is she really making it all up, or is there a shocking and heartbreaking secret at the root of the stories she tells?
255 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2017
513 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Chapman
13 books135 followersLK Chapman writes psychological thrillers about relationships, family drama, secrets and lies – from dark and disturbing tales of obsession and jealousy, to twisty thrillers with a dash of romance – her passion is creating characters that get under your skin and stories that keep you gripped.
Chapman’s books are inspired by her studies in psychology, and she has always been fascinated by the strength, peculiarities and extremes of human nature. As well as working as a psychologist, Chapman volunteered for mental health charity Mind before starting her journey as an author. It has been an incredibly exciting journey and she is so grateful for the support of her readers.
When she is not writing, Chapman will usually be found in her garden or getting out and enjoying the outdoors – immersing herself in nature and giving her mind a chance to work on her next story!
You can receive a free copy of my short story Worth Pursuing, as well as news about new releases, by signing up to the LK Chapman reading group: www.lkchapman.com/free-book-offer
You can find out more about LK Chapman by visiting her website.
Chapman’s books are inspired by her studies in psychology, and she has always been fascinated by the strength, peculiarities and extremes of human nature. As well as working as a psychologist, Chapman volunteered for mental health charity Mind before starting her journey as an author. It has been an incredibly exciting journey and she is so grateful for the support of her readers.
When she is not writing, Chapman will usually be found in her garden or getting out and enjoying the outdoors – immersing herself in nature and giving her mind a chance to work on her next story!
You can receive a free copy of my short story Worth Pursuing, as well as news about new releases, by signing up to the LK Chapman reading group: www.lkchapman.com/free-book-offer
You can find out more about LK Chapman by visiting her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 21, 2018
So there I was quietly reading my current book and I get a polite email from LK Chapman saying “I was just wondering if you got round to reading The Stories She Tells? Don’t worry if not, I was just curious!”**, so I replied immediately that I hadn’t yet and would move it to the top of my pile and then I realised I wasn’t actually enjoying my current read so stopped and started The Stories She Tells. Less than 4 hours later I’ve finished it.
This book was an easy and quick read for me (and yes I did sneak off work and lay in the garden all day to read it). It’s my first book by this author and I found her writing style gripping and intriguing. I will admit to not particularly liking the main character Michael. I felt his obsession with tracking down his ex-girlfriend from 10 years ago slightly annoying especially as he has a loving wife and new baby on the way. However I did understand that he felt guilty about the way he treated her and needed to absolve his own personal issues by helping her.
There were several times when I thought “aha” and had worked out what was going on only to realised I was completely wrong (duh!). This book is quite dark, has some rather unsavoury topics and a couple of extremely disturbed individuals which in my opinion make for a perfect psychological thriller. I would definitely recommend this.
This book was an easy and quick read for me (and yes I did sneak off work and lay in the garden all day to read it). It’s my first book by this author and I found her writing style gripping and intriguing. I will admit to not particularly liking the main character Michael. I felt his obsession with tracking down his ex-girlfriend from 10 years ago slightly annoying especially as he has a loving wife and new baby on the way. However I did understand that he felt guilty about the way he treated her and needed to absolve his own personal issues by helping her.
There were several times when I thought “aha” and had worked out what was going on only to realised I was completely wrong (duh!). This book is quite dark, has some rather unsavoury topics and a couple of extremely disturbed individuals which in my opinion make for a perfect psychological thriller. I would definitely recommend this.
October 13, 2017
The Stories She Tells Us
This is the first book I’ve read by LK Chapman and I really enjoyed it! The Stories She Tells Us is a real page turner that will take you on a rollercoaster ride; you won’t be able to put it down!
A dark and atmospheric read, I really thought I had it all figured out and then another twist came along and put pay to my theory! All in all, this is a fab read that I definitely recommend! Four stars from purplebookstand.
I was lucky enough to be provided with an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote this review.
This is the first book I’ve read by LK Chapman and I really enjoyed it! The Stories She Tells Us is a real page turner that will take you on a rollercoaster ride; you won’t be able to put it down!
A dark and atmospheric read, I really thought I had it all figured out and then another twist came along and put pay to my theory! All in all, this is a fab read that I definitely recommend! Four stars from purplebookstand.
I was lucky enough to be provided with an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote this review.
October 18, 2017
This book had me quickly sucked in . A rollercoaster of a read which becomes disturbing as it progresses . Will definitely look out for more from this author. Thanks to tbc reviewers for my chance to read
October 4, 2017
This was a bit of a rollercoster for me - I found I was both a little sad while reading and at times furious with the main characters. I couldn't stop thinking about Rae and Michael, and even though it's rough reading sometimes, I thought the theme and the plot pose some very interesting questions - how would anyone react if it happened to us? If somebody told us stories like Rae tells, or if we were caught up in the storm that comes with them?
And form a mental health perspective, this book is dynamite. I was thinking a lot about what would happen if the genders were reversed - would we value a man's story another way? What would we trust and what would drown in prejudice? How can we find ways to talk about mental health in a better way, shake off the stigma of shame?
It still stays with me and will probably color future encounters that in any way remind me of Rae.
And form a mental health perspective, this book is dynamite. I was thinking a lot about what would happen if the genders were reversed - would we value a man's story another way? What would we trust and what would drown in prejudice? How can we find ways to talk about mental health in a better way, shake off the stigma of shame?
It still stays with me and will probably color future encounters that in any way remind me of Rae.
October 20, 2017
This is my first book by LK Chapman and it certainly won’t be my last. The cover was eye catching and instantly made me want to know what was inside. It was well written, allowing for the writing to flow easily. The chapters were short, snappy and made it easy for me to tell myself to keep reading ‘one more chapter’. Although I would class myself as a slow reader, I was able to complete this book in just 3 days.
The story is centered on Michael, who tracks down his girlfriend Rae, who had disappeared with his baby ten years earlier. For most of the part, I wanted to throw things in Michael’s direction but by the end, I was left feeling a bit sorry for him. As for Rae, I never knew whether to accept the things she was saying as the truth, or whether she was lying.
I found myself gripped by the story-line and as it progressed, I thought I had it all figured out, but I was oh so wrong. I love it when authors prove my theories to be wrong. LK Chapman’s writing has delivered on every level and this includes giving us readers the odd punch and kick to the gut along the way. The hard-to-read parts were handled with sensitivity and – at every opportunity – I had to read on to keep trying to figure out what was really happening.
An excellent read and I look forward to reading LK Chapman’s next book with a high level of intrigue and excitement.
Thanks goes to The Book Club & LK Chapman for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is centered on Michael, who tracks down his girlfriend Rae, who had disappeared with his baby ten years earlier. For most of the part, I wanted to throw things in Michael’s direction but by the end, I was left feeling a bit sorry for him. As for Rae, I never knew whether to accept the things she was saying as the truth, or whether she was lying.
I found myself gripped by the story-line and as it progressed, I thought I had it all figured out, but I was oh so wrong. I love it when authors prove my theories to be wrong. LK Chapman’s writing has delivered on every level and this includes giving us readers the odd punch and kick to the gut along the way. The hard-to-read parts were handled with sensitivity and – at every opportunity – I had to read on to keep trying to figure out what was really happening.
An excellent read and I look forward to reading LK Chapman’s next book with a high level of intrigue and excitement.
Thanks goes to The Book Club & LK Chapman for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
Do you trust the one you love? Should you trust the one you love! The Stories She Tells is a gripping and challenging psychological thriller. The story moves along at a fair pace with characters, that you might not necessarily like, but ones that you care about and want to discover the whole of their back story. Whilst part of the plot deals with an uncomfortable topic it is dealt with sensitively and it was rewarding to have strong female characters throughout the book. A highly recommended good read. Thanks to The Book Club and L.K. Chapman for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. Michael finds out that his ex-girlfriend Rae might have been pregnant with his child when they split up in their university days. He is determined to track her down and find out the truth but at first she seems to have vanished off the face of the earth. Michael's wife becomes worried and insecure as his obsession with Rae seems to be taking over his life.
I found Rae to be extremely annoying, I can't stand people that habitually tell lies and her fantasy world was off the scale! However, as the story progresses and her childhood is revealed, the book becomes much darker and more disturbing. I don't know if I began to like Rae more, or just feel sorry for her, her character is extremely complex and the reasons for her fantasy life become clearer.
Really powerful book, I would certainly recommend this to people who enjoy a good domestic noir/psychological thriller. Thanks to TBConFB for the opportunity to read this as an arc, I would definitely read more from this author.
I found Rae to be extremely annoying, I can't stand people that habitually tell lies and her fantasy world was off the scale! However, as the story progresses and her childhood is revealed, the book becomes much darker and more disturbing. I don't know if I began to like Rae more, or just feel sorry for her, her character is extremely complex and the reasons for her fantasy life become clearer.
Really powerful book, I would certainly recommend this to people who enjoy a good domestic noir/psychological thriller. Thanks to TBConFB for the opportunity to read this as an arc, I would definitely read more from this author.
October 29, 2017
wow what a book !! new author for me and boy did she blow me away, I haven't been so engrossed in book in a while. the characters flow together perfectly and I honestly didn't see the twist coming. brilliantly written
October 7, 2017
The Stories She Tells is the second book I have read by LK Chapman. I have previously read Anything For Him and enjoyed it. I finished this book in two sittings.
We are introduced to Michael who goes in search of his ex-girlfriend Rae, when he unexpectedly discovers she was pregnant when they spilt up. Having never heard from Rae after university he is shocked to learn of the pregnancy and immediately tries to search for her. Unfortunately, attempting to track Rae down becomes an arduous task. After a lengthy process Michael is successful in tracking Rae down. However, instead of getting a straight answer from Rae about her pregnancy Michael is dragged into a shocking whirlwind of lies, deceit and drama. Leaving him unable to believe what is true and what is false.
A very gripping story, with a storyline that is not for the faint-hearted. I have to admit I did guess part of the story whilst reading it, but I do not feel it ruined the story in any way. I was eager to finish to see if I was correct and how it was written out. A great story with well written characters. I became fond of Rae's character and her erratic behaviour became more clear, as the story went on. Michael's character, on the other hand, I was not particularly fond of. I felt there were certain situations he should have handled better.
We are introduced to Michael who goes in search of his ex-girlfriend Rae, when he unexpectedly discovers she was pregnant when they spilt up. Having never heard from Rae after university he is shocked to learn of the pregnancy and immediately tries to search for her. Unfortunately, attempting to track Rae down becomes an arduous task. After a lengthy process Michael is successful in tracking Rae down. However, instead of getting a straight answer from Rae about her pregnancy Michael is dragged into a shocking whirlwind of lies, deceit and drama. Leaving him unable to believe what is true and what is false.
A very gripping story, with a storyline that is not for the faint-hearted. I have to admit I did guess part of the story whilst reading it, but I do not feel it ruined the story in any way. I was eager to finish to see if I was correct and how it was written out. A great story with well written characters. I became fond of Rae's character and her erratic behaviour became more clear, as the story went on. Michael's character, on the other hand, I was not particularly fond of. I felt there were certain situations he should have handled better.
October 12, 2017
L K Chapman had me from the get go. I love it when I really have to think about what is going on in a book, and that is exactly what this is like.
From start to finish, I kept trying to guess what was happening and couldn't quite figure it out. The complicated lives of Rae and Tamsin will draw you in and keep you consumed.
I couldn't stop reading and didn't want to!
A well mannered young lady with a wealthy husband, Tamsin appears to have it all.
I felt like I was a fly on the wall. Deceit, betrayal and lie upon lie. Who is telling the truth?
There are so many questions to be answered and so many lies being told. If you like a book that stays with you, then you will thoroughly enjoy this. I won't forget The Stories She Tells in a hurry!
From start to finish, I kept trying to guess what was happening and couldn't quite figure it out. The complicated lives of Rae and Tamsin will draw you in and keep you consumed.
I couldn't stop reading and didn't want to!
A well mannered young lady with a wealthy husband, Tamsin appears to have it all.
I felt like I was a fly on the wall. Deceit, betrayal and lie upon lie. Who is telling the truth?
There are so many questions to be answered and so many lies being told. If you like a book that stays with you, then you will thoroughly enjoy this. I won't forget The Stories She Tells in a hurry!
December 29, 2017
Twisted, sick, shocking, disturbing, believable, unbelievable- these are all the words that popped into my head as I finished “The Stories She Tells”. My brain is reeling from reading this book! I feel emotionally drained!
The blurb gives you all the information you need to know about the plot. The character development in this novel was outstanding- the three main players, Michael, “Rae” and Paul are written so cleverly that it is hard not to see this story play out in your head as you read. My heart wept for Michael as I watched him become sucked into the emotional whirlpool that was the life of Rae and Paul, I could literally feel his life drain out of him as he struggled to work out just who to believe.
Paul and “Rae” were two of the most unreliable narrators I had ever come across. It was so hard to work out who was telling the truth and who was telling lies, each character was so convincing and plausible that I ended up completely caught up in the intensity of their lives and lies.
“Rae” is described by other characters as a habitual liar and initially it is difficult to find anything endearing about her character however as the story develops it becomes easier to understand the lies she tells and indeed to question whether or not everything she says is a lie. What a brilliantly complex character LK Chapman has created in this woman!
Trust, lies, secrets and mental health are all themes explored in this novel but special praise must go to LK Chapman’s portrayal of mental illness. She provided a realistic, anguishing yet sensitive portrayal of Rae’s descent into her own personal hell. It was so intense that I actually felt myself slip into the pages and experience it all alongside each of the characters.
Twists and turns throughout this book left me reeling as each layer of life was unravelled and each secret revealed. My only downside would be the ending, I had a few ideas where I’d like it to have gone and I just felt that it was a little abrupt. BUT this is not a reason to not read this book! If you are looking for a riveting read (I started this at 8pm and finished it the next morning when I woke up) then this one is for you, if you want a read that will challenge you and provoke your thoughts then this one is for you, if you want a book where the characters crawl under your skin and into your brain to consume your thoughts then this one is for you!
The blurb gives you all the information you need to know about the plot. The character development in this novel was outstanding- the three main players, Michael, “Rae” and Paul are written so cleverly that it is hard not to see this story play out in your head as you read. My heart wept for Michael as I watched him become sucked into the emotional whirlpool that was the life of Rae and Paul, I could literally feel his life drain out of him as he struggled to work out just who to believe.
Paul and “Rae” were two of the most unreliable narrators I had ever come across. It was so hard to work out who was telling the truth and who was telling lies, each character was so convincing and plausible that I ended up completely caught up in the intensity of their lives and lies.
“Rae” is described by other characters as a habitual liar and initially it is difficult to find anything endearing about her character however as the story develops it becomes easier to understand the lies she tells and indeed to question whether or not everything she says is a lie. What a brilliantly complex character LK Chapman has created in this woman!
Trust, lies, secrets and mental health are all themes explored in this novel but special praise must go to LK Chapman’s portrayal of mental illness. She provided a realistic, anguishing yet sensitive portrayal of Rae’s descent into her own personal hell. It was so intense that I actually felt myself slip into the pages and experience it all alongside each of the characters.
Twists and turns throughout this book left me reeling as each layer of life was unravelled and each secret revealed. My only downside would be the ending, I had a few ideas where I’d like it to have gone and I just felt that it was a little abrupt. BUT this is not a reason to not read this book! If you are looking for a riveting read (I started this at 8pm and finished it the next morning when I woke up) then this one is for you, if you want a read that will challenge you and provoke your thoughts then this one is for you, if you want a book where the characters crawl under your skin and into your brain to consume your thoughts then this one is for you!
November 3, 2017
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I haven't enjoyed a suspense novel a much as this in a long time. Even though I managed to guess what the "twist" long before the book was over I still finished it and was eager to find out what happened at the end. It's well written, easy to read, and engaging.
I haven't read anything else from L.K. Chapman but after reading 'The Stories She Tells' I might have to go and buy another of her books. I also look forward to whatever she does in the future as she obviously has a good grasp on this genre.
I haven't enjoyed a suspense novel a much as this in a long time. Even though I managed to guess what the "twist" long before the book was over I still finished it and was eager to find out what happened at the end. It's well written, easy to read, and engaging.
I haven't read anything else from L.K. Chapman but after reading 'The Stories She Tells' I might have to go and buy another of her books. I also look forward to whatever she does in the future as she obviously has a good grasp on this genre.
October 17, 2017
Michael is going out with Rae when he sleeps with Sadie. Fast forward 10 years and Michael is now married to Sadie when he learns that Rae had become pregnant with his baby just before she disappeared all those years before.
Michael tracks her down and finds she is happily married with a new baby but Rae is now called Tamsin and draws Michael in by telling him what may or may not be lies. Her new husband wants her to give her baby up for adoption like she did with Michaels baby 10 years before.
The problem is that Tamsin lies - or does she?
This is a thoughtfully written book that raises lots of questions about family, marriage, loyalty, upbringing and childhood. Both Michael and Rae/Tamsin are plausible and complex characters - Tamsin particularly- and the story has a good twist. I gave it 4 stars because in some way I found the ending a little disappointing. Overall a good book that tackles some uncomfortable topics.
Michael tracks her down and finds she is happily married with a new baby but Rae is now called Tamsin and draws Michael in by telling him what may or may not be lies. Her new husband wants her to give her baby up for adoption like she did with Michaels baby 10 years before.
The problem is that Tamsin lies - or does she?
This is a thoughtfully written book that raises lots of questions about family, marriage, loyalty, upbringing and childhood. Both Michael and Rae/Tamsin are plausible and complex characters - Tamsin particularly- and the story has a good twist. I gave it 4 stars because in some way I found the ending a little disappointing. Overall a good book that tackles some uncomfortable topics.
October 30, 2018
I can’t read any more of this boring drivel!! It’s like it has been written by a teenager with limited vocabulary - I’m so bored I’m halfway through and can’t bring myself to finish it. I have eye rolled my way through - predictable, boring, I don’t understand these 5 stars reviews they must have been paid or something! It’s like reading a really badly written script for a film - with really bad actors playing the parts - don’t waste your time!!
October 22, 2017
Michael is happily married to Sadie and they're trying to have a family when one of their friends lets slip that a girlfriend he had 10 years previously had been pregnant when they broke up. This sets Michael on a course that will change his life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, finished in hours as didn't want to put it down.
Look forward to reading more from this author
Would recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, finished in hours as didn't want to put it down.
Look forward to reading more from this author
Would recommend.
October 23, 2017
absolute rollercoaster...all along I was trying to guess what was happening but couldn't work it out. The twist at the end is something I didn't see coming at all. This book kept me gripped right to the very end and was a real pager turner.
Thanks to TBConFB for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to TBConFB for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
October 22, 2017
What a brilliant psychological read. I had a long train journey, so had saved most the book for it - and was hooked for my whole journey, with only the last 20% to read later. Throughout this amazing book, I didn't know who or what to believe and right up until the end it had me thinking what is the truth. I won't reveal any spoilers; but at times I felt sorry for the main character Tamsin,. whereas other times I really didn't like her. The author LK Chapman has a great ability at engaging this love/hate emotion in the reader. Thank you TBC reviewers group and the author for allowing me this opportunity to read such a brilliant book. I'll look for future books by this author.
October 22, 2017
Gosh what a rollercoaster ride of a book! This tale of family, betrayal and complex relationships left me stunned. The characters feel real and that left me emotional at times.It was similar to having a very deep and realistic dream that stays with you for a few days. It takes an excellent writer to make me feel like this. Life is not all kittens and roses, and this book certainly leaves the reader with no illusions on this. If you love a story that pulls no punches, prepare to devour this wonderful tale. Highly recommended!
October 23, 2017
Another excellent story from LK Chapman. It kept me guessing and even though I had worked out part of the mystery, there was still a surprise at the end.
Although The Stories She Tells is in the psychological genre it reminded me of Networked which is a sci-fi novel. The way the two books keep you guessing is similar and keeps you turning the pages.
I really recommend The Stories She Tells.
Although The Stories She Tells is in the psychological genre it reminded me of Networked which is a sci-fi novel. The way the two books keep you guessing is similar and keeps you turning the pages.
I really recommend The Stories She Tells.
October 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this twisty turny tale of someone trying to right a wrong and getting caught up in a nightmare. A great story with interesting characters, but a little bit of an abrupt ending. I would have liked to have found out more.
October 9, 2017
This is the first book I have read by LK Chapman and will definitely be reading more.
The book was so riveting; I devoured it, desperate to know what had happened and what was to happen to Rae. Will have to re-read and enjoy it again! Michael and Sadie, are struggling to conceive and discover that Michael may have fathered a child in his student days with his former lover,Rae. Michael, reconnects with Rae and slowly discovers the facts of lives based on secrets and lies. As the truth unravels lives are destroyed, and eventually re-built.
The book was so riveting; I devoured it, desperate to know what had happened and what was to happen to Rae. Will have to re-read and enjoy it again! Michael and Sadie, are struggling to conceive and discover that Michael may have fathered a child in his student days with his former lover,Rae. Michael, reconnects with Rae and slowly discovers the facts of lives based on secrets and lies. As the truth unravels lives are destroyed, and eventually re-built.
October 22, 2017
This book was very well written. I was hooked right until the very end. I would have given this book five stars but for the ending. I was so worried about how Michael fared, and as there is no sequel, I felt like something was missing and that the ending wasn't complete. I think a few words would have helped readers to come to the conclusion that the murder charge is slightly alleviated since Paul deserved what came to him. But, I was glad to find Celeste doing better and happier with her little girl.
I don't think that there was any other way for Michael to handle this situation; he did his best. And I wonder, if something like this did happen to any of us, how would we react? Would we be able to do what Michael did for Rae? Would we be able to deal with it?
For me, just reading about the perverts that exist in this world made me sick. My stomach churned, my head ached, and I felt so depressed. I just don't get it, how some people can be so depraved.
I had a hard time with Rae; sometimes I believed her, and sometimes I didn't know what to make of her unusual stories. Sometimes I was so annoyed with her; but whatever she said about her baby, I felt that there was some truth in it.
And when I read:
"Her hands were shaking, and her skin felt ice cold. But for once, this wasn’t just speculation – some wild idea that she’d never be able to convince anyone of. If this was about Paul’s relationship to Madeline, it could be proved one way or the other. She looked down at her trembling hands. It was all about blood, she realised. Everything was about blood,"
I knew exactly what Paul's actual relationship to Tamsin was, and I was so extremely disgusted I could have thrown up.
This is a very good book with deep, complex issues, and the psychological aspects of the story convinced me that the author had to have studied about it. :)
Although I loved the way this author writes, I don't think I can handle the issues she writes. I would like to say that I look forward to reading more of her work, but I can't honestly say that.
I finished reading this book yesterday, but I needed time to process it all before I could rate and review it.
I don't think that there was any other way for Michael to handle this situation; he did his best. And I wonder, if something like this did happen to any of us, how would we react? Would we be able to do what Michael did for Rae? Would we be able to deal with it?
For me, just reading about the perverts that exist in this world made me sick. My stomach churned, my head ached, and I felt so depressed. I just don't get it, how some people can be so depraved.
I had a hard time with Rae; sometimes I believed her, and sometimes I didn't know what to make of her unusual stories. Sometimes I was so annoyed with her; but whatever she said about her baby, I felt that there was some truth in it.
And when I read:
"Her hands were shaking, and her skin felt ice cold. But for once, this wasn’t just speculation – some wild idea that she’d never be able to convince anyone of. If this was about Paul’s relationship to Madeline, it could be proved one way or the other. She looked down at her trembling hands. It was all about blood, she realised. Everything was about blood,"
I knew exactly what Paul's actual relationship to Tamsin was, and I was so extremely disgusted I could have thrown up.
This is a very good book with deep, complex issues, and the psychological aspects of the story convinced me that the author had to have studied about it. :)
Although I loved the way this author writes, I don't think I can handle the issues she writes. I would like to say that I look forward to reading more of her work, but I can't honestly say that.
I finished reading this book yesterday, but I needed time to process it all before I could rate and review it.
May 2, 2018
Another fantastic read. This book was just brilliant. In every way. The way LK Chapman has the readers hooked chapter to chapter. The style of writing. Sometimes I cannot read books written third person but this wasn’t one of them.
March 12, 2018
The most lucrative factor of this novel is the new mysteries and labyrinths at every step of the way. The minute you think you know what the mystery is, you get entangled in unanticipated ambiguity. What sets this book apart from other suspense novels is that readers tend to form theories of their own in mystery novels. For instance, how the story will unfold, who will the antagonist be, etc. However, with this book, the moment readers think they got the suspense, the tale takes an unforeseen turn that leaves them in shock.
The author, Louise Katherine Chapman has done a remarkable job in the book and it’s reflected in her work. She has sketched her characters with such distinguishable features that none of them are monotonous. She has made the story come to life through her brilliantly written story line, the aspect of surprise and protagonists. There is not a single dull moment in the book.
Safe to say, she is my new favorite author and I’m looking forward to reading her other works.
Check out more about the book on my blog.
https://bookworldliness.wordpress.com...
The author, Louise Katherine Chapman has done a remarkable job in the book and it’s reflected in her work. She has sketched her characters with such distinguishable features that none of them are monotonous. She has made the story come to life through her brilliantly written story line, the aspect of surprise and protagonists. There is not a single dull moment in the book.
Safe to say, she is my new favorite author and I’m looking forward to reading her other works.
Check out more about the book on my blog.
https://bookworldliness.wordpress.com...
August 9, 2019
This is a great psychological thriller. The author kept my attention throughout the book. There were so many surprises in this book. There was never a dull moment and the ending is amazing! I want to read more from this author. I will be following her on social media now!
October 17, 2019
WOW!!! What a book! Did not see that ending coming. I could barely put this book down. The twists and turns ... Was dark and brilliant! This was my first LK Chapman - Certainly will not be my last! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
October 24, 2017
What a dark book, brilliantly written with infuriating characters, a story that leaves you guessing right to the end and a plot that you would never be able to guess. enjoyed thoroughly
January 10, 2021
Loved this, very twisted and very well written
February 13, 2022
Well having previously read and enjoyed 4 books by this author, I thought it was high time that I gave this one a go, especially seeing as it had been on my to be read list for a while.
Okay so this story was well written, certainly kept me captivated, trying to figure out what the hell was going in, who to trust and who is lying, suffice to say it was a hard one to figure out, until you get to the end. It was just that sort of a story, one that could mess with your mind at times. One thing to note, is that this story does feature some sensitive topics that some readers might be upsetting or difficult to read, but despite that I feel that the author really dealt with those topics well.
As for the characters, well I felt truly sorry for Sadie, having to watch and put up with her husband Michael dealing with his issues and obsessive behaviour in finding his ex-girlfriend of over 10 years and then wanting to protect her. It must have been hard for Sadie, no matter how much she trusted and understood the reasons for why Michael was doing what he was doing. As for Michael, yes I sort of understand what drove him to do what he did, but I still disagree with his actions, especially as to what he did right at the very end. If it was me, I’d have left well enough alone and concentrated on the future, which in his case was his wife/marriage to Sadie and their newborn baby Rose.
Anyway all in all a great story which kept me engrossed from start to finish.
Okay so this story was well written, certainly kept me captivated, trying to figure out what the hell was going in, who to trust and who is lying, suffice to say it was a hard one to figure out, until you get to the end. It was just that sort of a story, one that could mess with your mind at times. One thing to note, is that this story does feature some sensitive topics that some readers might be upsetting or difficult to read, but despite that I feel that the author really dealt with those topics well.
As for the characters, well I felt truly sorry for Sadie, having to watch and put up with her husband Michael dealing with his issues and obsessive behaviour in finding his ex-girlfriend of over 10 years and then wanting to protect her. It must have been hard for Sadie, no matter how much she trusted and understood the reasons for why Michael was doing what he was doing. As for Michael, yes I sort of understand what drove him to do what he did, but I still disagree with his actions, especially as to what he did right at the very end. If it was me, I’d have left well enough alone and concentrated on the future, which in his case was his wife/marriage to Sadie and their newborn baby Rose.
Anyway all in all a great story which kept me engrossed from start to finish.
October 6, 2017
I really enjoyed reading The Stories She Tells.
Chapman's usual page turner style is present as ever and I always found it hard to put down.
I loved getting to know Rae, and seeing her personality slowly reveal itself was at the same time exciting and heartbreaking. I really feel for Michael though because he's put in such an impossible situation. He doesn't know who to trust and he doesn't know who to help but he somehow feels responsible for everyone! I really don't know what I would do in his position.
I think it's interesting how different each of the characters feelings about Rae are. Some people love her, some hate her but one thing is for sure, no one can ignore her.
I would recommend The Stories She Tells to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and books that make you think and feel. Chapman's writing is excellent and the story is gripping from start to finish.
Chapman's usual page turner style is present as ever and I always found it hard to put down.
I loved getting to know Rae, and seeing her personality slowly reveal itself was at the same time exciting and heartbreaking. I really feel for Michael though because he's put in such an impossible situation. He doesn't know who to trust and he doesn't know who to help but he somehow feels responsible for everyone! I really don't know what I would do in his position.
I think it's interesting how different each of the characters feelings about Rae are. Some people love her, some hate her but one thing is for sure, no one can ignore her.
I would recommend The Stories She Tells to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and books that make you think and feel. Chapman's writing is excellent and the story is gripping from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews