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Lies that Poison
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? DO YOU BELIEVE ALYS OR HANNAH?
When Tom Bowman moves to a pretty Yorkshire village to start a new business, he meets two women who will change his life.
Alys is a young woman with a troubled past, including an abusive boyfriend. She says she doesn’t want another man, but a relationship soon develops between her and Tom.
Tom’s other neighbour is Hannah, an elderly woman who is often confused between past and present. 50 years ago, her sister died tragically young. Now, she sometimes thinks that Tom is the man who was to blame.
Hannah hates Alys, and warns Tom that he is in great danger from the woman he’s falling in love with.
Who should he believe and who is poisoning his mind with lies?
In a pulsating conclusion, Tom faces a heartbreaking choice with the potential to shatter everything he has built. And will he finally found the truth about Alys?
When Tom Bowman moves to a pretty Yorkshire village to start a new business, he meets two women who will change his life.
Alys is a young woman with a troubled past, including an abusive boyfriend. She says she doesn’t want another man, but a relationship soon develops between her and Tom.
Tom’s other neighbour is Hannah, an elderly woman who is often confused between past and present. 50 years ago, her sister died tragically young. Now, she sometimes thinks that Tom is the man who was to blame.
Hannah hates Alys, and warns Tom that he is in great danger from the woman he’s falling in love with.
Who should he believe and who is poisoning his mind with lies?
In a pulsating conclusion, Tom faces a heartbreaking choice with the potential to shatter everything he has built. And will he finally found the truth about Alys?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2017
131 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Fleet
5 books14 followersAmanda Fleet is a physiologist by training and a writer at heart. She spent 18 years teaching science and medicine undergraduates at St Andrews University, but now uses her knowledge to work out how to kill people (in her books!). She completed her first degree at St Andrews University and her doctorate at University College, London.
She has been an inveterate stationery addict since a child, amassing a considerable stash of fountain pens, ink and notebooks during her lifetime. These have thankfully come in useful, as she tends to write rather than type, at least in the early stages of writing a book.
During her time at St Andrews, she worked with the College of Medicine in Blantyre, Malawi. While in Malawi, she learned about the plight of the many street children there and helped to set up a Community Based Organisation that works with homeless Malawian children to support them through education and training – Chimwemwe Children’s Centre. It was this experience that helped to inspire the Malawian aspects in her novel "The Wrong Kind of Clouds" (briefly released as "The Call"), though, of course, the book is entirely fictional.
She is the author of the urban fantasy trilogy: "The Guardians of The Realm", published in early 2020, and the psychological thriller "Lies That Poison".
Amanda lives in Scotland with her husband, where she can be found writing, walking and running.
She has been an inveterate stationery addict since a child, amassing a considerable stash of fountain pens, ink and notebooks during her lifetime. These have thankfully come in useful, as she tends to write rather than type, at least in the early stages of writing a book.
During her time at St Andrews, she worked with the College of Medicine in Blantyre, Malawi. While in Malawi, she learned about the plight of the many street children there and helped to set up a Community Based Organisation that works with homeless Malawian children to support them through education and training – Chimwemwe Children’s Centre. It was this experience that helped to inspire the Malawian aspects in her novel "The Wrong Kind of Clouds" (briefly released as "The Call"), though, of course, the book is entirely fictional.
She is the author of the urban fantasy trilogy: "The Guardians of The Realm", published in early 2020, and the psychological thriller "Lies That Poison".
Amanda lives in Scotland with her husband, where she can be found writing, walking and running.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 14, 2017
2.5 stars. Tom Bowman moves to a Yorkshire village to start a new business. He meets two women who will change his life. Alys has a troubled past. She says she does not want another man but a realty soon develops with Tom. Tom's other neighbour Hannah is elderly and often gets confused between past and present. Her sister died tragically young and she sometimes thinks Tom is the man who was to blame. Hannah does not like Alys and warns Tom he is in great danger. But who is poisoning Tom's mind?
The timeline jumps back and forward quite a lot in this storyline. The characters are not very likeable and the plot line did not seem to gel together. I did not really bond with this story which is a shame as the plot line had much more potential. I did finish this book though.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Amanda Fleet for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The timeline jumps back and forward quite a lot in this storyline. The characters are not very likeable and the plot line did not seem to gel together. I did not really bond with this story which is a shame as the plot line had much more potential. I did finish this book though.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Amanda Fleet for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2017
Tom Bowman is a chef who moves to a small village to teach cooking in his home. This has been his dream ever since his girlfriend of three years left him for another woman. Tom now has trust issues ... and hates the thought of being lied to again.
Tom's life is about to throw him a curve ball. First he meets Alys who has a secret. She's in hiding following an abusive relationship with a drug dealer. She really doesn't want to get involved with another man ... she also has trust issues. But Tom is so sweet, and kind, everything that she's ever wanted.
Then he meets Hannah, an elderly woman suffering a bit of dementia. She, at times, is convinced that Tom is the man who caused her sister to commit suicide ... 50 years ago.
*Hannah hates Alys, and warns Tom that he is in great danger from the woman he’s falling in love with. Who should he believe and who is poisoning his mind with lies?*
This is an excellent psychological thriller. Is Alys really someone else ... someone else that poses a real danger to Tom? Or is Hannah seeing and feeling things from long ago and hasn't a clue?
This is very well written with interlacing stories go from past to present and back again. The characters are well defined. I especially liked Tom ... so likeable. Hannah, as an old woman, was a bit of a hoot when she couldn't remember that Tom was her neighbor. Alys was a puzzle and puzzles are always challenging. The author was leading me down one path and then all of a sudden she did a 180 and led me to such a surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance copy of LIES THAT POISON. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Tom's life is about to throw him a curve ball. First he meets Alys who has a secret. She's in hiding following an abusive relationship with a drug dealer. She really doesn't want to get involved with another man ... she also has trust issues. But Tom is so sweet, and kind, everything that she's ever wanted.
Then he meets Hannah, an elderly woman suffering a bit of dementia. She, at times, is convinced that Tom is the man who caused her sister to commit suicide ... 50 years ago.
*Hannah hates Alys, and warns Tom that he is in great danger from the woman he’s falling in love with. Who should he believe and who is poisoning his mind with lies?*
This is an excellent psychological thriller. Is Alys really someone else ... someone else that poses a real danger to Tom? Or is Hannah seeing and feeling things from long ago and hasn't a clue?
This is very well written with interlacing stories go from past to present and back again. The characters are well defined. I especially liked Tom ... so likeable. Hannah, as an old woman, was a bit of a hoot when she couldn't remember that Tom was her neighbor. Alys was a puzzle and puzzles are always challenging. The author was leading me down one path and then all of a sudden she did a 180 and led me to such a surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance copy of LIES THAT POISON. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 8, 2017
The tagline ‘a gripping psychological thriller full of twists’ had me clicking read now with barely a glance at the blurb.
It pains me to review a book negatively, but I also refuse to inflate one. In all honesty, this story was an uphill battle for me to keep reading. Not only because it was less than gripping, but the characters were the most unlikable people I’ve ever encountered. The interactions between Tom and Alys were painful. I can’t say which character annoyed me more.
I’m not even going to get started on the way the hint of an eating disorder was handled. I'll suffice to say, as someone with intimate knowledge of such a complex disorder it rubbed me the wrong way. I wish the adult scene had been fade to black - Tom going through the motions while she laid there like a cold fish was cringe worthy.
The timeline jumped around so much, I felt like someone was playing ping-pong in my head. It goes something like this, April 2017, April 2012, May 2015, April 2017, June 2015, April 2017, April 2012, June 2015…. And ends on 13th September 2017. A date that is still a week away.
I’m giving this story 2 stars, 1 for it being a labour of love, and 1 for being well edited.
Copy received via NetGalley
It pains me to review a book negatively, but I also refuse to inflate one. In all honesty, this story was an uphill battle for me to keep reading. Not only because it was less than gripping, but the characters were the most unlikable people I’ve ever encountered. The interactions between Tom and Alys were painful. I can’t say which character annoyed me more.
I’m not even going to get started on the way the hint of an eating disorder was handled. I'll suffice to say, as someone with intimate knowledge of such a complex disorder it rubbed me the wrong way. I wish the adult scene had been fade to black - Tom going through the motions while she laid there like a cold fish was cringe worthy.
The timeline jumped around so much, I felt like someone was playing ping-pong in my head. It goes something like this, April 2017, April 2012, May 2015, April 2017, June 2015, April 2017, April 2012, June 2015…. And ends on 13th September 2017. A date that is still a week away.
I’m giving this story 2 stars, 1 for it being a labour of love, and 1 for being well edited.
Copy received via NetGalley
October 1, 2017
Lies That Poison by Amanda Fleet is a psychological thriller with a difference. What’s the difference you may ask……. that’s for me to know and you to find out?
The story unfolds focusing on three different people, three different pasts, when their present lives collide.
We are introduced to Tom looking for a fresh start, trying to gain a foot hold in his life after a relationship break-up, moving to a small village in Yorkshire where his ambition is to start a business, he then becomes acquainted with Alys and Hannah. Alys is a young woman with a problematic past including an abusive relationship by an ex-boyfriend, she’s hiding from her past, keeping secrets but what is lies. Finally we meet Hannah an elderly woman who’s sister was killed tragically while Hannah was young, meeting Tom it becomes apparent that she confuses present day with the past as she believes Tom was her sisters killer.
The tension and hatred builds between the two woman with Hannah believing that Tom is in danger as he embarks on his new relationship with Alys. Who’s poisoning Toms mind with lies, can Tom make the final and ultimate decision, only turning the pages, reading the dramatic ending will finally give you your answer….
I had one slight niggle with the story, not an overly dramatic problem just felt the fluctuating between past and present was a little too much for me but the overall basis of the plotline solidified nicely together. I can honestly say that the Lies That Poison is a good read and held my attention until the end.
I look forward to reading more from Amanda Fleet in future. Thank you to Joffe Books, Amanda Fleet and Jill for an advanced readers copy of Lies That Poison in exchange for an honest review.
The story unfolds focusing on three different people, three different pasts, when their present lives collide.
We are introduced to Tom looking for a fresh start, trying to gain a foot hold in his life after a relationship break-up, moving to a small village in Yorkshire where his ambition is to start a business, he then becomes acquainted with Alys and Hannah. Alys is a young woman with a problematic past including an abusive relationship by an ex-boyfriend, she’s hiding from her past, keeping secrets but what is lies. Finally we meet Hannah an elderly woman who’s sister was killed tragically while Hannah was young, meeting Tom it becomes apparent that she confuses present day with the past as she believes Tom was her sisters killer.
The tension and hatred builds between the two woman with Hannah believing that Tom is in danger as he embarks on his new relationship with Alys. Who’s poisoning Toms mind with lies, can Tom make the final and ultimate decision, only turning the pages, reading the dramatic ending will finally give you your answer….
I had one slight niggle with the story, not an overly dramatic problem just felt the fluctuating between past and present was a little too much for me but the overall basis of the plotline solidified nicely together. I can honestly say that the Lies That Poison is a good read and held my attention until the end.
I look forward to reading more from Amanda Fleet in future. Thank you to Joffe Books, Amanda Fleet and Jill for an advanced readers copy of Lies That Poison in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2017
Amanda Fleet can write. If you have any affinity for redemptive love stories that unfold in a quaint Yorkshire village you will want to put your feet up and indulge. The prose is superbly descriptive and flows at the kind of melodious tempo that you can’t avoid being entranced by. I can understand why some readers just couldn’t put it down.
I personally felt like it was misplaced in the psychological thriller genre, however. The storyline was pretty obvious by the middle of the book, although we each unwrap mysteries and suspend disbelief in our own way and to the beat of our own drummer. That’s neither good nor bad; we’re just different.
In this case, however, I did find myself thinking that the storyline was so predictable that there must be the surprise of surprises lurking beyond the next page, given the genre. There had to be. But there wasn’t—at least none that I could unravel. (Other reviewers obviously got it.)
And then the book ended—quite literally, just ended, never really tying off the most glaring loose ends. For me, at least, it was a book begging for an epilogue that just wasn’t there.
The author is obviously capable so maybe this just wasn’t my story. I have nothing against small Yorkshire villages, rebirth, or love stories, but this village and this story of redemption and love just didn’t engage me the way I hope a psychological thriller will.
I will, however, try again with this author. And at the price offered it was a legitimate value and, for that, I give my thanks to the publisher and the author. They deserve our support.
I personally felt like it was misplaced in the psychological thriller genre, however. The storyline was pretty obvious by the middle of the book, although we each unwrap mysteries and suspend disbelief in our own way and to the beat of our own drummer. That’s neither good nor bad; we’re just different.
In this case, however, I did find myself thinking that the storyline was so predictable that there must be the surprise of surprises lurking beyond the next page, given the genre. There had to be. But there wasn’t—at least none that I could unravel. (Other reviewers obviously got it.)
And then the book ended—quite literally, just ended, never really tying off the most glaring loose ends. For me, at least, it was a book begging for an epilogue that just wasn’t there.
The author is obviously capable so maybe this just wasn’t my story. I have nothing against small Yorkshire villages, rebirth, or love stories, but this village and this story of redemption and love just didn’t engage me the way I hope a psychological thriller will.
I will, however, try again with this author. And at the price offered it was a legitimate value and, for that, I give my thanks to the publisher and the author. They deserve our support.
September 15, 2017
Tom has just moved into a new cottage and is having some building work done to complete his cookery school. His neighbours are Alys and Hannah who don’t have a good word to say about each other- Hannah constantly says Alys poisons people- “just look in her garden”. Hannah being elderly sometimes lives in a world of her own. She also calls Tom “Edward” and accuses him of a murder that happened before he was even born. Tom finds he wants to get to the bottom of this to restore the peace. Carys finds out that her boyfriend Rob is selling cut drugs which are making users ill and goes to report him. A brilliant story that I didn’t want to put down. I would have read the whole thing in one sitting if I could. Excellent believable characters (I really liked Tom) and a plot that you think you know what’s happening but…..I won’t spoil it. I very much look forward to more from this author. I don’t give 5* very easily and this one deserves it in spades. Stunning.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
September 18, 2017
2 stars
Tom Bowman moves to a pretty little village and away from near London. He plans to open a cooking school in his home and sets about hiring workmen to build him a new kitchen to achieve that task. He meets Alys the neighbor woman who is about his own age. She is a strange woman, given to wild mood swings. His neighbor on the other side is Hannah an elderly woman who shifts from living in the past and the present. At first meeting, she takes a dislike to Tom thinking he is the man who killed her sister some years earlier. At the second meeting she is fine and invites him into the house and has tea with him.
And then the story gets a little boring. I decided that this book is not for me. The characters are unlikeable and wander aimlessly through life. I just couldn’t get into the book. I did not finish it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding this book to me to read.
Tom Bowman moves to a pretty little village and away from near London. He plans to open a cooking school in his home and sets about hiring workmen to build him a new kitchen to achieve that task. He meets Alys the neighbor woman who is about his own age. She is a strange woman, given to wild mood swings. His neighbor on the other side is Hannah an elderly woman who shifts from living in the past and the present. At first meeting, she takes a dislike to Tom thinking he is the man who killed her sister some years earlier. At the second meeting she is fine and invites him into the house and has tea with him.
And then the story gets a little boring. I decided that this book is not for me. The characters are unlikeable and wander aimlessly through life. I just couldn’t get into the book. I did not finish it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding this book to me to read.
November 29, 2018
Set on the outskirts of a quaint Yorkshire hamlet, this novel reads like a 'cozy mystery' at the beginning... but don't be fooled.
Tom Bowman is a professional baker who has just moved to the area. He has purchased the middle cottage of three that lay situated on the edge of the village. He has just had a new second kitchen installed in which he plans to teach cooking/baking classes. A Michelin star chef, he has traded the stresses of his career for a more relaxed pace after an industrial accident and a relationship break-up.
As he is settling in to his new home, he meets his two neighbours. A young woman lives on one side of him, in the smallest cottage. Alys Peirson is rather prickly in nature, very secretive about her life, is an eccentric dresser and is very, very, thin. She tells him that she works at a co-op store a few days a week and spends the rest of her time tending to her chickens and making silk corsages to sell online. Alys seems to have had a troubled past which has left her with few financial resources and little self-esteem.
On the other side of Tom is his second neighbour, Hannah Wilson. She is very elderly and apparently suffers from dementia. She often mistakes Tom for another man (long dead) called Edward Farley. Tom takes her loaves of freshly baked bread and cakes when he drops in to see her. He worries that this vulnerable old woman lives alone, so he tries to check up on her frequently.
"The past was too crowded for both of them to stay there."
As time goes on, Tom builds up his business and finds himself falling for the aloof and enigmatic Alys. Their relationship grows very slowly with much trepidation on both their parts. Meanwhile, the elderly Hannah warns Tom to stay away from Alys. She vehemently swears that Alys is a 'poisoner' who has killed several people in the past. Alys, on the other hand shares Hannah's dislike and calls the older woman a "bitter, malicious, nasty piece of work."
Who is Tom to believe? The woman he has grown to love, or a demented elderly lady?
The three neighbours are all very, very, lonely people. What lengths will they go to keep their loneliness at bay?
Is the poison of the title actual poison? OR, is it the type of poison that lies can inflict upon a person's reputation and their life?
Then Hannah shows Tom a file she has compiled about Alys and the other names she has gone by in the past...
MY THOUGHTS
The cover features the byline "A gripping psychological thriller full of twists". For that reason I was completely surprised when I began reading. It didn't seem like a thriller at all. At first it reads like a cozy mystery, then later it leans toward a woman's fiction type romance, then finally it turns the suspense up and you begin to think perhaps the byline was accurate after all...
The protagonist, Tom Bowman, was a very nice man. If anything he was too nice, with no discernible faults at all. I wish he lived next door to me. Alys Pierson was very enigmatic. The reader doesn't know whether the woman is just damaged from a traumatic past, or, as the elderly neighbour suggests, that she is 'evil' and just hides it well. Hannah Wilson, though likable, goes from demented thoughts back to lucidity several times per day. She is a woman whose word you really cannot trust for that reason alone.
The setting was well described and I could imagine living in the remote Yorkshire hamlet. The writing was compelling and the characters well wrought. If I had to classify this novel it would be a blend of three equal parts: thriller/cozy mystery/ romantic suspense.
The ending did have a plot twist, though due to my own personal skepticism, one which I guessed in advance. This did not mar my enjoyment of the novel at all. In fact I would heartily recommend it and look forward to more books by this author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of "Lies that Poison" from Joffe Books via NetGalley in consideration of a review.
Tom Bowman is a professional baker who has just moved to the area. He has purchased the middle cottage of three that lay situated on the edge of the village. He has just had a new second kitchen installed in which he plans to teach cooking/baking classes. A Michelin star chef, he has traded the stresses of his career for a more relaxed pace after an industrial accident and a relationship break-up.
As he is settling in to his new home, he meets his two neighbours. A young woman lives on one side of him, in the smallest cottage. Alys Peirson is rather prickly in nature, very secretive about her life, is an eccentric dresser and is very, very, thin. She tells him that she works at a co-op store a few days a week and spends the rest of her time tending to her chickens and making silk corsages to sell online. Alys seems to have had a troubled past which has left her with few financial resources and little self-esteem.
On the other side of Tom is his second neighbour, Hannah Wilson. She is very elderly and apparently suffers from dementia. She often mistakes Tom for another man (long dead) called Edward Farley. Tom takes her loaves of freshly baked bread and cakes when he drops in to see her. He worries that this vulnerable old woman lives alone, so he tries to check up on her frequently.
"The past was too crowded for both of them to stay there."
As time goes on, Tom builds up his business and finds himself falling for the aloof and enigmatic Alys. Their relationship grows very slowly with much trepidation on both their parts. Meanwhile, the elderly Hannah warns Tom to stay away from Alys. She vehemently swears that Alys is a 'poisoner' who has killed several people in the past. Alys, on the other hand shares Hannah's dislike and calls the older woman a "bitter, malicious, nasty piece of work."
Who is Tom to believe? The woman he has grown to love, or a demented elderly lady?
The three neighbours are all very, very, lonely people. What lengths will they go to keep their loneliness at bay?
Is the poison of the title actual poison? OR, is it the type of poison that lies can inflict upon a person's reputation and their life?
Then Hannah shows Tom a file she has compiled about Alys and the other names she has gone by in the past...
MY THOUGHTS
The cover features the byline "A gripping psychological thriller full of twists". For that reason I was completely surprised when I began reading. It didn't seem like a thriller at all. At first it reads like a cozy mystery, then later it leans toward a woman's fiction type romance, then finally it turns the suspense up and you begin to think perhaps the byline was accurate after all...
The protagonist, Tom Bowman, was a very nice man. If anything he was too nice, with no discernible faults at all. I wish he lived next door to me. Alys Pierson was very enigmatic. The reader doesn't know whether the woman is just damaged from a traumatic past, or, as the elderly neighbour suggests, that she is 'evil' and just hides it well. Hannah Wilson, though likable, goes from demented thoughts back to lucidity several times per day. She is a woman whose word you really cannot trust for that reason alone.
The setting was well described and I could imagine living in the remote Yorkshire hamlet. The writing was compelling and the characters well wrought. If I had to classify this novel it would be a blend of three equal parts: thriller/cozy mystery/ romantic suspense.
The ending did have a plot twist, though due to my own personal skepticism, one which I guessed in advance. This did not mar my enjoyment of the novel at all. In fact I would heartily recommend it and look forward to more books by this author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of "Lies that Poison" from Joffe Books via NetGalley in consideration of a review.
September 16, 2017
Tom Bowman has recently completed the renovations and building works on a cottage in Yorkshire where he plans to open a baking school.
It is on the outskirts of a small village, he has two close neighbours.
One an elderly woman called Hannah who often confuses things that have happened in the past with the present.
The other a young woman called Alys, who Tom finds himself attracted to.
Unfortunately for Tom neither neighbour likes the other, Hannah accusing Alys of being a killer and Alys hating Hannah for lying about her.
Tom becomes friends with Hannah but as Alys and Tom grow closer Hannah becomes more agitated about Toms safety.
Hannah has investigated the crimes she alleges Alys is guilty of and gives Tom her evidence, who can Tom believe?
I enjoyed this book it was a good plot, well thought out and the characters grew on me.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I will be watching out for more by
Amanda Fleet and rate this as a 4 star mystery.
It is on the outskirts of a small village, he has two close neighbours.
One an elderly woman called Hannah who often confuses things that have happened in the past with the present.
The other a young woman called Alys, who Tom finds himself attracted to.
Unfortunately for Tom neither neighbour likes the other, Hannah accusing Alys of being a killer and Alys hating Hannah for lying about her.
Tom becomes friends with Hannah but as Alys and Tom grow closer Hannah becomes more agitated about Toms safety.
Hannah has investigated the crimes she alleges Alys is guilty of and gives Tom her evidence, who can Tom believe?
I enjoyed this book it was a good plot, well thought out and the characters grew on me.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I will be watching out for more by
Amanda Fleet and rate this as a 4 star mystery.
September 29, 2017
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I was excited to read this one after reading the books blurb but sadly I found it slightly lacking and it didn't meet my expectations. I didn't really gel with the characters and I found the storyline quite slow at times, there were some good aspects to the book don't get me wrong, at times the writing style and descriptions used were spot on and made me feel as though I was there with them, I liked the character of Hannah but I wasn't a fan of the others but that may well be the author's intention. It might be that it was just myself that didn't get on with the book so I'd still recommend you giving it a go and I have given this one 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 so its not a bad rating, sadly just doesn't compete with some of the other books in this genre also out at present.
I was excited to read this one after reading the books blurb but sadly I found it slightly lacking and it didn't meet my expectations. I didn't really gel with the characters and I found the storyline quite slow at times, there were some good aspects to the book don't get me wrong, at times the writing style and descriptions used were spot on and made me feel as though I was there with them, I liked the character of Hannah but I wasn't a fan of the others but that may well be the author's intention. It might be that it was just myself that didn't get on with the book so I'd still recommend you giving it a go and I have given this one 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 so its not a bad rating, sadly just doesn't compete with some of the other books in this genre also out at present.
September 10, 2017
I'd like to think that I was an author in another life. I am definitely not one now and as much as I love to read, I don't have the necessary skill set. I do however have the utmost respect for anyone who can take an idea and not only craft a story but publish it as well. Taking your creation and exposing it to public view has to be daunting.
The short summary I read sounded like an interesting mystery. It just didn't check that all important box of mine, needing to know what happens next. While I cared about the main characters to a certain degree, their actions and dialogue just felt flat. I wanted to like Tom, the baker, who in theory seemed like someone who would be a great friend. His interactions with Alys and Hannah and every other character just seemed off and I couldn't relate. As for Alys, what can I say, she was a total hot mess! Again, a character that I should have either felt sorry for and rooted for or despised because of her wicked nature. She didn't inspire either emotion in me though, sadly again, she just felt one dimensional.
There aren't many books I don't finish and I did read this one to the end, but with no sense of urgency. I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, but since I can't, rounding will make it 3 stars. I do appreciate the author's idea and for someone else, they might see something in the characters that I missed.
Thank you, Amanda Fleet, Joffe Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The short summary I read sounded like an interesting mystery. It just didn't check that all important box of mine, needing to know what happens next. While I cared about the main characters to a certain degree, their actions and dialogue just felt flat. I wanted to like Tom, the baker, who in theory seemed like someone who would be a great friend. His interactions with Alys and Hannah and every other character just seemed off and I couldn't relate. As for Alys, what can I say, she was a total hot mess! Again, a character that I should have either felt sorry for and rooted for or despised because of her wicked nature. She didn't inspire either emotion in me though, sadly again, she just felt one dimensional.
There aren't many books I don't finish and I did read this one to the end, but with no sense of urgency. I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, but since I can't, rounding will make it 3 stars. I do appreciate the author's idea and for someone else, they might see something in the characters that I missed.
Thank you, Amanda Fleet, Joffe Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2017
Tom has moved to a small village in Yorkshire to open his baking school after the end of a relationship. Alys is his neighbour on one side and Hannah is his neighbour on the other side. Alys is young and intrigues Tom and he soon finds himself falling for her. Hannah is an elderly lady and when she's not mistaking Tom for someone she knew when she was younger she spends most of her time warning him away from Alys saying she's not who she claims to be.
Good enough story but didn't really grab me. Found it difficult to warm to Tom - seemed to good to be true. Wasn't keen on the "flashbacks" to both Hannah and Alys' pasts either.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Amanda Fleet for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Good enough story but didn't really grab me. Found it difficult to warm to Tom - seemed to good to be true. Wasn't keen on the "flashbacks" to both Hannah and Alys' pasts either.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Amanda Fleet for the ARC in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2017
A very well edited book with a plausible storyline but I am sorry to say that is where it ends. I could not associate with the characters and it failed to command my attention. Many thanks to Joffe Books for enabling me to read this book.
September 22, 2017
I was sent an advance copy of this novel to read and review and from the very start it grabbed my attention and made me want to find out more. The story is basically told by 3 different people over a large span of time but it is all knitted neatly together to build a picture which conveys suspense and intrigue.
We begin with Hannah, the confused and muddled old lady, who is lamenting the death of her younger sister over 60 years ago, moving on to the arrival of Tom who has bought the house next door to Hannah in order to set up his new business. As the story progresses we meet Alys, who has an interesting past, gradually learning more and more about her through both her own narrative and Tom’s conversations with Hannah who doesn’t like or trust her. Tom is caught between the two of them – which one of them should he believe, the attractive young woman who has captured his heart, or the old and confused lady who frequently muddles him up with the man who caused her sisters death in 1952?
This novel is both captivating and mysterious, leading us down many different paths and keeping us guessing as to which way it will go. It certainly kept me guessing to the very end and, although my worst fears were correct it still surprised me with a strangely sad ending. Amanda Fleet is a very good writer and I would certainly love to read more of her novels if they are as good as this one.
We begin with Hannah, the confused and muddled old lady, who is lamenting the death of her younger sister over 60 years ago, moving on to the arrival of Tom who has bought the house next door to Hannah in order to set up his new business. As the story progresses we meet Alys, who has an interesting past, gradually learning more and more about her through both her own narrative and Tom’s conversations with Hannah who doesn’t like or trust her. Tom is caught between the two of them – which one of them should he believe, the attractive young woman who has captured his heart, or the old and confused lady who frequently muddles him up with the man who caused her sisters death in 1952?
This novel is both captivating and mysterious, leading us down many different paths and keeping us guessing as to which way it will go. It certainly kept me guessing to the very end and, although my worst fears were correct it still surprised me with a strangely sad ending. Amanda Fleet is a very good writer and I would certainly love to read more of her novels if they are as good as this one.
September 27, 2017
I found this to be a different type of thriller to my usual. There is usually some investigative element either a PI or Police and I felt a bit lost without it.
Tom is recovering from a broken heart and an accident and moves to the village to build a business and a new life. His character builds throughout the book but I felt it was missing some depth.
Alys is also trying to make a new life albeit one built on lies. As Alys and Tom are drawn together they try to work their way through a difficult relationship as they each try to move past the bad decisions they have made.
Hannah is an old lady who is beginning to confuse past with present. This is made worse because Tom bears a striking resemblance to a man that caused her family a lot of pain. Out of all the characters I really loved Hannah I thought she was realistic and I built a picture in my mind.
People are inclined to think the elderly are doddery old fools but in reality that is usually far from the truth despite appearances. This character captured that perfectly.
Hannah becomes convinced Alys is responsible for several deaths and has been doing some digging but can she convince Tom she is right?
The book moves along at a steady pace and it is pretty clear (or it was to me) what the outcome was going to be. There is a good attempt at a curve ball ending but it didn't quite work for me.
Thank you to Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advance copy.
Tom is recovering from a broken heart and an accident and moves to the village to build a business and a new life. His character builds throughout the book but I felt it was missing some depth.
Alys is also trying to make a new life albeit one built on lies. As Alys and Tom are drawn together they try to work their way through a difficult relationship as they each try to move past the bad decisions they have made.
Hannah is an old lady who is beginning to confuse past with present. This is made worse because Tom bears a striking resemblance to a man that caused her family a lot of pain. Out of all the characters I really loved Hannah I thought she was realistic and I built a picture in my mind.
People are inclined to think the elderly are doddery old fools but in reality that is usually far from the truth despite appearances. This character captured that perfectly.
Hannah becomes convinced Alys is responsible for several deaths and has been doing some digging but can she convince Tom she is right?
The book moves along at a steady pace and it is pretty clear (or it was to me) what the outcome was going to be. There is a good attempt at a curve ball ending but it didn't quite work for me.
Thank you to Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advance copy.
September 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book; set in the present day, but with some flashbacks to help you understand the characters a bit more.
The book moved at a great pace with enough going on to keep you interested, but with plenty of time to set the scene. I love books with good characters in, and this really did.
Tom, Alys and Hannah are all believable and were clearly created and developed with care. It is refreshing to read a book with a male character (Tom) in touch with his emotions, showing care for his neighbours – I really liked him. Sometimes the interactions between Tom and Alys seemed a little strained or odd which is a shame. The story did captivate me and kept me wondering which way it was going to end.
I have to admit I did find the ending disappointing, but maybe it was the only option?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.
The book moved at a great pace with enough going on to keep you interested, but with plenty of time to set the scene. I love books with good characters in, and this really did.
Tom, Alys and Hannah are all believable and were clearly created and developed with care. It is refreshing to read a book with a male character (Tom) in touch with his emotions, showing care for his neighbours – I really liked him. Sometimes the interactions between Tom and Alys seemed a little strained or odd which is a shame. The story did captivate me and kept me wondering which way it was going to end.
I have to admit I did find the ending disappointing, but maybe it was the only option?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.
September 24, 2017
Be warned that this one bounces around a lot in time (which is sometimes distracting) but it's a well plotted tale of man torn between two women. No, not that way, between an older woman neighbor who claims his young female neighbor (aka the love interest) is a bad one. There's secrets, lies, bad behavior, not nice people, and some interesting possibilities. This is a well written and clearly carefully plotted novel. Honestly, there were times I thought Tom should walk away from both Hannah and Alys. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This one seems to have engendered violently differing opinions- try it for yourself.
October 18, 2017
*Possible Spoilers*
I really enjoyed this story overall. It did start off a bit slow but halfway through it really picked up my interest. It's a enjoyable book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who is interested in mystery/thriller type books.
However, the real mystery of the story is what Tom ever saw in Alys? She was incredibly insufferable and there was nothing to her. I just couldn't quite connect to why he was so dedicated to her from the very start. I do wish there had had been some kind of link to Elizabeth as well or at least some real vengeance for Hannah. Little things in the grand scheme of it all though.
I really enjoyed this story overall. It did start off a bit slow but halfway through it really picked up my interest. It's a enjoyable book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who is interested in mystery/thriller type books.
However, the real mystery of the story is what Tom ever saw in Alys? She was incredibly insufferable and there was nothing to her. I just couldn't quite connect to why he was so dedicated to her from the very start. I do wish there had had been some kind of link to Elizabeth as well or at least some real vengeance for Hannah. Little things in the grand scheme of it all though.
November 3, 2017
It was ok
It wasn't really a psychological thriller. It was really just telling a story and giving more and more evidence to the part that is supposed to be thrilling. It had a surprise ending I guess, but nothing really thrilling. None of the characters were very likable, the dialogue wasn't very good and the story just felt very superficial. It was kinda cute and a light read but definitely not "a gripping psychological thriller full of twists"
It wasn't really a psychological thriller. It was really just telling a story and giving more and more evidence to the part that is supposed to be thrilling. It had a surprise ending I guess, but nothing really thrilling. None of the characters were very likable, the dialogue wasn't very good and the story just felt very superficial. It was kinda cute and a light read but definitely not "a gripping psychological thriller full of twists"
March 22, 2023
I never knew!!
I never knew it would end like this!!! I had it all except the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. The letters stumped me somewhat tho. Without spoilers, how do I comment any more? Tom is a good man with a good heart. Alys is a very troubled woman trying to straighten her life put. They live next door to each other. Small town rumors always hurt people, as you may have experienced. Alys knows this too. Please read this great book.
I never knew it would end like this!!! I had it all except the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. The letters stumped me somewhat tho. Without spoilers, how do I comment any more? Tom is a good man with a good heart. Alys is a very troubled woman trying to straighten her life put. They live next door to each other. Small town rumors always hurt people, as you may have experienced. Alys knows this too. Please read this great book.
March 19, 2025
Ery different from her earlier books, but still brilliantly written.
Didn’t like the start of this book….
in fact, very nearly didn’t read it, but had enjoyed Amanda’s earlier books sooooo much, that decided to push on with it….. and so very glad I did, it kept me worrying almost the whole way, but really enjoyed it!
Didn’t like the start of this book….
in fact, very nearly didn’t read it, but had enjoyed Amanda’s earlier books sooooo much, that decided to push on with it….. and so very glad I did, it kept me worrying almost the whole way, but really enjoyed it!
October 30, 2017
Lies
What an ending
Whoa never expected that very good reading . Love is illusive
.enjoyed the twist of the plot. thanks
What an ending
Whoa never expected that very good reading . Love is illusive
.enjoyed the twist of the plot. thanks
January 5, 2018
More bland than gripping
The characters were interesting for the first third of the book. I skimmed the middle and wasn’t very surprised by the end.
The characters were interesting for the first third of the book. I skimmed the middle and wasn’t very surprised by the end.
January 24, 2018
Coffee break???
For me this book was good for small jaunts at a time...hence, coffee break. For me Alys and Tom, well, just not believable.
For me this book was good for small jaunts at a time...hence, coffee break. For me Alys and Tom, well, just not believable.
October 16, 2017
Lies that Poison is a psychological thriller that centres on the lives of Tom, Alys and Hannah. The story goes between the past and the present as it explains some of the actions of the main characters.
Tom has recently moved to the village to set up a cooking school at his home. Having grown up in the area as a child he decided that it was a good place to start again after the breakdown of his previous relationship. In an effort to fit in he tries to make friends with his neighbours, Hannah and Alys. Tom seems to be a genuinely nice guy. I have to admit if I was faced with someone who could be as nice as pie one minute and then seem to fly off the handle the way that Hannah did I am not sure I would be as understanding, he also seems to just brush off Alys’s mood swings.
Hannah has lived in the village all her life and knows just about everyone. Hannah is haunted by the past and will quite often reminisce about her younger sister who committed suicide. She is now prone to severe memory loss, one minute she is very coherent and the next she is confusing Tom with the person she blames for her sister’s death. She has also taken a dislike to Alys and is constantly warning Tom against her. Due to the way that it is written, like Tom you can’t always be sure that there is any truth behind the things Hannah is saying or if it is just part of her failing health and confusion.
From the start you can sense that Alys is hiding something and this becomes more evident as the story progresses and it flits between the past and the present. Out of all the characters Alys is the one I connected with the least. She does not trust anyone and like Hannah can fly off the handle at a moment’s notice. She suffers from some kind of eating disorder and although this is glossed over to a certain extent, it also comes up every time she and Tom have a meal together. She also seems to resent any help that Tom tries to give her regarding both food and career advice. To her any help he tries to give is seen as trying to control her. To a certain extent I can see her point as you do have to question as to when encouragement steers into trying to force someone to do something against their will.
There was only one thing that niggled me a bit (and if I am honest it is probably just me being picky). I know that they say that everyone has a double – I feel sorry for the person who is a double of me, but the fact that both Tom and Alys resembled the two people that Hannah held responsible for her sister’s death just seemed a little too convenient. That being said it worked for the story being told and made you question if Hannah had a good reason to dislike Alys or not.
Despite being a little slow in the beginning, I found that once the story got going I raced through it. You know that it is not going to end well for someone but I will admit the ending was not quite what I thought it was going to be.
This is the first book by Amanda Fleet that I have read but I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
Tom has recently moved to the village to set up a cooking school at his home. Having grown up in the area as a child he decided that it was a good place to start again after the breakdown of his previous relationship. In an effort to fit in he tries to make friends with his neighbours, Hannah and Alys. Tom seems to be a genuinely nice guy. I have to admit if I was faced with someone who could be as nice as pie one minute and then seem to fly off the handle the way that Hannah did I am not sure I would be as understanding, he also seems to just brush off Alys’s mood swings.
Hannah has lived in the village all her life and knows just about everyone. Hannah is haunted by the past and will quite often reminisce about her younger sister who committed suicide. She is now prone to severe memory loss, one minute she is very coherent and the next she is confusing Tom with the person she blames for her sister’s death. She has also taken a dislike to Alys and is constantly warning Tom against her. Due to the way that it is written, like Tom you can’t always be sure that there is any truth behind the things Hannah is saying or if it is just part of her failing health and confusion.
From the start you can sense that Alys is hiding something and this becomes more evident as the story progresses and it flits between the past and the present. Out of all the characters Alys is the one I connected with the least. She does not trust anyone and like Hannah can fly off the handle at a moment’s notice. She suffers from some kind of eating disorder and although this is glossed over to a certain extent, it also comes up every time she and Tom have a meal together. She also seems to resent any help that Tom tries to give her regarding both food and career advice. To her any help he tries to give is seen as trying to control her. To a certain extent I can see her point as you do have to question as to when encouragement steers into trying to force someone to do something against their will.
There was only one thing that niggled me a bit (and if I am honest it is probably just me being picky). I know that they say that everyone has a double – I feel sorry for the person who is a double of me, but the fact that both Tom and Alys resembled the two people that Hannah held responsible for her sister’s death just seemed a little too convenient. That being said it worked for the story being told and made you question if Hannah had a good reason to dislike Alys or not.
Despite being a little slow in the beginning, I found that once the story got going I raced through it. You know that it is not going to end well for someone but I will admit the ending was not quite what I thought it was going to be.
This is the first book by Amanda Fleet that I have read but I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
October 11, 2018
Really enjoyed every page of this book. Great story kept me wanting to turn the next page. Would highly recommend
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