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In the Wake
'Deliciously dark and beautifully written, In The Wake offers a thrilling debut from a writer to watch.' - Dan Dalton, author of Johnny Ruin
When a body is found floating in London's Royal Albert Dock, successful public relations expert Kay Christie is sent to quiet the media, but things get complicated when it emerges that she knew the victim.
As events spiral out of control, Kay discovers that those close to her may be harbouring another secret - the story of a missing girl. Can Kay discover the truth before her life unravels and she risks losing everything?
In the Wake questions whether we can ever truly leave our pasts behind and explores the lengths that we will go to protect the people that we love.
When a body is found floating in London's Royal Albert Dock, successful public relations expert Kay Christie is sent to quiet the media, but things get complicated when it emerges that she knew the victim.
As events spiral out of control, Kay discovers that those close to her may be harbouring another secret - the story of a missing girl. Can Kay discover the truth before her life unravels and she risks losing everything?
In the Wake questions whether we can ever truly leave our pasts behind and explores the lengths that we will go to protect the people that we love.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2018
15 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 11, 2018
I found the gripping crime thriller "In the Wake" very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the creative storyline from the interesting start to the cracking finish.
Secrets always rise to the surface...... Kay, devastated by her mother's death, is struggling to maintain her high flying career. When called upon to handle a gruesome discovery she personally becomes entangled in the mystery itself. As she spirals out of control, long suppressed memories surface. What lengths will she go to right the wrongs of her past.
Very much a feminist crime thriller it features Kay, a strong lesbian protagonist who I particularly liked and enjoyed reading about. All the characters were well created and it was interesting to see how they all interacted with each other as the story progressed. With emphasis on family matters, relationships, unrealised trauma and alcoholism combined with a intriguing murder mystery and incorporating historical sexual abuse this excellent debut thriller by Helen Trevorrow is a pleasure to read, has a steady pace, keeps you compelled to keep reading and has a unique and original plot line.
I would happily recommend this entertaining book and this new author to readers of crime fiction and look forward to more books by Helen in the future.
4 stars
Secrets always rise to the surface...... Kay, devastated by her mother's death, is struggling to maintain her high flying career. When called upon to handle a gruesome discovery she personally becomes entangled in the mystery itself. As she spirals out of control, long suppressed memories surface. What lengths will she go to right the wrongs of her past.
Very much a feminist crime thriller it features Kay, a strong lesbian protagonist who I particularly liked and enjoyed reading about. All the characters were well created and it was interesting to see how they all interacted with each other as the story progressed. With emphasis on family matters, relationships, unrealised trauma and alcoholism combined with a intriguing murder mystery and incorporating historical sexual abuse this excellent debut thriller by Helen Trevorrow is a pleasure to read, has a steady pace, keeps you compelled to keep reading and has a unique and original plot line.
I would happily recommend this entertaining book and this new author to readers of crime fiction and look forward to more books by Helen in the future.
4 stars
March 29, 2018
The story opens up at Christmas Day in Samuel Lane Ward, Eight Floor, St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London when an unreliable temporary nurse hadn't shown up for work. When a body had been found underneath a luxury boat, but the successful public relations expert Kay Christie recognised the face.
November 9, 2019
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
[4.5 stars]
This is a tense, original debut thriller from Helen Trevorrow, whose writing style I love. It’s descriptive without being too much, has a strong plot that makes you want to read more, and features strong female characters who I loved reading about.
I don’t want to give too much away about the plot, but it addresses some serious themes and issues, and I have to say that some parts of the story are pretty dark, so prepare yourself. It all helps to build the tension in the story though, and it never feels gratuitous. I felt a true hatred for certain characters, which certainly helped me feel invested in the plot, and in what would end up happening to the brilliant main character, Kay Christie. The book also explores sexuality, desire and and female empowerment, which I really enjoyed reading about.
I really liked that this novel is based around a crime and investigation, but actually centres around characters from the world of PR and marketing, making a change from the oft-used detective and investigative journalist characters. It’s also based in London, which I always enjoy!
I didn’t want to put this novel down, racing through it in a matter of hours, but never feeling a need to skip past any of the satisfying prose. Every page is beautifully written and, for me, In The Wake stands apart from other books in the genre. Helen Trovorrow has crafted an entertaining, powerful novel which I’d really recommend.
Many thanks to Urbane Books and LoveBooksTours for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
[4.5 stars]
This is a tense, original debut thriller from Helen Trevorrow, whose writing style I love. It’s descriptive without being too much, has a strong plot that makes you want to read more, and features strong female characters who I loved reading about.
I don’t want to give too much away about the plot, but it addresses some serious themes and issues, and I have to say that some parts of the story are pretty dark, so prepare yourself. It all helps to build the tension in the story though, and it never feels gratuitous. I felt a true hatred for certain characters, which certainly helped me feel invested in the plot, and in what would end up happening to the brilliant main character, Kay Christie. The book also explores sexuality, desire and and female empowerment, which I really enjoyed reading about.
I really liked that this novel is based around a crime and investigation, but actually centres around characters from the world of PR and marketing, making a change from the oft-used detective and investigative journalist characters. It’s also based in London, which I always enjoy!
I didn’t want to put this novel down, racing through it in a matter of hours, but never feeling a need to skip past any of the satisfying prose. Every page is beautifully written and, for me, In The Wake stands apart from other books in the genre. Helen Trovorrow has crafted an entertaining, powerful novel which I’d really recommend.
Many thanks to Urbane Books and LoveBooksTours for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
March 7, 2018
I found gripping crime thriller "In The Wake" very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline from the interesting start to the cracking finish.
Secrets always rise to the surface..... Kay, devastated by her mother's death, is struggling to maintain her high flying career. When called upon to handle a gruesome discovery she personally becomes entangled in the mystery itself. As she spirals out of control, long suppressed memories surface. What lengths will she go to right the wrongs of her past.
Very much a feminist crime thriller it features Kay, a strong lesbian protagonist who I particularly liked and enjoyed reading about. With emphasis on family matters, relationships, unrealised trauma and alcoholism combined with a intriguing murder mystery and incorporating historical sexual abuse this debut thriller by Helen Trevorrow is a joy to read, easy to follow, keeps you compelled to keep reading and has a unique and original plot line.
I would happily recommend this book and the author to readers of crime fiction and look forward to more books by Helen in the future.
4 stars
Secrets always rise to the surface..... Kay, devastated by her mother's death, is struggling to maintain her high flying career. When called upon to handle a gruesome discovery she personally becomes entangled in the mystery itself. As she spirals out of control, long suppressed memories surface. What lengths will she go to right the wrongs of her past.
Very much a feminist crime thriller it features Kay, a strong lesbian protagonist who I particularly liked and enjoyed reading about. With emphasis on family matters, relationships, unrealised trauma and alcoholism combined with a intriguing murder mystery and incorporating historical sexual abuse this debut thriller by Helen Trevorrow is a joy to read, easy to follow, keeps you compelled to keep reading and has a unique and original plot line.
I would happily recommend this book and the author to readers of crime fiction and look forward to more books by Helen in the future.
4 stars
November 19, 2019
For me, this was a different read, most unexpected as the protagonist Kay was neither a cop or a detective. She worked in a PR firm and a body floating in a canal thrust her into memories of the past where she knew the victim but could tell no one. She monitored the investigation from the sidelines giving me the story from her POV.
My first book by author Helen Trevorrow, quite a clever bit of writing, I would say. I was pushed into the deep end and had to swim with the main character to understand her past and get to the present. Kay was complexed to say the least, who muddled through her relationships, yet was committed to her job.
The writing caused the suspense to ebb and flow as I became quite eager to know how Kay was connected to victim. I was shocked, to say the least. I wouldn't say I liked any of the characters, but they all played their parts to make the story exciting. Kay especially tried to right the wrong in ways possible, some parts were quite chilling.
I liked how the author explored the dark side of life with her writing. Quite an unexpected read.
My first book by author Helen Trevorrow, quite a clever bit of writing, I would say. I was pushed into the deep end and had to swim with the main character to understand her past and get to the present. Kay was complexed to say the least, who muddled through her relationships, yet was committed to her job.
The writing caused the suspense to ebb and flow as I became quite eager to know how Kay was connected to victim. I was shocked, to say the least. I wouldn't say I liked any of the characters, but they all played their parts to make the story exciting. Kay especially tried to right the wrong in ways possible, some parts were quite chilling.
I liked how the author explored the dark side of life with her writing. Quite an unexpected read.
June 1, 2018
In The Wake was a book that I could not put down. The prologue set the scene beautifully and from that moment on I was captivated. This is a book that features strong women, buried secrets, and mysteries that need to be solved. It's one hell of a cracking read.
The novel very much focuses upon how our past effects our future, and the fact that we can never fully escape from who we were in the past. We follow Kay, who is still dealing with her difficult psst, and watch as she becomes entangled with current events, that of the body that is found in the river. What is her link? Who is it? What happened? I frantically turned the pages to find out.
In The Wake is a riveting read. It is a serious book, that tackles some very dark issues. There are issues surrounding historical sexual abuse and alcoholism. Kay is also still coming to terms with her mother's death. All of these issues are dealt with sensitivity and compassionately.
This really is a deliciously entertaining crime thriller with a strong female lead. We follow two stories, those of a missing girl and the body that is found in the river. Kay becomes involved and we find out how she is linked because she knew the victim.
I loved the fact that the novel revolved around the PR media world. Kay plays a central part of this world, and I liked reading about her turbulent and, somewhat complicated personal life. Some of the things she did I should really have shook my head at, but I couldn't help but like her.
In The Wake is the kind of book that you say to yourself, 'just a few more pages' and then find yourself still reading an hour later. It's a wonderful read from an incredibly talented debut author.
With thanks to the publisher who sent me a paperback proof copy for review purposes.
The novel very much focuses upon how our past effects our future, and the fact that we can never fully escape from who we were in the past. We follow Kay, who is still dealing with her difficult psst, and watch as she becomes entangled with current events, that of the body that is found in the river. What is her link? Who is it? What happened? I frantically turned the pages to find out.
In The Wake is a riveting read. It is a serious book, that tackles some very dark issues. There are issues surrounding historical sexual abuse and alcoholism. Kay is also still coming to terms with her mother's death. All of these issues are dealt with sensitivity and compassionately.
This really is a deliciously entertaining crime thriller with a strong female lead. We follow two stories, those of a missing girl and the body that is found in the river. Kay becomes involved and we find out how she is linked because she knew the victim.
I loved the fact that the novel revolved around the PR media world. Kay plays a central part of this world, and I liked reading about her turbulent and, somewhat complicated personal life. Some of the things she did I should really have shook my head at, but I couldn't help but like her.
In The Wake is the kind of book that you say to yourself, 'just a few more pages' and then find yourself still reading an hour later. It's a wonderful read from an incredibly talented debut author.
With thanks to the publisher who sent me a paperback proof copy for review purposes.
May 12, 2018
Fabulous page turner with really strong gay female main character. Really amps up the pace the more you get into the book and my favourite sections were in the last third where the action comes to a climax.
Read
September 16, 2021I'm abandoning this one, I don't care much for selfreproaching rants
November 12, 2022
This was a dark fast paced read and on the face of it right up my street. I just didn't gell with the characters or the plot but I can see how other people would find it a good read.
I was given a free copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
I was given a free copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
June 30, 2018
Helen Trevorrow’s debut novel is an intense, entertaining, and gripping feminist psychological crime thriller.
When the police retrieve a body from the Thames around the London Excel Centre, the life of Kay Christie takes an unpredictable turn. A quick, careless look at the dead man is enough to shock and upset her. Kay knows the victim: Lance Corporal Benedict Philips.
Painful and horrible memories resurface from the past. A past Kay thought the time had washed away. Kay desperately tries to focus on her life and job, but DS Polly Harvey, the detective in charge of the investigation, informs her that Jim, her father, is allegedly involved in the murder.
In the out-of-control spirals of events, Kay finds out the cruel and horrifying truth behind the homicide and learns the hard way that seemingly innocent and friendly people may hide terrible and obscure secrets.
‘In the wake’ is an unusual and intriguing novel. It’s unusual, because, differently from other thrillers, it doesn’t merely focus on the investigation. The solution of the mystery is cleverly intertwined with Kay’s psychological state and her professional and personal life.
It’s intriguing because it immediately becomes evident that the connection between Kay and Benedict is strictly intimate as well as terrifying. The reader slowly discovers what really happened through the effective use of captivating flashbacks, which increase the suspense of the story.
Kay Christie is a complicate and perfectly troubled main character. The sudden death of her mother destroyed her and brought her father to abuse alcohol. The complex state of her mind dramatically influences her private life; Kay, indeed, feels a strong physical attraction for DS Harvey and feels more and more distant from her partner Julia. The power of true love and forgiveness allow Kay and Julia to maintain and save their relationship.
The novel is a highly recommended and satisfying reading for the most demanding and exigent thriller lovers.
I’d sincerely like to thank Helen Trevorrow and Urbane Publication for having given the opportunity to read this astonishing novel.
When the police retrieve a body from the Thames around the London Excel Centre, the life of Kay Christie takes an unpredictable turn. A quick, careless look at the dead man is enough to shock and upset her. Kay knows the victim: Lance Corporal Benedict Philips.
Painful and horrible memories resurface from the past. A past Kay thought the time had washed away. Kay desperately tries to focus on her life and job, but DS Polly Harvey, the detective in charge of the investigation, informs her that Jim, her father, is allegedly involved in the murder.
In the out-of-control spirals of events, Kay finds out the cruel and horrifying truth behind the homicide and learns the hard way that seemingly innocent and friendly people may hide terrible and obscure secrets.
‘In the wake’ is an unusual and intriguing novel. It’s unusual, because, differently from other thrillers, it doesn’t merely focus on the investigation. The solution of the mystery is cleverly intertwined with Kay’s psychological state and her professional and personal life.
It’s intriguing because it immediately becomes evident that the connection between Kay and Benedict is strictly intimate as well as terrifying. The reader slowly discovers what really happened through the effective use of captivating flashbacks, which increase the suspense of the story.
Kay Christie is a complicate and perfectly troubled main character. The sudden death of her mother destroyed her and brought her father to abuse alcohol. The complex state of her mind dramatically influences her private life; Kay, indeed, feels a strong physical attraction for DS Harvey and feels more and more distant from her partner Julia. The power of true love and forgiveness allow Kay and Julia to maintain and save their relationship.
The novel is a highly recommended and satisfying reading for the most demanding and exigent thriller lovers.
I’d sincerely like to thank Helen Trevorrow and Urbane Publication for having given the opportunity to read this astonishing novel.
October 18, 2019
(3.5*)Kay Christie is a successful PR business woman running her own business with her partner. One day at an event at Excel a body is found and Kay is certain she knows who it is. The PR contract is failing and accounts for 70% of the business so Kay wants to do her best to retrieve it and/or get new business whilst doing her best to push attention away from the crime. This is a very different read as there are several issues covered at once. The PR business, Kay relationships, the murder , her own issues, and more so quite a heavy load. A read where the main character has her own demons and some fairly explicit sexual scenes (lesbian). This is a debut novel and very well written. Once I got through the first twenty five percent or so the rest sped by and I was happily turning the pages. A crime read with a difference. A murder , a missing nurse and much much more. A writer to watch in the future.
November 18, 2019
A dark crime thriller, with a fusion of psychological suspense, police procedural and noir romance making this book a riveting read.
This story starts with an unnoticed disappearance, then a body and finally a connection. The reader is thrown into a maelstrom of crime, drama and suspense, which ramps up with each turn of the page.
Told in the third person from Kay’s point of view, with illuminating flashback chapters to two historical time periods, you wonder if she is hiding something, and she is. Past connections and present-day loyalties and dangerous sexual attraction, make Kay vulnerable. If she cannot work out what is happening and who she can trust, she will pay the ultimate price.
This is a fast-paced, gritty thriller, with sex and violence taking centre stage. Kay takes the role of an unreliable protagonist. A clever, intriguing noir crime thriller, that makes an enjoyable read for those who like a seamless fusion of literary genres.
I received a copy of this book from Urbane Publications in return for an honest review.
This story starts with an unnoticed disappearance, then a body and finally a connection. The reader is thrown into a maelstrom of crime, drama and suspense, which ramps up with each turn of the page.
Told in the third person from Kay’s point of view, with illuminating flashback chapters to two historical time periods, you wonder if she is hiding something, and she is. Past connections and present-day loyalties and dangerous sexual attraction, make Kay vulnerable. If she cannot work out what is happening and who she can trust, she will pay the ultimate price.
This is a fast-paced, gritty thriller, with sex and violence taking centre stage. Kay takes the role of an unreliable protagonist. A clever, intriguing noir crime thriller, that makes an enjoyable read for those who like a seamless fusion of literary genres.
I received a copy of this book from Urbane Publications in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The story hooked me in right away. There are a lot of twists and turns and complexities. Lots of layers and not a single flat character.
It’s dark and gritty, but not overly so. There are some disturbing parts, but nothing gratuitous or insensitive.
I knocked off a star because I felt the pace was a little too fast. It’s a thriller and meant to be fast, but with so many moving pieces, I would have enjoyed it more if it slowed down just a touch. Still, a fun read and I recommend it. It’s perfect for a vacation / long weekend read.
It’s dark and gritty, but not overly so. There are some disturbing parts, but nothing gratuitous or insensitive.
I knocked off a star because I felt the pace was a little too fast. It’s a thriller and meant to be fast, but with so many moving pieces, I would have enjoyed it more if it slowed down just a touch. Still, a fun read and I recommend it. It’s perfect for a vacation / long weekend read.
November 29, 2019
4☆ A Dark, Gritty & Enthralling Debut Crime Thriller.
In the Wake is Trevorrow's Debut Novel and it was brilliant, gritty, dark, thrilling and enthralling.
Kay works in PR and when she is asked to investigate a mysterious body that is washed up, she never in her wildest dreams, would of imagined knowing the victim.
How and why she knows the victim is yet to be discovered. But what it does do is trigger very painful and dark memories for Kay she had long since locked away.
There are some sensitive subjects but Trevorrow has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make a powerful impact and relevance to the plot.
In the Wake is a very different and unique crime thriller, I really liked that it wasn't solely caught up in the investigation side of things, it was so much more than that.
The pace flowed along perfectly ramping up in suspense a little at a time.
The Characters are well thought out, complex and created and provoked the right emotions you expect from this genre.
In The Wake is a gripping, dark, enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages, it's full of secrets, mystery, intrigue and pain.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Trevorrow. A Fantastic Unique Debut I highly recommend!
Thank you to Kelly at Love Book Group Tours and Urbane Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
In the Wake is Trevorrow's Debut Novel and it was brilliant, gritty, dark, thrilling and enthralling.
Kay works in PR and when she is asked to investigate a mysterious body that is washed up, she never in her wildest dreams, would of imagined knowing the victim.
How and why she knows the victim is yet to be discovered. But what it does do is trigger very painful and dark memories for Kay she had long since locked away.
There are some sensitive subjects but Trevorrow has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make a powerful impact and relevance to the plot.
In the Wake is a very different and unique crime thriller, I really liked that it wasn't solely caught up in the investigation side of things, it was so much more than that.
The pace flowed along perfectly ramping up in suspense a little at a time.
The Characters are well thought out, complex and created and provoked the right emotions you expect from this genre.
In The Wake is a gripping, dark, enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages, it's full of secrets, mystery, intrigue and pain.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Trevorrow. A Fantastic Unique Debut I highly recommend!
Thank you to Kelly at Love Book Group Tours and Urbane Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
November 22, 2019
This is a dark gritty thriller, it did take me a while to get into the story though as I felt it seemed to jump about a bit, but once I got my stride going I couldn't put this down! Kay Christie is facing a PR nightmare and her job when a boy is discovered floating in the docks at the Excel. She catches a glimpse of his face, and we are met with her recognition of the dead man and from here everything takes a downward spiral.
Memories of her past encounter with the dead man come to the forefront and as she struggles with losing her biggest client, relationship problems, becoming attracted to the police officer working the case --honestly there is so much going on that you just cant help but keep reading until the wee hours of the morning!
This story will have you gripped and when it all comes together at the end I was not expecting the who, even though something was niggling at me thinking it could have been them
Please note this books features a lesbian relationship with some fairly explicit sexual scenes.
Memories of her past encounter with the dead man come to the forefront and as she struggles with losing her biggest client, relationship problems, becoming attracted to the police officer working the case --honestly there is so much going on that you just cant help but keep reading until the wee hours of the morning!
This story will have you gripped and when it all comes together at the end I was not expecting the who, even though something was niggling at me thinking it could have been them
Please note this books features a lesbian relationship with some fairly explicit sexual scenes.
November 23, 2019
This is a thriller, but not just a thriller. The writing is so descriptive at times you really can picture the scene and feel the chaos that surrounds Kay.
Told in the present, with some chapters that look to the past, to build the overall picture.
There has been a murder and Kay knows the victim and she decides to discover why they’ve ended up dead. But at what cost? As events start to affect her own life, should she leave this well alone.?
I found this to be a slow burn of a read, one to take your time over as you enjoy the murder mystery, tension, secrets and lots of intrigue to make this an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you to Kelly At Love Books Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Told in the present, with some chapters that look to the past, to build the overall picture.
There has been a murder and Kay knows the victim and she decides to discover why they’ve ended up dead. But at what cost? As events start to affect her own life, should she leave this well alone.?
I found this to be a slow burn of a read, one to take your time over as you enjoy the murder mystery, tension, secrets and lots of intrigue to make this an engaging and entertaining read.
Thank you to Kelly At Love Books Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
July 8, 2018
Read this book in a day and a bit - putting it down reluctantly when I had to. The writer's voice is confident, witty and stylish - I frequently wanted to read out memorable lines to whoever happened to be nearby. The plot is multi-layered, fast-paced and full of surprises - I gasped out loud at a twist towards the end! There's a murder, yes, but much more. The central character, Kay, struggles with what's happening around her and within her she's easy to like. Looking forward to Helen Trevorrow's next book!
July 3, 2018
With this being Helen Trevorrow’s debut book I wasn’t sure what to expect but I didn’t need to worry, this book has well thought out and VERY flawed characters, a cunning plot that has your mind reeling the whole way through and the story that has you feeling like you were there the whole time with Kay and her team.
There is a lot to take in with this book, secrets, past stories and plenty of details, so pay attention! I found the first half of the book a little slow to get into but once the story started flowing I flew right through it. Kay is a marmite character, you’re either going to love her or hate her. I liked the fact that I felt she was a ‘real’ person with family and personal issues, i could relate to her in most ways.
I very much enjoyed In The wake and I look forward to seeing what Helen brings us next. A solid 4 golden apples.
#LoveBooksGroupTours
There is a lot to take in with this book, secrets, past stories and plenty of details, so pay attention! I found the first half of the book a little slow to get into but once the story started flowing I flew right through it. Kay is a marmite character, you’re either going to love her or hate her. I liked the fact that I felt she was a ‘real’ person with family and personal issues, i could relate to her in most ways.
I very much enjoyed In The wake and I look forward to seeing what Helen brings us next. A solid 4 golden apples.
#LoveBooksGroupTours
November 18, 2022
Kay has her own PR firm and work for Excel. A body is found floating in the dock just as they are preparing for the boat show. A nurse is missing - is it her?
The weather is terrible and the wind lift the forensics tent set up over the body just as Kay is looking out of the window - she recognises the body! It is not the nurse, but Kay keeps all this to herself. Then it transpires her father was working as a security guard at the time and 'wiped' the security footage.
Kay is in shock and doesn't know what to do, her father is not answering his phone, her staff are acting strange and it looks like her firm will lose the work with Excel.
Her relationship with her partner Julia is affected by her involvement with the DS on the case. There are more twists and turns in this thrilling story.
The weather is terrible and the wind lift the forensics tent set up over the body just as Kay is looking out of the window - she recognises the body! It is not the nurse, but Kay keeps all this to herself. Then it transpires her father was working as a security guard at the time and 'wiped' the security footage.
Kay is in shock and doesn't know what to do, her father is not answering his phone, her staff are acting strange and it looks like her firm will lose the work with Excel.
Her relationship with her partner Julia is affected by her involvement with the DS on the case. There are more twists and turns in this thrilling story.
November 19, 2022
This book comes out November 18, 2022. The paperback is available November 18, 2022. This is a story with multiple murders, and twists and turns. The story beginnings with a body floating in London's Royal Albert Dock, successful public relations expert Kay Christie is sent to quiet the media. But things get complicated when it emerges that she knew the victim. You will meet other characters, like Detective Sergent Harvey, Simon Bell, Jacquie McCoy. Julia Rothman, Belinda Salas, and other characters too.
Sample: The dead body in the water, Kay recognized the face.
I can't say more, so not to ruin the plot for others. This story grips you as you keep reading each page getting more and more interesting, intriguing, and compelling, I enjoyed this novel. I hope you give it a try. You will be glad you did.
Sample: The dead body in the water, Kay recognized the face.
I can't say more, so not to ruin the plot for others. This story grips you as you keep reading each page getting more and more interesting, intriguing, and compelling, I enjoyed this novel. I hope you give it a try. You will be glad you did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
I really struggled to connect with this book, I found the characters somewhat unlikeable and felt the thrust of the narrative revolved around wallowing in the protagonist's self-pity; striving for relevance like The Girl on the Train but instead becoming this shallow attempt at self-control - by the end I was pleased a resolution was reached so I could close the book
March 24, 2019
Nicely written.
November 21, 2019
See blog for full review
I enjoyed this book once I got into it. Kay is a complex character with a painful past that is damaging her present.
I enjoyed this book once I got into it. Kay is a complex character with a painful past that is damaging her present.
November 12, 2021
Ugh, no way, confusing
I gave up a few chapters in. Thankfully, it was free from Audible Plus. Of course, maybe it was just me.
I gave up a few chapters in. Thankfully, it was free from Audible Plus. Of course, maybe it was just me.
November 18, 2022
An original thriller, which I really enjoyed.
March 28, 2023
A chilling feminist novel - great read and page turner
October 16, 2018
I loved Helen’s writing. There’s a rhythm and poetry to it that I really enjoyed. Her description is remarkable. Sometimes you can read descriptive passages that are so long that you’ve forgotten what the story was about. This is different. It’s a line of metaphor or simile, or just pure expression, that instantly colours the scene, visually or emotionally: ‘their chairs had grown closer together, the way shoes move under the bed in the night’.
The story, at first, is enjoyably chaotic. A prelude, and then interspersed chapters that take us back in time, but it’s the jumble of thoughts of the protagonist, Kay, that can sometimes leave the reader playing catch-up. We have a murder in the workplace and Kay thinks she recognises the body – as she tries to unravel the mystery of the death, her own life begins to unravel around her.
It took me a good part of the book to tune into this style. The pace of the narrative varies, from slow, delicately remembered childhood moments, to the brutal, savage imagery of assault, via the occasional steam of sex and lust. The latter entirely justified within the emotional motivation of the characters. A good read that brings together murder, mystery, suspense, emotion and intrigue against a backdrop of wonderful writing. Definitely a five start review for a debut novel.
The story, at first, is enjoyably chaotic. A prelude, and then interspersed chapters that take us back in time, but it’s the jumble of thoughts of the protagonist, Kay, that can sometimes leave the reader playing catch-up. We have a murder in the workplace and Kay thinks she recognises the body – as she tries to unravel the mystery of the death, her own life begins to unravel around her.
It took me a good part of the book to tune into this style. The pace of the narrative varies, from slow, delicately remembered childhood moments, to the brutal, savage imagery of assault, via the occasional steam of sex and lust. The latter entirely justified within the emotional motivation of the characters. A good read that brings together murder, mystery, suspense, emotion and intrigue against a backdrop of wonderful writing. Definitely a five start review for a debut novel.
October 26, 2020
With this being Helen Trevorrow’s debut book I wasn’t sure what to expect but I didn’t need to worry, this book has well thought out and VERY flawed characters, a cunning plot that has your mind reeling the whole way through and the story that has you feeling like you were there the whole time with Kay and her team.
There is a lot to take in with this book, secrets, past stories and plenty of details, so pay attention! I found the first half of the book a little slow to get into but once the story started flowing I flew right through it. Kay is a marmite character, you’re either going to love her or hate her. I liked the fact that I felt she was a ‘real’ person with family and personal issues, i could relate to her in most ways.
I very much enjoyed In The wake and I look forward to seeing what Helen brings us next.
There is a lot to take in with this book, secrets, past stories and plenty of details, so pay attention! I found the first half of the book a little slow to get into but once the story started flowing I flew right through it. Kay is a marmite character, you’re either going to love her or hate her. I liked the fact that I felt she was a ‘real’ person with family and personal issues, i could relate to her in most ways.
I very much enjoyed In The wake and I look forward to seeing what Helen brings us next.
October 30, 2020
I loved this stylish modern thriller with a twist. PR person Kay Christie unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when a body washes up outside her company's HQ. When it turns out that she knows the victim, things get complicated and personal. And Kay's got quite enough on her plate already t0 be honest, and that's even before she finds out certain uncomfortable facts from her family's past. Kay's love life and her relationship with alcohol also feature large in this quirky page turner. I really warmed to Kay, and the cast of other characters, and found this a joy to read. Totally recommend to anyone who likes clever writing, murder mysteries and strong, 'real' female characters.
November 25, 2022
This novel starts off with a murder but the main character Kay Christie is neither a cop nor a PI. She is in public relations and in charge of major public event for a company on the waterfront where the body is found. Kay recognizes the victim but tells no one, including the reader, for a long time what her connection to the deceased was.
Kay has been traumatized by the death of her mother and that provides a backdrop to the plot. She is in a lesbian relationship with Julie who is a prominent socialite. But she becomes attracted to DS Polly Harvey who is investigating the murder.
Kay is a strong feminist with a curious past as we learn as the secrets of the past become known.
Definitely not a police procedural. The author is off to a good start with this debut novel.
Kay has been traumatized by the death of her mother and that provides a backdrop to the plot. She is in a lesbian relationship with Julie who is a prominent socialite. But she becomes attracted to DS Polly Harvey who is investigating the murder.
Kay is a strong feminist with a curious past as we learn as the secrets of the past become known.
Definitely not a police procedural. The author is off to a good start with this debut novel.
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