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Stitched
A patchwork of lies and threads of abuse…Stitched is a gruesome tale of control, fear and brutality.
To the outside world, Andrew Brooke is a cop who’s obsessively committed to his job. But behind closed doors, he enforces his dominance and disciplines his wife, Emily, in the most inhumane ways. When his life begins to fall apart and his reputation becomes tarnished, he unleashes his anger and seeks revenge on those who dare to encounter him.
Emily Brooke is left broken by her husband’s hand, with no means of escape. Eventually, though weak and confused, she manages to flee. But is the life she escapes to a better one?
Detective Donavan has his own demons to battle following his wife’s death. Assigned a missing person’s case that leads to a series of brutal attacks, he follows the trail of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Stitcher’ - but will his own dark secrets get in the way of justice being served?
Stitched perfectly demonstrates how cruel life – and people – can be.
To the outside world, Andrew Brooke is a cop who’s obsessively committed to his job. But behind closed doors, he enforces his dominance and disciplines his wife, Emily, in the most inhumane ways. When his life begins to fall apart and his reputation becomes tarnished, he unleashes his anger and seeks revenge on those who dare to encounter him.
Emily Brooke is left broken by her husband’s hand, with no means of escape. Eventually, though weak and confused, she manages to flee. But is the life she escapes to a better one?
Detective Donavan has his own demons to battle following his wife’s death. Assigned a missing person’s case that leads to a series of brutal attacks, he follows the trail of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Stitcher’ - but will his own dark secrets get in the way of justice being served?
Stitched perfectly demonstrates how cruel life – and people – can be.
- GenresThriller
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2019
10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Elaine
9 books30 followers Bio
Cheryl Elaine is a British Author, and resides in Yorkshire. Throughout her life she has been an avid reader and wrote many short stories, which lead her on a path to the world of publishing. She released her debut novel - No Ordinary Girl, followed by her latest release - Stitched.
I hope you enjoy my dark and disturbing crime books, and if you fancy reading something lighter, why not check out my fantasy novel – Dragged to the Depths.
You can find out more about me, at the following places
https://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/cherylelaine...
https://www.instagram.com/cherylelain...
https://twitter.com/CherylElaine15
Cheryl Elaine is a British Author, and resides in Yorkshire. Throughout her life she has been an avid reader and wrote many short stories, which lead her on a path to the world of publishing. She released her debut novel - No Ordinary Girl, followed by her latest release - Stitched.
I hope you enjoy my dark and disturbing crime books, and if you fancy reading something lighter, why not check out my fantasy novel – Dragged to the Depths.
You can find out more about me, at the following places
https://www.cherylelaine.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/cherylelaine...
https://www.instagram.com/cherylelain...
https://twitter.com/CherylElaine15
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 19, 2019
Stories to do with domestic abuse certainly are not the easiest of subjects to read. The author certainly doesn’t sugar coat it in Stitched. I flinched at every bit of abuse that poor Emily has to endure at the hands of her monster of a husband. It really makes for a sombre read and my hatred for Andrew intensified the further into the story I got.
Emily’s plight really tugs on the readers heart strings. It was sad to see also the mental abuse she has had to put up with and how she merely exists rather than lives and is frightened of anything and everything. The author truly captures life with an abusive partner and how they manipulate them.
Stitched probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but the story line was compelling and definitely didn’t turn out the way I was expecting. A bit of a mix of domestic noir and psychological thriller. It is very dark and chilling and had me totally gripped.
My thanks to Shell Baker from Baker’s Blog Tours and Promo for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Emily’s plight really tugs on the readers heart strings. It was sad to see also the mental abuse she has had to put up with and how she merely exists rather than lives and is frightened of anything and everything. The author truly captures life with an abusive partner and how they manipulate them.
Stitched probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but the story line was compelling and definitely didn’t turn out the way I was expecting. A bit of a mix of domestic noir and psychological thriller. It is very dark and chilling and had me totally gripped.
My thanks to Shell Baker from Baker’s Blog Tours and Promo for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 12, 2019
The subtitle for this book uses the word 'gruesome' for a very good reason - because some parts of the story are exactly that. The gruesome is never just there for the sake of it though. It is used well to emphasise the pain and heartbreak that Emily suffers at the hands of her husband, Andy.
There are numerous episodes of violent domestic abuse that I found difficult to read, mostly because I'm aware that what is happening to Emily inside a story, is happening to many women in reality. Andy is barbaric, disturbed, unhinged and ready to lash out at Emily at any moment. In the moments where his anger builds I felt anxious, but wanted to continue reading.
Both the cover and the title for this book caught my attention. There was a moment as I read, where I realised why both are what they are, and it cemented the fact that they suit the story very well.
Yes parts of this book are disturbing. They made me wonder, how much more of this can Emily cope with? But, I admire authors who can take such an emotional topic and weave such a great story from it. If you can cope with such dark subject matter, than I highly recommend this book.
There are numerous episodes of violent domestic abuse that I found difficult to read, mostly because I'm aware that what is happening to Emily inside a story, is happening to many women in reality. Andy is barbaric, disturbed, unhinged and ready to lash out at Emily at any moment. In the moments where his anger builds I felt anxious, but wanted to continue reading.
Both the cover and the title for this book caught my attention. There was a moment as I read, where I realised why both are what they are, and it cemented the fact that they suit the story very well.
Yes parts of this book are disturbing. They made me wonder, how much more of this can Emily cope with? But, I admire authors who can take such an emotional topic and weave such a great story from it. If you can cope with such dark subject matter, than I highly recommend this book.
January 31, 2019
Gruesome crimes. What really goes on behind closed doors?
Yes, this book covers the horrendous issue of domestic abuse but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is something far more sinister going on.
Andrew Brooke is is a cop, dedicated to his job but his wife, Emily is a broken woman.
Will she be able to escape years of abuse and find the happiness she deserves?
Another incredible read from Cheryl Elaine.
Yes, this book covers the horrendous issue of domestic abuse but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is something far more sinister going on.
Andrew Brooke is is a cop, dedicated to his job but his wife, Emily is a broken woman.
Will she be able to escape years of abuse and find the happiness she deserves?
Another incredible read from Cheryl Elaine.
March 24, 2019
My god, are there any words that can be used to describe the feelings I have with this book. It is horrifying, gut-wrenching, dark, gruesome, raw, brutal…the list is endless but what a bloody good read. Even though I feel like I need to have a good shower and watch lots of happy things to move on.
It is hard to review this book too much without giving any details of the plot but I will try to convey my opinions somehow!
This book is a harrowing account of domestic abuse and word of warning extremely graphic. I am exhausted and drained from reading this book! Andy, the husband, is one of the most sadistic, horrifying, cruel men I have ever read in a book and that is saying something. There is no ounce of me that feels any remorse for him even when you learn of his upbringing, he is one vile human being. I think the hatred poured out of every part of me, I did not know what to do with all this pent up anger!
Emily, the wife, well all I will say is this book title means more than one thing to her. Her life was just one nightmare after another nightmare and my heart went out to her. How can one person have so much crap sent her way! A real kicker in her story.
This book is an incredibly hard and uncomfortable read, especially when you know that this does happen to women daily. Men thinking they can possess them, the way Andy possess Emily. I could not put this book down, I flew through it, wound up so tight like a snake ready to spring into action. I needed justice, I needed a happy ending, I needed tissues, I needed something!!
Ms Elaine’s writing is raw and the story focussed on the end game. She knows the right things to say to send chills to the reader and make their stomach churn and I admit I did flinch at the more graphic scenes of abuse.
Now, this is going to sound so wrong, but I loved this book. It had me gripped, it did not give and certainly did not shy away from anything. It made you watch wide-eyed with the horrors as they unfolded, showing you how abuse does not always come in the physical form.
It was an incredible read and one that will stay with me for a long time.
I really do need to pick up her other books too! Definitely, a book that will be in at least my Top 20 wrap up for the year!
March 25, 2019
When you first meet Emily she is a well and truly broken woman living under the total dominance of her brute of a husband. Involving the police isn’t an option for her has her husband is a police officer, no-one would ever believe her. The story follows the daily life of Emily, imprisoned in her own home, beaten, belittled and humiliated which was made ten fold worse if Andrew Brooke had a bad day at work.
Emily had accepted this as her life, it is heart breaking being in her mind as the fear of him returning home builds as the time in the day ticks by. Everything she does she questions if it is good enough, as the thought of Andrew is so overwhelming. She has resigned herself to this is her lot but when Andrew takes it all to a new physical level again, something he hasn’t done for years, I wanted to tear this man apart! The scenes are pretty graphic and something that would haunt some readers, so this is a warning. Already ruined, as far as motherhood goes, all I could think is this man is going to kill his wife one day and dump her like garbage.
When a new neighbour moves into the empty house next door things begin to heat up. Oh my this went on to a new level, I was reading clutching a cushion, in small bursts and plenty cups of tea. I was contradicting myself on every page, talk to him, don’t talk to him. OMG don’t knock on the door and knock the bloody door down! This was insane it was like a freight train was coming and I was the rabbit in the head lights holding on to Emily!
This is the third Cheryl Elaine book that I have read and each has had a darkness that descends far deeper than you could ever imagine, reading this I was quite a while before I got back into the light. A very heart pounding chilling read that is a way of life for so many people but I was totally thrown with the ending of this book. I know I will be compelled to read the next one that this author writes as she really has some pretty wicked thoughts and unusual captivating endings.
Emily had accepted this as her life, it is heart breaking being in her mind as the fear of him returning home builds as the time in the day ticks by. Everything she does she questions if it is good enough, as the thought of Andrew is so overwhelming. She has resigned herself to this is her lot but when Andrew takes it all to a new physical level again, something he hasn’t done for years, I wanted to tear this man apart! The scenes are pretty graphic and something that would haunt some readers, so this is a warning. Already ruined, as far as motherhood goes, all I could think is this man is going to kill his wife one day and dump her like garbage.
When a new neighbour moves into the empty house next door things begin to heat up. Oh my this went on to a new level, I was reading clutching a cushion, in small bursts and plenty cups of tea. I was contradicting myself on every page, talk to him, don’t talk to him. OMG don’t knock on the door and knock the bloody door down! This was insane it was like a freight train was coming and I was the rabbit in the head lights holding on to Emily!
This is the third Cheryl Elaine book that I have read and each has had a darkness that descends far deeper than you could ever imagine, reading this I was quite a while before I got back into the light. A very heart pounding chilling read that is a way of life for so many people but I was totally thrown with the ending of this book. I know I will be compelled to read the next one that this author writes as she really has some pretty wicked thoughts and unusual captivating endings.
March 4, 2019
Poor Emily is beaten black and blue by her husband Andrew Brooke. As Andrew is a policeman, Emily believes him when he says nobody will ever believe her. When a new neighbour called Donovan pops round to say hello, things go from bad to worse for Emily. She finally realises she needs to leave before Andrew kills her.
The story is difficult to read and you can’t help but flinch at some of what you read. You are warned that this book is gruesome, you really need to take this on board before reading.
Cheryl Elaine writes a novel that makes you stop and think about domestic violence. Yes, some scenes are graphic but there are a lot of women and men that go through this day in, day out. This is a clever book that leaves you thinking you have it all worked out - I promise you, you don’t! I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
The story is difficult to read and you can’t help but flinch at some of what you read. You are warned that this book is gruesome, you really need to take this on board before reading.
Cheryl Elaine writes a novel that makes you stop and think about domestic violence. Yes, some scenes are graphic but there are a lot of women and men that go through this day in, day out. This is a clever book that leaves you thinking you have it all worked out - I promise you, you don’t! I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
March 21, 2019
Sometimes a book is so raw you feel the words slice across your skin. Of course, this is nothing new for the wonderful Cheryl Elaine, or for me. A year ago, I read and enjoyed her debut novel, No Ordinary Girl, a book equally boasting a no-holds-barred realism, that authors more worried about lining their wallets, would dilute. Stitched, is wonderful in the way it refuses to be gentle. The graphic descriptions remind us that we don’t live in Disneyland, and the world can be an awful place.
The plot is gripping from the start. An abusive husband and a submissive wife tangled in a marriage of lies. He a policeman, and she a beaten prisoner. This is a psychological/horror. An example of how close to make-believe monsters some humans can be.
With each twist and turn, I was hooked, not knowing where the story would take me. I read this book in two days. My only gripe being that it ended too soon. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a run-of-the-mill crime/thriller. It’s not. It’s anything but. Don’t read on a full stomach, that’s all I’ll say. Cheryl is the queen of the dark thriller.
The plot is gripping from the start. An abusive husband and a submissive wife tangled in a marriage of lies. He a policeman, and she a beaten prisoner. This is a psychological/horror. An example of how close to make-believe monsters some humans can be.
With each twist and turn, I was hooked, not knowing where the story would take me. I read this book in two days. My only gripe being that it ended too soon. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a run-of-the-mill crime/thriller. It’s not. It’s anything but. Don’t read on a full stomach, that’s all I’ll say. Cheryl is the queen of the dark thriller.
February 8, 2019
Crikey! This goes from strength to strength as a bully of a man gets worse & worse. The truth of everything about him unfolds & his poor wife & what she endures from him. As the truth is shown the troubles just get worse & worse. I don’t do spoilers & I just want to lay out what happens but I can’t!
This is a hard hitting & at times troubling painful book, but it’s really good & as it’s hard hitting it just kept me wanting to know more & see what was going to happen next.
Fab & gripping.
This is a hard hitting & at times troubling painful book, but it’s really good & as it’s hard hitting it just kept me wanting to know more & see what was going to happen next.
Fab & gripping.
March 9, 2019
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 177
Publisher - AAH Publishing
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
A patchwork of lies and threads of abuse…Stitched is a gruesome tale of control, fear and brutality.
To the outside world, Andrew Brooke is a cop who’s obsessively committed to his job. But behind closed doors, he enforces his dominance and disciplines his wife, Emily, in the most inhumane ways. When his life begins to fall apart and his reputation becomes tarnished, he unleashes his anger and seeks revenge on those who dare to encounter him.
Emily Brooke is left broken by her husband’s hand, with no means of escape. Eventually, though weak and confused, she manages to flee. But is the life she escapes to a better one?
Detective Donavan has his own demons to battle following his wife’s death. Assigned a missing person’s case that leads to a series of brutal attacks, he follows the trail of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Stitcher’ - but will his own dark secrets get in the way of justice being served?
Stitched perfectly demonstrates how cruel life – and people – can be.
My Review
Emily Brooke is beaten, broken, abused, humiliated all at the hands of her husband, officer Andrew Brooke. Emily tries to be a good wife, keep the house clean, have the food just right, predict when to talk, what to say, when to be silent but sometimes getting it right isn't enough. Emily knows her husband is a monster but can't begin to imagine just how evil Andrew can be, finding out may just kill her.
From the opening chapter we get flung in at the deep end, Emily is in an abusive relationship, every kind of abuse you imagine, she suffers it. The author pulls no punches when it comes to graphic details, Emily lives it and you will read it. Stitched is not for the faint hearted, easily offended and as trigger warnings seem to be the thing just now this one will trigger for many. Brutality to a level on par with pure evil, Andrew Brooke is a nasty creation that you think you get the measure of from the opening scenes but we are just scratching the surface.
The book draws you in deeper with each step into Emily's life when you think you have it figured you get another curve ball thrown. You read and get through one horror and another awaits to shock and pull the rug from under you. It is certainly a page turner (as well as a stomach churner) and pushes even the most hardened reader, abuse in almost all forms from a monster meant to protect the public. I think depending on your personal history and circumstances will depend on how this book impacts on you, the minute details that can set these abusers off is terrifying. The claustrophobic scenes have you holding your breath living through the terror with Emily as she endures each torment, the hairs on my arms are standing up just recalling some of the scenes. Elaine's previous book is dark and showing the worst of humanity, I think this book may surpass that purely because it manifests in what is supposed to be a safe environment, the marital home. A book that is bound to push buttons, emotions, split readers and keep the reader hooked page after page, 3.5/5 for me this time.
Pages - 177
Publisher - AAH Publishing
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
A patchwork of lies and threads of abuse…Stitched is a gruesome tale of control, fear and brutality.
To the outside world, Andrew Brooke is a cop who’s obsessively committed to his job. But behind closed doors, he enforces his dominance and disciplines his wife, Emily, in the most inhumane ways. When his life begins to fall apart and his reputation becomes tarnished, he unleashes his anger and seeks revenge on those who dare to encounter him.
Emily Brooke is left broken by her husband’s hand, with no means of escape. Eventually, though weak and confused, she manages to flee. But is the life she escapes to a better one?
Detective Donavan has his own demons to battle following his wife’s death. Assigned a missing person’s case that leads to a series of brutal attacks, he follows the trail of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Stitcher’ - but will his own dark secrets get in the way of justice being served?
Stitched perfectly demonstrates how cruel life – and people – can be.
My Review
Emily Brooke is beaten, broken, abused, humiliated all at the hands of her husband, officer Andrew Brooke. Emily tries to be a good wife, keep the house clean, have the food just right, predict when to talk, what to say, when to be silent but sometimes getting it right isn't enough. Emily knows her husband is a monster but can't begin to imagine just how evil Andrew can be, finding out may just kill her.
From the opening chapter we get flung in at the deep end, Emily is in an abusive relationship, every kind of abuse you imagine, she suffers it. The author pulls no punches when it comes to graphic details, Emily lives it and you will read it. Stitched is not for the faint hearted, easily offended and as trigger warnings seem to be the thing just now this one will trigger for many. Brutality to a level on par with pure evil, Andrew Brooke is a nasty creation that you think you get the measure of from the opening scenes but we are just scratching the surface.
The book draws you in deeper with each step into Emily's life when you think you have it figured you get another curve ball thrown. You read and get through one horror and another awaits to shock and pull the rug from under you. It is certainly a page turner (as well as a stomach churner) and pushes even the most hardened reader, abuse in almost all forms from a monster meant to protect the public. I think depending on your personal history and circumstances will depend on how this book impacts on you, the minute details that can set these abusers off is terrifying. The claustrophobic scenes have you holding your breath living through the terror with Emily as she endures each torment, the hairs on my arms are standing up just recalling some of the scenes. Elaine's previous book is dark and showing the worst of humanity, I think this book may surpass that purely because it manifests in what is supposed to be a safe environment, the marital home. A book that is bound to push buttons, emotions, split readers and keep the reader hooked page after page, 3.5/5 for me this time.
January 31, 2019
Is everything what it seems? Are the pillars of our society our protectors? Maybe on the surface , but we don't know what lurks underneath.
Andrew Brooke is a cop who is dedicated to his job, but all is not what it seems; he hides a dark secret!
Behind closed doors he is a controlling, dominating husband. His wife Emily lives in fear of him. His time as the perfect cop is limited as he is accused of rape. His life falls apart and his reputation is stained. He takes this out on all who cross his path; but Emily bears his wrath more than most. She seems to have little room for escape but eventually she manages to escape. But to what?
Donovan a detective, with demons of his own enters the story. He has never seemed to recovered from wife's death. He throws himself into his workload and is assigned a missing person's case. This involves him in following the trail of a serial nicknamed " The Stitcher"
The further he goes into the investigation , the darker it becomes.
It shows that life can be cruel...… And not all is black and white.
Andrew Brooke is a cop who is dedicated to his job, but all is not what it seems; he hides a dark secret!
Behind closed doors he is a controlling, dominating husband. His wife Emily lives in fear of him. His time as the perfect cop is limited as he is accused of rape. His life falls apart and his reputation is stained. He takes this out on all who cross his path; but Emily bears his wrath more than most. She seems to have little room for escape but eventually she manages to escape. But to what?
Donovan a detective, with demons of his own enters the story. He has never seemed to recovered from wife's death. He throws himself into his workload and is assigned a missing person's case. This involves him in following the trail of a serial nicknamed " The Stitcher"
The further he goes into the investigation , the darker it becomes.
It shows that life can be cruel...… And not all is black and white.
January 31, 2019
This author was a new discovery for me last year and what a revelation she was. This like her other crime story is not for the fainthearted, and at times skirts close to the boundary of Ok. However it needs to do that because it makes the story so much more powerful as it reflects the monsters in humans, and makes you think about the deep impact of certain types of crimes on their victims. This novel is a read in one sitting kind of read probably during the day, and it will leave you thinking. I love Cheryl Elaines books and really hope that she continues to write for a long time to come a solid 5* read for me
March 3, 2019
Stitched up good and proper
What a read. We’re introduced to meek abused Emily who lives in terror of her husband’s arrival home. Emily knows Andy is a brute. Even she can’t imagine the secrets he keeps, until new neighbour Donovan forces himself into her life and unleashed the truth.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a character so dark and twisted as Andy. Even into the last act things got so much darker than I expected. A series of third act twists also reveal that many of our characters have their own agenda.
A superb read that leaves you breathless with characters who each have their own voice. What a talent!
What a read. We’re introduced to meek abused Emily who lives in terror of her husband’s arrival home. Emily knows Andy is a brute. Even she can’t imagine the secrets he keeps, until new neighbour Donovan forces himself into her life and unleashed the truth.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a character so dark and twisted as Andy. Even into the last act things got so much darker than I expected. A series of third act twists also reveal that many of our characters have their own agenda.
A superb read that leaves you breathless with characters who each have their own voice. What a talent!
February 10, 2021
After to speaking to the lovely Cheryl Elaine the other day I thought id better give one of her books a go. I realised I had Stitched on my kindle so went with that.
My review
Emily is married to Andy, and is broken. The man she married is a sadistic egotistical manic wife beater. She cowers at his fists and raised voice. She makes sure the house is clean to his standards. What's worse, Andy is a policeman.
One day a new neighbour moves in. Donovan is nice looking and kind. Emily feels an instant attraction. After receiving the worst beating of her life as punishment for speaking to him, Emily finally decides to escape.
At the same time women around the city are being brutally raped and some murdered, their lips stitched together and what happened to the missing woman?
I was warned going into this by other people that it was brutal but I didn't think it was any more or less than other stuff I've read. I did wince a couple of times though.
I have to say that Andy is one of the most evil despicable repugnant characters I've read. I hate him!
I thought it was just going to be a book of another wife beating controlling husband, but its not. There's so much more to it. A few great twists and turns along the way.
My review
Emily is married to Andy, and is broken. The man she married is a sadistic egotistical manic wife beater. She cowers at his fists and raised voice. She makes sure the house is clean to his standards. What's worse, Andy is a policeman.
One day a new neighbour moves in. Donovan is nice looking and kind. Emily feels an instant attraction. After receiving the worst beating of her life as punishment for speaking to him, Emily finally decides to escape.
At the same time women around the city are being brutally raped and some murdered, their lips stitched together and what happened to the missing woman?
I was warned going into this by other people that it was brutal but I didn't think it was any more or less than other stuff I've read. I did wince a couple of times though.
I have to say that Andy is one of the most evil despicable repugnant characters I've read. I hate him!
I thought it was just going to be a book of another wife beating controlling husband, but its not. There's so much more to it. A few great twists and turns along the way.
February 14, 2020
At page one I was telling myself that this book definitely wasn’t my kind of read, but by the end of the first chapter (and Emily Brooke’s first beating at the hands of her sadistic husband) I was well and truly hooked. This is no ordinary novel, the author tackles the almost taboo subject of domestic abuse, but it does a lot to highlight a very real issue. The story is handled with raw emotion, no holds barred, with every graphic detail laid bare, yet done so well that it becomes addictive & the reader can’t stop turning pages. Finally, having taken you on a ride that leaves you shocked, Cheryl Elaine delivers a cracker of a twist, one so unexpected that it left me open-mouthed.
February 18, 2019
Not for the fainthearted. Starts off with an abusive marriage but ends up so much more than that. I'm reluctant to say much more in case I spoil it.
March 2, 2019
I don't think I've shouted at a book so much as stitched im shattered lol. The twists i didn't see coming at all brilliant book Cheryl Elaine x
January 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Last of my FB Group genre challenges & this one wasn’t for me.
I don’t get any enjoyment from the issues in the book & the ending was so implausible.
I don’t get any enjoyment from the issues in the book & the ending was so implausible.
March 6, 2019
Wow
Couldn’t put this book down. Could nearly picture the characters it was so well written. Totally unexpected ending. Will definitely be looking out for more books by this author .
Couldn’t put this book down. Could nearly picture the characters it was so well written. Totally unexpected ending. Will definitely be looking out for more books by this author .
February 9, 2019
A reasonable read, felt rushed though and heavy going at times. The end was ridiculously unbelievable
May 21, 2019
The title is what sparked my interest in this book. I wanted to see if the story line would hold my interest. The beginning of the book about Emily being kept as as a slave by her out of control demented husband made me wonder if the violence at that level would continue because I don't enjoy reading about battered women even fictional terms. I was glad that Donovan helped her win with the second chance. The one reason why I gave this book 2 stars is most of the characters did not have much of a background that would hold my interest. The ending definitely was unbelievable. A women that has finally escaped having a very sheltered life would so easily go back that way of life without trying to seek of help from other places rather than the police, such as a battered women assistance.
October 30, 2022
The characters are obnoxious stereotypes and it takes far, far, far too long for the supposed protagonist to actually do anything. Contrast this with Stephen King's similarly-themed novel "Rose Madder"; we see exactly one instance of violence from the abusive husband, and then Rosie makes the decision to leave in the chapter immediately afterwards. Dragging it out like this just makes the character sound incredibly whiny, even if the danger is real.
August 26, 2019
This was brilliant. With similar themes to the authors debut novel, it was packed full of action both dark and shocking. With likeable characters and a sinister killer with a very gruesome MO. It is full of twists and has a shocking ending.
February 10, 2020
I read this book in one sitting that's how much I loved it. Andrew Brooke is a policeman and is one of the nastiest and inhumane characters I've ever come across. The suffering he caused his wife is horrific. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
March 28, 2020
2 stars
I really wanted to like this, but it felt clumsy throughout and completely unrealistic. Perhaps some research before writing would have made it more believable. The descriptive passages were imaginative and it had potential, so it did keep me reading to the end.
I really wanted to like this, but it felt clumsy throughout and completely unrealistic. Perhaps some research before writing would have made it more believable. The descriptive passages were imaginative and it had potential, so it did keep me reading to the end.
May 24, 2019
Never felt so disgusted by the male main character before. Ms Elaine knows how to tell a gruesome and gripping tale. 5 Stars
August 27, 2019
The ending of this book was absolutely ridiculous
September 30, 2019
Brilliant gruesome and twisted book
December 16, 2020
Brilliant real page turner
Great characters Gripping storyline. A must read. Graphic in parts also very emotional. I would highly recommend it. I couldn’t stop reading it
Great characters Gripping storyline. A must read. Graphic in parts also very emotional. I would highly recommend it. I couldn’t stop reading it
March 29, 2019
Thank you to Shell Baker of Baker’s Blog Tours and Promo’s for inviting me to be part of the blog tour for the new release by Cheryl Elaine - Stitched
Cheryl Elaine is a first time author for me , add to that the cover of the book, I’ll be honest I felt a bit of trepidation and did wander “am I going to want to read this?”, honest answer, yes I did. It was a good read , dealing with a very difficult subject matter.
No beating about the bush, this is a story of abuse, of fear, of control , manipulation and betrayal, and worse, at times it’s absolutely horrific.
The first chapter is brutal, unpleasant reading. Emily Brooke is a woman in living in fear, being beaten and broken by her husband Andrew Brooke, a Police officer who finds himself in deep water after he commits an assault
It becomes quickly apparent this is not only a tale of vile domestic abuse, it’s much more.
Detective Donovan is on the hunt for a brutal serial killer “ The Stitcher” and his hunt throws him directly into the path of the Brookes.
What follows really is savage stuff, a tale of human attrition, bravery to survive , and will power to go on versus the most heinous of killers.
The finale is completely shocking and it ties up the loose ends of the story nicely.
It’s written very hauntingly and each chapter is just dreading what the poor victim has coming next, it’s unpleasant but you have to read more.
I recommend this to anyone interested in very hard hitting fiction
3.5⭐️
Cheryl Elaine is a first time author for me , add to that the cover of the book, I’ll be honest I felt a bit of trepidation and did wander “am I going to want to read this?”, honest answer, yes I did. It was a good read , dealing with a very difficult subject matter.
No beating about the bush, this is a story of abuse, of fear, of control , manipulation and betrayal, and worse, at times it’s absolutely horrific.
The first chapter is brutal, unpleasant reading. Emily Brooke is a woman in living in fear, being beaten and broken by her husband Andrew Brooke, a Police officer who finds himself in deep water after he commits an assault
It becomes quickly apparent this is not only a tale of vile domestic abuse, it’s much more.
Detective Donovan is on the hunt for a brutal serial killer “ The Stitcher” and his hunt throws him directly into the path of the Brookes.
What follows really is savage stuff, a tale of human attrition, bravery to survive , and will power to go on versus the most heinous of killers.
The finale is completely shocking and it ties up the loose ends of the story nicely.
It’s written very hauntingly and each chapter is just dreading what the poor victim has coming next, it’s unpleasant but you have to read more.
I recommend this to anyone interested in very hard hitting fiction
3.5⭐️
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