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The Abbey #2
The Refuge
Following the death of The Brotherhood's charismatic but sinister leader, Dominic, Melissa and her husband Mark resolve to turn the Abbey into a refuge for victims of domestic abuse. But when Melissa's long-lost sister, Jess, turns up at the Abbey, new complications arise.
The Abbey residents welcome the new arrival but find it hard to cope with the after-effects of her past. As Jess struggles to come to terms with what she's been through, her sudden freedom brings unforeseen difficulties. The appearance of a stalker - who bears a striking resemblance to the man who kept her prisoner for nine years - leads to serious problems for Jess.
Meanwhile, Mark also finds that his past is coming back to haunt him. When a mother and daughter venture from the Abbey into the local town for a shopping trip, there are dreadful consequences.
A build-up of tension, a poorly baby and a well-planned trap lead Mel, Jess and their family into a terrifying situation.
Can Jess overcome the traumas of her past to rescue her sister?
The Abbey residents welcome the new arrival but find it hard to cope with the after-effects of her past. As Jess struggles to come to terms with what she's been through, her sudden freedom brings unforeseen difficulties. The appearance of a stalker - who bears a striking resemblance to the man who kept her prisoner for nine years - leads to serious problems for Jess.
Meanwhile, Mark also finds that his past is coming back to haunt him. When a mother and daughter venture from the Abbey into the local town for a shopping trip, there are dreadful consequences.
A build-up of tension, a poorly baby and a well-planned trap lead Mel, Jess and their family into a terrifying situation.
Can Jess overcome the traumas of her past to rescue her sister?
- GenresMystery
245 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2019
225 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Jo Fenton
7 books52 followersJo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.
Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.
When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.
Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.
When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 24, 2019
Having raced through Jo Fenton’s debut novel, The Brotherhood, I couldn’t wait to read The Refuge and I wasn’t disappointed! The Refuge is dark, shocking and brilliantly executed. I’m so glad the author chose to set this story in the same building as the first book because the Abbey has so much character. At the start of the book the building has been reclaimed by Mel and Mark and turned into a refuge for victims of domestic abuse but it doesn’t take long before doubt creeps in about some of the residents and it starts to feel like a prison again. I also loved the return of Jess after years of captivity and all the issues that came with her trying to adjust to life outside captivity. There are strong themes of friendship, love and abuse running through the novel and an agonising tension as it hurtles towards the breath-taking ending. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys disturbing psychological stories
May 26, 2019
Much like The Brotherhood, The Refuge is a novel you need to experience. I went in as blind as possible and I am so glad I did. It was shocking and Jo Fenton’s writing just blows me away. I could not put this one down.
I love that The Refuge is just as good, if not better than the first novel. Sometimes sequels can be underexecuted, but this was not the case. I’m a really big fan of how Jo Fenton’s writing draws you in and keeps you there – through all the twists and turns. It’s magnificant and I can’t wait to read more from her.
I know this review is a bit shallow on details, but I really think you should just read it for yourself. Both The Brotherhood and The Refuge are compelling, captivating, disturbing and twisty. Neither should be missed!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
I love that The Refuge is just as good, if not better than the first novel. Sometimes sequels can be underexecuted, but this was not the case. I’m a really big fan of how Jo Fenton’s writing draws you in and keeps you there – through all the twists and turns. It’s magnificant and I can’t wait to read more from her.
I know this review is a bit shallow on details, but I really think you should just read it for yourself. Both The Brotherhood and The Refuge are compelling, captivating, disturbing and twisty. Neither should be missed!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
May 28, 2019
I absolutely loved The Brotherhood. When I saw we were getting more I was so excited. My expectations were high and I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Melissa and her husband are determined to to turn the Abbey into a refuge fr victims of domestic abuse.
I’m hesitant to say much about the storyline. I really do feel you need to read it for yourself. The Refuge is action packed with twists I didn’t see coming.
Cannot praise this author highly enough. These two books are a must read.
Melissa and her husband are determined to to turn the Abbey into a refuge fr victims of domestic abuse.
I’m hesitant to say much about the storyline. I really do feel you need to read it for yourself. The Refuge is action packed with twists I didn’t see coming.
Cannot praise this author highly enough. These two books are a must read.
July 16, 2019
I hadn't thought The Brotherhood needed a sequel until I started reading The Refuge. How wrong I was! We quickly realise that all is not well in The Abbey and it's about to get a whole lot worse. Right from the very first page, we're taken on a rollercoaster of emotions with danger at every turn. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say that if you enjoyed The Brotherhood then you absolutely mustn't go past this next instalment.
December 20, 2020
As a sequel to "The Brotherhood", this has the same setting but the story is quite different. By now the Abbey has been turned into a refuge for women and is also a place for the victims left from the previous incarnation of the abbey. It is now bein run by Mel and Mark.
Where "The Brotherhood" deals with cults taking advantage of innocent people, "The Refuge" is set against a background of domestic violence, in fact all violence against women and children. This is a very important and current problem which is handled in a sensitive way here.
While trying to make a success of The Abbey, Mel is reunited with her sister who had been abducted many years before and who had been suffering violence at the hands of her abductor ever since. The investigation to discover this person takes up most of the action of the book.
There is a satisfying ending, and in all the book itself is most satisfying.
Where "The Brotherhood" deals with cults taking advantage of innocent people, "The Refuge" is set against a background of domestic violence, in fact all violence against women and children. This is a very important and current problem which is handled in a sensitive way here.
While trying to make a success of The Abbey, Mel is reunited with her sister who had been abducted many years before and who had been suffering violence at the hands of her abductor ever since. The investigation to discover this person takes up most of the action of the book.
There is a satisfying ending, and in all the book itself is most satisfying.
January 27, 2023
Superb Edge-Of-Your-Seat Page-Turner
This deeply disturbing tale is a real page-turner, and I read its 247 pages on my Kindle in double-quick time.
As some of the descriptions could be deemed to be triggering, I'll alert you to the warning line on the book's Amazon page: "Contains Disturbing Scenes."
A sequel to Jo Fenton's earlier novel, The Brotherhood, there's enough explanation of what happened previously, to make this a stand-alone story without necessarily having to read the earlier book to follow what's going on.
Set in a converted abbey that is now being run as a hostel-cum-refuge for abused women, we learn of the truly terrifying ordeals experienced by a number of them, including one of the two central characters, Jess, whose story is the most shocking of all.
She is, perhaps, the only truly likeable character in the book - we certainly can't warm to any of the men, even if we understand what makes most of them act the way they do.
The story doesn't shy away from tackling severe abuse of women head-on, and while most of the characters may not be likeable, they would appear to be well-fleshed out and realistic, which is a testament to the author's skillful writing.
The story builds quickly, and even inside the supposed safe refuge of the abbey, danger lurks regularly. Just when you think it's passed, something else emerges to menace the women, as Jo Fenton takes the twists and turns along at a cracking pace.
All the ingredients are there to make this a truly outstanding psychological thriller, and the bloodthirsty climax brings it to a satisfying conclusion.
This deeply disturbing tale is a real page-turner, and I read its 247 pages on my Kindle in double-quick time.
As some of the descriptions could be deemed to be triggering, I'll alert you to the warning line on the book's Amazon page: "Contains Disturbing Scenes."
A sequel to Jo Fenton's earlier novel, The Brotherhood, there's enough explanation of what happened previously, to make this a stand-alone story without necessarily having to read the earlier book to follow what's going on.
Set in a converted abbey that is now being run as a hostel-cum-refuge for abused women, we learn of the truly terrifying ordeals experienced by a number of them, including one of the two central characters, Jess, whose story is the most shocking of all.
She is, perhaps, the only truly likeable character in the book - we certainly can't warm to any of the men, even if we understand what makes most of them act the way they do.
The story doesn't shy away from tackling severe abuse of women head-on, and while most of the characters may not be likeable, they would appear to be well-fleshed out and realistic, which is a testament to the author's skillful writing.
The story builds quickly, and even inside the supposed safe refuge of the abbey, danger lurks regularly. Just when you think it's passed, something else emerges to menace the women, as Jo Fenton takes the twists and turns along at a cracking pace.
All the ingredients are there to make this a truly outstanding psychological thriller, and the bloodthirsty climax brings it to a satisfying conclusion.
December 4, 2024
I read this after The Brotherhood. It was well-written and full of the suspense and plot twists of the first book. I suppose that reading it directly after the first meant that I had an idea of what to expect and it wasn't as impactful and shocking, but no less enjoyable. It's easy to question why people would want to remain in the Abbey after their experiences there, but they are vulnerable and do not think or react in the same way as people who have not suffered the same experiences. It again kept me up late, so I would recommend!
March 2, 2020
Worth every penny
Got this for free with Prime. If you go to the Abbey you must know this. Every women will be raped, if not abducted and tortured in some dungeon like place. You must rely on men to save you. There are wicked people all around but you won't be able to tell who they are (hint: they are the ones who act nuts.) Everyone in the town around the Abbey is somehow connected to each other or you.
Got this for free with Prime. If you go to the Abbey you must know this. Every women will be raped, if not abducted and tortured in some dungeon like place. You must rely on men to save you. There are wicked people all around but you won't be able to tell who they are (hint: they are the ones who act nuts.) Everyone in the town around the Abbey is somehow connected to each other or you.
November 8, 2021
Disturbing
Most of the book is well written and truly disturbing.
This is the second book I’ve read by Jo Fenton. Again I find I cannot like any character in the story. The majority of the men are sad excuses for men. The women are all damaged messes.
Best thing bout this book is I read two other books and started another. Found a couple of characters to like in those pages.
Most of the book is well written and truly disturbing.
This is the second book I’ve read by Jo Fenton. Again I find I cannot like any character in the story. The majority of the men are sad excuses for men. The women are all damaged messes.
Best thing bout this book is I read two other books and started another. Found a couple of characters to like in those pages.
November 17, 2019
Nice continuation of the first book in the series. If you can get past what seems to be the characters’ stupidity in remaining at the Abbey after all the trauma they experienced there, the story was good.
October 8, 2020
The Abducted and Abused
The entire story pretty was about the life inside the abbey. Each time they left the abbey, something bad would happen. The ending was a bit predictable.
There were many triggers that could affect many readers regarding self harm and abuse.
The entire story pretty was about the life inside the abbey. Each time they left the abbey, something bad would happen. The ending was a bit predictable.
There were many triggers that could affect many readers regarding self harm and abuse.
January 15, 2021
I hadn't read the first book, but was able to jump in and read this as a stand alone. The characters were shallow but drama filled. The writing was full, and I had to scan through the book to pick up any type of story. I wouldn't recommend, even on a long flight.
September 20, 2021
Pick it up when you have time to read and relax
What a gripping story that follows the The Brotherhood which is another gripping book You won't want to put it down once you are set reading it.
What a gripping story that follows the The Brotherhood which is another gripping book You won't want to put it down once you are set reading it.
August 27, 2019
Great Reading
Wonderfully written with suspense & a bit of romance, as well.. love those happily ever after endings. Looking forward to the next story
Wonderfully written with suspense & a bit of romance, as well.. love those happily ever after endings. Looking forward to the next story
October 23, 2019
Book 2 was as exciting as book 1. Pieces picked up nicely and positive ending. Hopefully there is a book 3.
June 19, 2020
Such a good story
I loved the continuation of this series in this book. It brought so much to tell Jess's story and her relationship with Mel.
I loved the continuation of this series in this book. It brought so much to tell Jess's story and her relationship with Mel.
July 14, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
September 19, 2021
An interesting storyline. Great characters and setting. Lots to take in as the two sisters suffered at the hands of their abusers. A page turner.
May 24, 2024
Creepy good
This certainly qualifies as creepy but good. The thing is there are so many different things going on it at times is a little confusing.
This certainly qualifies as creepy but good. The thing is there are so many different things going on it at times is a little confusing.
May 28, 2019
Another fabulous book from Jo! This is the fantastic sequel to The Brotherhood.
In this one we’re back with Melissa at the Abbey but after all the things that happened in the end of the first book, Melissa and Mark are looking to open the Abbey as a refuge. We also learn in book one that Melissa has a younger sister that was abducted when she was ten but has never been found……but she’s still alive and escapes from her abductor, being reunited with her sister.
But she has a lot to come to terms with, reintegrating to normal life and getting used to life at the Abbey. Not only is she trying to sort herself out, but she’s also trying to help others who have experiences of some of the things she’s been through.
Melissa and Mark are finding their new venture stressful, as well as having a poorly baby and issues with residents. On top of that, Mark’s past is coming back to haunt him…..
But is the refuge really safe? Are all the residents all they seem to be? And what happened to some of the less savoury characters who were members of The Brotherhood?
As with The Brotherhood, I was completely gripped from beginning to end – wanting the characters that you come to love to experience a break! They’ve all been through so much and you just really want them to be happy! As well as the old characters, we meet some new ones and Fenton does another brilliant job of getting you to love or hate them, whilst taking us on yet another rollercoaster! There are numerous twists and you honestly won’t want to put this down.
All the stories finally come together at the end in a twisty, brilliant and satisfying finale that won’t leave you disappointed.
Again, there are a couple of sensitive areas that readers should be aware of including violence, rape, self-harm and mental health issues.
I would highly recommend this but you most definitely need to read The Brotherhood first….trust me, you don’t want to miss out!
In this one we’re back with Melissa at the Abbey but after all the things that happened in the end of the first book, Melissa and Mark are looking to open the Abbey as a refuge. We also learn in book one that Melissa has a younger sister that was abducted when she was ten but has never been found……but she’s still alive and escapes from her abductor, being reunited with her sister.
But she has a lot to come to terms with, reintegrating to normal life and getting used to life at the Abbey. Not only is she trying to sort herself out, but she’s also trying to help others who have experiences of some of the things she’s been through.
Melissa and Mark are finding their new venture stressful, as well as having a poorly baby and issues with residents. On top of that, Mark’s past is coming back to haunt him…..
But is the refuge really safe? Are all the residents all they seem to be? And what happened to some of the less savoury characters who were members of The Brotherhood?
As with The Brotherhood, I was completely gripped from beginning to end – wanting the characters that you come to love to experience a break! They’ve all been through so much and you just really want them to be happy! As well as the old characters, we meet some new ones and Fenton does another brilliant job of getting you to love or hate them, whilst taking us on yet another rollercoaster! There are numerous twists and you honestly won’t want to put this down.
All the stories finally come together at the end in a twisty, brilliant and satisfying finale that won’t leave you disappointed.
Again, there are a couple of sensitive areas that readers should be aware of including violence, rape, self-harm and mental health issues.
I would highly recommend this but you most definitely need to read The Brotherhood first….trust me, you don’t want to miss out!
June 6, 2019
I have just finished the new novel by Jo Fenton, The Refuge, published by Crooked Cat Books. The novel is a sequel to her debut novel, The Brotherhood which is also reviewed on this site at https://bookreviewstoday.info/2018/07... .
The Refuge commences at the point where the Abbey has passed from the Brotherhood to Mark and Mel. The couple have also just welcomed their baby, Emma. They are determined that something good will come from the building and establish a refuge for those still living there as well as for abused women. Predictably, things do not go as smoothly as they had hoped.
The book explores the pressures the arrival of a new baby has on the lives of the parents. Jess, Mel’s sister, comes back into their lives and, for me, it is here that the most compelling scenes of The Refuge take place. The emotions that are explored within Jess, Mel, Mark and other characters are sensitively and realistically drawn. The exploration of the minds of the characters raises this novel from good to truly gripping.
I highly recommend The Refuge and hope the author will write further novels based around these fascinating characters.
Val Penny
The Refuge commences at the point where the Abbey has passed from the Brotherhood to Mark and Mel. The couple have also just welcomed their baby, Emma. They are determined that something good will come from the building and establish a refuge for those still living there as well as for abused women. Predictably, things do not go as smoothly as they had hoped.
The book explores the pressures the arrival of a new baby has on the lives of the parents. Jess, Mel’s sister, comes back into their lives and, for me, it is here that the most compelling scenes of The Refuge take place. The emotions that are explored within Jess, Mel, Mark and other characters are sensitively and realistically drawn. The exploration of the minds of the characters raises this novel from good to truly gripping.
I highly recommend The Refuge and hope the author will write further novels based around these fascinating characters.
Val Penny
May 31, 2019
This book follows on from the ending of the Brotherhood, so I would recommend reading The Brotherhood first as there will be a lot of spoilers in The Refuge.
After finishing The Brotherhood I didn’t think things could get much worse… Boy was I wrong. In this story we see the return of Mels sister Jess. But that seems to come at a price. Is anyone safe? The Refuge and the people inside become trapped to the outside world… It’s not as dark as The Brotherhood but still shocking, thrilling, jaw dropping and a real pager turn which I devoured in two days.
Towards the end everything starts to link together and unravel. I promise you it will shock you, have your heart pounding and on the edge on your seat. I kept holding my breathe. But yet again it finishes with a positive ending which FYI I do not trust… A well deserved four stars from me and highly recommend.
After finishing The Brotherhood I didn’t think things could get much worse… Boy was I wrong. In this story we see the return of Mels sister Jess. But that seems to come at a price. Is anyone safe? The Refuge and the people inside become trapped to the outside world… It’s not as dark as The Brotherhood but still shocking, thrilling, jaw dropping and a real pager turn which I devoured in two days.
Towards the end everything starts to link together and unravel. I promise you it will shock you, have your heart pounding and on the edge on your seat. I kept holding my breathe. But yet again it finishes with a positive ending which FYI I do not trust… A well deserved four stars from me and highly recommend.
May 29, 2019
The Refuge is incredible sequel to The Brotherhood.
Melissa is still at the Abbey, but now planning to change it to a refuge……her long lost sister arrives after escaping her captor (she’s been missing for 10 years). In a fragile mental state, she joins the Abbey and soon settles in, but Melissa has now own problems….but they are safe now, aren’t they?
Another stunning and compelling thriller from Jo Fenton, which finally comes to a utterly satisfying ending.i do think you will need to read The Brotherhood first, just to get the full atmosphere and background to Melissa’s story.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Melissa is still at the Abbey, but now planning to change it to a refuge……her long lost sister arrives after escaping her captor (she’s been missing for 10 years). In a fragile mental state, she joins the Abbey and soon settles in, but Melissa has now own problems….but they are safe now, aren’t they?
Another stunning and compelling thriller from Jo Fenton, which finally comes to a utterly satisfying ending.i do think you will need to read The Brotherhood first, just to get the full atmosphere and background to Melissa’s story.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
May 27, 2019
This is the aftermath to the events occurring at the end of The Brotherhood. As stated in the synopsis, Dominic is dead, Melissa has married Mark and gave birth to a baby girl, Emma. Jess also escapes from her captor of 9 years. There is so much going on in this instalment of The Abbey series, at first I was worried that this was too many components fighting against each other. However, again Jo Fenton surprised me, each of the residents stories weaved beautifully around the others. I loved the little nuggets left leaving us to try and link everything together.
September 10, 2019
I read Jo Fenton's first book, The Brotherhood and found the story gripping, intense and mysterious. I found The Refuge another fantastic read as we see what has happened with the Abbey after Mel and Mark have taken control and turned it into a refuge for victims of abuse. However, there are many more secrets, twists and turns and drama which unfold over the course of the book. A sharp and well-written read.
August 1, 2019
Like its predecessor, The Brotherhood, The Refuge is thrilling and the writing is excellent. I kept reading, eager to find out what would happen to Mel, Jess and the others.
Unfortunately, something happened towards the end that I couldn't believe, even given all the circumstances surrounding the episode. That's why I'd give this novel 4.5 stars, but I'd still recommend it.
Unfortunately, something happened towards the end that I couldn't believe, even given all the circumstances surrounding the episode. That's why I'd give this novel 4.5 stars, but I'd still recommend it.
October 29, 2019
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. It was very dark and yet kept me on edge throughout the entire story. I liked the characters and the plot was very unusual. It will give you a lot to think about when it comes to abuse of women. I am interested in reading more from this author and this series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews