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How To Play Dead

Jacqueline Ward (Goodreads Author)

3.70 · Rating details · 189 ratings · 122 reviews

She's watching over them. And he's watching her...

Ria Taylor is everything to everyone. Wife and mother, the centre of her family. And the manager of a refuge for women whose partners have driven them out of their own homes.

But one night, with her husband away, Ria receives a terrifyingly sinister message. Someone is watching her. Someone who seems to know everything

...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published November 7th 2019 by Atlantic Books

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Sep 13, 2019 Ceecee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Today (13/9/2019) the BBC news headline is ‘Domestic Violence murders surged to five-year high’ and so that makes this book all the more relevant. Inevitably, this is not an easy read because of the domestic violence theme and one character is raped but it highlights so clearly the control that perpetrators exert over their partners and their children and it is very chilling. The story is told from the perspective of Ria Taylor who runs a domestic abuse charity called SafeMe and via a diary from Today (13/9/2019) the BBC news headline is ‘Domestic Violence murders surged to five-year high’ and so that makes this book all the more relevant. Inevitably, this is not an easy read because of the domestic violence theme and one character is raped but it highlights so clearly the control that perpetrators exert over their partners and their children and it is very chilling. The story is told from the perspective of Ria Taylor who runs a domestic abuse charity called SafeMe and via a diary from an abuse victim called Tanya. I think the diary is the most effective part of the book and her partner Alan is utterly evil and that is demonstrated all too clearly. Ria’s story seems to follow a more predictable path and there are sections that I think are not relevant and detract from the storyline. The most enlightening sections in Ria’s story are in the interactions with her mother when we learn a lot about her father and how Ria becomes involved with SafeMe. It is unclear for much of the book how the two stories connect and until that is revealed I felt some confusion and from then on it perhaps it becomes a bit predictable and I think the end is too neatly tied up in a bow.
The theme of the book means of course, that a lot of the characters are not just unlikeable but you hate them and their actions. The female characters shine through the story and some are able to leave the abuse behind and live a life without fear, though some like the lovely Sheila go back to their abuser. The book is clearly well researched but my struggle is with a star rating because there are parts of the book I didn’t engage with and which I feel hold up the pace. I’ve been unsure between 3 and 4 stars but I’ve settled for 4 as the book has such a relevant story to tell in the light of recent statistics with 173 people killed in domestic violence related homicides in 2018 in the UK. It’s not a comfortable read but I think it helps with our understanding of this terrible situation.

Thanks to Atlantic Books for an ARC in return for an honest review ...more

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Oct 20, 2019 Louise Wilson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ria is the manager at SafeMe, a refuge for abused women. Her husband, Danny has went to work on an international contract. They have two children. Ria is sent a burner phone at the refuge not long after Danny had left to fulfill his months contract. Ria starts getting sinister messages on the phone telling her she's being watched. Is she being threatened because of the work she doesn't? Or is there something in her past that's finally caught up with her.

For me, this is quite a predictable read b ...more

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Oct 20, 2019 Aoife rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, kindle, thriller

I received this book from the author/publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ria Taylor has dedicated her life to helping women suffering from abusive relationships and runs a special women's shelter in desperate need of council funding. When Ria begins to receive strange messages, she ignores it at first, presuming it's the ex of one of her clients seeking petty revenge. But as the messages become more threatening and the stranger begins to infiltrate Ria's family life, she be ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Amanda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ria Taylor is the manager of SafeMe a domestic abuse charity helping women and their children start new lives. Ria puts 100% into helping these women while desperately trying to find funding to keep the charity afloat.

The book counts down to the return of her husband Danny, who is in Dubai for 29 days as a shop fitter. The money he will earn will get them out of debt and hopefully provide a deposit to purchase a house.

When Ria receives a mobile phone in the post she starts getting messages say ...more

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Oct 25, 2019 Mark rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book is about domestic abuse, the victims, the abusers and the crimes, there is also a short section where a sexual assault/rape is described, pertinent to the ongoing story, this is a hard hitting story that actually felt like an autobiography, not light hearted or an easy read for a lot of the book

Ria runs SAFE ME, a home for survivors of domestic abuse and their families and this book deals with the centre, with Ria’s life, some of the women and children who live there, funding issues, s ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Bex (Beckie Bookworm) rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: book-reviews, arc, netgalley, psychological-thriller, d-n-f

DNF-26%
This one really wasn't for me at all, I thought this was going to be an edge of your seat psychological thriller and it was more a drama centring around a refuge with some suspense thrown in.
The terror and mystery for me was the secondary concern here with the everyday mundanity of Ri's life at home and work taking centre-stage.
It was at heart a story focusing more on its relationships and connections and less on the mystery and suspense.
The story spotlights Ri a mother and wife who works ...more

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Dec 01, 2019 Stina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british-thrillers, 2019, british, psychological-thrillers, net-galley, jacqueline-ward

★★★★ 3.5 to 4 stars

This was a difficult book for me to read in some ways, having been a survivor of domestic abuse, and I found myself overwhelmed with a range of emotions from tear-filled sadness to complete rage. Although my own experience was not like Sheila's or even Tanya's, it was just as horrendous and frightening at the time. So in reading this book, it brought up all the old memories and there were times I questioned whether I could finish it or not.

TRIGGER WARNING
So it goes without ...more

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Nov 04, 2019 Susan Hampson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

This is a story of abusive relationships, the shelter they can seek safety in and the effect that it has on the whole family. It is graphic, hard-hitting bottom line reading with no holds barred so some readers may find it too upsetting. The story is told by two characters, Ria is the manager of 'Be Safe', a refuge for families that have escaped an abusive home and Tanya who is living in an extremely abusive relationship.
Ria's husband is working away from home when she is sent a cheap mobile and ...more

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Nov 01, 2019 peggy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-thriller, netgalley

A slow burner but a good holiday read. A thriller that was predictable saying that I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

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Oct 29, 2019 Paul rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-thrillers

How to Play Dead – A book that makes you think

It is not often that I have to stop and think about a book I am reading. It has taken me five days after finishing the novel to decide how I can best express what I felt and thought about this book. How to Play Dead is an excellent story, something that will leave a deep impression on you.

For a man to read a book that deals with domestic violence, both physical and psychological it has deeply affected me. I have had to think of my own behaviour and a How to Play Dead – A book that makes you think

It is not often that I have to stop and think about a book I am reading. It has taken me five days after finishing the novel to decide how I can best express what I felt and thought about this book. How to Play Dead is an excellent story, something that will leave a deep impression on you.

For a man to read a book that deals with domestic violence, both physical and psychological it has deeply affected me. I have had to think of my own behaviour and attitudes towards females, and there are times when I have fallen short. I have never resorted to violence, but I am sure there are many of us need to check our behaviour.

Ria Taylor, a mother, a wife and manager of a women’s refuge in Manchester, is the central character. Very likable, hardworking, giving everything to her family and work life. When her husband has to go overseas for a month, she starts getting sinister messages. She starts to feel she is being watched and stalked.

Tanya, she hates him, but she is to afraid to leave, she knows he would rape her and beat her black and blue. Even at work she is still in fear of him, he takes her wages and gives her nothing at all. She is never given anything sharp, or anything she would like. She has to sleep alone and has no access to the television. When he goes out Tanya is locked in the house, and the shutters are over the windows she cannot escape. Even when she has not seen him in nearly a week and with no food left to survive.

Ria has to manage what is happening at the refuge, and spending bids from the council need preparing. But one of the clients’ husbands is trying to put pressure on the spending review, as to influence not only Ria but give him access to his own wife.

As Ria starts discovering the truth, the world comes crashing down for someone, and can Tanya escape or will she be discovered. Not that anyone will know she is locked in nobody knows she is there. As the stories collide there is a devastating end for a client, and maybe just a happy ending, for someone.

This is a book that will make you stop and think.
...more

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Dec 01, 2019 Bridget rated it it was amazing

Shelves: peach-vanilla, thrillers, netgalley-arc, psychological

How to Play Dead by Jacqueline Ward is a wonderful psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Corvus, and the author for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this novel. This review was written voluntarily.

Ria Taylor has it all - a loving husband, a job she is passionate about at a women's refuge, known as Safeme, and two beautiful children, but having a little more financial freedom would make her life a whole lot easier. So when her husband, Danny, is off How to Play Dead by Jacqueline Ward is a wonderful psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Corvus, and the author for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this novel. This review was written voluntarily.

Ria Taylor has it all - a loving husband, a job she is passionate about at a women's refuge, known as Safeme, and two beautiful children, but having a little more financial freedom would make her life a whole lot easier. So when her husband, Danny, is offered a month long contract abroad with excellent pay, it makes perfect sense for him to take the job so that they can finally buy themselves a home of their own.

But one night, struggling a bit with Danny away, Ria starts to receive alarming and terrifyingly sinister messages on a burner phone that was delivered to the refuge, telling her that she is being watched. Someone seems to know everything about her. She knows what she should do - seek help, just like she tells her clients to. Meanwhile, Tanya is trapped in her own home under her partner's abusive and oppressive will. The reader follows the journeys of these two women - Ria and Tanya - as their present situations escalate and their pasts are exposed and laid bare.

The story was told from the Ria's perspective and via a diary from Tanya, across differing timelines. How to Play Dead was a highly readable and a cracking work of fiction. That isn't to say the topic wasn't distressing, but some very strong messages for the reality of domestic abuse were conveyed within this story that takes the reader into the fictional lives of Ria and Janice, her close colleague. At it's core is the danger that Ria faces from a man in her past. The plot is intricate and tells the stories of many different women, some of whom survive. I thought the diary was a very effective part of the book, and the most enlightening sections from Ria’s story were the interactions with her mother. The theme of the book means of course, that a lot of the characters are not merely unpleasant, but you hate them and their actions with a vengeance. The subject of domestic violence has clearly been well-researched by Jacqueline Ward, which was obvious from the many ways in which she used her characters to so credibly convey the complexity of their situations.

Tender, uplifting, inspiring and heartbreaking, the threads of Ria and Tanya's stories begin to become entwined and the dramatic denouement to their story is breath-taking. I was certainly invested enough to be interested in each of their outcomes.

I am excitedly anticipating whatever comes next from Jacqueline Ward! ...more

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Oct 30, 2019 Fay Flude rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A clear 5 star read for me. The book is about the complexities of domestic abuse and the way in which women can be controlled and manipulated to such an extent that they are trapped, live in fear and suffer violence and psychological damage. There might not be a key locking these women behind a door but still they are unable to escape and be free. The book is not autobiographical or a self-help manual. It is a highly readable and enjoyable work of fiction. That isn't to say the topic isn't distr A clear 5 star read for me. The book is about the complexities of domestic abuse and the way in which women can be controlled and manipulated to such an extent that they are trapped, live in fear and suffer violence and psychological damage. There might not be a key locking these women behind a door but still they are unable to escape and be free. The book is not autobiographical or a self-help manual. It is a highly readable and enjoyable work of fiction. That isn't to say the topic isn't distressing but some very strong messages for the reality of domestic abuse are conveyed within a story that allows us into the fictional lives of Ria and Janice who head up SafeMe, a refuge and support centre for women and children, providing accommodation and all sorts of support services for victims as well as the perpetrators. I am well aware that domestic abuse can affect men but in this book it is the women who are trying to survive abusive relationships with their menfolk.
The book is also a thriller as at the heart of the story is the danger that Superwoman Ria faces from a man from the past. The plot is intricate and tells the stories of many different women, some who survive and one in particular who doesn't. There are links to a past event in Ria's teenage life, the very difficult relationship she has with her parents and frequent 'flashbacks' to friend Alice which leaves you wondering what did happen to Ria's best friend
There are sections of the book where the writing is faint.to signify the disintegration of a woman's strength and ability to fight back. Such a clever tool for illuminating the very real plight of how women in abusive relationships cease to exist, for themselves and also to the outside world, which often cries 'Just leave!'
Tender, uplifting, inspiring and heartbreaking this fictional story is a more palatable way of providing real insight into real women's lives and the real plights they suffer. And as this is a real problem in the real world, there is a section at the back of the book dedicated to supplying any reader who is experiencing domestic abuse with real helplines and support networks to contact. ...more

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Nov 06, 2019 Vivienne rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: domestic-noir, domestic-drama, womensfiction

My thanks to Atlantic Books Corvus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘How to Play Dead’ by Jacqueline Ward in exchange for an honest review.

This domestic noir dealt with a number of difficult and sensitive subjects including sexual assault, gaslighting, domestic violence, and stalking.

Ria Taylor is the co-manager of SafeMe, a domestic violence refuge. When her husband, Danny, takes a lucrative one month overseas contract that will get their family out of debt, Ria is left missing him. Then she recei ...more

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Feb 08, 2020 Yvonne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the story that centres around Ria who manages a refuge for women known as SafeMe. She is often confronted by angry husbands and boyfriends and is great at giving out advice, but this is advice she does not follow when she herself is the target of malicious calls and texts.

There is also a second story-line with this book, it comes in the form of a diary entries from Tanya. She is keeping a diary of abuse and control from her partner, while the abusive relationship provides a link to the m ...more

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Sep 24, 2019 Sarah W 🍂🍁🌧🌬 rated it liked it · review of another edition

Firstly thank you to Net galley and Atlantic Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Working within a charity which deals with domestic violence I was interested to see if the portrayal of a women's shelter would be accurate, and the author did not disappoint. I have not read many novels which are set within this type of environment, and I found it to be enjoyable and informative without being overly descriptive (which could be a trigger for readers who have experienced domestic vi ...more

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Nov 18, 2019 Linda Hepworth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ria Taylor runs SafeMe, a refuge and support centre for women (and their children) who have suffered domestic abuse at the hands of their partners. She is married to Danny, with whom she has two children, and she cherishes the loving relationships within her nuclear family and will do all she can to protect them. She is equally passionate about offering a safe and caring environment for the women she cares deeply about, always prepared to work hard on their behalf, including devoting time to the
Ria Taylor runs SafeMe, a refuge and support centre for women (and their children) who have suffered domestic abuse at the hands of their partners. She is married to Danny, with whom she has two children, and she cherishes the loving relationships within her nuclear family and will do all she can to protect them. She is equally passionate about offering a safe and caring environment for the women she cares deeply about, always prepared to work hard on their behalf, including devoting time to the never-ending fund-raising which is necessary to provide a continuity of service. Competition is fierce for grants from the local authority, with many councillors unconvinced of the need to support these women. However, Ria, with the support of her co-workers, is determined to fight on their behalf – earning herself the nickname of “Superwoman”.
When the story starts Danny has just gone abroad for a month, to work on a job which will give him a large bonus. Neither of them is happy about this but, as it will give them a much-needed boost to their income, enabling them to clear their debts and then buy their own house, they are prepared to tolerate it, keeping in touch several times a day via loving text messages and phone calls. However, soon after Danny leaves, Ria is sent a cheap mobile phone, complete with a sinister message. She has no idea who sent it but, from the content of the continuing stream of messages, whoever did appears to know everything about her, and to know in minute detail, where she is and what she is doing. She feels increasingly threatened and terrified, especially when she feels her children could be at risk, and yet she feels paralysed with indecision about what she can do about it.
The story is told from the perspectives of two characters, Ria and Tanya, with the latter’s story emerging through her entries from her diary. The typeface for these diaries is both smaller and fainter and, as the story progresses it becomes clear that this reflects the mindset of a woman who feels insignificant and almost invisible. It soon becomes apparent that her husband, Alan, is not only very controlling, but is also physically and sexually abusive. Although Tanya does go to work, she is taken and picked up by him, her wages are paid directly into his bank account and she can never go out socially with colleagues. At home his behaviour is equally controlling; she is allowed no access, other than when he is there, to anything sharp (which she might be tempted to use against him!), no free access to the telephone, books or the television, and he has had shutters fitted to all windows and doors, which are rolled down and locked whenever he goes out, making her a prisoner in her own home … except, of course, nothing belongs to her. I found the tension and despair in this part of the story almost unbearable at times and, in spite of guessing quite early on how Tanya’s situation intersected with Ria’s, this in no way detracted from the power of this strand of the storytelling.
In fact, I very quickly found myself caught up in the lives of all the characters in this deeply disturbing and upsetting exploration of domestic abuse. I have some professional knowledge of the work done in this field and it very quickly became clear to me, from the many ways in which she used her characters to so credibly convey the complexity of the subject, that the author had done considerable research into all aspects of it. I think that she captured particularly well the power which perpetrators of domestic violence exert over their partners. So often you will hear people say, “but why did she put up with that, why didn’t she just leave him?” However, this is to underestimate the myriad ways in which someone’s self-confidence can be gradually undermined by a manipulative, violent partner, particularly one who, in the early stages of the relationship, will be profusely apologetic after being violent, swearing it will never happen again. This enables a cycle of violence to escalate, the woman begins to feel she must have “done something to deserve it” and, if there are children, she is likely to want to ensure that the violence isn’t directed at them, so she stays, frozen in her fear, unable to see any way out or any hope for a different future. This despair is likely to be compounded by two external influences. Firstly, in all too many instances the police are unlikely (or unable) to act unless the man does something so abusive that they have grounds to charge him … but then he’s likely to be released on bail, free to abuse her again! Then, if she does eventually summon up the courage to leave, will there be a safe refuge for her to escape to? I think the author’s depiction of Ria’s feelings of psychological powerlessness when faced with her stalker, demonstrated very effectively how even someone as apparently strong as Ria can, in certain circumstances, feel powerless and unable to react in a self-protective, “sensible and rational” way. The storyline also demonstrated just how powerless the police are in certain circumstances: I think when we read reports of stalking ending either in serious injury, or even death, we’ve probably all asked the question “why didn’t the police do anything?” … all too often the answer is that they couldn’t.
The author also used her characters to offer insights into the many reasons why abused women, even those who have “escaped” to a place of safety, will often return home, either because they can’t cope with their new-found “freedom” and feel a need to go back to a situation which feels familiar, or because they believe their abuser’s claim to have changed. I think that she did an excellent job in helping readers to understand the psychology of why this happens, rather than just feel critical of women who appear to be acting in a self-destructive way. However, the story did demonstrate that, given the right levels of support, and a huge amount of courage, eventually some women are able to create new lives for themselves and their children.
As the story progresses the reader learns more about Ria’s own background, her teenage years, her estrangement from her father, her ambivalent and troubled relationship with her mother and certain secrets about her past she has kept from Danny. As these revelations emerge, not only does her behaviour in terms of how she does (and doesn’t!) deal with the threats from her stalker begin to make sense, but so too does the reader begin to understand her motivations for devoting her working life to victims of abuse. I think that the author very effectively conveyed how people who work in the caring professions are often, albeit unconsciously, motivated by unresolved problems of their own!
With its themes of sexual grooming, domestic violence, rape, coercion, stalking, the limited powers of the police to act until domestic violence has escalated and is provable and the shortage of places of safety when women do summon up the courage to leave an abusive partner, this was, at times, a very difficult story to read. However, with the latest figures for domestic violence, including murder, rising it is a timely reminder that there are all too many women whose lives are defined by the suffering they endure at the hands of men who are violent, but who all too often blame the women for this behaviour … “look what you made me do”. At one point in the story, Ria asks about one character’s behaviour “why is he doing this?” … the answer all too often comes down to the simple fact that “they can”, that no one has found a way of stopping them.
It seems so obvious that, rather than closing down existing provision, society needs to be providing more refuges, half-way houses and permanent accommodation so that when women feel ready to extricate themselves from abusive partners, there is somewhere safe for them to escape to, and enough social workers to support them as they make the necessary psychological adjustments in order to be able to move on. Although the story demonstrates that the outcome for some women is often tragic, there is also a message of optimism that, with the right support, at the right time, life can get better.
With such topical themes this book would make an excellent choice for group discussion.
With thanks to Corvus and Readers First for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Sep 13, 2019 Fiona rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was a very hard hitting book on the subject of domestic violence . The story is quite predictable but even so it will strike a chord with the reader due to the subject matter .

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Sep 06, 2019 Hazel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

How to Play Dead by Jacqueline Ward was an outstanding book.

A difficult topic to cover and some parts were quite traumatic to read but if it makes people more aware about Domestic Abuse then its worth it!

The main character Ria was very likeable and you really felt for her thoughout the story.

Definately a 5 star review as I didnt want to put the book down.

Thanks to Netgalley, Atlantic Books and Corvus for the ARC.

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Aug 11, 2019 janine rated it liked it · review of another edition

I've struggled to rate this one!

The storyline was totally predictable and very sluggish in places, long winded and in all honesty quite boring, the actual story centering around domestic violence will stay with me for a very long time.

It felt like the detail that was needed was brushed over and the ending was rushed.

The characters are likeable and easy to sympathise with and you feel yourself getting angry about lack of justice and protection when its needed the most.

BUT the fact that Jaqueline ...more

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Dec 26, 2019 Karen Barber rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Ria is a driven character, yet she does the very things she warns the women she works with not to do. This is a little frustrating, and her background story also showed she was as much a victim as the women she works with which also made me feel the story-lines/ideas merged just a little too conveniently at times.
As one of the workers at SafeMe, a refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse, Ria is used to hearing some awful stories. She is used to waiting for someone to feel safe enough to tell the ...more

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Sep 08, 2019 Jade rated it really liked it · review of another edition

And the NetGalley reviewathon continues! Thank you to @netgalley and the author/publisher for sending me an ARC of this thriller. Before I start my review I'm going to warn potential readers that this can be a triggering book and I certainly found it a difficult read. Strong themes run through this novel of domestic violence, psychological and sexual abuse and victimization. However on the flip side it also highlights the wonder of love, family, strength, charity and survival. I loved the main c And the NetGalley reviewathon continues! Thank you to @netgalley and the author/publisher for sending me an ARC of this thriller. Before I start my review I'm going to warn potential readers that this can be a triggering book and I certainly found it a difficult read. Strong themes run through this novel of domestic violence, psychological and sexual abuse and victimization. However on the flip side it also highlights the wonder of love, family, strength, charity and survival. I loved the main characters and their backstories, I enjoyed the smaller characters interlaced throughout and watching them find their feet against adversity. I grieved when they grieved and laughed when they laughed. I also felt the horror of their experiences deeply and I think the personality and patterns of abusers was well researched and portrayed. I feel like the ending had the ability to be a lot more explosive, action packed and danger filled but to be honest that's exactly why I loved it. I felt it was a more realistic outcome of what it is to live in today's society and stayed true to the underlying strength of the character involved. However difficult this book was for me to read I actually found it extremely deep with many important messages and a great way to expose what people still suffer in their lives. ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5.

My Synopsis: Ria is known as Superwoman... a dedicated mother of two that runs a domestic violence shelter and rehabilitation centre for victims, children and their spouses. Her husband travels to Dubai for 30 days to earn money for them to buy a house and she struggles while he is gone. She is dedicating her time and her life to her children and the women she helps save, until one day a pay as you go phone is delivered to her and she finds she is being stalked by someone that clearly knows her. Concurrently we find ourselves following the journey of Tanya, who is trapped in her own home under her partner's abusive and oppressive will. We journey alongside these two women while they divulge their pasts and their presents escalate until they become intertwined. ...more

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Jul 27, 2020 Amy Littleford rated it really liked it

Firstly, I would like to thank Readers First and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC for an honest review.

This book comes with a huge trigger warning surrounding domestic abuse. I think Ward handles the topic well and is providing insight into the lives of survivors and victims to educate readers and spread awareness. The story follows the MC Ria who helps run a refuge for women that finds herself being stalked by someone from her past.

I enjoyed the small chapters, titled, Tanya, throughout the boo ...more

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Nov 14, 2019 Kathie Tostrup rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

How to play dead is an honest & open journey through the world of domestic violence told through the stories of both its principal & minor characters who all come from very different places in terms of class, past & current life situations. It is a very frank account of a deeply faceted & often misunderstood subject. Difficult to read at times due to the subject matter which in all honesty we would rather not meet head on in the course of our 'normal lives'. There were times I had to put it down ...more

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Nov 25, 2019 Sharon Williams rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What an amazing book. It's about ria Taylor who works in a local refuge for women and children and her husband Danny who is working away at the moment trying to earn dome extra cash to secure them a deposit on a family house for them and there 2 children. It starts at 30 days as that's how long he is away for and does a count down. The other chapters are named tanya and tell the story of a woman trapped in her house by her husband /boyfriend as it turns out and how her life is lived being trappe ...more

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Sep 10, 2019 Cecilia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Ria's passion in life is running a refuge for abused women. Like a lot women, she juggles career, marriage, family, and other responsibilities while also struggling financially. She's a tough one, known as Superwoman. She protects the endangered women at the refuge, as well as dealing with their abusive partners who will go to any lengths to get them back under their control. Added to all that, Ria's husband is working out of the country, the refuge is in danger of being closed due to funding, a ...more

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Sep 24, 2019 Chrissie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

How to Play Dead is about domestic violence so it is a difficult read but a compelling story .It is told through Ria who runs a domestic abuse refuse called Safe Me and Tanya who is writing a diary and is clearly being abused .This is a very thought provoking book with a good story line ,I wonder if in real life there are many SafeMe type shelters for the abused ? Ria is a very likeable character trying to be Superwoman and giving one hundred percent to these poor women and children to try and m ...more

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Sep 29, 2019 Jenny C rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A book focusing on domestic violence will never be an easy read, but this is a relevant and hard hitting story. Set in a women’s shelter and following the lady who runs it, this thriller takes you through the many ways in which our current system is doing abused women a disservice. It really made me realise how little women can do, when the law makes sure that the man has to have done something ‘really bad’ in order for them to be stopped. The women in this story shine, their strength is inspiri ...more

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Nov 21, 2019 Sarah Griffiths rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So I have just finished this book
This book is centred around domestic abuse and rape and in some instances, child abuse.
This book will not be for everyone
But, due to me working in this type of role and environment, I find that these types of books don’t bother me as much as some!
Ria has something to hide in her past and once the author revealed what had actually happened to her, I was so shocked and I really wanted her to be able to retain the funding for the women's centre, as you could tell it ...more

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Oct 04, 2019 Homefullofbooks rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a compelling story and I think it tackled the subject of domestic violence well.
The main character of Ria is strong and so determined to help the women in the safe centre she runs, but she also has her family to look after and it's interesting to see how she juggles that. Especially when she becomes a target herself.
The book covers abuse suffered from several different women as they deal with violent and controlling partners and look for a way to escape that life. This may be difficult ...more

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Nov 22, 2019 Angie F rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-reads-2019, read-2019

I really enjoyed this book even though it's not something I'd normally choose. The stalking is only really secondary to the story of the women's refuge. I thought the characters were great and.I loved the way Ria and Janice stood up to the abusers especially the loathsome Frank James. I'd recommend this highly to anyone wanting a good read. ...more

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About Jacqueline Ward

Jacqueline Ward

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Jacqueline Ward's debut psychological thriller, Perfect Ten, was published by Corvus Atlantic Books in September 2018. Jacqueline writes stories about strong women and their lives and loves, exploring the real life emotions of revenge, obsession, rage, trust, guilt and joy.

She is represented by Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. For more information about Jacqueline and her work go to www.jacqueli ...more