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Becky White #1

Revelation

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Manchester, 1989

A student, Rick, is found dead in halls of residence.

His friends get caught up in the aftermath: Dan, who was in love with Rick; and Becky, who is in love with Dan.

Their fraught emotions lead them into dark places – particularly a connection to a mysterious Kabbalistic sect.

Will Becky discover who killed Rick in time to save her best friend?

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2020

103 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Jo Fenton

7 books52 followers
Jo 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.

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5 stars
56 (38%)
4 stars
37 (25%)
3 stars
33 (22%)
2 stars
15 (10%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Miriam Drori.
Author 12 books56 followers
July 4, 2020
I love this novel. It's well-researched and very well-written, and it has a gripping plot.

The story is told by the two main characters, Daniel and Becky, students whose pain and emotions are easy to feel.

Respite from the drama comes from looking back to a different era, just thirty-one years ago, a time when mobile phones were only becoming a possibility and students in halls of residence had to queue to make phone calls.
Profile Image for Progress Wings.
452 reviews31 followers
March 23, 2024
Keeps Pages turning

This book is an engaging story set around a group of university students navigating complex relationships, personal struggles, and a gripping crime mystery.
The story unfolds in Manchester, focusing on Becky, Dan, and their group of friends. It covers themes such as friendship, betrayal, love, and the pursuit of justice. A major plot involves the mysterious death of their friend Rick, which is initially considered a suicide but later suspected to be a murder connected to a deeper conspiracy.

Characters:
- Becky: The main protagonist, determined and brave, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Rick's death while dealing with her own personal challenges.
- Dan: A close friend of Becky, struggling with his identity and feelings, becomes a victim of a kidnapping plot tied to the overarching mystery.
- Rick: Whose death triggers the events of the story, revealing secrets and lies within their circle.
- Alan and Rachel: Antagonists who manipulate and betray, causing turmoil and danger for the main characters.

Themes:
The story touches on critical themes such as acceptance, the impact of secrets, and the quest for truth. It delves into issues like homophobia, mental health, and the consequences of actions, making it not just a mystery but also a narrative exploring societal issues.

Strengths:
- Engagement: The story keeps readers hooked with its twists, emotional depth, and suspense.
- Character Development: The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and evolving throughout the story.
- Social Issues: The narrative does well in addressing various social topics, making it relatable and thought-provoking.

Weaknesses:
- **Complexity**: The multitude of characters and subplots might confuse readers, especially those seeking a more straightforward narrative.


Conclusion:
The story offers a compelling mix of mystery, drama, and social commentary, making it a fascinating read. its strengths in character and theme provide a rewarding experience for readers looking for depth and engagement in a university setting intertwined with a crime mystery.
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews32 followers
February 24, 2020
A student is found dead on a university campus. His friends Dan and Becky are shocked and grief stricken. Dan had loved Rick and Becky loves Dan so she plans on finding out who killed their friend to help ease the grief.

But Dan gets caught in a dangerous situation, so can Becky solve the murder and save her friend?

I’ve read a few of Jo Fenton’s books and they are always so well plotted and this is no exception. It deals with grief and how different people deal with it, it has a creepy sect and murder. All set in 1980’s Manchester, with young, bright and brave characters and a murder mystery to solve, all of which make this a thoroughly entertaining read.

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.
Profile Image for Heidi Catherine.
Author 56 books233 followers
July 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this trip back to the 1980s when life was so simple and complicated all at once! This book had me turning the pages until late at night as I was keen to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. The characters were well rounded and interesting and the plot had me hooked from the start. A thrilling read!
Profile Image for Susan King.
Author 3 books14 followers
March 21, 2020
A whodunnit on a university campus ... original and well paced. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Val Penny.
Author 20 books110 followers
June 2, 2020
I have always enjoyed the books by Jo Fenton that I have read and her most recent book, Revelation, was no exception.

The action takes place around a university setting in Manchester. The students are shocked by the apparent suicide of one of their number and the student, Rick, is found dead in halls of residence and then his friends got caught up in the aftermath largely because Dan was in love with Rick and Becky is in love with Dan.

Their emotional journey leads them to dark places connected with to a mysterious Kabbalistic sect and Becky sets out to discover the cause of Rick’s death and to save Dan from an impossible situation.

I particularly enjoyed this novel because of the interwoven characters, interesting setting and description of rituals of the Kabbal sect. This ook would make an excellent book club read and I highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys taught, well written mysteries.

The Author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire. 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.

Val Penny
Profile Image for Rose McClelland.
Author 9 books113 followers
May 4, 2020
This is the second book I've read by Jo Fenton and I've thoroughly enjoyed both. Her writing style is lovely - it flows along at a good pace and you can easily picture the characters and scenes.

Revelation was full of emotion but also had thrilling moments scattered throughout which kept me, the reader, on my toes. I also loved the POV switch which kept the pace moving.

Yet another unputdownable read by Jo Fenton.
Profile Image for Chelle W (teaandplottwists).
452 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2020
Becky lives in student halls at uni, and is shocked to wake up and find out that one of the guys from her group has been found dead in his room. Her best friend Dan is devastated as he was in love with him so she takes it upon herself to find out what happened. Everyone’s first thought is that he took his own life but is that the truth?

Dan is feeling devastated and understandably low, when he bumps in to someone his previously met who mentions that he is a Religious leader and suggests that he comes along to one of his Kabbalah meetings. Although unsure, he feels like he needs something to distract him at this terrible time, so he goes along……and it’s not what he expects at all. Deciding he it’s not for him at that time, he leaves but after other things happen back at his Halls of Residence he decides to give it another go…..but what price will he pay?

In the meantime, Becky is still trying to find out what happened to Rick and links in with a local Sergeant who helps her. Will they be able to uncover what happened to Rick? Is Dan safe with his new friends? Or is there more to it all than they expect?

I love Jo’s books! This is another fantastic thriller that I pretty much read in one day! The storyline throughly sucks you in so you want to keep turning the next page. I did have a slight inclination as to what might happen, but it certainly didn’t fully turn out as I expected with many twists and turns!

Becky is a fantastic teenager with a strong will. Despite the fact that she goes through quite a lot personally in this book, it doesn’t distract her from helping out her best friend; driven even more by the her desire to become a police officer. Dan is so lovely but has a horrible time in this book. The story really takes us back to the late 1980’s and reminds us of the discrimination that was taking place during those years (and how we are lucky that a lot has changed now!), and the bullying and turmoil some people would have experienced.

I love that this is slightly different to the usual ‘investigation’ stories, and that Becky isn’t a police officer but a complete ‘wannabe’! However, it appears that her desires and hard work may pay off! I’m excited to see what Becky gets up to next!

This is another fantastic novel by Jo – a thriller that will keep you wanting more! Definitely recommended by me.
Profile Image for Jéssica.
Author 1 book70 followers
February 24, 2020
I found crime thrillers very amazing, they are always the kind of novels that makes me stay at the edge of my seat with excitement and trying to figure out what is going to happen next and what are the truth behind the mysteries.

With Revelation, not only do I get to meet a new-to-me author, but also go on a thrilling journey. And it's an unexpected turn of events, with characters that are the victim's friends, and quite interesting and real, I was so curious about what Beckie, especially, would do next with each page I would read.

I'm not going to go into details because crime novels deserve to be read without spoilers plaguing them, but I have to say that since it's back in 1989, it adds an elements that I enjoyed, because it happened way before my birthday and in a place I know nothing about and have never visited. The fact that I had to learn about a new place in the past, was fun, and it was exciting to learn about the society back then, especially since it all happens around a crime/mystery, which gave me a different perspective on things.

Overall, it left me wanting to read more thrillers, and reading more of Jo Fenton's novels. The mysteries, the murder, the secret sect and Beckie, all amazing elements in this plot combined with the storytelling, it made the novel entertaining and page turner.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jo Fenton for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Profile Image for KT Robson.
27 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2020
I loved this read. I loved how the story unfolded bit by bit, new facts and evidence slowly appearing, keeping me guessing as I tried to unravel the mystery myself!

The story kicks off straight into the action - With poor Rick being found dead in his dorm room, the police on site investigating, and his friends and dorm mates left shell shocked. Though it initially looks to be a suicide, Dan and Becky are quick to dismiss this idea and soon Becky is investigating on her own to discover the truth.

As poor Dan spirals into a depression after losing Rick, it's easy to get a sense of his desperation as he first falls into the pit of depression, then tries to claw his way back out, distracting himself by joining a Kabbalistic group.

Aside from the main storyline this book also tackles another tough subject, sexual assault. From attacks on the street to university professors abusing their power, and showing the difficulty the young women have to try and report and get help. A difficult topic to tackle, and also a difficult one to read, but I think it was written well, showing accurate depictions of the emotional turmoil that can come along with an assault.

I can't wait to read more from Jo Fenton, this book had me gripped from the first page and donning my detective hat as I tried to figure out what happened to Rick alongside Becky!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,632 reviews54 followers
March 23, 2020
I’m a big fan of Jo Fenton’s writing, so when I heard about Revelation, I knew it was a must read. I was not disappointed at all! This is a short read, but it still packs a punch and I enjoyed it very much.

Jo Fenton‘s writing is always filled with emotion. The story revolves around two students, Becky and Daniel, who are in despair over their emotions. The tone of this book is dark and ominous at times, which reeled me right in.

I love the POV switches between Becky and Daniel because it really let me into the heads of these two characters. Their pain is expertly written and I felt it from them both.

I almost wish this book was a little longer because the mystery could have been a smidge stronger at that point. It was still compelling, just not as thrilling as I wanted it to be.

I still really enjoyed this book and am still a fan of Jo Fenton‘s writing. I recommend giving this one a shot! The writing is wonderful and it is entertaining.

Rating:
4/5☆

*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Claire.
1,111 reviews183 followers
April 5, 2020
Rewind 31 years. Imagine a life without internet, without mobile phone, where a student with a car was a really rarity. Welcome to the world of Revelation. I was a student just under 10 years later so I was transported to my uni days with the distinct lack of modern conveniences that we rely on in 2020!

So we open with Dan finding his best friend Rick dead. Having met the DI in charge of the case, Becky (Dan’s other best friend) is determined to find out who killed Rick! And what an investigator this first year student makes!

As she gets an unfortunate access-all-areas pass to Rick’s bedroom, she starts to unearth the hidden side of her friend. I followed her each step she took. Her tenacity and eye for detail really showed making her a prime candidate for carving a career in crime solving! Fenton has created a fab character in Becky.

I really enjoyed meeting Becky, I hope this is the start of a new series as this would be a great opener for one. I’ll definitely be reading some of the author’s psychological thrillers before long!
Profile Image for Penny Hampson.
Author 13 books66 followers
July 13, 2020
Set in the Manchester of 1989, this gripping story is an account of the aftermath of a student’s mysterious death. Was it suicide or was Rick murdered? Told from two alternate points of view — Becky a fellow student who wants to become a detective, and Dan, another student who was in love with Rick. Both are devastated by their friend’s death and they find support in each other’s company.
The two separate strands of how each character deals with the fallout of the death are cleverly woven together, making for a pacy read. Dan’s depression and search for spiritual answers contrasts nicely with Becky’s more pragmatic approach.
The author paints a bleak but accurate picture of the culture of the times, with anti-semitism rife and rampant sexism the norm. The sense of isolation is heightened by the depiction of campus life and the fact that both main characters appear alienated from their families.
The plotting was intriguing, and I must admit I didn’t see what was coming. If you’re looking for a mystery with a difference, I recommend this.
Profile Image for Bookmarked.
151 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2020
This dark and pacey crime drama hits a nerve. It's 1989. Becky, who is a law student, is confronted with the death of another student. Rick is killed in his room in the hall of residents.His body is found by Dan, his very close friend. Becky embarks on an investigation, keen to get to the bottom of this tragic death especially because she cares about Dan who is deeply traumatised by Rick's death. Strange forces seemed to play part in this death and a later disappearance, including a suspect Kabbalistic group.

This book appealed to me personally on many levels. I too studied law in the late eighties and lived in a hall of residents, surrounded by people who became close friends. Those were very different times. Fenton reflects those times really well: the overall ambience of the eighties, the trends, the music, the raging AIDS and early prejudice against gays, the lecherous professors. I was transported back in time.

The characters are vivid and the background behind the killer's motives complex. The denouement comes as a surprise. It is a very satisfying crime mystery.
Profile Image for Megan Mayfair.
Author 27 books130 followers
February 23, 2020
An insightful and gripping mystery set on a University campus in the UK. When a student is found dead, two of his peers both find themselves dealing with the shock and grief in vastly different ways, but with equally dangerous outcomes. The book is action-packed and the mystery unravels at a nice pace, creating a highly likeable, smart and plucky lead in amateur sleuth, Becky.
Profile Image for Amelia Lee.
89 reviews
July 30, 2023
Manester 1989

Rick is discovered dead is her dorm by best friend Dan. As Becca tries uncover the truth what happened that night and what really happened and she discovers the truth and save her friend before to late
Rating rounded 2.5
This book left frusted the twist was easy to discover and some topic was tied up before ending
Profile Image for Guy Mankowski.
Author 14 books40 followers
July 16, 2020
80's Manchester plus the student background both offered hooks which drew me in. This is densely plotted, increasingly gripping novel with sharply drawn characters. Couldn't put it down. Felt that I could really relate to Dan and Becky. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Emlyn Lunn.
132 reviews
August 15, 2020
Entertaining read

A well constructed plot. I like the way the story was told through the eye's of each character s point of view You only found out in the last couple of pages the full extent of the why the character's behaved as they did. A good entertaining read
388 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
Unbelievably bad

This woman can't write.
Nothing happened for the first two thirds then the plot defended into the biggest load of finishing have ever read.
I would have liked to wear MINUS 10 STARS.
AVOID AVOID AVOID
Profile Image for Annie Kosar.
361 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2022
Awesome mystery thriller!!

LOVED the characters in this one SOOO MUCH!!!:-). Also….there were twists that you never see coming!! Lots of exploration into religion and identity amidst the intriguing mystery!!:-)
5 reviews
May 3, 2020
Good read

Liked the book ok but not really captivating for a thriller. Recommended for a quick read.. Enjoyed other books by the author..
Profile Image for Debbie.
100 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2020
Beautiful mystery

Absolutely wonderful! Made my want to keep turning the pages. Can't wait to read more from this author. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Kimberley H.
751 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2021
Quick Short Story

Fast short read and different. Interesting subjects and characters but pretty average overall. I wanted to finish it and be on to the next.
3 reviews
February 8, 2021
Dragged On

Took longer than normal for me to get through this book. For me, I will not read the next book.
12 reviews
April 28, 2022
It's constantly raining.

Why does no one carry an umbrella?
Why does everyone get so upset; they shake, passout, what ever. Wimps all.
Profile Image for Samantha.
485 reviews42 followers
April 1, 2020
When her friend Rick is found dead in his dorm after an apparent suicide, Becky White is devastated. Dan, who is in love with Rick, is also devastated and shocked by the death unable to believe Rick could have done such a thing. While Dan tries to heal, Becky puts her nose to the ground and is determined to figure out what really happened to their friend.

I really enjoyed this book and was able to fly through it easily. The writing was really good. I was able to get completely lost in the story. The ending of the story was so good except for one issue, I found a certain part of it to be completely rushed to the point where a small, but significant, event was left out completely. I know that's vague, however, I am trying to remain spoiler free. Revelation is a short book at just 180 pages, so everything is straight and to the point and I loved that.

The characters were well developed. Dan suffers from depression and I thought it was represented pretty well given the love triangle between him, Becky and Rick. Becky was a good character to follow. She reminded me of a slightly older, more modern, possibly more mature version of Nancy Drew. While Becky is older in her story than Nancy Drew, both of those characters want to become detectives, are a bit headstrong and both of them have lawyers for fathers. I'm not sure if Nancy Drew was an inspiration for Becky White but do I think fans of Nancy would enjoy this modern female detective.

Overall, I thought it was a good book and I would read more of the Becky White Series when it comes out.

You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Maria Johnson.
Author 4 books23 followers
May 20, 2021
This book was a great thriller but also a very captivating drama.

The best thing about this book was the combination of thriller & drama. It went flawlessly to edge of your seat moments with the main character, Becky, uncovering clues and pondering moments- but then it slammed right back into real life with a very honest depiction of grief and pain.

For me who went to uni in the noughties, this was a harrowing glimpse into what prejudice looked looked like.

Fenton was also brilliant in depicting the age, that 18-21 something that is just teetering onto adulthood. The story also provided a fascinating glimpse into the Jewish faith & Kabbalism.

I kinda guessed some of what was coming with the plot, but there were lots of surprises too!

A very gripping readable thriller & drama. Looking forward to checking out other books by the author.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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