What do you think?
Rate this book
Eva Barnes #1
Leave Well Alone
★ AJ CAMPBELL'S DEBUT NOVEL ★
That bone-chilling winter’s day when my brother returned home for good was when I first contemplated murdering my mother…
How far would you go to protect your family?
A psychological suspense story.
That bone-chilling winter’s day when my brother returned home for good was when I first contemplated murdering my mother…
How far would you go to protect your family?
A psychological suspense story.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2020
2804 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Campbell
15 books709 followersAJ Campbell is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author, who loves throwing characters into unbelievable situations and figuring it out from there. The result is psychological suspense novels full of twists, turns, and torment, with gasp-worthy endings. An avid hiker, AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a Netflix junkie, a theatre tragic, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast.
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 254 reviews
March 28, 2023
Another well-written thriller by the author. I read the second book in the series first, but it didn’t matter. I loved to read the back-story afterwards, and it was good to already know the main character. Plenty of suspense and an engaging plot.
August 26, 2020
"That bone-chilling winter's day when my brother returned home for good was when I first contemplated murdering my mother."
Well, that opening line caught my attention and what a hook that is to start this one off with some tension to this unquie, suspenseful and twisty turning story.
Eva's happy world is rocked when her brother announces that he has found their mother who abandoned them 18 years ago. Eva is not happy about that, and things start to get interesting and complicated when Eva's son is born unwell, and family starts to become Eva's focus.
The story is told mostly in Eva's POV, and we see her struggle with her childhood, feeling of abandonment and anxiety. There are also chapters from Eva's husband POV that created a sense of foreboding and suspense to the story.
The storyline is unique and the turning points to the story are interesting. I struggled a little with the dialogue and the dynamics between the characters and the pace slowed down for me in the first half. The second half the story picks up and the build-up to that final twist was well done and I did not see that coming even though the clues were layered and I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.
I read this one for a blog tour and even though I was giving an Ebook copy from the author I didn't use it because I am tech challenged and couldn't download it. I just went ahead and bought it from Amazon.
Well, that opening line caught my attention and what a hook that is to start this one off with some tension to this unquie, suspenseful and twisty turning story.
Eva's happy world is rocked when her brother announces that he has found their mother who abandoned them 18 years ago. Eva is not happy about that, and things start to get interesting and complicated when Eva's son is born unwell, and family starts to become Eva's focus.
The story is told mostly in Eva's POV, and we see her struggle with her childhood, feeling of abandonment and anxiety. There are also chapters from Eva's husband POV that created a sense of foreboding and suspense to the story.
The storyline is unique and the turning points to the story are interesting. I struggled a little with the dialogue and the dynamics between the characters and the pace slowed down for me in the first half. The second half the story picks up and the build-up to that final twist was well done and I did not see that coming even though the clues were layered and I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.
I read this one for a blog tour and even though I was giving an Ebook copy from the author I didn't use it because I am tech challenged and couldn't download it. I just went ahead and bought it from Amazon.
August 26, 2020
2.5 stars. A fast paced, suspenseful read.
Eva hasn’t seen her mother she since abandoned Eva and her brother as young children. Eva has moved on with her life and is in a great relationship with a kind, loving and successful man, Jim. Eva and Jim get pregnant and their son is born with a heart defect. The heart condition could be hereditary but is not evident with Eva or Jim. Eva’s brother has recently come back into her life and is on a mission to find their estranged mother. With Eva’s sons medical condition at stake, Eva joins in the search for their mother and father with the hopes of finding answers for her newborn sons health condition.
There are some interesting twists, turns and plot points. I thought I had this all figured out and was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong.
The main character, Eva, is likeable but failed to draw me in completely so I never felt fully invested in her story. I struggled in connecting with the writing and characters. I liked the premise of the book and thought that was an intriguing and thought provoking topic to consider — finding estranged family members in order to research family genetics and get medical answers for generations to come.
Although this book was not for me, it was a quick, easy, entertaining novel that many readers will enjoy escaping into. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy!
Eva hasn’t seen her mother she since abandoned Eva and her brother as young children. Eva has moved on with her life and is in a great relationship with a kind, loving and successful man, Jim. Eva and Jim get pregnant and their son is born with a heart defect. The heart condition could be hereditary but is not evident with Eva or Jim. Eva’s brother has recently come back into her life and is on a mission to find their estranged mother. With Eva’s sons medical condition at stake, Eva joins in the search for their mother and father with the hopes of finding answers for her newborn sons health condition.
There are some interesting twists, turns and plot points. I thought I had this all figured out and was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong.
The main character, Eva, is likeable but failed to draw me in completely so I never felt fully invested in her story. I struggled in connecting with the writing and characters. I liked the premise of the book and thought that was an intriguing and thought provoking topic to consider — finding estranged family members in order to research family genetics and get medical answers for generations to come.
Although this book was not for me, it was a quick, easy, entertaining novel that many readers will enjoy escaping into. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy!
May 5, 2022
Leave "Leave Well Alone" (Eva Barnes #1),
well enough alone.
Instead, start with "Don't Come Looking", the second book in the Eva Barnes series.
Had I read the books in the correct order, I never would have developed a girl crush on Eva Barnes.
"Leave Well Alone"(Eva Barnes #1) was disjointed and all over the place. Too much insignificant information about the protagonists was provided.
Unfortunately, the author added no new twists to the book's overused "Who is my real mother and father?" premise, and as a result, the book dragged on and on.
I listened to the 8-hour audiobook that EASILY could have been a 4-hour audiobook.
The book was read by two narrators who did a superb job with the narration.
Since I really enjoyed "Don't Come Looking" (Eva Barnes #2), perhaps my expectations were set too high.
Since Eva Barnes Book #2 was significantly better than Book #1, I will be looking forward to reading Eva Barnes Book #3.
well enough alone.
Instead, start with "Don't Come Looking", the second book in the Eva Barnes series.
Had I read the books in the correct order, I never would have developed a girl crush on Eva Barnes.
"Leave Well Alone"(Eva Barnes #1) was disjointed and all over the place. Too much insignificant information about the protagonists was provided.
Unfortunately, the author added no new twists to the book's overused "Who is my real mother and father?" premise, and as a result, the book dragged on and on.
I listened to the 8-hour audiobook that EASILY could have been a 4-hour audiobook.
The book was read by two narrators who did a superb job with the narration.
Since I really enjoyed "Don't Come Looking" (Eva Barnes #2), perhaps my expectations were set too high.
Since Eva Barnes Book #2 was significantly better than Book #1, I will be looking forward to reading Eva Barnes Book #3.
January 21, 2021
Wow! I got 3/4 of the way through and thought it was pretty obvious what the ending was going to be....Wrong! Surprise twist at the end really threw me. Enjoyed every page. Read it, you'll love it.
January 20, 2025
3.5 🌟
Well, for the first 3/4 of the book I was fairly well invested even though I’d completely figured it out. I was really annoyed at how obvious it all was to be honest but, it was well written and I was in need of a placeholder so I carried on with it,
Guess what though, I was wrong 😂 I love being wrong so the twist bumped the score up a bit 😊
The narration on this title was good.
Currently included with audible 🎧
Well, for the first 3/4 of the book I was fairly well invested even though I’d completely figured it out. I was really annoyed at how obvious it all was to be honest but, it was well written and I was in need of a placeholder so I carried on with it,
Guess what though, I was wrong 😂 I love being wrong so the twist bumped the score up a bit 😊
The narration on this title was good.
Currently included with audible 🎧
January 18, 2021
Wow wow wow! This book! 👏 😮 👏 If you love a good psychological thriller, this debut novel is for you! Eva, a young woman who went through the foster system, finds out her brother has tracked down their mom and is trying to decide whether to confront her painful past. But then her son is born with a hereditary condition and she decides to seek out her estranged birth family. In the process, she and her husband Jim uncover all sorts of unexpected and deeply buried family secrets. This was a page turner with great twists, and guys I cannot WAIT for the second book continuing Eva and Jim's story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 1, 2020
We want to thank @ajcampbellauthor for gifting us a copy of her debut novel Leave Well Alone. I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one!
Eva is a law student in love with an old childhood friend, Jim. Everyone seems to be happy about their union except his parents. Something is very “off” about his father but she can’t quite figure it out.
Meanwhile Eva’s brother, Ben, has recently reconnected with the mother that abandoned them when they were children. Eva feels hatred towards her mother for leaving them. She deals with intense anger every time she even thinks about her and her thoughts are murderous.
Soon Eva finds out she is pregnant and when the baby is born prematurely with a potential genetic disorder, she decides to face her past and dig deep for answers that no one is willingly giving up. Little does she know that her quest for answers will lead her to a place she never imagined and could destroy the lives of those she truly loves.
This is a pretty quick read that I could not put down! This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with and ignore all your responsibilities in life! Please go check out this author and get this book asap!
Eva is a law student in love with an old childhood friend, Jim. Everyone seems to be happy about their union except his parents. Something is very “off” about his father but she can’t quite figure it out.
Meanwhile Eva’s brother, Ben, has recently reconnected with the mother that abandoned them when they were children. Eva feels hatred towards her mother for leaving them. She deals with intense anger every time she even thinks about her and her thoughts are murderous.
Soon Eva finds out she is pregnant and when the baby is born prematurely with a potential genetic disorder, she decides to face her past and dig deep for answers that no one is willingly giving up. Little does she know that her quest for answers will lead her to a place she never imagined and could destroy the lives of those she truly loves.
This is a pretty quick read that I could not put down! This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with and ignore all your responsibilities in life! Please go check out this author and get this book asap!
December 4, 2021
Well, what can I say but WOW! An excellent and very different first book from this obviously talented new author. Unlike any psychological book I've ever read before, this is a truly exceptional psychological thriller and one that made me feel I was experiencing everything first hand. In the main it covers the past and present life of Eva who has had a turbulent youth. As the story cleverly unfolds the reader sees the highs, lows, loves and trials through the eyes of each character and experiences a rollercoaster of emotions. Just when it seems the characters have resolved their issues and life is looking happier and far less complicated, the story takes a sudden twist. The ending is a total surprise and left me with all sorts of thoughts and mixed emotions concerning the various characters. Although this particular part of the story has finished, I am sure there is more to come and cannot wait for the next book. Truly exceptional and Highly Recommended.
August 22, 2020
I would firstly like to say a huge thank you to A J Campbell for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour for her debut novel Leave Well Alone. The cover and synopsis of Leave Well Alone drew me in instantly. I wanted to find out the secrets and deceit that lay hidden.
The story is told from the perspectives of Eva and Jim. And, this is a great concept that I've always enjoyed in books. Mainly because we get to see the story unfold and find new information from different sources. Given that Eva and Jim are in love you would expect that they would be telling the same story. However, someone knows more than they are letting on.
Eva and Ben grew up in foster care because their mother had abandoned them. But now Ben has found their mother. He is very eager to build bridges and make amends. Eva on the other hand is harder to crack. Usually in stories where siblings have been abandoned we tend to see that the female is more forthcoming and forgiving. It's nice to see in Leave Well Alone that the opposite is true here. Ben is the more forgiving type but that is because of the new relationships he has formed since leaving foster care.
Campbell weaves a tale full of mystery and intrigue. Throughout this story I kept second guessing myself, and at one point I was truly gobsmacked at what I thought was a shocking revelation. The cast of characters that are introduced build a fabulous foundation for the plotline. Each one seems to have a hidden secret that is bursting to be revealed. But, at what cost? Will Eva and Jim's baby be in the firing line? Will Eva or Jim suffer consequences? You'll just have to find out for yourselves.
Don't Leave Well Alone. Buy it immediately.
The story is told from the perspectives of Eva and Jim. And, this is a great concept that I've always enjoyed in books. Mainly because we get to see the story unfold and find new information from different sources. Given that Eva and Jim are in love you would expect that they would be telling the same story. However, someone knows more than they are letting on.
Eva and Ben grew up in foster care because their mother had abandoned them. But now Ben has found their mother. He is very eager to build bridges and make amends. Eva on the other hand is harder to crack. Usually in stories where siblings have been abandoned we tend to see that the female is more forthcoming and forgiving. It's nice to see in Leave Well Alone that the opposite is true here. Ben is the more forgiving type but that is because of the new relationships he has formed since leaving foster care.
Campbell weaves a tale full of mystery and intrigue. Throughout this story I kept second guessing myself, and at one point I was truly gobsmacked at what I thought was a shocking revelation. The cast of characters that are introduced build a fabulous foundation for the plotline. Each one seems to have a hidden secret that is bursting to be revealed. But, at what cost? Will Eva and Jim's baby be in the firing line? Will Eva or Jim suffer consequences? You'll just have to find out for yourselves.
Don't Leave Well Alone. Buy it immediately.
August 24, 2020
"That bone-chilling winter's day when my brother returned home for good was when I first contemplated murdering my mother."
What an opening line! Full of foreboding, tension, mystery and sinister promise, I was instantly hooked. And from that moment I was immersed in this tense, twisty and compelling debut. I didn’t want to put it down, and the only reason I didn’t read it in one sitting was my body’s pesky need for sleep.
This is a truly unique psychological thriller. It is so evocative that you feel everything the characters do and are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride as they navigate trials and conflict in this dramatic story. Told in dual narratives in dual timelines, the author tackles themes of childhood trauma, mental health issues, physical health issues, family secrets and forgiveness in a well thought out, thorough and realistic manner. The descriptions of Eva’s anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD particularly resonated with me, and I found she was the character I most connected with. What she had gone through as a child and the journey she went on over the course of the book really tugged on my heartstrings, and I could understand her reticence to forgive or reconnect with her mother after all that had happened. While I wasn’t holding my breath, I did hope that she would find the happy ending she deserved after going through so much.
I read a lot of thrillers and I will be honest and say I picked up this book for the blog tour at a time I really didn’t think I was in the mood for it. But what I didn’t know is how good this was going to be. Ms Campbell’s riveting and vivid writing had me under her spell from the opening line that packed a punch and dives straight into the anger and emotion of Eva’s story. She knows exactly how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, guessing what will happen next.
A gripping, suspenseful and thrilling read, Leave Well Alone is a fantastic debut that I would highly recommend. Just make sure you don’t have any plans, as you’re not going to want to stop reading.
What an opening line! Full of foreboding, tension, mystery and sinister promise, I was instantly hooked. And from that moment I was immersed in this tense, twisty and compelling debut. I didn’t want to put it down, and the only reason I didn’t read it in one sitting was my body’s pesky need for sleep.
This is a truly unique psychological thriller. It is so evocative that you feel everything the characters do and are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride as they navigate trials and conflict in this dramatic story. Told in dual narratives in dual timelines, the author tackles themes of childhood trauma, mental health issues, physical health issues, family secrets and forgiveness in a well thought out, thorough and realistic manner. The descriptions of Eva’s anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD particularly resonated with me, and I found she was the character I most connected with. What she had gone through as a child and the journey she went on over the course of the book really tugged on my heartstrings, and I could understand her reticence to forgive or reconnect with her mother after all that had happened. While I wasn’t holding my breath, I did hope that she would find the happy ending she deserved after going through so much.
I read a lot of thrillers and I will be honest and say I picked up this book for the blog tour at a time I really didn’t think I was in the mood for it. But what I didn’t know is how good this was going to be. Ms Campbell’s riveting and vivid writing had me under her spell from the opening line that packed a punch and dives straight into the anger and emotion of Eva’s story. She knows exactly how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, guessing what will happen next.
A gripping, suspenseful and thrilling read, Leave Well Alone is a fantastic debut that I would highly recommend. Just make sure you don’t have any plans, as you’re not going to want to stop reading.
September 9, 2020
I start this review with just one word...
WOW!!!
Stand clear readers as I am about to declare this as one of my reads of the year!
As a massive fan of this genre it takes a huge amount of originally to turn my head when it comes to the twists in the tale this genre provides but this read has it all and more in spades!
In this read we meet Eva, suffering a troubled and heartbreaking childhood, we see her trying to move forward in life with her partner Jim and with her pregnancy to focus on things seem to finally be on the up.
But your past is never far from you, no matter what you do in later life, when Eva's brother returns to home shores with news that he has found a women, their birth mother, who abandoned them 18 years before, Eva whats nothing to do with her or the situation.
But when Eva's baby is born with medical issues, hereditary medical issues at that, Eva finds she needs to confront her birth mother and in turn her past to help the new most important person in her future her baby, but she is not prepared in any way for where this all this lead and in the end what this will cost her and her family.
This story is completely enthralling in it's writing, we slowly make our way through the past and the present of these characters all their lives and secrets unfolding before us which makes this read such a compelling page turner!
As we headed towards the conclusion WOW! what a shock!, this was an ending that just shook me to my core! and left everything I had read and assumed reeling! I just want more from these characters and I am chopping at the bit for what comes next!
This is one of the most captivating and thrilling reads I have had the pleasure of all year in this genre.
This is the type of book that fans of thrillers and psychological twist books are waiting for! grab it now and put everything else aside, this is the autumn blockbuster read you need!
5 huge stars all the way!
WOW!!!
Stand clear readers as I am about to declare this as one of my reads of the year!
As a massive fan of this genre it takes a huge amount of originally to turn my head when it comes to the twists in the tale this genre provides but this read has it all and more in spades!
In this read we meet Eva, suffering a troubled and heartbreaking childhood, we see her trying to move forward in life with her partner Jim and with her pregnancy to focus on things seem to finally be on the up.
But your past is never far from you, no matter what you do in later life, when Eva's brother returns to home shores with news that he has found a women, their birth mother, who abandoned them 18 years before, Eva whats nothing to do with her or the situation.
But when Eva's baby is born with medical issues, hereditary medical issues at that, Eva finds she needs to confront her birth mother and in turn her past to help the new most important person in her future her baby, but she is not prepared in any way for where this all this lead and in the end what this will cost her and her family.
This story is completely enthralling in it's writing, we slowly make our way through the past and the present of these characters all their lives and secrets unfolding before us which makes this read such a compelling page turner!
As we headed towards the conclusion WOW! what a shock!, this was an ending that just shook me to my core! and left everything I had read and assumed reeling! I just want more from these characters and I am chopping at the bit for what comes next!
This is one of the most captivating and thrilling reads I have had the pleasure of all year in this genre.
This is the type of book that fans of thrillers and psychological twist books are waiting for! grab it now and put everything else aside, this is the autumn blockbuster read you need!
5 huge stars all the way!
August 23, 2020
This ticked all of my boxes for a great domestic noir, a short sharp shock of a prologue and then straight into Eva contemplating murdering her mother had me completely hooked.
This is the story of Eva and Jim, her brother Ben, Tammy the mother who abandoned them after being arrested and Jim’s friend Dan who Eva is uncomfortable around.
Eva has been in therapy due to her traumatic childhood and suffers from severe anxiety which manifests itself in the shape of an unknown man intending her harm. Making her a fantastic unreliable narrator. We also learn of her partner Jim and their past and present is firmly ensconced due to Tammy being Jim’s nanny as a young boy and growing up close by. He loves Eva and is thoughtful and dependable, which after many foster homes growing up Eva is finally getting a stable family.
This had so many secrets to unravel, extraordinary plot twists that I did not see coming and characters that I loved and hated in equal measure.
A complex and intricately told story with many layers showing the consequences of deceit and the effects of mental health. I can’t wait to continue Eva and Jim’s story with “Don’t Come Looking”.
This is the story of Eva and Jim, her brother Ben, Tammy the mother who abandoned them after being arrested and Jim’s friend Dan who Eva is uncomfortable around.
Eva has been in therapy due to her traumatic childhood and suffers from severe anxiety which manifests itself in the shape of an unknown man intending her harm. Making her a fantastic unreliable narrator. We also learn of her partner Jim and their past and present is firmly ensconced due to Tammy being Jim’s nanny as a young boy and growing up close by. He loves Eva and is thoughtful and dependable, which after many foster homes growing up Eva is finally getting a stable family.
This had so many secrets to unravel, extraordinary plot twists that I did not see coming and characters that I loved and hated in equal measure.
A complex and intricately told story with many layers showing the consequences of deceit and the effects of mental health. I can’t wait to continue Eva and Jim’s story with “Don’t Come Looking”.
January 25, 2021
This book is so good,!!!
OMG. this book is incredible! I started reading it and I could not put it down!!! I got lucky because it rained today so I could skip work.
The thing is my son has a mental illness, he's gotten to a really scary place. Reading this book today it all came so very clear what to do. The urgency of it all.
YOU HAVE GOT TO REA D THIS BOOK!!! I cannot wait to read more of the authors stories!!
INCREDIBLE
OMG. this book is incredible! I started reading it and I could not put it down!!! I got lucky because it rained today so I could skip work.
The thing is my son has a mental illness, he's gotten to a really scary place. Reading this book today it all came so very clear what to do. The urgency of it all.
YOU HAVE GOT TO REA D THIS BOOK!!! I cannot wait to read more of the authors stories!!
INCREDIBLE
August 19, 2020
I love a psychological thriller and this one didn’t disappoint! I read it nonstop, completely gripped by the drama unfolding and keen to see how it ended. I loved the fast pace, the characters, and the layers of detail. I can’t wait for the next instalment ...!
August 21, 2020
Thrilling page turner that will leave your head spinning! Campbell wrote through 2 different points of view that kept me guessing. Buy it! You won't be disappointed!
November 12, 2020
Utterly gripping! Extremely relevant too, well written, concise, kept me page turning & couldn't put it down.
August 16, 2023
Shattering Story of Shameful Families
"Only you can choose which fork in the road to take. Flourish or fail. Victory or victim. It’s up to you."
A J Campbell opens her novel, Leave Well Alone, with the quote above foreshadowing a gripping tale of catastrophic choices, pathological punches and traumatic timeline thrillers.
Eva Mitchell is filled with happiness. She is engaged to the love of her life, Jim Barnes and, after a horrible childhood, she is looking forward to a blissful life. Eva is awaiting a long-delayed reunion with her brother, Ben, who is flying back from a photography trip from Peru.
Just as Eva and Ben are getting to know each other again, updating each other on their lives, Ben reveals that he has been in contact with their Mother. Tammy Mitchell, who walked out on Eva and Ben when they were children and left no reason why she had gone. Eva reacts violently, protesting that she wants nothing to do with her Mother. Ben says,"Trust is an issue for you because of the degree to which (Mom) let you down…and so subconsciously you’re scared she’s going to disappoint you again. You don’t feel capable of getting close to her."
There are three skills that take this novel from a super thriller to a masterpiece in childhood trauma and psychological warfare. The first is the author's expertise in plotting. Each scene leads to a nugget of a new revelation but not so far as to give up the ending.
The second is her ability to put the reader into every single scene emotionally. Each deceit is a punch in the stomach, all lies make you physically sick and with the building of the trauma, the reader is unable to disconnect from the story until it is over.
And finally, after such quantities of terror and trepidation, the author offers the reader the whispered grace of a happy ending. From the book, "Too many external forces are flittering about affecting their outcome. I thought I’d sing and dance and cry, but all I could do was kiss his lips and quietly tell him that everything was going to be OK."
If there were a 10 star scale, this would get a 8 and a half. The more I read of A J Campbell's books, the more I want to read.
"Only you can choose which fork in the road to take. Flourish or fail. Victory or victim. It’s up to you."
A J Campbell opens her novel, Leave Well Alone, with the quote above foreshadowing a gripping tale of catastrophic choices, pathological punches and traumatic timeline thrillers.
Eva Mitchell is filled with happiness. She is engaged to the love of her life, Jim Barnes and, after a horrible childhood, she is looking forward to a blissful life. Eva is awaiting a long-delayed reunion with her brother, Ben, who is flying back from a photography trip from Peru.
Just as Eva and Ben are getting to know each other again, updating each other on their lives, Ben reveals that he has been in contact with their Mother. Tammy Mitchell, who walked out on Eva and Ben when they were children and left no reason why she had gone. Eva reacts violently, protesting that she wants nothing to do with her Mother. Ben says,"Trust is an issue for you because of the degree to which (Mom) let you down…and so subconsciously you’re scared she’s going to disappoint you again. You don’t feel capable of getting close to her."
There are three skills that take this novel from a super thriller to a masterpiece in childhood trauma and psychological warfare. The first is the author's expertise in plotting. Each scene leads to a nugget of a new revelation but not so far as to give up the ending.
The second is her ability to put the reader into every single scene emotionally. Each deceit is a punch in the stomach, all lies make you physically sick and with the building of the trauma, the reader is unable to disconnect from the story until it is over.
And finally, after such quantities of terror and trepidation, the author offers the reader the whispered grace of a happy ending. From the book, "Too many external forces are flittering about affecting their outcome. I thought I’d sing and dance and cry, but all I could do was kiss his lips and quietly tell him that everything was going to be OK."
If there were a 10 star scale, this would get a 8 and a half. The more I read of A J Campbell's books, the more I want to read.
September 24, 2020
That bone-chilling winter’s day when my brother returned home for good was when I first contemplated murdering my mother…
How’s that for a first line in a debut novel?
AJ Campbell knocked it out of the park with her recent thriller, Leave Well Alone!
Ya’ll know I love my thrillers, and it takes a lot for me to give a thriller a good review because I feel like so much has already been done before, but Campbell managed to get me and I am here for it!
The pacing of this one was perfect and kept me guessing about where this was going all the way through and how the USB on the front cover was going to tie into the story. I enjoyed the characters and the backstory a lot and really didn’t see the ending coming until right before the big reveal.
My fellow thriller lovers, give this one a try!
Read if you are a fan of: Alice Feeney, Twisty endings, British Thrillers, Watching You, B.A. Paris, a quick read
Synopsis:
A broken family. Skeletons in the closet. Lives in danger.
When Eva’s brother Ben announces he has found their mother, Eva is determined to have nothing to do with the woman who abandoned them eighteen years ago to a traumatic childhood in foster care. Eva is happy now, in a loving relationship with rich and dependable Jim, and she is pregnant.
Nothing can change Eva’s mind. Her eyes are firmly on the future. But when her baby is born with a serious hereditary illness, she is forced to confront both her mother and her past. Eva begins to find forgiveness. But as old secrets and layers of deceit emerge, she makes a shocking discovery on a USB, leaving her fearing for her baby’s, Jim’s, and her own life.
How far will Eva go to protect her family?
How’s that for a first line in a debut novel?
AJ Campbell knocked it out of the park with her recent thriller, Leave Well Alone!
Ya’ll know I love my thrillers, and it takes a lot for me to give a thriller a good review because I feel like so much has already been done before, but Campbell managed to get me and I am here for it!
The pacing of this one was perfect and kept me guessing about where this was going all the way through and how the USB on the front cover was going to tie into the story. I enjoyed the characters and the backstory a lot and really didn’t see the ending coming until right before the big reveal.
My fellow thriller lovers, give this one a try!
Read if you are a fan of: Alice Feeney, Twisty endings, British Thrillers, Watching You, B.A. Paris, a quick read
Synopsis:
A broken family. Skeletons in the closet. Lives in danger.
When Eva’s brother Ben announces he has found their mother, Eva is determined to have nothing to do with the woman who abandoned them eighteen years ago to a traumatic childhood in foster care. Eva is happy now, in a loving relationship with rich and dependable Jim, and she is pregnant.
Nothing can change Eva’s mind. Her eyes are firmly on the future. But when her baby is born with a serious hereditary illness, she is forced to confront both her mother and her past. Eva begins to find forgiveness. But as old secrets and layers of deceit emerge, she makes a shocking discovery on a USB, leaving her fearing for her baby’s, Jim’s, and her own life.
How far will Eva go to protect her family?
August 31, 2020
What an incredible read, I can't believe this is a debut novel!
The synopsis and cover alone intrigued me and I couldn't wait to get started in on this book. I loved the dual narrative from the perspectives of Eva and Jim. I've always liked this in a book, you get to gather more information and see the story unfold from different views. After all there's always more than one side to a story.
I was constantly second guessing myself throughout the book. The mystery and intrigue was brilliant and I loved the cast of characters and how well they were introduced.
We all know I read a lot of psychological thrillers and this really was a good one!
The synopsis and cover alone intrigued me and I couldn't wait to get started in on this book. I loved the dual narrative from the perspectives of Eva and Jim. I've always liked this in a book, you get to gather more information and see the story unfold from different views. After all there's always more than one side to a story.
I was constantly second guessing myself throughout the book. The mystery and intrigue was brilliant and I loved the cast of characters and how well they were introduced.
We all know I read a lot of psychological thrillers and this really was a good one!
July 30, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am a fan of domestic thrillers, and this one didn't disappoint. A great plot line that kept me turning those pages, believable and intriguing characters that I wanted to follow even after I'd finished the book, and of course a fabulous plot twist. What more could you want? I would definitely recommend this book!
October 20, 2020
Surprise surprise!!
This book I found a tad confusing at first, but as the characters develop so does the suspense. It has so man twists and turns that I found it hard to put down. If you stick with it, I promise you will enjoy. I can't wait for the next book in this series! A great read.
This book I found a tad confusing at first, but as the characters develop so does the suspense. It has so man twists and turns that I found it hard to put down. If you stick with it, I promise you will enjoy. I can't wait for the next book in this series! A great read.
April 1, 2021
Have just finished reading this book and I was completely blown away. So many secrets as well as the mental damage caused by the secrets.
This was so very sad. I felt the love and then I felt angry at the destruction created by the father for his own selfish reasons. Although he was not the only one responsible I felt he was the most culpable. Thank you again for such powerful writing.
This was so very sad. I felt the love and then I felt angry at the destruction created by the father for his own selfish reasons. Although he was not the only one responsible I felt he was the most culpable. Thank you again for such powerful writing.
August 10, 2020
Loved this debut novel by AJ Campbell- can't wait for its sequel.
Intriguing characters with good back stories which make you engage with them right from the beginning.
A real page turner and kept me guessing right to the end when the truth is revealed.
I recommend.
Intriguing characters with good back stories which make you engage with them right from the beginning.
A real page turner and kept me guessing right to the end when the truth is revealed.
I recommend.
April 23, 2023
Wow what a great book. Looking forward for the next book. Eva has gotten herself into one messed up family. Looking forward and starting Don't Come Looking.
January 19, 2021
Great Book
Twists and turns
Incredible ending!!
I would highly recommend it and give yourself time to read it all the way through, at once.
Twists and turns
Incredible ending!!
I would highly recommend it and give yourself time to read it all the way through, at once.
March 18, 2023
One of my favourite books. Read everyone of this authors books and they are amazing. Can't wait for her next book. Highly recommend this
January 1, 2021
Leave Well Alone. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a debut book & it seriously is such a good book,the storyline will have you guessing how it will turn out.I am so glad there's more to come ,as there are characters in the book I can't wait to read how life works out for them. A.J Campbell is so good at writing & I enjoy the way he puts the storylines together & the characters too. I will definitely be looking out for his next book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a debut book & it seriously is such a good book,the storyline will have you guessing how it will turn out.I am so glad there's more to come ,as there are characters in the book I can't wait to read how life works out for them. A.J Campbell is so good at writing & I enjoy the way he puts the storylines together & the characters too. I will definitely be looking out for his next book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 31, 2020
Wow
All I can say is wow. Highly recommended. So g!ad I choose a new author to follow. Will definitely read another book by AJ Campbell.
All I can say is wow. Highly recommended. So g!ad I choose a new author to follow. Will definitely read another book by AJ Campbell.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 254 reviews