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The Unsound Sister
Are you responsible for a crime you can't remember?
Grant Huxley is dead. Found brutally stabbed in his hotel room in Beesands. His estranged wife Eloise Lane-Huxley and her sister June Lane are discovered at their home in Torcross, covered in blood and in possession of a pair of bloody crafting scissors.
DS Robert Fields interviews the sisters. Despite having no memory of the events surrounding the murder of her husband, Eloise is charged with murder.
Young and ambitious defense lawyer Harriet Bell is hired to defend Eloise. She quickly ascertains that a defence of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity - Automatism is the best chance of supporting her client.
Interviewing family and witnesses, Harriet uncovers secrets and hidden scandals and begins to doubt her client's guilt. Against the challenge of her own family history she works to uncover the truth.
Who really killed Grant Huxley?
Grant Huxley is dead. Found brutally stabbed in his hotel room in Beesands. His estranged wife Eloise Lane-Huxley and her sister June Lane are discovered at their home in Torcross, covered in blood and in possession of a pair of bloody crafting scissors.
DS Robert Fields interviews the sisters. Despite having no memory of the events surrounding the murder of her husband, Eloise is charged with murder.
Young and ambitious defense lawyer Harriet Bell is hired to defend Eloise. She quickly ascertains that a defence of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity - Automatism is the best chance of supporting her client.
Interviewing family and witnesses, Harriet uncovers secrets and hidden scandals and begins to doubt her client's guilt. Against the challenge of her own family history she works to uncover the truth.
Who really killed Grant Huxley?
- GenresAmazon
179 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2020
About the author
Lelita Baldock
3 books15 followersLelita Baldock is an author of historical and literary fiction. She is represented by InterSaga Literary Agency, London.
Lelita has a passion for dark stories, with an unexpected twist.
It was during her years studying English Literature at University that Lelita discovered her love of all things reading and writing. But it would be another 15 years before she took up the challenge and wrote her own novel.
Her debut novel, the historical fiction Widow's Lace, is an Amazon best-seller.
Her follow up, The Unsound Sister, saw her take a different direction in her writing, trying her hand at crime fiction and has been warmly received globally.
Her new novel, Where the Gulls Fall Silent, a traditional historical fiction set in 1850s Cornwall is out October 28..
Lelita also runs a blog and newsletter featuring fellow authors and other creatives.
Lelita has a passion for dark stories, with an unexpected twist.
It was during her years studying English Literature at University that Lelita discovered her love of all things reading and writing. But it would be another 15 years before she took up the challenge and wrote her own novel.
Her debut novel, the historical fiction Widow's Lace, is an Amazon best-seller.
Her follow up, The Unsound Sister, saw her take a different direction in her writing, trying her hand at crime fiction and has been warmly received globally.
Her new novel, Where the Gulls Fall Silent, a traditional historical fiction set in 1850s Cornwall is out October 28..
Lelita also runs a blog and newsletter featuring fellow authors and other creatives.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 4, 2021
I was so impressed with Baldock's writing - her character development, engaging dialogue, descriptive (often beautiful) scenes and the ease with which the story flows. I was drawn in and devoured every page. If you're looking for a crime thriller with likeable characters, effortless prose, a hint of romance and a twisty-turny plot, this is it. I thought I knew, then I didn't. Highly recommend this one!
February 28, 2023
When the body of Grant Huxley is found in a hotel, suspicion naturally turns to his estranged wife, Eloise. With a motive and mental ill health, she is an easy target. But Grant’s life is complicated and lawyer Harriet begins her own investigation.
This is a gripping novel, with many twists and turns. Unpredictable, engaging and cleverly written. A real page turner. Highly recommended!
This is a gripping novel, with many twists and turns. Unpredictable, engaging and cleverly written. A real page turner. Highly recommended!
January 2, 2021
This is a great whodunit and don't expect Lelita Baldock to let go of anything until the very end.
Well, actually that's not totally true. You won't know if where she takes you is really where you're supposed to be. Until the very "end". Yes, quotation marks around the "end"...
I really loved The Unsound Sister and as usual Lelita Baldock crafts characters that you just can't help but care about. Often even, albeit uncomfortably, relate to or identify with.
The suspense is thick, characters have history and humanity, the writing is sharp... I for one am a fan.
Well, actually that's not totally true. You won't know if where she takes you is really where you're supposed to be. Until the very "end". Yes, quotation marks around the "end"...
I really loved The Unsound Sister and as usual Lelita Baldock crafts characters that you just can't help but care about. Often even, albeit uncomfortably, relate to or identify with.
The suspense is thick, characters have history and humanity, the writing is sharp... I for one am a fan.
November 19, 2020
I picked up Lelita Baldock's 'The Unsound Sister' when I was in a bit of a dark space, and the brooding feel of the book feel like it matched exactly my mood at the time. With every word, I felt like I clung on for dear life, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. She weaves a tale of intrigue, which was masterfully crafted to always keep me guessing. The characters have been fleshed out, all with their own idiosyncrasies. All of these details really bring the book alive. Would absolutely recommend!
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January 20, 2021Wow, just wow.
Do you remember your first ride on a roller coaster? How at some point in the ride you didn’t want it to end ? Well that’s how I felt reading this piece of fine art. It was a roller coaster of a ride, it started off on a high note and maintained the intensity throughout. Normally, you’d think along the way the whole story will plateau seeing as how it started of strongly but you’d be greatly mistaken to think that. To be honest, The Unsound Sister is easily one of the best books I’ve read in 2020. I truly hope Lelita Baldock keeps it up. Looking forward for more
Do you remember your first ride on a roller coaster? How at some point in the ride you didn’t want it to end ? Well that’s how I felt reading this piece of fine art. It was a roller coaster of a ride, it started off on a high note and maintained the intensity throughout. Normally, you’d think along the way the whole story will plateau seeing as how it started of strongly but you’d be greatly mistaken to think that. To be honest, The Unsound Sister is easily one of the best books I’ve read in 2020. I truly hope Lelita Baldock keeps it up. Looking forward for more
January 21, 2021
The Unsound Sister is a great murder mystery thriller that keeps you gripped from the first page. The author does a good job of keeping up the suspense throughout the story and as a result you find themselves on a roller coaster ride as you try to figure out exactly committed the murder. As for the characters, each are well written in a way that you cannot help but relate to, often no matter what they do and what their flaws are. The ending (no spoilers here) definitely leaves you wanting a sequel. A highly recommended read for those who love crime and thrillers.
January 19, 2021
I’ve rated this book 5 stars, I wish it could do justice to this amazing book . So much mystery and suspense, I won’t give anyone spoilers but which sister really killed Grant Huxley???? I can’t wait for book 2 .... Lelita Baldock Is my favorite ❤️ Thank you for widow’s lace and the unsound sister
May 6, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! I won't give any spoilers but it will take you on a roller coaster and keep you guessing until the end. Easy five stars, can't wait to read more from the author.
October 17, 2022
I always have a gut feeling about good books, and this one didn't disappoint me at all!
As usual, Lelita is a brilliant writer who proved herself not only in historical fiction, but also in contemporary fiction.
As the title indicates, this is a psychological mystery about two sisters, a crime of passion, or that's what I thought at the beginning!
But who's the unsound sister? Who is the real psycho? That's what the story left me guessing all the way till I reached the end, and as usual all my guesses failed!
The writing style is, as always expected from the author, simple and elegant and precise legal terminologies were used.
The characters were described in adequate details. I couldn't sympathize with Eloise as I always felt there was something fishy about her, but she's what's the story is all about!
As usual, Lelita is a brilliant writer who proved herself not only in historical fiction, but also in contemporary fiction.
As the title indicates, this is a psychological mystery about two sisters, a crime of passion, or that's what I thought at the beginning!
But who's the unsound sister? Who is the real psycho? That's what the story left me guessing all the way till I reached the end, and as usual all my guesses failed!
The writing style is, as always expected from the author, simple and elegant and precise legal terminologies were used.
The characters were described in adequate details. I couldn't sympathize with Eloise as I always felt there was something fishy about her, but she's what's the story is all about!
September 5, 2022
The Unsound Sister is a fast-paced thriller. The twists and turns kept guessing and doubting the two sisters. Sometimes suspecting others, too! The lawyer, Harriet, is a fantastic character to root for. I really felt her empathy and her passion for justice.
Though an entirely different era and genre, this novel had the same exceptional story-telling and writing as Baldock’s historical fiction. There’s excellent pacing as the person I thought ‘whodunnit’ regularly switched between characters. I really liked the character of DS Robert Fields, too.
I really hope there is a sequel that continues this story. I’d also love to see Harriet dig into other cases.
A note for readers – this novel is contemporary and gritty in style, therefore there is frequent strong language, especially in dialogue.
I highly recommend this novel.
Though an entirely different era and genre, this novel had the same exceptional story-telling and writing as Baldock’s historical fiction. There’s excellent pacing as the person I thought ‘whodunnit’ regularly switched between characters. I really liked the character of DS Robert Fields, too.
I really hope there is a sequel that continues this story. I’d also love to see Harriet dig into other cases.
A note for readers – this novel is contemporary and gritty in style, therefore there is frequent strong language, especially in dialogue.
I highly recommend this novel.
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February 10, 2021Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews