What do you think?
Rate this book
One Must Die
I have both your sons, Mr Levitt. One of them must die. You choose.
Widower Sean Levitt receives the ominous message in the post a few days after his teenage boys go missing on their way to army cadets. As time progresses, the abductor makes increasingly horrific demands of Sean by sending him DVDs, and telling him to post videos online of the shocking assignments he sets him.
One Must Die is the story of one man’s fight to keep his sons alive, and the terrible lengths he must go to in order to do so.
Can Sean do what the police have failed to do and find his sons?
Or will the abductor achieve his twisted aim of destroying his entire family?
Widower Sean Levitt receives the ominous message in the post a few days after his teenage boys go missing on their way to army cadets. As time progresses, the abductor makes increasingly horrific demands of Sean by sending him DVDs, and telling him to post videos online of the shocking assignments he sets him.
One Must Die is the story of one man’s fight to keep his sons alive, and the terrible lengths he must go to in order to do so.
Can Sean do what the police have failed to do and find his sons?
Or will the abductor achieve his twisted aim of destroying his entire family?
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
4 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Mark Tilbury
27 books279 followersMark lives in a small village in the lovely county of Cumbria, although his books are set in Oxfordshire where he was born and raised.
He's always had a keen interest in writing and after being widowed and raising his two daughters, Mark finally took the plunge and began self-publishing. Mark's writing has earned him the name #TwistedTilbury due to the dark and twisted nature of his books. He's published 12 thrillers, and his 13th novel, A Womb With A View, will be published Jan 19th 2023.
When he's not writing, Mark can be found playing guitar, reading and walking.
Did you know that you can follow authors on Amazon? If you hit the 'follow' button on my author page, you'll be kept updated of any price reductions and new publications.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Tilbury...
Thank you!
He's always had a keen interest in writing and after being widowed and raising his two daughters, Mark finally took the plunge and began self-publishing. Mark's writing has earned him the name #TwistedTilbury due to the dark and twisted nature of his books. He's published 12 thrillers, and his 13th novel, A Womb With A View, will be published Jan 19th 2023.
When he's not writing, Mark can be found playing guitar, reading and walking.
Did you know that you can follow authors on Amazon? If you hit the 'follow' button on my author page, you'll be kept updated of any price reductions and new publications.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Tilbury...
Thank you!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 28, 2021
A Message Received...I Have Your Sons, One Must Die...CHOOSE...
What a mind destroying message Sean Levitt receives...His son's were off to an army cadet meeting two days ago...And never returned...His wife was killed a few years ago and his life has been his boys...He receives this message with a DVD that tears his heart out...And they keep coming, asking Sean to do horrific things, then post the video, or his boys will pay...
The complete torture of a man, using his kidnapped boys to control him...Who Is This Guy?! Why Sean??...The police are trying to help, but getting nowhere...Sean must find a way to END this!!
A stunning story that will have You gasping for breath, closing your eyes for a difficult moment, and sending prayers to this little family...
What a mind destroying message Sean Levitt receives...His son's were off to an army cadet meeting two days ago...And never returned...His wife was killed a few years ago and his life has been his boys...He receives this message with a DVD that tears his heart out...And they keep coming, asking Sean to do horrific things, then post the video, or his boys will pay...
The complete torture of a man, using his kidnapped boys to control him...Who Is This Guy?! Why Sean??...The police are trying to help, but getting nowhere...Sean must find a way to END this!!
A stunning story that will have You gasping for breath, closing your eyes for a difficult moment, and sending prayers to this little family...
June 27, 2021
There is a constant theme with Mark Tilbury's books and that is that they are incredibly disturbing and hard to read, but at the same time amazing. It is the same story with One Must Die although I actually thought it started on the tame side for him. That definitely doesn't hold up though and this book is DARK, just as I knew it would be. Squeamish readers and those who can't read violence in books will want to stay clear, but if you like dark and gritty like I do, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed Tilbury's writing in this book and the fact that he spent a lot of time in the viewpoint of the dad, Sean. I do like dark, but there is definitely such a thing as too much violence so I was happy that I could get a respite from that with his POV. I was also completely surprised at who the abductor turned out to be, and the storyline reminded me a bit of a Criminal Minds episode, only more violent and descriptive.
For those of you who don't know, Tilbury has the nickname #TwistedTilbury and you can bet he held up to it in One Must Die. If this were a movie I would have had my eyes closed for much of it, but in book form, I couldn't stop reading. This was a really quick read, and I had a really hard time putting it down. It was always a surprise what the madman would do next, and man was he an evil person. Some of the book was heartbreaking as well, and I felt so bad for Sean. I cannot say enough how this is not going to be a book for everyone, and I definitely need a nice palate cleanser now that I'm done. One Must Die will disgust you and make you mad, and it's hard to think about the fact that there are actually people like this out in the world. This is a fictional story, but you never know what can happen and there are plenty of scary people walking among us. I really enjoyed the conclusion to the book, and it was the perfect ending for me although you may have to suspend some disbelief throughout. As they say though, truth is stranger than fiction.
Thank you to the author for my free digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For those of you who don't know, Tilbury has the nickname #TwistedTilbury and you can bet he held up to it in One Must Die. If this were a movie I would have had my eyes closed for much of it, but in book form, I couldn't stop reading. This was a really quick read, and I had a really hard time putting it down. It was always a surprise what the madman would do next, and man was he an evil person. Some of the book was heartbreaking as well, and I felt so bad for Sean. I cannot say enough how this is not going to be a book for everyone, and I definitely need a nice palate cleanser now that I'm done. One Must Die will disgust you and make you mad, and it's hard to think about the fact that there are actually people like this out in the world. This is a fictional story, but you never know what can happen and there are plenty of scary people walking among us. I really enjoyed the conclusion to the book, and it was the perfect ending for me although you may have to suspend some disbelief throughout. As they say though, truth is stranger than fiction.
Thank you to the author for my free digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2021
When widow Sean Levitt’s teenage sons go missing on their way to an Army cadet meeting, he’s desperate to find them. After a few days pass without a clue as to where they are, the first of several DVD’s arrives in the mail from the abductor. To keep his boys alive and intact, Sean must record himself completing increasingly horrific tasks, then post them online. However, the worst is still to come. He must decide which of his sons will live and which one will die. With the police unable to produce any strong leads, Sean’s on his own to find the boys before it’s too late.
Ultra-disturbing, sinister, and deeply dark, “One Must Die” by Mark Tilbury is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Desperation and depravity aren’t merely words to describe what you’ll read on the page. They are what you will feel as you are dropped into the thoughts and actions of both Sean Levitt and the abductor. Sean’s panic and fear are contagious and intensify with each new DVD. Although the book avoids getting too graphic, the abductor’s deranged ramblings and horrifying torture of his victims are more frightening than the monster under your childhood bed.
“One Must Die” is my fourth Mark Tilbury novel. As with the two before it, “One Must Die” centers around children thrown into the clutches of psychopaths where they face unspeakable torture and death. Sean and the abductor are the main characters, but the story also focuses on the kids as they face the worst of humanity. As dark as the book gets, it’s the kids’ unique personalities, selflessness, and resilience that bring a little light into a dark tale. In fact, it’s author Mark Tilbury’s amazing ability to create multi-dimensional, well rounded characters (including the depraved abductor) that make the book so disturbing, creepy, and yet utterly compelling.
Be prepared to feel your heart in your throat and sweaty palms as you read. “One Must Die” is a fast paced, chilling journey into true evil and the anguish it brings a loving father trying to save his sons. Mark Tilbury is the master of putting his characters into twisted, terrifying situations while making you feel as if you’re right there with them. He’s the author that makes fiction seem so real that you’ll feel compelled to check the locks on your doors before going to bed.
Author Mark Tilbury is known as Twisted Tilbury to his legion of fans for a reason. He’s the doctor of dark. The king of psychological thrillers. And a truly gifted writer. “One Must Die” is proof.
Thank you to Mark Tilbury for the gifted eARC.
Ultra-disturbing, sinister, and deeply dark, “One Must Die” by Mark Tilbury is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Desperation and depravity aren’t merely words to describe what you’ll read on the page. They are what you will feel as you are dropped into the thoughts and actions of both Sean Levitt and the abductor. Sean’s panic and fear are contagious and intensify with each new DVD. Although the book avoids getting too graphic, the abductor’s deranged ramblings and horrifying torture of his victims are more frightening than the monster under your childhood bed.
“One Must Die” is my fourth Mark Tilbury novel. As with the two before it, “One Must Die” centers around children thrown into the clutches of psychopaths where they face unspeakable torture and death. Sean and the abductor are the main characters, but the story also focuses on the kids as they face the worst of humanity. As dark as the book gets, it’s the kids’ unique personalities, selflessness, and resilience that bring a little light into a dark tale. In fact, it’s author Mark Tilbury’s amazing ability to create multi-dimensional, well rounded characters (including the depraved abductor) that make the book so disturbing, creepy, and yet utterly compelling.
Be prepared to feel your heart in your throat and sweaty palms as you read. “One Must Die” is a fast paced, chilling journey into true evil and the anguish it brings a loving father trying to save his sons. Mark Tilbury is the master of putting his characters into twisted, terrifying situations while making you feel as if you’re right there with them. He’s the author that makes fiction seem so real that you’ll feel compelled to check the locks on your doors before going to bed.
Author Mark Tilbury is known as Twisted Tilbury to his legion of fans for a reason. He’s the doctor of dark. The king of psychological thrillers. And a truly gifted writer. “One Must Die” is proof.
Thank you to Mark Tilbury for the gifted eARC.
August 16, 2021
Once upon a time, there was an author. He wrote a story that was disturbing, dark and shocking, and from that day forth, they nicknamed him Mark ‘twisted’ Tilbury. I’m thrilled to say One Must Die has to be the author’s most disturbing book yet! It’s also probably his best one to date. If you're looking for a ‘cosy crime read’ then this book is definitely not for you! With topics such as child abduction, abuse and torture (the author doesn’t shy away from writing graphic scenes). If you like like your books on the DARK AND SERIOUSLY TWISTED SIDE, then you are going to love it.
The author taps into every parent’s worse nightmare when Sean Levitt, a widowed father, has his two teenage sons kidnapped by a deranged monster. Sean has to choose which son lives and which son dies. Mark Tilbury is a master at creating the worse kinds of monsters, but this has to be his most hateful one yet. The chapters told from the abductor’s point of view give a disturbing insight into the mind of a sadistic, twisted individual. Sean is a character who gains the readers’ sympathy, he’s well drawn and you feel his every emotion, anguish, anger, despair and frustration.
The kidnapper sets Sean a series of tasks that are despicable, but Sean will do anything to save his children. As each task becomes more twisted and the kidnapper ups the stakes, each demand becomes even more unreasonable. An overwhelming sense of foreboding and fear permeates the pages. For Sean and his boys, it felt like there will never be a ‘happy ever after’ ending for them. As the reader, I desperately wanted to see the kidnapper get his comeuppance, hopefully in the most painful way imaginable!
Mark Tilbury has a unique talent for drawing the reader in, there’s no long drawn out ‘setting the scene’ like some reads. Immediately, he draws the reader straight into the heart of the story. The sense of malice was immense,at one point I became more anxious as the plot played out. As a reader, there is nothing more satisfying than picking up a book that captures your imagination, with scenes that can only be described as brutal, gruesome and disturbing. Your imagination will go into overdrive, heightening the terror of this read. One Must Die made for an original, deviously twisted, horrifying read.
The author taps into every parent’s worse nightmare when Sean Levitt, a widowed father, has his two teenage sons kidnapped by a deranged monster. Sean has to choose which son lives and which son dies. Mark Tilbury is a master at creating the worse kinds of monsters, but this has to be his most hateful one yet. The chapters told from the abductor’s point of view give a disturbing insight into the mind of a sadistic, twisted individual. Sean is a character who gains the readers’ sympathy, he’s well drawn and you feel his every emotion, anguish, anger, despair and frustration.
The kidnapper sets Sean a series of tasks that are despicable, but Sean will do anything to save his children. As each task becomes more twisted and the kidnapper ups the stakes, each demand becomes even more unreasonable. An overwhelming sense of foreboding and fear permeates the pages. For Sean and his boys, it felt like there will never be a ‘happy ever after’ ending for them. As the reader, I desperately wanted to see the kidnapper get his comeuppance, hopefully in the most painful way imaginable!
Mark Tilbury has a unique talent for drawing the reader in, there’s no long drawn out ‘setting the scene’ like some reads. Immediately, he draws the reader straight into the heart of the story. The sense of malice was immense,at one point I became more anxious as the plot played out. As a reader, there is nothing more satisfying than picking up a book that captures your imagination, with scenes that can only be described as brutal, gruesome and disturbing. Your imagination will go into overdrive, heightening the terror of this read. One Must Die made for an original, deviously twisted, horrifying read.
February 27, 2023
An insanely hard choice to make, a gripping page-turner to read.
December 21, 2021
At some point, most - if not all - parents will experience the worry of their child not returning home when expected. In the vast majority of cases, it's a short-lived concern with a mundane reason for their tardiness but in One Must Die, to say Sean Levitt's worst fears are realised would be an understatement.
When his teenage sons, Peter and Ben don't return from army cadets and he then discovers that they didn't even turn up there earlier that evening, people try to convince him that there will be a rational explanation behind their disappearance. Right from the start, however, Sean is convinced that something is terribly wrong. He knows his sons and is confident that the mature, sensible Peter would never do anything out of the ordinary without first informing his father.
Unfortunately, in this case he is a little mistaken because the boys have made a fatal decision to accept the words of a stranger and as this is a Mark Tilbury novel, it means that terrible things are going to happen to them. Sean's fear gives way to horror after the first DVD arrives, confirming he was right and somebody has his boys. What comes next is an experience that would push anybody to the brink of sanity as each new DVD brings fresh horrors for Sean.
Most of the chapters follow Sean who must decide whether to respond to the increasingly horrendous demands of the kidnapper. There are emotional and moral choices to be made and I found it impossible not to wonder what I would do under the same circumstances. The man who has taken Peter and Ben seems to take a perverse delight in mentally torturing Sean but it pales in comparison to what is happening to the boys. It has to be said that Feelham, the setting for all Mark Tilbury's books seems to be a particularly dangerous place for teenage boys but unlike some of the characters from his previous novels, Peter and Ben aren't troubled, difficult lads despite losing their mother in a tragic hit-and-run accident a few years ago. Peter is particularly courageous and resourceful while Ben's anguished bravado is heartbreaking; the threats and violence they are subjected to is hard to read about at times.
Throughout the book there are chapters which are written about the kidnapper, giving us an insight into his plans and his deranged mind, although his identity isn't revealed until late in the book. The glimpses into his upbringing mirror Sean's in some ways - both have experienced agonising losses but it's clear that while Sean has managed to keep going for the sake of others, this man has been irrevocably damaged and as we see from his treatment of his victims, he is a sadistic, twisted individual.
The violence is quite graphic and there are some truly horrifying moments later in the novel which some people may find too distressing to read about. Meanwhile, as much as the brutality is appalling, the psychological impact of this man's actions is harrowing too. Watching Sean's spiral ever downwards as he loses all hope of ever seeing his sons again is heartrending but it certainly kept me turning the pages so desperate was I to discover why the Levitts had been targeted and whether anybody would escape the clutches of their captor.
Obviously I'm not going to give anything away here - you'll have to read it to find out - but the conclusion is nail-biting stuff with revelations that are shocking and really quite poignant. One Must Die is a tense, disturbing read; I'm not sure it's accurate to call it enjoyable as such but I was engrossed throughout by this dark, uncompromising and compelling horror thriller.
When his teenage sons, Peter and Ben don't return from army cadets and he then discovers that they didn't even turn up there earlier that evening, people try to convince him that there will be a rational explanation behind their disappearance. Right from the start, however, Sean is convinced that something is terribly wrong. He knows his sons and is confident that the mature, sensible Peter would never do anything out of the ordinary without first informing his father.
Unfortunately, in this case he is a little mistaken because the boys have made a fatal decision to accept the words of a stranger and as this is a Mark Tilbury novel, it means that terrible things are going to happen to them. Sean's fear gives way to horror after the first DVD arrives, confirming he was right and somebody has his boys. What comes next is an experience that would push anybody to the brink of sanity as each new DVD brings fresh horrors for Sean.
Most of the chapters follow Sean who must decide whether to respond to the increasingly horrendous demands of the kidnapper. There are emotional and moral choices to be made and I found it impossible not to wonder what I would do under the same circumstances. The man who has taken Peter and Ben seems to take a perverse delight in mentally torturing Sean but it pales in comparison to what is happening to the boys. It has to be said that Feelham, the setting for all Mark Tilbury's books seems to be a particularly dangerous place for teenage boys but unlike some of the characters from his previous novels, Peter and Ben aren't troubled, difficult lads despite losing their mother in a tragic hit-and-run accident a few years ago. Peter is particularly courageous and resourceful while Ben's anguished bravado is heartbreaking; the threats and violence they are subjected to is hard to read about at times.
Throughout the book there are chapters which are written about the kidnapper, giving us an insight into his plans and his deranged mind, although his identity isn't revealed until late in the book. The glimpses into his upbringing mirror Sean's in some ways - both have experienced agonising losses but it's clear that while Sean has managed to keep going for the sake of others, this man has been irrevocably damaged and as we see from his treatment of his victims, he is a sadistic, twisted individual.
The violence is quite graphic and there are some truly horrifying moments later in the novel which some people may find too distressing to read about. Meanwhile, as much as the brutality is appalling, the psychological impact of this man's actions is harrowing too. Watching Sean's spiral ever downwards as he loses all hope of ever seeing his sons again is heartrending but it certainly kept me turning the pages so desperate was I to discover why the Levitts had been targeted and whether anybody would escape the clutches of their captor.
Obviously I'm not going to give anything away here - you'll have to read it to find out - but the conclusion is nail-biting stuff with revelations that are shocking and really quite poignant. One Must Die is a tense, disturbing read; I'm not sure it's accurate to call it enjoyable as such but I was engrossed throughout by this dark, uncompromising and compelling horror thriller.
June 26, 2021
Sean is an overprotective dad of two boys Peter is 15 and Ben is 13. His wife had been killed in a hit and run, three years before. When the boys are late coming home from cadets, he is soon chasing them up on their phones. His calls went to their answer service. He has a feeling of dread. His worse nightmares are not half as bad as what is to come.
Tilbury wastes no time in a build-up to what will happen. I was submerged in the terror of this abduction and could not see a happy ending to any of it. The intensity is multiplied ten-fold, because of the age of the young boys. They are not the only victims.
The tasks, that this monster sends to Sean to complete, or else his sons will suffer, grew in severity, with each one being more gruesome than the one before. The boys were stars in the story.
There are some gruesome chapters in the book, especially towards the end, which are not only hard to read, they are impossible to forget. It is another tremendous story from this author. He always delivers originality with twisted characters that are way past saving. Awesome!
Tilbury wastes no time in a build-up to what will happen. I was submerged in the terror of this abduction and could not see a happy ending to any of it. The intensity is multiplied ten-fold, because of the age of the young boys. They are not the only victims.
The tasks, that this monster sends to Sean to complete, or else his sons will suffer, grew in severity, with each one being more gruesome than the one before. The boys were stars in the story.
There are some gruesome chapters in the book, especially towards the end, which are not only hard to read, they are impossible to forget. It is another tremendous story from this author. He always delivers originality with twisted characters that are way past saving. Awesome!
June 28, 2021
One Must Die is another must read book by the King of Twisted, Mark Tilbury!
Seans wife Laura, was the victim of a hit and run driver and since she passed away his main focus has been his teenage sons, Peter and Ben. Obviously he will do everything he can for the boys, so imagine his horror when one Friday night they don't return home from their weekly army cadets meeting. It doesn't take long for him to discover that the boys didn't even arrive at their intended venue and naturally panic sets in. Sean is convinced that something terrible has happened to them but he's prepared to let the police do their job - until an innocent looking piece of mail drops through his letterbox that changes everything.
What follows is an increasingly atrocious series of demands from the person who has abducted his sons which sets Sean off on a deadly path that just doesn't bear thinking about.
Mark is very clever at creating characters that you'll become so emotionally attached to they feel like family, which then makes the horrifying events that befall them even more horrific and One Must Die is no exception. My heart was in my mouth each time Sean received another DVD through his door but I took a little comfort knowing that his father-in-law was there to offer his support. The chapters where we caught up with the boys were traumatic but also heartwarming as we get to see what a fantastic bond they have. As for the chapters from the abductors point of view - well, what can I say - they were bone chilling! This person had, what they believed, were genuine reasons for their actions and they weren't going to stop until they reached, what they believed, would be a satisfactory conclusion.
One Must Die is a truly gut-wrenching but stunning read that will have you chomping on your finger nails and holding your breath at the same time! Another fabulous addition to the ever growing list of fantastic books from this immensely talented author.
Seans wife Laura, was the victim of a hit and run driver and since she passed away his main focus has been his teenage sons, Peter and Ben. Obviously he will do everything he can for the boys, so imagine his horror when one Friday night they don't return home from their weekly army cadets meeting. It doesn't take long for him to discover that the boys didn't even arrive at their intended venue and naturally panic sets in. Sean is convinced that something terrible has happened to them but he's prepared to let the police do their job - until an innocent looking piece of mail drops through his letterbox that changes everything.
What follows is an increasingly atrocious series of demands from the person who has abducted his sons which sets Sean off on a deadly path that just doesn't bear thinking about.
Mark is very clever at creating characters that you'll become so emotionally attached to they feel like family, which then makes the horrifying events that befall them even more horrific and One Must Die is no exception. My heart was in my mouth each time Sean received another DVD through his door but I took a little comfort knowing that his father-in-law was there to offer his support. The chapters where we caught up with the boys were traumatic but also heartwarming as we get to see what a fantastic bond they have. As for the chapters from the abductors point of view - well, what can I say - they were bone chilling! This person had, what they believed, were genuine reasons for their actions and they weren't going to stop until they reached, what they believed, would be a satisfactory conclusion.
One Must Die is a truly gut-wrenching but stunning read that will have you chomping on your finger nails and holding your breath at the same time! Another fabulous addition to the ever growing list of fantastic books from this immensely talented author.
May 25, 2021
4.5*
We are plunged straight into the action with the prologue.
Then in the first chapter the tension is ramped up straight away as the boys are late home from cadets. They are missing….
We are told the story from Sean (the dad’s) point of view, the boys, and the baddie.
Sean, the boys and Brian (the grand dad) are endearing characters, Brian is so supportive. Sean’s love for his sons shines through, he has guilt issues from his past. The boys are well adjusted and love each other,the baddie is proper convincingly evil, and mad.
I like the continuity of the village from other books Feelham, the Bunky line and Abassi’s the local shop, and references to an earlier book.
It has a fast pace. It had me feeling tense and on edge throughout.
It’s again very very dark, it’s gory, it’s graphic in its description of torture techniques. I did find some of the torture hard to read.
A full on action finish.
This book draws you in and grips you to the end. It’s a quick read.
I think the last 3 books should become a trilogy called the dark files.
We are plunged straight into the action with the prologue.
Then in the first chapter the tension is ramped up straight away as the boys are late home from cadets. They are missing….
We are told the story from Sean (the dad’s) point of view, the boys, and the baddie.
Sean, the boys and Brian (the grand dad) are endearing characters, Brian is so supportive. Sean’s love for his sons shines through, he has guilt issues from his past. The boys are well adjusted and love each other,the baddie is proper convincingly evil, and mad.
I like the continuity of the village from other books Feelham, the Bunky line and Abassi’s the local shop, and references to an earlier book.
It has a fast pace. It had me feeling tense and on edge throughout.
It’s again very very dark, it’s gory, it’s graphic in its description of torture techniques. I did find some of the torture hard to read.
A full on action finish.
This book draws you in and grips you to the end. It’s a quick read.
I think the last 3 books should become a trilogy called the dark files.
November 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It only took me a couple of months because I was getting distracted with other books. Top read
May 30, 2021
This story starts off with a bang and just got way more dark and sinister throughout. I’ve said it before and I know I keep saying it but this author just gets more darker and twisted with every book that comes out! I bet inside his head is one scary but interesting place to be.
You don’t have to be a parent to understand the dilemma that Sean finds himself in. To be put in the cruel and heartless position of having to choose to save only one of your children’s lives. Is there anything more unimaginable? I didn’t even want to comprehend what a decision like that would mean or even think about what I would do if it was me in his situation. It literally terrified me!
Every time a DVD lands on Sean’s doorstep, I braced myself as to what each one was going to reveal. The person behind the children’s abduction’s is one sick and twisted individual who plays the worst kind of mind games. What stood out for me though was the brevity of some of the characters. I also enjoyed seeing the strong bond between Sean and his father in law. It made me think that regardless of how much evil there can be out in the world the compassion of humanity never fails to surprise me.
One Must Die was a story full of heart stopping moments that sent my head into a frenzy as it will have you putting yourself into the protagonist’s shoes, a place you would never want to find yourself. The author knows how to pull on every emotion and when all becomes clear as to who is behind these callous acts, WOAH, I SO DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! The master of twisted does it again!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
You don’t have to be a parent to understand the dilemma that Sean finds himself in. To be put in the cruel and heartless position of having to choose to save only one of your children’s lives. Is there anything more unimaginable? I didn’t even want to comprehend what a decision like that would mean or even think about what I would do if it was me in his situation. It literally terrified me!
Every time a DVD lands on Sean’s doorstep, I braced myself as to what each one was going to reveal. The person behind the children’s abduction’s is one sick and twisted individual who plays the worst kind of mind games. What stood out for me though was the brevity of some of the characters. I also enjoyed seeing the strong bond between Sean and his father in law. It made me think that regardless of how much evil there can be out in the world the compassion of humanity never fails to surprise me.
One Must Die was a story full of heart stopping moments that sent my head into a frenzy as it will have you putting yourself into the protagonist’s shoes, a place you would never want to find yourself. The author knows how to pull on every emotion and when all becomes clear as to who is behind these callous acts, WOAH, I SO DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! The master of twisted does it again!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 28, 2021
Mark 'Twisted' Tilbury certainly lives up to his nickname with One Must Die!
The story starts off with every parent's worst nightmare, Sean's sons go out but don't come back. A DVD arrives asking Sean to do tasks to keep his sons alive. The tasks start out a minor, slowly getting more and more sinister. But why is he being targeted?
The story is told from several points of view, from Sean, to his son Peter, to the kidnapper. Getting inside the mind of the kidnapper was particularly entertaining, even if he was a deeply deranged individual.
Sean is a heating engineer and widower, who doesn't seem to have a nasty bone in his body, which makes it even more shocking that he's been targeted in such an irrational manner. His son Peter,
was also a solid character who I really rooted for throughout.
I will warn you that there are a few scenes which are fairly graphic/unsettling, meaning that it may not be for you if you like your crime fiction on the lighter side.
There were a few aspects of the story I found a little unbelievable, but of course that's just my opinion.
One Must Die is a dark and disturbing read packed with tense moments that will keep you hooked throughout.
The story starts off with every parent's worst nightmare, Sean's sons go out but don't come back. A DVD arrives asking Sean to do tasks to keep his sons alive. The tasks start out a minor, slowly getting more and more sinister. But why is he being targeted?
The story is told from several points of view, from Sean, to his son Peter, to the kidnapper. Getting inside the mind of the kidnapper was particularly entertaining, even if he was a deeply deranged individual.
Sean is a heating engineer and widower, who doesn't seem to have a nasty bone in his body, which makes it even more shocking that he's been targeted in such an irrational manner. His son Peter,
was also a solid character who I really rooted for throughout.
I will warn you that there are a few scenes which are fairly graphic/unsettling, meaning that it may not be for you if you like your crime fiction on the lighter side.
There were a few aspects of the story I found a little unbelievable, but of course that's just my opinion.
One Must Die is a dark and disturbing read packed with tense moments that will keep you hooked throughout.
June 27, 2021
Twisted Tilbury does it once more. What an enthralling and evocative DARK thriller One Must Die is!
The shotgun opening (no pun intended) gave the reader a taster for the experience they were about to embark on. After that, it was heart in mouth suspense and chillingly dark twists at every moment possible.
You don’t have to be a parent to imagine the agony Sean is feeling as he tried to figure out how to save his two children. Tilbury has the ability to reach into your very soul and draw out your most inner feelings and emotions with his expertly descriptive writing. The horrifically and psychologically disturbed mind of the abductor was masterfully portrayed.
I tried my damnedest to figure out the connection between Sean and the abductor - I finally guessed who the abductor was - but I never stood a chance. I was left guessing right up to the reveal… and my god…. What a reveal!!
One Must Die is graphic, compelling, and chilling. For those who like their thrillers dark, you’ll devour this!
A huge thank you to Mark Tilbury for a gifted kindle copy of this book. My review is voluntary and thoughts are entirely my own.
The shotgun opening (no pun intended) gave the reader a taster for the experience they were about to embark on. After that, it was heart in mouth suspense and chillingly dark twists at every moment possible.
You don’t have to be a parent to imagine the agony Sean is feeling as he tried to figure out how to save his two children. Tilbury has the ability to reach into your very soul and draw out your most inner feelings and emotions with his expertly descriptive writing. The horrifically and psychologically disturbed mind of the abductor was masterfully portrayed.
I tried my damnedest to figure out the connection between Sean and the abductor - I finally guessed who the abductor was - but I never stood a chance. I was left guessing right up to the reveal… and my god…. What a reveal!!
One Must Die is graphic, compelling, and chilling. For those who like their thrillers dark, you’ll devour this!
A huge thank you to Mark Tilbury for a gifted kindle copy of this book. My review is voluntary and thoughts are entirely my own.
July 4, 2021
I haven’t read a Tilbury book in quite a while. I actually forgot how twisted he is.
One Must Die, is classic Tilbury. Part of the storyline is hard to read, in a gory kind of way but you just can not stop reading. It’s an absolute genius page turner.
One Must Die, is classic Tilbury. Part of the storyline is hard to read, in a gory kind of way but you just can not stop reading. It’s an absolute genius page turner.
July 10, 2021
This is a great read but is not for those of you who dislike violence in books.
Sean is devastated when his sons are taken from him. He is sent DVDs in the post from the abductor and is set tasks to ensure his sons stay alive. He is also told that he will soon have to choose which son will die.
Sean is hesitant to tell the Police but his father in law persuades him that they need to know.
With no clues on the DVDs to indicate where the boys are being held, Sean starts to lose hope.
He’s even more shocked when the abductor takes a woman hostage and films her while he tortures her. Sean is asked to decide how she should die and for him this is the final straw.
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
Sean is devastated when his sons are taken from him. He is sent DVDs in the post from the abductor and is set tasks to ensure his sons stay alive. He is also told that he will soon have to choose which son will die.
Sean is hesitant to tell the Police but his father in law persuades him that they need to know.
With no clues on the DVDs to indicate where the boys are being held, Sean starts to lose hope.
He’s even more shocked when the abductor takes a woman hostage and films her while he tortures her. Sean is asked to decide how she should die and for him this is the final straw.
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
July 23, 2021
Another fantastic book by Mark Tilbury! The prologue is already breath-catching and you just want to keep on reading to find out what will happen to the boys and the other characters in the book.
Certain parts were definitely unexpected.
There is (some) graphic violence in this book, but it's necessary to tell the story considering we're dealing with a psychopath and it's actually not that bad at all.
I think this book will appeal to a broader audience when compared to the previous book "Song of the Psychopath". It's still dark and suspenseful but maybe just a little less twisted, however it's still twisted.
I'll definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre or wants to try out something different/new.
Certain parts were definitely unexpected.
There is (some) graphic violence in this book, but it's necessary to tell the story considering we're dealing with a psychopath and it's actually not that bad at all.
I think this book will appeal to a broader audience when compared to the previous book "Song of the Psychopath". It's still dark and suspenseful but maybe just a little less twisted, however it's still twisted.
I'll definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre or wants to try out something different/new.
July 19, 2021
New Author for me, I enjoyed the pace and wont be the last book of his I try.
July 14, 2021
If there was ever a festival for nightmares, Mark Tilbury should be the master of ceremonies. As I have finished reading each successive Tilbury book, I have been left believing that the concept of evil has been taken to it's most outer limits, until the next one takes it to another level.
'One Must Die', is what it says on the tin. Sean Levitt, a widowed father, has his two teenage sons kidnapped by a cold-blooded, pitiless psychopath for no apparent reason other than to gratify the perpetrator's lust for afflicting maximum pain and suffering. Ultimately, Sean will be asked to choose which son lives and which son dies, but not before the kidnapper has had his fun, by setting Sean diabolical tasks in order to save his children from savage torture.
This book had me breathless, but then I realised that I had been holding my breath for whole paragraphs at a time, as I read my way through this nightmare journey, the condition I have named as the Tilbury Terrors.
The trouble is, it's addictive. I can't wait for the next one.
'One Must Die', is what it says on the tin. Sean Levitt, a widowed father, has his two teenage sons kidnapped by a cold-blooded, pitiless psychopath for no apparent reason other than to gratify the perpetrator's lust for afflicting maximum pain and suffering. Ultimately, Sean will be asked to choose which son lives and which son dies, but not before the kidnapper has had his fun, by setting Sean diabolical tasks in order to save his children from savage torture.
This book had me breathless, but then I realised that I had been holding my breath for whole paragraphs at a time, as I read my way through this nightmare journey, the condition I have named as the Tilbury Terrors.
The trouble is, it's addictive. I can't wait for the next one.
June 27, 2021
This author has become a favourite of mine. As soon as I realise he has a new book coming out I wait rather impatiently to read it.
Sean Levitts worst nightmare has come through when his sons Ben and Peter don’t come home. The story takes a turn for the worst when Sean receives confirmation that his sons have been taken.
I pulled an all nighter with this story.. I started one evening and didn’t put my kindle down until I’d finished. Yes this was that kinda read.
One Must Die is another excellent read by this author.. I highly recommend you read this story..crikey go read all his stories as they are oh so good.
Sean Levitts worst nightmare has come through when his sons Ben and Peter don’t come home. The story takes a turn for the worst when Sean receives confirmation that his sons have been taken.
I pulled an all nighter with this story.. I started one evening and didn’t put my kindle down until I’d finished. Yes this was that kinda read.
One Must Die is another excellent read by this author.. I highly recommend you read this story..crikey go read all his stories as they are oh so good.
June 29, 2021
This isn’t my first rodeo with #TwistedTilbury but this might be his darkest one that I have read. Getting in the mind of the villain here made me need to have a shower to wash off the grimness he brought to the table.
Some of the things that happened in the book did leave me feeling squeamish at times. I must admit I did flinch a few times. The mind of this guy was dark, so dark there was no light to come back to.
I must admit I was scratching my head with trying to figure how everyone was linked and when we were told it was something I didn’t foresee. However, I continued to scratch my head as to why he was gunning for Sean more than anyone over a different character. Sean got such a rubbish end of it for something that I felt wasn’t his fault. It gives you an idea of how messed up the perpetrator really was!!!
We spend about 95% of the book fearing for the boys. The torture and treatment were realistic it was just so worrying and for a parent to be in that situation, god it doesn’t bear thinking about. The impossible is being asked of you and it makes you wonder who will make it out alive.
Sometimes you find when you have the big reveal of why the baddie is doing what they are doing and occasionally you feel sympathetic slightly. However, I felt none of that here. I wanted him to meet a grisly end, I wanted him to feel all the pain and suffering. Not just for what he was doing to Sean but to everyone else! Just no words.
It is disturbing and action-packed and if you let it, it will sucker punch you. It is always a journey that you are never quite sure where you are going and whether you will make it back in one piece.
Some of the things that happened in the book did leave me feeling squeamish at times. I must admit I did flinch a few times. The mind of this guy was dark, so dark there was no light to come back to.
I must admit I was scratching my head with trying to figure how everyone was linked and when we were told it was something I didn’t foresee. However, I continued to scratch my head as to why he was gunning for Sean more than anyone over a different character. Sean got such a rubbish end of it for something that I felt wasn’t his fault. It gives you an idea of how messed up the perpetrator really was!!!
We spend about 95% of the book fearing for the boys. The torture and treatment were realistic it was just so worrying and for a parent to be in that situation, god it doesn’t bear thinking about. The impossible is being asked of you and it makes you wonder who will make it out alive.
Sometimes you find when you have the big reveal of why the baddie is doing what they are doing and occasionally you feel sympathetic slightly. However, I felt none of that here. I wanted him to meet a grisly end, I wanted him to feel all the pain and suffering. Not just for what he was doing to Sean but to everyone else! Just no words.
It is disturbing and action-packed and if you let it, it will sucker punch you. It is always a journey that you are never quite sure where you are going and whether you will make it back in one piece.
May 25, 2021
What would you do if your boys went missing then you were sent a dvd asking you to choose which one of them dies?
But that's just the beginning!
I thought I knew which direction this book was going but boy was I wrong. The master of twisted has done it again . A fast paced gory stomach churning book that's not just electrifying it's terrifying and I loved it
But that's just the beginning!
I thought I knew which direction this book was going but boy was I wrong. The master of twisted has done it again . A fast paced gory stomach churning book that's not just electrifying it's terrifying and I loved it
June 14, 2021
Brilliant Horror Novel
Wow! Saying this book was unputdownable, is the biggest understatement ever. The story line is one that every parent can relate to. The easy to read short chapters (which I love) had me flying through the pages. The set up and plot were so well done, that it felt truly terrifying. Add to that an ending that was edge of your seat thrilling.
The only negative thought I have, I truly believe the author would have a much bigger audience if he wasn't so excessive with the graphic scenes of violence. His writing can be so heartfelt yet also heart pounding. I have no problem reading a graphic novel, but I think if some of the detailed depictions of violence were toned down, this book could be on the New York times bestseller list.
Highly Recommend! 5 Stars!
Wow! Saying this book was unputdownable, is the biggest understatement ever. The story line is one that every parent can relate to. The easy to read short chapters (which I love) had me flying through the pages. The set up and plot were so well done, that it felt truly terrifying. Add to that an ending that was edge of your seat thrilling.
The only negative thought I have, I truly believe the author would have a much bigger audience if he wasn't so excessive with the graphic scenes of violence. His writing can be so heartfelt yet also heart pounding. I have no problem reading a graphic novel, but I think if some of the detailed depictions of violence were toned down, this book could be on the New York times bestseller list.
Highly Recommend! 5 Stars!
August 18, 2021
The King of the gut-wrenching twist does it again!!
I finished this a few days ago but had to let myself settle a bit before writing a review.
In short, I loved this 'horrible' book! You might wonder why I'm giving 5 stars to it, but if you're a fan of Mark Tilbury's novels, I think that you'll understand!
Mark is a true expert at taking some of the most uncomfortable storylines and then, using his superb writing style, compels you to buckle-up and join him for an utterly enthralling, uncomfortable ride.
As a parent, the premise of this story is horrific; how can any loving parent possibly choose one of their children to die at the hands of a sicko? Seriously, how could you?
And so the squirming in your seat starts as you're drawn further into the agony. But the pages keep turning, you're invested in the story, who will live, who will die? Aarghh!!
No plot spoilers here but I will say that come the end, you'll be glad that you didn't put this book down (I'd love to say more, but shan't for fear of saying too much!). #TwistedTilburyrules
I finished this a few days ago but had to let myself settle a bit before writing a review.
In short, I loved this 'horrible' book! You might wonder why I'm giving 5 stars to it, but if you're a fan of Mark Tilbury's novels, I think that you'll understand!
Mark is a true expert at taking some of the most uncomfortable storylines and then, using his superb writing style, compels you to buckle-up and join him for an utterly enthralling, uncomfortable ride.
As a parent, the premise of this story is horrific; how can any loving parent possibly choose one of their children to die at the hands of a sicko? Seriously, how could you?
And so the squirming in your seat starts as you're drawn further into the agony. But the pages keep turning, you're invested in the story, who will live, who will die? Aarghh!!
No plot spoilers here but I will say that come the end, you'll be glad that you didn't put this book down (I'd love to say more, but shan't for fear of saying too much!). #TwistedTilburyrules
August 23, 2021
What a book
Tilbury is the master of evil characters and in this book is no exception.
When Sean's two sons are kidnapped he receives a DVD in the post he is forced to make some very difficult decisions.
Can Sean carry out what the evil kidnapper wants him to do?
Why has he kidnapped his son's and can Sean save their lives?
Tilbury is the master of evil characters and in this book is no exception.
When Sean's two sons are kidnapped he receives a DVD in the post he is forced to make some very difficult decisions.
Can Sean carry out what the evil kidnapper wants him to do?
Why has he kidnapped his son's and can Sean save their lives?
July 12, 2021
Another brilliant psychological thriller from the talented Mark Tilbury.
Laura Levitt was killed in a hit and run while walking home leaving her husband, Sean, and 2 sons, Peter and Ben, along with her Dad, Brian, devastated. The driver was never found. The family pulled together and the result is a tightly knit unit who care for and support each other. Then every parent's worst nightmare happens and the boys are abducted on the way to Army Cadets.
But the boys going missing is only the start of the nightmare for Sean and Brian. Their abductor is determined to make Sean suffer as much as possible. As the abductor makes contact Sean is set tasks to carry out in order to minimise the torture of his beloved son's.
The abductor is determined to make Sean pay for his actions many years ago but what is it he did to make this psychopath want to inflict so much pain on this family?
The characters are perfect they develop well and the reader gets to know them very well over the course of the book. Sean, a compassionate caring man who tries to do the right thing for everyone. Brian, crippled by arthritis but determined to be there for Sean and the boys, Peter who has to look deep inside himself to find the strength to try to outwit this evil man and try to protect his more sensitive brother.
I love psychological thrillers and this one ticked every single box. Adrenaline pumping suspense, twist and turns I was feeling for this family all the way through to the absolutely brilliant ending. A fantastic read definitely worth the 5 stars.
Laura Levitt was killed in a hit and run while walking home leaving her husband, Sean, and 2 sons, Peter and Ben, along with her Dad, Brian, devastated. The driver was never found. The family pulled together and the result is a tightly knit unit who care for and support each other. Then every parent's worst nightmare happens and the boys are abducted on the way to Army Cadets.
But the boys going missing is only the start of the nightmare for Sean and Brian. Their abductor is determined to make Sean suffer as much as possible. As the abductor makes contact Sean is set tasks to carry out in order to minimise the torture of his beloved son's.
The abductor is determined to make Sean pay for his actions many years ago but what is it he did to make this psychopath want to inflict so much pain on this family?
The characters are perfect they develop well and the reader gets to know them very well over the course of the book. Sean, a compassionate caring man who tries to do the right thing for everyone. Brian, crippled by arthritis but determined to be there for Sean and the boys, Peter who has to look deep inside himself to find the strength to try to outwit this evil man and try to protect his more sensitive brother.
I love psychological thrillers and this one ticked every single box. Adrenaline pumping suspense, twist and turns I was feeling for this family all the way through to the absolutely brilliant ending. A fantastic read definitely worth the 5 stars.
August 15, 2021
This book should come with a health warning!
Oh my poor heart. Racing like never before, reading this book. A true thriller in every sense of the word.
Oh my poor heart. Racing like never before, reading this book. A true thriller in every sense of the word.
July 5, 2021
Mark Tilbury's ability to create thoroughly unlikeable characters is very much in evidence again as single dad Sean is forced to make the ultimate horrendous choice when his sons are kidnapped. Via DVDs sent by the kidnapper, Sean is forced into a number of decisions and tasks and as a reader, we follow his despair throughout as he is mentally and physically ground down. It's not an easy read and certainly deserving of the Twisted Tilbury hashing but there is a moral message buried deep in that every action has a consequence further down the line. Gripping and highly recommended.
July 29, 2021
Twisted Tilbury just keeps getting better!
Just when I thought it was impossible for Mr Tilbury to become any more twisted, he has!
A brilliant story which had me reading into the night, and then waking up early and reading more.
As always this is a difficult book to read - with Mark’s usual descriptive prose bringing to life the heinous activity of the monsters he is so good at creating. However, it’s a fast paced and well written story which I can highly recommend to lovers of horror.
Just when I thought it was impossible for Mr Tilbury to become any more twisted, he has!
A brilliant story which had me reading into the night, and then waking up early and reading more.
As always this is a difficult book to read - with Mark’s usual descriptive prose bringing to life the heinous activity of the monsters he is so good at creating. However, it’s a fast paced and well written story which I can highly recommend to lovers of horror.
August 5, 2021
Another extremely twisted thriller from the mind of Mark Tilbury. An excellent read as always!
July 18, 2021
I finished reading this brilliant book. I just could not put it down until i had finished reading it with twists and turns i never saw coming well done for a book that kept me gripped right from the first page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews