Hope is waning with Phoebe no closer to finding her best friend, Adele. Her suspicions involving her neighbour, Alan, have been cleared, leaving her no other hunches to pursue.
Until the letter arrives.
A message, written in Adele’s hand, paints a picture of a side of her friend’s life Phoebe never knew. Renewed with optimism that she is still alive, Phoebe launches back into the investigation. Among the pages of Adele’s communications Phoebe finds evidence pointing to an unlikely suspect...
And yet another connection to Alan.
He seemed so concerned about the investigation, wanting to help in any way he could. Was the man next door a genuine ally? Or working to protect the real culprit?
J.S Ellis is a thriller author. She has a degree in creative writing, English literature, and digital marketing. She lives in Malta with her fiancé and their fur baby Eloise. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s either cooking, eating cheese and chocolate, or listening to good music and enjoying a glass of wine or two.
HIDE AND SEEK takes up exactly where Book 1 in the series (LOST AND FOUND) left off. Phoebe's friend (or former friend) has gone missing. Phoebe and Adele were roommates when Phoebe first noticed the man across the way .. and she was immediately attracted. As is widely known, girls are not supposed to steal each others' boyfriends.
And then Adele disappeared ....
Alan is the prime suspect, but there's no proof .. and he's on his way.
Phoebe receives a letter in Adele's handwriting instructing her to go here and there... why? Phoebe doesn't know .. but she follows directions.. And finds more evidence to her disappearance pointing at the boyfriend.
The more Phoebe tries to find her friend, the more she doesn't understand .. but secrets are starting to leak ... and they could be dangerous to her well-being.
Great follow-up to the first book. Everything is taken of, and although the ending is unexpected, there are no cliff hangers. This is well-written with deftly defined characters.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this psychological suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
In this follow up to Lost and Found, J. S. Ellis manages to neatly wrap up the mystery surrounding Adele’s disappearance along with a few other related questions. But one thing I have to say wholeheartedly is that Alan is an absolute jerk. I don’t think I could find one redeeming quality that would save this character from being one of the rudest characters I’ve ever read. But that’s ok because it fits right into the story. This book picks up with Phoebe still wanting answers to what happened to her best friend and roommate, Adele. She also wants closure with Alan, who took off without a word while Phoebe was in the hospital recovering from a brutal attack. I blame Alan for this attack. I want to blame him for everything…him or his mother. He’s just not that likable. Ultimately, we do learn what happened with Adele. In my opinion, it was a great twist. I had suspected this person early on in the first book but then quickly decided it wasn’t this person. Oh I love it when an author gets you like that! Even better is that it all made sense and really I couldn’t believe I didn’t go back to this person as a suspect. I believe Phoebe finally finds what she’s looking for and as far as Alan… well who cares?
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an e-copy of this book for my voluntary review. #booksirens #JSEllis # HideAndSeek
I knew going into this book it would be in need of editing. Its a equal and the first one needed to be. I only read this book because the first left a cliffhanger and curiosity got the better of me. Between run on sentences, and since changes in the middle of a paragraph this was a hard read. The first was as well but the story kept me intrigued. You won't understand this book without reading the first. Unfortunately the first half of this book is a badly done recap of the first book with nothing happening except a pity party. The second half does wrap things up in a neat little bow but it feels rushed and undone. Probably won't read any more by this author.
An excellent second part to this brilliant British series! So well written, it grabbed me from the start & I read it nearly in one sitting! It kept me up late reading, which is rare. Excellent read, loved the twists & turns! What more could you want? I do recommend this & I do find all of this authors work absolutely amazing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had high expectations after the first book and this one did not disappoint. Secrets, suspense, drama, characters that you can't help but be drawn to even when you feel they can't be trusted, what's not to love?
The first thing to say about 'Hide and Seek' is that it picks up immediately from where 'Lost and Found' left off. Which means that you really need to have read the previous book first before you can understand this one. And if you didn't particularly enjoy 'Lost and Found', that could be a problem.
The second thing to say is: I have some good news. There is some genuinely good and powerful writing in the early chapters. Phoebe, still struggling to come to terms with the fact that Adele, her friend since childhood has seemingly vanished without trace and also that her former neighbour Alan is refusing to speak to her, has devoted her life to working excessively long hours in a dissatisfying job just to give her mind something to occupy it. I have been in a similar position - though for a different reason, I hasten to add - and started to feel a connection to Phoebe that just hadn't been there throughout 'Lost and Found'. This was enough to really get me hooked in to the book, to the point where I looked up for the first time and was surprised to find that I was already 10 chapters in.
Later in the book comes the point where Phoebe finally learns the truth about what happened to Adele. The shock she feels, which is enough to make her faint, is so palpable that I gasped on her behalf.
The downside to 'Hide and Seek', for me, was the rest of the plot, which essentially seemed to be more of the same as 'Lost and Found'. Alan enters Phoebe's life again and she switches between feeling angry with him, to fearing him, to climbing into his car to be driven who knows where, to sleeping with him yet again. It was all I could do not to skip these chapters and go straight to finding out how the book ended.
When the ending did come, it was ... well, I thought it was so-so, really. Satisfying, because all of the loose ends were finally neatly tied up. There was some emotional connection again too, as I genuinely felt sorry for some of the characters. But I really didn't feel that there was a "breathtaking twist" as the blurb suggests.
I should make it clear that I'm neither an author nor an editor. And that therefore, my conclusion might be complete nonsense. But, after having read both books, my feeling was that if 'Lost and Found' and 'Hide and Seek' could somehow be combined into a single novel, heavily edited so that some parts of the story and even some of the minor characters were removed, there might just be a gripping and fast-paced psychological thriller hidden in there. However, ultimately I have to say that the two existing novels as they currently stand, really aren't for me.
My thanks to the author and BookSirens for a digital advance review copy of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.
Hide and Seek by J.S. Ellis Published: August 24, 2021 Black Cat Ink Press I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
J.S. Ellis is a thriller author. She has a degree in creative writing, English literature, and digital marketing. She lives in Malta with her fiancé and their kitty fur baby Eloise. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s either cooking, eating cheese and chocolate, or listening to good music and enjoying a glass of wine or two.
“The world is and will always be an unfair, shitty place.”
Phoebe has graduated college and is working as a bookkeeper. She has moved and is trying to move forward from the tragic things that happened in her old flat. Her roommate, Adele, is still missing. Alan hasn’t spoken to her since she was stabbed. Utterly confused and unsure of what to do next, Phoebe knows she has to try and find Adele.
The conclusion to Lost and Found, we get the resolution from the first book. The story picks up months after the last book ended, so the continuity was well-plotted.
I found the continuation well done, and I enjoyed continuing the story. The build-up was steady, and things got more twisted as pieces started falling into place. The closer Phoebe gets to finding Adele, the more suspicious everyone looks.
The characters were just as well defined in this book as the previous, and the depth throughout this book was curated quite deviously. We get to know Phoebe better, and we get more insight into Alan’s past. We also see more of Tom and Greg.
The suspense leading up to the twist was well executed, and the way things fell into place was unexpected. The emotional turmoil was well played throughout the book, and the confusion and heartbreak were believably built up.
As things start to spiral, things quickly get intense, and we realize we don’t know who to trust or who had more reason to lie. The truth will be revealed, and lives will be shattered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.
This is the sequel book to Lost and Found. Another one that I read in a few hours.
Its three months later and Phoebe is still dealing with the fallout from her missing friend, Adele. Alan hasn't spoken to her since he left the hospital and she hates her job. She's still wanting to find out where her friend is, when she starts receiving letters from her, or are they from her?
The book picks up literally months after the last book ended and the continuation is well done. There's a lot of build up to the climax, a twist ending I didn't see coming until I was 3/4 of the way through and an ending that has closure, what more could you ask for?
I love how well the characters are plotted out. In depth, allowing us to get to know Alan and Phoebe better throughout, as well as Adele. The story is laid out really well, with emotional turmoil and heartbreak you can feel oozing from the pages. The suspense throughout literally had be turning pages quickly, so much that I felt I couldn't wait to find out what had happened to Adele.
Phoebes world start to unravel and she doesn't know who she can trust, and in turn neither do we. But in the end, the truth is exposed and lives will be destroyed.
I really liked both of these stories. I felt the pacing was nice and the suspense really kept me on the edge of my seat.
LOST AND FOUND Bookset: Not suspenseful. Source: Booksprout. LOST AND FOUND, #1 - I was mainly bored by this story and I could not stand Phoebe and her spineless stupidity. Just an average read. 3*
HIDE AND SEEK, #2 - This story picks up where L&F ended. Phoebe is still an idiot, but this story did get better after a while but still an average read. 3*
DARK, DANGEROUS TRUTH - Interesting story lines and characters about more than one nut. Books should never be judged by their covers. Few good secrets and turns. 4*
THE CAT SAW WHO DID IT, #2 - I missed the first book but it did not matter eventhough the second book is a continuation of the first, set one year later.
I felt I had read this book before and had definitely seen more than one 40s - 60s movie with this theme, less the cat and the serial killer. Novak and Stewart come to mind. The addition of the cat and his point of view made the rerun interesting, although the story followed the movie so close that it became boring in places. Source: Booksprout. 4*
Phoebe’s life long friend, Adele, vanishes after an argument. Adele’s and Phoebe’s love interest, Adam, walks away. J. S. Ellis’ psychological thriller Hide and Seek takes the reader on Phoebe’s emotionally intense journey while she tries to find and understand Adele’s abrupt departure. Phoebe who is more of a loner starts to comprehend the truth regarding her friendship with Adele. When she starts receiving letters from Adele, she must question why she is being led down this path of inquiry? Is she searching for answers or stalking?
J. S. Ellis is a fascinating author who weaves intriguing stories. She arouses the curiosity of the reader. Hide and Seek is well written and book 2 of the Lost and Found series. Lost and Found, the first book, is equally gripping.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hide and Seek is the second book of the Lost and Found series. Fast-paced akin to the rhythm of book one with an intriguing plot, J.S Ellis does not disappoint as the puzzle pieces come together. Narrated solely from Phoebe's point of view, the author does a great job of fleshing out the protagonist. Full of deceit and suspense, the circumstances around the disappearance of Adele comes to light, and boy, I didn't see that coming. J.S Ellis presents far from perfect, likeable characters who make questionable choices but eventually redeem themselves. The ending to me was slightly rushed, resulting in a few unexplained elements. This left me wanting more for the plot and the characters. A great conclusion and a 4 star read.
I received this book from the author, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
The second book in the Lost and Found series is even better than the first. Phoebe has finished college and has started a job. Adele's disappearance is still on her mind and as secrets are uncovered, things take an unexpected turn. I love the way Ellis shows us the character's weaknesses and how they grew from them. I enjoyed the twists and kept trying to guess what the truth was, but I had to change my thinking every time. The ending took me by surprise and it destroyed families. I would recommend anything by this author. She is an excellent thriller author. I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
As it happened with the previous book, I just couldn´t put it down once I started reading it! There is a very well-constructed plot that points to many alternatives as to the culprit for Adele´s disappearance and in all of them, there´s deceit and unexpected facts. Phoebe had Adele as her best friend, but was it the same for Adele? Who was she really? Why so much deceit and lies that only hurt those who loved her above all? This story has a very unexpected ending that ends the web that Adele designed herself. Very, very good and entertaining!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the plot of this book. I thought the idea behind it was very interesting. However, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. I couldn't understand their choices, their actions, and a couple of them I actually disliked. I'm glad I read the book, but if I met any of these people in real life I would be hard pressed to stop myself from slapping them. I figured out one of the plot twists fairly early, even had thoughts about it during the first book. I spent the book alternatively annoyed at the character and wondering what the heck just happened.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Phoebe is still wondering what happened to Adele. It's bugging Phoebe that Adele just disappeared after their shouting match. After a lot of searching and questioning different people, then learning that Adele had been found dead, Phoebe finds out that Adele was hiding from someone close to Phoebe. This story is full of secrets and includes steam, ending with closure for all parties. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book in a box set via Booksproutl and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read a lot of short stories by JS Ellis, but not a full length book. What a treat. This is a brilliant read. Strong storyline with a well written plot, that engaged me from the first page. The characters are well developed, and captivating. Suspense is built from the begging, hooked and pulled in. Can't wait until the next one
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.It finishes the story of Adele . Who after one huge fight with Phoebe ,Adele disappears . Phoebe unsure why adele hasnt returned home but is sending her letters of breadcrumbs to follow . Phoebe finds the truth after Adele is found murdered and has been dead almost 4 months .Question is if adele been dead who was sending her letters.
I was excited to continue the story if Phoebe and see what happened with Alan and Adele. I thought this book had a slower beginning than the first, finally about 60% through it got more exciting. If you read the first you should read this one. There are a few things that were left unclear to me but the end was surprising as any good thriller should be.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading. .
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
At last all the doubts and questions that were pending from the first book are resolved. I’ve ended up hating Alan a little, bc the guy seems selfish to me, always pulling Phoebe when he needs it regardless of her feelings. Phoebe almost went crazy trying to find out what happened to Adele, and as she grew closer to the truth and discovered new secrets, she began to realize what the people around her really were like. I❤️it.
Book 2 in the Lost and Found series. Phoebe is no closer to finding out what happened to her friend, Adele. She is starting to think the worst, when a series of letters arrives from Adele. More investigating reveals some shocking news to Phoebe and she is beginning to question everyone around her. Is Alan involved or his mother, Martha? Thank you to the author for this preview copy. I have enjoyed all of her books.
Her only suspect she had has now been ruled out and now she has no more clues. A letter from her friend arrives which spurs her on to find her. She will learn things she did not know about her friend. Will she find them? How will she do it? See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The 2nd book in this series and I highly recommend you read the first one before reading this as it completes the cliffhanger from book 1. The author has now combined the two books in one box set called Lost & Found.
Oh my amazing freaking book to read. I couldn't put it down. Loved the series. Unsure if their will be more to it but holy cow it kept me pulled into it. Highly recommend this series. Five star book.
Well what can I say, absolutely fantastic end to the first book and ties up all the loose ends. There was some things that I didnt understand but went with it.
You rally do need to have read the first book but as soon as I was offered this I jumped at it, as it was so well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you read The first book you'll want to read the second. I've based my rating on my enjoyment of the books and the writing style. I'll be on the lookout for more from J.S. Ellis. Luckily, she has more books already published for us to read while we're waiting for a new book.
Her writing flows well. I was never lost and found the plot easy to follow. Some of her characters were likable and a few (ok... several) were sketchy. Even though the character were a lot younger than I am, they were written as adults and not immature teenagers. I wasn't bored or uncomfortable reading the book. You know how it is when tons of slang are used and you don't understand half of the book? That was not the case with this book and I feel like it will lend itself well to many age groups.
If you love a good mystery or suspense story, this book will certainly grab your interest.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
A brilliant second part to this incredible psychological thriller! Kept me on the edge of my sit & keep me there right until the end! An amazingly well crafted story, great ideas & characters! This writer does write so well, I do strongly recommend!