The Actor

by Olivia Rytwinski

'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.' - William ShakespeareWhen resting actor, Tess, separates from her gambling addict partner, she becomes a single parent to teenage twins, Clara and Victor. Emotionally vulnerable and cash poor, Tess secures what she believes to be a lucrative job with an import company, run by glamorous siblings, Stefan and Judi, from their clifftop castle.It isn’t long before Tess is seduced by the exciting possibilities of her new life, but when she makes a horrifying discovery on Whitby beach and begins to uncover more about her employers, a chain reaction of dark and inconceivable events begins to unfold. When Tess’s life begins to spiral out of control she takes on her most challenging and terrifying acting role to date. But ultimately, who will prove to be the most convincing actor in this climactic drama?‘The Actor’ is a fast-paced, psychological thriller set in the historic and charming coastal town of Whitby, Northern England.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2022

About the author

Olivia Rytwinski was born in Worcestershire and now lives in North Yorkshire with her family. She has a BA Honors Degree in English and a professional Postgraduate Degree in Marketing (ACIM). Olivia works as a full-time writer after previously working in Marketing Communications Management and education during her earlier career years.

Olivia has written five contemporary novels:-

- A Family by Design set in the Scottish Highlands
- I Never Knew you set in rural Wensleydale
- Shadowlake, set in The Lake District
- The Actor, Set In Whitby
- The Blue House, set near Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland
- The Blind Paradox set in York and Staithes

https://oliviarytwinski.com/

Available on Amazon and other online bo ehoksellers. Can be ordered in all bookstores.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Olivi...

Olivia’s writing and stories stem from her fascination with the workings of the human mind and how relationships and family dynamics evolve over time and struggle amidst all the pressures that modern society brings - and on top of this how we are all under the influence of our inbuilt biological drivers as well as our upbringings and cultural backgrounds, that shape our thoughts and behaviour.

Olivia is especially interested in writing stories about real women’s struggles in the modern era, and gives a strong voice to women from a range of backgrounds and professions; Clinical Psychologist, Actor, Lawyer and aspiring crime writer, Marketing Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, Livery Yard Manager, Conservation Officer.

Olivia gives talks and presentations about her writing and her novels to community groups throughout Yorkshire - sharing her journey to becoming a published author.

Reviews

[Diana Nusbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

More twists, turns, and surprises from Olivia Rytwinski in her latest psychological thriller, “The Actor.” Set in the sleepy port town of Whitney, England, she delivers a fast-paced story loaded with intrigue, mysterious characters and a glimpse into the minds of people who will do anything to preserve their status.

You will fall in love with Tess, our heroine, who struggles to reclaim her life which appears to be spinning out of control. Estranged from her life partner, raising teenage twins, settling into a new home and finding a job are challenging enough, but when Tess lands her dream position, with unbridled optimism and hope for a more secure future, she soon realizes that all that glitters is not gold.

A page-turner of a novel with characters that leave the reader cheering and applauding, for both their triumph and comeuppance! This author is quickly emerging to take her place among today’s great mystery thriller writers. Move over, Ruth Ware!

[Parsons James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well well written and exciting story from the start. The novel explores a woman's role in the present day, work, relationships, addiction and breaking destructive habits, family, love and manipulation, but more than anything how young women can still be exploited under modern day slavery right under the authorities noses. I have read all of Olivia Rytwinski's novels and I can't wait to read her next! An original story teller who uses humor, threat and drama with realistic, in depth characters and believable situations that bring this story alive. Tess, the main character, is at once intelligent, beautiful, vulnerable and courageous. She's the sort of woman every woman would like to be and every man wants to know.

[Donna Skaropoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping to the end!

I deeply admire Olivia’s unfailing ability to spin a good yarn combining compelling hooks with beautifully written prose. A story well structured, paced and fleshed out. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth Ann Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Actor

What a page turner, disturbing and exciting I think it's Olivia's best book yet. Really looking forward to the next.

[Scott Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Ms. Rytwinski and it did not disappoint. From the very beginning, you see a quiet strength and beauty in Tessa as she adapts and navigates changing life circumstances. As an avid reader, I had my suspicions about who would turn out to be primary threat to Tessa's safety. However, the true intentions and clear antagonist wasn't abundantly clear until the last 25% of this book. Those intentions only made me admire Tessa more. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I suggest you read all of Ms. Rytwinski's books. I do feel like there are some loose ends in this book that could lend themselves to a sequel and would happily read that one should it be written!

Finally, if you are an American reading this like I, I suggested that you spend some time researching the places and language used here. It would do all of us some good to learn about other cultures!

[Jennifer Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book enormously and as with Olivia Rytwinski's other novels, I couldn't put it down. The characters were well created and I love the way the central female character, Tess in this case, was a heroine. In many books it's the men who save the day, but Olivia 's books feature strong women who aren't afraid to put themselves in danger to protect others.
I really look forward to reading Olivia's next novel.

[Holly Gledhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliant! couldn't put it down!

[Dominic Auton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping thriller full of unexpected twists

Olivia’s ability to enthral you from the outset is unquestionable. She paints vivid pictures that place you in the thick of the action, whist giving you just the right amount of detail to keep you guessing.
The characters are intriguing and complex and the storyline is thoughtful and engaging.
All in all one of life’s natural storytellers. Can’t wait for the next one…