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Odd Numbers
Can you forgive a friend?
Strange things bring people together. Like a tragic death.
Over two decades, five friends reunite every other New Year. They celebrate, grieve and heal. Memories grow dusty and the nightmare starts to fade.
On the 20th anniversary, in a remote snowy chalet, old doubts surface.
Wounds reopen and morality comes into question.
Is friendship a safety net or a tie that hobbles to the past?
They thought they knew each other's secrets.
Did they miss the biggest one of all?
When history is rewritten, they must act to preserve the future.
A fatal decision means this reunion will be their last.
A psychological drama with beautifully portrayed characters and an intricately woven plot. The suspense emerges between the lines, grabs you softly but never lets go.
Strange things bring people together. Like a tragic death.
Over two decades, five friends reunite every other New Year. They celebrate, grieve and heal. Memories grow dusty and the nightmare starts to fade.
On the 20th anniversary, in a remote snowy chalet, old doubts surface.
Wounds reopen and morality comes into question.
Is friendship a safety net or a tie that hobbles to the past?
They thought they knew each other's secrets.
Did they miss the biggest one of all?
When history is rewritten, they must act to preserve the future.
A fatal decision means this reunion will be their last.
A psychological drama with beautifully portrayed characters and an intricately woven plot. The suspense emerges between the lines, grabs you softly but never lets go.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
168 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Marsh
34 books178 followersAs a child, Jill read so obsessively she got kicked out of the school library. But her passion for words continued. She graduated in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of Wales and set up a theatre company. Since then, as an actor, director, teacher, writer and journalist, she’s worked in fifteen countries. She learnt something from each one.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 8, 2021
Odd Numbers is the epitome of a slow burn mystery. I appreciated the shocking twist and that was what brought my rating up. The narration by Jess Nesling and Paul Panting was superb. They both did an amazing job bringing the story to life and adding a layer of intrigue and suspense. Six friends get away to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but only five live to see New Year’s Day. Was the death a tragic accident, or is something more sinister at play? Thank you NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for my audiobook.
September 10, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, J.J. Marsh, and Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having never read anything by J.J. Marsh, I had no idea what to expect. It was certainly an interesting thriller, exploring not only the events on one cold New Year’s Eve, but the fallout over the next two decades. Marsh does well to keep the reader guessing and building on her characters, even if the core event that pulled everyone together is soon left in the past. With a great twist in the latter part of the story, Marsh has a wonderful way of storytelling and I am eager to see how this compares to some of her other work.
It was a biennial tradition for a number of college friends to gather on New Year’s Eve somewhere in the world. In 1999, it was the Czech Republic, where the cold and some unique activities would take certain group members by surprise. After an evening of drinking and cavorting, one of the group ends up in the water and disappears. The pall of his disappearance and suspected drowning hangs over them all as they process the truth.
As the narrative continues, the reader learns of subsequent New Year’s encounters, as each of the five remaining friends grow and develop in their own ways. Some begin to come out of their respective shells, while others turn away from college memories and try to forge their own personalities. Soon, it’s been two decades and some cannot believe that fateful time in 1999 has been left in the past, without proper resolution.
It’s on this 20th anniversary that old wounds are torn open anew, when a revelation comes to pass. Everyone discovers that what seemed a foregone conclusion could not be further from the truth. It’s only when the fallout is realised that new truths must be forged.
While the book plays out in a unique way, it’s by no means hard to digest. J.J. Marsh does well to build up narrative momentum in the early stages of the novel, only to turn down the pressure for most of the remaining story. With a mix of unique characters, the reader can attach themselves to someone of their choosing, seeing their growth over the twenty years, but also realise the stagnant nature of life at times. Mid-length chapters keep the reader wanting to know more, particularly as the narrative switches to explore various perspectives and timelines. Marsh weaves a curious tale with strong psychological undertones that surface in the most tense manner during the climactic portion of the story.
As this was sent to me as an audio ARC, I had better make some comment on the narration. While using two narrators, the story came to life, with great personalities emerging and accents to add to the creative presentation. I enjoy a well-casted audiobook and it would seem those chosen for this piece fit the bill perfectly. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for their work when next I am trolling for an audiobook to help pass the time.
Kudos, Madam Marsh, for an intriguing novel that is both impactful and succinct. I’m eager to see what some of your other writing might be like.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Having never read anything by J.J. Marsh, I had no idea what to expect. It was certainly an interesting thriller, exploring not only the events on one cold New Year’s Eve, but the fallout over the next two decades. Marsh does well to keep the reader guessing and building on her characters, even if the core event that pulled everyone together is soon left in the past. With a great twist in the latter part of the story, Marsh has a wonderful way of storytelling and I am eager to see how this compares to some of her other work.
It was a biennial tradition for a number of college friends to gather on New Year’s Eve somewhere in the world. In 1999, it was the Czech Republic, where the cold and some unique activities would take certain group members by surprise. After an evening of drinking and cavorting, one of the group ends up in the water and disappears. The pall of his disappearance and suspected drowning hangs over them all as they process the truth.
As the narrative continues, the reader learns of subsequent New Year’s encounters, as each of the five remaining friends grow and develop in their own ways. Some begin to come out of their respective shells, while others turn away from college memories and try to forge their own personalities. Soon, it’s been two decades and some cannot believe that fateful time in 1999 has been left in the past, without proper resolution.
It’s on this 20th anniversary that old wounds are torn open anew, when a revelation comes to pass. Everyone discovers that what seemed a foregone conclusion could not be further from the truth. It’s only when the fallout is realised that new truths must be forged.
While the book plays out in a unique way, it’s by no means hard to digest. J.J. Marsh does well to build up narrative momentum in the early stages of the novel, only to turn down the pressure for most of the remaining story. With a mix of unique characters, the reader can attach themselves to someone of their choosing, seeing their growth over the twenty years, but also realise the stagnant nature of life at times. Mid-length chapters keep the reader wanting to know more, particularly as the narrative switches to explore various perspectives and timelines. Marsh weaves a curious tale with strong psychological undertones that surface in the most tense manner during the climactic portion of the story.
As this was sent to me as an audio ARC, I had better make some comment on the narration. While using two narrators, the story came to life, with great personalities emerging and accents to add to the creative presentation. I enjoy a well-casted audiobook and it would seem those chosen for this piece fit the bill perfectly. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for their work when next I am trolling for an audiobook to help pass the time.
Kudos, Madam Marsh, for an intriguing novel that is both impactful and succinct. I’m eager to see what some of your other writing might be like.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 11, 2021
Odd Numbers by JJ Marsh was a gripping read with a compelling plot. I listened to the audiobook that was excellently narrated by Jess Nesling and Paul Panting. Odd Numbers was a psychological drama that included a surprising twist. It was a stand alone book that was well written, tense at moments and had interesting characters.
New Year’s Eve celebrations were usually highly anticipated especially for those in their late teens and early twenties. The celebration of the 1999 New Year’s Eve was probably the most anticipated one in a very long time. After all, it was the YK2 celebration. For a group of six friends that met at university, this New Year’s Eve celebration had to be special. The location was chosen. The six friends, Gael, Lovisa, Mika, Simone, Clark and Dhanesh met at a remote cabin on a lake near Prague. It was perfect until one of the six friends tragically died that night. None of the five remaining friends were ever the same again after that night. Each had their own guilt and secrets. They each coped and mourned for their friend in their own way.
The remaining five friends continued to get together each New Year’s Eve to celebrate and remember the friend they had all lost. Each year, one of the five friends took on the task of choosing the venue. That person was in charge of orchestrating the festivities. Now, twenty years later, the group had gathered once again. Each of the five had healed to some extent but none of the remaining five had ever forgotten their friend that died. As each friend arrived at the venue, each and every one of them had a sense of foreboding. It had been Gael’s turn to choose the venue. As each friend arrived, they all felt that something wasn’t quite right with this venue. No one was able to put a finger on what they were feeling or experiencing but they all felt the chilling atmosphere, odd occurrences and unexplained sightings.
I enjoyed JJ Marsh’s storytelling in Odd Numbers. Not all of the characters were very likable but I did like the character, Gael. Even though I was able to anticipate some of the elements in the plot I still enjoyed it. The twist in the story was quite good but I felt that the ending was a little bit rushed. Odd Numbers addressed the themes of tragedy, grief, coping, friendship, secrets, acceptance and confusion. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it. In my opinion, Odd Numbers deserved 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Odd Numbers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
New Year’s Eve celebrations were usually highly anticipated especially for those in their late teens and early twenties. The celebration of the 1999 New Year’s Eve was probably the most anticipated one in a very long time. After all, it was the YK2 celebration. For a group of six friends that met at university, this New Year’s Eve celebration had to be special. The location was chosen. The six friends, Gael, Lovisa, Mika, Simone, Clark and Dhanesh met at a remote cabin on a lake near Prague. It was perfect until one of the six friends tragically died that night. None of the five remaining friends were ever the same again after that night. Each had their own guilt and secrets. They each coped and mourned for their friend in their own way.
The remaining five friends continued to get together each New Year’s Eve to celebrate and remember the friend they had all lost. Each year, one of the five friends took on the task of choosing the venue. That person was in charge of orchestrating the festivities. Now, twenty years later, the group had gathered once again. Each of the five had healed to some extent but none of the remaining five had ever forgotten their friend that died. As each friend arrived at the venue, each and every one of them had a sense of foreboding. It had been Gael’s turn to choose the venue. As each friend arrived, they all felt that something wasn’t quite right with this venue. No one was able to put a finger on what they were feeling or experiencing but they all felt the chilling atmosphere, odd occurrences and unexplained sightings.
I enjoyed JJ Marsh’s storytelling in Odd Numbers. Not all of the characters were very likable but I did like the character, Gael. Even though I was able to anticipate some of the elements in the plot I still enjoyed it. The twist in the story was quite good but I felt that the ending was a little bit rushed. Odd Numbers addressed the themes of tragedy, grief, coping, friendship, secrets, acceptance and confusion. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it. In my opinion, Odd Numbers deserved 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Odd Numbers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 25, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Odd Numbers is an intriguing story about one fateful night that has affected 5 friends lives for a decade.
The friends started out as being 6 and after one New year's eve, only 5 remained. One friend went missing, presumed drowned, yet his body was never recovered.
Told through multiple POVs - we get viewpoints and details from each friend as the story unfolds. The book flicks back and forth from that night to the time after and to the present and kept my attention throughout.
The narrators did an amazing job with the voices and accents and this helped me keep each character separate with so many POVs.
One final new year's eve spent together on the tenth anniversary of their friend dying unveils a number of secrets between the friends and shows the cracks in their friendship.
I loved the twist at the end of this book and can't recommend it highly enough on audio!
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Odd Numbers is an intriguing story about one fateful night that has affected 5 friends lives for a decade.
The friends started out as being 6 and after one New year's eve, only 5 remained. One friend went missing, presumed drowned, yet his body was never recovered.
Told through multiple POVs - we get viewpoints and details from each friend as the story unfolds. The book flicks back and forth from that night to the time after and to the present and kept my attention throughout.
The narrators did an amazing job with the voices and accents and this helped me keep each character separate with so many POVs.
One final new year's eve spent together on the tenth anniversary of their friend dying unveils a number of secrets between the friends and shows the cracks in their friendship.
I loved the twist at the end of this book and can't recommend it highly enough on audio!
September 11, 2021
Five friends were once six. They now spend every other NYE celebrating the dawning of a new year together and mourning the one they lost. All were there on the night he died and none have ever forgotten him, or the things he did to them before his passing...
I found this a read as tense as it was intriguing. This book was told through a multitude of perspectives and with stories provided from past new year celebrations and during other areas from each of their lives. As each told their tales, the truth about the precarious situation of their friendship group began to be revealed. Each revelation disclosed more of the crevasse lying below them, and how all would become entirely disbanded and shatter in the wake of the final secret divulged.
I devoured this audiobook in one sitting. It was a relatively short book and that, combined the switching perspectives, non-chronological order of events, and multiple narrators had me entirely immersed and unable to stop my listening.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, J.J. Marsh, the narrators, Jess Nesling and Paul Panting , and the publisher, Saga Egmont Audio, for this opportunity.
I found this a read as tense as it was intriguing. This book was told through a multitude of perspectives and with stories provided from past new year celebrations and during other areas from each of their lives. As each told their tales, the truth about the precarious situation of their friendship group began to be revealed. Each revelation disclosed more of the crevasse lying below them, and how all would become entirely disbanded and shatter in the wake of the final secret divulged.
I devoured this audiobook in one sitting. It was a relatively short book and that, combined the switching perspectives, non-chronological order of events, and multiple narrators had me entirely immersed and unable to stop my listening.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, J.J. Marsh, the narrators, Jess Nesling and Paul Panting , and the publisher, Saga Egmont Audio, for this opportunity.
July 23, 2022
Twenty years ago on the brink of the new millennium, six college friends decide to take a trip to ring in the New Year which results in the death of one of them called Dan. Over the next two decades, the remaining five make a pact to reunite, every New Year, to a new destination in Dan's memory. However, with each subsequent chapter (told through the POVs of the five remaining MCs) and passing year we slowly learn that Dan, who is initially portrayed as a great guy, wasn't that good a person and had rubbed a lot of his friends the wrong way before his death. The five friends seem to be hiding secrets of their own and we slowly get the idea that their friendship is not as strong as they claim it to be. Things comes to a head on the twentieth anniversary, with cracks finally showing in their friendship when the reality of the past twenty years comes crashing down on them.
With a running time of under 6 hours, I managed to listen to the audiobook in one sitting. Jess Nesling and Paul Panting did a good job with the narration, the plot was a good one with subtle hints pointing towards the ending and except for Gael (to an extent), I did not warm up to any of the characters.
I received an audio Arc from the author JJ Marsh and publisher Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
With a running time of under 6 hours, I managed to listen to the audiobook in one sitting. Jess Nesling and Paul Panting did a good job with the narration, the plot was a good one with subtle hints pointing towards the ending and except for Gael (to an extent), I did not warm up to any of the characters.
I received an audio Arc from the author JJ Marsh and publisher Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
January 23, 2025
Predictable plot, boring execution and flat cliché characters. Absolutely nothing stands out to help this book get more than one star.
This January it's either 1s or 5s for me. An interesting start to the year in reading.
This January it's either 1s or 5s for me. An interesting start to the year in reading.
September 16, 2021
I really did not get far into this book because there was enough racism in the first few chapters to make me want to not continue on. From the fact that literally the only person of colour in the friend group is dead, to his Westernised nickname, his mocking of his culture's accent around his all-white friend group, to his off-handedly mentioning the British Raj while talking about gin and tonic. Like...what??? Has this author ever met a brown person before? We don't act like this lol, especially not around all-white friend groups!!! What the actual fuck.
March 18, 2021
Do you remember where you were and who you were on New Years Eve 1999? I do. It seems both five minutes ago and something from another time. I was me but not the same me that I am today.
Now, imagine you were in your twenties on that New Year's Eve, gathered with close friends from university to celebrate your graduation and being on the threshold of wonderful lives. Then something happens that takes your imagined future away and binds you together in public grief and suppressed anger and guilt that others wouldn't understand. What would you have done? Who would you have become?
These are the questions that JJ Marsh sets up in 'Odd Numbers', a book that she describes as her 'first foray into psychological drama'.
The friends in this story are in Geneva, studying to be translators. They're the kind of international mix that courses like that make possible: three men, a rich Czech, a Europhile American, an Englishman of Indian descent and three women, a Fin who describes herself as a 'girly swot', a Swiss-French woman with Finishing School manners and deep anxieties and an Irish woman who intends to become a journalist. The six of them hold their own private New Year's Eve celebration on a remote lake in Czech. Only five of them get to see New Year's Day.
The novel starts in the present day, with Gael, the Irish woman, arranging the tenth biennial New Year's Eve party for the five survivors. This will be their tenth and final event. The rest of the story is told as first-person accounts from each of the five survivors, sometimes describing one of the 'Odd Number' year parties and sometimes describing the events of the tenth and final party.
I'm not going to share the plot, as figuring out who did what and why is a central part of the experience of this book but I will say that the plot is clever and it skilfully unfolds the mystery.
Typically, I'm not a fan of 'psychological dramas'. More often than not, I find the tension forced and I feel as if the author is trying to outwit me. 'Odd Numbers' isn't that kind of drama. If it was on television, I'd assume that it was from Nordic Noir. The tension is quiet but always there, like waiting to hear ice crack on a lake you're crossing. There are lots of surprises in the plot but, for the most part, they arise from the people, their relationships with each other and how both of those things change over twenty years. In the final quarter of the book, the present-day story heats up and produces that 'I have to read more right now' feeling. I loved the ending. It's credible and chilling.
There's more to 'Odd Numbers' than a clever plot. JJ Marsh does a great job of showing us the world as seen by each of the five main characters. We get to watch how experience shapes their thoughts and actions. Seeing them in a series of snapshots based around whatever spectacular location the Odd Numbers party is taking place in and having those snapshots taken by different characters gives a strong sense of the evolving group dynamic. This is spiced up as it becomes clear that each of the characters is hiding a reason for not liking the friend who didn't make it to the year 2000. I think JJ Marsh does a great job in describing the people the places and the attitudes, all of which give power to the final action of the book.
I'm hoping that JJ Marsh will make more forays into this kind of psychological drama. If she does, they'll go straight onto my TBR pile
June 4, 2020
I chose this book from Rosie Amber's review team list because I loved An Empty Vessel by this author, though this book is completely different.
For the past twenty years, Gael, Lovisa, Mika, Simone and Clark have spent every other New Year together, taking it in turns to choose the venue for a short holiday. There used to be six of them, but Dhan died at their Y2K celebration two decades before. At the time it was thought to be a terrible accident, but as the book progresses, we start to wonder if it was suicide, or even murder.
Interesting, interesting - and it is a testament to JJ Marsh's storytelling skill that I enjoyed much of this, and was eager to find out what happened, despite some issues I had with the novel as a whole.
The book is told in first person chapters from all five friends, and dots back and forth in time between the present and the various reunions of the past twenty years, which were held in many different locations. To say I found the zig-zagging between time and locations confusing is something of an understatement; by half-way through I decided to stop trying to remember exactly where and when I was currently supposed to be, who was married to whom when, what already had or hadn't happened in the chapter I was reading, and just concentrate on the relationship dynamics, and the uncovering of the mystery.
One of the characters comments that if it was not for Dhan's death, maybe their friendship would not have endured. I thought she was probably right, as much of the time they don't seem that keen on each other. None of them are very likeable people (even the 'nice' one talks in humourless therapy-speak half the time), but I don't mind that. I'd rather read about a sociopath than a saint any day; it's far more interesting, the only problem being not having anyone to root for when all the characters are self-centred, cunning and/or in denial about more or less everything.
Aside from the chaotic timeline, I found it difficult to 'know' any of them, because each of their point-of-view chapters is written in much the same 'voice', despite their being of different nationalities, different social classes, etc. Aside from the varying subject matter, the odd Americanism from Clark, and Simone being a manipulative, particularly nasty piece of work, they all use the same language, have the same speech patterns, similar mood, tempo, vocabularies. Mika, Lovisa and Gael I could never 'see' at all; sometimes I thought I was reading Mika when it was Gael, etc. I also found some of the dialogue unrealistic.
Having said that... (and it's a big 'having said that') I did enjoy reading this book, became immersed in the intrigue and thought the basic plot was great. I liked the slow uncovering of each person's dark secrets, the truth about Dhan and the final drama, though it felt a bit rushed; I think more could have been made of it. There were a fair few irritations (not least of all the reiteration of the current trend I've noticed on new, young audience TV shows: that out of any group of young people, fifty per cent of them will have casual sex with either gender at the drop of a hat), but I found that ... yes, I couldn't put it down. It's a hard one to rate. Yes, I liked it. Sort of. Mostly.
To sum up: The plot kept me interested throughout. JJ Marsh's innate talent does come across, despite the book's weaker elements; although the characters never really came to life for me, I liked the story a lot. So although I couldn't say 'yes, definitely, you must buy this', I also want to say, it's fun and original, and I did like it. Mostly. Sort of.
For the past twenty years, Gael, Lovisa, Mika, Simone and Clark have spent every other New Year together, taking it in turns to choose the venue for a short holiday. There used to be six of them, but Dhan died at their Y2K celebration two decades before. At the time it was thought to be a terrible accident, but as the book progresses, we start to wonder if it was suicide, or even murder.
Interesting, interesting - and it is a testament to JJ Marsh's storytelling skill that I enjoyed much of this, and was eager to find out what happened, despite some issues I had with the novel as a whole.
The book is told in first person chapters from all five friends, and dots back and forth in time between the present and the various reunions of the past twenty years, which were held in many different locations. To say I found the zig-zagging between time and locations confusing is something of an understatement; by half-way through I decided to stop trying to remember exactly where and when I was currently supposed to be, who was married to whom when, what already had or hadn't happened in the chapter I was reading, and just concentrate on the relationship dynamics, and the uncovering of the mystery.
One of the characters comments that if it was not for Dhan's death, maybe their friendship would not have endured. I thought she was probably right, as much of the time they don't seem that keen on each other. None of them are very likeable people (even the 'nice' one talks in humourless therapy-speak half the time), but I don't mind that. I'd rather read about a sociopath than a saint any day; it's far more interesting, the only problem being not having anyone to root for when all the characters are self-centred, cunning and/or in denial about more or less everything.
Aside from the chaotic timeline, I found it difficult to 'know' any of them, because each of their point-of-view chapters is written in much the same 'voice', despite their being of different nationalities, different social classes, etc. Aside from the varying subject matter, the odd Americanism from Clark, and Simone being a manipulative, particularly nasty piece of work, they all use the same language, have the same speech patterns, similar mood, tempo, vocabularies. Mika, Lovisa and Gael I could never 'see' at all; sometimes I thought I was reading Mika when it was Gael, etc. I also found some of the dialogue unrealistic.
Having said that... (and it's a big 'having said that') I did enjoy reading this book, became immersed in the intrigue and thought the basic plot was great. I liked the slow uncovering of each person's dark secrets, the truth about Dhan and the final drama, though it felt a bit rushed; I think more could have been made of it. There were a fair few irritations (not least of all the reiteration of the current trend I've noticed on new, young audience TV shows: that out of any group of young people, fifty per cent of them will have casual sex with either gender at the drop of a hat), but I found that ... yes, I couldn't put it down. It's a hard one to rate. Yes, I liked it. Sort of. Mostly.
To sum up: The plot kept me interested throughout. JJ Marsh's innate talent does come across, despite the book's weaker elements; although the characters never really came to life for me, I liked the story a lot. So although I couldn't say 'yes, definitely, you must buy this', I also want to say, it's fun and original, and I did like it. Mostly. Sort of.
April 24, 2020
A spider web that traps readers and doesn’t let go I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (authors, if you are looking for reviews, check here), and I freely chose to review an ARC copy of this novel.
JJ Marsh is an author I’ve read great reviews about and has been on my list for a while, so I took the chance when I saw an ARC for her next book had become available. I can’t compare it to the rest of her works, but based on this novel, which is a new genre for her, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending her books, and I look forward to catching up on some of her previous novels.
I think the description above provides plenty of hints as to the plot, and this is one of those novels where the way the story is told and the fine details are fundamental, so I’ll try to avoid over explaining things or giving too many hints (I want to avoid spoilers at all cost). This is a story built around six friends (three women and three men) who meet at university, while they are studying to become international translators, and grow to be quite close. They come from different countries (mostly Europe, although one comes from the US, and one is from Indian origin), have very different personalities and backgrounds, and it’s likely that their friendship would have fizzled and died if not for a tragic event that takes place while they are away celebrating New Year (and the new millennium) in December 1999. After that, they meet every two years, and the event that binds them together weighs heavily on them all, having a very different impact in each one of them. Things come to a head on the 20th anniversary of that fateful New Year’s celebration and readers are privileged witnesses of another night to remember. This novel reminded me of a book I read and reviewed recently, The Hunting Party, but also of films like The Celebration (Festen), where there is a build-up of tension, strained relationships, plenty of secrets and lies, and a surprise or two. Although I think many readers will smell a rat from early on in the novel, even if they get it right (and let’s say things are left open to interpretation), the beauty of this novel is in the way it is built, the variety of points of view, and the psychological insights it offers into a catalogue of characters that are not miles away from people most of us know. Considering this is the author’s first incursion into the psychological drama genre, I take my hat off to her.
There are a variety of themes that come up in the novel, some more important to the action than others, for instance the nature of friendship, the way different people experience grief, the guilt of the survivor, how we change and evolve over time and how our relationships change with us, love, death, careers, priorities, family, charity missions, and, of course, lies.
As for the characters, I won’t go into too much detail about them, because the author does a great job of building them up through the novel, and readers should discover them as they read. Marsh chooses one of the female characters, Gael, as the main narrator, and she starts the story ‘now’ (in 2020). The whole novel is written in the first person, but not all from the same point of view. Although I’ve said that Gael is the main narrator, and she has more chapters than the rest, we also get to hear the voices of the other characters, who take us back into some of the reunions the friends have had over the years, and that allows readers to compare and contrast Gael’s version of the rest of her friends with their own words and insights. Readers can compose a mental picture and fit in the pieces of the puzzle, making their own minds up and deciding if they agree or not with Gael’s perceptions. It also makes for a more rounded reading experience, as we get to know each character more intimately, and perhaps to empathise, if not sympathise, with all of them. I liked Gael from the start: she is articulate, a journalist, and a bit of a free spirit, but she always tries to understand and accommodate others as well, and she is more of the observer and the outsider in the story, for reasons that will become evident to the readers from early on. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the friends are like an ersatz family, with individual roles they always fall back on when they are together (the nurturing mother, the responsible and dependable father, the youngest and spoilt sister, the rushed and sporty brother, the sister whom everybody confides in [Gael]), and this reminded me of Eric Berne’s Games People Play. All the characters are articulate and savvy enough to be aware of this and play it for keeps as well.
The book flows well, and the language used is appropriate to each one of the individual characters, fitting with their personalities and quirks without calling too much attention to itself. It helps move the story along, and manages to build up the tension, even when there isn’t a lot of action in the usual sense. There are mysterious events taking place (some that will have readers wondering if the characters are imagining them or not), clues that sometimes don’t seem to amount to much, hints, and some memorable scenes. But all those elements are woven subtly into the narrative creating a spider web that traps the readers and the more they read, the more they become entangled in the strands of the story and the characters, until it becomes almost impossible to put the book down.
There is a closure of sorts, although the ending is ambiguous and most of the surprises and big reveals have come before then. I liked the fact that there is much left to the imagination of each reader, but I know such things are down to personal taste.
This is a great psychological drama, with engaging characters (some more likeable than others), fascinating relationship dynamics, and a mystery at its heart. It’s a gripping read, perfect to keep our minds engaged and to have us pondering the ins and outs of friendships, relationships, and which actions would push us beyond the limits of forgiveness. A gem.
The last 7% of the e-book contains the first-chapter of the author’s work-in-progress, in case you wonder about its length.
JJ Marsh is an author I’ve read great reviews about and has been on my list for a while, so I took the chance when I saw an ARC for her next book had become available. I can’t compare it to the rest of her works, but based on this novel, which is a new genre for her, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending her books, and I look forward to catching up on some of her previous novels.
I think the description above provides plenty of hints as to the plot, and this is one of those novels where the way the story is told and the fine details are fundamental, so I’ll try to avoid over explaining things or giving too many hints (I want to avoid spoilers at all cost). This is a story built around six friends (three women and three men) who meet at university, while they are studying to become international translators, and grow to be quite close. They come from different countries (mostly Europe, although one comes from the US, and one is from Indian origin), have very different personalities and backgrounds, and it’s likely that their friendship would have fizzled and died if not for a tragic event that takes place while they are away celebrating New Year (and the new millennium) in December 1999. After that, they meet every two years, and the event that binds them together weighs heavily on them all, having a very different impact in each one of them. Things come to a head on the 20th anniversary of that fateful New Year’s celebration and readers are privileged witnesses of another night to remember. This novel reminded me of a book I read and reviewed recently, The Hunting Party, but also of films like The Celebration (Festen), where there is a build-up of tension, strained relationships, plenty of secrets and lies, and a surprise or two. Although I think many readers will smell a rat from early on in the novel, even if they get it right (and let’s say things are left open to interpretation), the beauty of this novel is in the way it is built, the variety of points of view, and the psychological insights it offers into a catalogue of characters that are not miles away from people most of us know. Considering this is the author’s first incursion into the psychological drama genre, I take my hat off to her.
There are a variety of themes that come up in the novel, some more important to the action than others, for instance the nature of friendship, the way different people experience grief, the guilt of the survivor, how we change and evolve over time and how our relationships change with us, love, death, careers, priorities, family, charity missions, and, of course, lies.
As for the characters, I won’t go into too much detail about them, because the author does a great job of building them up through the novel, and readers should discover them as they read. Marsh chooses one of the female characters, Gael, as the main narrator, and she starts the story ‘now’ (in 2020). The whole novel is written in the first person, but not all from the same point of view. Although I’ve said that Gael is the main narrator, and she has more chapters than the rest, we also get to hear the voices of the other characters, who take us back into some of the reunions the friends have had over the years, and that allows readers to compare and contrast Gael’s version of the rest of her friends with their own words and insights. Readers can compose a mental picture and fit in the pieces of the puzzle, making their own minds up and deciding if they agree or not with Gael’s perceptions. It also makes for a more rounded reading experience, as we get to know each character more intimately, and perhaps to empathise, if not sympathise, with all of them. I liked Gael from the start: she is articulate, a journalist, and a bit of a free spirit, but she always tries to understand and accommodate others as well, and she is more of the observer and the outsider in the story, for reasons that will become evident to the readers from early on. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the friends are like an ersatz family, with individual roles they always fall back on when they are together (the nurturing mother, the responsible and dependable father, the youngest and spoilt sister, the rushed and sporty brother, the sister whom everybody confides in [Gael]), and this reminded me of Eric Berne’s Games People Play. All the characters are articulate and savvy enough to be aware of this and play it for keeps as well.
The book flows well, and the language used is appropriate to each one of the individual characters, fitting with their personalities and quirks without calling too much attention to itself. It helps move the story along, and manages to build up the tension, even when there isn’t a lot of action in the usual sense. There are mysterious events taking place (some that will have readers wondering if the characters are imagining them or not), clues that sometimes don’t seem to amount to much, hints, and some memorable scenes. But all those elements are woven subtly into the narrative creating a spider web that traps the readers and the more they read, the more they become entangled in the strands of the story and the characters, until it becomes almost impossible to put the book down.
There is a closure of sorts, although the ending is ambiguous and most of the surprises and big reveals have come before then. I liked the fact that there is much left to the imagination of each reader, but I know such things are down to personal taste.
This is a great psychological drama, with engaging characters (some more likeable than others), fascinating relationship dynamics, and a mystery at its heart. It’s a gripping read, perfect to keep our minds engaged and to have us pondering the ins and outs of friendships, relationships, and which actions would push us beyond the limits of forgiveness. A gem.
The last 7% of the e-book contains the first-chapter of the author’s work-in-progress, in case you wonder about its length.
November 2, 2021
2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the chance to listen to this audiobook.
First off, the narrators were fantastic! They really brought this story to life.
Second, I’m sadly disappointed. At first the story had a lot of potential. I was intrigued when their friend dies and loved the idea of them meeting up to celebrate his life. However, the lack of character development and really any substance to them, I lacked the connection to story. I wasn’t surprised by the twist and when it was revealed I felt disappointed because it didn’t fit the story that was told leading up to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the chance to listen to this audiobook.
First off, the narrators were fantastic! They really brought this story to life.
Second, I’m sadly disappointed. At first the story had a lot of potential. I was intrigued when their friend dies and loved the idea of them meeting up to celebrate his life. However, the lack of character development and really any substance to them, I lacked the connection to story. I wasn’t surprised by the twist and when it was revealed I felt disappointed because it didn’t fit the story that was told leading up to it.
October 2, 2021
I received an ARC of this audiobook from Netgalley.
I really enjoyed most of this book. The characters were vibrant and interesting, as was the format, told almost exclusively over New Year’s Eve holidays spent together by a group of friends. There was an element of mystery, but most of it was a character drama.
This book moved swiftly, especially since the chapters cycled through five different perspectives. We didn’t trawl through the same scene over and over; instead each chapter built on the story and character development of the previous one.
I liked the characters a lot - they were unique and didn’t easily fit into stereotypes. On the rare occasion a trope was used, it was either abandoned or subverted. I loved that. I don’t think we see enough of that in books.
What I will say is that this book was far too pared back. It almost read like a script. I needed—wanted—to read more about these characters, their lives, motivations, feelings. This book gave us the cliff notes version of the protagonists, but would have been so much richer and intriguing had the author filled in more details. We understand the gravitas of the situation, and the pain and struggle they endure, but we don’t know them as people. We know what they do and who they are. This was an outline of these characters.
A story like this needs to be immersive, not just diverting, and because of the bare bones style of writing, that’s how it came across. Our main protagonist, Gale, is the audience stand-in, but I hardly know anything about her. She has one trait that is essential to the story, but who is Gale outside of that? Who are the others? Because I enjoyed these characters and this book so much, I feel like we needed to know so much more.
SPOILERS:
Most of the characters read like they’re white. There’s no mention otherwise, so that’s the default that I assumed. I say this because the author specifically stated that Dan is of Indian origin. Now, I liked that they had this complex character of Indian origin, but then, he was the one who died, and also, he turned out to be a total rotter. Worse, and this was a trope that I wish the author had subverted, he was almost forced into an arranged marriage. I know this is hard for some people to believe, but not every single Indian person—inside or outside of India—is faced with this ultimatum. It’s the trope that’s used far too often and came into this book so late in the day. That too, when it’s the only apparent character of colour, it’s disappointing that he’s such a bad guy and he’s facing a stereotypical situation.
END SPOILERS
Despite my enjoyment of the book, I didn’t care for the ending. It just fell flat for me. I think there are a few reasons why. It dragged on too long with unnecessary plot-blocking dialogue that was more infuriating instead of suspenseful. It was also a little predictable. The bigger issue was that we suddenly got a singular view and it didn’t delve into the psychological impact of the twist. We’re talking about people who’ve dealt with trauma for nearly half their lives. Anything to upend their understanding of reality has to also address the grief that comes with this new knowledge. That would have made a much more powerful denouement.
As I’ve said, this book is thoroughly engaging and the characters are the key to this book’s success. But it wasn’t detailed and filled out enough to be wholly memorable.
I really enjoyed most of this book. The characters were vibrant and interesting, as was the format, told almost exclusively over New Year’s Eve holidays spent together by a group of friends. There was an element of mystery, but most of it was a character drama.
This book moved swiftly, especially since the chapters cycled through five different perspectives. We didn’t trawl through the same scene over and over; instead each chapter built on the story and character development of the previous one.
I liked the characters a lot - they were unique and didn’t easily fit into stereotypes. On the rare occasion a trope was used, it was either abandoned or subverted. I loved that. I don’t think we see enough of that in books.
What I will say is that this book was far too pared back. It almost read like a script. I needed—wanted—to read more about these characters, their lives, motivations, feelings. This book gave us the cliff notes version of the protagonists, but would have been so much richer and intriguing had the author filled in more details. We understand the gravitas of the situation, and the pain and struggle they endure, but we don’t know them as people. We know what they do and who they are. This was an outline of these characters.
A story like this needs to be immersive, not just diverting, and because of the bare bones style of writing, that’s how it came across. Our main protagonist, Gale, is the audience stand-in, but I hardly know anything about her. She has one trait that is essential to the story, but who is Gale outside of that? Who are the others? Because I enjoyed these characters and this book so much, I feel like we needed to know so much more.
SPOILERS:
Most of the characters read like they’re white. There’s no mention otherwise, so that’s the default that I assumed. I say this because the author specifically stated that Dan is of Indian origin. Now, I liked that they had this complex character of Indian origin, but then, he was the one who died, and also, he turned out to be a total rotter. Worse, and this was a trope that I wish the author had subverted, he was almost forced into an arranged marriage. I know this is hard for some people to believe, but not every single Indian person—inside or outside of India—is faced with this ultimatum. It’s the trope that’s used far too often and came into this book so late in the day. That too, when it’s the only apparent character of colour, it’s disappointing that he’s such a bad guy and he’s facing a stereotypical situation.
END SPOILERS
Despite my enjoyment of the book, I didn’t care for the ending. It just fell flat for me. I think there are a few reasons why. It dragged on too long with unnecessary plot-blocking dialogue that was more infuriating instead of suspenseful. It was also a little predictable. The bigger issue was that we suddenly got a singular view and it didn’t delve into the psychological impact of the twist. We’re talking about people who’ve dealt with trauma for nearly half their lives. Anything to upend their understanding of reality has to also address the grief that comes with this new knowledge. That would have made a much more powerful denouement.
As I’ve said, this book is thoroughly engaging and the characters are the key to this book’s success. But it wasn’t detailed and filled out enough to be wholly memorable.
October 15, 2021
This was a disappointing, disjointed read, which didn't really live up to the publishers blurb.
The switching between perspectives was not effective, and I think the story would have been better told from a single perspective. There was also little character development, and the plot just plodded slowly along, with the final outcome obvious from way before the ending.
Not sure if I will look out for future books from this author.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The switching between perspectives was not effective, and I think the story would have been better told from a single perspective. There was also little character development, and the plot just plodded slowly along, with the final outcome obvious from way before the ending.
Not sure if I will look out for future books from this author.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2021
3.5 stars
A character-driven mystery story that spans 20 years of lies, guilt, & grief. The ending isn’t very strong, but I quite enjoyed the book for the character development & depth.
[What I liked:]
•The premise is good, & well executed. Despite the large time span & significant amount of backstory that’s included, the story is cohesive & I enjoyed getting each of the five MC’s perspectives on each other, their group dynamics, the fallout from the tragic event, etc.
•The characters are well developed, have distinct personalities, & different goals & flaws. I enjoyed seeing their growth & failures over time.
•The writing is pretty good. The story is told in 1st-person narration by the five MC’s. Each one has a distinct voice & mindset, & contributes nuance to the portrayal of events & relationships.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The ending was pretty anticlimactic. So, twenty years of devastating grief, but then something just as tragic happens & everyone moves on like it barely mattered? It’s not consistent, & it doesn’t have much impact as an ending.
•Okay, so the pranks in the cabin are eerie & build tension, then fizzle into nothing. The rationale for playing them is thin, so I guess they were included in the story just to build tension that went nowhere.
CW: murder, accidental drowning, infidelity, substance abuse, non-consensual drugging
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A character-driven mystery story that spans 20 years of lies, guilt, & grief. The ending isn’t very strong, but I quite enjoyed the book for the character development & depth.
[What I liked:]
•The premise is good, & well executed. Despite the large time span & significant amount of backstory that’s included, the story is cohesive & I enjoyed getting each of the five MC’s perspectives on each other, their group dynamics, the fallout from the tragic event, etc.
•The characters are well developed, have distinct personalities, & different goals & flaws. I enjoyed seeing their growth & failures over time.
•The writing is pretty good. The story is told in 1st-person narration by the five MC’s. Each one has a distinct voice & mindset, & contributes nuance to the portrayal of events & relationships.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The ending was pretty anticlimactic. So, twenty years of devastating grief, but then something just as tragic happens & everyone moves on like it barely mattered? It’s not consistent, & it doesn’t have much impact as an ending.
•Okay, so the pranks in the cabin are eerie & build tension, then fizzle into nothing. The rationale for playing them is thin, so I guess they were included in the story just to build tension that went nowhere.
CW: murder, accidental drowning, infidelity, substance abuse, non-consensual drugging
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
December 14, 2021
One night, six friends, a tragic accident and a lifetime of regrets, secrets and survivor’s guilt…
On New Year’s Eve 1999 six friends come together to celebrate in a remote cabin near an icy cold lake. Only five survive the night due to a tragic accident.
As we move through the years and see the five friends’ lives come together from time to time, bonded by that death and tragic night, we learn more about each character and what role they played in what happened.
But what is still connecting these people other than that night? Guilt? Secrets? … or lies?
We go along 20 years, from the perspectives of each of the five friends, seeing how their lives have unfolded, until it’s the 20th anniversary of their friend’s death.
And one friend, Gael, is determined to find out exactly what happened that night because she wasn’t present when the accident happened. She starts asking questions that she might not want the answers to…
I’ll be very honest… This was supposed to a be a psychological thriller, but to me it turned out to be a mystery, and it dragged a bit too much. I figured out what the twist was quite easily (unfortunately) and the ending didn’t surprise me much, because if it had been me in that situation… I probably would have done the same!
Still a good book, just didn’t have enough edge/thrill for me unfortunately.
Doesn’t mean it won’t be other people’s favorite book!
Thank you ever so much to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for my review and honest opinion.
#OddNumbers #NetGalley
On New Year’s Eve 1999 six friends come together to celebrate in a remote cabin near an icy cold lake. Only five survive the night due to a tragic accident.
As we move through the years and see the five friends’ lives come together from time to time, bonded by that death and tragic night, we learn more about each character and what role they played in what happened.
But what is still connecting these people other than that night? Guilt? Secrets? … or lies?
We go along 20 years, from the perspectives of each of the five friends, seeing how their lives have unfolded, until it’s the 20th anniversary of their friend’s death.
And one friend, Gael, is determined to find out exactly what happened that night because she wasn’t present when the accident happened. She starts asking questions that she might not want the answers to…
I’ll be very honest… This was supposed to a be a psychological thriller, but to me it turned out to be a mystery, and it dragged a bit too much. I figured out what the twist was quite easily (unfortunately) and the ending didn’t surprise me much, because if it had been me in that situation… I probably would have done the same!
Still a good book, just didn’t have enough edge/thrill for me unfortunately.
Doesn’t mean it won’t be other people’s favorite book!
Thank you ever so much to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for my review and honest opinion.
#OddNumbers #NetGalley
October 28, 2021
1999, new years eve. Six university friends go on a trip to Prague to celebrate the new year and the new millennium together. A tragic accident occurs and only five of the friends return...Dhan is missing and presumed dead.
Bonded by their grief over what happened that night, this remaining group of five friends gather at a different location chosen in turn by each friend, every 2 years on new year's eve to catch up and to celebrate Dhan's life.
The story is told from five different perspectives and as it continues over the years, secrets come out and, ever so slowly, so does the truth. Was Dhan's death really an accident? On the 20th anniversary and the final new year's eve gathering, it's Gael's turn to organise the trip and as the only one who didn't witness the accident, she is determined to find out the truth about what happened on that fateful night, whatever the cost...
Odd Numbers was a short but slow burn of a book, the insidious build up of unease and dread made this book unputdownable - I had to find out what happened. I didn't entirely like or trust any of the characters, apart from one. The ending left me with a lot of questions, but overall it was an enjoyable listen and the narration by Jess Nesling and Paul Panting was fantastic - this must have been such a challenging book to narrate with so many characters and different accents but they made it so easy to tell each different person apart.
Bonded by their grief over what happened that night, this remaining group of five friends gather at a different location chosen in turn by each friend, every 2 years on new year's eve to catch up and to celebrate Dhan's life.
The story is told from five different perspectives and as it continues over the years, secrets come out and, ever so slowly, so does the truth. Was Dhan's death really an accident? On the 20th anniversary and the final new year's eve gathering, it's Gael's turn to organise the trip and as the only one who didn't witness the accident, she is determined to find out the truth about what happened on that fateful night, whatever the cost...
Odd Numbers was a short but slow burn of a book, the insidious build up of unease and dread made this book unputdownable - I had to find out what happened. I didn't entirely like or trust any of the characters, apart from one. The ending left me with a lot of questions, but overall it was an enjoyable listen and the narration by Jess Nesling and Paul Panting was fantastic - this must have been such a challenging book to narrate with so many characters and different accents but they made it so easy to tell each different person apart.
June 16, 2020
The story starts in 1999 when six friends (Clark, Dhan, Gael, Lovisa, Mika, and Simone) want to celebrate the Millenium close to Prague at a cabin by a lake.
With "Odd Numbers", JJ Marsh has created an expertly woven plot, an intriguing novel of five friends who cope with the death of the sixth friend. "Odd Numbers" comprises authentic characters with sufficient depth; Gael is the one I took to the most; my sympathies for her friends underwent slight changes as the story evolved. JJ Marsh delicately introduces her characters. I had a great time reading - this is a very compelling read; I was drawn into the story right away, close to Gael and her friends. The plot offers food for thought, still keeps me thinking. Even if I anticipated some outcomes, I was intrigued by the way JJ Marsh directs her readers there.
I could imagine this a perfect plot for the "Fantasy Film Festivals" (they are known for unusual stories).
The cover is great - perfect for this story.
This is for you if you like thought-provoking stories and psychological fiction.
A remarkable story to read again.
Recommended.
With "Odd Numbers", JJ Marsh has created an expertly woven plot, an intriguing novel of five friends who cope with the death of the sixth friend. "Odd Numbers" comprises authentic characters with sufficient depth; Gael is the one I took to the most; my sympathies for her friends underwent slight changes as the story evolved. JJ Marsh delicately introduces her characters. I had a great time reading - this is a very compelling read; I was drawn into the story right away, close to Gael and her friends. The plot offers food for thought, still keeps me thinking. Even if I anticipated some outcomes, I was intrigued by the way JJ Marsh directs her readers there.
I could imagine this a perfect plot for the "Fantasy Film Festivals" (they are known for unusual stories).
The cover is great - perfect for this story.
This is for you if you like thought-provoking stories and psychological fiction.
A remarkable story to read again.
Recommended.
November 4, 2021
JJ Marsh takes a left turn into psychological drama and succeeds. This is a very interesting read, set in different locales mostly around Europe with complex and well-rounded characters. They had a shocking and tragic New Years at the end of university/college and have been for New Years every two years ever since now the 20th anniversary of their fateful New Years is coming up. Each character tells the story from their unique point of view in their own chapter, and while it is sometimes confusing keeping everyone straight, I think the format works well to get to know the different “players” and their potential motives especially for the audio with both a female and a male narrator.
The audio is out today by Saga Egmont, the book has been out for a while already !
The audio is out today by Saga Egmont, the book has been out for a while already !
September 22, 2021
Thought I'd dive into a thriller as the nights draw in ..... This was a cracker.
Six University friends decide to spend millennium new year's eve together which leads to the tragic death of one of the party. The event happens so early in the book I did initially worry about where the story could go once it happened ...but then every other NYE from then on the remaining five meet up in commemoration of their lost friend. The narrative hops between characters so you are seeing the story from everyone's point of view which is very clever and gives you a good understanding of every character.
This has all the ingredients of a perfect thriller with a great twist thrown in for good measure.
Six University friends decide to spend millennium new year's eve together which leads to the tragic death of one of the party. The event happens so early in the book I did initially worry about where the story could go once it happened ...but then every other NYE from then on the remaining five meet up in commemoration of their lost friend. The narrative hops between characters so you are seeing the story from everyone's point of view which is very clever and gives you a good understanding of every character.
This has all the ingredients of a perfect thriller with a great twist thrown in for good measure.
October 11, 2021
Odd Numbers by JJ Marsh is a mystery told from the point of view of 5 friends who lost one of their own. The audiobook narration was superb and kept the pace flowing nicely. I believe the question that the author is asking us to think about is “what are these people capable of” and he answers it with a great final twist at the end. Secrets are shared throughout the whole novel between the friends and lead us to constantly question the character of our protagonists. I would definitely recommend this short book to mystery lovers, unless you dislike stories told from multiple points of view, because the reader does have to keep up with 5 different ones.
I was provided an advanced copy of this audiobook by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this audiobook by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2021
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Odd Numbers” is a psychological drama told from the perspectives of five friends across timelines. In 1999, six friends gather to celebrate the New Year, but tragedy strikes and one friend is lost. Over the following twenty years, the remaining five gather every other year to ring in the New Year together and commiserate in their shared grief.
As the past unravels into the present, the stories of each of the characters are revealed, spinning tales full of loss, grief, secrets, and lingering doubts. On the twentieth anniversary of the loss of their friend, Dhan, the five once again meet in a snowy chalet in the Swiss Alps. The past echoes into the present as events bring forth memories that they have tried to move beyond. Not everything is as it seems, and as secrets are revealed, nothing will ever be the same.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. Based on the description, I expected a fairly standard psychological thriller. What I didn’t expect was the beautifully flushed out characters that drive this novel. With five main characters, this book could have easily gone off the rails. However, each character is presented in such a way that the reader becomes immersed in their stories and fully engaged in their lives. Time is appropriately allotted for each character, offering a full picture of each person. The individual perspectives and stories are intermeshed with the group’s biannual meetings and the dynamics resultant thereof. I couldn’t help but go along for the ride with each of them.
On top of a great cast of characters, the story itself is solid. The impact of losing a friend in the prime of their lives echoes throughout the friends’ lives as they try to move forward. The strange circumstances of the loss of their friend, Dhan, would be enough to drive the narrative in this book. However, there is an undercurrent of secrets held by each of the characters that leads to question after question. As the group gathers one more time, new questions emerge and the plot twists and turns to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. I must note that I received an audiobook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, which I also recommend due in part to excellent narration. As for the book itself, it was a refreshing spin on a psychological drama full of twists, turns and unforgettable characters. The author has an easy style of writing that pulls the reader (or in my case, listener), in and along for the ride. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience. Check this book out if you’re looking for a refreshing character-driven read. You won’t regret it!
“Odd Numbers” is a psychological drama told from the perspectives of five friends across timelines. In 1999, six friends gather to celebrate the New Year, but tragedy strikes and one friend is lost. Over the following twenty years, the remaining five gather every other year to ring in the New Year together and commiserate in their shared grief.
As the past unravels into the present, the stories of each of the characters are revealed, spinning tales full of loss, grief, secrets, and lingering doubts. On the twentieth anniversary of the loss of their friend, Dhan, the five once again meet in a snowy chalet in the Swiss Alps. The past echoes into the present as events bring forth memories that they have tried to move beyond. Not everything is as it seems, and as secrets are revealed, nothing will ever be the same.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. Based on the description, I expected a fairly standard psychological thriller. What I didn’t expect was the beautifully flushed out characters that drive this novel. With five main characters, this book could have easily gone off the rails. However, each character is presented in such a way that the reader becomes immersed in their stories and fully engaged in their lives. Time is appropriately allotted for each character, offering a full picture of each person. The individual perspectives and stories are intermeshed with the group’s biannual meetings and the dynamics resultant thereof. I couldn’t help but go along for the ride with each of them.
On top of a great cast of characters, the story itself is solid. The impact of losing a friend in the prime of their lives echoes throughout the friends’ lives as they try to move forward. The strange circumstances of the loss of their friend, Dhan, would be enough to drive the narrative in this book. However, there is an undercurrent of secrets held by each of the characters that leads to question after question. As the group gathers one more time, new questions emerge and the plot twists and turns to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. I must note that I received an audiobook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, which I also recommend due in part to excellent narration. As for the book itself, it was a refreshing spin on a psychological drama full of twists, turns and unforgettable characters. The author has an easy style of writing that pulls the reader (or in my case, listener), in and along for the ride. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience. Check this book out if you’re looking for a refreshing character-driven read. You won’t regret it!
September 20, 2021
**audiobook version**
Narrators 5 stars
These narrators were brilliant bringing all the different characters to life with the different accents.
Story 4 stars
While this was not a psychological Thriller (because it was very obvious how this was going to play out) it was definitely a really good suspenseful drama! All the characters were not necessarily likeable but they were definitely interesting and I was never bored listening. Would definitely try this author again.
Narrators 5 stars
These narrators were brilliant bringing all the different characters to life with the different accents.
Story 4 stars
While this was not a psychological Thriller (because it was very obvious how this was going to play out) it was definitely a really good suspenseful drama! All the characters were not necessarily likeable but they were definitely interesting and I was never bored listening. Would definitely try this author again.
November 22, 2021
This was a low burn of a history amongst friends with a payoff that was predictable but satisfying.
January 14, 2024
В общем, такое
May 13, 2020
ODD NUMBERS is written by JJ Marsh.
I am a big fan of the Beatrice Stubbs series and was intrigued by Ms. Marsh’s foray into the realm of psychological drama. I was not disappointed
Six very close University friends - Gael, Dhanesh, Mika, Lovisa, Simone and Clark - plan a New Year’s Eve celebration at Mika’s remote family cabin near Prague. Very tragic circumstances unfold and 20 years later, the remaining group is still planning biennial New Year’s Eve get-togethers. They are still dealing with the tragedy, confusion and grief of that very cold, dark night 20 years before.
This year, it is Gael’s turn to plan the get-together.
This is a very tense, well-written plot combined with complex, interesting characters and very scenic locations. I loved my e-book’s very brooding, dark cover. It really set the tone for the story. This book grabbed and held my attention throughout. A very good read.
I am a big fan of the Beatrice Stubbs series and was intrigued by Ms. Marsh’s foray into the realm of psychological drama. I was not disappointed
Six very close University friends - Gael, Dhanesh, Mika, Lovisa, Simone and Clark - plan a New Year’s Eve celebration at Mika’s remote family cabin near Prague. Very tragic circumstances unfold and 20 years later, the remaining group is still planning biennial New Year’s Eve get-togethers. They are still dealing with the tragedy, confusion and grief of that very cold, dark night 20 years before.
This year, it is Gael’s turn to plan the get-together.
This is a very tense, well-written plot combined with complex, interesting characters and very scenic locations. I loved my e-book’s very brooding, dark cover. It really set the tone for the story. This book grabbed and held my attention throughout. A very good read.
October 22, 2021
I requested this from NetGalley bc I am trying to get more audio arcs and it sounded interesting but... it just wasn't I saw the twist coming from Chapter 2 and the follow through was unsatisfying. Thankfully, it was a quick read.
I might also add that the narration sounded very computer generated, like this was an AI narrated novel. No matter how realistic they sound, avid audiobook fans can tell.
I might also add that the narration sounded very computer generated, like this was an AI narrated novel. No matter how realistic they sound, avid audiobook fans can tell.
November 29, 2021
Six university friends get together every New Years Eve to celebrate together, reminiscing about old times and catching up on each other’s lives. As language students, a different member of the group chooses a different location each year so that they can all see the world together. However on the turn of the Millenium in snowy Switzerland, one of their number is lost to them all, going missing and potentially meeting his death in a freezing lake. His body is never recovered and the friends have to try to move on and rebuild their lives without him. As the years go on though some begin to suspect that there may have been more to Dan’s disappearance than originally met the eye. When they return to Switzerland for this New Year’s Eve twenty years later, will the truth about what happened finally come out?
I love love loved the fact that we hear from all five of the remaining friends and each takes a different chapter each time. It gave a much better picture of what was really going on and allowed us to learn more about the true nature of each of the characters. The majority of them had something to hide and I enjoyed their secrets being revealed as the story went on. The fact that the main narrator is a journalist really worked well here as she pieced it all together.
What I didn’t love though was that the whole premier the book rests on just didn’t seem that believable to me, Why would five university friends who weren’t they close to begin with continue to meet every year on the anniversary of one of them going missing/potentially dying? Seems a bit morbid to me. Plus the eventual outcome towards the end is odd too - although they all had motives none were strong enough to justify what happened. That said I don’t know how else it could’ve been wrapped up so I guess I’ll take it!
Overall I really enjoyed the different narrators and think it worked really well as an audiobook so I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont audio for allowing me to listen in exchange for an honest review.
I love love loved the fact that we hear from all five of the remaining friends and each takes a different chapter each time. It gave a much better picture of what was really going on and allowed us to learn more about the true nature of each of the characters. The majority of them had something to hide and I enjoyed their secrets being revealed as the story went on. The fact that the main narrator is a journalist really worked well here as she pieced it all together.
What I didn’t love though was that the whole premier the book rests on just didn’t seem that believable to me, Why would five university friends who weren’t they close to begin with continue to meet every year on the anniversary of one of them going missing/potentially dying? Seems a bit morbid to me. Plus the eventual outcome towards the end is odd too - although they all had motives none were strong enough to justify what happened. That said I don’t know how else it could’ve been wrapped up so I guess I’ll take it!
Overall I really enjoyed the different narrators and think it worked really well as an audiobook so I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont audio for allowing me to listen in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This audiobook ticked all the boxes for me:
A close knit group of friends✅
Multiple POV chapters with talented narrative cast✅
A mysterious disappearance/possible murder✅
I loved every moment of this short book and my heart was racing at the last act. This is my first read by JJ Marsh but I think it’s a must listen for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story! The audiobook narration is fantastic — (although whoever voiced Clark had a spotty American accent at best) — and made it very easy to keep track of the various characters and their personal motivations. This is good for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
On New Year’s Eve 1999, six university friends gather at a Czech chalet and decide to take a plunge in the frozen lake. Only five friends come out of the lake that night. Dhan, handsome and funny and charming Dhan, never resurfaces. The long shadow of that night follows the other 5 friends for 20 years as they reunite every other year to celebrate the New Year and remember their lost friend. Over the years, we get everyone’s perspective and learn that this close knit friend group has more than a few weak spots. And everyone had a reason to be upset with Dhan on that night long ago…
This audiobook ticked all the boxes for me:
A close knit group of friends✅
Multiple POV chapters with talented narrative cast✅
A mysterious disappearance/possible murder✅
I loved every moment of this short book and my heart was racing at the last act. This is my first read by JJ Marsh but I think it’s a must listen for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story! The audiobook narration is fantastic — (although whoever voiced Clark had a spotty American accent at best) — and made it very easy to keep track of the various characters and their personal motivations. This is good for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
On New Year’s Eve 1999, six university friends gather at a Czech chalet and decide to take a plunge in the frozen lake. Only five friends come out of the lake that night. Dhan, handsome and funny and charming Dhan, never resurfaces. The long shadow of that night follows the other 5 friends for 20 years as they reunite every other year to celebrate the New Year and remember their lost friend. Over the years, we get everyone’s perspective and learn that this close knit friend group has more than a few weak spots. And everyone had a reason to be upset with Dhan on that night long ago…
July 13, 2020
A deviation from the author’s very successful Beatrice Stubbs crime novels, this psychological thriller, Odd Numbers, had me intrigued all the way through.
The story is based around six university students who became friends, and who gather in a cabin at a spooky Prague lakeside to celebrate Near Year’s Eve in December of 1999. I imagine that if it hadn’t been for a terrible accident on that night, the friends would likely have drifted apart, as do many university friendships. However, this tragedy keeps them bound in the years to come, and they continue to meet every two years.
Despite having a bit of trouble keeping up with the different characters, time zones and places, I really enjoyed delving into the different relationships, as well as trying to guess what actually happened that night of New Year’s 1999.
Full of intrigue, atmosphere and suspense, I found Odd Numbers hard to put down and would highly recommend it to fans of the psychological thriller genre.
The story is based around six university students who became friends, and who gather in a cabin at a spooky Prague lakeside to celebrate Near Year’s Eve in December of 1999. I imagine that if it hadn’t been for a terrible accident on that night, the friends would likely have drifted apart, as do many university friendships. However, this tragedy keeps them bound in the years to come, and they continue to meet every two years.
Despite having a bit of trouble keeping up with the different characters, time zones and places, I really enjoyed delving into the different relationships, as well as trying to guess what actually happened that night of New Year’s 1999.
Full of intrigue, atmosphere and suspense, I found Odd Numbers hard to put down and would highly recommend it to fans of the psychological thriller genre.
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