Tag: #crime

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ARC Book Review: ‘The Lie’ by Hilary Boyd

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Title: The Lie

Author: Hilary Boyd

Length: 360 pages

Publisher: Micheal J Books

I was lucky enough to be sent this from the publisher and I couldn’t wait to get started on it.

Synopsis: Romy and Michael have it all. Over 30 years of marriage, two grown-up sons and a beautiful London home, as well as a weekend bolthole by the sea. Until the arrival of a letter changes everything. At first Romy can’t believe what it is saying. That Micheal could do something so terrible. But then other lies start to emerge and she begins to wonder who the man she’s shared her heart, her bed and the best years of her life with, really is. Walking away should be the start of a new chapter for Romy. But an urgent telephone call brings her back into Michael’s life – and propels her into the past and the allegations that ended their marriage.

I really enjoyed this book. It was difficult to put down. I read over 200 pages in one night and trust me, that never happens with me.

What kept me hooked was the question of who was lying. When a letter shows up at her house, Romy’s husband is accused of assaulting a teenage girl, Romy stays by her husband side to begin with after he denies it but she always doubts him. It was fascinating to read her perspective and I couldn’t wait to find out the truth. It was dealt with incredibly well, sensitively but honest and real.

‘The Lie’ was filled with such wonderful characters. Romy, the main character, was instantly likeable. I was just drawn to her. And as the story progressed, all I wanted was for her to stand up for herself and get her happy ending. You could tell she was doing what she thought she should do, and I so wanted her to choose herself. I won’t spoil it for you, you’ll have to read it yourself to find out if she does.

It also has a wonderful romance in it, which I was also invested in (incase you haven’t noticed I was invested in the whole book). It was organic and romantic. Much needed sweetness, with the main storyline being such a tough subject.

It also had a satisfactory ending. Often when books are leaving all the questions to be answered at the end it can be a bit of a let down, but I didn’t find that with ‘The Lie’. I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough to find out what happened and I wasn’t disappointed. That’s a sign of great writing and storytelling.

I can’t recommend this book enough. It was an intense story with fantastic characters, that was ultimately a struggle to put down. I throughly enjoyed it.

Thank you Michael Joseph Books for gifting me with a copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out now. Make sure you check it out.

Until the next review

JTH

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ARC Book Review: ‘On My Life’ by Angela Clarke

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Title: On My Life

Author: Angela Clarke

Length: 367pages

Publisher: Mullholland Books

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Crime books are not my usual read, I have to be honest. But I think Angela Clarke might have just made me a fan.

Jenna thought she had the perfect life: a loving fiancé, a great job, a beautiful home. Then she finds her stepdaughter murdered; her partner missing. And the police think she did it… Locked up to await trial, surrounded by prisoners who’d hurt her if they knew what she’s accused of, certain someone close to her has framed her, Jenna knows what she needs to do: Clear her name, save her baby, find the killer. But can she do it in time?

This book was like a rollercoaster. It had ups and down, twists and turns but you don’t want to get off. If you hate rollercoasters then ignore that metaphor and just know that you’ll love the book.

We follow Jenna, who’s been accused of murdering her step-daughter and her fiancé. We read about her life before, leading up to the events of that afternoon, and her life in the present, as she endures the hardships of prison.

Both times were just as thrilling. As we read about Jenna meeting her fiancé, falling in love and dealing with her future in laws. I found myself looking for little snippets to see who committed this murder. It’s in this time that we also learn about Jenna’s background and family life.

In the ‘present’ time, we see Jenna’s life in prison. Which I have to say is absolutely fascinating. It’s so detailed, so intricate. You can tell this story has meticulously researched. It just adds to the richness of this story. While the main plot is a ‘who done it’, there are so many sub-plots in the prison story that were so entertaining, they had me on the edge of my seat. We also meet a character called Kelly, who will absolutely steal your heart, then break it.

This book didn’t end the way I thought it would. Like I said, the prison story took a turn I didn’t see coming but had me totally hooked. There was so many points in this book that I thought different people had committed the murder. I had so many suspects, but I couldn’t figure it out. I couldn’t believe who it was. I never would’ve guessed them. I was shocked. But it worked so well. Such a great ending.

The writing is so sharp, so suspenseful. I couldn’t put this book. Seriously, I cancelled plans so I could stay in and read. I had to know. I mean, it’s a testament to great writing when you can’t figure out the mystery and aren’t disappointed when it’s revealed.

I can’t recommend this book enough. If you’re not sure about crime books, Angela Clarke is the best place to start. She’s certainly made me a fan of her work.

I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this book from Louise Swannell At Hodder & Stoughton in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out in ebook now and comes out on paperback on the 11th July. Check it out.

Until the next review

JTH