I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise was good, but it lacked clarity in execution.
I liked the set up – heroine (Astrid) out to avenge her mother’s death gets close to the person she suspects of killing her mother. I mean, who can’t go for a good revenge story? Unfortunately for Astrid, her plan is not as simple as she hopes it to be. The deeper she goes, the more she realizes that what she thinks she knows may not be accurate.
I thought the characters were interesting. None of them exactly fit the stereotype (vengeful woman, suave billionaire, henchman) they represented; each of them had a few different traits that kept them from being caricatures.
The plot was decent. It was fairly tight. While I wouldn’t exactly call it a page-turner, it did keep moving along. There was a definite noir feel to it that I enjoyed.
Where I thought it faltered, however, was in the actual telling of the story itself. I got the distinct feeling that the author’s native language was not English (or this was a translation) because a lot of the dialogue seemed very stilted. This resulted in sometimes awkward exchanges between characters. At times, this was distracting.
It was also very short; took me just over an hour to read it. On the one hand that’s a good thing because it really did speed along and came to a rapid conclusion. On the other hand, it felt like there could have been more meat on the bones of the story, more details to flesh it out.
If you’re looking for a quick read with an interesting plot in a foreign setting, this one is definitely for you.
I really enjoyed this author’s Beyond the Horizon. I thought it had interesting (and little-known) history and realistic characters. When I saw that more of her books were available, I was excited to see what else the author tackled.
On the surface, this one had a fantastic premise. Cat receives a mysterious letter and key in the mail; the letter urges her to call a lawyer in Paris. When she does, she is told that she has to fly to Paris to settle…something. But it’s mysterious.
Once everything is settled, she finds that she has inherited a Belle Epoque apartment that hasn’t been touched in decades. Everything from the furniture to the artwork and personal letters is just as the owner left it.
I loved these parts of the novel. The author vividly created the apartment and its furnishings so that I could practically feel the dust tickling my nose and see the moth-eaten fabrics. This was well-done.
I also liked how Cat was a bit “vintage” herself. She seemed to prefer dress styles from the 30s and 40s, which made her a throwback perfect for the era of the apartment. This was a nice touch and a clever connection.
I gather from looking at publishing dates that this was one of the first novels (if not the first) written by the author. It shows in the dialogue and plotting. The conversations between characters seems very stilted and unnatural. For example, there are times when a name is used repeatedly instead of a pronoun.
There was also overuse of some words. Christian calling Cat “honey” ALL of the time comes to mind. I mean, I know that it’s possible he was just one of those people who only uses a pet name and that reflects his actual lack of commitment or connection to Cat. But it was a little too much.
And while we are on the subject of Christian, I didn’t like him. He was a snob (as were his friends and family) and pretty much a jerk. I know that was the point, but it was jarringly obvious that he was not the one for her.
The plot also meandered a bit. Loic and Cat seemed to argue too much about who the apartment actually belonged to – at times, it seemed as if neither one actually wanted it (which was weird). The middle could have used some tightening and each character’s perspectives could have been clarified.
These are some things about the book that indicate it was an early attempt by the author because they seemed unpolished. I still liked the plot of this one, and (since I read a later book of hers) I know that she has improved over time, so I look forward to more from her!
Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.
Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.
Honestly, I read so many psych thrillers that it takes a lot to get one completely over on me. But this one did. Not only did the author have me going on several fronts, she also had me convinced that I had outsmarted her and knew who it was from the beginning.
I was wrong. Well done.
The reader knows from the prologue that something nefarious is going on in Becca’s life. We then immediately skip back to 2.5 weeks earlier to where it all began. But as events unfold, we find out that things began even further back than this.
The author did a fantastic job of plotting. As Becca succumbs to the pressures of life, her long-held doubts come to the forefront making her question her own sanity. In turn, this makes the reader question Becca’s trustworthiness as a narrator. It was effective, because I never knew if she was truly a victim or if she was bringing it on herself.
Becca’s past job experience also plays heavily in the plot, which was another great aspect. As situations worsen, so does Becca’s perspective. She keeps trying to do the right thing, but her past keeps passively working against her.
Except for when it comes to Connor, the titular ex-boyfriend. This was perhaps one of the most effective plot threads. Everybody has “the one that got away,” and in times of stress it would be natural to think about “what might have been.” It’s easy to look at the past through rose-colored glasses.
Somebody close to Becca knows this and uses her uncertainty and unhappiness to prey on her family in the worst possible manner. Is it the ex-boyfriend who wants her back? The husband she suspects of cheating? Or somebody else?
No way in hell am I going to give anything away on this one. The twists keep right on coming, literally up until the very last chapter.
If I had any complaint at all, and this is nitpicking, it would be that one of the last twists was never really explained and the follow-through on it wasn’t as plausible as the rest of the story. That, and one character’s actions were never fully addressed.
But those are minor compared to the overall arc, as it was well-written and definitely a page-turner. By far, one of the best ones I’ve read this year. You do NOT want to miss out – go get it now!
Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she’s actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true.
She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she’s plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because… well, you can’t be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.
She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!
Detective Clara Jeffries had quite the experience in The Fallen Girls, the first book in the series. Returning to her hometown after several years away was a difficult choice, and the decision to stay on as Chief of Police was even more troublesome.
This is all because the town of Alber is not a “normal” hometown by most standards. It’s home to a sect of fundamentalist Mormons called Elijah’s People. Clara is considered an apostate for having left, which presents her with unique challenges. Especially in the face of the current investigation.
Once again, a member of Clara’s family is involved, but this time it’s Mother Naomi who finds a gruesome scene at the farmhouse of a local family. It’s up to Clara, and her longtime friend (possible boyfriend) Chief Deputy Max Anderson to solve the case.
As with the last book, the author does a good job plotting the investigation so that not too much information is given out all at once. The reader is told of clues as the characters find them – there is not a lot of insight into other characters or from other perspectives that would give the reader a “heads up” on culprits or motives.
I did think that one aspect of Jacob and Carl’s friendship, and their time in Mexico, seemed a bit out of place. It was interesting, and the influence of their experiences with the other sect certainly had bearing on the case. But I wish there had been a little bit more to it and that the author had followed through with some of the imagery and customs. That could have been interesting.
I also honestly expected that there was going to be something more to Jacob and Carl’s “friendship.” The way that some of the characters referred to them certainly made it seem like that was going to go in a different direction, which would have definitely caused a stir in town.
It’s the town and its people who intrigue me most about this series. As I mentioned in my review of the previous book, the author either has experience with or has completed extensive research of the customs, because she brings the alternative lifestyle to the forefront without making judgments or commenting on it.
I’m not sure if that makes sense. Clara and her experiences (both in town and what she deals with upon her return, even from her own family) serve as information about the people and their beliefs. Because of that, the reader gets a “personal” view of it all, which allows it all to seem realistic while acknowledging the dangers and problems of the lifestyle.
Clara has a particular difficulty with this case because part of it reminds her of her own time with Max when they were teenagers. She obviously remains influenced by that, even as she tries to fight through it and move on to acceptance of her current situation.
As to whodunit, I’m not going to say (of course), but the author did a good job of keeping the guessing going right up until the very end. I also liked how there seems to be a set up for a big confrontation between Clara and her supporters and the townsfolk who think she shouldn’t have a position of power (or even be allowed back in town at all).
I’ll be eagerly looking forward to the next book to see how it all shakes out.
Author Bio: A novelist and award-winning journalist, Kathryn Casey is the author of eleven highly acclaimed true crime books and the creator of the Sarah Armstrong mystery series. Library Journal picked THE KILLING STORM as one of the best mysteries of 2010. Her latest true crime, IN PLAIN SIGHT, investigates the Kaufman County prosecutor murders, a case that made worldwide headlines. Casey has appeared on Oprah, 20/20, the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Biography Channel, Reelz, The Travel Network, Investigation Discovery, and many other venues. Ann Rule called Casey “one of the best in the true crime genre.”
I’m always on the lookout for new detective/crime thrillers to latch onto, and my love for unique characters and settings is known to anyone who has read a few of my blog posts. I have to say, DS Cross is truly one of the most unique characters I have ever come across.
As you have (probably) seen elsewhere, Cross is on the spectrum. According to the book, he has a form of Asperger’s (which I believe has been absorbed into the full autistic spectrum). This results in him obsessing about the smallest details and minutiae.
While one would think that this is a good trait for a detective, his colleagues don’t always agree. To be sure, he is a bit off-putting at first, because you want him to get to the point. However, as you (the reader) gets to know him, you realize that these tics and habits are what enable him to be successful.
That being said, there were still times that I wished he would get on with it. But it became easier to accept the further I read.
The case itself is interesting, as it weaves a cold case with a current case. Due to his attention to detail, Cross notices similarities and picks up on things that were missed by the initial investigators. Of course, this doesn’t win him any favor in the department.
But no matter, because he is so focused that he doesn’t have time to worry about what people think about him. His sole focus is the case. I found that refreshing. I also liked the way the story read. It felt like watching a tv show (which is not surprising, given the author’s background)
It’s not a spoiler to say that the woven stories finally meld together it’s a really interesting case. I think it was made more so because OF the attention to detail.
I will say that Cross reminded me of the tv character Monk; they exhibited a lot of the same characteristics, and I got the same vibe. Ultimately, what makes both characters work is that their particular quirks are simply part of their personality.
Yeah, they’re different, but they get the job done, so who ultimately cares about the method? I really loved the humanity that was brought to this character.
This was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more investigations with DS Cross.
TIM SULLIVAN made his first short film before graduating from Cambridge University. His ambition to become a screenwriter was formed not so much by this experience but as an attempt to foil his father’s determination to turn him into a lawyer.
Within weeks of leaving university armed with a law degree he had met the film maker Derek Jarman and persuaded him to commission an original screenplay from him entitled BOB UPADOWN and so a career was born.
A few months later he joined Granada Television as a researcher. Here he was commissioned to write the first of many television scripts for the company. Two sitcoms entitled THE TRAIN NOW LEAVING and THE GREASY SPOON followed by the crime dramas MYSTERIOUS WAYS and MAIGRET.
While at Granada he was selected for the prestigious Directors’ Training scheme when only 26. Previous encumbents had included Mike Newell, Roland Joffe, and Michael Apted, more recently Julian Farino. Among other credits he directed CORONATION STREET, MADE IN HEAVEN, THATCHER THE FINAL DAYS and THE CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOLMES with Jeremy Brett.
During this time he also co wrote the screenplays for the movies A HANDFUL OF DUST starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Judi Dench and Alec Guinness and WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, both with producer the legendary TV producer Derek Granger (BRIDESHEAD REVISITED).
Upon leaving the bosom of Granada and venturing into the wild wide world of the freelance film maker he wrote and directed the movie JACK AND SARAH starring Richard E Grant, Samantha Mathis, Ian Mckellen, Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins. This led to a commission from New Line Pictures to write the screenplay WALKING PAPERS based on the Jay Cronley novel of the same name.
This screenplay came to the attention of execs at Universal and Imagine who then asked Tim to do a page one rewrite of a western for Ron Howard entitled THE PRETENDERS. Tim enjoyed working with Ron for over a year on this.
He then wrote an original screenplay, PERSONAL SHOPPING, which was promptly snapped up by Paramount for producer Scott Rudin.
He spent four months working for and with Jeffrey Katzenberg at Dreamworks animation as a production writer on the movie FLUSHED AWAY. Impressed by his work Katzenberg commissioned him to write a script for SHREK 4 which wasn’t used as a different storyline was decided upon as a director came on board.
During this time he was actively involved in British television directing the last ever ninety minute episode of the BAFTA award winning series COLD FEET. As well as a TV movie for ITV called CATWALK DOGS written by Simon Nye.
He was commissioned by the BBC to write a pilot for a TV series he invented called BACKSTORY as well as another pilot for the ITV network entitled OFFSPRING.
He also wrote HIS MASTER’S VOICE for the BBC as a radio play starring Rob Brydon which was broadcast in 2015.
He recently wrote the screenplay for LETTERS TO JULIET starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.
Oscar winning producers of The King’s Speech, Iain Canning and Emile Sherman then commissioned an original screenplay from him entitled THE WEDDING DRESS.
Tim is writing and co-producing and co-writing an animated feature screenplay for Hasbro and Paramount which is in production and scheduled for release in 2021.
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. Set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. The DENTIST is in the first of a series.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN.
He is currently the UK chair of the Writers’ Guild of America (West).
