Sally Hepworth has written a heckuva psych thriller with The Soulmate. Just when you think you know what is going on, you most definitely don’t.
Pippa and her husband, Gabe, own a house by a popular cliff. Unfortunately, it is popular for people who want to jump off of it. The setting is almost as important as the characters.
The story unfolds from two perspectives, Pippa’s and Amanda’s. The latter’s chapters are…unique. I’m not going to give away why, but it is one of the more clever plot threads I’ve read in recent memory.
The action jumps between Pippa and Amanda (and “now” and “then” for each of them), but it is never confusing. In fact, the author does a great job of keeping the action moving even though it is not linear.
This is partly helped by how each character often drops a hint at the end of the preceding chapter before the action shifts to another time period.
I also liked that it was ambiguous about who the soulmate was to whom. Each woman had their own opinion on the matter, and each believes in their version of love and commitment. But it turns out only one of them is correct.
Without giving anything away, the author also tackled a very sensitive subject (mental health) with respect. And it weaves into the plot in important ways that are slowly revealed over the course of the book.
I was up late reading The Soulmate. It is the kind of psych thriller that you can lose yourself in. Sally Hepworth continues to write books that I can’t wait to read.
This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press.
NOTE: This book releases on April 4, 2023.
For more reviews like this, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks.
I have a serious love/hate reaction to Southern Bombshell. I love it because I love the family and the world they inhabit. Blue Mountain Farm, and the universe the author has created around it, is a place I want to visit (I think I have said that in past reviews, but it still holds true). More importantly, though, is that she has built a family so strong and resilient that they almost leap off the page in their realism. I also love that the stories sometimes run simultaneously with others from the series. For example, we know from past books that Millie and Nate had something going and it ended badly. Now we get to find out why. I have to get nitpicky to figure out what I didn’t like about the book – and I come up with Nate’s family not being as fleshed out as I would have liked. A bit more of his dad’s nastiness would have been good if only to savor the deliciousness of his downfall. But as I said, that’s being picky, because the whole book is just awesome. I especially liked the focus on June at the end.
Oh, and the hate part? Millie is the last of the Beauregard siblings, so it seems like this might be the end. Unless a few of the characters introduced in this story manage to get their own stories? Maybe a whole book for June? (Hint, hint). View all my reviews
I’m not exactly sure how to put it, but this crime thriller is absolutely amazing. I am in the process of downloading her others as I type this review.
From the opening pages to the messy conclusion, the author weaves a story with a clever plot and compelling characters.
That is not to say that the characters are likable. In fact, I can honestly say that I didn’t particularly care for any of them. But that makes it easier to read what happens to them with a sick fascination.
It is sort of like watching reality television or tabloid journalism. You know they have put themselves in the situations, but you can’t look away from what happens to them.
Jamie, the true main character, is relatable in a Gen X way. I know several people who have lost jobs for various reasons and are finding it difficult to re-enter the workforce.
Does this mean he is a sympathetic character? Not really. Because he makes foolish choices and then gets burned by them. That is no spoiler, but his character arc is quite satisfying.
Melia and Kit appear to be stereotypical millennials. But are they or do they have a deeper drive? Regardless, I enjoyed many of Jamie’s observations about the difference in generations.
I can’t say much about the plot because it is too twisty and there are too many things that I could spoil. Let’s just say that I have about a dozen notes of different theories and most of them are incorrect.
What I like most about this novel is that the author’s pacing and plotting allow for the reader to have “aha moments” shortly before the characters. There were numerous times I returned to earlier parts of the book to see where the author dropped hints.
Truly masterful.
The homages and influences are apparent (at least to me). I caught a whiff of “Double Indemnity” and there is a meta moment with another movie
I don’t want to name that movie because it might spoil a plot point. But the reference is there.
I highly, highly recommend this crime thriller. And I can’t wait to dig into her other books. Here is another review of one of her books, Our House.
This psych thriller needs to go to the top of your TBR list.
Do what you must do. One-click it, buy it, find it…READ IT!
I am not exaggerating when I say that this psych thriller is one of the best I have read in recent memory. It has absolutely everything a person could want in the genre.
The author does a masterful job of laying out plot threads that are seemingly unrelated. The connections only become clear when the author is ready for them to be revealed.
The structure of the storytelling helps this parallel narrative. The chapters alternate between Brooke in 2019 and Christina in 2018. For at least half the book, it is not apparent how the two are related.
I mean, the reader knows that they are (they have to be). But the author gives up no clues before it is time.
I literally had an “AHA” moment when I saw the first connection. I think I even yelled it, startling the cat that was curled up next to me.
I can’t talk too much about the plot because I really do NOT want to give anything away. I know I am repeating myself from previous reviews, but if ever there was a time to go into a book blindly, this is the one.
It is difficult to talk about how fantastic the book is without giving details, but seriously, I don’t want to blow any surprises.
What can I safely say? The way that Brooke uncovers what is really going on is natural and fits the story. She is not a superhero – in fact, she is someone overcome with grief and guilt.
But she has good sense. And her artistic eye allows her to see details that other people may miss. Even with that, though, she is still piecing together parts of the puzzle on the very last page.
And what an intricate puzzle it is.
By the time all is revealed, the reader is as breathless – and as blindsided – as Brooke is. There are even moments where you will want to flip back to earlier pages, wondering if you missed something.
Chances are you probably did. But that is by design. And the author did an excellent job of those types of “hidden in plain sight” clues.
Honestly, I know that I am rambling. But I am trying to think of other things that can sell how great this psych thriller is and how you HAVE TO READ IT!
If you are a reader who likes to make note of theories throughout a book, this is one for you. I must have at least a dozen in my notes. They kept changing with new pieces of information. And only parts of a few of them are correct.
In re-reading this review, I realize that it sounds hyperbolic, which is unusual for me. But I can’t say enough good things about it.
Go read this psych thriller now. I mean it. Straight to the top of my best reads of the year list.
Victoria Jenkins is an English tutor and former secondary school teacher from South Wales who has been writing for years and day-dreaming about becoming a ‘proper’ writer for the past decade. She have an MA in Creative and Media Writing from the University of Wales, Swansea, where she wrote a lot of poetry while planning a lot of plots she hoped she would once day write. Victoria lives in South Wales with her husband.
My love of learning new things from a historical fiction book should be obvious by now (I’ve mentioned it enough times in other book reviews). But what I am finding that I like even more is when an author takes a little-known fact – or something that is widely known but rarely detailed – and runs with it, turning it into a full story.
That is certainly the case with this book. From the blurb, you know what is going to happen, but the details that go into making the story come alive are superbly researched. And if there is any artistic license taken, it is done so in such a way that it is seamless within the kernels of truth.
The author does a fantastic job of describing the science loved by both Hedy and Judy so that a layperson can understand it. Even as they are working on advanced physics and other topics, the descriptions are general enough to know that they’re important without getting bogged down with scientific details.
What I really enjoyed most about the book was the balance between the science and horrors of war and the Hollywood scene of the era. It was as if the author captured exactly how people viewed Hollywood at the time – as an escape from the despair.
Even as I write this book review, it’s crystallizing in my mind – the scenes set in Hollywood were little escapes from what was going on elsewhere with Judy. This was truly excellent plotting by the author. As a fan of several of her books, I have to believe that this was done purposely, and it was masterful.
The author also has a knack for writing vividly detailed scenes that make the reader feel as if they are actually experiencing the event with the characters. This was especially true with the London Blitz and Pearl Harbor in this book.
She gave depth to a Hollywood bombshell who never really got the credit that she deserved for her mind. I liked how this paralleled what Judy experienced, even though Judy felt that she was never attractive. Neither woman was acknowledged at the moment for their contributions.
I also like it when I get towards the end of the book and have been so caught up in the narrative that I forgot where it all started. That was the case in this book. I was taken away by Hedy and Judy’s stories, and when the author returned to the scene from the beginning, I was able to look at it with a deeper understanding of both characters. That is a job extremely well done.
I could go on and on, analyzing Hedy and Judy’s parallels and dissecting the story, but I’d be better off just saying that this should be at the top of your reading list. It is impeccably researched, heartfelt and emotional (I needed tissues for the last few chapters).
Author Bio: Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.
In a genre littered with “jaw-dropping twists, you won’t see coming,” it is kind of rare for me to find one that actually delivers and absolutely floors me.
This happens to be one that does.
I don’t like using the word “literally,” because it gets overused and sometimes loses its meaning. But in this case, I did literally gasp and say, “NO WAY!” out loud more than a few times.
And at the end, I just sat there thinking, “What the hell did I just read?”
To be more succinct, this book was freaking awesome.
It’s everything anyone could want in a psychological thriller.
Sympathetic main character:check
Jen is a mess as she deals with the recent death of her husband (Jeremy), a moody teenage son, and the repercussions of a night that she would rather forget.
Ominous occurrences: check
The mystery surrounding Jeremy’s death, their marriage that may or may not have been in trouble, a strange patient (Jen’s a doctor) who is obviously a threat…for some reason. They’re all present.
Flashbacks: check
Labeled simple as “Then” in various chapters, the story from the past has obvious ties to the present…but it’s not exactly clear what those ties are.
Red herrings: check, check, check
Who is M? Who is Scott? What does the past have to do with the present? Who is the real monster in all of this? Just when you think you know the answers to these questions…you don’t. (The cover is 100% correct).
The author has created such an intricate plot that even little innocuous things that don’t seem important suddenly loom large as the real picture comes into focus. It’s this attention to detail that makes this book as amazing as it is.
Wisely, there is a slow build as the author lays the groundwork for the fireworks that are set to go off in the last third of the book. And when you get to that part, hang on. Because roller-coaster doesn’t even begin to describe it.
If ever there is a time to NOT give away any important details, this is the time, because you truly need to discover the twists on your own.
I will repeat, just when you think you know why a character did something…you don’t. When you think you know who someone really is…you are mistaken. And when you think you figured out how everything fits together…you most certainly did not.
The twists do not stop until the very last page. Literally (there’s that word again). And the last part of the book will leave you questioning how you feel about…everything you just read.
If you get to the end and want to go deep and philosophical, I’ll just throw it out there to think about who the real monsters are in this book. You may be surprised at your answer.
Do yourself a big favor and pick this one up. If you are a psych thriller fan, it should be at the top of your TBR list.
Samantha Hayes grew up in a creative family where her love of writing began as a child. Samantha has written eight thrillers in total, including the bestselling Until You’re Mine. The Independent said “fantastically written and very tense” while Good Housekeeping said, “Her believable psychological thrillers are completely gripping.” Samantha’s books are published in 22 languages at the last count.
When not writing, Samantha loves to cook, go to the gym, see friends and drink nice wine. She is also studying for a degree in psychotherapy. She has three grown-up children and lives in Warwickshire.
Every once in a while, I read a book that pulls me in and keeps me interested from beginning to end, even as the author switches gears.
This is 100% one of those books.
Not only did the author switch gears, but she sent it into overdrive with a gonzo final third that had me gasping, saying “no WAY!” and wondering how it was all going to play out in the end.
If you’ve read my reviews, you know that I’m not one for hyperbole and I don’t often overdo my reactions.
But seriously, this one had me saying “WTH” more than a few times, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
But even in the beginning, the author did a fantastic job of building the tension. The introduction of each of the women, Frankie, Celeste, and Saylor, was just enough to let the reader know that the “liar next door” could have actually been any one of them.
The perspective changes as chapters alternate between the three women, with some of Frankie’s past told in flashbacks. It all fits together quite seamlessly and creates a whole picture of the action, including motivations.
I liked how the author kept me guessing as to who each character might have been referring to at any given time. That definitely contributed to the shocking moments later in the book.
I really don’t want to give anything away, but I did like how the author ended it. There was no disappointment, and it was the perfect wrap-up for an absolutely insane and twisty plot.
Well-done on this one. Definitely one of the better ones I have read this year. It should absolutely be put on your TBR list immediately.
USA TODAY bestseller and multi-award winner Nicola Marsh writes feel-good fiction…with a twist!
She has published 68 novels and sold over 8 million copies worldwide. She currently writes rural romance for Harper Collins Australia, emotional domestic suspense for Bookouture and contemporary romance for Harlequin Dare.
She’s also a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a RBY (Romantic Book of the Year) and National Readers’ Choice Award winner.
A physiotherapist for thirteen years, she now writes full time, raises two dashing young heroes, shares fine food with family and friends, and her favorite, curls up with a good book!
Some authors write linear series where stories continue chronologically. Others write standalones, where there may be familiar characters who are loosely tied together, but you don’t necessarily need to read the books in order to get the full picture.
And then there is MA Foster.
She writes stories that are a web of connections. Characters from previous books pop up when you least expect, and backstories are rich in detail.
In short, she has created a complicated, real-world for her characters to inhabit. They live and breathe more than any author I have read recently. And the location of Heritage Bay feels familiar like I’ve taken a vacation there.
Everything is just that real.
In Legacy, we get Dylan and Katie. But it’s not as simple as “it’s their story.” The author doesn’t work that way. It does largely belong to Dylan, mainly because he is the family member who gets the focus this time. But each of their stories is full – Katie is not just a love interest. She has her own story as well.
This is where the author excels. Because again, it’s not necessarily linear. We get a lot of Dylan’s story, but we don’t know where Katie fits in until later in the book. By that point, you’ll be a full believer in fate.
I also like how Ms. Foster knows how to seamlessly move from emotion to scorching romance to accurate observations on life. She’s a consummate juggler. Even phrases such as “tomorrow is a gift, not a promise” that could seem trite seem absolutely natural coming from her characters. You believe them. You root for them. And by God, you feel for them.
Just when you think you have been hit with a helluva gut punch, she’s got another one ready for you. It’s not an over-exaggeration to say she knows how to get a reader in the feels…repeatedly. But again, that’s the strength of the characters and the world she has created. You get to know them personally.
Another point about the web of connections: this means that the reader gets to hear from characters whose stories have already been told – but from the current characters’ points of view.
For example, those who have read her past books know what has happened to Marcus. But he is here again as part of Dylan’s story. This method adds to the richness of the details and helps build that realism.
You’ll notice that I haven’t said much about Dylan and Katie’s story. I have my reasons, but first and foremost it’s because I firmly believe a reader needs to experience them on their own time and in their own way. If I tell you what happens to them, or how it happens that will ruin it.
You’ll just have to trust me that if you’ve read her past books (like Cougar and Baller) you’ll get more details on those characters as well. And if you thought that the characters in those books were complex…you haven’t met Dylan yet. Hold on.
It’s best to just let yourself move to Heritage Bay while you read and allow yourself to be immersed in the world MA Foster has created.
If you’re like me, you’ll be wishing they were real, and you could meet them.
This is by far one of the most “thinking-person” thrillers that I have read in a long time.
From the opening paragraphs to the thrilling ending, the author delivers a page-turning, thought-provoking, claustrophobic story. I couldn’t put it down – and pretty much ignored everything else I was supposed to be doing in favor of reading this book.
There’s a lot of good stuff here, but (as always) I don’t want to give details away, so I’m going to try to be as vague but specific as possible. Good luck to me.
One of the things that stood out to me while reading this was that the author did a phenomenal job of conveying the fear that Grace was feeling. At any given moment, I could have jumped at a sudden noise, as I became involved in Grace’s caution about her surroundings.
That feeling built slowly, even as it started from the very first scene – who was responsible for the “gift” that Grace found in her kitchen? Was it tied to her past (that she has worked extra-hard to hide) or was it a fluke? Or something in the middle?
I loved how the author wrote Grace. She was complex by necessity, but it was as if there were two different characters – and Grace referred to her old self as if she was a completely different person.
I suppose in retrospect, there’s a little bit of truth there. People constantly reinvent themselves and often feel like they’ve lived several lifetimes. But Grace is something more. She’s tried to bury the past and create an entirely new persona – almost like a self-imposed witness-protection program. Her character was deep and fascinating.
Towards the beginning, Grace refers to how people were always part of the little plays she made up in her mind. That could not be more true for the other characters. I constantly felt like everyone else existed to be a part of Grace’s story. As such, we didn’t get much depth to them – but it wasn’t needed. They played their parts.
I also liked how the past event was trickled out over the course of the book. There were no abrupt changes of time or flashbacks. The re-telling of Grace’s past occurs naturally as Grace thinks about it in the present.
I know that sounds a little convoluted, but it allowed the reader to truly have an insight to Grace’s frame of mind, because every part of the story (past and present) was from her, with her feelings and opinions coloring the memories and events.
It was effective and ultimately what kept me involved. I liked that I had to think like Grace to be able to continue reading. It helped that the author has a gift for painting full pictures with her descriptions of people and places (from Grace’s observations, of course). They were fully evocative and encompassing.
Of course, there are big revelations and some excellent plot points (that I will NOT be giving away). But by the time you get to them, you’ll be as on edge as Grace was – so be warned.
Aside from a few ill-chosen references that had no place in the story, I thought this was extremely well-done, and quite a good thriller. If you get spooked easily, you may want to read this one with the lights on. Grace’s fear will do that to you.
Beverley Jones, also known as B E Jones, is a former journalist and police press officer, now a novelist and general book obsessive. Bev was born in a small village in the South Wales valleys, north of Cardiff. She started her journalism career with Trinity Mirror newspapers, writing stories for The Rhondda Leader and The Western Mail, before becoming a broadcast journalist with BBC Wales Today TV news, based in Cardiff. She has worked on all aspects of crime reporting (as well as community news and features) producing stories and content for newspapers and live TV.
Most recently Bev worked as a press officer for South Wales Police, dealing with the media and participating in criminal investigations, security operations and emergency planning.
Perhaps unsurprisingly she channels these experiences of ‘true crime,’ and her insight into the murkier side of human nature, into her dark, psychological thrillers set in and around South Wales.
Her latest novels, Where She Went, Halfway and Wilderness, are published by Little Brown under the name BE Jones. Wilderness has recently been optioned for a six part TV adaptation by Firebird Pictures. Her seventh novel, The Beach House, is due for release in June 2021 under the name Beverley Jones. Chat with her on Goodreads.co.uk under B E Jones or Beverley Jones and on Twitter and Instagram @bevjoneswriting Bev is represented by The Ampersand Agency.
Just when I think Natalie Ward is my favorite investigator, along comes Detective Kate Young. I thought the introduction of this character in a new series was excellent and was excited to read the second installment.
I expected to be wowed, and boy, was I! No sophomore slump for Kate.
One of the things that I love most about this author’s books is the way the author creates characters who are real. They’re never caricatures or composites or seem fake in any way.
Honestly, when I read her books, I feel like she must have just followed a person around and simply wrote what they did throughout the day. That’s how realistic her characters are.
I also like how they’re intelligent women. They’re not ball-breaking feminists who think they have to be like a man to be respected – they get there on their own merits. But, at the same time, they’re vulnerable and subject to the emotions that go along with being female.
I know that might seem like an odd thing to say, but with gender such a subject of discussion, I think it’s important to recognize that women are unique and what some people may see as weakness may actually be a woman’s strengths.
For example, in this book, Kate is still getting advice from her husband Chris – you’ll know why this is important if you read the first one.
And if you haven’t read the first one, stop reading this right now and go read An Eye for an Eye; it will also give you a better idea of why these books are amazing.
Then read this one. Then you can come back to the review.
Anyway, back to Kate. Some would see her need to still talk to him as that she is losing a grip on reality, but I think it actually shows the importance of bonds between people and how they can remain strong, even when people are apart. (No spoilers).
The author weaves an intricate story, continuing with the investigation started by Chris that Kate has now picked up. The ins and outs of this plot line are multiple and masterfully related in the context of the immediate investigation.
This one has a personal angle for Kate as well. I’m not going to say much more on it, but in the course of investigating both threads, Kate realizes that the web being woven by certain characters is much bigger than she imagined.
She also realizes that the number of people she can trust is dwindling, which makes for some very tense moments.
As I have mentioned in the past, crime thrillers are difficult to review because I hate to give away any plot points that could ruin the investigation for other readers. At the same time, I want to convey how good a book is and why someone should read it. Quite a tightrope to walk.
I hope that I have done enough to convince you to read both books featuring Detective Kate Young. It’s early in the series and there is still time to get in on the bottom floor. Now is a good time before the through plot gets more complicated, which I’m sure will happen.
Reading this series is like watching a movie, and a great way to spend a few hours of your summer. You won’t want to put it down.
About Carol Wyer:
USA Today bestselling author and winner of The People’s Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction.
A move from humour to the ‘dark side’ in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST and demonstrated that stand-up comedian Carol had found her true niche.
To date, her crime novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’, featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy… who is very, very grumpy.
When she is not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
