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Pinpoint
A LAWYER, A POLICEMAN, AND A MURDERER LOCKED IN A WEB OF CONFLICT Top Manchester solicitor Julia Grant's new murder client Sam Smith has piercing blue eyes. Eyes that are like no other blue eyes she has ever seen - except for her own. So startling that she knows immediately she sees them that she has seen them before. But where? When? And why does the sight of him trigger memories of her youth - of something so terrible she has done that she cannot remember anything that happened before she was ten years old? And who is this evil man who calls himself Sam Smith, who threatens to tell the world what Julia did if she doesn't comply with his demands? Julia's dilemma takes her beyond any normal person's limit of endurance: how to protect herself and her daughter from Smith's threats; how to raise the quarter million pounds Smith is demanding; and how to keep alive her burgeoning relationship with Paul Moxon, the police superintendent hunting Smith ...
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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September 16, 2011this book was way too long and not very good
May 29, 2012
This British novel started out good, fell somewhat flat in the middle, dragged out. I read the kindle e-book version and there were some imperfections in the printing, and some of the legal words are different from the American ones.
It engaged me most of the time but I was glad to have it end, and move on to something else. This dark story could've been so much more, but I gave it a 3 because I think it's only a bit more than middle of the road.
It engaged me most of the time but I was glad to have it end, and move on to something else. This dark story could've been so much more, but I gave it a 3 because I think it's only a bit more than middle of the road.
June 3, 2011
Julia Grant is a widow with a six year old child. She is also a defense attorney, and damned good at her job. She works long and hard for her clients, yet never loses touch with the fact that her daughter needs her even more than the clients do.
Julia has a blurred past, a period of time that she cannot recall in detail, it is so painful she has blocked it from her mind. Her life is incomplete. Julia’s new client holds a key…a key that may unlock the terror her mind has refused to remember. What is this connection between her and this murderer…why does she feel so compelled to help him?
In spite of her best efforts the case goes wrong. He is found guilty and sentenced. The man “Sam Smith” turns on her, threatens her life and that of her child, he is vicious in his desire to punish her for failing to gain his freedom.
Author Sheila Mary Taylor has written an exciting, well researched and fast paced psychological thriller. You can feel the menace emanating from her client. I have no wish to give away the meticulous crafting of this plotline, suffice it to say that Sam Smith is far more than he appears to be.
He has a connection to her…but what could it be?
The author lulls us into a sense of well being, the man cannot wreak his bitterly voiced revenge on Julia from behind prison bars, we breathe a sigh of relief…we breathe a sigh too soon. He escapes on his way to lock up.
My pulse rate took a while to settle down even after the thrilling conclusion. I refuse to spoil this for you. The ending and the climactic journey to reach it is some of the best thriller writing I have read in a very long time. A must read 5/5 ranking.
Julia has a blurred past, a period of time that she cannot recall in detail, it is so painful she has blocked it from her mind. Her life is incomplete. Julia’s new client holds a key…a key that may unlock the terror her mind has refused to remember. What is this connection between her and this murderer…why does she feel so compelled to help him?
In spite of her best efforts the case goes wrong. He is found guilty and sentenced. The man “Sam Smith” turns on her, threatens her life and that of her child, he is vicious in his desire to punish her for failing to gain his freedom.
Author Sheila Mary Taylor has written an exciting, well researched and fast paced psychological thriller. You can feel the menace emanating from her client. I have no wish to give away the meticulous crafting of this plotline, suffice it to say that Sam Smith is far more than he appears to be.
He has a connection to her…but what could it be?
The author lulls us into a sense of well being, the man cannot wreak his bitterly voiced revenge on Julia from behind prison bars, we breathe a sigh of relief…we breathe a sigh too soon. He escapes on his way to lock up.
My pulse rate took a while to settle down even after the thrilling conclusion. I refuse to spoil this for you. The ending and the climactic journey to reach it is some of the best thriller writing I have read in a very long time. A must read 5/5 ranking.
April 17, 2013
I found it hard to get through this book. Julia should have refused the case the minute she thought the accused was her twin brother even if she wasn't sure. I also thought she was ridiculous that she would but her daughters life in danger just to save her reputation and her job.
July 16, 2011
British tale of a widowed female attorney and the threat she and her daughter face from a recent client who got a guilty verdict...
December 27, 2018
It is a good story but lost interest a few time. Enjoy it towards the end.
August 27, 2012
Like watching a horror movie where you are yelling at the main character to use common sense & do what is right. Good easy read that as a twin brings up some good yet disturbing points.
September 3, 2013
Couldn't make myself continue this book. I read 30% and found the main character unlikeable, annoying, infuriating and couldn't imagine wasting that much time to continue this book.
July 29, 2013
Found this was a book that I did not want to read so did not finish it.
August 7, 2018
An Exceptional Book!
I will always remember this book. It has so much emotion and action in it. I love the characters. I felt like I was there feeling everything the main character was going through. The author is amazing. You won’t be sorry if you read this book.
I will always remember this book. It has so much emotion and action in it. I love the characters. I felt like I was there feeling everything the main character was going through. The author is amazing. You won’t be sorry if you read this book.
January 31, 2019
Riveting
This story will hold you spellbound from start to finish. It feels like you are part of the story as it races along.
This story will hold you spellbound from start to finish. It feels like you are part of the story as it races along.
July 28, 2020
I finished it but it was frustrating and painful. Julia was ridiculous and a lousy friend and lover. You could count on the fact that she’d do the wrong thing.
March 17, 2021
I started this book and disliked the weak characters and disappointing plot so I did not finish it.
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September 19, 2021Odd ending.
Would have liked to have a bit more of the parents story told. It was hung out there like a carrot.
Would have liked to have a bit more of the parents story told. It was hung out there like a carrot.
April 1, 2023
Excellent Read!!
September 8, 2014
Perhaps the best way to describe this book is that I developed a love-hate relationship with it over the course of its reading. I loved the realism of the courts, the interaction between the different lawyers, the messy depiction of the detective work– all of which indicated that the author certainly did her homework concerning these things- which is a very refreshing thing to see indeed. I also enjoyed the growing, and sometimes faltering relationship between the two protagonists. It was nice to see a slow burn develop instead of raging passionate inferno for a change.
There was something that did cause quite a bit of irritation for me. This was the author’s insistence on using what I will call “artificial angst”. This is where a character does or doesn’t do something that would be outside the realm of what any normal or rational person would do simply to add a bit more tension or “angst” to the storyline. In this case, the insistence of the main character Julia keeping her allies in the dark about key details of her predicament– even when her precious child is in danger, was not only unrealistic, but painfully artificial. In addition, this artificial angst caused the book to have entirely too much bloat and excess wordage. This space could have been easily used to flush out and give more life to some of the supporting cast. The reader was given delicious clues to their complex past, like a black belt in karate, an unrequited love for the main character, and a business that caused a character to skip out on his life and love at the most inconvenient (or convenient?) times. Sadly, the reader was left wondering about these clues and hints, with the author doing little more to provide any insight.
Pinpoint is what I would consider an average story– one that is enjoyable for what it is, but nothing spectacular. The author does show quite a bit of talent in her writing, and I can see why she is so popular as a writer. Pinpoint, however, in my opinion, should be regulated to the “weekend read” category.
There was something that did cause quite a bit of irritation for me. This was the author’s insistence on using what I will call “artificial angst”. This is where a character does or doesn’t do something that would be outside the realm of what any normal or rational person would do simply to add a bit more tension or “angst” to the storyline. In this case, the insistence of the main character Julia keeping her allies in the dark about key details of her predicament– even when her precious child is in danger, was not only unrealistic, but painfully artificial. In addition, this artificial angst caused the book to have entirely too much bloat and excess wordage. This space could have been easily used to flush out and give more life to some of the supporting cast. The reader was given delicious clues to their complex past, like a black belt in karate, an unrequited love for the main character, and a business that caused a character to skip out on his life and love at the most inconvenient (or convenient?) times. Sadly, the reader was left wondering about these clues and hints, with the author doing little more to provide any insight.
Pinpoint is what I would consider an average story– one that is enjoyable for what it is, but nothing spectacular. The author does show quite a bit of talent in her writing, and I can see why she is so popular as a writer. Pinpoint, however, in my opinion, should be regulated to the “weekend read” category.
March 19, 2013
I received a free download of "Pinpoint" by Sheila Mary Taylor through kindlesocial.com.
This was an amazing mystery, psychological thriller.I couldn't put this book down until the end.
Julia Grant was a criminal lawyer in Manchester, that always fought hard for her clients. What makes clients tick was most important to her. What really happened? Why did they become a criminal?Her recent case,was representing Sam Smith,charged with the brutal murder of seventeen year old Joanne Perkins.But Sam was found guilty, and at sentencing, the judge imposed life imprisonment for at least thirty years.As they took Sam away, there was an outburst from the dock, and Sam threatened Julia. "You'll pay for this Julia F. Grant."
Julia's late husband, Simon, had been dead for almost six years.Her only joy came from her young daughter, Nicky...and her busy work schedule.Julia had a friendship with Paul Moxon, Chief Superintendent, but found it difficult to make time as well as having difficulty coming to terms with her past.Julia was a twin who was adopted, and she was told her twin brother was dead.
But Sam escaped on his way to prison, thanks to his friends. He was now free!Now Julia was terrified, as she had to protect her little girl.Julia had confided in Sam and told him too much about her personal life...he was not her priest, but she couldn't stop.Sam contacted Julia and demanded a large sum of money, in order that he could disappear. She couldn't confide in Paul or the police as he threatened her to bring harm to Nicky.She was on her own...and coming apart at the seams.
This was a fast paced psychological thriller, a game of cat and mouse. The characters were believable and real. A definate 5 star rating...and well worth reading.
This was an amazing mystery, psychological thriller.I couldn't put this book down until the end.
Julia Grant was a criminal lawyer in Manchester, that always fought hard for her clients. What makes clients tick was most important to her. What really happened? Why did they become a criminal?Her recent case,was representing Sam Smith,charged with the brutal murder of seventeen year old Joanne Perkins.But Sam was found guilty, and at sentencing, the judge imposed life imprisonment for at least thirty years.As they took Sam away, there was an outburst from the dock, and Sam threatened Julia. "You'll pay for this Julia F. Grant."
Julia's late husband, Simon, had been dead for almost six years.Her only joy came from her young daughter, Nicky...and her busy work schedule.Julia had a friendship with Paul Moxon, Chief Superintendent, but found it difficult to make time as well as having difficulty coming to terms with her past.Julia was a twin who was adopted, and she was told her twin brother was dead.
But Sam escaped on his way to prison, thanks to his friends. He was now free!Now Julia was terrified, as she had to protect her little girl.Julia had confided in Sam and told him too much about her personal life...he was not her priest, but she couldn't stop.Sam contacted Julia and demanded a large sum of money, in order that he could disappear. She couldn't confide in Paul or the police as he threatened her to bring harm to Nicky.She was on her own...and coming apart at the seams.
This was a fast paced psychological thriller, a game of cat and mouse. The characters were believable and real. A definate 5 star rating...and well worth reading.
September 27, 2012
The premise of the book is good: a solicitor for criminals defends a rapist who, when she is unable to get him acquitted of his crimes, threatens her life, her child and her freedom. Intimating that he knows a secret from her childhood, he leads her on a merry chase of danger and threats. Let me just say this: I really wanted to feel something for the heroine of this story. I wanted to feel her anguish as she is hunted by a killer who is threatening her livelihood, her child and her budding romance. I wanted to like her. But I didn't. She didn't inspire me to be concerned, to root for her, to understand why she did what she did. I only finished the book because I kept wanting her to "be/get better", but for me, she never did. The loss of memory that haunts her throughout the book is predictable, so by the time the "mystery" is revealed, you are like, "it's about time." The romance that she dances around with the police detective - you end up wishing that they would just get on with it and stop beating around the bush. The secondary characters did nothing to advance the story (although, I do kind of want to know what happens with the nanny and her boyfriend). The ending of the story would hint to a sequel to this book. If there is one, I will probably pass on reading it.
November 28, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars A well deserving 5 star rating, November 11, 2014
By Juliet C.B.Aharoni - See all my reviews
This review is from: Pinpoint (Paperback)
'Pinpoint' by Sheila Mary Taylor is the best psychological legal
crime thriller I have ever read. I was captured from the beginning to the end by her brilliant writing skills. I felt I was with Julia on her perilous plight into her horrific past until the death of Sam Smith.
For a reader to understand and enjoy this book, he must
see the whole picture, starting from the title. I assume,
Sheila Mary Taylor chose the title as a stepping-stone into
her novel where the reader will see how Julia, the criminal
lawyer tries to put into perspective her feelings for the man
she is defending and the connection to her horrific past.
There are a few shocking scenes. I personally was very affected
by the killing of the pet dog – such an unnecessary act. All these
scenes, however horrific they may be, only enhance the reader's
understanding of the criminal mind.
Finally, I'd like to add that my brain went on contemplating, days
after I had finished reading, asking myself if I would have acted
any differently than Julia. I realized that you must take into consideration all she had undergone to identify with her and not criticize her conduct.
By Juliet C.B.Aharoni - See all my reviews
This review is from: Pinpoint (Paperback)
'Pinpoint' by Sheila Mary Taylor is the best psychological legal
crime thriller I have ever read. I was captured from the beginning to the end by her brilliant writing skills. I felt I was with Julia on her perilous plight into her horrific past until the death of Sam Smith.
For a reader to understand and enjoy this book, he must
see the whole picture, starting from the title. I assume,
Sheila Mary Taylor chose the title as a stepping-stone into
her novel where the reader will see how Julia, the criminal
lawyer tries to put into perspective her feelings for the man
she is defending and the connection to her horrific past.
There are a few shocking scenes. I personally was very affected
by the killing of the pet dog – such an unnecessary act. All these
scenes, however horrific they may be, only enhance the reader's
understanding of the criminal mind.
Finally, I'd like to add that my brain went on contemplating, days
after I had finished reading, asking myself if I would have acted
any differently than Julia. I realized that you must take into consideration all she had undergone to identify with her and not criticize her conduct.
February 1, 2012
By Simone Weingarten - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Pinpoint (Paperback)
Sheila Mary Taylor throws justice into question with the dilemma of defending a convicted criminal who seems to be lying. Julia, a young woman lawyer, is at a loss to explain why she cares about this man when she knows he is guilty. She searches for signs of kinship piquing our curiosity as she uncovers the missing pieces. Packed with innuendo and suspense, PINPOINT tells the story of a lawyer's crusade to get the best deal for her client, who is meanwhile threatening her life for losing the case. The suspense catapults forward when one of Julia's suitors offers protection. She answers ominously, "That's the last thing I need. Smith will be inside for at least 30 years. A fast-paced legal thriller, PINPOINT takes us on a ride through the eye of the needle from the moment of the murder's escape from prison to the dazzling finish. Taylor elicits tears and laughter in an unique psychological drama. You don't want to miss this rendezvous with the shivers.
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Pinpoint (Paperback)
Sheila Mary Taylor throws justice into question with the dilemma of defending a convicted criminal who seems to be lying. Julia, a young woman lawyer, is at a loss to explain why she cares about this man when she knows he is guilty. She searches for signs of kinship piquing our curiosity as she uncovers the missing pieces. Packed with innuendo and suspense, PINPOINT tells the story of a lawyer's crusade to get the best deal for her client, who is meanwhile threatening her life for losing the case. The suspense catapults forward when one of Julia's suitors offers protection. She answers ominously, "That's the last thing I need. Smith will be inside for at least 30 years. A fast-paced legal thriller, PINPOINT takes us on a ride through the eye of the needle from the moment of the murder's escape from prison to the dazzling finish. Taylor elicits tears and laughter in an unique psychological drama. You don't want to miss this rendezvous with the shivers.
June 23, 2013
I have packed this in on page 114 but not because of spelling or grammatical errors-the author earns an extra star for the dearth of those apart from deserts replacing desserts-but because I just didn't like the protagonist at all !!
By page 53 of listening to Julia go on I was mumbling to her to get a grip as she was becoming very annoying to me. All this self-reflective nonsense BUT 26 years after the fact I found hard to swallow. She also drifted in and out of the first person in the narrative too which was a little strange. I didn't like the lack of care she showed her dog either. She worried about losing her job or not but she lived in a mansion and was clearly not short of money so it wasn't really the problem she insinuated it would be. I packed it in when she started lying to her policeman friend. It just got a little too farcical for me, there, and I really didn't find her very sympathetic at all.
By page 53 of listening to Julia go on I was mumbling to her to get a grip as she was becoming very annoying to me. All this self-reflective nonsense BUT 26 years after the fact I found hard to swallow. She also drifted in and out of the first person in the narrative too which was a little strange. I didn't like the lack of care she showed her dog either. She worried about losing her job or not but she lived in a mansion and was clearly not short of money so it wasn't really the problem she insinuated it would be. I packed it in when she started lying to her policeman friend. It just got a little too farcical for me, there, and I really didn't find her very sympathetic at all.
June 12, 2012
It is a British crime thriller about a defense lawyer that feels a strange connection to a murderer that she is representing. She has a forgotten past as a foster child and two men hoping to save her. But she is strong-willed and stoic and not sure if she wants either in her life. I liked the premise and overall thought it was good. Some parts were a little too repetitive for me and the ending was somewhat obvious. I would have rather seen certain facts hidden until the end. The characters were described well and the story is intriguing.
August 21, 2012
Julia is a lawyer attempting to defend her client, a sadistic murderer. When Sam Smith is sent down, he hurls threats and abuse at Julia. Being transported to Strangeways Prison, Smith makes a daring escape, and goes on the run, targeting and blackmailing Julia and her daughter Nicky. Unable to enlist the help of the police or even her closest friends, Julia struggles to take on Smith herself, as he knows that Julia has a secret, that even she herself cannot remember; a secret that could destroy both her career and all of her personal relationships for good.
January 27, 2016
'Pinpoint' begins with an intriguing scenario: a top lawyer finds herself defending a man accused of a vicious murder - and she thinks that he might be her twin brother! That tension drives the whole story. The author deftly balances the mystery of the past (slowly revealed as memory returns) with the tension and danger of the present (as the prisoner escapes and targets the lawyer). Romance is also woven very neatly into the plot, in a way that makes it an integral part of the story. Well paced throughout, with solid characters and an authentic background.
September 16, 2012
Loved it. A fabulous book. It 'added' to it that I know the area in which it was set. The story has quite a few twists and sub-stories but it wasn't a difficult read.
At times I agreed with the way Julia was behaving, at times I thought she was a complete fool who had pressed the 'self destruct' button but the whole story was very enjoyable with a good ending. I look forward to reading more by Sheila Mary Taylor.
At times I agreed with the way Julia was behaving, at times I thought she was a complete fool who had pressed the 'self destruct' button but the whole story was very enjoyable with a good ending. I look forward to reading more by Sheila Mary Taylor.
January 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, the only thing that has stopped me giving it 5 stars is that no matter how hard I try, I find it hard to believe that a well educated lawyer would keep everything to herself the way she did, and track one of her clients down to one of the most undesirable areas in town and ask him to get her ammunition. You could argue that she wasn't thinking logically because of her amnesia and uncertainty of her relationship with Sam Smith but I just don't buy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2013
There are not enough stars to distinguish this book from other well written books. Wow. A mystery, a legal procedural, a police procedural, and a family drama - on several levels. Amazing. Simply amazing.
February 8, 2016
This book was OK. Parts were great and fast moving and then others seemed kind of choppy. Lawyer feels connection to a client who is a murderer and ends up being her long lost twin? Also takes place in England so need to adjust to some word differences and spelling.
September 21, 2016
Really good story from the North
It's refreshing that there is a really good thriller set in the North of England. Good characters that you care for, and familiar locations. Good drama with interesting undercurrent themes.
It's refreshing that there is a really good thriller set in the North of England. Good characters that you care for, and familiar locations. Good drama with interesting undercurrent themes.
February 15, 2012
A fascinating thriller featuring a Manchester solicitor with a troubled past. Held my attention all they way through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews