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Fragile Minds
Book by Seeber, Claire
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2011
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350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 15, 2011
Claudie is still recovering from a personal tragedy when a bomb explodes outside London’s Academy of Ballet, where she works. Claudie’s friend Tessa is one of the victims. Claudie has a terrible feeling that she was somehow involved in the bombing. If only she could remember the events of that day….
As the police investigate whether a terrorist group was behind the bombing, the story unfolds from the point of view of three characters: Claudie (in first person); DS Lorraine Kenton (third person); and DI Joe Silver (third person). Each chapter is headed with the name of the POV character. The shift from first to third gets distracting, but even more irritating is the ‘head hopping’, as the story frequently strays from the POV of the title character into someone else’s POV. This should have been fixed in the editing process, as should the over-frequent use of commas instead of full stops in dialogue separated by a character action.
In spite of that, I did enjoy this book. It’s a gripping read, and it kept me reading. Claudie is a sympathetic character, and I did empathise with her as she looks into Tessa’s life to discover everything she believed about her friend had been a lie. On top of the other tragedies that Claudie has recently had to deal with, you can’t help but feel sorry for her, and hope that she’ll find some closure in the end.
Reprinted with permission of Shots e-zine (http://www.shotsmag.co.uk)
As the police investigate whether a terrorist group was behind the bombing, the story unfolds from the point of view of three characters: Claudie (in first person); DS Lorraine Kenton (third person); and DI Joe Silver (third person). Each chapter is headed with the name of the POV character. The shift from first to third gets distracting, but even more irritating is the ‘head hopping’, as the story frequently strays from the POV of the title character into someone else’s POV. This should have been fixed in the editing process, as should the over-frequent use of commas instead of full stops in dialogue separated by a character action.
In spite of that, I did enjoy this book. It’s a gripping read, and it kept me reading. Claudie is a sympathetic character, and I did empathise with her as she looks into Tessa’s life to discover everything she believed about her friend had been a lie. On top of the other tragedies that Claudie has recently had to deal with, you can’t help but feel sorry for her, and hope that she’ll find some closure in the end.
Reprinted with permission of Shots e-zine (http://www.shotsmag.co.uk)
June 21, 2014
Fragile minds is written from three different viewpoints; Claudie, who believes she has done something bad but simply can't access her memory for the time before a bomb exploded outside the ballet academy where she worked. Claude is still mourning the death of her son and is desperately frightened that she is losing her mind.
DCI Silve is in charge of the investigation into the bomb, was it a terrorist or was it linked in some way to the ballet academy. When the police discover several girls missing from the academy it becomes clear that something more sinister is happening. To make things more complicated DCI Silver is juggling his work and a fraught domestic situation. Kenton, the policewoman is the third character who's viewpoint we hear, she has just met Alison and wants the relationship to work out but she is busy trying to piece together what is happening, where are the girls, who are the real people involved and what do the extracts from nursery rhymes mean.
This book kept my interest, I felt sympathy for some of the characters because they were realistic and I simply had to know what was going to happen next. The book is cleverly plotted and well worth a read.
The kindle version which I am reviewing has a free short story The Middle of the Bed at the end.
DCI Silve is in charge of the investigation into the bomb, was it a terrorist or was it linked in some way to the ballet academy. When the police discover several girls missing from the academy it becomes clear that something more sinister is happening. To make things more complicated DCI Silver is juggling his work and a fraught domestic situation. Kenton, the policewoman is the third character who's viewpoint we hear, she has just met Alison and wants the relationship to work out but she is busy trying to piece together what is happening, where are the girls, who are the real people involved and what do the extracts from nursery rhymes mean.
This book kept my interest, I felt sympathy for some of the characters because they were realistic and I simply had to know what was going to happen next. The book is cleverly plotted and well worth a read.
The kindle version which I am reviewing has a free short story The Middle of the Bed at the end.
July 22, 2014
3.5 stars. I liked it, but didn't absolutely LOVE it. Lots of characters to keep track of (or spend a couple of paragraphs wondering who exactly are they again?). But, an interesting, quite complex plot with a fabulous twist (most of which I had guessed, but anyway - ).
The story is told from different points of view. Claudie (which is the only one told in first person), DCI Silver, and a policewoman, Kenton. I kept waiting for the stories to be somehow intertwined , but other than them all being involved in this case (as the victim and investigating officers), their relationships with each other don't change.
Quite a good read.
The story is told from different points of view. Claudie (which is the only one told in first person), DCI Silver, and a policewoman, Kenton. I kept waiting for the stories to be somehow intertwined , but other than them all being involved in this case (as the victim and investigating officers), their relationships with each other don't change.
Quite a good read.
November 15, 2015
I really liked this book. I felt the author managed to express the sadness and loss of a bereaved mother and her vulnerability in this state to the exploitation of others. I liked how the first "event" and it's initial aftermath was handled- It felt very realistic post 7/7 and although I have absolutely no knowledge of real police procedure or strategy that too seemed plausible. I engaged with the story and Claudie, and a bit to my surprise because I wasn't sure at first, the two main police officers. The story moves around too, at first it seems it focuses on a small and confined world of the ballet school, and slowly becomes bigger, more grubby and pulls you in, dragging you towards the final pages. If you like a few twists and turns, uncertainty and sadness- this might suit you too so give it a go!
January 23, 2016
3.5 stars
Another of my holiday reads.
Very much a story of suspense. Overall an enjoyable book though not quite as good as others I have read by same author.
Another of my holiday reads.
Very much a story of suspense. Overall an enjoyable book though not quite as good as others I have read by same author.
July 25, 2017
While I found this book intriguing, it was also very disjointed, and there was many holes in the plot throughout. In some ways it felt like the author was trying to mix too many twists into the plot, which became hard to follow, especially in the middle of the book.
I was also disappointed by the ending. Anticlimactic with another "storyline" thrown in right at the end concerning DCI Silver, which I didn't see the point of. It felt like the author was trying to tie up loose ends, and honestly didn't add anything to the overall book.
Rather like marmite this book is one you will either love or hate, personally I wasn't impressed.
I was also disappointed by the ending. Anticlimactic with another "storyline" thrown in right at the end concerning DCI Silver, which I didn't see the point of. It felt like the author was trying to tie up loose ends, and honestly didn't add anything to the overall book.
Rather like marmite this book is one you will either love or hate, personally I wasn't impressed.
August 24, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Claire Seeber. I really enjoyed it. It took a little time to get into it as each chapter was dedicated to a character member telling their side of events. But the story became clearer the more I read. Quite a twisty tale with plenty of intrigue. A lovely build up of tension towards the end. Very satisfying and I would definitely read another book by this author.
November 11, 2024
3.5 rating.
December 16, 2024
A generous 3.
Found this far too long.
Many characters and rather confusing.
Preferred her other books.
Found this far too long.
Many characters and rather confusing.
Preferred her other books.
August 26, 2012
Having only read Never Tell by Claire Seeber I was expecting something similar and as I was quite disappointed with Never Tell as it wasn't the kind of pschological thriller I usually enjoy, I assumed that this would also be just an ok read. Well, you should never assume things! This was so much better and I really could not put it down. It involves quite a complex but never confusing story of Claudie, a physio at the Royal Ballet, who has had a breakdown following the death of her son and although she was recovering she now seems to have had a relapse and is losing whole chunks of time and having difficult remembering things. When an explosion happens outside the Royal ballet killing her friend and it comes to light that past and present pupils are missing, Claudie is sure she knows something about it, may even have been involved but she just can't remember.....
This story keeps you gripped and turning the pages looking for the clues which are there but very well hidden and involve some red herrings that keep you guessing. It includes personal back stories of the investigating detectives which add a different dimension to the main story. Overall it was very well written and did not disappoint at all.
This story keeps you gripped and turning the pages looking for the clues which are there but very well hidden and involve some red herrings that keep you guessing. It includes personal back stories of the investigating detectives which add a different dimension to the main story. Overall it was very well written and did not disappoint at all.
January 7, 2013
I found it really easy to get right into the minds of the characters, and Silver was very easy for me to empathise with. The plot was fairly complex, which I enjoyed because it meant I was still guessing right at the end of the novel, keeping it exciting. However, I thought the ending was slightly rushed, as all of the conclusions were reached literally within the last couple of paragraphs, and I finished the book still confused about some of the narrative threads, for example, Tessa's real identity. I found it difficult to find the therapist's character credible, because she seemed to turn from a lovely old lady into a horrible psycho at the flick of a switch. Yes, I understand that she was only pretending to be nice, but even so, I wasn't convinced. As well as that, I thought the link between the therapist's husband and the strip club was a bit tedious; that could have been fleshed out a bit better. Something that annoyed me is that the arguments between Kenton and Craven weren't resolved, and I really wanted to see Craven knocked down a peg or two. All in all I did enjoy the book, but the ending left me unsatisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 26, 2011'I think I might have done something bad. Last Friday.'
When a bomb explodes outside the Royal Academy of Ballet in the heart of London, the police initially suspect a terrorist group. But the pieces don't fit and DCI Silver is struggling to find any suspects.
Still recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a terrible tragedy, Claudie fears that her recent black-outs are a sign that her symptoms are returning. When her friend Tessa dies in the explosion, Claudie is gripped by the inexplicable certainty that she is involved in some way – if only she could remember.
Meanwhile, Silver is shocked to find that one of the dancers from the academy – now missing in the aftermath of the explosion – is linked to his past, and the lines between his personal and professional life are starting to blur. Can Claudie and Silver get to the heart of what is real and what isn't before something terrifying happens again?
A compelling read for fans of Nicci French and Sophie Hannah.
When a bomb explodes outside the Royal Academy of Ballet in the heart of London, the police initially suspect a terrorist group. But the pieces don't fit and DCI Silver is struggling to find any suspects.
Still recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a terrible tragedy, Claudie fears that her recent black-outs are a sign that her symptoms are returning. When her friend Tessa dies in the explosion, Claudie is gripped by the inexplicable certainty that she is involved in some way – if only she could remember.
Meanwhile, Silver is shocked to find that one of the dancers from the academy – now missing in the aftermath of the explosion – is linked to his past, and the lines between his personal and professional life are starting to blur. Can Claudie and Silver get to the heart of what is real and what isn't before something terrifying happens again?
A compelling read for fans of Nicci French and Sophie Hannah.
May 11, 2015
This book felt quite disjointed, it kept moving from person, to person, to person and I found it hard to follow. There were far too many details to try and keep up with and remember what had happened to who. It had too many 'holes' in the story and kept jumping from one thing to another and when I finally realise why something had tied in I was reading something else again about something totally irrelevant!
I did find it a bit far fetched - the detective's wife had killed the sister of one of the main characters. Surely in reality their paths wouldn't have crossed - ethics?
I'd also have liked DCI Silver to stop calling everyone 'kiddo' too!
I didn't like the ending either, I finished it feeling 'meh'.
This is my first and last book I'll read by this author. I'm glad I managed to get it for free!
I did find it a bit far fetched - the detective's wife had killed the sister of one of the main characters. Surely in reality their paths wouldn't have crossed - ethics?
I'd also have liked DCI Silver to stop calling everyone 'kiddo' too!
I didn't like the ending either, I finished it feeling 'meh'.
This is my first and last book I'll read by this author. I'm glad I managed to get it for free!
August 31, 2014
This book was a great read, combining drama with crime and thriller definitely worked in the formation of the plot and it was very interesting to read separate chapters regarding different points of view.
I enjoyed the chapters from Claudie's point of view, she demonstrates elements of complexity due to her fragile mindset and her independence, both sharp contrasts to one another. We also have regular chapters from Kenton and Silver, two police officers who investigate the case of the bomb explosion, it was interesting to read it from their perspective.
I loved the fluent writing style and the change of perspective as it helped to develop the plot and made the book more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and/or crime novels. An excellent read!
I enjoyed the chapters from Claudie's point of view, she demonstrates elements of complexity due to her fragile mindset and her independence, both sharp contrasts to one another. We also have regular chapters from Kenton and Silver, two police officers who investigate the case of the bomb explosion, it was interesting to read it from their perspective.
I loved the fluent writing style and the change of perspective as it helped to develop the plot and made the book more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and/or crime novels. An excellent read!
August 23, 2013
I enjoyed this story more than I expected to after the first few pages although I was irritated by the frequent use of idioms instead of original dialogue.
The plot was a bit confusing ( to me, anyway) with lots of different names and possibly too many characters; or too many names anyway.
I am unsure if DCI Silver is a "one off" or if he features in previous novels, I found him likable and reassuringly human, but Claudie seemed like the sort to investigate the noise from the basement in a horror movie when the rest of us would have run and phoned the cops but I guess every book needs its hero/heroine.
However, I found the psychiatric detail interesting and authentic but am now a bit concerned about my own sanity.
The plot was a bit confusing ( to me, anyway) with lots of different names and possibly too many characters; or too many names anyway.
I am unsure if DCI Silver is a "one off" or if he features in previous novels, I found him likable and reassuringly human, but Claudie seemed like the sort to investigate the noise from the basement in a horror movie when the rest of us would have run and phoned the cops but I guess every book needs its hero/heroine.
However, I found the psychiatric detail interesting and authentic but am now a bit concerned about my own sanity.
November 21, 2011
I bought this based on the fact that I'd enjoyed other books by this author but I was not so keen on this one. I found it a bit disjointed and rather obvious too. Won't say why - don't want to spoil the plot. I kept going thinking I'd enjoy it more the further I got into it, but I didn't. Joe Silver never really came alive for me but he felt a copper who could reappear in a series. I love the name!
May 6, 2013
Not bad but I was expecting better. Cover notes compare Seeber to Nicci French and Sophie Hannah......I don't think so.
A terribly confusing plot but interesting enough to keep me turning the pages even though I guessed who the villain was half way through. I didn't expect the ending, that was a surprise.
Main problem I had was that I didn't much like any of the characters and thyat meant I couldn't really engage with the story.
A terribly confusing plot but interesting enough to keep me turning the pages even though I guessed who the villain was half way through. I didn't expect the ending, that was a surprise.
Main problem I had was that I didn't much like any of the characters and thyat meant I couldn't really engage with the story.
August 14, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway in 2011 but have only just got round to reading it.
I really enjoyed this book although the constant changing of viewpoints was difficult to follow at first. I was left unable to guess who was deceitful and who was trustworthy which keeps you gripped to the end.
I really enjoyed this book although the constant changing of viewpoints was difficult to follow at first. I was left unable to guess who was deceitful and who was trustworthy which keeps you gripped to the end.
August 9, 2014
The interesting plot kept me hooked but ended up falling flat and confusing at the end.
The repeated descriptions of how attractive, people found the main characters to be, including random pedestrians and passers by and the RIDICULOUS amount of characters' names to be remembered was the low point for me.
The repeated descriptions of how attractive, people found the main characters to be, including random pedestrians and passers by and the RIDICULOUS amount of characters' names to be remembered was the low point for me.
August 25, 2018
I love this book. Claudia was a character a little to close to home but I needed to see how she did. Silver was ever the gentleman and soul but I had to find out if he won his battle. Loved loved this book.
February 2, 2012
I enjoyed this book, very readable. I liked the switching between characters as it gave you different points of veiw of the story. I did find the ending a little obvious though.
July 28, 2012
Took me a while to get into it and got very confused with all the aliases LOL but worked it out in the end and I think the ending was "right".
June 14, 2013
Why did it take me so long to discover this author??? Another gripping read from start to finish. Brilliant :)
January 25, 2015
Could not get into this book. Too many characters, too depressing story line and to complex descriptions
March 5, 2015
Liked , Disturbing how the young and vulnerable can be won over by care and nurture, to the other person's benefit.
March 6, 2015
Lost interest. Ballet dancer suicide
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews