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From the author of The Sleeper , an electrifying novel that lays bare the horrors which can arise from the manipulation of the media.They only wanted to be TV stars…until their three small children disappeared.Desperately poor, Barry, Cheryl and their three children are possibly the most famous family in Britain, after the Royal family. Their fame has come, not from wealth or success or glamour, but from the attentions of a television company who made them the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary.Cheryl was prepared to do anything to be a media star and believed the public loved her – and, indeed, for a while it seemed the nation had taken this simple, gutsy, poverty-stricken couple to its heart. But then everything goes horribly wrong. Cheryl has a third baby – and is transformed in the public’s eyes from a plucky but unlucky go-getter to a profligate welfare mom. Then, mysteriously, her three children go missing. Have they been abducted? Murdered? Or is there an even more sinister explanation for their disappearance?
411 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
10 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Gillian White
20 books35 followersGillian White (b. 1945) grew up in Liverpool, England. She has written sixteen novels under her own name, which are known for suspense, Gothic thrills, and satiric views of contemporary society. She also writes historical romance under the name Georgina Fleming. She lives in Devon, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 11, 2014
I do not watch much reality shows, outside of cooking shows (which I see more as game shows) and the odd episode of Deadliest Catch – which I see as a way for the people on it to make money. I mean, how can it be considered a reality show when you refer to people on it as the cast?
I picked this up doing an Open Road sale. Open Road Media is a kindle publisher, and they have tendency to pick up really good books (and yes, I am biased. I’ve reviewed several). The Witch’s Cradle is a mystery and total indictment of producers of reality shows.
Cher and Barry are a young couple that you could find anywhere, and they are chosen to by Griffin to be the subject of a documentary. The couple goes from beloved to hated, and then their children go missing. The reaction to the couple is controlled by the production group. What White looks at is not only how the media can influence what we think, but also how one party is always more condemned than the other (and that party is usually, at this point in time, the woman).
The book works because why in many cases the reader knows who not to trust, who to trust is a more confusing issue. While Cher and Barry are painted with sympathy by White and the reader does feel pity for them, the reader is also unsure how mentally ill they may be. The second reason the book succeeds is because it is so heartbreakingly plausible. It also speaks loudly about why feminism is still needed.
I picked this up doing an Open Road sale. Open Road Media is a kindle publisher, and they have tendency to pick up really good books (and yes, I am biased. I’ve reviewed several). The Witch’s Cradle is a mystery and total indictment of producers of reality shows.
Cher and Barry are a young couple that you could find anywhere, and they are chosen to by Griffin to be the subject of a documentary. The couple goes from beloved to hated, and then their children go missing. The reaction to the couple is controlled by the production group. What White looks at is not only how the media can influence what we think, but also how one party is always more condemned than the other (and that party is usually, at this point in time, the woman).
The book works because why in many cases the reader knows who not to trust, who to trust is a more confusing issue. While Cher and Barry are painted with sympathy by White and the reader does feel pity for them, the reader is also unsure how mentally ill they may be. The second reason the book succeeds is because it is so heartbreakingly plausible. It also speaks loudly about why feminism is still needed.
February 21, 2013
Some novels are not created to be enjoyed but to inspire, educate, shock, grip or horrify. Gillian White manages to do all these things in The Witch’s Cradle. It took me longer than usual to read this book, simply because the tale is so dense with event and so drenched in emotion that I was unable to read more than a portion at any one sitting.
The inclusion of short quotes from that evil medieval book, The Malleus Maleficarum (another title on my ‘to read’ list) points the reader to the author’s views of events and the depiction of the central heroine. And, heroine she is. Misguided, naïve, ignorant, intelligent, forceful, needy, determined and courageous, Cheryl battles against forces both external and internal in her desperate fight to do what she feels is best for her children. Husband, Barry, emerges from youthful sulkiness and self-defeat to become a mature and pragmatic adult.
The villains, and they are real, appalling and credible people, are the sort of people you will want to hit on sight. I won’t give names here, as the clever way in which the tale is written allows for any of a number of characters to be good, bad, wicked, angelic, ordinary or impressive. I dislike clichés but this is a roller coaster of immense proportions.
Don’t read it before you go to bed if you’re in any way sensitive about justice, family welfare, women’s rights, the politics of expediency or the growing gap between rich and poor. Or, if you must, at least read or watch something light and fluffy before you put your head on that pillow. I had three nights of seriously interrupted sleep whilst reading this book. You have been warned.
Mostly very well written, there are odd passages where a lack of attribution makes it unclear who is speaking. There are occasional places where tense is a variable factor. I have my suspicions that these apparent lapses are, in fact, deliberate techniques by the author to place in the reader’s mind the sense of utter confusion and disorientation so frequently experienced by Cheryl as she passes through several sorts of Hell.
The denouement builds compellingly and, during this part of the book, I was unable to put it down until I had finished it, regardless of other circumstances. The very last two pages remain something of a mystery to me, in the sense that they introduce an element of fantasy that is not present throughout the rest of the book. But I think the author is trying to express ideas through the eyes of the protagonists in this: I just don’t think this one aspect has worked as well in these two pages as it does throughout the rest of the book. But it’s probably me and my own prejudices here. Who knows?
Suffice it to say that I’m more than glad that I read this book. It isn’t a piece of work that can be labelled enjoyable or entertaining. But it is a compelling read and the characters are so well crafted that the reader becomes intimately involved with them to the extent that it becomes impossible to leave them to their fate. I found I must discover what happened as each episode unfolded and led to yet another. As an exposé of the ‘fly-on-the-wall’ documentary, this works superbly. I shall never watch another without this tale informing my credibility.
Yes; I recommend this book. But it comes with that warning: be prepared to be kept awake and to have some of your precious preconceptions given a severe bashing.
The inclusion of short quotes from that evil medieval book, The Malleus Maleficarum (another title on my ‘to read’ list) points the reader to the author’s views of events and the depiction of the central heroine. And, heroine she is. Misguided, naïve, ignorant, intelligent, forceful, needy, determined and courageous, Cheryl battles against forces both external and internal in her desperate fight to do what she feels is best for her children. Husband, Barry, emerges from youthful sulkiness and self-defeat to become a mature and pragmatic adult.
The villains, and they are real, appalling and credible people, are the sort of people you will want to hit on sight. I won’t give names here, as the clever way in which the tale is written allows for any of a number of characters to be good, bad, wicked, angelic, ordinary or impressive. I dislike clichés but this is a roller coaster of immense proportions.
Don’t read it before you go to bed if you’re in any way sensitive about justice, family welfare, women’s rights, the politics of expediency or the growing gap between rich and poor. Or, if you must, at least read or watch something light and fluffy before you put your head on that pillow. I had three nights of seriously interrupted sleep whilst reading this book. You have been warned.
Mostly very well written, there are odd passages where a lack of attribution makes it unclear who is speaking. There are occasional places where tense is a variable factor. I have my suspicions that these apparent lapses are, in fact, deliberate techniques by the author to place in the reader’s mind the sense of utter confusion and disorientation so frequently experienced by Cheryl as she passes through several sorts of Hell.
The denouement builds compellingly and, during this part of the book, I was unable to put it down until I had finished it, regardless of other circumstances. The very last two pages remain something of a mystery to me, in the sense that they introduce an element of fantasy that is not present throughout the rest of the book. But I think the author is trying to express ideas through the eyes of the protagonists in this: I just don’t think this one aspect has worked as well in these two pages as it does throughout the rest of the book. But it’s probably me and my own prejudices here. Who knows?
Suffice it to say that I’m more than glad that I read this book. It isn’t a piece of work that can be labelled enjoyable or entertaining. But it is a compelling read and the characters are so well crafted that the reader becomes intimately involved with them to the extent that it becomes impossible to leave them to their fate. I found I must discover what happened as each episode unfolded and led to yet another. As an exposé of the ‘fly-on-the-wall’ documentary, this works superbly. I shall never watch another without this tale informing my credibility.
Yes; I recommend this book. But it comes with that warning: be prepared to be kept awake and to have some of your precious preconceptions given a severe bashing.
June 29, 2022
What an uncomfortable read about 'reality' media. Quite hard going in parts but a gripping tale.
February 11, 2014
Barry and Cheryl are a young, desperately poor couple, who get picked to appear in a reality television series about poverty in Britain. Initially, they are taken to the hearts of the public, but predictably the tide of opinion turns – fuelled by a ruthless tabloid press – and they find themselves reviled, hated and scared to show their faces in public. And then their three children are kidnapped, and events take a truly monstrous turn.
This book sums up so much about why I hate reality television. Such programmes can be exploitative and cruel, making heroes and villains out of ordinary, often vulnerable people. Barry and Cheryl think that all their dreams will come true by appearing on this programme – and for a while it seems that they are right – but the media care little about them, and encourage the public to vent all their hatred on this young couple, determined to show them as irresponsible and greedy dole-scroungers (if this all sounds familiar, it’s probably because there are programmes that do EXACTLY this, although this book predates many of the current crop of such shows). The venom with which they are treated – and it is mainly aimed at Cheryl, rather than Barry – is breathtaking and disgusting.
The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times I was not sure who or what to believe. As the public animosity takes its toll on Cheryl, her thoughts become confused and a sense of paranoia creeps in. I found the story utterly compelling, although in many ways it was not at all enjoyable. It was all too believable, and quite accurately reflected how people are worshipped or reviled as a result of their appearance on programmes like the fictional one in this book ‘The Dark End of the Street’ – yet they are not really prepared or equipped to deal with such strong feelings from a public who don’t really know anything of them, other than how the programme makers manipulate their appearances on television.
My only real criticism of the book would be the final two pages. The story is completed by then, and these last couple of pages feel like a clumsily tacked-on, and unnecessary epilogue. Other than that though, it’s a gripping thriller which can make for uncomfortable reading.
This book sums up so much about why I hate reality television. Such programmes can be exploitative and cruel, making heroes and villains out of ordinary, often vulnerable people. Barry and Cheryl think that all their dreams will come true by appearing on this programme – and for a while it seems that they are right – but the media care little about them, and encourage the public to vent all their hatred on this young couple, determined to show them as irresponsible and greedy dole-scroungers (if this all sounds familiar, it’s probably because there are programmes that do EXACTLY this, although this book predates many of the current crop of such shows). The venom with which they are treated – and it is mainly aimed at Cheryl, rather than Barry – is breathtaking and disgusting.
The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times I was not sure who or what to believe. As the public animosity takes its toll on Cheryl, her thoughts become confused and a sense of paranoia creeps in. I found the story utterly compelling, although in many ways it was not at all enjoyable. It was all too believable, and quite accurately reflected how people are worshipped or reviled as a result of their appearance on programmes like the fictional one in this book ‘The Dark End of the Street’ – yet they are not really prepared or equipped to deal with such strong feelings from a public who don’t really know anything of them, other than how the programme makers manipulate their appearances on television.
My only real criticism of the book would be the final two pages. The story is completed by then, and these last couple of pages feel like a clumsily tacked-on, and unnecessary epilogue. Other than that though, it’s a gripping thriller which can make for uncomfortable reading.
September 2, 2013
I've had this book sat on a shelf for ages gathering dust. When I first started reading it I thought it was ok but it didn't grip me and I went a few weeks without picking it up again once I got about 1/4 of the way in. Tonight I decided to read a bit more and surprisingly I sat there and read the rest of the book without putting it down once!
It was a gripping page turner that really put your brain into a spin, all the way through there were twists and turns so that at no point could you see how it would end. I absolutely love this book and think it is amazing. I would definitely recommend it!
It was a gripping page turner that really put your brain into a spin, all the way through there were twists and turns so that at no point could you see how it would end. I absolutely love this book and think it is amazing. I would definitely recommend it!
February 22, 2016
Started well with some observations about reality tv that most people have probably commenting on while watching it, or seeing the covers of magazines. It went on to stretch credibility - no one can truly be so unrelenting naive - grew dull and (finally!) ended on a note which totally destroyed what little subtly there had been in the plot as a study of modern day witch hunts. Overall, this was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2014
Over-long but kept reading as I wanted to know the end. Wasn't worth it.
April 22, 2021
This novel really made me think about the repercussions of reality television. As much as it starts of as an ordinary novel about an ordinary young family, it actually is an intricate study of how the media can make you think that all you want in life is fame and fortune. Barry and Cheryl are young adults who live in abject poverty with very unfortunate social backgrounds. Like so many others in their situation, they're a strain on social and government services. When Cheryl sees an opportunity to gain sympathy by entering her husband and 2 (soon to be 3) kids in a reality tv show, she sets in motion a cataclysm of events that makes her sincerely regret her actions.
Gillian White uses excellent characterisation to bring out the worst in humanity's need to be judgemental. The interesting part is there isn't one antagonist but it's an amalgamation of sorts. Is it the production company that orchestrates the couple's downfall for higher ratings? Is it Cheryl for wanting attention so badly she was willing to do the worst thing a mother could do to her child? Is it the viewers who assume that just because they've watched you on tv everyday they have every right to admonish you for all your mistakes? Or is it the government that has not properly taken care of it's poor citizens?
This novel made me think about the reality tv shows that are on currently, like Keeping up With The Kardashians and The Bachelor. What drives people to want other people to bear witness to their most personal lives? And how much of it is genuinely real and how much if it is scripted to satisfy the audiences' insatiable desire for drama and gossip?
An excellent read that really puts 21st Century society in perspective: us, humans, are pathetic. We want realism, but we also want the idealistic drama for entertainment. So why do we tune into reality shows when fictional television covers all bases and some?
Gillian White uses excellent characterisation to bring out the worst in humanity's need to be judgemental. The interesting part is there isn't one antagonist but it's an amalgamation of sorts. Is it the production company that orchestrates the couple's downfall for higher ratings? Is it Cheryl for wanting attention so badly she was willing to do the worst thing a mother could do to her child? Is it the viewers who assume that just because they've watched you on tv everyday they have every right to admonish you for all your mistakes? Or is it the government that has not properly taken care of it's poor citizens?
This novel made me think about the reality tv shows that are on currently, like Keeping up With The Kardashians and The Bachelor. What drives people to want other people to bear witness to their most personal lives? And how much of it is genuinely real and how much if it is scripted to satisfy the audiences' insatiable desire for drama and gossip?
An excellent read that really puts 21st Century society in perspective: us, humans, are pathetic. We want realism, but we also want the idealistic drama for entertainment. So why do we tune into reality shows when fictional television covers all bases and some?
October 4, 2025
Hier sind die Dinge nicht immer so, wie sie scheinen. Anfangs werden die Browns sehr sympathisch beschrieben, aber im Verlauf der Geschichte wird aus dem immer optimistischen Barry ein frustrierter junger Mann und die zauberhafte, kindliche Cheryl entpuppt sich als junges Mädchen mit vielen Problemen. Auch die Dokumentation über ihr Leben ist nicht nur um zu zeigen, wie junge Menschen am Rand des Existenzminimums überleben können. Vielmehr wird jeder Stein umgedreht, um auch das kleinste bisschen Schmutz über die Beiden zu finden.
Die Meinung der Bevölkerung ändert sich in dem Maß, in dem das Bild der Beiden in der Geschichte richtig gestellt wird. Da liegt der Verdacht nah, dass das Verschwinden der Kinder geplant war. Aber von wem? Vom Sender, um eine zweite Staffel zu bekommen oder von der Familie, um sich wieder ins Rampenlicht zu bringen? Was auch immer dahinter steckt, der Plan geht schief und plötzlich scheint nichts mehr sicher zu sein. Das Leben der Browns bricht auseinander und scheint nicht mehr zu reparieren zu sein.
Die Geschichte ist spannend. Manchmal wirkt der Kriminalfall ein bisschen konstruiert, um die Spannung noch mehr zu erhöhen. Aber das hätte es meiner Meinung nach nicht gebraucht. Was ich sehr realistisch fand, war die Darstellung wie sehr eine Reality-Show aus dem Ruder laufen kann. Das hat mich nachdenklich gemacht, denn hier wurde vor über zehn Jahren etwas in einer fiktiven Geschichte beschrieben, was heute leider Realität ist.
Die Meinung der Bevölkerung ändert sich in dem Maß, in dem das Bild der Beiden in der Geschichte richtig gestellt wird. Da liegt der Verdacht nah, dass das Verschwinden der Kinder geplant war. Aber von wem? Vom Sender, um eine zweite Staffel zu bekommen oder von der Familie, um sich wieder ins Rampenlicht zu bringen? Was auch immer dahinter steckt, der Plan geht schief und plötzlich scheint nichts mehr sicher zu sein. Das Leben der Browns bricht auseinander und scheint nicht mehr zu reparieren zu sein.
Die Geschichte ist spannend. Manchmal wirkt der Kriminalfall ein bisschen konstruiert, um die Spannung noch mehr zu erhöhen. Aber das hätte es meiner Meinung nach nicht gebraucht. Was ich sehr realistisch fand, war die Darstellung wie sehr eine Reality-Show aus dem Ruder laufen kann. Das hat mich nachdenklich gemacht, denn hier wurde vor über zehn Jahren etwas in einer fiktiven Geschichte beschrieben, was heute leider Realität ist.
October 12, 2021
I can’t tell you how much I loved this audiobook.
Set within the realms of the pitfalls of reality tv (which is something I’m only recently delving into) A desperately poor young couple, struggling to put food on the table for their two little kids, see an advert in a newspaper for a new reality tv show and with it the promise of how their lives could change. But will it bring all they hoped for or drag them to hell?
Poignant is the comparison between the hand to mouth existence of the little family in the latest tv reality show, and the fat cats earning a living from it. Although not all are as they appear. The attitudes of the public and the adoration and complete hatred that co exist in their own community and families.
I wish I’d read the book sooner, in all honesty I didn’t expect very much it was intended to be a gap filler but it was brilliantly narrated and written I was completely hooked. The addition of witchcraft to a poignant already distressing and upsetting story is fantastic, especially if it can right some wrongs.
I would highly recommend.
Set within the realms of the pitfalls of reality tv (which is something I’m only recently delving into) A desperately poor young couple, struggling to put food on the table for their two little kids, see an advert in a newspaper for a new reality tv show and with it the promise of how their lives could change. But will it bring all they hoped for or drag them to hell?
Poignant is the comparison between the hand to mouth existence of the little family in the latest tv reality show, and the fat cats earning a living from it. Although not all are as they appear. The attitudes of the public and the adoration and complete hatred that co exist in their own community and families.
I wish I’d read the book sooner, in all honesty I didn’t expect very much it was intended to be a gap filler but it was brilliantly narrated and written I was completely hooked. The addition of witchcraft to a poignant already distressing and upsetting story is fantastic, especially if it can right some wrongs.
I would highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
In this mystery/horror, young couple Cher and Barry are chosen by a TV production company to star in a reality documentary about poverty but when the couple’s three children go missing, they are transformed from beloved TV stars to the most hated people in Britain. The TV company’s manipulation of the situation coupled with the nation’s distrust and prejudice leads to Barry and Cher’s desperate actions to escape the public eye.
This is a heartbreakingly plausible story and makes compulsive reading. Throughout, the reader is left wondering how trustworthy the narrator is and the twists and turns are brilliantly handled. It is impossible not to feel empathy for those involved despite their naivety and can’t fail to make anyone question their moral standing when watching big-brother-like shows in the future. If you’re wanting a thought-provoking addictive page-turner, this is for you.
This is a heartbreakingly plausible story and makes compulsive reading. Throughout, the reader is left wondering how trustworthy the narrator is and the twists and turns are brilliantly handled. It is impossible not to feel empathy for those involved despite their naivety and can’t fail to make anyone question their moral standing when watching big-brother-like shows in the future. If you’re wanting a thought-provoking addictive page-turner, this is for you.
October 19, 2021
I didn’t like the generalised ‘typical’ profile of the characters. It comes across as either ignorant or lazy. Though I do appreciate the time between this being written and me reading it.
It took me a while to move past that and commit to the story. It does pick up with unexpected twists as the story unfolds and you do become attached to discovering what’s actually going on.
The witchcraft within this book is very misplaced, in my opinion. There’s the odd quote throughout that refers to the witch hunts within history but the only character connection doesn’t come until the final chapter. It doesn’t seem relevant or necessary, more an aspect that the author was determined to include one way or another.
It took me a while to move past that and commit to the story. It does pick up with unexpected twists as the story unfolds and you do become attached to discovering what’s actually going on.
The witchcraft within this book is very misplaced, in my opinion. There’s the odd quote throughout that refers to the witch hunts within history but the only character connection doesn’t come until the final chapter. It doesn’t seem relevant or necessary, more an aspect that the author was determined to include one way or another.
April 19, 2023
Absolutely loved this book, loved the characters and storyline.
To see a struggling young couple be drawn into a web of lies and deception, their vulnerability and circumstances taken advantage of is horrible.
It’s the typical way in which a large majority of the public view and treat those that are down on their luck, dirty, lazy, thick and gullible.
I love how in the end it is this young family who turn their lives around, and make something of themselves.
The witches quotes throughout are great, the way Cheryl is hunted down, judged and spat on by society is how witches were treated.
To see a struggling young couple be drawn into a web of lies and deception, their vulnerability and circumstances taken advantage of is horrible.
It’s the typical way in which a large majority of the public view and treat those that are down on their luck, dirty, lazy, thick and gullible.
I love how in the end it is this young family who turn their lives around, and make something of themselves.
The witches quotes throughout are great, the way Cheryl is hunted down, judged and spat on by society is how witches were treated.
July 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
Woah, Audible Plus catalogue surprised me again with another free gem! I had no expectations going in but ended up loving it. I kept wondering what's gonna happen next and just had no idea which version of the truth is the true one! Everyone was suspicious and I loved that! Also, enjoyed in the portrayal of the power of media and editing, how things can go wrong so fast with the mob mentality. The narrator was alright, had to increase the speed, but it didn't take away from the story.
Woah, Audible Plus catalogue surprised me again with another free gem! I had no expectations going in but ended up loving it. I kept wondering what's gonna happen next and just had no idea which version of the truth is the true one! Everyone was suspicious and I loved that! Also, enjoyed in the portrayal of the power of media and editing, how things can go wrong so fast with the mob mentality. The narrator was alright, had to increase the speed, but it didn't take away from the story.
May 18, 2022
I have recently discovered Gillian White' s novels they are well written and with intriguing, thought provoking plots. In this novel the scrutiny of the gritty, real life documentary was cleverly described : naivety, stupidity, desperation , manipulation and ruthlessness .... entertaining ..yet very real in its indictment upon societies - big brother/ reality tv show obsession.
April 17, 2023
Brilliant! I loved this. Such an interesting story shining a light on the modern world of instant celebrity. A real 'be careful what you wish for' tale. Excellent take on the vulnerabilities, strength and resilience of the urban poor.
October 20, 2019
Het eerste einde was bijzonder goed, het tweede er een beetje over. Maar het gaf wel een zekere voldoening.
November 6, 2021
This would have been 5 stars but felt the comparison of victims of the media and the witch trials could have been a little more subtle…… but bloody hell, this is good.
November 10, 2021
Unexpectedly good.
Loved the twist in the tale.
Loved the twist in the tale.
April 3, 2022
4.5 stars. More in my next Good Reads blog at www.sandiwallace.com/blog/.
June 28, 2022
Another cracking little free read on audible
October 25, 2023
This was just fantastic. It’s very uncomfortable, sad, raw but absolutely brilliant!
March 6, 2024
Read this directly following the history of the Salem witch trials- a good pairing
November 28, 2022
I loved this book.
November 4, 2015
This was a book I found quite disturbing because of the utter disregard by some people of the rights of others just to make a reality TV show better. The so-called "brilliant" group who came up with the reality TV show idea of showing a very young couple with 2 small children, no education, no wits, no street-smarts...essentially nothing but a disgusting hovel and a life, of sorts scored big in the ratings. The wife of the couple becomes pregnant during the filming of the story and goes from being somewhat of a celebrity to being, seemingly, the most-hated woman in England.
The couple have to return to the seedy life-style they had prior to the airing of the show and the wife is heart-broken. Not only is she reviled for getting pregnant during the show, she has lost the whole world she was in. The people who were filming, directing etc. for the show were no longer her friends, in fact, they wanted nothing to do with her or her family. She has had a taste of the rest of the world and she wants more, especially since the family was paid absolutely nothing for this intrusion into their lives.
Things heat up when all 3 children disappear and this is when things just go off the rails for the young couple. This does have a "story-book" ending but getting there has the young couple going through complete hell.
I like this author's style...suspenseful, potentially possible stories, good guys and bad...hope to find more of her work soon as I may have become addicted
The couple have to return to the seedy life-style they had prior to the airing of the show and the wife is heart-broken. Not only is she reviled for getting pregnant during the show, she has lost the whole world she was in. The people who were filming, directing etc. for the show were no longer her friends, in fact, they wanted nothing to do with her or her family. She has had a taste of the rest of the world and she wants more, especially since the family was paid absolutely nothing for this intrusion into their lives.
Things heat up when all 3 children disappear and this is when things just go off the rails for the young couple. This does have a "story-book" ending but getting there has the young couple going through complete hell.
I like this author's style...suspenseful, potentially possible stories, good guys and bad...hope to find more of her work soon as I may have become addicted
May 15, 2013
Young Cheryl and Barry Higgins apply and accepted for a new reality show about a couple living life on the breadline. Filming starts and is instantly intrusive but Cheryl seems to relish the attention, the TV crew that she's so eager to please are actually plotting to utterly destroy her - all in the name of entertainment.
Great thriller, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next, it was so appalling. A nice twist in the final couple of pages too. A strong contender for my book of the month.
Great thriller, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next, it was so appalling. A nice twist in the final couple of pages too. A strong contender for my book of the month.
February 9, 2013
This is the first Gillian White book I've read and I have to admit it was quite good. At first I thought it was going to be quite predictable but it picked up about 150 pages into it and the plot thickened. It was quite a scary concept about how the media can make or completely destroy a persons life. I have to admit, I didn't really like the ending but apart from that it was quite an enjoyable read.
November 22, 2014
I can just imagine this happening. So many reality shows about that people watch and you hear them discussing who they love or hate only needs to go a bit further for this to actually happen.
An average read for me but I don't like reality shows.
An average read for me but I don't like reality shows.
September 10, 2015
Couldn't put it down
If there are truly witches in this world, Gillian White herself is one. This story is so compelling because though beyond belief , Gillian makes you believe it. And believing it is so very very frightening. I think everyone should redd this book.
If there are truly witches in this world, Gillian White herself is one. This story is so compelling because though beyond belief , Gillian makes you believe it. And believing it is so very very frightening. I think everyone should redd this book.
Want to read
April 16, 2012I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11048914
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews