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Split Second
A winter's evening and a trio of unruly youths board a bus and gang up on teenager Luke Donnelly, hurling abuse and threatening to kill him. The bus is full but no one intervenes until Jason Barnes, a young student, challenges the youths. Luke seizes the chance to run off the bus but his attackers follow.
Andrew Barnes is dragged from the shower by his wife Valerie: there's a fight in the front garden and Jason's trying to break it up. Andrew rushes to help and the assailants flee. Jason shouts to his father to phone an ambulance - Luke is badly hurt. Minutes later Jason collapses in their living room, he has been stabbed. The blow proves fatal.
Valerie and Andrew are devastated by the loss of their only child, and react in very different ways to their grief. Valerie wants justice, revenge even, but Andrew is desperate to find some meaning in Jason's sacrifice. Luke survived the assault thanks to Jason's actions, but is in a coma.
As his marriage disintegrates, Andrew secretly visits Luke and his mother Louise and a fragile friendship develops. Meanwhile the press begin to paint a picture of Luke as a less than innocent victim and raise questions about the cost of Jason's heroism.
One of the offenders confesses to the attacks and shows remorse while the others plead not guilty. Conflicting accounts emerge during the trial. With some parties prepared to lie, the matter of uncovering what really happened is far from straightforward, and the jury's verdict hard to predict. A novel that explores the issue of whether to intervene or look the other way and the fall-out from either decision.a
Split Second" tackles questions of bravery, fear and kindness and depicts the human impact of violent crime."
Andrew Barnes is dragged from the shower by his wife Valerie: there's a fight in the front garden and Jason's trying to break it up. Andrew rushes to help and the assailants flee. Jason shouts to his father to phone an ambulance - Luke is badly hurt. Minutes later Jason collapses in their living room, he has been stabbed. The blow proves fatal.
Valerie and Andrew are devastated by the loss of their only child, and react in very different ways to their grief. Valerie wants justice, revenge even, but Andrew is desperate to find some meaning in Jason's sacrifice. Luke survived the assault thanks to Jason's actions, but is in a coma.
As his marriage disintegrates, Andrew secretly visits Luke and his mother Louise and a fragile friendship develops. Meanwhile the press begin to paint a picture of Luke as a less than innocent victim and raise questions about the cost of Jason's heroism.
One of the offenders confesses to the attacks and shows remorse while the others plead not guilty. Conflicting accounts emerge during the trial. With some parties prepared to lie, the matter of uncovering what really happened is far from straightforward, and the jury's verdict hard to predict. A novel that explores the issue of whether to intervene or look the other way and the fall-out from either decision.a
Split Second" tackles questions of bravery, fear and kindness and depicts the human impact of violent crime."
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Cath Staincliffe
59 books320 followersCath Staincliffe is a best-selling, award-winning novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, Blue Murder, starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Cath's books have been short-listed for the British Crime Writers Association best first novel award, for the Dagger in the Library and selected as Le Masque de l'Année. In 2012 Cath won the CWA Short Story Dagger for Laptop, sharing the prize with Margaret Murphy with her story The Message. Cath was shortlisted again with Night Nurse in 2014. Cath's Sal Kilkenny private eye series features a single-parent sleuth working the mean streets of Manchester. Trio, a stand-alone novel moved away from crime to explore adoption and growing up in the 1960s, inspired by Cath's own experience. Letters To My Daughter's Killer was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3s Crime Thriller Club. Cath also writes the Scott & Bailey novels based on the popular UK TV series. Cath's latest stand alone book, The Girl in the Green Dress, was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender child. It tells the story of a transphobic hate crime and asks the question: how far would you go to protect your child? Cath is one of the founding members of Murder Squad - a group of Northern crime writers who give readings, talks and signings around the country. Cath was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK and now lives in Manchester, Lancashire with her family. You can follow her on Twitter, @CathStaincliffe, which she does when she should be busy writing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 4, 2015
This is an outstanding novel, one that will stay with me for a long time.
One evening, on a bus, a trio of aggressive teens threaten and harass Luke Murray, nobody intervenes until a young student, Jason Barnes challenges the gang to get them to stop the bullying and threats. He pays the ultimate price for daring to stick up for Luke.
It's a powerful book, the characters are well developed and the book explains things from a few different characters POV as emotions and events roll out after the incident.
It raises the question, would YOU intervene if you witnessed the same thing or would you pretend you can't see or hear what's going on?
Relationships are tested in the families after the event occurs, but friendships are formed out of the grief and pain also. It's a powerful book, the descriptions of the violent attack is not for the squeamish, it's gut wrenching and real.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this book, I think Cath Staincliffe is an excellent writer in her ability to pull you into the story.
The court case and lead up to the verdict had me holding my breath at times, as I waited to hear the testimonies and the jury's final verdict. A very good court room scene.
4.5 stars, brilliant and engaging piece of fiction that tackles an event that could happen to anyone really and how it has a ripple effect on the families that are all involved, for better and for worse.
A very enjoyable read that I really loved, highly recommended.
One evening, on a bus, a trio of aggressive teens threaten and harass Luke Murray, nobody intervenes until a young student, Jason Barnes challenges the gang to get them to stop the bullying and threats. He pays the ultimate price for daring to stick up for Luke.
It's a powerful book, the characters are well developed and the book explains things from a few different characters POV as emotions and events roll out after the incident.
It raises the question, would YOU intervene if you witnessed the same thing or would you pretend you can't see or hear what's going on?
Relationships are tested in the families after the event occurs, but friendships are formed out of the grief and pain also. It's a powerful book, the descriptions of the violent attack is not for the squeamish, it's gut wrenching and real.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this book, I think Cath Staincliffe is an excellent writer in her ability to pull you into the story.
The court case and lead up to the verdict had me holding my breath at times, as I waited to hear the testimonies and the jury's final verdict. A very good court room scene.
4.5 stars, brilliant and engaging piece of fiction that tackles an event that could happen to anyone really and how it has a ripple effect on the families that are all involved, for better and for worse.
A very enjoyable read that I really loved, highly recommended.
July 5, 2012
Luke Murray is minding his own business on a Manchester bus when three chavs start calling him racist names, threatening and hitting him. For fellow passenger, Emma, the situation is paralysing, naturally shy, she is scared to intervene but also knows what’s happening is wrong. She wills someone else on the bus to do something. When Jason Barnes comes down the stairs to get off the bus, he sees what’s going on and tries to put a stop. When the doors open Luke, and his tormenters, make a run for it with Jason in pursuit. The fight ends up on Jason’s doorstep, where his mother Val, stands aghast as Luke is beaten into a coma and her bright, brave son is stabbed.
Split Second follows the aftermath of a senseless, fatal stabbing and a fight which leaves Luke in a coma. Where most crime novels focus on the investigation, Staincliffe takes a close look at the lives that are ruined by violent crime, not just the parents but the witnesses, the ones who feel guilt for not doing anything more.
Louise Murray, is a single parent, with mixed race kids who she is incredibly proud of but cause others to make rash judgements about her. Luke is painted as a trouble maker by the press but in reality was like so many other teenage boys, just struggling to get by at school and in a world that isn’t always fair. His sister, Ruby, is a wonderfully talented girl who adds some hope to a story which would otherwise be incredibly depressing.
Emma’s story is one that must be so, so common yet never told. How many times have you sat on public transport and tried to avoid the trouble breaking out, the groups of teens that can go from having a laugh to threatening in seconds. For most of us nothing awful happens but what if it did? What if you never stepped in because you were scared and someone dies because of your cowardice? Emma isn’t painted as a coward even though she feels like it. She is an outcast, painfully shy at times and has battled with poor self-image. Her father is verbally cruel, forever putting her down but he’s her dad, she’s meant to love him, and vice versa. Emma perhaps is the character that can make the most of the awful events.
Andrew and Val Barnes tell a story not unfamiliar to couples who have lost a child. How can they carry on being normal when their son is dead? Can their marriage hold out? Andrew is at times consumed with anger, aimed at no one and everything.
As with The Kindest Thing, Staincliffe tackles a difficult subject with both emotion and rational thought. It might be lacking in action or complicated investigations but it is real and raw. Needing to know that the characters will be OK mentally is gripping enough without needless events. Heartbreaking yet tinged with hope, the best crime I’ve read this year.
Split Second follows the aftermath of a senseless, fatal stabbing and a fight which leaves Luke in a coma. Where most crime novels focus on the investigation, Staincliffe takes a close look at the lives that are ruined by violent crime, not just the parents but the witnesses, the ones who feel guilt for not doing anything more.
Louise Murray, is a single parent, with mixed race kids who she is incredibly proud of but cause others to make rash judgements about her. Luke is painted as a trouble maker by the press but in reality was like so many other teenage boys, just struggling to get by at school and in a world that isn’t always fair. His sister, Ruby, is a wonderfully talented girl who adds some hope to a story which would otherwise be incredibly depressing.
Emma’s story is one that must be so, so common yet never told. How many times have you sat on public transport and tried to avoid the trouble breaking out, the groups of teens that can go from having a laugh to threatening in seconds. For most of us nothing awful happens but what if it did? What if you never stepped in because you were scared and someone dies because of your cowardice? Emma isn’t painted as a coward even though she feels like it. She is an outcast, painfully shy at times and has battled with poor self-image. Her father is verbally cruel, forever putting her down but he’s her dad, she’s meant to love him, and vice versa. Emma perhaps is the character that can make the most of the awful events.
Andrew and Val Barnes tell a story not unfamiliar to couples who have lost a child. How can they carry on being normal when their son is dead? Can their marriage hold out? Andrew is at times consumed with anger, aimed at no one and everything.
As with The Kindest Thing, Staincliffe tackles a difficult subject with both emotion and rational thought. It might be lacking in action or complicated investigations but it is real and raw. Needing to know that the characters will be OK mentally is gripping enough without needless events. Heartbreaking yet tinged with hope, the best crime I’ve read this year.
September 4, 2012
What a fabulous read the characters are intensely real and the descriptions of their emotions are amazingly well handled.
Shy, plump Emma is taking a late bus ride home when 3 Chavs get on and begin harassing and racially abusing a young lad sitting a few seats in front. Emma is appalled and frightened, she wants them to stop but is also scared they'll notice her and turn their attentions to her and as they get more violent and nobody else intervenes we share her feelings of fear and disgust.
When they all get off the bus she hopes its the end of the incident but its just the beginning of a new nightmare. What follows is a tragedy which affects many lives and we are drawn into those lives with stunning ease peeling back the layers of peoples lives.
Its mainly the story of the families of Luke the bullied boy and Jason another young man who is the only one to come to his aid. The repercussions really are like ripples in a pool.
As Emma is called as a witness we learn more about her background and her character and I can honestly say I don't think I have ever hated anyone as much as I loathed and despised her father so much that I shook every time he appeared on the page! My empathy for her was intense and vivid.
My only slight drawback was the rather lengthy and dull courtroom scenes which although necessary to the conclusion weren't nearly as enjoyable to read and made the ending a little dull after a sparkling and fast paced main story.
I would compare this in some ways to One Moment, One Morning as they both deal with the aftermath of events and the lives it touches so if you enjoyed that you may enjoy this One Moment, One Morning
Shy, plump Emma is taking a late bus ride home when 3 Chavs get on and begin harassing and racially abusing a young lad sitting a few seats in front. Emma is appalled and frightened, she wants them to stop but is also scared they'll notice her and turn their attentions to her and as they get more violent and nobody else intervenes we share her feelings of fear and disgust.
When they all get off the bus she hopes its the end of the incident but its just the beginning of a new nightmare. What follows is a tragedy which affects many lives and we are drawn into those lives with stunning ease peeling back the layers of peoples lives.
Its mainly the story of the families of Luke the bullied boy and Jason another young man who is the only one to come to his aid. The repercussions really are like ripples in a pool.
As Emma is called as a witness we learn more about her background and her character and I can honestly say I don't think I have ever hated anyone as much as I loathed and despised her father so much that I shook every time he appeared on the page! My empathy for her was intense and vivid.
My only slight drawback was the rather lengthy and dull courtroom scenes which although necessary to the conclusion weren't nearly as enjoyable to read and made the ending a little dull after a sparkling and fast paced main story.
I would compare this in some ways to One Moment, One Morning as they both deal with the aftermath of events and the lives it touches so if you enjoyed that you may enjoy this One Moment, One Morning
May 18, 2016
What can I say? Another great book by Cath Staincliffe
To start off with this book really torn at my
heartstrings. As a mother you really think
about things that could happen in life
and could be taken away from you any minute.
Luke was minding his own business and the bus and 3 youths
got on the bus that he new and started giving him abuse and hit him.
No one didnt know what to say and no one defended him intil a brave lad named jason come down the stairs on the bus when he saw the youth assult luke and jason stepped in and got pushed himself. Luke ran off the bus when the bus stopped and the youths ran after him and so did jason.
A hero turned into murder as jason was stabbed in his garden and luke badly beaten. Luke is in a coma and jason is dead.
Andrew jasons father is finding it hard to deal with his sons death. (I think any parent would find this difficult)
Both andrew and louise are starting to get annoyed as there as
been no arrests even tho they know who the main guy was. How long could andrew hold himself before taking action himself.
Finally 3 people get arrested and could it be time for justice to be done?
Without giving to much detail about the court case
i will just say that it was well written and thought through.
This book really got to be. As a mother i couldnt imagine losing
a child.For cath to write this sort of book it must of torn at
her heart strings too.
This has to be the best book ive read by cath so far.
Look forward to reading more of her book!
To start off with this book really torn at my
heartstrings. As a mother you really think
about things that could happen in life
and could be taken away from you any minute.
Luke was minding his own business and the bus and 3 youths
got on the bus that he new and started giving him abuse and hit him.
No one didnt know what to say and no one defended him intil a brave lad named jason come down the stairs on the bus when he saw the youth assult luke and jason stepped in and got pushed himself. Luke ran off the bus when the bus stopped and the youths ran after him and so did jason.
A hero turned into murder as jason was stabbed in his garden and luke badly beaten. Luke is in a coma and jason is dead.
Andrew jasons father is finding it hard to deal with his sons death. (I think any parent would find this difficult)
Both andrew and louise are starting to get annoyed as there as
been no arrests even tho they know who the main guy was. How long could andrew hold himself before taking action himself.
Finally 3 people get arrested and could it be time for justice to be done?
Without giving to much detail about the court case
i will just say that it was well written and thought through.
This book really got to be. As a mother i couldnt imagine losing
a child.For cath to write this sort of book it must of torn at
her heart strings too.
This has to be the best book ive read by cath so far.
Look forward to reading more of her book!
October 4, 2013
Harrowing almost from start to finish. A really tragic story, the death of a young man in defence of a stranger and the aftermath for the families involved. A nice counterpoint to this is the back story of the main witness who has problems of her own, and whilst the lives of the boys and their loved ones spiral into grief and despair, she finds the strength to help herself.
Not light reading by any stretch of the imagination but a great story nonetheless, delicately executed with regularly switching viewpoints between the respective parents and the principal witness.
Not light reading by any stretch of the imagination but a great story nonetheless, delicately executed with regularly switching viewpoints between the respective parents and the principal witness.
October 6, 2013
4.5 stars really. That was a hard read, probably the hardest of the year. It was compelling (goodness knows I thought I'd stop often enough) but tough. Did I like it? Not really. Would I read it again? Probably not. I'm not sure it's a book written to be liked, or read again, it's too harrowing for that. Was it well written? Yes, definitely. She made the characters and the tragedy real, which is why I both loved it and hated it. I hope that's what she wanted!
April 18, 2013
An emotional ride told through the eyes of 3 people. A grieving father, a single mother of 2 and a young girl who witnessed the start of it all sat on the bus and did nothing..
It starts off asking "What would you do"?.. Honestly! And takes you on an emotional journey of how each of them cope with what happens.
It starts off asking "What would you do"?.. Honestly! And takes you on an emotional journey of how each of them cope with what happens.
January 24, 2013
Absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. Would recommend.
July 8, 2014
outstanding writing, utterly heartbreaking
November 29, 2016
Review to follow
March 1, 2018
In 'Split Second', a seemingly dull bus ride quickly turns into something much more menacing than anyone could have anticipated the moment three youths get onboard. Emma witnesses them harassing young Luke who ignores them. When good Samaritan Jason intervenes, he pays with his life while Luke is in a coma. Amidst the grief and anger, their respective parents hope for justice but will they get what they desperately want and need?
This story delved deep into several depressing, dark yet realistic subjects namely violence, hesitation in taking action due to fearing one will be attacked and losing a loved one due to violence / who tries to save someone. The third-person narrative alternated between Emma, Jason's parents (Andrew and Val) as well as Luke's mother (Louise) and sister (Ruby). This storytelling technique effectively fleshed out these characters to a certain extent while delivering a strong emotional impact thanks to the insightful writing.
Initially, Emma came across as unlikeable and cowardly considering the fact that she'd done absolutely nothing despite realizing how much danger Luke was in. However, her upbringing, the way her father constantly belittled and patronized her coupled with how her mother never once stood up for her explained why Emma turned out the way she was. As her misery and personal struggles came to light, I found myself feeling sorry for her. On the bright side, Emma displayed significant character growth by the end of the story.
Meanwhile, Jason's parents struggle to come to terms with his murder. Grieving in different ways creates a barrier between them. His father, Andrew felt the need to talk about what had happened to Jason and remember the good times. On the other hand, his mother Val was unable to speak about him. As for Louise and Ruby, they never gave up on Luke and visited him regularly. Their hope for a miracle awakening was truly sad since his chances of full recovery were painfully slim.
The last few chapters were solely devoted to the sombre court proceedings in which different versions of the incident were given. At this point, there was a lot of repetition regarding the sequence of events leading to Jason's death and Luke's coma. That aside, the eventual outcome followed by the epilogue were pretty good. The journey was tough, the families endured numerous difficulties and nothing could change what had already happened but this story showed that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Overall, 'Split Second' was a somewhat heavy and thought-provoking read that packed an emotional punch. With better editing, it could have been less long-winded and repetitive but it was worth reading anyhow.
This story delved deep into several depressing, dark yet realistic subjects namely violence, hesitation in taking action due to fearing one will be attacked and losing a loved one due to violence / who tries to save someone. The third-person narrative alternated between Emma, Jason's parents (Andrew and Val) as well as Luke's mother (Louise) and sister (Ruby). This storytelling technique effectively fleshed out these characters to a certain extent while delivering a strong emotional impact thanks to the insightful writing.
Initially, Emma came across as unlikeable and cowardly considering the fact that she'd done absolutely nothing despite realizing how much danger Luke was in. However, her upbringing, the way her father constantly belittled and patronized her coupled with how her mother never once stood up for her explained why Emma turned out the way she was. As her misery and personal struggles came to light, I found myself feeling sorry for her. On the bright side, Emma displayed significant character growth by the end of the story.
Meanwhile, Jason's parents struggle to come to terms with his murder. Grieving in different ways creates a barrier between them. His father, Andrew felt the need to talk about what had happened to Jason and remember the good times. On the other hand, his mother Val was unable to speak about him. As for Louise and Ruby, they never gave up on Luke and visited him regularly. Their hope for a miracle awakening was truly sad since his chances of full recovery were painfully slim.
The last few chapters were solely devoted to the sombre court proceedings in which different versions of the incident were given. At this point, there was a lot of repetition regarding the sequence of events leading to Jason's death and Luke's coma. That aside, the eventual outcome followed by the epilogue were pretty good. The journey was tough, the families endured numerous difficulties and nothing could change what had already happened but this story showed that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Overall, 'Split Second' was a somewhat heavy and thought-provoking read that packed an emotional punch. With better editing, it could have been less long-winded and repetitive but it was worth reading anyhow.
February 4, 2022
I had some logistic issues with this one. First... my copy of this edition was totally defective, with chunks of pages missing (including pp 1-27) and others repeated. So I decided to try Audible since the book was free that way.
And I don't think this was the best choice for an audiobook, or else it just wasn't a very good audiobook. The reader did a good job with some characters, but put on an annoying nasal voice for others, and whenever she read dialogue from a cop she made her voice artificially deep and gruff, which was more funny than anything. The book is also full of digressions, essentially infodumps about the characters. This is the kind of information I would rather have shown rather than told, because it takes all tension whatsoever out of the narrative, and in the case of this book it doesn't have any intrinsic interest. It's just mundane details about mundane people. Reading, I would just skim those bits, but being read to the whole thing slowed. to. a. crawl. while we heard about something pointless. Then there are a bunch of pointless statements, along the lines of "But Jason would never have Christmas again. He was dead. In the morgue.", which, THE WHOLE BOOK IS ABOUT JASON DYING (I'm paraphrasing) so... why??
The start, the incident on the bus, is really high-tension and works well in audio.
About 1/3rd of the way into the audio I got home and returned to the print version, of which I missed part because of missing pages, but it didn't seem that I missed much of any substance.
The bones of an interesting story were here. I liked Emma, and how she gets out from under her horrible father's thumb (even though her father was a bit over the top, and what was his motivation, anyway?). I hated the randomly saccharine ending which seemed tacked on because someone didn't want a sad or ambiguous end.
I think this was one of her earlier books and I've liked others much better. The jury is still out on the audio format for me.
And I don't think this was the best choice for an audiobook, or else it just wasn't a very good audiobook. The reader did a good job with some characters, but put on an annoying nasal voice for others, and whenever she read dialogue from a cop she made her voice artificially deep and gruff, which was more funny than anything. The book is also full of digressions, essentially infodumps about the characters. This is the kind of information I would rather have shown rather than told, because it takes all tension whatsoever out of the narrative, and in the case of this book it doesn't have any intrinsic interest. It's just mundane details about mundane people. Reading, I would just skim those bits, but being read to the whole thing slowed. to. a. crawl. while we heard about something pointless. Then there are a bunch of pointless statements, along the lines of "But Jason would never have Christmas again. He was dead. In the morgue.", which, THE WHOLE BOOK IS ABOUT JASON DYING (I'm paraphrasing) so... why??
The start, the incident on the bus, is really high-tension and works well in audio.
About 1/3rd of the way into the audio I got home and returned to the print version, of which I missed part because of missing pages, but it didn't seem that I missed much of any substance.
The bones of an interesting story were here. I liked Emma, and how she gets out from under her horrible father's thumb (even though her father was a bit over the top, and what was his motivation, anyway?). I hated the randomly saccharine ending which seemed tacked on because someone didn't want a sad or ambiguous end.
I think this was one of her earlier books and I've liked others much better. The jury is still out on the audio format for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
A satisfying end with real, gritty characters whose thoughts are clearly written and experiences explored. The incident on the bus was gripping - haven't we all faced a scenario when we could have, should have, intervened? But, the pace slows a little too much after the initial event.
I liked the way the narrative switches between Andrew, Louise, and Emma, though sometimes the sections were either too long or too short, upsetting the rhythm of my reading.
Once the pace picked back up, and the court case began I couldn't stop reading. The author cleverly suggests the possibility of doubt in the guilt of the parties responsible and does an excellent job of making you understand why reasonable doubt is something defendants cling on to. Until I read the verdicts themselves I wasn't clear which way the jury would vote, and as a reader I knew exactly what happened and the verdict I would have chosen.
An introspective novel, that really gets under the skin of what happens after a crime is committed and the impact it has on those involved. The author writes deftly and her descriptions are sometimes harrowing, making you feel the emotion alongside the characters she has created so vibrantly. A good end, too, for them; especially Emma, who I pitied for so much of the story.
Worth a read, as long as you can get through the slow pace that is used to give you an in-depth understanding of the characters.
I liked the way the narrative switches between Andrew, Louise, and Emma, though sometimes the sections were either too long or too short, upsetting the rhythm of my reading.
Once the pace picked back up, and the court case began I couldn't stop reading. The author cleverly suggests the possibility of doubt in the guilt of the parties responsible and does an excellent job of making you understand why reasonable doubt is something defendants cling on to. Until I read the verdicts themselves I wasn't clear which way the jury would vote, and as a reader I knew exactly what happened and the verdict I would have chosen.
An introspective novel, that really gets under the skin of what happens after a crime is committed and the impact it has on those involved. The author writes deftly and her descriptions are sometimes harrowing, making you feel the emotion alongside the characters she has created so vibrantly. A good end, too, for them; especially Emma, who I pitied for so much of the story.
Worth a read, as long as you can get through the slow pace that is used to give you an in-depth understanding of the characters.
February 12, 2019
Started off brilliant. I was really enjoying the book and it read easily. But, maybe I was after something else or misread the reviews but I was expecting more of a twist. Not disappointed but still didn't make me go wow either
February 12, 2018
A random grab from the library shelf, the synopsis and cover were appealing, but oversold the rather bland writing, with no real depth to any of the characters.
December 15, 2019
This book really had me wondering what i would do in the situation on the bus. Very thought provoking.
October 3, 2024
A brutal incident on a bus and down a residential road leads to fatal consequences - this book focuses on the impact on the relatives and witnesses ad on the legal consequences.
June 13, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
March 9, 2017
Less a crime novel and more a moral dilemna. Commences with an incident on a bus where one young man, Luke, is being harassed by three youths. The incident escalates, people on the bus do nothing bar Jason Barnes who appears from upstairs and tackles the group of three allowing Luke to run off. This incident ends in tragedy for both Luke and Jason and the story unfolds through the eyes of their parents and also a young woman Emma who witnessed the incident. It get me gripped, it's an easy uncomplicated read, accessibly written while exploring hard moral dilemnas. My first Staincliffe but I don't think it'll be my last
November 28, 2020
I love Staincliffe, she is fast becoming my favourite writer. If I am not sure what to read next, I choose one of her books in the knowledge it will be a satisfying read.
This was a horrifying tale of a brutal attack from the view of several witnesses, the court case and the aftermath and how, in a split second everything changes...
Beautifully written and insightful, highly recommended.
This was a horrifying tale of a brutal attack from the view of several witnesses, the court case and the aftermath and how, in a split second everything changes...
Beautifully written and insightful, highly recommended.
October 6, 2012
Emma is on her way home from work when three youths swagger onto the bus. They spot someone they know - another teenager, Luke - and start to harass him, taunting him with vile, racist names. Emma knows they should be stopped but she's afraid to stand up to them. Surely the driver will throw them off the bus for causing trouble. And what about the rugby player-framed man at the front of the bus? Shouldn't he step in?
But the only person willing to stick up for Luke is another youth. When Luke is struck, his head banging against the window, Jason demands they leave Luke alone. The three turn on Jason, giving Luke the opportunity to slip away. He is chased off the bus, with Jason following closely behind.
Emma is shocked when she reads the fate of the boys in the newspaper. One has died from a stab wound while another is seriously ill in hospital.
Split Second delves behind the headlines, telling the story of those affected by such crimes, showing how they cope with their grief and anger and the guilt and then courage of the witnesses who are willing to come forward to first help the police piece together the facts and evidence and then stand up in court to ensure justice for the victims.
Right from the start it was clear Split Second was going to be an intense read with no happily ever afters but it was a powerful, emotional read that kept me turning the pages to see what the outcome would be. I really felt for Emma, whose confidence had been crushed from an early age. She hadn't felt able to stand up for Luke on the bus, which left her weighed down by guilt but she somehow found the strength to go to court as a witness and I think this allowed her to grow as a person.
Split Second is a tough but compelling read and one that is very relevant today.
But the only person willing to stick up for Luke is another youth. When Luke is struck, his head banging against the window, Jason demands they leave Luke alone. The three turn on Jason, giving Luke the opportunity to slip away. He is chased off the bus, with Jason following closely behind.
Emma is shocked when she reads the fate of the boys in the newspaper. One has died from a stab wound while another is seriously ill in hospital.
Split Second delves behind the headlines, telling the story of those affected by such crimes, showing how they cope with their grief and anger and the guilt and then courage of the witnesses who are willing to come forward to first help the police piece together the facts and evidence and then stand up in court to ensure justice for the victims.
Right from the start it was clear Split Second was going to be an intense read with no happily ever afters but it was a powerful, emotional read that kept me turning the pages to see what the outcome would be. I really felt for Emma, whose confidence had been crushed from an early age. She hadn't felt able to stand up for Luke on the bus, which left her weighed down by guilt but she somehow found the strength to go to court as a witness and I think this allowed her to grow as a person.
Split Second is a tough but compelling read and one that is very relevant today.
October 10, 2013
I picked this book up off the libraray shelf, it was a quick decision. I had just read a Mark Billingham so am in a crime mode.... I was wary that it would be sad, so I toyed with the idea of reading it, but I'm glad I did, I really enjoyed, it, a definete page turner, & at the same time, really emotional, so many times I welled up. Kept on thinking how I would feel/do if I was in Andrew and Vals shoes, totally devasting!! But I read on and am glad I did. This is hard, gritty and ever so reflective of what is happening on our streets!!! I really like the character of Emma, and am glad she put her dad in his place:) The court case scenario I found quite hard to read, in terms of "they are going to get away it"..."please..no" kind of thing...
Just made me be appreciative of the little things I have in life, and also of my girls childhood, how quick that will pass by...and all the memories that people so dearly cling onto. This book is not for the emotionally weak...a real eye opener and tear jerker, will def read another bok from this author...:)
Just made me be appreciative of the little things I have in life, and also of my girls childhood, how quick that will pass by...and all the memories that people so dearly cling onto. This book is not for the emotionally weak...a real eye opener and tear jerker, will def read another bok from this author...:)
May 5, 2013
Though this is a book you would find in the Crime Fiction section of a bookshop, it takes the crime fiction reader into new territory: the journey is challenging, thought-provoking, and moving.
Split Second is a sensitive and courageous exploration of the devastation caused by a mindless act of violence. The story is told from different viewpoints: the passive witness and the parents of the victims. This cannot have been an easy approach but the author has handled the complexity of the narrators' reactions with incredible insight and sensitivity.
The book confronts the reader with the question of what he or she would do in this situation. It forces the reader to examine values, think about right or wrong - this is achieved without being preachy - Cath Staincliffe is always compassionate and humane.
Having said all that, the book is tremendously enjoyable, totally engrossing and despite the difficult subject matter, life-affirming. A very satisfying read.
Split Second is a sensitive and courageous exploration of the devastation caused by a mindless act of violence. The story is told from different viewpoints: the passive witness and the parents of the victims. This cannot have been an easy approach but the author has handled the complexity of the narrators' reactions with incredible insight and sensitivity.
The book confronts the reader with the question of what he or she would do in this situation. It forces the reader to examine values, think about right or wrong - this is achieved without being preachy - Cath Staincliffe is always compassionate and humane.
Having said all that, the book is tremendously enjoyable, totally engrossing and despite the difficult subject matter, life-affirming. A very satisfying read.
June 19, 2013
An incident on a bus - three youths picking on a boy they know. A bystander who intervenes and follows them off the bus. A vicious beating and a stabbing later and the boy is in a coma while the bystander is dead. The story is told through the eyes of three people who's lives are changed by this crime. Andrew is the dead man's father and struggles with his own grief while his marriage falls apart. Louise is the single mother who has to juggle the needs of her talented daughter with her beloved but wild son who lies indefinitely in a coma. Emma is the shy, lonely young woman who saw the incident on the bus and is haunted by her lack of action.
Unputdownable. I don't often read modern crime fiction, but this book absolutely gripped me. It's a book that asks "what would you do?" And what might be the consequences?
Unputdownable. I don't often read modern crime fiction, but this book absolutely gripped me. It's a book that asks "what would you do?" And what might be the consequences?
October 17, 2014
Whilst I thought the idea sounded particularly interesting, and the general theme of the book is reasonably thought provoking, I just didn't like the execution. The writing seemed to lack depth and meaning as it was very basic, and for that reason it wasn't something capable of gripping me in any way. I liken it to someone who writes exactly what they're thinking or exactly what they want to say, rather than the thoughtful crafting that some authors seem to employ. Without that, it misses the spark.
For me, it was far too 'modern' in that the likes of Facebook, Twitter e.t.c. featured far too much for my liking. This is more of a personal niggle though, rather than something that I felt was poor.
For me, it was far too 'modern' in that the likes of Facebook, Twitter e.t.c. featured far too much for my liking. This is more of a personal niggle though, rather than something that I felt was poor.
January 21, 2016
I think a preschooler could have written this story better. The storyline had so much potential and was an interesting concept that the author attempted to explore. But the actual writing was so turgid. The layers of language to describe emotions were painful to read. The occasional uses of colloquialisms to add an accent to one of the characters simply wasn't enough to create a true sense of an accent. It was just distracting and annoying; think 'yer' to denote a 'common' northern accent.
The characters were unlikable and cliched. The hard-working, down on her luck single mum. The overeating, bulimic, cutting young woman crippled by low self-esteem (but it's ok because by the end she speaks in text speak! Life is good!).
Honestly, truly terrible.
The characters were unlikable and cliched. The hard-working, down on her luck single mum. The overeating, bulimic, cutting young woman crippled by low self-esteem (but it's ok because by the end she speaks in text speak! Life is good!).
Honestly, truly terrible.
October 5, 2018
A good book, not a mystery or a thriller per se, more of a drama or psychological novel (with a procedural ending) dealing with the aftermath of a violent event which took lives of two teenagers just before Christmas.
I liked the characters, thought they were pretty well described and developed for a novel this long, the character Emma who is insecure and vulnerable because of lifelong emotional abuse at home but near the ending manages to overcome her issues (and make some important overdue decisions) has a special place in my heart ❤️
I liked the characters, thought they were pretty well described and developed for a novel this long, the character Emma who is insecure and vulnerable because of lifelong emotional abuse at home but near the ending manages to overcome her issues (and make some important overdue decisions) has a special place in my heart ❤️
February 24, 2014
This is a brilliant book; very well-written and thought-provoking. The subject matter is very upsetting, and I was initially unsure about reading as I am getting squeamish in my old age, but it is handled very sensitively and intelligently. I became totally engrossed in the story and the characters who are dealing with the repercussions of the short but life-changing event, and I spent most of the courtroom section of the book in tears. Not an enjoyable read, but a very very good one.
January 11, 2015
A gripping read. Two innocent young men are viciously attacked, one left to die and the other fighting for his life. The story of their families, their grief, anger and sadness. Eventually the instigators are charged and both families' have to sit through the gruelling court case. Another fantastic novel by Cath Staincliffe
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