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The Coffin Club
Everyone deserves a second chance. Don't they?
Kat is rebuilding her life. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, moving to the countryside is her chance to start again.
Encouraged by her new and only friend Ginny, Kat joins New Horizons, dubbed the Coffin Club by its members. And that's how she meets Nico. Instantly drawn to each other, Nico seems like Kat's perfect match. He is kind, caring, handsome and, most importantly, a father to five-year-old Magdalena. This could be Kat's shot at the one thing she has always wanted: to be a mother.
BUT SOMETIMES BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…
Kat is rebuilding her life. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, moving to the countryside is her chance to start again.
Encouraged by her new and only friend Ginny, Kat joins New Horizons, dubbed the Coffin Club by its members. And that's how she meets Nico. Instantly drawn to each other, Nico seems like Kat's perfect match. He is kind, caring, handsome and, most importantly, a father to five-year-old Magdalena. This could be Kat's shot at the one thing she has always wanted: to be a mother.
BUT SOMETIMES BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…
375 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2022
9 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 27, 2022
well, this felt a bit too long and
the ending was quite unsurprising,
but the author's evident affection for
her exquisitely crafted morally grey
trio of characters kept me going.
the ending was quite unsurprising,
but the author's evident affection for
her exquisitely crafted morally grey
trio of characters kept me going.
March 22, 2022
Kat is rebuilding her life after losing her husband in a tragic accident, moving to the countryside is her chance to start again. Encouraged by her one and only friend Ginny, Kat joins New Horizons, dubbed the Coffin Club by it's members. And that's how she meets Nico. Instantly drawn to each other, Nico seems like Kat's perfect match. He's kind, caring, handsome and, most importantly, a father to five year old Magdalena. This could be Kat's shot at the one thing she's always wanted: to be a mother.
This dark, suspenseful, twist filled read will keep you turning the pages. Kat's husband had recently passed away. She finds it hard to connect with people so she joins a local widows group, New Horizons, who lovingly call themselves the coffin club. There, she meets Nico, who seems the tonic she needs to help her move on. But when things seem too good to be true, it's normally a warning sign. I was intrigued title and it did not disappoint. I liked that Kat spoke to her late husband as if he was still alive. The story is told from Kat's perspective. I didn't really like any of the characters. It did take a few chapters for me to get into the story, but once I was in, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #OneworldPublications and the author #JacquelineSutherland for my ARC of #TheCoffinClub in exchange for an honest review.
This dark, suspenseful, twist filled read will keep you turning the pages. Kat's husband had recently passed away. She finds it hard to connect with people so she joins a local widows group, New Horizons, who lovingly call themselves the coffin club. There, she meets Nico, who seems the tonic she needs to help her move on. But when things seem too good to be true, it's normally a warning sign. I was intrigued title and it did not disappoint. I liked that Kat spoke to her late husband as if he was still alive. The story is told from Kat's perspective. I didn't really like any of the characters. It did take a few chapters for me to get into the story, but once I was in, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #OneworldPublications and the author #JacquelineSutherland for my ARC of #TheCoffinClub in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
For whatever reason the minute I started this I was fully involved, the author has a beautiful flow to her writing that sinks you into it immediately.
I think this story lived vividly through its main protagonist, Kat, a widow hiding out in the countryside licking her wounds, slowly becoming part of the community and finding everything she ever wanted. But it all comes at a price...
I loved how the story evolved over the read, full of underlying tension and slowly making you aware of the unreliability of the events unfolding.
An excellent debut. Will definitely be following this author in the future.
I think this story lived vividly through its main protagonist, Kat, a widow hiding out in the countryside licking her wounds, slowly becoming part of the community and finding everything she ever wanted. But it all comes at a price...
I loved how the story evolved over the read, full of underlying tension and slowly making you aware of the unreliability of the events unfolding.
An excellent debut. Will definitely be following this author in the future.
May 13, 2022
I have mixed feelings towards The Coffin Club. On the one hand, it is well written and gets your attention from the word go. On the other, i think it has been hyped a bit too much, which definitely affected my reading experience.
The protagonist moves between the past and the present and tells us the story entirely in the first person. She is a grieving widow who, ironically, starts a new chapter in her life the day she decides to end it. She joins a group for finding new love for people who have lost their partners and even finds one. And then, well, the author starts messing with her head, and ours (Not giving a summary of the plot in detail here).
I have to hand it to Sutherland that she sucked me right into the narrative and used the first person narrative very well. We get glimpses of her first marriage spread throughout the book and they add a new aspect to the entire action. But. But the ultimate 'twist' which i found so well praised was something that i could predict. It took the predictable route out and so, ultimately, made me feel a little disappointed. What irritated me more, though, was that this ends up being another of those books which take motherhood/loss of a child as a plot device in the most repeated of ways. This trope is really beginning to tire me.
Overall, 3.5 stars. And i will definitely read the next book by her.
The protagonist moves between the past and the present and tells us the story entirely in the first person. She is a grieving widow who, ironically, starts a new chapter in her life the day she decides to end it. She joins a group for finding new love for people who have lost their partners and even finds one. And then, well, the author starts messing with her head, and ours (Not giving a summary of the plot in detail here).
I have to hand it to Sutherland that she sucked me right into the narrative and used the first person narrative very well. We get glimpses of her first marriage spread throughout the book and they add a new aspect to the entire action. But. But the ultimate 'twist' which i found so well praised was something that i could predict. It took the predictable route out and so, ultimately, made me feel a little disappointed. What irritated me more, though, was that this ends up being another of those books which take motherhood/loss of a child as a plot device in the most repeated of ways. This trope is really beginning to tire me.
Overall, 3.5 stars. And i will definitely read the next book by her.
April 7, 2022
Kat tragically lost her husband in a car accident, which left her with facial scarring, & she moves to another part of the country to an isolated house to start anew. Things aren't going too well especially when she decides to end it all, but hits a young deer whilst driving in the bad weather. Panicking, Kat takes the deer to a local wildlife rescue & makes friends with the owner, Ginny, who is spending every hour working to try & raise money to keep the rescue open. Helping out at the rescue sees things slowly improve, & Kat joins a local group for widows/widowers called New Horizons, (known as the Coffin Club by its members), & meets Nico, who lost his wife in a boating accident. Kat & Nico are drawn to each other, but Kat especially loves being 'mum' to his young daughter, Magdalena (whom Kat calls Midge). When circumstances threaten to take them both away, Kat proposes marriage to enable them to stay. At first things are idyllic, but Kat gradually realises that Nico is keeping something from her, & when things threaten to fall apart, she wonders why she married a man she barely knows.
The narrative is all from Kat & starts off with her visiting the grave of her first husband, Sam, & recounting what has happened since he died. The reader learns that Kat really wanted children but a series of unfortunate events denied her wish to become a mother. I wasn't keen on Kat at first, & to be honest, I nearly gave up reading about a third of the way through, but I'm glad I didn't as the author really pulled it round in the ending of the book. I couldn't find any other books from the author on Goodreads or Amazon UK, so if this is their first book, then heck, it's impressive. The only thing I didn't like were a couple of instances of animal death/abuse - this was what almost made me DNF the book. I guessed some of the final twist but not all of it, & there are subtle clues along the way & I could kick myself for not picking up on all of them.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Oneworld Publishing/Point Blank, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The narrative is all from Kat & starts off with her visiting the grave of her first husband, Sam, & recounting what has happened since he died. The reader learns that Kat really wanted children but a series of unfortunate events denied her wish to become a mother. I wasn't keen on Kat at first, & to be honest, I nearly gave up reading about a third of the way through, but I'm glad I didn't as the author really pulled it round in the ending of the book. I couldn't find any other books from the author on Goodreads or Amazon UK, so if this is their first book, then heck, it's impressive. The only thing I didn't like were a couple of instances of animal death/abuse - this was what almost made me DNF the book. I guessed some of the final twist but not all of it, & there are subtle clues along the way & I could kick myself for not picking up on all of them.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Oneworld Publishing/Point Blank, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
June 22, 2023
I feel like the story dragged at times and was rushed at others. I also think the big plot twist at the end was so predictable but also came out of nowhere all at once. I found all the characters so unlikeable and the writing was really awkward most of the time. Also, weird commentary about Brexit and migrants in the UK. Not my cup of tea at all.
May 5, 2022
Loved this taut and well written thriller from a talented new author! Brilliantly paced and plotted and with lots of unpredictable twists and turns. Had me captivated right to the end. Very much looking forward to the next book from this author!
April 12, 2022
The love between a mother and a child is unique, nothing compares to this unconditional love. The Coffin Club looks at that love and explores how far some women would go to be a mother. When you open this book, you will find an intriguing read that will consume you, only to drop you back to reality with an ending you did not expect. This book had me reading way past my normal bedtime.
The author tells the story from Kat’s point of view. I love how she draws this character in detail, sharing all her faults and flaws. She describes the horrible scar on her face and gives the reader a front-row seat to the character's insecurities, her needs and her dreams. You feel this woman’s ache for a child as well as her love for her mother. This debut novel is beautifully written, I am very keen to see what Jacqueline Sutherland brings us next.
Kat loses her husband in a car accident and is left with a scar running down her face that serves as a daily reminder of what she has lost. Kat moves to the countryside, trying to distance herself from the memories and the loss of her chance to be a mother. Hiding away in an old house that needs attention Kat decides that she no longer wants to live. She climbs into her car, determined to end her life. However, a twist of fate leads her to meet Ginny, a peculiar local woman who runs an animal sanctuary. They become friends and Ginny puts Kat to work at the sanctuary, as Kat starts to rebuild her life Ginny encourages her to put herself out there, meet new people and open herself up to a new relationship.
Kat joins a local club for widows and widower who are looking for a second chance at love. Members refer to the club as “The Coffin Club”. Her first club meeting introduces her to fellow newbie Nico, a Spanish immigrant who has lost his wife. Fascinated by this good looking man who appears to like her, Kat quickly finds out that Nico has a five-year-old daughter, Magdalena, ‘Midge’. This little girl is everything that Kat has ever wanted. Can she keep Nico in her life, is this her chance to finally be a mother?
Opening this book, I was not sure what to expect. As I started reading, I found myself thinking that this is not your typical psychological thriller. Yet, as I kept reading, I lost myself in the story. I discovered that the people in Kat’s world were not exactly what they appeared to be, something just did not feel right. This left me racing through the book eager to see where this story was heading. I loved what the author did with this story – I am not going to spoil it, you will need to read it to find out for yourself – but believe me – no-one is who they appear to be!
I loved Kat. The author did a fantastic job with this character. I could see this woman’s face as I was reading and feel her pain. She was beautifully drawn with loads of detail. This flawed woman is broken both physically and emotionally and your heart breaks for her as her story unfolds. Throughout most of the book, I just wanted to hug her. Ginny is an interesting character too, again I could picture this woman. The author managed to bring these women to life for me. I could see them as I turned the pages. The best part is I completely misjudged the characters in this book – yep, while I knew something was up – I got it all wrong! (You need to read the book to understand what I mean by that.)
This debut deserves a five-star! I loved this book! There is no other way to say it. It’s a great story that left me reading late into the night and I misjudged everyone. What a brilliant read!
This book falls into the psychological thriller genre, yet it reads a little differently. Only when all the pieces fall into place do you understand what makes it what it is. If you are keen on an intriguing, page-turner that leaves you racing to reach the last page – you will love The Coffin Club. But be warned, this book will leave you doubting your ability to read people. I cannot recommend this one highly enough! Add it to your TBR – it is a wonderful read – you will not be left disappointed.
https://featzreviews.com
The author tells the story from Kat’s point of view. I love how she draws this character in detail, sharing all her faults and flaws. She describes the horrible scar on her face and gives the reader a front-row seat to the character's insecurities, her needs and her dreams. You feel this woman’s ache for a child as well as her love for her mother. This debut novel is beautifully written, I am very keen to see what Jacqueline Sutherland brings us next.
Kat loses her husband in a car accident and is left with a scar running down her face that serves as a daily reminder of what she has lost. Kat moves to the countryside, trying to distance herself from the memories and the loss of her chance to be a mother. Hiding away in an old house that needs attention Kat decides that she no longer wants to live. She climbs into her car, determined to end her life. However, a twist of fate leads her to meet Ginny, a peculiar local woman who runs an animal sanctuary. They become friends and Ginny puts Kat to work at the sanctuary, as Kat starts to rebuild her life Ginny encourages her to put herself out there, meet new people and open herself up to a new relationship.
Kat joins a local club for widows and widower who are looking for a second chance at love. Members refer to the club as “The Coffin Club”. Her first club meeting introduces her to fellow newbie Nico, a Spanish immigrant who has lost his wife. Fascinated by this good looking man who appears to like her, Kat quickly finds out that Nico has a five-year-old daughter, Magdalena, ‘Midge’. This little girl is everything that Kat has ever wanted. Can she keep Nico in her life, is this her chance to finally be a mother?
Opening this book, I was not sure what to expect. As I started reading, I found myself thinking that this is not your typical psychological thriller. Yet, as I kept reading, I lost myself in the story. I discovered that the people in Kat’s world were not exactly what they appeared to be, something just did not feel right. This left me racing through the book eager to see where this story was heading. I loved what the author did with this story – I am not going to spoil it, you will need to read it to find out for yourself – but believe me – no-one is who they appear to be!
I loved Kat. The author did a fantastic job with this character. I could see this woman’s face as I was reading and feel her pain. She was beautifully drawn with loads of detail. This flawed woman is broken both physically and emotionally and your heart breaks for her as her story unfolds. Throughout most of the book, I just wanted to hug her. Ginny is an interesting character too, again I could picture this woman. The author managed to bring these women to life for me. I could see them as I turned the pages. The best part is I completely misjudged the characters in this book – yep, while I knew something was up – I got it all wrong! (You need to read the book to understand what I mean by that.)
This debut deserves a five-star! I loved this book! There is no other way to say it. It’s a great story that left me reading late into the night and I misjudged everyone. What a brilliant read!
This book falls into the psychological thriller genre, yet it reads a little differently. Only when all the pieces fall into place do you understand what makes it what it is. If you are keen on an intriguing, page-turner that leaves you racing to reach the last page – you will love The Coffin Club. But be warned, this book will leave you doubting your ability to read people. I cannot recommend this one highly enough! Add it to your TBR – it is a wonderful read – you will not be left disappointed.
https://featzreviews.com
April 19, 2022
Bee-rilliant! This book is brilliant. A proper psychological thriller that has you on the edge of your seat, and feeling anxious as you know there’s a twist coming but you just can’t quite put your finger on what it is going to be! When the twist comes though you won’t be disappointed. I really enjoyed the perfectly tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the story as it is set in a almost minimalist setting with the only locations being very rural. The characters in this book are very well written but I especially liked the narrator Kat but whether she is reliable or not is up to you…
May 11, 2022
But let me start at the beginning, when I moved to Lower Doyle after your funeral, looking for a new start. I bought The Nook, and met Ginny. But I hadn't yet heard of the New Horizons Club, where it really all began when I met Nico, my new husband. The club that promised "a second chance to find love". Little did I know what lay ahead.
My final book from my My Chronicle Book Box and I was sadly a little disappointed.
Less of a murder mystery and more of a suspenseful thriller set in rural England. The story is told by Kat, relaying her changes in fortune at her husband's graveside.
Since the fateful night of his death in a tragic car accident, which left Kat scarred across her face, she has struggled to rebuild her life, falling deeper into a pit of depression. That all changes when Kat meets Ginny, a local eccentric who runs an animal sanctuary. Finding a new purpose in life, Kat joins "New Howizons", a club for the recently widowed and bereaved. There she meets Nico and her life seems to be back on tract! However, not everything is as it seems!
It was an easy read and I enjoyed the premise but I found Kat all a little bit too annoying and the twists and turns seemed to be signposted and easy to predict. Only 3 stars from me.
My final book from my My Chronicle Book Box and I was sadly a little disappointed.
Less of a murder mystery and more of a suspenseful thriller set in rural England. The story is told by Kat, relaying her changes in fortune at her husband's graveside.
Since the fateful night of his death in a tragic car accident, which left Kat scarred across her face, she has struggled to rebuild her life, falling deeper into a pit of depression. That all changes when Kat meets Ginny, a local eccentric who runs an animal sanctuary. Finding a new purpose in life, Kat joins "New Howizons", a club for the recently widowed and bereaved. There she meets Nico and her life seems to be back on tract! However, not everything is as it seems!
It was an easy read and I enjoyed the premise but I found Kat all a little bit too annoying and the twists and turns seemed to be signposted and easy to predict. Only 3 stars from me.
April 14, 2022
What a surprising read. From the cover and the title this was not what I thought it would be about.
I loved the short sharp chapters. And twisty as hell.
If you love a good psychological thriller this one is for you!
I loved the short sharp chapters. And twisty as hell.
If you love a good psychological thriller this one is for you!
January 7, 2025
A LOT of crazy people in this book. (Wasn't sure what to expect, bought it in a charity auction, the blurb on the back refers to "romantic noir" which seems fair). Easily read over about 2 days. Not as long as it looks due to a lot of blank pages between very short chapters.
April 7, 2022
OMG this book was everything I wanted and a whole heap more, it just kept on going and going with shocking and surprising twists and turns that I never saw coming. I felt as though it lead me up the garden path but I should of been going up the other instead. I loved how the drama builds you never know how the story is going to unfold, nothing is as it seems and it seems uncertain but you are not really sure if it is or not. I loved the characters and they are all unique in their own way, there could be women out there that can relate to how Kat was feeling about her situation, I am not saying I agree with what she did but I can understand that wanting feeling. I read this book in two days and was thinking about what I would do in that situation and also how the story would finish, though I didn't want it to finish, the ending blew me away. I cannot wait to see what Jacqueline is going to write about next. She is definitely an author I will be reading more of in the future. This would make a great film.
April 8, 2022
Astonishingly this is a debut and I say astonishingly as it is so accomplished. Starting at a graveside it hooked me instantly with its raw and honest detail on grief but then this book did nothing but lie and pathologically so.
Looking back, after finishing, I realised the clues had been there all along. I had just been so swept up and cleverly misled and not just by who I thought.
Kat I immediately felt a sense of nurture towards. Her multiple losses were more than enough to break even the sanest person and when more came to light I continued to feel even more strongly for her. But like I said earlier this book lies.
This is beautifully dark, with dark humour and even darker subject matters. It is really all about obsessions and how far some are willing to go to get what they want.
With some clever twists, horrible deaths and a devil of an ending this book should be your next obsession and one you will definitely want.
Looking back, after finishing, I realised the clues had been there all along. I had just been so swept up and cleverly misled and not just by who I thought.
Kat I immediately felt a sense of nurture towards. Her multiple losses were more than enough to break even the sanest person and when more came to light I continued to feel even more strongly for her. But like I said earlier this book lies.
This is beautifully dark, with dark humour and even darker subject matters. It is really all about obsessions and how far some are willing to go to get what they want.
With some clever twists, horrible deaths and a devil of an ending this book should be your next obsession and one you will definitely want.
March 18, 2024
BOOK CLUB READ - I think this was a very well thought out story. I had no idea what the twist was going to be but I’m glad it ended the way it did! I did think the ending was awfully abrupt? Just how everything happened all at once and it took 300 pages to get there?
Kat seems to be quite a few screws loose and she evidently couldn’t want anything more than being a mum.
I was baffled when I got halfway through the book and they were married, I thought to myself how is this book not over yet seeing as she got her happy ending?
It’s definitely something different but I would recommend this book!!
Kat seems to be quite a few screws loose and she evidently couldn’t want anything more than being a mum.
I was baffled when I got halfway through the book and they were married, I thought to myself how is this book not over yet seeing as she got her happy ending?
It’s definitely something different but I would recommend this book!!
October 2, 2024
Not the best thriller I've read and I had already figured out what was going on about half of the way through but enjoyable enough. You don't hear many people talking about this book but it's worth a read as an introduction into the thriller genre.
May 30, 2024
Actually kinda slapped
April 19, 2022
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coffin Club and was hooked from beginning to end. It’s a well-written, slow-burning, suspenseful, dark, twisty read and brilliantly plotted.
The characters are well developed, although none of them are particularly likeable.
I did have a few ideas on where I thought the story would go, but (happily) I still managed to miss a couple of the big twists.
Overall, an excellent psychological thriller and a fabulous debut novel — looking forward to reading more from Jacqueline Sutherland in the future.
Many thanks to the publisher for the proof copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coffin Club and was hooked from beginning to end. It’s a well-written, slow-burning, suspenseful, dark, twisty read and brilliantly plotted.
The characters are well developed, although none of them are particularly likeable.
I did have a few ideas on where I thought the story would go, but (happily) I still managed to miss a couple of the big twists.
Overall, an excellent psychological thriller and a fabulous debut novel — looking forward to reading more from Jacqueline Sutherland in the future.
Many thanks to the publisher for the proof copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 6, 2022
4.25 stars
May 15, 2022
Oh Boy, I absolutely loved this book. From the opening chapter which almost had me in tears as Kat is clearing Ivy off of her late husband Sam’s grave. She then sits there are tells the story of what has been happening since he passed away. But also some chapters tell of their lives together, how they met, how things were in the marriage, his death.
The whole story is narrated by Kat in first person. But how reliable is Kat as a narrator, after all we have to believe what she is telling us. She was devastated after Sam died, she was wealthy and would never have to worry about money. She buys a cottage in the countryside but isn’t coping with life very well. She is at rock bottom. But then she meets Ginny who has an animal sanctuary not too far away, she takes in start animals injured animals, she’s a bit of a hippie, she doesn’t look after herself everything is about the animals. But Kat and Ginnie become friends, Kat begins helping out at the sanctuary which becomes a form of therapy and brings her back to life. She’s never had a friend before. Her mum had died when she was seven, she was then raised by an aunt who didn’t want her, she had no friends at school. At 18 her aunt threw her out. So she was on her own, until she met and fell in love with Sam. All she wanted now was children and her life would be perfect. But it wasn’t meant to be.
After a couple of months of helping Ginny, she suggested it was time Kat started dating again. Kat wasn’t initially keen. But then a leaflet came through the door advertising New Horizons it was a dating group who had all lost their partners. Kat went along to a meeting but was terrified but she was made to feel welcome. It’s hers she meets Nico who was from Spain his wife had died in a boating accident and he had a 5 year old daughter Magdalena. For Kat that is perfect, they begin dating. But with Brexit Nico fears he could be asked to leave the country and Kat couldn’t bear to lose Magdalena. So she asks Nico to marry her.
Nico works in a care home, the residents seem to love him. Except one family put in a complaint that he is trying to get their mother to change her will, Nico is suspended whilst they investigate. He swears he was helping the resident change the Will to give her money to the son who visits her.
As the story moves along there are chapters interspersed of Kat’s marriage to Sam and how things were, his death. I liked Kat but then at times I didn’t at times I thought her selfish and obsessive. Then other times I liked her again. I wasn’t sure on Nico had he married her for her money or did he love her. Gradually the suspense builds almost without you noticing it which is really cleverly done, the tension starts to grip you. At no stage in this book was I bored I was engrossed completely all the way through. I think the way the writing just flows so well.
As it comes towards the end I had suspicions but I was so off the mark the writer completely blindsided me in such a clever way. I picked this book up at around 12 lunchtime and could not put it down until 1.30 am when I needed to get some sleep I only had 90 pages left to read.
This is a story about obsession, greed, loneliness, it is engrossing with characters that are so believable and three dimensional. I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter and I couldn’t put the book down.
I would like to thank @PointBlankCrime for an ARC if this book I cannot wait to see what the author writes next. This one is going in one of my top reads for 2022.
The whole story is narrated by Kat in first person. But how reliable is Kat as a narrator, after all we have to believe what she is telling us. She was devastated after Sam died, she was wealthy and would never have to worry about money. She buys a cottage in the countryside but isn’t coping with life very well. She is at rock bottom. But then she meets Ginny who has an animal sanctuary not too far away, she takes in start animals injured animals, she’s a bit of a hippie, she doesn’t look after herself everything is about the animals. But Kat and Ginnie become friends, Kat begins helping out at the sanctuary which becomes a form of therapy and brings her back to life. She’s never had a friend before. Her mum had died when she was seven, she was then raised by an aunt who didn’t want her, she had no friends at school. At 18 her aunt threw her out. So she was on her own, until she met and fell in love with Sam. All she wanted now was children and her life would be perfect. But it wasn’t meant to be.
After a couple of months of helping Ginny, she suggested it was time Kat started dating again. Kat wasn’t initially keen. But then a leaflet came through the door advertising New Horizons it was a dating group who had all lost their partners. Kat went along to a meeting but was terrified but she was made to feel welcome. It’s hers she meets Nico who was from Spain his wife had died in a boating accident and he had a 5 year old daughter Magdalena. For Kat that is perfect, they begin dating. But with Brexit Nico fears he could be asked to leave the country and Kat couldn’t bear to lose Magdalena. So she asks Nico to marry her.
Nico works in a care home, the residents seem to love him. Except one family put in a complaint that he is trying to get their mother to change her will, Nico is suspended whilst they investigate. He swears he was helping the resident change the Will to give her money to the son who visits her.
As the story moves along there are chapters interspersed of Kat’s marriage to Sam and how things were, his death. I liked Kat but then at times I didn’t at times I thought her selfish and obsessive. Then other times I liked her again. I wasn’t sure on Nico had he married her for her money or did he love her. Gradually the suspense builds almost without you noticing it which is really cleverly done, the tension starts to grip you. At no stage in this book was I bored I was engrossed completely all the way through. I think the way the writing just flows so well.
As it comes towards the end I had suspicions but I was so off the mark the writer completely blindsided me in such a clever way. I picked this book up at around 12 lunchtime and could not put it down until 1.30 am when I needed to get some sleep I only had 90 pages left to read.
This is a story about obsession, greed, loneliness, it is engrossing with characters that are so believable and three dimensional. I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter and I couldn’t put the book down.
I would like to thank @PointBlankCrime for an ARC if this book I cannot wait to see what the author writes next. This one is going in one of my top reads for 2022.
August 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Although the ending didn’t shock me, I liked it.
Nice enjoyable thriller
Although the ending didn’t shock me, I liked it.
Nice enjoyable thriller
April 17, 2022
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
Tense and suspenseful, The Coffin Club is all about one woman's desire for one thing - to become a mother.
Newly widowed Kat is in a dark place, grieving the loss of her husband and the family they would never have. Following his tragic death, Kat moves away to the countryside in the hope of starting afresh but soon finds the loneliness is more than she can bear.
Following a chance encounter with neighbour Ginny, Kat's life starts to change for the better. With a new friend and a new purpose in her life, she slowly starts to pick up the pieces. So, when Ginny suggests she join New Horizons, a dating club for people who have lost partners, Kat plucks up the courage to go along.
Of course, when she meets handsome, charming Nico, it seems as though Kat may finally have found her place in the world. And to top it all off, Nico has a young daughter in need of a mother. All Kat's dreams seem to have come true at once, but after all, when are things ever as good as they seem?
The plot is initially quite slow-paced, introducing all the key characters before any action starts to happen. However, this doesn't mean it's boring. Instead, it's nice to get more of a background and understand what really makes each character tick. Of course, there are plenty of secrets and skeletons in the closet, and in some ways, this veers more towards the psychological than just a standard thriller novel.
The Coffin Club is full of twists and turns, with surprises around every corner. There are some red herrings to keep you guessing, and the big reveal is both shocking and unexpected. It's pulled off well, although I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed.
A gripping read, The Coffin Club is a disquieting story where nothing is quite as it seems.
Tense and suspenseful, The Coffin Club is all about one woman's desire for one thing - to become a mother.
Newly widowed Kat is in a dark place, grieving the loss of her husband and the family they would never have. Following his tragic death, Kat moves away to the countryside in the hope of starting afresh but soon finds the loneliness is more than she can bear.
Following a chance encounter with neighbour Ginny, Kat's life starts to change for the better. With a new friend and a new purpose in her life, she slowly starts to pick up the pieces. So, when Ginny suggests she join New Horizons, a dating club for people who have lost partners, Kat plucks up the courage to go along.
Of course, when she meets handsome, charming Nico, it seems as though Kat may finally have found her place in the world. And to top it all off, Nico has a young daughter in need of a mother. All Kat's dreams seem to have come true at once, but after all, when are things ever as good as they seem?
The plot is initially quite slow-paced, introducing all the key characters before any action starts to happen. However, this doesn't mean it's boring. Instead, it's nice to get more of a background and understand what really makes each character tick. Of course, there are plenty of secrets and skeletons in the closet, and in some ways, this veers more towards the psychological than just a standard thriller novel.
The Coffin Club is full of twists and turns, with surprises around every corner. There are some red herrings to keep you guessing, and the big reveal is both shocking and unexpected. It's pulled off well, although I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed.
A gripping read, The Coffin Club is a disquieting story where nothing is quite as it seems.
March 15, 2022
This was a good page turner - it's dark, suspenseful, and has more than a few twists. I liked how the story was told, as if Kat was talking to her dead husband. I thought that having just her point of view was a good way to build the suspense. The three main characters are all unlikeable, and while I enjoy stories with unlikeable characters, this just felt a little overdone. There were twists I didn't guess, and some of them had my jaw dropping. This was an enjoyable read & I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Oneworld Publications & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Oneworld Publications & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2022
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I really enjoyed it.
The story is about Kat, recently widowed and still trying to come to terms with her loss. After joining a new club for bereaved people, she meets Nico who seems just what she needs to help her move on. And she immediately falls in love with his small daughter, Magdalena. But things aren't always what they seem and soon Kat starts to question Nico's motives.
I loved the fact that I had no idea which direction the book was going to take and, just as you think you have one thing worked out, the author throws another twist in. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable, but perhaps they weren't meant to be. This didn't take anything away from the story for me.
I also didn't guess the ending, which is always a plus for me, as I read so many psychological thrillers. I'll definitely look out for the author's next book.
Thanks to publishers Oneworld Publications and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story is about Kat, recently widowed and still trying to come to terms with her loss. After joining a new club for bereaved people, she meets Nico who seems just what she needs to help her move on. And she immediately falls in love with his small daughter, Magdalena. But things aren't always what they seem and soon Kat starts to question Nico's motives.
I loved the fact that I had no idea which direction the book was going to take and, just as you think you have one thing worked out, the author throws another twist in. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable, but perhaps they weren't meant to be. This didn't take anything away from the story for me.
I also didn't guess the ending, which is always a plus for me, as I read so many psychological thrillers. I'll definitely look out for the author's next book.
Thanks to publishers Oneworld Publications and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2021
The perfect disquieting read, which neatly presents each element of the story and then puts them together in a way you won't see coming.
Perfect for those who like their thrillers a little darker, their protagonists murkier and their moralities in shades of grey.
Many thanks to Oneworld for the advance copy.
Perfect for those who like their thrillers a little darker, their protagonists murkier and their moralities in shades of grey.
Many thanks to Oneworld for the advance copy.
May 6, 2022
After a tragic car accident that killed her husband, Kat attempts to rebuild her life by moving to the countryside. She locks herself away and falls further into darkness believing the only way out is to end her life. However when her car collides with a deer she is brought to Ginny who runs the local animal sanctuary. She soon becomes involved in helping out with the animals and slowly starts to begin living again. When a flyer advertising New Horizons, a group who are looking for a second chance at love lands on her doorstep she starts wondering if she should check it out. Encouraged by Ginny who has become her only friend she joins and meets Nico on her first night. Kat is instantly draw to him, he’s kind, caring and best of all has a five year old daughter, Magdalena. They soon start to date and Kat is introduced to Magdalena. Kat forms a bond and goes into mama bear mode, she would kill for Magdalena. Kat and Nico appear a perfect match for each other, both have lost their spouses and they joke about New Horizons calling it the Coffin Club. Yet there is something that doesn’t feel right as Nico starts to have secret phone calls and withdraw large amounts of money from their joint account. Blindsided for her desire to cling onto her new found mother title Kat pushes it to the back of her mind. But it keeps creeping up until it’s too late and Kat is fighting for her life.
The narrative follows Kat as she visits her husband Sam’s grave. She recounts how much has changed since his death. She has remarried and become a mother, something she has always been desperate for and hopes Sam is happy for her. Kat talks about how after his death she sunk into a deep depression and she felt she did’t have anything to live for. She moved to the country, Lower Doyle and purchased a house which she calls the Nook, a doer-upper and hides away from the world. Thanks to her husband’s fortune Kat doesn’t need a job and lacks any sort of routine which only deepens her depression and loneliness. Not only did the accident scare Kat but it also left a physical scar across her face. A permanent reminder of her loss and the end to Sam and Kat Alexander. She is self-conscious of this and assumes that people stare and whisper when they see her. When Kat becomes friends with Ginny she starts to slowly piece her life back together. Kat spends her days working with the animals and her nights redecorating the house. The simple routines hold her together and she feels like she is on a recovery programme. The sanctuary gave her a reason to get up in the morning. Then the flyer comes through her door and she is tempted to start looking for love, love that could lead to her becoming a mother.
Kat is a complex and vulnerable character. She has a dark secret that once discovered will make the reader view her in a different light. Your heart breaks as you uncover her past and feel for her. She is so desperate for a child that she will do anything and I mean anything in order to be a mother that at times it is a little terrifying. It sends a chill down your spine as you suddenly realise how far she is willing to go to obtain her goal. She falls for Nico the moment she meets him and feels guilty about Sam but knows she has to move on if she is to ever have a child of her own. Their relationship moves at lighting speed and when Nico starts to act withdrawn Kat starts to question how much she really knows about him. He fled from Spain after the death of his wife and never talks about any of the family or friends he left behind. When their wedding photo turns up online Nico sees red and demands it is taken down. Thrown by this sudden outburst Kat begins to wondered what exactly happened in Spain. Her curiosity is only piqued more when they ran into an old friend of Nico’s at a duck race and Nico brushes him off. What is he hiding? This book will keep the reader guessing up until the very end. When I discovered the truth of it all, my blood ran cold dear reader.
At a first glance this book gives the reader the impression that this will be a story about a widow who will go on a journey of self discovery. But there’s so much more going on. There are so many layers, twists and turns that will have you on the edge on your seat. You feel scared at times as to just how far Kat is willing to go for what she wants.
I give The Coffin Club By Jacqueline Sutherland a Five out of Five paw rating
Intense and full of dark sinister secrets, this book will consume you until the very end.
I was addicted from the first page. I did not see the shocking twist coming even though it was right in front of me the whole time. Sutherland creates a suspense that makes you question everything you thought you knew. Who can you trust? Are you in danger from the people who are supposed to love you? It’s compelling and a MUST read for this year. I highly recommend, you will be left with your jaw on the floor.
The narrative follows Kat as she visits her husband Sam’s grave. She recounts how much has changed since his death. She has remarried and become a mother, something she has always been desperate for and hopes Sam is happy for her. Kat talks about how after his death she sunk into a deep depression and she felt she did’t have anything to live for. She moved to the country, Lower Doyle and purchased a house which she calls the Nook, a doer-upper and hides away from the world. Thanks to her husband’s fortune Kat doesn’t need a job and lacks any sort of routine which only deepens her depression and loneliness. Not only did the accident scare Kat but it also left a physical scar across her face. A permanent reminder of her loss and the end to Sam and Kat Alexander. She is self-conscious of this and assumes that people stare and whisper when they see her. When Kat becomes friends with Ginny she starts to slowly piece her life back together. Kat spends her days working with the animals and her nights redecorating the house. The simple routines hold her together and she feels like she is on a recovery programme. The sanctuary gave her a reason to get up in the morning. Then the flyer comes through her door and she is tempted to start looking for love, love that could lead to her becoming a mother.
Kat is a complex and vulnerable character. She has a dark secret that once discovered will make the reader view her in a different light. Your heart breaks as you uncover her past and feel for her. She is so desperate for a child that she will do anything and I mean anything in order to be a mother that at times it is a little terrifying. It sends a chill down your spine as you suddenly realise how far she is willing to go to obtain her goal. She falls for Nico the moment she meets him and feels guilty about Sam but knows she has to move on if she is to ever have a child of her own. Their relationship moves at lighting speed and when Nico starts to act withdrawn Kat starts to question how much she really knows about him. He fled from Spain after the death of his wife and never talks about any of the family or friends he left behind. When their wedding photo turns up online Nico sees red and demands it is taken down. Thrown by this sudden outburst Kat begins to wondered what exactly happened in Spain. Her curiosity is only piqued more when they ran into an old friend of Nico’s at a duck race and Nico brushes him off. What is he hiding? This book will keep the reader guessing up until the very end. When I discovered the truth of it all, my blood ran cold dear reader.
At a first glance this book gives the reader the impression that this will be a story about a widow who will go on a journey of self discovery. But there’s so much more going on. There are so many layers, twists and turns that will have you on the edge on your seat. You feel scared at times as to just how far Kat is willing to go for what she wants.
I give The Coffin Club By Jacqueline Sutherland a Five out of Five paw rating
Intense and full of dark sinister secrets, this book will consume you until the very end.
I was addicted from the first page. I did not see the shocking twist coming even though it was right in front of me the whole time. Sutherland creates a suspense that makes you question everything you thought you knew. Who can you trust? Are you in danger from the people who are supposed to love you? It’s compelling and a MUST read for this year. I highly recommend, you will be left with your jaw on the floor.
April 7, 2022
Title: The Coffin Club
Author: Jacqueline Sutherland
Publisher: Point Blank
Pages: 384
My Rating: 5/5
A huge thank you to Random Things Tours, Jacqueline Sutherland and Point Blank for allowing me to read and review The Coffin Club as part of the Book Tour!
Synopsis:
Kat is finally rebuilding her life after losing her husband in a tragic accident. Moving to the countryside, she is ready for this chance to re-start, after all, everyone deserves a second chance, don’t they?
Kat joins the New Horizons group aka The Coffin Club after encouragement from her new and only friend Ginny. This is how she meets charming Nico; they are instantly drawn to each other, and he seems like Kat’s perfect match. He is kind, caring, good-looking, and most importantly a widow and father to 5-year-old Magdalena. This could be the shot at one thing Kat has always wanted, to be a mother. However, sometimes you must be careful what you wish for!
Review:
The striking front cover of this caught my eye instantly, in fact, everything about this book screamed psychological thriller and I really couldn’t wait to get stuck in! Firstly, I have to say, the powerful opener really pulled me in! The author’s descriptions did a fantastic job of hooking you right in.
I liked how the story seemed to kick off right away, flashing between present and past, which was very clear and easy to follow. It allowed me to get into Kat’s head too which I enjoyed! The short, snappy chapters also kept this book moving at a very fast pace!
Jacqueline creates some very interesting characters in this story, it is safe to say they all kept me on my toes and they each had me feeling conflicted at times. One minute I’d feel very sorry for them and the next, I was shocked at some of their actions! After finishing the book, I still have no idea who I should’ve liked and disliked! Very cleverly done!
I could feel this book sinking its hooks into me, if I didn’t have to stop for other commitments, I could’ve devoured this in one sitting and when I wasn’t reading it all I could think about was getting back to it!
This really was a gripping page-turner, I love how dark it became in places, honestly, The Coffin Club is a real page-turner! It is full of secrets, twists, and turns and I really liked the fact I didn’t see some parts coming! I could really feel the tension and at times some of the characters had me quite chilled and not in a relaxed way!
The author really captivated me with this read, I connected with everything, and I would love to read more of her work in the future!
Author: Jacqueline Sutherland
Publisher: Point Blank
Pages: 384
My Rating: 5/5
A huge thank you to Random Things Tours, Jacqueline Sutherland and Point Blank for allowing me to read and review The Coffin Club as part of the Book Tour!
Synopsis:
Kat is finally rebuilding her life after losing her husband in a tragic accident. Moving to the countryside, she is ready for this chance to re-start, after all, everyone deserves a second chance, don’t they?
Kat joins the New Horizons group aka The Coffin Club after encouragement from her new and only friend Ginny. This is how she meets charming Nico; they are instantly drawn to each other, and he seems like Kat’s perfect match. He is kind, caring, good-looking, and most importantly a widow and father to 5-year-old Magdalena. This could be the shot at one thing Kat has always wanted, to be a mother. However, sometimes you must be careful what you wish for!
Review:
The striking front cover of this caught my eye instantly, in fact, everything about this book screamed psychological thriller and I really couldn’t wait to get stuck in! Firstly, I have to say, the powerful opener really pulled me in! The author’s descriptions did a fantastic job of hooking you right in.
I liked how the story seemed to kick off right away, flashing between present and past, which was very clear and easy to follow. It allowed me to get into Kat’s head too which I enjoyed! The short, snappy chapters also kept this book moving at a very fast pace!
Jacqueline creates some very interesting characters in this story, it is safe to say they all kept me on my toes and they each had me feeling conflicted at times. One minute I’d feel very sorry for them and the next, I was shocked at some of their actions! After finishing the book, I still have no idea who I should’ve liked and disliked! Very cleverly done!
I could feel this book sinking its hooks into me, if I didn’t have to stop for other commitments, I could’ve devoured this in one sitting and when I wasn’t reading it all I could think about was getting back to it!
This really was a gripping page-turner, I love how dark it became in places, honestly, The Coffin Club is a real page-turner! It is full of secrets, twists, and turns and I really liked the fact I didn’t see some parts coming! I could really feel the tension and at times some of the characters had me quite chilled and not in a relaxed way!
The author really captivated me with this read, I connected with everything, and I would love to read more of her work in the future!
March 28, 2022
Kat has had a traumatic life, mother died when she was young, unable to have children of her own, mentally fragile, and recently widowed after her husband died in a car crash, which left her facially scarred. On the plus side, her dead husband, Sam, was incredibly wealthy, not just in cash terms but with various properties around the country and the world, and she inherited it all. But all she wants is to be a mother, the one thing she can’t be naturally. Her best – only – friend, Ginny, runs a failing, debt ridden, animal sanctuary, where she becomes an unpaid assistant (mucker-out). At Ginny’s suggestion Kat joins a local group for the recently bereaved, known to its members as ‘The Coffin Club’. Here she meets and falls for Nico, a Spanish ex-pat (the story is set in the run up to Brexit) who, crucially, has a five year-old daughter. His background is a bit sketchy, hesitant, but Kat is happy to accept that his wife’s death had been tragic and that he has no surviving family and left Spain because he couldn’t cope with the memories. Thrown together they bond, marry and settle down in the idyllic cottage which Kat owns. But there are stresses building, centered around the differences between her life and that of those around her: Money, Work, History, Love. Is anyone, including Kat, entirely as they seem?
This is a psychological mystery story; it is not a thriller. It is told in the first person, by Kat, talking in her head to Sam; an effective device, although it does impose a linearity to the events (there are a few flashbacks but they are all still Kat talking to Sam about their experiences). The prose, though quite lyrical, takes a while to establish itself in the mind of the reader, and the plot takes even longer to get into anything other than that of a romantic love arising from tragedy. Suspicious elements infiltrate slowly and, with a few twists along the way, start to form a picture in the reader’s mind. It is not a challenge to work out what is happening and how it will end. So fairly enjoyable, but I’m not certain it will satisfy either side of its potential readership. A 3.5 rounded-up 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is a psychological mystery story; it is not a thriller. It is told in the first person, by Kat, talking in her head to Sam; an effective device, although it does impose a linearity to the events (there are a few flashbacks but they are all still Kat talking to Sam about their experiences). The prose, though quite lyrical, takes a while to establish itself in the mind of the reader, and the plot takes even longer to get into anything other than that of a romantic love arising from tragedy. Suspicious elements infiltrate slowly and, with a few twists along the way, start to form a picture in the reader’s mind. It is not a challenge to work out what is happening and how it will end. So fairly enjoyable, but I’m not certain it will satisfy either side of its potential readership. A 3.5 rounded-up 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
March 16, 2022
The Coffin Club follows Kat, a recently widowed woman who has moved to the countryside for a fresh start. After finding it hard to connect with anyone she joins a local widows group, who love to call themselves The Coffin Club. Here she meets Nico, a widowed-single dad, and it feels like all her dreams are coming true. But not everything is as it seems. Who can Kat trust, and who should trust her?
I admit this book took me a while to get into, meaning I wasn’t hooked within the first 50 pages, but once I got into it I loved discovering all the dark twists and secrets. Sometimes I enjoy not being instantly hooked by a book, just leaving myself interested enough to want to continue but not enough to not want to put the book down. I feel like its easier to read when you’re really busy with life, and oh boy has my life got suddenly busy!
I loved the way Kat was written. You begin by feeling sorry for her but your opinion slowly changes as secrets are revealed. I enjoy that she is not necessarily a “good person” as it makes her a lot more relatable. Plus it makes you question, is she really as innocent as she seems?
Happily, I wasn’t able to guess the full ending of this book. I could tell there was something off with the characters but couldn’t put my finger on it. However, I do feel the ending was a bit rushed in the grand scheme of things. For example, the plot waffles on a bit throughout the book, seeming to get caught up on things that don’t add to the overall story or overly explains the simple things. Whereas, I feel this time and attention could have went into making the ending / the big twists more extravagant.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect read for taking slowly and picking up when I had the chance. All the characters gave off the right vibes and the plot was interesting. However, I do believe the book could have been shorter and still delivered the same impact.
I admit this book took me a while to get into, meaning I wasn’t hooked within the first 50 pages, but once I got into it I loved discovering all the dark twists and secrets. Sometimes I enjoy not being instantly hooked by a book, just leaving myself interested enough to want to continue but not enough to not want to put the book down. I feel like its easier to read when you’re really busy with life, and oh boy has my life got suddenly busy!
I loved the way Kat was written. You begin by feeling sorry for her but your opinion slowly changes as secrets are revealed. I enjoy that she is not necessarily a “good person” as it makes her a lot more relatable. Plus it makes you question, is she really as innocent as she seems?
Happily, I wasn’t able to guess the full ending of this book. I could tell there was something off with the characters but couldn’t put my finger on it. However, I do feel the ending was a bit rushed in the grand scheme of things. For example, the plot waffles on a bit throughout the book, seeming to get caught up on things that don’t add to the overall story or overly explains the simple things. Whereas, I feel this time and attention could have went into making the ending / the big twists more extravagant.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect read for taking slowly and picking up when I had the chance. All the characters gave off the right vibes and the plot was interesting. However, I do believe the book could have been shorter and still delivered the same impact.
April 22, 2022
A debut psychological thriller, The Coffin Club by Jacqueline Sutherland is a book that hooked me immediately. The cover alone screams 'read me', the synopsis just finished of the magnetic hold I found with The Coffin Club.
We meet Kat, making a new life for herself in the countryside after the loss of her husband. She joins a club, dubbed 'The Coffin Club'. Somewhere bereaved people meet up. While there she meets Nico, and who ticks all her boxes...including her children box. He has a daughter, Magdalena, who Kat immediately falls on love with. Not everything is always as it seems and we see Kat beginning to suspect that Nico's motives may not be as straight forward as she first thought.
Told from the point of view of Kat as she is telling her dead husband the story. This is a story about obsession, love and loss too. A sinister, dark and suspenseful story that has twists I couldn't forsee. A book with short, snappy chapters that keeps the story flowing so fast and created a 'one more chapter' read, all the way until the conclusion.
The characters are all unreliable in this book apart from Magdalena. Kat herself is one who kept making me change my opinion of her. At certain times I felt for her, at others, she was obsessive and selfish. I swung from liking,to hating her so much and then Nico kept me guessing as well. What were his motivations? Was it money or not?
As the story unfolds, the suspense builds so surreptitiously that it seems to appear from nowhere "Bam", right down like a ton of bricks, bringing the tension to the top which held me in an almost vice like grip.
Jacqueline Sutherland has written this thriller so expertly that it just flowed so well and entertained me with plenty of red herrings as well as the twists, turns. I never had a dull moment at all. Her characters are so real, flawed and believable that it just made this story so immersive. I lived and breathed with these characters for the time it took me to read it.
We meet Kat, making a new life for herself in the countryside after the loss of her husband. She joins a club, dubbed 'The Coffin Club'. Somewhere bereaved people meet up. While there she meets Nico, and who ticks all her boxes...including her children box. He has a daughter, Magdalena, who Kat immediately falls on love with. Not everything is always as it seems and we see Kat beginning to suspect that Nico's motives may not be as straight forward as she first thought.
Told from the point of view of Kat as she is telling her dead husband the story. This is a story about obsession, love and loss too. A sinister, dark and suspenseful story that has twists I couldn't forsee. A book with short, snappy chapters that keeps the story flowing so fast and created a 'one more chapter' read, all the way until the conclusion.
The characters are all unreliable in this book apart from Magdalena. Kat herself is one who kept making me change my opinion of her. At certain times I felt for her, at others, she was obsessive and selfish. I swung from liking,to hating her so much and then Nico kept me guessing as well. What were his motivations? Was it money or not?
As the story unfolds, the suspense builds so surreptitiously that it seems to appear from nowhere "Bam", right down like a ton of bricks, bringing the tension to the top which held me in an almost vice like grip.
Jacqueline Sutherland has written this thriller so expertly that it just flowed so well and entertained me with plenty of red herrings as well as the twists, turns. I never had a dull moment at all. Her characters are so real, flawed and believable that it just made this story so immersive. I lived and breathed with these characters for the time it took me to read it.
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