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Bad Company
From the author of Uninvited : Damaged by trauma, a grown woman and a teenage boy form a destructive bond fuelled by rage . . .
Penny is a victim of rape. It leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away.
Charlie is a fourteen-year-old boy who watched his much-loved older brother die in a hit-and-run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
These two neighbours develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. As bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral. Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
"Absolutely brilliant... will blow your mind!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A read that kept me entranced" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Brilliantly written... instantly gripping" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Loved this. A real page-turner." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Penny is a victim of rape. It leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away.
Charlie is a fourteen-year-old boy who watched his much-loved older brother die in a hit-and-run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
These two neighbours develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. As bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral. Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
"Absolutely brilliant... will blow your mind!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A read that kept me entranced" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Brilliantly written... instantly gripping" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Loved this. A real page-turner." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
296 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2023
70 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 15, 2023
EXCERPT: It was an accident. I hadn't meant it. I really hadn't. I wanted her to wake up. To say everything was all right. No hard feelings. I wanted her to be alive again. I didn't want her to be dead. It was an accident. I swear to God it was an accident.
ABOUT 'BAD COMPANY': Damaged by trauma, a grown woman and a teenage boy form a destructive bond fuelled by rage . . .
Penny is a victim of rape. It leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away.
Charlie is a fourteen-year-old boy who watched his much-loved older brother die in a hit-and-run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
These two neighbours develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. As bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral. Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
MY THOUGHTS: Aptly named. Bad Company is like a multi-lane highway pile-up, not just a car-wreck. Violent, shocking, but I couldn't stop reading.
This is an unsettling read starring two unforgettable characters. Penny is raped in her home, in her bedroom in the middle of the night, in the place where she was supposed to be safe. Charlie (Butty - and yes, the butt of many jokes) sees his revered older brother mown down by a hit and run driver and then watches his parents fall apart, each in their own unique and spectacular fashion.
These two characters are compelling and convincing. I didn't want to like them, but found myself rooting for them anyway.
The ending is a cliffhanger, something I don't usually like, but works well here.
I'll definitely be checking out this author's other books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#BadCompany
I: #JocelynDexter @bloodhound.books
T: #JocelynDexter @Bloodhoundbook
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #friendship #mentalhealth #psychologicathriller
THE AUTHOR: Jocelyn Dexter was born in Blackheath, London. She worked as an interpreter for the Deaf for seven years. Whilst doing this, she completed her MA in creative writing at Brunel University and wrote her first book. She enjoys sunbathing, shopping, meeting people and wants world peace.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Jocelyn Dexter for providing a digital ARC of Bad Company for review. All opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'BAD COMPANY': Damaged by trauma, a grown woman and a teenage boy form a destructive bond fuelled by rage . . .
Penny is a victim of rape. It leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away.
Charlie is a fourteen-year-old boy who watched his much-loved older brother die in a hit-and-run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
These two neighbours develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. As bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral. Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
MY THOUGHTS: Aptly named. Bad Company is like a multi-lane highway pile-up, not just a car-wreck. Violent, shocking, but I couldn't stop reading.
This is an unsettling read starring two unforgettable characters. Penny is raped in her home, in her bedroom in the middle of the night, in the place where she was supposed to be safe. Charlie (Butty - and yes, the butt of many jokes) sees his revered older brother mown down by a hit and run driver and then watches his parents fall apart, each in their own unique and spectacular fashion.
These two characters are compelling and convincing. I didn't want to like them, but found myself rooting for them anyway.
The ending is a cliffhanger, something I don't usually like, but works well here.
I'll definitely be checking out this author's other books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#BadCompany
I: #JocelynDexter @bloodhound.books
T: #JocelynDexter @Bloodhoundbook
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #friendship #mentalhealth #psychologicathriller
THE AUTHOR: Jocelyn Dexter was born in Blackheath, London. She worked as an interpreter for the Deaf for seven years. Whilst doing this, she completed her MA in creative writing at Brunel University and wrote her first book. She enjoys sunbathing, shopping, meeting people and wants world peace.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Jocelyn Dexter for providing a digital ARC of Bad Company for review. All opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 16, 2023
I've previously read Shh by Jocelyn Dexter and I had to stop reading after the first chapter as I found it so unsettling. After a while I went back and finished it and was so glad and I did.
Bad Company invokes all of those feelings and some as the start of the book details the rape of the main female character.
This is a fantastic book with great, easy to read writing. Even though you know the actions of the main protagonists are abhorrent because of how Dexter writes you understand why they are doing it.
Read this book, feel unsettled and never agree to bring someone's shopping in for them!
Bad Company invokes all of those feelings and some as the start of the book details the rape of the main female character.
This is a fantastic book with great, easy to read writing. Even though you know the actions of the main protagonists are abhorrent because of how Dexter writes you understand why they are doing it.
Read this book, feel unsettled and never agree to bring someone's shopping in for them!
March 8, 2023
This is a very dark, gory and violent story, but was also humourous in places too. The author has a great way of pulling you into the story and I thoroughly enjoyed the story throughout. There was good descriptive language and interesting characters, making you feel empathy for them even though many of them are not very likeable. It felt a little far-fetched in places but this didn’t spoil the story. Overall, a frightening but entertaining read.
I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
March 17, 2023
Enjoyable is probably not the right word to describe this book because the subject matter is quite harrowing at times. I didn't want to put it down. The relationship between the two main characters is disturbing but sweet at the same time. The author has gone to great lengths to keep the tension running throughout the book and has an ending which leaves you wanting more.
March 16, 2023
Thank you to Bloodhound for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was definitely a dark and twisty psychological book. The storyline was different, but I did struggle a bit as I found at times too much detail was given. I skimmed through parts to get to the point. 3 1/2 ⭐️
March 7, 2023
Wow, from the get go I was hooked. The first chapter had my pulse racing with apprehension and I needed to know what happened next!
I feel like the character Penny could have had her own book. I preferred her sections of the book.
Definitely some twists in there I didn’t see coming. The ending has left me with so many questions about what happens next?!
I would recommend for anyone who like psychological thrillers.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I feel like the character Penny could have had her own book. I preferred her sections of the book.
Definitely some twists in there I didn’t see coming. The ending has left me with so many questions about what happens next?!
I would recommend for anyone who like psychological thrillers.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
March 15, 2023
I honestly wasn’t expecting so much gore and violence. Unfortunately this type of book is not for me.
April 17, 2023
Wow I just loved this book so much, I read it in 2 days. Such good writing and characters. I definitely didn’t see the ending coming and I loved the connection the 2 main characters had.
A great read all round and I recommend it.
A great read all round and I recommend it.
March 22, 2023
Bad Company is a dark read, not for the squeamish. Yet it is quite fascinating. Penny Crisp is raped in the dark of night in her own bed in her parents' home by a man she knows only by the smell of aniseed. Over time her anger and rage reach a boiling point and she decides to seek revenge by ridding the world of other men who she thinks would become rapists if presented with the opportunity. She lures a couple of drunken men at different intervals into her bungalow and dispatches them with a baseball bat. She is a gardener so she turns their bodies into manure by using the pigs at her parents' place and then uses the material as fertilizer for garden plants.
Penny becomes friends with Charlie Hawthorne, a 14-year-old boy who lives around the corner from her house. Charlie ( known by everyone as Butty) is traumatized when his older brother Jack, the favourite in his parents' eyes, is killed in a hit-and-run with Charlie standing right by as the "accident" occurs. Jack had become obsessed with a schoolmate named Cindy. Charlie decides to give her the necklace that Jack had obtained for her, intending to surprise her. He waylays Cindy on her way home, lures her into a secluded forest location where she and Jack used to snuggle. But Charlie's trauma boils over and he pushes Cindy who falls striking her head on a rock and dies. Then Charlie starts cutting her.
Shocked by his actions he calls Penny for help, not knowing what she is doing, but sensing a vibe of a kindred spirit. Penny comes to his aid and decides to dispose of the body for him without telling him her secrets.
Charlie's home life is a shambles. His father has become delusional since Jack's death and his mother is avoiding reality. Finally Charlie decides to confront his Dad in the attic where he plays with his trains. He becomes convinced that his father intends to kill him and messages Penny. He interrupts Penny in the midst of an unplanned kill but she turns up at the Hawthorne's and makes an horrifying discovery.
I did not foresee the twists and turns in this novel, especially the ending.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
Penny becomes friends with Charlie Hawthorne, a 14-year-old boy who lives around the corner from her house. Charlie ( known by everyone as Butty) is traumatized when his older brother Jack, the favourite in his parents' eyes, is killed in a hit-and-run with Charlie standing right by as the "accident" occurs. Jack had become obsessed with a schoolmate named Cindy. Charlie decides to give her the necklace that Jack had obtained for her, intending to surprise her. He waylays Cindy on her way home, lures her into a secluded forest location where she and Jack used to snuggle. But Charlie's trauma boils over and he pushes Cindy who falls striking her head on a rock and dies. Then Charlie starts cutting her.
Shocked by his actions he calls Penny for help, not knowing what she is doing, but sensing a vibe of a kindred spirit. Penny comes to his aid and decides to dispose of the body for him without telling him her secrets.
Charlie's home life is a shambles. His father has become delusional since Jack's death and his mother is avoiding reality. Finally Charlie decides to confront his Dad in the attic where he plays with his trains. He becomes convinced that his father intends to kill him and messages Penny. He interrupts Penny in the midst of an unplanned kill but she turns up at the Hawthorne's and makes an horrifying discovery.
I did not foresee the twists and turns in this novel, especially the ending.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
This story focuses on two individuals, both of whom have suffered a life shattering event:
Penny was raped – in a way in which the relative lack of violence makes it even more disturbing & creepy – unable to confide in anyone she needs an outlet for the anger & trauma that’s built up in her.
Butty, 14 years-old, witnessed his beloved older brother die in a hit & run accident & is struggling to cope in the aftermath. When Penny & Butty find each other, they strike up an unlikely friendship.
“ As odd as the situation was, perhaps they would be each other’s salvation
A hopeful and bright future.
Perhaps.
Or the coming together of two broken people, both in the wrong place at the wrong time. Penny wondered if she was in fact creating an unholy union between the two of them.”
Suffice to say these two aren’t good for each other & the result is a twisty & warped tale that will keep you hooked. The characters are well-written with the voice of the teenage Butty convincingly evoking the angst, grief & confusion he is going through, & while you might not (should not!) condone their actions, you can’t help feeling some empathy for the pair.
Overall, a really good read that is quite unsettling at times.
*I received a free copy from Bloodhound Books. This review is my own opinion*
Penny was raped – in a way in which the relative lack of violence makes it even more disturbing & creepy – unable to confide in anyone she needs an outlet for the anger & trauma that’s built up in her.
Butty, 14 years-old, witnessed his beloved older brother die in a hit & run accident & is struggling to cope in the aftermath. When Penny & Butty find each other, they strike up an unlikely friendship.
“ As odd as the situation was, perhaps they would be each other’s salvation
A hopeful and bright future.
Perhaps.
Or the coming together of two broken people, both in the wrong place at the wrong time. Penny wondered if she was in fact creating an unholy union between the two of them.”
Suffice to say these two aren’t good for each other & the result is a twisty & warped tale that will keep you hooked. The characters are well-written with the voice of the teenage Butty convincingly evoking the angst, grief & confusion he is going through, & while you might not (should not!) condone their actions, you can’t help feeling some empathy for the pair.
Overall, a really good read that is quite unsettling at times.
*I received a free copy from Bloodhound Books. This review is my own opinion*
May 17, 2023
This is a psychological thriller centres around Penny a 30 year old woman and 14 year old Charlie ‘Butty’. Both are damaged. Penny from having been raped two years earlier whilst Charlie suffered the death of his older brother in a hit and run incident. Both are lost mentally, consumed with rage, and they form a close friendship with each looking to the other for help and support. This is not a read for the squeamish, although, as dark and gruesome as it is in places, it does have its humorous moments too.
Briefly, Penny is taking revenge in her mind by killing men and disposing of them in the most gruesome of ways whilst Butty descends into savagery and looks to Penny to assist him in disposing of the evidence of his actions. As more bodies go missing their relationship descends into more and more violent actions. Can anybody stop them before they both go totally off the rails.
This is not a cosy thriller. Told from the two protagonists POVs it leaves one very disturbed at how quickly violence can escalate. Their friendship is toxic, feeding off each other, their actions become more and more predatory, more violent. A shocking psychological thriller with a bit of a cliffhanger ending.
Briefly, Penny is taking revenge in her mind by killing men and disposing of them in the most gruesome of ways whilst Butty descends into savagery and looks to Penny to assist him in disposing of the evidence of his actions. As more bodies go missing their relationship descends into more and more violent actions. Can anybody stop them before they both go totally off the rails.
This is not a cosy thriller. Told from the two protagonists POVs it leaves one very disturbed at how quickly violence can escalate. Their friendship is toxic, feeding off each other, their actions become more and more predatory, more violent. A shocking psychological thriller with a bit of a cliffhanger ending.
March 1, 2023
Two unlikely friends.
One twisted relationship. Oh Wow.
Penny Crisp attacked and raped by the aniseed man in her family home, now living alone in a bungalow her revenge on men begins, till she has to go visit home every day due to her fathers health.
Butty Hawthorne living next door is a teenager and is everyone's joke at school, then his brother jack dies and everything at home with his parents change.
Butty and Penny soon become unlikely friends and both have blood on their hands.
Like I said at the beginning just WOW, what a book, full of twisted chapters, lots of banter and humour, that are specially added throughout.
I loved it all, Sharp, witty, and twisted minded characters that makes this a added bonus read.
The Ending I did needed to know more about these two that sort of left a cliff hanger for the readers.
This author hopefully will keep up her remarkable style of writing.
5 stars.
One twisted relationship. Oh Wow.
Penny Crisp attacked and raped by the aniseed man in her family home, now living alone in a bungalow her revenge on men begins, till she has to go visit home every day due to her fathers health.
Butty Hawthorne living next door is a teenager and is everyone's joke at school, then his brother jack dies and everything at home with his parents change.
Butty and Penny soon become unlikely friends and both have blood on their hands.
Like I said at the beginning just WOW, what a book, full of twisted chapters, lots of banter and humour, that are specially added throughout.
I loved it all, Sharp, witty, and twisted minded characters that makes this a added bonus read.
The Ending I did needed to know more about these two that sort of left a cliff hanger for the readers.
This author hopefully will keep up her remarkable style of writing.
5 stars.
March 3, 2023
Bad company
Given ARC of Bad company by Jocelyn Dexter and here is my review:-
Penny experienced a traumatic event which completely transforms her life and not for the good. The aftershock of a brutal attack makes her angry at the world and in strolls Butty, a 14 year old schoolboy. The pairs paths cross after he too suffers a traumatic event in his life.
The book starts off brutal, right into the death and gore and takes you on a journey off 2 disturbed people now entwined together through death and horror.
The partnership of Butty and Penny I found confusing with such a bit age gap it seemed a little too far fetched.. yes it’s a story I know that but it felt less plausible. That said I really enjoyed where the story took me as a reader and recommend to give it a try if this is your book genre.
Given ARC of Bad company by Jocelyn Dexter and here is my review:-
Penny experienced a traumatic event which completely transforms her life and not for the good. The aftershock of a brutal attack makes her angry at the world and in strolls Butty, a 14 year old schoolboy. The pairs paths cross after he too suffers a traumatic event in his life.
The book starts off brutal, right into the death and gore and takes you on a journey off 2 disturbed people now entwined together through death and horror.
The partnership of Butty and Penny I found confusing with such a bit age gap it seemed a little too far fetched.. yes it’s a story I know that but it felt less plausible. That said I really enjoyed where the story took me as a reader and recommend to give it a try if this is your book genre.
March 7, 2023
Penny crisp was raped by aniseed man, an experience which has completely transformed her life and not for the good. Penny is angry inwardly and outwardly and she decides to get her revenge. Then we meet Charlie, a year old schoolboy who has also suffered a traumatic event in his life, he watched his older brother die in a hit-and-run.
As Penny and Charlie’s paths cross the book takes you in quite the journey. It starts off being quite brutal with death and gore being the main themes and as the journey continues these 2 disturbed people are now entwined together through death and horror.
Is revenge as sweet as they had hoped? Well that I won’t ruin the storyline for but as blood lusting as the storyline is, there is also some laugh out loud funny parts and then comes the ending - I had to find out what happened and just couldn’t put the book down!
As Penny and Charlie’s paths cross the book takes you in quite the journey. It starts off being quite brutal with death and gore being the main themes and as the journey continues these 2 disturbed people are now entwined together through death and horror.
Is revenge as sweet as they had hoped? Well that I won’t ruin the storyline for but as blood lusting as the storyline is, there is also some laugh out loud funny parts and then comes the ending - I had to find out what happened and just couldn’t put the book down!
March 9, 2023
When Penny Crisp is raped in her own bed at the age of 28 she totally changes her life and sets out to right the wrong in her own inimitable way. She is rightly traumatised and for two years becomes pretty much a recluse and doesn't build a relationship with anyone. That changes when she bumps into Butty, a 14 year old boy who himself is traumatised having witnessed the death of his brother just days before. They form an unlikely bond although they do have something in common! They are also a bad influence on each other.
This is a story of violence intertwined with humour. It is very well written and pulls you right into the storyline. The characters are well described and you do feel a certain empathy with them. The story has plenty of twists and turns and keeps you enthralled throughout.
This is a story of violence intertwined with humour. It is very well written and pulls you right into the storyline. The characters are well described and you do feel a certain empathy with them. The story has plenty of twists and turns and keeps you enthralled throughout.
March 10, 2023
This was such an incredible read. When I first started it, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as it moved on, I became gripped. Firstly the writing is brilliant, and the characterisation is superb.
The novel focuses on two main characters, Penny and Butty, who both have psychological problems, which they deal with, but maybe not in the best way. When the two meet and come together, then the pace of the novel leaves you breathless at times. Both Penny and Butty see murder as something appropriate for their victims. They deserved it, after all. A fascinating insight into these characters’ minds, and even though you know what they do is wrong, you can’t help but sympathise with them at the same time. A dark read but definitely a good one.
A brilliant piece of writing. A great premise and is a terrific read. An author I will certainly read more of.
The novel focuses on two main characters, Penny and Butty, who both have psychological problems, which they deal with, but maybe not in the best way. When the two meet and come together, then the pace of the novel leaves you breathless at times. Both Penny and Butty see murder as something appropriate for their victims. They deserved it, after all. A fascinating insight into these characters’ minds, and even though you know what they do is wrong, you can’t help but sympathise with them at the same time. A dark read but definitely a good one.
A brilliant piece of writing. A great premise and is a terrific read. An author I will certainly read more of.
March 22, 2023
Bad Company by Jocelyn Dexter was a superb and gripping psychological thriller that was full of twists and turns that kept you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Penny is a victim of rape and it leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away........
Charlie is a fourteen year old boy who watched his much loved older brother die in a hit and run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
They are two neighbours that develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. When bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral.
Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
I loved this book and had me hooked from the beginning till the end
Penny is a victim of rape and it leaves her emotionally devastated, alone, and consumed by anger. She strives to rid herself of her fury, but it won’t go away........
Charlie is a fourteen year old boy who watched his much loved older brother die in a hit and run accident on a cold night in their small village. He, too, is filled with denial and rage.
They are two neighbours that develop a strange and unlikely friendship, fed by a shared hatred of the world. When bodies start to appear, a young girl goes missing, and their toxic union grows ever more primitive and feral.
Will they ultimately destroy themselves—or each other?
I loved this book and had me hooked from the beginning till the end
April 5, 2023
The friendship between Penny and Butty shouldn't really work Penny being thirty and Butty is only fourteen. But it does, especially as they have both suffered trauma in their lives.
Penny is on a mission to rid the world of evil men after suffering from the hands of the Aniseed man.
Butty has just lost his older brother in a horrific accident.
But all is not what it seems in Butty's home. His father has gone completely gaga and insists that Butty is his dead brother Jack and is mother isn't coping at all.
Butty turns to Penny for friendship and before long that friendship takes a sudden turn into being partners in crime.
This is a mind blowing psychological thriller that you just can't wait to see what happens next.
A brilliant twist towards the end that I definitely did not foresee.
Penny is on a mission to rid the world of evil men after suffering from the hands of the Aniseed man.
Butty has just lost his older brother in a horrific accident.
But all is not what it seems in Butty's home. His father has gone completely gaga and insists that Butty is his dead brother Jack and is mother isn't coping at all.
Butty turns to Penny for friendship and before long that friendship takes a sudden turn into being partners in crime.
This is a mind blowing psychological thriller that you just can't wait to see what happens next.
A brilliant twist towards the end that I definitely did not foresee.
July 3, 2024
"Butty" and Jack are teenage brothers. Jack has always been the most confident and popular brother, liked by everyone and adored by his parents. Poor Butty lives in his shadow a bit; he looks up to Jack and wants to be like him. But one day Jack is killed by a hit and run driver and Butty's world crumbles around him. Life will never be the same...
Penny is in her late twenties, she's damaged after a very traumatic experience.
When Butty and Penny meet they form a very odd and dangerous relationship. Both are fuelled with hatred so bad they could kill...
Bad Company is a dark and unsettling thriller. The author doesn't hold back, it's pretty gory in parts and so would not be for everyone. I read it just after her latest book "Mother says so" which I absolutely loved. Although a good read it didn't match up for me.
Penny is in her late twenties, she's damaged after a very traumatic experience.
When Butty and Penny meet they form a very odd and dangerous relationship. Both are fuelled with hatred so bad they could kill...
Bad Company is a dark and unsettling thriller. The author doesn't hold back, it's pretty gory in parts and so would not be for everyone. I read it just after her latest book "Mother says so" which I absolutely loved. Although a good read it didn't match up for me.
March 9, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. The friendship between Penny and Butty was something I hadn't come across before in a book and I thought it was excellent. I did find myself rooting for both of them (am I very wrong?). There were also elements of very dark humour which was another refreshing change from a lot of thrillers. Had shades of Inside No. 9. Well written and expertly constructed the pace didn't let up the whole way through. Penny and Butty were tragic but very believable characters. Both were badly traumatised and they found a friendship in each other that was not necessarily conducive to a positive outcome. The fact that I was rooting for them despite what they had done shows the skill of the author.
Strongly recommend this book
Strongly recommend this book
March 20, 2023
i enjoyed readimg this suspenseful story. This is not my first story by this author but it is one of my favorites. I found this book to be fast paced and full of action. A story where two damaged people share a hatrid like no other. The question remains, will they destroy themseleves first? I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world and kept me engaged to the end. They are strong, supportive characters that had me coming back for more. They have great growth throughout which made the story easy and entertaining to read. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
March 20, 2023
After recently experiencing traumatic events, Penny and Butty for an unexpected alliance. Their friendship managed to be both chilling and heart-warming for me. I found myself rooting for them, even as they did things I can’t fathom doing myself. Their motives were easy to understand and made them sympathetic characters. They both experienced heart-breaking and life altering events, and their pain was palpable in the skilful writing.
In spite of of the dark subject matter, the author has moments of humour to alleviate them. As a fan of dark humour and thought-provoking use of language, I couldn’t put it down. A psychological thriller that kept me enthralled until the last page. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.
In spite of of the dark subject matter, the author has moments of humour to alleviate them. As a fan of dark humour and thought-provoking use of language, I couldn’t put it down. A psychological thriller that kept me enthralled until the last page. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.
March 10, 2023
The story didn't initially grab me. Not until I understood a bit more about both protagonists Penny and Butty, then the connection became clearer. Both disturbed individuals. They had a bond, albeit an unhealthy one. An unusual friendship. To the outside world they appear calm, undistinguished, ordinary.....normal. They probably were under the circumstances!
I liked the way that each chapter was written. First person for each character. Their thoughts, feelings, desires....plans. Not overly tense (occasional moments) but It does get dark and twisted and a fair bit bloody!
A very good story and thoroughly entertaining read.
I liked the way that each chapter was written. First person for each character. Their thoughts, feelings, desires....plans. Not overly tense (occasional moments) but It does get dark and twisted and a fair bit bloody!
A very good story and thoroughly entertaining read.
July 22, 2023
My first book by this author & what a cracking psychological thriller to start on.
Penny is taking revenge on men, having been raped two years earlier. Butty
lost his brother in a hit & run accident & is also on a revengeful path. They are both mentally traumatised; Penny disposes of men in the most horrific of ways & Butty appears to be going off the rails big time with each act becoming more savage.
The allegiance of the two main protagonists spurs them on. Will they ever be stopped?
Pulled into the story through an easy writing style, despite the storyline, with some added humour along the way. Yes, it is gory but not gratuitously so which adds to the entertainment. A great read.
Penny is taking revenge on men, having been raped two years earlier. Butty
lost his brother in a hit & run accident & is also on a revengeful path. They are both mentally traumatised; Penny disposes of men in the most horrific of ways & Butty appears to be going off the rails big time with each act becoming more savage.
The allegiance of the two main protagonists spurs them on. Will they ever be stopped?
Pulled into the story through an easy writing style, despite the storyline, with some added humour along the way. Yes, it is gory but not gratuitously so which adds to the entertainment. A great read.
March 9, 2023
Penny and Charlie are a match made in hell.
When Penny meets a young teenager, known as Butty she recognizes a kindred spirit but neither of them are quite prepared for the revelations ahead.
Both are flawed characters but at many stages in the book as a reader you can feel sympathetic towards them. The characters are very well written.
There were several twists and turns that I was just not expecting which made this book a totally gripping read.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of Bad Company.
When Penny meets a young teenager, known as Butty she recognizes a kindred spirit but neither of them are quite prepared for the revelations ahead.
Both are flawed characters but at many stages in the book as a reader you can feel sympathetic towards them. The characters are very well written.
There were several twists and turns that I was just not expecting which made this book a totally gripping read.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of Bad Company.
March 17, 2023
The author delves into the act of rape in this story with the main character of Penny, who decides to take things into her own hands having been raped two years previously. She is thrown together with Butty inadvertently and with both being sociopaths, they feed off each other whilst trying to help each other. The story overall is dark with the occasional humourous parts and certainly highlights how a person can change/be changed in the matter of a few minutes. I loved the ending when the rapist gets his just rewards.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
March 19, 2023
This was quite a disturbing book, with a lot of mental anguish described, plus a fair amount of violence. I found it uncomfortable to read in places, but am grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Penny has been raped, and Butty her 14 year old neighbour has lost his older brother in a car accident.
An unlikely friendship/partnership develops as they try to find their way in the world. The ending has a twist, but I feel I can't write more because I don't want to spoil it for other readers.
Penny has been raped, and Butty her 14 year old neighbour has lost his older brother in a car accident.
An unlikely friendship/partnership develops as they try to find their way in the world. The ending has a twist, but I feel I can't write more because I don't want to spoil it for other readers.
March 21, 2023
Penny and Charlie certainly do have a very strange relationship in this psychological thriller. It started off quite slow on the “adult themes” and then ramped up very fast indeed. I felt it was a very gritty, powerful and intense read. Not my usual kind of story but I didn’t put it down all day until it was finished. There were great twists along the way which peaked my interest. There was a lot of great imagination throughout, however how a young woman could lug around dead bodies - how is that possible?? Overall, not bad.
March 5, 2023
Thank you bloodhound books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The story is based on 2 main characters which have complex backgrounds.
Penny who was raped by a stranger and butty who has just lost his brother. They both form an unlikely friendship.
Some very dark and twisted turns in the story but unfortunately I worked out who raped penny early on ( or maybe it was a lucky guess) but the story still remained good. But most characters were not very likeable in my opinion
The story is based on 2 main characters which have complex backgrounds.
Penny who was raped by a stranger and butty who has just lost his brother. They both form an unlikely friendship.
Some very dark and twisted turns in the story but unfortunately I worked out who raped penny early on ( or maybe it was a lucky guess) but the story still remained good. But most characters were not very likeable in my opinion
March 15, 2023
A good storyline and well written, it mostly held my interest though a couple of spots my mind did wander a little. Our two leading characters Penny and Butty are a pair of dark twisted souls who form an unlikely friendship. Both have suffered tragedy in their lives and this is the bond that keeps them connected and forges that friendship. Some elements I guessed along the way and others I had no idea about until it was there in front of my face.
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