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The Elevator
My whole body is shaking, my breath catches in my throat. I’m stuck here. Trapped. With the one person who will do anything to destroy me…
When I step into the elevator that sweltering morning, I barely notice the woman standing next to me. She seems out of place, with her floaty linen clothes in a building full of suits. But that’s none of my business.
A minute later, there’s a sudden jerk. The elevator stops. The lights go out.
The other woman’s face is deathly pale. She’s breathing noisily, clearly panicking. As we sit slumped against the mirrored walls, we start talking to try and keep calm.
I tell her I moved halfway round the world to start again where no one knew what I was hiding. I tell her my darkest secrets, because she seems to understand, and we’re never going to see each other again, right?
But I’m wrong.
We’re not strangers.
None of this is an accident.
And when the truth comes out, there’ll be nowhere to hide…
A brilliantly twisty ride from start to finish, that will have you gasping out loud at the twists. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden and Claire McGowan.
When I step into the elevator that sweltering morning, I barely notice the woman standing next to me. She seems out of place, with her floaty linen clothes in a building full of suits. But that’s none of my business.
A minute later, there’s a sudden jerk. The elevator stops. The lights go out.
The other woman’s face is deathly pale. She’s breathing noisily, clearly panicking. As we sit slumped against the mirrored walls, we start talking to try and keep calm.
I tell her I moved halfway round the world to start again where no one knew what I was hiding. I tell her my darkest secrets, because she seems to understand, and we’re never going to see each other again, right?
But I’m wrong.
We’re not strangers.
None of this is an accident.
And when the truth comes out, there’ll be nowhere to hide…
A brilliantly twisty ride from start to finish, that will have you gasping out loud at the twists. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden and Claire McGowan.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2023
397 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cooper
1 book8 followersClaire Cooper grew up in a small village in south Wales before moving to London as a student. She graduated with a degree in Ancient History and Egyptology and spent seven months as a development worker in Nepal. On her return to Britain she joined the civil service, where she worked for 17 years on topics ranging from housing support to flooding. She hung up her bowler hat when she discovered that she much preferred writing about psychotic killers to Ministerial speeches. She lives in London with her husband and a pond full of very cute newts. She also writes as C.J. Cooper.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 2, 2023
*3.5 stars*
“I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one would know what I was hiding. I’m lonely, but I’m safe”.
Told in dual timelines and by two women, this is a story of revenge, of two women who are mortal enemies - but one of them doesn’t even know it yet!
It’s a sweltering day and Maeve and Cerys are in a New York elevator travelling up to the 26th floor when suddenly it jerks to a halt and all the lights go out. Cerys is frantic as she is on her way to a very important meeting in her role as HR director.
Maeve starts to panic, being trapped in this boiling hot metal container, and neither the intercom or the cameras are working, but Maeve shouldn’t even be in the building, she’s conned her way past security, and is travelling to the same floor as Cerys, but with something very dark in mind.
As the hours tick by and secrets are revealed, the tension rises and it’s not certain who will come out of the situation intact.
I loved the premise of this one and there were some really tense moments, but there were times it wasn’t immediately clear to me which narrator I was reading, which I found confusing. Overall though I did enjoy it, but would have liked a bit more clarity.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
“I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one would know what I was hiding. I’m lonely, but I’m safe”.
Told in dual timelines and by two women, this is a story of revenge, of two women who are mortal enemies - but one of them doesn’t even know it yet!
It’s a sweltering day and Maeve and Cerys are in a New York elevator travelling up to the 26th floor when suddenly it jerks to a halt and all the lights go out. Cerys is frantic as she is on her way to a very important meeting in her role as HR director.
Maeve starts to panic, being trapped in this boiling hot metal container, and neither the intercom or the cameras are working, but Maeve shouldn’t even be in the building, she’s conned her way past security, and is travelling to the same floor as Cerys, but with something very dark in mind.
As the hours tick by and secrets are revealed, the tension rises and it’s not certain who will come out of the situation intact.
I loved the premise of this one and there were some really tense moments, but there were times it wasn’t immediately clear to me which narrator I was reading, which I found confusing. Overall though I did enjoy it, but would have liked a bit more clarity.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 26, 2023
I can’t stand lifts ( elevators ) so of course this was a ‘must read’ for me,weird that as don’t like flying and am always drawn to reading books set on planes,anyway that’s as it is….the story is told from both women’s POV who are stuck in the lift and for me it was told well,managing to portray the horror of being in the lift with no help on the way mixed with their past stories,leading up to the present,the blurb gives it away that they are connected only they don’t know how or why but as the story moves on we find out,quite shockingly has to be said how they are linked
It kept me reading….the most important thing in any book 😊 and I was invested in their lives and enjoyed the tense claustrophobic atmosphere of the book,a pinch of salt may be needed when all is revealed but that’s fine
All in all a good solid read,packs a punch and the surprises keep coming…..however it has done little to encourage me to venture into a lift ( elevator ) again!……
It kept me reading….the most important thing in any book 😊 and I was invested in their lives and enjoyed the tense claustrophobic atmosphere of the book,a pinch of salt may be needed when all is revealed but that’s fine
All in all a good solid read,packs a punch and the surprises keep coming…..however it has done little to encourage me to venture into a lift ( elevator ) again!……
August 13, 2023
The Elevator managed to keep my interest though it's not the most thrilling read. I’m not really afraid of elevators but I could feel the tension once Cerys and Maeve realised they were trapped. Its also very hot inside the elevator and although they have some water with them, all I thought was: how do you manage to keep your bladder in control for six hours? Well, they do. They spend the entire time talking with each other but soon it becomes clear that there is more, much more.
The story alternates between past and present but since it was not always immediately clear who’s side of the story we read, it was a bit difficult to relate to either of the characters. There are many secrets, some small, some life-changing. The pace is slow to begin with but soon the revelations begin, and the reader gets more and more insight in what happened with whom and above all, when. Timing is very important in this story.
As I said, it’s not always immediately clear who’s side of the story we are reading; it would have been nice if the chapters were marked more clearly. Now I was a bit confused sometimes and had to read back.
All in all, a nice and I hope to read more of this author in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy.
The story alternates between past and present but since it was not always immediately clear who’s side of the story we read, it was a bit difficult to relate to either of the characters. There are many secrets, some small, some life-changing. The pace is slow to begin with but soon the revelations begin, and the reader gets more and more insight in what happened with whom and above all, when. Timing is very important in this story.
As I said, it’s not always immediately clear who’s side of the story we are reading; it would have been nice if the chapters were marked more clearly. Now I was a bit confused sometimes and had to read back.
All in all, a nice and I hope to read more of this author in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy.
August 27, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, Claire Cooper's debut.
The premise sounded right up my street!
The pacing felt a little inconsistent in parts, but the 'fast parts' were brilliant and I couldn't read fast enough!
For a debut novel, this was great fun. I look forward to more from the author!
The premise sounded right up my street!
The pacing felt a little inconsistent in parts, but the 'fast parts' were brilliant and I couldn't read fast enough!
For a debut novel, this was great fun. I look forward to more from the author!
August 20, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
When I step into the elevator that sweltering morning, I barely notice the woman standing next to me. She seems out of place with her floaty lined clothes in a building full of suits. But that's none of my business. A minute later, there's a sudden jerk. The elevator stops. The lights go out. The other woman's face is deathly pale. She's breathing noisily, clearly panicking. As we sit slumped against the mirrored walls, we start talking to try and stay calm. I tell her I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one knew what I was hiding. I tell her my deepest darkest secrets, because she seems to understand, and we're never going to see each other again, right?
This story unfolded in such a clever way, but there are parts that are quite predictable. We get flashbacks and fragments from the past. There's a creepy feel throughout. The timeline can be a bit confusing; it was hard to tell where you were. The characters were well developed and intriguing. The two were revealed slowly. Maeve and Carys are stuck in an elevator together when it breaks down. With each new chapter, a little is revealed to what happened to these women in the past. The chapters alternate between the two women's perspectives. We get a nice little twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ClaireCooper for my ARC of ##TheEvevator in exchange for an honest review.
When I step into the elevator that sweltering morning, I barely notice the woman standing next to me. She seems out of place with her floaty lined clothes in a building full of suits. But that's none of my business. A minute later, there's a sudden jerk. The elevator stops. The lights go out. The other woman's face is deathly pale. She's breathing noisily, clearly panicking. As we sit slumped against the mirrored walls, we start talking to try and stay calm. I tell her I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one knew what I was hiding. I tell her my deepest darkest secrets, because she seems to understand, and we're never going to see each other again, right?
This story unfolded in such a clever way, but there are parts that are quite predictable. We get flashbacks and fragments from the past. There's a creepy feel throughout. The timeline can be a bit confusing; it was hard to tell where you were. The characters were well developed and intriguing. The two were revealed slowly. Maeve and Carys are stuck in an elevator together when it breaks down. With each new chapter, a little is revealed to what happened to these women in the past. The chapters alternate between the two women's perspectives. We get a nice little twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ClaireCooper for my ARC of ##TheEvevator in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2023
I thought this was a really good book, told from the POVs of both Cerys and Maeve who are trapped in an elevator together. The story is told in dual timelines, which is a style that I enjoy; it makes the pacing really fast and I finished the book in less than a day.
The author did a fantastic job in weaving what initially seemed like separate storylines into a cohesive narrative, and I also really enjoyed the coincidences that ended up bringing these characters onto their current course. Maeve is a bit of a sociopathic narcissist, so not a likable character, but I always find it fascinating to get into the head of a character like that. I didn’t figure out the twist early, but when it happened it was so well done that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t gotten there first. The end unsettled me, which was clearly the author’s intention; I expect I’ll still be thinking about what could happen next with these characters even after I’m on to the next book.
Overall, this was a tense and fast-paced read and I thought it was very well written. I’d recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author did a fantastic job in weaving what initially seemed like separate storylines into a cohesive narrative, and I also really enjoyed the coincidences that ended up bringing these characters onto their current course. Maeve is a bit of a sociopathic narcissist, so not a likable character, but I always find it fascinating to get into the head of a character like that. I didn’t figure out the twist early, but when it happened it was so well done that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t gotten there first. The end unsettled me, which was clearly the author’s intention; I expect I’ll still be thinking about what could happen next with these characters even after I’m on to the next book.
Overall, this was a tense and fast-paced read and I thought it was very well written. I’d recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
First and foremost, you need to get past the completely unbelievable elevator concept. It does NOT add tension. Instead, it strains your brain as you try desperately to believe it. (You never, never do.)
Second, there isn’t really a lot of suspense. Things are kind of obvious all the way through. You get very few ah hah moments. It’s more like, well…yes.
But! (Yes, there’s a but!) The book still manages to be entertaining. It’s a fast and very easy read and I largely enjoyed it.
Will I remember it tomorrow? Probably not, but it’s an easy breezy book.
• ARC via Publisher
Second, there isn’t really a lot of suspense. Things are kind of obvious all the way through. You get very few ah hah moments. It’s more like, well…yes.
But! (Yes, there’s a but!) The book still manages to be entertaining. It’s a fast and very easy read and I largely enjoyed it.
Will I remember it tomorrow? Probably not, but it’s an easy breezy book.
• ARC via Publisher
July 9, 2023
The story begins with two woman stuck in an elevator. One of them knows what the other one did and has come to take her down for her actions. The story alternates from past to present timelines and you need to pay close attention to what's happening. It was slow to start, but the story kept me interested enough to continue on. I did find it to be a good book considering it was the author's first novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date.
August 25, 2023
“When the doors open, only one of us will walk out” Imagine being trapped in an elevator with your worst enemy, an enemy that wants you dead. Who will be the one that gets out alive?
This started really well, but unfortunately became a little confusing with who was who when flicking between the women. I felt it was a little slow in the middle, picking up again towards the end. I enjoyed the way the story came together though, and the bits of information began to intertwine and make sense. I was left wanting a second book to see how that ending panned out!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
This started really well, but unfortunately became a little confusing with who was who when flicking between the women. I felt it was a little slow in the middle, picking up again towards the end. I enjoyed the way the story came together though, and the bits of information began to intertwine and make sense. I was left wanting a second book to see how that ending panned out!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
August 19, 2023
Trapped in an elevator - a place I’ve also found myself, unfortunately. Luckily, I was with my dog, not a stranger, but the horror was still there. We find two women stuck in a metal box together in this book: Cerys and Maeve. The prologue warns us that only one will make it out alive … but that was probably the most suspenseful part of the book.
The synopsis is vague for a reason; the elevator needed to get stuck for these two women to meet. The elevator was the exciting part, but unfortunately the story that came out was lacking for me. The women start talking about their pasts, eventually realize they know each other, and then they both want to kill the other.
The back story in this was tedious. Told from both points of view, in the past and the present, in England and New York - this book bounced all over the place, and for the first half, I didn’t understand where it was all going. By the time the connection was revealed, I was pretty over the tenuous and improbable story. The best parts were in the elevator and sadly, that’s a small part of the book.
I see where the author was going with this, and I give props for an original way of writing a story, but it just wasn’t the story for me. The writing was good, the ending was decent, but I was underwhelmed by the “past”, and that’s most of the book. I wouldn’t call this a thriller; it’s definitely more of a crime/mystery. 2.5 stars, rounded up because this wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t the book I was looking for.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Claire Cooper and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released August 25, 2023.)
The synopsis is vague for a reason; the elevator needed to get stuck for these two women to meet. The elevator was the exciting part, but unfortunately the story that came out was lacking for me. The women start talking about their pasts, eventually realize they know each other, and then they both want to kill the other.
The back story in this was tedious. Told from both points of view, in the past and the present, in England and New York - this book bounced all over the place, and for the first half, I didn’t understand where it was all going. By the time the connection was revealed, I was pretty over the tenuous and improbable story. The best parts were in the elevator and sadly, that’s a small part of the book.
I see where the author was going with this, and I give props for an original way of writing a story, but it just wasn’t the story for me. The writing was good, the ending was decent, but I was underwhelmed by the “past”, and that’s most of the book. I wouldn’t call this a thriller; it’s definitely more of a crime/mystery. 2.5 stars, rounded up because this wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t the book I was looking for.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Claire Cooper and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released August 25, 2023.)
August 24, 2023
Maeve is the type of person I’ve read many books about. I hope,I never have the misfortune of meeting someone like her, however.
She’s calculating, manipulative, and quite pathetic. I knew how her relationship with Paul would end and I knew what she would do when that occurred. It wasn’t until about 40% in that I made the connection who the other woman in the elevator was.
Cooper makes a clever intersection with the plot but I found myself getting a tad lost with the back and forth and also the switching of the narrator.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
She’s calculating, manipulative, and quite pathetic. I knew how her relationship with Paul would end and I knew what she would do when that occurred. It wasn’t until about 40% in that I made the connection who the other woman in the elevator was.
Cooper makes a clever intersection with the plot but I found myself getting a tad lost with the back and forth and also the switching of the narrator.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
August 25, 2023
Not sure if I would want to be stuck on the elevator with either of these ladies!!
Definitely a twisty book that pulled me right in. Loved how this book was intertwined into each others life's. Great storyline and superbly written.
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Definitely a twisty book that pulled me right in. Loved how this book was intertwined into each others life's. Great storyline and superbly written.
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
September 24, 2023
The Elevator is a tense, claustrophobic thriller with secrets and twists in every corner.
It’s a warm day, Cerys and Mauve step in an elevator to travel to the 26th floor.
Slowly moving upwards the lights begin to flicker and suddenly the elevator stops.
They are trapped together.
Each have their own agenda to survive.
But what they don’t know is this incident is not an accident.
Minutes are ticking, secrets will be revealed and the shocking truth will be exposed.
Will they both make it out alive because there’s nowhere to hide…….
I quite enjoyed this.
The premise was brilliant, the pressure is atmospheric, it’s kind of creepy and the story is sharp.
A tangled complexity, feeling confined, dual timelines and characters that will make you think.
The plot of how everything connects is polished and the pace is smooth going.
A strong sense of dread happens and you just want to keep flipping the pages until the reveal is upon you.
A satisfying read.
It’s a warm day, Cerys and Mauve step in an elevator to travel to the 26th floor.
Slowly moving upwards the lights begin to flicker and suddenly the elevator stops.
They are trapped together.
Each have their own agenda to survive.
But what they don’t know is this incident is not an accident.
Minutes are ticking, secrets will be revealed and the shocking truth will be exposed.
Will they both make it out alive because there’s nowhere to hide…….
I quite enjoyed this.
The premise was brilliant, the pressure is atmospheric, it’s kind of creepy and the story is sharp.
A tangled complexity, feeling confined, dual timelines and characters that will make you think.
The plot of how everything connects is polished and the pace is smooth going.
A strong sense of dread happens and you just want to keep flipping the pages until the reveal is upon you.
A satisfying read.
November 6, 2023
Claire Cooper's book The Elevator is what some might call a "slow burn." Two women are stuck in an elevator. One woman is trying to get to an important meeting; the other is there for a more sinister purpose. The book jumps back and forth between past and present, giving the reader background on the women. Unfortunately, to me, it seemed like the book dragged on with not a whole lot to look forward to.
There is one great moment when the reader realizes something that the women don't know yet. I got excited at this point in the book, thinking things were really going to pick up. They did not, but this one part was enough for me to round 2.5 stars up to 3.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
There is one great moment when the reader realizes something that the women don't know yet. I got excited at this point in the book, thinking things were really going to pick up. They did not, but this one part was enough for me to round 2.5 stars up to 3.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 30, 2024
The Elevator by Claire Cooper is a twisty page-turner with a tantalizing hook that pulled me in from the very start.
Two women find themselves trapped in an elevator. One, it is quickly established, has rage issues, and both are hiding secrets which are slowly revealed piece by compelling piece. The tension between the two women is almost palpable as they await rescue from their ever-increasingly claustrophobic prison, and your jaw will drop with some shocking revelations and twists over the course of this clever and well-executed narrative.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Two women find themselves trapped in an elevator. One, it is quickly established, has rage issues, and both are hiding secrets which are slowly revealed piece by compelling piece. The tension between the two women is almost palpable as they await rescue from their ever-increasingly claustrophobic prison, and your jaw will drop with some shocking revelations and twists over the course of this clever and well-executed narrative.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
February 6, 2024
So tense!
I love a claustrophobic thriller and you can't get much more claustrophobic than in an elevator, or a lift as they say across the pond.
It takes a while to see how these women are connected and it ends up being quite layered and interesting, if you suspend disbelief.
The characters are well-built and it was great seeing the dynamics shift back and forth. All in all it was a great read. I just wish it had been a little shorter.
I love a claustrophobic thriller and you can't get much more claustrophobic than in an elevator, or a lift as they say across the pond.
It takes a while to see how these women are connected and it ends up being quite layered and interesting, if you suspend disbelief.
The characters are well-built and it was great seeing the dynamics shift back and forth. All in all it was a great read. I just wish it had been a little shorter.
July 9, 2023
This is where it ends. She watches me, thinking she’s won. Thinking she has me cornered. She’s wrong. When the doors open, only one of us will walk out. And though she doesn’t know it yet, that person will be me.
I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one would know what I was hiding. I’m lonely, but I’m safe. But secrets have a way of following you.
Two women stuck in a lift, Maeve and Cerys appear as if they do not know each other but Cerys is not aware who Maeve is and believes she is speaking with a random woman who is in the same unfortunate position she is in. But this is just the beginning for Cerys, her world is already exploding but it is about to become even worse. At the same time Maeve's world has also fallen apart except that for Maeve, she is on a mission to get answers from this woman, she knows she is the key to events which have unraveled in pervious weeks. The lift is becoming airless and the atmosphere is tense, Cerys is trying to calm Maeve who is struggling in the conditions, soon secrets will unfold and answers will be given but who will walk away?
I was not sure if I would like another book regarding people in an elevator as I have read this theme before recently but did enjoy it although I did predict most of what happened, again you do have to suspend belief in parts as to how this all comes together. At times it was hard to follow who was speaking and I did find this a little annoying, I do not like being confused by timelines or characters. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. 3 stars.
I moved halfway around the world to start again where no one would know what I was hiding. I’m lonely, but I’m safe. But secrets have a way of following you.
Two women stuck in a lift, Maeve and Cerys appear as if they do not know each other but Cerys is not aware who Maeve is and believes she is speaking with a random woman who is in the same unfortunate position she is in. But this is just the beginning for Cerys, her world is already exploding but it is about to become even worse. At the same time Maeve's world has also fallen apart except that for Maeve, she is on a mission to get answers from this woman, she knows she is the key to events which have unraveled in pervious weeks. The lift is becoming airless and the atmosphere is tense, Cerys is trying to calm Maeve who is struggling in the conditions, soon secrets will unfold and answers will be given but who will walk away?
I was not sure if I would like another book regarding people in an elevator as I have read this theme before recently but did enjoy it although I did predict most of what happened, again you do have to suspend belief in parts as to how this all comes together. At times it was hard to follow who was speaking and I did find this a little annoying, I do not like being confused by timelines or characters. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. 3 stars.
August 27, 2023
The Elevator
By: Claire Cooper
It’s clear from the beginning two women are trapped in an elevator. Is this planned or an accident?
This novel alternates between the past and present and you need to pay close attention. We also know someone will live and someone will die.
Thank you Bookouture, Netgalley and author Claire Cooper for advanced copy which is out August 25th.
#theelevator, #clairecooper, #bookreview, #bookouture, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram
By: Claire Cooper
It’s clear from the beginning two women are trapped in an elevator. Is this planned or an accident?
This novel alternates between the past and present and you need to pay close attention. We also know someone will live and someone will die.
Thank you Bookouture, Netgalley and author Claire Cooper for advanced copy which is out August 25th.
#theelevator, #clairecooper, #bookreview, #bookouture, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram
September 1, 2023
Two women are in the elevator when it comes to a stop. They are stuck. The phone doesn't work and the camera doesn't have a little light on it so they don't know if they are being seen. Hours go by. Maeve has anxiety and full-blown panic attacks. She needs her inhaler. Cerys thinks that if she talks this woman will calm down. It works and Cerys finds it so easy to talk to this stranger she'll never see again so she begins to tell all the details of her life.
The POV changes from Maeve in the past to Ceryl in the present. Cerys also thinks things and it is difficult at times to tell whether she is telling or thinking making for a choppy narrative. I figured out the twist halfway through and the story got boring. I never felt for either character making me not care if anyone was going to get hurt. However, the whole premise was interesting and unique. but it wasn't pulled off smoothly. I won't be reading the author again.
The POV changes from Maeve in the past to Ceryl in the present. Cerys also thinks things and it is difficult at times to tell whether she is telling or thinking making for a choppy narrative. I figured out the twist halfway through and the story got boring. I never felt for either character making me not care if anyone was going to get hurt. However, the whole premise was interesting and unique. but it wasn't pulled off smoothly. I won't be reading the author again.
August 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of The Elevator.
Well this was a fun read! I love dual POVs as it gives you more context to the story. It goes back and forth between the two women in the elevator, Cerys and Maeve. Once it was given who their connection was, it was kind of a dead giveaway on what the plot twists are. I did get exactly what the twists are but the reveal was pretty good. It did not hinder me from enjoying the story as it moved forward.
It's pretty fast paced so I definitely recommend this to everyone who's looking for a fast-paced, dual POV thriller.
Well this was a fun read! I love dual POVs as it gives you more context to the story. It goes back and forth between the two women in the elevator, Cerys and Maeve. Once it was given who their connection was, it was kind of a dead giveaway on what the plot twists are. I did get exactly what the twists are but the reveal was pretty good. It did not hinder me from enjoying the story as it moved forward.
It's pretty fast paced so I definitely recommend this to everyone who's looking for a fast-paced, dual POV thriller.
August 14, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of The Elevator in exchange for a review.
This book is loaded with intrigue and suspense from the first chapter – where an unnamed narrator states that only one person is going to step out of the elevator alive! We then (sometimes a little confusingly) switch between multiple viewpoints and time periods as the story unravels.
In the present day, two British women, Cerys and Maeve, become trapped in a New York office block elevator. Seemingly strangers, the two have plenty of time to talk.. and discover what binds them together. The story is told through the eyes of both women – who both have something to hide.
We also follow both women’s stories in the past - Maeve’s struggles to control her temper lead her to meet psychotherapist Paul; and we learn more about her closeness to her brother Alistair. And Cerys’s past life in the UK – both in the present and past she constantly alludes to something bad happening which brought her to New York and means she has to try to hide her true identity with her colleagues here.
Whilst I did enjoy this book - it was undoubtedly a gripping page-turner, and I absolutely raced through it - I was disappointed that I worked out the connections between the characters very quickly and there was nothing that gave me a delightful surprise in the story!
This book is loaded with intrigue and suspense from the first chapter – where an unnamed narrator states that only one person is going to step out of the elevator alive! We then (sometimes a little confusingly) switch between multiple viewpoints and time periods as the story unravels.
In the present day, two British women, Cerys and Maeve, become trapped in a New York office block elevator. Seemingly strangers, the two have plenty of time to talk.. and discover what binds them together. The story is told through the eyes of both women – who both have something to hide.
We also follow both women’s stories in the past - Maeve’s struggles to control her temper lead her to meet psychotherapist Paul; and we learn more about her closeness to her brother Alistair. And Cerys’s past life in the UK – both in the present and past she constantly alludes to something bad happening which brought her to New York and means she has to try to hide her true identity with her colleagues here.
Whilst I did enjoy this book - it was undoubtedly a gripping page-turner, and I absolutely raced through it - I was disappointed that I worked out the connections between the characters very quickly and there was nothing that gave me a delightful surprise in the story!
July 4, 2023
Two women, Maeve and Cerys, enter an elevator in an office building. It begins to move, then plunges and stops. In the long hours that follow they talk and give up their secrets. What could be the harm in telling secrets to someone they will never see again? In fact, unbeknownst to them, their lives are connected and each has a specific agenda. The results are horrific. The premise of the book is intriguing and the characters are compelling. It’s told in multiple timelines and dual POVs. At times I felt that if the narrators were more clearly delineated, the story would have flowed more easily. Still there is tension, mystery and suspense.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
May 18, 2024
This book was a struggle to finish if I’m honest. It flicked back and forth in time and between characters which made it really difficult to keep up with. Every chapter ended on a cliffhanger of sorts and even tho they were resolved pretty quickly it was an effort to stay on track. The actual “twist” was pretty ineffective because I saw it so early I presumed it was just part of the story.
Not a fan I’m afraid.
Not a fan I’m afraid.
Read
September 17, 2023Captivating
I may have expected some of the twists, however it was a Great Ride to read how they all unfolded!
Very well done! I was captive in the elevator with these two women as their truths were revealed!
I may have expected some of the twists, however it was a Great Ride to read how they all unfolded!
Very well done! I was captive in the elevator with these two women as their truths were revealed!
September 30, 2024
This was the most boring book I have every read. It was long winded and predictable,
September 23, 2023
Very boring. Actually kept on falling asleep with the audiobook. And just not enjoyable for me.
August 31, 2023
It’s a sweltering morning in New York City. Cerys walks into the Pearl Associates office building, hot from the sun and grateful for the instant relief the A/C provides. Now if only she could get relief from her nerves! As the HR director, she’s headed upstairs to conduct a meeting. It shouldn’t be a big deal. It’s part of her job. However, the last time she held a similar meeting, the results were devastating. She’s still in therapy trying to work through the trauma it caused.
Maeve is at the front desk when Cerys walks past her. Not wearing a corporate uniform like everyone else, she stands out and captures Cerys’ attention. There’s agitation in her voice as she talks to the receptionist in an attempt to get upstairs. She has an appointment, she says. She has an appointment, she insists. Even though Cerys doesn’t recognize her, she pauses to eavesdrop on the drama.
In front of Cerys, employees line up to get through security. A man in front of her swipes his badge at the gate. A red-light flashes, and he’s denied. The same thing happens to all the others — and to Cerys too. It’s obviously a glitch. Seeing their badges, the security guard waves them through to the lobby, along with Maeve. When Cerys grabs an empty elevator moments later, Maeve jumps in with her. Both are going to the 26th floor. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. But then the elevator jerks to a stop. The power goes out. They’re trapped together.
As the minutes slowly turn to hours with no sign of rescue, Cerys tries to calm a panic-stricken Maeve by sharing her darkest secrets. It feels good to unburden herself and, since Maeve’s a stranger she’ll never see again, no harm can come from it. Or so she thinks. However, before the two women are rescued from the elevator, they’ll realize they’re not strangers at all. They’re enemies. One is hell bent on revenge. The other is determined to be the only one who walks out of the elevator.
Brilliantly deceptive, breath-takingly intense, and twistier than a corkscrew, The Elevator by Claire Cooper is nothing like you expect. It’s at least 100x better! Jam-packed with suspense, if you didn’t bite your nails before you picked up this book, you will once you start reading. A strong sense of foreboding starts as soon as the elevator stops and doesn’t ease up until the end. The same is true for the tension. Every page of The Elevator is brimming with it. You already know from the cover that the two women aren’t strangers, but their connection to each other will rock you down to your socks and bring the story to an unimaginable conclusion. Be careful what you think is the truth as you read. It’s probably not.
Very well written and perfectly paced so that it doesn’t move too fast or slow, The Elevator traps you inside with Cerys and Maeve. But you won’t mind. It’s hard to put the book down, because you want to figure out what happened to make them enemies — and what’s going to happen when they realize they are. It’s intriguing and addicting.
Both women are well-developed and complex characters. Dual timelines take you back and forth between each woman’s present and past. You get to know them through their thoughts and conversations in present-day while also uncovering their darkest secrets through snippets of their past. It can get a little confusing going from Cerys in the past and present, then Maeve in the past and present too, but only a little early on. Each character has a very unique, distinctive voice that you’ll quickly come to know. Differentiating between them becomes easy after a few chapters.
When you read a lot of psychological thrillers, it becomes a challenge to find one that stands out. When you find one, you reach for your thesaurus to find every synonym you can to tell everyone how great it is. Take Roget’s word for it. The Elevator is one of those great books.
Thank you to Claire Cooper and Bookouture for the complimentary eARC in exchange for an unbiased review — and for inviting me to join the blog tour for such an amazing book.
Maeve is at the front desk when Cerys walks past her. Not wearing a corporate uniform like everyone else, she stands out and captures Cerys’ attention. There’s agitation in her voice as she talks to the receptionist in an attempt to get upstairs. She has an appointment, she says. She has an appointment, she insists. Even though Cerys doesn’t recognize her, she pauses to eavesdrop on the drama.
In front of Cerys, employees line up to get through security. A man in front of her swipes his badge at the gate. A red-light flashes, and he’s denied. The same thing happens to all the others — and to Cerys too. It’s obviously a glitch. Seeing their badges, the security guard waves them through to the lobby, along with Maeve. When Cerys grabs an empty elevator moments later, Maeve jumps in with her. Both are going to the 26th floor. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. But then the elevator jerks to a stop. The power goes out. They’re trapped together.
As the minutes slowly turn to hours with no sign of rescue, Cerys tries to calm a panic-stricken Maeve by sharing her darkest secrets. It feels good to unburden herself and, since Maeve’s a stranger she’ll never see again, no harm can come from it. Or so she thinks. However, before the two women are rescued from the elevator, they’ll realize they’re not strangers at all. They’re enemies. One is hell bent on revenge. The other is determined to be the only one who walks out of the elevator.
Brilliantly deceptive, breath-takingly intense, and twistier than a corkscrew, The Elevator by Claire Cooper is nothing like you expect. It’s at least 100x better! Jam-packed with suspense, if you didn’t bite your nails before you picked up this book, you will once you start reading. A strong sense of foreboding starts as soon as the elevator stops and doesn’t ease up until the end. The same is true for the tension. Every page of The Elevator is brimming with it. You already know from the cover that the two women aren’t strangers, but their connection to each other will rock you down to your socks and bring the story to an unimaginable conclusion. Be careful what you think is the truth as you read. It’s probably not.
Very well written and perfectly paced so that it doesn’t move too fast or slow, The Elevator traps you inside with Cerys and Maeve. But you won’t mind. It’s hard to put the book down, because you want to figure out what happened to make them enemies — and what’s going to happen when they realize they are. It’s intriguing and addicting.
Both women are well-developed and complex characters. Dual timelines take you back and forth between each woman’s present and past. You get to know them through their thoughts and conversations in present-day while also uncovering their darkest secrets through snippets of their past. It can get a little confusing going from Cerys in the past and present, then Maeve in the past and present too, but only a little early on. Each character has a very unique, distinctive voice that you’ll quickly come to know. Differentiating between them becomes easy after a few chapters.
When you read a lot of psychological thrillers, it becomes a challenge to find one that stands out. When you find one, you reach for your thesaurus to find every synonym you can to tell everyone how great it is. Take Roget’s word for it. The Elevator is one of those great books.
Thank you to Claire Cooper and Bookouture for the complimentary eARC in exchange for an unbiased review — and for inviting me to join the blog tour for such an amazing book.
August 18, 2023
Two British women or stuck on an elevator in New York City one was going up to start a meeting and the other was there for retribution. It seems these two womens past has intertwined in more ways than one. While one runs from her secrets the other is there to make them all public and to make her pay. Throughout the book to distract Meave from having a panic attack due to being in such tight quarters The other woman thinking she will never see Meave again The sods to unload all her deepest darkest secrets and they’re pretty deep and pretty dark The whole time she is bearing her soul to the panic strict and woman she find something very familiar about her but just cannot place her finger on it and when her panic becomes so much she needs her inhaler move lets her dig in her purse to find it but what she also finds will change the tension in the elevator but is the other woman really in danger? This is a horrible summary but this is a summary about a book that could’ve been way better I don’t like when they give nicknames to characters only to reveal OMG it was blah blah blah the whole time I feel like that is cheating send it only done that’s a lazy way of putting a twist in a book not to mention all that pointless chatter about Leon and the meeting that was never to be I’m sure a lot of people will love this book but me not so much. I really was looking forward to reading this book and almost feel sad because it came so close yet ended up way too far to be what I considered a great thriller it is still a book I’m sure many readers will love but one of my biggest pet peeve‘s is when an author gives a character a nickname only to divulge well lol it was blah blah blah the whole time for me is not only like cheating but an easy way to throw a twist in a book but having said that I’m still recommending this book because it does have drama and if what I described is something that doesn’t bother you you will probably love this book to me it was only OK. I want to thank netGalley and Bookoucher for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 10, 2023
„Some people would say this is karma, that it always comes for you in the end. But I know better. There are no divine forces making sure everything balances out. If you want justice, you have to take it for yourself.“
Review: The Elevator by Claire Cooper
Release Date: August 25th.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Synopsis: Two women are stuck in an elevator, women with complicated pasts and complicated feelings. When both of them discover each other's place in their own messy lives, only one of them might make it out alive.
I'm very thankful to have been given this #arc by @netgalley.
Personally, I really enjoyed this #thriller. From the beginning, there are so many little details that don't really seem important until they beautifully intertwine and create a very exciting story. The author did a really great job in letting the story unfold slowly but effectively. 🔥
I wouldn't really say, this book has one huge plot twist. Rather, there are a few very surprising revelations that keep the reader on their toes which I really liked.
One character's actions were pretty hard to grasp for me. At the end, as we got to know this person more, it made sense (kind of). However, I wished, I could have learned more about how she thinks and how she sees the world.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller with many layers that needs a little time to unfold, this could be your next read. ✨
Review: The Elevator by Claire Cooper
Release Date: August 25th.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Synopsis: Two women are stuck in an elevator, women with complicated pasts and complicated feelings. When both of them discover each other's place in their own messy lives, only one of them might make it out alive.
I'm very thankful to have been given this #arc by @netgalley.
Personally, I really enjoyed this #thriller. From the beginning, there are so many little details that don't really seem important until they beautifully intertwine and create a very exciting story. The author did a really great job in letting the story unfold slowly but effectively. 🔥
I wouldn't really say, this book has one huge plot twist. Rather, there are a few very surprising revelations that keep the reader on their toes which I really liked.
One character's actions were pretty hard to grasp for me. At the end, as we got to know this person more, it made sense (kind of). However, I wished, I could have learned more about how she thinks and how she sees the world.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller with many layers that needs a little time to unfold, this could be your next read. ✨
July 18, 2023
I am not a fan of elevators. If I can I will always take the stairs. After all an elevator is nothing more than a metal box going up and down (hopefully) in a shaft. Once the thing refuses to do what it was installed for, all hell breaks loose.
I would not like to be in these women's shoes. I have to admire them, because even though they struggle, they still manage to not panic to much. I think I would die.
What is there left to do besides talking and both end up trusting each other with some of their deepest feelings.
When the doors of the elevator opened and the women stepped into the carriage they did not know each other. Little by little they realise who they are sharing this small space with, unable to leave...
I love the dual timeline taking us to the past and giving us insight in the backstory of both ladies. On the other hand there is the present where we can witness the interaction between both main characters. The author lets the women do the talking, offering us two points of view.
This is a very enjoyable story where jealousy, revenge and guilt are a few of the emotions forming the foundation of this book.
Some of the thinking behind the story were straightforward, but the author still managed to surprise me. 4 stars
Thank you
I would not like to be in these women's shoes. I have to admire them, because even though they struggle, they still manage to not panic to much. I think I would die.
What is there left to do besides talking and both end up trusting each other with some of their deepest feelings.
When the doors of the elevator opened and the women stepped into the carriage they did not know each other. Little by little they realise who they are sharing this small space with, unable to leave...
I love the dual timeline taking us to the past and giving us insight in the backstory of both ladies. On the other hand there is the present where we can witness the interaction between both main characters. The author lets the women do the talking, offering us two points of view.
This is a very enjoyable story where jealousy, revenge and guilt are a few of the emotions forming the foundation of this book.
Some of the thinking behind the story were straightforward, but the author still managed to surprise me. 4 stars
Thank you
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