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Haunted
Nigel Price has MURDER on his mind.
He can run but he cannot hide. Nigel's past has come back to haunt him. The truth is, his past has never left him... it follows him without remorse, catching him at every turn. There is no escape.
Regret, guilt, nightmares, despair... these fill his every waking hour and disturb his sleepless nights.
Take a trip inside Nigel's mind, in this dark, psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
He can run but he cannot hide. Nigel's past has come back to haunt him. The truth is, his past has never left him... it follows him without remorse, catching him at every turn. There is no escape.
Regret, guilt, nightmares, despair... these fill his every waking hour and disturb his sleepless nights.
Take a trip inside Nigel's mind, in this dark, psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Maria Savva
48 books521 followersWriter of novels and short stories, multi-genre. Maria's short stories have appeared in the BestsellerBound anthologies and the Mind's Eye Series of books, as well as the online magazine The Write Launch: http://thewritelaunch.com/
Maria is also a music blogger at the Real Rock And Roll blog: https://realrockandroll.wordpress.com/
Look out for current news about her writing on her website: http://www.mariasavva.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 3, 2012
Well, I wrote it so I think it's fabulous. I hope you will enjoy it too :)
November 3, 2012
Dark, sinister and very cleverly written.
I received an Advance Review Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had already read Maria Savva's Coincidences, a family drama, which I loved and gave 5 stars, so I was keen to read Haunted. I was a bit worried it would be a horror, as I am quite squeamish, but I need not have worried. The subject matter is very dark, and the author manages to make the reader feel sympathy for the protagonist, Nigel, when I wouldn't have thought this was possible, given the nature of his crime. The novel shows how Nigel is persecuted by his memories and how they never leave him for a moment. He becomes obsessed and the events of one evening have a destructive impact his entire life for decades. No matter how he tries to justify to himself what he has done, he can't. He feels certain everyone knows and becomes paranoid. The author kept us guessing right up until the end,and I didn't get it right! Is he losing his mind? Has the trauma from decades ago ruined his mind altogether? What in his life is real. The novel also charts the relationships between Nigel and his family and the destructive influence it has on him and them. The arrival of a young temp who comes to work in his firm in a department he didn't know existed, unbalances Nigel and the fine line between reality and his imagination running wild is very difficult to discern.
Not a novel I would normally have read, but Maria Savva has a gift for crossing genres and addressing difficult topics. She seemed to really get inside Nigel's traumatic psyche. With plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged all the way to the end, I would highly recommend this for anyone really!
I will be picking up more of her back catalogue soon.
I received an Advance Review Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had already read Maria Savva's Coincidences, a family drama, which I loved and gave 5 stars, so I was keen to read Haunted. I was a bit worried it would be a horror, as I am quite squeamish, but I need not have worried. The subject matter is very dark, and the author manages to make the reader feel sympathy for the protagonist, Nigel, when I wouldn't have thought this was possible, given the nature of his crime. The novel shows how Nigel is persecuted by his memories and how they never leave him for a moment. He becomes obsessed and the events of one evening have a destructive impact his entire life for decades. No matter how he tries to justify to himself what he has done, he can't. He feels certain everyone knows and becomes paranoid. The author kept us guessing right up until the end,and I didn't get it right! Is he losing his mind? Has the trauma from decades ago ruined his mind altogether? What in his life is real. The novel also charts the relationships between Nigel and his family and the destructive influence it has on him and them. The arrival of a young temp who comes to work in his firm in a department he didn't know existed, unbalances Nigel and the fine line between reality and his imagination running wild is very difficult to discern.
Not a novel I would normally have read, but Maria Savva has a gift for crossing genres and addressing difficult topics. She seemed to really get inside Nigel's traumatic psyche. With plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged all the way to the end, I would highly recommend this for anyone really!
I will be picking up more of her back catalogue soon.
November 12, 2012
Haunted is exactly what you'll be after reading this book. The theme ran like an undercurrent in my brain for days.
Nigel has an explosive temper causing him, in a moment of rage, to act in a way that changes his life forever. Given the type of person he is, Nigel shouldn't be particularly likable. Yet, somehow his character elicits sympathy. Through Nigel's life, we see the destruction caused by one moment in time. His mind is shattered, dark and desolate, and we, the reader, are right there with him.
This is Maria Savva's darkest writing and, I have to say, my favorite. (Yes, I love the dark side!) There is no blood and gore piling up on each page. The torment here is purely psychological, which is even more frightening.
Nigel has an explosive temper causing him, in a moment of rage, to act in a way that changes his life forever. Given the type of person he is, Nigel shouldn't be particularly likable. Yet, somehow his character elicits sympathy. Through Nigel's life, we see the destruction caused by one moment in time. His mind is shattered, dark and desolate, and we, the reader, are right there with him.
This is Maria Savva's darkest writing and, I have to say, my favorite. (Yes, I love the dark side!) There is no blood and gore piling up on each page. The torment here is purely psychological, which is even more frightening.
January 18, 2013
Life Controlled by his Murderous Past
Author Maria Savva’s enviable skill at drawing her readers in from the onset and keeping the suspense alive on every page is unmistakably apparent with her latest book ‘Haunted’.
This nail-biting story revolves around her central character, Nigel Price. As a youngster Nigel suffered anger issues, which became worse as the years passed. Fast-forward to an evening in his thirties when he is overpowered by a fit of road rage on a narrow cliff-top road. Nigel Price commits the unthinkable, murder. Riddled with guilt his life is no longer his own. As readers we are taken inside Nigel’s mind living as a tormented soul uncertain of reality.
I highly recommend ‘Haunted’ to readers who enjoy edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a paranormal twist.
Author Maria Savva’s enviable skill at drawing her readers in from the onset and keeping the suspense alive on every page is unmistakably apparent with her latest book ‘Haunted’.
This nail-biting story revolves around her central character, Nigel Price. As a youngster Nigel suffered anger issues, which became worse as the years passed. Fast-forward to an evening in his thirties when he is overpowered by a fit of road rage on a narrow cliff-top road. Nigel Price commits the unthinkable, murder. Riddled with guilt his life is no longer his own. As readers we are taken inside Nigel’s mind living as a tormented soul uncertain of reality.
I highly recommend ‘Haunted’ to readers who enjoy edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a paranormal twist.
November 14, 2012
4.5 stars.
Haunted is a well-written, dark novel by Maria Savva. It tells the story of Nigel Price, who ruined his own life, and the lives of several others, by a dreadful act that was fuelled by his uncontrollable anger. When we first meet Nigel, it is twenty years after this fateful event, but through a series of flashbacks, we learn about his early life and how his anger overwhelmed him, with such tragic consequences.
Nigel is remorselessly hounded by his conscience and haunted by what he has done. So much so, that he becomes introverted and withdrawn as the years pass. The novel charts the disintegration of his life - and his mind- until he is not clear what is real. As readers, we are also “in the dark”.Maria Savva feeds us clues, but I was still surprised by the final chapter of the book.
There is much to admire and like about Haunted: the writing is very good and the plot, well constructed. The characters are developed in an interesting way and the author successfully explores the way trauma can affect the human mind. I also thought the final chapter was excellent.
On a personal note - and this is the reason I did not give the novel 5 stars - I found the book to be too "dark"! However, I wholeheartedly recommend the book to all who enjoy a psychological novel, with a paranormal twist.
Haunted is a well-written, dark novel by Maria Savva. It tells the story of Nigel Price, who ruined his own life, and the lives of several others, by a dreadful act that was fuelled by his uncontrollable anger. When we first meet Nigel, it is twenty years after this fateful event, but through a series of flashbacks, we learn about his early life and how his anger overwhelmed him, with such tragic consequences.
Nigel is remorselessly hounded by his conscience and haunted by what he has done. So much so, that he becomes introverted and withdrawn as the years pass. The novel charts the disintegration of his life - and his mind- until he is not clear what is real. As readers, we are also “in the dark”.Maria Savva feeds us clues, but I was still surprised by the final chapter of the book.
There is much to admire and like about Haunted: the writing is very good and the plot, well constructed. The characters are developed in an interesting way and the author successfully explores the way trauma can affect the human mind. I also thought the final chapter was excellent.
On a personal note - and this is the reason I did not give the novel 5 stars - I found the book to be too "dark"! However, I wholeheartedly recommend the book to all who enjoy a psychological novel, with a paranormal twist.
November 5, 2012
Haunted (Maria Savva)
Psychological/Suspense
Nigel Price is an ordinary man. He leads an average life until one eventful night. It changed the course of his life. Try as he may he just can not let go of that night, and his past keeps coming back to haunt him.
Every day, every waking hour he is constantly reminded of this. His restless sleepless nights, the regret and quilt just eat away at his soul. Soon he is not sure what is real and what is not. Is he becoming paranoid, or are things just not as they seem.
A fantastic all night read. Maria Savva writes with passion and detail, I felt as if I were inside Nigels mind. Filled with some twists, turns, suspense and paranormal thrills. I highly recommend to suspense/thriller/paranormal lovers.
Psychological/Suspense
Nigel Price is an ordinary man. He leads an average life until one eventful night. It changed the course of his life. Try as he may he just can not let go of that night, and his past keeps coming back to haunt him.
Every day, every waking hour he is constantly reminded of this. His restless sleepless nights, the regret and quilt just eat away at his soul. Soon he is not sure what is real and what is not. Is he becoming paranoid, or are things just not as they seem.
A fantastic all night read. Maria Savva writes with passion and detail, I felt as if I were inside Nigels mind. Filled with some twists, turns, suspense and paranormal thrills. I highly recommend to suspense/thriller/paranormal lovers.
November 7, 2012
I was lucky enough to read this story in advance of publication and I loved it from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed the in-depth character building - so important to a story - where I could see into the minds of each of them, making for great reading. The plot was dark and clever and kept me guessing until the end.
The story gave great insight into the emotions of mankind, where guilt can create an obsessive and insane point of view. We can wonder what we'd do in the circumstances given in the plot and whether conscience is a spark for 'doing the right thing' and if we don't, we have to accept the consequences - these issues are dealt with creatively, yet never once leaving behind reality...cleverly done.
A fantastic read, well written within its many twists and turns, and so far, my favourite story by this talented author.
Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed the in-depth character building - so important to a story - where I could see into the minds of each of them, making for great reading. The plot was dark and clever and kept me guessing until the end.
The story gave great insight into the emotions of mankind, where guilt can create an obsessive and insane point of view. We can wonder what we'd do in the circumstances given in the plot and whether conscience is a spark for 'doing the right thing' and if we don't, we have to accept the consequences - these issues are dealt with creatively, yet never once leaving behind reality...cleverly done.
A fantastic read, well written within its many twists and turns, and so far, my favourite story by this talented author.
Highly recommended.
February 19, 2013
Author Maria Savva draws us inside the troubled mind of Nigel, a man haunted by a dark past. Well written and intriguing, the story exposes the fragility of Nigel’s psyche as guilt gradually overpowers him and paranoia sets in. As we find out more about Nigel through non-intrusive flashbacks into his life, we understand his fears and the potential gravity of his dilemma. We wonder what fate has in store for him and hold on while our apprehension builds. I’d recommend “Haunted” to anyone looking for a captivating psychological suspense.
December 10, 2013
This wasn't what I was expecting at all from a book called Haunted - the ghosts and spectres are all in the mind of the main character, Nigel.
I thought Ms Savva wrote Nigel's increasing paranoia very well - you can't help feeling sympathy for him and I loved the way he, at times, seemed quite normal - which brought it home how 'normal' your average murderer can seem! I thought the way he couldn't control his temper was portrayed extremely well, too.
Unusual, interesting subject - unusual, interesting book! Nice one.
I thought Ms Savva wrote Nigel's increasing paranoia very well - you can't help feeling sympathy for him and I loved the way he, at times, seemed quite normal - which brought it home how 'normal' your average murderer can seem! I thought the way he couldn't control his temper was portrayed extremely well, too.
Unusual, interesting subject - unusual, interesting book! Nice one.
June 11, 2013
I enjoy reading stories from Maria Savva.
I finished this last year but forgot to do my review. I’m not good at writing long winded reviews, so this will be short. I loved the story, it kept me turning the pages, and I didn’t want to put the book down.
I finished this last year but forgot to do my review. I’m not good at writing long winded reviews, so this will be short. I loved the story, it kept me turning the pages, and I didn’t want to put the book down.
January 9, 2013
In the first chapter of Haunted by Maria Savva we meet Nigel, a shell of a man in his fifties. Everything he does, says, thinks or touches is tainted by his private hell. Nigel Price killed a woman 20 years earlier and got away with it.
That is it, the whole story revolves around those facts. Yet, it is not tedious, a psychological thriller like this one, if handled incorrectly, can be boring and seem like whining, not in this case, it is easy to feel the burden of regret, bad memories and the loss of the will to live.
As Nigel's shell of a life starts unraveling, we get to think: Is his private hell an appropriate punishment or should he go to jail to pay for his crime? Even though he's not in jail, he's not breathing the air of a free man, it is hard to be sympathetic to a murderer, yet Maria Savva did it in a masterful way. I kept wishing he didn't get caught, then had to remind myself he killed a person in a moment of rage and should pay.
The story takes us back to that fateful day on the cliff, then it comes back to Nigel's life before, during and after the event ending with something hauntingly mysterious happening to him. We also get to know about Emily's life leading up to that terrible day when her life and the life of her unborn child was cut short.
The beautiful book cover conveys the story perfectly, there is Emily Baxter walking away to another world yet looking back with eyes that will follow Nigel Price as long as he lives.
That is it, the whole story revolves around those facts. Yet, it is not tedious, a psychological thriller like this one, if handled incorrectly, can be boring and seem like whining, not in this case, it is easy to feel the burden of regret, bad memories and the loss of the will to live.
As Nigel's shell of a life starts unraveling, we get to think: Is his private hell an appropriate punishment or should he go to jail to pay for his crime? Even though he's not in jail, he's not breathing the air of a free man, it is hard to be sympathetic to a murderer, yet Maria Savva did it in a masterful way. I kept wishing he didn't get caught, then had to remind myself he killed a person in a moment of rage and should pay.
The story takes us back to that fateful day on the cliff, then it comes back to Nigel's life before, during and after the event ending with something hauntingly mysterious happening to him. We also get to know about Emily's life leading up to that terrible day when her life and the life of her unborn child was cut short.
The beautiful book cover conveys the story perfectly, there is Emily Baxter walking away to another world yet looking back with eyes that will follow Nigel Price as long as he lives.
January 19, 2013
A chilling insight into the mind of a murderer
This is an excellent book you won’t be able to put down.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a murderer? Not a sociopath with no remorse, but a rather introverted person with a fiery temper that he’s never been able to control, who one day takes things too far and regrets it ever after.
This is the territory that Maria Savva tackles in ‘Haunted’. Nigel is a rather geeky guy, perhaps lacking in charm, but not essentially evil. One day he kills, in fact there are mitigating circumstances, but he blames himself ever after. We see him descend into misery and loneliness as the guilt eats away at him until he goes from desperation to misery to worse.
This is an exciting tale, an insight into insanity that grips you, so that you want to know all the circumstances surrounding Nigel’s life. And when sinister things start to happen to him, you wonder just how it’s going to end.
You will enter Nigel’s world and almost feel sympathy for him, and wonder just what is going to happen, and keep on wondering until the end. Like a stone sending out ripples in a pond, the ramifications of Nigel’s actions haunt him forever, and keep on haunting him until the very last page.
It makes you realise the unnerving reality that a murderer can be as ordinary as your next door neighbour . . .
This is an excellent book you won’t be able to put down.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a murderer? Not a sociopath with no remorse, but a rather introverted person with a fiery temper that he’s never been able to control, who one day takes things too far and regrets it ever after.
This is the territory that Maria Savva tackles in ‘Haunted’. Nigel is a rather geeky guy, perhaps lacking in charm, but not essentially evil. One day he kills, in fact there are mitigating circumstances, but he blames himself ever after. We see him descend into misery and loneliness as the guilt eats away at him until he goes from desperation to misery to worse.
This is an exciting tale, an insight into insanity that grips you, so that you want to know all the circumstances surrounding Nigel’s life. And when sinister things start to happen to him, you wonder just how it’s going to end.
You will enter Nigel’s world and almost feel sympathy for him, and wonder just what is going to happen, and keep on wondering until the end. Like a stone sending out ripples in a pond, the ramifications of Nigel’s actions haunt him forever, and keep on haunting him until the very last page.
It makes you realise the unnerving reality that a murderer can be as ordinary as your next door neighbour . . .
March 13, 2015
Haunted is the tragic tale of Nigel Price, a man whose child-born anger issues developed as he matured and bubbled over in a terrible accident and left him haunted by his actions for the next twenty years.
Nigel had a strict upbringing from parents who didn't want to have a spoilt child, but instead left him feeling unloved and jealous of his friends and the material objects their parents generously gave. It lead to bouts of lashing out angrily and a false bravado which as a teenager he fuelled with drink.
As an adult Nigel was an IT specialist but still he felt the need to prove himself to his parents and those around, he was brash and loud and drove his car too fast, showing emotional needs of power seeking.
All this came to a head on the night of August 19th 1991. Nigel was driving home late, taking a road to avoid heavy traffic, he was speeding, when forced to stop abruptly by a woman driver at traffic lights.
Emily Baxter's life ended that night in a terrible set of events, and Nigel's life as he knew it ended too. Fear and guilt took over as the days, weeks, months and years went by with no-one solving the case of Emily Baxter. One man knew the truth and it plagued his life.
Nigel withdrew from his wife, his family, his friends and his IT job and kept to himself until Kelly entered his life. That's when things took a spookier turn.
Nigel had a strict upbringing from parents who didn't want to have a spoilt child, but instead left him feeling unloved and jealous of his friends and the material objects their parents generously gave. It lead to bouts of lashing out angrily and a false bravado which as a teenager he fuelled with drink.
As an adult Nigel was an IT specialist but still he felt the need to prove himself to his parents and those around, he was brash and loud and drove his car too fast, showing emotional needs of power seeking.
All this came to a head on the night of August 19th 1991. Nigel was driving home late, taking a road to avoid heavy traffic, he was speeding, when forced to stop abruptly by a woman driver at traffic lights.
Emily Baxter's life ended that night in a terrible set of events, and Nigel's life as he knew it ended too. Fear and guilt took over as the days, weeks, months and years went by with no-one solving the case of Emily Baxter. One man knew the truth and it plagued his life.
Nigel withdrew from his wife, his family, his friends and his IT job and kept to himself until Kelly entered his life. That's when things took a spookier turn.
December 14, 2012
Nigel Price grew up with a temper. A bad one. And one night, while driving along the cliff of a dangerous road, his road rage toward another driver escalates into the unthinkable — murder.
What happens to a man who tries to escape the anger issues of his youth and now has committed murder, by chance? How does he reconcile that within himself? Nigel, though he goes on living, withdraws from life and from his marriage. As the years go on, his haunting takes on new forms. He is left wondering what is real and what is not.
I read this book in three sittings, but had time permitted, I could have read it in one. Maria Savva did a brilliant job building suspense, painting a portrait of a haunted man, and evenly pacing the novel so that it remained a constant thriller throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this chilling tale. Very well plotted; a great choice if you’re looking for a book that will completely absorb you.
What happens to a man who tries to escape the anger issues of his youth and now has committed murder, by chance? How does he reconcile that within himself? Nigel, though he goes on living, withdraws from life and from his marriage. As the years go on, his haunting takes on new forms. He is left wondering what is real and what is not.
I read this book in three sittings, but had time permitted, I could have read it in one. Maria Savva did a brilliant job building suspense, painting a portrait of a haunted man, and evenly pacing the novel so that it remained a constant thriller throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this chilling tale. Very well plotted; a great choice if you’re looking for a book that will completely absorb you.
May 28, 2013
Haunted (Maria Savva)
Psychological/Suspense
Nigel Price is an ordinary man. He leads an average life until one eventful night. It changed the course of his life. Try as he may he just can not let go of that night, and his past keeps coming back to haunt him.
Every day, every waking hour he is constantly reminded of this. His restless sleepless nights, the regret and quilt just eat away at his soul. Soon he is not sure what is real and what is not. Is he becoming paranoid, or are things just not as they seem.
A fantastic all night read. Maria Savva writes with passion and detail, I felt as if I were inside Nigels mind. Filled with some twists, turns, suspense and paranormal thrills. I highly recommend to suspense/thriller/paranormal lovers.
Psychological/Suspense
Nigel Price is an ordinary man. He leads an average life until one eventful night. It changed the course of his life. Try as he may he just can not let go of that night, and his past keeps coming back to haunt him.
Every day, every waking hour he is constantly reminded of this. His restless sleepless nights, the regret and quilt just eat away at his soul. Soon he is not sure what is real and what is not. Is he becoming paranoid, or are things just not as they seem.
A fantastic all night read. Maria Savva writes with passion and detail, I felt as if I were inside Nigels mind. Filled with some twists, turns, suspense and paranormal thrills. I highly recommend to suspense/thriller/paranormal lovers.
February 19, 2013
I downloaded this book sometime ago and due to my very long TBR list I had only recently picked it up! And it was certainly worth the wait. This is a very dark tale of murder and one that reaches deep into the mind of the protagonist Nigel. Suffering from paranoia and guilt he tries to justify his actions from one terrible night many years before. He hits the self-destruct button and starts the long journey over time battling with his conscience and sanity. This book was so well written and really got inside the mind of Nigel and you actually feel sorry for him at times. This is a dark, sinister read and one you will be drawn into from the very first page. I will certainly be reading more books by this talented author.
March 19, 2013
I normally don't read this genre of book, so for that reason, I wasn't comfortable giving it 5 stars. (I don't know how it really compares to other in the same classification.)
However, I'm glad I stepped out of my normal comfort zone to read Ms. Savva's novel. The characters were well-developed and believable, and I could actually visualize the things Nigel saw and experienced. I generally have a hard time visualizing things, so I consider Ms. Savva's ability to produce images in my mind to be astounding. It's been a few months since I read the book, and I still can see certain scenes as they played out.
I will definitely read more of Ms. Savva's novels in the future.
However, I'm glad I stepped out of my normal comfort zone to read Ms. Savva's novel. The characters were well-developed and believable, and I could actually visualize the things Nigel saw and experienced. I generally have a hard time visualizing things, so I consider Ms. Savva's ability to produce images in my mind to be astounding. It's been a few months since I read the book, and I still can see certain scenes as they played out.
I will definitely read more of Ms. Savva's novels in the future.
June 4, 2013
I don't know what I was expecting with this book, but it certainly was a pleasant surprise. It had me gripped from page one.
I felt desperately sorry for Nigel who had a terrible childhood and ultimately, after catastrophic events, creates a dreadful life for himself in adulthood.
It's a very moving story indeed with the terrible events of one night having repercussions for a lot of people.
It certainly is a good book and I couldn't put it down until I found out what was actually going on as it becomes very creepy towards the end.
I felt desperately sorry for Nigel who had a terrible childhood and ultimately, after catastrophic events, creates a dreadful life for himself in adulthood.
It's a very moving story indeed with the terrible events of one night having repercussions for a lot of people.
It certainly is a good book and I couldn't put it down until I found out what was actually going on as it becomes very creepy towards the end.
January 22, 2013
Wow. Now that my heart has finally stopped pounding, I can tell everyone how much I enjoyed this book. This one's going on my keeper shelf. I so admire Ms. Savva and her ability to keep the suspense going with this awesome page-turner. Take my advice though, plan on reading this in one sitting because you won't be able to put it down. It's one of those books that keeps running through the back of your mind, making you anxious until you can get back to it and find out what happens next. I highly recommend this read!!
December 30, 2012
I was gripped by this book more and more, especially with the introduction of Kelly, which added a new dimension to the story. I enjoyed second guessing the plot, but the ending still surprised me. This is a skilfully written psychological drama;the author builds tension and explores the nature of paranoia, incorporating twists and turns in a plot that keeps the reader guessing. I will be reading more by Miss Savva. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book couldn't put my kindle down. Nigel Price is an ordinary man. Except he has an explosive temper. Which is always getting him in trouble. In a moment of road rage his life is forever changed on a dark stormy night on a little traveled road Nigel did something that will haunt him forever. A must read if you love psychological suspense stories. I look forward to reading more books by Maria Savva
February 10, 2013
Loved this book, but felt the ending was a bit abrupt. Recommend though.
March 24, 2013
Maria Savva's novel, Haunted, takes you on a journey deep beneath the human psyche. Pray that you never have to go through such an experience in life.
September 19, 2014
It’s very easy for fans of murder mysteries, thrillers, and police procedurals to become hardened to the realities of a murder. The largest section of my local library is dedicated to this genre. Murder is an everyday experience for television watchers and movie goers. Most of the murderers are portrayed as very dark and evil. The stories are usually told from the point of view of the persons trying to bring them to justice.
“Haunted” gives us a fresh and unique perspective on murder. It connects our senses to the horrors of what it is like for a relatively normal person to live with the consequences of committing a murder. There is no detective in hot pursuit. There is no suspicious spouse, neighbor, or co-worker. All of the pressure and punishment comes from the protagonist’s conscience.
Author Maria Savva does an excellent job of revealing all of the repercussions of the murder to both the murderer and his family & friends, as well as the victim and the significant others in her life. The novel shows us how the murderer grew into a man who could allow his anger to control his actions, and how doing so radically changed the arc of his life. The author gives us a much needed counterbalance to the callousness brought on by overexposure to murder.
“Haunted” gives us a fresh and unique perspective on murder. It connects our senses to the horrors of what it is like for a relatively normal person to live with the consequences of committing a murder. There is no detective in hot pursuit. There is no suspicious spouse, neighbor, or co-worker. All of the pressure and punishment comes from the protagonist’s conscience.
Author Maria Savva does an excellent job of revealing all of the repercussions of the murder to both the murderer and his family & friends, as well as the victim and the significant others in her life. The novel shows us how the murderer grew into a man who could allow his anger to control his actions, and how doing so radically changed the arc of his life. The author gives us a much needed counterbalance to the callousness brought on by overexposure to murder.
June 2, 2015
Maria Savva's, Haunted is the story of Nigel, a man who is haunted by his past. Raised by his parents who preferred reasoning with their son rather than confronting any issues with him, Nigel never learned the true art of expressing himself. As a child, he only had one real friend. As an adult, he married and led a normal life. Then one evening, Nigel let his bottled-up anger take over him. Without any reflection, he lashed out and committed an act that haunted him for the rest of his life. This novel does not have a lot of action. The story is mostly the reflections of Nigel, which have a tendency to drag and bore the reader at times. It is well written and a very thorough analysis of Nigel, but it was hard to read at times. The author has successfully explored the psychological trappings of a guilty mind. It is certainly a good read.
January 30, 2013
Well written but I found the incessant guilt and paranoia of the main character Nigel soul destroying. Perhaps that is because the author portrayed his fragile state of mind so effectively but it was much too dark for me. Nigel was a loathe some but also very pitiful character and going to the depths of mental decline with him left me feeling less impressed by the author's undeniable ability and more genuinely exhausted. I felt drained by the end and can only imagine how she must have felt when she finished writing it. Something a little more cheery and light hearted for me next I think!
January 26, 2013
This book was mostly incoherent. The storyline itself could have been good if the characters were more developed. I found myself not caring what happens to the main character and just wanting to finish the book so I could move onto something better. Blah.
January 18, 2013
This was a good read and it keep me reading till I finished it. However everyone is different in what you read. Sometimes the title will fool you but than again the title is what draws me in to read a book and of course if the first 10-15 pages catch my attention.
August 25, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. The first few pages were well written and intriguing. Then it just fell apart. Too psychoanalytical, too predictable, and too repetitive.
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