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Closure
Helen West is coming to terms with her husband's death and trying to cope with her six-year-old son's grief. Jake suffers from nightmares, and visions of what he calls his 'other life'. He talks about a boy called Jacob and a place known only as 'the island'. Helen's journey to find the source of Jake's torment leads them to North Wales, where the university town of Bangor is in lockdown following a series of student abductions. When Jake's nightmares start to mirror the abductions, Helen begins to believe her son might have second sight. But what could Jake's 'island' possibly have to do with these crimes? And how can they help without putting their own lives in danger? It seems that decision will be Jake's alone.
380 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Hamer
10 books66 followersCrime and thriller writer, founder member of author's collective Triskele Books, and regular contributor to Words with Jam Magazine.
For blog updates see -http://triskelebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
For blog updates see -http://triskelebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 20, 2020
Do you believe in past lives? Gillian Hamer has stirred up a mélange of murder, mystery and for one little boy, a past life that he dreams about. Two seemingly separate plots run parallel until they converge into a tale that is as chilling as it is incredible. How could young Jake’s nightmares be tied to the grisly serial killer’s actions?
CLOSURE is a riveting tale populated by believable characters, from the twisted to the innocent to the determined and each one feels as lifelike as someone you may pass on the street. Dark secrets abound, a killer on a mission and the connection between the past and the present collide in North Wales.
Dark, under a veil of the unknown just out of reach, as well as the possibilities of one child’s past life bleeding through his present, this one has something for anyone who enjoys a well-written tale.
Publisher: Triskele Books (December 8, 2013)
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Print Length: 380 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
CLOSURE is a riveting tale populated by believable characters, from the twisted to the innocent to the determined and each one feels as lifelike as someone you may pass on the street. Dark secrets abound, a killer on a mission and the connection between the past and the present collide in North Wales.
Dark, under a veil of the unknown just out of reach, as well as the possibilities of one child’s past life bleeding through his present, this one has something for anyone who enjoys a well-written tale.
Publisher: Triskele Books (December 8, 2013)
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Print Length: 380 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 19, 2013
What an unusual story. You follow two storylines that seem so far apart to begin with and like all good tales of two themes, you get so immersed in the current one, you get a pleasant surprise when in the next chapter you get pulled back to the original characters and plot. Each time you swap from one to other, you get that ‘Oh yes! Now then…what happens next’ feeling.
As I said the two stories seem so far removed from each other initially, you know there is sure to be a link but can’t imagine how they are going to come together. But, they do and how? They don’t just come together quietly, but dramatically collide in a very poignant fashion.
The characters range from a curious little six year old boy , through a young troubled detective to a repulsive, vengeful villain. Other minor characters are still given excellent personalities, with little idiosyncrasies which makes the little community real and authentic.
I don’t feel I can describe the story, because it would give too much away. However, if the inclusion of abduction, murder, paranormal activity, dysfunctional families, old scores, old flames and new starts doesn’t grab you, I don’t know what will.
This is a well told story and incredibly fast paced. Another unputdownable(I know it’s not a word…I’m in the process of complaining to OED) book. Thank you.
As I said the two stories seem so far removed from each other initially, you know there is sure to be a link but can’t imagine how they are going to come together. But, they do and how? They don’t just come together quietly, but dramatically collide in a very poignant fashion.
The characters range from a curious little six year old boy , through a young troubled detective to a repulsive, vengeful villain. Other minor characters are still given excellent personalities, with little idiosyncrasies which makes the little community real and authentic.
I don’t feel I can describe the story, because it would give too much away. However, if the inclusion of abduction, murder, paranormal activity, dysfunctional families, old scores, old flames and new starts doesn’t grab you, I don’t know what will.
This is a well told story and incredibly fast paced. Another unputdownable(I know it’s not a word…I’m in the process of complaining to OED) book. Thank you.
February 20, 2013
Gillian Hamer’s second novel, Closure, encompasses the same blend of murder mystery and otherworldly suspense as her first novel, The Charter.
As in The Charter, the author transports the reader to the rugged and stunning Welsh coast, in Closure, narrating two seemingly unrelated stories. The first features widow Helen West and the obstacles she faces in seeking treatment for her six-year-old son, Jake’s frightening nightmares. The second involves the police hunt for a serial kidnapper and murderer around Bangor University.
It was clear from the beginning that there had to be some link between these two intriguing stories, but I couldn’t imagine what it could be. Then, very cleverly, Gillian Hamer weaves these two different strands together, culminating in a climax charged with action and suspense.
Rich in description and atmosphere, taut with suspense and intrigue, and peppered with memorable characters, I would highly recommend Closure to crime thriller lovers who enjoy a ghostly twist in their tale.
As in The Charter, the author transports the reader to the rugged and stunning Welsh coast, in Closure, narrating two seemingly unrelated stories. The first features widow Helen West and the obstacles she faces in seeking treatment for her six-year-old son, Jake’s frightening nightmares. The second involves the police hunt for a serial kidnapper and murderer around Bangor University.
It was clear from the beginning that there had to be some link between these two intriguing stories, but I couldn’t imagine what it could be. Then, very cleverly, Gillian Hamer weaves these two different strands together, culminating in a climax charged with action and suspense.
Rich in description and atmosphere, taut with suspense and intrigue, and peppered with memorable characters, I would highly recommend Closure to crime thriller lovers who enjoy a ghostly twist in their tale.
February 4, 2013
When you love a book as much as I loved The Charter by Gillian Hamer, you always approach the next book with trepidation. I needn’t have worried – her latest, Closure, is even better. It begins as two separate story threads – a serial killer targeting students at Bangor University, and the work of North Wales CID to track him down, and the seemingly disconnected story of Jake, a child experiencing horrifying dreams triggered by a past life. The stories converge as the pursuit of the killer heats up, and the story – a superb mix of police procedure and the mysteries of reincarnation - builds wonderfully set against the beautiful Anglesey setting. The author very deftly weaves the different elements together, with well-rounded characters and a masterful building of tension, with some tremendous nail-biting moments. I really couldn’t put it down, a fantastic read. We get to know the police team even better in this book, and this has the makings of an excellent series of which I eagerly await the next episode.
February 19, 2013
She's done it again! There is something irresistible about the blend of the gritty crime theme of misguided justice combined with the scary elements of the inexplicable all set against the ambient backdrop of Celtic islands.
The reader is really put through the wringer as we get short peeks inside the serial killer's mind - a terrifying place to be. The other mind which grips us is that of a child, Jake. But with confidence and skill, the writer never lets us inside Jake's head. Instead, we are shut outside, with his confused, distressed mother, Helen, as she tries to comprehend Jake's memories of a previous life.
Added to the weaving of these two strands is Anglesey, past and present, threading the history and culture of a fascinating region into the mix. After you put down this book, blinking and dazed, it stays with you a long time afterwards. Highly unusual but extremely entertaining, a book you will want to keep.
The reader is really put through the wringer as we get short peeks inside the serial killer's mind - a terrifying place to be. The other mind which grips us is that of a child, Jake. But with confidence and skill, the writer never lets us inside Jake's head. Instead, we are shut outside, with his confused, distressed mother, Helen, as she tries to comprehend Jake's memories of a previous life.
Added to the weaving of these two strands is Anglesey, past and present, threading the history and culture of a fascinating region into the mix. After you put down this book, blinking and dazed, it stays with you a long time afterwards. Highly unusual but extremely entertaining, a book you will want to keep.
January 24, 2013
This is the second book I've read by this talented author. Like her first novel, The Charter, Gillian returns to the familiar territory of the rugged Anglesea coast.
This is a darker tale than The Charter and, in many ways, a more complex one as well. We have two separate but intertwining stories. The first features Helen West and her six year-old son, Jake, who is suffering from terrible nightmares. But are they more than that? And how can the be linked to the series of killings in and around Bangor University.
With great skill, Gillian draws these two very different threads together and gives us an extremely satisfying crime story with a spooky twist in the tale.
Rich in atmosphere, dripping with suspense and full of memorable characters, this is one you won't forget in a hurry.
This is a darker tale than The Charter and, in many ways, a more complex one as well. We have two separate but intertwining stories. The first features Helen West and her six year-old son, Jake, who is suffering from terrible nightmares. But are they more than that? And how can the be linked to the series of killings in and around Bangor University.
With great skill, Gillian draws these two very different threads together and gives us an extremely satisfying crime story with a spooky twist in the tale.
Rich in atmosphere, dripping with suspense and full of memorable characters, this is one you won't forget in a hurry.
April 15, 2013
I bought this book having read that it is partly set at the Universty of Bangor, North Wales,where I was once a student.
I'm very glad I did.
This is a skillful combination of a detective story and the paranormal.The author creates suspense by alternating the chapters between the kidnaps and murders in North Wales with the tale of the little boy who is disturbed by flashbacks to a previous life. Each is engrossing in itself and at first you wonder how the two can possibly be connected.Little by little it becomes clear as they merge together in a suspenseful climax.
The characters are well drawn and engaging and the scenery and history of the North Wales coastal area accurately described and researched.Highly recommended.
I'm very glad I did.
This is a skillful combination of a detective story and the paranormal.The author creates suspense by alternating the chapters between the kidnaps and murders in North Wales with the tale of the little boy who is disturbed by flashbacks to a previous life. Each is engrossing in itself and at first you wonder how the two can possibly be connected.Little by little it becomes clear as they merge together in a suspenseful climax.
The characters are well drawn and engaging and the scenery and history of the North Wales coastal area accurately described and researched.Highly recommended.
January 28, 2013
I loved the blend of murder mystery and paranormal suspense in Gillian Hamer’s first book, The Charter, and there’s more of the same in Closure. Amidst the beautiful scenery of the Welsh coast, police hunt a serial kidnapper and murderer and for DS Gareth Parry the investigation is personal: the first victim is his cousin, Edwina. Indeed it’s one of the many strengths of the book that the kidnapped young women are all distinctive individuals, rather than faceless victims.
In parallel to the police investigation, runs of the story of young widow, Helen West, and her troubled seven year-old son, Jake. The arrogant child psychiatrist Helen consults assures her that Jake’s nightmares are caused by the trauma of losing his father, but Helen believes Jake may be the reincarnation of Jacob, a young boy drowned many years before. Finally, she finds a sympathetic psychiatrist, American Jim Crawford, who not only listens to her, but is willing to help. However, just when it seems that Jacob’s restless spirit may achieve peace, Jake’s dreams take a disturbing new turn.
The links between these two very different strands are slow to reveal themselves, but, because each has so many intriguing elements, my interest never flagged. In fact, if anything, the novel ended a little too quickly for me. I would have liked to see more of the final stages of Gareth’s investigation and I couldn’t get enough of the poignant Jake/Jacob story. But maybe, like all good books, I just didn’t want it to end.
In parallel to the police investigation, runs of the story of young widow, Helen West, and her troubled seven year-old son, Jake. The arrogant child psychiatrist Helen consults assures her that Jake’s nightmares are caused by the trauma of losing his father, but Helen believes Jake may be the reincarnation of Jacob, a young boy drowned many years before. Finally, she finds a sympathetic psychiatrist, American Jim Crawford, who not only listens to her, but is willing to help. However, just when it seems that Jacob’s restless spirit may achieve peace, Jake’s dreams take a disturbing new turn.
The links between these two very different strands are slow to reveal themselves, but, because each has so many intriguing elements, my interest never flagged. In fact, if anything, the novel ended a little too quickly for me. I would have liked to see more of the final stages of Gareth’s investigation and I couldn’t get enough of the poignant Jake/Jacob story. But maybe, like all good books, I just didn’t want it to end.
December 3, 2012
Review of Closure by Gillian Hamer
[publication date Dec. 1 2012]
5 stars
If you loved “The Charter,” you’ll really love this novel. If you haven’t read “The Charter,” read both. Author Gillian Hamer has a way of interweaving historical narrative with contemporary events and characters in a way that is enlightening, educational, inventive, and very entertaining. “Closure” is what several characters in this novel really need, that psychological “closing a door” or “boxing away” trauma, grief, sorrow, and so forth. Helen lost her husband a few years ago, her son Jake lost his father; but Jake also carries someone else’s trauma: Jake is the reincarnate of an eleven-year-old island boy from North Wales, Jacob, who along with his father drowned in 1831.
It isn’t just the drowning of Jacob, nor Jake’s contemporary loss of his father; there’s an ongoing situation which is highly disturbing to the spirit of Jacob, and hence to young Jake (who is only five). Helen must consider how to help Jake to find healing, even to the extent of enlisting an American researcher of past lives.
[publication date Dec. 1 2012]
5 stars
If you loved “The Charter,” you’ll really love this novel. If you haven’t read “The Charter,” read both. Author Gillian Hamer has a way of interweaving historical narrative with contemporary events and characters in a way that is enlightening, educational, inventive, and very entertaining. “Closure” is what several characters in this novel really need, that psychological “closing a door” or “boxing away” trauma, grief, sorrow, and so forth. Helen lost her husband a few years ago, her son Jake lost his father; but Jake also carries someone else’s trauma: Jake is the reincarnate of an eleven-year-old island boy from North Wales, Jacob, who along with his father drowned in 1831.
It isn’t just the drowning of Jacob, nor Jake’s contemporary loss of his father; there’s an ongoing situation which is highly disturbing to the spirit of Jacob, and hence to young Jake (who is only five). Helen must consider how to help Jake to find healing, even to the extent of enlisting an American researcher of past lives.
July 8, 2013
This is a fast paced, edge of your seat thrill ride. It grabbed my attention from the start and didn’t let go at any point. I didn’t want to put it down and was genuinely ticked off when I was forced to put it down.
This is such a well crafted book. It is a great mix of crime thriller with a dash of paranormal thrown in. The dual plot is handled expertly. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way to keep the reader completely engaged in the story. The ultimate collision of the two stories brings about a surprising and dramatic conclusion that does not disappoint. I was truly surprised when the killer was revealed.
I highly recommend this book. Hamer blends nail-biting suspense with rich historical and cultural references for a well-rounded story. Although this is a stand alone book, apparently the investigative team is featured in two other books. I plan to read them both.
This is such a well crafted book. It is a great mix of crime thriller with a dash of paranormal thrown in. The dual plot is handled expertly. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way to keep the reader completely engaged in the story. The ultimate collision of the two stories brings about a surprising and dramatic conclusion that does not disappoint. I was truly surprised when the killer was revealed.
I highly recommend this book. Hamer blends nail-biting suspense with rich historical and cultural references for a well-rounded story. Although this is a stand alone book, apparently the investigative team is featured in two other books. I plan to read them both.
April 26, 2016
This is the first Gillian Hamer book I have read and it won't be the last - it skilfully blends a murder mystery with the paranormal, weaving two separate strands together to a thrilling conclusion. Scenes are described vividly - so easily I could imagine Nia's terror at where she found herself (and admired her feisty attitude!). Regarding the story of Jake/Jacob, that was fascinating, and Gillian has clearly done her research into the subject of reincarnation. All in all a riveting read, which I'd highly recommend. I also loved the North Wales setting, which added to the already superb atmosphere.
July 7, 2015
This is the second in a trilogy but it is fine as a stand alone. You don't need to read the first one before you listen to this. I liked the mystery and was surprised at the twist at the end. The characters were likeable and engaging and the narration was excellent. I am looking forward to the next one!! (Disclosure: I received this free from the narrator)
March 11, 2013
A good solid thriller, with an interesting storyline. Really enjoyed it.
May 8, 2025
4 red stars, rounded up to 4.5
Goodreads doesn't allow 1/2 stars, but I rounded this up to reflect the wonderful setting and the descriptions of North Wales, Anglesey, and the coastline. The photo on the cover is the real Twr Mawr on Ynys Llanddwyn, and the Rothsay Castle shipwreck was a real event. I loved the paranormal aspect, but this just wasn't as tightly written as The Charter. There were too many, frequent shifts in the action with at least 4 different threads going on, until they finally all come together. I loved the story of Jake/Jacob very much, the tie-in with a present day serial killer not so much, the only connection being that it took place on the island where Jacob had died. The Welsh language (which I am familiar with) was a little strange. I don't know if the author was trying to represent a 19th century dialect or not, but it just seemed wrong to me. I also couldn't listen to the audiobook, because the narrator obviously didn't know how to pronounce the Welsh words. Aside from that, I do look forward to reading more by this author.
Description: Helen West is coming to terms with her husband's death and trying to cope with her six-year-old son's grief. Jake suffers from nightmares, and visions of what he calls his 'other life'. He talks about a boy called Jacob and a place known only as 'the island'. Helen's journey to find the source of Jake's torment leads them to North Wales, where the university town of Bangor is in lockdown following a series of student abductions. When Jake's nightmares start to mirror the abductions, Helen begins to believe her son might have second sight. But what could Jake's 'island' possibly have to do with these crimes? And how can they help without putting their own lives in danger? It seems that decision will be Jake's alone.
Goodreads doesn't allow 1/2 stars, but I rounded this up to reflect the wonderful setting and the descriptions of North Wales, Anglesey, and the coastline. The photo on the cover is the real Twr Mawr on Ynys Llanddwyn, and the Rothsay Castle shipwreck was a real event. I loved the paranormal aspect, but this just wasn't as tightly written as The Charter. There were too many, frequent shifts in the action with at least 4 different threads going on, until they finally all come together. I loved the story of Jake/Jacob very much, the tie-in with a present day serial killer not so much, the only connection being that it took place on the island where Jacob had died. The Welsh language (which I am familiar with) was a little strange. I don't know if the author was trying to represent a 19th century dialect or not, but it just seemed wrong to me. I also couldn't listen to the audiobook, because the narrator obviously didn't know how to pronounce the Welsh words. Aside from that, I do look forward to reading more by this author.
Description: Helen West is coming to terms with her husband's death and trying to cope with her six-year-old son's grief. Jake suffers from nightmares, and visions of what he calls his 'other life'. He talks about a boy called Jacob and a place known only as 'the island'. Helen's journey to find the source of Jake's torment leads them to North Wales, where the university town of Bangor is in lockdown following a series of student abductions. When Jake's nightmares start to mirror the abductions, Helen begins to believe her son might have second sight. But what could Jake's 'island' possibly have to do with these crimes? And how can they help without putting their own lives in danger? It seems that decision will be Jake's alone.
March 3, 2023
Well written supernatural serial killer mystery.
April 14, 2023
Unlike anything I've ever read!
December 6, 2016
4.5*
Two seemingly unconnected and totally different storylines play out, one involving Helen West and her son, Jake, a young boy who has distressing night terrors. Helen’s GP is convinced Jake’s nightmares relate to the loss of his father but Helen is equally as sure they have nothing to do with her husband’s death. Her doctor sends her to a leading child psychiatrist whose pompous attitude and treatment of Jake she disliked intensely.
The second story thread involves an investigation by DS Gareth Parry and DS Chris Coleman, from Bangor CID, into the abductions and murders of university students by a serial killer. The police are unable to find any solid leads or connections in the victims’ backgrounds. The story opens from the chilling prospective of the killer, a terrifying and shocking attack on a young woman and a glimpse into the mind of a sociopath.
Reincarnation is a subject that fascinates me and it’s often said children’s minds are more open and receptive to otherworldly things. Jake’s mysterious and unaccountable knowledge of events, language and places that, in reality, he should know nothing about is intriguingly and skilfully portrayed.
Two of my favourite plot lines, paranormal and thriller, are woven together seamlessly as the dual narrative progresses, creating an original and different twist. The story is excellently written, fast paced and suspenseful, with realistic and believable dialogue. There’s no gratuitous violence and the tragic reality of the Rothsay Castle shipwreck conjures up vivid and terrible images which lends another level of authenticity. Reading Jacob’s account of his story was very moving.
The setting is fabulous, as the cover image suggests. Llandwynn Island is an atmospheric and beautiful place – a great choice for the mystical aspect and the culmination of the story.
Two seemingly unconnected and totally different storylines play out, one involving Helen West and her son, Jake, a young boy who has distressing night terrors. Helen’s GP is convinced Jake’s nightmares relate to the loss of his father but Helen is equally as sure they have nothing to do with her husband’s death. Her doctor sends her to a leading child psychiatrist whose pompous attitude and treatment of Jake she disliked intensely.
The second story thread involves an investigation by DS Gareth Parry and DS Chris Coleman, from Bangor CID, into the abductions and murders of university students by a serial killer. The police are unable to find any solid leads or connections in the victims’ backgrounds. The story opens from the chilling prospective of the killer, a terrifying and shocking attack on a young woman and a glimpse into the mind of a sociopath.
Reincarnation is a subject that fascinates me and it’s often said children’s minds are more open and receptive to otherworldly things. Jake’s mysterious and unaccountable knowledge of events, language and places that, in reality, he should know nothing about is intriguingly and skilfully portrayed.
Two of my favourite plot lines, paranormal and thriller, are woven together seamlessly as the dual narrative progresses, creating an original and different twist. The story is excellently written, fast paced and suspenseful, with realistic and believable dialogue. There’s no gratuitous violence and the tragic reality of the Rothsay Castle shipwreck conjures up vivid and terrible images which lends another level of authenticity. Reading Jacob’s account of his story was very moving.
The setting is fabulous, as the cover image suggests. Llandwynn Island is an atmospheric and beautiful place – a great choice for the mystical aspect and the culmination of the story.
January 14, 2013
There is an undeniable confidence in Gillian Hamer’s writing and even as the opening chapter of Closure gets underway there is a definite sense that this story is darker and dirtier than her previous book, The Charter. As always the rugged beauty of the North Wales coastline forms a stunning backdrop to a story of murder, mystery and the uncovering of long buried secrets.
In Closure, a serial killer is striking at the very heart of the university town of Bangor in North Wales, where young women are being randomly selected, and with no obvious clues left behind, the North Wales CID department have huge problems in tracking down the perpetrator. By coincidence, and seemingly unrelated, six year old Jake West experiences surges of memory from a past life which at first appear to have no connection with the main body of the story.
However, with great skill, the author intertwines two very different story strands and creates a plausible and totally believable story about irrefutable evil and the overwhelming belief that good will overcome wickedness. There are twists and turns galore and as the story gets under way there is a definite heightening of tension, with some truly dark moments which add a certain frisson of excitement.
As a reader it’s always reassuring when an author comes up with a second book which is every bit as good, if not better than the first book. There is huge potential for this crime series to continue and I really hope that Ms. Hamer has more stories to share with her readers.
In Closure, a serial killer is striking at the very heart of the university town of Bangor in North Wales, where young women are being randomly selected, and with no obvious clues left behind, the North Wales CID department have huge problems in tracking down the perpetrator. By coincidence, and seemingly unrelated, six year old Jake West experiences surges of memory from a past life which at first appear to have no connection with the main body of the story.
However, with great skill, the author intertwines two very different story strands and creates a plausible and totally believable story about irrefutable evil and the overwhelming belief that good will overcome wickedness. There are twists and turns galore and as the story gets under way there is a definite heightening of tension, with some truly dark moments which add a certain frisson of excitement.
As a reader it’s always reassuring when an author comes up with a second book which is every bit as good, if not better than the first book. There is huge potential for this crime series to continue and I really hope that Ms. Hamer has more stories to share with her readers.
January 7, 2013
I reviewed an e-book copy of this book provided to me by the author in return for my provision of this fair and honest review.
This is a murder mystery set on Anglesey. It involves two North Wales detectives, a serial killer and a six-year-old child whose mother suspects is reliving memories of a previous life. Initially I found the whole child re-incarnation aspect difficult and felt I needed to see more of a struggle in the mother as she came to terms with it, but once the two plotlines started coming together the book really took off for me. The pace is excellent and the suspense builds all the way to the end. Llandwynn Island, a stunning location that also exudes a sense of desolation is an inspired choice for the climactic scenes.
A couple of niggles – a Gareth, Glynn and Geraint all cropping up at once required some concentration on the part of this particular reader (!) And even after two novels I still don’t feel I’m under the skin of any of our heroes in North Wales nick.
But that needn’t detract from a rollicking read with some particularly nasty villains, plenty of grisly moments and an interesting historical twist. Recommended.
This is a murder mystery set on Anglesey. It involves two North Wales detectives, a serial killer and a six-year-old child whose mother suspects is reliving memories of a previous life. Initially I found the whole child re-incarnation aspect difficult and felt I needed to see more of a struggle in the mother as she came to terms with it, but once the two plotlines started coming together the book really took off for me. The pace is excellent and the suspense builds all the way to the end. Llandwynn Island, a stunning location that also exudes a sense of desolation is an inspired choice for the climactic scenes.
A couple of niggles – a Gareth, Glynn and Geraint all cropping up at once required some concentration on the part of this particular reader (!) And even after two novels I still don’t feel I’m under the skin of any of our heroes in North Wales nick.
But that needn’t detract from a rollicking read with some particularly nasty villains, plenty of grisly moments and an interesting historical twist. Recommended.
January 15, 2013
Mother Knows Best
A six year old boy, Jake, is a reincarnation of an eleven year old boy, Jacob, who helps solve the murders of young women in North Wales.
Professionals diagnosed Jake’s nightmares as the grieving process for losing his father. His mother, Helen, knew this was not the case. She felt strongly there was a deeper reason for Jake’s suffering. She was correct.
Jacob channels through Jake to help save the last woman kidnapped. Helen decides to trust the suggestion of a friend’s friend and travel to the location Jake sees in his nightmares, an island in North Wales.
Is Jacob’s channeling successful? Are they too late to save the last victim? Does law enforcement get involved? Do they catch the serial killer?
Read Closure, by Gillian Hamer, if you enjoy a good mystery, suspense thriller that’s hard to put down. Page after page is packed with unpredictable conflicts.
A six year old boy, Jake, is a reincarnation of an eleven year old boy, Jacob, who helps solve the murders of young women in North Wales.
Professionals diagnosed Jake’s nightmares as the grieving process for losing his father. His mother, Helen, knew this was not the case. She felt strongly there was a deeper reason for Jake’s suffering. She was correct.
Jacob channels through Jake to help save the last woman kidnapped. Helen decides to trust the suggestion of a friend’s friend and travel to the location Jake sees in his nightmares, an island in North Wales.
Is Jacob’s channeling successful? Are they too late to save the last victim? Does law enforcement get involved? Do they catch the serial killer?
Read Closure, by Gillian Hamer, if you enjoy a good mystery, suspense thriller that’s hard to put down. Page after page is packed with unpredictable conflicts.
Read
May 23, 2013The second in a series of paranormal crime novels from my Triskele stablemate, Gillian E Hamer, set on the island of Anglesey.
Until 1826, the only way to make the treacherous crossing from mainland Wales to the island of Anglesey was by ferry. Here Hamer connects the historical and modern day elements of her story via a psychic link between a small boy and the son of one of those ferrymen who plied their way over the Menai Straits.
That a series of savage murders is being carried out on the island is shocking enough, but when a small boy appears to be having visions of where the killer’s victims are being held, his mother has to persuade the local police to overcome their natural scepticism.
Hamer has a flare for bringing the past to life through small details, and through her love of the landscape of Anglesey, on which history has made its mark.
Until 1826, the only way to make the treacherous crossing from mainland Wales to the island of Anglesey was by ferry. Here Hamer connects the historical and modern day elements of her story via a psychic link between a small boy and the son of one of those ferrymen who plied their way over the Menai Straits.
That a series of savage murders is being carried out on the island is shocking enough, but when a small boy appears to be having visions of where the killer’s victims are being held, his mother has to persuade the local police to overcome their natural scepticism.
Hamer has a flare for bringing the past to life through small details, and through her love of the landscape of Anglesey, on which history has made its mark.
May 20, 2016
This story was interesting enough that I really wanted to finish it, and I am really sure that many people will really love it--but I didn't. I really hated the main characters--actually all of the characters except for Jake, who I didn't feel was drawn out well enough.
I would have given this mystery story just 2 stars (because of the intense dislike for the characters) but I realized that I REALLY wanted to finish the story to see how it ends.
I would have given this mystery story just 2 stars (because of the intense dislike for the characters) but I realized that I REALLY wanted to finish the story to see how it ends.
November 2, 2016
Closure offers a double helping – a thriller about a serial killer, targeting young women in North Wales, and a paranormal mystery with a young boy who appears to be the reincarnation of a boy who drowned in the 19th century. The two stories mesh together skilfully, and there are some great characters, including a victim of the killer who, very satisfyingly, refuses to be a victim. Best of all is the setting, which has me itching to go to Anglesey and explore Llanddwyn island.
October 19, 2013
Closure is the second book I have read by Gillian Hamer. She's an amazing writer who I highly recommend. This book had everything - history, beautiful scenery, mysticism and two strong storylines that crossed beautifully. I loved everything about it! The characters were well thought out and all contributed to the plot. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2014
Missing young women turning up murdered. A serial killer. A six-year-old boy reliving a previous existence along the coast of North Wales, experiencing nightmares in which he shouts words in a language he has never learned. Gillian Hamer weaves this disparate threads together into a riveting mystery, set in the present but with roots—and a solution—buried deep in the past.
June 13, 2015
Gillian's second book doesn't disappoint. If you enjoy crime thrillers then this is the book for you. I don't want to say any more because I don't want to give anything away - you're just going to have to read it for yourselves!
December 19, 2013
I was in a reading funk and this one pulled me right out! So much so I bought the other two she had written a bit of paranormal and a lot of intrigue. YEA!
July 15, 2018
Loved the Newborough connection
As I originate from Anglesey I enjoy how the books mix fiction with the area. Lived the connection to Newborough and regression too.
As I originate from Anglesey I enjoy how the books mix fiction with the area. Lived the connection to Newborough and regression too.
November 9, 2020
a gripping read couldn't put it down at times!
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