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The Lawyer
What if someone from your past tried to destroy your future?
When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field.
Melanie has her doubts and is haunted by her mother’s critical voice, which reminds her that she’s messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feeling and accepts his invitation.
She deserves the chance of happiness, doesn’t she?
However, the past she thought she'd buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name; Anne Edwards. A name she thought she’d left behind.
When the emails escalate, she knows she has to find out who is behind them, but at what cost?
Melanie is about to learn that her past will shape her future forever…
When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field.
Melanie has her doubts and is haunted by her mother’s critical voice, which reminds her that she’s messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feeling and accepts his invitation.
She deserves the chance of happiness, doesn’t she?
However, the past she thought she'd buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name; Anne Edwards. A name she thought she’d left behind.
When the emails escalate, she knows she has to find out who is behind them, but at what cost?
Melanie is about to learn that her past will shape her future forever…
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2023
1118 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
44 books814 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 5, 2023
When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field. Melanie has her doubts and is haunted ny her mother's critical voice, which reminds her that she's messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feelings and accepts his invitation. She deserves a chance at happiness, doesn't she? However, the past she thought she buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name, Anne Edwards. A name she thought she has left behind.
Valerie Keogh's books are always quick and easy to read. There's plenty of twists, turns and red herrings. It's a bit predictable at times. Melanie is a strong character, but she carries a secret from her past. I was pulled in after reading a couple of chapters. I could not put the book down until I had turned the last page.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ValerieKeogh for my ARC of #TheLawyer in exchange for an honest review.
Valerie Keogh's books are always quick and easy to read. There's plenty of twists, turns and red herrings. It's a bit predictable at times. Melanie is a strong character, but she carries a secret from her past. I was pulled in after reading a couple of chapters. I could not put the book down until I had turned the last page.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ValerieKeogh for my ARC of #TheLawyer in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2023
A really good read but again I am querying the title of a book, the previous title ‘The Deadly Truth’ is far more fitting imo than this title which in essence is the main characters job but has little to do with the thrust of this psychological thriller
It’s a story of the past catching up with you, learning not to trust anyone and the consequences of both things coming together in a thrilling read
I did guess the twist but that made no difference to the tenseness of the book as I waited ( excitedly ) for the inevitable to happen 🤗
A finely paced thriller that was enjoyable to read and one of those that you had to finish asap to find out the outcome
It’s a story of the past catching up with you, learning not to trust anyone and the consequences of both things coming together in a thrilling read
I did guess the twist but that made no difference to the tenseness of the book as I waited ( excitedly ) for the inevitable to happen 🤗
A finely paced thriller that was enjoyable to read and one of those that you had to finish asap to find out the outcome
January 2, 2024
I read this book in less than a day. It was very interesting! I liked the character development. And the ending did a nice job of wrapping up everything! My only diss is that there were hints about the villain. I think I would have guessed it anyway, but it gave out too many hints. It doesn’t really matter that much though as I really enjoyed the ride!
September 22, 2023
Yet another outstanding psychological thriller from Valerie Keogh. Melanie Scott has just been promoted to junior partner at the law firm she works for. They are out celebrating when she meets gorgeous Hugo Field. Melanie agrees to meet him for a dinner date. Her first job is a major take over and Melanie throws herself into her new role. Then she start to receive emails relating to her long buried past. Absolutely thrilling from start to finish.
August 11, 2023
This is the second book I've read by Valerie Keogh and it was an okay read, but nothing that will stick in my memory. Melanie is a corporate lawyer, doing well in her career but haunted by guilt over something that happened in her past. Now, it seems that past is coming back to haunt her in other ways too.
It's not too much of a spoiler to say that this is yet another story in which someone devotes their entire life to exacting revenge for some past slight, something which I feel happens far more in fiction than it ever does in real life.
It was an engaging enough read but there were no big surprises - I guessed the "Anne Edwards" connection before it was revealed and the identity of the villain was fairly clearly signposted. (There were a couple of things about said villain which really didn't seem credible - but I can't say more than that without spoilers.)
There's one of those massive "now let me tell you the whole plan" exposition dumps from the villain near the end - and, I'll admit, one final twist which I didn't anticipate.
An undemanding escapist read but nothing earth shattering.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!
It's not too much of a spoiler to say that this is yet another story in which someone devotes their entire life to exacting revenge for some past slight, something which I feel happens far more in fiction than it ever does in real life.
It was an engaging enough read but there were no big surprises - I guessed the "Anne Edwards" connection before it was revealed and the identity of the villain was fairly clearly signposted. (There were a couple of things about said villain which really didn't seem credible - but I can't say more than that without spoilers.)
There's one of those massive "now let me tell you the whole plan" exposition dumps from the villain near the end - and, I'll admit, one final twist which I didn't anticipate.
An undemanding escapist read but nothing earth shattering.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!
February 21, 2024
My god why did this woman get a taxi every two pages?!?
August 8, 2024
Not one of Keogh's better books. Plot was good but execution, not so much. Felt very repetitive and I guessed the identity of the villain early on. Book also suffers from bad or lack of editing. "Nobody" is not italicized in the first 48% of the book, then it is italicized for a while, then it stops being italicized, then it is italicized again. It really should be consistently italicized throughout the book. There are sentences that are run on or seem run on because they don't have proper punctuation. Quotations are inconsistently formatted - sometimes they are italicized and sometimes they are not. The worst lack of editing, however, is during the hometown flashback where the principal refers to Melanie by the wrong name. Since this relates to the incident that is the main premise of the plot, getting the name wrong is a big miss.
August 22, 2023
The Lawyer by Valerie Keogh
This book started off great, with a gripping first few chapters that seemed to set the scene for what I hoped would be an intense and thrilling myster novel. Although the action appears to start from the first few chapters, it quickly fizzles out, and the plot goes a bit dry. I found that the email exchange with nobody was perhaps drawn out longer than it needed to be, and I found that it was becoming quite repetitive. As a result, the first half of this book was hard to get through, and I found myself becoming a bit bored. Once the real drama started with the murders, the book became a lot more interesting, and the action quickly spiralled out of control.
Unfortunately, the big reveal of the real villain towards the end was disappointing. I found that there were a lot of clear hints towards the perpetrator throughout, which meant that I had already worked out what was happening from about halfway through. It was, therefore, frustrating to me that Melanie was not picking up on these obvious signs. It made her seem naive and clueless, which, although it helped the story to continue, meant I became a bit annoyed at her lack of awareness.
I did enjoy the story overall. I also thought that the whole underlying plot regarding the incident when Melanie was in school was an interesting addition. It was a good commentary on how the past can come back to haunt us in the future no matter how much we try to bury them.
I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars. I would reccomend this if you're looking for a good mystery book to pass the time, but it's definitely not one that will be added to my favourites list or that will stick in my thoughts going forward. Thank you to NetGalley and Valerie Keogh for this ARC.
This book started off great, with a gripping first few chapters that seemed to set the scene for what I hoped would be an intense and thrilling myster novel. Although the action appears to start from the first few chapters, it quickly fizzles out, and the plot goes a bit dry. I found that the email exchange with nobody was perhaps drawn out longer than it needed to be, and I found that it was becoming quite repetitive. As a result, the first half of this book was hard to get through, and I found myself becoming a bit bored. Once the real drama started with the murders, the book became a lot more interesting, and the action quickly spiralled out of control.
Unfortunately, the big reveal of the real villain towards the end was disappointing. I found that there were a lot of clear hints towards the perpetrator throughout, which meant that I had already worked out what was happening from about halfway through. It was, therefore, frustrating to me that Melanie was not picking up on these obvious signs. It made her seem naive and clueless, which, although it helped the story to continue, meant I became a bit annoyed at her lack of awareness.
I did enjoy the story overall. I also thought that the whole underlying plot regarding the incident when Melanie was in school was an interesting addition. It was a good commentary on how the past can come back to haunt us in the future no matter how much we try to bury them.
I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars. I would reccomend this if you're looking for a good mystery book to pass the time, but it's definitely not one that will be added to my favourites list or that will stick in my thoughts going forward. Thank you to NetGalley and Valerie Keogh for this ARC.
April 21, 2024
Well that was one corker of a book, just brilliant and highly entertaining. It was really well written, with some great characters, pretty suspenseful in places, trying to figure things out and then wondering what might happen next. I really enjoyed it. The story was certainly different, not one that you come across very often which is a good and unique thing in my book.
Valerie Keogh is definitely becoming a fave author of mine, her books are just so darn good, she sure knows how to tell a tale and keep her readers captivated throughout.
I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more books by this author, she is definitely one not to be missed.
Note to readers, this book was previously published in 2020 under the title of The Deadly Truth.
Valerie Keogh is definitely becoming a fave author of mine, her books are just so darn good, she sure knows how to tell a tale and keep her readers captivated throughout.
I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more books by this author, she is definitely one not to be missed.
Note to readers, this book was previously published in 2020 under the title of The Deadly Truth.
December 13, 2024
Another brilliant thriller by Valerie Keogh.
What if someone from your past tried to destroy your future?
When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field.
Melanie has her doubts and is haunted by her mother’s critical voice, which reminds her that she’s messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feeling and accepts his invitation.
She deserves the chance of happiness, doesn’t she?
However, the past she thought she'd buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name; Anne Edwards. A name she thought she’d left behind.
When the emails escalate, she knows she has to find out who is behind them, but at what cost?
Melanie is about to learn that her past will shape her future forever…
What if someone from your past tried to destroy your future?
When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field.
Melanie has her doubts and is haunted by her mother’s critical voice, which reminds her that she’s messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feeling and accepts his invitation.
She deserves the chance of happiness, doesn’t she?
However, the past she thought she'd buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name; Anne Edwards. A name she thought she’d left behind.
When the emails escalate, she knows she has to find out who is behind them, but at what cost?
Melanie is about to learn that her past will shape her future forever…
August 14, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Valerie keogh is among my top favorite authors and she didn't disappoint with this book. While I had read the book previously published, it was great to re read this book packed with suspense and twists you won't see coming ! I'm so impatient to read more of Valerie Keogh's books !!
Valerie keogh is among my top favorite authors and she didn't disappoint with this book. While I had read the book previously published, it was great to re read this book packed with suspense and twists you won't see coming ! I'm so impatient to read more of Valerie Keogh's books !!
April 13, 2024
A great read!
January 25, 2025
This book wasn’t my favourite of hers & I guessed early on who the villain was, but it was a pretty good read
September 30, 2025
Ugh, same ol' same ol'. Not a legal thriller at all - the same old protagonist is now a lawyer (in which case I expected her to be smarter, but no...) in a predictable, formulaic tale of a questionable childhood mistake and grown up frenemies that I really need to stop reading.
August 30, 2023
Member Review
The Lawyer
by Valerie Keogh
Pub Date: 13 Sep 2023
Review by
michelle f, Reviewer
Last updated on 27 Aug 2023
Thanks to Boldwood books and netgalley for this arc. Whem Melanie makes junior partner in the law firm she works for, they are celebrating her promotion in. a bar, she meets handsome Hugo., but is he who he says he is? After a few dates and when he stays the night, it's looking good for a romance...... WRONG melanie can no longer contact him, his phone number is no longer in service, his website is no longer showing on the internet, she soon realises she has been scammed, but is melanie who she says she is????? When things start to go wrong at work for melanie that could cost her, her job and notes start appearing inside her home. She enlists the help of Liam Quinn, a private investigator.. This has more twists than a fairground ride. It certainly kept me guessing, i loved it, highly recommend
The Lawyer
by Valerie Keogh
Pub Date: 13 Sep 2023
Review by
michelle f, Reviewer
Last updated on 27 Aug 2023
Thanks to Boldwood books and netgalley for this arc. Whem Melanie makes junior partner in the law firm she works for, they are celebrating her promotion in. a bar, she meets handsome Hugo., but is he who he says he is? After a few dates and when he stays the night, it's looking good for a romance...... WRONG melanie can no longer contact him, his phone number is no longer in service, his website is no longer showing on the internet, she soon realises she has been scammed, but is melanie who she says she is????? When things start to go wrong at work for melanie that could cost her, her job and notes start appearing inside her home. She enlists the help of Liam Quinn, a private investigator.. This has more twists than a fairground ride. It certainly kept me guessing, i loved it, highly recommend
September 20, 2023
Valerie Keogh returns following The Nurse with her latest suspense, THE LAWYER —Just when a woman is in the prime of her career with a promotion, her past she has tried desperately to forget comes to the surface in this twisty psychological thriller of OBSESSION AND REVENGE.
Melanie Scott, age 40, has finally made it—a junior partnership, a corporate lawyer with Masters Corporate Law in London. She is proud and celebrating with staff colleagues at a trendy London restaurant.
There, she meets a distinguished man, Hugo Field, an architect. They plan a dinner date, and Melanie gives him her email address versus her phone number.
She has tried to leave her past behind. Something happened when she was 15 that destroyed lives. A name she was never going to escape: Anne Edwards—a nightmare from twenty-five years earlier. A guy died due to her false rumors.
She and Hugo go for that dinner date and later back to her house. Then he ghosts her. She also has a friend, Caitlin, a forensic detective investigator she confides in about the new guy in her life.
Then, Melanie receives an email from nobody@gmail.com. This person knows about her past! Why taunt her now when her career is going so well?
Her boss calls her in, explaining a leak in a confidential merger their firm was working on. There is insider trading. She knows she has not leaked anything, but could it be Hugh who got into her computer when at her house?
She confesses to her boss, and he does not blame her, and they put the merger on hold. In the meantime, Hugo winds up dead. The professional website and the good-looking man have been taken down. The email is now nonexistent.
What is going on? To pay for what she had done all those years ago? Was that what this was all about? Someone learned about her past and wanted payment, blackmail, psychological torture, or revenge.
She tells her boss she will work from home for a few days and returns to her hometown, Wethersham, to face her past and try and figure out who is doing this.
Melanie was not going to let anything mess up her promotion. However, when she visits, she learns her best friend, Cherry, is dead, which was part of the scheme back when. She was also in her career's prime with a new promotion to principal at the school. They say it was suicide, but was it? Are the two connected?
Melanie had changed her name after this nightmare of her youth. Her mom said they had to move since their life was ruined due to her childish mistakes, and someone died. Before social media, gossip and whispers could destroy someone's reputation.
Why come forward now after twenty-five years? As things start closing in back at her apartment, more emails and strange things happen. There is an investigation. Others connected to the case wind up dead.
Often, monsters are hiding in plain sight. In the process, she may learn that past events may not be her fault. How far will some go for revenge?
THE LAWYER (formerly titled The Deadly Truth) is a complex, twisty, suspenseful psychological thriller. However, I guessed the perpetrator's identity early on but was anxious to see how all the puzzle pieces would fit together.
I enjoy this author's work, and no, this is not a legal thriller, and besides the protagonist being a lawyer, that is about it. The Deadly Truth would have been a more fitting title. Although not a favorite, it is an entertaining, twisty suspense where the past collides with the present with a cast of supporting characters.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for a gifted ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating; 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sept 13, 2023
Sept 2023 Must-Read Books
Melanie Scott, age 40, has finally made it—a junior partnership, a corporate lawyer with Masters Corporate Law in London. She is proud and celebrating with staff colleagues at a trendy London restaurant.
There, she meets a distinguished man, Hugo Field, an architect. They plan a dinner date, and Melanie gives him her email address versus her phone number.
She has tried to leave her past behind. Something happened when she was 15 that destroyed lives. A name she was never going to escape: Anne Edwards—a nightmare from twenty-five years earlier. A guy died due to her false rumors.
She and Hugo go for that dinner date and later back to her house. Then he ghosts her. She also has a friend, Caitlin, a forensic detective investigator she confides in about the new guy in her life.
Then, Melanie receives an email from nobody@gmail.com. This person knows about her past! Why taunt her now when her career is going so well?
Her boss calls her in, explaining a leak in a confidential merger their firm was working on. There is insider trading. She knows she has not leaked anything, but could it be Hugh who got into her computer when at her house?
She confesses to her boss, and he does not blame her, and they put the merger on hold. In the meantime, Hugo winds up dead. The professional website and the good-looking man have been taken down. The email is now nonexistent.
What is going on? To pay for what she had done all those years ago? Was that what this was all about? Someone learned about her past and wanted payment, blackmail, psychological torture, or revenge.
She tells her boss she will work from home for a few days and returns to her hometown, Wethersham, to face her past and try and figure out who is doing this.
Melanie was not going to let anything mess up her promotion. However, when she visits, she learns her best friend, Cherry, is dead, which was part of the scheme back when. She was also in her career's prime with a new promotion to principal at the school. They say it was suicide, but was it? Are the two connected?
Melanie had changed her name after this nightmare of her youth. Her mom said they had to move since their life was ruined due to her childish mistakes, and someone died. Before social media, gossip and whispers could destroy someone's reputation.
Why come forward now after twenty-five years? As things start closing in back at her apartment, more emails and strange things happen. There is an investigation. Others connected to the case wind up dead.
Often, monsters are hiding in plain sight. In the process, she may learn that past events may not be her fault. How far will some go for revenge?
THE LAWYER (formerly titled The Deadly Truth) is a complex, twisty, suspenseful psychological thriller. However, I guessed the perpetrator's identity early on but was anxious to see how all the puzzle pieces would fit together.
I enjoy this author's work, and no, this is not a legal thriller, and besides the protagonist being a lawyer, that is about it. The Deadly Truth would have been a more fitting title. Although not a favorite, it is an entertaining, twisty suspense where the past collides with the present with a cast of supporting characters.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for a gifted ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating; 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sept 13, 2023
Sept 2023 Must-Read Books
October 29, 2023
Valerie Keogh, The Lawyer, Boldwood Books, Sep 2023.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to junior partner at her prestigious law firm, met an attractive man, and received frightening messages on her phone. The messages refer to a secret from Melanie’s past, that at once makes her feel guilty, reminds her of her mother’s negativity towards her, and makes her want to refuse to be intimidated. Melanie does not succeed in the last aspiration. As time passes, the messages become more insistent, and mysterious and frightening events occur.
Valerie Keogh adds The Lawyer to her previous novels, The Narrator, The Librarian, The Nurse, changing the title from The Deadly Truth to fit into this series. I like the titles as they place a woman and her career at the centre of the work, while maintaining romance and some domestic drama. In this case the domestic drama is supplied by Melanie’s past as a schoolgirl, involved in a malicious event which has disastrous consequences. Her mother, already a negative influence in her life, does not forgive her for having to move away from the district in which the events took place.
The Lawyer cleverly combines professional secrets (with a sympathetic boss a satisfying feature of the storyline), romance with the perfect man, or is he? friendship, and threats to career, domestic comfort and friendships. However, although it is understandable that Melanie becomes suspicious of new acquaintances as well as old and behaves irrationally because of the pressure from threats, possible damage to her career and the loss of a blossoming romance the story becomes turgid at times. The twist is predictable, and some of the dialogue around the outcome and its aftermath is awkward.
Keogh’s story line, depicting a career woman achieves her aspiration despite her past and is threatened because of this success, works well. Melanie Scott is an able protagonist, and despite some short comings the novel is worth a read.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to junior partner at her prestigious law firm, met an attractive man, and received frightening messages on her phone. The messages refer to a secret from Melanie’s past, that at once makes her feel guilty, reminds her of her mother’s negativity towards her, and makes her want to refuse to be intimidated. Melanie does not succeed in the last aspiration. As time passes, the messages become more insistent, and mysterious and frightening events occur.
Valerie Keogh adds The Lawyer to her previous novels, The Narrator, The Librarian, The Nurse, changing the title from The Deadly Truth to fit into this series. I like the titles as they place a woman and her career at the centre of the work, while maintaining romance and some domestic drama. In this case the domestic drama is supplied by Melanie’s past as a schoolgirl, involved in a malicious event which has disastrous consequences. Her mother, already a negative influence in her life, does not forgive her for having to move away from the district in which the events took place.
The Lawyer cleverly combines professional secrets (with a sympathetic boss a satisfying feature of the storyline), romance with the perfect man, or is he? friendship, and threats to career, domestic comfort and friendships. However, although it is understandable that Melanie becomes suspicious of new acquaintances as well as old and behaves irrationally because of the pressure from threats, possible damage to her career and the loss of a blossoming romance the story becomes turgid at times. The twist is predictable, and some of the dialogue around the outcome and its aftermath is awkward.
Keogh’s story line, depicting a career woman achieves her aspiration despite her past and is threatened because of this success, works well. Melanie Scott is an able protagonist, and despite some short comings the novel is worth a read.
September 10, 2023
Book Title: The Lawyer
Author: Valerie Keogh
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 13,, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up
Pages: 244
Melanie Scott is celebrating her recent promotion to a junior partnership with Masters Corp Law at a trendy London restaurant and meets Hugo Field. . Melanie has messed up before and doesn’t want to experience again. However when Hugo invites her to dinner, she decided the past is past and with this new promotion perhaps other good things are going to happen. She gives him her email address instead of her cell number- said email is easier for her to use if she is in a situation where she cannot talk. That evening she hears the dink of an incoming email message and is delighted that it is from Hugo. Later hears another ding only this time is from
Anne Edwards, although no message Anne Edwards is someone from Melanie’s past that she wants to remain in the past!
Melanie later gets another message and knows she must return to her childhood home and resolve this.
On the cover it begs the question ~ Innocent or Guilty. It is perfect for a story about a lawyer. I know Melanie is a corporate lawyer but she sure seems to come up with wrong conclusions and doesn’t pick up on clues that I am sure most readers see. Is she so consumed with guilt that doesn’t want to see them?
This is my eighth Valerie Keogh novel. I totally love her psychological thrillers. Although this wasn’t my typically 5 star read; I did enjoy it and certainly will read another
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2023.
Author: Valerie Keogh
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 13,, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up
Pages: 244
Melanie Scott is celebrating her recent promotion to a junior partnership with Masters Corp Law at a trendy London restaurant and meets Hugo Field. . Melanie has messed up before and doesn’t want to experience again. However when Hugo invites her to dinner, she decided the past is past and with this new promotion perhaps other good things are going to happen. She gives him her email address instead of her cell number- said email is easier for her to use if she is in a situation where she cannot talk. That evening she hears the dink of an incoming email message and is delighted that it is from Hugo. Later hears another ding only this time is from
Anne Edwards, although no message Anne Edwards is someone from Melanie’s past that she wants to remain in the past!
Melanie later gets another message and knows she must return to her childhood home and resolve this.
On the cover it begs the question ~ Innocent or Guilty. It is perfect for a story about a lawyer. I know Melanie is a corporate lawyer but she sure seems to come up with wrong conclusions and doesn’t pick up on clues that I am sure most readers see. Is she so consumed with guilt that doesn’t want to see them?
This is my eighth Valerie Keogh novel. I totally love her psychological thrillers. Although this wasn’t my typically 5 star read; I did enjoy it and certainly will read another
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2023.
September 10, 2023
London
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to be a junior partner at the prestigious Masters Corporate Law firm. She has worked hard for many years to get here and she is delighted.
Out celebrating her promotion with her colleagues, a man at the bar introduces himself as Hugo Field and asks to buy her a drink. Skeptical, she opts for a glass of mineral water. The man is quite handsome and he asks her out for dinner. She agrees but only gives him her email and says she will meet him there. Their dinner and chat is fun and she agrees to meet up another time for dinner which leads to him staying over at her place. And then he ghosts her. It’s at the same time that someone has found out sensitive information about a merger she is handling and she suspects Hugo.
Now, she is getting emails from a stranger saying it’s time for her to pay up for a dreadful mistake she made as a young school girl. She has felt guilty for years for her indiscretion and is fearful that someone wants to harm her. She finds herself looking over her shoulder as she fears someone may harm her. Her friend, Caitlyn, strives to console Melanie and look out for her.
Once again, Valerie Keogh has written a scary, compelling, and edge-of the-seat book. I found myself feeling creepy while reading it. Well done. A favorite author. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to be a junior partner at the prestigious Masters Corporate Law firm. She has worked hard for many years to get here and she is delighted.
Out celebrating her promotion with her colleagues, a man at the bar introduces himself as Hugo Field and asks to buy her a drink. Skeptical, she opts for a glass of mineral water. The man is quite handsome and he asks her out for dinner. She agrees but only gives him her email and says she will meet him there. Their dinner and chat is fun and she agrees to meet up another time for dinner which leads to him staying over at her place. And then he ghosts her. It’s at the same time that someone has found out sensitive information about a merger she is handling and she suspects Hugo.
Now, she is getting emails from a stranger saying it’s time for her to pay up for a dreadful mistake she made as a young school girl. She has felt guilty for years for her indiscretion and is fearful that someone wants to harm her. She finds herself looking over her shoulder as she fears someone may harm her. Her friend, Caitlyn, strives to console Melanie and look out for her.
Once again, Valerie Keogh has written a scary, compelling, and edge-of the-seat book. I found myself feeling creepy while reading it. Well done. A favorite author. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 10, 2023
Valerie Keogh's "The Lawyer" is a fast-paced psychological thriller that can best be described as chewing gum for the brain. While it may not be overflowing with action, it manages to keep you engaged with a persistent undercurrent of suspense that propels you through the story.
The plot of "The Lawyer" unfolds gradually, with little happening in the early chapters. However, this deliberate pacing serves to build tension, and it pays off handsomely in the latter part of the book. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Keogh throws in a series of twists and surprises that take the narrative in unexpected directions.
As I delved deeper into the story, I began to suspect certain characters, and I was delighted to find that my suspicions were not entirely unfounded. However, what truly made this book a fun read was discovering the intricate whys and ins and outs that motivated the characters' actions. Keogh excels at weaving a complex web of motives and secrets, making the resolution of the story immensely satisfying.
In summary, "The Lawyer" is an easy but delightful read for fans of psychological thrillers. It may not be a rollercoaster ride of non-stop action, but its suspenseful atmosphere, coupled with the well-crafted twists, makes it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a gripping and thought-provoking tale.
The plot of "The Lawyer" unfolds gradually, with little happening in the early chapters. However, this deliberate pacing serves to build tension, and it pays off handsomely in the latter part of the book. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Keogh throws in a series of twists and surprises that take the narrative in unexpected directions.
As I delved deeper into the story, I began to suspect certain characters, and I was delighted to find that my suspicions were not entirely unfounded. However, what truly made this book a fun read was discovering the intricate whys and ins and outs that motivated the characters' actions. Keogh excels at weaving a complex web of motives and secrets, making the resolution of the story immensely satisfying.
In summary, "The Lawyer" is an easy but delightful read for fans of psychological thrillers. It may not be a rollercoaster ride of non-stop action, but its suspenseful atmosphere, coupled with the well-crafted twists, makes it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a gripping and thought-provoking tale.
August 7, 2023
Melanie has worked hard to become a junior partner in a law firm. She and her colleagues are celebrating when she notices a man who seems to have eyes only for her. She hands him her card with her email address, when he speaks to her and asks her out.
She is thrilled to receive an email from him asking for a date.
The same night, she receives an email from an anonymous person, with two words. A name she never wanted to hear or think of again. A name she is desperately trying to escape.
Who could this 'nobody' be? She feels threatened, and decides to find out who is trying to destroy her future.
Another unputdownable novel from Valerie Keogh. I read this in one sitting.
It is fast paced and definitely disturbing. I have to say, I did figure out who the anonymous emailer was quite early in the book, but wasn't absolutely certain I was correct, as there were pointers to other characters.
However, I cannot believe Melanie did not suspect Hugo at all. After all, she had just given him her email address.
All in all a really thrilling, suspenseful novel which I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
She is thrilled to receive an email from him asking for a date.
The same night, she receives an email from an anonymous person, with two words. A name she never wanted to hear or think of again. A name she is desperately trying to escape.
Who could this 'nobody' be? She feels threatened, and decides to find out who is trying to destroy her future.
Another unputdownable novel from Valerie Keogh. I read this in one sitting.
It is fast paced and definitely disturbing. I have to say, I did figure out who the anonymous emailer was quite early in the book, but wasn't absolutely certain I was correct, as there were pointers to other characters.
However, I cannot believe Melanie did not suspect Hugo at all. After all, she had just given him her email address.
All in all a really thrilling, suspenseful novel which I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
After just receiving a promotion at her law firm, an incident from Melanie's past comes back to haunt her. She starts receiving threatening emails from an unknown source. Who is this person, and do they want to ruin her life or do they want money? That was the question as I read this book. This is a story of past mistakes, revenge, and who to trust.
I was pretty sure I knew who the stalker was, but as more characters were added, it became clear I had no idea who it was! I believe it only took me about a day to read this book, and that is unheard of for me. I wanted to keep turning the page to see what happened next, and believe me, it does not disappoint.
Melanie's stalker is finally revealed, but that's not where the surprises end. Oh no, there's more to come! I certainly did not expect what was revealed at the end.
This book was a first for me by this author, but it won't be the last. If you like a great thriller that is suspenseful and has twists and turns, you will love this book. The characters are great. You don't know who you can trust and who is really trying to help Melanie. You won't regret giving this author a try!
I was pretty sure I knew who the stalker was, but as more characters were added, it became clear I had no idea who it was! I believe it only took me about a day to read this book, and that is unheard of for me. I wanted to keep turning the page to see what happened next, and believe me, it does not disappoint.
Melanie's stalker is finally revealed, but that's not where the surprises end. Oh no, there's more to come! I certainly did not expect what was revealed at the end.
This book was a first for me by this author, but it won't be the last. If you like a great thriller that is suspenseful and has twists and turns, you will love this book. The characters are great. You don't know who you can trust and who is really trying to help Melanie. You won't regret giving this author a try!
September 11, 2023
Melanie Scott has been promoted to junior partner at the prestigious Masters Corporate Law firm. She has worked hard to gain this position, being first in and last to leave the office regularly. Whilst out celebrating her promotion at a local pub, she notices a man who keeps glancing at her, and the feeling of attraction is mutual.
Being nervous about giving him her contact details, Melanie initially only gives the gorgeous Hugo her email address. Whilst regularly checking her Inbox for an email from Hugo, Melanie receives a mysterious and disturbing anonymous email. Somebody knows about Melanie’s past and wants retribution.
Within no time at all, Melanie has started a relationship with Hugo, and she can’t believe her luck. But is he all that he seems, surely, he is too good to be true.
Melanie’s life begins to spiral out of control, with some devastating consequences.
Valerie has a great talent for writing engaging main characters who you just can’t help championing, regardless of their misdemeanours. Another gripping thriller with some great twists, which kept me reading into the small hours.
Being nervous about giving him her contact details, Melanie initially only gives the gorgeous Hugo her email address. Whilst regularly checking her Inbox for an email from Hugo, Melanie receives a mysterious and disturbing anonymous email. Somebody knows about Melanie’s past and wants retribution.
Within no time at all, Melanie has started a relationship with Hugo, and she can’t believe her luck. But is he all that he seems, surely, he is too good to be true.
Melanie’s life begins to spiral out of control, with some devastating consequences.
Valerie has a great talent for writing engaging main characters who you just can’t help championing, regardless of their misdemeanours. Another gripping thriller with some great twists, which kept me reading into the small hours.
August 10, 2025
The Lawyer by Valerie Keogh is a psychological thriller about ambition, vulnerability, with the inevitability of the past catching up.
Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner and is so proud she has secured the future she has worked so hard to obtain. While out celebrating she meets Hugo Field, a good looking man with a copious amount of charm. Despite her insecurity following her mothers constant criticism she allows herself to believe she deserves happiness.
Any confidence she had is quickly shattered when she receives an anonymous email containing just two words: Anne Edwards. The name was buried deep in Melanie’s past and one she never wanted to hear again. Tensions build and Melanie’s confidence is further reduced as her new life begins to show deep cracks. To find the answers she must take risks which may result in her losing everything, her career, her relationships, and even her life.
I enjoyed this quick gripping read, although I guessed the twist. Good characters and well written.
A solid read where the past refuses to be ignored.
Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner and is so proud she has secured the future she has worked so hard to obtain. While out celebrating she meets Hugo Field, a good looking man with a copious amount of charm. Despite her insecurity following her mothers constant criticism she allows herself to believe she deserves happiness.
Any confidence she had is quickly shattered when she receives an anonymous email containing just two words: Anne Edwards. The name was buried deep in Melanie’s past and one she never wanted to hear again. Tensions build and Melanie’s confidence is further reduced as her new life begins to show deep cracks. To find the answers she must take risks which may result in her losing everything, her career, her relationships, and even her life.
I enjoyed this quick gripping read, although I guessed the twist. Good characters and well written.
A solid read where the past refuses to be ignored.
August 24, 2023
This is the second outing for this book previously known as 'The Deadly Truth' but that still doesn't detract it from still being a fantastic read.
When Melanie and her best friend Cherry were fifteen years old they made a terrible mistake by spreading malicious rumours about a boy in the year above them in school. Unfortunately with deadly consequences, Michael ended up taking his own life and the guilt has stayed with Melanie for the past several years.
Now a junior partner in a law firm, Melanie goes out to celebrate with her work colleagues and meets the mysterious Hugo, after a brief conversation she gives Hugo her email address to set up for a future date.
But then her past comes back to haunt her after receiving an email with only two words on it and it's those two words that she never wanted to hear again.
There is some wonderful red herrings in the book and Valerie's unique writing skills have you drawn in from the start.
When Melanie and her best friend Cherry were fifteen years old they made a terrible mistake by spreading malicious rumours about a boy in the year above them in school. Unfortunately with deadly consequences, Michael ended up taking his own life and the guilt has stayed with Melanie for the past several years.
Now a junior partner in a law firm, Melanie goes out to celebrate with her work colleagues and meets the mysterious Hugo, after a brief conversation she gives Hugo her email address to set up for a future date.
But then her past comes back to haunt her after receiving an email with only two words on it and it's those two words that she never wanted to hear again.
There is some wonderful red herrings in the book and Valerie's unique writing skills have you drawn in from the start.
September 12, 2025
Melanie just got a promotion at her job and while she's out with her coworkers, she meets a handsome man who takes an interest in her. After the great night, she receives an email that changes her good mood; an email that reminds her of her past that she has been trying leave behind. She keeps receiving these vaguely sinister emails and begins to get paranoid. She can fall back on her new romance; Hugo..except then after a couple of dates he ghosts her then finds he also stole important information for an important merger she is handling at work. Who is targeting her and why are they coming at her now about her past? It was a decent read, it was short, but honestly it kind of drug a good bit, especially at the end. I also had guessed who was behind everything, though didn't know why. Overall, an alright book.
August 17, 2023
A middle of the road thriller for me. I have been hit or miss with this author and although the book is good, it's not one that gave me any surprises or Ah HA moments. Melanie has worked hard to become a coporate lawyer and partner. Her life is good except for one incident from the past. And yes, that incident does come back to haunt her.
This was a very quick read for me. I liked the writing and the plot, but it fell flat. I figured out the ending too early. There was no Oh My Gosh at the end. Many of her other books are much better. However, this is a good read. I did like the characters and that helped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I do recommend this book.
This was a very quick read for me. I liked the writing and the plot, but it fell flat. I figured out the ending too early. There was no Oh My Gosh at the end. Many of her other books are much better. However, this is a good read. I did like the characters and that helped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I do recommend this book.
September 15, 2023
I love a Valerie Keogh novel so was super excited to start The Lawyer.
It did not disappoint, it was such a great read that I finished it in a few days, which for me is good.
We meet Melanie, just promoted in her job as a lawyer, she is celebrating and meets dashing Hugo and they very quickly arrange a date.
Melanie also has a bit of a past and is harbouring some secrets. Melanie thinks her secret and past is safe but it is not and someone knows something.
The story is a real page-turner and I devoured it. Fabulous characters and an intriguing plot. Full of the usual Valerie Keogh twists and turns this is a great read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Valerie Keogh and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
It did not disappoint, it was such a great read that I finished it in a few days, which for me is good.
We meet Melanie, just promoted in her job as a lawyer, she is celebrating and meets dashing Hugo and they very quickly arrange a date.
Melanie also has a bit of a past and is harbouring some secrets. Melanie thinks her secret and past is safe but it is not and someone knows something.
The story is a real page-turner and I devoured it. Fabulous characters and an intriguing plot. Full of the usual Valerie Keogh twists and turns this is a great read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Valerie Keogh and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 3, 2023
I enjoyed The Lawyer a psychological thriller by Valerie Keogh.
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to junior partner and life is looking up for her until she receives an email from a sender, still nobody@gmail.com with the message Anne Edwards.
Melanie has a past that will come back to haunt her and her life will be threatened because of an incident many years ago. Someone from her past is determined to make her pay for what she did.
Melanie has to face her nemesis who is out for revenge and to bring her career crashing down in one fell swoop, if the truth about her past is revealed.
The only person she can trust is herself as her life hangs in the balance.
Melanie Scott has just been promoted to junior partner and life is looking up for her until she receives an email from a sender, still nobody@gmail.com with the message Anne Edwards.
Melanie has a past that will come back to haunt her and her life will be threatened because of an incident many years ago. Someone from her past is determined to make her pay for what she did.
Melanie has to face her nemesis who is out for revenge and to bring her career crashing down in one fell swoop, if the truth about her past is revealed.
The only person she can trust is herself as her life hangs in the balance.
August 24, 2024
twisty and suspenseful!
A woman trying to overcome the emotionally abusive past of her mother. She has done better than what her mother would have given her credit for. She has also trying to overcome a horrible secret from her past. New life, new friends, and much more. What wonderful psychological suspense would be complete without a little betrayal, a little misguidance, and a lot of suspense? Someone that you trust, someone who knows you pretty well, question is, do you know them? By the time you get to the end of the book, you will be shocked, surprised, and anxious to pick up the next book by Valerie! What are you waiting for? Get reading!
A woman trying to overcome the emotionally abusive past of her mother. She has done better than what her mother would have given her credit for. She has also trying to overcome a horrible secret from her past. New life, new friends, and much more. What wonderful psychological suspense would be complete without a little betrayal, a little misguidance, and a lot of suspense? Someone that you trust, someone who knows you pretty well, question is, do you know them? By the time you get to the end of the book, you will be shocked, surprised, and anxious to pick up the next book by Valerie! What are you waiting for? Get reading!
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