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Hit and Run
When secrets and lies are the cogs that keep a family turning
Fiona Matherson is a recovering alcoholic. Fighting to keep her life on track, her world is blown apart by some dreadful news one sunny June afternoon.
Fiona’s insular life becomes lonelier as she gets to know her husband more after his death than when he was alive.
Who can she believe? And who will believe her?
A story that shows the darkness which exists within families, and the damage that people can do to each other.
Fiona Matherson is a recovering alcoholic. Fighting to keep her life on track, her world is blown apart by some dreadful news one sunny June afternoon.
Fiona’s insular life becomes lonelier as she gets to know her husband more after his death than when he was alive.
Who can she believe? And who will believe her?
A story that shows the darkness which exists within families, and the damage that people can do to each other.
Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
694 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
112 books567 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 9, 2021
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author.
I loved this book. So many false clues and dead alleys had me suspecting almost every character. The sad despair of the victims wife as she battle accusations, grief and betrayal was so heartwrenching. I did not see the end coming as it did at all. Highly recommended.
I loved this book. So many false clues and dead alleys had me suspecting almost every character. The sad despair of the victims wife as she battle accusations, grief and betrayal was so heartwrenching. I did not see the end coming as it did at all. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2021
This is an intense psychological thriller which really holds your attention. I did not expect the twist at the end.
May 10, 2021
Hit and Run by Maria Frankland was a quick read for me because it grabbed my attention from the get go. I love the twists and turns that had me thinking things were one way, when they were another.
This is my first read by this author and won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the writing. It was paced well, and intriguing. It kept me entertained and captivated from beginning to end.
The characters were well written. The emotional rollercoaster was well done. I think these characters felt real, and that was part of the excellence of this novel. Don’t miss it.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be on this blog tour. I received a free book to review honestly. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
This is my first read by this author and won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the writing. It was paced well, and intriguing. It kept me entertained and captivated from beginning to end.
The characters were well written. The emotional rollercoaster was well done. I think these characters felt real, and that was part of the excellence of this novel. Don’t miss it.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be on this blog tour. I received a free book to review honestly. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
June 19, 2021
Wow
Well I wasnt quite expecting who did it at the end but this book has kept me reading till the very end. I NEEDED to know who murdered Rob, once I started reading I only stopped to sleep, I picked it up again and couldn't stop till the very end!
Well I wasnt quite expecting who did it at the end but this book has kept me reading till the very end. I NEEDED to know who murdered Rob, once I started reading I only stopped to sleep, I picked it up again and couldn't stop till the very end!
May 27, 2023
Hit and run is a gripping read which takes us on Fiona’s journey after her husband is murdered in a hit and run accident. At the end of each chapter there is a couple of lines from the killers pov which I really liked. I was suspecting everyone and enjoyed the ending.
January 14, 2026
This was a really good thriller, kept me up late at night wanting to know what would happen next! Great twist at the end too!
May 13, 2021
Hit and Run is a brilliantly crafted work of fiction that looks at just how well you know the people closest to you and what the consequences could be if those people are not who you thought they were. The book touches on alcohol abuse and the need for strong family ties.
Maria Frankland’s writing draws you into the story very quickly with her realistic characters and subtle hints which reveal all is not as it appears to be. This was the first time I read a book by Maria Frankland and within the first few pages of the book, I decided that this is an author I would love to read more from.
Fiona, a recovering alcoholic find her life suddenly turned upside down when her husband dies in a hit and run accident. As the police work the investigation of Rob murder, Fiona discovers that Rob was keeping more than a few secrets from her. As the skeletons start falling from the cupboard Fiona finds herself on very unsteady ground and more and more tempted to return to the bottle. Can she stay off the booze and face all the hidden secrets that will lead to the truth behind Rob’s accident?
Hit and Run is a quick gripping read. The author weaves a tale of deception and insecurity that leaves you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover the truth. As subtle little hints are drop along the way you are drawn into the story, trying to uncover the truth from page to page. I loved the little hints that keep you wondering all the way.
What a group of characters. Fiona’s dad…… starts out appearing weak, but when the chips are down he is the one person who is there for Fiona, making him a reliable, loving father. As for Fiona's mother…… what a cold woman? The idea of a mother treating her child the way she treats Fiona is beyond me. I wished she would disappear to Devon and simply not return. It’s so easy to dislike her – exactly what the author wanted you to do.
Rob was always a bit of a mystery – throughout the book he is the character you are unsure of, until the very end you have no idea if he is a good guy or not.
Lynne – Sam’s mother –appeared just a little too nosy and I understand why Fiona didn’t trust her – the author did a really good job with this slightly too concerned friend.
Fiona was brilliant – the loving wife and mother, damaged daughter and recovering alcoholic – you ride her emotional wave with her from beginning to end. I loved how the author left me feeling Fiona’s confusion, doubt and insecurities as the story unfolds.
Hit and Run is a read that I can add to my loved list for this year. I raced through this book in two days, flipping page after page eager to find out what happened to Rob.
If a gripping psychological thriller is something that appeals to you – get a copy of this one – it’s a brilliant read that leaves you surprised at the end…. Only once – about halfway through the book did I have a slight idea of where it was going – and still, the ending held a surprise. Loved it, please get a copy!
Visit the blog for more: https://featzreviews.com
Maria Frankland’s writing draws you into the story very quickly with her realistic characters and subtle hints which reveal all is not as it appears to be. This was the first time I read a book by Maria Frankland and within the first few pages of the book, I decided that this is an author I would love to read more from.
Fiona, a recovering alcoholic find her life suddenly turned upside down when her husband dies in a hit and run accident. As the police work the investigation of Rob murder, Fiona discovers that Rob was keeping more than a few secrets from her. As the skeletons start falling from the cupboard Fiona finds herself on very unsteady ground and more and more tempted to return to the bottle. Can she stay off the booze and face all the hidden secrets that will lead to the truth behind Rob’s accident?
Hit and Run is a quick gripping read. The author weaves a tale of deception and insecurity that leaves you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover the truth. As subtle little hints are drop along the way you are drawn into the story, trying to uncover the truth from page to page. I loved the little hints that keep you wondering all the way.
What a group of characters. Fiona’s dad…… starts out appearing weak, but when the chips are down he is the one person who is there for Fiona, making him a reliable, loving father. As for Fiona's mother…… what a cold woman? The idea of a mother treating her child the way she treats Fiona is beyond me. I wished she would disappear to Devon and simply not return. It’s so easy to dislike her – exactly what the author wanted you to do.
Rob was always a bit of a mystery – throughout the book he is the character you are unsure of, until the very end you have no idea if he is a good guy or not.
Lynne – Sam’s mother –appeared just a little too nosy and I understand why Fiona didn’t trust her – the author did a really good job with this slightly too concerned friend.
Fiona was brilliant – the loving wife and mother, damaged daughter and recovering alcoholic – you ride her emotional wave with her from beginning to end. I loved how the author left me feeling Fiona’s confusion, doubt and insecurities as the story unfolds.
Hit and Run is a read that I can add to my loved list for this year. I raced through this book in two days, flipping page after page eager to find out what happened to Rob.
If a gripping psychological thriller is something that appeals to you – get a copy of this one – it’s a brilliant read that leaves you surprised at the end…. Only once – about halfway through the book did I have a slight idea of where it was going – and still, the ending held a surprise. Loved it, please get a copy!
Visit the blog for more: https://featzreviews.com
May 31, 2021
Thanks to the author & Random T Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
He took his dark secrets and lies to the grave...
Fiona keeps herself to herself – it is safer that way. She allows few people to get close, having learned the hard way that most have their own agendas.
Lowering her barriers and trusting her husband Rob, is a decision she has reason to regret. His indiscretions were coming to light even before the news of his hit and run killing one summer afternoon.
In the aftermath, blame and hostility is shown to her by many. The relationship with her mother is unravelling and she has shut herself away from any friends she once had. Who can she turn to? Who will believe her? Other than her son Jack and her father, there is nobody she can count on.
Can Fiona stay away from her oldest and most faithful friend, the bottle? Or is her life as over as her husband’s?
Only the truth of Rob’s untimely death can decide that.
Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is the second book I’ve read by Maria Frankland and she does not disappoint. She is so good at story-telling and reeling you in. You really feel for the main character Fiona, she’s been dealt a rubbish hand at life. Now he husband has been killed, her mother is atrocious & she’s craving alcohol again. At the end of every chapter there’s a few sentences written by Robs killer about what they’re thinking. It really draws you in to want to read more! I actually did guess the murderer, which I was happy with as I usually don’t! Would definitely recommend if you like a fast paced crime book!
Synopsis:
He took his dark secrets and lies to the grave...
Fiona keeps herself to herself – it is safer that way. She allows few people to get close, having learned the hard way that most have their own agendas.
Lowering her barriers and trusting her husband Rob, is a decision she has reason to regret. His indiscretions were coming to light even before the news of his hit and run killing one summer afternoon.
In the aftermath, blame and hostility is shown to her by many. The relationship with her mother is unravelling and she has shut herself away from any friends she once had. Who can she turn to? Who will believe her? Other than her son Jack and her father, there is nobody she can count on.
Can Fiona stay away from her oldest and most faithful friend, the bottle? Or is her life as over as her husband’s?
Only the truth of Rob’s untimely death can decide that.
Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is the second book I’ve read by Maria Frankland and she does not disappoint. She is so good at story-telling and reeling you in. You really feel for the main character Fiona, she’s been dealt a rubbish hand at life. Now he husband has been killed, her mother is atrocious & she’s craving alcohol again. At the end of every chapter there’s a few sentences written by Robs killer about what they’re thinking. It really draws you in to want to read more! I actually did guess the murderer, which I was happy with as I usually don’t! Would definitely recommend if you like a fast paced crime book!
July 13, 2021
This is my second book from Maria Frankland and I have to confirm that this author is extremely gifted in composing Thrillers.
Her writing is fabulously engaging, her characters are extremely well developed and feel relatable.
The reader gets captivated from the very beginning and drawn into a well rounded story.
How much do we really know our spouses, our neighbors, our family ? should we trust them implicitly ? Such are the questions for Fiona Matherson after she is left a young widow in “Hit and Run”.
I did find Fiona is a little naive in handling her dire situation as she relies a tad too much on her ability to solve her husband hit and run, but then wondered what I personally would do in similar circumstances.
I loved how the author accurately describes the influx of Facebook condolences from people who didn’t know, like or give a darn when the person was alive…then it all fades away.
I have to say that the author didn’t give a clue as to who the culprit could be until the last two chapters, and it was so ‘woaw-hows-that-even-a-possibility” type of chapters !
I just want to give a wink to the author on her writing of the crematorium viewing of the body scene … she knocked on the door … this is a definitive trademark now.
And to the publisher- Chap10-BBC announce ‘Father of one in hit and run’ …. Should be father of two : Jack and Madeleine.
I did not particularly enjoy the narrator Alexandra Hurworth and it did infringe a tad on my liking the story, but both the writing and the clever tale saved the book for me.
I was fortunate to receive this free audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.
Her writing is fabulously engaging, her characters are extremely well developed and feel relatable.
The reader gets captivated from the very beginning and drawn into a well rounded story.
How much do we really know our spouses, our neighbors, our family ? should we trust them implicitly ? Such are the questions for Fiona Matherson after she is left a young widow in “Hit and Run”.
I did find Fiona is a little naive in handling her dire situation as she relies a tad too much on her ability to solve her husband hit and run, but then wondered what I personally would do in similar circumstances.
I loved how the author accurately describes the influx of Facebook condolences from people who didn’t know, like or give a darn when the person was alive…then it all fades away.
I have to say that the author didn’t give a clue as to who the culprit could be until the last two chapters, and it was so ‘woaw-hows-that-even-a-possibility” type of chapters !
I just want to give a wink to the author on her writing of the crematorium viewing of the body scene … she knocked on the door … this is a definitive trademark now.
And to the publisher- Chap10-BBC announce ‘Father of one in hit and run’ …. Should be father of two : Jack and Madeleine.
I did not particularly enjoy the narrator Alexandra Hurworth and it did infringe a tad on my liking the story, but both the writing and the clever tale saved the book for me.
I was fortunate to receive this free audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2022
This is my second book by this author and again I've concluded that I'll read more of her stories.
Fiona is a recovering alcoholic married to Rob. They have a son, Jack. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her hateful mother, Maggie and a non-existent circle of friends. Her father is fragile, having attempted suicide the previous time Maggie had an affair and left him. This puts Fiona in a difficult position when Maggie instructs Fiona to cover for her on her latest affair with a man named Shane.
Rob, a keen cyclist is killed in a hit and Run accident and Fiona is left to deal with the trauma and stress of losing her husband, comforting Jack and dealing with her outrageous parents' relationship while coming to terms with things surfacing about Rob, she was unaware of. Add to this Rob's ex wife Denise, ex fiancé Briony furious ex-employer and an unscrupulous con man and the reader is left to guess who the killer might be 4 stars.
Fiona is a recovering alcoholic married to Rob. They have a son, Jack. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her hateful mother, Maggie and a non-existent circle of friends. Her father is fragile, having attempted suicide the previous time Maggie had an affair and left him. This puts Fiona in a difficult position when Maggie instructs Fiona to cover for her on her latest affair with a man named Shane.
Rob, a keen cyclist is killed in a hit and Run accident and Fiona is left to deal with the trauma and stress of losing her husband, comforting Jack and dealing with her outrageous parents' relationship while coming to terms with things surfacing about Rob, she was unaware of. Add to this Rob's ex wife Denise, ex fiancé Briony furious ex-employer and an unscrupulous con man and the reader is left to guess who the killer might be 4 stars.
April 7, 2021
All Fiona wanted growing up was for her mother to love and accept her. When Fiona inherited from her grandmother (fathers mum) this pushed her relationship with her mum even further away. When Fiona’s husband suddenly dies via a hit and run accident she looks to her parents for support - will her mum finally come to her?
After his death Fiona realised that perhaps she didn’t know much about her husband after all - secrets quickly come to the fore. With the police suspecting her of the crime things look like they are worsening.
I really enjoyed this book - another first author for me, I was left with a question at the end - a secret of her fathers was mentioned but never revealed?? - unless of course I missed it? Apart from this one small niggle a very well written book. I loved the small snippets of narration at the end of each chapter which kept me guessing.
After his death Fiona realised that perhaps she didn’t know much about her husband after all - secrets quickly come to the fore. With the police suspecting her of the crime things look like they are worsening.
I really enjoyed this book - another first author for me, I was left with a question at the end - a secret of her fathers was mentioned but never revealed?? - unless of course I missed it? Apart from this one small niggle a very well written book. I loved the small snippets of narration at the end of each chapter which kept me guessing.
May 9, 2021
This was a character driven thriller / ‘whodunnit’ with any one of the characters in the book being a possibility of having committed the murder of Rob. All of the characters were inherently flawed, and I would say they were all interesting rather than likeable. Fiona has her demons and comes across as weak, as does her father. Her mother is spiteful, as is Rob’s ex-wife. Throw in his suspicious relationship with an ex-girlfriend, a mysterious investigation at his workplace, along with nosy neighbours, and the culprit of Rob’s hit and run isn’t quite so easy to work out. While I had my suspicions way before the end of the book, it was interesting to follow along the whys and wherefores of this crime. A quick read, I had finished this within 24 hours and would most definitely pick up another of Maria Frankland’s books.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2021
This book grabbed me from the very beginning. The characters are so real and, as is usual for Maria Frankland, the family dynamics form a major part of the attraction along with a brilliant plot. I'm sure there are dreadful mothers, like Fiona's, out there and needy fathers. Even Fiona's life choices, whilst not endearing her to anyone, make her more realistic. This is not a perfect heroine. Her ongoing battle with alcohol is brilliantly described to the point where I wanted a drink just reading about her longing. The plot is fast paced from the very first page and there are so many people who could have "dunnit" you are kept guessing to almost the very last page. I really did not want this book to end and I found it very difficult to put down. It's five stars from me.
January 1, 2022
I was given the chance to choose a book in this prize draw win and I wasn't disappointed with my choice, far from it. Many thanks for my prize. An excellent story. Packed with intrigue and suspense. It has a big psychological feel about it. I loved the writing style, especially at the end of each chapter when you get to hear the thoughts of the killer, a little hint of who it maybe. Don't be deceived.....it really could be anyone! Plenty of dark secrets, greed and deceit. How well do you really know your family, it makes you think! It was the last book I read in 2021 and I ended on a high. Recommended.
May 10, 2021
This is the 4th book I've read by the author (all of which I've thoroughly enjoyed) and this one didn't disappoint either. I was quickly grabbed by the storyline and pulled in by the characters, all of who have back history. It's fast paced, full of twists and turns to the very end. I love Maria's style of writing and how it pulls you in, holds you tight and doesn't release you until the last page. A domestic thriller with many possible 'who-dunnits' that kept me hooked and guessing until the end. Brilliant!
July 7, 2023
Hit & Run
The title of this book says it all !!
We all know what a “Hit And Run” is.
And having read previous novels by this author I was intrigued to find out what spin she would put on it.
I was expecting a fast pace with multiple twists. However unfortunately I found this one to have a slow pace and easily figured out what was going on fairly early on.
However, I was still drawn in as there were so many characters involved so I continued to read in hope that I was wrong.
I wasn’t.
But still an intriguing read.
The title of this book says it all !!
We all know what a “Hit And Run” is.
And having read previous novels by this author I was intrigued to find out what spin she would put on it.
I was expecting a fast pace with multiple twists. However unfortunately I found this one to have a slow pace and easily figured out what was going on fairly early on.
However, I was still drawn in as there were so many characters involved so I continued to read in hope that I was wrong.
I wasn’t.
But still an intriguing read.
June 16, 2021
Audible version
I do enjoy a Maria Frankland book, I have discovered I enjoy them better through audio books, as the narration just adds something to the story - especially the accents this time.
I was not able to work out the culprit until about 90% in but still didn't know why. I like that in a book/story.
I was given an advance copy by the author but this in no way influenced my decision.
I do enjoy a Maria Frankland book, I have discovered I enjoy them better through audio books, as the narration just adds something to the story - especially the accents this time.
I was not able to work out the culprit until about 90% in but still didn't know why. I like that in a book/story.
I was given an advance copy by the author but this in no way influenced my decision.
April 3, 2022
it actually made me speed read I was devastated when it appeared as if wife was going to really suffer Very good read Enjoyed it
Suspense the idea of another person being blamed for hit and run Just read two of same authors back to back Can’t do third yet Need a break But EXCELLENT both of them Thankyou
Suspense the idea of another person being blamed for hit and run Just read two of same authors back to back Can’t do third yet Need a break But EXCELLENT both of them Thankyou
September 4, 2021
Captivating
Wow what a page turner, I didn't expect the ending at all. I would've never guessed that x was the killer. Very interesting characters with beautiful story telling. Most definitely a good read
Wow what a page turner, I didn't expect the ending at all. I would've never guessed that x was the killer. Very interesting characters with beautiful story telling. Most definitely a good read
October 21, 2021
This was really good!I enjoyed it,though I had it figured out within 30 minutes.lol Poor Fiona! Alexandra Hurworth was a terrific narrator! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
January 28, 2022
Really good
Story is written perfectly, wide spectrum of relationships between mother and daughter, wife and husband, how humans are driven with greed and envy and Jealousy. It doesn't feels fictional, real life is same. Definitely recommend
Story is written perfectly, wide spectrum of relationships between mother and daughter, wife and husband, how humans are driven with greed and envy and Jealousy. It doesn't feels fictional, real life is same. Definitely recommend
July 29, 2022
A real whodunit
A domestic thriller that will keep you reading to find out who is guilty of the hit and run. The ending is quite a surprise. Every chapter ends with some person's thoughts. It could be anyone.
A domestic thriller that will keep you reading to find out who is guilty of the hit and run. The ending is quite a surprise. Every chapter ends with some person's thoughts. It could be anyone.
May 21, 2021
intriguing
you may be just a little surprised when you find out who committed the murder! Mini secrets will be revealed!
you may be just a little surprised when you find out who committed the murder! Mini secrets will be revealed!
July 13, 2021
A great British thriller. Recovering alcoholic, secrets, family problems, embezzlement.
The twist and turns, the death of Fiona's husband by a hit and run driver, sets this great thriller in motion.
The twist and turns, the death of Fiona's husband by a hit and run driver, sets this great thriller in motion.
October 1, 2021
Another brilliant read by Maria, I absolutely love her books, hooked from the first page to the last and as usual I was wrong and didn't see the ending coming at all!
January 20, 2022
Loved it
Read in 1 day after loving The Hen Party!!! Had no idea who had done it and although not a shocking ending, a feel good one!
Read in 1 day after loving The Hen Party!!! Had no idea who had done it and although not a shocking ending, a feel good one!
February 25, 2022
Utterly brilliant
On what a tangled storey unfolds drawing you in more and more,marvellous characters first-class plot believable characters splendid quirky splendid read
On what a tangled storey unfolds drawing you in more and more,marvellous characters first-class plot believable characters splendid quirky splendid read
March 31, 2022
Great
I really enjoyed this story. There is no disappointment here. The whole story is easy to follow and enjoyable to read.
I really enjoyed this story. There is no disappointment here. The whole story is easy to follow and enjoyable to read.
April 6, 2022
cliffhanger
Oh wow. What a cliffhanger. I would’ve never guessed who the real killer was. Very suspenseful. I really enjoyed reading this book
Oh wow. What a cliffhanger. I would’ve never guessed who the real killer was. Very suspenseful. I really enjoyed reading this book
January 15, 2024
I took a break from reading as my son was born. At the 4 month mark I felt ready to start reading again and started with Hit and Run. My brain is struggling to concentrate with a baby and lack of sleep but WOW! I was glued to this, finding myself reading it every chance I got. Finished it in a few days.
It was fast paced and exciting. The character development was so well built up through the book, I found myself totally engrossed in their lives.
I was kept guessing till the very end and I never saw the twist coming. 5 ⭐️ for me and can’t wait to read more books by Maria Frankland.
It was fast paced and exciting. The character development was so well built up through the book, I found myself totally engrossed in their lives.
I was kept guessing till the very end and I never saw the twist coming. 5 ⭐️ for me and can’t wait to read more books by Maria Frankland.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews