A twisty unputdownable thriller from Diana Wilkinson, author of the Number One bestseller The Girl in Seat 2AJealousy can be a killer…
Ten years after her boyfriend Mitch’s mysterious disappearance, Rebecca finally learns the truth about what happened.
When he finally returns, a happy ending appears within their grasp but there is no escape from the past. And Arthur, Rebecca’s friend who has formed an unhealthy obsession with her, has no intention of letting her go.
When Arthur realises that Mitch is the only person standing in the way of his happiness, his thoughts turn to murder…
When love and obsession collide, the results are deadly.
'A disturbing and an addictive novel' five-star netgalley review
'What a book! ... I was absolutely hooked and loved every second' five-star netgalley review
'From suspense and action to intrigue, mystery, revenge, abuse, and murder, this book had it all' five-star netgalley review
Diana Wilkinson graduated from Durham University with a degree in geography, then after a short spell in teaching, spent most of her working life in the business of tennis development. A former Irish international player, Diana finally stepped off the tennis court to become a full-time writer. The inspiration for much of her work has come from the ladies she coached over the years and from confidences share over coffee. 4 Riverside Close is Diana's first crime novel, published by Bloodhound Books on 30th March 2020. You Are Mine, her second thriller, is due for release on 1st June 202. Born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the height of the civil unrest, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England, with her husband son.
This is a powerfully written psychological thriller with a cast of characters that are all obsessively in love with another. And when obsession and love each slam into the other, the only result can be deadly.
Written in part by each of the characters, it's easy to see who lies and who doesn't .... but they aren't all exactly who they say they are. There are those who pretend to be what the others want them to be ... but are actually just biding their time in order to get what they want.
One man realizes that it is only one other man standing in the way of his definition of a perfect life with a perfect woman and he's not shy about framing another for his deeds.
This one is a page-turner especially for someone who doesn't know just how complicated relationships really are.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
It was such an easy. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to know what happened next. The two perspectives kept the book moving even more. The twists didn’t stop coming.
A weird story where every character is creepy and stalkerish and obsessively in love with someone. Yes, even the supposed heroine, Rebecca. She is the object of many men's obsession from her "first love" who pines for her for ten years to the stalker she ends up sort of dating to her boss to her coworker/rapist, but she herself is obsessed with her first love, Mitch. She shows up at his doorstep and snoops around in his apartment and even after ten years without seeing him she has not been able to move on with her life. The other characters are even worse. Arthur is a murderously angry stalker with a milquetoast facade who initially is obsessed with Amber and then moves on to Rebecca. Confusingly, Amber had a fling with Mitch when he was dating Rebecca and then the two ran off to Italy together and then moved back to London at the same time and she has never been able to let the idea of Mitch go even though he is obviously not interested. Oliver is Mitch's former best friend and Rebecca's coworker/sexual-harrasser/rapist. Oliver engineered Mitch meeting Amber and cheating with her. Rebecca runs off to Australia for ten years after the rape and then within weeks of moving back to London she sees Oliver at the park and then Mitch and Amber together at the movies. Um, isn't London pretty big?!? Everything was just too coincidental and the characters too strange and unlikeable.
The plot/storyline is very absorbing. It is about obsession, trauma and murder. It was suspenseful, tension-filled and thrilling. The Prologue stays with you throughout the book.
Characters
The characters weren’t particularly likeable. But, They were written well and a significant part of this story. Rebecca was the most likeable character. And the one I most connected with. One character is engaging in a dark kinda way and Diana made him Dangerous, Dark, Creepy and a Psychopath.
Writing/Pacing
This was written in each of the Main Characters points of view each having a quick Chapter each. First, it was difficult to follow but are soon surging through the book. It is slow going but soon speeds up and leads into a wonderful twisting thriller. The ending surprised me, it was not of how I thought it would end. It is a solid well thought out ending.
Setting/Theme
The themes running throughout this book are Love, Lost Love, Jealousy, Obsession, Murder and Psychopathic Behaviours. It was set in London in the UK and the location is described, okay.
YOU ARE MINE was suspenseful, tension-filled and thrilling. The Prologue stays with you throughout the book. It is slow going but soon speeds up and leads into a wonderful twisting thriller. The characters were written well and a significant part of this story. If you want a book full of Love, Obsession, Jealousy, Murder and much more.
This books gives you an interesting perspective told from a handful of individuals and you really can’t comprehend how obsessive one person can actually be…well, hopefully you can’t. All the characters have ‘flaws’ but some just take the cake on being self-indulged and obsessive.
I thought the build-up, character development and breakdown of the story was very well calculated and intelligent. You’re riding the wave of emotions along with the characters and when the stories starts to collide you’re on wild trajectory to the finish line. So many emotions! UGH!
Best described as sneaky psychotic vibe. Great read!
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
It was a bit confusing at first with the different characters and skipped time frame. But once I got in, it was such a ride. What can drive people to do the worst ? To break the trust, the friendship and do the most horrible crime possible. This book is packed with suspense and twists.
Oh dear. I just couldn't like any of the main characters in this; all having their own obsessions, they weren't a very likeable bunch. Some the minor characters were ok, but we didn't really get to know them as they were devices to move the plot along, for the most part. Speaking of which, Rebecca having someone who just happened to invite her to Australia, just at the time she needed to get away, was rather too unrealistic.
I couldn't really recommend this to an enemy, let alone a friend. Off to listen to Leonard Cohen, to cheer myself up.
Thank you Diana Wilkinson for giving me the opportunity to win a signed copy of this outstanding thriller. It all begins 10 years ago when Rebecca is in love with Mitch and he just disappears. Arthur is obsessively in love with Amber and she leaves him moving to Italy with a mystery man. 10 years on Rebecca is out with Arthur at the cinema when she spots Mitch! Then Arthur's obsession with Rebecca becomes dangerous. Absolutely brilliant! Gripped from page one.
A terrific read. Was totally engrossed. A story of love and jealousy. Creepy and disturbing characters with sinister motives. One of the main characters just made my skin crawl. Urghhh!! Can't say I was too impressed with the actions of others either.....nasty and obsessive individuals. It all added up to the juicyness and suspense of the storyline. I was edging on a 4* review throughout the first half of the book but it just kept on getting better and better and more tense as I continued reading. A compelling and satisfying read.
A really good psychological thriller! This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. Happy to see that Hoopla has many of her titles on audio. The main character, Arthur, was fantastic! He had that creep factor, but I liked him nonetheless. He was quite delusional, but it seemed to work for him. A stage four clinger who needs to work on his stalker game. Satisfying ending.
This was an absolutely not to be put down psychological thriller and once had started I couldn’t stop. It was a gripping story and also makes you want to look behind you when you are out and about as really makes you think about how it feels to be stalked. This was my first book by this author and certainly won’t be my last I have now downloaded another of her books to read and can’t wait to start it.
It was gripping in some ways, boring in most. I thought Arthur was an interesting character and his story was chilling. But the rest of it seemed bitty, it was all over the place and I wasn’t sure i enjoyed it like I have other books by this author
"You Are Mine" by Diana Wilkinson is a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of love, trust, and personal discovery.
Key aspects of the book include:
Romantic Plot: The story centers on a romance that develops between the protagonists, often involving significant emotional challenges and personal growth. The relationship is central to the narrative, with a focus on deepening connections and overcoming obstacles.
Character Development: The characters are well-rounded, with their individual struggles and growth playing a crucial role in the story. The protagonists’ evolving relationship and personal journeys are key elements of the plot.
Emotional Depth: Wilkinson’s novel delves into themes such as the impact of past experiences on present relationships, the importance of trust, and the journey towards emotional healing. The emotional depth adds resonance to the romance.
Modern Setting: The novel is set in a contemporary context, featuring realistic scenarios and settings that enhance the relatability of the story. The modern backdrop helps readers connect with the characters’ experiences.
Themes: The book explores themes of love and commitment, personal transformation, and the power of trust and understanding in relationships. The romance is intertwined with these broader themes, adding complexity to the narrative.
Overall, "You Are Mine" is a compelling contemporary romance that combines emotional depth with a heartfelt love story. Diana Wilkinson’s storytelling provides an engaging and resonant reading experience for fans of modern romance.
I loved this book as I have done with Diana's previous work, this book had me gripped from the very beginning. Just a VERY small part of it reminded me of myself when I realised My ex husband had been leading a double life for many years, during my pregnancy which infuriated me! I made an account on the sites I'd discovered he had been using & found his 'Other Half', I became a very good fake, desperate woman who was certain the guy she had said was hers was someone I was seeing, long story short, I asked her to meet & gave her all the evidence she needed, wedding photos, pictures of us as a family! She was floored & we got together & confronted him, I've never seen a grown man who thought he could get away with what finally came out, many women! I've sat & thought many times & especially after reading this book, maybe I should try to write my own as reading You Are Mine reminded me of all the years of pretence & knowing what he was doing, My dream is to be able to write my own novel one day but I don't know where to begin, My story is with me everyday even though I escaped 12 years ago! Is there anyone out there who could help me make my dream come true & have something good come out of a nightmare which has left me alone since I left as I have no trust when it comes to Men due to the damage & mind games he played!? On a brighter note, PLEASE READ THIS AMAZING BOOK, WHICH I AM NOW GOING TO NO DOUBT READ AGAIN MANY TIMES!!
I’m not a fan of psychological thrillers, as they’re usually more suspense than thrills. But I spotted this, read the first few pages and found myself drawn to the characters and their lives. I continued to read, being pulled into their relationships and the fracture points where their behaviour could overstep the mark.
It’s a story of lost love between five people, who’s lives are linked by friendship, love and jealousy. For Rebecca, who lost Mitch ten years earlier, it’s a case of no one else will do. Which isn’t quite how Arthur thought things would go. Throw in a jealous friend, Oliver, who lies, cheats and much more. Then there’s Amber, who’s fragile self-belief allows her to be used by the less scrupulous of the friends.
The story follows all their lives, the ups and downs, the changing nature of their relationships, and the passionate jealousies that fuel obsession. Mitch’s return after ten years away changes everything. From here, the brooding suspense and tension burst into flames and the story races to a thrilling climax.
The characters are well drawn, showing their good qualities and weaknesses without fear or favour. The writing and story maintained my interest without becoming extreme or exaggerated, revealing how passion and obsession fuel disaster.
The author’s writing and skill lifted this above most of the psychological thrillers/suspense I’ve read before and led to a memorable and enjoyable story.
Ten years after her boyfriend Mitch's mysterious disappearance, Rebecca finally learns the truth about what happened. When he returns a happy ending appears within their grasp but there is no escape from the past. And Arthur, Rebecca's friend who has formed an unhealthy obsession with her, has no intention of letting her go. When Arthur realises that Mitch is the only person standing in the way of his happiness, his thoughts turn to murder.
I was quickly pulled into this gripping read. It's one of those books you can't put down because your interest has been piqued, but you don't want it to end either. The story covers murder, obsession, and trauma. It's also tense, thrilling and suspenseful. The prologue will stay with you throughout the book. The characters all obsessed with one another. To mix together the characters was a clever thing to do. We get the perspectives from the three main characters. The plotline has been cleverly crafted. The pace was fast, and some twists left me on the edge of my seat. This tense tale tells how love and friendship can quickly become an obsession.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DianaWilkinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC for this book, even though I see reviews from 3 years ago. Not sure what's up with that. Anyway, I do like this author and delved into the book.
This is a dark psychological drama about 4 people who are either dating each other, or had been dating each other. It covers trauma, the complexity of relationships, It is about obsession and murder.
Each character was unlikable and had secrets. The book was told from each of the characters viewpoints. I found it difficult in the beginning to keep track of who was doing what but soon, it all came together and I was speeding through the book. I felt it was drawn out in places and had just too much sinister going on. I mean each character was pretty messed up. I did like the ending and I didn't expect it at all. All in all a good read.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC. I do recommend this book.
When Rebecca's boyfriend Mitch , who she believed to be her soulmate vanishes..it will be ten years before she finds out what really happened to him ..After when Rebecca goes through a traumatic event ..she leaves to start a new life abroad..Ten years later returning for her father's funeral, she meets up with the only friend who cared for her , and when she offers Rebecca her flat to live in Rebecca decides to put the past behind her and start afresh .28 year old Arthur lives in his own little world..As a child he saw things no child should have to see ...When Arthur sees Rebecca for the first time its love at first sight ..One night at the cinema Rebecca's world implodes when she sees Mitch in front of her .But what really happened all those years ago ? And why did Mitch disappear? There's an invisible line between love and obsession...When its pulled down or trampled over ...anything can happen ..How far would you go for love ? A Gripping Dark story of Jealousy ...Love ...Obsession and Madness ...
Really good book!!! There were points in the book that were a little slow but overall good book. There were parts of the book that had you entranced and hard to put down. I felt so scared for Rebecca because she had been through so much and things just kept happening to her. I was so mad at her boyfriend Mitch but then I started to like him and then things had to happen (I will not say what things happened so I do not spoil this book). At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure how each of the characters would be contacted to one another. The author did a great job in bringing everything together and making you feel like you were part of the book. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers that like thrillers and mysteries.
You Are Mine by Diana Wilkinson was a very unique thriller. This is another new-to-me author, so I started to read the book with no expectations at all. It is set in a small cul de sac in London where all of the neighbors are a little quirky, and from different walks of life. I had a feeling from my first introduction to Olive and Bob that they would become an integral part of the storyline, and that actually happened. I wish the author hadn't made them appear to be so elderly, since I have been married 13 years longer than they have, and I am not close to acting old. All in all, it was a good thriller, with some wonderful characters,and I would be happy to read another book by Diana Wilkinson. I would recommend this book to all of my reading friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a very interesting and somewhat disturbing tale of how love and friendship can become obsession and hatred.
The author tells the story from multiple perspectives, including the victims and the perpetrators and the development of both sides is so well plotted that the reader is drawn into the story and invested in the characters.
I thought that the build up to the death of one of the characters and the disturbing escalation in the mindset of another was really captivating and I read eel into the night to finish.
Highly recommend this for those who enjoy a thriller.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca is a beautiful woman in love with Mitch as is Mitch in love with Rebecca. Oliver is Mitch’s best friend. He also fancies Rebecca. Oliver tells Mitch the police suspect him of dealing drugs and he should go to Italy until things quiet down. Oliver introduces Mitch to Amber, whose father owns property in Italy and together they immediately leave. Rebecca leaves town after being raped by Oliver and not knowing what happened to Mitch. Ten years later, Mitch, Amber and Rebecca return to their small home town . Oliver is still there now married with two little girls. Rebecca is pursed by Arthur, a psychopath. How does this all end. Star crossed lovers and hidden danger. Gripping thriller
Three time-frames, half a dozen narrators: the reader certainly needs to keep their wits about them with this novel, to keep track of the plot threads.
The author often uses two narrators to describe what has happened, to give their versions of the action, but one after the other. But there is a sort of time slippage, just to keep you on your toes. Sometimes the windows of time are not exactly the same.
And, in the beginning, not all of the characters actually know each other, although perhaps they know they exist. It's almost like a Venn diagram with intriguing mysteries thrown in.
The Prologue describes a rather bloody murder, but we need to wait until almost the end to know who has killed who.
I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. This is my first book by this author and I look forward in reading more from her. This is a well developed story that has characters I had no issues connecting with and had a hard time putting down. They made me feel as if I was part of the story. It is engaging and fast paced. The twists and turns left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. This is a story about the past and present colliding and turning dangerous. What will happen when a past love shows up and a current love is more of an obession? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next.
novel jumped right in with no real character development and with a number of characters at first I didn’t get a grasp of who’s who until 1/4 way though. Novel kept the reader in the dark about everything to gain interest and suspense but gets kind of old
Storylines were tough to follow and care about, relationships manifested out of thin air by numerous characters.
Short chapters but with “fastfowarding” within them and so much confusion by me it just took way too long to get through. It got decent around 80% but I was over it. 2.5 rounded up to 3.
This book started out slow. Each chapter introduces a new character that reads in the first person. Eventually, the reader will see how their lives collide. The plot was very original, and when everything came together, I couldn't put it down. Jealousy is the main theme in this psychological thriller. There is a quote towards the end of the book that I feel captures the sentiment, "Where did the boundary between normality and madness become hazy and indistinguishable?"