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The Accident: The gripping suspense novel for fans of Liane Moriarty
Three women. One accident. Who's to blame?
The lonely doctor
Imogen has always wanted to be a doctor, but the pressure of her job is slowly cracking her fragile mental state, and her infatuation with an old flame is twisting into something darker.
The kind teacher
Zoe's job is going well and she is blissfully in love with her new boyfriend - but his old friend, Imogen, still seems to be obsessed with him . . .
The single mom
Grace has her hands full as a working parent. When circumstances force her vulnerable teenage daughter to change schools, Grace's long-held secrets are threatened with exposure.
All it takes is one fateful accident to change all their lives forever.
'I absolutely loved this novel . . . I didn't want it to end!' Liane Moriarty on The Mistake
The lonely doctor
Imogen has always wanted to be a doctor, but the pressure of her job is slowly cracking her fragile mental state, and her infatuation with an old flame is twisting into something darker.
The kind teacher
Zoe's job is going well and she is blissfully in love with her new boyfriend - but his old friend, Imogen, still seems to be obsessed with him . . .
The single mom
Grace has her hands full as a working parent. When circumstances force her vulnerable teenage daughter to change schools, Grace's long-held secrets are threatened with exposure.
All it takes is one fateful accident to change all their lives forever.
'I absolutely loved this novel . . . I didn't want it to end!' Liane Moriarty on The Mistake
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2024
193 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 6, 2022
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I loved Katie McMahon's debut novel The Mistake so I was eager to read her next offering and I wasn't disappointed. Katie's second book is even better than her first.
The book opens with an unidentified accident not far from the local high school. This mystery immediately hooked me in as the story then goes back to the nine months leading up to the accident and the question of what happened was always in the back of my mind.
Grace is the mother of teenaged Emma who is struggling with an eating disorder and is also being bullied by the girls in her class at school.
Zoe is a teacher at the local high school.
Imogen is an intern in the local hospital's A & E department.
The three women are linked by friends, family and lovers. I found the connection to Zoe and Imogen stronger with their first person narration rather than the third person narrative of Grace.
There is a very strong theme of rejection as each of the women feel they have lost their soulmate to someone else and deal with this lose in different ways.
There are a few emotive themes running through the novel, such as; overworked emergency doctors, eating disorders, stalking, infidelity, mental illness, bullying, infertility and moral dilemmas. McMahon explores how life experiences shape us and have far reaching affects on those around us.
I enjoyed the mixed media style with coronial inquest notes and emails adding to the story and building the suspense.
Katie McMahon's writing is rich in suspense, mystery and humour. Her characters are funny, flawed and real. I loved them all!
*I received my copy from the publisher
I loved Katie McMahon's debut novel The Mistake so I was eager to read her next offering and I wasn't disappointed. Katie's second book is even better than her first.
The book opens with an unidentified accident not far from the local high school. This mystery immediately hooked me in as the story then goes back to the nine months leading up to the accident and the question of what happened was always in the back of my mind.
Grace is the mother of teenaged Emma who is struggling with an eating disorder and is also being bullied by the girls in her class at school.
Zoe is a teacher at the local high school.
Imogen is an intern in the local hospital's A & E department.
The three women are linked by friends, family and lovers. I found the connection to Zoe and Imogen stronger with their first person narration rather than the third person narrative of Grace.
There is a very strong theme of rejection as each of the women feel they have lost their soulmate to someone else and deal with this lose in different ways.
There are a few emotive themes running through the novel, such as; overworked emergency doctors, eating disorders, stalking, infidelity, mental illness, bullying, infertility and moral dilemmas. McMahon explores how life experiences shape us and have far reaching affects on those around us.
I enjoyed the mixed media style with coronial inquest notes and emails adding to the story and building the suspense.
Katie McMahon's writing is rich in suspense, mystery and humour. Her characters are funny, flawed and real. I loved them all!
*I received my copy from the publisher
September 9, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Accident by Katie McMahon is a psychological drama amidst gripping tension. The story felt realistic and I couldn’t stop reading wondering who it was that died due to clue pieces of the Coronial Court of Tasmania Inquiry Into A Death reports scattered throughout the ending of chapters. Thank you @echo_publishing for sending me a copy of the book and @dmcprmedia for inviting me on The Accident Bookstagram Tour!
I love well written domestic suspense and I found The Accident both intriguing and confronting, you won’t be disappointed!
We have three central women to the story, a single mother working as a vet and harbouring a secret, a teacher recently single and a lonely junior doctor.
Grace, Zoe and Imogen are all living in the town of Hobart in Tasmania and unknowingly they’re all linked together by their connections to friends, lovers and family. A tragic event outside a school will change their lives forever!
With themes of bullying, friendships, eating disorders, challenging relationships, mental health, loneliness and infidelity.
An insightful and somewhat disturbing look at how relationships can shape our lives. Loved the suspense!
Publication Date 30th August 2022
Publisher Echo Publishing
The Accident by Katie McMahon is a psychological drama amidst gripping tension. The story felt realistic and I couldn’t stop reading wondering who it was that died due to clue pieces of the Coronial Court of Tasmania Inquiry Into A Death reports scattered throughout the ending of chapters. Thank you @echo_publishing for sending me a copy of the book and @dmcprmedia for inviting me on The Accident Bookstagram Tour!
I love well written domestic suspense and I found The Accident both intriguing and confronting, you won’t be disappointed!
We have three central women to the story, a single mother working as a vet and harbouring a secret, a teacher recently single and a lonely junior doctor.
Grace, Zoe and Imogen are all living in the town of Hobart in Tasmania and unknowingly they’re all linked together by their connections to friends, lovers and family. A tragic event outside a school will change their lives forever!
With themes of bullying, friendships, eating disorders, challenging relationships, mental health, loneliness and infidelity.
An insightful and somewhat disturbing look at how relationships can shape our lives. Loved the suspense!
Publication Date 30th August 2022
Publisher Echo Publishing
September 22, 2022
I loved the Tasmanian setting considering my recent trip. But as for the story, I couldn't care less.
December 28, 2022
Well I hate to write negative reviews but this book was just so disappointing …. I stuck with it but it it included every Bridgette Jones diary cliche & offer the premise of being a bit of a thriller / mystery…. This book was not for me
December 16, 2022
1.5 rounded up
Set in Tasmania, the Accident brings together a cast of characters all of whom revolve around the three main female protagonists. Every character is dealing with emotional, psychological and relationship issues and struggling, in one way or another, with every day life. From the title, and the snippets taken from the court/coroner's report, which are scattered throughout the novel, we know that there will be an accident, although perhaps not exactly who will be involved.
Unfortunately, although I was interested in the premise of this novel, I found the actual reading a slog. Despite flicking backwards, re-reading sections and reading large chunks in single sittings I found the characters all blurred into one and I struggled to differentiate between them. I felt that for me as a reader their problems dominated and they simply became a list of diagnoses rather than a group of individuals, and as I read on, I simply did not care for any of them or what happened to them. Therefore, when the accident finally occurred, at around page 280 of 300 odd pages, I was simply glad the end was near and the climax felt very feeble and dissapointing. Obviously a book many others have enjoyed, but sadly it was not for me.
Set in Tasmania, the Accident brings together a cast of characters all of whom revolve around the three main female protagonists. Every character is dealing with emotional, psychological and relationship issues and struggling, in one way or another, with every day life. From the title, and the snippets taken from the court/coroner's report, which are scattered throughout the novel, we know that there will be an accident, although perhaps not exactly who will be involved.
Unfortunately, although I was interested in the premise of this novel, I found the actual reading a slog. Despite flicking backwards, re-reading sections and reading large chunks in single sittings I found the characters all blurred into one and I struggled to differentiate between them. I felt that for me as a reader their problems dominated and they simply became a list of diagnoses rather than a group of individuals, and as I read on, I simply did not care for any of them or what happened to them. Therefore, when the accident finally occurred, at around page 280 of 300 odd pages, I was simply glad the end was near and the climax felt very feeble and dissapointing. Obviously a book many others have enjoyed, but sadly it was not for me.
August 6, 2023
A good physiological thriller. It focuses on the relationships and curumstances and history leading up to an accident. The details of the accident are effectively drip fedin between chapters told from mainly 3 strong women. The characters were well written and the tension was easily felt. I was compelled to read on to discover more about the accident through very clever writing. Tough issuses such as anorexia and infertility were dealt with in a productive caring way. The emphasis on the female characters took a bit away from the story for me as i would like to have learnt more about the male characters other than via dialogues.
This is a throughly enjoyable 4 star read. Thank you netgallery and publisher fir my arc
This is a throughly enjoyable 4 star read. Thank you netgallery and publisher fir my arc
July 14, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up!
“Trigger warning, eating disorders”
This review has spoilers, but I didn’t want to hide the whole review, as it would also hide highlighting the trigger warning at the top. So please proceed with caution.
It was solid enough for me to want to read the other novel by this author, but not enough that I’ve already gone out and bought it.
What I liked:
- unhinged characters
- love eventually winning
- a mother dealing with her teenage daughter being anorexic - I don’t come across too many stories with this component
FAVE PART: A breakup where it wasn’t just our main female lead getting dumped for another woman (even though this happens at the start). It was only after reading about Zoe, that I realised how rare this scenario is in the books I read. Sometimes we are shown behaviours to direct our decisions, because that person isn’t meant for us (either for now or ever), regardless of how much we love them.
What I didn’t:
- the pacing felt a bit off
- a few parts just felt flat
- the anorexia was referred to as being a massive issue with Emma, almost to the point of writing her off as ever being a “normal” person. If I was Emma (I know she is fictional!) and read this, I would feel awful - particularly as it can be triggered by a multitude of situations, often outside their control. I think it is fair for a mother to question what they did wrong, but it didn’t correct Grace’s assumptions well enough.
“Trigger warning, eating disorders”
This review has spoilers, but I didn’t want to hide the whole review, as it would also hide highlighting the trigger warning at the top. So please proceed with caution.
It was solid enough for me to want to read the other novel by this author, but not enough that I’ve already gone out and bought it.
What I liked:
- unhinged characters
- love eventually winning
- a mother dealing with her teenage daughter being anorexic - I don’t come across too many stories with this component
FAVE PART: A breakup where it wasn’t just our main female lead getting dumped for another woman (even though this happens at the start). It was only after reading about Zoe, that I realised how rare this scenario is in the books I read. Sometimes we are shown behaviours to direct our decisions, because that person isn’t meant for us (either for now or ever), regardless of how much we love them.
What I didn’t:
- the pacing felt a bit off
- a few parts just felt flat
- the anorexia was referred to as being a massive issue with Emma, almost to the point of writing her off as ever being a “normal” person. If I was Emma (I know she is fictional!) and read this, I would feel awful - particularly as it can be triggered by a multitude of situations, often outside their control. I think it is fair for a mother to question what they did wrong, but it didn’t correct Grace’s assumptions well enough.
September 2, 2022
Thank you Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
A contemporary fiction tale about three women, underlying social issues and a tragic incident that ties it all together.
Three complicated women who are connected by others.
A single mother with a secret.
A gentle teacher discovering single life.
A lonesome doctor who is finding it difficult at work.
But soon they will come together and one moment in time will change them all forever.
Can you let go of the past……
Katie’s sophomore release is an impressive and emotional read that I found very interesting and compelling.
It’s very raw, edgy, emotive and confronting.
With realistic characters and a plot that’s appealing all set against the picturesque town of Hobart it’s quite the book.
There’s many themes that drive the narrative.
Told through the three lead female’s you get a sense of authenticity, these women could be somebody you know.
In between chapters you know a tragic accident has happened but who, how or why makes you think and wonder until the reveal.
The ending is quite shocking and clever.
An enjoyable read.
A contemporary fiction tale about three women, underlying social issues and a tragic incident that ties it all together.
Three complicated women who are connected by others.
A single mother with a secret.
A gentle teacher discovering single life.
A lonesome doctor who is finding it difficult at work.
But soon they will come together and one moment in time will change them all forever.
Can you let go of the past……
Katie’s sophomore release is an impressive and emotional read that I found very interesting and compelling.
It’s very raw, edgy, emotive and confronting.
With realistic characters and a plot that’s appealing all set against the picturesque town of Hobart it’s quite the book.
There’s many themes that drive the narrative.
Told through the three lead female’s you get a sense of authenticity, these women could be somebody you know.
In between chapters you know a tragic accident has happened but who, how or why makes you think and wonder until the reveal.
The ending is quite shocking and clever.
An enjoyable read.
July 15, 2024
Grace and Zoe were written the same and it was hard to remember who was who. Imogen was the main stand out character.
Zoe breaking up with Nick made no sense to me. Not after how troubled Zoe was.
2.5 rounded up
Zoe breaking up with Nick made no sense to me. Not after how troubled Zoe was.
2.5 rounded up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
Maybe the fact that I took a 3 month break in the middle of reading this book didn’t help but I didn’t find it extremely interesting. Even the accident isn’t that interesting the best bit is the coroners death report thing which is only a few pages. Just felt the story lacked tension tbh. Characters were well developed tho
August 30, 2022
Talk about gripping! After reading The Accident this week, I'm starting to think psychological drama might be creeping up into my favourites to read!
This book has three points of views and stories that are seperate but intertwining. In the beginning my brain was whirring trying to remember which character had what storyline, however I picked it up pretty quick and I really enjoyed trying to place small links in each POV.
I think what made this book so interesting and consuming was the fact that what these three separate women were going through in their lives were real life things that many of us have either gone through or know someone who has gone through. There was a creeping sense of dread with little snippets of a coroners report scattered through which makes you wonder WHO was in this accident and who has died.
Imogen the Doctor was such a complex character and even though I got some unhinged vibes off her pretty early, I also related to her on such a deep level. Her feelings and what she went through in her life with school, friends and then in the emergency room workplace are so prevalent in real life and I found myself hurting for her.
It can be so easy to feel left out and over judged because your mind is working a little differently to those around you. Even though you try harder and harder to say and do the right things - or what you *think* are the right things
This book has three points of views and stories that are seperate but intertwining. In the beginning my brain was whirring trying to remember which character had what storyline, however I picked it up pretty quick and I really enjoyed trying to place small links in each POV.
I think what made this book so interesting and consuming was the fact that what these three separate women were going through in their lives were real life things that many of us have either gone through or know someone who has gone through. There was a creeping sense of dread with little snippets of a coroners report scattered through which makes you wonder WHO was in this accident and who has died.
Imogen the Doctor was such a complex character and even though I got some unhinged vibes off her pretty early, I also related to her on such a deep level. Her feelings and what she went through in her life with school, friends and then in the emergency room workplace are so prevalent in real life and I found myself hurting for her.
It can be so easy to feel left out and over judged because your mind is working a little differently to those around you. Even though you try harder and harder to say and do the right things - or what you *think* are the right things
March 7, 2023
An amazing book - funny, clever, well researched. Katie McMahon is a very talented author and I was immediately hooked in to this story of love, betrayal, jealousy and heartbreak. Absolutely fabulous!
June 10, 2024
2.5, rounded up to 3 ⭐
Audiobook from the library 🎧
I was excited to read this as I love suspense books but this just wasn't that suspenseful.
I loved the setting - I've never listened to an Australian audiobook before - and liked the multiple POVs (always a winner with me) but I thought the whole story was a bit flat, despite having almost every cliche in the suspenseful fiction toolbox.
All the characters seemed quite fake, their connections quite weird and strained (as if the author made them connected through sheer will, rather than something that made sense) and the accident that the entire book was leading up to was incredibly anti-climactic. Like, unbelievably so.
This book wasn't for me unfortunately and I wouldn't recommend it.
Audiobook from the library 🎧
I was excited to read this as I love suspense books but this just wasn't that suspenseful.
I loved the setting - I've never listened to an Australian audiobook before - and liked the multiple POVs (always a winner with me) but I thought the whole story was a bit flat, despite having almost every cliche in the suspenseful fiction toolbox.
All the characters seemed quite fake, their connections quite weird and strained (as if the author made them connected through sheer will, rather than something that made sense) and the accident that the entire book was leading up to was incredibly anti-climactic. Like, unbelievably so.
This book wasn't for me unfortunately and I wouldn't recommend it.
March 28, 2024
Took me so long to read because the plot and characters didn’t engage or interest me at all. I didn’t like the switching between characters’ stories and I was expecting a stronger link between them at the end.
August 19, 2024
Expected this to be enjoyable in that vacuous, thriller-y way lots of books are, but it was so much more than that. Insightful, incisive, with a touch of a Moriarty-esque understanding of people combined with something a little sadder and darker. Loved it.
July 18, 2025
Wonderful
August 24, 2025
I really tried to get into this book but just couldn’t. I didn’t end up finishing this as I struggled to connect with the characters and I don’t think this writing style was for me.
January 7, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the different way it was presented but I found it hard to like all of the characters and found myself a little bored in some bits because the story of that character was…well a bit boring.
I really like Imogen’s character and that writing was very clever. Would have liked to hear more of her story?
I was disappointed with the ending. I feel like one character’s storyline ended well and was resolved and the other wasn’t. It felt rushed and made me a little frustrated.
I really like Imogen’s character and that writing was very clever. Would have liked to hear more of her story?
I was disappointed with the ending. I feel like one character’s storyline ended well and was resolved and the other wasn’t. It felt rushed and made me a little frustrated.
August 4, 2024
3 stars.
For once I agree with the review-esque subtitle for the book, this one is certainly one for fans of Liane Moriarty. Katie McMahon's style is very very similar, what I describe as "intriguing yet infuriating". The way this one is formatted takes the reader through 3 main POVs, yet it isn't clear from the start how these are related to each other or to the "accident" that the title promises. We get to know each of our main ladies (Zoe, Imogen and Gemma), their struggles and general personal circumstances. Every so often, there is a brief interluding chapter with coverage from what I presume is the court trial following the accident that happened, though once again we're not actually given any details as to what had transpired.
Gradually, the ladies' lives start to cross paths with each other, and it was actually quite interesting to try and put things together and figure out what may have gone wrong and where. . As the blurb promises, the backstory is slowly pieced together - a bit too slowly for my liking.
When the reveal came, it was pretty good for what it was, unfortunately for me I think infuriated as a sentiment had far overtaken intrigued. I part-guess what the deal was, and it was quite nice to have .
For once I agree with the review-esque subtitle for the book, this one is certainly one for fans of Liane Moriarty. Katie McMahon's style is very very similar, what I describe as "intriguing yet infuriating". The way this one is formatted takes the reader through 3 main POVs, yet it isn't clear from the start how these are related to each other or to the "accident" that the title promises. We get to know each of our main ladies (Zoe, Imogen and Gemma), their struggles and general personal circumstances. Every so often, there is a brief interluding chapter with coverage from what I presume is the court trial following the accident that happened, though once again we're not actually given any details as to what had transpired.
Gradually, the ladies' lives start to cross paths with each other, and it was actually quite interesting to try and put things together and figure out what may have gone wrong and where. . As the blurb promises, the backstory is slowly pieced together - a bit too slowly for my liking.
When the reveal came, it was pretty good for what it was, unfortunately for me I think infuriated as a sentiment had far overtaken intrigued. I part-guess what the deal was, and it was quite nice to have .
August 27, 2022
First of all I’m thrilled that a book was set in my home town of Hobart! And secondly, I’m thrilled to have discovered a new author I love! This book is everything I love about suburban noir and lives right up there alongside the Liane Moriartys and Sally Hepworths of the genre.
It follows the stories of three women: Zoe, who is unceremoniously dumped by her long term boyfriend; Imogen, who is a book smart resident doctor in a hospital emergency department but lacks any social graces or awareness; and Grace, who is battling her teenage daughter’s eating disorder and her secret affair with a married man. All their lives collide when a deadly car accident occurs.
It’s so clever the way McMahon weaves together these three stories, causing her protagonists to affect each other’s lives in unsuspecting ways. But I also love how she builds characters that are not black and white, not good or bad, but believably flawed and likeable at the same time.
With undercurrents of infidelity, eating disorders, mental illness, loneliness, challenging mother-daughter relationships and bullying, this is the kind of book that tempts you to take a peek behind the seemingly-perfect curtain of suburbia.
Now, I’ busting to read McMahon’s first book, The Mistake, which I’m sure will be an equally compelling look at contemporary Australian life.
It follows the stories of three women: Zoe, who is unceremoniously dumped by her long term boyfriend; Imogen, who is a book smart resident doctor in a hospital emergency department but lacks any social graces or awareness; and Grace, who is battling her teenage daughter’s eating disorder and her secret affair with a married man. All their lives collide when a deadly car accident occurs.
It’s so clever the way McMahon weaves together these three stories, causing her protagonists to affect each other’s lives in unsuspecting ways. But I also love how she builds characters that are not black and white, not good or bad, but believably flawed and likeable at the same time.
With undercurrents of infidelity, eating disorders, mental illness, loneliness, challenging mother-daughter relationships and bullying, this is the kind of book that tempts you to take a peek behind the seemingly-perfect curtain of suburbia.
Now, I’ busting to read McMahon’s first book, The Mistake, which I’m sure will be an equally compelling look at contemporary Australian life.
September 19, 2022
I Just finished this book and I am going to miss these very real, complex, normal & incredibly likable characters. I have not read a book quite like it.
Such a joy to read from begining to end. Witty, brave and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed how realistic these characters were, relating to each one in different ways, their many shades, troubles and complexities. Why we do what we do, there is always a story. To be flawed but at the same time likable, this book really challenges you to consider right and wrong and what we can and can not forgive, especially if it is in the past.
I really enjoyed learning more as I read about the main characters lives and couldn't wait to find out how they would all connect, knowing there was an " Accident" looming added a real sense of dread... who would it be? I didnt want it to be any one.
The Mother and daughter bond tugged at my heart strings, that complex relationship that is ever changing, then throw in a new romance, old romance, infidelity, lonliness, an eating disorder, medical situations & issues. WOW it was all there.
A true modern thriller set in beautiful Hobart with a good giggle scattered through out, an occasional tear & more than the odd nod of relatability.
I just Loved it. I can not wait for her next book!
Such a joy to read from begining to end. Witty, brave and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed how realistic these characters were, relating to each one in different ways, their many shades, troubles and complexities. Why we do what we do, there is always a story. To be flawed but at the same time likable, this book really challenges you to consider right and wrong and what we can and can not forgive, especially if it is in the past.
I really enjoyed learning more as I read about the main characters lives and couldn't wait to find out how they would all connect, knowing there was an " Accident" looming added a real sense of dread... who would it be? I didnt want it to be any one.
The Mother and daughter bond tugged at my heart strings, that complex relationship that is ever changing, then throw in a new romance, old romance, infidelity, lonliness, an eating disorder, medical situations & issues. WOW it was all there.
A true modern thriller set in beautiful Hobart with a good giggle scattered through out, an occasional tear & more than the odd nod of relatability.
I just Loved it. I can not wait for her next book!
October 13, 2022
Goddy-god-god, what a cracking great read. I thoroughly relished McMahon's artful and exuberant use of language and her effortless originality with metaphor that had me squeaking with delight at times. The plot had me riveted and the characters were so lovingly drawn in all our messy human complexity that I found myself welling up with emotion about how beautiful humans can be, even when they hurt. I was yearning to be reading this when I wasn't, and sad when it was over. Some of the most beautiful moments that I find myself reflecting on now were in the liminal, unspoken space, like the way Emma's teacher Zoe and her Mum Grace unknowingly collaborate towards Emma's health, co-ordinated wordlessly across time and space by the energy of compassion. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Life can feel a little lonely on this lovely blue ball, particularly as a single parent. I loved this book and I can't wait to read more from this writer.
May 26, 2023
Only read to halfway before I gave up. It could not hold my interest with the different storylines and characters.
July 21, 2024
Gripping and with good characterisation.
October 14, 2022
2.5⭐️
An ok read, good in parts, average in others.
I like a story that shares different POVs & I didn’t mind this one. The 3 main characters lives intertwined like six degrees of separation and that was interesting, to a point.
This book could not be described as a psychological thriller but more a combination of a romance, mental health impacts & the drudgery of every day life, which again I didn’t mind.
I just felt there was never a lot going on; Grace juggling her vet practice whilst supporting her daughter with an eating disorder; Zoe the vivacious teacher who falls in love with Nick & finally Imogen, the doctor with underlying mental health problems who’s slightly unhinged.
Zoe & Imogen’s story line made sense but I’m not sure why there was a need for Grace’s? It felt disconnected all the way through.
Imogen is obsessed with Nick & Nick loves Zoe. Nick knew Imogen at high school & didn’t treat her particularly well & over the years they still connected & occasionally had casual sex. The relationship meant everything to Imogen but very little to Nick, other than an obligatory friendship. Imogen became obsessed & started to unravel as the story went on.
Without giving too much away Zoe decided she could not maintain the relationship with Nick because of his actions when he was 16 years old & his treatment of Imogen.
To be honest Zoe annoyed me with her holier than thou, sanctimonious crap; for gods sake, Nick was a 16 year old boy when the stuff with Imogen happened and he wasn’t even involved in the name calling & bullying, just probably used her, at worst. He was now a 34 year old guy, who was portrayed as a loving, hard working good person. So I think Zoe was overreacting & it was all a bit ridiculous yet the story revolved a lot around this aspect! 🤷♀️
The ‘accident’ was only a very small part of the story & the author endeavoured to put a twist in at the end (to tie the 3 characters in) but it fell flat & was implausible & unlikely.
Again, an ok read, a pass no more.
An ok read, good in parts, average in others.
I like a story that shares different POVs & I didn’t mind this one. The 3 main characters lives intertwined like six degrees of separation and that was interesting, to a point.
This book could not be described as a psychological thriller but more a combination of a romance, mental health impacts & the drudgery of every day life, which again I didn’t mind.
I just felt there was never a lot going on; Grace juggling her vet practice whilst supporting her daughter with an eating disorder; Zoe the vivacious teacher who falls in love with Nick & finally Imogen, the doctor with underlying mental health problems who’s slightly unhinged.
Zoe & Imogen’s story line made sense but I’m not sure why there was a need for Grace’s? It felt disconnected all the way through.
Imogen is obsessed with Nick & Nick loves Zoe. Nick knew Imogen at high school & didn’t treat her particularly well & over the years they still connected & occasionally had casual sex. The relationship meant everything to Imogen but very little to Nick, other than an obligatory friendship. Imogen became obsessed & started to unravel as the story went on.
Without giving too much away Zoe decided she could not maintain the relationship with Nick because of his actions when he was 16 years old & his treatment of Imogen.
To be honest Zoe annoyed me with her holier than thou, sanctimonious crap; for gods sake, Nick was a 16 year old boy when the stuff with Imogen happened and he wasn’t even involved in the name calling & bullying, just probably used her, at worst. He was now a 34 year old guy, who was portrayed as a loving, hard working good person. So I think Zoe was overreacting & it was all a bit ridiculous yet the story revolved a lot around this aspect! 🤷♀️
The ‘accident’ was only a very small part of the story & the author endeavoured to put a twist in at the end (to tie the 3 characters in) but it fell flat & was implausible & unlikely.
Again, an ok read, a pass no more.
October 18, 2023
This mystery, thriller kept me engaged from beginning to end. I loved the dual POV, especially since it was only three different POVs, so it was easy to follow. Not too many characters, therefore easy to remember who everyone was.
I loved that everyone was connected in some way, and it was nice to make those connections throughout the story. I also enjoyed seeing the police reports throughout the book, and then seeing the full report by the end of the book.
Some of the chapters were quite long, and I am a fan of short chapters, due to having a new born baby, I find I read better if the chapters are shorter. I also found that the ending was predictable, and I worked out quite early on who would be involved in “the accident”, because I hoped it would be who it was.
I love that the book has several emotive themes running through it, including eating disorders, overworked doctors, infertility, bullying and mental illnesses. Katie McMahon approaches each of these themes in the best way you can and shows how these things can affect an individual and how it can shape their life.
The way the story is written has you gripped from the beginning. It starts with the accident happening nearby, and immediately you want to know more, before it jumps back 9 months to show you the lead up to the accident. Katie McMahon’s writing keeps the suspense, and it feels like she is writing about real people, rather than fictional characters. I feel like many people would be able to relate to at least one of the characters, and that builds for a good book.
Extra points too because one of the main characters has the same name as me.
I loved that everyone was connected in some way, and it was nice to make those connections throughout the story. I also enjoyed seeing the police reports throughout the book, and then seeing the full report by the end of the book.
Some of the chapters were quite long, and I am a fan of short chapters, due to having a new born baby, I find I read better if the chapters are shorter. I also found that the ending was predictable, and I worked out quite early on who would be involved in “the accident”, because I hoped it would be who it was.
I love that the book has several emotive themes running through it, including eating disorders, overworked doctors, infertility, bullying and mental illnesses. Katie McMahon approaches each of these themes in the best way you can and shows how these things can affect an individual and how it can shape their life.
The way the story is written has you gripped from the beginning. It starts with the accident happening nearby, and immediately you want to know more, before it jumps back 9 months to show you the lead up to the accident. Katie McMahon’s writing keeps the suspense, and it feels like she is writing about real people, rather than fictional characters. I feel like many people would be able to relate to at least one of the characters, and that builds for a good book.
Extra points too because one of the main characters has the same name as me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
The Accident is a compelling and intricate novel that weaves together themes of guilt, memory, and the fragility of relationships. The narrative is driven by an incident that irrevocably alters the lives of the characters, exploring how a single moment can have far-reaching consequences.
McMahon and Pullinger skillfully develop their characters, making them relatable and deeply human. The protagonists' internal struggles and emotional complexities are portrayed with nuance, drawing readers into their psychological landscapes. The dual authorship adds a unique layer to the storytelling, providing diverse perspectives and voices that enrich the narrative.
The novel's pacing is well-executed, maintaining a balance between suspense and introspection. The authors' writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and evocative prose that enhance the immersive experience. The interplay between past and present is handled deftly, gradually revealing the layers of the characters' histories and the impact of the accident.
Overall, The Accident is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. It captures the essence of human vulnerability and the intricate web of connections that bind us together, making it a memorable and worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction.
McMahon and Pullinger skillfully develop their characters, making them relatable and deeply human. The protagonists' internal struggles and emotional complexities are portrayed with nuance, drawing readers into their psychological landscapes. The dual authorship adds a unique layer to the storytelling, providing diverse perspectives and voices that enrich the narrative.
The novel's pacing is well-executed, maintaining a balance between suspense and introspection. The authors' writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and evocative prose that enhance the immersive experience. The interplay between past and present is handled deftly, gradually revealing the layers of the characters' histories and the impact of the accident.
Overall, The Accident is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. It captures the essence of human vulnerability and the intricate web of connections that bind us together, making it a memorable and worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction.
July 19, 2023
This was so readable. I could not put it down. Really entertaining, if somewhat forgettable, psychological drama. I found it endlessly frustrating at times, because pretty much all of the main characters were very unlikeable.
Grace was selfish and a bad mother, Imogen was just plain awful and annoying on every level, and Zoe was super self-involved and self-pitying.
I found the ending simultaneously satisfying and unsatisfying. Most of the loose ends were tied up, and my least favourite character (and in my eyes, the villain) got her comeuppance.
My main criticism is that I didn’t understand why Zoe dumped whatshisface like that?
I was ready for a massive reveal from Imogen that he’d done something awful to her but….I didn’t get it. He wasn’t nice to her, sure, but she was also unspeakably awful to them and to everyone else in the book. She could’ve killed a child and didn’t even care. She was also a crazy stalker.
So why was Zoe so upset about it?
I just think it ended quite abruptly between Zoe and the guy, and it was never fully explained why. Completely took away from my enjoyment of the novel tbh.
Grace was selfish and a bad mother, Imogen was just plain awful and annoying on every level, and Zoe was super self-involved and self-pitying.
I found the ending simultaneously satisfying and unsatisfying. Most of the loose ends were tied up, and my least favourite character (and in my eyes, the villain) got her comeuppance.
My main criticism is that I didn’t understand why Zoe dumped whatshisface like that?
I was ready for a massive reveal from Imogen that he’d done something awful to her but….I didn’t get it. He wasn’t nice to her, sure, but she was also unspeakably awful to them and to everyone else in the book. She could’ve killed a child and didn’t even care. She was also a crazy stalker.
So why was Zoe so upset about it?
I just think it ended quite abruptly between Zoe and the guy, and it was never fully explained why. Completely took away from my enjoyment of the novel tbh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
The Accident has an interesting format. Set in Tasmania, a court report of a road accident starts the narrative. This reoccurs throughout the book so we know there was a accident & a fatality but we don't know who or how. The story revolves around three women; Imogen is a doctor. It is what she has always wanted but now the pressure is getting to her. She constantly thinks back to an ex she has never got over. Grace is a vet & a single mother. Her daughter is anorexic & has been bullied at school. When she decides to send Emma to a different school she is concerned as her lover's children also go there. Zoe is a teacher, she loves her job, especially counselling those who find it difficult to fit in. She also loves her new boyfriend & thinks this could be 'it'.
These were all very different characters & I'm sure I wasn't alone in wanting to yell at them at times! It kept me guessing & hoping that the victim going to be one I'd bonded with! At times it was a bit confusing & a bit long winded, but overall it was a good read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
These were all very different characters & I'm sure I wasn't alone in wanting to yell at them at times! It kept me guessing & hoping that the victim going to be one I'd bonded with! At times it was a bit confusing & a bit long winded, but overall it was a good read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
September 11, 2024
3.5 stars. A solid read that I'd describe as a cross between Liane Moriarty and Gillian Flynn - however, I kept feeling that I was reading a poor man's Liane Moriarty or an author's attempt to be Gillian Flynn rather than develop her own voice. Overall I enjoyed the reading experience, I was engaged throughout the whole story, I didn't feel bored and it does have a good twist - but overall I'd say I liked it, not necessarily loved it.
There was also some editing pet peeves, namely one scene where a character has a session with a psychologist, who proceeds to touch her arm in a comforting way during the session - I'm pretty sure that would be considered inappropriate conduct to physically touch a client, not even sure how that would happen considering in a psych session the client and psychologist are often sitting a good metre across from each other! XD This is a little gripe, but I was surprised the author who is a medical doctor didn't think of this and the editor didn't pick it up.
There was also some editing pet peeves, namely one scene where a character has a session with a psychologist, who proceeds to touch her arm in a comforting way during the session - I'm pretty sure that would be considered inappropriate conduct to physically touch a client, not even sure how that would happen considering in a psych session the client and psychologist are often sitting a good metre across from each other! XD This is a little gripe, but I was surprised the author who is a medical doctor didn't think of this and the editor didn't pick it up.
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