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Sinister Coast Collection #2
La torre de sangre y cristal: Una trama adictiva de crimen y suspense
Julia Ottley tiene mucho que perder.
Ha irrumpido en la escena literaria con el mayor anticipo jamás pagado a una autora debutante. Su novela, ambientada en una deslumbrante torre de cristal transparente, está cosechando críticas muy favorables. Pero al embarcarse en esta nueva vida, Julia descubre que nada puede permanecer oculto para siempre, especialmente cuando se vive entre paredes de cristal.
Julia lucha por seguir adelante pero, a medida que aumentan las preguntas y crecen las dudas en su entorno, se enfrenta a una dura decisión. ¿Hasta dónde está dispuesta a llegar para evitar que su nueva vida se venga abajo?¿Qué secretos están a punto de salir a luz y amenazarlo todo?
Sumérgete en La torre de sangre y cristal y acompaña a Julia en su peligroso viaje hacia la verdad. ¿Logrará escapar de esta deslumbrante prisión de cristal?
Ambientada en una desolada isla del suroeste de Inglaterra La torre de sangre y cristal combina suspense con un delicioso humor negro y, como ya anticipan los lectores de Gregg Dunnett , un final inesperado.
Ha irrumpido en la escena literaria con el mayor anticipo jamás pagado a una autora debutante. Su novela, ambientada en una deslumbrante torre de cristal transparente, está cosechando críticas muy favorables. Pero al embarcarse en esta nueva vida, Julia descubre que nada puede permanecer oculto para siempre, especialmente cuando se vive entre paredes de cristal.
Julia lucha por seguir adelante pero, a medida que aumentan las preguntas y crecen las dudas en su entorno, se enfrenta a una dura decisión. ¿Hasta dónde está dispuesta a llegar para evitar que su nueva vida se venga abajo?¿Qué secretos están a punto de salir a luz y amenazarlo todo?
Sumérgete en La torre de sangre y cristal y acompaña a Julia en su peligroso viaje hacia la verdad. ¿Logrará escapar de esta deslumbrante prisión de cristal?
Ambientada en una desolada isla del suroeste de Inglaterra La torre de sangre y cristal combina suspense con un delicioso humor negro y, como ya anticipan los lectores de Gregg Dunnett , un final inesperado.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published June 29, 2023
1308 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Dunnett
37 books487 followersGregg Dunnett is a British author writing psychological thrillers and stories about travel and adventure, usually with a connection to the coast or to the oceans. Before turning to novels he worked as a journalist for ten years on a windsurfing magazine, briefly owned a sailing school in Egypt, taught English in Thailand, Portugal, Turkey and Italy, taught sailing in Greece and Spain, and also had several rather duller jobs along the way.
His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.
Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.
Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.
Gregg on why he writes:
"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.
I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.
Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.
But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.
In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.
I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.
I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.
But fo
His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.
Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.
Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.
Gregg on why he writes:
"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.
I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.
Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.
But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.
In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.
I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.
I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.
But fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 15, 2022
I very nearly DNF this one. It started so well with the story of a new author and an accident. Then took the most bizarre turn. Julia must be the unluckiest person ever to kill two people seemingly by accident. The ending was just crazy and unbelievable. Good book if you like something out there and not within the realm of realism. Not for me unfortunately.
May 8, 2019
Oh dear Gregg i really didnt enjoy this. Have loved all your books up to now. The main character Julia turned from an unknown author into a famous one almost overnight and then proceeded to turn into a psycho killer!!! Dramadol - really??? We all know which prescription drug you are referring to but this just sounded really naff. I really don’t understand why you wrote this book - it was dreadful really bad. Sorry 😫
August 24, 2019
Well, this novel turned out way different than I expected. As I was reading, I continued to wonder why the main character seemed so off. All the while I was asking, what is wrong with her? Characterization is important to me and I was becoming puzzled a lot about the motivations that were driving her. As it all unfolded in the end, I could finally see just what was going on. What a surprise. Really well done, in my opinion.
The other characters were also a bit mysterious and imagine my surprise to learn that all the mystery was just in my head and how I perceived it. There were observations within the story of how writers function and some I have myself passed through in my own journey as a writer. This novel was deep, insightful and loaded with what not to do when treading the path to become an author.
The settings were so well done it was possible to experience the feel of them and wander around in the footsteps of the characters, seeing what they could see and hear what they could hear. Amazing treatment of senses and sounds. I could have been watching a film on the big screen.
I am eager to read more from this writer. In my mind, his talent has so much as yet to be explored. I will be one who engages in that pleasure.
The other characters were also a bit mysterious and imagine my surprise to learn that all the mystery was just in my head and how I perceived it. There were observations within the story of how writers function and some I have myself passed through in my own journey as a writer. This novel was deep, insightful and loaded with what not to do when treading the path to become an author.
The settings were so well done it was possible to experience the feel of them and wander around in the footsteps of the characters, seeing what they could see and hear what they could hear. Amazing treatment of senses and sounds. I could have been watching a film on the big screen.
I am eager to read more from this writer. In my mind, his talent has so much as yet to be explored. I will be one who engages in that pleasure.
July 27, 2019
I loved the book ‘The Things You Find In Rockpools’ but I really didn’t enjoy this one. It was very unbelievable and dare I say amateurish. I struggled to keep reading it and the ending was all over very quickly. Sorry, not good.
December 19, 2020
Interesting read. A bit odd but the ending was good. Probably my least favorite of Dunnett's books I've read but not a bad book.
April 30, 2022
Unfortunate choice
I was hoping for a good read with this book but was sorely disappointed. From the first chapter, in which the author describes a disgusting sexual episode, I was ready to put it down. Finding no more raunchy scenes I tried to muddle through. The character of Julie is bland, boring and totally without interest, as are the other characters in the book. I finally deleted it at chapter 20, not wanting to give it any more of my time. Don't waste your time on this book.
I was hoping for a good read with this book but was sorely disappointed. From the first chapter, in which the author describes a disgusting sexual episode, I was ready to put it down. Finding no more raunchy scenes I tried to muddle through. The character of Julie is bland, boring and totally without interest, as are the other characters in the book. I finally deleted it at chapter 20, not wanting to give it any more of my time. Don't waste your time on this book.
October 31, 2019
Having never read any of Gregg Dunnett’s books before I wasn’t sure what to expect. The write up sounded interesting so I decided to leap in, and I am so pleased I did. The style was completely different to anything I have read before – the author pulls you into the life of author Julia Ottley and takes you on a rollercoaster of what has become her life since her “accident”. To go into more detail would actually spoil the story for those who have not read it, but suffice to say that you find yourself tumbling from one crazy situation to another as Julia tries desperately to get her life back into order and secure her future life as a celebrated author. The book is not without a sense of humour, and there were places where I found myself have a good chuckle at what was going on. Some of the time I felt I could foresee what was coming up next, but then just as I was sure I was right something happened to make me realise that there was no-way I could have seen it coming. The plot is extremely imaginative, and the book very well written to the extent of preventing the reader from putting the book down. I found myself gripped by every event, desperate trying to imagine what I would do in Julia’s situation. The ending was absolutely perfect, and although I had guessed what the outcome would be, I found it very satisfying as it completely gave closure to the whole novel. I am also grateful that Gregg has given away his short story “Killing Kind” as I am looking forward to reading that and will be sure to look out for more of his books to enjoy.
December 1, 2019
Gregg Dunnett 'The glass tower' rating 3.5-4/5
Engaging! Briefly, the story follows a woman (Julia), thrown into fame on the release of her debut novel. It develops into a tense plot, as events take a nasty turn. An accident occurs on a dark road and the new novelist finds herself becoming increasingly ensnared by paranoia as she tries desperately to keep her secret hidden. Unfortunately for the two passengers in her car, Julia makes sure their life will never be the same again. How quickly suspicions on all sides start to mount!
Julia is not a very nice person! She is not someone one warms to. Indeed she is cold, calculating, and egotistical to the point of narcissism. From Julia's drug-ridden perspective, everything she has done is out of necessity, and she rationalizes each action. I did question how honest the two witnesses themselves were as they seemed a little too 'shallow' and overly naïve. I was hoping that Becky (a witness) may have had a hidden part to her personality, and her lack of understanding was merely a ruse which would introduce a darker psychological twist. Alas not. I think this made the ending a bit of a let down. I would have preferred to see more depth to Becky and perhaps for a twist in the plot. Just a personal view, and all in all the book is an interesting read.....indeed a page-turner until the final stand-off which let it down a bit.
Engaging! Briefly, the story follows a woman (Julia), thrown into fame on the release of her debut novel. It develops into a tense plot, as events take a nasty turn. An accident occurs on a dark road and the new novelist finds herself becoming increasingly ensnared by paranoia as she tries desperately to keep her secret hidden. Unfortunately for the two passengers in her car, Julia makes sure their life will never be the same again. How quickly suspicions on all sides start to mount!
Julia is not a very nice person! She is not someone one warms to. Indeed she is cold, calculating, and egotistical to the point of narcissism. From Julia's drug-ridden perspective, everything she has done is out of necessity, and she rationalizes each action. I did question how honest the two witnesses themselves were as they seemed a little too 'shallow' and overly naïve. I was hoping that Becky (a witness) may have had a hidden part to her personality, and her lack of understanding was merely a ruse which would introduce a darker psychological twist. Alas not. I think this made the ending a bit of a let down. I would have preferred to see more depth to Becky and perhaps for a twist in the plot. Just a personal view, and all in all the book is an interesting read.....indeed a page-turner until the final stand-off which let it down a bit.
September 19, 2023
I found this book wasn't as good as the others that I've read by the same author. Though I really loved how you could see the main character, Julia, develop throughout the book and how it offered a little window into the life of a real author (until the killing starts... 🙃). However, I found that I was only fully gripped at the end and that although you were able to see Julia develop all through the book, she was quite unlikeable, selfish and murderous (says my younger sister - she hasn't even read the book 🤦♀️)
For fans of a successful and psychopathic murderer/main character then this might be the book for you! But, for someone like me who wants justice for the victims and the main character to be relatable and 'on the good side' or, in other words, NOT A MURDERER, then this is probably not for you.
For fans of a successful and psychopathic murderer/main character then this might be the book for you! But, for someone like me who wants justice for the victims and the main character to be relatable and 'on the good side' or, in other words, NOT A MURDERER, then this is probably not for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2019
Such a fun read! I wasn't really sure what it was about at first but I was enjoying the descriptions of the English country life. The main character at first just seems a timid woman completely out of her depth. Her first novel is about to be published and she's going to get a fortune just for signing on with the publishing company. It was fun imagining along with her on how her life could change - from a drafty cottage in a small village with an old unreliable car to the potential of a flat in London with a new batch of literary friends. Unfortunately, one bad decision led to another... and to another. Before long I couldn't put the book down because I couldn't wait to see what bad decision she'd make next!!
October 7, 2019
Well, this book took a very unexpected turn. I did enjoy the book actually, the first I have read from this author. However, I gave it 3 stars because of a personal view that I didn't like the ending. How Julia became so different, did she stay on the drugs that were making her so paranoid? Her sexuality could have been more explored, there was a big opportunity missed I felt. Also the police would have figured out the lies and inaccuracies of the investigation into the deaths, Kevin would have known more. Maybe there will be a sequel 🤷♀️
The one big thing that annoyed me was that it doesn't matter where you are in the country and even if you have no service, you can still make an emergency 999 call! Grrrr...
The one big thing that annoyed me was that it doesn't matter where you are in the country and even if you have no service, you can still make an emergency 999 call! Grrrr...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2020
Excellent read, following Julia, a seemingly ordinary woman who's become a bestselling author overnight. Julia is involved in a crime which she endeavours to cover up in order to save her career. But it's lie after lie and the deeper she gets, the more obsessed she becomes in covering up what she's done.
I found this a breath of fresh air. From the start, you'd never expect Julia to be capable of what she ends up doing, yet as it progresses it's completely believable how obsessive she becomes.
I also enjoyed the ending....she got away with it! So many books end with those who've done wrong either dying or paying for what they've done, so this was a refreshing change.
This is the 3rd Greg Dunnett book I've read and would say it's the best one for me.
I found this a breath of fresh air. From the start, you'd never expect Julia to be capable of what she ends up doing, yet as it progresses it's completely believable how obsessive she becomes.
I also enjoyed the ending....she got away with it! So many books end with those who've done wrong either dying or paying for what they've done, so this was a refreshing change.
This is the 3rd Greg Dunnett book I've read and would say it's the best one for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2019
How far would you go to be happy?
Life can turn like the the flip of a coin sometimes. Julia has it all. Her debut novel is tipped for all kinds of awards, and has landed her the fortune many of us dream of. But then in split seconds an accident occurs that can ruin Julia's entire future. How far will she go to hold onto the future she dreamed of?
Greg Dunnett is a master storyteller. He tells his tales with great empathy for the characters, so that throughout the book I found myself changing my feelings about them, so much so that I ended up reading long into the night to find out their fate.
Life can turn like the the flip of a coin sometimes. Julia has it all. Her debut novel is tipped for all kinds of awards, and has landed her the fortune many of us dream of. But then in split seconds an accident occurs that can ruin Julia's entire future. How far will she go to hold onto the future she dreamed of?
Greg Dunnett is a master storyteller. He tells his tales with great empathy for the characters, so that throughout the book I found myself changing my feelings about them, so much so that I ended up reading long into the night to find out their fate.
March 18, 2020
The beginning was interesting, made me want to keep reading. The middle was a bit strange, I couldn't work out what the author was trying to achieve, a bit amateurish. But I kept on reading out of curiosity and I liked the ending but it still had that amateur feeling about it. I will follow the author as I think he has potential, I will read his other books. I think all the people he thanked at the end, may have been the reason for the middle of the story having a wobble (to much 3rd party input). To the author: I like to be honest and I certainly hope it doesn't knock you. I have great admiration for anyone that can put a story together as I definitely can not
April 20, 2019
Hooked by the Characters. Surprised by the Ending. An Enticing Tale.
Julia Ottley is a budding new author facing both fame and misfortune as her life spirals into darkness. Her writing may be inspiring but coping with a deadly secret may be her undoing.
Gregg Dunnett has managed to capture the darkness of a tortured mind and the desperation of circumstances that change without warning. The ending was, perhaps, not what I would have expected or hoped for but I was truly captivated by the dramatic turn of events. Well written and surprising at every turn.
May 21, 2019
This was a different kind of read for me. Lots of likes and dislikes on the journey but overall I could not put the book down, had to finish it as quick as possible. A book within a book and a clever storyline that, although predicted, had a complete finish. So many novels just peter out and although I had a pretty good idea of the outcome, confirmation was needed. Julia, the main character, gradually develops schizophrenia as the storyline unfolds, from the onset of the read, not what I was expecting. I enjoy Gregg's books and believe each new one surpasses the last, well done.
September 4, 2019
It’s not often I leave a review so the fact I am says something to start with!
I found this to be a book of thirds... the first third I thought “yeah, this is ok, it’ll probably get 3 or 4 stars”. The second third got me really hooked, at this point I thought it was going to be a definite 4 star review. The final third...oh my! Gripped is an understatement. This totally didn’t finish how I expected, and I’m normally pretty good at predicting how a story will end. If there was a six star option I’d have gone for that.
Well done Mr Dunnett, loved it!
I found this to be a book of thirds... the first third I thought “yeah, this is ok, it’ll probably get 3 or 4 stars”. The second third got me really hooked, at this point I thought it was going to be a definite 4 star review. The final third...oh my! Gripped is an understatement. This totally didn’t finish how I expected, and I’m normally pretty good at predicting how a story will end. If there was a six star option I’d have gone for that.
Well done Mr Dunnett, loved it!
October 31, 2019
It is 12.30 pm and I have just got up. I have been finishing this book since about 7.00 am - so clearly I enjoyed it.
Amazing is the only word I can use to describe it. The most brilliant plot which turned out differently to I expected - partly because I just could not believe that it would work out that way. Amazing character, so self-absorbed, so delusional. How clever Mr Dunnett, well-done and thank you for entertaining (if that is the right word) so well.
Off to have my breakfast now. See, I was so keen to let you know how great it is, I did my review first.
Amazing is the only word I can use to describe it. The most brilliant plot which turned out differently to I expected - partly because I just could not believe that it would work out that way. Amazing character, so self-absorbed, so delusional. How clever Mr Dunnett, well-done and thank you for entertaining (if that is the right word) so well.
Off to have my breakfast now. See, I was so keen to let you know how great it is, I did my review first.
April 28, 2020
her neighbour was right she wasn't a very nice person.
at one stage I thought about giving up with this as didn't gel with Julia at all but carried on and eventually wanted to find out how/if she got out of things, wish this had a different ending and she was caught after killing the others. The old lady on a bike was an accident and had Julia not been drinking and the others a bit older then maybe things wouldn't have gone as they did and the police informed. (although then there would have been no story)
at one stage I thought about giving up with this as didn't gel with Julia at all but carried on and eventually wanted to find out how/if she got out of things, wish this had a different ending and she was caught after killing the others. The old lady on a bike was an accident and had Julia not been drinking and the others a bit older then maybe things wouldn't have gone as they did and the police informed. (although then there would have been no story)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
A happy ending for one
I didnt like julia from the beginning and I didnt grow to like her. Usually when I cant relate in some way to the protagonist, I don't read the book. But I have read 2 of gregg dunnett s books so I gave it a go. There were a couple of nice people in the story, but what kept me intrigued was how Julia's mind could take a thought and act on it as if thoughts were truth. The story was hard to put down, very exciting and twisty. I'm looking forward to mr. Dunnett s new book.
I didnt like julia from the beginning and I didnt grow to like her. Usually when I cant relate in some way to the protagonist, I don't read the book. But I have read 2 of gregg dunnett s books so I gave it a go. There were a couple of nice people in the story, but what kept me intrigued was how Julia's mind could take a thought and act on it as if thoughts were truth. The story was hard to put down, very exciting and twisty. I'm looking forward to mr. Dunnett s new book.
September 16, 2020
What a farcical book, a real tragicomedy! How can you admire a murderer? When we meet Julia, she was an awkward, passive and self-conscious middle-age woman. However, as she planned various murderous plots, she became smarter, bolder, and more confident. She actually became a more interesting person! The ending was actually quite fitting for her. While I was reading the book, I got the feeling that her character seemed so familiar. Julia is not really that original. Then it hit me! She sounds so much like M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin--the original book version, not the TV miniseries.
November 8, 2020
Loved it. What a chilling killer thriller. I hated the characters.... in the best possible way. First Rob then Becky and finally Julia. Oh my Julia, I was actually shouting at her! There was one character I warmed to (only one) Geoffrey. Well done Gregg Dunnett for traumatising me. I am sure I was catching flies throughout this book, jaw dropping moments with heart hammering episodes. Full of suspense, and as for the build up towards the end....very toe curling. One of the best books I have read for a while. Expect the unexpected.
November 12, 2020
A rollicking good read
This is only the second Dunnett book I have read and I must admit I did not expect to be overly thrilled by it as the other one was written from the perspective of an eleven year old boy and I couldn't relate to it at all. But boy was this one different! I really enjoyed it and although I still didn't relate to it (thank goodness) it was refreshingly different, a black comedy in parts, it flows well and is fast paced. Not so much a who-dunnit but a what -would -you -do....... It makes you think about choices. Definitely worth a read.
This is only the second Dunnett book I have read and I must admit I did not expect to be overly thrilled by it as the other one was written from the perspective of an eleven year old boy and I couldn't relate to it at all. But boy was this one different! I really enjoyed it and although I still didn't relate to it (thank goodness) it was refreshingly different, a black comedy in parts, it flows well and is fast paced. Not so much a who-dunnit but a what -would -you -do....... It makes you think about choices. Definitely worth a read.
December 28, 2024
I think I need a strong drink after this one
I loved Wave at Hanging Rock, so I was looking forward to reading this. It's left me feeling uncomfortable, which I've not really experienced with a book before. I can only deduce that this means it's a very well written story. Julia is so unlikeable that at some points I struggled to continue reading, but I'm glad I did, even though I feel a little traumatised! It does seem a little slow at points but its worth persevering with as it all adds to building the tension.
Recommended for anyone who likes a heavy thriller!
I loved Wave at Hanging Rock, so I was looking forward to reading this. It's left me feeling uncomfortable, which I've not really experienced with a book before. I can only deduce that this means it's a very well written story. Julia is so unlikeable that at some points I struggled to continue reading, but I'm glad I did, even though I feel a little traumatised! It does seem a little slow at points but its worth persevering with as it all adds to building the tension.
Recommended for anyone who likes a heavy thriller!
October 7, 2025
Me ha encantado.
Veo mucha gente que no le ha gustado. Ciertamente es un formato algo distinto a lo que el autor nos tiene acostumbrados, pero a mí me ha agradado. A ratos me ha recordado al estilo de Patricia Highsmith. Una historia que va evolucionando de forma orgánica hasta llegar al final, que en todo momento esperas que cambie, pero no, es lo que debía ser, no podía ser de otra forma. Una inevitabilidad ciertamente realista que satisface incluso a estómagos exigentes. Cada día me sorprende más este autor.
Veo mucha gente que no le ha gustado. Ciertamente es un formato algo distinto a lo que el autor nos tiene acostumbrados, pero a mí me ha agradado. A ratos me ha recordado al estilo de Patricia Highsmith. Una historia que va evolucionando de forma orgánica hasta llegar al final, que en todo momento esperas que cambie, pero no, es lo que debía ser, no podía ser de otra forma. Una inevitabilidad ciertamente realista que satisface incluso a estómagos exigentes. Cada día me sorprende más este autor.
May 7, 2019
I first came across Gregg Dunnett with The Wave at Hanging Rock and have read them all since. The book starts at the launch of a debut author's sparkling literary career. Before she can savour her new found success, things start to go badly wrong.
The main protagonist is not particularly likeable as her life spirals out of control, mostly as a result of her own actions. Some readers might object to this, but the story is well told and builds to an exciting conclusion.
The main protagonist is not particularly likeable as her life spirals out of control, mostly as a result of her own actions. Some readers might object to this, but the story is well told and builds to an exciting conclusion.
May 13, 2019
A shocker of an ending
I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the advanced readers, so a massive thank you to Gregg, it was an honour. Julia Ottley receives the biggest advance ever for her first book, but events after the launch party show a much darker side to her. Without giving away spoilers, how Julia deals with what happened, leads to an absolute shocker of an ending that I wasn't expecting. The naive Julia at the beginning, totally transforms. Highly recommended.
I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the advanced readers, so a massive thank you to Gregg, it was an honour. Julia Ottley receives the biggest advance ever for her first book, but events after the launch party show a much darker side to her. Without giving away spoilers, how Julia deals with what happened, leads to an absolute shocker of an ending that I wasn't expecting. The naive Julia at the beginning, totally transforms. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2019
I couldn't decide whether to give this 4 Stars or 5 Stars, wish there had been an option to give it 4 3/4 Stars. Love me a book with a twist in the end! It kept me on my toes! I have never read anything by this author but I know I will be reading more in the future. This one was a real thriller! I don't want to say too much as I don't want to take the chance of giving anything away! But if you like a book with suspense and a book with a twist, then I highly recommend this book! Enjoy!
August 29, 2019
I have read many books by Gregg Dunnett, and they are always full of excitement and surprises. Don’t even try to guess what may happen next. The main character, Julia, finally has it all. She has finally become a famous author with a lucrative book deal and then a tragic accident happens. Instead of accepting responsibility, she is obsessed with covering up her “mistake” at any cost. What crazy thing will Julia do next? You won’t be able to stop reading until the shocking ending!
August 31, 2019
Equally terrifying and hilarious
Gregg Dunnett can be relied upon to produce one of a kind stories, painstakingly researched and detailed. This one is no exception, though it is unusual for a murder mystery type of novel to make you laugh quite as much. Poor Julia, she had a bit of a tough time with it all. I would like to think that at some point in the future, she will reap her just rewards!
Gregg Dunnett can be relied upon to produce one of a kind stories, painstakingly researched and detailed. This one is no exception, though it is unusual for a murder mystery type of novel to make you laugh quite as much. Poor Julia, she had a bit of a tough time with it all. I would like to think that at some point in the future, she will reap her just rewards!
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