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The Bridesmaid

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A Love Affair... A Secret... A Murder...

Haddley, a quiet English village in the Midlands. Kelly Evans -- a sixteen year old girl -- is brutally murdered. Her body is discovered by a neighbour, and the police are called in to investigate. Kelly was young and beautiful, and her untimely death comes as a shock to all who knew her … or does it really?

The dark side of Kelly’s personality soon comes to light. She was ruthless and promiscuous, and stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, even if it meant wrecking other people’s lives. She made quite a few enemies, and among close friends and neighbours are some who might have had a very good reason for wanting to get rid of her.

The investigation takes a new and unexpected turn when a locket goes missing, and a connection is made with the twenty-year-old murder of a wartime movie star. As the police search the past for answers and gradually piece the mystery together, the respectable veneer starts cracking exposing a web of jealousy, sexual intrigue and deceit.

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2013

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1157 people want to read

About the author

Jenny Scotti

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Aditi.
920 reviews1,454 followers
September 16, 2014
The Bridesmaid by Jenny Scotti is an alluring and intriguing murder mystery that will rack your brains off. Not only rack, but will also leave your brains in twisted knots while you are trying hard to put the pieces of the puzzle back in its own place, meaning do not try to solve the mystery by yourself or do not think too much, the book might confuse you in the beginning.

The book opens with a 16year old girl found dead and murdered in the woods by her neighbor and his
dog. Soon we are fed with her back story in that small English village, which reveals that that young teenage girl had managed to wreck quite a few homes in her short life time. And the investigation reveals that including her promiscuous life, there is more to the mystery and her murder mystery falls parallel with a 20year old murder of a movie star. More and more secrets and lies are unveiled, and when the lights fall onto the face of the real culprit, it might shock you a lot!

The writing is very simple, and the plot is quite 'English'. It is so surprising to see that in such a small town, so many events can happen, so many people can cheat and lie and so many people can live with a criminal motive, certainly a hot-and-happening town. The author seems to have a keen and passion on writing mysteries, because it is quite evident from the plot. The plot is thickly deep and rich with brain-twisting turns at almost every corner, thus consequently, you get gripped to the book. The way she has unraveled the twists and turns, it might make you go crazy over the mystery. The characters are quite relatable as well as quite striking. They all have their own characteristic and its quite fascinating to see that so many people have their own agenda against this young teenage girl. Even the teenage girl named Kelly Evans fits the bill perfectly. You'll love to hate her because of her character.

Well in the first half, we are introduced to a larger number of characters, so read it slow, so that you don’t lose your mind. But then eventually, the plot gets more pot-boiling and very dark. The advantage of this book is that the real culprit is kept in tight wraps till the very end. Hats off to the author, for maintaining that till the very end and throwing us, the readers off the path. Well, you'll certainly enjoy this compelling murder mystery.

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
Profile Image for Cleopatra  Pullen.
1,565 reviews323 followers
December 28, 2013
Kelly a sixteen year old girl is found dead in the woods by her neighbour, Joyce Tennant, who was walking her dog Brandy. Kelly had been a beautiful young girl, and she knew it, but she was only sixteen. The whole of the village of Haddley, in Worcestershire, should have been falling over themselves to disclose all they knew to the police but that isn't what happens.

The inhabitants of Haddley seem to be mainly made up of women of a certain age who like nothing better than to make snide remarks about each other and to each other! The men consist of the doctor, the vicar, the gardener along with an assortment of husbands. After her body is found, the book jumps back to the week before Kelly's death where soon becomes clear that she had probably made a few enemies in her short life.

With the police investigations severely held up by a lack clues, due to the intransigence of the locals to give up their secrets, they have to resort to chipping away at the little they know about the villagers. Fortunately, but slowly, the jealousy between the villagers begin to give up some of the truth and the whole sorry tale comes out with quite lot of collateral damage.

I really enjoyed this English murder, there are mysterious links to a twenty year old murder of an elderly film star which gives the reader not one but two mysteries to solve. I did find the number of characters, particularly the coven of spiteful women, was difficult to follow at the start but all soon became clear as their roles in the village became more defined. The ending was inspired and I wasn’t even close to discovering who the murderer was.

This book has something to everyone including some ghostly goings on, a missing locket and adultery, but at its very heart, is a village beset by jealousy and distrust.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for Becca.
219 reviews116 followers
December 5, 2013
This is a great book if you are prone to being sucked into a mystery. This one had lots of guessing going on as the plot moved forward with all it’s twists and turns. I really thought that part way through the book that I had everything figured out and who was the guilty one. Then, I felt like I knew nothing because all my guessing was wrong. I guessed twice of who the guilty person was and then gave up and let the book just take me for a ride of suspense. This book points to each character at one point in time like they are the one that you should think is guilty. So do yourself a favor and just enjoy the suspense that the author builds.

At first, I thought I was going to have the worst time of keeping everyone that the author was introducing straight. The opening to the book jumps around a little bit, but bear with it because you will be happy that you did. This bok is full of characters that are full of life and never leave a dull moment. The scenes were written very well and gave great perspective about where the characters were at any given time. I was definitely left hanging with a few characters, which hopefully means that there may be a sequel to this book. I am hoping for it!

Some may find it hard to follow since it does have British influence, but I thought that it made the story that much more enjoyable. I like to be well cultured in my reading and not to stick to the same old thing all the time. I am a huge fan of mysteries and this one just got added to my list as one of my favorites. I am so happy that the author did not make it strikingly clear who the person was that was guilty. I have no doubts on what to rate this book and that is FIVE stars. I will be looking forward to seeing if there will be more in this storyline because it has me HOOKED!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Amanda.
181 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2013
I couldn't really get into this book at first. I kept sitting it down to read or do something else. I didn't dislike it or anything. The plot is interesting. The characters are complex and well written. The writing is good.

I originally felt like the book just didn't flow really well for me. I kept finding myself forgetting who was who even when I was almost halfway through the book.

Enough on the criticism though. There are more pros than cons to this book! As I said, the characters are all believable and were written well. I think the confusion on my part is just from the amount of people that were in this book. It seemed as though every few paragraphs I was reading about a different character. Once I got used to it, it wasn't as confusing, but the first few chapters of the book had me re-reading some parts to make sure who I was reading about.

The best part of this book is the fact that there is I had no clue, or rather too many clues, as to who might have committed the murder. It seemed that there were a few likely suspects, yet I couldn't figure out who it was. Then another mystery crops up and it gets even better.

By the end of the book, I was in love with this author. I rarely find a book that keeps me thinking constantly. I couldn't stop trying to figure out who did it. Once I was about halfway through the book I had stopped sitting it down unless I had to. I really wanted to get to the end to find out all the answers. I am definitely going to read more by this author!

I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery. It is well written, even if I did find it confusing at first, and the characters are really interesting to read about.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook free for review purposes. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a good review.
Profile Image for Kelli.
54 reviews
September 24, 2013
If you are looking for a book full of twists and turns, then you need to check out The Bridesmaid: A Mystery. It will keep you guessing until the end. It is full of surprises. You think you know who is guilty one moment, and the next you think it is someone else. In fact, you will probably find yourself thinking that each character is guilty at some point in the book.

The only problem I really had with this book was the skipping around at the beginning of the book. I had a difficult time trying to keep all of the characters straight. There are so many and you really don't get a chance to keep them all straight in your head, well, at least in the beginning. I found myself having to go back to make sure I had everyone straight.

While this is primarily geared towards women, I'm sure that most people will like this book. I recommend this for high school students and older, due to some situations. I give this 4 out of 5 stars. If I hadn't gotten so confused with the characters, I would've given this a higher star rating. Of course, maybe it was just me. I was a little preoccupied and I tend to read a little too fast at times.

Some Americans may have to get used to some of the language or really British names for things. It really isn't much. I just know that some people might get a little confused because they aren't used to it.

Believe me this one will keep you guessing until the end. You might think you have it figured out but I doubt you get it all figured out correctly.

I received a free copy of this book, but all views & opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
December 14, 2015
A very good and enjoyable read with a easy plot to follow, written in simplistic language .

The story begins with the discovery of a young woman's body in the woods near a housing estate. The author then takes you back to before the murder and gives you a description, emotions and the going on's in the lives of the people who lived and knew the murdered girl. As the investigation unfolds the secrets and jealous intentions of the suspects shine through.

The real gem of this particular novel is the excellent characters that have been created and each one of them you will know in your own life. The insight of how these people think and react to each other is first class. A true reflection of life in suburbia.

As the mystery unfolds and the past secrets are unveiled it leads to open a can of worms related to a unsolved 20 year old murder. Lies, deceit, illicit love affairs and jealously are rife in this story and is full of twists and turns which makes the book a real page turner.

With short paragraphs it makes the book very easy to read and follow, the author makes you feel as if you a watching the events from afar. I really enjoyed this book especially because I could relate to the characters that the author had expertly created and with the unexpected twist.
Profile Image for Leila.
581 reviews9 followers
December 3, 2013
I have only one complaint on this book – it was confusing and jumped around a lot.

When I first started it, I was very confused. It jumped from character to character and I wasn’t sure who was who or who I was following. I had to go back and re-read things to make sure I had the correct people matched with the correct names and situations.

Once I was past that (by the end of chapter one), I was good to go and could not put this book down.

This book was intertwined with a ton of characters and two different murders, along with some mixed in drama among characters.

I loved reading it and trying to solve the murders on my own, but just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. Just when the Inspectors had it (or I thought they did), they were proven wrong.

I love a good mystery that I can’t figure out and this one was 100% surprise! I had no clue. Not even a hint of a clue!

This was a fantastic murder mystery that once you get past the character confusion, it was most difficult to put down. (And to be honest, I’m not sure there really is a way to solve the character confusion. In hindsight, I think it adds to the mystery!)

If you like a good mystery, I highly recommend The Bridesmaid!
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
December 8, 2013
This is a whodunit written in a truly "English" manner-quite dry actually. It reminds me of the English Soap operas on Channel 13 (or BBC) my Mom used to love watching-and still does if they are being aired. I found it difficult at times to try and keep everything straight-but then-that is what this book ultimately wanted!

I can almost guarantee you will not guess who murdered Kelly Evans, a teenage girl who was truly not very nice as is slowly revealed throughout the novel--and you will not find out until the last few pages of the book! Haddley, a quiet English village is rife with busybodies and generally obnoxious woman--like any very small town where there is very little to do. And like any small town everyone or most everyone has a secret they are trying to keep hidden. I almost felt sorry for the police as they tried to unravel the mystery of who killed Kelly Evans. As an aside they were also trying to figure out an old unsolved murder. It seemed that every time they questioned someone facts were omitted which ultimately were revealed by the person who had hidden them to begin with.
The Bridesmaid
Profile Image for Misty.
35 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2013
This book was so much fun to read. It was well-written, smart, intriguing and very enjoyable.

I was drawn into the world that Jenny Scotti created from the first paragraph.

Jenny Scotti crafted these characters with skill and made them a joy to read.

The book was a real page-turner. I was so interested to see what would happen next. I felt like I was a part of the adventure and was really involved.

I was always on the edge of my seat wondering what happens next amidst all of the deceit, jealousy and desire. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but I did not expect most of the things that happened and I LOVE to be surprised. Most books or shows that I watch are very predictable and I love when I am thoroughly surprised.

The book was exciting and moved along at a great pace.

I loved the way that the story flowed. I was never bored. I never wanted to put the book down.

I urge you to check this book out today, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Victoria Brinius.
762 reviews35 followers
December 3, 2013
This book is a 5/5. It was a perfect mystery. It was a combo of Desperate Housewives and Law and Order. I did not believe who the killer (s) was. The way the people died was a mystery within itself. The drama on the street between these neighbors was true to life. I really loved the characters and the mystery of locket really drew me in. There HAS to be a sequel. I want more of these characters. I have a feeling that there are more secrets hidden and there are more people like Kelly waiting to be exposed as themselves. I recommend this book for anyone. It was a great read. This author is on my must read list.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
December 8, 2013
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.

The Bridesmaid grabs you right from the beginning with a body being found in the woods. It then goes back in time and the reader gets to know the murder victim.

The first third of this book had me a bit confused because there are so many characters and it was difficult to keep them straight. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, because it's a great murder mystery and part of what makes it so good is all of the suspects.

What a bunch of messed up people! I either didn't like or felt sorry for (or both) all of the characters except the detectives. Secret after secret, lie after lie...what an interesting small town. By the middle of The Bridesmaid, it is difficult to put the book down because you want to see what the next twist will be.

This is a good murder mystery with a lot of twists...a great read!
Profile Image for Carol -  Reading Writing and Riesling.
1,170 reviews128 followers
November 21, 2013
My View:
A village cozy reminiscent of Midsomer’s charms and secrets.

This is an interesting debut novel from Jenny Scotti that reminds me of the so much of Midsomer Murders; so many secrets, lies, affairs and strange goings on in one small village, all that is missing is the empathetic police protagonists.

I did however find the introduction required a bit of concentration – so many characters and perspectives to assimilate but once I had handle on the who’s who of the village I quickly fell in sync with the writer’s tempo and voice. The creation of suspicion and blame is noteworthy - suspicion was created and passed around like a hot potato – quickly – from one set of scorched hands to another. The ending will surprise.
Profile Image for Mary Bearden.
48 reviews16 followers
December 4, 2013
Wow, this book really was an eye opener to a lot of things that can go on in a town! And the strange part is that there are so many suspects because Kelly was not a good person, but she was a person who deserved better. She was pregnant with a married man's baby, but he isn't the one who killed her.

The killer will really shock you and the worst shock is that as the book ends, no one will find out who the killer is. But you will want to read this book to discover why and how a 16 year old girl could bring a whole town to it's knee's and be so problematic to a lot of adult lives.

I don't blame kids for mistakes, I blame adults who know better. But still, the story will shock you down to the core! A must read if you love mysteries and love to solve them!
29 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2013
this book takes place ion a town called Hadley a women is out walking her dog when she stumbles upon a shoe...the dog she is walking goes into the woods only to discover then body of Kelly a 16yr old who looks older than she really is...the police start an investigation into her death however the remnants of the manor are tight lipped about the comings and goings of Kelly and so they have trouble getting the clues needed to solve the murder. ...I would recommend this book to my friends and look forward to reading Jenny Scott s next novel . thank you for allowing me to review your book
5 reviews
December 13, 2013
I had received this book from Good Reads as a first read.
When I first started the book I was very confused there were so many characters and so much going on. But as I continued reading I couldn't put the book down. There was so much going on and alot of different twist and turns in the events. When you expected one person it was the next. This was a book that I would recommend to other people. After you get over the beginning and learn about who all the characters are and what they are about it is a great read and very hard to put down.
Profile Image for Julie.
83 reviews
November 10, 2013
I would say that this is more like a 3.5.... It was a bit slow reading the first half, and the characters are really unlikeable, but it picked up the second half, and the ending was a pleasant surprise. The fact that it surprised me, was the reason I rated it a bit higher. I really didn't like that it flip-flopped so quickly--- each incident was a couple of paragraphs, then the break to another person/conversation/incident.
Profile Image for Kim Drolet.
4 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2013
The plot and twists were amazing, but the book had too many characters. I felt like I was reading a soap opera screen play. The story jumped between characters so quickly. It took me over half way just to start making sense of the characters. I will definitely read the next book by this author. She has a lot of potential!!!!
40 reviews
November 23, 2013
I have read a sample of The Bridesmaid and I'm hooked , I loved the way the Author Jenny Scotti has me hooked with only a sample , I want more , I want to know more about Kelly and her neighbours and her life .
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,363 reviews570 followers
November 12, 2013
I found it a bit hard to get into due to all the different characters chopping and changing, but once I got used to the writing style, I really enjoyed the book and discovering who the murderer was. Would probably read more by the author in the future
Profile Image for Adriana.
92 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2013
The Bridesmaid by Jenny Scotti is full of mystery. I had to put my full attention when reading – concentrate a little more than I expected to. The perplexities got me more and more involved in each every situation and sometimes felt confused. I was trying to solve the mysteries. There are no boring pages in this book full of characters.

I enjoyed the descriptive scenes finding them very well written. Still, as well good as the scenes were, I wondered if character was going to finally see through it all. What happens when relationships go wrong or love goes bad? Questions are left unanswered leading me to believe that there could be a sequel.

I do recommend this novel to mystery lovers. The book cover as well is elegant and the title is awesome – just read the story to find out why I mentioned it.

Adriana LG
Author, Jessica The Untold Story
Profile Image for Michelle Garrett.
50 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2013
This book grabbed my attention and kept it from beginning to end. It had relatable and well-developed characters and was an overall easy read for me. What begins as the investigation of one murder - a beautiful young lady with a closet full of skeletons that surprised many - becomes intertwined in the 20-year-old murder of a movie star that leaves you guessing "whodonit" until the very end. There were quite a few characters to keep up with but this didn't hinder my reading of the book. Some reviews I have seen have mentioned this was a problem for them. Overall, this was a great book to read on a quiet afternoon at home
Profile Image for Lela.
375 reviews103 followers
April 10, 2014
Maybe 3.25 Either I dozed off or a suspect which hadn't been introduced suddenly was eliminated. Strange.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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