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Stephanie King #3
Don’t Look Away
When I open my eyes, I see my sister’s pillows are still plump on the bed next to mine, her striped blanket still straight. With cold trickling down my spine, I jump up and open the closet. Her clothes are gone…
Eleven years ago, my sister Lola vanished from my aunt’s cottage. Now I’m back for the first time, still trying to understand why she ran away. As I go through the house, my mind fills with memories. I should have taken better care of her. If I had, she might have trusted me.
What did I miss that summer? What secrets was she keeping?
I pore over the photos I took, searching for answers. Lola was so angry, so secretive—laughing with her new friends on the beach, but refusing to meet my eyes.
Then a body is discovered hidden in a cave below the cliffs where I walked that summer. No one knows how long it’s been there, and I am forced to did Lola run away at all?
The police won’t tell me anything. Then I come home to find my front door open, my bed made, my camera missing. Who is watching me?
I won’t stop until I know what happened, but am I ready to face the truth about my family?
And if I learn what happened to Lola, will I be in danger too?
From the first page to the last shocking twist, you won’t be able to put down this heart-poundingly gripping thriller by multi-million-copy-bestselling author Rachel Abbott. Fans of Gone Girl , The Woman in the Window and Ruth Ware will love Don’t Look Away .
Eleven years ago, my sister Lola vanished from my aunt’s cottage. Now I’m back for the first time, still trying to understand why she ran away. As I go through the house, my mind fills with memories. I should have taken better care of her. If I had, she might have trusted me.
What did I miss that summer? What secrets was she keeping?
I pore over the photos I took, searching for answers. Lola was so angry, so secretive—laughing with her new friends on the beach, but refusing to meet my eyes.
Then a body is discovered hidden in a cave below the cliffs where I walked that summer. No one knows how long it’s been there, and I am forced to did Lola run away at all?
The police won’t tell me anything. Then I come home to find my front door open, my bed made, my camera missing. Who is watching me?
I won’t stop until I know what happened, but am I ready to face the truth about my family?
And if I learn what happened to Lola, will I be in danger too?
From the first page to the last shocking twist, you won’t be able to put down this heart-poundingly gripping thriller by multi-million-copy-bestselling author Rachel Abbott. Fans of Gone Girl , The Woman in the Window and Ruth Ware will love Don’t Look Away .
422 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2023
1530 people are currently reading
1387 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
50 books2,679 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
May 2, 2023
3.5 rounded down
DS Stephanie King #3
Two boys on the clifftop, some tomfoolery and a rash decision that nearly ends in disaster, but which leads to a shocking discovery. D S. Stephanie King investigates. Meanwhile, Nancy makes her way to trip Trevyan in Cornwall to the cottage her great aunt Helen unexpectedly bequeaths her. It’s a sad return as 11 years ago her sister Lola vanishes. Will Nancy ever learn the truth about what happens to her younger sister?
First of all, it’s very slow to get going as we get a huge amount of Nancy’s backstory with too much unnecessary detail on family life before the fateful Cornish holiday. Thankfully it’s worth hanging in there as it does get better and parts of it are really good with Rachel Abbott’s style being very engaging. It’s a very character driven study via both Stephanie and Nancy, with the latters complex feelings and disconnect and suspicions coming across well. Stephanie is a very likeable central protagonist.
The middle part of the book is really good and I become fully invested in Nancy’s story. There are some chills, a deepening mystery and some twists and turns. What emerges is topical, but no huge surprise as it kind of had to be though the final twist is a really good one. The ending is a bit of a stretch but it is entertaining.
Overall, it’s a good read but would’ve been better if the early detail is reduced.
With thanks to Headline, Wildfire for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DS Stephanie King #3
Two boys on the clifftop, some tomfoolery and a rash decision that nearly ends in disaster, but which leads to a shocking discovery. D S. Stephanie King investigates. Meanwhile, Nancy makes her way to trip Trevyan in Cornwall to the cottage her great aunt Helen unexpectedly bequeaths her. It’s a sad return as 11 years ago her sister Lola vanishes. Will Nancy ever learn the truth about what happens to her younger sister?
First of all, it’s very slow to get going as we get a huge amount of Nancy’s backstory with too much unnecessary detail on family life before the fateful Cornish holiday. Thankfully it’s worth hanging in there as it does get better and parts of it are really good with Rachel Abbott’s style being very engaging. It’s a very character driven study via both Stephanie and Nancy, with the latters complex feelings and disconnect and suspicions coming across well. Stephanie is a very likeable central protagonist.
The middle part of the book is really good and I become fully invested in Nancy’s story. There are some chills, a deepening mystery and some twists and turns. What emerges is topical, but no huge surprise as it kind of had to be though the final twist is a really good one. The ending is a bit of a stretch but it is entertaining.
Overall, it’s a good read but would’ve been better if the early detail is reduced.
With thanks to Headline, Wildfire for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
3.25 / 5
Honestly 450 pages reading this book is definitely not worth the time investment. This could be cut down massively to around 350 pages or less. Too much fluff and little substance, like a Heinz ketchup bottle every time you shake it - water comes out. The plot is very general, nothing that’s unique about it but nothing that is garbage it’s just standard. I just wish we didn’t have so many random filler scenes.
Two boys are messing around near a cliff face, one of them tries to retrieve a shoe close to the cliff face. Ends up falling into the water and manages to get to safety in a cave only to discover a body hidden. DS King is set to investigate, whilst we are introduced to a woman called Nancy. Her sister, Lola went missing 11 years ago and she returns back the cottage her great aunt had owned. Nancy goes on a mission to find out what happened to her sister and get the answers to her unanswered questions. She finds a discovery within the property which leads her to think she didn’t run away from home. There’s a few people in the area that wants her presence gone.
Overall, it’s so slow to build up. The first 200 pages gives back drop of what happened to Nancy and her life. If you ride it out and stick with it, everything picks up. But even as it picks up there’s a lot of stones untuned and secrets are revealed. I am frustrated but the police aspect, felt like King had all the right probes and questions but it felt like the boss/ her lover kept diminishing her and her ability which was frustrating to read. Not worth the read, still don’t understand the high ratings on this book.
Honestly 450 pages reading this book is definitely not worth the time investment. This could be cut down massively to around 350 pages or less. Too much fluff and little substance, like a Heinz ketchup bottle every time you shake it - water comes out. The plot is very general, nothing that’s unique about it but nothing that is garbage it’s just standard. I just wish we didn’t have so many random filler scenes.
Two boys are messing around near a cliff face, one of them tries to retrieve a shoe close to the cliff face. Ends up falling into the water and manages to get to safety in a cave only to discover a body hidden. DS King is set to investigate, whilst we are introduced to a woman called Nancy. Her sister, Lola went missing 11 years ago and she returns back the cottage her great aunt had owned. Nancy goes on a mission to find out what happened to her sister and get the answers to her unanswered questions. She finds a discovery within the property which leads her to think she didn’t run away from home. There’s a few people in the area that wants her presence gone.
Overall, it’s so slow to build up. The first 200 pages gives back drop of what happened to Nancy and her life. If you ride it out and stick with it, everything picks up. But even as it picks up there’s a lot of stones untuned and secrets are revealed. I am frustrated but the police aspect, felt like King had all the right probes and questions but it felt like the boss/ her lover kept diminishing her and her ability which was frustrating to read. Not worth the read, still don’t understand the high ratings on this book.
August 3, 2023
The Prologue is super creepy and I quickly began ‘flipping pages’. AND, I am going to start off by saying, if you don’t have blinds, curtains, drapes, or some kind of window covering and close them, especially at night, well…..read this. LOL
Nancy Holland had never wanted to come back to Cornwall, but her Aunt Helen had passed away and left the cottage to her. Nancy’s sister, Lola, had disappeared here and she had nothing but bad memories. She was alone. Her mother had passed away and her father had died in a car accident. She carries the guilt of the disappearance and deaths on her shoulders.
I had an instant dislike of her father, Ray. He heaps all the bad onto her, telling her it is her fault. He gives me the creeps and I wonder what the real story is. I think Rachel Abbott did a great job of describing him because I felt he was slimy, a snake, and I never waivered. Am I right? Am I wrong? I have to read on to find out.
She is not in Cornwall long before the search for her sister, Lola, is reopened due to new evidence. There was also a body found in a cave and even more questions arise.
Effie, I think she is a wonderfully developed character. Her personality comes through the pages and I love that she is there for Nancy.
Stephanie and Gus have a crisis and I must say, I would have been furious. I don’t want to say why, BUT, men need to wear a condom! Take some responsibility for your actions. I am not liking Gus very much. I feel he is arrogant, egotistical and patronizing towards her.
Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott started out slow for me. I kept getting the heebie jeebies though. I felt there were a lot of secrets, dangerous secrets buried in the pages. Men sure don’t come across as winners in this book. I felt rage, disgust, empathy, sadness, and hope, among a lot of other things as the story unfolded.
I am trying to describe how dark and disturbing many facets of Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott are, without giving anything away. I had ideas of what was going on, some were right and some were wrong and some I totally missed the mark.
The story is not over, and I saw that coming, sorta….so, I’ll be waiting for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott.
Nancy Holland had never wanted to come back to Cornwall, but her Aunt Helen had passed away and left the cottage to her. Nancy’s sister, Lola, had disappeared here and she had nothing but bad memories. She was alone. Her mother had passed away and her father had died in a car accident. She carries the guilt of the disappearance and deaths on her shoulders.
I had an instant dislike of her father, Ray. He heaps all the bad onto her, telling her it is her fault. He gives me the creeps and I wonder what the real story is. I think Rachel Abbott did a great job of describing him because I felt he was slimy, a snake, and I never waivered. Am I right? Am I wrong? I have to read on to find out.
She is not in Cornwall long before the search for her sister, Lola, is reopened due to new evidence. There was also a body found in a cave and even more questions arise.
Effie, I think she is a wonderfully developed character. Her personality comes through the pages and I love that she is there for Nancy.
Stephanie and Gus have a crisis and I must say, I would have been furious. I don’t want to say why, BUT, men need to wear a condom! Take some responsibility for your actions. I am not liking Gus very much. I feel he is arrogant, egotistical and patronizing towards her.
Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott started out slow for me. I kept getting the heebie jeebies though. I felt there were a lot of secrets, dangerous secrets buried in the pages. Men sure don’t come across as winners in this book. I felt rage, disgust, empathy, sadness, and hope, among a lot of other things as the story unfolded.
I am trying to describe how dark and disturbing many facets of Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott are, without giving anything away. I had ideas of what was going on, some were right and some were wrong and some I totally missed the mark.
The story is not over, and I saw that coming, sorta….so, I’ll be waiting for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott.
January 24, 2024
*Riveting & Tense*
This story grabbed me from the start. It was tense, tragic and heartbreaking, but engaging.
Nancy is reluctantly back in Cornwall after her aunt dies she has been left a surprise inheritance. She is now the owner of the cottage she used to visit as a child. She is surprised but in her mind she will sell it and run. Why? Eleven years ago her younger sister Lola disappeared.
A lot of the problems was that her mother was ill and Nancy in her mid teens was the sole carer who had to move into her mother’s room to take care of her. Why then when her Dad is around he hardly checks in with his wife and chooses that his daughter take up the slack which meant Nancy giving up her studies.
Why does her younger sister keep playing up? Why is she choosing never to even see her mum despite being in the same home?
After years of searching and hoping to no avail, her visit back to Cornwall is unwelcome for some. Then the unthinkable happens a body is discovered and Nancy gets in touch with the then first responder a very young pc Stephanie King. Today Stephanie is seasoned and experience has made her sharper. She has good instincts and when Nancy feels that an intruder is in her home and things go from bad to worse, Nancy who was unimpressed by the police’s performance 11 years ago goes off on her own to investigate. Someone knows she is digging and she has now become a problem.
Unbeknownst to Nancy, Stephanie is like a dog with a bone and when grave danger arises more shocks and secrets are exposed.
What will happen when more truths are revealed and who will be left standing?…
There is a revelation right at end, I am looking forward to the next instalment
This story grabbed me from the start. It was tense, tragic and heartbreaking, but engaging.
Nancy is reluctantly back in Cornwall after her aunt dies she has been left a surprise inheritance. She is now the owner of the cottage she used to visit as a child. She is surprised but in her mind she will sell it and run. Why? Eleven years ago her younger sister Lola disappeared.
A lot of the problems was that her mother was ill and Nancy in her mid teens was the sole carer who had to move into her mother’s room to take care of her. Why then when her Dad is around he hardly checks in with his wife and chooses that his daughter take up the slack which meant Nancy giving up her studies.
Why does her younger sister keep playing up? Why is she choosing never to even see her mum despite being in the same home?
After years of searching and hoping to no avail, her visit back to Cornwall is unwelcome for some. Then the unthinkable happens a body is discovered and Nancy gets in touch with the then first responder a very young pc Stephanie King. Today Stephanie is seasoned and experience has made her sharper. She has good instincts and when Nancy feels that an intruder is in her home and things go from bad to worse, Nancy who was unimpressed by the police’s performance 11 years ago goes off on her own to investigate. Someone knows she is digging and she has now become a problem.
Unbeknownst to Nancy, Stephanie is like a dog with a bone and when grave danger arises more shocks and secrets are exposed.
What will happen when more truths are revealed and who will be left standing?…
There is a revelation right at end, I am looking forward to the next instalment
June 21, 2023
I've always enjoyed Rachel Abbott's books but this is her best yet, for me. Nancy, finally settled after a traumatic few years in her late teens, is left a cottage in Cornwall by a great aunt. She goes with the sole intention of clearing the cottage and selling it. Once we are gradually let in on what happened there, it becomes increasingly tense and shot through with danger. I really enjoyed the evolution of the story, the history of the cottage in her memory, and the mystery of what happened to her younger sister. Stephanie King plays a great part in the unravelling, but Nancy is slow to trust her. An excellent story that I was totally absorbed by.
August 4, 2023
Visiting her aunt’s cottage in Cornwall when she was a teen was always something Nancy truly enjoyed. However, when her sister Lola disappeared one night, that joy turned to sorrow for Nancy. Nancy has now inherited the cottage and so she returns, despite the sadness that accompanies her. Nancy never knew what happened to her sister but she is now determined to find answers.
On the beach near the cottage there is a cave and bones have been discovered Could these bones be that of Nancy’s sister? DS Stephanie King steps in to investigate. The intrigue grows from here. In fact, there is a story that begins to unfold that not only brings further pain to Nancy, but clues Stephanie in to what proves to be a much bigger case than she could have imagined.
This third book by Rachel Abbott had some surprising twists and this dark story kept me turning pages as I just had to know what would happen.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
On the beach near the cottage there is a cave and bones have been discovered Could these bones be that of Nancy’s sister? DS Stephanie King steps in to investigate. The intrigue grows from here. In fact, there is a story that begins to unfold that not only brings further pain to Nancy, but clues Stephanie in to what proves to be a much bigger case than she could have imagined.
This third book by Rachel Abbott had some surprising twists and this dark story kept me turning pages as I just had to know what would happen.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 21, 2025
Patinka man Abbott. Dažniau jos detektyvus priskiriu prie tokių lengvesnių, daug žiaurybių nepasakojančių ir greitų skaitinių, bet šitas buvo kitoks. Gerąja prasme! Nors skaitėsi labai lengvai, bet buvo ir žiauresnių vietų ir nenuspėjamų reikalų.
Ir net patiko abi istorijos linijos: praeityje įvykusio nusikaltimo aprašymai, ir dabartyje atsinaujinęs tyrimas. Tamsoka atmosfera, pajūrio miestelis, mažas paveldėtas ir skausmingų prisiminimų kupinas namelis, paauglių paslaptys, slepiančios itin žiaurius dalykus. Patiko kaip autorė sumaniai supynė net keketą labai skirtingų siužetinių linijų ir viską logiškai išsuko. Daug dramos, daug netikėtumų, daug įtampos ir nežinomybės.
Ir toks kinematografiškas trileris! Lengvai matau, kaip Netflixas susuka įtraukaintį filmą pagal šitą kraupų pasakojimą. "Nenusigręžk "patiks visiems mėgstantiems greitą veiksmą, įdomius veikėjus ir sunkiai įmenamas mįsles.
Ir net patiko abi istorijos linijos: praeityje įvykusio nusikaltimo aprašymai, ir dabartyje atsinaujinęs tyrimas. Tamsoka atmosfera, pajūrio miestelis, mažas paveldėtas ir skausmingų prisiminimų kupinas namelis, paauglių paslaptys, slepiančios itin žiaurius dalykus. Patiko kaip autorė sumaniai supynė net keketą labai skirtingų siužetinių linijų ir viską logiškai išsuko. Daug dramos, daug netikėtumų, daug įtampos ir nežinomybės.
Ir toks kinematografiškas trileris! Lengvai matau, kaip Netflixas susuka įtraukaintį filmą pagal šitą kraupų pasakojimą. "Nenusigręžk "patiks visiems mėgstantiems greitą veiksmą, įdomius veikėjus ir sunkiai įmenamas mįsles.
July 25, 2023
Nancy's sister Lola disappeared many years ago whilst staying at their Aunts cottage in Cornwall.
Nancy had now inherited the property and is reluctant to return, she is going to prepare the cottage ready to sell it.
The cottage brings back some forgotten memories and someone doesn't want her remembering too much about the night her sister disappeared.
This is a great read and will keep you guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nancy had now inherited the property and is reluctant to return, she is going to prepare the cottage ready to sell it.
The cottage brings back some forgotten memories and someone doesn't want her remembering too much about the night her sister disappeared.
This is a great read and will keep you guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2023
This is a brilliant crime thriller.
Nancy is left a cottage in Cornwall in her great Aunt’s will but returning there brings back some painful memories.
When she was their last it was following her Mum’s death and it was the last time she saw her sister, Lola.
Whilst going through some things she finds her sister’s rucksack which has her personal things inside.
Nancy has always thought that Lola had run away but now questions this.
With Stephanie investigating the discovery of bones in a cave, Nancy calls to speak to her.
Together they agree that Lola’s disappearance needs to be re-looked at but someone is trying to make Nancy leave as she’s asking too many questions.
The bones are not those belonging to a female so Nancy is determined to find out what happened to her sister.
This is a great crime thriller with some great twists that will have you racing through the pages to see what happens next.
I’d highly recommend this series if you enjoy crime thrillers.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Nancy is left a cottage in Cornwall in her great Aunt’s will but returning there brings back some painful memories.
When she was their last it was following her Mum’s death and it was the last time she saw her sister, Lola.
Whilst going through some things she finds her sister’s rucksack which has her personal things inside.
Nancy has always thought that Lola had run away but now questions this.
With Stephanie investigating the discovery of bones in a cave, Nancy calls to speak to her.
Together they agree that Lola’s disappearance needs to be re-looked at but someone is trying to make Nancy leave as she’s asking too many questions.
The bones are not those belonging to a female so Nancy is determined to find out what happened to her sister.
This is a great crime thriller with some great twists that will have you racing through the pages to see what happens next.
I’d highly recommend this series if you enjoy crime thrillers.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 9, 2025
Rachel Abbot: “Nie odwracaj wzroku”
Nancy wiele przeszła w swoim życiu. Jako nastolatka przez dwa lata opiekowała się ciężko chorą matką, a rodzina obwinia ją za jej śmierć. Krótko po przyjeździe na wakacje znika Lola - siostra Nancy, a kilka tygodni później w wypadku samochodowym ginie jej ojciec.
Po latach Nancy wraca do Kornwalii. Ma zamiar sprzedać dom po swojej ciotce, jednak na miejscu postanawia dowiedzieć się czegoś w sprawie zniknięcia Loli. Przypadkowo znajduje nowe dowody w tej sprawie.
Śledztwo prowadzi Stephanie King.
Bardzo lubię książki Rachel Abbot, a te z serii ze Stephanie King w szczególności. Do moich ulubionych należy “Gra w morderstwo”, która zresztą znajduje się w mojej prywatnej thrillerowej topce 🙂
“Nie odwracaj wzroku” to trzecia część tej serii. Rachel Abbot nie pisze swoich powieści ze Stephanie King w typowy sposób. Autorka daje czytelnikom dobrze skonstruowaną i złożoną fabułę, gdzie śledztwo stanowi jeden z elementów. Bardzo istotna okazuje się tutaj przeszłość Nancy, jej traumatyczne przeżycia oraz relacje z Lolą i rodzicami. To wszystko ma ogromne znaczenie dla fabuły, a z każdym rozdziałem kolejne elementy nabierają sensu.
Autorka świetnie łączy thriller kryminalny z dramatem rodzinnym. Umiejętnie zarzuca czytelnika nowymi tropami, stopniowo odkrywając kolejne elementy rodzinnej tajemnicy. Istotna jest tu rola Stephanie, która mierzy się policyjnymi procedurami oraz emocjami Nancy.
Rachel Abbott kapitalnie buduje napięcie i pisze w sposób niezwykle wciągający. Nie tylko chodzi o to, że jej styl jest przystępny i zaskakuje zwrotami akcji. Doskonale kreuje swoich bohaterów: od członków rodziny Nancy, przez śledczych aż po drugo- i trzecioplanowe postaci. Nadaje im charakterystyczne cechy, a przy tym są to postaci autentyczne, więc czytelnik nie odczuje żadnego zgrzytu.
“Nie odwracaj wzroku” to książka, która z pewnością nie zawiedzie miłośników thrillerów kryminalnych. Polecam z czystym sumieniem!
Nancy wiele przeszła w swoim życiu. Jako nastolatka przez dwa lata opiekowała się ciężko chorą matką, a rodzina obwinia ją za jej śmierć. Krótko po przyjeździe na wakacje znika Lola - siostra Nancy, a kilka tygodni później w wypadku samochodowym ginie jej ojciec.
Po latach Nancy wraca do Kornwalii. Ma zamiar sprzedać dom po swojej ciotce, jednak na miejscu postanawia dowiedzieć się czegoś w sprawie zniknięcia Loli. Przypadkowo znajduje nowe dowody w tej sprawie.
Śledztwo prowadzi Stephanie King.
Bardzo lubię książki Rachel Abbot, a te z serii ze Stephanie King w szczególności. Do moich ulubionych należy “Gra w morderstwo”, która zresztą znajduje się w mojej prywatnej thrillerowej topce 🙂
“Nie odwracaj wzroku” to trzecia część tej serii. Rachel Abbot nie pisze swoich powieści ze Stephanie King w typowy sposób. Autorka daje czytelnikom dobrze skonstruowaną i złożoną fabułę, gdzie śledztwo stanowi jeden z elementów. Bardzo istotna okazuje się tutaj przeszłość Nancy, jej traumatyczne przeżycia oraz relacje z Lolą i rodzicami. To wszystko ma ogromne znaczenie dla fabuły, a z każdym rozdziałem kolejne elementy nabierają sensu.
Autorka świetnie łączy thriller kryminalny z dramatem rodzinnym. Umiejętnie zarzuca czytelnika nowymi tropami, stopniowo odkrywając kolejne elementy rodzinnej tajemnicy. Istotna jest tu rola Stephanie, która mierzy się policyjnymi procedurami oraz emocjami Nancy.
Rachel Abbott kapitalnie buduje napięcie i pisze w sposób niezwykle wciągający. Nie tylko chodzi o to, że jej styl jest przystępny i zaskakuje zwrotami akcji. Doskonale kreuje swoich bohaterów: od członków rodziny Nancy, przez śledczych aż po drugo- i trzecioplanowe postaci. Nadaje im charakterystyczne cechy, a przy tym są to postaci autentyczne, więc czytelnik nie odczuje żadnego zgrzytu.
“Nie odwracaj wzroku” to książka, która z pewnością nie zawiedzie miłośników thrillerów kryminalnych. Polecam z czystym sumieniem!
June 21, 2023
Nancy’s younger sister Lola disappeared without trace eleven years ago from her aunts seaside home.
Now Nancy has inherited this house and has moved there because she is determined to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago.
A slow moving story with with multiple timelines and some twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now Nancy has inherited this house and has moved there because she is determined to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago.
A slow moving story with with multiple timelines and some twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2025
4,5/5⭐️
JAPIERDZIELE!!!
Co to było!? Nie sądziłam że ta historia pójdzie w taką stronę… a to zakończenie!? Dlaczego to było takie creepy? Co! Jak w ogóle!? Chcę znać więcej! Czemu to się zakończyło w takim momencie!? 🤯🤯🤯🤯
JAPIERDZIELE!!!
Co to było!? Nie sądziłam że ta historia pójdzie w taką stronę… a to zakończenie!? Dlaczego to było takie creepy? Co! Jak w ogóle!? Chcę znać więcej! Czemu to się zakończyło w takim momencie!? 🤯🤯🤯🤯
September 17, 2024
Dwie pierwsze części o niebo lepsze były.
August 28, 2025
3.5⭐
"Aš nemačiau tiesos, o dabar jau per vėlu...
Ji niekada nenorėjo grįžti. O dabar niekada neišvažiuos."
Veiksmas vystomas iš lėto, daug intrigos nėra ir kaip visada viskas paaiškėja pabaigoje.
"Aš nemačiau tiesos, o dabar jau per vėlu...
Ji niekada nenorėjo grįžti. O dabar niekada neišvažiuos."
Veiksmas vystomas iš lėto, daug intrigos nėra ir kaip visada viskas paaiškėja pabaigoje.
August 3, 2023
Nancy is a 30-year-old care home worker, who inherits a cottage in a small village in Cornwall.
Last time she’s been there was 11 years ago. It was straight after her mother’s death; Nancy was her mother’s carer for two years. It was also a summer when her younger sister Lola, disappeared without trace.
Nancy returns to Cornwall to prepare the house for sale. However, as she begins to look through the things in the house, it brings back painful memories of that summer…
Then, she finds out that a skeleton has been discovered in a nearby cave. Is it Lola?
DS Stephanie King is called to investigate.
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I read it in two sittings, I found it engrossing and captivating.
I liked the deepening of the relationship between Stephanie and Gus, and also the dual timeline – I was desperate to uncover what truly happened to Nancy and Lola.
There were a few twists along the way that I did not expect!
Overall, it’s a tense thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
Last time she’s been there was 11 years ago. It was straight after her mother’s death; Nancy was her mother’s carer for two years. It was also a summer when her younger sister Lola, disappeared without trace.
Nancy returns to Cornwall to prepare the house for sale. However, as she begins to look through the things in the house, it brings back painful memories of that summer…
Then, she finds out that a skeleton has been discovered in a nearby cave. Is it Lola?
DS Stephanie King is called to investigate.
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I read it in two sittings, I found it engrossing and captivating.
I liked the deepening of the relationship between Stephanie and Gus, and also the dual timeline – I was desperate to uncover what truly happened to Nancy and Lola.
There were a few twists along the way that I did not expect!
Overall, it’s a tense thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
November 19, 2024
This is a heartfelt mystery that is written with great character development. The protagonist has a lot of emotional baggage that begins with her childhood. I loved the twists and turns!
August 8, 2023
Don't Look Away is a classic Rachel Abbott - a lot of misdirection, twists and compelling characters with a plot that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have really gone to sleep! The start of the book sets the tone as we eagerly read to find out what links the body recently discovered in a cave to Nancy, travelling to Cornwall after discovering she has inherited her late Aunt's cottage. This isn't a happy time for Nancy, the last time she stayed at the cottage was just following the death of her mother so her memories are something she has clearly tried to subdue. Her younger sister Lola mysteriously disappeared from the cottage 11 years previously so all the bad things that have happened in her life are almost linked to this cottage.
The tension is thick as we learn more about Nancy and Lola's life and how Nancy became a carer for her sick mother towards the last year of her life and feels the guilt of her almost premature death, especially from her late father Ray. The disappearance of Lola has remained a mystery that resurfaces old feelings for Nancy as she learns of the body. Knowing that her life will never be her own unless she revisits her past, she tries to investigate the last few days of Lola's time in Cornwall, however the further the digs the more someone is determined that she must never find out the truth.
I was absolutely gripped with Don't Look Away and couldn't stop reading. I was recently at a book festival and one of the authors doing a talk mentioned prologues and epilogues - a lot of people don't like to read them and sometimes skip them. I absolutely love them. I love that you are going into a book blind and at the mercy of the author as to what they want you to know. The prologue for Don't Look Away really sets the story off and it sets off a spiral of events that lead you to the main story - I think not reading them makes you miss out on so many little clues!
Thoroughly enjoyable with a brilliant ending that rounded off the storyline perfectly.
Highly recommended from me!
The tension is thick as we learn more about Nancy and Lola's life and how Nancy became a carer for her sick mother towards the last year of her life and feels the guilt of her almost premature death, especially from her late father Ray. The disappearance of Lola has remained a mystery that resurfaces old feelings for Nancy as she learns of the body. Knowing that her life will never be her own unless she revisits her past, she tries to investigate the last few days of Lola's time in Cornwall, however the further the digs the more someone is determined that she must never find out the truth.
I was absolutely gripped with Don't Look Away and couldn't stop reading. I was recently at a book festival and one of the authors doing a talk mentioned prologues and epilogues - a lot of people don't like to read them and sometimes skip them. I absolutely love them. I love that you are going into a book blind and at the mercy of the author as to what they want you to know. The prologue for Don't Look Away really sets the story off and it sets off a spiral of events that lead you to the main story - I think not reading them makes you miss out on so many little clues!
Thoroughly enjoyable with a brilliant ending that rounded off the storyline perfectly.
Highly recommended from me!
August 3, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Nancy Holland cared for when mum after she had a stroke while her dad worked on their farm. She had a younger sister called Lola.
On holiday at their great aunts cottage in Cornwall Lola disappeared. The police investigated it but she was never found. Nancy was left the cottage in her great aunts will and returns to Cornwall to sell the cottage. She is terrified of returning there as the last time she was there it was in such horrible circumstances.
Nancy thinks about Lola every day and feels sad about all the years they’ve lost together. Somebody doesn’t want Nancy back in the village . Nancy makes an awful discovery and calls the police.
Sergeant Stephanie King worked on the case of Lola’s disappearance when she was a young PC and she can see that things could have been carried out much better on the original investigation. She assures Nancy that she will make sure they do all they can this time.
I loved this book, it kept me guessing right to the end and was full of plot twists and turns. A fab read.
Nancy Holland cared for when mum after she had a stroke while her dad worked on their farm. She had a younger sister called Lola.
On holiday at their great aunts cottage in Cornwall Lola disappeared. The police investigated it but she was never found. Nancy was left the cottage in her great aunts will and returns to Cornwall to sell the cottage. She is terrified of returning there as the last time she was there it was in such horrible circumstances.
Nancy thinks about Lola every day and feels sad about all the years they’ve lost together. Somebody doesn’t want Nancy back in the village . Nancy makes an awful discovery and calls the police.
Sergeant Stephanie King worked on the case of Lola’s disappearance when she was a young PC and she can see that things could have been carried out much better on the original investigation. She assures Nancy that she will make sure they do all they can this time.
I loved this book, it kept me guessing right to the end and was full of plot twists and turns. A fab read.
March 20, 2024
4,5⭐️
una storia che ti prende dal primo momento, storie del passato che tornano a galla per intrecciarsi con vicende del presente. Segreti di famiglia. Ho avuto da subito la mia teoria, che si è rivelata in parte esatta, ma la Abbott con i suoi colpi di scena ha ribaltato la situazione e mi ha fatto spalancare più volte la bocca, fino all’ultima pagina! Ci si affeziona facilmente a questi personaggi, alla fine del libro avrei voluto stringerli forte ❤️🩹
La scrittura super scorrevole e i capitoli molto brevi invogliano a proseguire la lettura.
Non do 5 stelle solo perché c’è stato un elemento che io non gradisco molto, ma va a gusto personale.
Assolutamente promosso!
una storia che ti prende dal primo momento, storie del passato che tornano a galla per intrecciarsi con vicende del presente. Segreti di famiglia. Ho avuto da subito la mia teoria, che si è rivelata in parte esatta, ma la Abbott con i suoi colpi di scena ha ribaltato la situazione e mi ha fatto spalancare più volte la bocca, fino all’ultima pagina! Ci si affeziona facilmente a questi personaggi, alla fine del libro avrei voluto stringerli forte ❤️🩹
La scrittura super scorrevole e i capitoli molto brevi invogliano a proseguire la lettura.
Non do 5 stelle solo perché c’è stato un elemento che io non gradisco molto, ma va a gusto personale.
Assolutamente promosso!
August 13, 2023
Not Rachel Abbott’s Best
This was a very slow and tedious read. I almost gave up, but being a RA fan I kept waiting for it to improve. It did at around chapter 80! I disliked the central character Nancy, just too pathetic. I guessed most of the storylines very early. Thank goodness there was a very much needed twist at the end. Also there were so many times I thought, that would never happen, or people would not react like that. I felt the book needed more research or a better editor. Very disappointing.
This was a very slow and tedious read. I almost gave up, but being a RA fan I kept waiting for it to improve. It did at around chapter 80! I disliked the central character Nancy, just too pathetic. I guessed most of the storylines very early. Thank goodness there was a very much needed twist at the end. Also there were so many times I thought, that would never happen, or people would not react like that. I felt the book needed more research or a better editor. Very disappointing.
March 27, 2024
Smutno mi, bo to nie jest poziom dawnych thrillerów Rachel. Mało angażująca, brak napięcia, nieciekawe rozwiązanie i wczesna kulminacja.
Ps. bardzo śmieszy mnie fakt, że jej dwie książki zostały przetłumaczone jako Nie odwracaj wzroku oraz Odwróć wzrok 😂
Ps. bardzo śmieszy mnie fakt, że jej dwie książki zostały przetłumaczone jako Nie odwracaj wzroku oraz Odwróć wzrok 😂
August 27, 2023
This is one of those books I constantly thought about when I wasn’t reading it, and I couldn’t put down when I was!
Nancy has inherited a cottage from her aunt. The last time she was at the cottage was 11 years ago when Lola, her 15 year old sister, disappeared during their holiday there. The police didn’t spend much time investigating as they presumed she had run away.
Now Nancy is determined to find out what really happened, and after finding some new evidence, DS Stephanie King has reopened the investigation into Lola’s disappearance. Stephanie has just began her investigation into a skeleton which was found in a cave just off the beach. Are the two cases connected?
A very cleverly plotted psychological thriller which has a blinder of a reveal! And the ending just got better and better!
I have read a couple of Rachel’s books and knew I was in for a page turner and I was not disappointed.
Have already recommended this to a friend!
Nancy has inherited a cottage from her aunt. The last time she was at the cottage was 11 years ago when Lola, her 15 year old sister, disappeared during their holiday there. The police didn’t spend much time investigating as they presumed she had run away.
Now Nancy is determined to find out what really happened, and after finding some new evidence, DS Stephanie King has reopened the investigation into Lola’s disappearance. Stephanie has just began her investigation into a skeleton which was found in a cave just off the beach. Are the two cases connected?
A very cleverly plotted psychological thriller which has a blinder of a reveal! And the ending just got better and better!
I have read a couple of Rachel’s books and knew I was in for a page turner and I was not disappointed.
Have already recommended this to a friend!
June 25, 2023
Nancy’s sister Lola disappeared many years ago and their mother became ill and Nancy had to take care of her. Then she finds out that her Aunt has left her the cottage in Cornwall when she died so reluctantly she has to go back and relive the trauma of losing her sister. With the help of D.S. Stephanie King will she finally find out what happened to Lola.
There are a lot of twists and turns to this book, I have to say having read all Rachel’s books my favourite is the The D.C.I. Tom Douglas series which are all amazing.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
There are a lot of twists and turns to this book, I have to say having read all Rachel’s books my favourite is the The D.C.I. Tom Douglas series which are all amazing.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
August 2, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 out of 5
Don't Look Away is the third book in the Stephanie King series. This can be read as a stand-alone. In fact I read the two previous books but I have no recollection of them and I did not feel lost reading this one.
Nancy Holland's life has been hit with tragedy one right after another. After inheriting a cottage, Nancy is forced to go back to where she last saw her sister eleven years ago. As she decides on what to do with the cottage, more discoveries and questions pop up about her sister's disappearance.
This book did keep me engaged to finish it but unfortunately I found the story to be at a slow pace. There were some surprises at the end that I did not see. It feels like DS Stephanie King is more of a support cast than a protagonist.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rachel Abbot for an ARC of "Don't Look Away".
Don't Look Away is the third book in the Stephanie King series. This can be read as a stand-alone. In fact I read the two previous books but I have no recollection of them and I did not feel lost reading this one.
Nancy Holland's life has been hit with tragedy one right after another. After inheriting a cottage, Nancy is forced to go back to where she last saw her sister eleven years ago. As she decides on what to do with the cottage, more discoveries and questions pop up about her sister's disappearance.
This book did keep me engaged to finish it but unfortunately I found the story to be at a slow pace. There were some surprises at the end that I did not see. It feels like DS Stephanie King is more of a support cast than a protagonist.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rachel Abbot for an ARC of "Don't Look Away".
July 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Don’t Look Away - Rachel Abbott
PUBLICATION DATE - 3rd August 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Rachel’s latest outing for Stephanie King from NetGalley - and like the two novels which precede this one, it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The writing is pacy and vivid - and towards the end, (without giving too much away) an ever increasing sense of jeopardy brings the whole story to a fabulous climax!
Secrets, betrayals, families and bucket loads of tension….it’s Rachel at her finest!
PUBLICATION DATE - 3rd August 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Rachel’s latest outing for Stephanie King from NetGalley - and like the two novels which precede this one, it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The writing is pacy and vivid - and towards the end, (without giving too much away) an ever increasing sense of jeopardy brings the whole story to a fabulous climax!
Secrets, betrayals, families and bucket loads of tension….it’s Rachel at her finest!
September 1, 2023
4.5 stars
December 24, 2023
Another good book by Rachel Abbott.
As always Rachel Abbott tells a good story. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to get next book.
As always Rachel Abbott tells a good story. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to get next book.
February 14, 2024
Loved it from the first page to the last page. This was the best so far. Gripping, interesting, different and still shocking.
Great book will def recommend to my friends
Great book will def recommend to my friends
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