What do you think?
Rate this book
Same Face Different Place #1
Beginnings: A Dark Romantic Thriller
When sixteen year old Eleanor Chapman returned home for the school holidays, she never expected her life to spin out of control. She had no idea her father was mixed up in organised crime nor that a series of unforeseen events would pitch her into an ultimate game of cat and mouse.Step into the criminal underworld of the 1970s. On the day Eleanor’s father is forced to go on the run, she is left at the mercy of dangerous people.With no choice but to escape, she stumbles across a mysterious prisoner.His name is Jake, a rock musician from Holland and he has a contract on his life.As two young people, thrown together by fate they find love. It doesn’t take long for Eleanor to realise that she will do anything to keep Jake alive.Forced to exist on a knife edge, they are desperate to escape from London.Will they outrun the deadly gangland villains who stalk them?Or are the people at the top more powerful than they think? Book 1 of the series “Same Face Different Place” a romantic British thriller through the decades.Inspired by the violent criminal underworld of Martina Cole and the strong characters who would expect in a Leslie Pearse novel, this book has been described as an emotional roller coaster and with elements of high tension that make it difficult to put down.If you like romance and enjoy a good thriller, this book is an excellent choice for fans of both genres. thriller, conspiracy, conspiracy thriller, London thriller, London organised crime thriller, romantic thriller, romance, love story, teenage love story, teen romance, YA romance, 1970s, 70s British thriller, social history novel, criminal underworld novel, east london gangster thriller, gangland thriller, mystery thriller, thriller suspense, book, novel, ebook, British book, kindle book, kindle unlimited, book about London, book about organised crime in the 1970s, book about London organised crime in the 1970s
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2012
34 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Helen J. Christmas
9 books28 followersPowerful sagas with great characters are the stories I most love to write and my own series 'Same Face Different Place' promises to be a real page turner. Set around the counties of London and Kent, in England, the story takes place across 4 decades.
The first book, titled Beginnings is a fast paced thriller set in the dark criminal underworld of 1970s London, of 2 young people caught up in a sinister conspiracy. With several scenes of intense action, my debut novel has been described as 'impossible to put down'.
The second book, Visions, set in the 80s, is a dark psychological thriller based around the restoration of an English country house. In Pleasures the story moves into the 1990s, followed by the concluding books in the series Retribution Phase One and Retribution End Game. Rosebrook Chronicles is a book of interwoven character back stories.
In 2021 I published a standalone psychological thriller. Lethal Ties is a story of friendship, in which 2 former children's home residents find each other, desperate to find out what happened to their 3rd friend, a boy who disappeared 20 years ago.
So that’s a bit about the books - now a little about myself. I am in my 50s and love writing. I met my husband Peter in 1996 who I married in 2003 and we escaped the rat race to start our own business in web design. We are lucky to have the beach on our doorstep, where we frequently walk our dog and belong to a walking group based in West Sussex. Simple pleasures which make for a satisfying life. I love books - both writing them and reading them.
The first book, titled Beginnings is a fast paced thriller set in the dark criminal underworld of 1970s London, of 2 young people caught up in a sinister conspiracy. With several scenes of intense action, my debut novel has been described as 'impossible to put down'.
The second book, Visions, set in the 80s, is a dark psychological thriller based around the restoration of an English country house. In Pleasures the story moves into the 1990s, followed by the concluding books in the series Retribution Phase One and Retribution End Game. Rosebrook Chronicles is a book of interwoven character back stories.
In 2021 I published a standalone psychological thriller. Lethal Ties is a story of friendship, in which 2 former children's home residents find each other, desperate to find out what happened to their 3rd friend, a boy who disappeared 20 years ago.
So that’s a bit about the books - now a little about myself. I am in my 50s and love writing. I met my husband Peter in 1996 who I married in 2003 and we escaped the rat race to start our own business in web design. We are lucky to have the beach on our doorstep, where we frequently walk our dog and belong to a walking group based in West Sussex. Simple pleasures which make for a satisfying life. I love books - both writing them and reading them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 8, 2018
10☆ Exceedingly Good, Fast Past Thriller, Hooked from the Start!! Danger at ever turn!
Beginnings is the first book in the Same Face Different Place Series.
Wow oh wow.... action from the Start.
A true page turner!
Beginnings is a Gripping dark thriller with a Criminal undertone that spiced up the story and will leave you wanting more and more.
It's Enthralling, Passionate,Captivating, Emotional, made my hair stand on end, Fast paced, Dark, the perfect amount of Twists and Turns, Very Memorable Characters.... Loved, Loved, Loved it!!!!!
Young Eleanor is in hiding from the men who want her father dead.
Her Father is on the Run from Dominic!
Dominic Theakston is a very, very, very Dangerous Man!
He takes great pleasure in torturing people to get what he wants!
Eleanor will be no exception if he finds her!!
The couple entrusted to look after Eleanor have just sold her off to a prostitute den!
Her father's last words...you will be safe providing they don't find out I have a daughter!!!!
WOW! ...there is always someone willing to Cash In, no matter what the consequences are!!
What comes next gives me chills!!
Eleanor has been found by Dominic Theakston and what he plans to do to her no child or woman or anyone for that matter should ever have to be threatened with! It made me feel cold in horror!
Eleanor escapes!!!!
But as she is escaping she comes across Jake!
She over hears the men saying in 24 hours Jake is to be killed... he has a hit over his head.
Eleanor can't bare the thought of this and decides to rescue Jake from the underground dungeon at the whore house.
He is in his 20s & clearly has something to do with Dominic Theakston!
Who is Jake?
Why does Theakston want him dead?
The pair set out to escape and run for their lives in a cat and mouse chase across London.
But will Eleanor and Jake survive the night or will Theakston and his thugs find them first???
I adored Eleanor she is so unbelievable Strong for such a young girl. She is determined, smart, beautiful, protective, caring, a beautiful women inside and out.
Jake is a very talented musician and he too is passionate, protective, strong, smart, a provider and intelligent.
The bond they share and the passionate connection they had was so heartwarming.
The only good to come from such a terrible and sad situation.
Theakston wow he is a villain you definitely don't want to meet at any time of day!
I think he would of given the Kray brothers a run for their money!!!
He is Extremely Dangerous, Cold, Calculating, Manipulative, Power Hungry, Craves Violence, he rules the underworld and has the police and politics right where he wants them!
He gives me cold shivers!!!
Helen's writing is written with so much passion and depth.
I haven't read a thriller for a while where the first few chapters shocked me, yet kept me hanging onto every single word. Before I knew it I was half way through and it was morning!
Her characters were simply PERFECT!!!
I hated Theakston but he captured my attention rightly or wrongly I am going to be remembering him for a long time!
I adore Eleanor and can't wait to see what's next in store for her!!
Beginnings is a fast & furious, criminal underworld just my kind of book.
Amongst all the Drama is a story of passion, yet Danger at every turn, crooked Cops, who to Trust!
If you are looking for a Twisty Thriller that keeps you on your edge of your seat then you need to give this one a Read you really don't be disappointed!!!
Would I recommend this book.......
Without a doubt....... 100%.... YES!!!!
Loved It! Best read of 2017!!!
Beginnings is one book I am going to remember for a very long time!
I can't wait to read the next instalment!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Beginnings is the first book in the Same Face Different Place Series.
Wow oh wow.... action from the Start.
A true page turner!
Beginnings is a Gripping dark thriller with a Criminal undertone that spiced up the story and will leave you wanting more and more.
It's Enthralling, Passionate,Captivating, Emotional, made my hair stand on end, Fast paced, Dark, the perfect amount of Twists and Turns, Very Memorable Characters.... Loved, Loved, Loved it!!!!!
Young Eleanor is in hiding from the men who want her father dead.
Her Father is on the Run from Dominic!
Dominic Theakston is a very, very, very Dangerous Man!
He takes great pleasure in torturing people to get what he wants!
Eleanor will be no exception if he finds her!!
The couple entrusted to look after Eleanor have just sold her off to a prostitute den!
Her father's last words...you will be safe providing they don't find out I have a daughter!!!!
WOW! ...there is always someone willing to Cash In, no matter what the consequences are!!
What comes next gives me chills!!
Eleanor has been found by Dominic Theakston and what he plans to do to her no child or woman or anyone for that matter should ever have to be threatened with! It made me feel cold in horror!
Eleanor escapes!!!!
But as she is escaping she comes across Jake!
She over hears the men saying in 24 hours Jake is to be killed... he has a hit over his head.
Eleanor can't bare the thought of this and decides to rescue Jake from the underground dungeon at the whore house.
He is in his 20s & clearly has something to do with Dominic Theakston!
Who is Jake?
Why does Theakston want him dead?
The pair set out to escape and run for their lives in a cat and mouse chase across London.
But will Eleanor and Jake survive the night or will Theakston and his thugs find them first???
I adored Eleanor she is so unbelievable Strong for such a young girl. She is determined, smart, beautiful, protective, caring, a beautiful women inside and out.
Jake is a very talented musician and he too is passionate, protective, strong, smart, a provider and intelligent.
The bond they share and the passionate connection they had was so heartwarming.
The only good to come from such a terrible and sad situation.
Theakston wow he is a villain you definitely don't want to meet at any time of day!
I think he would of given the Kray brothers a run for their money!!!
He is Extremely Dangerous, Cold, Calculating, Manipulative, Power Hungry, Craves Violence, he rules the underworld and has the police and politics right where he wants them!
He gives me cold shivers!!!
Helen's writing is written with so much passion and depth.
I haven't read a thriller for a while where the first few chapters shocked me, yet kept me hanging onto every single word. Before I knew it I was half way through and it was morning!
Her characters were simply PERFECT!!!
I hated Theakston but he captured my attention rightly or wrongly I am going to be remembering him for a long time!
I adore Eleanor and can't wait to see what's next in store for her!!
Beginnings is a fast & furious, criminal underworld just my kind of book.
Amongst all the Drama is a story of passion, yet Danger at every turn, crooked Cops, who to Trust!
If you are looking for a Twisty Thriller that keeps you on your edge of your seat then you need to give this one a Read you really don't be disappointed!!!
Would I recommend this book.......
Without a doubt....... 100%.... YES!!!!
Loved It! Best read of 2017!!!
Beginnings is one book I am going to remember for a very long time!
I can't wait to read the next instalment!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
January 16, 2018
This is a dark, suspense that will keep you on your toes. There is crime, death, chase and suspicion that really kept the clock ticking in this plot which is very fast paced and written well.
Eleanor's father is on the run, there are men who want him dead.
The last words he utters to his daughter is, "you will be safe providing they don't find out I have a daughter" I can't imagine how scary this must have been.
But, Dominic Theakston finds her and has promised to do all kinds of things to her which made my stomach churn, I kid you not.
This story is set in six parts and just keeps on giving, there is so much action that you will get breathless.
I am trying not to give away too much as I really want you to read this and enjoy every moment of this fantastically written crime/thriller as I did.
Eleanor's father is on the run, there are men who want him dead.
The last words he utters to his daughter is, "you will be safe providing they don't find out I have a daughter" I can't imagine how scary this must have been.
But, Dominic Theakston finds her and has promised to do all kinds of things to her which made my stomach churn, I kid you not.
This story is set in six parts and just keeps on giving, there is so much action that you will get breathless.
I am trying not to give away too much as I really want you to read this and enjoy every moment of this fantastically written crime/thriller as I did.
April 17, 2013
"Beginnings" by Helen J. Christmas is a moving love story as much as it is a fast paced thriller, set against the backdrop of the organised crime in London in the 1970s. Rival gangs are terrorising the Eastern parts of London and Eleanor Chapman falls victim to these hostilities. The author describes in detail the dealings of those criminals, giving the players a lot of character and colour and painting a very convincing and memorable scene.
Temporarily housed with a childless couple while her father is in hiding from other criminals Eleanor gets betrayed and is sold to a brothel, from where she fortunately manages to escape, hooking up with Jake Jansen who is also hunted by the same people.
Not surprisingly the two escapists fall in love and hide in various places and are helped by several people, although Eleanor's previous connections have got her where she is now, and so the couple have to tread carefully and decide whom they can trust.
The story continues to be action packed and full of suspense and takes some unexpected turns. Thrown into the love story and the thriller parts are a terror attack on a potential future prime minister, political conspiracies and police cover ups, showing a corrupt world all around in contrast to the innocent love.
The book was a roller coaster ride for me, a very compelling and entertaining read but certainly not a mindless one or purely light hearted. There is sadness and reflection and it will be interesting to see which direction the author takes in her next book.
Being the first of several instalments this story does not come to a positive conclusion at the end of "Beginnings" but leaves that job for an eagerly awaited sequel.
Temporarily housed with a childless couple while her father is in hiding from other criminals Eleanor gets betrayed and is sold to a brothel, from where she fortunately manages to escape, hooking up with Jake Jansen who is also hunted by the same people.
Not surprisingly the two escapists fall in love and hide in various places and are helped by several people, although Eleanor's previous connections have got her where she is now, and so the couple have to tread carefully and decide whom they can trust.
The story continues to be action packed and full of suspense and takes some unexpected turns. Thrown into the love story and the thriller parts are a terror attack on a potential future prime minister, political conspiracies and police cover ups, showing a corrupt world all around in contrast to the innocent love.
The book was a roller coaster ride for me, a very compelling and entertaining read but certainly not a mindless one or purely light hearted. There is sadness and reflection and it will be interesting to see which direction the author takes in her next book.
Being the first of several instalments this story does not come to a positive conclusion at the end of "Beginnings" but leaves that job for an eagerly awaited sequel.
January 11, 2018
With thanks to the author for the copy received.
Same Face Different Place is the first of a series of books that takes place across the decades. The lead character Eleanor is only sixteen when the series starts. At times she appears older but she has a different life to the usual teenage girl so this is probably why. Plus what happens to her throughout the book is a lot to deal with.
I enjoyed reading about the seventies period, I was only about five years old when the book takes place but I do have a few vague memories. Mainly of the music and a sense of the fashions from looking at family photos.
At times I found it more of a romantic novel than a criminal one but when I got further into the novel and got to know Eleanor more I enjoyed it. Especially, unusually, after she suffers a life changing event.
From reading the synopsis for the following books it appears that they will cover the years leading up to modern-day featuring many of the same characters. I’ve always enjoyed reading series that do this so hope to read them soon.
Same Face Different Place is the first of a series of books that takes place across the decades. The lead character Eleanor is only sixteen when the series starts. At times she appears older but she has a different life to the usual teenage girl so this is probably why. Plus what happens to her throughout the book is a lot to deal with.
I enjoyed reading about the seventies period, I was only about five years old when the book takes place but I do have a few vague memories. Mainly of the music and a sense of the fashions from looking at family photos.
At times I found it more of a romantic novel than a criminal one but when I got further into the novel and got to know Eleanor more I enjoyed it. Especially, unusually, after she suffers a life changing event.
From reading the synopsis for the following books it appears that they will cover the years leading up to modern-day featuring many of the same characters. I’ve always enjoyed reading series that do this so hope to read them soon.
June 19, 2013
Eleanor Chapman was a girl with a bad reality, she was in boarding schools most her life and didnt know what daddy was all about. Her dad needed to hide he just killed someone and she was going with reliable people to take care of her. well the reliable people ended up bringing her to a whorehouse. There she met 2 people Jake who was being held prisoner against his will as she was and then came Dominic Theakson he wanted to get back at her dad for killing his friend so he was going to use Eleanor to get her dad out of hiding. She found a way to get out and stumbled into Jke and freed him They went on the run to save their lifes and what do they do to survive....... Eleanor finds there are people who will love you and who will harm you do they stay together to the end and what else does eleanor has to protect. This story was heartwarming and so sad at the same time a girl losing her life to thugs and the man she loves his life is in danger too. if they get caught there is no knowing what will happen. this book was well written I cant wait to read the next book!
April 1, 2014
Same Face, Different Place (Beginnings)
By Author Helen Christmas
Very Intense and Emotionally Charged!!!!
Reading this has been a journey of emotions for me. At times I was infuriatingly annoyed, emotionally distraught and often times afraid. Then other times I was overwhelmingly optimistic, and truly wanted to punch somebody or at the very least slap some sense into someone. The storyline was riveting and amazingly brilliant.
It took me some time because it was so emotionally charged that I had to put it down and walk away for a bit. Then I would pick it up again until I had to put it down and walk away again.
It takes a truly amazing and talented writer to take their readers through such a maze of emotions and keep them returning to read until the very end. The main character (Eleanor) at times stirred my heart as well as made me want to smack her hard, for some of her choices and actions. But then I had to keep reminding myself that she was a teenager. But then after a while I wanted to shake her and tell her to snap out of it, and ask her to please stop hitting her head against the brick wall in front of her, over and over again.
Author Helen Christmas in her brilliant novel, takes her readers into a world of organized crime in the UK, innocence broken, Love and tragedy that makes its way into our hearts and souls. A truly Amazing Read!!!! (WaAr)
Read and Reviewed By De Ann (Native) Townes Jr. Author of (Peer Inside My Soul and See Me) and (A King Among Prince)
By Author Helen Christmas
Very Intense and Emotionally Charged!!!!
Reading this has been a journey of emotions for me. At times I was infuriatingly annoyed, emotionally distraught and often times afraid. Then other times I was overwhelmingly optimistic, and truly wanted to punch somebody or at the very least slap some sense into someone. The storyline was riveting and amazingly brilliant.
It took me some time because it was so emotionally charged that I had to put it down and walk away for a bit. Then I would pick it up again until I had to put it down and walk away again.
It takes a truly amazing and talented writer to take their readers through such a maze of emotions and keep them returning to read until the very end. The main character (Eleanor) at times stirred my heart as well as made me want to smack her hard, for some of her choices and actions. But then I had to keep reminding myself that she was a teenager. But then after a while I wanted to shake her and tell her to snap out of it, and ask her to please stop hitting her head against the brick wall in front of her, over and over again.
Author Helen Christmas in her brilliant novel, takes her readers into a world of organized crime in the UK, innocence broken, Love and tragedy that makes its way into our hearts and souls. A truly Amazing Read!!!! (WaAr)
Read and Reviewed By De Ann (Native) Townes Jr. Author of (Peer Inside My Soul and See Me) and (A King Among Prince)
February 11, 2018
Beginnings is a roller coaster of a read that hurtled along at a startling pace and really was the ultimate story of Cat and Mouse.
At 16 Eleanor Chapman's world turns upside down upon the discovery that her Dad works in the criminal underworld and furthermore is going on the run, leaving her to pretty much fend for herself as the people she has been left with can't be trusted.
Eleanor meets Jake in difficult circumstances, and the two decide that they have to escape London together. Initially enigmatic I grew to love the character of Jake very much and the blossoming relationship between the pair.
Set in London in the 1970's, this story had a real sense of time and place. The busy streets of London on parallel with the chaos that our two main protagonists are going through. Some of the scenes made my pulse rise and my hands sweat as I longed for the pair to get out of London safely.
Well written and well plotted, full of enough mystery and intrigue but throw a little bit of romance in there and this gives this book a dynamic that I haven't necessarily come across before.
Gripping and fascinating I was drawn into the story hoping that the baddies got their comeuppance. Beginnings was left suitably to go into book two and I will most certainly be reading it. I have to know what happens next!
At 16 Eleanor Chapman's world turns upside down upon the discovery that her Dad works in the criminal underworld and furthermore is going on the run, leaving her to pretty much fend for herself as the people she has been left with can't be trusted.
Eleanor meets Jake in difficult circumstances, and the two decide that they have to escape London together. Initially enigmatic I grew to love the character of Jake very much and the blossoming relationship between the pair.
Set in London in the 1970's, this story had a real sense of time and place. The busy streets of London on parallel with the chaos that our two main protagonists are going through. Some of the scenes made my pulse rise and my hands sweat as I longed for the pair to get out of London safely.
Well written and well plotted, full of enough mystery and intrigue but throw a little bit of romance in there and this gives this book a dynamic that I haven't necessarily come across before.
Gripping and fascinating I was drawn into the story hoping that the baddies got their comeuppance. Beginnings was left suitably to go into book two and I will most certainly be reading it. I have to know what happens next!
August 20, 2013
This is the first in a series of books which span several decades, this one is set in the 1970's when the streets of London were particularly susceptible to corruption and gang warfare.
The central character, Eleanor, is the daughter of Ollie Chapman, a right hand man of Sammie Maxwell, one of the East End of London's feared bosses. Sammie sits comfortably at the top of his particular tree, thinking all is well when news reaches him there's a younger man in town. A man who incites so much terror that Sammie's patch begins to dwindle. Dominic Theakston begins to take over and Sammie is forced to retaliate. When Eleanor's father shoots Theakston's number one in the ensuing battle, killing him instantly, Theakston locks eyes with him and is set on the most terrible revenge possible. Chapman puts his precious daughter in Sammie Maxwell's care then leaves town, intending to return when things calm down, but Theakston has back up from powerful sources and things escalate in a way nobody saw happening. Eleanor is left with only her guile and the realisation that everyone has their price.
Helen Christmas gives us a thriller which explores love, hate, fear, terror, revenge, lust, betrayal and fortitude and this fast paced story really was difficult to put down. Eleanor is a fabulous character. At the tender age of 16 she is forced to grow up very quickly and lives in fear of her life but still she finds love and a reason to never give in. The background of life for some in 1970's London was very well described which gave the story an edge of truthfulness.
For a first novel this was written with a passion and consistency I would have expected from a more experienced writer and I really liked it.
The central character, Eleanor, is the daughter of Ollie Chapman, a right hand man of Sammie Maxwell, one of the East End of London's feared bosses. Sammie sits comfortably at the top of his particular tree, thinking all is well when news reaches him there's a younger man in town. A man who incites so much terror that Sammie's patch begins to dwindle. Dominic Theakston begins to take over and Sammie is forced to retaliate. When Eleanor's father shoots Theakston's number one in the ensuing battle, killing him instantly, Theakston locks eyes with him and is set on the most terrible revenge possible. Chapman puts his precious daughter in Sammie Maxwell's care then leaves town, intending to return when things calm down, but Theakston has back up from powerful sources and things escalate in a way nobody saw happening. Eleanor is left with only her guile and the realisation that everyone has their price.
Helen Christmas gives us a thriller which explores love, hate, fear, terror, revenge, lust, betrayal and fortitude and this fast paced story really was difficult to put down. Eleanor is a fabulous character. At the tender age of 16 she is forced to grow up very quickly and lives in fear of her life but still she finds love and a reason to never give in. The background of life for some in 1970's London was very well described which gave the story an edge of truthfulness.
For a first novel this was written with a passion and consistency I would have expected from a more experienced writer and I really liked it.
February 8, 2017
With action from the start I couldn't put it down.What can I say this story is brilliant everything from the story to how it is written I absolutely loved it.
Beginnings is the first book in the same face different place series. Set across the decade of the seventies and tells a story in six parts. About Eleanor Chapman who daughter of Ollie Chapman having got wrapped up in the world of East End London criminal underworld with a shooting. He puts Eleanor in the hands of Sammie Maxwell so he can stay low until things calm down. But unknown to her father she finds herself in trouble when she is taken to a whorehouse. Where she discovers Jake who is a witness to a IRA style terrorist car bomb. Eleanor and Jake find themselves on the run.It is only when they are in hiding together in a secluded house tucked away in a small East London suburb, that Jake and Eleanor realise they have feelings for each other and lapse into a passionate love affair.
The author takes us on one roller coaster of a journey where I found myself willing Eleanor and Jake along with their fight for survival on the run.
This story is so well crafted I actually felt like I was there in the Seventies. And the characters are portrayed brilliantly. I was taken through a whirlwind of emotions from tension and anger to sorrow, relief, and happiness. Helen Christmas is an author not to missed. Seriously I cannot tell you enough how well this is written. I cannot wait to read visions the next book in the series.
This is a must read for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers and Jessie Keane which I highly recommend giving it all the stars!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2014
I was given a copy of this ebook, by the author, in return for a review.
From the first page I was hooked into reading this story, intrigued by the characters and what they were going through. At first I found there was a bit too much backstory for my liking but when the action did start to roll through I was grabbed and kept hooked to find out what was going to happen next.
I know I liked the book and I liked the characters for the most part and really enjoyed it up to about half way through. I don't want to plot spoil, but for me the big emotional and action filled moment right in the middle, should have been the end, because from there it seemed to fall a little flatter.
Had everything after that point happened before it, I think I'd have enjoyed the book more, but the way the plot was structured at the moment I felt a bit like all the conflict and action led up to the dramatic bit in the middle and then fell away gradually from there.
Towards the end there was an attempt at raising the conflict again but it felt out of character for the bad guy and like he was scarier at the beginning and got gentler and gentler. I know it could just be me being put out by the events in the middle and just not 'feeling' it after that, but I'd have liked the book to have ended as well as it began, because it began brilliantly and built up to the middle like an adrenaline fueled rollercoaster.
From the first page I was hooked into reading this story, intrigued by the characters and what they were going through. At first I found there was a bit too much backstory for my liking but when the action did start to roll through I was grabbed and kept hooked to find out what was going to happen next.
I know I liked the book and I liked the characters for the most part and really enjoyed it up to about half way through. I don't want to plot spoil, but for me the big emotional and action filled moment right in the middle, should have been the end, because from there it seemed to fall a little flatter.
Had everything after that point happened before it, I think I'd have enjoyed the book more, but the way the plot was structured at the moment I felt a bit like all the conflict and action led up to the dramatic bit in the middle and then fell away gradually from there.
Towards the end there was an attempt at raising the conflict again but it felt out of character for the bad guy and like he was scarier at the beginning and got gentler and gentler. I know it could just be me being put out by the events in the middle and just not 'feeling' it after that, but I'd have liked the book to have ended as well as it began, because it began brilliantly and built up to the middle like an adrenaline fueled rollercoaster.
July 21, 2014
Eleanor has few choices in her life. She can run, she can die, she can become a prostitute or hide in a closet until they turn her into a prostitute, kill her. Personally, I would have gone and hide. Not Eleanor. She runs, save a boy, falls in love with him and then goes on to take a stand against those who done her wrong.
Nothing dramatic, her stand is much more realistic and in the realm of possibility.
Eleanor is a fun character, one I liked almost from the get go and loved by the end of the story.
I had a bit of a problem with how the author sets up scenes to get Eleanor from one confrontation to the next. These scenes turns long at times. It seems, TAKE NOTE for me, in book one to serve little real function apart from making time go by until the next sequence of events can take place. Once these scenes plays out and Eleanor is again back in the lime light fighting odds that would have me bawling like a two year old.
I love the main protagonists, and love to hate the main evil guy and his cronies.
All in all a fun read and I would love to read more by this author later.
WaAr
Nothing dramatic, her stand is much more realistic and in the realm of possibility.
Eleanor is a fun character, one I liked almost from the get go and loved by the end of the story.
I had a bit of a problem with how the author sets up scenes to get Eleanor from one confrontation to the next. These scenes turns long at times. It seems, TAKE NOTE for me, in book one to serve little real function apart from making time go by until the next sequence of events can take place. Once these scenes plays out and Eleanor is again back in the lime light fighting odds that would have me bawling like a two year old.
I love the main protagonists, and love to hate the main evil guy and his cronies.
All in all a fun read and I would love to read more by this author later.
WaAr
July 12, 2014
You can read the book blurb to find out the story Christmas tells so I'll not cover too much of that but instead tell you that the main characters, Eleanor and Jake, draw you into this well told story, set in the East End of London in the 1970s. The historical and geographical references are spot on; enough to set the scene but not too much to detract from the fast paced story...and it's a cracking story.
The characters are well drawn so for me, a visual reader, I was desperate to read on as the drama unfolded before my eyes. From local councillor to gang leader, lawyer to police inspector, Christmas paints each one in a hand that makes them memorable.
No spoilers but the final third of the book didn't flow so well for me...I lost interest just a tiny bit. There were also a lot of exclamation marks (sorry...I notice things like that) throughout the book but, those points aside, it's a cracking first novel and well worth a read. Is it young adult fiction? I don't know but I enjoyed it and I'm ancient.
The characters are well drawn so for me, a visual reader, I was desperate to read on as the drama unfolded before my eyes. From local councillor to gang leader, lawyer to police inspector, Christmas paints each one in a hand that makes them memorable.
No spoilers but the final third of the book didn't flow so well for me...I lost interest just a tiny bit. There were also a lot of exclamation marks (sorry...I notice things like that) throughout the book but, those points aside, it's a cracking first novel and well worth a read. Is it young adult fiction? I don't know but I enjoyed it and I'm ancient.
June 2, 2013
Helen J. Christmas
Beginnings
Same Face Different Place #1
Not my normal genre, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself quickly completely engrossed in this book. Eleanor is such a strong character, and continually shows her strength throughout, even when her world is falling apart. Jake is so lovable, you can’t help but fall for him. Between them, they managed to capture my heart with their love and lives. A complete emotional rollercoaster of a ride that is incredibly well written. This book is bound to stay with me, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
I was given an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Beginnings
Same Face Different Place #1
Not my normal genre, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself quickly completely engrossed in this book. Eleanor is such a strong character, and continually shows her strength throughout, even when her world is falling apart. Jake is so lovable, you can’t help but fall for him. Between them, they managed to capture my heart with their love and lives. A complete emotional rollercoaster of a ride that is incredibly well written. This book is bound to stay with me, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
I was given an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2013
Eleanor is stuck in the middle of a horrible situation. Her father is a wanted man and makes the poor choice to leave her behind. Needless to say she ends up in many bad situations, but finds Jake to help her along. This story has romance and violence entertwined throughout. WaAR
January 16, 2016
A gangster take with a love story entwined. Eleanor is forced to be split from her father when he takes on London's new face. The story has a mixture of page turning twists as well as the love story that pulls in your heart strings. Very good read.
September 1, 2014
I cant wait to read the next in the series.
January 11, 2018
They do say that if you can remember the 1960’s you weren’t there. As far as I know, there is no similar saying about the 1970’s. I was there, and I can remember them.
In fact, I was 13 in 1970, and I was growing up on the Seven Sisters Road, in Tottenham, North London. My parents ran an off-license. I went to the local comprehensive School, where being an Arsenal supporter made my life somewhat complicated. A bit later in the decade, I was working in the Docks of the East End, as a Merchant Navy apprentice in 1976.
I digress, I’m telling you this because I was around at the time that this book depicts. I was roughly the same age as the main character, Eleanor (OK, I was a couple of years younger than her and a boy). Importantly though, the world of the novel was my world at the time. Our stories were different, I can’t claim the same family or the same adventures, but I can relate to the atmosphere that the author creates, because it’s just about spot on, authentic and well researched.
Eleanor has a complicated time in this, the first of a series. Without spoiling the plot, there’s a gang war, she is on the wrong side and falls foul of the victor, being caught up in a plot to lure her father out of hiding. If that wasn’t complicated enough, she rescues a boy, Jake, who is a witness to a crime and whose ultimate silence is required, for reasons which become apparent as the story progresses.
So both of them have enough troubles of their own, without the need to share. Yet share they do, in a touching and well-written part of the story, once they are thrown together, they fall for each other. Then things start to get really interesting. No spoilers here, you really need to read this for yourselves to see how the story develops.
The atmosphere that the author creates is electric in places, and so matched to the times that I remember, right down to the little details of clothes, hair and even the restaurants. The action sequences are swift, brutal and gripping.
The advantage of having a series is that there is time to develop the plot. The groundwork has been done in this story, now there’s enough background set up for some excellent adventures in the subsequent volumes. There are plenty of places for the tale to develop.
Which doesn’t mean that nothing much happens apart from scene-setting. Far from it, there is enough going on to keep you turning the pages as one thing leads to another in a plausible sequence. It’s hard to remember sometimes that in the early 1970’s, we didn’t have mobile phones and there was no internet. This lack of knowledge is utilised fully to create the tension that came from not knowing everything. Especially what your enemy was up too! And there are plenty of twists and turns, dubious characters and intentions, all the hallmarks of a well-constructed plot. The ending will leave you wanting to know where more about Eleanor’s story.
So overall it’s a great book and a great start to a series that I will be reading more of, not just because I need to know what happens next. I can’t wait to see if the meticulous research extends into the world of the 1980’s in part 2.
In fact, I was 13 in 1970, and I was growing up on the Seven Sisters Road, in Tottenham, North London. My parents ran an off-license. I went to the local comprehensive School, where being an Arsenal supporter made my life somewhat complicated. A bit later in the decade, I was working in the Docks of the East End, as a Merchant Navy apprentice in 1976.
I digress, I’m telling you this because I was around at the time that this book depicts. I was roughly the same age as the main character, Eleanor (OK, I was a couple of years younger than her and a boy). Importantly though, the world of the novel was my world at the time. Our stories were different, I can’t claim the same family or the same adventures, but I can relate to the atmosphere that the author creates, because it’s just about spot on, authentic and well researched.
Eleanor has a complicated time in this, the first of a series. Without spoiling the plot, there’s a gang war, she is on the wrong side and falls foul of the victor, being caught up in a plot to lure her father out of hiding. If that wasn’t complicated enough, she rescues a boy, Jake, who is a witness to a crime and whose ultimate silence is required, for reasons which become apparent as the story progresses.
So both of them have enough troubles of their own, without the need to share. Yet share they do, in a touching and well-written part of the story, once they are thrown together, they fall for each other. Then things start to get really interesting. No spoilers here, you really need to read this for yourselves to see how the story develops.
The atmosphere that the author creates is electric in places, and so matched to the times that I remember, right down to the little details of clothes, hair and even the restaurants. The action sequences are swift, brutal and gripping.
The advantage of having a series is that there is time to develop the plot. The groundwork has been done in this story, now there’s enough background set up for some excellent adventures in the subsequent volumes. There are plenty of places for the tale to develop.
Which doesn’t mean that nothing much happens apart from scene-setting. Far from it, there is enough going on to keep you turning the pages as one thing leads to another in a plausible sequence. It’s hard to remember sometimes that in the early 1970’s, we didn’t have mobile phones and there was no internet. This lack of knowledge is utilised fully to create the tension that came from not knowing everything. Especially what your enemy was up too! And there are plenty of twists and turns, dubious characters and intentions, all the hallmarks of a well-constructed plot. The ending will leave you wanting to know where more about Eleanor’s story.
So overall it’s a great book and a great start to a series that I will be reading more of, not just because I need to know what happens next. I can’t wait to see if the meticulous research extends into the world of the 1980’s in part 2.
August 7, 2021
A gripping thriller - don't expect to sleep after reading it!
Set in the early 1970s, there is an authentic feel to the East End locations described, when the area was ruled by protection rackets, prostitution and drug dealers, and the police were alleged to be turning a blind eye, even if they were not actively part of the corruption.
Well written and thought out, this novel follows the fate of a 16 year old Eleanor, who's gangster father has to go on the run when he kills the henchman of a new crime lord in London. Things go from bad to worse for her as a new lord takes over, and the evil newcomer will stop at nothing to abuse her and use her as a lever to bring her father out into the open. The air of menace follows her through the entire book, with only seldom periods of relative peace. Nobody is who they seem, and with a young man she rescues from certain death, they are battered from one crisis to the next, all the time the reader screaming, "No!"
Not five stars then?
Alas not, for the reasons, some of which are outlined here...
- There is too much description of minor characters, which slows the action down, and you'll find yourself skipping whole sections of the narrative in order to follow the story. The first example is the very beginning, where the incident which led to Eleanor's father having to disappear is described in retrospect. This could have easily been chapter 1 and would have hooked the reader immediately. A load of other descriptions could have been omitted, including the baby stuff, to make the work shorter and tighter - maybe even condensing Books 1 and 2 into the same volume, which would have made this a firm five star (assuming a proper ending).
- Eleanor's father, who was pivotal to the story, doesn't make another appearance in this book. Why did he not charge in, all guns blazing (literally, as he is a trained killer) and rescue his daughter from the evil one. I would have done, had it been my own offspring at risk, and the author stresses how much the father loved his daughter.
- Some changes of perspective in the same section, but not that much. The insights into the players' minds added to the menace, but were perhaps overdone occasionally.
- and the ending! Major crime for me is to leave a story hanging in the air. Albeit there is a sort of conclusion, but I didn't feel it was satisfactory. There is a Book 2, and presumably this takes the story onwards and eventually the crime lord gets his comeuppance, but I feel so drained after reading the first, I don't want to go further in case the author decides to bump off the major characters in favour of a babbling baby, sweet though he is.
For me, each story should have a satisfactory conclusion, even if it is part of a series.
On the whole, it was a gripping narrative, well edited (apart from spelling focused with double-S, and getting the wrong version of practice/practise is the verb), but formatted as well as I've ever seen a home produced novel.
Set in the early 1970s, there is an authentic feel to the East End locations described, when the area was ruled by protection rackets, prostitution and drug dealers, and the police were alleged to be turning a blind eye, even if they were not actively part of the corruption.
Well written and thought out, this novel follows the fate of a 16 year old Eleanor, who's gangster father has to go on the run when he kills the henchman of a new crime lord in London. Things go from bad to worse for her as a new lord takes over, and the evil newcomer will stop at nothing to abuse her and use her as a lever to bring her father out into the open. The air of menace follows her through the entire book, with only seldom periods of relative peace. Nobody is who they seem, and with a young man she rescues from certain death, they are battered from one crisis to the next, all the time the reader screaming, "No!"
Not five stars then?
Alas not, for the reasons, some of which are outlined here...
- There is too much description of minor characters, which slows the action down, and you'll find yourself skipping whole sections of the narrative in order to follow the story. The first example is the very beginning, where the incident which led to Eleanor's father having to disappear is described in retrospect. This could have easily been chapter 1 and would have hooked the reader immediately. A load of other descriptions could have been omitted, including the baby stuff, to make the work shorter and tighter - maybe even condensing Books 1 and 2 into the same volume, which would have made this a firm five star (assuming a proper ending).
- Eleanor's father, who was pivotal to the story, doesn't make another appearance in this book. Why did he not charge in, all guns blazing (literally, as he is a trained killer) and rescue his daughter from the evil one. I would have done, had it been my own offspring at risk, and the author stresses how much the father loved his daughter.
- Some changes of perspective in the same section, but not that much. The insights into the players' minds added to the menace, but were perhaps overdone occasionally.
- and the ending! Major crime for me is to leave a story hanging in the air. Albeit there is a sort of conclusion, but I didn't feel it was satisfactory. There is a Book 2, and presumably this takes the story onwards and eventually the crime lord gets his comeuppance, but I feel so drained after reading the first, I don't want to go further in case the author decides to bump off the major characters in favour of a babbling baby, sweet though he is.
For me, each story should have a satisfactory conclusion, even if it is part of a series.
On the whole, it was a gripping narrative, well edited (apart from spelling focused with double-S, and getting the wrong version of practice/practise is the verb), but formatted as well as I've ever seen a home produced novel.
January 13, 2018
London, 1972. Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Chapman’s life of living comfortably and attending boarding school is about to change for the worst. As the daughter of Oliver “Ollie” Chapman, right-hand man to Sammie Maxwell, organized crime boss, she is in grave danger as her father goes into hiding and leaves her in the hands of strangers. Her inner strength to escape a brothel, save a prisoner there who was about to get killed, and run from the man who wants her father dead, is beyond her young years. As she hides out with the young man she saves, they fall in love, and make plans to escape London forever, but who can they trust? Will she see her father again?
Twenty-two-year-old Jake Jansen was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His band, “Free Spirit” was growing in popularity and while scheduled to play at a gala for a controversial politician, he witnesses preparations for what leads to a car bombing. Being the only witness, his life is in danger and the people involved are about to kill him when a young girl rescues him and they start fleeing for their lives. After, learning of their pursuers, he swears to protect her at all costs, but can he?
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
Twenty-two-year-old Jake Jansen was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His band, “Free Spirit” was growing in popularity and while scheduled to play at a gala for a controversial politician, he witnesses preparations for what leads to a car bombing. Being the only witness, his life is in danger and the people involved are about to kill him when a young girl rescues him and they start fleeing for their lives. After, learning of their pursuers, he swears to protect her at all costs, but can he?
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
August 11, 2017
The main character, Elanor Chapman, grows up in London in the 1970's. Her life is comfortable and carefree until her father must flee a shooting. He kills a member of Dominic Theakston's organized crime gang. Eleanor's dad works for Sammie Maxwell, the big crime boss. Dominic enters Sammie's territory, and war ensues. Ollie Chapman leaves his daughter behind with Sammie. After the death of Sammie, Eleanor finds herself in a brothel.
At sixteen years old, Eleanor leaves her comfortable life for life on the streets. East London in the seventies sounds scary. Gangs rule the streets and the police. There are shootings and bombs. The story takes a dark turn.
One light shines in Eleanor's life when she saves a fellow teenager from a gang. Jake, a musician, is on the run because he witnessed a crime. Together, they find love and support. The best part of the book is when they discover their love in a house in the suburbs. Amidst all the horror and despair, they find true love. Nice.
Eleanor grows up during the story. Her decision-making process improves. Moreover, for a little bit, there's hope. Then the climax happens.
You will have to read it to find out.
At sixteen years old, Eleanor leaves her comfortable life for life on the streets. East London in the seventies sounds scary. Gangs rule the streets and the police. There are shootings and bombs. The story takes a dark turn.
One light shines in Eleanor's life when she saves a fellow teenager from a gang. Jake, a musician, is on the run because he witnessed a crime. Together, they find love and support. The best part of the book is when they discover their love in a house in the suburbs. Amidst all the horror and despair, they find true love. Nice.
Eleanor grows up during the story. Her decision-making process improves. Moreover, for a little bit, there's hope. Then the climax happens.
You will have to read it to find out.
May 6, 2017
This is a mixture of teenage romance, thriller and rite of passage. Set in the seedy underworld of 1970's England where violence and prostitution are rife, young Eleanor has to grow up very quickly. There is kindness too and the story of young love to lighten the dark story. I found the story dragged a little in the middle but built to an exciting climax, with a pointer of more excitement to come in the sequel. It is a debut novel and I may have bought an early edition (at a book fair in Sussex last year) and there were lots of typos which irritated at times. I think the middle section could do with cutting and maybe an edit has been carried out since? However, I enjoyed the believable characters and the nostalgic snippets of '70's life.
January 15, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this book, it was right up my street with the kind of books that I love to read! The pace was brilliant and it was spot on for the book, it hooked me from the beginning and kept up until right at the end.
The characters and plot were great and it had me guessing throughout – loved the twists and turns and that it started with a bang (so to speak) and we jumped right in to the story!
The whole thing was well thought out and planned really well, 5 stars from me – I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more from Helen in the future!!
I really enjoyed this book, it was right up my street with the kind of books that I love to read! The pace was brilliant and it was spot on for the book, it hooked me from the beginning and kept up until right at the end.
The characters and plot were great and it had me guessing throughout – loved the twists and turns and that it started with a bang (so to speak) and we jumped right in to the story!
The whole thing was well thought out and planned really well, 5 stars from me – I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more from Helen in the future!!
January 11, 2018
I loved the story this book tells! The author draws the reader into the action from the start of the story, and we stay in the middle of it right to the end. This is the first in a series of five books, and I look forward to reading the other four to find out how the story ends.
Not only is this book a suspenseful thriller, it is also a deeply moving love story. Eleanor and Jake are bound by their attempt to escape from a sadistic crime boss, and the more time they spend together, the closer they grow to one another.
My only issue with this book has to do with editing problems: there are a lot of unnecessary commas, as well as italicized words that were very distracting and didn't need to be there.
Not only is this book a suspenseful thriller, it is also a deeply moving love story. Eleanor and Jake are bound by their attempt to escape from a sadistic crime boss, and the more time they spend together, the closer they grow to one another.
My only issue with this book has to do with editing problems: there are a lot of unnecessary commas, as well as italicized words that were very distracting and didn't need to be there.
August 2, 2021
Incredible
This book is absolutely incredible. It's beautifully written, cryptic and engaging. The story divulge just enough thought to keep you wanting more. You can't help but feel for these characters and you strive for them to be safe. It's heart wrenching and gritty. Unbelievably realistic in its portrayal and every character has enough back story to warrant their actions. I couldn't get enough and immediately downloaded the next.
This book is absolutely incredible. It's beautifully written, cryptic and engaging. The story divulge just enough thought to keep you wanting more. You can't help but feel for these characters and you strive for them to be safe. It's heart wrenching and gritty. Unbelievably realistic in its portrayal and every character has enough back story to warrant their actions. I couldn't get enough and immediately downloaded the next.
September 28, 2017
This book wrapped me from the beginning. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions from shock to anger to breath holding dread. The story runs at a good pace like the thrillers and suspense books I enjoy reading. The characters are memorable. Eleanore is a brave teen who kept me on the edge. Jake was a brave young man and Dominic was vile. Definitely 5 stars. I would give more if I could.
November 16, 2017
Romantic suspense against a backdrop of 1970s East End villains. The characters and the depiction of East London were unconvincing. There were lots of exclamation marks and some misused words, which was irritating.
November 1, 2018
Really enjoyed this story and looking forward to starting the next.
May 31, 2022
Brilliant
October 10, 2016
A teenager abandoned and at the mercy of a 1970s London gang, Eleanor Chapman is the ‘same face’ in the romantic thriller series ‘Same Face Different Place’ by Helen J Christmas. London’s East End is the starting point for the first novel, ‘Beginnings’. Eleanor’s father must disappear from England after killing in a man in a gang war. Sixteen-year-old Eleanor is taken under the wing of her father’s boss, gang leader Sammie Maxwell. And from that point, her life spirals out of control.
Forced to work in a brothel, she escapes and joins up with another teenager-on-the-run, Dutch musician Jake. Together they attract the attention of organised crime gangs and the police. Unsure who is really chasing them, they run from hiding place to hiding place and lose the ability to judge who is trustworthy. Sharing their fears, spending every minute together, Jake and Eleanor live on borrowed time. They fall in love. At times the story takes surprising twists, sometimes the outcomes are a little more predictable. I found it a little difficult to keep track of how time was passing, they seem to fall in love very quickly, and it will be interesting to see if Eleanor’s father re-emerges in the next book.
Inevitably in the first book of a series, there is lots of setting-up, character introduction and exposition. Christmas does a great job creating Seventies colour, the food, the fashions, the neighbourhoods. In a fast-moving story, Christmas writes well about a teenager lost in a large and unforgiving world.
This is an interesting start to a series with a different premise. In book two, ‘Visions’, the action starts in 1985, 12 years after the end of ‘Beginnings’.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Forced to work in a brothel, she escapes and joins up with another teenager-on-the-run, Dutch musician Jake. Together they attract the attention of organised crime gangs and the police. Unsure who is really chasing them, they run from hiding place to hiding place and lose the ability to judge who is trustworthy. Sharing their fears, spending every minute together, Jake and Eleanor live on borrowed time. They fall in love. At times the story takes surprising twists, sometimes the outcomes are a little more predictable. I found it a little difficult to keep track of how time was passing, they seem to fall in love very quickly, and it will be interesting to see if Eleanor’s father re-emerges in the next book.
Inevitably in the first book of a series, there is lots of setting-up, character introduction and exposition. Christmas does a great job creating Seventies colour, the food, the fashions, the neighbourhoods. In a fast-moving story, Christmas writes well about a teenager lost in a large and unforgiving world.
This is an interesting start to a series with a different premise. In book two, ‘Visions’, the action starts in 1985, 12 years after the end of ‘Beginnings’.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
October 4, 2016
I generally read contemporary romances and romantic comedies so this romantic thriller was a departure from the norm for me and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The story was edgy, at times shocking, gave an intriguing insight into the criminal underworld of London in the 1970s and yet remained a romantic tale of two people desperate to survive their circumstances and be together.
All characters are portrayed well giving clear mental images of what each is like as the story unfolds like a film displayed before you; I willed Eleanor and Jake, the main characters, to find their escape and I recoiled from the particularly nasty villain Theakston (who by the end of the book becomes more complex than he first appears). And I liked the fact that amongst all the drama Eleanor finds support from characters whose warmth and kindness are evident.
The end of the book, for me, felt like a pause in the action, there is a shift in direction, mood and atmosphere, opposed to closure, which left me temporarily content with where the main characters were at, but wanting to know more. This must surely be the mark of a good opening novel to a series. I look forward to reading Visions, the next story in the Same Face Different Place series!
All characters are portrayed well giving clear mental images of what each is like as the story unfolds like a film displayed before you; I willed Eleanor and Jake, the main characters, to find their escape and I recoiled from the particularly nasty villain Theakston (who by the end of the book becomes more complex than he first appears). And I liked the fact that amongst all the drama Eleanor finds support from characters whose warmth and kindness are evident.
The end of the book, for me, felt like a pause in the action, there is a shift in direction, mood and atmosphere, opposed to closure, which left me temporarily content with where the main characters were at, but wanting to know more. This must surely be the mark of a good opening novel to a series. I look forward to reading Visions, the next story in the Same Face Different Place series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews