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Watching Over You
Following the death of her husband and unborn child, Charley Belington sells the family home and bravely starts life over again. On moving into a new flat, she is befriended by her landlady, Ella, who seems like the perfect friend and confidante.
But, unbeknown to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiralling down into madness—and unspeakable obsessions.
As Ella’s mind splinters, her increasingly bizarre attentions make Charley uneasy. But with every step Charley tries to take to distance herself, Ella moves in a tightening lockstep with her, closer and closer and closer…
From the bestselling author of Taunting the Dead comes a raw, intense, relentless, and darkly claustrophobic psychological thriller that grabs you by the back of the neck and never lets you go.
But, unbeknown to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiralling down into madness—and unspeakable obsessions.
As Ella’s mind splinters, her increasingly bizarre attentions make Charley uneasy. But with every step Charley tries to take to distance herself, Ella moves in a tightening lockstep with her, closer and closer and closer…
From the bestselling author of Taunting the Dead comes a raw, intense, relentless, and darkly claustrophobic psychological thriller that grabs you by the back of the neck and never lets you go.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2014
235 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
About the author
Mel Sherratt
44 books532 followersI write police procedurals, psychological suspense and women's fiction with a punch - or grit-lit, as I call it.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 29, 2014
Maybe my expectations were too high after seeing all the four and five star ratings...but I have to say WATCHING OVER YOU didn't do it for me. It wasn't bad- there just wasn't anything that made it stand out from other "crazy woman stalker" books.
Take a little bit of...
A dash of...
A sprinkle of...
A WHOLE lot of...
x them by 10...
...And what do you get? Ella Patrick- the nymphomaniac, alcoholic, psycho stalker landlady- and Charley Belington's worst nightmare...
After the tragic loss of her husband and unborn child -Charley Belington feels it is time to move on and move out of the house they once shared. She is not quite ready to jump right into buying another home just yet- so when she spots the perfect flat for rent- she decides to scoop it up.
At first Ella Patrick- seems like the ideal landlady, downstairs neighbor, and friend- but it becomes clear, quite early on, that Ella wants more from their friendship than Charley is willing to give- and when Charley dares to start a serious relationship with a man from work- it pushes Ella over the edge.
WATCHING OVER YOU is one of those books that IS hard to put down once you start it. I think where it failed for me- is there were so many similarities to SWF Seeks Same by John Lutz- that I couldn't help but compare them, and I am afraid I liked his much better.
January 2, 2014
4.5 Bunny Boiler Stars
When Charley loses her husband unexpectedly, she decides that the only way to move forward from her grief is to sell her home and rent for a while until she decides her next step.
Ella is a girl with issues....
She has a need to pick men up for the night..One night only, nothing more..
Her sexual urges dominate her life but also help her deal with the terrible experiences she has suffered over the years.
Ella's drinking is out of control and when she wakes up next morning she has no recognition of the nights before.
When Charley moves to a shared apartment she meets Ella ... her new landlady..
Ella wants to be best friends with Charley or maybe even more but Charley is wary as Ella's obsession starts to take over..
In Ella's mind everyone leaves her, rejects her....everyone...except for Cassie
My Thoughts
Really enjoyed this story, it was a slow but couldn't put down build up to an exciting finish.
With a nail biting climax..
Cassie has a big part to play making you feel on the edge of your seat.
Throughout most of the story I really felt for Ella..her story is sad as the picture unfolds.
Can she be helped?
The more the story takes hold the more Ella becomes unbalanced.
Charley tries to deal with Ella's obsession with her and move on with her life again but madness has a funny way of taking over..
Watching Over You is out January 14th 2014 and without a doubt its a must buy for fans of these type of stories.
Now I just need a drink too...
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**
When Charley loses her husband unexpectedly, she decides that the only way to move forward from her grief is to sell her home and rent for a while until she decides her next step.
Ella is a girl with issues....
She has a need to pick men up for the night..One night only, nothing more..
Her sexual urges dominate her life but also help her deal with the terrible experiences she has suffered over the years.
Ella's drinking is out of control and when she wakes up next morning she has no recognition of the nights before.
When Charley moves to a shared apartment she meets Ella ... her new landlady..
Ella wants to be best friends with Charley or maybe even more but Charley is wary as Ella's obsession starts to take over..
In Ella's mind everyone leaves her, rejects her....everyone...except for Cassie
My Thoughts
Really enjoyed this story, it was a slow but couldn't put down build up to an exciting finish.
With a nail biting climax..
Cassie has a big part to play making you feel on the edge of your seat.
Throughout most of the story I really felt for Ella..her story is sad as the picture unfolds.
Can she be helped?
The more the story takes hold the more Ella becomes unbalanced.
Charley tries to deal with Ella's obsession with her and move on with her life again but madness has a funny way of taking over..
Watching Over You is out January 14th 2014 and without a doubt its a must buy for fans of these type of stories.
Now I just need a drink too...
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**
December 4, 2013
Coming January 2014
Thank you kindly to Mel Sherratt for the advanced copy via netgalley.
Following the death of her husband and unborn child, Charley Belington sells the family home and bravely starts life over again. On moving into a new flat, she is befriended by her landlady, Ella, who seems like the perfect friend and confidante. But, unbeknownst to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiraling down into madness ‒ and unspeakable obsessions.
Well first things first just LOOK at that cover. Brilliant. That had me nervous before I even read the first page – I stocked up on chocolate, ensured that my axe proof duvet was at the ready and a bit like going back to childhood and watching Dr Who from behind the sofa, I cautiously made my way into the story…
So. Ella. What a great character. God she’s scary – so normal on the outside, at least at first glance, yet on the inside a complete psychopath. Ok, so she had a rubbish childhood- HORRIFIC – you should, I suppose, have some sympathy for her. And I guess I did – for a while..but this is cleverly written and has you wondering if she would still be an extremely dangerous person even if her formative years had been all rainbows and kittens. Sometimes evil is just that. So thats one side of this book and its compelling, totally frightening and utterly addictive.
Then you have Charley who is perfectly lovely – she has also suffered a tragedy, that being what puts her in the path of Ella in the first place as she tries to forge out a life for herself in unexpected and terrible circumstances.As fate would have it her very real chance at new happiness may be thwarted by the simple fact that she is accepting of Ella’s manipulative friendship. Seemingly she has found a confidante, someone to help her through her grief and give her some solid ground – but as she soon realises, there is something very wrong here. And escape may be impossible.
The developing relationship between these two strong female leads is what keeps you turning the pages – we, the readers, have a greater insight into Ella than Charley has of course and you may be like me and spend most of the time yelling “RUN RUN! DON’T DO THAT” at Charley and half expecting her to hear you, so involved will you be pretty much from the start and the entire way through.
I read into the early hours of this morning, then grumped my way through getting the children to school before diving back into this tale and finally getting to the heart stopping and extremely thrilling conclusion. The purely flowing narrative keeps you on your toes and yes, you will worry for the cat.
Powerful stuff and a pure adrenalin rush of reading joy. I love it. Although no more for a while please..I’m off to read some Enid Blyton while my heart settles back into its normal routine.
Happy Reading Folks!
Thank you kindly to Mel Sherratt for the advanced copy via netgalley.
Following the death of her husband and unborn child, Charley Belington sells the family home and bravely starts life over again. On moving into a new flat, she is befriended by her landlady, Ella, who seems like the perfect friend and confidante. But, unbeknownst to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiraling down into madness ‒ and unspeakable obsessions.
Well first things first just LOOK at that cover. Brilliant. That had me nervous before I even read the first page – I stocked up on chocolate, ensured that my axe proof duvet was at the ready and a bit like going back to childhood and watching Dr Who from behind the sofa, I cautiously made my way into the story…
So. Ella. What a great character. God she’s scary – so normal on the outside, at least at first glance, yet on the inside a complete psychopath. Ok, so she had a rubbish childhood- HORRIFIC – you should, I suppose, have some sympathy for her. And I guess I did – for a while..but this is cleverly written and has you wondering if she would still be an extremely dangerous person even if her formative years had been all rainbows and kittens. Sometimes evil is just that. So thats one side of this book and its compelling, totally frightening and utterly addictive.
Then you have Charley who is perfectly lovely – she has also suffered a tragedy, that being what puts her in the path of Ella in the first place as she tries to forge out a life for herself in unexpected and terrible circumstances.As fate would have it her very real chance at new happiness may be thwarted by the simple fact that she is accepting of Ella’s manipulative friendship. Seemingly she has found a confidante, someone to help her through her grief and give her some solid ground – but as she soon realises, there is something very wrong here. And escape may be impossible.
The developing relationship between these two strong female leads is what keeps you turning the pages – we, the readers, have a greater insight into Ella than Charley has of course and you may be like me and spend most of the time yelling “RUN RUN! DON’T DO THAT” at Charley and half expecting her to hear you, so involved will you be pretty much from the start and the entire way through.
I read into the early hours of this morning, then grumped my way through getting the children to school before diving back into this tale and finally getting to the heart stopping and extremely thrilling conclusion. The purely flowing narrative keeps you on your toes and yes, you will worry for the cat.
Powerful stuff and a pure adrenalin rush of reading joy. I love it. Although no more for a while please..I’m off to read some Enid Blyton while my heart settles back into its normal routine.
Happy Reading Folks!
December 8, 2015
I would like to thank Amazon publishing, the author and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this remarkable thriller.
I had read book one in her previous series so was aware of the authors style of writing, however this book just blew me away.
I love how the chapters are just long enough that they leave you hanging so you need to read the next chapter, then the next, then the next until the hours have slipped by and you realise you just can't leave this book alone.
I'm going to be a stalker of this author and make sure I keep up with every book she writes! Yes! It was THAT good.
I had read book one in her previous series so was aware of the authors style of writing, however this book just blew me away.
I love how the chapters are just long enough that they leave you hanging so you need to read the next chapter, then the next, then the next until the hours have slipped by and you realise you just can't leave this book alone.
I'm going to be a stalker of this author and make sure I keep up with every book she writes! Yes! It was THAT good.
January 14, 2014
Being a big fan of psychological thrillers I just had to read Watching Over You by Mel Sherratt. The blurb for this book indicates that when Charley moves into her new flat that Ella who lives upstairs, may not be the best neighbour to have. We have all read enough stories of awful neighbours and some of the more unfortunate among us have had experience of them but I really hope none of my readers have experienced anyone quite like Ella.
At first all goes smoothly and Charley who is trying to take a step towards the future, following the death of her husband and unborn child, is welcomed by Ella, but reader beware, this is a tense book, told from the viewpoint of Charley and more disturbingly from Ella’s, including excerpts from her notebooks where she pours out her feelings about her past. It doesn’t take long before Ella is out for her first one-night stand. I run the risk of sounding like a maiden aunt (which I’m not) but there is an awful lot of sex in this book. I imagine it is a bit like Fifty Shades but with multiple partners, solo performances and voyeurism thrown in for good measure.
The story begins quite slowly as the characters are established but then the pace really picks up making this is one of those books I wanted to read from behind a cushion, except that is impossible! I read with my heart in my mouth as I wondered what was going to happen next until in next to no time the book was hurtling toward its terrifying conclusion.
Although the story depends on a number of coincidences and a few loose ends, I will certainly be looking for Mel Sherratt’s previous books, the Estate series.
This book is due to be published on 14 January 2014 by Thomas & Mercer. I received a free copy in return for this honest review.
At first all goes smoothly and Charley who is trying to take a step towards the future, following the death of her husband and unborn child, is welcomed by Ella, but reader beware, this is a tense book, told from the viewpoint of Charley and more disturbingly from Ella’s, including excerpts from her notebooks where she pours out her feelings about her past. It doesn’t take long before Ella is out for her first one-night stand. I run the risk of sounding like a maiden aunt (which I’m not) but there is an awful lot of sex in this book. I imagine it is a bit like Fifty Shades but with multiple partners, solo performances and voyeurism thrown in for good measure.
The story begins quite slowly as the characters are established but then the pace really picks up making this is one of those books I wanted to read from behind a cushion, except that is impossible! I read with my heart in my mouth as I wondered what was going to happen next until in next to no time the book was hurtling toward its terrifying conclusion.
Although the story depends on a number of coincidences and a few loose ends, I will certainly be looking for Mel Sherratt’s previous books, the Estate series.
This book is due to be published on 14 January 2014 by Thomas & Mercer. I received a free copy in return for this honest review.
February 24, 2016
I am used to reading about sensitive subjects as the author covers quite a lot of them in her wonderful Estate series and Watching Over You certainly has quite a shocking one.
Charley has certainly suffered a sad loss and a year after her husband died in a tragic accident she moves into a flat looking forward to moving on.
Ella is certainly battling an horrific past. Right from the start it is obvious that Ella has issues, serious issues. Ella, due to her past, certainly is not a straight forward character. My feelings for her changed throughout the story.
Watching Over You certainly won't be a story for the faint hearted as it does make for some uncomfortable reading due to the nature of the story.
If like me, you are made of stronger stuff and like to be taken on a hair raising ride though, then look no further.
The author had me well and truly hooked from the start. I read this novel within a matter of a few hours. Think Single White Female and even then some. Ella is a truly disturbed individual and the further into the story I got the more on edge I felt. I wanted to grab Charley and tell her to get as far away from there as possible.
Mel Sherratt has created a powerful and hard hitting story that makes for a thrilling yet shocking read. A must read for fans of truly disturbing psychological thrillers.
Charley has certainly suffered a sad loss and a year after her husband died in a tragic accident she moves into a flat looking forward to moving on.
Ella is certainly battling an horrific past. Right from the start it is obvious that Ella has issues, serious issues. Ella, due to her past, certainly is not a straight forward character. My feelings for her changed throughout the story.
Watching Over You certainly won't be a story for the faint hearted as it does make for some uncomfortable reading due to the nature of the story.
If like me, you are made of stronger stuff and like to be taken on a hair raising ride though, then look no further.
The author had me well and truly hooked from the start. I read this novel within a matter of a few hours. Think Single White Female and even then some. Ella is a truly disturbed individual and the further into the story I got the more on edge I felt. I wanted to grab Charley and tell her to get as far away from there as possible.
Mel Sherratt has created a powerful and hard hitting story that makes for a thrilling yet shocking read. A must read for fans of truly disturbing psychological thrillers.
December 9, 2014
A quick read for me. Started late one night and finished it off the next morning.
It tells the story of Charley, a newly widowed wife who loses her husband in a car crash. Wanting to make a fresh start somewhere new she decides to leave her family home and take a short term lease until she decides what she wants to do next. And this is where we meet Ella, Charley's new landlady, a woman who on the surface appears friendly and likeable, but who as time goes on, starts to unravel before Charley's very eyes. What follows is a slow burner of a story that gradually picks up momentum and tension. It's a tale that is a told in an everyday way with a grittiness and ease that has become synonymous with Ms Sherratt's books. One that becomes clear where a system of care that should have nurtured and given freely failed spectacularly and miserably. A cautionary tale that I'm sure could easily land on any social workers' desk anywhere.
There's good characterisation and good storytelling. I should mention here that there is a fair amount of very realistic sex present within the book. Some readers have called the book soft porn??!! In my opinion it isn't, whatever is present is necessary to the character's story and is not told in a titillating or shock tactics way. More a case of I felt saddened that this was how the 'system' had failed.
It's an enjoyable read that had me racing towards the end at a frenetic speed, hurtling along to a heady climax. It's underlying sinister with just enough creepiness to keep you curled up under the duvet with your curtains very firmly kept shut. I enjoyed it and would recommend.
Happy reading! (Well it's not happy, but you know what I mean!!).
It tells the story of Charley, a newly widowed wife who loses her husband in a car crash. Wanting to make a fresh start somewhere new she decides to leave her family home and take a short term lease until she decides what she wants to do next. And this is where we meet Ella, Charley's new landlady, a woman who on the surface appears friendly and likeable, but who as time goes on, starts to unravel before Charley's very eyes. What follows is a slow burner of a story that gradually picks up momentum and tension. It's a tale that is a told in an everyday way with a grittiness and ease that has become synonymous with Ms Sherratt's books. One that becomes clear where a system of care that should have nurtured and given freely failed spectacularly and miserably. A cautionary tale that I'm sure could easily land on any social workers' desk anywhere.
There's good characterisation and good storytelling. I should mention here that there is a fair amount of very realistic sex present within the book. Some readers have called the book soft porn??!! In my opinion it isn't, whatever is present is necessary to the character's story and is not told in a titillating or shock tactics way. More a case of I felt saddened that this was how the 'system' had failed.
It's an enjoyable read that had me racing towards the end at a frenetic speed, hurtling along to a heady climax. It's underlying sinister with just enough creepiness to keep you curled up under the duvet with your curtains very firmly kept shut. I enjoyed it and would recommend.
Happy reading! (Well it's not happy, but you know what I mean!!).
December 8, 2013
Coming January 2014
Thank you kindly to Mel Sherratt for the advanced copy via netgalley.
Following the death of her husband and unborn child, Charley Belington sells the family home and bravely starts life over again. On moving into a new flat, she is befriended by her landlady, Ella, who seems like the perfect friend and confidante. But, unbeknownst to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiraling down into madness ‒ and unspeakable obsessions.
Well first things first just LOOK at that cover. Brilliant. That had me nervous before I even read the first page – I stocked up on chocolate, ensured that my axe proof duvet was at the ready and a bit like going back to childhood and watching Dr Who from behind the sofa, I cautiously made my way into the story…
So. Ella. What a great character. God she’s scary – so normal on the outside, at least at first glance, yet on the inside a complete psychopath. Ok, so she had a rubbish childhood- HORRIFIC – you should, I suppose, have some sympathy for her. And I guess I did – for a while..but this is cleverly written and has you wondering if she would still be an extremely dangerous person even if her formative years had been all rainbows and kittens. Sometimes evil is just that. So thats one side of this book and its compelling, totally frightening and utterly addictive.
Then you have Charley who is perfectly lovely – she has also suffered a tragedy, that being what puts her in the path of Ella in the first place as she tries to forge out a life for herself in unexpected and terrible circumstances.As fate would have it her very real chance at new happiness may be thwarted by the simple fact that she is accepting of Ella’s manipulative friendship. Seemingly she has found a confidante, someone to help her through her grief and give her some solid ground – but as she soon realises, there is something very wrong here. And escape may be impossible.
The developing relationship between these two strong female leads is what keeps you turning the pages – we, the readers, have a greater insight into Ella than Charley has of course and you may be like me and spend most of the time yelling “RUN RUN! DON’T DO THAT” at Charley and half expecting her to hear you, so involved will you be pretty much from the start and the entire way through.
I read into the early hours of this morning, then grumped my way through getting the children to school before diving back into this tale and finally getting to the heart stopping and extremely thrilling conclusion. The purely flowing narrative keeps you on your toes and yes, you will worry for the cat.
Powerful stuff and a pure adrenalin rush of reading joy. I love it. Although no more for a while please..I’m off to read some Enid Blyton while my heart settles back into its normal routine.
Happy Reading Folks!
Thank you kindly to Mel Sherratt for the advanced copy via netgalley.
Following the death of her husband and unborn child, Charley Belington sells the family home and bravely starts life over again. On moving into a new flat, she is befriended by her landlady, Ella, who seems like the perfect friend and confidante. But, unbeknownst to Charley, Ella is fighting her own dark and dirty demons as the fallout from a horrific childhood sends her spiraling down into madness ‒ and unspeakable obsessions.
Well first things first just LOOK at that cover. Brilliant. That had me nervous before I even read the first page – I stocked up on chocolate, ensured that my axe proof duvet was at the ready and a bit like going back to childhood and watching Dr Who from behind the sofa, I cautiously made my way into the story…
So. Ella. What a great character. God she’s scary – so normal on the outside, at least at first glance, yet on the inside a complete psychopath. Ok, so she had a rubbish childhood- HORRIFIC – you should, I suppose, have some sympathy for her. And I guess I did – for a while..but this is cleverly written and has you wondering if she would still be an extremely dangerous person even if her formative years had been all rainbows and kittens. Sometimes evil is just that. So thats one side of this book and its compelling, totally frightening and utterly addictive.
Then you have Charley who is perfectly lovely – she has also suffered a tragedy, that being what puts her in the path of Ella in the first place as she tries to forge out a life for herself in unexpected and terrible circumstances.As fate would have it her very real chance at new happiness may be thwarted by the simple fact that she is accepting of Ella’s manipulative friendship. Seemingly she has found a confidante, someone to help her through her grief and give her some solid ground – but as she soon realises, there is something very wrong here. And escape may be impossible.
The developing relationship between these two strong female leads is what keeps you turning the pages – we, the readers, have a greater insight into Ella than Charley has of course and you may be like me and spend most of the time yelling “RUN RUN! DON’T DO THAT” at Charley and half expecting her to hear you, so involved will you be pretty much from the start and the entire way through.
I read into the early hours of this morning, then grumped my way through getting the children to school before diving back into this tale and finally getting to the heart stopping and extremely thrilling conclusion. The purely flowing narrative keeps you on your toes and yes, you will worry for the cat.
Powerful stuff and a pure adrenalin rush of reading joy. I love it. Although no more for a while please..I’m off to read some Enid Blyton while my heart settles back into its normal routine.
Happy Reading Folks!
January 18, 2014
Taunting the Dead was the first book I had the pleasure of reading by Mel Sherratt. I was intrigued then by her writing and quickly whizzed through The Estate Series waiting patiently for the next of Mel's books I would be able to read. Mel was then picked up by a publishing company and I wondered if her books would lose their edge or the reality aspect of the characters such as those in the Estate series. Well I am more than happy to say that this has got to be the best book so far! When you meet Charley for the first time, her work with domestic violence victims draws you to her caring side. She has suffered loss and you feel that with every written word. Along comes Ella to shake up her existence and you feel for Charley and know she will soon find herself in a situation which she will struggle to escape from. Until that is..we meet Cassandra, but by this time there is some hope for Charley in the form of a handsome male admirer. I don't want to give to much of the book away but I tell you what..this is more than worth the read. As I came to the end of the book I was visualising each chapter and character. I could definitely see this as a two part mini series on telly!..in fact, I hope one day I do!! I also love the fact that this book is set in my home territory which made visualising the characters as the story unfolded so much easier...fantastic book Mel...thank you for allowing me the pleasure to once again delve into your world of imagination
December 12, 2013
Superb Thriller.
I'd like to Thank the author, Mel Sherratt, for listing this book early on Net Galley for her fans.
I have read Mel's "Estate" series so I knew "Watching Over You" was going to be a great read.
The suspense grabs you by the throat and does not let go until way after finishing this truly tense and heart pounding novel.
The characters were well rounded and three dimensional. Charley a strong, yet at the same time timid woman who the reader is instantly drawn to, verses Ella... What can I say? She was one damaged woman! Despite her obvious scary, psychotic character the reader can't help emphasising with her and wanting to try and understand the reasons why she is so evil!
The chapters are written in small sharp doses which made it very difficult for me to put my kindle down at all whilst reading it, I just had to keep reading until I reached the shocking and dramatic conclusion.
Mel is definately one of my favourite authors and I can highly recommend her books. If you haven't read them, then you really should!
I'd like to Thank the author, Mel Sherratt, for listing this book early on Net Galley for her fans.
I have read Mel's "Estate" series so I knew "Watching Over You" was going to be a great read.
The suspense grabs you by the throat and does not let go until way after finishing this truly tense and heart pounding novel.
The characters were well rounded and three dimensional. Charley a strong, yet at the same time timid woman who the reader is instantly drawn to, verses Ella... What can I say? She was one damaged woman! Despite her obvious scary, psychotic character the reader can't help emphasising with her and wanting to try and understand the reasons why she is so evil!
The chapters are written in small sharp doses which made it very difficult for me to put my kindle down at all whilst reading it, I just had to keep reading until I reached the shocking and dramatic conclusion.
Mel is definately one of my favourite authors and I can highly recommend her books. If you haven't read them, then you really should!
August 10, 2015
I loved Mel Sherratt's ‘The Estate’ series, so I was excited to receive an early copy of her new book Watching Over You which is due for release on 14th January. Thank you to the publisher.
Wow! Mel has created a story that had me well and truly hooked from the first page. Well written, tightly plotted and the characterisation is completely brilliant. The nearer it got to the end the more tense things were and just like a film, I was on the edge of my seat. It reminded me of the movie Single White Female and this book would also be fantastic if it was made into a film or TV dramatisation.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a gripping read and I cannot wait to see what Mel comes up with next.
Wow! Mel has created a story that had me well and truly hooked from the first page. Well written, tightly plotted and the characterisation is completely brilliant. The nearer it got to the end the more tense things were and just like a film, I was on the edge of my seat. It reminded me of the movie Single White Female and this book would also be fantastic if it was made into a film or TV dramatisation.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a gripping read and I cannot wait to see what Mel comes up with next.
April 9, 2014
Wow!I now completely understand why Elizabeth Haynes described this as a book you need to read from behind a cushion! I can't remember the last time a book unsettled me quite this much. And, Ella, what a character. Just reading about her made me feel grubby - mentally and physically - and it's testament to Mel's skill that she achieved such a feat. And Ella isn't the only creepy character in the book. Everyone is being watched by someone. I'm never leaving my lights on and my curtains open ever again. You just don't know who's watching...
January 23, 2015
I don't know if my tastes are changing, or what, but this book was just "okay" for me (which I'm rating 2 star according to Goodreads). It told a sad story, about hurt people hurting each other, and to me, had little redemptive value.
I'm not looking for Sydney Carton or anything, but just saying, the book was a dark, explicit downer, and didn't do anything new or surprising. It definitely made sex addiction sound unsexy, I'll give it that.
I'm not looking for Sydney Carton or anything, but just saying, the book was a dark, explicit downer, and didn't do anything new or surprising. It definitely made sex addiction sound unsexy, I'll give it that.
July 13, 2020
2.5
Charley just looking for a new place to start over after a terrible lost.
Ella has some issues and looking to make Charley be her very next best friend.
Jean the nosey old lady writes down everything she sees in her neighborhood.
With Charley moving in Jean a little worried that Ella will run her off like her last tenant.
Ella crazy...
Charley just looking for a new place to start over after a terrible lost.
Ella has some issues and looking to make Charley be her very next best friend.
Jean the nosey old lady writes down everything she sees in her neighborhood.
With Charley moving in Jean a little worried that Ella will run her off like her last tenant.
Ella crazy...
January 17, 2016
This is my first thriller of 2016 and I absolutely loved it. This is also the first of Mel Sheratt's books I've read and I will definitely be checking out her other work.
A story about trust, abuse (physical, mental and physical), perception, and mental health all linked together to form a brilliant thriller with brilliant characters who all appear mismatched on the surface but link together wonderfully.
I absolutely love Mel's writing style and I particularly enjoyed the internal, schizophrenic monologues of Ella.
A great book with fantastic writing and interesting characters.
4 stars...
'There were too many memories in the house. Coming home to them had been comforting at first. Now they stopped her from healing'.
'I had an injury to my head, you see. I know, I know. If you're reading this you're going to say this is what caused me to be how I am. It could have been the cause; it could have been the start - who knows, it could have happened without the head injury. It could have been inside me anyway. I could just be evil'.
'I craved love; you wanted sex. There is a difference'.
'The next relationship I had, I was in control. I was the abuser. What? You think I should take it all my life but not give it back? I don't think so'.
'If I screwed around with my body, no one screwed around with my mind. I could take control...'.
'Who are you trying to kid, you stupid bitch? She doesn't need you'.
A story about trust, abuse (physical, mental and physical), perception, and mental health all linked together to form a brilliant thriller with brilliant characters who all appear mismatched on the surface but link together wonderfully.
I absolutely love Mel's writing style and I particularly enjoyed the internal, schizophrenic monologues of Ella.
A great book with fantastic writing and interesting characters.
4 stars...
'There were too many memories in the house. Coming home to them had been comforting at first. Now they stopped her from healing'.
'I had an injury to my head, you see. I know, I know. If you're reading this you're going to say this is what caused me to be how I am. It could have been the cause; it could have been the start - who knows, it could have happened without the head injury. It could have been inside me anyway. I could just be evil'.
'I craved love; you wanted sex. There is a difference'.
'The next relationship I had, I was in control. I was the abuser. What? You think I should take it all my life but not give it back? I don't think so'.
'If I screwed around with my body, no one screwed around with my mind. I could take control...'.
'Who are you trying to kid, you stupid bitch? She doesn't need you'.
August 23, 2019
First time reading this author and she herself described this book as in the "smutty grit-lit" genre. This was definitely gritty and had quite a bit of smutty sex scenes. I had no problems with that, bring it on! The problem I did have with this book, and the reason for my average rating would be this story has been told soooo many times before.
Deranged roommate/neighbor/housemate stalks and causes all kinds of problems for new housemate. I am not sure how many times this story can be told in a different way. The story sounded all too familiar to me, and with so many domestic noirs out there, I would like a completely new untold story for once. The author gave it her take and added a lot of psychological elements to the tale, but it just ended up being a bit too predictable.
If you are new to reading about stalking housemates, this would be a good first one for you, with plenty of evil doings and creepy scenes. For me, having read my fair share already in this genre, I give it 3 stars, it was good, but it just didn't have any new elements that shocked me.
I am interested in seeing what else this author has written, and hopeful for something new!
3 stars.
Deranged roommate/neighbor/housemate stalks and causes all kinds of problems for new housemate. I am not sure how many times this story can be told in a different way. The story sounded all too familiar to me, and with so many domestic noirs out there, I would like a completely new untold story for once. The author gave it her take and added a lot of psychological elements to the tale, but it just ended up being a bit too predictable.
If you are new to reading about stalking housemates, this would be a good first one for you, with plenty of evil doings and creepy scenes. For me, having read my fair share already in this genre, I give it 3 stars, it was good, but it just didn't have any new elements that shocked me.
I am interested in seeing what else this author has written, and hopeful for something new!
3 stars.
August 21, 2014
I found this an enjoyable read but by no means a great or even an average one. Why rate a book with just two stars when enjoyed I hear you ask! I'm afraid i'm not a person to rate a book with 4 or 5 stars unless they are outstanding or very much above average. "Watching Over You" would gain 3 stars for its plot but is dragged down by it's extremely simplistic style. It simply lacks depth and it's emotion is shallow and lacking in substance. The characters feel like something from a bad soap opera. The style of writing is also very plain. I did feel some empathy and sympathy but felt more sorry for the "damaged and scarred" perpetrator than the "wet drip" of a victim. This all seems very harsh and I'm sure the book is greater than I could ever hope to achieve, but then I'm no writer. The plot saves it from a paltry one star as I did feel the need to finish it which says something.
July 12, 2015
I really don't understand the high ratings for this book. I found it contrived and without any redeeming features. the characters are one dimensional, the plot is predictable and the constant sex just gratuitous without adding anything. clearly the author lives stoke....sections of this read like a council brochure for the city, which I just found annoying. sorry to be so negative, but really not for me.
September 7, 2014
This is definitely what I would term a trashy read, something quick, fast paced and unlikely to recommend to book club!
It felt a bit manic just reading it, the whole cassie/Ella personality thing, and there was enough sex in it to rival 50 shades easily.
Not my usual cop of tea, can't say I enjoyed it, but it kept me reading till the end just to see how it ended.
It felt a bit manic just reading it, the whole cassie/Ella personality thing, and there was enough sex in it to rival 50 shades easily.
Not my usual cop of tea, can't say I enjoyed it, but it kept me reading till the end just to see how it ended.
February 23, 2016
4:5 star read...
Single white female meets Cathy Bates.
I can't say this book is an enjoyable read, it is a page turner that made me feel slightly grubby and a voyeur.
I had a difficult time putting this book down, and found it creepy and addictive.
Single white female meets Cathy Bates.
I can't say this book is an enjoyable read, it is a page turner that made me feel slightly grubby and a voyeur.
I had a difficult time putting this book down, and found it creepy and addictive.
January 14, 2014
This is my first book by Mel Sherratt and I loved it!!! Definitely gonna find more books by Mel! Awesome read that I highly recommend! Great psychological thriller!
October 2, 2019
This is a creepy thriller of a widow who moves into a flat with her landlady living above her. Although her landlady seems nice at first, Charley soon realises she seems to drink a lot and exhibits a lot of up and down behaviours. Ella is completely jealous of Charley's life.
It is a story that has been done before but I like that we are given an insight into Ella's state of mind as well, I did feel sorry for her.
A good read.
It is a story that has been done before but I like that we are given an insight into Ella's state of mind as well, I did feel sorry for her.
A good read.
February 13, 2023
Read super quickly ooops, not as good as ten days. Found it quick to get into but a lot left unexplained and the main character is so naive
Felt like it didn’t really do justice to grief, Charley is consumed by grief then suddenly is able to switch that off pretty much after a few weeks. Ella went through grief, childhood abuse, domestic abuse, alcoholic addiction, sex addiction, drug addiction and schizophrenia but the book feels like it never really addresses any of them fully or completely. There are so many plot points that just don’t get revisited or addressed.
Felt like it didn’t really do justice to grief, Charley is consumed by grief then suddenly is able to switch that off pretty much after a few weeks. Ella went through grief, childhood abuse, domestic abuse, alcoholic addiction, sex addiction, drug addiction and schizophrenia but the book feels like it never really addresses any of them fully or completely. There are so many plot points that just don’t get revisited or addressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2014
I finished this book and could almost hear my heart beating it was going that fast. This book should come with a health warning. Mel has been on my TBR for a long time but as any book lover will know, a never-ending TBR is both a blessing and a curse. We always have something to read, just not enough time for all of them. Since starting the blog one thing that has astounded me is the generosity of authors. I have received a number of signed books and when Mel offered two of hers for review I was incredibly grateful. I didn't quite toss a coin but it was a difficult choice between this and Taunting the Dead for my first read but I decided to go with this.
The blurb and cover gives a fair idea of what to expect, so I started this book feeling very excited and a little apprehensive. We meet Charley who is attempting to move on after the death of her husband. She finds a flat and meets her landlady, Ella. Ella is lonely. Desperate for a friend, or a relationship she has an unhealthy obsession with sex, meeting people for one night stands (on a website designed for that purpose) only to then wonder why nobody ever wants more. Why nobody wants her. Charley moves into the flat on a short term basis, beforehand though she notices a nosy neighbour and given that we know something of what's to come it was almost amusing that she was a little freaked out. 'She wasn't sure she wanted a neighbour watching her every move. It seemed a little creepy.' Little did she know that danger lurked in the very house she was moving into, and not in the house of a lonely old lady across the road. At first all Ella wants is for Charley to be her friend, however it isn't long until things take a turn for the worse and we discover just how far Ella is willing to go to find a friend.
It's incredibly hard to discuss the plot further without giving stuff away but the character of Ella is absolutely terrifying and not somebody you would want to get on the wrong side of. With serious mental issues because of a horrific upbringing she clearly needs help but manages to hide it well for the most part. She was a very well developed character with an interesting and at times heartbreaking backstory. With the use of diary entries we learn what made her the person she is today, reading about her life almost makes you feel sorry for her however her actions in the present soon change that. It also freaked me out how some of the characters eventually came to be connected and it didn't feel contrived how they were connected.
I felt that it took a while for the story to really get going. If I'm honest certain aspects felt a bit repetitive. For example Ella going out to have sex with randoms, or pleasuring herself in her window for the perv over the road just got a bit boring after a while so I was waiting for the action to kick in. This is going to sound terrible but in the beginning I actually wanted Ella to be worse than she was. Having recently finished a book where a man becomes obsessed with his neighbour and attempts to take over his life, I wanted something similar to happen here and at times it just felt like Ella was all talk and some things just felt a bit tame. As a reader of some pretty brutal crime fiction, I wanted some of that here. Having said all that the book picks up considerably in the second half and everything I wished for came true.
Out of the two characters Ella was the most interesting. You almost find yourself wanting to shake Charley, to scream at her to get out yet at the same time knowing that would make for a boring story. Given her job she comes across as a bit stupid at times, and I actually found her to be quite dull most of the time. Luckily Ella's story was gripping enough to more than make up for that. The last section of the book had my heart trying to escape from my chest, I just could not put the book down as cliched as that sounds. In terms of the ending I had a different scenario playing out in my head yet overall it was a satisfying ending. It's just that my warped imagination had something completely different in mind. All too often authors write a fantastic book and ruin it with the ending, I don't know if this ending was always the plan for Mel but it definitely does the story justice.
Characters don't come much more messed up than Ella and I think readers will be torn over what to think and how to feel. Charley wasn't as well developed in my opinion and I struggled to relate to her at times however I definitely felt for her when she discovered just how dangerous Ella was. In terms of the writing and storyline they very rarely get much better than this. I finished it in three sittings as once you start reading it's very hard to stop. If it was a film you would be glued to the screen yet at the same time wondering whether you should hide behind the couch and that's how I read this, addicted but at times wary to read on. Readers living in a flat or an apartment will never look at their neighbours the same way again. Although, given what the people in neighboring houses got up to in this book I guess we will all look at our neighbours differently! Brilliant stuff and I'm very excited to read more of Mel's books.
Thanks to Mel Sherratt for the review copy.
The blurb and cover gives a fair idea of what to expect, so I started this book feeling very excited and a little apprehensive. We meet Charley who is attempting to move on after the death of her husband. She finds a flat and meets her landlady, Ella. Ella is lonely. Desperate for a friend, or a relationship she has an unhealthy obsession with sex, meeting people for one night stands (on a website designed for that purpose) only to then wonder why nobody ever wants more. Why nobody wants her. Charley moves into the flat on a short term basis, beforehand though she notices a nosy neighbour and given that we know something of what's to come it was almost amusing that she was a little freaked out. 'She wasn't sure she wanted a neighbour watching her every move. It seemed a little creepy.' Little did she know that danger lurked in the very house she was moving into, and not in the house of a lonely old lady across the road. At first all Ella wants is for Charley to be her friend, however it isn't long until things take a turn for the worse and we discover just how far Ella is willing to go to find a friend.
It's incredibly hard to discuss the plot further without giving stuff away but the character of Ella is absolutely terrifying and not somebody you would want to get on the wrong side of. With serious mental issues because of a horrific upbringing she clearly needs help but manages to hide it well for the most part. She was a very well developed character with an interesting and at times heartbreaking backstory. With the use of diary entries we learn what made her the person she is today, reading about her life almost makes you feel sorry for her however her actions in the present soon change that. It also freaked me out how some of the characters eventually came to be connected and it didn't feel contrived how they were connected.
I felt that it took a while for the story to really get going. If I'm honest certain aspects felt a bit repetitive. For example Ella going out to have sex with randoms, or pleasuring herself in her window for the perv over the road just got a bit boring after a while so I was waiting for the action to kick in. This is going to sound terrible but in the beginning I actually wanted Ella to be worse than she was. Having recently finished a book where a man becomes obsessed with his neighbour and attempts to take over his life, I wanted something similar to happen here and at times it just felt like Ella was all talk and some things just felt a bit tame. As a reader of some pretty brutal crime fiction, I wanted some of that here. Having said all that the book picks up considerably in the second half and everything I wished for came true.
Out of the two characters Ella was the most interesting. You almost find yourself wanting to shake Charley, to scream at her to get out yet at the same time knowing that would make for a boring story. Given her job she comes across as a bit stupid at times, and I actually found her to be quite dull most of the time. Luckily Ella's story was gripping enough to more than make up for that. The last section of the book had my heart trying to escape from my chest, I just could not put the book down as cliched as that sounds. In terms of the ending I had a different scenario playing out in my head yet overall it was a satisfying ending. It's just that my warped imagination had something completely different in mind. All too often authors write a fantastic book and ruin it with the ending, I don't know if this ending was always the plan for Mel but it definitely does the story justice.
Characters don't come much more messed up than Ella and I think readers will be torn over what to think and how to feel. Charley wasn't as well developed in my opinion and I struggled to relate to her at times however I definitely felt for her when she discovered just how dangerous Ella was. In terms of the writing and storyline they very rarely get much better than this. I finished it in three sittings as once you start reading it's very hard to stop. If it was a film you would be glued to the screen yet at the same time wondering whether you should hide behind the couch and that's how I read this, addicted but at times wary to read on. Readers living in a flat or an apartment will never look at their neighbours the same way again. Although, given what the people in neighboring houses got up to in this book I guess we will all look at our neighbours differently! Brilliant stuff and I'm very excited to read more of Mel's books.
Thanks to Mel Sherratt for the review copy.
July 24, 2022
Loved this book, couldn’t put it down!
February 6, 2014
I feel pretty torn with my opinion on this book. I have read the first of Mel’s Estate books and really enjoyed it. It’s also clear from reading this latest of her books that she has bundles of talent and is overall a great writer. For some reason though, this book just didn’t sit all that well with me. I liked Charley Belington and the reader gets to see this brave woman try to get over the death of her husband. She is trying to move on and that means moving out of the home she shared with her husband Dan. When she moves into a new flat she meets the Landlady Ella who seems like an ideal friend.
At first Ella seems to be the ideal landlady and is going out of her way to welcome Charley into her new home. What the reader soon discovers is that Ella has her own demons and her horrific upbringing is seemingly now responsible for the adult she is becoming. It was clear from pretty early on that Ella has some serious issues and I thought that Mel Sherratt handled them in a way that made the reader understands a little more the way that their minds work. It certainly brings to the forefront the major issue with mental healthcare that many people still shy away from.
We also see neighbours that are part of the plot line appear and in their own way, they become part of Ella and Charley’s lives without them even being aware of it. The one thing I really did like is the plot thread that brought them all together. I thought this was probably the highlight of the book and cleverly done. For me though, I just felt like certain parts of the book were too repetitive and that it felt a little like overkill on certain issues. The book certainly had great pace and the storyline itself and suspense kept you reading. I just felt like overall, there were some things that were too much in my opinion. I’m certainly not prudish or shy (nothing could be further from the truth), but the sexual elements of the story seemed too much and I wasn’t sure they needed to be as much at the forefront as they were.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, but I felt like it was let down by a few things. No doubt Mel Sherratt will go on and produce even more amazing books such as she has been doing for some time. This is by no means indicating that the lady doesn’t have talent because she does. I just feel like this (in comparison to the Estate books), doesn’t do her the justice she deserves. Will no doubt be a winner with the majority, just didn’t quite do it for me.
At first Ella seems to be the ideal landlady and is going out of her way to welcome Charley into her new home. What the reader soon discovers is that Ella has her own demons and her horrific upbringing is seemingly now responsible for the adult she is becoming. It was clear from pretty early on that Ella has some serious issues and I thought that Mel Sherratt handled them in a way that made the reader understands a little more the way that their minds work. It certainly brings to the forefront the major issue with mental healthcare that many people still shy away from.
We also see neighbours that are part of the plot line appear and in their own way, they become part of Ella and Charley’s lives without them even being aware of it. The one thing I really did like is the plot thread that brought them all together. I thought this was probably the highlight of the book and cleverly done. For me though, I just felt like certain parts of the book were too repetitive and that it felt a little like overkill on certain issues. The book certainly had great pace and the storyline itself and suspense kept you reading. I just felt like overall, there were some things that were too much in my opinion. I’m certainly not prudish or shy (nothing could be further from the truth), but the sexual elements of the story seemed too much and I wasn’t sure they needed to be as much at the forefront as they were.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, but I felt like it was let down by a few things. No doubt Mel Sherratt will go on and produce even more amazing books such as she has been doing for some time. This is by no means indicating that the lady doesn’t have talent because she does. I just feel like this (in comparison to the Estate books), doesn’t do her the justice she deserves. Will no doubt be a winner with the majority, just didn’t quite do it for me.
February 24, 2014
Like Cathy & Josie in The Estate series, Mel Sherratt's Charley in Watching Over You is a caregiver - a support worker @ an organization for victims of domestic abuse. And like them, she is a very attractive character. But I was disappointed that we see practically nothing of Charley in her caregiving role. She mostly figures as the intended victim in a very straightforward thriller; we know the identity of the villain from the beginning. This book is another version of the roommate-from-hell story. It feels like the basis for a movie - a movie that maybe you've already seen if you've watched thrillers like Single White Female. In this case the roommate is actually a landlady, but she lives on the floor directly above Charley. She is Ella/Cassandra. The slash mark (how apropos) designates a multiple personality or a schizophrenic voice or maybe just another identity Ella wants to leave behind - Mel Sherratt gives her aspects of all three. For reasons I don't understand, publishers like to represent the speech of villains in italic type, so Cassie speaks in italics. In reality schizoids are seldom violent, but Cassie is a real bunny-boiler, altho' this is not a fatal-attraction plot. Ella prefers to find dates from an on-line service called One Night Only that specialises in hook-ups uninterested in return engagements. She is also bisexual.
Mel Sherratt's attractive characters tend to have had blighted emotional lives, & Charley is a widow whose husband was killed in a car crash & she has also suffered a miscarriage. Ella is hoping for an affair with Charley, but is chagrined when Charley finds love instead in a relationship with Aaron, an attractive co-worker, a relationship that Ella ironically forwarded. Ella's frustration brings out the personality of the murderous Cassie, targeting Aaron & Charley.
Mel Sherratt's books tend to develop slowly, & this one is extended with Ella's other sexual adventures - including with a 17-year old neighbour - & a truly horrific backstory of childhood abuse; her parents were also killed in a car smash & she was bullied in an awful facility.
I may be slightly over-rating Watching Over You, but it is a perfectly decent thriller & (just barely) worth the time it took to read & anyway I like Mel Sherratt. But I enjoyed The Estate books better, because they offered more variety & more engaging characters.
Mel Sherratt's attractive characters tend to have had blighted emotional lives, & Charley is a widow whose husband was killed in a car crash & she has also suffered a miscarriage. Ella is hoping for an affair with Charley, but is chagrined when Charley finds love instead in a relationship with Aaron, an attractive co-worker, a relationship that Ella ironically forwarded. Ella's frustration brings out the personality of the murderous Cassie, targeting Aaron & Charley.
Mel Sherratt's books tend to develop slowly, & this one is extended with Ella's other sexual adventures - including with a 17-year old neighbour - & a truly horrific backstory of childhood abuse; her parents were also killed in a car smash & she was bullied in an awful facility.
I may be slightly over-rating Watching Over You, but it is a perfectly decent thriller & (just barely) worth the time it took to read & anyway I like Mel Sherratt. But I enjoyed The Estate books better, because they offered more variety & more engaging characters.
January 26, 2014
After reading Taunting The Dead by this author a couple of years ago I have been following her career and loving her work and determination. Although I would like to say her writing ability has grown over that time I honestly can not as her unique style of writing was amazing then just as it is today!
Watching Over You, although slightly different from her other books was an awesome, breath taking read. The prologue was enough to get my emotions moving so I was well aware this was not going to be a easy read. When you start the book you have a good idea of the basis of the storyline but what I wasn't expecting was to be so emotional from the first chapter. It was as though all my senses was on high alert. I found the story moved very quickly and yet still got to know all the characters well enough to feel a good connection with them. I grieved with Charley, could feel all her pain and uncertainty at trying to move on with her life. Ella had the hairs on my arms stand to attention and my mind racing from the first moment we meet her. I certainly felt terrible for the life she had been dealt yet at the same time she terrified me! The tension in this book was there from the beginning and it just seemed to build with each turn of the page as did my fear and emotions. By the end of the book I was not only in tears but a emotionally wreck! This was a brilliant read, I found myself having to remind myself constantly that cruelty does no longer happen in children's home and I was truly reading fiction.
When it comes to writing Crime/ Psychological Thriller's no one writes better than Mel Sherratt, she has a way of making even the most emotionally charged thriller so easy to read. I can not recommended this or any of her other books highly enough!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Watching Over You, although slightly different from her other books was an awesome, breath taking read. The prologue was enough to get my emotions moving so I was well aware this was not going to be a easy read. When you start the book you have a good idea of the basis of the storyline but what I wasn't expecting was to be so emotional from the first chapter. It was as though all my senses was on high alert. I found the story moved very quickly and yet still got to know all the characters well enough to feel a good connection with them. I grieved with Charley, could feel all her pain and uncertainty at trying to move on with her life. Ella had the hairs on my arms stand to attention and my mind racing from the first moment we meet her. I certainly felt terrible for the life she had been dealt yet at the same time she terrified me! The tension in this book was there from the beginning and it just seemed to build with each turn of the page as did my fear and emotions. By the end of the book I was not only in tears but a emotionally wreck! This was a brilliant read, I found myself having to remind myself constantly that cruelty does no longer happen in children's home and I was truly reading fiction.
When it comes to writing Crime/ Psychological Thriller's no one writes better than Mel Sherratt, she has a way of making even the most emotionally charged thriller so easy to read. I can not recommended this or any of her other books highly enough!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
January 20, 2014
First off, the summary on the back didn't prepare me for what was to come, but I kept reading just waiting to see how the story would unfold and I am glad that I did.
Charley loses here husband and soon there after her unborn child and by not being able to stand being in the home that she shared with her now deceased husband she sells her house and moves in elsewhere.
Her landlady seems nice enough at first.
Then the nail biting begins as the more pages you turn, the more Ella, the landlady, starts to unravel.
It's an edge of your seat book as you sit there helplessly unable to stop and control anything that you see coming.
I would recommend this book to any thriller/horror fan, it's like a well-played movie in your head.
Charley loses here husband and soon there after her unborn child and by not being able to stand being in the home that she shared with her now deceased husband she sells her house and moves in elsewhere.
Her landlady seems nice enough at first.
Then the nail biting begins as the more pages you turn, the more Ella, the landlady, starts to unravel.
It's an edge of your seat book as you sit there helplessly unable to stop and control anything that you see coming.
I would recommend this book to any thriller/horror fan, it's like a well-played movie in your head.
December 31, 2016
I thought I would enjoy this, seeing as the plot was similar to SWF Seeks Same. I haven't read that, but it was the basis of the movie Single White Female and I love a good crazy roommate story! But instead of a good psychological showdown between psycho landlady and nice tenant, there was too much focus on Ella's sex addiction. For the first 168 pages, it's not much more than her having one night stands and masturbating constantly! I'm no prude - it's more the fact that Sherratt eventually makes all the smut boring! I was after some more chills and thrills.
I wasn't sure if we were meant to feel sorry for Ella. Yes, she had a truly horrible past, but she has money at her disposal and people more than ready to help her. I get tired of self-involved characters who refuse assistance when it is clearly available to them.
And the whole predatory-lesbian cliche going on here troubled me too! Even back in 1992, Single White Female wasn't pulling that crap!
The secondary characters of Jake and Jean barely needed to be there. Having Jean have a connection to Ella's past was silly and contrived and added nothing. It's got a pretty good climax, and that's about all that helps bump this up to two stars!
I wasn't sure if we were meant to feel sorry for Ella. Yes, she had a truly horrible past, but she has money at her disposal and people more than ready to help her. I get tired of self-involved characters who refuse assistance when it is clearly available to them.
And the whole predatory-lesbian cliche going on here troubled me too! Even back in 1992, Single White Female wasn't pulling that crap!
The secondary characters of Jake and Jean barely needed to be there. Having Jean have a connection to Ella's past was silly and contrived and added nothing. It's got a pretty good climax, and that's about all that helps bump this up to two stars!
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