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The Forfeit
If you enjoy B.A. Paris and Tana French, this book is a must-read for you.
Break the rules and face the consequences
After enduring a turbulent childhood, Bree O Hagan has managed to build a good life for herself and her daughter, Delia. The arrival of a letter threatens to derail everything she has created. Suddenly her world is invaded by a malignant voice from the past, a past she had kept hidden.
Keeping secrets involves deception, and now the secrets threaten to destroy her. She is forced into continuing a game which started in her childhood in Sligo and is now about to destroy all she holds dear. Bree has no choice but to be a puppet on a string once again. Terrified of facing the consequences of refusing to play for herself, but especially for her daughter. Who will win the game this time?
Praise for LET THEM LIE
‘This is a dark, pacy psychological and moral thriller, acted out between Ben Bulben’s disapproving brow and the Atlantic breakers pounding the Sligo coast ... a compelling and finely written page-turner’ IAN ROBERTSON
Break the rules and face the consequences
After enduring a turbulent childhood, Bree O Hagan has managed to build a good life for herself and her daughter, Delia. The arrival of a letter threatens to derail everything she has created. Suddenly her world is invaded by a malignant voice from the past, a past she had kept hidden.
Keeping secrets involves deception, and now the secrets threaten to destroy her. She is forced into continuing a game which started in her childhood in Sligo and is now about to destroy all she holds dear. Bree has no choice but to be a puppet on a string once again. Terrified of facing the consequences of refusing to play for herself, but especially for her daughter. Who will win the game this time?
Praise for LET THEM LIE
‘This is a dark, pacy psychological and moral thriller, acted out between Ben Bulben’s disapproving brow and the Atlantic breakers pounding the Sligo coast ... a compelling and finely written page-turner’ IAN ROBERTSON
450 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
10 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 8, 2024
This is the first thriller I have read by Florence Gillan but definitely will not be my last. I was gripped by the story immediately. I can't remember the last time I disliked a character as much as I loathed one of the pivotal characters of this book. I don't want to give anything away, but this character is utterly despicable. I couldn't read to the conclusion fast enough, anticipating their deserved demise. The ending was shocking and answered many lingering questions. I was entertained and immersed in this world of fear, deception, and vengeance. Highly recommend! Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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October 25, 2023I tried...
I really did !
But this story is a true torture of reading !!!
So Brenna - as known in her childhood - now calling herself Bree, is the most frustrating character I have ever met in a book.
I made it almost half through the book, before I threw in the towel.
So in a nutshell:
Brenna is a single child, and one summer her cousin comes into town to stay with her and her family for the school break/holiday.
Her cousin is quiet a disturbed psycho kid, and invents a "game", where Brenna needs to follow the instructions he gives - or else !
This goes as far as instigating that Brenna gets tasks from her cousin, to steal from her parents, and to lie becomes a regular thing now...on top of that the cousin puts a big gap between her best friend and herself - a friend the cousin does not even like at all.
To sum it all up:
The friend is murdered by the cousin, and Brenna feels responsible - and he blames her for the murder.
And Brenna's childhood is over, since she is living in fear for good now.
Let's skip to the present:
The horrible Cousin - thought to have died a while ago in his teens - all of a sudden shows up in - now called Bree's life - and all kinds of horror and psycho stuff happens, however now in adult version.
Brenna/Bree had all this time, to fess up to her parents about what happened back then in her childhood - but never did.
And she keeps on going and let's her cousin terrorize her with the psycho childhood games that he had her under control with.
It is attempted, to show Brenna/Bree as a grown up adult, that surely makes her own decisions.
But when it comes to protecting her mother and her own college-aged daughter, she is a complete and whining idiot.
I can simply not understand, why she - as a grown woman - can not finally shed light on the murder that occured through and from her cousin, and keeps on letting him terrorize her.
No normal person would take this !
I do not even know, how many times I wanted to jump into the pages and beat some sense into her.
To top it all off: Her best friend now is an attorney.
Obviously this character has not even the slightest clue, why best friends exist - otherwise why doesn't she trust her best friend and un-loads her story to her ?
Bree's mom's house get burglarized from her cousin, her daughter gets mind-played with, her daughter and mother are in grave danger - but stupid Brenna/Bree just stays quiet and obeys her cousin.
After her cousin's stupid game resulted in Brenna/Bree's loss of her job and livelihood and she still doesn't do anything but picking up the new hobbies of drinking and chain-smoking...well, I had enough.
Never have I ever heard about a person like this character, who takes just every humiliation, lie, and pain that's handed to her.
Brenna/Bree was portrayed as originally being a well-educated being - it was even noted, that in college she researched socio- and psychopaths to understand her cousin - however:
This story was completely un-believable and absolutely humiliating.
I would rather believe in Unicorns, than in this waste of words.
The author did not do her diligent research.
Very disappointing.
People:
Don't waste your time - read something better !
October 10, 2023
The Forfeit by Florence Gillan published September 1st with Poolbeg Crimson and is described as ‘a must-read if you enjoy B.A. Paris and Tana French'.
Bree lives alone in Dundalk but is quite content with the life that she now has. Her childhood years were spent in Sligo and growing up in a rural environment had suited Bree. As an only child she enjoyed the solitude. A big reader she loved to escape between the pages of a book and, when she wished for company, she had a friend nearby to call on. Her parents were both very upstanding members of their community and their lives were tranquil until the summer of 1960 when a visitor came to stay. Bree’s childhood was slowly ripped away from under her in the most insidious manner, damaging Bree in the most unimaginable way.
Now, over 30 years later, a letter has arrived in her post box and Bree immediately knows that things will never be the same again. This new life she has created is about to be shattered. Bree’s mother lives nearby, having moved from Sligo years back and Bree’s daughter Amy is in college in Dublin. When Amy left for college, Bree was initially devastated. It had always been the two of them together facing the world. They were mother and daughter, but also best friends. Amy’s move took time for Bree to adjust to. But with her solid job, her exercise and her mother’s occasional company, Bree had been managing ok. Until now…
Bree, like any mother, is very protective of her family and now she has genuine fear and concern for their safety. As events spiral out of her control and very real danger lands on her doorstep, Bree uses all her strength, both emotionally and physically, to safeguard her own life and that of her mother and Amy. Someone wants to be the puppet master. Someone wants to control and play games with Bree. But Bree is no longer a naïve child living an idyllic life. Bree is a mother and Bree is angry. How far though is she prepared to go?
The Forfeit is not a book to over-analyse. There are moments when you are frustrated by Bree’s actions and there are definitely a few implausible scenarios. Yet I was willing to accept and continue reading as Florence Gillan has created such a ruthless and sinister individual, I was compelled to see how things would play out.
With quite an intriguing premise, The Forfeit is an engaging read with a wonderfully dark controlling character who really adds a nasty edge to this novel. An enjoyable and twisty tale!
Bree lives alone in Dundalk but is quite content with the life that she now has. Her childhood years were spent in Sligo and growing up in a rural environment had suited Bree. As an only child she enjoyed the solitude. A big reader she loved to escape between the pages of a book and, when she wished for company, she had a friend nearby to call on. Her parents were both very upstanding members of their community and their lives were tranquil until the summer of 1960 when a visitor came to stay. Bree’s childhood was slowly ripped away from under her in the most insidious manner, damaging Bree in the most unimaginable way.
Now, over 30 years later, a letter has arrived in her post box and Bree immediately knows that things will never be the same again. This new life she has created is about to be shattered. Bree’s mother lives nearby, having moved from Sligo years back and Bree’s daughter Amy is in college in Dublin. When Amy left for college, Bree was initially devastated. It had always been the two of them together facing the world. They were mother and daughter, but also best friends. Amy’s move took time for Bree to adjust to. But with her solid job, her exercise and her mother’s occasional company, Bree had been managing ok. Until now…
Bree, like any mother, is very protective of her family and now she has genuine fear and concern for their safety. As events spiral out of her control and very real danger lands on her doorstep, Bree uses all her strength, both emotionally and physically, to safeguard her own life and that of her mother and Amy. Someone wants to be the puppet master. Someone wants to control and play games with Bree. But Bree is no longer a naïve child living an idyllic life. Bree is a mother and Bree is angry. How far though is she prepared to go?
The Forfeit is not a book to over-analyse. There are moments when you are frustrated by Bree’s actions and there are definitely a few implausible scenarios. Yet I was willing to accept and continue reading as Florence Gillan has created such a ruthless and sinister individual, I was compelled to see how things would play out.
With quite an intriguing premise, The Forfeit is an engaging read with a wonderfully dark controlling character who really adds a nasty edge to this novel. An enjoyable and twisty tale!
January 8, 2024
I was so excited to start this boo. I have read at least one other by Ms. Gillan and loved it. But the character of Rory quickly got under my skin (not in a good way) and I think I kept reading just so I could see him get his. He made me SO mad. But then, Bree didn't do herself any favors either. Several times I just wanted to strangle her for being so weak-willed. But to give her credit, I'm a MamaBear, too, and would do anything to protect my kids, but I think (or hope) that I would have done more than just give in. I will admit that the ending took me by surprise. I didn't see that coming, which is an indication of Ms. Gillan's talent. So, even though this was not one of my favorites, I'll still be reading anything by Ms. Gillan that I can get my hands on. Nobody's perfect, after all.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
September 16, 2023
The Forfeit is a cracking read with plenty of twists and turns and a riveting ending. Set in Ireland, the characters and background are very authentic and believable. Secrets and lies threaten to destroy as the main character is forced into playing a very dangerous game. This book is a well executed psychological thriller that you won’t want to put down.
June 12, 2024
I finished this book in 2 days. It was a page turner a very good psychological thriller. I have read her other book and it was equally as good do I hope this author writes a few more as they are very good.
September 25, 2023
As long as you don't analyse the impossibility of much the actions taken in this book you will enjoy the plot and the characters
November 2, 2023
Awful. I hate describing it as that but it was. Full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. The story was dragged out and the ending made no sense
July 10, 2024
An amazing addition to the world of literature by an Irish author. The book jumps between present and past seamlessly and at parts where you think “this is a little confusing” the book pulls itself back into balance with the time jumps.
August 19, 2023
Thank you to the team of Book Sirens for making me a part of the ARC team of this book.
I love how a simple idea turned into an interesting and exciting story.
I loved reading this book and you will love it too if you love mystery thrillers.
There are so many moments in this book that will make you go " WHYYYY...?"
There were times when the past was more interesting than the present.
If you plan on reading this book, don't miss chapter 13. One of the best chapters.
Four characters with different personalities and the interactions between two of these four characters.
Don't miss the ending of the book.
The book teaches that perspective matters.
The book teaches us to not avoid the problems we face.
The book teaches what a person can do if he/she puts their mind to the thing they really want to do.
The book teaches how easy it is to manipulate someone into doing things you want them to do.
The book teaches what happens if we don't tell bad things to the people close to us.
I don't know if I can share these lines, but if you're planning to read the book don't read these lines.
1. She was determined to make it a reality. Now that she had made the decision, she felt clarity and peace.
2. I’m so glad that you are trying to sort things out with him. Believe me, you can’t keep avoiding the past. You need to face it head-on and come to terms with it.
3. I gave up college because I wanted to be with you, to focus on you. I never regretted for a moment the decision I made. You were the best thing to ever happen to me. And I’m always proud of you. You don’t have to do anything to prove yourself to me.
4. She knew from her teacher that it was wrong to hate people, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe he might change if she prayed for him, but she didn’t think so.
5. She stared at the name, a name from another time. A time she had thought was in the past, locked away, never to be examined again.
6. In her experience, what you avoid in life doesn’t go away, it lies in wait to hijack you.
I enjoyed reading this book.
If you love suspense/mystery/thriller, then this book is for you.
I would love to see this book adapted into a series or a movie someday.
I love how a simple idea turned into an interesting and exciting story.
I loved reading this book and you will love it too if you love mystery thrillers.
There are so many moments in this book that will make you go " WHYYYY...?"
There were times when the past was more interesting than the present.
If you plan on reading this book, don't miss chapter 13. One of the best chapters.
Four characters with different personalities and the interactions between two of these four characters.
Don't miss the ending of the book.
The book teaches that perspective matters.
The book teaches us to not avoid the problems we face.
The book teaches what a person can do if he/she puts their mind to the thing they really want to do.
The book teaches how easy it is to manipulate someone into doing things you want them to do.
The book teaches what happens if we don't tell bad things to the people close to us.
I don't know if I can share these lines, but if you're planning to read the book don't read these lines.
1. She was determined to make it a reality. Now that she had made the decision, she felt clarity and peace.
2. I’m so glad that you are trying to sort things out with him. Believe me, you can’t keep avoiding the past. You need to face it head-on and come to terms with it.
3. I gave up college because I wanted to be with you, to focus on you. I never regretted for a moment the decision I made. You were the best thing to ever happen to me. And I’m always proud of you. You don’t have to do anything to prove yourself to me.
4. She knew from her teacher that it was wrong to hate people, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe he might change if she prayed for him, but she didn’t think so.
5. She stared at the name, a name from another time. A time she had thought was in the past, locked away, never to be examined again.
6. In her experience, what you avoid in life doesn’t go away, it lies in wait to hijack you.
I enjoyed reading this book.
If you love suspense/mystery/thriller, then this book is for you.
I would love to see this book adapted into a series or a movie someday.
September 21, 2023
I read this book thanks to book sirens and was so excited about the psychological thriller this premise promised. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed. The whole premise was very intriguing and plays really interesting with anti social behaviors and how those people function in a charming capacity (think Ted Bundy). However the story presented really drug on and on before anything exciting happened. I also found the main character extremely unlikeable. There’s being manipulated and then just allowing yourself to be pushed over. I couldn’t fathom anyone would just allow this to continue to happen to themselves or those they love without really trying anything. The last 20% was the best part of the book but was still just ridiculous and didn’t fit with how the characters had been established throughout the book. I wanted to love this book but I found it really disconjointed and frustrating.
August 30, 2023
I LOVED this book! I’ve been searching for a good psychological thriller for a while. And none of them piqued my interest until now. The main character was very likable. It kept me wanting to stay up longer at night just to find out more! It really got into my head. To think that someone could manipulate a person and practically destroy that person’s life just for their pleasure was disturbing. But it made for a great read! I would definitely check out this author’s other books.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. I gave my honest review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. I gave my honest review voluntarily.
September 13, 2023
The Forfeit is a great psychological thriller, the main characters - Bree and Rory - play a game that can only lead to disaster. He is very intelligent and extremely manipulative making people see what he wants. She is shy, introspective, and naive until she isn't anymore. Each chapter brings new perspectives on the situations and characters. It's one of those stories that grabs your attention from the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2023
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 15, 2023
I got really immersed in this book and enjoyed the dynamics created between each character! I wasn’t sure where it was going towards the end and was quite surprised by the end result. Would recommend
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews