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Dead Pretty
Dead Pretty
1977 – Six student nurses embark on their nurse training at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital.
They are young, excited and soon develop a strong friendship bond within their cohort.
But there is a predator amongst them.
A man that takes great delight in killing young, pretty girls.
He’s done it before.
He watches their movements to decide which one is next.
And then he kills for the thrill.
A student disappears – quickly followed by another.
There are no leads, no evidence, and no bodies.
He’s clever.
But is he as astute as he thinks he is?
1977 – Six student nurses embark on their nurse training at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital.
They are young, excited and soon develop a strong friendship bond within their cohort.
But there is a predator amongst them.
A man that takes great delight in killing young, pretty girls.
He’s done it before.
He watches their movements to decide which one is next.
And then he kills for the thrill.
A student disappears – quickly followed by another.
There are no leads, no evidence, and no bodies.
He’s clever.
But is he as astute as he thinks he is?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
21 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 7, 2023
What a sick, twisted and warped killer Joy Wood has created for her novel “Dead Pretty”. I love dark storylines, the darker the better in fact and the author certainly fulfilled that criteria for me. You really do fear what is in the killer’s mind when they start to target the potential victims.
I loved all the characters, getting to know the young nurses, male and female and learning their training process back in 1977. I love any books set in this decade as I can relate to the era and I thought the author captured it perfectly.
I did have an inkling early on to the twist and turns the story was to take but I really enjoyed reading how this all panned out and the denouement was unquestionably intriguing and tense. I was pleased with how it all concluded and I found myself missing the characters when the book ended.
All in all an excellent psychological thriller with a unique storyline with lots of interesting details of nursing training in a specialised hospital back in the 70’s. Highly recommended.
#DeadPretty - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved all the characters, getting to know the young nurses, male and female and learning their training process back in 1977. I love any books set in this decade as I can relate to the era and I thought the author captured it perfectly.
I did have an inkling early on to the twist and turns the story was to take but I really enjoyed reading how this all panned out and the denouement was unquestionably intriguing and tense. I was pleased with how it all concluded and I found myself missing the characters when the book ended.
All in all an excellent psychological thriller with a unique storyline with lots of interesting details of nursing training in a specialised hospital back in the 70’s. Highly recommended.
#DeadPretty - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 14, 2023
In 1977, a group of trainee nurses began work at Harlow Wood orthopaedic hospital and started getting to know one another. When one disappears, could it be it was all too much and they have fled home? When it is found she has really disappeared her friends are more than worried as it's so unlike her. When another one goes missing there is something far more sinister going on and who on earth is doing this?. Occasional chapters give the perpetrators point of view which adds to the tension in this well written thriller. The reader is led to believe who the perpetrator is- or is it just me that thought that?
I was initially drawn to this as I remember Harlow Wood from when I was a child. It’s cleverly written and gives some of the lives of the new intake as things take a chilling turn around them. This is my first book by this author and one I most certainly will look out for in the future- I thoroughly really enjoyed reading this. It's one where you know something is amiss and who it possibly is, it's just the what, when and how that is left to the imagination and adds to the tension. And then the twist- wowsers- I didn’t see that one coming- Left me reeling! A brilliant, cleverly thought out plot that kept the pages turning ever faster. Please sign me up for the next one! Loved it.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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I was initially drawn to this as I remember Harlow Wood from when I was a child. It’s cleverly written and gives some of the lives of the new intake as things take a chilling turn around them. This is my first book by this author and one I most certainly will look out for in the future- I thoroughly really enjoyed reading this. It's one where you know something is amiss and who it possibly is, it's just the what, when and how that is left to the imagination and adds to the tension. And then the twist- wowsers- I didn’t see that one coming- Left me reeling! A brilliant, cleverly thought out plot that kept the pages turning ever faster. Please sign me up for the next one! Loved it.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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October 22, 2023
Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital 1977.
This renowned hospital between Mansfield and Nottingham is to experience chilling kills of vibrant young females, this killer is evil with a craving to kill more.
Excited students arrive for a two year course as his evil eyes watch these young nurses as they embark on their journey, Kym, Louise, Zoe, Vanya and two males Guy and Simon, they meet the matron Mrs McGee, a battle axe with all her strict rules, the group are all ready not knowing of the chilling consequences that dead pretty with a eye catching cover the hair plait has a meaning in the story that will send shivers down your spine and will give you the creeps.
I totally loved it right through, that shows a very clever killer reveal that I just didn't see coming, this book is one of a kind in it's own unique way with humour added in, and family ties and characters that somehow drive you crackers but loved, right to that end.
This renowned hospital between Mansfield and Nottingham is to experience chilling kills of vibrant young females, this killer is evil with a craving to kill more.
Excited students arrive for a two year course as his evil eyes watch these young nurses as they embark on their journey, Kym, Louise, Zoe, Vanya and two males Guy and Simon, they meet the matron Mrs McGee, a battle axe with all her strict rules, the group are all ready not knowing of the chilling consequences that dead pretty with a eye catching cover the hair plait has a meaning in the story that will send shivers down your spine and will give you the creeps.
I totally loved it right through, that shows a very clever killer reveal that I just didn't see coming, this book is one of a kind in it's own unique way with humour added in, and family ties and characters that somehow drive you crackers but loved, right to that end.
January 10, 2024
Another great book from Joy Wood. I've read them all.
It had me drawn in from the very beginning, reminding me of my own experience in the 70s when I joined the WRAF and similar living arrangements.
I loved all the main characters and the way in which the author described the medical aspect, making it seem very real.
I thought I knew where the story was going. How wrong was I !!
Great ending, and I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it.
It's a great read, and I would highly recommend all Joy's books 😀.
It had me drawn in from the very beginning, reminding me of my own experience in the 70s when I joined the WRAF and similar living arrangements.
I loved all the main characters and the way in which the author described the medical aspect, making it seem very real.
I thought I knew where the story was going. How wrong was I !!
Great ending, and I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it.
It's a great read, and I would highly recommend all Joy's books 😀.
November 1, 2023
Dead Pretty by Joy Wood
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
1977 – Six student nurses embark on their nurse training at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital.
They are young, excited and soon develop a strong friendship bond within their cohort.
But there is a predator amongst them.
A man that takes great delight in killing young, pretty girls.
He’s done it before.
He watches their movements to decide which one is next.
And then he kills for the thrill.
A student disappears – quickly followed by another.
There are no leads, no evidence, and no bodies.
He’s clever.
But is he as astute as he thinks he is?
My Opinion
This is the first book I have read by Joy Wood and I was pleasantly surprised. Wood has written a twisted killer and even has a great reveal - I didn't see it coming. A well-paced novel that makes for a great page-turner. The cover doesn't give a lot away, but do not let that put you off. This book is full of suspense and twists.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
1977 – Six student nurses embark on their nurse training at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital.
They are young, excited and soon develop a strong friendship bond within their cohort.
But there is a predator amongst them.
A man that takes great delight in killing young, pretty girls.
He’s done it before.
He watches their movements to decide which one is next.
And then he kills for the thrill.
A student disappears – quickly followed by another.
There are no leads, no evidence, and no bodies.
He’s clever.
But is he as astute as he thinks he is?
My Opinion
This is the first book I have read by Joy Wood and I was pleasantly surprised. Wood has written a twisted killer and even has a great reveal - I didn't see it coming. A well-paced novel that makes for a great page-turner. The cover doesn't give a lot away, but do not let that put you off. This book is full of suspense and twists.
Rating 4/5
December 17, 2023
This was my first book by Joy Wood and I was not disappointed. It follows a young group of nurses starting their training at Harlow Wood. I loved how Joy introduces us to all the characters and their lives as I feel this adds depth to the story. When young girls go missing, is the culprit as clever as they think! Brilliant read, didn't want it to end as I was so engrossed in the story. Highly recommend, 5 stars from me. Happy Reading.
October 29, 2023
I know I'm in the minority here but I really couldn't get into this book. I made it 30% through before skimming the rest of it and feeling like I didn't really miss anything anyway. I was looking forward to this read as it sounded so intriguing but most of it was nursing students and their exploits yaddah yaddah yaddah. The anonymous chapters of the killer in between whetted my appetite but then that petered out and I found myself growing impatient for something to happen. And then when it did, I'd lost interest.
Set in 1977, the story focuses on student nurses at an orthapaedic hospital near Nottingham. We follow primarily about half a dozen of them - Kym, Louise (both of who narrate chapters), Zoe, Vanda, Guy and Simon. When one of the set disappears, it makes news headlines and the others grow increasingly worried for her safety. Especially as it is so out of character for the young woman. When another goes missing, the young folk realise something more sinister is going on and begin to look over their shoulders, wondering who is doing this?
It was an OK read and I skimmed to the end, found out the killer's identity and pretty much thought I didn't miss much. In fact, it felt a little off kilter. Maybe it was just me and the mood I'm in, I don't know. But this one just wasn't for me. Not at this time.
I would like to thank #JoyWood and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #DeadPretty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Set in 1977, the story focuses on student nurses at an orthapaedic hospital near Nottingham. We follow primarily about half a dozen of them - Kym, Louise (both of who narrate chapters), Zoe, Vanda, Guy and Simon. When one of the set disappears, it makes news headlines and the others grow increasingly worried for her safety. Especially as it is so out of character for the young woman. When another goes missing, the young folk realise something more sinister is going on and begin to look over their shoulders, wondering who is doing this?
It was an OK read and I skimmed to the end, found out the killer's identity and pretty much thought I didn't miss much. In fact, it felt a little off kilter. Maybe it was just me and the mood I'm in, I don't know. But this one just wasn't for me. Not at this time.
I would like to thank #JoyWood and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #DeadPretty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 26, 2023
Dead Pretty by Joy Wood is an absolutely cracking crime suspense that I just could not put down.
The action is set in 1977 in an orthopedic hospital near Nottingham as we follow four young student nurses. They each come from varying backgrounds but are united in their vocation.
For the reader we are transported back to the sights, sounds and fashions of 1977.
There is a killer on the loose. He has killed before and he wants to kill again. We ‘hear’ his voice as the chapters alternate between him and the four new recruits. We learn of his background and can only guess at the motivation for killing but we do not know who he is.
Within the novel there were several male characters who appeared to be the correct age. Joy Wood threw out snippets of information about them all – I suspected them all in turn! The author had constructed a marvellous plotline as I went round in circles, never quite sure who was the murderer.
The suspense ramped up and I hung on to Joy Wood’s every word until… wow! Jaw dropping, I read towards the conclusion.
Dead Pretty was a superb suspense, crime fiction out of the top drawer. It was my first book by Joy Wood but I shall certainly be hunting out more.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there were some scenes that some readers may not like. There were some that I skipped over but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
The action is set in 1977 in an orthopedic hospital near Nottingham as we follow four young student nurses. They each come from varying backgrounds but are united in their vocation.
For the reader we are transported back to the sights, sounds and fashions of 1977.
There is a killer on the loose. He has killed before and he wants to kill again. We ‘hear’ his voice as the chapters alternate between him and the four new recruits. We learn of his background and can only guess at the motivation for killing but we do not know who he is.
Within the novel there were several male characters who appeared to be the correct age. Joy Wood threw out snippets of information about them all – I suspected them all in turn! The author had constructed a marvellous plotline as I went round in circles, never quite sure who was the murderer.
The suspense ramped up and I hung on to Joy Wood’s every word until… wow! Jaw dropping, I read towards the conclusion.
Dead Pretty was a superb suspense, crime fiction out of the top drawer. It was my first book by Joy Wood but I shall certainly be hunting out more.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there were some scenes that some readers may not like. There were some that I skipped over but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
February 29, 2024
INTRIGUING TALE OF MURDER, MYSTERY & ROMANCE.
I know when I pick up a book by Joy Wood that I'm guaranteed a fantastic read, and this one certainly didn't disappoint.
Set in the 1970's, Dead Pretty is a story about a group of student nurses who are all undertaking their training at an orthopeadic hospital. The tale centres around their lives and tribulations and has a lovely spattering of romance thrown in for good measure. However, oblivious to the students there is a person festering in the background with murderous, evil intentions and they all become directly affected by their actions.
I loved this book so much, from page 1 it gripped me, as I read on I became completely immersed in the story and it drove me batty trying to figure out who the killer was. The author cleverly interweaves the killers point of view giving readers an insight into a criminal mind, it literally made me shiver and wonder what the heck was going to happen next!
I liked the interactions between the students, the dialogue was authentic and the narrative moved seamlessly with plenty of hooks and shocks to keep the reader's attention.
The author's knowledge of medical procedures really shines through and it was 100 percent believable.
A great read, highly recommended from a talented author - keep them coming Joy! :-)
I know when I pick up a book by Joy Wood that I'm guaranteed a fantastic read, and this one certainly didn't disappoint.
Set in the 1970's, Dead Pretty is a story about a group of student nurses who are all undertaking their training at an orthopeadic hospital. The tale centres around their lives and tribulations and has a lovely spattering of romance thrown in for good measure. However, oblivious to the students there is a person festering in the background with murderous, evil intentions and they all become directly affected by their actions.
I loved this book so much, from page 1 it gripped me, as I read on I became completely immersed in the story and it drove me batty trying to figure out who the killer was. The author cleverly interweaves the killers point of view giving readers an insight into a criminal mind, it literally made me shiver and wonder what the heck was going to happen next!
I liked the interactions between the students, the dialogue was authentic and the narrative moved seamlessly with plenty of hooks and shocks to keep the reader's attention.
The author's knowledge of medical procedures really shines through and it was 100 percent believable.
A great read, highly recommended from a talented author - keep them coming Joy! :-)
December 2, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I found it a compelling read from the outset.
There are some chilling scenes which maybe a trigger for some readers; descriptions of physical violence in early childhood, non-consensual sex, the depravity of the killer and his urges being the most obvious, although all are central to the development of the plot.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this for me were the multiple references to life in the late 1970s. Even as a student in the 90s, I remember having to queue for the phone to call home and the reference to calling the speaking clock made me chuckle out loud. The anecdotal nods to the era through mentions of Dallas and JR Ewing etc. were equally nostalgic.
The characters are robust, each with their own backstory containing family pressures, grief, anxiety and hidden secrets.
The author cleverly keeps the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer, throwing in a range of possible suspects along the way and maintaining the tension before everything ramps up at the end with a superb and unexpected plot twist!
If you’re a fan of chilling thrillers, this is definitely one for you!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
There are some chilling scenes which maybe a trigger for some readers; descriptions of physical violence in early childhood, non-consensual sex, the depravity of the killer and his urges being the most obvious, although all are central to the development of the plot.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this for me were the multiple references to life in the late 1970s. Even as a student in the 90s, I remember having to queue for the phone to call home and the reference to calling the speaking clock made me chuckle out loud. The anecdotal nods to the era through mentions of Dallas and JR Ewing etc. were equally nostalgic.
The characters are robust, each with their own backstory containing family pressures, grief, anxiety and hidden secrets.
The author cleverly keeps the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer, throwing in a range of possible suspects along the way and maintaining the tension before everything ramps up at the end with a superb and unexpected plot twist!
If you’re a fan of chilling thrillers, this is definitely one for you!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
January 2, 2025
Dead Pretty by Joy Wood is a chilling thriller, and superbly written. This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last.
The story takes place at an orthopedics hospital and centers around student nurses. The author did a wonderful job fleshing out the characters of which there were several. Throughout the book Wood built on each of their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and dreams. Before the end of the book, you feel as if you know these students personally.
Wood weaves a strong plot. The story is engaging from the first page when the reader gets introduced to the killer (though never revealing who he is). It was a slow build with plenty of tension to keep me engaged. I admit, that I did not figure out the killer's identity and I was surprised when I finally discovered who it was. That is the mark of a brilliant writer!
This is an intense psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages well into the night. Great job, Joy.
The story takes place at an orthopedics hospital and centers around student nurses. The author did a wonderful job fleshing out the characters of which there were several. Throughout the book Wood built on each of their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and dreams. Before the end of the book, you feel as if you know these students personally.
Wood weaves a strong plot. The story is engaging from the first page when the reader gets introduced to the killer (though never revealing who he is). It was a slow build with plenty of tension to keep me engaged. I admit, that I did not figure out the killer's identity and I was surprised when I finally discovered who it was. That is the mark of a brilliant writer!
This is an intense psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages well into the night. Great job, Joy.
November 8, 2023
A group of trainee nurses are beginning there careers at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital. When one of them disappears the race is on to find the culprit! I had not guessed the culprit when it was revealed in fact I was completely on the wrong track. I love absolutely everything about this book except for the cover design, I just don't feel like it fits with the book. The plot is well designed and the author is clearly talented. It flows through with many different layers happening at once but I never got confused. The setting felt dark and eery and I instantly connected with the characters and felt like I was part of their group. I enjoyed the romance side of the story and the close friendships that developed and I think I became more absorbed in that and that is why I hadn't solved the mystery. This is a page turner with a little bit of everything!
November 3, 2023
Dead Pretty is a chilling and gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story follows a group of student nurses at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital as they navigate their training and develop close friendships. However, their lives take a dark turn when a sadistic killer starts targeting young and attractive girls among them. The suspense builds as the predator carefully selects his next victim while leaving no trace behind.
As the disappearances continue, the tension rises, leaving readers wondering if the killer will be caught or if his cunning will prevail. With its well-crafted plot and intriguing characters, Dead Pretty will captivate fans of thriller fiction and keep them guessing until the final page. This one will not disappoint!
As the disappearances continue, the tension rises, leaving readers wondering if the killer will be caught or if his cunning will prevail. With its well-crafted plot and intriguing characters, Dead Pretty will captivate fans of thriller fiction and keep them guessing until the final page. This one will not disappoint!
October 9, 2023
Dead Pretty cauught my attention and the title and synopsis did too. I thought I was going to be hooked and I was.
I enjoy any book set in a healthcare setting and was drawn to the fact it's set in an orthopedic hospital as I have personal experience of having gone to one.
This novel was full of suspense. The orthapedic hospital was atmospheric, and I was concerned for what was going to happen to the nurses.
The plot was full of twists.
Thanks to Joy Wood, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
I enjoy any book set in a healthcare setting and was drawn to the fact it's set in an orthopedic hospital as I have personal experience of having gone to one.
This novel was full of suspense. The orthapedic hospital was atmospheric, and I was concerned for what was going to happen to the nurses.
The plot was full of twists.
Thanks to Joy Wood, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
November 9, 2023
Oh Wow! This brilliant book had me questioning everything! It’s tight, taut and thrilling, and took me on a rollercoaster ride, thinking I’d solved it - how wrong can you be? The characters are very engaging, and the setting of Harlow Wood Hospital is perfect. I started reading yesterday afternoon, couldn’t put it down, and stayed up until 3.40 am, because I just had to know the outcome! It was so worth it, because I really didn’t see that coming! It’s brilliantly plotted, beautifully written, and teases and tantalises. I loved it, and highly recommend.
October 13, 2023
What a fantastic story from this talented author. It is crammed full of interesting characters and has a very realistic 1970s vibe which brought back so many memories. I’m sure younger readers will be intrigued by an era where there was no mobile phones or internet! The plot is so clever and keeps the suspense going right up until the amazing climax. That’s not easy to do and a credit to the author. Five stars all the way from me and I can’t wait to read more from her.
October 30, 2023
I loved this latest release from Joy Wood. Once started I was gripped and couldn't put the book down. It was wonderful hearing how the young nurses settled into the nurses’ home while at the same time the author had the murderous plot going on.
I was willing Wood to go my way with one of the characters and she did but only to surprise me even more with the final twist that I'd never have guessed and I don't think any reader will either.
Highly recommend.
I was willing Wood to go my way with one of the characters and she did but only to surprise me even more with the final twist that I'd never have guessed and I don't think any reader will either.
Highly recommend.
May 6, 2024
"Dead Pretty" by Joy Wood takes readers back to 1977, where six student nurses at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital form a tight-knit bond. However, their camaraderie is shattered when a predator begins targeting young, pretty girls among them. As disappearances mount with no leads or bodies, tension rises. Wood crafts a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue, leaving readers questioning the true identity of the cunning killer.
July 6, 2024
Twists galore
Well, this book has it all. The hooks are well placed, the insanity coming out in bits at a time, the characters have ongoing family hardships, and no young girl was safe at Harlow Wood. When you think you have it figured out, it changes! This murder mystery and love story hits the highs and the lows. Although I had an idea of who the perpetrator was, I was both right and wrong!!! Great twist, right? Five stars.
Well, this book has it all. The hooks are well placed, the insanity coming out in bits at a time, the characters have ongoing family hardships, and no young girl was safe at Harlow Wood. When you think you have it figured out, it changes! This murder mystery and love story hits the highs and the lows. Although I had an idea of who the perpetrator was, I was both right and wrong!!! Great twist, right? Five stars.
November 13, 2023
Having read Wood's previous book Secrets and Lies, a five star read, I couldn't wait to dive into Dead Pretty. It didn't disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's 1977 and a trainee nurse has just gone missing, now the race is on to catch a killer.
I found it to be well plotted and fast paced, with some credible characters. There were also plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing at the killer's identity, but I still didn't get it!
Being born into the seventies myself I enjoyed the timely reminders of my childhood.
Enjoyable, entertaining and definitely an author to recommend.
It's 1977 and a trainee nurse has just gone missing, now the race is on to catch a killer.
I found it to be well plotted and fast paced, with some credible characters. There were also plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing at the killer's identity, but I still didn't get it!
Being born into the seventies myself I enjoyed the timely reminders of my childhood.
Enjoyable, entertaining and definitely an author to recommend.
December 18, 2023
Brilliant
Superbly brilliant writing from a master scribe. Ms Wood's book has the perfect characters a reader both loves to hate and hates to love. I would never have guessed the twist at the end. Awesome. Fabulous job pulling the wool over our eyes, Joy! An added bonus to this novel is that I now understand a second form of the English language. (chuckle)
Superbly brilliant writing from a master scribe. Ms Wood's book has the perfect characters a reader both loves to hate and hates to love. I would never have guessed the twist at the end. Awesome. Fabulous job pulling the wool over our eyes, Joy! An added bonus to this novel is that I now understand a second form of the English language. (chuckle)
February 7, 2024
I don’t know if it’s because I read a lot of books on serial killers that are dark and disturbing that I found this book quite tame. Having said that it was well written and I quite liked the characters and the story had a nice flow. I did guess the culprit towards the end of the book so no great twist for me. An ok read but nothing special
March 2, 2024
A gripping tale of murder and mystery!
A captivating and, somewhat, teeth-clenching read! There’s a sadistic killer in the midst. Who’s next and who is he? Absolutely thrilling read!
A captivating and, somewhat, teeth-clenching read! There’s a sadistic killer in the midst. Who’s next and who is he? Absolutely thrilling read!
October 22, 2023
Gripping. Another triumph from Joy Wood
An absolute heart pounding book full of twists and turns. The plot keeps you gripped and guessing. A fabulous page turner.
An absolute heart pounding book full of twists and turns. The plot keeps you gripped and guessing. A fabulous page turner.
October 30, 2023
Quite a unique thriller. Plenty of hints, but I still couldn't figure it out. Some sweet falling in love to make the trauma okay for a reader like me. This author never disappoints me.
November 7, 2023
My review of Dead Pretty can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
April 20, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It was a well written book.
August 5, 2024
jaw actually dropped but how odd was it omg
July 30, 2025
Absolutely fantastic book
November 21, 2023
‘Dead Pretty’ is a dark and twisted thriller that will keep you guessing right until the end! This was the first book of the authors that I have read and I was impressed and will be keeping an eye out for what she does next.
1977 - a new intake of nurses arrives at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital. They are young, and excited and soon form a strong bond between them. But there is a predator among them. A man that takes great pleasure in killing young pretty girls. When a student nurse disappears people are horrified. But then another student goes missing and people don't know what to do.
Well, this author knows how to make a dark and twisted story, doesn't she? The tension was palpable and I was fully captivated from the first couple of chapters. I flew through this in a day as I was really invested in the characters and wanted to know whether they were all safe or not. The author manages to plant evidence right under your nose without you noticing until the very end. I got some of them but I didn't work out who the killer was that is for sure!
I really liked the characters of Louise, Kym and Guy. They were all nuanced and well-formed and I think as readers we all have a wee crush on Guy! I enjoyed getting to know their backgrounds with their families and this helped create genuine and authentic characters. Even the killer is a complex character and their chapters in the narrative really helped to build the tension and have the readers furiously trying to work out who they are!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
1977 - a new intake of nurses arrives at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital. They are young, and excited and soon form a strong bond between them. But there is a predator among them. A man that takes great pleasure in killing young pretty girls. When a student nurse disappears people are horrified. But then another student goes missing and people don't know what to do.
Well, this author knows how to make a dark and twisted story, doesn't she? The tension was palpable and I was fully captivated from the first couple of chapters. I flew through this in a day as I was really invested in the characters and wanted to know whether they were all safe or not. The author manages to plant evidence right under your nose without you noticing until the very end. I got some of them but I didn't work out who the killer was that is for sure!
I really liked the characters of Louise, Kym and Guy. They were all nuanced and well-formed and I think as readers we all have a wee crush on Guy! I enjoyed getting to know their backgrounds with their families and this helped create genuine and authentic characters. Even the killer is a complex character and their chapters in the narrative really helped to build the tension and have the readers furiously trying to work out who they are!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
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