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The Fortune Teller
‘You might think you’ve met the man of your dreams. But if you marry him, it will end in tragedy within five years. If you want everyone you love to stay safe, you should walk away…’
The fortune teller told me my fate. But I ignored her. I married the man of my dreams. We made a family. Our life is beautiful, safe and happy.
I’ve pushed that hazy, sunny afternoon in the park, where we spotted a funfair setting up, and my best friends and I dared each other to go into the fortune teller’s tent…
I’ve tried to forget what she said about how tragedy lay ahead for me. I want to believe that we are in charge of our own fates. Looking at my two perfect, beautiful children, I refuse to believe things could go wrong for us…
But as strange things begin to happen, I begin to wonder… could there be any truth behind what the fortune teller told me that day? And if not, who in my life wants me to be scared for my life? And how do I protect the family from the worst fate imaginable?
A totally gripping psychological thriller that fans of Gone Girl, The Housemaid and K.L. Slater will be utterly hooked by.
The fortune teller told me my fate. But I ignored her. I married the man of my dreams. We made a family. Our life is beautiful, safe and happy.
I’ve pushed that hazy, sunny afternoon in the park, where we spotted a funfair setting up, and my best friends and I dared each other to go into the fortune teller’s tent…
I’ve tried to forget what she said about how tragedy lay ahead for me. I want to believe that we are in charge of our own fates. Looking at my two perfect, beautiful children, I refuse to believe things could go wrong for us…
But as strange things begin to happen, I begin to wonder… could there be any truth behind what the fortune teller told me that day? And if not, who in my life wants me to be scared for my life? And how do I protect the family from the worst fate imaginable?
A totally gripping psychological thriller that fans of Gone Girl, The Housemaid and K.L. Slater will be utterly hooked by.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2024
1780 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Boydell
21 books214 followersNatasha is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have featured in the top 100 charts in the UK, Canada and Australia, and include the top 10 bestseller The Fortune Teller.
Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.
Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
March 31, 2024
‘You might think you’ve met the man of your dreams. But if you marry him, it will end in tragedy within five years. If you want everyone you love to stay safe, you should walk away…’
Author Natasha Boydell examines what happens when we fail to heed a warning … even if it’s something as seemingly insignificant as our happiness.
When Simone meets Mystic Maggie at a fun fair the trajectory of her life changes drastically. Believing that she is in charge of her own fate, Simone plods ahead with little regard for the advice she received from the fortune teller. When things start to go wrong coming up on the five-year mark, Simone wonders if there is any truth in the warning and starts to consider who could be behind the strange events. It’s too late to protect herself from heartbreak and she can’t walk away, but does she have time and ability to protect those she loves?
Things that the author mastered:
❤️character-driven narrative
❤️slow-burn mystery
❤️great pacing
❤️captivating plot
❤️good suspense and twists
❤️fabulous misdirection
I came for the cover and stayed for the mystery!
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Natasha Boydell examines what happens when we fail to heed a warning … even if it’s something as seemingly insignificant as our happiness.
When Simone meets Mystic Maggie at a fun fair the trajectory of her life changes drastically. Believing that she is in charge of her own fate, Simone plods ahead with little regard for the advice she received from the fortune teller. When things start to go wrong coming up on the five-year mark, Simone wonders if there is any truth in the warning and starts to consider who could be behind the strange events. It’s too late to protect herself from heartbreak and she can’t walk away, but does she have time and ability to protect those she loves?
Things that the author mastered:
❤️character-driven narrative
❤️slow-burn mystery
❤️great pacing
❤️captivating plot
❤️good suspense and twists
❤️fabulous misdirection
I came for the cover and stayed for the mystery!
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 11, 2024
I couldn't resist such a tantalizing title: The Fortune Teller!
Natasha Boydell's fast-paced, descriptive writing style drew me in during the opening scene at a local funfair - and held me riveted right up until the end of the first part of this story. What a dire warning by that mysterious young fortune teller... and - even worse..... so much of what she said was slowly coming to pass!
Part II of this winding tale started off with a whirlwind recounting of the usual trials and tribulations of parenthood - all those sagging, wet nappies and temper tantrums and sleepless nights! (I'm shuddering just remembering those long drawn out passages!)
Simone is a likeable character, but you often want to give her a shake and tell her to snap out of it! She has become her own worst enemy by letting fear take over her life. And this is the problem with people who cling to predictions and tarot card readings as gospel truth. They surrender their free will to the turn of a card or a prediction made by someone professing to have mystical powers. They live in hope or fear that their future is immutable, that they are doomed... or they fret that the wonderful fortune that was predicted for them has yet to materialize... so their turbulent emotions go from high to low like a roller coaster. Simone was totally hooked in to this vicious cycle.
When I first took up the study of the tarot, I had my own moments of naivety. These days, I don't use my occasional tarot readings to try to predict the future. Instead, I use them much as Carl Jung did - to understand the current state of my mind by the interpretation of the cards that I randomly choose from a deck. Jung believed that, like a blob in a Rorschach test, the meaning that we see in an individual card or spread reflects our current state of mind.
In Simone's case, at first she resisted believing in the prediction, but then she started interpreting the "signs"." Paranoia and fear became her constant companions. I didn't enjoy the second half of this story as much as I did the first. It seemed to me that, in the first have of the story, the author was going in one direction regarding Tom and his crazy stalker girlfriend, and then did a complete about-face in part two.
Was it deliberate misdirection - throwing dust in the reader's eyes? I'm not sure, but that surprise ending had me wondering whether I had completely missed all the clues in the first half of the novel..
I got the impression from that ending that there had been a light bulb moment while the author was scrambling about for a major literary bomb to throw into the mix of misdirection and misunderstandings.. I certainly didn't see that one coming. No spoilers, but Simone's sessions with the therapist who was trying to wean her off of fatalistic mystical predictions and fortune tellers went right down the tube - but I'm not telling you HOW! Find out for yourself.
I'm rating this one a 3.5 out of 5, rounded down to a 3 because I felt the second part wasn't as well crafted as the first, and didn't hold my interest as much. My thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Natasha Boydell's fast-paced, descriptive writing style drew me in during the opening scene at a local funfair - and held me riveted right up until the end of the first part of this story. What a dire warning by that mysterious young fortune teller... and - even worse..... so much of what she said was slowly coming to pass!
Part II of this winding tale started off with a whirlwind recounting of the usual trials and tribulations of parenthood - all those sagging, wet nappies and temper tantrums and sleepless nights! (I'm shuddering just remembering those long drawn out passages!)
Simone is a likeable character, but you often want to give her a shake and tell her to snap out of it! She has become her own worst enemy by letting fear take over her life. And this is the problem with people who cling to predictions and tarot card readings as gospel truth. They surrender their free will to the turn of a card or a prediction made by someone professing to have mystical powers. They live in hope or fear that their future is immutable, that they are doomed... or they fret that the wonderful fortune that was predicted for them has yet to materialize... so their turbulent emotions go from high to low like a roller coaster. Simone was totally hooked in to this vicious cycle.
When I first took up the study of the tarot, I had my own moments of naivety. These days, I don't use my occasional tarot readings to try to predict the future. Instead, I use them much as Carl Jung did - to understand the current state of my mind by the interpretation of the cards that I randomly choose from a deck. Jung believed that, like a blob in a Rorschach test, the meaning that we see in an individual card or spread reflects our current state of mind.
In Simone's case, at first she resisted believing in the prediction, but then she started interpreting the "signs"." Paranoia and fear became her constant companions. I didn't enjoy the second half of this story as much as I did the first. It seemed to me that, in the first have of the story, the author was going in one direction regarding Tom and his crazy stalker girlfriend, and then did a complete about-face in part two.
Was it deliberate misdirection - throwing dust in the reader's eyes? I'm not sure, but that surprise ending had me wondering whether I had completely missed all the clues in the first half of the novel..
I got the impression from that ending that there had been a light bulb moment while the author was scrambling about for a major literary bomb to throw into the mix of misdirection and misunderstandings.. I certainly didn't see that one coming. No spoilers, but Simone's sessions with the therapist who was trying to wean her off of fatalistic mystical predictions and fortune tellers went right down the tube - but I'm not telling you HOW! Find out for yourself.
I'm rating this one a 3.5 out of 5, rounded down to a 3 because I felt the second part wasn't as well crafted as the first, and didn't hold my interest as much. My thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
The Fortune Teller is a slow-burning thriller where a woman, Simone, has her fortune told and she is told in five years that something terrible is going to happen based on a choice she makes. ”You might think you’ve met the man of your dreams. But if you marry him, it will end in tragedy with five years. If you want everyone you love to stay safe, you should walk away…”
I found Simone’s character to be both interesting and annoying in equal measure. She ignores red flags in others, especially her husband Jude, ex lover, Tom, and pretty much everybody around her… (not spoiling anything 👀!), whilst also being obsessed by the fortune teller’s prophecy. It is, however, an interesting look into how much paranoia can affect a person.
The ending with the final couple of twists did genuinely surprise me even though there were hints to foreshadow at least one of them. I did almost hope there were going to be even darker, perhaps even some horror, elements here with the mystical fortune teller and one woman’s descent into madness.
One of the Amazon First Reads selections for March. Often I’ll come back and try to read some of these that I missed out, as I get introduced to new authors and books I may not have picked up otherwise.
3.4 Stars
I found Simone’s character to be both interesting and annoying in equal measure. She ignores red flags in others, especially her husband Jude, ex lover, Tom, and pretty much everybody around her… (not spoiling anything 👀!), whilst also being obsessed by the fortune teller’s prophecy. It is, however, an interesting look into how much paranoia can affect a person.
The ending with the final couple of twists did genuinely surprise me even though there were hints to foreshadow at least one of them. I did almost hope there were going to be even darker, perhaps even some horror, elements here with the mystical fortune teller and one woman’s descent into madness.
One of the Amazon First Reads selections for March. Often I’ll come back and try to read some of these that I missed out, as I get introduced to new authors and books I may not have picked up otherwise.
3.4 Stars
June 3, 2024
This was a good read. It started off a bit slowly as Boydell establishes the characters, but I soon found that I was whipping through the novel because I was desperate to see how it would conclude.
When Simone and her friends visit a fortune teller on a summer afternoon, she thinks this is just a gimmick, a fun attraction. However, Simone is haunted by the predictions and when they gradually start to come true, she feels like she has a countdown on her head, racing towards the point where she was told there would be a tragedy. None of her friends can understand why Simone is hung up on something that was supposed to be a bit of fun, even when all the other predictions are coming true. However, Simone is certain that she is going to experience this tragedy and she feels she has to do anything possible to prevent it.
I enjoyed watching Simone’s character transform over the novel. Indeed, by the final quarter, she is a shadow of her former self because she is so obsessed with the fortune teller, Mystic Maggie. It is ironic that Simone displays characteristics that Jude is also accused of; even Simone grimly recognises this but is so trapped in her ways that she cannot see through this. Readers are taken on a journey of love and happiness that spirals into self destruction. I grew as obsessed as Simone because I was keen to see how she would escape this negative way of living, as well as whether this tragedy would ever take place.
However, I do think there were a couple of plot elements that could have been expanded upon. The sub-plot featuring Simone’s ex-boyfriend felt conveniently laid to rest by the end of the story and I wanted there to be something more with the accusations against Jude. Whilst the latter would have felt quite similar to previous thrillers I have read, I thought that Boydell could have explored this domestic element a bit further.
The novel’s ending was clever and surprising, leaving me with plenty of questions. I was blindsided by it and found myself re-reading earlier parts of the book to find extra clues. I think the author ended the story at the right point: adding a further concluding chapter would have lessened the impact of this surprise and I think I shared similar emotions to Simone.
This is a book about how obsession can turn dangerous. Simone’s downfall is tragic to watch and I really sympathised with her character. However, the self-inflicted isolation that is created adds to the intensity of the story that all began one summer’s afternoon in a fortune teller’s tent…
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Simone and her friends visit a fortune teller on a summer afternoon, she thinks this is just a gimmick, a fun attraction. However, Simone is haunted by the predictions and when they gradually start to come true, she feels like she has a countdown on her head, racing towards the point where she was told there would be a tragedy. None of her friends can understand why Simone is hung up on something that was supposed to be a bit of fun, even when all the other predictions are coming true. However, Simone is certain that she is going to experience this tragedy and she feels she has to do anything possible to prevent it.
I enjoyed watching Simone’s character transform over the novel. Indeed, by the final quarter, she is a shadow of her former self because she is so obsessed with the fortune teller, Mystic Maggie. It is ironic that Simone displays characteristics that Jude is also accused of; even Simone grimly recognises this but is so trapped in her ways that she cannot see through this. Readers are taken on a journey of love and happiness that spirals into self destruction. I grew as obsessed as Simone because I was keen to see how she would escape this negative way of living, as well as whether this tragedy would ever take place.
However, I do think there were a couple of plot elements that could have been expanded upon. The sub-plot featuring Simone’s ex-boyfriend felt conveniently laid to rest by the end of the story and I wanted there to be something more with the accusations against Jude. Whilst the latter would have felt quite similar to previous thrillers I have read, I thought that Boydell could have explored this domestic element a bit further.
The novel’s ending was clever and surprising, leaving me with plenty of questions. I was blindsided by it and found myself re-reading earlier parts of the book to find extra clues. I think the author ended the story at the right point: adding a further concluding chapter would have lessened the impact of this surprise and I think I shared similar emotions to Simone.
This is a book about how obsession can turn dangerous. Simone’s downfall is tragic to watch and I really sympathised with her character. However, the self-inflicted isolation that is created adds to the intensity of the story that all began one summer’s afternoon in a fortune teller’s tent…
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the Advanced Read Copy of The Fortune Teller by Natasha Boydell.
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book but it honestly felt like a bait and switch. The first half felt more like a romance novel then a mystery or thriller as you are taken through Simone's love life with Jude and whirlwind romance. I kept going back to the information page to make sure I was remembering correctly that this book was tagged as a mystery/thriller. When I finally got to part 2 of the book, which took me quite a while to get to as I kept putting the book down and not finding a want to pick it back up, I more then anything felt bad for Simone. Reading how frantic she felt left me feeling anxious but not in the way you expect from a thriller.
I didn't understand the Tom story line and while the author tried, the ending didn't clear up anything about Tom. Why did he lie? Why did he keep contacting Simone? What was he trying to do by telling her all of that information?
I also felt the label as mystery or thriller was incorrect and a little unkind. There was no "real" threat in the book even though the synopsis made you believe all of these things were happening and that someone was out to get Simone. Anxiety, trauma, and depression are true issues pertaining to mental health and it feels insensitive to label a book that mainly highlighted those issues as a mystery/thriller. When you did finally understand what was going on, it felt like it came out of no where. There had been no clues, no suggestions, nothing to make you think that was how it was going to end. I think having some "hints" peppered through would have done wonders.
Lastly, I didn't connect at all with the end. I kept reading it and reading it to absorb it but still I'm not sure what happened.
If you are reading this book, I would go in understanding this is more romance and fiction over thriller. I wonder if that would have altered my view of the book.
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book but it honestly felt like a bait and switch. The first half felt more like a romance novel then a mystery or thriller as you are taken through Simone's love life with Jude and whirlwind romance. I kept going back to the information page to make sure I was remembering correctly that this book was tagged as a mystery/thriller. When I finally got to part 2 of the book, which took me quite a while to get to as I kept putting the book down and not finding a want to pick it back up, I more then anything felt bad for Simone. Reading how frantic she felt left me feeling anxious but not in the way you expect from a thriller.
I didn't understand the Tom story line and while the author tried, the ending didn't clear up anything about Tom. Why did he lie? Why did he keep contacting Simone? What was he trying to do by telling her all of that information?
I also felt the label as mystery or thriller was incorrect and a little unkind. There was no "real" threat in the book even though the synopsis made you believe all of these things were happening and that someone was out to get Simone. Anxiety, trauma, and depression are true issues pertaining to mental health and it feels insensitive to label a book that mainly highlighted those issues as a mystery/thriller. When you did finally understand what was going on, it felt like it came out of no where. There had been no clues, no suggestions, nothing to make you think that was how it was going to end. I think having some "hints" peppered through would have done wonders.
Lastly, I didn't connect at all with the end. I kept reading it and reading it to absorb it but still I'm not sure what happened.
If you are reading this book, I would go in understanding this is more romance and fiction over thriller. I wonder if that would have altered my view of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐ Read for me !
5 Stars just for the Cover alone !!
If you LOVE Slow burn mystery's, then look no further because The Fortune Teller does a great job of character building and lack of thrill !
Simone and her friends are having a blast at a funfair when they stumble across Mystic Maggie the Fortune Teller and a few decide to have their fortune read .
When Simone learns of her future meeting a tall, dark handsome stranger and the pitter patter of tiny feet and that in 5 years time a life tragedy will strike ... and if Simone wants to keep everyone she loves safe she should walk away from Mr. Handsome .
All Simone can think about is the words from the fortune teller and her friends tell her to let it go. When she meets Jude the man of her dreams , things spiral quickly and get heated fast, wedding, babies and all the while there is is a constant burning in Simmy's mind she can't let go... the words from the fortune teller to make a choice .
Will Simone let the fate of the fortune tellers words haunt her forever , or will she bury them and live her life without ever questioning that fun night out ??
I am glad I stuck this read out because the ending was definitely a surprise I did not see coming !
I think fans of B.A. Paris, Rachel Hawkins and Ruth Ware will enjoy this read!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books and Natasha Boydell for this ARC !!
5 Stars just for the Cover alone !!
If you LOVE Slow burn mystery's, then look no further because The Fortune Teller does a great job of character building and lack of thrill !
Simone and her friends are having a blast at a funfair when they stumble across Mystic Maggie the Fortune Teller and a few decide to have their fortune read .
When Simone learns of her future meeting a tall, dark handsome stranger and the pitter patter of tiny feet and that in 5 years time a life tragedy will strike ... and if Simone wants to keep everyone she loves safe she should walk away from Mr. Handsome .
All Simone can think about is the words from the fortune teller and her friends tell her to let it go. When she meets Jude the man of her dreams , things spiral quickly and get heated fast, wedding, babies and all the while there is is a constant burning in Simmy's mind she can't let go... the words from the fortune teller to make a choice .
Will Simone let the fate of the fortune tellers words haunt her forever , or will she bury them and live her life without ever questioning that fun night out ??
I am glad I stuck this read out because the ending was definitely a surprise I did not see coming !
I think fans of B.A. Paris, Rachel Hawkins and Ruth Ware will enjoy this read!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books and Natasha Boydell for this ARC !!
November 17, 2024
there was nothing thrilling or psychological about this book lol
March 20, 2024
The Fortune Teller was just meh for me. The premise was interesting and I was willing to go along with Simmy for a while. But eventually her neurosis was just too much. The wheels started to fall off about three-quarters through and the ending was an unexpected train wreck.
Simmy has been unlucky in love, but that is going to change after a reading from a fortune teller at a local carnival. The reading; however, came with a five year expiration. Simmy meets Jude, falls in love, and starts the perfect family. No matter what she can’t shake the fortune teller’s warning and goes on the hunt to find her for another reading. Time is running out for her and her loved ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Simmy has been unlucky in love, but that is going to change after a reading from a fortune teller at a local carnival. The reading; however, came with a five year expiration. Simmy meets Jude, falls in love, and starts the perfect family. No matter what she can’t shake the fortune teller’s warning and goes on the hunt to find her for another reading. Time is running out for her and her loved ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 🌟
The title and cover of this book is what initially had my attention. When I read the about, I was really interested.
From the start, this book has my attention. It drew me in quickly. I really enjoyed how the book started out and Simone and her friends are at a fair and see the fortune Teller booth, and are intrigued. I think many readers will relate to that. Of course, they get their fortunes read and Simone becomes rather obsessed about hers. She's told she must avoid her mr. Right if she wants to avoid a horrible tragedy in years. Her friends tell her that she's being ridiculous and it's all just in fun.
*Enter Mr. EVERYTHING*
Simone falls hard and fast and things progress quickly but what that fortune Teller told her is always in the back in her mind.
The title and cover of this book is what initially had my attention. When I read the about, I was really interested.
From the start, this book has my attention. It drew me in quickly. I really enjoyed how the book started out and Simone and her friends are at a fair and see the fortune Teller booth, and are intrigued. I think many readers will relate to that. Of course, they get their fortunes read and Simone becomes rather obsessed about hers. She's told she must avoid her mr. Right if she wants to avoid a horrible tragedy in years. Her friends tell her that she's being ridiculous and it's all just in fun.
*Enter Mr. EVERYTHING*
Simone falls hard and fast and things progress quickly but what that fortune Teller told her is always in the back in her mind.
April 14, 2024
Wow - such an engaging thriller! The kind that makes you want to go back and reread once all the pieces of the puzzle have been revealed.
The way the author captures the slow yet steady decline of Simone’s mental state is equal parts impressive and gut wrenching.
I’ve read two other books by Boydell and this is by far my favorite.
The way the author captures the slow yet steady decline of Simone’s mental state is equal parts impressive and gut wrenching.
I’ve read two other books by Boydell and this is by far my favorite.
December 19, 2024
This is the first book I read from this author and I absolutely LOVED it !! It kept me guessing throughout !! And the ending left me OMG !!! I never ever guessed that part, my mind went totally elsewhere with this character.. I totally recommend this book !
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2024
That book succeeded in pissing me off the entire time but I did want to keep reading it so there is something to be said about that
January 7, 2024
First book from this author and I loved it! This story revolves around a woman who gets a reading from a fortune teller that could alter her life forever. The book was written very well and kept me reading and not wanting to put it down. Amazing book! 4/5 just because the epilogue ended on a cliff hanger with no next book announced. Overall great read!
August 13, 2025
This one had been on my TBR for awhile but I was glad I read it! I initially thought it was just a novel but it ended up being more thrillerish. Enjoyed it!
May 21, 2024
4.5/5
The writing was excellent, the characters were well developed and that ending… 🤯(mind blown). I was thoroughly invested in all of the characters and their relationships, from the group of female friends, to the evolution of each character as time went one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Simone falling in love and was so happy to be swept up in their romance, even with all of the reservations that everyone logically had.
My only complaint with the book was how much detail/time went into exploring Simone’s “intrusive thoughts”. I was actually exhausted reading about the for SO LONG.
That being said, the REST of the book was so dang good!!! Lots of brilliantly written surprises and one of the best endings I’ve read in quite some time. Highly recommend it- just be patient with poor Simone 😉
The writing was excellent, the characters were well developed and that ending… 🤯(mind blown). I was thoroughly invested in all of the characters and their relationships, from the group of female friends, to the evolution of each character as time went one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Simone falling in love and was so happy to be swept up in their romance, even with all of the reservations that everyone logically had.
My only complaint with the book was how much detail/time went into exploring Simone’s “intrusive thoughts”. I was actually exhausted reading about the for SO LONG.
That being said, the REST of the book was so dang good!!! Lots of brilliantly written surprises and one of the best endings I’ve read in quite some time. Highly recommend it- just be patient with poor Simone 😉
July 19, 2024
Well, it had potential. I wanted to like this book because the story premise sounded intriguing. The execution was lacking, however.
Part 1 was pretty good. It drew me in, made me want to keep going, and presented some "hmmm" moments that made me wonder and assume they would come back as crucial plot elements.
Part 2 was not. It became redundant, extremely slow, and all of those "hmmm" moments became nothings. Something that seemed like it should matter, just ended up becoming a plot hole or lazy writing.
My biggest beef, however, is the ending. You HAVE to read the epilogue to get the true conclusion to the story. If you have to read it, then it should be in the main content of the story and not in the epilogue, which is, in theory, a bonus idea or plot or detail. If it is crucial, it is content. If it is "nice to have read," it is epilogue. I know, I know, shouldn't be such a big beef, but after the disappointment of Part 2, that just became a much more egregious writing cop out.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
Part 1 was pretty good. It drew me in, made me want to keep going, and presented some "hmmm" moments that made me wonder and assume they would come back as crucial plot elements.
Part 2 was not. It became redundant, extremely slow, and all of those "hmmm" moments became nothings. Something that seemed like it should matter, just ended up becoming a plot hole or lazy writing.
My biggest beef, however, is the ending. You HAVE to read the epilogue to get the true conclusion to the story. If you have to read it, then it should be in the main content of the story and not in the epilogue, which is, in theory, a bonus idea or plot or detail. If it is crucial, it is content. If it is "nice to have read," it is epilogue. I know, I know, shouldn't be such a big beef, but after the disappointment of Part 2, that just became a much more egregious writing cop out.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
August 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️.
I don't know how you make a book as short as this a slow burner, but this author did. It was intriguing in a way you want to know more but I wasn't obsessed.
Seems to be a lot of loose ends ... probably the same number as the use of "raucous" as an adjective. Buy a thesaurus.
The ending has me baffled and according to some reviews, I am not the only one.
I will say the portrayal of Simone's paranoia/ mental health was done very well and made me feel on edge with her.
I don't know how you make a book as short as this a slow burner, but this author did. It was intriguing in a way you want to know more but I wasn't obsessed.
Seems to be a lot of loose ends ... probably the same number as the use of "raucous" as an adjective. Buy a thesaurus.
The ending has me baffled and according to some reviews, I am not the only one.
I will say the portrayal of Simone's paranoia/ mental health was done very well and made me feel on edge with her.
May 13, 2025
Unexpected plot twist kept me in suspense until late on. I liked it a lot.
June 22, 2025
This was easy to get into and an easy read. I found it unable to grip my attention after a few chapters but persevered. In the end I quite enjoyed it. Definitely did not expect the ending.
June 23, 2024
I've given 5 stars as it's perhaps a 4.5 but I didn't want to drag the overall rating down. A good story with a twist that I didn't guess until the last minute when it became obvious.
April 25, 2024
The Fortune Teller following Simone who meet and obsessed over one random Fortune Teller at a fun fair. Her life seem changing drastically into the bright future and also the risk of the fullfil of the prediction.
This is my first read from the author and I like the premise of this book. It is quite fast read for me because the story very engaging and the plot easy enough to follow. All characters seem generic enough but loveable. The mystery is burning slowly and gave me good tension. The suspens is keep me on the edge and care enough to follow our MC problems. I am just glad this story is free from all those paranormal mystic vibes and straight to psychology conclusions.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 1 April 2024
This is my first read from the author and I like the premise of this book. It is quite fast read for me because the story very engaging and the plot easy enough to follow. All characters seem generic enough but loveable. The mystery is burning slowly and gave me good tension. The suspens is keep me on the edge and care enough to follow our MC problems. I am just glad this story is free from all those paranormal mystic vibes and straight to psychology conclusions.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 1 April 2024
March 19, 2024
I was gripped at the start and the story could have developed in the right direction, however it becomes more and more repetitive to the point of boredom. Even the last implausible twist does not save the novel for me. Entertaining for the first 50 pages or so.
March 19, 2024
Lazy writing, for example "her outfit was just like the fortune tellers in storybooks" with no further description. Repetitive passages of ridiculous paranoia. A truly stupid ending.
May 30, 2024
One of the dumbest main characters I’ve ever experienced. There were also random storylines that were never explained and when you did find out what was going on it came out of nowhere
May 7, 2024
I In the fortuneteller by Natasha boydle we meet Simone and her best friends Helen Emily and shiv. When the story begins there at a fun fair and all decide to pay 20 Quid to see a fortuneteller. This is where Simone learns that she will meet Mr. right but should disregard him because if they marry they will have kids but in five years she will meet impending doom. Instead of disregarding Mr. Wright Simone instead disregards the fortuneteller after meeting and falling in love with Jude it isn’t long before she’s pregnant with twins. It seems everything mystic Maggie told her is coming true so obviously a tragedy will befall her and her family. She becomes obsessed with keeping track checking in with her husband multiple times a day not wanting her children to play and do normal children things because she fears the profits prophecy. She soon starts visiting other fun fairs but cannot find mystic Maggie is Simone and her family truly doomed or will Simone unintentionally self fulfill the prophecy? About 80% of this book is Simone fretting over what the fortune teller said finding week clues as to the doom she is expecting and the ending was shocking to me only because nothing in the book would lead you to think that was going to be the ending. I really thought this book started strong and was really good it wasn’t until 60 or 70% in that I was like well wait when are we going to start getting the close to the ending and then when you think you do… No you don’t. I gave it three stars because it is well written and truly intriguing but would’ve been even more intriguing with the storyline that leads to the ending instead we get an ending out of left field. I see most people like this book and as I said I didn’t dislike it just thought the ending came out of nowhere. want to thank Boldwood books for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
August 18, 2025
From the moment I saw the cover, I knew this was going to be a book I’d enjoy, and it didn’t disappoint. The story was gripping, and I found the theme of obsessive thinking and mental health especially interesting. I was eager to see whether the fortune teller’s predictions would come true, which kept me hooked until the end. It would have been a five-star read for me, but at times the pacing felt a little dragged out. Overall, a thought-provoking and suspenseful novel that I’d definitely recommend.
May 7, 2024
A wild read
Absolutely did not see this one coming. Vaguely had some hints but there is no way I could have figured all of it out together. Some parts were a bit detailed and slow but I would definitely recommend this read to a friend that like mind benders.
Absolutely did not see this one coming. Vaguely had some hints but there is no way I could have figured all of it out together. Some parts were a bit detailed and slow but I would definitely recommend this read to a friend that like mind benders.
July 19, 2024
It had such good potential.. the first half of the book was exciting and drew you in. I couldn't believe the turn the second half took however. It fell so flat, left so many questions unanswered and just felt completely random.
April 9, 2024
Wow, I read this in a day and could not put this down. Can’t believe the twist right up until the last paragraph!!
May 15, 2024
TALK ABOUT A TWIST. I didn’t expect allll of these twists. I was shocked throughout most of this story. So well written, highly recommend!
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