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Guilty
“You’re invited to my farewell party. I’ve got something to tell you before I die…”
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice.
But she doesn’t realise that by freeing her own inner demons, she’s unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk…
‘Secrets, lies and betrayal, this book has the lot! It kept me up way later than I intended racing through to the end and what an ending it was!’ Rona Halsall
'immensely readable and hugely entertaining - so compelling that I read it in a matter of hours' Fiona Mitchell
'A very tense situational thriller that had me guessing right up to the end. I loved it!' Dawn Goodwin
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice.
But she doesn’t realise that by freeing her own inner demons, she’s unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk…
‘Secrets, lies and betrayal, this book has the lot! It kept me up way later than I intended racing through to the end and what an ending it was!’ Rona Halsall
'immensely readable and hugely entertaining - so compelling that I read it in a matter of hours' Fiona Mitchell
'A very tense situational thriller that had me guessing right up to the end. I loved it!' Dawn Goodwin
- GenresThriller
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2024
185 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Speechley
21 books154 followersRuby Speechley is a psychological thriller writer. Her debut novel, Someone Else’s Baby, was published by Hera Books on 25 July 2019.
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 8, 2025
A gripping thriller full of drama! Heather, facing a terminal diagnosis, gathers her closest friends and family for a farewell party. Her plan is not only to say goodbye but also to finally confess who killed Simon years ago. But before she can reveal the truth, someone makes sure she’s silenced.
May 16, 2024
At times a moving insight into the main characters terminal diagnosis and how she is dealing with it and the feelings it is evoking in her,she then decides to throw a party to tell those friends that don’t know and invites almost 200 including people she has not seen for years,including past enemies
There is a secret binding the main characters together and of course there are lies within the group of friends but it turns out more people know than they think about both and the party turns into mayhem and murder
A good story, although mainly unlikeable characters has to be said and a emotive subject that the author explains well in her acknowledgments as to how she came to choose it
A fast moving read for the reader that once started you will want to finish to see the outcome
There is a secret binding the main characters together and of course there are lies within the group of friends but it turns out more people know than they think about both and the party turns into mayhem and murder
A good story, although mainly unlikeable characters has to be said and a emotive subject that the author explains well in her acknowledgments as to how she came to choose it
A fast moving read for the reader that once started you will want to finish to see the outcome
May 8, 2024
I really don't write bad reviews. Go on check my goodreads average rating.
BUT
Ummm yeahhh it was bad.
The synopsis seemed interesting but the book is 10 times boring.
i didn't give a shit about the characters and honestly, even the characters didn't care who died and who lived. Literally, the MC's friend died and that too was MURDER by POISON and ALL SHE SAID WAS OH POOR CADY. LIKE WTH IS WRONG WITH U GIRL????!
And the mystery was.. lets not talk about that traumatic experience. The sentences were boring and at times it felt like they have been copied from a conversation with characterAI. - they were that bland.
I was looking forward to this book but unfortunately, i am utterly disappointed. The 'plot twists' made me want to pull out my hair. It felt like the author was just trying to make a story when there is nothing. I honestly thought that this book would be something like the book "In My Dreams I hold a Knife" and i enjoyed that book so i thought i would like it too.
But no guys seriously. i didn't like it. not one character was good.
Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest reviews.
BUT
Ummm yeahhh it was bad.
The synopsis seemed interesting but the book is 10 times boring.
i didn't give a shit about the characters and honestly, even the characters didn't care who died and who lived. Literally, the MC's friend died and that too was MURDER by POISON and ALL SHE SAID WAS OH POOR CADY. LIKE WTH IS WRONG WITH U GIRL????!
And the mystery was.. lets not talk about that traumatic experience. The sentences were boring and at times it felt like they have been copied from a conversation with characterAI. - they were that bland.
I was looking forward to this book but unfortunately, i am utterly disappointed. The 'plot twists' made me want to pull out my hair. It felt like the author was just trying to make a story when there is nothing. I honestly thought that this book would be something like the book "In My Dreams I hold a Knife" and i enjoyed that book so i thought i would like it too.
But no guys seriously. i didn't like it. not one character was good.
Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest reviews.
June 18, 2024
One secret...one confession...and she knows who it is...
Honestly, I feel a bit GUILTY about writing this review. This was a really hard book for me to get into. I found the main character and her terminal diagnosis of cancer just a little too depressing. And she felt the need to create these gatherings of loved ones, past and present, to make the sad announcement. It just felt a little too contrived and, well, depressing. And if it wasn't that, it was boring.
The characters are all a little irritating and with every turn of the page I was dreading something happening to the dogs she tended to when boarding in the kennels she ran. An author can kill of as many people as they like...but hands off the dogs!
I can't tell you if anything happened to them because I ended up skipping to the final pages where even more people died and seven months later, Heather is still alive and kicking when her announcement at the beginning of the book made it sound as if she was at death's door, about to be taken at any moment.
I wish I could have connected with this book more as I do love Ruby Speechley but a reading slump makes it difficult to enjoy many books and this one was just one of those that didn't cut it with me this time round.
I would like to thank #RubySpeechley, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #Guilty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Honestly, I feel a bit GUILTY about writing this review. This was a really hard book for me to get into. I found the main character and her terminal diagnosis of cancer just a little too depressing. And she felt the need to create these gatherings of loved ones, past and present, to make the sad announcement. It just felt a little too contrived and, well, depressing. And if it wasn't that, it was boring.
The characters are all a little irritating and with every turn of the page I was dreading something happening to the dogs she tended to when boarding in the kennels she ran. An author can kill of as many people as they like...but hands off the dogs!
I can't tell you if anything happened to them because I ended up skipping to the final pages where even more people died and seven months later, Heather is still alive and kicking when her announcement at the beginning of the book made it sound as if she was at death's door, about to be taken at any moment.
I wish I could have connected with this book more as I do love Ruby Speechley but a reading slump makes it difficult to enjoy many books and this one was just one of those that didn't cut it with me this time round.
I would like to thank #RubySpeechley, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #Guilty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 23, 2024
Sometimes, when people are about to die, they feel it's confession time. Often it are white lies, but what Heather is about to reveal is a lot more serious.
Before she can speak though, someone stops her in her tracks. That's when it all kicks off...
Sometimes you have a plan and it can go exactly as you had it in mind, but sometimes it all backfires and you find yourself on the receiving end.
How do you know you can really trust someone? Before you know it they stab you in the back because they have their own agenda and have pulled the wool over you eyes.
A few years ago a Belgian group had a song titled 'I lie and I cheat'. This glove fitted a few of the characters perfectly, making a lot of victims along the way.
I really enjoyed the twisty story. Sometimes I had found the right track and sometimes I was completely lost in the woods. I love it when an author can do this. 4 stars
Thank you.
Before she can speak though, someone stops her in her tracks. That's when it all kicks off...
Sometimes you have a plan and it can go exactly as you had it in mind, but sometimes it all backfires and you find yourself on the receiving end.
How do you know you can really trust someone? Before you know it they stab you in the back because they have their own agenda and have pulled the wool over you eyes.
A few years ago a Belgian group had a song titled 'I lie and I cheat'. This glove fitted a few of the characters perfectly, making a lot of victims along the way.
I really enjoyed the twisty story. Sometimes I had found the right track and sometimes I was completely lost in the woods. I love it when an author can do this. 4 stars
Thank you.
June 6, 2024
First, I want to thank Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! Ruby Speechley has done it again creating an out of the box storyline in Guilty! This is one book I would love to know what was behind this twisted tale.
We start off the book learning some somber news of the main character that will have some effect one way or another on each of the characters in the book. What I thought was a great idea was that she wanted to get everyone together and host a celebration of life party. However, what she didn’t tell her guest is the reason for the party. So, you can imagine all the wild guesses as to why they were all there. Some of them were hilarious.
I loved how Heather was being so generous and thoughtful giving away mementos of hers to her friends that they have cherished for ages. However, they didn’t understand why.
What a great idea Heather had to write letters and cards to both her sons when she first got diagnosed with advice, how she met their Dad, etc. That would be so comforting to them once she was gone.
Secrets can be powerful and dangerous as can their confessions and that is just what happens in Guilty!
WOW!! Ruby Speechley has done it again creating an out of the box storyline in Guilty! This is one book I would love to know what was behind this twisted tale.
We start off the book learning some somber news of the main character that will have some effect one way or another on each of the characters in the book. What I thought was a great idea was that she wanted to get everyone together and host a celebration of life party. However, what she didn’t tell her guest is the reason for the party. So, you can imagine all the wild guesses as to why they were all there. Some of them were hilarious.
I loved how Heather was being so generous and thoughtful giving away mementos of hers to her friends that they have cherished for ages. However, they didn’t understand why.
What a great idea Heather had to write letters and cards to both her sons when she first got diagnosed with advice, how she met their Dad, etc. That would be so comforting to them once she was gone.
Secrets can be powerful and dangerous as can their confessions and that is just what happens in Guilty!
July 1, 2024
I was completely blown away by Guilty!
Heather is getting her affairs in order as she has a terminal illness with a short amount of time left. She decides to throw herself a “going away” party to try and make amends with anyone from her life all in one place. During her party disaster strikes, and her friends start dropping like flies.
We follow along in this emotional and tense thriller, and I can’t tell you how many characters I had worked out in my head as the killer. The ending completely caught me off guard, and Ioved it!
Highly recommend Guilty if you’re looking for something interesting and fast to devour!
Heather is getting her affairs in order as she has a terminal illness with a short amount of time left. She decides to throw herself a “going away” party to try and make amends with anyone from her life all in one place. During her party disaster strikes, and her friends start dropping like flies.
We follow along in this emotional and tense thriller, and I can’t tell you how many characters I had worked out in my head as the killer. The ending completely caught me off guard, and Ioved it!
Highly recommend Guilty if you’re looking for something interesting and fast to devour!
September 14, 2024
This book has a lot going on. I was hooked from the beginning though because it’s very interesting to open up a story with someone knowing they’re about to die. Everything that happens afterward is interesting. I definitely guessed who was behind it all, but I went back and forth for a bit. However, it was easy to see one person in particular was a huge liar. This book has a lot of unfortunate events/consequences for things that happened a long time ago. I normally burn my bridges, but I don’t like to hold a grudge. This was DECADES long. People need therapy.
July 6, 2024
One of those thrillers where you kinda know ‘whodunnit’ from the start because they are sooooo obvious.
The FMC is throwing a farewell party due to a terminal illness, which is pretty sad and is a bit of food for thought. However, she wants to get a secret off her chest at said (already ruined) party.
Cue murders… someone doesn’t want the secret exposed.
I didn’t find the characters likeable, and they didn’t seem to react normally in situations. For example, the trashy friend is poisoned at the party, none of the other guests seem to worry that they may be at risk ( I’d be looking for the antidote 🤣). The FMC doesn’t seem to shed a tear that her BFF has died.
The FMC is throwing a farewell party due to a terminal illness, which is pretty sad and is a bit of food for thought. However, she wants to get a secret off her chest at said (already ruined) party.
Cue murders… someone doesn’t want the secret exposed.
I didn’t find the characters likeable, and they didn’t seem to react normally in situations. For example, the trashy friend is poisoned at the party, none of the other guests seem to worry that they may be at risk ( I’d be looking for the antidote 🤣). The FMC doesn’t seem to shed a tear that her BFF has died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
Repetitive and predictable. Non of the characters are likeable. I struggled to finish it.
November 4, 2025
I dont like leaving meh reviews but I cant honestly give this book anymore. The premise was interesting, a woman facing death burdened with a terrible secret who wants to come clean before its too late, but oh boy the execution wasnt good.
Heather has lost a lot in her life, her little brother was killed over 30 years ago by a careless driver, her mum killed herself, her dad turned to drink. But in spite of that she married, had 2 boys, a thriving kennel business. Life was good. Now though she's divorced, with a new partner Martyn, an old flame from her schooldays, her boys are grown up and have left home, and she's got terminal cancer and only a short time to live.
Reeling from her diagnosis and with a shared dark secret between her and a group of her old friends she decides to thrown a big farewell party, and she plans to reveal what really happened that day 27 years ago.
Everyone who ever met Heather is seemingly invited, and in spite of the opposition from Martyn, who was also involved, she is going to spill the beans about what they did. Heather has been receiving menacing text messages from an unknown person. Its clear they know what she did.
But before she can 'fess up her best friend Cathy is taken seriously ill and has to go to hospital, where she later dies. And its murder! So is someone punishing them all or trying to silence them? Heather has to turn detective.
I found this a mess, I didnt really care about any of the characters, they all seemed pretty shit. I found Heather annoyingly self righteous, selfish and pig headed. Some of her decisions just seemed stupid. She didnt consider the implications of her confession on those left behind. It was all about her all the time.
I also didnt like the moralising on abortion, her friend Cathy had one when they were 16. Heather was opposed on moral grounds and wanted Cathy to keep it ( news flash, its none of your business). I also thought Dan's reaction, Cathy's BF was totally OTT. I find it hard to believe a 16 year old was so ready to be a dad that her abortion ruined his life and he was inconsolable. It was too unrealistic.
There was too small a pool of suspects, the motive of the killer was spurious at best, it was just too unbelievable that anyone would kill several people over it. I'm prepared for daftness and plot holes in murder stories, its not real life, but my credulity only stretches so far.
And after being told she has a few months left, if that, at the epilogue she's still alive and kicking and cuddling her baby grandson, which doesnt tally with what we are lead to believe. And by this point I didnt care, I found her so annoying I would have cheerfully bumped her off myself.
Its a shame that a story with a good premise was ruined by sloppy plotlines, unlikeable characters and an unrealistic murderer. This should have been so much better.
Heather has lost a lot in her life, her little brother was killed over 30 years ago by a careless driver, her mum killed herself, her dad turned to drink. But in spite of that she married, had 2 boys, a thriving kennel business. Life was good. Now though she's divorced, with a new partner Martyn, an old flame from her schooldays, her boys are grown up and have left home, and she's got terminal cancer and only a short time to live.
Reeling from her diagnosis and with a shared dark secret between her and a group of her old friends she decides to thrown a big farewell party, and she plans to reveal what really happened that day 27 years ago.
Everyone who ever met Heather is seemingly invited, and in spite of the opposition from Martyn, who was also involved, she is going to spill the beans about what they did. Heather has been receiving menacing text messages from an unknown person. Its clear they know what she did.
But before she can 'fess up her best friend Cathy is taken seriously ill and has to go to hospital, where she later dies. And its murder! So is someone punishing them all or trying to silence them? Heather has to turn detective.
I found this a mess, I didnt really care about any of the characters, they all seemed pretty shit. I found Heather annoyingly self righteous, selfish and pig headed. Some of her decisions just seemed stupid. She didnt consider the implications of her confession on those left behind. It was all about her all the time.
I also didnt like the moralising on abortion, her friend Cathy had one when they were 16. Heather was opposed on moral grounds and wanted Cathy to keep it ( news flash, its none of your business). I also thought Dan's reaction, Cathy's BF was totally OTT. I find it hard to believe a 16 year old was so ready to be a dad that her abortion ruined his life and he was inconsolable. It was too unrealistic.
There was too small a pool of suspects, the motive of the killer was spurious at best, it was just too unbelievable that anyone would kill several people over it. I'm prepared for daftness and plot holes in murder stories, its not real life, but my credulity only stretches so far.
And after being told she has a few months left, if that, at the epilogue she's still alive and kicking and cuddling her baby grandson, which doesnt tally with what we are lead to believe. And by this point I didnt care, I found her so annoying I would have cheerfully bumped her off myself.
Its a shame that a story with a good premise was ruined by sloppy plotlines, unlikeable characters and an unrealistic murderer. This should have been so much better.
June 12, 2024
After a terminal diagnosis leaves her with months to live, Heather's focus is on getting her affairs in order. She updates her will to protect her grown sons and her business. And with the help of her boyfriend Martyn, she plans her farewell party. Everyone will be invited, including friends, former friends, co-workers, and even those who might not like her too much. She wants to gather everyone together to announce her impending death. She also wants to reveal a secret she's been keeping for decades -- one that's tied to the death of her six-year-old brother Alex and the murder of a young man named Simon Eyre.
Some people at the party deserve to finally know the truth. Others want her to keep quiet to save their own necks. But Heather's determined to die with a clear conscience, even if it means putting the lives of those near and dear to her in jeopardy. That's okay, though. Those near and dear have secrets of their own which could be even more deadly.
Emotionally charged and fraught with twists, "Guilty" by Ruby Speechley is a dialogue-driven psychological thriller that is reminiscent of a murder mystery dinner theater. In the chapters where Heather's dinner party takes place, that is. Questions are flying around about some of the guests. When a body turns up, everyone tries to piece together whodunnit, including you.
Told exclusively from Heather's first-person point-of-view, you are instantly drawn to her and think of her as this deeply likeable character who's sadly, yet stoically facing her own demise. She frets over her friends and family, loving them and wanting the best for all of them after she passes on. But as the story continues, Heather's facade slips a bit. Not necessarily an unreliable narrator, she is not totally honest either. She's not being totally honest about the big secret she's keeping with her friends -- or the one she's keeping from them.
"Guilty" is a fast-moving book that doesn't slow down long enough to give you a chance to check the page or chapter number -- or to take a break. It's an ultra-compelling read with an ending so explosive, you'll smell the smoke rising off the pages. It's another brilliant job by author Ruby Speechley. I can't wait to read what's next.
Thank you to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, and Rachel's Random Resources for the complimentary eARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Some people at the party deserve to finally know the truth. Others want her to keep quiet to save their own necks. But Heather's determined to die with a clear conscience, even if it means putting the lives of those near and dear to her in jeopardy. That's okay, though. Those near and dear have secrets of their own which could be even more deadly.
Emotionally charged and fraught with twists, "Guilty" by Ruby Speechley is a dialogue-driven psychological thriller that is reminiscent of a murder mystery dinner theater. In the chapters where Heather's dinner party takes place, that is. Questions are flying around about some of the guests. When a body turns up, everyone tries to piece together whodunnit, including you.
Told exclusively from Heather's first-person point-of-view, you are instantly drawn to her and think of her as this deeply likeable character who's sadly, yet stoically facing her own demise. She frets over her friends and family, loving them and wanting the best for all of them after she passes on. But as the story continues, Heather's facade slips a bit. Not necessarily an unreliable narrator, she is not totally honest either. She's not being totally honest about the big secret she's keeping with her friends -- or the one she's keeping from them.
"Guilty" is a fast-moving book that doesn't slow down long enough to give you a chance to check the page or chapter number -- or to take a break. It's an ultra-compelling read with an ending so explosive, you'll smell the smoke rising off the pages. It's another brilliant job by author Ruby Speechley. I can't wait to read what's next.
Thank you to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, and Rachel's Random Resources for the complimentary eARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
June 2, 2024
Guilty is an emotive page turner by Ruby Speechley and it is a real roller coaster of a read. I immediately connected to Heather, particularly, as it is revealed early on in the novel that she is dying of cancer. When we meet her she is getting her affairs in order before her situation gets too bad. She is also planning a party, as her way of saying goodbye to everyone she loves, but there are a lot of people who still don’t know she is dying, and she is planning on telling them all at the party. But at the party things take a very dark turn, and we begin to realise that Heather may not be the person we think she is.
When we meet Heather, she comes across as kind and caring, someone who will do anything for the people she loves. She certainly does seem like the type of person who you would want to have in your corner. I could feel the love she has for her family and her friends and the love they have for her. It seems so unfair that she has to succumb to this disease, but Heather has now reluctantly accepted her fate. But she also has a dark secret, and Heather feels that now her time is nearing its end, she cannot go to her grave without revealing what that secret is. This is the part that really intrigued me as we follow Heather. I could really sense how much this meant to her, to finally unburden herself and let the truth, of whatever it was that happened in her past, be known.
Ruby Speechley ups the tension so, so well as the party gets underway, and it seems that there are people there who want Heather to suffer. The book really darkens at this point and I raced through the chapters to find out what was going to happen and what the secret was Heather wanted to let go of. This is what makes this story so intense and so intriguing as well.
The final revelations were shocking and Ruby Speechley does a brilliant job of bringing everything together in an explosive finale. I thought it was executed really well in a highly entertaining way. Guilty is a brilliant psychological thriller. I really enjoyed it.
When we meet Heather, she comes across as kind and caring, someone who will do anything for the people she loves. She certainly does seem like the type of person who you would want to have in your corner. I could feel the love she has for her family and her friends and the love they have for her. It seems so unfair that she has to succumb to this disease, but Heather has now reluctantly accepted her fate. But she also has a dark secret, and Heather feels that now her time is nearing its end, she cannot go to her grave without revealing what that secret is. This is the part that really intrigued me as we follow Heather. I could really sense how much this meant to her, to finally unburden herself and let the truth, of whatever it was that happened in her past, be known.
Ruby Speechley ups the tension so, so well as the party gets underway, and it seems that there are people there who want Heather to suffer. The book really darkens at this point and I raced through the chapters to find out what was going to happen and what the secret was Heather wanted to let go of. This is what makes this story so intense and so intriguing as well.
The final revelations were shocking and Ruby Speechley does a brilliant job of bringing everything together in an explosive finale. I thought it was executed really well in a highly entertaining way. Guilty is a brilliant psychological thriller. I really enjoyed it.
June 8, 2024
"...The truth always comes out in the end, with or without me, so why not now so I can die peacefully, with a clear conscience?"
"Don't you find...guilt makes you question everything you do?"
Guilt is an emotion that eats away at us from the inside out but for some, with no conscience, it's an afterthought, it's more important to keep the secrets around the guilt. This truth is prevalent in the frenzied Guilty by psychological thriller author Ruby Speechley.
After 27 years, Heather is ready to tell the truth about the death of Simon. The fact that she's doing it after learning about her terminal diagnosis, at her well planned farewell to life party, is a bit disconcerting to say the least. She's invited all her friends and family to tell them all at once that she's dying and to celebrate her life. But before the truth can be revealed, more people will die, other shocking secrets will be revealed and who is really guilty of more than just Simon's death will blow your mind.
Every time I thought I knew the truth there were more secrets and lies. I figured out one of the main culprits of the current deaths but, honestly, almost any name would be a solid guess because everyone is guilty of something in this non stop twisty thriller.
This clever writer managed to combine two completely contrasting themes that somehow worked together. Aside from the shocking twists there was the story of Heather, in her forties dealing with her untimely death. Leaving notes for her sons and future grandchild. I loved the inclusion of the organization blue cross.org.uk's Pet Peace of Mind program that rehomes pets when their owners pass away.
This is an explosive story but you should have no guilt enjoying the wild reveals and the WTF of it all!
I received a free copy of this book from Boldwood Books via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Don't you find...guilt makes you question everything you do?"
Guilt is an emotion that eats away at us from the inside out but for some, with no conscience, it's an afterthought, it's more important to keep the secrets around the guilt. This truth is prevalent in the frenzied Guilty by psychological thriller author Ruby Speechley.
After 27 years, Heather is ready to tell the truth about the death of Simon. The fact that she's doing it after learning about her terminal diagnosis, at her well planned farewell to life party, is a bit disconcerting to say the least. She's invited all her friends and family to tell them all at once that she's dying and to celebrate her life. But before the truth can be revealed, more people will die, other shocking secrets will be revealed and who is really guilty of more than just Simon's death will blow your mind.
Every time I thought I knew the truth there were more secrets and lies. I figured out one of the main culprits of the current deaths but, honestly, almost any name would be a solid guess because everyone is guilty of something in this non stop twisty thriller.
This clever writer managed to combine two completely contrasting themes that somehow worked together. Aside from the shocking twists there was the story of Heather, in her forties dealing with her untimely death. Leaving notes for her sons and future grandchild. I loved the inclusion of the organization blue cross.org.uk's Pet Peace of Mind program that rehomes pets when their owners pass away.
This is an explosive story but you should have no guilt enjoying the wild reveals and the WTF of it all!
I received a free copy of this book from Boldwood Books via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2024
Ruby Speechley's emotionally charged page-turner Guilty is an incredible read. Since Heather's cancer diagnosis is revealed early in the book, I felt an immediate connection to her. She is organizing her affairs when we first meet her, trying to prevent things from going too terrible. In addition, she is organizing a party to bid farewell to everyone she loves. However, she intends to inform those who remain unaware of her impending death during the celebration. However, things take a very dark turn at the party, and we start to suspect that Heather might not be who we believe her to be.
Upon meeting her, Heather strikes us as a kind and gentle individual who would sacrifice anything for those she loves. She seems like the kind of person you want on your side, no doubt about it. I could sense her affection for her friends and family, as well as their love for her. Although it seems so unjust that she must die from this illness, Heather has finally come to terms with her destiny. However, Heather also harbors a sinister secret, and since her time is running out, she believes she must tell it before passing away. I found this section of following Heather to be incredibly fascinating. I could definitely feel I could tell how much it meant to her to be able to finally let go of her burdens and reveal the truth about whatever had happened in her past.
As the party begins, Ruby Speechley intensifies the tension to an unbelievably high degree, and it appears that some people are there to see Heather suffer. At this point, the novel really gets dark, and I was eager to turn the pages to see what would happen and what secret Heather was trying to let go of. This is what adds to the story's intensity and intrigue.
Ruby Speechley does a fantastic job of pulling everything together in an exciting climax. The last disclosures were shocking. It was incredibly enjoyable, and I felt it was really beautifully done. The psychological thriller Guilty is excellent. It was incredibly enjoyable to me.
Upon meeting her, Heather strikes us as a kind and gentle individual who would sacrifice anything for those she loves. She seems like the kind of person you want on your side, no doubt about it. I could sense her affection for her friends and family, as well as their love for her. Although it seems so unjust that she must die from this illness, Heather has finally come to terms with her destiny. However, Heather also harbors a sinister secret, and since her time is running out, she believes she must tell it before passing away. I found this section of following Heather to be incredibly fascinating. I could definitely feel I could tell how much it meant to her to be able to finally let go of her burdens and reveal the truth about whatever had happened in her past.
As the party begins, Ruby Speechley intensifies the tension to an unbelievably high degree, and it appears that some people are there to see Heather suffer. At this point, the novel really gets dark, and I was eager to turn the pages to see what would happen and what secret Heather was trying to let go of. This is what adds to the story's intensity and intrigue.
Ruby Speechley does a fantastic job of pulling everything together in an exciting climax. The last disclosures were shocking. It was incredibly enjoyable, and I felt it was really beautifully done. The psychological thriller Guilty is excellent. It was incredibly enjoyable to me.
June 16, 2024
"You're invited to a farewell party. I've got something to tell you before I die...."
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest. She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there's another reason she wants the people in her life together. She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice. But she doesn't realise that by releasing her inner demons, she's unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk....
Heather has only months to live after receiving her terminal cancer diagnosis. With Martyn's (her boyfriend) help, Heather plans a farewell party where everyone she has known will be invited. She wants to tell them of her diagnosis and a secret that she's been keeping for decades.
The story is told from Heather's point of view. At first, Heather comes across as kind and caring. She wants to unburden herself of a secret she's kept from her friends and family for the past twenty-seven years. But before the truth is revealed, more people have died. The tension and suspense builds throughout. This is a gripping and twisted read. The pace is steady. I loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RubySpeechley for my ARC of #Guilty in exchange for an honest review.
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest. She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there's another reason she wants the people in her life together. She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice. But she doesn't realise that by releasing her inner demons, she's unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk....
Heather has only months to live after receiving her terminal cancer diagnosis. With Martyn's (her boyfriend) help, Heather plans a farewell party where everyone she has known will be invited. She wants to tell them of her diagnosis and a secret that she's been keeping for decades.
The story is told from Heather's point of view. At first, Heather comes across as kind and caring. She wants to unburden herself of a secret she's kept from her friends and family for the past twenty-seven years. But before the truth is revealed, more people have died. The tension and suspense builds throughout. This is a gripping and twisted read. The pace is steady. I loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RubySpeechley for my ARC of #Guilty in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
I was delighted to be invited to review Guilty as part of a publication push. With intrigue and dark theories it had the makings of being a fabulous page turner. Unfortunately, for me, it starts off quite slowly. As a reader you already know that Heather is facing a terminal diagnosis and something huge is going to be revealed about the murder of Simon Eyre. This is set up by the publisher of the novel before you turn the first page.
The build up to Heather’s farewell party takes a large chunk of the first half of the novel as characters are slowly introduced. Thereafter, however, the pace quickly picks up so do stay with it! Predictions take over as you work through the main characters wondering what is happening to party guests and why. Characterisation is consistent throughout. I found myself being drawn to some of the peripheral characters rather than the central protagonists, but this seemed to work well for the story whilst deciphering what was going on.
I’m sure that fans of Ann Cleeves will be equally delighted with the second half of Guilty. I found myself turning page after page from around the halfway point until I’d finished. With an unforeseen twist, the ending comes with a flourish of solid crime writing from Speechley.
The build up to Heather’s farewell party takes a large chunk of the first half of the novel as characters are slowly introduced. Thereafter, however, the pace quickly picks up so do stay with it! Predictions take over as you work through the main characters wondering what is happening to party guests and why. Characterisation is consistent throughout. I found myself being drawn to some of the peripheral characters rather than the central protagonists, but this seemed to work well for the story whilst deciphering what was going on.
I’m sure that fans of Ann Cleeves will be equally delighted with the second half of Guilty. I found myself turning page after page from around the halfway point until I’d finished. With an unforeseen twist, the ending comes with a flourish of solid crime writing from Speechley.
June 24, 2024
Deliciously suspenseful!
Guilty by Ruby Speechley finds friends from long ago brought together by a party Heather is hosting. Heather is ill and before it consumes her, she’d like to say goodbye to all of her friends and family at once.
As speeches begin, Heather begins to unburden herself by outing a long held secret between herself and her school friends. A member of the party seems to be heckling speech givers, including Heather, so she is quickly taken off to the side by her family, telling the party goers that alcohol combined with Heather’s treatments are causing her to act out of character; that there is no secret to be told.
But someone else remembers the loss of Heather’s brother and the justice Heather and her friends sought out by the person they deemed responsible; someone who was impacted by that “justice” and is seeking revenge. The party goers are being targeted and one won’t make it out alive. What dangers has Heather’s need to unburden herself brought to her and friends and family?
This was a four star read for me and Ruby Speechley has quickly become an instant “must read”! I’m excited for the twisty and suspenseful story she’ll thrill readers with next!
Guilty by Ruby Speechley finds friends from long ago brought together by a party Heather is hosting. Heather is ill and before it consumes her, she’d like to say goodbye to all of her friends and family at once.
As speeches begin, Heather begins to unburden herself by outing a long held secret between herself and her school friends. A member of the party seems to be heckling speech givers, including Heather, so she is quickly taken off to the side by her family, telling the party goers that alcohol combined with Heather’s treatments are causing her to act out of character; that there is no secret to be told.
But someone else remembers the loss of Heather’s brother and the justice Heather and her friends sought out by the person they deemed responsible; someone who was impacted by that “justice” and is seeking revenge. The party goers are being targeted and one won’t make it out alive. What dangers has Heather’s need to unburden herself brought to her and friends and family?
This was a four star read for me and Ruby Speechley has quickly become an instant “must read”! I’m excited for the twisty and suspenseful story she’ll thrill readers with next!
March 23, 2025
GUILTY By Ruby Speechley
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice.
But she doesn’t realise that by freeing her own inner demons, she’s unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk…
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Thriller.
✔ This one actually hooked in the first few pages.
✔ A story interwoven with Lies, Secrets and Betrayals.
✔ It felt like a pile of Dominoes falling after every page.
✔ It was an intense read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Though I got hooked onto the storyline, it just had a lot going.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 3/5
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
One confession. One secret. Two scores to settle.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice.
But she doesn’t realise that by freeing her own inner demons, she’s unleashing much worse secrets, and putting everyone at risk…
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Thriller.
✔ This one actually hooked in the first few pages.
✔ A story interwoven with Lies, Secrets and Betrayals.
✔ It felt like a pile of Dominoes falling after every page.
✔ It was an intense read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Though I got hooked onto the storyline, it just had a lot going.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 3/5
June 12, 2024
I loved the premise for this book and I was instantly gripped.
Having received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Heather decides that the best way to let everyone know, and to say goodbye to everyone who has been a part of her life, is to hold a huge party and make the announcement. She also has something to confess, so that she can die with a clear conscience. But someone finds out what she plans to confess and is determined to stop her.
There was a great balance of thriller and emotionally heartwrenching sadness, as Heather and her family come to terms with her short future and I really enjoyed Ruby Speechley's writing style. In the last part of the book though, I felt it got a bit messy and the ending fell a bit flat for me. Still an enjoyable read and I look forward to more from this brilliant author.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Ruby Speechley and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Having received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Heather decides that the best way to let everyone know, and to say goodbye to everyone who has been a part of her life, is to hold a huge party and make the announcement. She also has something to confess, so that she can die with a clear conscience. But someone finds out what she plans to confess and is determined to stop her.
There was a great balance of thriller and emotionally heartwrenching sadness, as Heather and her family come to terms with her short future and I really enjoyed Ruby Speechley's writing style. In the last part of the book though, I felt it got a bit messy and the ending fell a bit flat for me. Still an enjoyable read and I look forward to more from this brilliant author.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Ruby Speechley and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 13, 2024
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for inviting us onto the book tour for Guilty by @rubyspeechley.
This story will have you gripped from the beginning Heather is in her 40s and is dying she doesn't have long to live so decides to throw a farewell party to everyone she has known her life school friends neighbours etc. Only what she doesn't reveal is that years ago her brother died and the guy who done it his son is killed and Heather is determined to reveal who killed Simon no one else knows about this and would anyone try to stop her.
As the party goes on and she is about to reveal her big secret her partner stops her and gradually one by one her very close friends are killed so what is going on and what is someone not saying.
Its got lots of twists and turns and got to a stage where I did not want to put the book down as I needed to know what was going on and who was guilty.
There are lots of red herrings thrown in to.
This story will have you gripped from the beginning Heather is in her 40s and is dying she doesn't have long to live so decides to throw a farewell party to everyone she has known her life school friends neighbours etc. Only what she doesn't reveal is that years ago her brother died and the guy who done it his son is killed and Heather is determined to reveal who killed Simon no one else knows about this and would anyone try to stop her.
As the party goes on and she is about to reveal her big secret her partner stops her and gradually one by one her very close friends are killed so what is going on and what is someone not saying.
Its got lots of twists and turns and got to a stage where I did not want to put the book down as I needed to know what was going on and who was guilty.
There are lots of red herrings thrown in to.
July 3, 2024
Guilty by Ruby Speechley was an excellent psychological thriller from start to finish especially as it was full of great twists and turns throughout which made it addictive and a great page turner.
I loved the cover very simple but with a strong message.........
One secret.......
One confession..........
She knows who's GUILTY!
WoW...........So, “You’re invited to my farewell party. I’ve got something to tell you before I die…”
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
This was a book, once I opened my kindle I could not put it down.
Brilliant Book and I highly recommend it.
I loved the cover very simple but with a strong message.........
One secret.......
One confession..........
She knows who's GUILTY!
WoW...........So, “You’re invited to my farewell party. I’ve got something to tell you before I die…”
Heather wants to leave this world with a clear conscience.
Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest.
She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather.
This was a book, once I opened my kindle I could not put it down.
Brilliant Book and I highly recommend it.
January 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Heather is terminally unwell. And she has decided to throw a big farewell party. Where she will also reveal long kept secrets. But she's not the only one who knows the answers to those secrets, and the party doesn't go quite as well as she expected.
This author always writes really gritty storylines, that feature real life problems that many people face. This author also always writes really great characters, whether you like them or not, they are great. I liked Heather to a degree, but sometimes the things she did were questionable. This story offers many twists and turns, and lots of red herrings. Sometimes, I thought I knew exactly what was going on, only to be proved wrong again and again. And I love stories like that. Ruby Speechless is fast becoming one of my favourite authors as, despite the storylines, her books are so very easy to get in to and read.
Heather is terminally unwell. And she has decided to throw a big farewell party. Where she will also reveal long kept secrets. But she's not the only one who knows the answers to those secrets, and the party doesn't go quite as well as she expected.
This author always writes really gritty storylines, that feature real life problems that many people face. This author also always writes really great characters, whether you like them or not, they are great. I liked Heather to a degree, but sometimes the things she did were questionable. This story offers many twists and turns, and lots of red herrings. Sometimes, I thought I knew exactly what was going on, only to be proved wrong again and again. And I love stories like that. Ruby Speechless is fast becoming one of my favourite authors as, despite the storylines, her books are so very easy to get in to and read.
April 7, 2024
Heather does not have long to live. But she has secrets and guilt that is weighing down on her from her teenage years, and she wants to confess and have a clear conscience.
It all started with the death of her little brother.
But the people who know her secret at being targetted by an unknown person.
Who knows why people do the things they do? Heather did not realise what the repercussions of her confession would be.
There were so many twists in this book, it was mind boggling. The final twist was something I did kind of work out, I wasn't 100% correct, but I was close.
The characters were a weird bunch, and most extremely unlikeable.
It was a story of secrets, lies and revenge.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
It all started with the death of her little brother.
But the people who know her secret at being targetted by an unknown person.
Who knows why people do the things they do? Heather did not realise what the repercussions of her confession would be.
There were so many twists in this book, it was mind boggling. The final twist was something I did kind of work out, I wasn't 100% correct, but I was close.
The characters were a weird bunch, and most extremely unlikeable.
It was a story of secrets, lies and revenge.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
April 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
When Heather discovers that she has little time left to live she decides to say goodbye with a party at which she intends to reveal a secret she has kept for many years, however this will have consequences for those involved.
The novel is an interesting psychological thriller in which the characters see their lives change after the death of a man. Some have moved on with their lives without looking back but others have not been able to. When one of those involved dies everything starts to fall apart and many more things come to light.
The characters are sometimes hard to sympathise with, but several twists, even if you can see them coming, keep you reading fast and enjoying it.
When Heather discovers that she has little time left to live she decides to say goodbye with a party at which she intends to reveal a secret she has kept for many years, however this will have consequences for those involved.
The novel is an interesting psychological thriller in which the characters see their lives change after the death of a man. Some have moved on with their lives without looking back but others have not been able to. When one of those involved dies everything starts to fall apart and many more things come to light.
The characters are sometimes hard to sympathise with, but several twists, even if you can see them coming, keep you reading fast and enjoying it.
April 22, 2024
I binge-read this in just over a day! When Heather is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she decides to hold a goodbye party for everyone who has impacted her life, not just her friends. When she takes to the stage, mic in hand, she is determined to set the record straight about something terrible that happened in the past, but there are people in the room who want her to keep schtum. Then amid the buffet table and the toasts, the body count starts to stack up, but just who is doing the killing?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was extremely compelling and super easy to read, and even though the main character has a terminal illness, it is an entertaining mystery with some colourful characters. I very much liked all the settings and the back story too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was extremely compelling and super easy to read, and even though the main character has a terminal illness, it is an entertaining mystery with some colourful characters. I very much liked all the settings and the back story too.
June 11, 2024
Guilty is my fourth read from Speechley and quite possibly my favourite to date.
It's a dark, suspenseful fast paced thriller, that's based around one woman's secrets, lies and her 'deathbed' confessions.
Main protagonist Heather, having recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness (cancer) really struck a chord with me. I found it to be a relatable and quite the emotional read in places. Her supporting cast of characters were quite an undesirable bunch weren't they and I couldn't take to them or form any kind of emotional bonds with them.
It's twisty, tense and the ending will blow your socks off!
It's a dark, suspenseful fast paced thriller, that's based around one woman's secrets, lies and her 'deathbed' confessions.
Main protagonist Heather, having recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness (cancer) really struck a chord with me. I found it to be a relatable and quite the emotional read in places. Her supporting cast of characters were quite an undesirable bunch weren't they and I couldn't take to them or form any kind of emotional bonds with them.
It's twisty, tense and the ending will blow your socks off!
July 17, 2024
Guilty is such a wrenching book. Both heart and brain are gripped by Heather's dilemma. An intelligently crafted novel of friendships and secrets. Some secrets are not meant to be kept, and now that Heather knows she hasn't long to live, she has to tell her long-held secret. But Heather doesn't bargain for the effect her admission will have on her friends and foes. Now everyone is in danger.
A gifted storyteller, Ruby Speechley brings her characters to life in the pages, and you know those whom you don't trust and those you do. Are you right though? Well done again, Ruby. Always enjoy your books.
A gifted storyteller, Ruby Speechley brings her characters to life in the pages, and you know those whom you don't trust and those you do. Are you right though? Well done again, Ruby. Always enjoy your books.
February 7, 2025
I read The Uninvited Guest in one sitting, it was that good! Megan and Jamie are getting married after living together and the birth of their daughter, Freya. But there is a gatecrasher at the hen party, Jamie's cousin, Beth, who promptly inveigles herself with both the very trusting bride as well as her friends. But someone is sending Megan death threats and she cannot relax until she finds her persecutor. I loved the details of the hen party and the buildup of tension leading up to the wedding. A great domestic noir thriller and highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review The Uninvited Guest.
May 22, 2024
Firstly, thanks to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Ruby Speechley is by far my favourite author of 2024! “Guilty” is the story of Heather, who has a terminal illness and is harbouring a 27 year old secret. Before she passes away she wants to come clean to all those close to her but some people don’t want her disclosing what really happened.
“Guilty” has an intriguing storyline, intense characters and will keep you guessing until the very end. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Ruby Speechley is by far my favourite author of 2024! “Guilty” is the story of Heather, who has a terminal illness and is harbouring a 27 year old secret. Before she passes away she wants to come clean to all those close to her but some people don’t want her disclosing what really happened.
“Guilty” has an intriguing storyline, intense characters and will keep you guessing until the very end. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
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