Letting go of Emma

by Brooke Powley

James Parker lives in the heart of the Lake District with his wife, Emma, and their three young children, Poppy, Finn, and Millie. He thinks his life is perfect.

That is, until the unthinkable happens and Emma is struck down by an unknown car and left for dead late one winter's night.

As James is forced to fight for his family, he begins to question everything and everyone that Emma knew. But before he can make the decision that will shape his family's future, he needs to know – who had committed this horrific crime and why would someone want to hurt his wife?

296 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2014

About the author

Brooke is as a mother, hen keeper, teacher, PA, private tutor and dog walker.

In her spare time you’ll usually find her swimming in a lake or riding over a mountain on her bike. She drinks a lot of tea, likes books and loves cake.

She lives in the Lake District with her family.

Her first novel – “The Missing Half” is out now was published in August 2013. Followed by "Letting go of Emma" in February 2014 and "The Other Wife" in October 2014.

Reviews

[Annmarie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be a predictable thriller but was surprised to find that the story delved into alternating themes that I hadn't experienced in other novels. The idyllic setting of the Lake District actually hides a sinister side and I have to admit that I doubted everyone's innocence as I got further into the story. Was Emma the victim of an accident or the victim of a murderer? As the tale unravels Emma's secrets come to the surface and everyone's lives are put into question. Unexpected twists yet a deeper understanding of peoples beliefs and the sacrifices they often have to make.

[Philip (sarah) Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I particularly enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot , the mystery deepening as the story progressed.

Although I cared about Emma and her family I found my feelings towards her husband James changing, this however added to my involvement with the story in the way I find flawed personalities often do. Indeed I found myself saying aloud “ don’t do it “ much to the amusement of my husband.

The style of writing where the story is continued (after part one) from the perspective of several different people I found successful as it gave greater insight into the personalities of the various characters.

The setting of the Lake District was one I am familiar with and again this added to my involvement.

As with this author’s last book I was sorry to reach the end and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another powerful family drama from BP. This one based on an accident which put mother Emma in a coma but something doesn't seem right to James, her husband, and he wants to investigate whether it really was an accident. There are strong characters here - Hannah, Emma's friend, was my favourite - and enough twists to keep you reading. However, it's my least favourite of Brooke's novels because some aspects seem unnecessary [the whole Jehovah Witness thing which was almost preaching at times] and some loose ends not neatly - or occasionally too neatly - tied up. Edd, the private investigator who is present in all her books, seems less essential here too as family members conduct much of the investigations them selves. Nevertheless, the novel's fast pace and suspense will appeal to many readers.

[tracey barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and touching

This book is truly insightful about the loss of someone and the effects it has on all the family members . Other things that were going o in the family are also talked about an it really as great the way it was written about . I have suffered a loss myself and coincidentally my daughter was called Emma so I felt a bit compelled to read this book and I am really glad that I did. Very highly recommended.

[Cass Glaves · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this at all. Such a convoluted story, where there were several “sub-stories” and each only had a tenuous link to the other. Basic at best.

Characters were very developed, just a basic story…..like someone in a creative writing class might write. I’m struggling to think how it got published!

I won’t be reading any more by the same author I’m afraid. Sorry!

[Mrs Sharon Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional mystery

A heart breaking book with a great mystery that slowly unfolded kept me captivated until the very end. Loved how it was written with character sections getting story through each ones eyes. A great read!

[Marie Beveridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good,

A lovely story by Brooke Powley. Both touching and poignant, but again, I felt that the ending was a bit unsatisfactory. Maybe it's just me lo
!!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, rounded characters and writing that flowed.

[Kristy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading, loved that it was set in areas of the lake district that I visit regularly. Easy to follow. The book looks at the perspective of jehovas witness characters which is new for me. The story felt fresh, not 'samey' as I feel so many books can be.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Lake District, "Letting Go of Emma," begins with a terrible hit and run which leaves the titular character for dead. Emma's husband has enough to cope with looking after their three young children and dealing with his wife's deteriorating condition but that is only the beginning. Determined to solve the mystery of his wife's accident James begins to uncover many hidden secrets from his beloved wife's past. The twists and turns bring about more mysteries just like in The Missing Half and private detective Edd makes a second appearance. With her first two books Brooke Powley really has established herself as a unique voice in contemporary fiction. Recommended.

[Donna Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second novel by this author that I have read - loved it. Great characters and I was gripped by the mystery surrounding Emma's accident. Thought the ending was a bit weak so it lost a star! Otherwise an excellent read, loved the way the story unfurled by using the different point of view of each of the main characters.

[Jayne Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists & turns - a page turner.

[Pampuig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this with great expectations.
But struggled to finish it. The writing style for me was stilted and quite childish. The story weak and long winded.