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Before She Fell
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2024
28 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 14, 2024
A woman falls down the stairs at her lavish 50th birthday party.
Did she fall or was she pushed?
The book's premise was intriguing and the author's characterizations were strong.
The list of suspects was plentiful and the twist at the end of the book was jolting.
I especially enjoyed the book's police procedural component and the character of DI Grace Roth, the lead investigator.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The book's pacing was slow and tedious at times.
I listened to the audiobook read by Danielle Cohen. Although Danielle Cohen did a superb job with the narration, the audiobook would have benefited from a full cast of narrators.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
This was a smidge boring. The plot was there but the characters were so bland! It was so hard to care about any of these people. They all made me a little angry and they all got what was coming to them.
Its a real shame because it was well paced and entertaining but the characters ruined it for me. Uninspiringly boring characters. The cop, DI Roth was the only interesting character to be honest but it does keep you guessing.
3.5 stars
Its a real shame because it was well paced and entertaining but the characters ruined it for me. Uninspiringly boring characters. The cop, DI Roth was the only interesting character to be honest but it does keep you guessing.
3.5 stars
June 25, 2024
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Natalie Sammons, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley.
The narrator of this audiobook is Danielle Cohen. Ms. Cohen did a remarkable job keeping this cast of characters unique for the listener.
Susan Grey hosts a lavish fiftieth birthday party at her palatial home with 100 guests
At this party Susan takes a tumble down the stairs. Did she fall or was she pushed?
This is a police procedural following DI Grace Ruth as she investigates what exactly happened at Susan's birthday party.
This is well done and the final reveal is incredibly rewarding. I'm purposely giving veey little detail about this novel because I think the plot benefits from as little detail as possible. Who knew I could be so concise?
Thank you to Natalie Sammons, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
The narrator of this audiobook is Danielle Cohen. Ms. Cohen did a remarkable job keeping this cast of characters unique for the listener.
Susan Grey hosts a lavish fiftieth birthday party at her palatial home with 100 guests
At this party Susan takes a tumble down the stairs. Did she fall or was she pushed?
This is a police procedural following DI Grace Ruth as she investigates what exactly happened at Susan's birthday party.
This is well done and the final reveal is incredibly rewarding. I'm purposely giving veey little detail about this novel because I think the plot benefits from as little detail as possible. Who knew I could be so concise?
Thank you to Natalie Sammons, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
June 12, 2024
This story just didn’t do it for me. It seemed a bit long and drawn out, and no real thrilling twist. I love more suspenseful, thrilling books. This one may be loved by others, worth trying, just not for me.
September 23, 2024
Natalie Sammons’ Before She Fell is an unsettling and nail-biting thriller that kept me guessing till the very end.
Susan Grey is plotting a huge celebration for her fiftieth birthday. No expense has been spared and she has invited her nearest and dearest to an extravagant party at her Georgian home. The stage is set for a night nobody will ever forget – for all the wrong reasons. Susan’s party was certainly one the guests will remember as things started to go wrong the second the celebrations began. From arguments to missing jewellery, everything had begun to spiral out of control culminating in Susan suffering a fall down the staircase. But was Susan’s fall an accident or something much more sinister?
These are the questions which DI Grace Roth hopes to answer. Currently relegated to desk duties after an internal investigation, Grace thinks that a high-profile case is just what she needs to redeem herself. However, this case is far from straightforward as Grace quickly discovers. As she chases down leads and tries to narrow down clues, Grace feels as if she’s going down one dead end after another. With time not on her side, can Grace find out who pushed Susan before the perpetrator strikes again?
Crime fiction fans will be completed gripped by this creepy chiller! Natalie Sammons’ Before She Fell is a clever, claustrophobic and compelling thriller full of twists and turns and startling shocks and surprises that will make readers jump out of their skin on multiple occasions. Natalie Sammons is a writer to watch out for and Before She Fell is a book that once readers start reading, they will find themselves completely unable to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Susan Grey is plotting a huge celebration for her fiftieth birthday. No expense has been spared and she has invited her nearest and dearest to an extravagant party at her Georgian home. The stage is set for a night nobody will ever forget – for all the wrong reasons. Susan’s party was certainly one the guests will remember as things started to go wrong the second the celebrations began. From arguments to missing jewellery, everything had begun to spiral out of control culminating in Susan suffering a fall down the staircase. But was Susan’s fall an accident or something much more sinister?
These are the questions which DI Grace Roth hopes to answer. Currently relegated to desk duties after an internal investigation, Grace thinks that a high-profile case is just what she needs to redeem herself. However, this case is far from straightforward as Grace quickly discovers. As she chases down leads and tries to narrow down clues, Grace feels as if she’s going down one dead end after another. With time not on her side, can Grace find out who pushed Susan before the perpetrator strikes again?
Crime fiction fans will be completed gripped by this creepy chiller! Natalie Sammons’ Before She Fell is a clever, claustrophobic and compelling thriller full of twists and turns and startling shocks and surprises that will make readers jump out of their skin on multiple occasions. Natalie Sammons is a writer to watch out for and Before She Fell is a book that once readers start reading, they will find themselves completely unable to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 13, 2024
3.5-3.7 stars
This was good; very well written. I had no idea who was at fault. It did feel a little too long and drawn out towards the end, but that is my only complaint. No maniacal characters, no long winded confessions, nothing over the top or unbelievable 👍
This book is more of a domestic drama than a thriller or a psychological thriller. There aren’t any big twists or shocking reveals… more of a slow burn. I liked the detective MC enough to stay interested but wasn’t overly invested in anyone. The book felt very realistic. I will absolutely read book 2 with this detective and hope it becomes a series. I imagine with more books I will really grow to like and connect with DI Grace.
I am definitely going to look for more books by this author. Thanks netgalley for my ALC. 🎧
SUMMARY: successful woman is throwing a lavish party for her 50th. At the party, she falls down the stairs. She lives but is in a coma. At first it is ruled an accident but later, Grace, a detective with much to prove is assigned to the investigation.
The book mainly follows Grace as she tries to find out who pushed the woman. Plenty of people have a motive: her now husband with whom she’s having problems, her adult son from her first marriage who needs money, her jealous and angry sister, the GF of her first husband, etc.
Occasionally the book flashes to the 10 days leading up to the party and what was going on in the victims life at the time. (This helps shed light on motives).
This was good; very well written. I had no idea who was at fault. It did feel a little too long and drawn out towards the end, but that is my only complaint. No maniacal characters, no long winded confessions, nothing over the top or unbelievable 👍
This book is more of a domestic drama than a thriller or a psychological thriller. There aren’t any big twists or shocking reveals… more of a slow burn. I liked the detective MC enough to stay interested but wasn’t overly invested in anyone. The book felt very realistic. I will absolutely read book 2 with this detective and hope it becomes a series. I imagine with more books I will really grow to like and connect with DI Grace.
I am definitely going to look for more books by this author. Thanks netgalley for my ALC. 🎧
SUMMARY: successful woman is throwing a lavish party for her 50th. At the party, she falls down the stairs. She lives but is in a coma. At first it is ruled an accident but later, Grace, a detective with much to prove is assigned to the investigation.
The book mainly follows Grace as she tries to find out who pushed the woman. Plenty of people have a motive: her now husband with whom she’s having problems, her adult son from her first marriage who needs money, her jealous and angry sister, the GF of her first husband, etc.
Occasionally the book flashes to the 10 days leading up to the party and what was going on in the victims life at the time. (This helps shed light on motives).
July 14, 2024
A juicy mystery is always my go-to when I'm not too good. Before She Fell by Natalie Sammons was the one that took my mind of how I felt.
This was my first book by this author, so I went in with an open mind, not expecting anything. What I found was an expertly told story with plenty of twists and characters who leave you wondering.
Susan is celebrating her 50th birthday in style until she is found at the bottom of her stairs. A nasty accident , or so everyone thinks. That is until the police receive a call. D.I.Roth is given the case of finding out if there is something to investigate properly. A case that she feels she has to prove herself with.
Told from the present day and the past. The narrative slips back and forwards well. I was slowly getting a fuller picture as the pages sped by. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and could see Roth and Harry in another book. Could this turn into a series? I would definitely read it!
I spent as much time as I could reading this book. It took me a while to actually work it out, and it didn't take anything away from the story. I just thought I was pretty clever at one point!
Fast-paced and entertaining. I finished this way too soon for me. That's why we need another D.I Roth book!! I am looking forward to that!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for my gifted ebook to write.my.honest review.
This was my first book by this author, so I went in with an open mind, not expecting anything. What I found was an expertly told story with plenty of twists and characters who leave you wondering.
Susan is celebrating her 50th birthday in style until she is found at the bottom of her stairs. A nasty accident , or so everyone thinks. That is until the police receive a call. D.I.Roth is given the case of finding out if there is something to investigate properly. A case that she feels she has to prove herself with.
Told from the present day and the past. The narrative slips back and forwards well. I was slowly getting a fuller picture as the pages sped by. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and could see Roth and Harry in another book. Could this turn into a series? I would definitely read it!
I spent as much time as I could reading this book. It took me a while to actually work it out, and it didn't take anything away from the story. I just thought I was pretty clever at one point!
Fast-paced and entertaining. I finished this way too soon for me. That's why we need another D.I Roth book!! I am looking forward to that!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for my gifted ebook to write.my.honest review.
September 30, 2024
This was such a twisty tale. It is told from multiple points of view, the victim, the suspects, and the detective. I love books that do this as you get to really know the characters even though some may not be completely honest! The story also has a dual timeline from before the party to the aftermath. This adds to the twists and turns and helps throw a few red herrings into the mix!
The book is well written, paced nicely, and I loved the murky lives of the characters and how they all had their secrets and agendas.
I like Grace's character as the detective and her own backstory, which she was dealing with. I'll definitely read more books with her on the case.
This was an entertaining and satisfying read, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
With thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Book Tours for inviting me to be part of this tour. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
The book is well written, paced nicely, and I loved the murky lives of the characters and how they all had their secrets and agendas.
I like Grace's character as the detective and her own backstory, which she was dealing with. I'll definitely read more books with her on the case.
This was an entertaining and satisfying read, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
With thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Book Tours for inviting me to be part of this tour. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Before She Fell is a well-written mystery. It is easy to read and did grab my attention and make me want to keep reading to find out what had happened.
None of the characters are likeable except the police officers. Some of the characters are more awful than others. The back story details of the police officer did not all seem necessary and made me think that the author is setting this up as a series featuring this police team.
Though I found this interesting it didn't have the tension that you expect from books in this genre. So I kept reading because it was engaging but definitely didn't have me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, Before She Fell is a quick, entertaining read. If you like mysteries and psychological thrillers then you should definitely check this one out.
Before She Fell is a well-written mystery. It is easy to read and did grab my attention and make me want to keep reading to find out what had happened.
None of the characters are likeable except the police officers. Some of the characters are more awful than others. The back story details of the police officer did not all seem necessary and made me think that the author is setting this up as a series featuring this police team.
Though I found this interesting it didn't have the tension that you expect from books in this genre. So I kept reading because it was engaging but definitely didn't have me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, Before She Fell is a quick, entertaining read. If you like mysteries and psychological thrillers then you should definitely check this one out.
June 22, 2024
In the heart of "Before She Fell," listeners are thrust into a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a lavish 50th birthday celebration. This audiobook, masterfully narrated by a seasoned voice artist, immerses you in a world where intrigue, deception, and suspense intertwine seamlessly.
The story unfolds as DI Roth, an investigator with a lot to prove in this town tries to solve the mystery, of what really happened before/during after the birthday festivities. The victim, fell down a flight of stairs, survived but remains in a coma.
From the outset, the audiobook captivates with its rich descriptions of the luxurious setting, painting a vivid picture of wealth and privilege. Each character is meticulously crafted, with motives that remain tantalizingly unclear as DI Roth navigates through a web of lies and hidden agendas. The tension escalates as suspects emerge, each with a plausible reason to want the victim silenced.
The audiobook's pacing is expertly managed, with suspenseful twists and turns that keep you guessing until the final moments. The narrator's voice adds depth to each scene, from the hushed conversations in dimly lit corners to the frenetic energy of interrogations.
What sets "Before She Fell" apart is its intricate plot, which challenges listeners to piece together clues alongside DI Roth. The author skillfully blends traditional detective work with modern forensic techniques, offering a refreshing take on the genre. As the investigation progresses, old secrets come to light, revealing a labyrinth of betrayal and greed hidden beneath the surface of glitz and glamour.
Ultimately, the audiobook delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving room for speculation—a hallmark of a well-crafted detective mystery. "Before She Fell" is a must-listen for fans of the genre, offering both intrigue and entertainment in equal measure. With its compelling storyline and memorable characters, this audiobook proves to be a standout addition to any mystery lover's collection.
Whether you're a seasoned audiobook aficionado or new to the genre, "Before She Fell" promises an engaging listening experience that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. I am looking forward to following this author for future reads. I'm thankful to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
The story unfolds as DI Roth, an investigator with a lot to prove in this town tries to solve the mystery, of what really happened before/during after the birthday festivities. The victim, fell down a flight of stairs, survived but remains in a coma.
From the outset, the audiobook captivates with its rich descriptions of the luxurious setting, painting a vivid picture of wealth and privilege. Each character is meticulously crafted, with motives that remain tantalizingly unclear as DI Roth navigates through a web of lies and hidden agendas. The tension escalates as suspects emerge, each with a plausible reason to want the victim silenced.
The audiobook's pacing is expertly managed, with suspenseful twists and turns that keep you guessing until the final moments. The narrator's voice adds depth to each scene, from the hushed conversations in dimly lit corners to the frenetic energy of interrogations.
What sets "Before She Fell" apart is its intricate plot, which challenges listeners to piece together clues alongside DI Roth. The author skillfully blends traditional detective work with modern forensic techniques, offering a refreshing take on the genre. As the investigation progresses, old secrets come to light, revealing a labyrinth of betrayal and greed hidden beneath the surface of glitz and glamour.
Ultimately, the audiobook delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving room for speculation—a hallmark of a well-crafted detective mystery. "Before She Fell" is a must-listen for fans of the genre, offering both intrigue and entertainment in equal measure. With its compelling storyline and memorable characters, this audiobook proves to be a standout addition to any mystery lover's collection.
Whether you're a seasoned audiobook aficionado or new to the genre, "Before She Fell" promises an engaging listening experience that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. I am looking forward to following this author for future reads. I'm thankful to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
July 7, 2024
"Before She Fell" by Natalie Sammons is a mystery and domestic drama. If this is your genre, this is a good solid option.
It starts with the fall and then alternates between the detective's work after the fall and then back in time before the fall. The past chapters are from different POVs. The fall refers to that of Susan, down a long steep staircase. But was it an accident??
I figured this out very early as well as the twist. I usually don't. Still thought it was pretty good.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5 by Danielle Cohen
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 31/8 = 3 7/8 rounded to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Natalie Sammons for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
It starts with the fall and then alternates between the detective's work after the fall and then back in time before the fall. The past chapters are from different POVs. The fall refers to that of Susan, down a long steep staircase. But was it an accident??
I figured this out very early as well as the twist. I usually don't. Still thought it was pretty good.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5 by Danielle Cohen
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 31/8 = 3 7/8 rounded to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Natalie Sammons for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2024
Before She Fell by Natalie Sammons is a captivating thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!
When Susan Grey’s lavish fiftieth birthday party ends in chaos and a suspicious fall, Grace Roth sees a chance to redeem herself by solving the case. With an intriguing mix of family drama, jealousy, and hidden motives, Sammons writes a compelling narrative filled with well-drawn characters and unexpected twists. The stakes are high, and every clue adds to the suspense, making this a must-read for thriller fans who love a good detective story.
Huge thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the advanced audiobook!
When Susan Grey’s lavish fiftieth birthday party ends in chaos and a suspicious fall, Grace Roth sees a chance to redeem herself by solving the case. With an intriguing mix of family drama, jealousy, and hidden motives, Sammons writes a compelling narrative filled with well-drawn characters and unexpected twists. The stakes are high, and every clue adds to the suspense, making this a must-read for thriller fans who love a good detective story.
Huge thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the advanced audiobook!
June 18, 2024
The novel had me gripped from the very first page and I ended up reading until the early hours of the morning to finish it.
I love the way the author tells the story from several different POVs - the investigator, the victim, and most of the suspects. It added an extra layer of intrigue as the story twisted and turned exposing any number of red herrings. Discovering all the potential motivations for shoving Susan down the stairs made compelling reading with all the petty jealousies within a family laid bare.
I certainly hope to read more books by this author.
I love the way the author tells the story from several different POVs - the investigator, the victim, and most of the suspects. It added an extra layer of intrigue as the story twisted and turned exposing any number of red herrings. Discovering all the potential motivations for shoving Susan down the stairs made compelling reading with all the petty jealousies within a family laid bare.
I certainly hope to read more books by this author.
June 21, 2024
During her elaborate 50th birthday party at her beautiful Georgian home, Susan Grey has climbed the stairs, martini in hand, when she falls, landing sprawled at the bottom and one elegant shoe at the top. She lies in a coma between life and death, and while most people assume she tripped in her high heels, DI Grace Roth suspects foul play and attempted murder and works to recreate the events leading up to Susan's fall. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and spectaculaly read audiobook.
October 2, 2024
I was gripped from the very beginning. The author really knows how to create a great hook! The story was intriguing and twisty. The author shows the great amount of research that went into the book through the detail in the police procedural aspects of the book. DI Grace Roth was very believable as the lead investigating officer. There were plenty of suspects to choose from and a huge surprise twist at the end. At times, the pace was a bit slow but it was still an enjoyable read.
June 6, 2024
Susan Grey, a rich, successful woman, has planned her own party for her 50th birthday. Inviting over 100 people, she hoped it would be an event no one could forget.
But, the party did not go as smoothly as she expected. Numerous arguments and a missing necklace don’t measure up to what happens next. While looking out the enormous window at the top of the grand staircase, Susan is upset that all these people are ruining her party. Then, without warning, Susan is pushed down the staircase!
As she clings to life, DI Grace Roth is assigned to the case. The twists and turns make it difficult to solve the mystery. The story keeps you guessing!
Ms. Sammons has done a wonderful job creating suspense and confusion. Her characters are well explained and their development throughout the story is perfect, as we discover more and more about their secrets and lies. The scenery of Susan’s mansion, the huge window and stunning staircase are so well described, I felt like I was on the staircase as well! I really enjoyed this fast-paced, original story. I definitely recommend it!
But, the party did not go as smoothly as she expected. Numerous arguments and a missing necklace don’t measure up to what happens next. While looking out the enormous window at the top of the grand staircase, Susan is upset that all these people are ruining her party. Then, without warning, Susan is pushed down the staircase!
As she clings to life, DI Grace Roth is assigned to the case. The twists and turns make it difficult to solve the mystery. The story keeps you guessing!
Ms. Sammons has done a wonderful job creating suspense and confusion. Her characters are well explained and their development throughout the story is perfect, as we discover more and more about their secrets and lies. The scenery of Susan’s mansion, the huge window and stunning staircase are so well described, I felt like I was on the staircase as well! I really enjoyed this fast-paced, original story. I definitely recommend it!
June 25, 2024
So good, read in one sitting!!
Riveting from the very first page. Read in one sitting. Would thoroughly recommend to friends and family.
Great story telling and beautifully written. Well deserving of 5 star review.
Riveting from the very first page. Read in one sitting. Would thoroughly recommend to friends and family.
Great story telling and beautifully written. Well deserving of 5 star review.
June 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, and am hopeful that there will be more to come featuring the main character. Grace is a great lead police officer, and I think there is plenty of room for a few more books featuring her please!
The plot moves along at a really good pace, the chapters were short and snappy each told from the perspective of a different character in the story, and each added something to the plot.
Would highly recommend, abd as I said I hope there are more to come.
The plot moves along at a really good pace, the chapters were short and snappy each told from the perspective of a different character in the story, and each added something to the plot.
Would highly recommend, abd as I said I hope there are more to come.
July 16, 2024
Susan is getting ready to celebrate her fiftieth birthday.
On the night of her party she has several arguments with different people. Which one of them pushed her down the stairs?
This was a good police procedural story. Lots of characters could be the guilty party. It was surprising who it actually was. However I did figure it out way before DI Roth did. I’m not sure if this is the start of a series or not. Looking forward to the next one if it is.
On the night of her party she has several arguments with different people. Which one of them pushed her down the stairs?
This was a good police procedural story. Lots of characters could be the guilty party. It was surprising who it actually was. However I did figure it out way before DI Roth did. I’m not sure if this is the start of a series or not. Looking forward to the next one if it is.
June 20, 2024
This is my first read by this author and so wasn't sure what to expect - but the cover drew my attention straight away and the blurb was intriguing.
At first I thought that this might get a little confusing as we were dealing with different timelines - before the party and after the fall - but we also see the events unfold via multiple different pov's.
This wasn't the case at all and the pov's flowed together nicely to form a clear picture of events and gave us a great insight into each of the characters and their mindsets.
It did, however, also manage to throw us a fair few twists and red herrings along the way which kept me guessing throughout.
I liked the characters on the whole. They were well presented and developed and I loved how each of them were suspect in their motives and behaviour.
DI Roth was an interesting character too with a good motivation to solve the case. She and Harry made a good team and there's definitely scope to develop them further if this became a series?
I enjoyed the writing style which was fast-paced and held my interest throughout making this a pretty speedy quick read for me.
A good first impression of this author and I'd definitely read more in the future.
At first I thought that this might get a little confusing as we were dealing with different timelines - before the party and after the fall - but we also see the events unfold via multiple different pov's.
This wasn't the case at all and the pov's flowed together nicely to form a clear picture of events and gave us a great insight into each of the characters and their mindsets.
It did, however, also manage to throw us a fair few twists and red herrings along the way which kept me guessing throughout.
I liked the characters on the whole. They were well presented and developed and I loved how each of them were suspect in their motives and behaviour.
DI Roth was an interesting character too with a good motivation to solve the case. She and Harry made a good team and there's definitely scope to develop them further if this became a series?
I enjoyed the writing style which was fast-paced and held my interest throughout making this a pretty speedy quick read for me.
A good first impression of this author and I'd definitely read more in the future.
October 2, 2024
Here is my review for Before She Fell by Natalie Sammons
This is a great read and I quite enjoyed it. I was invested in finding out if it was an accident or she just fell but the police involvement came well after the party night and the missing item of jewelry was only found because they suggested checking if anything was missing. DI Grace Roth is convinced it’s an accident and she has her main suspects but can’t find anything concrete to get it narrowed down. The story reads well and once you get into it, it really gets going and picks up. I found the start to be a bit slow where it is setting the scene. It’s a multi-person point of view story and it’s set like a diary, where every chapter is told by a person and the chapter is named so you know who is explaining that chapter. In some cases, you go back before Susan’s accident for her to tell you something that is pertinent to the story maybe. These sort of stories I like. DI Grace Roth is a person I like, she is trying to rebuild her career after an internal enquiry cleared her but she was put on desk duties while it was ongoing. This is her first case so she wants to do well to get one under belt. Not the easiest of cases to start with if there is a case. She is straight talking, hardworking and pulls her weight, eager to show herself for the teamplayer that she is. Also, I like the cover of the book showing a staircase.
Blurb :
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
This is a great read and I quite enjoyed it. I was invested in finding out if it was an accident or she just fell but the police involvement came well after the party night and the missing item of jewelry was only found because they suggested checking if anything was missing. DI Grace Roth is convinced it’s an accident and she has her main suspects but can’t find anything concrete to get it narrowed down. The story reads well and once you get into it, it really gets going and picks up. I found the start to be a bit slow where it is setting the scene. It’s a multi-person point of view story and it’s set like a diary, where every chapter is told by a person and the chapter is named so you know who is explaining that chapter. In some cases, you go back before Susan’s accident for her to tell you something that is pertinent to the story maybe. These sort of stories I like. DI Grace Roth is a person I like, she is trying to rebuild her career after an internal enquiry cleared her but she was put on desk duties while it was ongoing. This is her first case so she wants to do well to get one under belt. Not the easiest of cases to start with if there is a case. She is straight talking, hardworking and pulls her weight, eager to show herself for the teamplayer that she is. Also, I like the cover of the book showing a staircase.
Blurb :
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
July 5, 2024
This is a who done it mystery about a woman, Susan Grey, that falls done a staircase at a grand party that she is hosting. DI Grace Loft gets handed this case as an opportunity to redeem her standing in the force when a tip comes in that the fall might have not been an accident. Because the incident was initially handled as such, Grace has little to nothing to go off. We follow Grace in her quest to uncover the truth and even get some insights with shifting POVs of those that are closest to Susan. The story is quite simple, and the pacing was a little slow at times, but that might be the beauty of the story – it is very realistic and there are no unfathomable twists. This is a slow burn drama in which we get to know the different actors and their motives page by page – the trouble is that the more we know, the less we seem to know, because each of the suspects has motive and opportunity. This means that the case is relatable and realistic, but as it could be anyone, the story does not get boring. Concerning the ending, I had feared that with little evidence to go on the culprit might not be identified, or the ending might be kept ambiguous, which is something that does not work for me in mystery books. But we do get a definite culprit that makes sense, which made the ending satisfying to me.
Detective Grace as our main character was likable, and I enjoyed following her thought processes. I think she could be a good character to base a series on.
I think the cover is stunning, but there was an abstract in the book that spent a significant amount of time describing Susan getting her hair done up with a hair comb. This stood out to me because it a) was not relevant to the story and b) is inconsistent with this cover.
I listened to the audiobook and can recommend the production and the narrator. I think the production could have profited from a wider cast though, especially since there were no POVs of unknown characters, as is sometimes the case for mystery novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review. All opinions are my own. I was not paid to leave this review.
Detective Grace as our main character was likable, and I enjoyed following her thought processes. I think she could be a good character to base a series on.
I think the cover is stunning, but there was an abstract in the book that spent a significant amount of time describing Susan getting her hair done up with a hair comb. This stood out to me because it a) was not relevant to the story and b) is inconsistent with this cover.
I listened to the audiobook and can recommend the production and the narrator. I think the production could have profited from a wider cast though, especially since there were no POVs of unknown characters, as is sometimes the case for mystery novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review. All opinions are my own. I was not paid to leave this review.
October 2, 2024
What a thrilling ride! I was not expecting the twists and turns at the end. The author threw red herrings at us like it was her job. Oh, wait, it is! Haha.
This is my first book by this author, but I look forward to reading more. It felt like we were picking up in the middle of a series about DI Grace Roth like we were an already established sleuth in a series we've been reading for several books. However, I couldn't find any other books about her. But that gives her a very realistic, established feel. And it fuels my desire, at the very least, to see more books about her in the future. The author definitely dropped hints at a past that could make for a rich exploration of the detective's backstory, which is often a great second or third book in a detective series. So, I'd love to see DI Roth back at it again someday.
The other characters were an interesting mix. Our initial victim was hard to sympathize with. But as we delved into her life, investigating the characters around her, I felt more and more sorry for her. In fact, while our tax brackets might be miles apart, I felt a strong kinship. She was tired of carrying all of the people around her, and many of us know that feeling.
Does that have anything to do with the plot? Maybe, but you'll have to find out. While it's a plot-driven story, the characters hold their own—layers to peel back on all of them. And it gets more and more complicated as you go!
A great, compelling read.
If you love a good thriller, with an almost locked-door element, this is a great read for you. There is a very uncertain element to this crime, and a limited pool of suspects, making it very similar to a locked-door whodunit. There is a lot of dysfunctional family interactions and medical trauma, so if those are triggers for you, please consider your own mental health before reading.
Content Warnings: Hospital, Medical Trauma, Infidelity, Divorce, Child Estrangement, Dysfunctional Families, Classissm, Extreme Wealth, Poverty, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Use, Theft, Violence, Death, Automobile Accident
This is my first book by this author, but I look forward to reading more. It felt like we were picking up in the middle of a series about DI Grace Roth like we were an already established sleuth in a series we've been reading for several books. However, I couldn't find any other books about her. But that gives her a very realistic, established feel. And it fuels my desire, at the very least, to see more books about her in the future. The author definitely dropped hints at a past that could make for a rich exploration of the detective's backstory, which is often a great second or third book in a detective series. So, I'd love to see DI Roth back at it again someday.
The other characters were an interesting mix. Our initial victim was hard to sympathize with. But as we delved into her life, investigating the characters around her, I felt more and more sorry for her. In fact, while our tax brackets might be miles apart, I felt a strong kinship. She was tired of carrying all of the people around her, and many of us know that feeling.
Does that have anything to do with the plot? Maybe, but you'll have to find out. While it's a plot-driven story, the characters hold their own—layers to peel back on all of them. And it gets more and more complicated as you go!
A great, compelling read.
If you love a good thriller, with an almost locked-door element, this is a great read for you. There is a very uncertain element to this crime, and a limited pool of suspects, making it very similar to a locked-door whodunit. There is a lot of dysfunctional family interactions and medical trauma, so if those are triggers for you, please consider your own mental health before reading.
Content Warnings: Hospital, Medical Trauma, Infidelity, Divorce, Child Estrangement, Dysfunctional Families, Classissm, Extreme Wealth, Poverty, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Use, Theft, Violence, Death, Automobile Accident
July 8, 2024
Before She Fell by Natalie Sammons
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
My Opinion
With a long list of suspects you can expect that there are a lot of twists in Grace's investigation. At just over 300 pages this was a relatively quick read and I finished the book in one evening. Natalie Sammons used different timelines and different perspectives to tell the story, but it was very easy to follow as each were clearly marked.
This was my first book by Sammons - it was well-written and an enjoyable read so I will be looking out for more.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .
Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .
From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?
For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
My Opinion
With a long list of suspects you can expect that there are a lot of twists in Grace's investigation. At just over 300 pages this was a relatively quick read and I finished the book in one evening. Natalie Sammons used different timelines and different perspectives to tell the story, but it was very easy to follow as each were clearly marked.
This was my first book by Sammons - it was well-written and an enjoyable read so I will be looking out for more.
Rating 4/5
June 11, 2024
Told in a split timeline, pre-party and post-party, this mystery brought all the drama and kept me guessing!
Premise - Susan Grey is determined to throw an absolute blowout bash for her fiftieth birthday party. By the end of the night, the extravaganza takes a hard left when Susan is found at the foot of her grand staircase.
As Susan lies in a coma she may never wake from, detective Grace Roth races to piece together the events preceding Susan’s fall. Her career and the safety of the other party guests are at stake.
Audiobooks are my favorite way to make errands, housework, cooking, and workouts something I really look forward to. This book made me want to mop the whole house just to have an excuse to keep listening!
The story is perfectly paced, so there was never a point when I wanted to hit pause and yet I still got plenty of character development for the colorful acquaintances of Susan Grey (and Susan herself, through the pre-party timeline).
DI Grace Roth is a great character herself and never commits the detective cardinal sins, possessing neither superhuman intuition nor unrealistic naïveté. The colorful band of shady characters in Susan’s life kept me guessing and I loved how the two timelines played out in alternating chapters.
Natalie Sammons is yet another author I’ll have to add to my ever-growing must-buy list 😅 and the narrator, Danielle Cohen, did a great job with the read.
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - Susan Grey is determined to throw an absolute blowout bash for her fiftieth birthday party. By the end of the night, the extravaganza takes a hard left when Susan is found at the foot of her grand staircase.
As Susan lies in a coma she may never wake from, detective Grace Roth races to piece together the events preceding Susan’s fall. Her career and the safety of the other party guests are at stake.
Audiobooks are my favorite way to make errands, housework, cooking, and workouts something I really look forward to. This book made me want to mop the whole house just to have an excuse to keep listening!
The story is perfectly paced, so there was never a point when I wanted to hit pause and yet I still got plenty of character development for the colorful acquaintances of Susan Grey (and Susan herself, through the pre-party timeline).
DI Grace Roth is a great character herself and never commits the detective cardinal sins, possessing neither superhuman intuition nor unrealistic naïveté. The colorful band of shady characters in Susan’s life kept me guessing and I loved how the two timelines played out in alternating chapters.
Natalie Sammons is yet another author I’ll have to add to my ever-growing must-buy list 😅 and the narrator, Danielle Cohen, did a great job with the read.
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2024
This was not the audiobook for me. I did like the story itself, but the performance did take quite a bit from that.
A mystery where it seems like everyone has something to hide, as well as being a group of fairly shady people. A case that's not really a case, with very little evidence.
Susan's accident was deemed just that - an accident. An unfortunate fall at her birthday party that's left her in a coma. Until an anonymous caller states that Susan didn't fall - she was pushed. Now Grace, a detective with a tarnished reputation, must not only find the would-be-killer, but prove that there's a case here with very little to go on.
I liked how the police work was portrayed and felt that the different POVs were insightful and able to keep the pace moving well. The glimpses from Susan in the weeks, then days, before she fell gave us a look at her relationships and her personality, to make us root for her as a person, though did little in the way of adding clues or showing forethought to the incident.
The audio performance - this was really a downer for me. I did not like it at all and came close to not finishing. The plot of the book, and the fact that it was a copy from the publisher gave me the motivation to finish. The dialogue was fine, the fault for me came in the narration. There were so many times when the reader would lower her voice and speak slower, I imagine to draw in her audience? It happened way too often to be successful, and often resulted in making me cringe. Was it supposed to be intriguing? Seductive?
A mystery where it seems like everyone has something to hide, as well as being a group of fairly shady people. A case that's not really a case, with very little evidence.
Susan's accident was deemed just that - an accident. An unfortunate fall at her birthday party that's left her in a coma. Until an anonymous caller states that Susan didn't fall - she was pushed. Now Grace, a detective with a tarnished reputation, must not only find the would-be-killer, but prove that there's a case here with very little to go on.
I liked how the police work was portrayed and felt that the different POVs were insightful and able to keep the pace moving well. The glimpses from Susan in the weeks, then days, before she fell gave us a look at her relationships and her personality, to make us root for her as a person, though did little in the way of adding clues or showing forethought to the incident.
The audio performance - this was really a downer for me. I did not like it at all and came close to not finishing. The plot of the book, and the fact that it was a copy from the publisher gave me the motivation to finish. The dialogue was fine, the fault for me came in the narration. There were so many times when the reader would lower her voice and speak slower, I imagine to draw in her audience? It happened way too often to be successful, and often resulted in making me cringe. Was it supposed to be intriguing? Seductive?
May 31, 2025
Book Review: Susan’s 50th birthday party ends in disaster with her limp body found at the bottom of the stairs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Characters were well written and the storyline was engaging.
Will have you guessing up until the last chapter.
Blurb
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . . Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . . From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed? For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
Author bio
The Consequence of Choice, my first book published by Bloodhound books, is a legal thriller which keeps you guessing.
Besides writing, I also love reading and running.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #LBTThriller #LBTMystery #LBTCrime
I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Characters were well written and the storyline was engaging.
Will have you guessing up until the last chapter.
Blurb
An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . . Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . . From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed? For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
Author bio
The Consequence of Choice, my first book published by Bloodhound books, is a legal thriller which keeps you guessing.
Besides writing, I also love reading and running.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #LBTThriller #LBTMystery #LBTCrime
June 21, 2024
This was an excellent British police procedural that kept me guessing until the last few pages. The characters are realistic and down-to-earth, the action is plentiful, and the mystery is engaging. The plot moves quickly but not so quickly that the details are overlooked or glossed over. I liked the main characters and hope Ms. Simmons plans to make this a long-running series. She has a great foundation to build on and I think the series would be successful.
I only had two issues with the book: each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character and rarely are there two chapters told from the same character's point of view. This gave the story a bit of a choppy feel. It wasn't enough to interfere with my enjoyment of the story, enough for me to notice. This other issue is mainly a personal preference. the main character receives information that isn't passed on to the reader and is structured in a way that the reader is left in the dark. I know this is used to create greater suspense but it comes across as dishonest. I prefer to learn things along with the detectives As I said, not a major issue but something I noticed. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more stories by Ms. Sammons.I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review is my honest opinion.
I only had two issues with the book: each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character and rarely are there two chapters told from the same character's point of view. This gave the story a bit of a choppy feel. It wasn't enough to interfere with my enjoyment of the story, enough for me to notice. This other issue is mainly a personal preference. the main character receives information that isn't passed on to the reader and is structured in a way that the reader is left in the dark. I know this is used to create greater suspense but it comes across as dishonest. I prefer to learn things along with the detectives As I said, not a major issue but something I noticed. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more stories by Ms. Sammons.I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review is my honest opinion.
July 15, 2024
Susan Grey wants her fiftieth birthday party to be something really special and has pulled out all the stops to make the evening memorable. However, it becomes unforgettable for a rather different reason as Susan suffers a devastating accident. With no-one around to see Susan fall it is assumed it is a tragic accident but DI Grace Roth, newly returned to the investigative team, thinks that there is more to this accident and sets out to discover just what happened on the night of Susan's party.
Filled with twists, turns, and red herrings we are given the story from Susan's perspective, as it starts months before the actual party, whilst at the same time we witness the way in which DI Roth goes about piecing together all the clues. Fastidious and meticulous the young detective has much to prove and so she is determined to discover just went on that night and why Susan Grey went spiralling down her grand staircase. Accident, or attempted murder, all is revealed in this cleverly put together 'whodunnit'.
I enjoyed the pace of the story as it evolves with just the right amount of mystery, the characters are well drawn, some I liked more than others but that's what makes the book appealing. There was a satisfying conclusion to the mystery and, I think, that there's definitely a door left open for DI Roth to return in the future.
June 10, 2024
A very readable detective novel with interesting characters and a plausible narrative. Susan is successful, beautiful and much loved both by her previous and current husband. Her son, Joshua, also loves her, but has a tendency to rely on her generosity as if it is his birthright. Her sister, Jennifer, cannot help but feel envy of her success and popularity. At her 50th birthday party, Susan suffers a catastrophic fall. Was it an accident or was she pushed? Her current husband, Martin, clearly loves his wife, but is in a dark place, having been made redundant and so being forced to accept that he is no longer contributing financially. He turns more and more frequently to alcohol. On the other hand, Susan’s previous husband, Christopher, would do anything to win her back. Martin, Christopher, Joshua and Jennifer were all present at the fateful party, but which of them, if any, gave the potentially lethal push? Or was it simply a robbery that went wrong? Detective Grace Roth desperately needs to resolve this case, as her career prospects depend upon it. All of the characters are well drawn and credible, and the novel keeps your attention until the very end.
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