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The Company She Keeps
A spine-tingling suspense thriller that asks: How many bad men can one woman have in her life?
England, 1979. After a childhood trauma, Rebecca struggles to build healthy relationships. Her on-again-off-again partner is a married police officer trying to catch the Yorkshire Ripper, who has just claimed his tenth victim.
Then Rebecca meets Larry, a charming American with a troubled past.
And of course there’s Mervyn, the creepy journalist she ended a brief relationship with, who will do anything to keep her in his life . . .
With three very different men craving her attention, and a serial killer on the loose, Rebecca soon finds herself in a twisted game of cat and mouse. Can any of these men be trusted? And could one of them in fact be a cold-blooded killer?
England, 1979. After a childhood trauma, Rebecca struggles to build healthy relationships. Her on-again-off-again partner is a married police officer trying to catch the Yorkshire Ripper, who has just claimed his tenth victim.
Then Rebecca meets Larry, a charming American with a troubled past.
And of course there’s Mervyn, the creepy journalist she ended a brief relationship with, who will do anything to keep her in his life . . .
With three very different men craving her attention, and a serial killer on the loose, Rebecca soon finds herself in a twisted game of cat and mouse. Can any of these men be trusted? And could one of them in fact be a cold-blooded killer?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2024
19 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
James Woolf
2 books16 followersJames Woolf is a London based writer. His job in professional ethics inspired him to write his debut novel, Indefensible, which was published in January 2024 and quickly became an Amazon best seller. His second novel, The Company She Keeps, was released in July 2024. James has also written many professionally produced stage plays. His short stories have been widely published.
James is always happy to attend events such as book clubs and conferences. He can be contacted through his website or social media.
James is always happy to attend events such as book clubs and conferences. He can be contacted through his website or social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 18, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ historical psychological fiction
Setting ~ England, 1979 ~ 1981
Publication date ~ July 1, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 79 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 51 minutes
Narrator ~ Henrietta Meire
POV ~ 3rd
Featuring ~ suicide, serial killer, slow burn
Rebecca knows how to pick em...or not.
When I hear there's a serial killer, and one based on the real life, Yorkshire Ripper, I expect killings to be a main focal point of the story, but that's not really the case here. I mean I don't need to read about the attacks in a gruesome way per say, but this is mostly about Rebecca and her relationships with 3 men. As you can probably figure out by the way the blurb is written one of these 3 is our killer.
Overall, I do think it was well written for what it is, but I was just expecting something more chilling and thrilling. I remained fully in the middle of my seat the whole time.
Narration notes:
She did a good job. She gave each character a distinct voice. She even did an American man accent pretty well.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ historical psychological fiction
Setting ~ England, 1979 ~ 1981
Publication date ~ July 1, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 79 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 51 minutes
Narrator ~ Henrietta Meire
POV ~ 3rd
Featuring ~ suicide, serial killer, slow burn
Rebecca knows how to pick em...or not.
When I hear there's a serial killer, and one based on the real life, Yorkshire Ripper, I expect killings to be a main focal point of the story, but that's not really the case here. I mean I don't need to read about the attacks in a gruesome way per say, but this is mostly about Rebecca and her relationships with 3 men. As you can probably figure out by the way the blurb is written one of these 3 is our killer.
Overall, I do think it was well written for what it is, but I was just expecting something more chilling and thrilling. I remained fully in the middle of my seat the whole time.
Narration notes:
She did a good job. She gave each character a distinct voice. She even did an American man accent pretty well.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
July 5, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the inept investigation to catch The Yorkshire Ripper, we meet Rebecca, a very successful businesswoman. She’s not quite so successful when it comes to relationships as her on/off partner Simon is a married officer on the Ripper Inquiry. Then she meets American Larry, is he the man of her dreams? It also seems that journalist Mervyn is vying for her attention but maybe he’s a bit creepy? Three men, one savvy woman and a vicious killer on the loose in West Yorkshire. The scene is set.
I really enjoy this psychological thriller and of course, The Ripper adds a tension and fear all by itself without the cat and mouse game that develops. This is conveyed well as are the late 70’s, early 80’s timescale. The plot is well thought out, the pace is good and the writing flows. There are good twists and turns and the ending is tense and exciting.
I like Rebecca very much, she’s a strong and intelligent woman and she needs to be in the circumstances she finds herself in. She’s portrayed well as are the other characters.
I’ll definitely read this author again, he writes well and I’ve already downloaded his other book.
Kindle Unlimited read.
I really enjoy this psychological thriller and of course, The Ripper adds a tension and fear all by itself without the cat and mouse game that develops. This is conveyed well as are the late 70’s, early 80’s timescale. The plot is well thought out, the pace is good and the writing flows. There are good twists and turns and the ending is tense and exciting.
I like Rebecca very much, she’s a strong and intelligent woman and she needs to be in the circumstances she finds herself in. She’s portrayed well as are the other characters.
I’ll definitely read this author again, he writes well and I’ve already downloaded his other book.
Kindle Unlimited read.
September 9, 2024
This was a nice thriller that revolved around the storyline of The Yorkshire Ripper. While it does feature the serial unaliver, it is more of a focus on Rebecca. She is our main character and she has terrible taste in men, honestly. And one of them is The Bad Guy. It was full of red herrings and moments that gave me the icks. It was more of a slow burn than I anticipated, so it took me a minute to get into it. This definitely won’t be the last I read from this author!
Someone is killing women in Yorkshire. They’ve been given the moniker The Yorkshire Ripper. Rebecca isn’t too worried about herself as she doesn’t walk anywhere late at night. But the men surrounding her.. they all give off bad vibes that Rebecca doesn’t seem to catch. From nose wrinkling to straight up yikes moments, they all are suspicious. Because she might not be trouble, but the company she keeps is.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Someone is killing women in Yorkshire. They’ve been given the moniker The Yorkshire Ripper. Rebecca isn’t too worried about herself as she doesn’t walk anywhere late at night. But the men surrounding her.. they all give off bad vibes that Rebecca doesn’t seem to catch. From nose wrinkling to straight up yikes moments, they all are suspicious. Because she might not be trouble, but the company she keeps is.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
July 5, 2024
The Company She Keeps (audio)
2.5⭐️
This just didn’t grab me or hold intrigue. It was fine. It felt even keel throughout, lacking emotion. The parts that should have felt more dramatic felt purely factual to me (besides right at the end). I think this will rate higher for those looking for more of a domestic drama vs a thriller/mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
2.5⭐️
This just didn’t grab me or hold intrigue. It was fine. It felt even keel throughout, lacking emotion. The parts that should have felt more dramatic felt purely factual to me (besides right at the end). I think this will rate higher for those looking for more of a domestic drama vs a thriller/mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
September 16, 2024
I found this book to have a unique premise, but it's definitely a slow burn. It took me a little longer to get into it, but I am pleased that I stuck it out.
We follow the story of Rebecca and 3 men who seem to be obsessed with her. Her on and off again, partner, who is currently tracking down The Yorkshire Ripper,Meryvn a creepy journalist, and Larry, her current boo who is a little too good to be true. All three men are very different from each other, and at least one of them is harboring a very deadly secret.
My favorite thing about this novel, though, was the historical tie-ins. This is crazy for me because historical fiction is a genre I usually steer far away from. I guess when it comes to crime and mysteries, I can handle some historical vibes! This book has me not only side eyeing people and asking who I can trust, but venturing into new to me genres, I call that a win!
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
We follow the story of Rebecca and 3 men who seem to be obsessed with her. Her on and off again, partner, who is currently tracking down The Yorkshire Ripper,Meryvn a creepy journalist, and Larry, her current boo who is a little too good to be true. All three men are very different from each other, and at least one of them is harboring a very deadly secret.
My favorite thing about this novel, though, was the historical tie-ins. This is crazy for me because historical fiction is a genre I usually steer far away from. I guess when it comes to crime and mysteries, I can handle some historical vibes! This book has me not only side eyeing people and asking who I can trust, but venturing into new to me genres, I call that a win!
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
This is good! It’s about a woman, Rebecca, a successful businesswoman that had a very unhealthy childhood. She was very close to her Father whom she found dead after he committed suicide. This could or could not be causing her to possibly choose poor life partners. At this time she has three relationships; one with her fiancée, Larry- an American she hasn’t known for very long, especially to commit to marry him. Simon, a married cop and finally Mervyn - a “stalkerish”journalist she tries to get rid of. In the background there is an active serial killer who has just claimed his tenth victim. The more she learns about the men in her life the more the reader questions if any of them are good for her or if one of them be the killer. I’m not going to say more so as not to ruin the ending!
Well-paced. Plot is well-sequenced. Enjoyed this one.
Well-paced. Plot is well-sequenced. Enjoyed this one.
June 24, 2024
In this thriller that takes place during the unsettling times of the Yorkshire ripper, Rebecca meets all the wrong men. And they aren't wrong because they're incompatible, they're truly disturbing. A great read and thanks to NetGalley for the arc/audiobook that will stay in my head for some time.
July 9, 2024
"The Company She Keeps" by James Woolf is a thriller about a serial killer.
Set in 1979-80 in England, women were treated as second-class citizens, even worse than we are now.
This book was boring for most of it and then way too scary at the end for me! The MFC seems to attract serial killers. The behavior of the MMC was inconsistent, and some of it was just unbelievable.
The narrator, Karen Cass, had to voice many conversations between an American man and a British woman. She certainly tried to get the voice right for the American, but it just didn't sound right.
Characters - 2/5
Writing - 2/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 1/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 3/5
Cover - 2/5
Overall - 15/8 = 1 7/8 rounded up to 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and James Woolf for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1979-80 in England, women were treated as second-class citizens, even worse than we are now.
This book was boring for most of it and then way too scary at the end for me! The MFC seems to attract serial killers. The behavior of the MMC was inconsistent, and some of it was just unbelievable.
The narrator, Karen Cass, had to voice many conversations between an American man and a British woman. She certainly tried to get the voice right for the American, but it just didn't sound right.
Characters - 2/5
Writing - 2/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 1/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 3/5
Cover - 2/5
Overall - 15/8 = 1 7/8 rounded up to 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and James Woolf for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2024
3.5 stars
I was excited to read this because who doesn't like a historical fiction thriller revolving around a real-life serial killer? This, unfortunately, wasn't that. This book genre jumped too much for me and didn't give me what I thought I was going to be given via the blurb.
This jumped between wanting to be part historical fiction, part social commentary, part serial killer mystery, part romance, and part domestic/romantic thriller. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a book that jumps genres and can be more than one thing, but this one tried to get a toe into each of them without doing a good job being really any of them. It's also a slow build thriller. You'll have to be patient and wait for the roller coaster to get to the top of the long climb before things start to really take off.
This book is light on the Yorkshire Ripper and it's really just a setting to add more tension in the story, which, I guess, it does to an extent. I wasn't really invested at all. I wasn't over/under whelmed. I guess I was just...whelmed?
Rebecca is a great character! She's strong and independent. She's not dumb, nor is she a damsel in distress who needs a man (or anyone really) to save her. She's a take the bull by the horns kinda gal and doesn't make the stupid decisions that FMC tend to make in thrillers. So, kudos for that. I really did enjoy her a lot. The book was well-written and did have twists and turns that I think a lot of people will enjoy. I felt it was a bit obvious, but, again, I was just listening waiting for the Ripper to become more of a "character" in the story I guess.
Henrietta Meire was a fantastic narrator. She was able to give everyone their own distinct voice/accent (including an American man) that was believable and didn't sound forced/horrible. However, her "young, British child" voice does need some work and note that you'll probably need to turn the volume down during those scenes as it's a little shrill (for me).
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
I was excited to read this because who doesn't like a historical fiction thriller revolving around a real-life serial killer? This, unfortunately, wasn't that. This book genre jumped too much for me and didn't give me what I thought I was going to be given via the blurb.
This jumped between wanting to be part historical fiction, part social commentary, part serial killer mystery, part romance, and part domestic/romantic thriller. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a book that jumps genres and can be more than one thing, but this one tried to get a toe into each of them without doing a good job being really any of them. It's also a slow build thriller. You'll have to be patient and wait for the roller coaster to get to the top of the long climb before things start to really take off.
This book is light on the Yorkshire Ripper and it's really just a setting to add more tension in the story, which, I guess, it does to an extent. I wasn't really invested at all. I wasn't over/under whelmed. I guess I was just...whelmed?
Rebecca is a great character! She's strong and independent. She's not dumb, nor is she a damsel in distress who needs a man (or anyone really) to save her. She's a take the bull by the horns kinda gal and doesn't make the stupid decisions that FMC tend to make in thrillers. So, kudos for that. I really did enjoy her a lot. The book was well-written and did have twists and turns that I think a lot of people will enjoy. I felt it was a bit obvious, but, again, I was just listening waiting for the Ripper to become more of a "character" in the story I guess.
Henrietta Meire was a fantastic narrator. She was able to give everyone their own distinct voice/accent (including an American man) that was believable and didn't sound forced/horrible. However, her "young, British child" voice does need some work and note that you'll probably need to turn the volume down during those scenes as it's a little shrill (for me).
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
June 27, 2024
Expanding from 1979 to 1981, The Company She Keeps is set when the Yorkshire Ripper is on the loose and terrorising the nation. Ok!
Our MC, Rebecca, has great success on the professional side but not so much on the romantic one. An understatement, actually. She just ended a relationship with a morally questionable policeman, Simon, started kind of seeing a weird dude that fixates on her, and finally we have Larry, a man whose wife’s death haunts him in more ways than one.
Rebecca is one hell of a woman! She is determined, clever, and good news for readers: she doesn’t suffer from dumb main character syndrome. Thank you, James Woolf.
Moving on to the story now... I felt like everything was very straightforward and obvious (?); I don’t know how else to put it. It’s like watching a Scooby Doo episode where there’s only one rich guy who treats people badly, and, oh, who could possibly be behind the mask??
It’s a (good!) safe ride.
I got an ALC from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, I certainly felt like the narrator gave a cosy vibe more than a thriller-ish, mysterious one until about the 75% mark. If you do read the book with your own eyes, I think you’ll have the full experience of the darkness of the story. This is one of the very few instances where I would have preferred to have read the book in its entirety rather than have alternated or listened to it fully on audiobook.
Our MC, Rebecca, has great success on the professional side but not so much on the romantic one. An understatement, actually. She just ended a relationship with a morally questionable policeman, Simon, started kind of seeing a weird dude that fixates on her, and finally we have Larry, a man whose wife’s death haunts him in more ways than one.
Rebecca is one hell of a woman! She is determined, clever, and good news for readers: she doesn’t suffer from dumb main character syndrome. Thank you, James Woolf.
Moving on to the story now... I felt like everything was very straightforward and obvious (?); I don’t know how else to put it. It’s like watching a Scooby Doo episode where there’s only one rich guy who treats people badly, and, oh, who could possibly be behind the mask??
It’s a (good!) safe ride.
I got an ALC from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, I certainly felt like the narrator gave a cosy vibe more than a thriller-ish, mysterious one until about the 75% mark. If you do read the book with your own eyes, I think you’ll have the full experience of the darkness of the story. This is one of the very few instances where I would have preferred to have read the book in its entirety rather than have alternated or listened to it fully on audiobook.
September 1, 2024
Rebecca must have the worst luck, she's experienced trauma from a young age, the Yorkshire ripper is on the loose nearby, and she's surrounded herself with 3 mysterious men with an obsessive interest in her.
An unfaithful policeman, a stalker journalist, and a charming American with a dark past.
There's unease in the community with a serial killer hunting victims, and it expresses the fears of women being afraid to be alone, not going out at night...
Rebecca is a successful business woman, impressive in an era of patriarchy, but her personal life is drawing danger, and there's one chilling question - Who is playing who?
Stalking, dark secrets, dangerous truths, mystery, and a perilous scheme to catch a predator lurking in plain sight.
It takes some time to get into the more gritty aspects and suspense, but when it does it's filled with tension, and has a memorable and intense ending.
💀 "I'm telling you I'm not leaving you alone, because you're making a big mistake. I'll be in touch"
💀 "I'm not ready to accept that we'll never be together again"
💀 "What is going on, Rebecca, is that you've made some very serious mistakes"
💀 "What are you going to do to me?"
"I'm going to kill you"
An unfaithful policeman, a stalker journalist, and a charming American with a dark past.
There's unease in the community with a serial killer hunting victims, and it expresses the fears of women being afraid to be alone, not going out at night...
Rebecca is a successful business woman, impressive in an era of patriarchy, but her personal life is drawing danger, and there's one chilling question - Who is playing who?
Stalking, dark secrets, dangerous truths, mystery, and a perilous scheme to catch a predator lurking in plain sight.
It takes some time to get into the more gritty aspects and suspense, but when it does it's filled with tension, and has a memorable and intense ending.
💀 "I'm telling you I'm not leaving you alone, because you're making a big mistake. I'll be in touch"
💀 "I'm not ready to accept that we'll never be together again"
💀 "What is going on, Rebecca, is that you've made some very serious mistakes"
💀 "What are you going to do to me?"
"I'm going to kill you"
August 17, 2024
This psychological thriller is a spine-chilling descent into the darkness of the human soul. James Woolf weaves a web of deceit and danger around the unsuspecting Rebecca, which left me and will no doubt have most readers questioning just how many bad men one woman can be unfortunate enough to have in her life.
We have here a nail-biting, heart-pounding journey into the mind of a woman caught between three deadly predators. This book will leave you paranoid, scared, and questioning the trustworthiness of everyone in your life. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of psychological terror that will leave you questioning your own sanity. This one smashed a home run with its exhilarating thrills!
September 5, 2024
This is my first book by Woolf, but it will not be my last. There's a serial killer out there, putting the fear into everyone, especially women, stopping them going out at night.
Rebecca Ferguson is a successful brewery owner. Rebecca hasn't had an easy life when it comes to romance. She is trying to start over again but isn't finding it easy with the Yorkshire Ripper out there somewhere. Set in the 70s and 80s when mobile phones were not a thing, it's up to each person to trust their own feeling, but with Rebecca's past can she really do that and is it enough to keep her safe as well as finding that someone.
we have great characters to go with a gripping storyline. It will have you guessing till the end
Rebecca Ferguson is a successful brewery owner. Rebecca hasn't had an easy life when it comes to romance. She is trying to start over again but isn't finding it easy with the Yorkshire Ripper out there somewhere. Set in the 70s and 80s when mobile phones were not a thing, it's up to each person to trust their own feeling, but with Rebecca's past can she really do that and is it enough to keep her safe as well as finding that someone.
we have great characters to go with a gripping storyline. It will have you guessing till the end
July 5, 2024
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
This book kept me riveted.
It was very suspenseful.
I would definitely read more by this author.
This book kept me riveted.
It was very suspenseful.
I would definitely read more by this author.
June 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
Rebecca is an intreaguing main character, and the plot moves along at a good pace.
Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Ripper killings, Rebecca is a successful business woman, who is not so successful in her love life. After ending a on- off relationship with a married police officer Simon, and rejecting a relationship with a slightly odd journalist, when she meets American Larry age falls quickly in love and into an engagement. But Larry has secrets in his past which when Rebecca is made aware make her question who it what she can trust.
The historical detail is nice, and though I found the ending a little rushed, overall I really enjoyed it.
Rebecca is an intreaguing main character, and the plot moves along at a good pace.
Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Ripper killings, Rebecca is a successful business woman, who is not so successful in her love life. After ending a on- off relationship with a married police officer Simon, and rejecting a relationship with a slightly odd journalist, when she meets American Larry age falls quickly in love and into an engagement. But Larry has secrets in his past which when Rebecca is made aware make her question who it what she can trust.
The historical detail is nice, and though I found the ending a little rushed, overall I really enjoyed it.
June 16, 2024
Brilliantly written. Set in the late 70s early 80s in a time I don’t remember so had to remind myself initially about all the things they didn’t have like mobile phones! The link to the Yorkshire Ripper case and the twists turns and suspense all whilst celebrating a strong woman and showing how women were beginning to create their own storm to move towards more equal rights. I loved it.
June 5, 2024
This is an exciting new novel by one of my favorite new authors, James Woolf. His debut novel, Indefensible is wonderful!
His new book, The Company She Keeps is exceptional. Set in England, Rebecca is a single, successful business woman who finds herself in the middle of three men. First is Simon. He is a married police officer searching for a serial killer. Second is Larry, an American who is haunted by the death of his wife. Finally, there’s Mervyn, a strange journalist who is determined to make her remain a part of his life.
As the story progresses, Mr. Woolf introduces the reader to a strong woman staring at a tapestry of men who all want her, three very different men. Things begin to take drastic turns as plot twists result in the book being even harder to put down. This novel is one of my favorite books so far this year. I definitely recommend it!
His new book, The Company She Keeps is exceptional. Set in England, Rebecca is a single, successful business woman who finds herself in the middle of three men. First is Simon. He is a married police officer searching for a serial killer. Second is Larry, an American who is haunted by the death of his wife. Finally, there’s Mervyn, a strange journalist who is determined to make her remain a part of his life.
As the story progresses, Mr. Woolf introduces the reader to a strong woman staring at a tapestry of men who all want her, three very different men. Things begin to take drastic turns as plot twists result in the book being even harder to put down. This novel is one of my favorite books so far this year. I definitely recommend it!
June 10, 2024
An impressive novel that cleverly weaves several plot lines together to create a great climax and denouement. Definitely a page turner, with well drawn characters, in particular refreshing female leads, whose dialogue roots us in a tangible reality.
The novel exposes on the fallibility of all of us whilst withholding judgement for all but the darkest characters.
The novel exposes on the fallibility of all of us whilst withholding judgement for all but the darkest characters.
June 7, 2024
This book was really hard to put down after I started reading it! The writing is excellent and you really start to see the story through the lens of the main character, Rebecca. I really enjoyed the supporting characters and the interactions she had with them. Also this is a “historical mystery “ because it takes place in the 60s, 70s and then finally the 80s. Very cool setting! It made me think of what I would have been doing during these time periods. The story keeps you engaged and guessing until the very end!
September 6, 2024
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW - BOOK TOUR
The Company She Keeps - James Woolf
4/5⭐️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
This book was definitely a good one to start setting in all the spooky vibes for this season! This book is based around the late 70s-80s which I normally don’t read often because I don’t enjoy it but this one I really did! I felt like it just added that extra aspect to the book that was needed for the Yorkshire Ripper. You will end up reading lots of tension and fear which i definitely felt while reading. We meet Rebecca who is a strong business woman with not the best childhood. Rebecca find herself in a situationship with 3 different men her fiance, the married cop, and the journalist. The more you read so much unfolds! Overall such a great read and definitely recommend adding to your tbr!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Thriller
- Psychological thriller
- Historical vibes
- Yorkshire Ripper
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #AD
✨what was the last thriller you read?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC REVIEW - BOOK TOUR
The Company She Keeps - James Woolf
4/5⭐️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
This book was definitely a good one to start setting in all the spooky vibes for this season! This book is based around the late 70s-80s which I normally don’t read often because I don’t enjoy it but this one I really did! I felt like it just added that extra aspect to the book that was needed for the Yorkshire Ripper. You will end up reading lots of tension and fear which i definitely felt while reading. We meet Rebecca who is a strong business woman with not the best childhood. Rebecca find herself in a situationship with 3 different men her fiance, the married cop, and the journalist. The more you read so much unfolds! Overall such a great read and definitely recommend adding to your tbr!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Thriller
- Psychological thriller
- Historical vibes
- Yorkshire Ripper
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #AD
✨what was the last thriller you read?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
July 3, 2024
At the start of the year, I read Indefensible, by this author and really enjoyed the different perspective.
When I spotted this book, I was keen to dive in.
In this book we follow Rebecca, a successful businesswoman who is making her way in a very male dominated world, set in the 70's.
I loved the setting for this book.
I wasn't from Leeds, but have been many times and so this brought back some happy memories of our visits.
However, this was set in the 70's around the time of the Yorkshire Ripper which although seemed familiar, this depicted a very different and more guarded city.
I can't imagine how it would have been at this time, but imagine how complicated and terrifying dating would have been!
Rebecca has to attention of 3 very different men and we see her try to navigate her job and relationships at a time of such worry and uncertainty.
This was an intriguing read which had me gripped from start to finish and I raced through the short chapters until late in the evening.
A really great read and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
When I spotted this book, I was keen to dive in.
In this book we follow Rebecca, a successful businesswoman who is making her way in a very male dominated world, set in the 70's.
I loved the setting for this book.
I wasn't from Leeds, but have been many times and so this brought back some happy memories of our visits.
However, this was set in the 70's around the time of the Yorkshire Ripper which although seemed familiar, this depicted a very different and more guarded city.
I can't imagine how it would have been at this time, but imagine how complicated and terrifying dating would have been!
Rebecca has to attention of 3 very different men and we see her try to navigate her job and relationships at a time of such worry and uncertainty.
This was an intriguing read which had me gripped from start to finish and I raced through the short chapters until late in the evening.
A really great read and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
July 4, 2024
Set against the Yorkshire Ripper Killings, we encounter Rebecca, a very successful business woman who even though she’s in her 30’s she’s still single. Until she finds herself in a very intense relationship with an American guy that just moved to the UK, so intense that in a few months she’s already engaged to be married.
Is Larry as good as he portrays to be? And is his story real? Rebecca starts finding new information on Larry, mostly thanks to Marvin, a weird acting journalist who wants to date her.
Add to the mix of guys who she’s involved with or who wants involved with her, we find Simon, her already married on and off partner.
The character development on this book is very good and the plot of the story grows with every page until it is almost impossible to put the book down.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Is Larry as good as he portrays to be? And is his story real? Rebecca starts finding new information on Larry, mostly thanks to Marvin, a weird acting journalist who wants to date her.
Add to the mix of guys who she’s involved with or who wants involved with her, we find Simon, her already married on and off partner.
The character development on this book is very good and the plot of the story grows with every page until it is almost impossible to put the book down.
I enjoyed reading this book.
July 15, 2024
I listened to The Company She Keeps as an audiobook and my first book by James Woolf. I thought Oh a historical psychological crime thriller fiction...what a unique concept. And I still think it's a great concept but a bit different from what I was expecting which is fine. I'd say there was more drama vs thriller in this book which might cater to those who like those type of books more. I was hoping for a bit more tension throughout the book. The tension was there and heavy towards the end though. It was a bit predictable but overall a pretty good story. I liked the writing too and would definitely pick up another book by this author. As for the audio version, I think this would have been better to consume in an actual book format. The narrator was great and even did a good job switching between characters but there were too many parts where I wanted to flip back or felt I was lost and had to rewind.
June 29, 2024
This is crime thriller writing of the highest order. James Woolf already proved himself a natural storyteller with the extraordinary 'Indefensible' but here he delivers a novel so good it will give his rivals in the crime fiction world something to seriously worry about.
It is chilling the way the author has recreated so evocatively Yorkshire in the last terrifying months before Peter Sutcliffe was finally caught. The factual backdrop as the plot unfolds adds layer upon layer of gritty realism.
It was Ted Lewis who created British Noir with the now classic 'Jack's Return Home' and few writers have ever been able to quite match up to the standards he set but James Woolf proves himself a worthy successor with this crime masterpiece.
It is chilling the way the author has recreated so evocatively Yorkshire in the last terrifying months before Peter Sutcliffe was finally caught. The factual backdrop as the plot unfolds adds layer upon layer of gritty realism.
It was Ted Lewis who created British Noir with the now classic 'Jack's Return Home' and few writers have ever been able to quite match up to the standards he set but James Woolf proves himself a worthy successor with this crime masterpiece.
June 30, 2024
1979 England
The Yorkshire Ripper is wreaking havoc in northern England, claiming his 10th victim.
Enter Rebecca, a wealthy businesswoman who tends to select questionable relationships with men. Her latest beau and fiance, Larry, has her on edge, and she reaches out to her former romantic entanglement, Simon, with help learning the darker side of Larry.
Rebecca is willing to place herself in dangerous situations to find out the truth about Larry. A man without redemption was leading a police chase before claiming his next victim.
I enjoyed the story but hoped the Yorkshire Ripper would have been immersed more into the story. The main character, Rebecca, is intelligent and strong-willed, but she's not perfect and places herself in precarious situations.
I hoped for a thrilling ride, but the story didn't fall completely flat.
The narrator did a lovely job creating voices for each character and even pulled off a male American accent.
I listened to The Company She Keeps for an honest review for NetGalley.
The Yorkshire Ripper is wreaking havoc in northern England, claiming his 10th victim.
Enter Rebecca, a wealthy businesswoman who tends to select questionable relationships with men. Her latest beau and fiance, Larry, has her on edge, and she reaches out to her former romantic entanglement, Simon, with help learning the darker side of Larry.
Rebecca is willing to place herself in dangerous situations to find out the truth about Larry. A man without redemption was leading a police chase before claiming his next victim.
I enjoyed the story but hoped the Yorkshire Ripper would have been immersed more into the story. The main character, Rebecca, is intelligent and strong-willed, but she's not perfect and places herself in precarious situations.
I hoped for a thrilling ride, but the story didn't fall completely flat.
The narrator did a lovely job creating voices for each character and even pulled off a male American accent.
I listened to The Company She Keeps for an honest review for NetGalley.
September 8, 2024
Well this is eye opening if not frightening for women. So much has changed over the eras, but unfortunately we’re still not completely safe. This is the first book I have read from this author, he definitely didn’t fail with this corker.
I really liked Rebecca, I just wish she would find her happy ever after, she has a lot of offers, but they definitely weren’t suitable.
The story is told over a couple of decades, 70’s into 80’s. But roughly in this time, the Yorkshire ripper is out to play. So the women in town are absolutely petrified, the story carries on with Rebecca and her love interests. The author definitely ramps up the atmosphere, the book becomes addictive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, kept my interest at all times.
I really liked Rebecca, I just wish she would find her happy ever after, she has a lot of offers, but they definitely weren’t suitable.
The story is told over a couple of decades, 70’s into 80’s. But roughly in this time, the Yorkshire ripper is out to play. So the women in town are absolutely petrified, the story carries on with Rebecca and her love interests. The author definitely ramps up the atmosphere, the book becomes addictive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, kept my interest at all times.
June 25, 2024
Rebecca is a self made millionaire, a successful business woman based in Leeds when she meets Larry an American widower. The time is when the area is gripped in fear from the Yorkshire Ripper, his reign forming a background to the story.
Although they have not know each other long Rebecca and Larry are soon engaged. However, although Rebecca has been very open about herself, Larry gives little away, other than his wife had committed suicide and this was why he moved away from America.
It turns out there is more to the death of his wife than he is giving away and Rebecca is determined to find out more.
Well written and with an unusual twist at the end.
Although they have not know each other long Rebecca and Larry are soon engaged. However, although Rebecca has been very open about herself, Larry gives little away, other than his wife had committed suicide and this was why he moved away from America.
It turns out there is more to the death of his wife than he is giving away and Rebecca is determined to find out more.
Well written and with an unusual twist at the end.
June 29, 2024
1979 Leeds - the Yorkshire Ripper is active & women don't feel safe. Rebecca is a successful business woman who appears to have the ideal life but she feels the lack of a partner. Then she meets Larry - but is he too good to be true; and what about either creepy journalist determined to keep her in his life? Rebecca is well drawn - although there were times when I wanted to shout at her to make better choices. James Woolf evokes the fear and anger of the time, when women in Leeds were advised not to go out alone, and police seemed unable to find the killer. I read this in one sitting - which I think says it all.
September 2, 2024
I loved the cover on this book and it's definitely one I would grab for that alone. This story takes place in England in the late 70's around the time of the Yorkshire Ripper. Women are not safe out alone especially at night. Rebecca is our main character. She is a bad ass business woman... although attracts interesting men, all & IMO.
The Married Policeman, who is trying to catch our killer. Larry, an American Widow who I didn't trust for a second and a journalist who's stalking her! I was suspicious of Larry and that journalist from the start!!!! Ithaca wrapped up perfectly!!
If you like a good mystery or true crime you'd enjoy this one!!!!
The Married Policeman, who is trying to catch our killer. Larry, an American Widow who I didn't trust for a second and a journalist who's stalking her! I was suspicious of Larry and that journalist from the start!!!! Ithaca wrapped up perfectly!!
If you like a good mystery or true crime you'd enjoy this one!!!!
July 15, 2024
The Company She Keeps by James Wolf is a suspense thriller set in Leeds with the Yorkshire Ripper set on the background.
A well written book with nice twists at the end. The main character, Rebecca is a self made rich strong woman who does better at businesses/investments, than personal relationships. Can either of the 3 men interested in her be the serial killer?
Narrator does a great job for the most part (I personally did not like the high pitch voice only at times) .
Thanks to Netgally, James Woolf and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to an ADC
A well written book with nice twists at the end. The main character, Rebecca is a self made rich strong woman who does better at businesses/investments, than personal relationships. Can either of the 3 men interested in her be the serial killer?
Narrator does a great job for the most part (I personally did not like the high pitch voice only at times) .
Thanks to Netgally, James Woolf and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to an ADC
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