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Invisible
THERE'S ONE VICTIM OF CRIME NO ONE NOTICES...
Something is wrong. With her marriage, with her husband, with her. But as she pours her heart out to her diary, it’s clear she doesn’t know what.
Until one explosive night she finds a possible answer.
Suddenly hated and vilified by everyone, she clings to her relationship – even while wondering if she really knows her husband at all...
INVISIBLE is a stunningly powerful, gripping and original psychological thriller of subtle insight that takes you on a twisted journey through one woman’s marriage.
Something is wrong. With her marriage, with her husband, with her. But as she pours her heart out to her diary, it’s clear she doesn’t know what.
Until one explosive night she finds a possible answer.
Suddenly hated and vilified by everyone, she clings to her relationship – even while wondering if she really knows her husband at all...
INVISIBLE is a stunningly powerful, gripping and original psychological thriller of subtle insight that takes you on a twisted journey through one woman’s marriage.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2014
352 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Copperthwaite
11 books291 followersWhat people say about Barbara's books:
"Will have you looking over your shoulder and under your bed... Original, gripping, with a deep psychological impact," Sunday Mirror
"Enthralling, tense and moving," Real People magazine
"Totally gripping, and scarily believable," Bella magazine
Barbara is the Amazon and USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers INVISIBLE, FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD, THE DARKEST LIES, HER LAST SECRET, and THE PERFECT FRIEND. Her new book, THE GIRL IN THE MISSING POSTER, is out on 23 February but available to pre-order now!
More importantly, she loves cakes, wildlife photography and, last but definitely not least, her two dogs, Scamp and Buddy (who force her to throw tennis balls for them for hours).
Having spent over twenty years as a national newspaper and magazine journalist, Barbara has interviewed the real victims of crime - and also those who have carried those crimes out. She is fascinated by creating realistic, complex characters, and taking them apart before the readers' eyes in order to discover just how much it takes to push a person over a line.
When not writing feverishly, she is often found hiding behind a camera, taking wildlife photographs.
To find out more about Barbara's novels, go to www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraCoppert... or follow @BCopperthwait on Twitter. To find out more about Barbara go to www.barbaracopperthwaite.com
"Will have you looking over your shoulder and under your bed... Original, gripping, with a deep psychological impact," Sunday Mirror
"Enthralling, tense and moving," Real People magazine
"Totally gripping, and scarily believable," Bella magazine
Barbara is the Amazon and USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers INVISIBLE, FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD, THE DARKEST LIES, HER LAST SECRET, and THE PERFECT FRIEND. Her new book, THE GIRL IN THE MISSING POSTER, is out on 23 February but available to pre-order now!
More importantly, she loves cakes, wildlife photography and, last but definitely not least, her two dogs, Scamp and Buddy (who force her to throw tennis balls for them for hours).
Having spent over twenty years as a national newspaper and magazine journalist, Barbara has interviewed the real victims of crime - and also those who have carried those crimes out. She is fascinated by creating realistic, complex characters, and taking them apart before the readers' eyes in order to discover just how much it takes to push a person over a line.
When not writing feverishly, she is often found hiding behind a camera, taking wildlife photographs.
To find out more about Barbara's novels, go to www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraCoppert... or follow @BCopperthwait on Twitter. To find out more about Barbara go to www.barbaracopperthwaite.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 23, 2016
Now it is hard to know what to actually say about this book without giving to much away. Even after reading the blurb, I for one would never have guessed exactly what the storyline was going to be fully about and I have to say it took me by surprise.
The story is told to the reader through entries into a diary page. We never actually find out the name of the woman whose diary it is, yet we are taken on a nightmare journey alongside her and I felt by the end like I knew her inside and out.
A diary is a very personal possession, so I felt very privileged to be able to fully understand what was going on in the main characters head as without knowing I don't think I would probably have had any empathy for her and would have struggled to understand her actions.
At first I have to admit I thought she was quite naive and stupid but when I sat back and thought about it, if I was in the same position as her, would I be able to switch my feelings on and off so easily? The answer is as much as I may like to think I could I don't think many of us would find it that easy.
I enjoyed seeing how weak and naive she is at the start and how slowly she revolves into a much stronger and wiser person.
Invisible is a quietly brilliant novel. The fact that the storyline was quite unexpected made it even more enjoyable. Loved it.
The story is told to the reader through entries into a diary page. We never actually find out the name of the woman whose diary it is, yet we are taken on a nightmare journey alongside her and I felt by the end like I knew her inside and out.
A diary is a very personal possession, so I felt very privileged to be able to fully understand what was going on in the main characters head as without knowing I don't think I would probably have had any empathy for her and would have struggled to understand her actions.
At first I have to admit I thought she was quite naive and stupid but when I sat back and thought about it, if I was in the same position as her, would I be able to switch my feelings on and off so easily? The answer is as much as I may like to think I could I don't think many of us would find it that easy.
I enjoyed seeing how weak and naive she is at the start and how slowly she revolves into a much stronger and wiser person.
Invisible is a quietly brilliant novel. The fact that the storyline was quite unexpected made it even more enjoyable. Loved it.
March 6, 2016
This is such a difficult review to write. I'd avoided all earlier reviews - I hadn't even read the cover description - and I think that made the impact of this wonderful book even more powerful. So it would be unforgivable to tell the story and ruin the experience for others - and "an experience" is the best way to describe it, I think - and a very different book from her other, Flowers For the Dead.
The structure is quite excellent, and highly original - the diary of a very ordinary and unnamed housewife (her husband only calls her Babe and Gorgeous), hoping to convince her husband that they should start a family, coping with his mood swings, wondering about the future of their marriage, swinging from joy in her loving relationship to despair and confusion when things don't go well and she finds herself apologising again for everything being her fault. In fact, for the first quarter of the book, that's it really - totally absorbing as you wonder where the story might be going, as you live her life with her, feeling her joy as she nestles into her husband's chest surrounded by the scent of Lynx Africa with a hint of diesel (he's a long distance lorry driver), recognising the familiar and common, sometimes nodding along in understanding.
Then comes that "explosive night" - the clues and hints were all there - and things can never be the same again. I loved the way she initially clung to her belief that everything would be well, and the way everything slowly and turned, with the reader maybe just a tiny bit ahead of her. The insights into the plight of an innocent victim - of the most unexpected kind - are quite all-consuming. I lived and breathed this book for as long as I read it - and in the times I had to put it down, it occupied my every waking thought. The writing is simply excellent - it's a book you feel and experience at your core through the narrator's clear and distinctive voice. My sympathies didn't really waver, I was in her corner throughout as she worked through every possible emotion and negative thought: it really was a totally gripping read that changed quite a few of my previous perceptions about victims, punishment, friendship and love, and the way in which human beings can behave so dreadfully to each other.
The characterisation was wonderful - the narrator obviously as the mind you occupy and the voice you hear, but also so many of the incidental characters. Some are pure darkness - an evil so horrendous you find yourself gasping in horror - but others give you some hope for the future of humankind. There's one scene that features her lovely mother - pushed to a point beyond endurance - that brought tears to my eyes. The descriptions - some of them only small touches like a mouthed endearment, a look in the eyes or a facial expression - are so vivid that they're absolutely real, and totally chilling.
If you're a fan of the psychological thriller - this book is many things, but I think that's probably the closest I'll come to describing it - don't miss this one, whatever you do. I knew Barbara Copperthwaite wrote superbly after reading her Flowers For The Dead, but I really wasn't expecting this - an absolutely gripping read, and quite unforgettable.
The structure is quite excellent, and highly original - the diary of a very ordinary and unnamed housewife (her husband only calls her Babe and Gorgeous), hoping to convince her husband that they should start a family, coping with his mood swings, wondering about the future of their marriage, swinging from joy in her loving relationship to despair and confusion when things don't go well and she finds herself apologising again for everything being her fault. In fact, for the first quarter of the book, that's it really - totally absorbing as you wonder where the story might be going, as you live her life with her, feeling her joy as she nestles into her husband's chest surrounded by the scent of Lynx Africa with a hint of diesel (he's a long distance lorry driver), recognising the familiar and common, sometimes nodding along in understanding.
Then comes that "explosive night" - the clues and hints were all there - and things can never be the same again. I loved the way she initially clung to her belief that everything would be well, and the way everything slowly and turned, with the reader maybe just a tiny bit ahead of her. The insights into the plight of an innocent victim - of the most unexpected kind - are quite all-consuming. I lived and breathed this book for as long as I read it - and in the times I had to put it down, it occupied my every waking thought. The writing is simply excellent - it's a book you feel and experience at your core through the narrator's clear and distinctive voice. My sympathies didn't really waver, I was in her corner throughout as she worked through every possible emotion and negative thought: it really was a totally gripping read that changed quite a few of my previous perceptions about victims, punishment, friendship and love, and the way in which human beings can behave so dreadfully to each other.
The characterisation was wonderful - the narrator obviously as the mind you occupy and the voice you hear, but also so many of the incidental characters. Some are pure darkness - an evil so horrendous you find yourself gasping in horror - but others give you some hope for the future of humankind. There's one scene that features her lovely mother - pushed to a point beyond endurance - that brought tears to my eyes. The descriptions - some of them only small touches like a mouthed endearment, a look in the eyes or a facial expression - are so vivid that they're absolutely real, and totally chilling.
If you're a fan of the psychological thriller - this book is many things, but I think that's probably the closest I'll come to describing it - don't miss this one, whatever you do. I knew Barbara Copperthwaite wrote superbly after reading her Flowers For The Dead, but I really wasn't expecting this - an absolutely gripping read, and quite unforgettable.
February 7, 2016
Having Just read The Widow by Fiona Barton, I was intrigued by this novel by Barbara.
I am surprised that I have not come across this fabulous read before,but I have just read and reviewed 'Flowers for the Dead' by Ms Copperthwaite and couldn't wait to read more of her inimitable style of story-telling.
Invisible is unusual, in that the reader never gets to know the name of the narrator, but does get emotionally involved in her tale.
'She' has a uneventful, mundane marriage, Daryl, her husband is a forceful, controlling man, but not in the way that this type of person usually behaves. He calls her 'babe' and 'gorgeous', but when she makes plans he often wrangles a good enough excuse to break them, making her feel upset and moody. 'She' then feels as though she is ungrateful as he is a good husband and is working so they both can benefit. He is rude about her friends, but 'she' knows he loves her and 'she' clearly adores him.
This book is written in diary form, telling of her feelings and is not unlike most women's journals, she speaks of her efforts to lose weight, her hopes for a baby, something she wants more than anything and her disappointment that Daryl does not feel the same urgency to start a family.
Daryl finally surprises her with a holiday to Turkey and a declaration that he is ready for a baby. 'She' is ecstatic and happy. Finally her wishes are coming true.
Then she is arrested.
This is one book that is totally and utterly convincing. It has the reader torn between what is really happening and what you might be feeling and thinking if you found yourself in the same situation. 'Her' reaction to the evidence and truth and her love for her husband are in two different camps. It is a dream from which 'She' can't wake up.
It is a pacy read, and captures life as you think it would be like. The behavior of her friends and work colleagues, the general public and the media add to her nightmare.
It does make you wonder though, do we really know the person we love??
I am surprised that I have not come across this fabulous read before,but I have just read and reviewed 'Flowers for the Dead' by Ms Copperthwaite and couldn't wait to read more of her inimitable style of story-telling.
Invisible is unusual, in that the reader never gets to know the name of the narrator, but does get emotionally involved in her tale.
'She' has a uneventful, mundane marriage, Daryl, her husband is a forceful, controlling man, but not in the way that this type of person usually behaves. He calls her 'babe' and 'gorgeous', but when she makes plans he often wrangles a good enough excuse to break them, making her feel upset and moody. 'She' then feels as though she is ungrateful as he is a good husband and is working so they both can benefit. He is rude about her friends, but 'she' knows he loves her and 'she' clearly adores him.
This book is written in diary form, telling of her feelings and is not unlike most women's journals, she speaks of her efforts to lose weight, her hopes for a baby, something she wants more than anything and her disappointment that Daryl does not feel the same urgency to start a family.
Daryl finally surprises her with a holiday to Turkey and a declaration that he is ready for a baby. 'She' is ecstatic and happy. Finally her wishes are coming true.
Then she is arrested.
This is one book that is totally and utterly convincing. It has the reader torn between what is really happening and what you might be feeling and thinking if you found yourself in the same situation. 'Her' reaction to the evidence and truth and her love for her husband are in two different camps. It is a dream from which 'She' can't wake up.
It is a pacy read, and captures life as you think it would be like. The behavior of her friends and work colleagues, the general public and the media add to her nightmare.
It does make you wonder though, do we really know the person we love??
November 9, 2016
Having Loved Flowers For The Dead earlier this year I couldn't wait to get stuck into Invisible which is actually the authors debut book. And has always I will be totally honest. I started this book thinking its a Marmite book after being told that. And whoever told me that is so wrong I actually think it is has good has Flowers For the Dead if not better! I have to say this is a totally different novel from the story line to how its written but I loved everything about it. It is without a doubt fan-flipping-tastic.
Having not read the blurb,all I knew about the story line is that its about a lorry driver now I have read the book, there is actually more to this story than just a lorry driver. This is actually a story written has a diary so each page you read is a diary entry. We follow a story about a woman who's name is never revealed throughout the whole story. Just her husband using pet names like Gorgeous or Babe. Which I found intriguing Having been married nine years she feels something isn't right with herself, her marriage and her husband.Until one explosive night she finds a possible answer. And that was the moment I found myself saying OH MY GOD and it made my stomach turn! seriously I wasn't expecting that.
With the story being told from her point of view there were moments when I wanted to shake her and say Really but also feeling sorry for her at the same time. But I did love her sarcastic sense of humor she had which I could totally relate to being like that myself.
The authors writing skills are so well crafted I could feel the tension and emotion in the court room.
I seriously think everyone that as read Flowers For The Dead should read Invisible. In fact I think this is a must read for Physiological thriller fans. It is one well and truly twisted and gripping read which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars.
Having not read the blurb,all I knew about the story line is that its about a lorry driver now I have read the book, there is actually more to this story than just a lorry driver. This is actually a story written has a diary so each page you read is a diary entry. We follow a story about a woman who's name is never revealed throughout the whole story. Just her husband using pet names like Gorgeous or Babe. Which I found intriguing Having been married nine years she feels something isn't right with herself, her marriage and her husband.Until one explosive night she finds a possible answer. And that was the moment I found myself saying OH MY GOD and it made my stomach turn! seriously I wasn't expecting that.
With the story being told from her point of view there were moments when I wanted to shake her and say Really but also feeling sorry for her at the same time. But I did love her sarcastic sense of humor she had which I could totally relate to being like that myself.
The authors writing skills are so well crafted I could feel the tension and emotion in the court room.
I seriously think everyone that as read Flowers For The Dead should read Invisible. In fact I think this is a must read for Physiological thriller fans. It is one well and truly twisted and gripping read which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars.
August 15, 2017
I wanted to like this book. I sincerely did. Having read 2 books by Barbara Copperthwaite and them pulling an easy 4.5, I was surprised when I found myself struggling to get through it. Although, in all fairness, I did not finish the book... I'm ranking it 2 stars for the writing style and characterization - something I found to be a strength in her other books as well.
One of the issues I had wasn't so much the core elements that comprise a good story or being an adept writer. It was that I simply couldn't care for the characters. Perhaps I was hasty in giving up and maybe I'll give it another go. But for now, it is one book from this author that failed to resonate with me.
Perhaps this book is for you - and I truly hope it is - because I am certain there is something there.
Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me... Whatever the reason.
- EmarieQ
One of the issues I had wasn't so much the core elements that comprise a good story or being an adept writer. It was that I simply couldn't care for the characters. Perhaps I was hasty in giving up and maybe I'll give it another go. But for now, it is one book from this author that failed to resonate with me.
Perhaps this book is for you - and I truly hope it is - because I am certain there is something there.
Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me... Whatever the reason.
- EmarieQ
November 13, 2017
This book/diary reminded me of some of my own personal journals, the difference being that i was a teen when I wrote them! If the author was going for profundity and enlightenment, she missed the mark. This was pure pablum served up by an immature diary-writer who did not ring authentic as an adult woman. What could have been deep and weighty material was given the bumper sticker treatment with its naive and repetitive structure. This is recommended for fans of "We Need To Talk About Kevin" which was a full course meal delivered with sharp insight and articulated in beautiful writing. This book is an appetizer off the kiddie menu. However, the author's other book "Her Last Secret" i thought was brilliant.
August 1, 2018
Excellent , gripping, unsettling book. It was very different to a number of psychological dramas I have read recently, but the writting was so clever. do give it a go.
September 13, 2016
It's hard to review this book without giving anything away - suffice to say it's another corker of a book from this author.
Told in the form of a diary, we hear the ins and outs of a "regular" husband and wife. She wonders if he is losing interest and desperate to do anything to please him. It is obvious something is not quite right with their relationship and his behaviour....
This book made me question how I would feel in her situation and how I would judge someone else.
An intriguing read.
Told in the form of a diary, we hear the ins and outs of a "regular" husband and wife. She wonders if he is losing interest and desperate to do anything to please him. It is obvious something is not quite right with their relationship and his behaviour....
This book made me question how I would feel in her situation and how I would judge someone else.
An intriguing read.
July 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book it shows how we always think our nearest and dearest would not be so bad as to commit something so bad but we see faults in other peoples lives
This is such an intense journey into a young woman's nightmare that I felt I knew her and was experiencing her horror alongside her. It's a gripping thriller, that stayed with me after I'd read it If anyone is looking for a fast-paced page-turning read then Invisible is it.
This is such an intense journey into a young woman's nightmare that I felt I knew her and was experiencing her horror alongside her. It's a gripping thriller, that stayed with me after I'd read it If anyone is looking for a fast-paced page-turning read then Invisible is it.
August 22, 2016
Clever, the enjoyed the writing style and really felt for the main character.
I don't want to spoil the book, a goodread and four solid stars.
I don't want to spoil the book, a goodread and four solid stars.
September 25, 2016
Good book
I enjoyed the storyline , but unlike your other book I think it dragged on at places too much , I look forward to more of your books , well done
I enjoyed the storyline , but unlike your other book I think it dragged on at places too much , I look forward to more of your books , well done
May 1, 2019
This was an emotional read. Imagining yourself in this predicament and wondering how you would deal with it.
The Epilogue?? OMG ANOTHER BOOK PLEASE?!?!
The Epilogue?? OMG ANOTHER BOOK PLEASE?!?!
October 16, 2016
This book is my crime fiction novel of the year so far. It’s just outstanding!
It’s been on my Kindle for some time and I don’t even remember buying it.
I haven’t read any other reviews or the synopsis, so I’d no idea of what it was about, which I think added to the slow build up of suspense and tension as the story unfolded. I can’t understand why an enormous fuss hasn’t been made about this book in the media, or has it and I missed it?
The story is written in diary form by a young married woman who spends long periods of time waiting for her beloved, controlling trucker husband to return home and then documents the reunions good and bad. Meanwhile her friends become increasingly distant with her and she has no idea why.
I’m not going to reveal any other part of the plot because the jaw dropping, totally chilling surprise elements are one of the important factors in the whole story.
All I’ll say is that when a crime or crimes are committed there are multiple victims. Those who are rarely given any sympathetic recognition are the families of the perpetrator whose whole lives are often shaken to the core. Even worse when they are unfairly vilified and thought to be complicit.
The author handles a very difficult subject with a lot of sensitivity and understanding.
The ending brought me to tears.
It’s been on my Kindle for some time and I don’t even remember buying it.
I haven’t read any other reviews or the synopsis, so I’d no idea of what it was about, which I think added to the slow build up of suspense and tension as the story unfolded. I can’t understand why an enormous fuss hasn’t been made about this book in the media, or has it and I missed it?
The story is written in diary form by a young married woman who spends long periods of time waiting for her beloved, controlling trucker husband to return home and then documents the reunions good and bad. Meanwhile her friends become increasingly distant with her and she has no idea why.
I’m not going to reveal any other part of the plot because the jaw dropping, totally chilling surprise elements are one of the important factors in the whole story.
All I’ll say is that when a crime or crimes are committed there are multiple victims. Those who are rarely given any sympathetic recognition are the families of the perpetrator whose whole lives are often shaken to the core. Even worse when they are unfairly vilified and thought to be complicit.
The author handles a very difficult subject with a lot of sensitivity and understanding.
The ending brought me to tears.
August 14, 2016
I fell into the virtual pages and I couldn't get back out until I reached the end. Barbara has written a cracking book here, the character is innocent and can not see what is happening to her. I was shouting at the pages 'NO! Don't let him!' blinded by the love of her husband and the determination to save her marriage she is pulled into a world made only of nightmares. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the style of writing made me want to keep going and know more and more and more! Brilliant work, write some more!
September 3, 2018
“Invisible” more like a big snooze
The first half of the book zoomed by. It was interesting and kept my attention. The second half I had to skim. It was so boring reading page after page about the same thing over and over. She thought she was depressed!!! So was I; not only was I depressed but bored out of my gourd. Don’t waste your time unless you were married to an evil man and broke up and need all kinds of therapy to make you think you are worth something. This book isn’t worth much. But 2 stars for half of it.
The first half of the book zoomed by. It was interesting and kept my attention. The second half I had to skim. It was so boring reading page after page about the same thing over and over. She thought she was depressed!!! So was I; not only was I depressed but bored out of my gourd. Don’t waste your time unless you were married to an evil man and broke up and need all kinds of therapy to make you think you are worth something. This book isn’t worth much. But 2 stars for half of it.
February 25, 2024
A great book, cleverly written offering insight to a perspective of crime that isnt often explored.
This story delves into the psychological impact of crime from an imperceptible view point, and highlights an invisible victim, hiding in plain sight.
This book makes you think about individuals who can be affected by criminal behaviour, which is not exclusive to the obvious victims of heinous acts.
This story delves into the psychological impact of crime from an imperceptible view point, and highlights an invisible victim, hiding in plain sight.
This book makes you think about individuals who can be affected by criminal behaviour, which is not exclusive to the obvious victims of heinous acts.
February 22, 2016
A powerful thriller with sensational character development and it has a thought-provoking dissection of the consequences of violent crime. Read my full review: http://www.manybooksmanylives.co.uk/i...
November 30, 2017
Not as riveting as the other books she has written
Still needed to finish it just in case there was a twist but disappointingly there wasn't. I think the only reader that would enjoy this book would be someone who had a husband in prison or who had commuted rape.
Still needed to finish it just in case there was a twist but disappointingly there wasn't. I think the only reader that would enjoy this book would be someone who had a husband in prison or who had commuted rape.
January 15, 2018
After reading Flowers for the Dead I was excited to read another book by this author. This one was a bit disappointing. Although I loved the thrill of waiting to find out what was going on, afterwards, the journal was repetitive and drug on and on.
July 21, 2016
A gripping and sometimes infuriating read told from the view of an often forgotten victim of a crime. Loved it.
July 21, 2016
fantastic read, love the diary still writing made it feel more personal.
November 14, 2016
Invisible took me where I hoped The Widow“The Widow” by Fiona Barton was going to take me and much further, it immersed me more fully inside the head of a woman whose husband is accused of a terrible crime.
The whole book is written in the format of a diary to whom the main protagonist confesses her innermost thoughts and fears and its clear from the onset that there’s something a little amiss with her relationship with her husband Daryl, a hunky great bear of a man, but she loves him, she always has and even if he sometimes treats her a little domineeringly, behaves crushingly, is jealous of her friendships – she accepts that it’s all because he loves her and she wants to make an effort to get things back on track, it seems to be working, they’re closer than ever – aren’t they?
They enjoy a nice holiday abroad together, and if one night rather too much alcohol is consumed and they have a little falling out, well that nearly always happens on holiday, right?
But overall things ARE better, he even agrees the time is right to start a family together. She is happy (nearly all of the time!)
Until one night her (your, my) worst imaginable nightmare comes true. Armed police appear in the couples bedroom, he is arrested and she spends the worst night of her life locked in a grim police cell.
AArghhhhh.
Can you imagine? She loves this man, he’s a big gentle teddy bear, he couldn’t possibly have done the dreadful things he’s being accused of (despite some of her friends finding him scary, freaky, threatening)
But this is only the start of how bad things can get.
Her life in tatters, she makes it her raison d’etre to help prove his innocence, to support him and she waits, for the day everyone will realise he couldn’t have done what he stands accused of, she KNOWS this, she was with him, she is his alibi, she will be vindicated.
Oh dear me!
I worry a bit about this author – she gets right inside the mind of a serial killer like no other author I have even known, how does she DO this so well?
I adored her novel Flowers for the Dead Flowers for the dead, in fact I couldn’t STOP tweeting about it, praising it, loving it. So this one, written earlier than that couldn’t possibly live up to my expectations – Don’t be silly, of course it could! It BLEW MY SOCKS RIGHT OFF. Look at my freezing cold toes.
This is a KILLER of a thriller. It’s shocking, its dark, it’s so scary it made me feel sick (in the best possible way of course) and it’s utterly believable.
Read it, but preferably not when your husbands off working nights, or I guarantee you’ll be quizzing him about work just that little bit more than usual when he gets in.
The whole book is written in the format of a diary to whom the main protagonist confesses her innermost thoughts and fears and its clear from the onset that there’s something a little amiss with her relationship with her husband Daryl, a hunky great bear of a man, but she loves him, she always has and even if he sometimes treats her a little domineeringly, behaves crushingly, is jealous of her friendships – she accepts that it’s all because he loves her and she wants to make an effort to get things back on track, it seems to be working, they’re closer than ever – aren’t they?
They enjoy a nice holiday abroad together, and if one night rather too much alcohol is consumed and they have a little falling out, well that nearly always happens on holiday, right?
But overall things ARE better, he even agrees the time is right to start a family together. She is happy (nearly all of the time!)
Until one night her (your, my) worst imaginable nightmare comes true. Armed police appear in the couples bedroom, he is arrested and she spends the worst night of her life locked in a grim police cell.
AArghhhhh.
Can you imagine? She loves this man, he’s a big gentle teddy bear, he couldn’t possibly have done the dreadful things he’s being accused of (despite some of her friends finding him scary, freaky, threatening)
But this is only the start of how bad things can get.
Her life in tatters, she makes it her raison d’etre to help prove his innocence, to support him and she waits, for the day everyone will realise he couldn’t have done what he stands accused of, she KNOWS this, she was with him, she is his alibi, she will be vindicated.
Oh dear me!
I worry a bit about this author – she gets right inside the mind of a serial killer like no other author I have even known, how does she DO this so well?
I adored her novel Flowers for the Dead Flowers for the dead, in fact I couldn’t STOP tweeting about it, praising it, loving it. So this one, written earlier than that couldn’t possibly live up to my expectations – Don’t be silly, of course it could! It BLEW MY SOCKS RIGHT OFF. Look at my freezing cold toes.
This is a KILLER of a thriller. It’s shocking, its dark, it’s so scary it made me feel sick (in the best possible way of course) and it’s utterly believable.
Read it, but preferably not when your husbands off working nights, or I guarantee you’ll be quizzing him about work just that little bit more than usual when he gets in.
November 21, 2019
In 'Invisible', the unnamed lead character writes in her diary regularly about her husband Daryl. Moments of bliss are more often than not ruined by arguments, followed by her grovelling for forgiveness. Despite that, she loves him fiercely but finds her world turned upside down upon realizing he might not be the man she thought she knew..
The diary entry format created a raw feel to the story and gave the wife a voice as she delved into her marriage and day-to-day routine. Unfortunately, the entries quickly became repetitive because her life revolved entirely around Daryl. She sounded like a lovestruck adolescent, gushing over his blue eyes and bald head and whining about missing him when he was at work.
Her obsession with his eyes was eyeroll-worthy. Some excerpts:
…Iooking into those bright, cold-blue eyes…
Those bright blue eyes of his, so piercing that sometimes they feel like they can laser-beam straight into my soul…
…they'd been such a cold, steely blue that they'd reminded me of the dead eyes of sharks.
Then stared into his ice blue eyes.
…those beautiful ice blue eyes of his bored into mine.
Even the discovery of unsavoury details couldn't save her pathetic diary. She went on and on about how shocked she was, how she had no idea about what had been going on and how she couldn't believe any of it. She also documented every single time she cried. It was like hearing someone rambling about mundane stuff and repeating everything multiple times in case you missed it.
The characters were dull and one-dimensional. The lead character was annoying, dumb and self-involved. Her colleague / friend, Kim was created solely for moral support. Daryl was frequently described as charming but never was. I found it ridiculous that the lead character's best friends avoided her as they were .
Overall, 'Invisible' was an uneventful and forgettable read peppered with pointless reiterations as well as a myriad of grammatical errors and typos. The epilogue had a jarring effect with the rest of the book and could've been left out.
The diary entry format created a raw feel to the story and gave the wife a voice as she delved into her marriage and day-to-day routine. Unfortunately, the entries quickly became repetitive because her life revolved entirely around Daryl. She sounded like a lovestruck adolescent, gushing over his blue eyes and bald head and whining about missing him when he was at work.
Her obsession with his eyes was eyeroll-worthy. Some excerpts:
…Iooking into those bright, cold-blue eyes…
Those bright blue eyes of his, so piercing that sometimes they feel like they can laser-beam straight into my soul…
…they'd been such a cold, steely blue that they'd reminded me of the dead eyes of sharks.
Then stared into his ice blue eyes.
…those beautiful ice blue eyes of his bored into mine.
Even the discovery of unsavoury details couldn't save her pathetic diary. She went on and on about how shocked she was, how she had no idea about what had been going on and how she couldn't believe any of it. She also documented every single time she cried. It was like hearing someone rambling about mundane stuff and repeating everything multiple times in case you missed it.
The characters were dull and one-dimensional. The lead character was annoying, dumb and self-involved. Her colleague / friend, Kim was created solely for moral support. Daryl was frequently described as charming but never was. I found it ridiculous that the lead character's best friends avoided her as they were .
Overall, 'Invisible' was an uneventful and forgettable read peppered with pointless reiterations as well as a myriad of grammatical errors and typos. The epilogue had a jarring effect with the rest of the book and could've been left out.
July 7, 2018
OMG!! This is Be-Yond Psychologically Thrilling!!
Amy and Hannah had stopped by but didn’t leave any sort of message, Daryl was just letting his wife know that her ‘mates’ had come over. He’d been too interested in the telly to give much of a response, so he just held his hand up in the air, motioning for her to quiet herself. Whenever she’d attempted speaking he never seemed interested, always the telly, staring at it. She’s thinking about ending her marriage, but desperately wants a child or at least someone to be with. Her thoughts are that she may be going mad but possibly being manipulated at the same time by her husband as he calls her in the middle of the night telling her that he can’t make it home because he’s working, with all his driving, you know. And while she’d been putting on her makeup getting ready for work a few days after that, he’d been so happy when she’d seen him as he jumped out of his truck and ran toward her with his arms open calling her gorgeous, they made love as though they had been newlyweds. Lying there she told him something had to change, she couldn’t take life as it stood at that point. Seeing him right then reminded her of when he told her of his being bullied as a child, how his mother had left him alone for days on end and told him he’d be fine after other children made fun of him. Before too long, Hannah and Amy have become slightly disengaged from her and she thinks it’s her fault because she’s going crazy.
I’d read this before, and came across it again, wondering if I’d read it. Since I hadn’t left a review, I decided to read it again. I do love this author, she definitely gets under my skin!!
Amy and Hannah had stopped by but didn’t leave any sort of message, Daryl was just letting his wife know that her ‘mates’ had come over. He’d been too interested in the telly to give much of a response, so he just held his hand up in the air, motioning for her to quiet herself. Whenever she’d attempted speaking he never seemed interested, always the telly, staring at it. She’s thinking about ending her marriage, but desperately wants a child or at least someone to be with. Her thoughts are that she may be going mad but possibly being manipulated at the same time by her husband as he calls her in the middle of the night telling her that he can’t make it home because he’s working, with all his driving, you know. And while she’d been putting on her makeup getting ready for work a few days after that, he’d been so happy when she’d seen him as he jumped out of his truck and ran toward her with his arms open calling her gorgeous, they made love as though they had been newlyweds. Lying there she told him something had to change, she couldn’t take life as it stood at that point. Seeing him right then reminded her of when he told her of his being bullied as a child, how his mother had left him alone for days on end and told him he’d be fine after other children made fun of him. Before too long, Hannah and Amy have become slightly disengaged from her and she thinks it’s her fault because she’s going crazy.
I’d read this before, and came across it again, wondering if I’d read it. Since I hadn’t left a review, I decided to read it again. I do love this author, she definitely gets under my skin!!
June 19, 2019
I’d been reading good things about Barbara Copperthwaite, so decided to start at the beginning with her first book, Invisible. Reading the blurb and reviews, I had the impression this was slotted into the genre of domestic noir. I suppose it did in a sense, but it wasn’t a neat fit.
On the face of it, that suggests there was something wrong with the book. There wasn’t. It just meant I had to adjust my expectations along the way.
There are no major twists, for example. At least, not in the traditional sense. That said, there didn’t need to be, because the subject matter is compelling in itself. The non-traditional twist is the perspective from which this tale is told, offering up a different take on who the victims of crime are.
I read that, in a previous career, the author had spent time interviewing victims of crime, and undoubtedly that experience has come through in this book. The way the story is written is, on the face of it, straightforward. Nevertheless, by the time you’ve finished reading it, I defy you to not question yourself and the views you’ve held about the perpetrators of crime and their close family members.
On the face of it, that suggests there was something wrong with the book. There wasn’t. It just meant I had to adjust my expectations along the way.
There are no major twists, for example. At least, not in the traditional sense. That said, there didn’t need to be, because the subject matter is compelling in itself. The non-traditional twist is the perspective from which this tale is told, offering up a different take on who the victims of crime are.
I read that, in a previous career, the author had spent time interviewing victims of crime, and undoubtedly that experience has come through in this book. The way the story is written is, on the face of it, straightforward. Nevertheless, by the time you’ve finished reading it, I defy you to not question yourself and the views you’ve held about the perpetrators of crime and their close family members.
July 28, 2017
Invisible is the second book I read from Barbara, the first being Flowers for the dead. I can honestly say it hasn't let me down at all.
It's one of those books that stay with you even when you've finished it. You find yourself thinking about the main character, whose name we don't know. Even when you are reading the book, in the hours or moments you have to put it down, you think about it, wondering what's going to happen to her.
I have to admit I found the main character a bit annoying a first, until I realized what was going on.
Forgot to say, the book is written as if it's a diary, so you know how she feels and everything is seen the way she sees it and feels it.
As the story goes ahead, all seem quite normal, until one night her world is turned upside down, and you gasp loudly!
Barbara is really talented developing characters, as you see the character growing and changing depending on the circumstances.
So, all in all, this is another great psychological thriller, unique and original to say the least.
It's one of those books that stay with you even when you've finished it. You find yourself thinking about the main character, whose name we don't know. Even when you are reading the book, in the hours or moments you have to put it down, you think about it, wondering what's going to happen to her.
I have to admit I found the main character a bit annoying a first, until I realized what was going on.
Forgot to say, the book is written as if it's a diary, so you know how she feels and everything is seen the way she sees it and feels it.
As the story goes ahead, all seem quite normal, until one night her world is turned upside down, and you gasp loudly!
Barbara is really talented developing characters, as you see the character growing and changing depending on the circumstances.
So, all in all, this is another great psychological thriller, unique and original to say the least.
September 2, 2017
I would describe this book as a character driven narrative. Definitely slower paced and at times a tad redundant but overall a good read. There are no bells and whistles in this story and if one is expecting "thriller" they will most likely feel disappointed. The story reveals its twist early on and most of the plot focuses on the effect it has on the main character's emotional and psychological wellbeing - how she moves on with life. In a nutshell, this book is about loss and victimization.
What I probably found most interesting was the title Invisible and how it captures the essence of the story at different levels. I won't go into specifics to avoid spoilers but I recommend watching for that as you read. The first person narrative by way of diary was effective but in my opinion is getting overused and therefore made the story a little one dimensional. Good writing and character development. Would recommend if you like this genre.
What I probably found most interesting was the title Invisible and how it captures the essence of the story at different levels. I won't go into specifics to avoid spoilers but I recommend watching for that as you read. The first person narrative by way of diary was effective but in my opinion is getting overused and therefore made the story a little one dimensional. Good writing and character development. Would recommend if you like this genre.
October 4, 2020
The narrator in this story is nameless, almost ‘invisible’. As she recounts the story of her life married to Daryl you can’t help feel frustrated at her naivety. Daryl really isn’t the perfect husband - he works away far too much, contacts her when she least expects it, doesn’t contact her when she does expect it, and a lot of the time she wonders if she even wants to stay with him. But in the next breath she vows to be the perfect wife and love him for better for worse.
But then she gets arrested....
What a fantastic book. Cleverly set out in diary format, which really helped get into the narrator’s head, this was a cleverly creeping story. I was so annoyed with the narrator’s stupidity and weakness at first but slowly grew to relate and warm to her. All down to the skill of the author. This is my first book by Barbara Copperthwaite, how has she not been on my radar before!
But then she gets arrested....
What a fantastic book. Cleverly set out in diary format, which really helped get into the narrator’s head, this was a cleverly creeping story. I was so annoyed with the narrator’s stupidity and weakness at first but slowly grew to relate and warm to her. All down to the skill of the author. This is my first book by Barbara Copperthwaite, how has she not been on my radar before!
November 4, 2018
I don't know about anyone else but Im the type of woman who say's
why didn't you call me back?
where were you? what time? how long?
what is in that locked locker in your truck?
What???? you think my girlfriend is hot????? seriously? Get the F&*Ck out MOFO
what are those scrapes on your hands?
why cant you get it up, are you cheating....
WTF...…
THIS woman was so ignorant I wanted to throttle her....
My friends don't like my husband why???
10 year's she was this clueless??? Most women have a data bank in their head where they collect these little memorys and clues and investigate. Give me one piece of info Im all over it. I will know what I need to know. I hated this book.
why didn't you call me back?
where were you? what time? how long?
what is in that locked locker in your truck?
What???? you think my girlfriend is hot????? seriously? Get the F&*Ck out MOFO
what are those scrapes on your hands?
why cant you get it up, are you cheating....
WTF...…
THIS woman was so ignorant I wanted to throttle her....
My friends don't like my husband why???
10 year's she was this clueless??? Most women have a data bank in their head where they collect these little memorys and clues and investigate. Give me one piece of info Im all over it. I will know what I need to know. I hated this book.
August 12, 2017
Unique POV and enthralling!
Although this isn't a thrill-a-minute psychological drama it's such a unique concept, well conceived and executed with realistic characters, that it's hard to put down! When watching the news about longtime serial killers and rapists I have often found myself wondering how a wife who lives with this man everyday can possibly be oblivious to his crimes. This story offers a believable, realistic view into the thoughts and feelings of the spouse through just such a situation. And that's fascinating to me!! I couldn't put it down!
Although this isn't a thrill-a-minute psychological drama it's such a unique concept, well conceived and executed with realistic characters, that it's hard to put down! When watching the news about longtime serial killers and rapists I have often found myself wondering how a wife who lives with this man everyday can possibly be oblivious to his crimes. This story offers a believable, realistic view into the thoughts and feelings of the spouse through just such a situation. And that's fascinating to me!! I couldn't put it down!
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