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The Way You Look Tonight
The thrilling new novel from bestselling Richard Madeley takes us into the glamorous world of the Kennedys and the steamy, sinister Florida Keys
Not until she was 16 did Stella Arnold learn the full truth about her father, how handsome, charming James turned out to be a cold-blooded, psychotic extortionist, racketeer and killer. Knowing now what her father was capable of, she decides to study psychology and the criminal mind, and to further her education in America. In the spring of 1962, she flies to Boston where, being beautiful, bright and fashionably English, she becomes someone of huge fascination and on every invitation list. Then comes an invitation one summer weekend to the home of the Kennedys. Stella quickly becomes part of the inner Kennedy circle as they party through the hot summer nights. Both brothers, JFK and Bobby, make their moves on her but she firmly, charmingly, repels them.
Further south, on the Florida Keys, a killer is on the loose. The case, unsolved, begins to rock America, and with her specialist knowledge of psychopaths, Stella is co-opted by the police investigation and prepares to fly south...
Not until she was 16 did Stella Arnold learn the full truth about her father, how handsome, charming James turned out to be a cold-blooded, psychotic extortionist, racketeer and killer. Knowing now what her father was capable of, she decides to study psychology and the criminal mind, and to further her education in America. In the spring of 1962, she flies to Boston where, being beautiful, bright and fashionably English, she becomes someone of huge fascination and on every invitation list. Then comes an invitation one summer weekend to the home of the Kennedys. Stella quickly becomes part of the inner Kennedy circle as they party through the hot summer nights. Both brothers, JFK and Bobby, make their moves on her but she firmly, charmingly, repels them.
Further south, on the Florida Keys, a killer is on the loose. The case, unsolved, begins to rock America, and with her specialist knowledge of psychopaths, Stella is co-opted by the police investigation and prepares to fly south...
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
36 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 31, 2014
The Richard and Judy Book Club is one of my favourites as the pair are massive book lovers so you know the books they have chosen are going to be worth your time. Can they write a book however? Well after finishing this one it is safe to say that Richard definitely can. This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read over the past few weeks and one that I'll definitely be recommending to anybody who will listen.
From the cover I'm wondering how many people will misinterpret just what this book is about. In a supermarket especially you are drawn to a book by its cover, so someone looking for a particularly gruesome crime story with a fantastic cast of characters and a thrilling and gripping plot might just pass this one by. Because you certainly get all that and more with this book.
There is a fantastic sense of place with this book, I could imagine the scenes described by Richard so vividly in my mind that it was like I was there myself rather than reading words on a page. Our main character is Stella Arnold who even from the opening pages came across as a very likeable character. A young girl off on an adventure we immediately share in both her excitement and apprehension at what is to come. Off to America to study Psychology at a prestigious university she has no idea of what awaits her. On the plane however she reads a letter from her host family who happen to be friends with the two most powerful men on the planet: the Kennedy brothers, inviting her to a party that they are hosting.
I've not read all that much fiction which features real people but found that the inclusion of the Kennedy family was brilliant. I just loved the scenes featuring them and love that Richard included some light hearted humour and a little bit of banter between the brothers. Whilst at the party Stella is recruited by the brothers to assist the FBI with an investigation they want solved and shut down immediately, a brutal serial killer is murdering beautiful young women down in Florida and it is believed that Stella's expertise could come in handy. The nervous girl on the plane immediately transforms into an intelligent and highly confident character. Studying Psychopathy it becomes apparent what her reasons for doing so are as we discover more about her past.
We have chapters featuring the serial killer allowing us to get inside his head and see what makes him tick. Definitely a warped and deranged individual these chapters were particularly... is exciting the wrong word? It was certainly a gripping read and I couldn't get enough of it. With an interest in Psychology myself and as a crime fiction addict I very much enjoyed that aspect of the story, Richard has clearly carried out some excellent research to produce this book. This is a very authentic read and Richard has captured the time period perfectly. I'm classing this as crime fiction but really it is so much more than that, there is a romantic storyline but nothing overly lovey dovey that takes away from the brutal and hard hitting story of the murders.
With a plot that keeps you glued to the book I read this in just a few sittings and was gutted when I reached the end. Who knew Richard Madeley could write a story to compete with some of the biggest and best crime authors? Certainly not me and I'm going to be seeking out his first book very soon and keeping an eye out in the future for his next one.
From the cover I'm wondering how many people will misinterpret just what this book is about. In a supermarket especially you are drawn to a book by its cover, so someone looking for a particularly gruesome crime story with a fantastic cast of characters and a thrilling and gripping plot might just pass this one by. Because you certainly get all that and more with this book.
There is a fantastic sense of place with this book, I could imagine the scenes described by Richard so vividly in my mind that it was like I was there myself rather than reading words on a page. Our main character is Stella Arnold who even from the opening pages came across as a very likeable character. A young girl off on an adventure we immediately share in both her excitement and apprehension at what is to come. Off to America to study Psychology at a prestigious university she has no idea of what awaits her. On the plane however she reads a letter from her host family who happen to be friends with the two most powerful men on the planet: the Kennedy brothers, inviting her to a party that they are hosting.
I've not read all that much fiction which features real people but found that the inclusion of the Kennedy family was brilliant. I just loved the scenes featuring them and love that Richard included some light hearted humour and a little bit of banter between the brothers. Whilst at the party Stella is recruited by the brothers to assist the FBI with an investigation they want solved and shut down immediately, a brutal serial killer is murdering beautiful young women down in Florida and it is believed that Stella's expertise could come in handy. The nervous girl on the plane immediately transforms into an intelligent and highly confident character. Studying Psychopathy it becomes apparent what her reasons for doing so are as we discover more about her past.
We have chapters featuring the serial killer allowing us to get inside his head and see what makes him tick. Definitely a warped and deranged individual these chapters were particularly... is exciting the wrong word? It was certainly a gripping read and I couldn't get enough of it. With an interest in Psychology myself and as a crime fiction addict I very much enjoyed that aspect of the story, Richard has clearly carried out some excellent research to produce this book. This is a very authentic read and Richard has captured the time period perfectly. I'm classing this as crime fiction but really it is so much more than that, there is a romantic storyline but nothing overly lovey dovey that takes away from the brutal and hard hitting story of the murders.
With a plot that keeps you glued to the book I read this in just a few sittings and was gutted when I reached the end. Who knew Richard Madeley could write a story to compete with some of the biggest and best crime authors? Certainly not me and I'm going to be seeking out his first book very soon and keeping an eye out in the future for his next one.
April 24, 2015
I read this back in January just gone. I forgot to transfer my review onto here.
I wasn't sure in leaving a review as I didn't enjoy this book as much as what I expected to.
A 16 year old girl get to find out her Father is a psychotic extortionist, racketeer and killer, this leads her to her chosen profession? Its odd. That's all I am going to say.
Its a bit disjointed in places where I couldn't follow so well. I tried to "listen" to it with Richard Madeley's voice in my head, but, alas, although the plot was good, it wasn't excellent.
I had a hard job focusing on this book and wanting to pick it up to finish it.
Yes I know some would say, life is too short, move onto another book, but I don't like to give in easily so I kept hoping I would enjoy it much better as time went on.
I'm just not sure about this.
All I know is, it was hard keeping my attention. I got easily distracted and excuses to go off and do something else.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster UK Fiction for the chance in reading and reviewing this book. Via Net Galley
I wasn't sure in leaving a review as I didn't enjoy this book as much as what I expected to.
A 16 year old girl get to find out her Father is a psychotic extortionist, racketeer and killer, this leads her to her chosen profession? Its odd. That's all I am going to say.
Its a bit disjointed in places where I couldn't follow so well. I tried to "listen" to it with Richard Madeley's voice in my head, but, alas, although the plot was good, it wasn't excellent.
I had a hard job focusing on this book and wanting to pick it up to finish it.
Yes I know some would say, life is too short, move onto another book, but I don't like to give in easily so I kept hoping I would enjoy it much better as time went on.
I'm just not sure about this.
All I know is, it was hard keeping my attention. I got easily distracted and excuses to go off and do something else.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster UK Fiction for the chance in reading and reviewing this book. Via Net Galley
July 4, 2020
An enjoyable murder mystery story - not deep or especially convincing but with a good polish.
August 25, 2014
Having enjoyed Richard Madeley’s previous novel Someday I’ll Find You, I was very much looking forward to reading this. As nice as it is, the cover picture doesn't quite match the story within and I think gives the impression of being a light-hearted read however this is far from the case.
Although this book features characters from the previous novel, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone – although beware, if you do have Someday I’ll Find You, or you intend to read it, then I would recommend that you read that one first, otherwise that story will be spoilt.
We meet Stella Arnold again when she is 22 years old. It is 1962, set in Florida during the Kennedy presidency. Stella has been offered a place at the prestigious Smith College to take her PhD. Before starting her studies, she flies to Boston to stay with some acquaintances of her mother Diana, Jeb and Dorothy Rockfair. The Rockfairs are well connected and are friends with the Kennedys, which is how Stella’s connection with the Kennedy brothers begins.
Running alongside the main investigative part of the story is a separate narrative from the killer’s point of view – we can see him making his preparations and are privy to his thoughts which makes for a chilling addition to the story.
I have to admit I didn't really warm to Stella for much of the book. She was very young but very self-assured with a very high opinion of her own abilities and despite having no practical experience, considered herself an expert on psychopathic behaviour. She was very clever, but also quite naïve at times. I would like to see her return in future stories, but preferably it would be a more mature Stella next time.
The story was well plotted and paced with a wonderful sense of place. I’ve never been to the Florida Keys but it is clear that the author knows it well and the depth of research shines through. Although the murders were not gratuitously gruesome or explicit, there were some parts that made me wince and the thought processes and actions of the killer were quite chilling.
I really enjoyed this thriller - so, yes, there were times when the dialogue was a little cheesy and if you were a diehard fan of serial killer stories you might find this rather lightweight, particularly with the love story element but it’s an extremely good, entertaining, suspense filled read and I certainly will be looking forward to reading more.
Although this book features characters from the previous novel, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone – although beware, if you do have Someday I’ll Find You, or you intend to read it, then I would recommend that you read that one first, otherwise that story will be spoilt.
We meet Stella Arnold again when she is 22 years old. It is 1962, set in Florida during the Kennedy presidency. Stella has been offered a place at the prestigious Smith College to take her PhD. Before starting her studies, she flies to Boston to stay with some acquaintances of her mother Diana, Jeb and Dorothy Rockfair. The Rockfairs are well connected and are friends with the Kennedys, which is how Stella’s connection with the Kennedy brothers begins.
Running alongside the main investigative part of the story is a separate narrative from the killer’s point of view – we can see him making his preparations and are privy to his thoughts which makes for a chilling addition to the story.
I have to admit I didn't really warm to Stella for much of the book. She was very young but very self-assured with a very high opinion of her own abilities and despite having no practical experience, considered herself an expert on psychopathic behaviour. She was very clever, but also quite naïve at times. I would like to see her return in future stories, but preferably it would be a more mature Stella next time.
The story was well plotted and paced with a wonderful sense of place. I’ve never been to the Florida Keys but it is clear that the author knows it well and the depth of research shines through. Although the murders were not gratuitously gruesome or explicit, there were some parts that made me wince and the thought processes and actions of the killer were quite chilling.
I really enjoyed this thriller - so, yes, there were times when the dialogue was a little cheesy and if you were a diehard fan of serial killer stories you might find this rather lightweight, particularly with the love story element but it’s an extremely good, entertaining, suspense filled read and I certainly will be looking forward to reading more.
August 14, 2014
Well, what a surprise this lil' find was!
Totally ridiculous cover for the content however, you'd think smaltzy chick lit but you couldn't be more wrong!
A young British pshycology student heads to the USA to begin her PHD only to be waylaid by JFK who asks her to help psycho-analyse the Murderer being dubbed The Keys Killer.
Set in the heady, romantic days of the early Kennedy presidential term, Madeley paints a picture of courage, freedom and prosperity. The serial killer is the stark contrast to the wordy, descriptive beauty of the background to this story. Upon meeting our killer you can't help but feel his insecurities at a time when all Americans are depicted as safe and strong. Hints during the narrative regarding the state of the world politics are used to explain timings, historically and this is important due to the story itsself being almost timeless. It works though and I for one will proverbially pat Mr Madeley on the back as I would never have thought he had it in him!
Totally ridiculous cover for the content however, you'd think smaltzy chick lit but you couldn't be more wrong!
A young British pshycology student heads to the USA to begin her PHD only to be waylaid by JFK who asks her to help psycho-analyse the Murderer being dubbed The Keys Killer.
Set in the heady, romantic days of the early Kennedy presidential term, Madeley paints a picture of courage, freedom and prosperity. The serial killer is the stark contrast to the wordy, descriptive beauty of the background to this story. Upon meeting our killer you can't help but feel his insecurities at a time when all Americans are depicted as safe and strong. Hints during the narrative regarding the state of the world politics are used to explain timings, historically and this is important due to the story itsself being almost timeless. It works though and I for one will proverbially pat Mr Madeley on the back as I would never have thought he had it in him!
August 3, 2015
Ohhh this was just fab!! I really loved the storyline: Stella, an English expert on psychopaths who had just landed in America, about to start her PhD, finds herself being drafted in by JFK himself to help with a serial killer investigation. Completely out of her comfort zone, she finds herself under the wing of Lee, a senior FBI investigator. She completely challenges men's perception of a woman in the FBI and shows them all how it's done (you go, girl!), and even finds some romance along the way.
The plot had me hooked the whole way along...the police were always so close, just one step behind the killer, but his clever escapes had me frustrated yet enthralled every time!
I was seriously impressed, and, unlike a lot of crime novels, I didn't hate the ending! I actually liked it, which is a miracle for me! Nice one Richard Madeley, I would definitely pick up another!
The plot had me hooked the whole way along...the police were always so close, just one step behind the killer, but his clever escapes had me frustrated yet enthralled every time!
I was seriously impressed, and, unlike a lot of crime novels, I didn't hate the ending! I actually liked it, which is a miracle for me! Nice one Richard Madeley, I would definitely pick up another!
October 3, 2015
This was a fun and quick read. Madeley manages to bring the place and time of this novel to life with his fantastic descriptions of Key Largo and the Kennedy family.
However, I did think the plot was slightly predictable especially near the end. Not that it affected my enjoyment of the book but it is worth pointing out.
Also, and I'm not sure how much say the author had in this, the cover is massively misleading. It's clearly a kind of series that he is aiming for as his first book cover has a similar cover, but it really doesn't look like a mystery novel.
All in all, a fun afternoon read.
However, I did think the plot was slightly predictable especially near the end. Not that it affected my enjoyment of the book but it is worth pointing out.
Also, and I'm not sure how much say the author had in this, the cover is massively misleading. It's clearly a kind of series that he is aiming for as his first book cover has a similar cover, but it really doesn't look like a mystery novel.
All in all, a fun afternoon read.
September 1, 2021
Well this was a bit of a surprise & one I ended up enjoying more than I thought I would. Initially I thought it was going to be of Sidney Sheldon/Elizabeth Adler hybrid, in other words a glitzy thriller with romance thrown in & I don't think the title & cover do anything to dispel that idea. But as we all know we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover (or it's title in this case - what did that have to do with the story anyway?) as the main story, however, is the hunt for a psychopath. While this crime tale was pretty good, the romantic angle was a little cheesy at times.
I particularly enjoyed the story when it focused on the killer. Firstly because I was pleasantly surprised at what a piece of work he was & secondly because he was hanging out in Key West & Islamorada (where I'd have been returning to last year had Covid not struck) so I enjoyed "visiting" it again! These parts were good solid passages.
Stella, however, irritated a bit being a stereotypical heroine "Bright, beautiful, & fashionably English, she dazzles everyone she meets" - yeuck! Still to be fair she sort of grew on me even if her romance with Foster had a distinct whiff of Stilton about it at times.
What I didn't like was the use of the Kennedys. Were their names supposed to bring authenticity or glamour to the story? Or just there to remind us we were in the 60s? It didn't add any credibility for me, I would have preferred a fictional president.
So it had it's good points & it's bad ones but overall I'd say it was an enjoyable enough read.
I particularly enjoyed the story when it focused on the killer. Firstly because I was pleasantly surprised at what a piece of work he was & secondly because he was hanging out in Key West & Islamorada (where I'd have been returning to last year had Covid not struck) so I enjoyed "visiting" it again! These parts were good solid passages.
Stella, however, irritated a bit being a stereotypical heroine "Bright, beautiful, & fashionably English, she dazzles everyone she meets" - yeuck! Still to be fair she sort of grew on me even if her romance with Foster had a distinct whiff of Stilton about it at times.
What I didn't like was the use of the Kennedys. Were their names supposed to bring authenticity or glamour to the story? Or just there to remind us we were in the 60s? It didn't add any credibility for me, I would have preferred a fictional president.
So it had it's good points & it's bad ones but overall I'd say it was an enjoyable enough read.
November 2, 2017
I suspect that people who want to categorize books will insist that this is a psychological thriller; or a historical novel; or a romance - but they will struggle to fit it neatly into any box, other than the one titled "a damn good rounded yarn".
Although some of the plot twists stretch credibility at times, especially with the introduction of probably the most famous American family of the last century, this book is chock full of good writing from the first page to the last. It tells of the story of a young English academic who goes to America to further her studies into Psychopaths. Quite different, eh?
Then we do have a psychological thriller, set in a very entertaining historical context, involving fully rounded fictional characters, and slightly cliched (but nevertheless endearing) characters borrowed from real life - and the whole thing is very difficult to put down.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, which had me smiling and squirming in equal measure.
Although some of the plot twists stretch credibility at times, especially with the introduction of probably the most famous American family of the last century, this book is chock full of good writing from the first page to the last. It tells of the story of a young English academic who goes to America to further her studies into Psychopaths. Quite different, eh?
Then we do have a psychological thriller, set in a very entertaining historical context, involving fully rounded fictional characters, and slightly cliched (but nevertheless endearing) characters borrowed from real life - and the whole thing is very difficult to put down.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, which had me smiling and squirming in equal measure.
October 21, 2017
A psychological thriller. An absolute platinum bling-bling standard psychological thriller is this! This is the sequel to "Some Day I'll Find You" and it packs a slightly slow start but it ramps up the suspense thereafter and it just does not stop. Put aside any preconceptions you may have because this is written Richard Madeley. Whilst on TV he has been a bit cringe over the years, this does not reflect the awesomeness that is his books. I offer you no spoilers other than to say that the characters are robust, the backdrop is nostalgic and the story is one that you want to finish ASAP to find out what happens but you also don't want it to ever end. Of the 3 Madeley novels I have read, I think this one's my favourite and a must for any crime/psychological thriller fan.
May 2, 2023
i liked this book, it was fast paced and all the random tidbits didn't seem to be there just to increase the word count and actually added to the story (or idk if I've built a tolerance to it). the back cover made the father to be this big bad murderer but there was little to nothing about his history, i only wish his story was explored further. when i picked up this book i had no idea it was set in the 1960s but it was actually really enjoyable. this is just personal preference but i don't like it when the killer gets killed in the end, I'd have liked to see him gleefully confess his crimes like Stella predicted.
December 31, 2017
This book landed under my tree on Christmas Eve - one of 5 books my husband picked out for me that he thought I wouldn't choose for myself.
He got this one right! I wouldn't have chosen to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a decent story, with decent writing - though there are quite a lot of typos (a quote from page 328: "He moved switfly to the body, hualing it roughly over onto its back" - seriously... that's what it says).
An adequate reading experience.
He got this one right! I wouldn't have chosen to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a decent story, with decent writing - though there are quite a lot of typos (a quote from page 328: "He moved switfly to the body, hualing it roughly over onto its back" - seriously... that's what it says).
An adequate reading experience.
April 3, 2021
The plot was relatively well devised although rather predictable. It’s an easy read which makes you want to keep the pages turning to find out what happens next but otherwise lacks real craft. Some of the plot development feels very contrived and the romantic interest feels like a devise to garner more readers and is a distraction from the main theme of the narrative which is an otherwise intriguing crime story.
May 23, 2018
another same old thriller set in 60s . heroine's dad was a killer. so she chose to study human behavior and studied psychology. a serial killer on the loose. she met Kennedy(ya,the President only) and he is impressed by her and her mission starts. rest of the story is how the serial killer become the man he is now and heroine's investigation. no depth nothing.
read and keep it aside
read and keep it aside
September 9, 2018
This was a surprisingly gripping story. I thought that the characters were well thought through and the pace of the story kept me interested. I think more could have been made of the final events to make them more frightening and menacing. A good read that could have been an excellent read. I agree that the front cover is completely wrong and bears no resemblance to the plot.
January 15, 2023
I may be too generous with my reviews however I really did enjoy this book. It ticked all the right boxes for me. The cover makes it seem innocent and romantic, although it is, it contains a darker, terrifying side. I normally read before bed for around 20-30 minutes. Towards the end I was reading for about an hour, it was irresistible.
December 27, 2023
Not unenjoyable but definitely quite naff, which I kind of expected.
One dimensional characters, ongoing reminders of how "stunning" - and oh yes incredibly young and intelligent - the main character Stella is.
I rarely read a book where I am rooting for the bad guy, but I definitely was here!
One dimensional characters, ongoing reminders of how "stunning" - and oh yes incredibly young and intelligent - the main character Stella is.
I rarely read a book where I am rooting for the bad guy, but I definitely was here!
December 15, 2024
Had no expectation with this book just grabbed for a quick read so was pleasantly suprised.
Easy read story set in West Key . Killer on the loose, a bit ott with the president stuff but a soft read is nice sometimes. Some lovely description of the Keys , Little love over story and quite a few deaths.
Enjoyed
Easy read story set in West Key . Killer on the loose, a bit ott with the president stuff but a soft read is nice sometimes. Some lovely description of the Keys , Little love over story and quite a few deaths.
Enjoyed
February 4, 2018
This was the second book by Richard Madeley that I've read and like The Night Book, I really enjoyed it.
I'm adding Someday I'll find you to my TBR list.
I'll be writing a full review on my blog http://www.shelllouise.co.uk
I'm adding Someday I'll find you to my TBR list.
I'll be writing a full review on my blog http://www.shelllouise.co.uk
February 3, 2020
Stella Arnold finds about her father
She decides to study physiology and the criminal mind
It’s 1962 She meets the Kennedy’s and joins their circle
This is a story which involves families, friends, murder and criminals
She decides to study physiology and the criminal mind
It’s 1962 She meets the Kennedy’s and joins their circle
This is a story which involves families, friends, murder and criminals
April 20, 2023
great reading
The best out of the 3 books I have read by Richard. I didn’t know where he got his imagination from. He always seems so quiet and gentle! But this shows he can tell a dark story!
The best out of the 3 books I have read by Richard. I didn’t know where he got his imagination from. He always seems so quiet and gentle! But this shows he can tell a dark story!
May 25, 2018
Predictable, nothing new or intriguing in this story. The writing itself was good but it just didn't hold my attention.
July 18, 2018
Really good read.
December 20, 2018
This was just ok really.a quick read but just quite flimsy - no character development and it really just felt a bit like a set up for a series, there was no real substance to it.
April 18, 2019
Slow to get going, I didn’t get gripped until about half way through but then it became a page turner.
Bit gruesome and not my usual choice of book but enjoyed none the less.
Bit gruesome and not my usual choice of book but enjoyed none the less.
May 21, 2019
Good story, not that well written but a delightful romp 3 stars
October 27, 2019
will never look at Richard Madeley the same way again. Excellent read but bit dark for me at times.
November 28, 2019
Really struggles to get into this, only made it to page 70 and had to give up :(
November 16, 2020
Bland, boring, predictable!
September 26, 2021
A quick read that’s it’s only saving grace! 2D characters and very predictable storyline. Some of the dialogue was very cringeworthy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews