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Blind Date
When I met Malik my life changed in the blink of an eye. We were set up - Chris and Simon called it a blind date - and I suppose they could see that I was lonely, that I needed someone in my life to make it more exciting. And they were right.
He was so good to me. He seemed to know exactly what I needed to feel safe and loved again. We’d talk and laugh into the night, and I haven’t had someone on my side since my divorce. But soon the honeymoon period was over.
It started with my car’s tyre being slashed and strange calls at the radio station where I work. Then there was the morning I stayed at Malik’s and found myself locked in his flat....
Waking up next to him, I asked is this charming, handsome man someone I should feel scared of?
When a woman’s attacked outside my work the police want to question Malik. Everyone says I shouldn’t trust him.
But I have dark secrets of my own, things I’ve revealed to him in the middle of the night, and it might already be too late to keep myself safe....
Thrilling and gripping, Blind Date is a dark and unsettling story about deception and how much we can trust the people we love. For fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train , and anything by Lisa Jewell.
He was so good to me. He seemed to know exactly what I needed to feel safe and loved again. We’d talk and laugh into the night, and I haven’t had someone on my side since my divorce. But soon the honeymoon period was over.
It started with my car’s tyre being slashed and strange calls at the radio station where I work. Then there was the morning I stayed at Malik’s and found myself locked in his flat....
Waking up next to him, I asked is this charming, handsome man someone I should feel scared of?
When a woman’s attacked outside my work the police want to question Malik. Everyone says I shouldn’t trust him.
But I have dark secrets of my own, things I’ve revealed to him in the middle of the night, and it might already be too late to keep myself safe....
Thrilling and gripping, Blind Date is a dark and unsettling story about deception and how much we can trust the people we love. For fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train , and anything by Lisa Jewell.
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First published October 29, 2021
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About the author
Wendy Clarke
25 books228 followersWendy Clarke has had over three hundred short stories published in national women’s magazines. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable she would eventually want to explore her darker side. What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 9, 2022
Mel is a radio Dj who was set up on a blind date by her close friends. She was adamant at first but when she met Malik, she was smitten and weirdly attracted to him. Being lonely and a divorcee, will she be vulnerable to deception?
At first, I was so involved with the story because of Mel's job. I've always wanted to be a radio Dj and learning how things work in the studio was very exciting for me. But, it turned sour as the story went on. The main character is unbelievably stupid making bad choices after choices it drove me nearly crazy. Like, there were red flags all over the place and she didn't care. She is a bad person and I didn't feel sorry for anything that's happened to her. She deserved it.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. Appreciate it.
At first, I was so involved with the story because of Mel's job. I've always wanted to be a radio Dj and learning how things work in the studio was very exciting for me. But, it turned sour as the story went on. The main character is unbelievably stupid making bad choices after choices it drove me nearly crazy. Like, there were red flags all over the place and she didn't care. She is a bad person and I didn't feel sorry for anything that's happened to her. She deserved it.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. Appreciate it.
October 30, 2021
Meh.
This story is interesting, but highly predictable.
I always get frustrated with a MC who can't see what is DIRECTLY in front of them.
When a person acts like a psycho, and you brush that behaviour off?
You will get no pity from me when they come at ya.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for getting my hands on the DRC.
This story is interesting, but highly predictable.
I always get frustrated with a MC who can't see what is DIRECTLY in front of them.
When a person acts like a psycho, and you brush that behaviour off?
You will get no pity from me when they come at ya.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for getting my hands on the DRC.
October 25, 2021
Some reviews you know instantly what to say/write this has taken me ages 😎
Readability was fine, some good characters, nice setting and based at and in a radio show which was enjoyably different, was great to read how a show works for the presenter (s) and how the dynamics change between the day and night shifts and how late night callers ‘tell all’ to the night D.J., very well researched by the author and built an easy picture in the readers mind
But the story was confusing on some levels, the title ‘Blind Date’ imo a bit of a red herring and only a very small bit of the complete story, it’s more about infatuation and denial, unrequited love maybe and jealousy, and there is a few kicks in it that came as a surprise but maybe a few too many ‘things’ that all came together at the end to make it make sense that were a bit too unbelievable and am still not sure why some of the characters were in the book
Perfectly acceptable read though and not once did I think not to finish it, worth the read for the radio station insight
6.5/10
3 Stars
Readability was fine, some good characters, nice setting and based at and in a radio show which was enjoyably different, was great to read how a show works for the presenter (s) and how the dynamics change between the day and night shifts and how late night callers ‘tell all’ to the night D.J., very well researched by the author and built an easy picture in the readers mind
But the story was confusing on some levels, the title ‘Blind Date’ imo a bit of a red herring and only a very small bit of the complete story, it’s more about infatuation and denial, unrequited love maybe and jealousy, and there is a few kicks in it that came as a surprise but maybe a few too many ‘things’ that all came together at the end to make it make sense that were a bit too unbelievable and am still not sure why some of the characters were in the book
Perfectly acceptable read though and not once did I think not to finish it, worth the read for the radio station insight
6.5/10
3 Stars
September 21, 2021
Melanie is the co-host of a morning radio show with her good friends, Simon and Mike. After 8 years together, she is told that she is being replaced and is moved to the late night show which she will host by herself. She is, of course, devastated by this. But her spirits are lifted when she goes for a night out with Chris and Simon and meets a mysterious man named Malik. She feels a strong romantic connection to him and can't get him out her mind.
Unfortunately Melanie’s late night show is not going very well. She has a segment in her new show called "True Confessions”. One night a lady named Natalie calls in to confess that her boyfriend killed someone. She begins to get a bit obsessed with this caller’s story. Strange things start to happen between her and Malik and she gets threatening text messages. Who could be doing this to her and why? Every one has a secret and they are all just waiting to be revealed.
This book takes you on quite a ride. You can't trust anyone! I loved every bit of it and I would say the last 20 percent kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read more books by Wendy Clarke, she is a highly talented writer!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Unfortunately Melanie’s late night show is not going very well. She has a segment in her new show called "True Confessions”. One night a lady named Natalie calls in to confess that her boyfriend killed someone. She begins to get a bit obsessed with this caller’s story. Strange things start to happen between her and Malik and she gets threatening text messages. Who could be doing this to her and why? Every one has a secret and they are all just waiting to be revealed.
This book takes you on quite a ride. You can't trust anyone! I loved every bit of it and I would say the last 20 percent kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read more books by Wendy Clarke, she is a highly talented writer!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
October 19, 2021
Thank you to the publishers at Bookouture and Netgalley for this e-ARC of Blind Date.
Melanie is a radio host for a local Breakfast Show she co-hosts with Simon and Chris. The Three Musketeers, they’ve been working this set for 8 years. One day, Melanie is moved to the late night show, and that’s when things begin to change dramatically for her. She meets a man at the bar while trying to heal her still fresh wounds from her recent divorce, and tells him all about her new gig. When she begins to get strange calls during the Midnight Confession time slot, Melanie doesn’t know who to trust, because Melanie has a secret of her own. One that she can’t ever let anyone know.
I’ve never read a Wendy Clarke novel before, but Blind Date felt a bit predictable at times. The ending definitely got me though, which I enjoyed! Certain parts felt rushed or glossed over, and while I was still left wondering about certain aspects of the plot, most of it was cleared up enough. The villain of the story was someone I didn’t entirely see coming. Overall, this was an okay read, and if you’re interested in reading about a radio studio setting, you’ll probably really enjoy this thriller!
Blind Date releases October 29th!
Melanie is a radio host for a local Breakfast Show she co-hosts with Simon and Chris. The Three Musketeers, they’ve been working this set for 8 years. One day, Melanie is moved to the late night show, and that’s when things begin to change dramatically for her. She meets a man at the bar while trying to heal her still fresh wounds from her recent divorce, and tells him all about her new gig. When she begins to get strange calls during the Midnight Confession time slot, Melanie doesn’t know who to trust, because Melanie has a secret of her own. One that she can’t ever let anyone know.
I’ve never read a Wendy Clarke novel before, but Blind Date felt a bit predictable at times. The ending definitely got me though, which I enjoyed! Certain parts felt rushed or glossed over, and while I was still left wondering about certain aspects of the plot, most of it was cleared up enough. The villain of the story was someone I didn’t entirely see coming. Overall, this was an okay read, and if you’re interested in reading about a radio studio setting, you’ll probably really enjoy this thriller!
Blind Date releases October 29th!
October 3, 2021
Melanie and her husband are no longer together but they have to share the same house until she can find somewhere else to live , she works at Lock Radio doing the breakfast show with Chris and Simon but this day is different a new young girl comes in with them and after the show she is told buy Di that she is no longer on that show and if she want s the late night show its hers she is so angry , that night she decides to take up Simon and Chris offer of a night out and there she meets Malik but something is not right . then the call starts on her true confession show and who his sending her hate texts and Melanie has a secret that she does not want anyone to find out . i so very enjoyed this book keeps you gripped to the end
October 29, 2021
Chris and Simon have set up their friend, and co-worker, on a blind date. She's just through a messy divorce and not entirely sure she's ready for another relationship.
When she meets Malik, though, she feels an instant connection, but is he who he says he is?
Things get really strange when Chris and Simon tell her they don't know who the man is .. he is definitely not the man they had arranged for her to meet.
Is this her dream man ... or her worst nightmare?
Lies and secrets abound. Twists and turns are around every corner. Who's lying? Who's telling the truth? And where is this relationship going? It's a well-written novel with characters that stand out. The plot is intriguing, the story line riveting.
Many thanks to the author/ Bookouture/ Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When she meets Malik, though, she feels an instant connection, but is he who he says he is?
Things get really strange when Chris and Simon tell her they don't know who the man is .. he is definitely not the man they had arranged for her to meet.
Is this her dream man ... or her worst nightmare?
Lies and secrets abound. Twists and turns are around every corner. Who's lying? Who's telling the truth? And where is this relationship going? It's a well-written novel with characters that stand out. The plot is intriguing, the story line riveting.
Many thanks to the author/ Bookouture/ Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 26, 2021
Wendy Clarke is a new author to me but I was very quickly pulled into the story and fully absorbed in the writing. Interesting characters that were not particularly appealing and a slow build up to a big climax.
Lead character Melanie is a morning radio host along with Chris and Simon who make up the team they call the three musketeers. Melanie is single after splitting with her husband and is now ready to meet the new man in her life. Feeling particularly low she is persuaded to go out for a drink with co hosts Chris and Simon who have arranged a blind date for her. Melanie meets Malik and immediately feels changed, all at once she feels lifted and loved but everything was about to change. Ratings are down for the morning show and Melanie is moved to the late night slot, her car tyre is slashed in the car park and she receives strange calls on the radio phone in. When Melanie stops at Malik’s she discovers that she is locked in leaving her unsure whether she can trust him. When a woman is attacked outside the radio station building, Melanie begins to question everyone’s innocence and fear for her own safety.
The finger of suspicion moves from person to person as everyone seems to have secrets. Slow build up and not particularly appealing characters but an entertaining read. I will certainly look at reading more of this author’s books.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Lead character Melanie is a morning radio host along with Chris and Simon who make up the team they call the three musketeers. Melanie is single after splitting with her husband and is now ready to meet the new man in her life. Feeling particularly low she is persuaded to go out for a drink with co hosts Chris and Simon who have arranged a blind date for her. Melanie meets Malik and immediately feels changed, all at once she feels lifted and loved but everything was about to change. Ratings are down for the morning show and Melanie is moved to the late night slot, her car tyre is slashed in the car park and she receives strange calls on the radio phone in. When Melanie stops at Malik’s she discovers that she is locked in leaving her unsure whether she can trust him. When a woman is attacked outside the radio station building, Melanie begins to question everyone’s innocence and fear for her own safety.
The finger of suspicion moves from person to person as everyone seems to have secrets. Slow build up and not particularly appealing characters but an entertaining read. I will certainly look at reading more of this author’s books.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2021
Things do not go as she imagines they would when Mel goes on a blind date. She really likes Malik, and they have amazing chemistry. However, there are some red flags and while it might seem that Malik is hiding something dark, Mel has secrets of her own. While Mel is seeing where things could go, her best friends Chris and Simon are shadowing her, even to the point of her consternation.
After years of hosting a local breakfast show with Chris and Simon, Mel get a job as a late-night radio personality. Soon Mel begins to worry about her safety. Factor in concerning callers, she soon realizes that she might have more to worry about about than her brand new relationship with Malik. Something is going on and before too long things begin spiraling out of control in Mel's life. Will the secret she had been hiding soon reveal itself?
With more than a few surprises, Blind Date is an entertaining read. As the story takes on a few shifts, the closer the book comes to its end, the more the tension ratchets up, keeping me tapping my Kindle as quickly as I could, only to be shocked at the thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
After years of hosting a local breakfast show with Chris and Simon, Mel get a job as a late-night radio personality. Soon Mel begins to worry about her safety. Factor in concerning callers, she soon realizes that she might have more to worry about about than her brand new relationship with Malik. Something is going on and before too long things begin spiraling out of control in Mel's life. Will the secret she had been hiding soon reveal itself?
With more than a few surprises, Blind Date is an entertaining read. As the story takes on a few shifts, the closer the book comes to its end, the more the tension ratchets up, keeping me tapping my Kindle as quickly as I could, only to be shocked at the thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 29, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Wendy Clarke's latest thriller BLIND DATE.
Definitely a slow burn psychological thriller, BLIND DATE never really picks up for me. It just sort of meanders through Melanie's somewhat haphazard life leaving a trail of questions in its wake. Slow burns generally bore me but I have to say this one didn't although it didn't get much better than how it started either. It is rather dark and unsettling at times but it also leaves the reader questioning Mel's actions, a 38 year old recently divorced woman who really should know better.
Melanie Abbot works as a morning co-host for Lock Radio alongside her two best friends Simon and Chris. But on this particular morning she discovers in the after show briefing that she has been pulled from the breakfast slot - due to a plummet in ratings - and is moved to the late night programme - aka the graveyard shift (cue creepy atmosphere, dark shadows and maybe a stalker to add to the tension of a 2am finish). We just know when she is given that timeslot that something very definitely is going to happen. But it doesn't begin there. First comes the blind date...which isn't actually a blind date. So what exactly is it?
Harangued by her co-hosts (now formerly) to join them on a night out on the town, Mel reluctantly agrees but mainly due to the fact she doesn't want to return to the marital home she still shares with her now ex-hubby who has brought his girlfriend home to share the bed that Mel once shared with him. Awkward and insensitive much. Chris had been hounding her about this guy he wanted her to meet anyway but Mel couldn't think of anything worse. But when she sees the stranger across the room and feels the weight of his stare, she is instantly attracted. And from thereon-in she begins to make some pretty stupid decisions.
Waking the following morning to an empty bed and locked in a room, Mel is confused as to what happened the night before. She remembers meeting Malik, kissing him and going home with him...but nothing else. When Malik returns to the room, Mel is reassured that all is well and she must have been imagining things. And despite knowing next to nothing about the man, she continues to meet with him and sleep with him. Why, I've no idea. Because the man seems to blow hot and cold with her that she has no idea where she stands with him. And yet still she goes home with him again and again. Until one morning, she awakes to an empty bed once again and locked in the room. Feeling a bit too weird about it, she manages to pry open a window and makes her escape without so much as a word to Malik.
But Mel's troubles don't stop there. Since taking over the late night radio show, she has been receiving calls from a woman who appears to be frightened of her partner who locks her in the room and all at once she begins to draw similarities to her own situation. Could this woman be talking about Malik? Suddenly she feels afraid to leave the station after the show in the early hours, especially when finding her tyre slashed one night and the feeling of being watched. But despite all warnings, Mel continues to make stupid decisions.
And then the threatening messages start... Who is doing this and do they know her darkest secret?
Despite the agonisingly slow start, BLIND DATE doesn't really pick up much more and yet you find yourself unable to stop reading. And I'm glad I stuck at it because while I figured out some aspects, there was a final twist at the very end which I found to be a delicious note to end on.
I'm not sure what I expected from BLIND DATE because I find the author's thrillers to be a bit hit and miss at times but it was still a relatively enjoyable read on some levels. For non-stop thrills and action, this isn't the book but it certainly keeps you guessing throughout.
Overall, a tense read that was equally unsettling at times, BLIND DATE is perfect for fans of slow burn thrillers.
I would like to thank #WendyClarke, #NetGalley,/b> and #Bookouture for an ARC of #BlindDate in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Definitely a slow burn psychological thriller, BLIND DATE never really picks up for me. It just sort of meanders through Melanie's somewhat haphazard life leaving a trail of questions in its wake. Slow burns generally bore me but I have to say this one didn't although it didn't get much better than how it started either. It is rather dark and unsettling at times but it also leaves the reader questioning Mel's actions, a 38 year old recently divorced woman who really should know better.
Melanie Abbot works as a morning co-host for Lock Radio alongside her two best friends Simon and Chris. But on this particular morning she discovers in the after show briefing that she has been pulled from the breakfast slot - due to a plummet in ratings - and is moved to the late night programme - aka the graveyard shift (cue creepy atmosphere, dark shadows and maybe a stalker to add to the tension of a 2am finish). We just know when she is given that timeslot that something very definitely is going to happen. But it doesn't begin there. First comes the blind date...which isn't actually a blind date. So what exactly is it?
Harangued by her co-hosts (now formerly) to join them on a night out on the town, Mel reluctantly agrees but mainly due to the fact she doesn't want to return to the marital home she still shares with her now ex-hubby who has brought his girlfriend home to share the bed that Mel once shared with him. Awkward and insensitive much. Chris had been hounding her about this guy he wanted her to meet anyway but Mel couldn't think of anything worse. But when she sees the stranger across the room and feels the weight of his stare, she is instantly attracted. And from thereon-in she begins to make some pretty stupid decisions.
Waking the following morning to an empty bed and locked in a room, Mel is confused as to what happened the night before. She remembers meeting Malik, kissing him and going home with him...but nothing else. When Malik returns to the room, Mel is reassured that all is well and she must have been imagining things. And despite knowing next to nothing about the man, she continues to meet with him and sleep with him. Why, I've no idea. Because the man seems to blow hot and cold with her that she has no idea where she stands with him. And yet still she goes home with him again and again. Until one morning, she awakes to an empty bed once again and locked in the room. Feeling a bit too weird about it, she manages to pry open a window and makes her escape without so much as a word to Malik.
But Mel's troubles don't stop there. Since taking over the late night radio show, she has been receiving calls from a woman who appears to be frightened of her partner who locks her in the room and all at once she begins to draw similarities to her own situation. Could this woman be talking about Malik? Suddenly she feels afraid to leave the station after the show in the early hours, especially when finding her tyre slashed one night and the feeling of being watched. But despite all warnings, Mel continues to make stupid decisions.
And then the threatening messages start... Who is doing this and do they know her darkest secret?
Despite the agonisingly slow start, BLIND DATE doesn't really pick up much more and yet you find yourself unable to stop reading. And I'm glad I stuck at it because while I figured out some aspects, there was a final twist at the very end which I found to be a delicious note to end on.
I'm not sure what I expected from BLIND DATE because I find the author's thrillers to be a bit hit and miss at times but it was still a relatively enjoyable read on some levels. For non-stop thrills and action, this isn't the book but it certainly keeps you guessing throughout.
Overall, a tense read that was equally unsettling at times, BLIND DATE is perfect for fans of slow burn thrillers.
I would like to thank #WendyClarke, #NetGalley,/b> and #Bookouture for an ARC of #BlindDate in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 2, 2021
We have all had those immediate click, intense attraction, obsessive thoughts and must constantly touch relationships. Do they tank? Sometimes. Are we blind? For sure.
Mel is having a tough time. She has just been bumped from the coveted breakfastt radio show to the late show - it's most active hour, True Confessions.
Meeting her coworkers out for a drink - Simon shares his wife pregnancy, after a miscarriage; Simon his usual drunk self is determined to set Mel up - she hasn't dated since her divorce.
Then she sees him talking to Chris - Malik. Instant physical attraction.
After a night together, someone slaches Mel's tire. Strange sounds in the dark radio station corridor.
And Natalie's distrurbing true confession.
Lots of suspense, drama, friendship complications. Great read.
Mel is having a tough time. She has just been bumped from the coveted breakfastt radio show to the late show - it's most active hour, True Confessions.
Meeting her coworkers out for a drink - Simon shares his wife pregnancy, after a miscarriage; Simon his usual drunk self is determined to set Mel up - she hasn't dated since her divorce.
Then she sees him talking to Chris - Malik. Instant physical attraction.
After a night together, someone slaches Mel's tire. Strange sounds in the dark radio station corridor.
And Natalie's distrurbing true confession.
Lots of suspense, drama, friendship complications. Great read.
November 25, 2022
A good read despite the unlikable characters and slight slow pace in the middle chapters, mainly because the suspense was there until the last few chapters.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
October 7, 2021
A disturbing and unsettling clever read with a tense build up of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. Suspicion falls on all of the characters as secrets are shared, and the late night and dark canal settings just add to the feeling of disquiet. Definitely one to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you check you are alone!
September 30, 2021
Melanie, kicked off her show and was forced onto the Late Night Show, the undesirable slot. Hoping to cheer her up, her friends take her to a bar, promising to set her up with a blind date. When that date turns out to be Malik, a man that Melanie just can't resist, they enter into a relationship. But then, when she thinks everything is going so well, a number begins ringing her show, True Confessions. The woman confesses that she thinks her husband killed someone, and from there, things begin to do downhill; getting more and more dangerous for Melanie.
This book was a slow burner, to begin with, focusing a lot on Melanie's radio, her friendships and, of course, her relationship with Malik. Although these parts were very enjoyable to read, all the same, it was only until about halfway through that I began to see the real mystery emerge. When the real action did kick off though, it was intense, gripping and always leaving me wondering what would happen next. As much as it annoys me, I have to admit I did not see the ending to this one coming and found it a brilliant reveal.
Some other notable things I enjoyed about this book was the relationship that bloomed between Natalie and Melanie which really showed how getting too invested in someone can be dangerous. Also, I think the characters were very relatable and well developed which made it easier to get invested in them and the story as a whole.
I will definitely be reading more from Wendy Clarke.
4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this.
This book was a slow burner, to begin with, focusing a lot on Melanie's radio, her friendships and, of course, her relationship with Malik. Although these parts were very enjoyable to read, all the same, it was only until about halfway through that I began to see the real mystery emerge. When the real action did kick off though, it was intense, gripping and always leaving me wondering what would happen next. As much as it annoys me, I have to admit I did not see the ending to this one coming and found it a brilliant reveal.
Some other notable things I enjoyed about this book was the relationship that bloomed between Natalie and Melanie which really showed how getting too invested in someone can be dangerous. Also, I think the characters were very relatable and well developed which made it easier to get invested in them and the story as a whole.
I will definitely be reading more from Wendy Clarke.
4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this.
October 16, 2021
✨ "Being the object of someone's attention is powerful but also dangerous."
I think a more accurate synopsis would be: Lonely 38-year-old woman who thinks she's still a teenager consistently and consciously makes a string of terrible decisions such as:
You get the idea.
This was a book that just kept going downhill. It was slow all the way and never paid off. The twists were either predictable or didn't make sense and thrown in just for the shock factor. All the characters are intentionally made to come across as shady but there is no believable explanation for their behaviour even after the reveal.
The only thing I found interesting was that the protagonist works as a radio host. It was fun learning what goes on in the recording studio as well as the stark differences between early-morning and late-night shows.
My biggest problem with this book is its use of the crazy woman trope, which I'm sick of.
I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley.
I think a more accurate synopsis would be: Lonely 38-year-old woman who thinks she's still a teenager consistently and consciously makes a string of terrible decisions such as:
You get the idea.
This was a book that just kept going downhill. It was slow all the way and never paid off. The twists were either predictable or didn't make sense and thrown in just for the shock factor. All the characters are intentionally made to come across as shady but there is no believable explanation for their behaviour even after the reveal.
The only thing I found interesting was that the protagonist works as a radio host. It was fun learning what goes on in the recording studio as well as the stark differences between early-morning and late-night shows.
My biggest problem with this book is its use of the crazy woman trope, which I'm sick of.
I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley.
October 14, 2021
Another outstanding book from Wendy Clarke.
Mels’ life is difficult. She has finalized her divorce however is still living with her ex-husband and when she is moved from her dream job as a breakfast radio presenter to the late-night radio show she feels her life is crumbling around her. However, she rises to the challenge determined to do a good job and make the show her own. Her curiosity is piqued when a mysterious lady, Natalie, keeps phoning in to the True Confessions part of the show talking about her lover who runs hot and cold. After Mel meets Malik one drunken night and he acts the same way she starts to think her and Natalie have a lot in common and she begins to obsess about Natalie calling in. Then suddenly Natalie stops calling in after telling Mel she’s scared of her lover and along with Mel’s car tyre being slashed she starts to receive strange text messages. Is Mel in danger? And if so, who is the perpetrator?
Wow this was excellent, and I really enjoyed reading it. I know I’ve got a good book in my hands when every spare minute I have goes on reading it, tv, films and even social media all got ignored in favour of me reading this. By a quarter of the way through I felt things were getting pretty creepy and that continued throughout the story which gave the whole book a really intense but enjoyable vibe. I did start getting a little annoyed with Mel by about halfway through as she kept giving Malik chances even though he was running hot and cold with her, and she did also seem pretty obsessed with him, but I guess she felt lonely and unwanted and that’s why she liked him so much as he eased that for a little while. I figured out who was behind everything that was happening with about a quarter of the book to go but this didn’t ruin the story for me, at all, as I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Mel to work it all out.
All in all, a really good story and well deserved 5 stars for this one. I highly recommend this for any psychological thriller fans, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Wendy Clarke for my advanced reading copy. Due out 29th October 2021.
Mels’ life is difficult. She has finalized her divorce however is still living with her ex-husband and when she is moved from her dream job as a breakfast radio presenter to the late-night radio show she feels her life is crumbling around her. However, she rises to the challenge determined to do a good job and make the show her own. Her curiosity is piqued when a mysterious lady, Natalie, keeps phoning in to the True Confessions part of the show talking about her lover who runs hot and cold. After Mel meets Malik one drunken night and he acts the same way she starts to think her and Natalie have a lot in common and she begins to obsess about Natalie calling in. Then suddenly Natalie stops calling in after telling Mel she’s scared of her lover and along with Mel’s car tyre being slashed she starts to receive strange text messages. Is Mel in danger? And if so, who is the perpetrator?
Wow this was excellent, and I really enjoyed reading it. I know I’ve got a good book in my hands when every spare minute I have goes on reading it, tv, films and even social media all got ignored in favour of me reading this. By a quarter of the way through I felt things were getting pretty creepy and that continued throughout the story which gave the whole book a really intense but enjoyable vibe. I did start getting a little annoyed with Mel by about halfway through as she kept giving Malik chances even though he was running hot and cold with her, and she did also seem pretty obsessed with him, but I guess she felt lonely and unwanted and that’s why she liked him so much as he eased that for a little while. I figured out who was behind everything that was happening with about a quarter of the book to go but this didn’t ruin the story for me, at all, as I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Mel to work it all out.
All in all, a really good story and well deserved 5 stars for this one. I highly recommend this for any psychological thriller fans, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Wendy Clarke for my advanced reading copy. Due out 29th October 2021.
October 29, 2021
Blind Date by Wendy Clarke is.a slow burning psychological thriller. Sometimes when a book is a bit of a slow burning read I find myself getting a little bored and wish things would speed up. But this was definitely not the case when reading this book. I absolutely loved this tense and at times chilling read. The author has written this book in such an atmospherical way I felt at times I was there in the actual scene, especially those in the radio station in the late of night. This story completely got under my skin and had me gripped like a vice. Another reason for me loving this book was all the characters and there were times when I suspected everyone of them of wrongdoing. I can highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more from this wonderfully talented author.
June 18, 2023
Suspense all the way through this book.
If you enjoy books that keep you guessing this is the book for you. A definite page turner.
If you enjoy books that keep you guessing this is the book for you. A definite page turner.
October 8, 2021
What comes around goes around. Melanie is at a crossroads in her life, but feels as though she is making poor choices. As she has in the past. It takes a long time to find out her secrets. People whom she trusted are not what they seem. There are so many concurrent themes in this story, they come in waves. I had to keep reading to see where all this ended up. Who really was the culprit and how was Melanie going to extricate herself? Scenes were creepy and sinister and delicious. Beware of graveyard shifts and for gosh sakes park under a light. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
September 29, 2021
This dark and unsettling story is about deception and makes readers pause to consider how much they trust the people they love.
Although the start is agonizingly slow, Clarke does a thorough job of creating a backstory for Melanie Abbott, the 38-year-old recently divorced protagonist. Melanie recently moved from co-hosting a morning radio show to working graveyards at Lock Radio where she hosts a late-night talk show. A woman at a turning point in her life, Melanie makes some rash decisions that she’d never otherwise make and finds herself in a difficult situation. Her friends, who also happen to be her former co-hosts, set her up on a blind date. Then strange things start happening and soon Malik, her date, is wanted for questioning by the police. Add to this, an obsession on her first night at work develops with a caller who shares a secret on Lock Radio’s ‘True Confessions’ segment. Can Melanie dig herself out of her problems before it’s too late?
I love the atmospheric setting - a willow-fringed canal and brightly coloured canal boats juxtaposed against overgrown towpaths, dilapidated buildings and brackish water! Add to this the eerie setting of working alone in a dark building where every faceless person calling into the show is as unknown as a blind date. Everyone becomes a suspect as the tension increases and you’ll be frantically turning pages to see what happens next. Clarke is adept at pacing and ramping up the tension.
How well do we trust our instinct? Clarke wants us to recognize the danger of thinking we know someone when in fact they are a stranger to us. It might be as simple as a first meeting, not even a blind date, where we think we know more than we actually do know about someone.
Known for her psychological thrillers and her instantly recognizable Wendy Clarke brand of familiar font and strong cover motifs, this author’s work is not to be missed. Readers can look forward to book 6 in 2022.
Publishes October 29, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Wendy Clarke, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Although the start is agonizingly slow, Clarke does a thorough job of creating a backstory for Melanie Abbott, the 38-year-old recently divorced protagonist. Melanie recently moved from co-hosting a morning radio show to working graveyards at Lock Radio where she hosts a late-night talk show. A woman at a turning point in her life, Melanie makes some rash decisions that she’d never otherwise make and finds herself in a difficult situation. Her friends, who also happen to be her former co-hosts, set her up on a blind date. Then strange things start happening and soon Malik, her date, is wanted for questioning by the police. Add to this, an obsession on her first night at work develops with a caller who shares a secret on Lock Radio’s ‘True Confessions’ segment. Can Melanie dig herself out of her problems before it’s too late?
I love the atmospheric setting - a willow-fringed canal and brightly coloured canal boats juxtaposed against overgrown towpaths, dilapidated buildings and brackish water! Add to this the eerie setting of working alone in a dark building where every faceless person calling into the show is as unknown as a blind date. Everyone becomes a suspect as the tension increases and you’ll be frantically turning pages to see what happens next. Clarke is adept at pacing and ramping up the tension.
How well do we trust our instinct? Clarke wants us to recognize the danger of thinking we know someone when in fact they are a stranger to us. It might be as simple as a first meeting, not even a blind date, where we think we know more than we actually do know about someone.
Known for her psychological thrillers and her instantly recognizable Wendy Clarke brand of familiar font and strong cover motifs, this author’s work is not to be missed. Readers can look forward to book 6 in 2022.
Publishes October 29, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Wendy Clarke, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 27, 2023
Wendy Clarke has become a favourite author of mine, and when my request to read an ARC of her new book was accepted, I was thrilled!
Blind Date is a gripping psychological thriller with the female protagonist making some very dubious choices when faced with a few quite disturbing situations. I found myself asking her "what are you doing!?" several times! The story was fast-paced and suspenseful, with a bunch of characters that I grew to dislike as they developed, making for a fun 'who the hell is doing this to her?' game. It is an easy read with short chapters in the author's usual writing style that I have come to enjoy.
So go on, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a Blind Date!
Publication date is the 29th of October, 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
Blind Date is a gripping psychological thriller with the female protagonist making some very dubious choices when faced with a few quite disturbing situations. I found myself asking her "what are you doing!?" several times! The story was fast-paced and suspenseful, with a bunch of characters that I grew to dislike as they developed, making for a fun 'who the hell is doing this to her?' game. It is an easy read with short chapters in the author's usual writing style that I have come to enjoy.
So go on, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a Blind Date!
Publication date is the 29th of October, 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
November 3, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Blind Date' by Wendy Clarke.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Wendy Clarke, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its stunning eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is perfect 'For fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and anything by Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' and Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 49 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Mel. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
OMG!!! Wow!!! I was NOT expecting any of that!!! Wendy where have you been all my life?!?! Why and HOW have I never read any of your books before?!?
Well, well, well Wow!!! What an absolute cracker of a book!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog, title and the cover suited the book perfectly.
The storyline was very fast paced and filled with drama and suspense. A very believable storyline which kept me on edge throughout. I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Wendy. I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. There were so many mysteries in this book it just kept getting better and better!!! It was filled with suspense, romance, tension, friendship, lies and deceit and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout!!! If you pick this up make sure you clear your diaries as you will. NOT be able to put it down until the explosive ending!!! I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! This would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!
THE characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable, or are they?? You just have no idea who to trust and wow was I blindsighted!! They each had their own unique personalities. You begin to think you know each one but you get proven wrong!!! I became completely invested in every character although I can't say I believed, trusted or liked any. Each character had their own secrets to hide and it really makes you think if you ever really know anyone. They all had such different and strong personalities and all suited the storyline perfectly.
Welcome to my favourite author list Wendy and congratulations on what is guaranteed to be a huge success!!! I can't wait to read more of your past and future books. In fact I'm going straight to Amazon to add them all to my wish list!!! Congratulations and here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall a compelling, page turning, mind blowing psychological thriller that will keep you up late at night
Genres covered in this book include Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and anything by Lisa Jewell.
332 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#BlindDate #Bookouture #WendyClarke #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@WendyClarke @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Blind Date' by Wendy Clarke.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Wendy Clarke, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its stunning eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is perfect 'For fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and anything by Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' and Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 49 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Mel. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
OMG!!! Wow!!! I was NOT expecting any of that!!! Wendy where have you been all my life?!?! Why and HOW have I never read any of your books before?!?
Well, well, well Wow!!! What an absolute cracker of a book!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog, title and the cover suited the book perfectly.
The storyline was very fast paced and filled with drama and suspense. A very believable storyline which kept me on edge throughout. I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Wendy. I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. There were so many mysteries in this book it just kept getting better and better!!! It was filled with suspense, romance, tension, friendship, lies and deceit and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout!!! If you pick this up make sure you clear your diaries as you will. NOT be able to put it down until the explosive ending!!! I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! This would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!
THE characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable, or are they?? You just have no idea who to trust and wow was I blindsighted!! They each had their own unique personalities. You begin to think you know each one but you get proven wrong!!! I became completely invested in every character although I can't say I believed, trusted or liked any. Each character had their own secrets to hide and it really makes you think if you ever really know anyone. They all had such different and strong personalities and all suited the storyline perfectly.
Welcome to my favourite author list Wendy and congratulations on what is guaranteed to be a huge success!!! I can't wait to read more of your past and future books. In fact I'm going straight to Amazon to add them all to my wish list!!! Congratulations and here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall a compelling, page turning, mind blowing psychological thriller that will keep you up late at night
Genres covered in this book include Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and anything by Lisa Jewell.
332 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#BlindDate #Bookouture #WendyClarke #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@WendyClarke @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
November 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
Dark, unsettling and creepy, Blind Date is the unputdownable new chiller from Wendy Clarke’s twisted and terrifying pen.
Mel had been absolutely blindsided by her divorce. She never imagined that she would find herself single and having to even contemplate the thought of dating, but realising that she could not keep wallowing in regret, she decided to allow her best friends Chris and Simon to set her up on a blind date. Naturally, Mel is anxious. With the news full of terrifying stories, she cannot help but worry about the kind of man she is being set up with, but feeling lost and lonely and needing to let her hair down, she realises that she has nothing to lose…or does she?
When Mel meets Malik, the two of them hit it off instantly. Malik is attentive, intelligent and somebody Mel feels comfortable with. Within hours of meeting, the two of them are chatting away like old friends and Mel is so relaxed that she finds herself confessing some of her deepest and darkest secrets. Malik doesn’t seemed fazed by Mel’s revelations about her past and for the first time in a very long while, she feels secure, content and like she has finally met a man who could stop her from dwelling on the past and look to the future.
Giving into the attraction that has flared between them seems only natural, however, things take a very dark turn the next morning when in the cold light of day, Mel wakes up in Malik’s bed with no recollection about how she got there – and no idea where Malik is! Just what on earth is going on here? Where’s Malik? And how did she end up in his bed? Mel cannot take any more shocks and surprises, but her nightmare is only just beginning because the next thing she hears is the sound of a key turning in the lock!
Mel is trapped. There is no way out and nobody who can help her. As her trepidation and apprehension increase with each minute, a terrified Mel wonders just what Malik has in store for her on his return…
You simply cannot read just one chapter of a Wendy Clarke novel because once you start one of her books then you know that you are going to be reading all through the night and Blind Date is no different. A chilling, twisted and shocking thriller about trust, deception and secrets that is cleverly constructed and brilliantly plotted, in Blind Date the fantastic Wendy Clarke does not miss a single beat and keeps you on a knife’s edge with your heart in your throat desperate to uncover the next nail-biting revelation.
Wendy Clarke’s Blind Date is a dark and disturbing thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final shocking twist.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dark, unsettling and creepy, Blind Date is the unputdownable new chiller from Wendy Clarke’s twisted and terrifying pen.
Mel had been absolutely blindsided by her divorce. She never imagined that she would find herself single and having to even contemplate the thought of dating, but realising that she could not keep wallowing in regret, she decided to allow her best friends Chris and Simon to set her up on a blind date. Naturally, Mel is anxious. With the news full of terrifying stories, she cannot help but worry about the kind of man she is being set up with, but feeling lost and lonely and needing to let her hair down, she realises that she has nothing to lose…or does she?
When Mel meets Malik, the two of them hit it off instantly. Malik is attentive, intelligent and somebody Mel feels comfortable with. Within hours of meeting, the two of them are chatting away like old friends and Mel is so relaxed that she finds herself confessing some of her deepest and darkest secrets. Malik doesn’t seemed fazed by Mel’s revelations about her past and for the first time in a very long while, she feels secure, content and like she has finally met a man who could stop her from dwelling on the past and look to the future.
Giving into the attraction that has flared between them seems only natural, however, things take a very dark turn the next morning when in the cold light of day, Mel wakes up in Malik’s bed with no recollection about how she got there – and no idea where Malik is! Just what on earth is going on here? Where’s Malik? And how did she end up in his bed? Mel cannot take any more shocks and surprises, but her nightmare is only just beginning because the next thing she hears is the sound of a key turning in the lock!
Mel is trapped. There is no way out and nobody who can help her. As her trepidation and apprehension increase with each minute, a terrified Mel wonders just what Malik has in store for her on his return…
You simply cannot read just one chapter of a Wendy Clarke novel because once you start one of her books then you know that you are going to be reading all through the night and Blind Date is no different. A chilling, twisted and shocking thriller about trust, deception and secrets that is cleverly constructed and brilliantly plotted, in Blind Date the fantastic Wendy Clarke does not miss a single beat and keeps you on a knife’s edge with your heart in your throat desperate to uncover the next nail-biting revelation.
Wendy Clarke’s Blind Date is a dark and disturbing thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final shocking twist.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2021
If you are looking for a thrilling read that will keep you n the edge of your seat, with plenty of twists and turns, then you won't go far wrong with Blind Date. It tells the story of Mel, a recent divorcee who suddenly finds that her career is also on the line.
She gets shifted from the radio breakfast show (you know, those relentlessly cheerful and "funny" radio shows that you get on local radio) to the graveyard shift. The show is very different and it's not long before Mel starts to get drawn into the lives of some of the callers that contact her. When she meets a man that her friends have set her up with, who seems to be quite mysterious, even though she can't avoid the draw to him, everything starts to blur together and Mel finds herself at a loss to know who to trust.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book. Some of them I saw coming and I did know who was behind the various things that Mel was facing. It wasn't that they were overly obvious, but there were certainly some hints if you were looking for them.
This was a gripping read and one that I was reluctant to put down. Interestingly, not all of the questions were answered, but that didn't really detract from the storyline, if anything it added to the interest and enjoyment of the read.
Overall this was a great book and one that I would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
She gets shifted from the radio breakfast show (you know, those relentlessly cheerful and "funny" radio shows that you get on local radio) to the graveyard shift. The show is very different and it's not long before Mel starts to get drawn into the lives of some of the callers that contact her. When she meets a man that her friends have set her up with, who seems to be quite mysterious, even though she can't avoid the draw to him, everything starts to blur together and Mel finds herself at a loss to know who to trust.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book. Some of them I saw coming and I did know who was behind the various things that Mel was facing. It wasn't that they were overly obvious, but there were certainly some hints if you were looking for them.
This was a gripping read and one that I was reluctant to put down. Interestingly, not all of the questions were answered, but that didn't really detract from the storyline, if anything it added to the interest and enjoyment of the read.
Overall this was a great book and one that I would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
October 29, 2021
You should be able to trust your friends, right? You should be able to believe they keep something secret you have told them in confidence, right? You should be able to believe them when they say they are concerned about you and have your best interests at heart, right? You should be able to trust them when they say you should not trust a stranger, right?
That’s what Melanie believes in, but is she to trusting? Is she falling in someone’s trap with her eyes wide open? Who will be left by her side in the end?
These are a lot of questions, but they will all be answered in this great, thrilling book. It does not surprise me that Melanie did not know where to turn to or who to trust, because I had the exact same feeling.
Several times the book was really, really creepy and I finished it late last night. I started hearing a lot of noises to and kept looking over my shoulder. When and if an author can provoke this kind of reactions, it’s crystal clear she hit a home run.
I just loved it and the story has made my mouth fall open more than once. 5 stars
Thank you, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture
That’s what Melanie believes in, but is she to trusting? Is she falling in someone’s trap with her eyes wide open? Who will be left by her side in the end?
These are a lot of questions, but they will all be answered in this great, thrilling book. It does not surprise me that Melanie did not know where to turn to or who to trust, because I had the exact same feeling.
Several times the book was really, really creepy and I finished it late last night. I started hearing a lot of noises to and kept looking over my shoulder. When and if an author can provoke this kind of reactions, it’s crystal clear she hit a home run.
I just loved it and the story has made my mouth fall open more than once. 5 stars
Thank you, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture
October 5, 2021
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Blind Date by Wendy Clarke is a gripping thriller full of twists and turns. The story revolves around Melanie, a 38 year-old woman who works at a radio station with her coworkers Simon and Chris: the 3 Musketeers. One day, she learns that she's out of a job and her ex wants her to move out. It's the perfect time to go on a blind date! Malik seems like the man of her dreams. Being with him is exciting and romantic. But what secrets is he hiding? And could he be the mysterious caller who is stalking her at night?
Here is a terrifying excerpt from the Prologue, which is from her stalker's perspective:
"I know your secret, but you don't know mine.
That's my confession.
You've gone silent, Melanie... Why's that? Is it because you're afraid of what I'll say? That this call will no longer be about me but about you? What would be the fun in that? It's enough that you know I know.
But that's not my only confession. What I want to tell you tonight is that I hurt. Right deep inside my chest, the way it would feel if a knife was thrust into my heart to the hilt. Then further still. And all this because I've experienced the most perfect love."
Overall, Blind Date is an unputdownable thriller with some seriously scary moments. I could not put this book down. Even though this book is 285 pages, I finished it in a day, because I had to keep reading and find out what happens next. One highlight of this book is the spooky setting of the radio station booth. Late at night, if you're working the late-night radio, who would be around to make sure you're safe? Are you safer inside the booth or outside of the building?
If I had to complain about one thing, I would have to say that a large portion of the novel was not really "thrilling" and was mainly filler or conversation. For example, there are a lot of scenes dedicated to Melanie's romantic escapades. Although I was expecting more exciting or suspenseful scenes in this thriller, the story definitely maintained my interest. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in October!
Blind Date by Wendy Clarke is a gripping thriller full of twists and turns. The story revolves around Melanie, a 38 year-old woman who works at a radio station with her coworkers Simon and Chris: the 3 Musketeers. One day, she learns that she's out of a job and her ex wants her to move out. It's the perfect time to go on a blind date! Malik seems like the man of her dreams. Being with him is exciting and romantic. But what secrets is he hiding? And could he be the mysterious caller who is stalking her at night?
Here is a terrifying excerpt from the Prologue, which is from her stalker's perspective:
"I know your secret, but you don't know mine.
That's my confession.
You've gone silent, Melanie... Why's that? Is it because you're afraid of what I'll say? That this call will no longer be about me but about you? What would be the fun in that? It's enough that you know I know.
But that's not my only confession. What I want to tell you tonight is that I hurt. Right deep inside my chest, the way it would feel if a knife was thrust into my heart to the hilt. Then further still. And all this because I've experienced the most perfect love."
Overall, Blind Date is an unputdownable thriller with some seriously scary moments. I could not put this book down. Even though this book is 285 pages, I finished it in a day, because I had to keep reading and find out what happens next. One highlight of this book is the spooky setting of the radio station booth. Late at night, if you're working the late-night radio, who would be around to make sure you're safe? Are you safer inside the booth or outside of the building?
If I had to complain about one thing, I would have to say that a large portion of the novel was not really "thrilling" and was mainly filler or conversation. For example, there are a lot of scenes dedicated to Melanie's romantic escapades. Although I was expecting more exciting or suspenseful scenes in this thriller, the story definitely maintained my interest. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in October!
October 26, 2021
First, I want to thank Wendy Clarke, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
OMG!! WOW!! Blind Date by Wendy Clarke is my favorite psychological thriller of the year!! OH YES!!! This is go run out and buy this book and put it on your tbr list! This is a book that EVERYONE will be talking about!! I can see this being a best seller for Wendy. Infact, this must be made into a Netflix movie or series! Ohh it would be so good on the small screen!!
Wendy is an incredibly gifted storyteller. Her writing style is very unique and different from the rest. I found it very refreshing.
These characters were definitely put into some awkward situations. I don’t know how I would have handled some of their situations.
You may want to clear your schedule for this book! This book will suck you in like you have never before! It is incredibly fast paced and you won't want to put it down till you know how it ends.
One aspect of this book that I found fascinating was learning all about the world of late night radio. The storyline that played into that really caught my attention.
Blind Date is dark, deep, intense, creepy at times, mysterious, heartbreak, mind blowing, etc.
OMG!! WOW!! Blind Date by Wendy Clarke is my favorite psychological thriller of the year!! OH YES!!! This is go run out and buy this book and put it on your tbr list! This is a book that EVERYONE will be talking about!! I can see this being a best seller for Wendy. Infact, this must be made into a Netflix movie or series! Ohh it would be so good on the small screen!!
Wendy is an incredibly gifted storyteller. Her writing style is very unique and different from the rest. I found it very refreshing.
These characters were definitely put into some awkward situations. I don’t know how I would have handled some of their situations.
You may want to clear your schedule for this book! This book will suck you in like you have never before! It is incredibly fast paced and you won't want to put it down till you know how it ends.
One aspect of this book that I found fascinating was learning all about the world of late night radio. The storyline that played into that really caught my attention.
Blind Date is dark, deep, intense, creepy at times, mysterious, heartbreak, mind blowing, etc.
October 28, 2021
Wow, this is one twisted, intense, psychological thriller, which I read in 2 days.
I've read all of Wendy Clarke's previous books. I love her writing style and always eagerly await her next novel.
In Blind Date, the plot is so cleverly constructed. Everyone appears to have something to hide, and just as I thought I'd figured it out, along comes another twist and then another and I was proven completely wrong. I loved it!
The setting of the radio station was fascinating and incredibly well researched. I found it so interesting to read about the different types of shows and dynamics between the presenters, the atmosphere created during the late night show was wonderfully eerie and sinister.
The characters were so cleverly written that suspicion falls on almost everyone throughout the story. I did find Mel frustrating at times, however her portrayal was incredibly realistic of someone caught up in an intense and intoxicating relationship.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of tension filled suspenseful psychological thrillers and can't wait for the author's next book.
Thanks to publishers Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've read all of Wendy Clarke's previous books. I love her writing style and always eagerly await her next novel.
In Blind Date, the plot is so cleverly constructed. Everyone appears to have something to hide, and just as I thought I'd figured it out, along comes another twist and then another and I was proven completely wrong. I loved it!
The setting of the radio station was fascinating and incredibly well researched. I found it so interesting to read about the different types of shows and dynamics between the presenters, the atmosphere created during the late night show was wonderfully eerie and sinister.
The characters were so cleverly written that suspicion falls on almost everyone throughout the story. I did find Mel frustrating at times, however her portrayal was incredibly realistic of someone caught up in an intense and intoxicating relationship.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of tension filled suspenseful psychological thrillers and can't wait for the author's next book.
Thanks to publishers Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
Even though I see some low ratings in this book, I actually thought this book was great!
Plot:- Melanie Abbot used to work in the Breakfast show with her closest friends, Simon and Chris. But Melanie's life seems to go down the drain--she was transferred to a late night radio show, she is facing divorce and she is asked to leave the house. Then her friend sets her up with a blind date and she meets Malik, a handsome man and instantly she feels attracted to him. But then soon she receives phone calls, and Malik locks her up in his room...is Malik her dream man or her worst nightmare?
Writing:-The story is told from Melanie's perspective. Literally the writing was great and the author did a good job drawing the reader into the story. However, even though the thriller is fast paced, there were not much twists and turns but despite that, I was hooked into the book. However, towards the end of the book, it was a bit predictable and also I didn't like how the ending turned out. I mean come on, if your own friends betrayed you, you wouldn't really want to talk with them right? Anyway I didn't like the ending much but maybe it was just me.
Characters:- Melanie seems to be a bit of a naive character and I do like Chris and Simon's friendship with Melanie. But then I didn'thave any likable characters in the book.
Overall:- Overall, this was actually a good thriller that will keep you hooked into the story. Worth four stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Plot:- Melanie Abbot used to work in the Breakfast show with her closest friends, Simon and Chris. But Melanie's life seems to go down the drain--she was transferred to a late night radio show, she is facing divorce and she is asked to leave the house. Then her friend sets her up with a blind date and she meets Malik, a handsome man and instantly she feels attracted to him. But then soon she receives phone calls, and Malik locks her up in his room...is Malik her dream man or her worst nightmare?
Writing:-The story is told from Melanie's perspective. Literally the writing was great and the author did a good job drawing the reader into the story. However, even though the thriller is fast paced, there were not much twists and turns but despite that, I was hooked into the book. However, towards the end of the book, it was a bit predictable and also I didn't like how the ending turned out. I mean come on, if your own friends betrayed you, you wouldn't really want to talk with them right? Anyway I didn't like the ending much but maybe it was just me.
Characters:- Melanie seems to be a bit of a naive character and I do like Chris and Simon's friendship with Melanie. But then I didn'thave any likable characters in the book.
Overall:- Overall, this was actually a good thriller that will keep you hooked into the story. Worth four stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
November 1, 2021
Wendy Clarke's Blind Date is a slow-burn, creepy and extremely intense psychological thriller that certainly gave me the chills. It's unnerving and dark, and the tension and suspense permeating from the pages make for a thrilling and gripping read. Well plotted and executed, I really enjoyed the parts occurring at night involving Mel's graveyard shift as a radio DJ for Lock radio, which added to its overall sinister ambience. The reader is held in abeyance with indecisions over untrustworthy characters. All told, Blind Date is a fabulous tale that this reader found both riveting and compelling.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
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