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“Tense, twisty and full of toxic secrets – a chilly fight for survival guaranteed to give you shivers” – T.M. LOGAN, author of Lies and The Vacation
Seven friends. One killer. You can run, but you can’t hide…
The hike is meant to bring their nature group together.
Emily, the sister who never lets her hearing loss hold her back.
Lauren, the sister who always feels a step behind.
Morna, who doesn’t get on with Lauren.
Ben, whose feelings for Emily border on obsession.
Dan, the quiet newcomer to the group.
Kai, who isn’t just on the hike to enjoy the wildlife.
And Alec, the one who knows all their secrets.
As the sun sets, a gunshot rings out on the nature reserve.
One of the seven is dead. And one of their number killed them…
Seven friends. One killer. You can run, but you can’t hide…
The hike is meant to bring their nature group together.
Emily, the sister who never lets her hearing loss hold her back.
Lauren, the sister who always feels a step behind.
Morna, who doesn’t get on with Lauren.
Ben, whose feelings for Emily border on obsession.
Dan, the quiet newcomer to the group.
Kai, who isn’t just on the hike to enjoy the wildlife.
And Alec, the one who knows all their secrets.
As the sun sets, a gunshot rings out on the nature reserve.
One of the seven is dead. And one of their number killed them…
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First published December 9, 2021
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About the author
Nell Pattison
8 books270 followersAfter studying English at university, Nell Pattison became a teacher and specialised in Deaf education.
She has been teaching in the Deaf community for 12 years in both England and Scotland, working with students who use BSL. Nell began losing her hearing in her twenties, and now wears hearing aids.
She lives in North Lincolnshire with her husband and son. The Silent House is her debut novel.
She has been teaching in the Deaf community for 12 years in both England and Scotland, working with students who use BSL. Nell began losing her hearing in her twenties, and now wears hearing aids.
She lives in North Lincolnshire with her husband and son. The Silent House is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
March 27, 2022
I always enjoy to read claustrophobic, whodunnit, trapped in one location and who’s gonna be the last one standing theme!
Seven people gathered for Boxing Day Hike as members of birdwatching group finding themselves into wilderness to watch the moves of starlings during Christmas time! I know what you’re thinking! Why don’t they find something more interesting to spend their special holiday instead of following behind the birds and freezing their spines in the middle of nowhere! Get a better life or better hobbies folks!
They are not friends as they’re advertised on the blurb. Laureen and Emily are estranged sisters, already dealing with their own resentment and past issues, raisins by foster parents. Lauren gets jealous of her sister’s sudden success by finding an app for hearing impairment. She hates her fancy car, her cozy London apartment when she works her arse off to make ends meet.
Ben seems like friendly and sweet mother’s boy with Joe Goldberg vibes who already asked Laureen out on a date and rejected. And now he’s chasing Emily like a child follows the ice cream truck. And he’s still too shy to ask her out, too. Poor weird boy!
Morna competes with Lauren for the same job position, thinking that’s her responsibility to lead the group. The beef between them gets escalated at each second. Cat fight alert!
Kai seems like having ulterior motives to join their hiking group. He shows different kind of interest to those birds, making suspicious phone calls.
Dan, a widower, still suffering from trauma to lose his wife and his unborn child, newcomer of the group.
And Alec who already got attention of entire group because of an incident at bar. He screamed at their faces he knew their dirty little secrets! What could he know? He’s just ordinary cocky man suffers from superiority complex , making long talks as if he’s narrator of most boring National Geography documentaries, annoying the hell of the group members.
Those mandatory friends find themselves in the middle of wilderness and one of them pulled the trigger. One down, six left! Killer on the loose! All of them give person of interest vibes! Whodunnit? What’s his/ her secret motives?
What are those secrets seven of them carry?
Well, this book started a little slow for me! Instead of Emily, none of the characters were likable. All of them were irritating and a little unrealistic one dimensional types.
In the middle of the story, the pacing fastened and mysterious hunt- prey fight picked my interest for!
I was planning to give three stars but the conclusion was good enough to earn half more stars! It’s good to see the least likable character for me was perpetrator.
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 bird watching, 7 perfect strangers, creepy stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon UK for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Seven people gathered for Boxing Day Hike as members of birdwatching group finding themselves into wilderness to watch the moves of starlings during Christmas time! I know what you’re thinking! Why don’t they find something more interesting to spend their special holiday instead of following behind the birds and freezing their spines in the middle of nowhere! Get a better life or better hobbies folks!
They are not friends as they’re advertised on the blurb. Laureen and Emily are estranged sisters, already dealing with their own resentment and past issues, raisins by foster parents. Lauren gets jealous of her sister’s sudden success by finding an app for hearing impairment. She hates her fancy car, her cozy London apartment when she works her arse off to make ends meet.
Ben seems like friendly and sweet mother’s boy with Joe Goldberg vibes who already asked Laureen out on a date and rejected. And now he’s chasing Emily like a child follows the ice cream truck. And he’s still too shy to ask her out, too. Poor weird boy!
Morna competes with Lauren for the same job position, thinking that’s her responsibility to lead the group. The beef between them gets escalated at each second. Cat fight alert!
Kai seems like having ulterior motives to join their hiking group. He shows different kind of interest to those birds, making suspicious phone calls.
Dan, a widower, still suffering from trauma to lose his wife and his unborn child, newcomer of the group.
And Alec who already got attention of entire group because of an incident at bar. He screamed at their faces he knew their dirty little secrets! What could he know? He’s just ordinary cocky man suffers from superiority complex , making long talks as if he’s narrator of most boring National Geography documentaries, annoying the hell of the group members.
Those mandatory friends find themselves in the middle of wilderness and one of them pulled the trigger. One down, six left! Killer on the loose! All of them give person of interest vibes! Whodunnit? What’s his/ her secret motives?
What are those secrets seven of them carry?
Well, this book started a little slow for me! Instead of Emily, none of the characters were likable. All of them were irritating and a little unrealistic one dimensional types.
In the middle of the story, the pacing fastened and mysterious hunt- prey fight picked my interest for!
I was planning to give three stars but the conclusion was good enough to earn half more stars! It’s good to see the least likable character for me was perpetrator.
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 bird watching, 7 perfect strangers, creepy stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon UK for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
November 30, 2021
Rounded down from around 4.5 stars ⭐️ I absolutely love Nell Pattison’s works, I was so excited when I found out this book was coming out!
Hide follows a group of seven friends in a nature group. During one of their excursions one of them is killed, but which of them did it? The rest of them must race to try and save themselves.
In all of Pattison’s works there is a character who is deaf. I absolutely love this because it has taught me so much that I did not know before. This book was no exception, and I ended up learning so much about cochlear implants! I love this unique take that Pattison uses to raise awareness.
The book follows the points of view of all of the seven group members which I loved. It added so much depth, and it was clearly marked with who each chapter was linked to. The chapters were short and the book was fast paced. However, there was one point where I felt it was getting a little bit too repetitive for me. I loved the eerie setting and found myself not wanting to put the book down! There were so many twists and cliffhangers I felt like I was continuously on the edge of my seat. Although I worked out some of the twists I still enjoyed being shocked by the others! Warning: the cliffhangers at the end of chapters may keep you up all night reading ‘just one more chapter’.
I would recommend this to any thriller fans, especially if you fancy something a bit different. I am so grateful to Avon Books and Nell Pattison for allowing me to read a copy of this book and give my personal thoughts.
Hide follows a group of seven friends in a nature group. During one of their excursions one of them is killed, but which of them did it? The rest of them must race to try and save themselves.
In all of Pattison’s works there is a character who is deaf. I absolutely love this because it has taught me so much that I did not know before. This book was no exception, and I ended up learning so much about cochlear implants! I love this unique take that Pattison uses to raise awareness.
The book follows the points of view of all of the seven group members which I loved. It added so much depth, and it was clearly marked with who each chapter was linked to. The chapters were short and the book was fast paced. However, there was one point where I felt it was getting a little bit too repetitive for me. I loved the eerie setting and found myself not wanting to put the book down! There were so many twists and cliffhangers I felt like I was continuously on the edge of my seat. Although I worked out some of the twists I still enjoyed being shocked by the others! Warning: the cliffhangers at the end of chapters may keep you up all night reading ‘just one more chapter’.
I would recommend this to any thriller fans, especially if you fancy something a bit different. I am so grateful to Avon Books and Nell Pattison for allowing me to read a copy of this book and give my personal thoughts.
December 5, 2021
Unpopular opinion alert!
Many people enjoyed this book but I did not really like it much. I was tempted by the cover and the idea of people tromping through the snow but the story was pretty flat for me. On Boxing Day seven people/friends plan a walk in a nature reserve to observe the starling murmuration -
this is when hundreds of thousands or millions of starlings dart around in the sky like some weirdly choreographed dance.
The seven are - Lauren who works at the reserve; Emily, her sister, with whom she has only recently become reacquainted after 10 years; Morna, an older woman who volunteers at the reserve; Alec a fussy little man who considers himself superior to everyone and knows some of their secrets; Ben, a seemingly sweet and shy young man who fancies Emily; Dan, a new group member who is still grieving the death of his wife and unborn child and Kai, who has some secrets of his own. They set out from the visitor centre and split up among the various hides around the reserve to wait for the starling action.
It is not long before things start to go wrong. A sharp report like a gunshot is heard and a couple of the group find one of their number dead from a shotgun blast in one of the hides. After that it gets a bit silly, I think. There is a massive debate about which way to go - back to the visitor centre or trying to reach the fence and head across country to the road to try and flag down a passing vehicle. So the group splits up into two - big mistake.
From then on it’s one silly decision after another as various people head off on their own and others try and find them and directions are changed and more shots are heard and it’s just pandemonium. You learn a bit about the various secrets as the plot progresses and you soon find most of the people really unlikeable. There was no real plot apart from all the running around in the dark and snow with people suspecting first one person then another. I found it all quite silly and unrealistic - even the ending. But I know a lot of people enjoyed it more than I did so I suggest you check out their reviews too. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Many people enjoyed this book but I did not really like it much. I was tempted by the cover and the idea of people tromping through the snow but the story was pretty flat for me. On Boxing Day seven people/friends plan a walk in a nature reserve to observe the starling murmuration -
this is when hundreds of thousands or millions of starlings dart around in the sky like some weirdly choreographed dance.
The seven are - Lauren who works at the reserve; Emily, her sister, with whom she has only recently become reacquainted after 10 years; Morna, an older woman who volunteers at the reserve; Alec a fussy little man who considers himself superior to everyone and knows some of their secrets; Ben, a seemingly sweet and shy young man who fancies Emily; Dan, a new group member who is still grieving the death of his wife and unborn child and Kai, who has some secrets of his own. They set out from the visitor centre and split up among the various hides around the reserve to wait for the starling action.
It is not long before things start to go wrong. A sharp report like a gunshot is heard and a couple of the group find one of their number dead from a shotgun blast in one of the hides. After that it gets a bit silly, I think. There is a massive debate about which way to go - back to the visitor centre or trying to reach the fence and head across country to the road to try and flag down a passing vehicle. So the group splits up into two - big mistake.
From then on it’s one silly decision after another as various people head off on their own and others try and find them and directions are changed and more shots are heard and it’s just pandemonium. You learn a bit about the various secrets as the plot progresses and you soon find most of the people really unlikeable. There was no real plot apart from all the running around in the dark and snow with people suspecting first one person then another. I found it all quite silly and unrealistic - even the ending. But I know a lot of people enjoyed it more than I did so I suggest you check out their reviews too. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
2.5 stars rounded up.
December 17, 2021
My thanks to Avon books, Nell Pattison and Netgalley. Somehow in the year of 2021 I managed to make it to July without reading a single stinker of a book. Whelp! There goes my spree! This was the most idiotic waste of time! Bullshit story, and just to top off the whole messed up thing? We are forced to read THAT ending! This author can kiss my lily white ass! No recommendations. Matter of fact, I plan on never reading anything by Nell again! Amateur effort.
July 19, 2021
I want to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of Hide in return for an honest review. This is my first book by Nell Pattison, but am already looking for other books by this dynamic author. This was an outstanding thriller with the tension and suspense maintained throughout. I thought the storytelling was brilliant with a heart-pounding, character-driven plot that made the book impossible for me to put down.
Seven people of diverse ages, interests, and backgrounds are attending a hike in a nature reserve focusing on bird watching. The park is closed due to the Boxing Day holiday, but the group has permission to be the only ones admitted.
They refer to themselves as the 7 friends, but they are scarcely that. There is conflict and stress from the beginning. Two sisters, estranged and separated for years, hold resentments. There is animosity between the group leader and an older woman who wanted the position, and thinks it should be her duty to guide. An arrogant older man flaunts his superior knowledge of birds and annoys others with his expensive equipment he advises everyone to buy. He has bragged that he knows everyone's secrets, ones they would never want to be revealed. Many are in dread of this apparent threat.
They are in a series of blinds to observe a spectacular flight of starlings when a shot rings out. One of the participants has been murdered. Others fear they may be targeted next, and are almost certain that the unknown killer is within their group. The other possibility is deer jackers have entered the park illegally and with guns. The dark night is closing in and it is snowing. The setting is vividly described. What follows is a frantic chase through the woods. Shots are heard at a distance. They are suspicious that the killer is among them, but also frightened that they may be followed by unknown killers. During the run through the darkened forest with the snow-covered ground, they become lost, injured, experience fear and panic attacks. After an argument the group divides in two, heading in different directions. Neither group can find their way out of the park on the cold, snowy night. Who is being targeted as the next victim (or victims) and why?
As more of each character's background is revealed, the killer and intended victim or victims become more of a puzzle. There are surprising reveals and unexpected twists along the way. Once you feel the mysteries are revealed and resolved and things are getting back to normal, there is a diabolical twist at the conclusion.
Highly recommended! Review is on Goodreads and will be on Amazon at the time the book is published.
Seven people of diverse ages, interests, and backgrounds are attending a hike in a nature reserve focusing on bird watching. The park is closed due to the Boxing Day holiday, but the group has permission to be the only ones admitted.
They refer to themselves as the 7 friends, but they are scarcely that. There is conflict and stress from the beginning. Two sisters, estranged and separated for years, hold resentments. There is animosity between the group leader and an older woman who wanted the position, and thinks it should be her duty to guide. An arrogant older man flaunts his superior knowledge of birds and annoys others with his expensive equipment he advises everyone to buy. He has bragged that he knows everyone's secrets, ones they would never want to be revealed. Many are in dread of this apparent threat.
They are in a series of blinds to observe a spectacular flight of starlings when a shot rings out. One of the participants has been murdered. Others fear they may be targeted next, and are almost certain that the unknown killer is within their group. The other possibility is deer jackers have entered the park illegally and with guns. The dark night is closing in and it is snowing. The setting is vividly described. What follows is a frantic chase through the woods. Shots are heard at a distance. They are suspicious that the killer is among them, but also frightened that they may be followed by unknown killers. During the run through the darkened forest with the snow-covered ground, they become lost, injured, experience fear and panic attacks. After an argument the group divides in two, heading in different directions. Neither group can find their way out of the park on the cold, snowy night. Who is being targeted as the next victim (or victims) and why?
As more of each character's background is revealed, the killer and intended victim or victims become more of a puzzle. There are surprising reveals and unexpected twists along the way. Once you feel the mysteries are revealed and resolved and things are getting back to normal, there is a diabolical twist at the conclusion.
Highly recommended! Review is on Goodreads and will be on Amazon at the time the book is published.
November 26, 2021
2 things different about this book, 1 is that one of the characters is deaf and 2 is that it is set in a Nature Reserve, both things vastly different, both things could have taken over the book but the author very cleverly had both as inclusive parts of the story so we learnt about cocklear implants alongside starling mass flights in an interesting informative but not take over the story way, both elements were fascinating to read about
The story itself is about 7 friends ( very loosely friends ) who go on a Boxing Day walk in the reserve, all though have secrets and one of them knows each one of them, again cleverly the author hints at these throughout until the big reveal of each one…..meanwhile someone is trying to kill them all
It was a fine engaging read, descriptive and reader friendly and with a ‘ohhhhhhhhh’ ending
Really enjoyed it
9/10
5 Stars
The story itself is about 7 friends ( very loosely friends ) who go on a Boxing Day walk in the reserve, all though have secrets and one of them knows each one of them, again cleverly the author hints at these throughout until the big reveal of each one…..meanwhile someone is trying to kill them all
It was a fine engaging read, descriptive and reader friendly and with a ‘ohhhhhhhhh’ ending
Really enjoyed it
9/10
5 Stars
September 18, 2021
We all have those moments we wish we could relive and do differently.
This is a story of seven friends who enjoy birdwatching together. On Boxing Day, they all decide to meet up at a nature reserve. But one of them has more than birdwatching on his/her mind. With tensions mounting and inclement weather coming in, they'll find themselves trapped in an isolated forest with no one around to help or hear them scream. All of them have secrets and regrets, but only one of them has secrets worth killing for.
This a character-driven novel. We get the POV of each of the seven characters throughout the book. The personalities of the characters as well as their relationships with each other are well fleshed out, which made for rich characterization and personal dynamics.
I'm more of a plot-driven fan, but I did enjoy the character introspection and the frisson of tension amongst the group. Some parts of the story did lag for me and could do with an edit, however, by the end of the book I had so many intense feelings for these characters. How can you feel so much outrage/sympathy/hope/despair/anger for fictional people? Somehow, Nell Pattison was able to give me all the feels.
The ending of the book was a choice, and I don't know if I love it or hate it. I haven't had this intense of an emotional reaction to a character since reading What the Dead Know back in 2007.
I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars but, because of the amount of hate I have for this character, I had to up it to 4 stars. After all, it has been almost fifteen years since I got this riled up over a character.
Additional things I enjoyed:
~I feel like nature lovers (like myself) will love the setting and the birdwatching element.
~The inclusion of a deaf character was interesting and insightful. Emily's hearing impairment upped the intensity of the situation while also serving to be inspirational due to her strength and determination.
If your a fan of character-driven novels and/or locked-room style mysteries, I recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of seven friends who enjoy birdwatching together. On Boxing Day, they all decide to meet up at a nature reserve. But one of them has more than birdwatching on his/her mind. With tensions mounting and inclement weather coming in, they'll find themselves trapped in an isolated forest with no one around to help or hear them scream. All of them have secrets and regrets, but only one of them has secrets worth killing for.
This a character-driven novel. We get the POV of each of the seven characters throughout the book. The personalities of the characters as well as their relationships with each other are well fleshed out, which made for rich characterization and personal dynamics.
I'm more of a plot-driven fan, but I did enjoy the character introspection and the frisson of tension amongst the group. Some parts of the story did lag for me and could do with an edit, however, by the end of the book I had so many intense feelings for these characters. How can you feel so much outrage/sympathy/hope/despair/anger for fictional people? Somehow, Nell Pattison was able to give me all the feels.
The ending of the book was a choice, and I don't know if I love it or hate it. I haven't had this intense of an emotional reaction to a character since reading What the Dead Know back in 2007.
I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars but, because of the amount of hate I have for this character, I had to up it to 4 stars. After all, it has been almost fifteen years since I got this riled up over a character.
Additional things I enjoyed:
~I feel like nature lovers (like myself) will love the setting and the birdwatching element.
~The inclusion of a deaf character was interesting and insightful. Emily's hearing impairment upped the intensity of the situation while also serving to be inspirational due to her strength and determination.
If your a fan of character-driven novels and/or locked-room style mysteries, I recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2021
Well I’m going to keep this short. I don’t like to leave negative reviews but at the same time, I’d like to save others the trouble of reading this. I was pumped going into it because it sounded awesome-isolated winter time thrill ride with loads of secrets. What I actually got was flat characters, a slower than molasses burn and and ending that was not even worth reading. And way too much description of stuff-I mean a wholesome chapter about someone spraining their ankle? Ridiculous. I found myself skimming quite a bit, and in all reality, had I not been buddy reading this, I would have DNF’d it.
Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
December 6, 2021
The winter hike is meant to bring the nature group together. Emily, the sister who never lets her hearing loss hold her back. Lauren, the sister who always feels a step behind. Morna, who doesn't get on with Lauren. Ben, who's feelings for Emily birder on obsession. Dan, the quiet newcomer to the group. Kai, who isn't just on the hike to enjoy the wildlife. An Alec, the one who knows all their secrets. As the sunsets, a gunshot rings out on the nature reserve. One of the seven is dead. And one of their number killed them.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. With some really good twists and a great ending. It's evident from the beginning that everyone has something to hide. The pace is steady and the plotline is addictive. The characters formed a bond through their love of bird watching. We are slowly drip fed information for each character. The is a creepy and atmospheric read that held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #NellPattison for my ARC of #Hide in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. With some really good twists and a great ending. It's evident from the beginning that everyone has something to hide. The pace is steady and the plotline is addictive. The characters formed a bond through their love of bird watching. We are slowly drip fed information for each character. The is a creepy and atmospheric read that held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #NellPattison for my ARC of #Hide in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of Pattison’s novels featuring characters that are hard of hearing and I was pleased to see the writer turn their hand to a stand-alone thriller. This was not a disappointment.
This is a great winter read and I think it will guarantee you turning the pages in a flurry of motion that is largely absent during the Christmas period! Set on Boxing Day, a group of nature enthusiasts come together for a hike through a reserve, intent on watching the murmuration of birds as it is such a natural spectacle. However, the murder of one of the group raises suspicions and paranoia as each suspects one another. How well do they really know each other? What has led to the murder of one of their group?
What I liked about this book is how it was so difficult to foresee the perpetrator and how the truth would be revealed. Like books of a similar genre, this novel really develops the characters and I appreciated how varied they all were. At the same time, I was surprised at how Pattison makes connections between them, as revealed in the final few chapters. Such developed characterisation was a big help considering each chapter is narrated from a different perspective. It certainly did not take me too long to identify the range of personalities.
The novel’s title has plenty of layers of meaning, which I appreciated. Firstly, ‘hide’ refers to the characters after learning about the murder; they are all trying to protect themselves to ensure they are not the next victim. ‘Hide’ is also the construction that the characters use when watching the birds and there are many of them on the reserve. It is also where the murder takes place. Finally, the title also refers to the many secrets that the characters have, with the writer only gradually revealing them over the story. I often enjoy exploring the significance of book titles and this one was no exception.
This book is a stand-alone and it felt fresh and interesting to read. I had expected characters from Pattison’s other series to make an appearance, but this is not the case. The only crossover is that one of the characters is deaf but has high-tech implants to help with her hearing. I have always said that the writer’s presentation of this has consistently been sensitive and interesting and I think this element of Emily’s character adds an extra dimension to the plot development, particularly as she feels increasingly threatened.
If you have yet to sample any of Pattison’s writing, this is a great place to start. With plenty of questions on the perpetrator and the reasons why, this is a thrilling read with great surprises and turns along the way.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great winter read and I think it will guarantee you turning the pages in a flurry of motion that is largely absent during the Christmas period! Set on Boxing Day, a group of nature enthusiasts come together for a hike through a reserve, intent on watching the murmuration of birds as it is such a natural spectacle. However, the murder of one of the group raises suspicions and paranoia as each suspects one another. How well do they really know each other? What has led to the murder of one of their group?
What I liked about this book is how it was so difficult to foresee the perpetrator and how the truth would be revealed. Like books of a similar genre, this novel really develops the characters and I appreciated how varied they all were. At the same time, I was surprised at how Pattison makes connections between them, as revealed in the final few chapters. Such developed characterisation was a big help considering each chapter is narrated from a different perspective. It certainly did not take me too long to identify the range of personalities.
The novel’s title has plenty of layers of meaning, which I appreciated. Firstly, ‘hide’ refers to the characters after learning about the murder; they are all trying to protect themselves to ensure they are not the next victim. ‘Hide’ is also the construction that the characters use when watching the birds and there are many of them on the reserve. It is also where the murder takes place. Finally, the title also refers to the many secrets that the characters have, with the writer only gradually revealing them over the story. I often enjoy exploring the significance of book titles and this one was no exception.
This book is a stand-alone and it felt fresh and interesting to read. I had expected characters from Pattison’s other series to make an appearance, but this is not the case. The only crossover is that one of the characters is deaf but has high-tech implants to help with her hearing. I have always said that the writer’s presentation of this has consistently been sensitive and interesting and I think this element of Emily’s character adds an extra dimension to the plot development, particularly as she feels increasingly threatened.
If you have yet to sample any of Pattison’s writing, this is a great place to start. With plenty of questions on the perpetrator and the reasons why, this is a thrilling read with great surprises and turns along the way.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2022
The concept of this book sounded great to me. A group of friends goes on a hike, one of them is a killer and everyone is afraid and wants to find out who it is and what really happened. So far, so good. The execution, however, wasn't at all to my liking.
I didn't like any of the characters and couldn't conect with them. They were selfish and horrible, all with their own secrets and I wasn't rooting for any one of them. Neither the "good", nor the "bad". And throughout the story it only got worse. They also make very dumd decisions throughout the whole book.
The writing style wasn't that great as well. It took me some time to get used to that, especially with all the inner monologue that a normal person wouldn't ever have. I get that the author was trying to be extra vague to not spoil anything for the reader, but the characters were thinking about their secrets as if trying to keep them a secret from themself. If I have a dark secret I either think about it or don't.
The story isn't really suspenseful, most of the plot the characters are running through a dark forest and trying to find a way out without really being in danger, at least I didn't have the feeling that there was any real danger.
I gave one star for the reveal of the killer though, I didn't see that one coming and was happily surprised by it. It redeemed the book for me a little at last.
I didn't like any of the characters and couldn't conect with them. They were selfish and horrible, all with their own secrets and I wasn't rooting for any one of them. Neither the "good", nor the "bad". And throughout the story it only got worse. They also make very dumd decisions throughout the whole book.
The writing style wasn't that great as well. It took me some time to get used to that, especially with all the inner monologue that a normal person wouldn't ever have. I get that the author was trying to be extra vague to not spoil anything for the reader, but the characters were thinking about their secrets as if trying to keep them a secret from themself. If I have a dark secret I either think about it or don't.
The story isn't really suspenseful, most of the plot the characters are running through a dark forest and trying to find a way out without really being in danger, at least I didn't have the feeling that there was any real danger.
I gave one star for the reveal of the killer though, I didn't see that one coming and was happily surprised by it. It redeemed the book for me a little at last.
December 21, 2021
Hide by Nell Pattison is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Lauren and her younger sister Emily have been separated for 11 years. Lauren left the foster care system at 18 and ventured out on her own, and has struggled to make ends meet. Emily has recently reached out, and they are getting to know each other once again. Emily is deaf, and has developed an app to help the disabled, and she is doing quite well.
On Boxing Day, they are attending the Nature Group walk that Lauren has been a part of for a few years. Other members of the group include Morna, an older volunteer who doesn't see eye-to-eye with Lauren; Alec, who is a mid-50's know-it-all; Ben, who asked Lauren out a couple of times but is now obsessed with Emily; Kai, who is trying to fit in, but always seems to be late; and Dan, who is fairly new to the group.
On a recent get-together, Alec had a few too many drinks, and said things that the group are all thinking about. No one is real thrilled with the man right now.
Shortly after the group gets situated in various spots along the trail to watch the murmation of starlings, a shot rings out, and one of their members is dead. Is the shooter one of them, or is there someone else out there stalking them?
My Opinions:
I loved how the author alternated the chapters by character, thereby allowing the reader to know what each one was thinking. This worked really well. I had a love/hate relationship with each character. All gained depth as the story progressed, but my opinion of each really never changed from my initial thought of them.
The book is about both group and family dynamics. It is about jealousy, and trust, about secrets, and about fear. The resentment was often palpable, and although I enjoyed the tension it created, the constant "bitchiness" annoyed me.
The overall plot was great, and the way everyone's secrets were revealed was very good. Parts were a bit unbelievable, as Ben did a lot of walking around with that head wound, and of course people kept hitting him in the head -- that was a bit much. The ending, although I did not particularly like it, came as no surprise.
I did like how the author incorporated her knowledge of the deaf community into the book. I learned quite a bit.
This is the author's first stand-alone novel, and the first book of hers that I have read. I have her Paige Northwood series on my radar now..
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and her contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 20, 2021
Hide by Nell Pattison is a psychological thriller involving seven friends, Emily, Lauren, Morna, Ben, Dan, Kai and Alec who take a nature trail trip on Boxing Day and one of them winds up dead.
This is a thoroughly captivating read told from multiple perspectives. Dripping with atmosphere, there was a real feeling of unease and apprehension and felt the chills from the author's expert writing. With an exceedingly strong plot and comfortable pacing, the mystery was absorbing and compelling. There were abundant twists as the plot unfolded, and some of the characters could not be trusted. Chapter cliffhangers definitely worsened my one more chapter syndrome! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a thoroughly captivating read told from multiple perspectives. Dripping with atmosphere, there was a real feeling of unease and apprehension and felt the chills from the author's expert writing. With an exceedingly strong plot and comfortable pacing, the mystery was absorbing and compelling. There were abundant twists as the plot unfolded, and some of the characters could not be trusted. Chapter cliffhangers definitely worsened my one more chapter syndrome! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2021
Definitely a fun read,but you just have to go with the flow and not worry too much about how believable the whole thing is.
Having a deaf character,as is Pattisons norm,adds an extra element to the story that bumps up the tension.
Having a deaf character,as is Pattisons norm,adds an extra element to the story that bumps up the tension.
December 1, 2021
7 friends. 1 is a victim. 1 is a killer. The others must run….
This spine-tingling new thriller by Nell Pattison is a MUST read. Seven friends decide to meet up at the nature reserve for a Boxing Day hike. The plan is to watch the Starling murmuration but the tension among the friends increases and before the murmuration can be viewed, one of them ends up dead.
Pattison uses the atmosphere and setting to her advantage. The isolated nature reserve is closed to the public and the weather is foreboding, and this only adds to the terror when the friends sense that someone is out there in the woods with them. The novel opens with a deaf woman running through the woods at night, having lost her cochlear implant. The author successfully hooked me into this story because I could feel Emily’s fear and my heart was pounding before I even got to chapter 1! Imagine knowing that someone is after you, but you can’t hear them! It’s a locked room mystery in the sense that it’s only the 7 hikers and readers know that the victim and killer must be one of them. I loved the chance to try and solve the mystery before one of the hikers solved it. This is a murder mystery, but Pattison does such a phenomenal job crafting her characters that I got more wrapped up in the relationships between the friends than focusing on who it was. This allowed me to focus on the ‘why’ rather than the ‘who.’
There are many locked room mysteries out there, but this one rises above the rest because it focuses on the deaf community and because of the unique setting. Pattison was able to place me in the action and allow me to feel the tension and that’s an ability I admire.
The author began losing her hearing in her 20s and now teaches the deaf. The authenticity she brings to the narrative makes it successful. She deals with a crime within the deaf community with sensitivity.
Publishes December 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Nell Pattison, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This spine-tingling new thriller by Nell Pattison is a MUST read. Seven friends decide to meet up at the nature reserve for a Boxing Day hike. The plan is to watch the Starling murmuration but the tension among the friends increases and before the murmuration can be viewed, one of them ends up dead.
Pattison uses the atmosphere and setting to her advantage. The isolated nature reserve is closed to the public and the weather is foreboding, and this only adds to the terror when the friends sense that someone is out there in the woods with them. The novel opens with a deaf woman running through the woods at night, having lost her cochlear implant. The author successfully hooked me into this story because I could feel Emily’s fear and my heart was pounding before I even got to chapter 1! Imagine knowing that someone is after you, but you can’t hear them! It’s a locked room mystery in the sense that it’s only the 7 hikers and readers know that the victim and killer must be one of them. I loved the chance to try and solve the mystery before one of the hikers solved it. This is a murder mystery, but Pattison does such a phenomenal job crafting her characters that I got more wrapped up in the relationships between the friends than focusing on who it was. This allowed me to focus on the ‘why’ rather than the ‘who.’
There are many locked room mysteries out there, but this one rises above the rest because it focuses on the deaf community and because of the unique setting. Pattison was able to place me in the action and allow me to feel the tension and that’s an ability I admire.
The author began losing her hearing in her 20s and now teaches the deaf. The authenticity she brings to the narrative makes it successful. She deals with a crime within the deaf community with sensitivity.
Publishes December 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Nell Pattison, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 6, 2021
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
A fantastic winter read!
The story is told from seven points of view; with each character giving their own version of events I thought I might struggle to keep up with who was who, fortunately each character has their own individual personality (although none are particularly likeable) so this was never a problem.
Nell Pattison has succeeded in creating a fabulous, eerie, claustrophobic sense of atmosphere. The snowy setting adds to the feeling of being trapped and the tension and foreboding builds throughout.
I did find that the story became slightly repetitive, especially towards the middle of the book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I did guess some of the twists, I didn’t foresee the final reveal.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
A fantastic winter read!
The story is told from seven points of view; with each character giving their own version of events I thought I might struggle to keep up with who was who, fortunately each character has their own individual personality (although none are particularly likeable) so this was never a problem.
Nell Pattison has succeeded in creating a fabulous, eerie, claustrophobic sense of atmosphere. The snowy setting adds to the feeling of being trapped and the tension and foreboding builds throughout.
I did find that the story became slightly repetitive, especially towards the middle of the book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I did guess some of the twists, I didn’t foresee the final reveal.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
March 10, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
I really wanted to love this one more than I did. The premise is one of my favorites. An atmospheric setting (the best part of this book). A group of people stranded. A Murder(s). A plethora of secrets...its book crack for me. However, other than the atmospheric setting and murder, this was just a group of incredibly unlikable people (with secrets) running around a nature reserve at night in a snowstorm while sniping at each other. 🤷🏻♀️ As for the twist, I figured out 50% of it halfway through the book, but the last bit got me, so kudos (and a bonus star) to the author for that!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
April 8, 2022
Hide was a difficult book for me to rate. It didn’t work all that well for me. The cover is extremely enticing, and the plot sounded like one of my favourite thriller tropes – whiteout conditions. A lot of people think that the snow is this beautiful phenomenon that reminds them of Christmas time and sitting around an open fire. I, however, have always found it just a bit too scary. Imagine being caught in whiteout conditions, you can’t see anything, and someone or something could easily sneak up on you without your knowledge. Scary stuff! However, the plot was a bit flat for me.
Imagine spending Christmas with those that you love and then heading to a beautiful nature reserve to watch a starling murmuration on boxing day. Sound great, right? Seven friends decide to do just that. Laura, Emily, Dan, Ben, Morna, Alec, and Kai. You soon begin to see alliances form, but some characters can’t contain their jealousy. Laura is a character I took an instant dislike to. She has a horrible attitude to Morna and a complete god complex with the others. She must be in control and feels that only she can make decisions when things turn deadly.
Hide is a story ultimately of survival. Alec has revealed that he knows the group’s secrets, he is frustrated that the others don’t take him seriously. He plans to expose them and let the truth be known. However, before Alec can spill all that he knows he ends up murdered in one of the wildlife watching hides. Is there a madman running about the nature reserve or was it one of their own group members prepared to keep their secrets hidden? It’s from this point on that I really struggled to get through the book
The situation is dire, I think we can all agree on that point. One member of their group has been murdered in what seems like cold blood. Now if the shoe was on the other foot and I was put in that place, I wouldn’t want to split up from the group. So why on earth do they split up into two groups? Why can they not agree on getting to the visitor centre asap, instead of trying to get to the fence line of the reserve? It was a no-brainer for me, it just seemed like common sense. So much running around and dangerous behaviour could have been avoided with that simple decision-making.
Imagine spending Christmas with those that you love and then heading to a beautiful nature reserve to watch a starling murmuration on boxing day. Sound great, right? Seven friends decide to do just that. Laura, Emily, Dan, Ben, Morna, Alec, and Kai. You soon begin to see alliances form, but some characters can’t contain their jealousy. Laura is a character I took an instant dislike to. She has a horrible attitude to Morna and a complete god complex with the others. She must be in control and feels that only she can make decisions when things turn deadly.
Hide is a story ultimately of survival. Alec has revealed that he knows the group’s secrets, he is frustrated that the others don’t take him seriously. He plans to expose them and let the truth be known. However, before Alec can spill all that he knows he ends up murdered in one of the wildlife watching hides. Is there a madman running about the nature reserve or was it one of their own group members prepared to keep their secrets hidden? It’s from this point on that I really struggled to get through the book
The situation is dire, I think we can all agree on that point. One member of their group has been murdered in what seems like cold blood. Now if the shoe was on the other foot and I was put in that place, I wouldn’t want to split up from the group. So why on earth do they split up into two groups? Why can they not agree on getting to the visitor centre asap, instead of trying to get to the fence line of the reserve? It was a no-brainer for me, it just seemed like common sense. So much running around and dangerous behaviour could have been avoided with that simple decision-making.
December 5, 2021
An atmospheric chiller thriller, Hide is a well-developed and unpredictable read that will leave you feeling suspicious of everyone.
I love a thriller set in the snow, especially a locked-room thriller that is heightened by the sense of claustrophobia. Hide certainly uses its setting well and I could really picture the surroundings and feel the pressure of the high walls around this enclosure, which is exactly what I want from a book like this.
Told through seven points of view, showing the story from every perspective, this really allows you to get to know each character. Sometimes it can be confusing having so many narratives, but I instantly understood the different personalities and had no trouble remembering who was who.
I especially appreciated that one of the main characters was deaf as we don’t often see characters with disabilities in thrillers, and Pattison brilliantly describes what the experience would be like from their point of view.
Although I thought I had this story sussed out early on, only one of my predictions was close to being correct and a final twist really turns everything on its head. But while I did really enjoy this book, I never felt gripped by it which is the only thing that prevented me from loving it more. Still, I really liked Pattison’s writing and characters so I can’t read to more by her.
I love a thriller set in the snow, especially a locked-room thriller that is heightened by the sense of claustrophobia. Hide certainly uses its setting well and I could really picture the surroundings and feel the pressure of the high walls around this enclosure, which is exactly what I want from a book like this.
Told through seven points of view, showing the story from every perspective, this really allows you to get to know each character. Sometimes it can be confusing having so many narratives, but I instantly understood the different personalities and had no trouble remembering who was who.
I especially appreciated that one of the main characters was deaf as we don’t often see characters with disabilities in thrillers, and Pattison brilliantly describes what the experience would be like from their point of view.
Although I thought I had this story sussed out early on, only one of my predictions was close to being correct and a final twist really turns everything on its head. But while I did really enjoy this book, I never felt gripped by it which is the only thing that prevented me from loving it more. Still, I really liked Pattison’s writing and characters so I can’t read to more by her.
December 5, 2021
As an ecologist and bird-watcher this book had a setting that I just loved. Eerie remote wilderness… yes please. Bird nerd info… give me more. However, I really disliked many of the characters and found they lacked substance. Also, the pacing was so slow. I found myself skimming entire chapters.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for allowing me to review the arc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for allowing me to review the arc.
October 8, 2021
What an amazing book i can't believe I've had it all this time and I only just read this. Release date 9th December 2021 thanks to netgalley, Avon publishers and Nell Pattison for the advanced digital copy of hide in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
The Boxing Day hike is meant to bring their nature group together.
Emily, the sister who never lets her hearing loss hold her back. Lauren, the sister who always feels a step behind. Morna, who doesn’t get on with Lauren. Ben, whose feelings for Emily border on obsession. Dan, the quiet newcomer to the group. Kai, who isn’t just on the hike to enjoy the wildlife. And Alec, the one who knows all their secrets. 7 of them go out for this hike and not all of them return.
I loved this book truly I did. I found myself guessing throughout who the killer is they all had motive but which of them is the killer. I must say I got it wrong so wrong They all have a problem with Alec he swears he knows everyone's secrets so everybody is on edge. Alec is quiet and a watcher so he hears things others think he doesn't. I honestly found each secret to be super interesting as some are far worse than the others but are worth killing over.
Now as I was reading this I found the character Emily to be a really interesting one. She's deaf and it was so well written I thought let me check out the author as soon as I saw it was Nell Pattison I was like no wonder I love this character so much and further no wonder I love this book so much.
I found some of the scenes well written when it came to Emily one where she described running bur hearing nothing yet feeling the vibration and what a wierd sensation that Is. Even though the book is centred around the murder we are still given all of ingestion about deafness and the wider community.
This is similar when it homes to bird watching now I never thought I would be interested to read about birds but I going it fascinating. Now either Nell did some amazing research or is a bird watcher himself. It truly was so intriguing I was hooked
.
Each of the characters are so different and as to not give any spoilers away I thought I would share favourite character. I really liked Ben. He's an odd feller and has it bad got Emily. He also prime suspect in the murder. I was never convinced personally but I will leave that guessing game to you. He is clearly a socially awkward guy I just wish that more was explained about that in the book I wanted to know why he was the way he was although it reads like he's on the spectrum.
As per Nell Pattison writes like a pro with short paragraphs and amazing descriptions. He writes in a way that makes me want to be there although maybe not with a potential murderer on the loose but you get my drift his writing is second to none! Plus shortish chapters are always a bonus to me I find I read quicker when that's the case. Plus the entire event is less than 24hrs. Be warned that there are 7 characters and If you are anything like me you will mix people up as you go along and If you're not one to get confused we'll I'm jealous ahow me how
All in all a 5 star book I highly enjoyed and whole heartedly recommend! If you're alread a fan of Nrll's crime series you will enjoy seeing much as I currently do.
The Boxing Day hike is meant to bring their nature group together.
Emily, the sister who never lets her hearing loss hold her back. Lauren, the sister who always feels a step behind. Morna, who doesn’t get on with Lauren. Ben, whose feelings for Emily border on obsession. Dan, the quiet newcomer to the group. Kai, who isn’t just on the hike to enjoy the wildlife. And Alec, the one who knows all their secrets. 7 of them go out for this hike and not all of them return.
I loved this book truly I did. I found myself guessing throughout who the killer is they all had motive but which of them is the killer. I must say I got it wrong so wrong They all have a problem with Alec he swears he knows everyone's secrets so everybody is on edge. Alec is quiet and a watcher so he hears things others think he doesn't. I honestly found each secret to be super interesting as some are far worse than the others but are worth killing over.
Now as I was reading this I found the character Emily to be a really interesting one. She's deaf and it was so well written I thought let me check out the author as soon as I saw it was Nell Pattison I was like no wonder I love this character so much and further no wonder I love this book so much.
I found some of the scenes well written when it came to Emily one where she described running bur hearing nothing yet feeling the vibration and what a wierd sensation that Is. Even though the book is centred around the murder we are still given all of ingestion about deafness and the wider community.
This is similar when it homes to bird watching now I never thought I would be interested to read about birds but I going it fascinating. Now either Nell did some amazing research or is a bird watcher himself. It truly was so intriguing I was hooked
.
Each of the characters are so different and as to not give any spoilers away I thought I would share favourite character. I really liked Ben. He's an odd feller and has it bad got Emily. He also prime suspect in the murder. I was never convinced personally but I will leave that guessing game to you. He is clearly a socially awkward guy I just wish that more was explained about that in the book I wanted to know why he was the way he was although it reads like he's on the spectrum.
As per Nell Pattison writes like a pro with short paragraphs and amazing descriptions. He writes in a way that makes me want to be there although maybe not with a potential murderer on the loose but you get my drift his writing is second to none! Plus shortish chapters are always a bonus to me I find I read quicker when that's the case. Plus the entire event is less than 24hrs. Be warned that there are 7 characters and If you are anything like me you will mix people up as you go along and If you're not one to get confused we'll I'm jealous ahow me how
All in all a 5 star book I highly enjoyed and whole heartedly recommend! If you're alread a fan of Nrll's crime series you will enjoy seeing much as I currently do.
August 4, 2021
Hide By Nell Pattison
It is always great to find new Authors to add too my shelf and Nell Pattison is one such author that I will add, Hide is a claustrophobic, whodunnit of the highest order.
we follow 8 characters with the setting of the nature reserve being one of those 8 and this is what stood out for Me and made the book really work.
Seven birdwatchers enter the reserve for a Boxing Day walk to watch the starling murmuration all 7 have secrets and when one is killed the fear and paranoia and the struggle to survive the night is at the heart of this story.
Pattison tells the story by giving over a chapter to each of the seven as we get events from there POV and as the night draws in and the snow storm begins to fall the reserve takes on a character of its own giving the reader a real sense of panic and fear as our characters start to give in to that fear and the prospect of being hunted whilst trapped in acres of dense snowy marshland.
The writing is good and all the main cast has their own unique voice as we the reader try to work out whodunit.
Emily who is deaf and has a hearing aid in the form of a Cochlear is so well writing that this only adds to the tension, when ever I found Myself with this one character My heart was going ten to the dozen as she stumbles and runs through the said reserve.
The book is really held together by the writing and is very believable as each characters fear and own paranoia really ramps up the tension I also never worked out the killer or how it was done so I tip my hat to Nell Pattison.
The book is also elevated by the very last few pages of the book which I never saw coming some may not like this but I found it just clever and great writing.
This is a tight and thrilling whodunit and I loved it.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I would like to thank Netgally the Author and Avon Books UK for the ARC of Hide in return for an honest review.
It is always great to find new Authors to add too my shelf and Nell Pattison is one such author that I will add, Hide is a claustrophobic, whodunnit of the highest order.
we follow 8 characters with the setting of the nature reserve being one of those 8 and this is what stood out for Me and made the book really work.
Seven birdwatchers enter the reserve for a Boxing Day walk to watch the starling murmuration all 7 have secrets and when one is killed the fear and paranoia and the struggle to survive the night is at the heart of this story.
Pattison tells the story by giving over a chapter to each of the seven as we get events from there POV and as the night draws in and the snow storm begins to fall the reserve takes on a character of its own giving the reader a real sense of panic and fear as our characters start to give in to that fear and the prospect of being hunted whilst trapped in acres of dense snowy marshland.
The writing is good and all the main cast has their own unique voice as we the reader try to work out whodunit.
Emily who is deaf and has a hearing aid in the form of a Cochlear is so well writing that this only adds to the tension, when ever I found Myself with this one character My heart was going ten to the dozen as she stumbles and runs through the said reserve.
The book is really held together by the writing and is very believable as each characters fear and own paranoia really ramps up the tension I also never worked out the killer or how it was done so I tip my hat to Nell Pattison.
The book is also elevated by the very last few pages of the book which I never saw coming some may not like this but I found it just clever and great writing.
This is a tight and thrilling whodunit and I loved it.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I would like to thank Netgally the Author and Avon Books UK for the ARC of Hide in return for an honest review.
August 5, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the title, the snow made me request this book. 7 bird watchers(I can't say them friends) gathered on the boxing day to watch a murmuration. Lauren and Emily are sisters with a strained relationship. Morna volunteers at the centre where Lauren works and they don't get along. Alec is an old nerd who doesn't have anything in his life to do except degrade everyone. Dan is a mysterious guy who decided to join this group for unknown reasons. Ben is a guy who doesn't have any personality except he like Emily. I forgot to mention, Emily is deaf but rich and uses some latest cochlear implants. Kai is also a mysterious guy who is doing something secret. Believe me, it took me long to remember who is who and their personalities but fortunately, they didn't get any so it was not that hard.
So on the boxing day when they were ready to watch murmuration. One of them died and they decided to blame one of them without evidence and keep treating that one so badly throughout the book. There was fighting, allegation, rudeness and some bitchiness till the end. I skim read 75 % of the book because I lost interest. The background of each character was discussed so shallowly which made it so hard to feel for any of them. Everything was dragged, characters were not likeable. There were so many loopholes and the story felt forced and dull. The ending was just MEH. I don't know why I wasted my time.
I was intrigued by the title, the snow made me request this book. 7 bird watchers(I can't say them friends) gathered on the boxing day to watch a murmuration. Lauren and Emily are sisters with a strained relationship. Morna volunteers at the centre where Lauren works and they don't get along. Alec is an old nerd who doesn't have anything in his life to do except degrade everyone. Dan is a mysterious guy who decided to join this group for unknown reasons. Ben is a guy who doesn't have any personality except he like Emily. I forgot to mention, Emily is deaf but rich and uses some latest cochlear implants. Kai is also a mysterious guy who is doing something secret. Believe me, it took me long to remember who is who and their personalities but fortunately, they didn't get any so it was not that hard.
So on the boxing day when they were ready to watch murmuration. One of them died and they decided to blame one of them without evidence and keep treating that one so badly throughout the book. There was fighting, allegation, rudeness and some bitchiness till the end. I skim read 75 % of the book because I lost interest. The background of each character was discussed so shallowly which made it so hard to feel for any of them. Everything was dragged, characters were not likeable. There were so many loopholes and the story felt forced and dull. The ending was just MEH. I don't know why I wasted my time.
November 2, 2021
Discover the locations in the novel
I do enjoy these locked room type mysteries and this is no exception. This is a character based novel where seven 'friends' are in a nature reserve on Boxing Day on a nature hunt. They are bird watching and spending time in this vast wilderness. No-one else should be on the site. But then a shot rings out..
This was good. The scene setting excellent as even this is set in a fictional nature reserve, we have all been somewhere similar and it was easy to imagine the visitor centre, hides and wooded areas. One of the characters is deaf and this was a particularly interesting thread to the story. How she coped losing her hearing aid, what insight she had on the others as she could read lips and body language better than them....
The author drip feeds information about the group slowly but surely and each chapter is a different character talking about what they see, what they hear and what secrets they are hiding. There's lots of interesting threads weaving around the group as you read. Then, at the end, the author invites you to pull that thread, and one character comes closer and closer...
I really enjoyed this. Good writing, excellent pacing and insightful characterisation. The ending was twisty! Oh what a tangled web they weave these people.
That cover is just perfect for the story within.
I do enjoy these locked room type mysteries and this is no exception. This is a character based novel where seven 'friends' are in a nature reserve on Boxing Day on a nature hunt. They are bird watching and spending time in this vast wilderness. No-one else should be on the site. But then a shot rings out..
This was good. The scene setting excellent as even this is set in a fictional nature reserve, we have all been somewhere similar and it was easy to imagine the visitor centre, hides and wooded areas. One of the characters is deaf and this was a particularly interesting thread to the story. How she coped losing her hearing aid, what insight she had on the others as she could read lips and body language better than them....
The author drip feeds information about the group slowly but surely and each chapter is a different character talking about what they see, what they hear and what secrets they are hiding. There's lots of interesting threads weaving around the group as you read. Then, at the end, the author invites you to pull that thread, and one character comes closer and closer...
I really enjoyed this. Good writing, excellent pacing and insightful characterisation. The ending was twisty! Oh what a tangled web they weave these people.
That cover is just perfect for the story within.
December 8, 2021
"As I see their face turn in my direction, their eyes light on me and narrow. I feel a jolt of fear. Is this the killer? I have a horrible feeling I'm right, though I don't know why they did it, or why they're after me now. All I know is that I have to start running again."
Seven friends, all part of a walking group, head out to a remote nature reserve that's closed for the Christmas season. There is a little friction amongst them but for the most part, everything is great. Until one of them is found dead from a gun wound. Now the others don't know who to trust? Is there someone else here? Or is the killer one of them? With darkness setting in and snow about to fall, will they make it back to safety before someone else dies?
Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the seven friends. We get to see how each of them views their situation differently. At times its a little difficult to keep up with as you sometimes forget whose chapter you're reading. But it's a well set out book. Even knowing that one of the characters could be the killer, we are kept guessing right til the end. Then just when you think you have it figured out, there's more. It was a little slow to begin with but once the pace picked up it kept up the fast pace til the end. I honestly really enjoyed this one.
Yet another great read from this author.
Thank you to Avon books for gifting me an early copy of this in return for an honest review.
Would definitely recommend.
Seven friends, all part of a walking group, head out to a remote nature reserve that's closed for the Christmas season. There is a little friction amongst them but for the most part, everything is great. Until one of them is found dead from a gun wound. Now the others don't know who to trust? Is there someone else here? Or is the killer one of them? With darkness setting in and snow about to fall, will they make it back to safety before someone else dies?
Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the seven friends. We get to see how each of them views their situation differently. At times its a little difficult to keep up with as you sometimes forget whose chapter you're reading. But it's a well set out book. Even knowing that one of the characters could be the killer, we are kept guessing right til the end. Then just when you think you have it figured out, there's more. It was a little slow to begin with but once the pace picked up it kept up the fast pace til the end. I honestly really enjoyed this one.
Yet another great read from this author.
Thank you to Avon books for gifting me an early copy of this in return for an honest review.
Would definitely recommend.
July 20, 2021
Thank you so much to Nell Pattison, Netgalley and Avon for this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading many more of Nell's books.
I'm only 37% through this book so far but I am *freaking* out!! I love it! Its intense, its chilling and has me on the edge of my seat. It's like Cluedo in the swamp. I'm usually a YA kinda girl but I do love the odd thriller and this is not disappointing so far.
Back to the crime scene...
64% through and I'm not OK! I've had to turn the light on because I genuinely feel like I'm stumbling through a pitch black woods in blinding snow and trying to outrun a murderer! This book is incredible. The way it's set out with each chapter written from a different character's point of view is perfect but the level of description and character depth really brings it to life. I'm right there beside them. I'm scared, I'm cold and I just want to be out of these woods and safe.
OK, I'm done and boy, Did I not see that coming! I was close to guessing one secret but the rest was a total shock which I love. There's nothing worse than guessing the ending half way through so this was perfect because I was waaay off.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller, a game of Cluedo, or Mark Edwards' books.
I'm only 37% through this book so far but I am *freaking* out!! I love it! Its intense, its chilling and has me on the edge of my seat. It's like Cluedo in the swamp. I'm usually a YA kinda girl but I do love the odd thriller and this is not disappointing so far.
Back to the crime scene...
64% through and I'm not OK! I've had to turn the light on because I genuinely feel like I'm stumbling through a pitch black woods in blinding snow and trying to outrun a murderer! This book is incredible. The way it's set out with each chapter written from a different character's point of view is perfect but the level of description and character depth really brings it to life. I'm right there beside them. I'm scared, I'm cold and I just want to be out of these woods and safe.
OK, I'm done and boy, Did I not see that coming! I was close to guessing one secret but the rest was a total shock which I love. There's nothing worse than guessing the ending half way through so this was perfect because I was waaay off.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller, a game of Cluedo, or Mark Edwards' books.
July 24, 2021
I really really really enjoyed this book. I probably would have picked it up in a book shop as the cover was eye catching and bought it. This is a first Nell Pattison book for me but won’t be my last!
I love reading books where the characters have a chapter on their own, and this book was written from the perspective of each character. It was well written and each character had their own voice. It also made me want to read faster to get back to that character.
Each character has their own hidden secrets which could point any of them to the murderer; and a reason to “shut up” the victim.
I predicted some of the outcomes.
I thought the setting was a great place to have a ‘who done it’ and you literally felt you were walking around the reserve with the characters and wanted to run for it, I’d have definitely been tripped over some of those tree stumps in the snow.
I really enjoyed the book and devoured it in two evenings. I will definitely read more of Nell’s books.
Thank you Net Galley for an advance copy and the publisher.
I love reading books where the characters have a chapter on their own, and this book was written from the perspective of each character. It was well written and each character had their own voice. It also made me want to read faster to get back to that character.
Each character has their own hidden secrets which could point any of them to the murderer; and a reason to “shut up” the victim.
I predicted some of the outcomes.
I thought the setting was a great place to have a ‘who done it’ and you literally felt you were walking around the reserve with the characters and wanted to run for it, I’d have definitely been tripped over some of those tree stumps in the snow.
I really enjoyed the book and devoured it in two evenings. I will definitely read more of Nell’s books.
Thank you Net Galley for an advance copy and the publisher.
January 13, 2022
I was really torn between whether to go for 4 stars or 4.5 stars for this one, as I can't add half stars in here, I've put it as 4 but it was definitely a high 4.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and you know that each person has something to hide, you're just not sure what it is or who to trust. While reading I was transported to my local nature reserve and could imagine how terrifying it would be to stuck there, after dark in the snow. Add to that a deaf character and it bumps up the chill factor again.
I did struggle at first with so many characters, usually with so many I would have to write down who was who but they were all so different that it didn't take me long to get the hang of the different voices.
There were a number of twists, I did predict one of them, but the ending was still a shocker to me.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and you know that each person has something to hide, you're just not sure what it is or who to trust. While reading I was transported to my local nature reserve and could imagine how terrifying it would be to stuck there, after dark in the snow. Add to that a deaf character and it bumps up the chill factor again.
I did struggle at first with so many characters, usually with so many I would have to write down who was who but they were all so different that it didn't take me long to get the hang of the different voices.
There were a number of twists, I did predict one of them, but the ending was still a shocker to me.
October 30, 2021
This was a fun and really quick thriller to read.
The plot of this book wasn't particularly original or creative but nonetheless it was an enjoyable read.
The atmosphere was my favourite thing about this book. It was very creepy and claustrophobic, which I loved.
The writing was good. It was a very quick and engaging story to read.
The twists were questionable and a really bit far fetched but I definitely didn't see them coming.
The characters were annoying. I didn't really care for any of them.
As with all Nell's books, I like the deaf representative. It's great to see this important representation in thrillers.
Overall, a fun and twisty read but definitely not the best thriller out there
TW: murder, death and violence
The plot of this book wasn't particularly original or creative but nonetheless it was an enjoyable read.
The atmosphere was my favourite thing about this book. It was very creepy and claustrophobic, which I loved.
The writing was good. It was a very quick and engaging story to read.
The twists were questionable and a really bit far fetched but I definitely didn't see them coming.
The characters were annoying. I didn't really care for any of them.
As with all Nell's books, I like the deaf representative. It's great to see this important representation in thrillers.
Overall, a fun and twisty read but definitely not the best thriller out there
TW: murder, death and violence
November 28, 2021
Hide was the perfect title for this novel. Its was quickly evident that it wasn’t just about everyone was hiding something. But also the place this mystery suspense takes place. How brilliant and every person was mysterious.
This was in my opinion well thought out. Lots of lurking around every corner, wondering what the heck was going on.
This was a new author to me and I’ve really enjoyed this. I recommend it and I chose to listen to this book on audio. To many narrators to mention but the were awesome. 7, yes seven narrators and it was 9 hours and 56 minutes long.
Thanks Avon via Netgalley.
This was in my opinion well thought out. Lots of lurking around every corner, wondering what the heck was going on.
This was a new author to me and I’ve really enjoyed this. I recommend it and I chose to listen to this book on audio. To many narrators to mention but the were awesome. 7, yes seven narrators and it was 9 hours and 56 minutes long.
Thanks Avon via Netgalley.
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