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Ready or Not
The incredible thriller you won’t be able to put down from the Top 10 Sunday Times bestselling author
A happy family…
Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all – a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice, a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career – a serial killer in their town.
A murderer lurking in the shadows…
Very quickly though, the murder case takes its toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter just won’t stop crying. And sometimes it feels almost as if they’re being followed…
Not everyone will live to tell the tale…
The killer has found a new family to target. And the clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever.
‘Captured me from the beginning and refused to let go’
‘Completely addictive!’
‘Could not put this down!’
‘This book took many turns that I did not expect’
‘This book had suspense, intrigue, action, and a great who done it’
‘A well-written and twisty thriller that had me guessing to the end’
‘Great characters and lots of twists along the way’
‘A thrilling story that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion’
‘The pace just seemed to grow and grow with unexpected twists and turns throughout’
‘If you guess the outcome early on, very well done!’
‘A fast paced shocker, with a thrilling edge of your seat ending’
‘A brilliantly written book that will satisfy any reader of this genre’
‘Not all is as it seems in this immersive psychological suspense’
‘A fast paced thriller that keeps the pages turning’
‘I cannot praise this book enough!’
A happy family…
Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all – a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice, a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career – a serial killer in their town.
A murderer lurking in the shadows…
Very quickly though, the murder case takes its toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter just won’t stop crying. And sometimes it feels almost as if they’re being followed…
Not everyone will live to tell the tale…
The killer has found a new family to target. And the clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever.
‘Captured me from the beginning and refused to let go’
‘Completely addictive!’
‘Could not put this down!’
‘This book took many turns that I did not expect’
‘This book had suspense, intrigue, action, and a great who done it’
‘A well-written and twisty thriller that had me guessing to the end’
‘Great characters and lots of twists along the way’
‘A thrilling story that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion’
‘The pace just seemed to grow and grow with unexpected twists and turns throughout’
‘If you guess the outcome early on, very well done!’
‘A fast paced shocker, with a thrilling edge of your seat ending’
‘A brilliantly written book that will satisfy any reader of this genre’
‘Not all is as it seems in this immersive psychological suspense’
‘A fast paced thriller that keeps the pages turning’
‘I cannot praise this book enough!’
Audible Audio
First published October 14, 2021
164 people are currently reading
1793 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lake
14 books898 followersAlex Lake is a British novelist who was born in the North West of England. After Anna, the author’s first novel written under this pseudonym, was a No.1 bestselling ebook sensation and a top-ten Sunday Times bestseller. The author now lives in the North East of the US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
January 4, 2022
I hope this book isn't any inclination as to how my 2022 reading year is going to go. 🙁
Alice and Tom Sark are happily married. He an engineer and she a journalist. They have a five month old daughter, Joanna, that seems to cry all day and night leaving both parents exhausted and stressed out.
Alice is about to get the gig of a lifetime when she's asked to cover the Crucifix Killer murders. This could lead to a book deal some day which could change their life dramatically. Even though the killer has taken a personal interest in her and her family, and even though her husband thinks it's a terrible idea to taunt a serial killer, Alice is determined to follow this case through to the very end.
Meanwhile random bruises have been appearing on baby Joanna leaving their pediatrician as well as themselves wondering who is doing this to their precious little girl.
We go back and forth in time with the present events and the past as Alice was traveling around Europe with friends in her twenties until the plot lines come together to bring us to the mostamazing asinine conclusion.
If this book has taught me anything it is that I am going to be much more selective in my reviewing requests this year. Poorly plotted and absolutely absurd are perfect descriptors of this book. If you are going to write a story about a serial killer then you had better make damn sure that the killer is both complex and interesting but here we have the dull, moustache twirling cartoon style villain that only makes my eyes roll. There were no thrills, chills, and suspense because you (I) could tell right from the beginning that this book was going to be a hot mess but I persevered because I didn't want to DNF my first book of the year. That leaves me both proud and disappointed in myself all at once. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for my complimentary copy.
Alice and Tom Sark are happily married. He an engineer and she a journalist. They have a five month old daughter, Joanna, that seems to cry all day and night leaving both parents exhausted and stressed out.
Alice is about to get the gig of a lifetime when she's asked to cover the Crucifix Killer murders. This could lead to a book deal some day which could change their life dramatically. Even though the killer has taken a personal interest in her and her family, and even though her husband thinks it's a terrible idea to taunt a serial killer, Alice is determined to follow this case through to the very end.
Meanwhile random bruises have been appearing on baby Joanna leaving their pediatrician as well as themselves wondering who is doing this to their precious little girl.
We go back and forth in time with the present events and the past as Alice was traveling around Europe with friends in her twenties until the plot lines come together to bring us to the most
If this book has taught me anything it is that I am going to be much more selective in my reviewing requests this year. Poorly plotted and absolutely absurd are perfect descriptors of this book. If you are going to write a story about a serial killer then you had better make damn sure that the killer is both complex and interesting but here we have the dull, moustache twirling cartoon style villain that only makes my eyes roll. There were no thrills, chills, and suspense because you (I) could tell right from the beginning that this book was going to be a hot mess but I persevered because I didn't want to DNF my first book of the year. That leaves me both proud and disappointed in myself all at once. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for my complimentary copy.
March 21, 2023
This is a psychological thriller. I found this thriller to be just ok. I think I would love it more if I did not see all the reveals way before the twists was revealed. I guessed who did it after reading only about 25% of the book. The characters of this book was good. I did not hate the writing or the characters. I just saw everything that was happening in this book way before anything was revealed. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (HarperCollins) or author (Alex Lake) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 14, 2021
Ready or Not?
I sure as heck was not ready for this one! Ready or Not, is absolutely mind blowing! Filled with twists and turns at every corner, the suspense kept me going early into the wee hours . I read this novel in one sitting, yes, it was THAT good!
Alex Lake has a captivating writing style that will instantly pull you in on page one. The twist at the end is not one you will not see coming and really pulls everything together.
5 stars!
I sure as heck was not ready for this one! Ready or Not, is absolutely mind blowing! Filled with twists and turns at every corner, the suspense kept me going early into the wee hours . I read this novel in one sitting, yes, it was THAT good!
Alex Lake has a captivating writing style that will instantly pull you in on page one. The twist at the end is not one you will not see coming and really pulls everything together.
5 stars!
October 12, 2021
Alice and om Sark seem to have it all - a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous new baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice. a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career - a serial killer in their town. Very quickly the murder case takes it's toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter won't stop crying. And somehow it feels like they are being followed. The clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever.
Alice and Tom are happily married and they have a baby daughter called Jo. Jo doesn't sleep well and has her parents up most of the night. But things take a turn for the worst when Alice investigates the case of a serial killer and the couple start arguing. Alice writes a column about the information she has on the serial killer who then sends a letter to Alice. Tom worries about their safety but he does not realise how much danger they are in.
What a fast paced read with plenty of twists this was. This is a gripping, well written, page turner. The tension builds with every page turn. The characters are well developed and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #AlexLake for my arc of #ReadyOrNot in exchange for an honest review.
Alice and Tom are happily married and they have a baby daughter called Jo. Jo doesn't sleep well and has her parents up most of the night. But things take a turn for the worst when Alice investigates the case of a serial killer and the couple start arguing. Alice writes a column about the information she has on the serial killer who then sends a letter to Alice. Tom worries about their safety but he does not realise how much danger they are in.
What a fast paced read with plenty of twists this was. This is a gripping, well written, page turner. The tension builds with every page turn. The characters are well developed and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #AlexLake for my arc of #ReadyOrNot in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
Ready or Not by Alex Lake
I give this book 4.5 stars
Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all. The perfect marriage,baby and life. Then Alice a journalist , starts investigating a story - a serial killer operating in her hometown.
But the serial killer turns their attention towards Alice. And the nightmare truly starts.…….
With a mix of several narrators and past and present timelines,this fast paced and gripping thriller had me hooked from the start.Excellent writing style AND storyline,combined with twists and turns make it a highly addictive and tense read.l had to pick this book up every time l had a minute to spare it was that good!!
With thanks to Netgalley,Alex Lake and Harper Collins UK for my chance to read and review this book
December 12, 2021
I selected "READY OR NOT" because I was "READY" to enjoy another 5-star book by Alex Lake.
Unfortunately, "READY OR NOT" was a "NOT" for me.
I listened to the first 5 chapters before returning the book to Audible.
Life is too short to listen to 1-star books.
Alex Lake is a talented writer so I am not sure what happened. Alex Lake's "THE CHOICE "(released in 2020) was a 5-star read for me and, to date, is my favorite title by this author.
The narration, BTW, was awful. There are some 5-star reviews for "READY OR NOT" so perhaps the e-book is the way to go.
Unfortunately, "READY OR NOT" was a "NOT" for me.
I listened to the first 5 chapters before returning the book to Audible.
Life is too short to listen to 1-star books.
Alex Lake is a talented writer so I am not sure what happened. Alex Lake's "THE CHOICE "(released in 2020) was a 5-star read for me and, to date, is my favorite title by this author.
The narration, BTW, was awful. There are some 5-star reviews for "READY OR NOT" so perhaps the e-book is the way to go.
October 30, 2021
Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all! A great marriage and a beautiful baby. Also Alice is a journalist and has been assigned to a major story of a serial killer that is operating in her hometown. Soon after things start to fall apart for Alice. Alice and Tom begin fighting and their baby starts to have some issues also. And the worst part is that the serial killer is now taken an interest in Alice!
A thrilling story from Alex Lake! I really found this one to be very entertaining. The author used a past and present timeline which kept me engaged all the way until the end. I can highly recommend READY OR NOT, if you are looking for a fast paced, entertaining read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins 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.
A thrilling story from Alex Lake! I really found this one to be very entertaining. The author used a past and present timeline which kept me engaged all the way until the end. I can highly recommend READY OR NOT, if you are looking for a fast paced, entertaining read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins 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.
May 18, 2022
https://www.goodreads.cReady Or Not is my first book by Alex Lake and I wonder how I didn’t find her sooner. Thank Goodness I was prowling around NetGalley one day and came across it. I see more of her books in my future, because I love a fast paced novel that delivers a punch.
Looking at the cover, I am rubbing my hands in glee, so happy to have this book from NetGalley and Harper Collins. OMG! If that Prologue doesn’t make someone sit up and take notice, I don’t know what will. Who is it? Which one? That is my question.
A feeling of eerie, insidious danger immediately came over me and I wonder…
Stan Davidson strives to be liked and accepted, even if he has to pay for it. He won’t have to worry any more. He is Victim #1…or is he? And the chase is on.
I have a ton of notes, but I will be editing them down. I do love a great serial killer novel and I sure don’t want to ruin it for anyone else.
We have suspects and, ya never know, sociopaths and psychopaths could be your next door neighbor. They have learned to hide in plain sight, blend in with the rest of us. I have my eye on one person in particular and would be very disappointed if I misread ???. I don’t want it to be that person. I am about halfway through and I cannot outright share what I am thinking, because well if I am right, I could spoil things, so now I’m done talking about who and why and will share my feelings.
I see that red herring Alex Lake is throwing at me, but I also see the killer. I’m just not sure how many will go down before they are caught. I also like the reality of face masks being mentioned. Adds one of those extra touches that makes the story read as if it is real.
OK Alex, you have my full, undivided attention, even though it is football Saturday. I have to know the end…and right now. Please don’t kill off that character I see rising to the occasion. I couldn’t put Ready Or Not down. The more I read, the faster I read. I have found a new author for my favorites list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Ready Or Not by Alex Lake,
Looking at the cover, I am rubbing my hands in glee, so happy to have this book from NetGalley and Harper Collins. OMG! If that Prologue doesn’t make someone sit up and take notice, I don’t know what will. Who is it? Which one? That is my question.
A feeling of eerie, insidious danger immediately came over me and I wonder…
Stan Davidson strives to be liked and accepted, even if he has to pay for it. He won’t have to worry any more. He is Victim #1…or is he? And the chase is on.
I have a ton of notes, but I will be editing them down. I do love a great serial killer novel and I sure don’t want to ruin it for anyone else.
We have suspects and, ya never know, sociopaths and psychopaths could be your next door neighbor. They have learned to hide in plain sight, blend in with the rest of us. I have my eye on one person in particular and would be very disappointed if I misread ???. I don’t want it to be that person. I am about halfway through and I cannot outright share what I am thinking, because well if I am right, I could spoil things, so now I’m done talking about who and why and will share my feelings.
I see that red herring Alex Lake is throwing at me, but I also see the killer. I’m just not sure how many will go down before they are caught. I also like the reality of face masks being mentioned. Adds one of those extra touches that makes the story read as if it is real.
OK Alex, you have my full, undivided attention, even though it is football Saturday. I have to know the end…and right now. Please don’t kill off that character I see rising to the occasion. I couldn’t put Ready Or Not down. The more I read, the faster I read. I have found a new author for my favorites list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Ready Or Not by Alex Lake,
January 23, 2022
This one hooked me from the first couple chapters. A journalist gets assigned to a case on a serial killer. Instantly intriguing. I strapped in for the surely wild and spooky ride ahead.
There were some unfortunate plot holes and a few of the characters were rather weak, especially the serial killer which really took from this story. Still, I found myself enjoying the twists and questioning the outcome. All in all, a decent read.
There were some unfortunate plot holes and a few of the characters were rather weak, especially the serial killer which really took from this story. Still, I found myself enjoying the twists and questioning the outcome. All in all, a decent read.
April 24, 2022
[3 stars]
Not my first book by Alex Lake and most likely not the last either. Although this one did not really grab me. The story was a bit overdone but I must admit that I did not see the final few twists. I just did not care for either the story nor the characters very much.
Not my first book by Alex Lake and most likely not the last either. Although this one did not really grab me. The story was a bit overdone but I must admit that I did not see the final few twists. I just did not care for either the story nor the characters very much.
October 1, 2021
I was waiting for a new Alex Lake book to come out soon as I really enjoyed his previous ones and was so curious where is he taking us now with his stories.
And this one hasn’t disappoint at all! I got so engrossed in the game and time lines and different characters voices between now and then, the past and all the secrets they tried to hide for far too long.
Once Alice starts to investigate the murders that hit too close to home, everything changes and nothing is what it seems anymore.
Ready or not, this gripping story is a must read for any thriller lovers.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
And this one hasn’t disappoint at all! I got so engrossed in the game and time lines and different characters voices between now and then, the past and all the secrets they tried to hide for far too long.
Once Alice starts to investigate the murders that hit too close to home, everything changes and nothing is what it seems anymore.
Ready or not, this gripping story is a must read for any thriller lovers.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
October 12, 2021
This is a good read.
Alice is a journalist and is struggling to cope with a baby who is not sleeping well at night.
Her husband Tom is trying to support her but is also suffering from lack of sleep.
Alice gets inside information on some murders that have been committed and ensures she’s first to release the story.
The killer doesn’t like the articles and writes letters to Alice directly, warning her to stop writing or they will harm her and her family.
I did guess the identity of the killer mainly due to the back story that was written in between present day chapters.
I really enjoyed seeing how it all unfolded though.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Alice is a journalist and is struggling to cope with a baby who is not sleeping well at night.
Her husband Tom is trying to support her but is also suffering from lack of sleep.
Alice gets inside information on some murders that have been committed and ensures she’s first to release the story.
The killer doesn’t like the articles and writes letters to Alice directly, warning her to stop writing or they will harm her and her family.
I did guess the identity of the killer mainly due to the back story that was written in between present day chapters.
I really enjoyed seeing how it all unfolded though.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 29, 2021
Woah, how did I not see that coming, I had some half inklings but my brain couldn't connect the dots, whereas what was actually written was fantastic.
Once again Alex Lake has written a truly addictive and chilling story, that had me jumpy when a phone rang while reading it, as I had totally forgotten I was due a supermarket delivery, I was that addicted to the pages and finding out just what happened.
And well this is definitely one of those books where if I say anything at all about the plot or characters there is a chance of me accidentally giving spoilers.
What I think its safe to say it that someone really doesn't like babies, you aren't sure who but there are right from the start occasional chapters with thoughts about babies. And there is other rather key baby in the story which I spent the whole book fearing for.
Loads of short chapters make this rather easy to read, but do remember to notice which character is heading the chapter, and also the time line, just to avoid confusion, as there is a lot going on, and it all fits together so so well.
Another enthralling book from one of my favourite psychological crime authors that kept me guessing and on tenterhooks right up until the last few pages.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Once again Alex Lake has written a truly addictive and chilling story, that had me jumpy when a phone rang while reading it, as I had totally forgotten I was due a supermarket delivery, I was that addicted to the pages and finding out just what happened.
And well this is definitely one of those books where if I say anything at all about the plot or characters there is a chance of me accidentally giving spoilers.
What I think its safe to say it that someone really doesn't like babies, you aren't sure who but there are right from the start occasional chapters with thoughts about babies. And there is other rather key baby in the story which I spent the whole book fearing for.
Loads of short chapters make this rather easy to read, but do remember to notice which character is heading the chapter, and also the time line, just to avoid confusion, as there is a lot going on, and it all fits together so so well.
Another enthralling book from one of my favourite psychological crime authors that kept me guessing and on tenterhooks right up until the last few pages.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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December 28, 2021Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC!
Well, I don't really know where to begin with this one. I have to say that this book was a VERY fast read for me. It had short chapters, flowed nicely, and it was hard to put down. The story kept me engrossed and it was a very dark read, which I usually like anyway. We follow the Starks, Alice and her husband, Tom as well as their infant daughter, Jo. Alice is a journalist, and is writing articles about a possible serial killer in the community, and actually starts to communicate with them. I have to say that I have read a lot of dark thrillers, and have come across some pretty messed up characters, but Alice, wow, she is definitely in the top 10 list of incomprehensible, sick, twisty characters ever for me. I loved the back and forth timelines in this book, and it never got hard to understand what was going on within each timeline. About 80% into the book, though, is when things finally started to pull together. Turns out, I had guessed who the "bad guy" was earlier in the book, so wasn't a huge shocker for me. The ending was pretty unrealistic, hence my 3 star rating. I am having a hard time with the 3 stars, not sure I should be giving it a higher rating, but it definitely isn't quite a 4 star read for me. This one is worth checking out if you like dark thrillers and a fast, easy read. The ending just didn't leave me "wowed" like I had hoped. But nonetheless, I enjoyed it.
Well, I don't really know where to begin with this one. I have to say that this book was a VERY fast read for me. It had short chapters, flowed nicely, and it was hard to put down. The story kept me engrossed and it was a very dark read, which I usually like anyway. We follow the Starks, Alice and her husband, Tom as well as their infant daughter, Jo. Alice is a journalist, and is writing articles about a possible serial killer in the community, and actually starts to communicate with them. I have to say that I have read a lot of dark thrillers, and have come across some pretty messed up characters, but Alice, wow, she is definitely in the top 10 list of incomprehensible, sick, twisty characters ever for me. I loved the back and forth timelines in this book, and it never got hard to understand what was going on within each timeline. About 80% into the book, though, is when things finally started to pull together. Turns out, I had guessed who the "bad guy" was earlier in the book, so wasn't a huge shocker for me. The ending was pretty unrealistic, hence my 3 star rating. I am having a hard time with the 3 stars, not sure I should be giving it a higher rating, but it definitely isn't quite a 4 star read for me. This one is worth checking out if you like dark thrillers and a fast, easy read. The ending just didn't leave me "wowed" like I had hoped. But nonetheless, I enjoyed it.
February 5, 2024
This was a good/enjoyable book to read! I guessed the main plot about 2/3 of the way through but couldn’t wait to see how it would all unfold - overall a good book!
June 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book but however I think that the twist was revealed too early and as a result, the ending felt rushed which left me with more questions than answers. If only the author waited a little more before revealing the killer. Despite all this, I think that I would like to give this author's works another try in the future.
December 28, 2021
I read this in two days & if uninterrupted I probably could’ve read it in one ..because it was good! And wanted to know who the killer was, of course 😉
Trying to think how to write this review because although there were some things that could use improvement I did really like this book & I would absolutely recommend it. Kind of sort of a Criminal Minds vibe. I think overall it was well written & I enjoyed the storyline. Super short run down on what it’s about, a serial killer is on the loose & Alice a journalist has picked up on it to write about the murders. Only problem is she’s potentially risking hers and her family’s safety. For the most part the story alternates between Alice & her husband Tom.
What I liked & I thought was unique was there were some chapters told from the perspective of the person being killed.
The things that I thought could be better was some of the dialogue was cheesy. One perfect example was when Alice was in the killers radar the detective asked if she was scared, it just sounded kind of dumb...”are you scared?”. It had me laughing because it didn’t sound serious. Like bad acting. Or there were some conversations that were kind of ridiculous that realistically wouldn’t be a conversation two strangers would have with each other, like asking random questions that were private, something you don’t just blurt out.
My two other turnoffs but definitely not something to discourage reading the book was that for me I thought it was kind of obvious early on who the villain was. The other was that the author had to throw in some Covid references here & there (masks, etc). Bleh I don’t wanna read about covid, ever!
OH and without me including spoilers don’t get me started on Tom’s brother Roland & his part in the story😂🤣
Read this it’s good!! I personally couldn’t & didn’t wanna put it down 🤗 3-1/2 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher Harper 360 for the opportunity to read an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for a review. Always appreciative!
Trying to think how to write this review because although there were some things that could use improvement I did really like this book & I would absolutely recommend it. Kind of sort of a Criminal Minds vibe. I think overall it was well written & I enjoyed the storyline. Super short run down on what it’s about, a serial killer is on the loose & Alice a journalist has picked up on it to write about the murders. Only problem is she’s potentially risking hers and her family’s safety. For the most part the story alternates between Alice & her husband Tom.
What I liked & I thought was unique was there were some chapters told from the perspective of the person being killed.
The things that I thought could be better was some of the dialogue was cheesy. One perfect example was when Alice was in the killers radar the detective asked if she was scared, it just sounded kind of dumb...”are you scared?”. It had me laughing because it didn’t sound serious. Like bad acting. Or there were some conversations that were kind of ridiculous that realistically wouldn’t be a conversation two strangers would have with each other, like asking random questions that were private, something you don’t just blurt out.
My two other turnoffs but definitely not something to discourage reading the book was that for me I thought it was kind of obvious early on who the villain was. The other was that the author had to throw in some Covid references here & there (masks, etc). Bleh I don’t wanna read about covid, ever!
OH and without me including spoilers don’t get me started on Tom’s brother Roland & his part in the story😂🤣
Read this it’s good!! I personally couldn’t & didn’t wanna put it down 🤗 3-1/2 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher Harper 360 for the opportunity to read an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for a review. Always appreciative!
December 10, 2021
I was not prepared for the major revelation at the end. One of the character is so vile, it will twist your stomach. I’m glad this book is fiction because it’s unnerving. Psychopaths are out there and come in every variety imaginable. Thanks to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the early read.
February 1, 2023
I had so much fun reading this one! It’s a bit of a chunky monkey but the chapters are short and the pacing kept me flipping the pages until the end. Tom and Alice are on the struggle bus with their new baby who doesn’t sleep through the night. They’re working as a team but the lack of sleep is getting to Tom. Alice is running on adrenaline as the lead reporter on a local serial killer story that is terrorizing their town. As Alice gets more personal in her stories, the serial killer takes an interest in her. Tom is beside himself, between the sleep deprivation and his fear for his family’s safety, he begins to spiral. A dangerous game of cat and mouse develops, will the police catch this evil killer before the killer takes his revenge on Alice? Thank you Netgalley, HarperCollins Publishing and the author for this Advanced Reviewer Copy in exchange for my honest opinions. Available now
October 3, 2022
So this is a book thats been on my TBR for quite a while. Ive been told numerous times how good it was and how i should read it and i did finally pick it up.
My reading relationship with Alex Lake is a strange one. Some books i absolutely love, some i have to admit dont do it as much for ne. This one however was brilliant . I literally couldnt put it down, apart from when it got super late and i told myself i had to go to bed, because you know, school runs, kids! But i was straight back to it as soon as i could be and i flew through it. I was on the edge of my seat, and that twist, just wow. Absolutely loved this and advise you all to bump it up that list, just like i should have done ages ago
My reading relationship with Alex Lake is a strange one. Some books i absolutely love, some i have to admit dont do it as much for ne. This one however was brilliant . I literally couldnt put it down, apart from when it got super late and i told myself i had to go to bed, because you know, school runs, kids! But i was straight back to it as soon as i could be and i flew through it. I was on the edge of my seat, and that twist, just wow. Absolutely loved this and advise you all to bump it up that list, just like i should have done ages ago
November 18, 2021
Wow! Second book finished today and my gosh was it fabulous!
I’ve read Alex Lake novels before, the first was Seven Days which made me fall in love with this authors writing.
They have a slight edge to them and are slightly more sadistic than other psychological and crime thrillers. He blurs the edges of what is acceptable and really pushes boundaries.
There were intermediate chapters that really made me nervous, if you have read the book you’ll know why but those chapters really were chilling and hard to read.
The plot for this novel was complex to say the least but was perfectly executed with everything tied up by the end.
An absolutely phenomenal novel!
January 6, 2022
I have read all of the books this author has written, and was so excited to read this new one. At first I thought that I could tell from the very beginning what was happening, and then, right before the author revealed the twist, I realized that it was something very different than I had thought. Once again, this author changed things around and made them so much more dangerous and scary. To me, that is a sign of a good author. To lead you in one direction only to find that there is so much more going on than meets the eye. Thanks, NetGalley and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to read this book
January 7, 2023
A gripping thriller which kept me guessing throughout, Ready Or Not is definitely a thriller that I was not READY for. Full of suspense, the twists were completely unexpected, and each took me by surprise.
However, there is so much talk about harming babies that I really couldn't get passed this. It's one thing I hate reading about in stories, and it happened too often for me to blank out such comments, so this did alter my opinion somewhat.
However, there is so much talk about harming babies that I really couldn't get passed this. It's one thing I hate reading about in stories, and it happened too often for me to blank out such comments, so this did alter my opinion somewhat.
November 9, 2021
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Harper360 and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Alex Lake does a wonderful job with alternative time lines in Ready or Not.
Alex Lake does a wonderful job with alternative time lines in Ready or Not.
December 13, 2022
Alex Lake who has recently become one of my favourite authors, dishes up another belter of a book. Gripping from the start with a fantastic plot and an edge of your seat thriller. Thoroughly recommended.
January 13, 2022
Started off ok and then just got ridiculous. laughable in fact. Wish I'd not bothered. Previous books were so much better. Easy to read is the only positive.
December 14, 2023
- Rating: 4/5
- Trigger warnings: death, murder, child harm, drug use, alcohol.
- Blurb: What would you do if there was a serial killer on the loose, and they chose your wife to be their communication to the police? This tells the story of a family’s struggle and fear while dealing with the ‘Crucifix Killer’.
- Read if: You enjoy fast paced books, plot twists, true crime.
- Avoid if: You aren’t okay with mild/moderate child harm, drug use, murder.
- Favorite Quote: “She could only imagine what Ned’s mum had put up with. The moodiness, the tears, the pathetic, heartbroken, lovelorn wet blanket of a son.” I don’t know why but calling him a wet blanket made me giggle.
- Words I learned: Intransigence. Vertiginous. Scree. Prosaic.
- Final thoughts: This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a super fast paced book, which I love in thrillers. I guessed the twist a page before it happened, but it was so fun going through theories in my head. This was my first Alex Lake book, but certainly won’t be my last. I’m excited to read more by them!
-Playlist
- No Body, No Crime by Taylor Swift
- Mad Woman by Taylor Swift
- abcdefu (angrier) by GAYLE
- Dark Red by Steve Lacy
- I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift
- Trigger warnings: death, murder, child harm, drug use, alcohol.
- Blurb: What would you do if there was a serial killer on the loose, and they chose your wife to be their communication to the police? This tells the story of a family’s struggle and fear while dealing with the ‘Crucifix Killer’.
- Read if: You enjoy fast paced books, plot twists, true crime.
- Avoid if: You aren’t okay with mild/moderate child harm, drug use, murder.
- Favorite Quote: “She could only imagine what Ned’s mum had put up with. The moodiness, the tears, the pathetic, heartbroken, lovelorn wet blanket of a son.” I don’t know why but calling him a wet blanket made me giggle.
- Words I learned: Intransigence. Vertiginous. Scree. Prosaic.
- Final thoughts: This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a super fast paced book, which I love in thrillers. I guessed the twist a page before it happened, but it was so fun going through theories in my head. This was my first Alex Lake book, but certainly won’t be my last. I’m excited to read more by them!
-Playlist
- No Body, No Crime by Taylor Swift
- Mad Woman by Taylor Swift
- abcdefu (angrier) by GAYLE
- Dark Red by Steve Lacy
- I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift
January 6, 2022
What a wild ride this was. This book follows a couple, Alice and Tom, who seem to have a perfect marriage and life, with their baby daughter Jo, who they love despite her not sleeping. When Alice starts investigating and writing about a serial killer in their hometown, things start to get tense. Especially when they set their sights in Alice.
This was fast-paced and a quick read. The narrative alternates between characters and timelines, but I didn't find it difficult to follow. The building tension and twists kept me engaged, however, I did predict a lot of what was going to happen. It was still a fun ride, and was thrilling and entertaining enough for me to want to pick it up every chance I got and finish it.
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was fast-paced and a quick read. The narrative alternates between characters and timelines, but I didn't find it difficult to follow. The building tension and twists kept me engaged, however, I did predict a lot of what was going to happen. It was still a fun ride, and was thrilling and entertaining enough for me to want to pick it up every chance I got and finish it.
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2024
Wow just wow, I swear this author just gets better and better, she really knows how to captivate her readers and keep them glued to the pages in eager anticipation as to what will happen next.
This was a great story, full on entertainment and intense gripping moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it, thought it was excellently well written, and the characters were well developed and realistic. There was a couple of red herrings thrown into the story, which kept you guessing, like literally guessing all the way through the story, trying to figure things out.
There is so much more that I could say about this story but I won’t as I’ll be heading into spoiler alert territory which would not be fair on those that read my reviews.
The story definitely had unique elements, as in ones that are not regularly coming up in stories already out in the world, which is a good thing, as sometimes you do come across a lot of the same story lines at times.
So readers out there, if you have not come across Alex Lake books before, then do give them a try as I can not recommend them enough, they are soooooo darn good.
This was a great story, full on entertainment and intense gripping moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it, thought it was excellently well written, and the characters were well developed and realistic. There was a couple of red herrings thrown into the story, which kept you guessing, like literally guessing all the way through the story, trying to figure things out.
There is so much more that I could say about this story but I won’t as I’ll be heading into spoiler alert territory which would not be fair on those that read my reviews.
The story definitely had unique elements, as in ones that are not regularly coming up in stories already out in the world, which is a good thing, as sometimes you do come across a lot of the same story lines at times.
So readers out there, if you have not come across Alex Lake books before, then do give them a try as I can not recommend them enough, they are soooooo darn good.
May 5, 2025
⚠️ CW: mental illness, parental death, murder, drug abuse and mentions of incest ⚠️ If you love serial killer reads then this one is for you! Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all, a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice, a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career, a serial killer in their town. Very quickly though, the murder case takes its toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter just won’t stop crying. And sometimes it feels almost as if they’re being followed. The killer has found a new family to target and the clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever. This one really had me hooked throughout and even though I guessed the ending I still really enjoyed it. I loved how it makes you question all of the characters at different points and gives you that uneasy feeling when things start to unravel. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
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