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The Killing of Mummy's Boy
What you're about to read is based on a chance meeting I had with self-confessed murderer on a train. During the 60 minute journey, I was disgusted, terrified and shocked but never bored. He asked me to get off at the next stop and run away with him. I didn't, but from the safety of the pages of my new novel, I gave it a try.
THE KILLING OF MUMMY'S BOY
‘I slit someone’s throat,’ the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.’
Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.
With Carl on a Witness Protection Programme, Sandra fled London to live anonymously in a remote village on the Isle of Wight where she becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Terrorised by an unknown stalker, the police are unable to help and she turns to Ben. What makes a respectable, middle-aged woman want to sleep with a killer?
More importantly, can the relationship give her the love she craves and help Ben find redemption?
Hate, fear and lies boil over in a page-turner with love at its black heart.
THE KILLING OF MUMMY'S BOY
‘I slit someone’s throat,’ the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.’
Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.
With Carl on a Witness Protection Programme, Sandra fled London to live anonymously in a remote village on the Isle of Wight where she becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Terrorised by an unknown stalker, the police are unable to help and she turns to Ben. What makes a respectable, middle-aged woman want to sleep with a killer?
More importantly, can the relationship give her the love she craves and help Ben find redemption?
Hate, fear and lies boil over in a page-turner with love at its black heart.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2014
1 person is currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Joan Ellis
4 books98 followersI spent years penning letters from dogs. As an award-winning copywriter, you have to be adaptable! I worked with talented people including Paula Yates, Jennifer Saunders and Harry Enfield. With a full-time job in a London advertising agency and a new baby, I did what any right-minded woman would've done and set up a comedy club. I even appeared on the same bill as Jo Brand. Once. As a university lecturer, I taught comedian Noel Fielding all he knows about advertising. I also tutored Wordsworth's great-grandson in the art: Buy a host of golden daffodils. Get a yellow one, free! I also wrote a column in a fashionable glossie about my young daughter. She is eighteen now and has never read a word of them. A Londoner, I now live beside the sea-side and eat mainly cream teas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 1, 2016
I really do wish that more readers would discover Joan Ellis, she is a brilliant author and the more of her books I read, the more I like them. I had loved Joan's chick-lit book I am Ella, Buy Me which made me laugh my head off and snort quite a lot. This book, The Killing of Mummy's Boy is a long way from chick-lit, yet Joan pulls it off beautifully.
The blurb totally hooked me from the first line.
What you're about to read is based on a chance meeting I had with self-confessed murderer on a train. During the 60 minute journey, I was disgusted, terrified and shocked but never bored. He asked me to get off at the next stop and run away with him. I didn't, but from the safety of the pages of my new novel, I gave it a try.
THE KILLING OF MUMMY'S BOY
‘I slit someone’s throat,’ the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.’
Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.With Carl on a Witness Protection Programme, Sandra fled London to live anonymously in a remote village on the Isle of Wight where she becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Terrorised by an unknown stalker, the police are unable to help and she turns to Ben. What makes a respectable, middle-aged woman want to sleep with a killer?
More importantly, can the relationship give her the love she craves and help Ben find redemption? Hate, fear and lies boil over in a page-turner with love at its black heart.
Did you catch that first bit? The book is based on a TRUE encounter with a murderer on a train, it became this book.
So, just taking that in, Sandra is on a train and starts talking to a man, a very sexy attractive man who happens to tell her that he has murdered someone, slit someone's throat at that. So of course that is the type of person you turn to when you are in trouble right? A murderer, you would right? Sandra did.
The plot is fantastic, right from the start we have a series of tragic events that sends Sandra off into isolation really as her son is taken into the Witness Protection Program, she ends up really feeling alone with the pain of losing connection with her son, too much contact, or the wrong type and she could reveal his location to those that want his blood.
As a character Sandra at times is fearful, nervous, scattered even. But at other times she comes across as strong, determined and fearless. So she kept me on her toes as I watched her grow as the novel progressed. She is dealing with a lot of conflicted and deep emotions about her son and his situation, her own situation and the sense of unease in her home. And not a single girlfriend to lean on and talk to about it all. She turns to drink to try to numb her heavy emotions.
Enter Ben (the murderer from the train) stage left, she lets him into her life. I say no more for fear of revealing too much. He kind of grew on me. But a murderer with a nice six-pack stomach and a man who knows what a woman wants is kind of hard to resist, but hey Sandra - he murdered someone remember? Come on lady, lets think with our head not our..hormones. You need abad boy, nice stable man in your life.
From here the plot really thickens, there are a lot of things happening that indicate to the reader that the book is leading up to a big main event that you don't want to miss and it teases you enough to have you hanging on dying (ahem!) to know what it is.
I was not let down one bit. Nope, the last few chapters are full of action, suspense, tension and some really surprising reveals. The twists that you did not expect to happen. As a Mother I felt a lot for Sandra in regards to her relationship with her son, and forgave her for leaning on Ben when in fear and fighting loneliness also.
A really good read, not sure what genre I would put this in. It's kind of a bit like a psychological thriller probably most of all. It doesn't really need a genre anyway. It's just a great book worth reading. This one gets 4 paw prints from Booklover Catlady, very close to 4.5 paw prints. A recommended read.
For more of my reviews: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Come find me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
PLEASE NOTE, I HAVE REVIEW COPIES OF THIS BOOK, IF YOU ARE KEEN TO READ IT AND WILL REVIEW IT, PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA PM.
As Joan's Publicist I am happy to hear from any bloggers who might be interested in interviewing Joan for your blog or featuring her work.
The blurb totally hooked me from the first line.
What you're about to read is based on a chance meeting I had with self-confessed murderer on a train. During the 60 minute journey, I was disgusted, terrified and shocked but never bored. He asked me to get off at the next stop and run away with him. I didn't, but from the safety of the pages of my new novel, I gave it a try.
THE KILLING OF MUMMY'S BOY
‘I slit someone’s throat,’ the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.’
Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.With Carl on a Witness Protection Programme, Sandra fled London to live anonymously in a remote village on the Isle of Wight where she becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Terrorised by an unknown stalker, the police are unable to help and she turns to Ben. What makes a respectable, middle-aged woman want to sleep with a killer?
More importantly, can the relationship give her the love she craves and help Ben find redemption? Hate, fear and lies boil over in a page-turner with love at its black heart.
Did you catch that first bit? The book is based on a TRUE encounter with a murderer on a train, it became this book.
So, just taking that in, Sandra is on a train and starts talking to a man, a very sexy attractive man who happens to tell her that he has murdered someone, slit someone's throat at that. So of course that is the type of person you turn to when you are in trouble right? A murderer, you would right? Sandra did.
The plot is fantastic, right from the start we have a series of tragic events that sends Sandra off into isolation really as her son is taken into the Witness Protection Program, she ends up really feeling alone with the pain of losing connection with her son, too much contact, or the wrong type and she could reveal his location to those that want his blood.
As a character Sandra at times is fearful, nervous, scattered even. But at other times she comes across as strong, determined and fearless. So she kept me on her toes as I watched her grow as the novel progressed. She is dealing with a lot of conflicted and deep emotions about her son and his situation, her own situation and the sense of unease in her home. And not a single girlfriend to lean on and talk to about it all. She turns to drink to try to numb her heavy emotions.
Enter Ben (the murderer from the train) stage left, she lets him into her life. I say no more for fear of revealing too much. He kind of grew on me. But a murderer with a nice six-pack stomach and a man who knows what a woman wants is kind of hard to resist, but hey Sandra - he murdered someone remember? Come on lady, lets think with our head not our..hormones. You need a
From here the plot really thickens, there are a lot of things happening that indicate to the reader that the book is leading up to a big main event that you don't want to miss and it teases you enough to have you hanging on dying (ahem!) to know what it is.
I was not let down one bit. Nope, the last few chapters are full of action, suspense, tension and some really surprising reveals. The twists that you did not expect to happen. As a Mother I felt a lot for Sandra in regards to her relationship with her son, and forgave her for leaning on Ben when in fear and fighting loneliness also.
A really good read, not sure what genre I would put this in. It's kind of a bit like a psychological thriller probably most of all. It doesn't really need a genre anyway. It's just a great book worth reading. This one gets 4 paw prints from Booklover Catlady, very close to 4.5 paw prints. A recommended read.
For more of my reviews: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Come find me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
PLEASE NOTE, I HAVE REVIEW COPIES OF THIS BOOK, IF YOU ARE KEEN TO READ IT AND WILL REVIEW IT, PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA PM.
As Joan's Publicist I am happy to hear from any bloggers who might be interested in interviewing Joan for your blog or featuring her work.
April 6, 2018
EXCERPT: "I slit someone's throat," the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose…
MY THOUGHTS: ' "I slit someone's throat," the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.' is the opening sentence of The Killing of Mummy's Boy, a book that kept me reading in one sitting until I was finished.
This is the second of Joan Ellis' book s that I have read. The first, Guilt, was also a 5* one sitting read.
It has been a long time since I have read a book that had me jumping at noises in the night and checking that the doors and windows were locked, multiple times! The Killing of Mummy's Boy had my heart in my mouth, my pulse racing, my nerves jangling.
Sandra, whose son Carl is on a Witness Protection Scheme, meets a man on the train, Ben, who reveals to her that he is a murderer. And more than that, I am not going to tell you for nothing I can say will do this superb book justice.
JUST. READ. IT.
Joan Ellis, you have joined my very select favourite authors group. When is your next book due for release? I await it with bated breath.
Thank you to Catlover Booklady VIP reviews for the chance to read this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose…
MY THOUGHTS: ' "I slit someone's throat," the man told the woman on the 4.20 from Waterloo to Portsmouth.' is the opening sentence of The Killing of Mummy's Boy, a book that kept me reading in one sitting until I was finished.
This is the second of Joan Ellis' book s that I have read. The first, Guilt, was also a 5* one sitting read.
It has been a long time since I have read a book that had me jumping at noises in the night and checking that the doors and windows were locked, multiple times! The Killing of Mummy's Boy had my heart in my mouth, my pulse racing, my nerves jangling.
Sandra, whose son Carl is on a Witness Protection Scheme, meets a man on the train, Ben, who reveals to her that he is a murderer. And more than that, I am not going to tell you for nothing I can say will do this superb book justice.
JUST. READ. IT.
Joan Ellis, you have joined my very select favourite authors group. When is your next book due for release? I await it with bated breath.
Thank you to Catlover Booklady VIP reviews for the chance to read this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 3, 2015
The Killing of Mummy’s Boy by Joan Ellis is a British mystery thriller with lots of twists to keep the reader engaged. I was so impressed with her novel, “Guilt”, that I moved right on to this novel. Another winner for this author!
This was a terrifying gripping thriller, that allowed you to observe the workings of the criminal mind.
“I slit someone's throat”, the man told the woman on the train from Waterloo to Portsmouth.
This is where any sane person would go running for the hills.
“Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.”
This is the story of Sandra whose only son Carl is on a witness protection programme after he witnessed a murder and testified in court. She has not seen her son for three years, and fled London to live in a remote village in a cottage on the Isle of Wight, in isolation. Sandra lives in constant fear that she will be found by the family of the man her son helped put in prison. She drinks excessively to drown out her sorrows.
On the train ride home from Waterloo to Portsmouth, a stranger sitting across from her suddenly starts engaging her in conversation. He introduces himself as Ben, and starts referring to her as Rose. He soon reveals to her that he slit a man's throat. Ben makes her nervous and uncomfortable…and in some crazy way she is attracted to him! While on the train, Sandra reports that she lost her Oyster Card (London Transit Card)…and when she gets home, she finds a replacement card on her doorstep.
“She met a murderer on the train, he knows where she lives and now he’s stalking her.”
Why did she speak to him? More important how could this woman be so stupid to allow herself to get involved with a murderer?
When you think you have a handle on what is going on, a major twist …a total surprise! I NEVER saw it coming! The book definitely keeps you guessing until the very end.
I really enjoyed this book. The stalking aspect of the book was very realistic and I felt her fear. I thought that the ending to this book was amazing!
Many thanks to the author and BookLover CatLady for the chance to read this for review.
This was a terrifying gripping thriller, that allowed you to observe the workings of the criminal mind.
“I slit someone's throat”, the man told the woman on the train from Waterloo to Portsmouth.
This is where any sane person would go running for the hills.
“Two strangers. One shared interest. Murder. Ben slit a man’s throat. Sandra’s son, Carl witnessed a murder.”
This is the story of Sandra whose only son Carl is on a witness protection programme after he witnessed a murder and testified in court. She has not seen her son for three years, and fled London to live in a remote village in a cottage on the Isle of Wight, in isolation. Sandra lives in constant fear that she will be found by the family of the man her son helped put in prison. She drinks excessively to drown out her sorrows.
On the train ride home from Waterloo to Portsmouth, a stranger sitting across from her suddenly starts engaging her in conversation. He introduces himself as Ben, and starts referring to her as Rose. He soon reveals to her that he slit a man's throat. Ben makes her nervous and uncomfortable…and in some crazy way she is attracted to him! While on the train, Sandra reports that she lost her Oyster Card (London Transit Card)…and when she gets home, she finds a replacement card on her doorstep.
“She met a murderer on the train, he knows where she lives and now he’s stalking her.”
Why did she speak to him? More important how could this woman be so stupid to allow herself to get involved with a murderer?
When you think you have a handle on what is going on, a major twist …a total surprise! I NEVER saw it coming! The book definitely keeps you guessing until the very end.
I really enjoyed this book. The stalking aspect of the book was very realistic and I felt her fear. I thought that the ending to this book was amazing!
Many thanks to the author and BookLover CatLady for the chance to read this for review.
November 18, 2015
With a son in witness protection, living God knows where, and a self-confessed, throat-slitting murderer chatting her up on the train ride to her hideaway home, Sandra has been drinking frantically to try to steady her nerves.
Rather than steady them, she begins stumbling, tripping and imagining things. Or is she? We’re not quite sure either.
The murderer has overheard her give her address on the phone (silly woman), and she accidentally mentioned to him that she has a son – something nobody at work knows and is supposed to be secret.
All communication with her son is via snail mail through official channels so it can’t be traced while he is in reluctant in exile from London. He dobbed in a killer from the notorious Elliott family, and they are out for blood. To show his face would be to risk his life. He sounds like a self-absorbed narcissist, but Sandra adores him and desperately wants him to stay put and stay safe.
At home, she is terrified as she keeps finding evidence that someone has been in her house, but who? The rather forward young ex-con from the train who seemed to be pushing her for information? Someone after her son?
She finds toast crumbs and an opened jar of Marmite.
“She clung to the edge of the sink. He had been back to her house and this time he had been inside. He must have wanted her to know; just like before he made no attempt to cover his tracks. How the hell had he got in? She was always so careful to lock up.”
Then she discovers the unflushed toilet that she hasn’t used.
Good creepy thriller, and we’re never quite sure who’s on whose side! Minimal graphic violence and good fun for mystery lovers.
Thanks to the author and BookLover CatLady for the chance to read this for review.
Rather than steady them, she begins stumbling, tripping and imagining things. Or is she? We’re not quite sure either.
The murderer has overheard her give her address on the phone (silly woman), and she accidentally mentioned to him that she has a son – something nobody at work knows and is supposed to be secret.
All communication with her son is via snail mail through official channels so it can’t be traced while he is in reluctant in exile from London. He dobbed in a killer from the notorious Elliott family, and they are out for blood. To show his face would be to risk his life. He sounds like a self-absorbed narcissist, but Sandra adores him and desperately wants him to stay put and stay safe.
At home, she is terrified as she keeps finding evidence that someone has been in her house, but who? The rather forward young ex-con from the train who seemed to be pushing her for information? Someone after her son?
She finds toast crumbs and an opened jar of Marmite.
“She clung to the edge of the sink. He had been back to her house and this time he had been inside. He must have wanted her to know; just like before he made no attempt to cover his tracks. How the hell had he got in? She was always so careful to lock up.”
Then she discovers the unflushed toilet that she hasn’t used.
Good creepy thriller, and we’re never quite sure who’s on whose side! Minimal graphic violence and good fun for mystery lovers.
Thanks to the author and BookLover CatLady for the chance to read this for review.
March 16, 2019
Read the full review at Elgee Writes
My initial thoughts
I have read and enjoyed Joan’s other novel, ‘I am Ella. Buy Me‘, yet I was surprised by the premise of ‘The Killing of Mummy’s Boy’. We don’t think twice much before spelling our addresses out in public these days, and the possibility that this could happen to anyone of us, made it all the more intriguing.
I loved all the twists in the plot (maybe except the final one) and was genuinely pleased that the character I liked didn’t turn out to be the stalker. I had to stop myself tapping my head every time Sandra made a stupid decision, thanks to her being an alcoholic. I disliked Carl and his using his mom as a shield from his own responsibilities even before the plot fell open.
Things that worked for me
I found the dysfunctional mother-son relationship credible and intriguing, kudos to the Joan’s attention to detail and writing style.
I loved the writing of Joan Ellis especially as she did a commendable job on bringing out the pain and fear of Sandra and the vivid backdrop of the 80’s.
Things that didn’t work for me
It was a bit difficult to get into initially but the pace increased as it got past 30% of the book.
Some may feel that there were too many things happening at the same time, which may be overwhelming.
Bottom-line
Joan explores the subject of moral righteousness and integrity against family values and loyalty without be judgmental, which worked well for me. I would love to see a movie on this story-line. Now, I should read Joan’s other novels for sure.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |
My initial thoughts
I have read and enjoyed Joan’s other novel, ‘I am Ella. Buy Me‘, yet I was surprised by the premise of ‘The Killing of Mummy’s Boy’. We don’t think twice much before spelling our addresses out in public these days, and the possibility that this could happen to anyone of us, made it all the more intriguing.
I loved all the twists in the plot (maybe except the final one) and was genuinely pleased that the character I liked didn’t turn out to be the stalker. I had to stop myself tapping my head every time Sandra made a stupid decision, thanks to her being an alcoholic. I disliked Carl and his using his mom as a shield from his own responsibilities even before the plot fell open.
Things that worked for me
I found the dysfunctional mother-son relationship credible and intriguing, kudos to the Joan’s attention to detail and writing style.
I loved the writing of Joan Ellis especially as she did a commendable job on bringing out the pain and fear of Sandra and the vivid backdrop of the 80’s.
Things that didn’t work for me
It was a bit difficult to get into initially but the pace increased as it got past 30% of the book.
Some may feel that there were too many things happening at the same time, which may be overwhelming.
Bottom-line
Joan explores the subject of moral righteousness and integrity against family values and loyalty without be judgmental, which worked well for me. I would love to see a movie on this story-line. Now, I should read Joan’s other novels for sure.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |
April 27, 2017
OMG whatever you do this year read this gem of a book there is nothing to complain about, it was a real twisty thriller that grabs you right from the very first sentence.
Believe you me this was brilliantly written with flawed characters & a huge twist at the end that knocked your socks off I didn't see it coming at all.
If you like books that are a bit on the edge right throughout this one is for you.
Kudos to Joan Ellis for getting into the mind of a deranged serial killer 5 big stars
Believe you me this was brilliantly written with flawed characters & a huge twist at the end that knocked your socks off I didn't see it coming at all.
If you like books that are a bit on the edge right throughout this one is for you.
Kudos to Joan Ellis for getting into the mind of a deranged serial killer 5 big stars
August 26, 2015
Sandra has had a hard life. A single mom, her son, Carl, is in witness protection after seeing a man murdered by a mafia-type man. Carl has been undercover for several years and Sandra misses him desperately. She has a job at the hospital with an ogre for a boss.
To top it off, she meets a man on the train, Ben, who tells her he's newly out of prison for cutting the throat of a man. He insists on calling her Rosie and she is starting to get really nervous. After strange things begin happening in her home, she believes that the man is stalking her.
WHAM! Just when things were getting really interesting and I thought I knew what was coming, there was a major plot twist. Took me totally by surprise. And WHAM! again...another plot twist. This author kept me in suspense throughout the story-telling and the ending just blew me away!
The good guys may not be that good and the bad guys may be worse than what you see at first glance. At first Sandra (Rosie) comes across a little crass, drinking too much, and living a bit in the past. Ben is what you see is what you get ... rough edges, uncouth behavior, bad language. But he is likable in his way. And the son .... there are just no words for him.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I'm giving it 5 stars because I was hooked from the first ... and I loved the surprises along the way.
To top it off, she meets a man on the train, Ben, who tells her he's newly out of prison for cutting the throat of a man. He insists on calling her Rosie and she is starting to get really nervous. After strange things begin happening in her home, she believes that the man is stalking her.
WHAM! Just when things were getting really interesting and I thought I knew what was coming, there was a major plot twist. Took me totally by surprise. And WHAM! again...another plot twist. This author kept me in suspense throughout the story-telling and the ending just blew me away!
The good guys may not be that good and the bad guys may be worse than what you see at first glance. At first Sandra (Rosie) comes across a little crass, drinking too much, and living a bit in the past. Ben is what you see is what you get ... rough edges, uncouth behavior, bad language. But he is likable in his way. And the son .... there are just no words for him.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I'm giving it 5 stars because I was hooked from the first ... and I loved the surprises along the way.
December 31, 2017
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this twisty little psychological thriller. You were never quite sure what was going on. Sandra is on a train when she attracts the unwanted attention of a rather rough looking man who won't stop talking to her, and admits he has been in prison for slitting a man's throat. When she makes a call to report her Oyster card missing she unwittingly gives the man, Ben, who overhears, her address. Unfortunately he lives close to her.
On her return home to the Isle of Wight she finds an Oyster card on the doormat. Ans so begins a series of creepy happenings. Ben keeps barging into her life but she is strangely attracted to him.
after all, he hasn't hurt her or threatened although she is still wary of him. Soon, they become lovers.
Meanwhile her son, Carl, is in witness protection after giving evidence against a member of a crime family at a murder trial. Carl is not coming across as a loving, dutiful son. And then he turns up out of the blue, and out of witness protection. Sandra is aghast, but what's worse, Carl's pregnant girlfriend is also on her way there. Awkward!
Carl and Ben do not hit it off. By this stage you are thinking something smells really fishy here (and you would be right). But wait, its all about to get seriously screwed up. I can't say any more. There was a definite sense of menace building throughout this gem of a story. Good one Ms Ellis.
I really enjoyed this twisty little psychological thriller. You were never quite sure what was going on. Sandra is on a train when she attracts the unwanted attention of a rather rough looking man who won't stop talking to her, and admits he has been in prison for slitting a man's throat. When she makes a call to report her Oyster card missing she unwittingly gives the man, Ben, who overhears, her address. Unfortunately he lives close to her.
On her return home to the Isle of Wight she finds an Oyster card on the doormat. Ans so begins a series of creepy happenings. Ben keeps barging into her life but she is strangely attracted to him.
after all, he hasn't hurt her or threatened although she is still wary of him. Soon, they become lovers.
Meanwhile her son, Carl, is in witness protection after giving evidence against a member of a crime family at a murder trial. Carl is not coming across as a loving, dutiful son. And then he turns up out of the blue, and out of witness protection. Sandra is aghast, but what's worse, Carl's pregnant girlfriend is also on her way there. Awkward!
Carl and Ben do not hit it off. By this stage you are thinking something smells really fishy here (and you would be right). But wait, its all about to get seriously screwed up. I can't say any more. There was a definite sense of menace building throughout this gem of a story. Good one Ms Ellis.
February 12, 2015
Doesn't the title make you wonder what its all about? It did me.
Then I read the blurb which pulled me in even more.
I was lucky to receive this book from the author for my honest and open review.
If you check, I read a LOT and sometimes a book stands out, sometimes it blurs into a very good book but not outstanding in any way, however, I found this to be outstanding in its sequences of events.
We had Sandra whose son witnessed a murder. Because he stood up and informed the Police he appeared in court against the perpetrator, the perpetrator was part of a well know tough crime incorporated family, so he would be in fear of his own life. He is persuaded to go under Witness protection. He felt it was him being punished and he wasn't too happy about this. Neither was his Mom Sandra, but alas, it had to be done....right?
The other situation is Sandra is travelling on a train when Ben picks up a conversation with her. He opening tells her within that conversation that he had slit someone's throat.
I would have ran for the hills! But the story doesn't develop like this, it takes a twist.
It clearly was a page turner for me, it didn't loose its pace throughout.
I just have a few misgivings with the editing and layout of paragraphs and some spelling/grammer.
This is only one of three of the authors books, so I am bearing that in mind and feel that she has a lot to give in the authors sphere and readers enjoyable reading of her books.
Would I read another from her? Yes I would, I thought this was a well developed book.
January 6, 2015
In the tradition of great British mystery writers, Joan Ellis is serving up a dark and edgy thriller that in turns chills your bones and boils your blood. The Killing of Mummy’s Boy is definitely not your cozy-grab-some-hot-chocolate kind of read. Sharp edges, jagged twists about as one mother, determined her son should “do the right thing,” inadvertently sets off a series of events that will have evil lurking in the dark years later, ready to do its best to carry out an old and rancid quest for revenge.
Carl wasn’t the model son, although his mother tried. Little did she know his testimony would send them both running for their lives by disappearing into a witness protection program, separated from each other. When Sandra finds herself confronted by a stranger who claims to have killed a man, first panic sets in, because perhaps she has been discovered and perhaps Carl has been found by the mob bent on revenge. Somehow this gruff, uncouth killer has wormed his way into her lonely heart, not that she doesn’t fear him at times and he becomes her strength when signs that the darkness has found her start appearing. How can she keep Carl safe? She never felt she was the perfect mother, but she is determined that if, she has been found, no one will hurt her son. She is willing to die for Carl, but has he grown into a man worth saving? Does a mother’s love know no bounds? So much running, so much hiding, the lies, the deceit, when will it end?
Joan Ellis takes us into the heart of mayhem and darkness, as we creep along through this dark journey. Razor-sharp edges, brittle twists and a cast of wickedly questionable characters are drawn together to create a tale with a signature British flare to it. I cannot say I loved every character, frankly, there were a couple I would have liked to seen in a cement overcoat, so to speak. But, together, the darker side of life comes alive in all of its flawed glory. For mystery/thriller buffs, settle in and get ready to take this ride to the end.
I received this copy as part of Joan Ellis' The Killing of Mummy's Boy Tour and Giveaway stop at Tome Tender.
Publication Date: August 31, 2014
Publisher: Joan Ellis Publications
ISBN-13: 9780993009112
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 258 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Carl wasn’t the model son, although his mother tried. Little did she know his testimony would send them both running for their lives by disappearing into a witness protection program, separated from each other. When Sandra finds herself confronted by a stranger who claims to have killed a man, first panic sets in, because perhaps she has been discovered and perhaps Carl has been found by the mob bent on revenge. Somehow this gruff, uncouth killer has wormed his way into her lonely heart, not that she doesn’t fear him at times and he becomes her strength when signs that the darkness has found her start appearing. How can she keep Carl safe? She never felt she was the perfect mother, but she is determined that if, she has been found, no one will hurt her son. She is willing to die for Carl, but has he grown into a man worth saving? Does a mother’s love know no bounds? So much running, so much hiding, the lies, the deceit, when will it end?
Joan Ellis takes us into the heart of mayhem and darkness, as we creep along through this dark journey. Razor-sharp edges, brittle twists and a cast of wickedly questionable characters are drawn together to create a tale with a signature British flare to it. I cannot say I loved every character, frankly, there were a couple I would have liked to seen in a cement overcoat, so to speak. But, together, the darker side of life comes alive in all of its flawed glory. For mystery/thriller buffs, settle in and get ready to take this ride to the end.
I received this copy as part of Joan Ellis' The Killing of Mummy's Boy Tour and Giveaway stop at Tome Tender.
Publication Date: August 31, 2014
Publisher: Joan Ellis Publications
ISBN-13: 9780993009112
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 258 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 10, 2015
'I slit someone's throat'
When a book starts with that kind of line, you know your in for a hell of a thriller. Add a train, a woman and the hot confession of a murder and your instantly engaged, well I was anyways.
This story was very intense at times and my mind was swirling each scene as the plot thickened. The last few chapters were so crazy, I found myself lost in this book in its world till the last page.
When a book starts with that kind of line, you know your in for a hell of a thriller. Add a train, a woman and the hot confession of a murder and your instantly engaged, well I was anyways.
This story was very intense at times and my mind was swirling each scene as the plot thickened. The last few chapters were so crazy, I found myself lost in this book in its world till the last page.
February 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! I liked all the twists and turns that the story would take. The story starts of with a woman named Sandra on a train traveling back home. She sits down and is joined by a man who tells her his name is Ben. They end up talking and it all seems normal until Ben mentions killing somebody and being let out of prison. (At this point, I was both shocked and intrigued. I read on wanting to know more)
What did I like about this book? The story, it was well written with a lot of suspense. You just felt throughout that it was building up to something.
The characters weren't bad. Sandra, I felt sorry for throughout the story. She came across as lonely with little other than work in her life. At times though Sandra frustrated me because of the decisions she made.
Ben, at the beginning scared me. He just didn't come across as someone you would want to be around. As the story went on though, he surprised me and I ended up liking him.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I thought that story was very good. I liked this author's work and plan to read more of it. If you like thrillers then I recommend this book. 4.5/5
Thank you to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for this copy after I won one in a giveaway.
What did I like about this book? The story, it was well written with a lot of suspense. You just felt throughout that it was building up to something.
The characters weren't bad. Sandra, I felt sorry for throughout the story. She came across as lonely with little other than work in her life. At times though Sandra frustrated me because of the decisions she made.
Ben, at the beginning scared me. He just didn't come across as someone you would want to be around. As the story went on though, he surprised me and I ended up liking him.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I thought that story was very good. I liked this author's work and plan to read more of it. If you like thrillers then I recommend this book. 4.5/5
Thank you to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for this copy after I won one in a giveaway.
September 16, 2015
So glad I have discovered this author thoroughly enjoy her work.
Sandra the main character lives alone in a secluded cottage on the Isle of Wight. On a train journey back to the island after a rare trip to the mainland she meets Ben a self confessed Another great read from Joan Ellis
murderer.
With lots of twists and turns along the way this novel develops into a nail biting finish it keeps you gripped from beginning to end.
Such a good easy read, I have given it a 5* rating, and cannot wait to discover more of this authors work
Sandra the main character lives alone in a secluded cottage on the Isle of Wight. On a train journey back to the island after a rare trip to the mainland she meets Ben a self confessed Another great read from Joan Ellis
murderer.
With lots of twists and turns along the way this novel develops into a nail biting finish it keeps you gripped from beginning to end.
Such a good easy read, I have given it a 5* rating, and cannot wait to discover more of this authors work
December 17, 2015
I enjoyed this book, I wasn't always clear as to why some of the decisions were made, however I don't want to give the plot away!
It was a good page turning read, quite easy to read and a good flow to the story.
The plot really took off near the end and there were elements of suspense and thriller in the book.
The book kept me captivated and I would read and recommend this author.
It was a good page turning read, quite easy to read and a good flow to the story.
The plot really took off near the end and there were elements of suspense and thriller in the book.
The book kept me captivated and I would read and recommend this author.
December 14, 2016
Terrifying, fast paced from start to finish, tense and thrilling and absolutely unputdownable. Loved this amazing original story.
September 5, 2015
Thanks to Maxine at Booklover Catlady for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Killing of Mummy’s Boy is the second book by Joan Ellis that I have read. Having read the blurb I have to say I was a little intrigued. I didn’t know what to expect. Goodreads describes it as follows:
When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose.
I have to be honest, I found this book quite difficult to get into, and about 50% of the way through I really questioned whether or not it would improve. Sufficed to say, once things start happening, the tension in the book ramps up. I won’t go into spoilers, but towards the end, there’s a genuine shocker if a plot twist, which in all honesty, I didn’t see coming! Once the big reveal happened though, the action really began. The last 20% of the book was where it got really good! I found myself flying through it to see what happens!
I thought the main characters were a bit difficult to like, Sandra especially, which made me lack empathy for certain situations in the book. Ben is your typical macho man, very crude and brutish, but I enjoyed his character towards the end of the book.
I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads, it was by no means terrible, but not my usual read so I found it a bit difficult to get into!
Happy reading
The Killing of Mummy’s Boy is the second book by Joan Ellis that I have read. Having read the blurb I have to say I was a little intrigued. I didn’t know what to expect. Goodreads describes it as follows:
When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose.
I have to be honest, I found this book quite difficult to get into, and about 50% of the way through I really questioned whether or not it would improve. Sufficed to say, once things start happening, the tension in the book ramps up. I won’t go into spoilers, but towards the end, there’s a genuine shocker if a plot twist, which in all honesty, I didn’t see coming! Once the big reveal happened though, the action really began. The last 20% of the book was where it got really good! I found myself flying through it to see what happens!
I thought the main characters were a bit difficult to like, Sandra especially, which made me lack empathy for certain situations in the book. Ben is your typical macho man, very crude and brutish, but I enjoyed his character towards the end of the book.
I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads, it was by no means terrible, but not my usual read so I found it a bit difficult to get into!
Happy reading
October 14, 2015
The book begins with a chance encounter on a train. Sandra, travelling home to the Isle of Wight, loses her Oyster card and stupidly phones from the train giving her address to anyone that can hear her. In this case the person who hears her happens to be a murderer called Ben who tells her he slit someone's throat. After what is a very unusual conversation she gets off the train and after a ferry journey and bus ride arrives home to discover an Oyster card has been posted through her letterbox, clearly by Ben. Through a few flashbacks we learn that Sandra's son, Carl, is in a Witness Protection programme after witnessing a murder and giving evidence that got the killer convicted. Naturally Sandra is very worried about her safety and that of her son and as the story progresses various incidences lead her to thinking that Ben is entering her home when she is not there, however the truth turns out to be quite different and when Carl suddenly leaves the Witness Protection programme things take a turn for the worse, and then the shocking truth is finally revealed.........
I loved the premise of this book, it sounded quite different from anything I had previously read and being a fan of psychological thrillers I was sure I would enjoy it however, sadly I was disappointed. Although I found the book well-written and the characters well-developed I found the story wanting. There was a lot of repetition in the characters actions which was quite irritating. I spent a large part of the book being annoyed at Sandra's irrational decisions and not considering something which I felt was glaringly obvious. Ben was a bit erratic at first but actually the best character in the whole story while Carl was just obnoxious and lazy. The pace was reasonable although it picked up in the last 20-30% of the book. There was quite a big surprise around this point too, although I had an inkling of it before this point because of what some characters had said so I found it more of a confirmation than a surprise.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I found it lacking and not as gripping as I had expected. At the moment I'm undecided as to whether I would read more by this author.
I loved the premise of this book, it sounded quite different from anything I had previously read and being a fan of psychological thrillers I was sure I would enjoy it however, sadly I was disappointed. Although I found the book well-written and the characters well-developed I found the story wanting. There was a lot of repetition in the characters actions which was quite irritating. I spent a large part of the book being annoyed at Sandra's irrational decisions and not considering something which I felt was glaringly obvious. Ben was a bit erratic at first but actually the best character in the whole story while Carl was just obnoxious and lazy. The pace was reasonable although it picked up in the last 20-30% of the book. There was quite a big surprise around this point too, although I had an inkling of it before this point because of what some characters had said so I found it more of a confirmation than a surprise.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I found it lacking and not as gripping as I had expected. At the moment I'm undecided as to whether I would read more by this author.
December 10, 2015
As fate would have it, two strangers met on a train. Sandra and Ben had each lived lives filled with danger and dysfunction. As their relationship went from tentative and cautious to intentional and dependent, the levels of danger and dysfunction skyrocketed.
Sandra, alone and lonely, drinks excessively. Sandra had been a single mom raising her only child, Carl. As Carl was growing up, Sandra was blinded to the many warning signs and disturbing details about her son.
Carl, now a grown man, is cold, calculating, mean spirited and violent at times. Carl is very dissatisfied with his life. He has been in a witness protection program ever since he provided testimony which sent a member of the Elliott family to prison.
Ben has taken an immediate and intense liking to Sandra, which makes her extremely uncomfortable. Ben quickly begins sharing too much information, including an admission that he had slit a man's throat. While Ben was certainly dangerous, he also became increasingly protective of Sandra.
Someone is lurking around the edges of Sandra's life and tormenting her. Who could it be? Is it Ben, who had already admitted to murdering a man and who behaved in such unpredictable ways? Could it be a member of the Elliott family, seeking revenge and out to settle and old score? Or, could it be Carl, who had been living with many lies and dark secrets?
All of the surprises, twists and turns, and dysfunctional characters kept me engaged until the end.
I found some odd, personal connections to this book. One of the characters shares my birthday. Another character was named Debs, one of my nicknames. There was a crime family named Elliott, and I have a son named Elliot. Also, I have a nephew named Ben. These connections added to my reading experience.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for my review copy of this book.
Sandra, alone and lonely, drinks excessively. Sandra had been a single mom raising her only child, Carl. As Carl was growing up, Sandra was blinded to the many warning signs and disturbing details about her son.
Carl, now a grown man, is cold, calculating, mean spirited and violent at times. Carl is very dissatisfied with his life. He has been in a witness protection program ever since he provided testimony which sent a member of the Elliott family to prison.
Ben has taken an immediate and intense liking to Sandra, which makes her extremely uncomfortable. Ben quickly begins sharing too much information, including an admission that he had slit a man's throat. While Ben was certainly dangerous, he also became increasingly protective of Sandra.
Someone is lurking around the edges of Sandra's life and tormenting her. Who could it be? Is it Ben, who had already admitted to murdering a man and who behaved in such unpredictable ways? Could it be a member of the Elliott family, seeking revenge and out to settle and old score? Or, could it be Carl, who had been living with many lies and dark secrets?
All of the surprises, twists and turns, and dysfunctional characters kept me engaged until the end.
I found some odd, personal connections to this book. One of the characters shares my birthday. Another character was named Debs, one of my nicknames. There was a crime family named Elliott, and I have a son named Elliot. Also, I have a nephew named Ben. These connections added to my reading experience.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for my review copy of this book.
February 20, 2016
The Killing of Mummy's Boy by Joan Ellis Review:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!
A fresh new take on the thriller genre takes form in The Killing of Mummy's Boy, an incredible novel written by Joan Ellis. Written to feel like
a classic, 1970's era murder/mystery British film, the novel follows Sandra, a young woman who's son Carl is in the Witness Protection Programme.
Aboard a train, she meets a stranger, who's past is steeped in murder. Unknown to her at the time, she reports a missing card on the phone and
gives out her personal information for Ben, the murderer she meets on the train, to hear. With her son on the run after helping put local
gangster Lee Elliot behind bars for murder, Sandra finds herself alone and afraid as this mysterious murderer now knows her address, and so much
more. Soon she is in a hair-raising, high-stakes game of life and death as someone begins breaking into her home, and she begins to cross paths
with Ben in several unexpected ways.
The artful way this book is written gives tribute to the rich culture of England, from the streets of London to the isolated countryside. The
internal struggle of Sandra is heart-pounding and emotional as well, allowing the reader to empathize and feel the pain she suffers as the story
progresses. What really sets this story apart from others is the great attention to detail, whether it's through the settings of the story to the
chaotic character exchanges or the twists and turns in the story itself. The Killing of Mummy's Boy is a phenomenal hit thriller for author
Joan Ellis, and the exploration of moral integrity, right and wrong and the true meaning of family are expertly explored throughout the novel.
Pick up your copy of The Killing of Mummy's Boy by Joan Ellis today!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!
A fresh new take on the thriller genre takes form in The Killing of Mummy's Boy, an incredible novel written by Joan Ellis. Written to feel like
a classic, 1970's era murder/mystery British film, the novel follows Sandra, a young woman who's son Carl is in the Witness Protection Programme.
Aboard a train, she meets a stranger, who's past is steeped in murder. Unknown to her at the time, she reports a missing card on the phone and
gives out her personal information for Ben, the murderer she meets on the train, to hear. With her son on the run after helping put local
gangster Lee Elliot behind bars for murder, Sandra finds herself alone and afraid as this mysterious murderer now knows her address, and so much
more. Soon she is in a hair-raising, high-stakes game of life and death as someone begins breaking into her home, and she begins to cross paths
with Ben in several unexpected ways.
The artful way this book is written gives tribute to the rich culture of England, from the streets of London to the isolated countryside. The
internal struggle of Sandra is heart-pounding and emotional as well, allowing the reader to empathize and feel the pain she suffers as the story
progresses. What really sets this story apart from others is the great attention to detail, whether it's through the settings of the story to the
chaotic character exchanges or the twists and turns in the story itself. The Killing of Mummy's Boy is a phenomenal hit thriller for author
Joan Ellis, and the exploration of moral integrity, right and wrong and the true meaning of family are expertly explored throughout the novel.
Pick up your copy of The Killing of Mummy's Boy by Joan Ellis today!
August 28, 2015
Carl witnessed a murder. This one action starts the downhill slide of Sandra and Carl. Carl is a witness in court against the murderer, who happens to be a very bad person within a crime family. Because of this, Carl must now go into witness protection. Sandra and Carl move and are separated and do not see each other for several years. Sandra is not sure that she did the best thing for Carl. She is lonely and suspicious of everyone and turns to alcohol to numb the pain.
One day on a train, Sandra meets Ben. He is a handsome stranger, but he is forthcoming in telling Sandra that he has murdered someone. Sandra is not a fearful of Ben as she should be and feels an attraction for Ben. Sandra soon learns that Carl is now out of witness protection and is now in London. Sandra can be reunited with her son.
Things start going well for Sandra and Carl. They are together and Sandra starts a relationship with Ben. But, are things really as good as they seem? There also appears to be a stalker in their midst. When you think you have a handle on what is going on, a wrench is thrown in the mix. The book definitely keeps you guessing until the very end.
The book is very well written with a great twisting plot and well developed characters. Highly recommended.
One day on a train, Sandra meets Ben. He is a handsome stranger, but he is forthcoming in telling Sandra that he has murdered someone. Sandra is not a fearful of Ben as she should be and feels an attraction for Ben. Sandra soon learns that Carl is now out of witness protection and is now in London. Sandra can be reunited with her son.
Things start going well for Sandra and Carl. They are together and Sandra starts a relationship with Ben. But, are things really as good as they seem? There also appears to be a stalker in their midst. When you think you have a handle on what is going on, a wrench is thrown in the mix. The book definitely keeps you guessing until the very end.
The book is very well written with a great twisting plot and well developed characters. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2015
I received a free copy from the author and her publicist in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Joan Ellis!
The Killing of Mummy's Boy is not an easy book to read because it makes you spend time with a very damaged woman. Sandra lost her son to Witness Protection when he testified against a murderer. She drinks too much and her crippling insecurities make her hate any kind of human contact. Three things happen at once that change her world: her son leaves the Witness Protection Program, she meets a killer on a train who seems to really get to her and she notices that someone may be breaking into her home. Ben, the killer on the train is also very flawed and he scares but attracts Sandra at the same time. Could he be the one stalking her? Or is it someone liked to the killer that Sandra's son put away? Even if a lot happens, most of the suspense is of the psychological kind. A big part of this novel is in Sandra’s brain: her memories, her crippling fear, her fantasies… she is the ultimate unreliable narrator. The novel is extremely well written and the twists in the last part of the book really blindsided me. Sandra is not an agreeable companion for a rainy afternoon but you won’t find a more interesting character.
The Killing of Mummy's Boy is not an easy book to read because it makes you spend time with a very damaged woman. Sandra lost her son to Witness Protection when he testified against a murderer. She drinks too much and her crippling insecurities make her hate any kind of human contact. Three things happen at once that change her world: her son leaves the Witness Protection Program, she meets a killer on a train who seems to really get to her and she notices that someone may be breaking into her home. Ben, the killer on the train is also very flawed and he scares but attracts Sandra at the same time. Could he be the one stalking her? Or is it someone liked to the killer that Sandra's son put away? Even if a lot happens, most of the suspense is of the psychological kind. A big part of this novel is in Sandra’s brain: her memories, her crippling fear, her fantasies… she is the ultimate unreliable narrator. The novel is extremely well written and the twists in the last part of the book really blindsided me. Sandra is not an agreeable companion for a rainy afternoon but you won’t find a more interesting character.
January 1, 2016
You can meet some right nutters in the train and Ben is one of them. Sandra is on her way back to the Isle of Wight when she meets Ben by chance and he tells her more than she wants to know. He's a murderer, just out of prison. She's daft enough to say her address in his earshot. After this chance meeting, odd things start to happen: her marmite has been opened, her toilet used and not flushed....is this Ben stalking her? Sandra thinks so. But Sandra is hiding on the island with a secret past her friends don't know. Has that come back to haunt her?
I found The Killing of Mummy's Boy very easy to read; the story flowed. I started the book and suddenly I was half way through! At points I did wonder if Sandra's drinking problem was making her paranoid or forgetful and then I wondered if it was someone closer to home tormenting her....
I will definitely be reading other psychological thrillers from Joan Ellis, I think she's pulled this off brilliantly. There were enough twists and red herrings to keep me interested.
Many thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I found The Killing of Mummy's Boy very easy to read; the story flowed. I started the book and suddenly I was half way through! At points I did wonder if Sandra's drinking problem was making her paranoid or forgetful and then I wondered if it was someone closer to home tormenting her....
I will definitely be reading other psychological thrillers from Joan Ellis, I think she's pulled this off brilliantly. There were enough twists and red herrings to keep me interested.
Many thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2015
Once you pick this up, you'll probably don't want to put it back down again until you reach the final sentence. The first chapter in which Sandra meets Ben on the train ride home and he casually informs her that he "slit someone's throat" was totally gripping and it just kept going in the same fashion all the way to the end.
Sandra is a single Mum to Carl whose been in Witness Protection after giving evidence in the trial of a member of a well-known crime family. When creepy things start to happen around her, Sandra is on edge. Is Ben stalking her? Has somebody who is after Carl found her?
The author created a great cast of wonderfully flawed and wicked characters (I admit, I really liked Ben) and combined with the chilling plot and the astonishing twists, it was a total page turner. The ending was awesome, but also sad.
The only slightly annoying thing were the obvious mistakes that should have been picked up during proofreading.
Thanks to Maxine who introduced me to this author who I had not heard of before, but I will now check out her other work.
Sandra is a single Mum to Carl whose been in Witness Protection after giving evidence in the trial of a member of a well-known crime family. When creepy things start to happen around her, Sandra is on edge. Is Ben stalking her? Has somebody who is after Carl found her?
The author created a great cast of wonderfully flawed and wicked characters (I admit, I really liked Ben) and combined with the chilling plot and the astonishing twists, it was a total page turner. The ending was awesome, but also sad.
The only slightly annoying thing were the obvious mistakes that should have been picked up during proofreading.
Thanks to Maxine who introduced me to this author who I had not heard of before, but I will now check out her other work.
September 3, 2015
Sandra a hard working single mum meets a man on a train.Ben tells her he has just got out of prison for cutting a mans throat.
Sandra has a son named Carl who had witnessed a killing and had to be put in a witness protection scheme, she misses him all the time.
Strange things start to happen at her house she is sure she is being stalked could it be ben she meet on the train?
Carl turns up at the house he is fed up with hiding and has left the protection scheme he has meet a girl and got her pregnant she is also going to live with sandra and Carl.Now the man Carl helped to put away in prison for the crime he committed will know carl has left the protection scheme and will come looking for carl.
Full of twists and turns kept you racing to the end to find out what is happening.
Big thanks to the Author and Booklover Catlady for a chance to read this book.
Sandra has a son named Carl who had witnessed a killing and had to be put in a witness protection scheme, she misses him all the time.
Strange things start to happen at her house she is sure she is being stalked could it be ben she meet on the train?
Carl turns up at the house he is fed up with hiding and has left the protection scheme he has meet a girl and got her pregnant she is also going to live with sandra and Carl.Now the man Carl helped to put away in prison for the crime he committed will know carl has left the protection scheme and will come looking for carl.
Full of twists and turns kept you racing to the end to find out what is happening.
Big thanks to the Author and Booklover Catlady for a chance to read this book.
November 26, 2015
I am grateful to booklover cat lady for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with a man introducing himself to Sandra on a train by telling her he has just come out of prison for murdering a man. By this point, though, he already knows Sandra's name and address.
Sandra's son is living in the witness protection plan after witnessing a murder. Soon after returning to her home on the Isle of Wight, Sandra realises that someone has been in her house. Is it the man from the train who is stalking her or is it someone linked to the murder her son witnessed?
This is a fast moving story where you are never quite sure who can be trusted and when Sandra's drinking increases we start to wonder how much of her accounts can be believed. There are hints through the book suggesting different people may be involved and plenty of twists and turns.
The book opens with a man introducing himself to Sandra on a train by telling her he has just come out of prison for murdering a man. By this point, though, he already knows Sandra's name and address.
Sandra's son is living in the witness protection plan after witnessing a murder. Soon after returning to her home on the Isle of Wight, Sandra realises that someone has been in her house. Is it the man from the train who is stalking her or is it someone linked to the murder her son witnessed?
This is a fast moving story where you are never quite sure who can be trusted and when Sandra's drinking increases we start to wonder how much of her accounts can be believed. There are hints through the book suggesting different people may be involved and plenty of twists and turns.
April 24, 2016
I would love to rate this higher but sadly can't. It did grip me and I wanted to read it... But I just found a few flaws overall. Firstly, it was very short (in my opinion) and yet was pretty repetitive. I think the premise is interesting, but hugely unbelievable, meeting a murderer and (relatively) quickly falling in love with him? I found Sandra infuriating. Her blind love of her son, her ignorance and pure short sightedness. I was hoping for a big 'plot twist' moment but all I got was a predictable ending. Overall it just felt very amateur... Hmm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2015
What a brilliant book that had me rivited from the first page. Joan Ellis is an author I will be looking out for from now on. Highly recommend this
June 18, 2016
First I would like to thank Joan Ellis, the author, and Booklover Catlady Publicity for providing me with a free copy of The Killing of Mummy’s Boy in exchange for an honest review. My rating is 4 stars.
Blurb:
“When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose…”
What this book is about?
Sandra, divorced from her husband before Carl was born, is struggling to keep her life together.
When Carl witness a murder in the park one night, he rushes home to tell his mum. They called the police who put Carl into a witness protection programme as to keep him safe from the convicted murder’s family.
One day, on the train, she meets a guy, Ben, telling her that he was in prison for slitting someone’s throat and on their way, he heard her on the phone reporting her lost Oyster card and giving out her personal details…
And that’s when the fun starts…He starts leaving her roses on the steps and happens to be on the same bus that she uses for going to work. And then…Sandra starts noticing someone “breaks” into the house while she’s not there. The loo gets used, she finds dirty plates in her kitchen, after leaving it spotless, smoke smells linger in the house and then she starts drinking, not knowing what to do. She thinks that Ben is stalking her, she’s scared, misses Carl and is all alone.
Meanwhile, Carl moves back to London, leaving the witness protection programme. Sandra doesn’t hear from him, except for a letter telling her that he is back in London, he is sick of the witness protection programme and his girlfriend, Deb, is pregnant…what gives??? She’s worried about Carl, so worried that she calls Ben and asks him to help her…and then things get really out of hand!
What I liked about this book:
Loved the cover. This is my second book by author Joan Ellis and not the last. She is a brilliant writer and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The plot, characters and story line was very well developed. I read this in one sitting, a page turner.
I loved Ben’s character. He was rogue, had a complex character and does not take NO for an answer.
I felt so much pity for Sandra. She really loves Carl, but sometimes that is just not enough. Carl is in his own right, a real mummy’s boy! Spoilt!
Quotes from The Killing of Mummy’s Boy:
“He was murderous and mercurial. Who in their right mind would chose to be with a man who had both traits in equal measure?”
Sandra, The Killing of Mummy’s Boy
I recommend this for all psychological thriller/suspense readers! You won’t be disappointed!
Blurb:
“When a woman meets a stranger on a train, she discovers they have one thing in common: murder.
Ben has slit a man’s throat and Sandra’s son, Carl is on a Witness Protection Programme after his evidence convicts local thug, Lee Elliott of murder. Fearing reprisals from the family, Sandra flees London for the Isle of Wight.
On the train, she reports her lost Oyster card, giving out her details over the phone. Ben overhears. Now, the murderer knows where she lives. Returning home to find an Oyster card on the mat, she assumes he has been there ahead of her.
It is the first in a series of unnerving events. Suspecting him of stalking her, she alerts the police. As no crime has been committed, they can’t help.
When her son leaves the safety of the Witness Protection Programme and moves back to London with his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra turns to drink. And to Ben.
Repelled by his past but excited by his body, she is in his thrall.
When Carl, girlfriend in tow, runs back to Mummy following a threatening message from Lee Elliott’s brother, Gaz, secrets and lies are unleashed and all hell breaks loose…”
What this book is about?
Sandra, divorced from her husband before Carl was born, is struggling to keep her life together.
When Carl witness a murder in the park one night, he rushes home to tell his mum. They called the police who put Carl into a witness protection programme as to keep him safe from the convicted murder’s family.
One day, on the train, she meets a guy, Ben, telling her that he was in prison for slitting someone’s throat and on their way, he heard her on the phone reporting her lost Oyster card and giving out her personal details…
And that’s when the fun starts…He starts leaving her roses on the steps and happens to be on the same bus that she uses for going to work. And then…Sandra starts noticing someone “breaks” into the house while she’s not there. The loo gets used, she finds dirty plates in her kitchen, after leaving it spotless, smoke smells linger in the house and then she starts drinking, not knowing what to do. She thinks that Ben is stalking her, she’s scared, misses Carl and is all alone.
Meanwhile, Carl moves back to London, leaving the witness protection programme. Sandra doesn’t hear from him, except for a letter telling her that he is back in London, he is sick of the witness protection programme and his girlfriend, Deb, is pregnant…what gives??? She’s worried about Carl, so worried that she calls Ben and asks him to help her…and then things get really out of hand!
What I liked about this book:
Loved the cover. This is my second book by author Joan Ellis and not the last. She is a brilliant writer and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The plot, characters and story line was very well developed. I read this in one sitting, a page turner.
I loved Ben’s character. He was rogue, had a complex character and does not take NO for an answer.
I felt so much pity for Sandra. She really loves Carl, but sometimes that is just not enough. Carl is in his own right, a real mummy’s boy! Spoilt!
Quotes from The Killing of Mummy’s Boy:
“He was murderous and mercurial. Who in their right mind would chose to be with a man who had both traits in equal measure?”
Sandra, The Killing of Mummy’s Boy
I recommend this for all psychological thriller/suspense readers! You won’t be disappointed!
May 27, 2015
Readers who like roller coaster rides are in for a rare thrill with this chilling novel. Joan Ellis cleverly sets the story in present time, drawing a sympathetic picture of middle-aged Sandra being hassled by a handsome creep named Ben. Ben is not Sandra’s only problem. She’s estranged from her son and as Ellis veers back and forth in time in what will become a brilliant signature move, readers learn why Sandra’s son Carl, now a grown man, is in witness protection and why he is still in danger and out of touch with Mummy.
Slowly, we learn the how (if not the why, not yet) of Sandra’s life. How can she be attracted to Ben, who had so repelled her at first.? Easy. He treats her like a queen, makes her feel safe, and always seems to be there when she needs him. Also, she’s lonely and drinks too much, which makes her judgment suspect at best. But is that all there is to it?
Ben may be a bit rough but he grows on the reader because he’s kind to Sandra, protecting her from someone who wants to do her, and Carl, her beloved only child, harm. The irony is that heroic Ben is a murderer and Sandra knows it. Ben admits it from the start, and says he’ll kill again if he has to, but only to save his darling Sandra. Is this love or fatal attraction? Ellis is not short on answers, each coming in its own time.
Ben might not be a scholar, but he seems to showsclear-eyed remorse for the way his life has derailed. Sandra, Ben’s opposite in every way, deludes herself about almost everything that has happened in her life. Or does she? And, if that is what’s going on, to what purpose does the author give us this misfit? Be warned, the psychological depths get murkier before they finally come clear. In a great piece of mischief, Ellis turns the ride completely upside down. And then just when you think you know what’s what, she flips things again. The Killing of Mummy’s Boy will leave readers gasping for breath, a bit dizzy, but dazzled nevertheless.
January 6, 2015
The Killing of Mummy’s Boy is a mystery thriller with plenty of twists to keep the reader occupied. There were a few red herrings along the way to send you searching in the wrong direction. The ending was unexpected, and disturbing.
I didn’t feel any sympathy for any of the main characters, primarily because they didn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities once the story began. Sandra (aka Rosie) is a mother who was too lenient with her son, despite a few more than disturbing instances when he was growing up. She gives up a posh life after her son testifies against a killer and ends up in a witness protection program; she then retreats to a run-down cottage far away from the big city to hide out. She works at what seems to be a dead-end clerical job at a hospital. Since she is so mentally fragile due to worrying about her son, she begins binge drinking, which seemed to take over her character completely.
Sandra’s new lover, an ex-con named Ben, seems to want to take care of her, but she is afraid of him because he was in jail for murder. His character is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, switching from caring boyfriend to terrorizing her with a knife. He drinks quite heavily, and enjoys getting Sandra drunk.
Sandra’s son, Carl (aka Sam), turns out to be a complete jerk to his mother, and blames her for everything wrong in his life. He doesn’t disappoint either when he uses his new wife as a shield during a fight.
I did enjoy a few of the sub characters including Rob the gay co-worker (his dialogue was fun to read), and Debs (Carl/Sam’s pregnant wife), as she was an innocent and very pregnant woman unaware of the snake pit she was about to walk into.
I would recommend this book to individuals who enjoy British crime dramas, and individuals who wouldn’t mind some foul language (the dialogue is believable, but harsh).
I didn’t feel any sympathy for any of the main characters, primarily because they didn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities once the story began. Sandra (aka Rosie) is a mother who was too lenient with her son, despite a few more than disturbing instances when he was growing up. She gives up a posh life after her son testifies against a killer and ends up in a witness protection program; she then retreats to a run-down cottage far away from the big city to hide out. She works at what seems to be a dead-end clerical job at a hospital. Since she is so mentally fragile due to worrying about her son, she begins binge drinking, which seemed to take over her character completely.
Sandra’s new lover, an ex-con named Ben, seems to want to take care of her, but she is afraid of him because he was in jail for murder. His character is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, switching from caring boyfriend to terrorizing her with a knife. He drinks quite heavily, and enjoys getting Sandra drunk.
Sandra’s son, Carl (aka Sam), turns out to be a complete jerk to his mother, and blames her for everything wrong in his life. He doesn’t disappoint either when he uses his new wife as a shield during a fight.
I did enjoy a few of the sub characters including Rob the gay co-worker (his dialogue was fun to read), and Debs (Carl/Sam’s pregnant wife), as she was an innocent and very pregnant woman unaware of the snake pit she was about to walk into.
I would recommend this book to individuals who enjoy British crime dramas, and individuals who wouldn’t mind some foul language (the dialogue is believable, but harsh).
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