What do you think?
Rate this book
Be Careful What You Hear
Be careful what you hear... When new mother Georgina Adams overhears her husband James threatening to kill their six-month-old baby daughter, it leaves her questioning her grip on reality. Did she imagine it? Or are their lives really in danger at the hands of the man she trusts the most? I Heard You is a gripping, read-in-one-sitting 20,000 words pysychological thriller novella from the author of the best-selling Emma Holden Trilogy and Kindle Number One, Someone to Save You. Perfect for fans of TM Logan, CL Taylor, Harlan Coben and Lisa Jewell, who love twisty psychological suspense with an emotional punch. Experience Paul Pilkington’s trademark twists, turns and cliff-hangers, and a shocking ending that will leave you breathless. This novella was previously titled Be Careful What You Hear. More about I Heard I Heard You revolves around the mental and emotional state of the protagonist, Georgina, who battles postnatal depression. The novella explores the theme of trust and how it can be shattered by a single incident. Georgina's experience of overhearing her husband's threat puts her in a state of confusion and disbelief, leading her to question her perception of reality. The novella is also a domestic thriller that explores the dynamics of a troubled marriage and the threats that emerge from within the family. It has been praised for its gripping suspense, unpredictable twists, and emotional punch. I Heard You also delves into the theme of motherhood. Georgina's love for her daughter is the driving force behind her actions throughout the novella. The author depicts the overwhelming nature of motherhood, and how it can lead to feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety. Reader reviews for I Heard Another great page turner from Paul the suspense was great could not put it down love the way Paul writes you get right into the characters and you really feel for them… Mrs. Ailsa Wood ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A short thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Brilliantly written short story. Natalie Lovatt ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Once again Paul has not let his fans down. A real page turner, the ending was certainly not what I'd prepared for, but then I should know better as his previous books have been a real tense and exciting page turner, then BANG there's the blow not what you expect. Kay ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Just downloaded this and thought I'd read the first chapter and carry on with it tomorrow. No chance! It was fast paced and I just couldn't stop as I was so keen to get to the end to see what happened...Looking forward to reading more from the author who has a real knack for a page turning book. Jo ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Loved it, very hard to put down until I had finished it, so had 2 very late nights!!! Looking forward to more from Paul Pilkington, a brilliant writer! Anne ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Download I Heard You now and find out why you need to be careful what you hear!
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
154 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Paul Pilkington
18 books254 followersPaul Pilkington is a British author of mystery, suspense and thriller novels.
He is best known for his Emma Holden Suspense Mystery series, which follows the story of a young actress named Emma Holden who is thrown into a world of danger and intrigue after the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend. The three novels of the trilogy - The One You Love, The One You Fear, and The One You Trust - have gained thousands of five star reviews worldwide.
Pilkington has also written several best-selling standalone novels, including For Your Own Protection and the Kindle Number One Someone to Save You.
His highly rated Detective Paul Cullen mystery series, featuring a dedicated and determined british transport police detective, is currently at Book 4.
Paul's new novel, You Must Remember Everything, is a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in a sealed room, unable to remember who she is or how she got there. To escape, she must face her darkest memories and fears.
Paul Pilkington's writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and character-driven. His novels explore the most human of themes and issues, such as love, loss, family, and redemption, in a way that keeps those pages turning.
He is best known for his Emma Holden Suspense Mystery series, which follows the story of a young actress named Emma Holden who is thrown into a world of danger and intrigue after the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend. The three novels of the trilogy - The One You Love, The One You Fear, and The One You Trust - have gained thousands of five star reviews worldwide.
Pilkington has also written several best-selling standalone novels, including For Your Own Protection and the Kindle Number One Someone to Save You.
His highly rated Detective Paul Cullen mystery series, featuring a dedicated and determined british transport police detective, is currently at Book 4.
Paul's new novel, You Must Remember Everything, is a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in a sealed room, unable to remember who she is or how she got there. To escape, she must face her darkest memories and fears.
Paul Pilkington's writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and character-driven. His novels explore the most human of themes and issues, such as love, loss, family, and redemption, in a way that keeps those pages turning.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 27, 2015
This novel turned out to be a novella, which in itself was okay, but left me feeling unsatisfied. The plot had the makings of what I had expected to be a real thriller, but unfortunately the author did not take advantage of the excellent premise.
George- racked by post-natal depression overhears her husband - whom she has given a terrible time over the months after their daughter's birth - saying that he was taking them all on a weekend away and that would be the end of it all. Of course, George doesn't ask him about this, but goes along with the weekend away in a cottage on a cliff edge.
This novel could have been full length and had wonderful twists and turns, with a breath-taking climax at the end, but the finish of this was very lame. I would loved to have given this more than three stars - and the cover is superb - but because of the brevity and ending, I feel three is as much as it earned.
George- racked by post-natal depression overhears her husband - whom she has given a terrible time over the months after their daughter's birth - saying that he was taking them all on a weekend away and that would be the end of it all. Of course, George doesn't ask him about this, but goes along with the weekend away in a cottage on a cliff edge.
This novel could have been full length and had wonderful twists and turns, with a breath-taking climax at the end, but the finish of this was very lame. I would loved to have given this more than three stars - and the cover is superb - but because of the brevity and ending, I feel three is as much as it earned.
March 10, 2015
I don't believe one ever feels completely satisfied with a Novella. If that wasn't the case we probably would never pick up another Novel.
Having said that, I think this was very well written, with sufficient suspense through out the book. I too was a little dissatisfied with the ending. The concept was brilliant, I just wish it played out for maybe just one page longer. Felt exceptionally abrupt.
Having said that, I think this was very well written, with sufficient suspense through out the book. I too was a little dissatisfied with the ending. The concept was brilliant, I just wish it played out for maybe just one page longer. Felt exceptionally abrupt.
June 26, 2015
Be Careful What You Hear is the first book I have read by Paul Pilkington and will certainly be reading more by him.
This is only a short story which has 77 pages and finished at 84% on my kindle. Even though it is a short story I did actually feel that I got everything out of it that I would have wanted in a full length novel. It didn't feel crammed or rushed at all, the pace was just right for the length of it.
From the start in this story it's fairly obvious that there is something not quite right in Georgina (George) and her husband James lives but I really couldn't figure out what. I had a lot of different conclusions running through my head and they were all wrong. As it is a short story, obviously it isn't long before we find out and then it is just twist after twist that literally left me feeling dizzy.
I think if anyone like me hasn't read any of this authors work and wants to give his books ago, I think this is a great book to start off with and I'm sure after reading Be Careful What You Hear you will happily go and purchase his full length ones.
This is only a short story which has 77 pages and finished at 84% on my kindle. Even though it is a short story I did actually feel that I got everything out of it that I would have wanted in a full length novel. It didn't feel crammed or rushed at all, the pace was just right for the length of it.
From the start in this story it's fairly obvious that there is something not quite right in Georgina (George) and her husband James lives but I really couldn't figure out what. I had a lot of different conclusions running through my head and they were all wrong. As it is a short story, obviously it isn't long before we find out and then it is just twist after twist that literally left me feeling dizzy.
I think if anyone like me hasn't read any of this authors work and wants to give his books ago, I think this is a great book to start off with and I'm sure after reading Be Careful What You Hear you will happily go and purchase his full length ones.
April 30, 2015
I enjoyed this short novel, my main concern was that I had unravelled the mystery after the first few pages. Since I am not exactly famed for my detective abilities, it seems likely that I won’t be the only one to gauge the plot and this doesn’t really work in the book’s favour. It really removed the mysterious atmosphere I was seeking when I started this read and as a consequence it was blander than I expected.
Nevertheless, it was a well written story and the plot was still interesting even if I had deemed it predictable. It was fairly short so there isn’t much for me to say; it held my attention and I felt satisfied by the ending. Despite my criticism, I do think this was a good little thriller, although perhaps lacking in substance.
Nevertheless, it was a well written story and the plot was still interesting even if I had deemed it predictable. It was fairly short so there isn’t much for me to say; it held my attention and I felt satisfied by the ending. Despite my criticism, I do think this was a good little thriller, although perhaps lacking in substance.
December 19, 2015
Published: 22/12/2014
Author: Paul Pilkington
Recommended for: fan's of novella's and mystery storylines
Edition: Kindle
This is a short novella that I found on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try.
This book contains an interesting mystery with very well developed and interesting characters, it is a quick and easy read if you have a few spare minutes. It is very well written by Paul Pilkington, but like alot of novella's you wish that it continued so you can find out more about the characters and go through more mysteries with them. It is a very enjoyable read.
Author: Paul Pilkington
Recommended for: fan's of novella's and mystery storylines
Edition: Kindle
This is a short novella that I found on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try.
This book contains an interesting mystery with very well developed and interesting characters, it is a quick and easy read if you have a few spare minutes. It is very well written by Paul Pilkington, but like alot of novella's you wish that it continued so you can find out more about the characters and go through more mysteries with them. It is a very enjoyable read.
February 28, 2015
This was an interesting mystery. A couple with a new born, concerned for the baby's welfare and then the wife hears something the husband says that makes her wonder if he is out to get her. An easy but pleasant read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man and te Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man and te Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
January 10, 2015
I'm a bit disappointed, I had no idea when I started this book that it was such a short story. But maybe it's just the first part of a series, like the Emma Holden. Anyway, the characters and the plotting are interesting as with other books from Paul Pilkington.
April 2, 2015
In true Paul Pilkington style this story had a twist that you didn't quite see coming from the start. It was an adequate story, but I don't feel it was developed quite enough. A bit more detail toward the end could have made a huge difference.
January 3, 2015
Don't bother
This is such a boring book with a lousy ending. This is the worst book of Mr Pilkingtons I've ever read. He did a lot better with Emma Holden books.
This is such a boring book with a lousy ending. This is the worst book of Mr Pilkingtons I've ever read. He did a lot better with Emma Holden books.
January 16, 2015
Ok book
It was an ok read. Short but somewhat enjoyable. It was better than I thought it would be. I wonder if then the next book will be better.
It was an ok read. Short but somewhat enjoyable. It was better than I thought it would be. I wonder if then the next book will be better.
March 1, 2015
Not that great
May be my expectations were too high given the brilliant way it started. Was too simple ending. ... . .
May be my expectations were too high given the brilliant way it started. Was too simple ending. ... . .
March 5, 2015
I wasn't that fond of this book. I had the ending figured out for the most part and the ending was not very good.
It is a very short book too.
It is a very short book too.
March 11, 2015
Ending not as satisfying as the rest of the book. Too abrupt
March 15, 2015
Well written short story that was not what I expected. The characters are well developed, which is surprising considered that it is a short novella. Interesting.
May 18, 2015
A novella which was very quick to read but it was all rather obvious.
December 12, 2018
I read all the Emma Holden books, and they were all very good and intriguing. I feel like this book fell a bit flat. I figured out quite early on what was actually going on, and it was only the very end of the book that had a bit of a twist for me.
September 26, 2019
Good Read but short
The story was going well and then, bam. It was over. The sudden, rushed ending surprised me. I thought the book was going to be a novel and not a short story. I guessed at what the problem was, and was right. Saw that one coming.
The story was going well and then, bam. It was over. The sudden, rushed ending surprised me. I thought the book was going to be a novel and not a short story. I guessed at what the problem was, and was right. Saw that one coming.
November 26, 2019
A short book which built nicely but disappointed me at the end although I didn't see the end coming.
August 2, 2020
A tense family drama - a novella with a twist at the end
September 3, 2020
Nice twist
By 65% progress of it I knew what the end would be and then was pleasantly surprised by a twist!
Nice and easy read
By 65% progress of it I knew what the end would be and then was pleasantly surprised by a twist!
Nice and easy read
November 21, 2025
Can’t even be bothered writing a review, sadly.
March 1, 2017
I enjoyed this novella, 20,000 words, a normal book averages 64,000 words.
August 22, 2016
Should be 2.5, I rounded up to 3. Be Careful What You Hear by Paul Pilkington is a very short novella. I should be up front and admit that I am not a big fan of mystery novellas in general so I want to be as fair as possible reviewing this. Georgina Adams has a new infant son and a husband and has been weathering a particularly bad case of Post Partum Depression. She overhears something in a half asleep state and due to her recent medical history doubts herself. Did she hear it? Does it mean what she thinks? Who can she trust? I don’t want to to say too much more because it will give too much away.
Here is my issue: (and this may just be my own preferences) the main character is fully fleshed out, the premise is scary and definitely engaging, the plot is well thought out and timely, and the tension building is great, but it is just too damn short. This book racks in at just 77 pages and there was clearly enough going on here for a full length novel. The short length makes it seem rushed and it is a shame that such a good idea was not explored fully.
Here is my issue: (and this may just be my own preferences) the main character is fully fleshed out, the premise is scary and definitely engaging, the plot is well thought out and timely, and the tension building is great, but it is just too damn short. This book racks in at just 77 pages and there was clearly enough going on here for a full length novel. The short length makes it seem rushed and it is a shame that such a good idea was not explored fully.
September 8, 2015
This book is very similar to other works by this author, which include his trademark twists and turns. It is a thrilling suspense novella that you won’t figure out until the bitter end.
This is a quick read, (I read it in one setting.) If you like suspense thrillers, but don’t have a lot of time, this will be a book you will like.
I, however, didn’t enjoy the ending as much.
For me, it was two stars.
This is a quick read, (I read it in one setting.) If you like suspense thrillers, but don’t have a lot of time, this will be a book you will like.
I, however, didn’t enjoy the ending as much.
For me, it was two stars.
July 2, 2015
After reading the synopsis I thought this book sounded really good but I found it very predictable.I worked out a lot of the twists before they happened but the bit that really made me chuckle was the bit about the six month old baby liking swans and being able to do hand signs when she wanted milk,what a load of nonsense.I have not read any of Mr Pilkington`s other books and after reading this one I don't think I am going to either.
April 6, 2015
Suspenseful, but too short!! I don't usually read short books because I tend to get invested in characters and love a longer story. I decided to read this because I like Paul Pilkington's writing style. I wasn't disappointed - it was a terrific short, but I like longer stories. I enjoyed this so much, I would read it again.
April 8, 2015
Boring, trite and predictable. What could have potentially been an excellent, super-charged, intense thriller- is hindered massively by lazy plotting, uninteresting characters & an incredibly abrupt ending.
This novella really should have been fleshed out more; and ultimately, a full-length novel would have been the most appropriate way to carry the story forward.
This novella really should have been fleshed out more; and ultimately, a full-length novel would have been the most appropriate way to carry the story forward.
October 13, 2015
I enjoyed other books recently by this author- he created suspence and a decent story. BUT this book is a sorry excuse for a novel- a very short and light read with little depth and a predictable shallow story that could have been easily written by a novice- I have to ask myself did he need to just put "something" out there just to meet a deadline or what? Very disappointing.
December 29, 2015
Short but pretty good
I gave it 3 stars because the mystery kept me guessing. It wasn't heart pounding or anything like that but overall it kept my interest. The words were British and at times that was a little confusing but I managed to figure the words out sooner rather than later thankfully.
I gave it 3 stars because the mystery kept me guessing. It wasn't heart pounding or anything like that but overall it kept my interest. The words were British and at times that was a little confusing but I managed to figure the words out sooner rather than later thankfully.
February 10, 2015
Well, that was a long time ago since I didn't read a book in one sitting and this one made me do it. Is quite enigmatic, with good pacing and suspense. The end is quite bizarre too, I didn't expect that coming. I enjoyed it so much!
I like Paul's work, I always find everything I'm looking for.
I like Paul's work, I always find everything I'm looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews