What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shrew
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26Noel knows the difference between right and wrong.
Upon learning he and his wife, Helen, are expecting a child, they know the financial pressures will be huge. Regardless, Noel is desperate to give their baby the upbringing it deserves. However, the safe and rule-abiding life he has created in Cardiff soon comes crumbling down.
Noel narrowly misses out winning a small fortune, because of one stupid mistake. Fuelled by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, he becomes desperate to make amends.
Guided by Noel's wayward brother, Max, he retreats into the brutal underground world of illegal fighting to claw back his lost money. As he increasingly questions his own morals and how far he's willing to go to provide for his family, Noel begins to wonder why the people who cross his path start to mysteriously die.
Has he finally gone too far?
Praise for "The Shrew"
"This is the definition of a page turner and I devoured it."
"An excellent slow burn thriller with so many cinematic moments and poetic metaphors."
"I absolutely loved it and can't remember reading anything like it before."
"The tension while reading this book was insane..."
"My heart constantly went out to Noel, making very bad decisions with a good heart."
Upon learning he and his wife, Helen, are expecting a child, they know the financial pressures will be huge. Regardless, Noel is desperate to give their baby the upbringing it deserves. However, the safe and rule-abiding life he has created in Cardiff soon comes crumbling down.
Noel narrowly misses out winning a small fortune, because of one stupid mistake. Fuelled by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, he becomes desperate to make amends.
Guided by Noel's wayward brother, Max, he retreats into the brutal underground world of illegal fighting to claw back his lost money. As he increasingly questions his own morals and how far he's willing to go to provide for his family, Noel begins to wonder why the people who cross his path start to mysteriously die.
Has he finally gone too far?
Praise for "The Shrew"
"This is the definition of a page turner and I devoured it."
"An excellent slow burn thriller with so many cinematic moments and poetic metaphors."
"I absolutely loved it and can't remember reading anything like it before."
"The tension while reading this book was insane..."
"My heart constantly went out to Noel, making very bad decisions with a good heart."
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Lee Coates
3 books14 followersAfter having two kids, Lee Coates had almost given up on ever fulfilling his dream of writing a novel, spare time being so precious. However, a light-bulb moment occurred during one of his sons’ extracurricular activities. These interminable minutes needn’t be dead time. Lee can be regularly found writing his dark psychological thriller novels at the side of football pitches and tennis courts in his hometown of Cardiff.
He has written two dark psychological thriller novels to date - Smileyface and The Look.
Follow him on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
He has written two dark psychological thriller novels to date - Smileyface and The Look.
Follow him on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review based on advanced copy provided by the author.
Mr. Coates has once again written a compelling page turning thriller, set in Cardiff with familiar backdrops for those of us that have lived in the city as well as a few Easter Eggs for readers of The Look or Smiley Face. Even the title keeps you guessing about the relevance of a Shrew for a good while.
Lee has an amazing ability to take a normal person, living a relatively normal life with all its relatable challenges and creating unlikely scenarios which are nonetheless totally believable and understandable. The main theme underlying the Shrew was totally unexpected and shines a light on a subculture I never even knew existed, since reading it the all knowing Google has shown me such content exists even though I haven’t actively searched for it. This to me has just highlighted Lee’s creativity in taking that spark of an idea and creating a compelling story around it, that you want to read.
Without giving too much away, if you are a fan of any of his earlier novels this one will not disappoint and has his trademark observational wit and dark humour. If you are new to Lee’s work then I could thoroughly recommend any of his books, but if you want something with a focus on a man’s drive to provide for his family, making bad decisions justified by their own logic and a feeling of being wronged with a touch of Falling Down about it … I would suggest you start with this sublime entry.
As always, I’m already looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
Mr. Coates has once again written a compelling page turning thriller, set in Cardiff with familiar backdrops for those of us that have lived in the city as well as a few Easter Eggs for readers of The Look or Smiley Face. Even the title keeps you guessing about the relevance of a Shrew for a good while.
Lee has an amazing ability to take a normal person, living a relatively normal life with all its relatable challenges and creating unlikely scenarios which are nonetheless totally believable and understandable. The main theme underlying the Shrew was totally unexpected and shines a light on a subculture I never even knew existed, since reading it the all knowing Google has shown me such content exists even though I haven’t actively searched for it. This to me has just highlighted Lee’s creativity in taking that spark of an idea and creating a compelling story around it, that you want to read.
Without giving too much away, if you are a fan of any of his earlier novels this one will not disappoint and has his trademark observational wit and dark humour. If you are new to Lee’s work then I could thoroughly recommend any of his books, but if you want something with a focus on a man’s drive to provide for his family, making bad decisions justified by their own logic and a feeling of being wronged with a touch of Falling Down about it … I would suggest you start with this sublime entry.
As always, I’m already looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC by Lee and this is my third time reading this author's books.
I LOVED this book. I loved the way it opened and I loved all the different character dynamics. When I found myself beginning to dislike characters like Max and Luke, they redeemed themselves with good deeds! My heart constantly went out to Noel, making very bad decisions with a good heart.
When it came to illegal fighting, I could really picture the scene as a dingy, dark oppressive arena. I could imagine all the types of people involved in that business, and Jabberwocky and his assistant really gave me the creeps! There is a part in this book which involves a metal coat hanger which made my toes twist and curl!! I will say no more and leave the suspense for future readers there. Also the twist with the vomit was brilliant.
I absolutely adored the ending to this book as well. It was sad but poignant, and made complete sense.
Thank you so much Lee for allowing me to have a copy of this book. Personally for me, this is your best book yet. Big congratulations on this one! ❤️
I LOVED this book. I loved the way it opened and I loved all the different character dynamics. When I found myself beginning to dislike characters like Max and Luke, they redeemed themselves with good deeds! My heart constantly went out to Noel, making very bad decisions with a good heart.
When it came to illegal fighting, I could really picture the scene as a dingy, dark oppressive arena. I could imagine all the types of people involved in that business, and Jabberwocky and his assistant really gave me the creeps! There is a part in this book which involves a metal coat hanger which made my toes twist and curl!! I will say no more and leave the suspense for future readers there. Also the twist with the vomit was brilliant.
I absolutely adored the ending to this book as well. It was sad but poignant, and made complete sense.
Thank you so much Lee for allowing me to have a copy of this book. Personally for me, this is your best book yet. Big congratulations on this one! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was instantly intrigued by this book's title and front cover image.
Why the shrew?
And why is it skeletal?
Well, it took some time to get these questions answered but honestly the journey was relatable, disturbing and gruesome in equal measure - throw in a good dose of humour along the way and this all made for an amazing read!
We are lulled into a false sense of security when meeting our main characters.
The normality of their lives drew me into their story and they were so relatable that it was easy to become immersed from the start.
One missed opportunity leads Noel (or Ed as his brother calls him) to head down a path of bad decisions culminating in a tense and exciting final few chapters!
I absolutely loved that were drawn into what was essentially a normal routine life with Noel and Helen. The relatability of this meant that the following events, however crazy they seemed, swept us along on the journey and even had me questioning how this sort of thing would affect others and myself.
It was great to have Noel's character developed as the story unfolds and each little snippet from his youth, added another layer to the motivations he followed and I was, at times, stuck between rooting for him and feeling totally repulsed by his actions.
As things escalated, I was frantically trying to think up scenarios and theories for how this was going to end and although I did guess one aspect of the plotline, this in no way spoiled my enjoyment of racing towards the ending - where honestly, I was totally wrong about the final outcome.
The writing style had me hooked from the start - despite not having that gripping punchy prologue style that many thrillers go for - the contrast felt refreshing for a change and intrigued me more.
I also loved the way that there was always a balance following the super descriptive horrific scenes, with something that had me go from grimacing to grinning.
A great read and I'm so pleased to have seen this author grow over their first 3 novels - each one getting better and better - I'm excited to see what will be coming next!
Why the shrew?
And why is it skeletal?
Well, it took some time to get these questions answered but honestly the journey was relatable, disturbing and gruesome in equal measure - throw in a good dose of humour along the way and this all made for an amazing read!
We are lulled into a false sense of security when meeting our main characters.
The normality of their lives drew me into their story and they were so relatable that it was easy to become immersed from the start.
One missed opportunity leads Noel (or Ed as his brother calls him) to head down a path of bad decisions culminating in a tense and exciting final few chapters!
I absolutely loved that were drawn into what was essentially a normal routine life with Noel and Helen. The relatability of this meant that the following events, however crazy they seemed, swept us along on the journey and even had me questioning how this sort of thing would affect others and myself.
It was great to have Noel's character developed as the story unfolds and each little snippet from his youth, added another layer to the motivations he followed and I was, at times, stuck between rooting for him and feeling totally repulsed by his actions.
As things escalated, I was frantically trying to think up scenarios and theories for how this was going to end and although I did guess one aspect of the plotline, this in no way spoiled my enjoyment of racing towards the ending - where honestly, I was totally wrong about the final outcome.
The writing style had me hooked from the start - despite not having that gripping punchy prologue style that many thrillers go for - the contrast felt refreshing for a change and intrigued me more.
I also loved the way that there was always a balance following the super descriptive horrific scenes, with something that had me go from grimacing to grinning.
A great read and I'm so pleased to have seen this author grow over their first 3 novels - each one getting better and better - I'm excited to see what will be coming next!
Review of advance copy
Coming 3rd February! Thanks for the ARC Lee!
Blimey - Smileyface was a top of the year book for me, so I was sure I'd enjoy this one but I didn't think it could equal it. The Shrew sure did though! Lee has a talent for thrillers and this was bloody awesome!
Noel and his wife Helen have a fairly normal life. Noel works for the council. Helen is trying her hand at self publishing and is hoping to become a bestselling author. Money is tight though. So when Helen announces some news: Noel is excited about the future, but dreadfully scared too.
Finanically stressed, plagued by nightmares from his violent childhood, losing out on a life changing competition, and an argument with his neighbour... Noel starts to spiral. Introduced to the world of slap fighting by his brother Max, Noel finds a very dangerous and life threatening way to make money. But how far will he go?
SO GOOD. This is the definition of a page turner and I devoured it. It was all I could think about. The slow psychological breakdown of Noel felt so realistic, and it was terrifying the further he went and the people he involved himself with. I felt like I should watch over my shoulder just like Noel was. There was a constant sense of dread, a constant sense of something about to happen. Lee portrayed this so well. And the character development was brilliant. All the characters have flaws. You like them, you dislike them, then you begin to judge them, question them, and are ultimately reminded they are human.
When things get intense, things really do get intense!!! You wonder how the heck Noel will get away from the danger he's put himself and his family in. And credit to Lee because those descriptions of the fights - I was memorised! As if I was actually there watching.
An excellent slow burn thriller with so many cinematic moments and poetic metaphors. A representation of mental health issues, childhood trauma, and how life really can change in the blink of an eye.
Blimey - Smileyface was a top of the year book for me, so I was sure I'd enjoy this one but I didn't think it could equal it. The Shrew sure did though! Lee has a talent for thrillers and this was bloody awesome!
Noel and his wife Helen have a fairly normal life. Noel works for the council. Helen is trying her hand at self publishing and is hoping to become a bestselling author. Money is tight though. So when Helen announces some news: Noel is excited about the future, but dreadfully scared too.
Finanically stressed, plagued by nightmares from his violent childhood, losing out on a life changing competition, and an argument with his neighbour... Noel starts to spiral. Introduced to the world of slap fighting by his brother Max, Noel finds a very dangerous and life threatening way to make money. But how far will he go?
SO GOOD. This is the definition of a page turner and I devoured it. It was all I could think about. The slow psychological breakdown of Noel felt so realistic, and it was terrifying the further he went and the people he involved himself with. I felt like I should watch over my shoulder just like Noel was. There was a constant sense of dread, a constant sense of something about to happen. Lee portrayed this so well. And the character development was brilliant. All the characters have flaws. You like them, you dislike them, then you begin to judge them, question them, and are ultimately reminded they are human.
When things get intense, things really do get intense!!! You wonder how the heck Noel will get away from the danger he's put himself and his family in. And credit to Lee because those descriptions of the fights - I was memorised! As if I was actually there watching.
An excellent slow burn thriller with so many cinematic moments and poetic metaphors. A representation of mental health issues, childhood trauma, and how life really can change in the blink of an eye.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Shrew follows Noel who, upon learning he and his wife are expecting, vows to give their baby the upbringing it deserves. But when he narrowly misses out on a small fortune they desperately need, Noel becomes fuelled by a sense of guilt and inadequacy. So in an attempt to make amends and claw back his lost money, he retreats into the brutal underground world of illegal fighting. Noel knows the difference between right and wrong, but in his desperation to provide for his family, has he finally gone too far?
The Shrew is an incredible example of how a seemingly normal, relatable character can be thrown into circumstances that quickly spiral out of control. The story is cleverly written and makes you question your own morals and how far you’d go in Noel’s shoes.
Told from Noel’s perspective, the book makes it easy to root for him despite his questionable choices. The characters are so skilfully written that you constantly shift between liking, disliking, judging, pitying, and ultimately empathising with them when you realise they’re just ordinary people navigating life and making flawed decisions.
The narrative itself was so gripping, I found myself frustrated whenever I had to put the book down. I loved the unique concept of the fights and how the vivid, descriptive scenes built a dark, immersive atmosphere. That heaviness, combined with Noel’s slow psychological breakdown, created tension masterfully, all leading to a thoughtful and satisfying ending. Without a doubt, The Shrew is my favourite Lee Coates read so far!
Thank you so much to Lee Coates for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
The Shrew is an incredible example of how a seemingly normal, relatable character can be thrown into circumstances that quickly spiral out of control. The story is cleverly written and makes you question your own morals and how far you’d go in Noel’s shoes.
Told from Noel’s perspective, the book makes it easy to root for him despite his questionable choices. The characters are so skilfully written that you constantly shift between liking, disliking, judging, pitying, and ultimately empathising with them when you realise they’re just ordinary people navigating life and making flawed decisions.
The narrative itself was so gripping, I found myself frustrated whenever I had to put the book down. I loved the unique concept of the fights and how the vivid, descriptive scenes built a dark, immersive atmosphere. That heaviness, combined with Noel’s slow psychological breakdown, created tension masterfully, all leading to a thoughtful and satisfying ending. Without a doubt, The Shrew is my favourite Lee Coates read so far!
Thank you so much to Lee Coates for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
What kind of “we don’t talk about it” vibe does this story give off? It definitely has an air of suspense with some intriguing characters to boot.
Noel comes across as a straightforward guy with strong morals, and his character evolves significantly throughout the narrative. We also meet Helen and Max—Helen, in particular, has every reason to be upset with Noel, making her relatable in her own right. As Noel finds himself in increasingly sticky situations, events begin to unfold around him, and you can't help but wonder if he has a hidden side to him. To find out more, you'll need to get this, as there are twists that will catch you off guard several times, sparking plenty of contemplation.
The setting and events are vividly portrayed, pulling you right into the action alongside Noel as the fights unfold around him. It’s easy to judge Noel, but he is on the brink of becoming a father, and he desperately needs the money to set up his family for success. It’s tough to put yourself in his shoes—if you were so close to winning a life-changing amount of money, what would you do?
This is a clever, well-structured, and slowly burning thriller filled with themes of guilt, childhood trauma, and tough choices. As someone new to this author, I found this read thoroughly enjoyable. It’s perfect for anyone who admires go-getters willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. If you like suspenseful reads with thought-provoking elements, this one’s for you. Now excuse me while I turn up my ringer, just in case the lottery decides to call! Ha!
Thank you, Love Book Tours and Lee Coates, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Noel comes across as a straightforward guy with strong morals, and his character evolves significantly throughout the narrative. We also meet Helen and Max—Helen, in particular, has every reason to be upset with Noel, making her relatable in her own right. As Noel finds himself in increasingly sticky situations, events begin to unfold around him, and you can't help but wonder if he has a hidden side to him. To find out more, you'll need to get this, as there are twists that will catch you off guard several times, sparking plenty of contemplation.
The setting and events are vividly portrayed, pulling you right into the action alongside Noel as the fights unfold around him. It’s easy to judge Noel, but he is on the brink of becoming a father, and he desperately needs the money to set up his family for success. It’s tough to put yourself in his shoes—if you were so close to winning a life-changing amount of money, what would you do?
This is a clever, well-structured, and slowly burning thriller filled with themes of guilt, childhood trauma, and tough choices. As someone new to this author, I found this read thoroughly enjoyable. It’s perfect for anyone who admires go-getters willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. If you like suspenseful reads with thought-provoking elements, this one’s for you. Now excuse me while I turn up my ringer, just in case the lottery decides to call! Ha!
Thank you, Love Book Tours and Lee Coates, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noel knows the difference between right and wrong.
Upon learning he and his wife, Helen, are expecting a child, they know the financial pressures will be huge. Regardless, Noel is desperate to give their baby the upbringing it deserves. However, the safe and rule-abiding life he has created in Cardiff soon comes crumbling down.
Noel narrowly misses out winning a small fortune, because of one stupid mistake. Fuelled by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, he becomes desperate to make amends.
Guided by Noel's wayward brother, Max, he retreats into the brutal underground world of illegal fighting to claw back his lost money. As he increasingly questions his own morals and how far he's willing to go to provide for his family, Noel begins to wonder why the people who cross his path start to mysteriously die.
Has he finally gone too far?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This wasn’t my favourite by Lee but still an excellent slow burn thriller, covering many subjects such as childhood trauma and mental health issues which are a big subject more so nowadays.
I give credit to Lee as he puts his all into his writing and really makes you feel you are there in the moment. Not giving anything away this early on, plus I’m on the tour shortly but if you’ve read Lees material before this is one not to be missed.
Excellent psychology with the main man’s issues wanting to provide for his family while making some very bad and wrong decisions on the way. Did he go too far ??? Publishing soon do pop it on your list!!
Enjoy!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This wasn’t my favourite by Lee but still an excellent slow burn thriller, covering many subjects such as childhood trauma and mental health issues which are a big subject more so nowadays.
I give credit to Lee as he puts his all into his writing and really makes you feel you are there in the moment. Not giving anything away this early on, plus I’m on the tour shortly but if you’ve read Lees material before this is one not to be missed.
Excellent psychology with the main man’s issues wanting to provide for his family while making some very bad and wrong decisions on the way. Did he go too far ??? Publishing soon do pop it on your list!!
Enjoy!!
January 26, 2026
📚 Book Review 📚
The Shrew by @leecoatesauthor 🦴
Noel and Helen, a normal couple living in Cardiff, are elated to find out they’re expecting their first child. But knowing the financial pressures this will bring, Noel is determined to ensure his family live a financially stress-free life.
But when Noel misses a call after entering a local radio competition to win a juicy cash prize, and having an argument with his neighbour, he’s sent into a downward spiral that involves illegal fighting. Just how far will Noel go to provide for his family?
Lee Coates has done it again. After reading and enjoying both of Lee’s other books: The Look and Smileyface, I was overcome with excitement when Lee asked me if I’d like an ARC of The Shrew, and I’m so glad I accepted. Like his other two books, Lee’s focus is creating normal characters who are living seemingly normal lives and putting them in questionable scenarios that aren’t too unrealistic.
Noel was a great, witty MC and his relatability and determination really stood out amongst everything else. Putting himself in some disturbing situations made for a compelling read and I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I didn’t find myself particularly drawn to Helen, but that was mainly due to a piece of dialogue that I thought was brutal and uncalled for – and it takes a lot for me to think like that!
I loved the main concept of this as it’s one I haven’t really seen featured in the genre before – it’s brutal and gruesome, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away – but it’s not something I’d go to Google to learn more about!
Overall this is a compelling read that promotes undeniably relatable characters, nail-biting suspense, and poses the question of what lengths we’d go to to make sure our family get the life they deserve. I’d definitely recommend. A huge thank you again, Lee, for the ARC! Release date is 3rd Feb 2026 and all opinions are my own!
The Shrew by @leecoatesauthor 🦴
Noel and Helen, a normal couple living in Cardiff, are elated to find out they’re expecting their first child. But knowing the financial pressures this will bring, Noel is determined to ensure his family live a financially stress-free life.
But when Noel misses a call after entering a local radio competition to win a juicy cash prize, and having an argument with his neighbour, he’s sent into a downward spiral that involves illegal fighting. Just how far will Noel go to provide for his family?
Lee Coates has done it again. After reading and enjoying both of Lee’s other books: The Look and Smileyface, I was overcome with excitement when Lee asked me if I’d like an ARC of The Shrew, and I’m so glad I accepted. Like his other two books, Lee’s focus is creating normal characters who are living seemingly normal lives and putting them in questionable scenarios that aren’t too unrealistic.
Noel was a great, witty MC and his relatability and determination really stood out amongst everything else. Putting himself in some disturbing situations made for a compelling read and I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I didn’t find myself particularly drawn to Helen, but that was mainly due to a piece of dialogue that I thought was brutal and uncalled for – and it takes a lot for me to think like that!
I loved the main concept of this as it’s one I haven’t really seen featured in the genre before – it’s brutal and gruesome, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away – but it’s not something I’d go to Google to learn more about!
Overall this is a compelling read that promotes undeniably relatable characters, nail-biting suspense, and poses the question of what lengths we’d go to to make sure our family get the life they deserve. I’d definitely recommend. A huge thank you again, Lee, for the ARC! Release date is 3rd Feb 2026 and all opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, this book is such an emotional rollercoaster and I loved it!
Noel works in HR and lives with his wife Helen. They are wanting to start a family but find themselves struggling financially when Helen gets made redundant.
Wanting some extra cash, Noel routinely enters a radio competition offering £250000 to anyone that answers the phone with a specific catchphrase.
When Noel receives an unknown call whilst arguing with his neighbour and doesn't say the catchphrase he is devastated and then things really start to unravel for him.
Noel is furious with himself, under financial pressure and discovering he now has a child on the way he convinces himself he was entitled to that money and sets himself on a path of pure self destruction.
Desperate to provide for his family, Noel gets involved in the brutal world of illegal fighting and gets embroiled in far more than he intended too.
The tension while reading this book was insane, it slowly builds up and up until it's almost unbearable, like a car crash you know is going to happen but you can't look away from. Noel was a great main character, just a normal guy with a normal job and normal hopes and dreams who reaches his snapping point one day and sees red.
When we find out more about his past it's clear why this could happen to him and despite him making some really dumb decisions I was rooting for him all along.
I read it in one sitting because I simply could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it and can't remember reading anything like it before. The illegal fighting scenes did make me feel a bit sick.
Like Lee's previous book, Smiley face, I did feel it could have gone a little bit darker but it's still a stand out book for me so far this year and I can't wait to see what he does next
Noel works in HR and lives with his wife Helen. They are wanting to start a family but find themselves struggling financially when Helen gets made redundant.
Wanting some extra cash, Noel routinely enters a radio competition offering £250000 to anyone that answers the phone with a specific catchphrase.
When Noel receives an unknown call whilst arguing with his neighbour and doesn't say the catchphrase he is devastated and then things really start to unravel for him.
Noel is furious with himself, under financial pressure and discovering he now has a child on the way he convinces himself he was entitled to that money and sets himself on a path of pure self destruction.
Desperate to provide for his family, Noel gets involved in the brutal world of illegal fighting and gets embroiled in far more than he intended too.
The tension while reading this book was insane, it slowly builds up and up until it's almost unbearable, like a car crash you know is going to happen but you can't look away from. Noel was a great main character, just a normal guy with a normal job and normal hopes and dreams who reaches his snapping point one day and sees red.
When we find out more about his past it's clear why this could happen to him and despite him making some really dumb decisions I was rooting for him all along.
I read it in one sitting because I simply could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it and can't remember reading anything like it before. The illegal fighting scenes did make me feel a bit sick.
Like Lee's previous book, Smiley face, I did feel it could have gone a little bit darker but it's still a stand out book for me so far this year and I can't wait to see what he does next
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very good slow burner thriller. The tension is always there building up. You feel it building and want to know what happens next.
The book starts with the tension right at the first page. You can feel something is wrong, definitely wrong but why...
This is a book which is written beautifully and smart, the characters well described so you can picture them in front of you. You get sucked in, it's like you are really there. The illegal fighting was new for me, so a little bonus.
The end I didn't see coming. A good twist.
Really recommend this one!
The book starts with the tension right at the first page. You can feel something is wrong, definitely wrong but why...
This is a book which is written beautifully and smart, the characters well described so you can picture them in front of you. You get sucked in, it's like you are really there. The illegal fighting was new for me, so a little bonus.
The end I didn't see coming. A good twist.
Really recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from Lee. He has yet again managed to create a sense of unnerving dread throughout a book that is also full of suspense, scares, humour and heart. The Shrew has some pretty chilling moments, but thankfully not overly gruesome. It has a really interesting premise depicting the slow downfall of a good, honest man. Written beautifully, clever and has a twist that I didn’t see coming. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews