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‘Truly gripping’ SUNDAY EXPRESS
A dark, twisty, and gripping psychological thriller that will suit fans of SISTER SISTER, by Sue Fortin, and BEHIND HER EYES by Sarah Pinborough.
Five years ago, Clare killed her family – her husband, her father, and one of her twin sons. She has no memory of the car accident, but there is no refuting the evidence of drugs in her system. She has accepted her guilt, and served her time.
Now, released from prison, all she wants is to be reconciled with her remaining son, 13-year-old Tommy. To help him come to terms with her crime, and his own survivor guilt, Clare tries to find out the full truth of what happened on that fateful night.
Probing into the past, however, turns out to be dangerous exercise, threatening not only Clare’s sanity, but ultimately her life…
A dark, twisty, and gripping psychological thriller that will suit fans of SISTER SISTER, by Sue Fortin, and BEHIND HER EYES by Sarah Pinborough.
Five years ago, Clare killed her family – her husband, her father, and one of her twin sons. She has no memory of the car accident, but there is no refuting the evidence of drugs in her system. She has accepted her guilt, and served her time.
Now, released from prison, all she wants is to be reconciled with her remaining son, 13-year-old Tommy. To help him come to terms with her crime, and his own survivor guilt, Clare tries to find out the full truth of what happened on that fateful night.
Probing into the past, however, turns out to be dangerous exercise, threatening not only Clare’s sanity, but ultimately her life…
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2015
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302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2015
The dark, compelling and intriguing story of Claire, who has no memory of the car accident of five years beforehand, in which she killed her husband, father and one of her twins. Now released from prison, Claire wants to reconnect with her surviving son and try and find a clear pathway through the muck of misery and remorse that plagues her. However, Claire soon discovers that delving into her past might not be such a good idea. In heart-rending scenes the author has excellently drawn the characters of Claire and her son, Tom, throughout this moving story, which builds up to a surprising ending. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy excellently-narrated dark and thrilling crime mysteries.
June 19, 2019
Clare is released after five years in prison. She has to relearn how to live independently, how to hold down a job and how to reconnect with people she loves, including her sister, cousin and godmother. She also has to learn how to be a mum to her thirteen-year-old son, Tom. He urges her to investigate the accident that landed her in prison. There are big gaps in her memory of that night and Clare fears that filling them in will only further prove her guilt and lead to more heartache for Tom, especially as the rest of the family encourage her to forget and move on. But does one of them have another reason they don't want Clare to remember? Is one of them trying to frighten her with silent phone calls in the night and by entering her flat when she's out? Or should Clare be wary of her new neighbours? Is there an ulterior motive for their eagerness to be her friends?
This is a slow-burn, engaging thriller. We see Clare adapting to life outside prison and struggling with the best way to handle her teenage son. She is a very likeable character - as are her assorted relatives and new acquaintances. The author introduces us to a vast array of suspects. I didn't know who to trust so I trusted them all!
This was Chris Curran's debut novel in which she set out her stall for psychological thrillers with engaging characters. She's carried this through to her subsequent books and I'd recommend them all.
This is a slow-burn, engaging thriller. We see Clare adapting to life outside prison and struggling with the best way to handle her teenage son. She is a very likeable character - as are her assorted relatives and new acquaintances. The author introduces us to a vast array of suspects. I didn't know who to trust so I trusted them all!
This was Chris Curran's debut novel in which she set out her stall for psychological thrillers with engaging characters. She's carried this through to her subsequent books and I'd recommend them all.
October 15, 2017
It was a good read, interesting story, would read more my the author.
June 3, 2018
Great read!
I could not put this down. Great all the way through and what an ending! You won't be disappointed with this book.
I could not put this down. Great all the way through and what an ending! You won't be disappointed with this book.
February 18, 2023
Dark, twisty and gripping! Proper fast paced page turner! And now I’m going to have to take a little drive down to Hastings and walk round the Seafront and Old Town.
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March 26, 2015Liza Perrat - The dark, compelling and intriguing story of Claire, who has no memory of the car accident of five years beforehand, in which she killed her husband, father and one of her twins.
Now released from prison, Claire wants to reconnect with her surviving son and try and find a clear pathway through the muck of misery and remorse that plagues her. However, Claire soon discovers that delving into her past might not be such a good idea.
In heart-rending scenes the author has excellently drawn the characters of Claire and her son, Tom, throughout this moving story, which builds up to a surprising ending. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy excellently-narrated, dark and thrilling crime mysteries.
JJ Marsh - This is a cut above the average crime novel. Yes, there’s a completely gripping plot which takes switchback turns until it reaches a thrilling peak. Yet it has a literary feel with psychological insights, complex relationships and a wonderful rootedness in the setting. Hastings and its beaches play a full role alongside the characters.
I loved everything about this book, but have to single out the author’s incredible knack for observing detail.
Clare, our central protagonist, has just been released from prison and her observations of daily life as an ‘alien’ are remarkably well-drawn, causing the reader to stop and think ‘How would I feel?’
Contrast this thoughtful and hypnotic start to the incredibly tense ending which leaves an echo reverberating like a cannon shot. I’m still thinking about it now. Rich cast, believable characters, powerful premise, lovely prose and proof that crime fiction can be intelligent and pulse-racing.
Now released from prison, Claire wants to reconnect with her surviving son and try and find a clear pathway through the muck of misery and remorse that plagues her. However, Claire soon discovers that delving into her past might not be such a good idea.
In heart-rending scenes the author has excellently drawn the characters of Claire and her son, Tom, throughout this moving story, which builds up to a surprising ending. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy excellently-narrated, dark and thrilling crime mysteries.
JJ Marsh - This is a cut above the average crime novel. Yes, there’s a completely gripping plot which takes switchback turns until it reaches a thrilling peak. Yet it has a literary feel with psychological insights, complex relationships and a wonderful rootedness in the setting. Hastings and its beaches play a full role alongside the characters.
I loved everything about this book, but have to single out the author’s incredible knack for observing detail.
Clare, our central protagonist, has just been released from prison and her observations of daily life as an ‘alien’ are remarkably well-drawn, causing the reader to stop and think ‘How would I feel?’
Contrast this thoughtful and hypnotic start to the incredibly tense ending which leaves an echo reverberating like a cannon shot. I’m still thinking about it now. Rich cast, believable characters, powerful premise, lovely prose and proof that crime fiction can be intelligent and pulse-racing.
June 12, 2017
A very impressive book. I have no idea how it came to be on my TBR, I don't recall seeing any publicity about it, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
In some ways it was quite understated, but I think that added to its power. A mature style which highlighted nuances, rather than being wham bam in your face.
Clare was released from prison after serving time for death by dangerous driving five years previously - the death of her father, her husband, and one of her 8 year old boys. The newly-released Clare was trying to shake off the characteristics of the imprisoned Clare, and was a very different character to before-the-crash Clare.
She had amnesia - she could only remember arriving at the wedding, & the crash took place after the reception. The book is basically about her trying to piece together what happened.
I found this slow accumulation of evidence impressive, and the revealing of different aspects of people's behaviour and personalities that weren't immediately apparent. Ultimately, I thought the ending and reveal were a bit rushed and without adequate foreshadowing, and this detracts from the overall standard of an otherwise excellent book.
It's flagged as been in the same grouping as Gone Girl and Girl on a Train, but I don't think it really is. Less sensational and thriller-like, and probably more suited to a slightly more mature (say 30+) reader.
In some ways it was quite understated, but I think that added to its power. A mature style which highlighted nuances, rather than being wham bam in your face.
Clare was released from prison after serving time for death by dangerous driving five years previously - the death of her father, her husband, and one of her 8 year old boys. The newly-released Clare was trying to shake off the characteristics of the imprisoned Clare, and was a very different character to before-the-crash Clare.
She had amnesia - she could only remember arriving at the wedding, & the crash took place after the reception. The book is basically about her trying to piece together what happened.
I found this slow accumulation of evidence impressive, and the revealing of different aspects of people's behaviour and personalities that weren't immediately apparent. Ultimately, I thought the ending and reveal were a bit rushed and without adequate foreshadowing, and this detracts from the overall standard of an otherwise excellent book.
It's flagged as been in the same grouping as Gone Girl and Girl on a Train, but I don't think it really is. Less sensational and thriller-like, and probably more suited to a slightly more mature (say 30+) reader.
May 8, 2015
A wonderfully thrilling book, with great emotional depth by this new author (published by Harper Collins new imprint - Killer Reads.) The main characters, particularly Claire, the heroine, are realistic, the storyline believable and compelling, and the author drew out the tension until I wasn't sure what the outcome would be. A real page-turner.
I loved the fact that the book's setting, Hastings was like another character, and that this is reflected in the great cover, which also cleverly illustrates the heroine's lonely search for the truth.
One feels deeply for Claire as she struggles to re-build her life after being away from what is left of her family for years. Her attempts to re-connect with her estranged teenage son, Tom, add to the tension in this intriguing novel. Although the author, cleverly, leaves the reader wondering whether or not Claire is actually guilty of the crime of which she was accused.
A taut, tense and exciting psychological thriller which is not to be missed.
I loved the fact that the book's setting, Hastings was like another character, and that this is reflected in the great cover, which also cleverly illustrates the heroine's lonely search for the truth.
One feels deeply for Claire as she struggles to re-build her life after being away from what is left of her family for years. Her attempts to re-connect with her estranged teenage son, Tom, add to the tension in this intriguing novel. Although the author, cleverly, leaves the reader wondering whether or not Claire is actually guilty of the crime of which she was accused.
A taut, tense and exciting psychological thriller which is not to be missed.
May 5, 2015
This is a cut above the average crime novel. Yes, there’s a completely gripping plot which takes switchback turns until it reaches a thrilling peak. Yet it has a literary feel with psychological insights, complex relationships and a wonderful rootedness in the setting. Hastings and its beaches play a full role alongside the characters.
I loved everything about this book, but have to single out the author’s incredible knack for observing detail.
Clare, our central protagonist, has just been released from prison and her observations of daily life as an ‘alien’ are remarkably well-drawn, causing the reader to stop and think ‘How would I feel?’
Contrast this thoughtful and hypnotic start to the incredibly tense ending which leaves an echo reverberating like a cannon shot. I’m still thinking about it now. Rich cast, believable characters, powerful premise, lovely prose and proof that crime fiction can be intelligent and pulse-racing.
I loved everything about this book, but have to single out the author’s incredible knack for observing detail.
Clare, our central protagonist, has just been released from prison and her observations of daily life as an ‘alien’ are remarkably well-drawn, causing the reader to stop and think ‘How would I feel?’
Contrast this thoughtful and hypnotic start to the incredibly tense ending which leaves an echo reverberating like a cannon shot. I’m still thinking about it now. Rich cast, believable characters, powerful premise, lovely prose and proof that crime fiction can be intelligent and pulse-racing.
April 30, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
I am going to keep my review spoiler free.
Sometimes I read a book and it affects me more than most words or people do. This happened here. I empathised with the main character and could draw parallels with my own life (which has been slightly less dramatic but with similar themes).
It has a great plot that will keep you guessing. There are a lot of red herrings too. The style and the relationships between the characters is spot on. You will find it hard to believe this is a debut novel. It definitely has polish.
I think that there is a new voice in the psychological thriller market and it is one I want to hear more from. I would recommend this book to fans of that genre and those that want a gripping read.
I am going to keep my review spoiler free.
Sometimes I read a book and it affects me more than most words or people do. This happened here. I empathised with the main character and could draw parallels with my own life (which has been slightly less dramatic but with similar themes).
It has a great plot that will keep you guessing. There are a lot of red herrings too. The style and the relationships between the characters is spot on. You will find it hard to believe this is a debut novel. It definitely has polish.
I think that there is a new voice in the psychological thriller market and it is one I want to hear more from. I would recommend this book to fans of that genre and those that want a gripping read.
April 30, 2015
I am not always a fan of crime or thrillers, but I found the premise of this book intriguing, and I've thought a lot about this story since I finished it. Claire is a character who I really felt for. Chris Curran does an excellent job of portraying Claire's mixed emotions as she emerges from her forced isolation in prison and reconnects with her family. I particularly loved her relationship with her son. It's the sort of book you start and then think, I'll read just one more chapter, just one more...and then suddenly you're at the end! Very intense. Enjoy - it's well worth your time. I look forward to reading more books by Chris Curran.
March 19, 2016
Good page turning thriller centred around the unraveling of a memory of a traumatic event. Clare has come to believe that she was guilty of causing a fatal accident that killed her father, husband and son due to being high on amphetamines. On release from prison, her lost memories of the events start coming back and the prospect of a different truth emerges.
The character of Clare is well-drawn and there is sufficient scepticism about a large number of other individuals to leave some scope for surprise.
Received as a Goodreads giveaway.
The character of Clare is well-drawn and there is sufficient scepticism about a large number of other individuals to leave some scope for surprise.
Received as a Goodreads giveaway.
October 13, 2019
Really satisfying thriller. The opening was excellent immediately taking the reader into Clare's world. Just released from prison after killing her family in a car accident she now has to work out what happened as she can remember nothing about that night. The most unsettling thing is that her family and friends who have been supporting her are all rather shifty characters with things to hide.
The characters, especially Clare's remaining teenage son, were very believable and the conclusion kept me guessing.
The characters, especially Clare's remaining teenage son, were very believable and the conclusion kept me guessing.
May 18, 2015
This book was gripping from start to finish, even though the main character had been through something unimaginable yet the description of her feelings was relatable. i felt like that is how i would probably respond had the same happened to me. Wonderful descriptions of hastings which I recently visited. also the twist t the end is very good.
March 28, 2016
I won this book from Goodreads Giveaway to my pleasant surprise. Chris Curran is an excellent author providing the reader with great characters within a thrilling suspense novel. I look forward to reading more from Chris Curran and recommend to all who enjoy a good mystery with lots of twists.
May 27, 2015
Enjoyable easy read thriller , lovely relationship between son ️️an mother ,though do guess the plot
August 22, 2015
Really, really, really enjoyed this book. Brilliant. Loved the characters, great twists and turns. Want more please
May 6, 2016
Great plot
Definitely a good read, well written with interesting twists and turns in storyline. Will look out for other titles by this author
Definitely a good read, well written with interesting twists and turns in storyline. Will look out for other titles by this author
December 11, 2022
I’m not usually a fan of psychological thrillers, but I love stories where an injustice has happened and needs to be put right. I was pulled into Clare’s world from the opening pages. She’s been released from prison and her sister Alice has found her a flat in Hastings. There’s a job waiting and reconciliation with her teenage son, if Clare can settle down in her new home.
Only she can’t settle when she has no memory of the car crash that killed her father, husband and Tom’s twin brother, Toby. The drugs in her system while driving on that fateful night condemned her to prison and remorseless guilt. But her remaining son, Tom, believes she wasn’t to blame and is determined to help her recover her memory.
But, once she sets off on this course, she’s going to upset and unsettle a lot of people, who think she should move on with her life, not dwell in the past. And it doesn’t take long before she discovers that someone doesn’t want her to remember.
Clare’s agony and slow rehabilitation are superbly portrayed as Clare lurches from mistakes to crisis to antagonising the people she needs to help her. She’s floundering, lacking in confidence, and struggling to make progress, but she digs deep, supported by Tom. Her struggle, the menace and threats that dog her, and her determination to recover her memory, make this a fascinating read that leads to an exciting climax.
The atmosphere, the slow accumulation of tension, and the emotional wringer Clare survives mean the story is never anything less than gripping.
Only she can’t settle when she has no memory of the car crash that killed her father, husband and Tom’s twin brother, Toby. The drugs in her system while driving on that fateful night condemned her to prison and remorseless guilt. But her remaining son, Tom, believes she wasn’t to blame and is determined to help her recover her memory.
But, once she sets off on this course, she’s going to upset and unsettle a lot of people, who think she should move on with her life, not dwell in the past. And it doesn’t take long before she discovers that someone doesn’t want her to remember.
Clare’s agony and slow rehabilitation are superbly portrayed as Clare lurches from mistakes to crisis to antagonising the people she needs to help her. She’s floundering, lacking in confidence, and struggling to make progress, but she digs deep, supported by Tom. Her struggle, the menace and threats that dog her, and her determination to recover her memory, make this a fascinating read that leads to an exciting climax.
The atmosphere, the slow accumulation of tension, and the emotional wringer Clare survives mean the story is never anything less than gripping.
January 24, 2023
Read this as part of East Sussex County Libraries Big Read. I enjoyed it. Nice to see my home town in a new light. I have just ordered another of this author's books from the library to see how she does in other genres.
December 29, 2022
A very good read.
Clearly a good storyline. Rounded characters and interesting to watch them throughout the story. Kept me on tenterhooks until the end.
Clearly a good storyline. Rounded characters and interesting to watch them throughout the story. Kept me on tenterhooks until the end.
January 5, 2017
Hhmmmm
Took me around six weeks to read this book I found it very very slow only finished reading it because I paid for it
Took me around six weeks to read this book I found it very very slow only finished reading it because I paid for it
May 13, 2017
Since the publication of Gone Girl, there has been a slew of psychological thrillers, some good, some not so good ( I won’t name names). This is one of the good ones.
Clare has just been released from prison after serving her time for causing a fatal car accident which killed her family. Her only surviving child has been living with her sister Alice.
Because she has no memory of the night of the accident, Clare beings to delve into her past to find out what really happened. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way.
This is a really well crafted novel with a plot and heroine that will hook you and it is wonderfully atmospheric at times. I nearly missed my tube stop because I was so engrossed – always the sign of a good read!
Clare has just been released from prison after serving her time for causing a fatal car accident which killed her family. Her only surviving child has been living with her sister Alice.
Because she has no memory of the night of the accident, Clare beings to delve into her past to find out what really happened. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way.
This is a really well crafted novel with a plot and heroine that will hook you and it is wonderfully atmospheric at times. I nearly missed my tube stop because I was so engrossed – always the sign of a good read!
January 20, 2019
Great read. Hard to put down. Kept you guessing right up to the end. Will definitely try to read more by this author.
July 31, 2015
Couldn't decide quite how to rate this. I found it compelling to read and didn't skim over it as I have some books lately. But on the other hand I guessed the outcome right from the start and the author's red herrings never really convinced me to believe anything different. In addition I didn't find the romantic relationship that developed in the book at all believable, precisely because the main character was so guarded and careful not to give anything about herself away. When the romantic interest said something about 'before I got to know you' I had to laugh because really, could he be said to know her at all?
As a side note the copyediting in this book is pretty poor. The punctuation is all over the place. To be honest I'm quite fed up with seeing these kinds of errors in books from traditional publishers.
As a side note the copyediting in this book is pretty poor. The punctuation is all over the place. To be honest I'm quite fed up with seeing these kinds of errors in books from traditional publishers.
June 22, 2016
This wasn't too bad although I was beyond distracted and irritated by just how often Clare was tired. It got very repetitive and also Tom was always flushing or going red. Why ??? No reasons for either, really.
It wasn't without quite a few mistakes, either.....a lot of missing apostrophes and speechmarks and also words missing in sentences such as "earn bit more" or "have tell him", also a lot of commas where they weren't needed such as "more than a,'thankyou' and lightning spelt as lightening was pretty unforgivable.
The story was quite interesting and had a few twists and turns along the way but I don't think I'd read more by this author.
It wasn't without quite a few mistakes, either.....a lot of missing apostrophes and speechmarks and also words missing in sentences such as "earn bit more" or "have tell him", also a lot of commas where they weren't needed such as "more than a,'thankyou' and lightning spelt as lightening was pretty unforgivable.
The story was quite interesting and had a few twists and turns along the way but I don't think I'd read more by this author.
October 10, 2017
I didn't know what to expect from this book, whether it would be any good or not, well I was pleasantly surprised. It had me guessing all the way through, and I found that I was gripped from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews