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The Half Truth
Every marriage has its secrets…
Tina Bolotnikov, widowed after her husband, Sasha, is killed in a car accident, relocates back to her hometown on the south coast of the UK, to bring up her young son. Her life back in London with her adored husband is now nothing but a memory; a history to pass onto her son.
DS John Nightingale saw his partner killed in the line of duty and has made it his personal and professional quest to bring to justice the Russian gang responsible. Five years on and the killer is still free but as reports come in of Sasha Bolotnikov’s brother returning to the UK, John is tasked with tracking him down and following him to the seaside town of Littlehampton.
Tina finds herself an unwitting connection to a world she knew nothing about. She thought she knew her husband. She thought their past was the truth. But now as the investigation draws her closer to DS Nightingale, professional lines are blurred and crossed, and only he holds the key to her future.
Tina Bolotnikov, widowed after her husband, Sasha, is killed in a car accident, relocates back to her hometown on the south coast of the UK, to bring up her young son. Her life back in London with her adored husband is now nothing but a memory; a history to pass onto her son.
DS John Nightingale saw his partner killed in the line of duty and has made it his personal and professional quest to bring to justice the Russian gang responsible. Five years on and the killer is still free but as reports come in of Sasha Bolotnikov’s brother returning to the UK, John is tasked with tracking him down and following him to the seaside town of Littlehampton.
Tina finds herself an unwitting connection to a world she knew nothing about. She thought she knew her husband. She thought their past was the truth. But now as the investigation draws her closer to DS Nightingale, professional lines are blurred and crossed, and only he holds the key to her future.
- GenresFiction
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2015
175 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Sue Fortin
15 books594 followersWriting historical fiction as Suzanne Fortin and mystery/suspense as Sue Fortin.
Suzanne writes historical fiction, predominantly dual timeline and set in France. Her books feature courageous women in extraordinary circumstances with love and family at the heart of all the stories.
Suzanne was a bookworm as a child and this naturally progressed to wanting to write her own stories. It wasn’t until she was on maternity leave with her fourth child, that she thought it was now or never and finally managed to write a complete novel. Having joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association under their New Writers’ Scheme, writing then as Sue Fortin, she sent her manuscript off for a critique.
After another year of working on the novel, Suzanne self-published United States of Love – a contemporary romance. This was then picked up by a traditional publisher, HarperCollins and under their imprint HarperImpulse (now One More Chapter) this book was republished. Writing as Sue Fortin, another seven books in the romantic suspense genre were published with HarperCollins.
More recently, Sue has moved to writing historical fiction and publishes under the name of Suzanne Fortin, with her debut in this genre, The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger released in early 2021 with Head of Zeus imprint, Aria Fiction.
A self-confessed Francophile, Suzanne has a home in the Morbihan region of France and visits as often as she can with her husband and family. The region has been a huge inspiration for Suzanne’s books and is often the backdrop to her writing.
Suzanne writes historical fiction, predominantly dual timeline and set in France. Her books feature courageous women in extraordinary circumstances with love and family at the heart of all the stories.
Suzanne was a bookworm as a child and this naturally progressed to wanting to write her own stories. It wasn’t until she was on maternity leave with her fourth child, that she thought it was now or never and finally managed to write a complete novel. Having joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association under their New Writers’ Scheme, writing then as Sue Fortin, she sent her manuscript off for a critique.
After another year of working on the novel, Suzanne self-published United States of Love – a contemporary romance. This was then picked up by a traditional publisher, HarperCollins and under their imprint HarperImpulse (now One More Chapter) this book was republished. Writing as Sue Fortin, another seven books in the romantic suspense genre were published with HarperCollins.
More recently, Sue has moved to writing historical fiction and publishes under the name of Suzanne Fortin, with her debut in this genre, The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger released in early 2021 with Head of Zeus imprint, Aria Fiction.
A self-confessed Francophile, Suzanne has a home in the Morbihan region of France and visits as often as she can with her husband and family. The region has been a huge inspiration for Suzanne’s books and is often the backdrop to her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2015
I couldn't put this down! A great suspenseful romance which hooked me from the start with believable twists and turns and well-rounded characters.
March 18, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for a review copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Tina Bolotnikov, was widowed 5 years ago, and is now bringing up son, Dmitri alone. Five years ago DS John Nightingale saw his partner shot down, and he is still trying to catch the killer.
Tina and John's lives collide when information starts coming out about links between their situations five years ago, and John meets Tina to see what she knows.
Tina, clearly is struggling with her grief, and still has feelings for her dead husband Sasha, when she meets John. John clearly is attracted to Tina but yet still has his job to do.
During the course of the book, information is exchanged between varying relevant parties, most of the time not the full truth, just Half Truths. Obviously this frustrates both Tina and John, and its hard to know who to trust.
I loved all the scenes with John doing his job, with the action and tension. Tina is a strong willed, compassionate character, that shows a lot of heart.
This was the first book I have read by Sue Fortin, and definitely won't be the last. I was gripped from the first page, and barely put the book down all day. I just had to read to find out what happened next.
This is a wonderful example of a Romantic Suspense story, that I loved reading.
Tina Bolotnikov, was widowed 5 years ago, and is now bringing up son, Dmitri alone. Five years ago DS John Nightingale saw his partner shot down, and he is still trying to catch the killer.
Tina and John's lives collide when information starts coming out about links between their situations five years ago, and John meets Tina to see what she knows.
Tina, clearly is struggling with her grief, and still has feelings for her dead husband Sasha, when she meets John. John clearly is attracted to Tina but yet still has his job to do.
During the course of the book, information is exchanged between varying relevant parties, most of the time not the full truth, just Half Truths. Obviously this frustrates both Tina and John, and its hard to know who to trust.
I loved all the scenes with John doing his job, with the action and tension. Tina is a strong willed, compassionate character, that shows a lot of heart.
This was the first book I have read by Sue Fortin, and definitely won't be the last. I was gripped from the first page, and barely put the book down all day. I just had to read to find out what happened next.
This is a wonderful example of a Romantic Suspense story, that I loved reading.
May 7, 2015
Tina Bolotnikov misses her deceased husband terribly. He died in a car accident and she's never had the chance to say goodbye properly, because his funeral was in Russia and she wasn't allowed to attend. Now Tina is raising their son Dimitri by herself. She works hard and also cares for her old neighbor. Sasha used to be her everything and after several years Tina still isn't ready for a new relationship.
DS John Nightingale is feeling guilty because his partner was shot while they were on duty. John knows that Sasha's brother was involved, but he hasn't been able to catch him. Tina never liked her brother in law and she isn't happy when he's back in the UK. What she doesn't know is that he brings back a lot of unrest and misery and she discovers that her husband kept many secrets from her. Suddenly Tina's home is no longer a safe place and she needs to let John into her life to make her feel secure. Does that also mean she can let him into her heart and will he always tell her the truth?
The Half Truth is a moving story about a young woman who's lost her husband. Sasha had a lot of secrets, but Tina trusted him completely, so she never suspected anything. When she learns the truth both her memories of the past and plans she has for her future will change forever. Tina is a strong woman and she isn't afraid to face the facts, I liked that about her. John cares more for her than he's allowed to, but that doesn't mean he'll stay away. He wants to protect Tina and Dimitri no matter what. That was so wonderful to see.
This combination of romance and suspense is great. Sue Fortin has managed to write a very good page turner that's both thrilling and sweet. I liked that a lot. I wanted to know more about the secrets and couldn't wait to find out what they were. I couldn't put this book down. I loved the ending and
DS John Nightingale is feeling guilty because his partner was shot while they were on duty. John knows that Sasha's brother was involved, but he hasn't been able to catch him. Tina never liked her brother in law and she isn't happy when he's back in the UK. What she doesn't know is that he brings back a lot of unrest and misery and she discovers that her husband kept many secrets from her. Suddenly Tina's home is no longer a safe place and she needs to let John into her life to make her feel secure. Does that also mean she can let him into her heart and will he always tell her the truth?
The Half Truth is a moving story about a young woman who's lost her husband. Sasha had a lot of secrets, but Tina trusted him completely, so she never suspected anything. When she learns the truth both her memories of the past and plans she has for her future will change forever. Tina is a strong woman and she isn't afraid to face the facts, I liked that about her. John cares more for her than he's allowed to, but that doesn't mean he'll stay away. He wants to protect Tina and Dimitri no matter what. That was so wonderful to see.
This combination of romance and suspense is great. Sue Fortin has managed to write a very good page turner that's both thrilling and sweet. I liked that a lot. I wanted to know more about the secrets and couldn't wait to find out what they were. I couldn't put this book down. I loved the ending and
January 31, 2021
Wow what an addictive read! I got through this in mere hours because I couldn’t put it down.
April 15, 2015
I was attracted by the cover, the blurb and the five star reviews and I wasn't disappointed, but if you are looking for a simple romantic novel this is not for you; Fort in offers the reader so much more than that! She succeeds in threading a complex love story through the plot of a gripping crime novel and, with the skill of an expert storyteller, manages to end each chapter with a cliffhanger which forces you to read on. We get involved with the two main protagonists from the outset; John Nightingale, a conscientious cop with a guilt complex regarding the fatal shooting of his partner, and Tina Bolotnikov, a widowed single parent still struggling to cope five years after the death of her husband, Sasha. The lives and emotions of John and Tina become increasingly embedded in layers of lies and deceit which threaten to destroy the intense feelings that arise between them. When John tries to protect Tina from a Russian crime gang connected to her dead husband, she begins to doubt his motives. Does he love her or is he using her to find his partner's killer? We are allowed to see things from both John and Tina's point of view but Fortin still manages to keep us in the dark and springs quite a few surprises; just when you think you've got all the answers, something new turns up! Keeps you guessing right to the end and well worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I was interested by the end of chapter 1. By the end of chapter 5, I was hooked enough to forget to drink my tea.
I won't spoil the story, suffice to say it was a tense suspense story and I genuinely didn't know whom to trust until the very end. I liked that Tina was strong in that whatever happened, her priority was always her son. She held it together and kept things as normal for him as possible. She also managed to stand her ground without being a stubborn idiot about it (It winds me up when the heroine stands around shouting 'But I won't do that because I'm STRONG' when she really, really should just run and hide until the men with guns have gone).
Neither John nor Sasha was perfect. I liked that too. Life is messy. I think Tina was a lot more forgiving than I would have been, but then, she's probably a nicer person than I am.
This is the first book I've read by Sue Fortin. I will definitely be reading more.
I won't spoil the story, suffice to say it was a tense suspense story and I genuinely didn't know whom to trust until the very end. I liked that Tina was strong in that whatever happened, her priority was always her son. She held it together and kept things as normal for him as possible. She also managed to stand her ground without being a stubborn idiot about it (It winds me up when the heroine stands around shouting 'But I won't do that because I'm STRONG' when she really, really should just run and hide until the men with guns have gone).
Neither John nor Sasha was perfect. I liked that too. Life is messy. I think Tina was a lot more forgiving than I would have been, but then, she's probably a nicer person than I am.
This is the first book I've read by Sue Fortin. I will definitely be reading more.
April 7, 2015
Another fantastic read from Sue Fortin. As the pace picks up, layers peel away exposing the truth about DS John Nightingale and Tina Bolotnikov's lives, which until now, Tina had no idea were entwined.
As in Closing In, The Half Truth is a fast-paced suspense, with twists and turns keeping the reader guessing. The characters' relationships are portrayed with sensitivity and understanding, and the bond between Tina and her young son is palpable. There are beautiful descriptions and observations that bring the settings and the characters to life, and show the wonder and innocence of a child, alongside the harsh realities of life as seen by DS John Nightingale and Tina Bolotnikov.
A satisfying and emotional read, packed with intrigue, conflict and suspense. Highly recommended.
As in Closing In, The Half Truth is a fast-paced suspense, with twists and turns keeping the reader guessing. The characters' relationships are portrayed with sensitivity and understanding, and the bond between Tina and her young son is palpable. There are beautiful descriptions and observations that bring the settings and the characters to life, and show the wonder and innocence of a child, alongside the harsh realities of life as seen by DS John Nightingale and Tina Bolotnikov.
A satisfying and emotional read, packed with intrigue, conflict and suspense. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2016
This is a case of, how well do you know someone?
But what if that 'someone' was your husband who died several years ago and you are left raising a son.
What about your 'inlaw' family?
What about they're secrets from the past that may have an impact on you and what you think you know.
Then there is John Nightingale is a policeman who is carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders from demons in his past.
How can all this be connected.
I was hooked in really well, bit by bit from this story written by this author that kept my attention span going and my intrigue.
I am late at the table reading this one, it slipped down my mountain of TBR books, but one of the reads I did enjoy.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse via Net Galley for my copy.
May 1, 2015
Tina Bolotnikov's husband Sasha was killed in a car crash five years ago leaving her to bring up their son. She relocates back to her hometown from London.
DS John Nightingale's partner was killed in the line of duty and John cannot rest until those responsible are brought to justice.
Reports come through that Pavel, Sacha's brother is back in the UK and we find Tina has connections to crimes she knew nothing about...
A fast paced read with many twists, turns and exciting storylines.. Loved it!
DS John Nightingale's partner was killed in the line of duty and John cannot rest until those responsible are brought to justice.
Reports come through that Pavel, Sacha's brother is back in the UK and we find Tina has connections to crimes she knew nothing about...
A fast paced read with many twists, turns and exciting storylines.. Loved it!
March 10, 2016
Wow - this was a rollercoaster of a ride. I was totally hooked by Tina’s story, and ended up reading into the night. I couldn’t wait to understand more about her past and how the future would pan out for her. The book was well paced, with a great climax, as well as perfectly timed episodes of high tension along the way. I also loved the way the book tackled the themes of truths, half-truths and lies.
April 3, 2015
Tina was widowed five years ago and she's on her own with young son Dimitri. John Nightingale is a policeman carrying around a lot of demons. When their two worlds collide the pieces slowly fit together and Tina isn't sure what the truth is anymore.
Suspenseful women's fiction with twists and turns as secrets are slowly revealed. Recommended!
Suspenseful women's fiction with twists and turns as secrets are slowly revealed. Recommended!
January 23, 2016
An interesting story of a widow, her "inlaw" family and ghosts from the past. This intertwined with a detective story and a little romance- a perfect balance of genres to make an endearing tale that keeps you turning the pages. Who can you trust and are they telling the truth about past times? An enjoyable read for all
April 23, 2015
Lovely quick read with action and romance. More in depth review soon at Girl-who-Reads.com
October 31, 2015
A good read and hard to put down xx
June 15, 2022
Tina is widowed after her husband dies in a car accident in Russia. DS John saw his partner killed and is determined to bring the men responsible to justice, Tina fins herself unwittingly connected to this world and when her brother in law turns up Tina finds the past wasn't as truthful as she thought and didn't actually know her husband at all.
August 20, 2018
Least favorite
Of all of Fortins books this was the weakest. Held my attention the least. Typically there is some sort of twist or multiple twists that keep me reading but this was a basic book. Enjoyable, but not my favorite.
Of all of Fortins books this was the weakest. Held my attention the least. Typically there is some sort of twist or multiple twists that keep me reading but this was a basic book. Enjoyable, but not my favorite.
February 15, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this and will be looking out for more books by Sue. Really liked the characters felt like I got to know them
I really enjoyed this and will be looking out for more books by Sue. Really liked the characters felt like I got to know them
September 15, 2024
Enjoyed it, not too thrilling but a good read
August 5, 2016
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Suspenseful and sinister from the first page, this crime orientated, romantic suspense draws you into a world of organised crime and the dedicated police squads that track them down.
Five years after her Russian husband, Sasha, died in a an accident Tina is rebuilding her shattered life, her young son Dimitri, who her husband never saw, is her reason for getting up in the morning, She is determined he won’t miss not having a dad.
John Nightingale is still guilt ridden by his partner’s death. The chance to capture his murderer means invading Tina’s life and possibly destroying it again but he owes it to his partner doesn’t he?
Both Tina and John are strong characters, he appears in Tina’s life at a time when she is ready to consider moving on, but there is a strong conflict of interest, which makes any future for the couple unlikely.
The plot is realistic and the characters’ reactions believable. Tina and John wrestle with their consciences and realise life is all about shades, rather than stark right or wrong. Angst and emotional soul searching contrasts with adrenalin filled action scenes.
This story is easy reading but it will provoke your emotions right up to the end.
Sue Fortin
April 22, 2015
DS John Nightingale had taken up himself to bring to justice his partner's death in the line of duty. Five years since the incident, new evidence has come up showing that the gang with which they had that fateful encounter might be back in action. John knows that this is his chance to ensure that his partner did not die in vain.
Tina Bolotnikov, widowed five years ago when her husband Sasha was killed in an accident in Russia, is bringing up her son, with just her husband's memories keeping her going.
John's investigations lead him to Tina, who is unaware of what awaits her. She is suddenly faced by the fact that things had been very different from what she had thought they were. Her husband had more to his past than she knew. Also, is she betraying her husband's memory even further by finding herself drawing closer to John?
An interesting premise, and one that had a lot of promise. What I didn't quite like was the treatment. Some of the characters' motives didn't make sense to me. It might have just been me, but this book didn't quite keep my attention. I also found it quite slow and long drawn towards the end; hence the 3/5 rating.
Tina Bolotnikov, widowed five years ago when her husband Sasha was killed in an accident in Russia, is bringing up her son, with just her husband's memories keeping her going.
John's investigations lead him to Tina, who is unaware of what awaits her. She is suddenly faced by the fact that things had been very different from what she had thought they were. Her husband had more to his past than she knew. Also, is she betraying her husband's memory even further by finding herself drawing closer to John?
An interesting premise, and one that had a lot of promise. What I didn't quite like was the treatment. Some of the characters' motives didn't make sense to me. It might have just been me, but this book didn't quite keep my attention. I also found it quite slow and long drawn towards the end; hence the 3/5 rating.
November 19, 2015
Pretty average tale of gangsters, intrigue and policemen falling for the person they are watching. Bit predictable and not very exciting.
July 27, 2016
Just okay. Definitely not on par with the others two books I read by this author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews