The Girl Who Wouldn't Die

Georgina McKenzie #1

by Marnie Riches

HE’S WATCHING HER. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IT…YET

When a bomb explodes at the University of Amsterdam, aspiring criminologist Georgina McKenzie is asked by the police to help flush out the killer.

But the bomb is part of a much bigger, more sinister plot that will have the entire city quaking in fear.

And the killer has a very special part for George to play…

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

300 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2015

About the author

Marnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in Manchester. She learned her way out of the ghetto, all the way to Cambridge University, where she gained a Masters degree in German & Dutch. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist, a property developer and professional fundraiser. Previously a children's author, now, she writes gritty, fast-paced crime fiction.

Marnie Riches is the author of the award-winning, best-selling George McKenzie series, starting with "The Girl Who Wouldn't Die", published in the UK by Avon/HarperCollins and special editions by The Word Factor-e in the US. She is also the author of best-selling, critically acclaimed Manchester gangland thrillers, "Born Bad" and "The Cover-Up" as featured in CBS documentary, "Written in Blood".

In her spare time, Marnie likes to spin, travel, drink and eat all the things (especially if combined with travel) paint portraits, sniff expensive leather shoes and renovate old houses. She also adores flowers.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GIRL WHO WOULDN’T DIE is the debut crime thriller novel, in the Georgina McKenzie Series, by author Marnie Riches. This is a European style thriller set in Amsterdam but also in London, England. This novel is a real page-turner with non-stop action, that is sure to appeal to a wide audience, for those that enjoy this genre.

The reader is introduced to the 20-year-old protagonist, Georgina (George), a British exchange student, a strong, intelligent aspiring criminologist, with a fine analytical mind…who does things her way.

Adrianus Karelse (Ad), a fellow student and George’s love, comes to tell her that there had been a massive explosion at the faculty library-a suicide bomber? George rushes to the crime scene and meets Inspector Paul van den Bergen of the Dutch police who is responsible for finding the terrorist mastermind behind what appears to have been a suicide-bombing of a university library. Hitting nothing but dead ends and finding two young men murdered in gruesome circumstances, he turns to British exchange student and aspiring criminologist, Georgina McKenzie for help.

Why would a terrorist target a student library in Amsterdam?

Who was the suicide bomber?

Bergen wants George, a blogger, to flush out the killer, by writing an article, about the bombing for “The Moment”, a student forum.

But the bomb is part of a much bigger, more menacing plot that will have the entire city in a state of fear.

George is certain that a psychopath- a Killer, walks among Amsterdam’s student population in the city’s red-light-district.

Then George is targeted…and the hunt goes on!

There are many subplots in this novel, which all connect nicely in the end. Pay close attention to the storyline, to both follow the plot as well as figure out the connections. The characters are well-written, engaging and very real. The suspense level is high.

A super thriller novel that I enjoyed and well worth the read.

Many thanks to HarperCollins via Netgalley and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (Facebook) for my digital copy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been hearing great things about this series from some of my blogger friends across the pond and when I heard that it was being released in the US I figured it was the perfect opportunity to start another series that I’ve been meaning to get to forever. I’m really glad that I did, I found it to be something different and exciting written by a very talented author.

George was an unusual protagonist and she offered up a unique viewpoint. She’s a student and budding criminologist and I loved the fresh insight this provided. This was really fast paced and exciting, it read like an action thriller with plenty of heart pounding moments.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the setting, Riches really brought Amsterdam to life, it was highly atmospheric. If you like entertaining thrillers with strong female leads give this one a try, it was really unique.

The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die in three words: Exhilarating, Dark and Smart.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that Marnie Riches looked for characters outside the usual law enforcement box for her crime novel. It added a freshness that was further highlighted by the protagonist, George, who has an intelligence and feistiness that wasn't dampened by acts of idiocy.

There were a few issues in the writing style and plotting that screamed debut novel, but they were not enough to affect my enjoyment, merely things i'll be hoping not to see again in the next instalment. In any case, I think the author has a lot to offer and i'll be moving straight on to book 2.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for BOTM (book of the month) for THE Book Club on Facebook.

Although I found it to be an okay read, I didn’t really feel gripped by the story or closely connect with any of the characters. I doubt this is the fault of the story, but more to do with the genre I voted for June’s BOTM not winning. Then when we were given a choice of books under the genre that did win, my preferred book choice didn’t win either, so I have just read a book I didn’t choose in a genre that is far from my favourite.

I’m not that interested in police and crime novels. I have enjoyed some in the past, but they have to be exceptionally good and usually very dark for me to enjoy them.

Having said that, I did enjoy the terror attacks side to the story. This made it feel very current, and actually quite tense and emotional to read, as I read most of this book on the day of the France and Tunisia terror attacks.

This book is well written and edited, and I was surprised by a couple of things to do with particular characters that I didn’t work out in advance.

Most other members in the BOTM discussion have given this 4 or 5 stars, so I recommend this to those who enjoy police and crime novels, as it seems to be proving popular with others.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Meet Georgina McKenzie. She's student at the University of Amsterdam, studying with the hope of becoming a criminologist.

She gets to test what she's learned so far when a bomb is detonated close by. She has her own opinion and doesn't agree with the media's reporting of a suicide-bomber.

Investigating the case is cynical Inspector Paul van den Bergen. He has the best solve-rate on the force, but like George, his rebellious nature makes him ever the outsider. Realizing he needs her unique insight into the criminal mind to find the culprit behind the terror attack, he asks for George’s help.

When young men start dying in unnatural circumstances, George begins to suspect that the bombing and these deaths are tied together.

Investigating together, they find that most everyone lies ... most have secrets ... and they will do anything to keep those secrets buried.

It's when someone targets George that they understand they are close to the truth.

THE GIRL WHO WOULDN'T DIE is a page-turner, full of suspense, and fast-paced action. There are many suspects to watch carefully and all are finely drawn and credible. Georgia is a unique character, in a very different location. Although mainly set in Amsterdam, there's also a smattering of London.

George, herself, is smart, and is unafraid to go after what she wants. And right now, she's happiest with rooting out the danger she is facing. There are several story lines to follow, each leading to an explosive and surprising conclusion.

Many thanks to the author / HarperCollins / Netgalley / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for this digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was hooked right from the beginning. I thought the story was really good. Halfway through the book it flipped itself on its head and I had a genuine oh my god moment!! From then on, I barrelled through it right to the end! Absolutely loved this book! Can't wait to get onto the next in the series! Will post a full review on bibliophilebookclub.wordpress.com Asap!

[Merril Anil · Rating 3 out of 5]

i had to skim read it

i dont know why, but i feel like i should put a disclaimer before my review that ... " this could all be me " . Maybe its all the praises that this book is getting and finding myself to be the odd one out... so yeah, this book could be different for you and maybe its just me who couldn't appreciate it as much...

I found the book to be so long and sleep inducing that i ended up skim reading it and i am mentioning this in the starting itself to be fair to those who have actually sit through those long pages and have paid attention to each and every word of the book.

The book may have a strong plot with lots of intricacies but that does not mean you can use a lack luster language to narrate it.i will any day admit that the book carried an amazing and impactful plot but a bland narration killed it for me. Everything seemed too technical and straight forward and lacking that oomph factor or intrigue that could keep you on edge and glued to the book and the major reason for this is the language

There is no depth and beauty in the language and unfortunately lots of colloquialism contaminate the language and hence the resulting narration too. The author gets caught up in adjectives and describing the beauty of the surroundings so much that by the time it comes to the main point, i am already deep in slumber.

The language is rough and bitter and does not have a smoothness to it that should have helped you understand what is going on because trust me, with so many layers and nuisances to the story, it is really hard to keep track when you don't understand what exactly is happening. While typical British/English phrases be a common occurrence for that demographic readers, for the general masses it becomes a bit too hard to absorb.

Even amidst all the disappointment, i am deeply impressed with the core plot and the characters. Each character is made so strong and sharp that you get caught up in their world. I did enjoy the plot twists and turns (whichever i could grab during my skim read) but all in all the book was not a fun read for me because of the irregularity in the narration and a weak language. To me the book had no intrigue factor in the narration that could keep you interested in the book and requires a strong perseverance which sadly i lacked when i picked up the book. Either that or i was really impatient towards the slow and gradual progress of the book

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

a truly amazing novel. I loved the intricacies of this book and see the progression of the characters.

what would you do if your friend were being made to look like the criminals and you feel ot can't be possible.

this book touches on the most terrifying of subject suicide bombing. has a bit of everything in from witness protection to terrorism.

marnie riches made this book so enjoyable. also a happy ending is always a good thing

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My biggest regret with this book is that I did not read it sooner. I console myself that I can now dive into the rest of the series.
This is an explosive read - if you pardon the pun! This thriller plunges you head first into the action and keeps you gripped until the very last page. I loved the main character George, a University exchange student from Cambridge who becomes embroiled in a bombing incident in Amsterdam. This is a no holds barred, pacy read with a complex and thrilling plot. I loved the switch from one location to another, which culminates in a thoroughly satisfying ending. Looking forward to reading book two!

[Kindle Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book puts you through a series of events that didn’t make sense at first. They were just pieces of a complex puzzle bolstered by misdirections, red herrings, shifty characters, and a frantic storytelling that will drive you insane.

I wanted the story to end fast to make sense of it all. But when it ended, I didn’t know what to do with myself (I call this the Amsterdam Syndrome).

It’s a searing slow burn of a book.

And it’s brilliant.

There's a heavy Stieg Larsson influence but I still wasn't prepared when the author drops the bomb.

And George McKenzie? We didn't hit it off, not immediately. But when she reveals bits and pieces about herself in every chapter, I knew a found a badass character that I want to get to know more.

This is a crime book junkie’s fix. It takes a while to kick in, but when it finally does, you’re in for one explosive ride.

[Keith Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgina (George) McKenzie is a Cambridge University student on exchange in the lurid city of Amsterdam. When a bomb goes off outside the university where she is studying politics, no-one seems able to explain why it was targeted. George can’t help herself but get involved and pulls along her reluctant friend Ad. After she writes a blog post about the bomb the officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Paul van den Bergen, enlists George in his investigative efforts. Very soon they realise that a person was part of the bomb. In a large box with the device was one of George’s classmates. Then another bomb goes off with a second of George’s class killed. Why are they being blown up, and by whom?

In South London, Ella Williams-May is a girl in trouble. She and her mother are being targeted by a local gang, led by Danny. When Ella is caught stealing handbags to make ends meet she’s forced to become an informant by the police. Ella inveigles her way into Danny’s gang, leading a dangerous double life.

As George, Ad and van den Bergen race against time to find the bomber they discover that George herself may be the target. Can van den Bergen save her?

This is a smart debut crime novel from Marnie Riches. It switches between gaudy Amsterdam, narrated by a suitably coarse George, and down at heel South London, in two seemingly unconnected story lines. The jump between the two is jarring at first. There’s no clear signposting when you step from one strand into the other. However, the plot is pacy and compelling enough to maintain the interest and when the link is finally made, it’s well worth it.

There are several major strengths in this novel. First and foremost is the sense of place. The majority of the plot occurs in Amsterdam, with a smattering of Cambridge gentility, some events in Germany along with a parallel plot in gritty south east London. The Dutch location comes through the strongest and suits George’s voice (another major plus) very well. It is clear Riches knows her stuff when it comes to Amsterdam, in fact she studied modern and medieval Dutch. George’s neighbours are prostitutes, everyone smokes drugs and when the story opens she’s been sleeping around. It seems she fits in well. But there’s a lot more to George than first meets the eye. She’s dogged and determined, happy to be involved in a brutal and dangerous case.

There are a lot of characters in The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die, from sleazy university lecturer Vin Fennemans, who manipulates and assaults his students and has an intense dislike of George, to each of the victims who we meet before their grisly ends. The author doesn’t hold back at all in her narrative. The descriptions as the killer goes to work are up close and personal. The pace is high and maintained throughout, if anything increasing as the conclusion is reached and the perpetrator is revealed in a very satisfying and intelligent conclusion. There are two further installments to follow. The next will be The Girl Who Broke the Rules, due to be published in August.

Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.

[Victoria Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a trilogy, with the second instalment due to be published in August 2015 and the third in November 2015.

Georgina 'George' McKenzie is a criminology student from Cambridge University who is on a year's placement at the University of Amsterdam. When some of her fellow students are targeted by a bomber, she is called on by the detective in charge of the case to aid the investigation. In South London, Ella Williams-May, who is in trouble with the police, is being forced to become an informant for an investigation into a vicious gang.

Overall, I felt that this thriller is a great debut. You can tell that the author has had direct experience of the two main locations, with lovely descriptions and insights into both Cambridge and Amsterdam. George is a great character - she's feisty, intelligent and curious, but also has a vulnerable side. And she seems to have a habit of getting heavily involved in difficult situations.

Although the prologue hooked me in straight away, it did take me a little while to get used to switching between the two threads (George and Ella). But then the story moved at a faster pace and kept me intrigued until the end.

I was surprised that the police allowed George to get so involved in the case and visit crime scenes without any qualifications or experience. But this is one of those books where you just have to go along for the ride.

I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Virginie (chouettblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to let this book sit with me for a little while before writing my review. Not because I did not like it, because I really did. I suppose the right words were just not ready to come out, and I really wanted to do it justice.

So for the first time ever, since I have started writing reviews, I decided to check out Goodreads to see what other reviewers had to say about “The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die”. And maybe after reading the 10th one I thought:” Ok, this is weird; I don’t think we read the same book!”

Of course, I award the greatest respect to my fellow reviewers/bloggers as we are entitled to our own opinions. I guess I wanted to see more comments on the diverse elements so present in this book brought into light. But none of it was mentioned in any of the reviews I read. Ok, maybe 10 reviews is just not a sample big enough, I’ll give you that. But still, “We Need Diverse Books”!!! , so maybe, we should acknowledge the ones coming our way.

I am happy to go first!

“The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die” starts with a bang! And this sets the tone of the story to the last word. Set in Amsterdam with a heavily present UK connection, we are introduced to Georgina McKenzie (George for short) who is a Cambridge student in Politics who somehow finds herself involved in the investigation of an alleged and devastating terrorist attack closely linked to the university she studies at as part of an exchange program.

This thriller is cleverly structured as a puzzle, taking you back and forth between past scenes in the UK having an impact in the present Amsterdam, although this is not obvious right away. But just like George, the reader gets to follow the trail of sometimes misleading clues and becomes the investigator.

The only piece of criticism related to the development of the story that I have and again, this is a very small one, is a trip to the UK by the main character that I felt was maybe not needed at that point in the book and slowed things down a little, but that’s my personal opinion.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed the sub-plots involving, interracial relationships with its extreme counterpart touching upon white supremacy. And I also loved that the author developed an original story based on current international affairs.

The highlight for me however has to be what I think is an essential element at the core of this novel which is the inclusion of ethnic diversity, which the story was permeated with. Yes people! George is mixed-raced from Jamaican descent and all the details in her background story have made her the strong woman and extraordinary investigator she turns out to be.

Some might say, then why mention it at all then, and why does it matter?!

Well, it does because, for one if the main character was not depicted as she is, the story would have been entirely different but most importantly the author addresses that essential characteristic about diversity in writing which is that there is a need to “reflect the world and the people of the world” and I think that she should be commended for it.

And I am gladly recommended this read to all.

Thanking the Team @AvonBooksUK for providing me a copy of this novel to review.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bomb has exploded at the University of Amsterdam and it appears to be a suicide mission. Inspector Paul van den Bergen asks criminology student Georgina (George) McKenzie to help him with his investigation. He wants to find out who's behind the attack and she needs to bait the killer. Unfortunately they aren't quick enough to stop it from happening again. There's a connection somewhere, but it isn't a clear one. George is investigating on her own as well, together with her best friend she tries to find out more about her number one suspect. Will George and van den Bergen be able to find out who's behind the killings before there will be more victims?

I love that The Girl Who Wouldn't Die is set in Amsterdam. I think Marnie Riches has captured the atmosphere of the city very well. Her descriptions are fantastic. I read this book in one sitting, I just couldn't stop. The story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I read this at night and it all happens quite close to where I live, which made it extra scary. This book is filled with suspense and adrenaline rushes. I liked the way George and van den Bergen interact. They are two great minds who can solve a puzzle.

The story reveals a lot of George's past. I think Marnie Riches has given her a great and intense history. That made The Girl Who Wouldn't Die extra interesting for me. I like the Dutch aspects and think the descriptions are all accurate and thoroughly researched. Amsterdam is the perfect background for an international thriller with main characters from all over the world. For me that's another thing I loved about this story.

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die can be read as a standalone and there's a clear ending. This is the first book of a series though. The main characters are really interesting and I'm happy there will be more books about George and van den Bergen. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die is a dark fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat right until the end.

Set mainly in Amsterdam, the author does a great job in describing university life and also the prostitution and drug scene that Amsterdam is notorious for, so much so it almost felt like I was there.

Georgina 'George' Mckenzie originally from the UK is a student studying at the University of Amsterdam. As she is training to be a criminologist she becomes extremely intrigued when her friend Ad rings her to tell her about a suspected suicide bomber that has been killed nearby to where she is staying.

Things start to get very interesting from this point and George starts sticking her nose into police matters much to the annoyance of Paul Van Den Bergen.

I loved the relationship between George and Paul as well as her relationship with Ad. Over the course of the story you can tell that Paul starts to care about George in a fatherly way and I enjoyed seeing the bond between them grow. Ad for some reason actually stood out more to me than George in this book. I really don't know why. I really liked George's character as she is a very strong willed woman and nothing seemed to phase her, but there was just something about Ad that just appealed to me more. I don't know if it is because he felt to me more vulnerable but he just came across as a really nice guy and someone you would be lucky to have in your life.

I really enjoyed this book and I certainly look forward to reading more by Marnie Riches.

[Claire Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published by: Maze (2nd April 2015)



ASIN: B00U1K18VY



Source: NetGalley



Rating: 3*



Synopsis:

HE’S WATCHING HER. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IT…YET

When a bomb explodes at the University of Amsterdam, aspiring criminologist Georgina McKenzie is asked by the police to help flush out the killer.

But the bomb is part of a much bigger, more sinister plot that will have the entire city quaking in fear.

And the killer has a very special part for George to play…

A thrilling race against time with a heroine you’ll be rooting for, this book will keep you up all night!



My Review:

I was really looking forward to reading The Girl Who Wouldn't Die as the synopsis sounded great and I'd been hearing good things about it.



The first few chapters really drew me in and I started to warm to George. Then I put the book down and picked it up again the following day. I found it really difficult to get back into; something that's not usually an issue. I had to read back several pages to find out what was going on. I found that, rather than drawing me in, it was having the opposite effect and it seemed confusing and all over the place.



I persevered to the end of the book, even though the continual changing of perspective didn't help my enjoyment. It's a shame I didn't enjoy this book more butno doubt I'll pick it up again at some point.



*Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent fast paced story with characters that have miles left in them! The locations vary between Amsterdam and the UK and the author manages to evoke a clear picture of these disparate settings. A tale of modern Europe and it's dark underside but one that gives life to a heroine in keeping with those of Suzanne Collins and Stieg Larsson. Thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to the next.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this at all. The language felt really awkward, It didn't flow in my opinion. The characters for me were very unlike able. I didn't care for any of them. I'm glad I read it as there was a lot of hype about it but I personally didn't feel it was justified.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flicking through my kindle wondering what to read next, I realised I had purchased this book back in August 2015, so I thought it high time I read it. As I also have the next book I thought it would be good to catch up on a series I hadn't started yet.
I had read a few reviews on the books a good while back, and decided I needed to go into it with an open mind.
​While it was an interesting read, I found I struggled quite a bit with some of the pronunciations, but tried not to let this put me off.
 Set mostly in Amsterdam, The Girl Who Wouldn't Die is the first of what I believe is so far 4 books.
​It's a readable read, but I didn't find myself drawn in, or really needing to keep picking up the book. It didn't seem to grab me or hold me and I found I continued reading for the sake of reading it.
I will however continue with the series as I am hoping the next book will draw me in some more, and being a little more familiar with the characters should help me along

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book not realising it was the first in a series, I was expecting a good thriller, I had heard so many positive comments, I knew I'd enjoy it. All that I can say is wow - I can't tell you how glad I am that there is a second and third book to satisfy my addiction. I suffered from mixed emotions when I finished it, both relief it was over - it was such a harrowing read at times, a book I kept thinking I couldn't read another page of it was at times so traumatic, yet I was so hooked I kept turning the pages faster and faster as the plots thickened. Then wham! Utter devastation, that I had got to the last page, I wanted more, I need more! So rarely does a book grab me and tear my emotions in two, I'm almost frightened to read book two but at the same time I'm desperate to begin.

To say 'The Girl Who Wouldn't Die' got my blood pumping and adrenalin running would be an understatement - it literally blew me away. It was a book that once I started reading it I literally couldn't put it down - it was at times horrific, an all consuming read that had an under story that was equally as devastating and heart breaking. A gritty read that touches on parts of life that sadly exist, not just a figment of an overactive imagination.

The story has two strands that eventually join together in a way that I didn't see coming at all. We follow the lives of Georgina (George) McKenzie a Cambridge student studying for a year at the University of Amsterdam and Ella Williams-May a teenager, living in terror, with a mother who is mother by genes only. She doesn't seem to care for Ella, just looking for the next scam to provide money for booze. With no father on the scene life is difficult for Ella. They are terrorised by the local gang, that is until she joins forces with them in order to protect herself and her mother.

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die begins with an explosive start, a human bomb, blown up outside the faculty library in Amsterdam. George dragged from her flat by fellow student Ad to witness what was happening on the street - her inquisitive nature sees herself pushing herself into the investigation, the detective in charge ending up using her as bait to try to lure out the killer.

If you want a book that'll scare you just a little - scrap that - a lot, with twists that are gut wrenching, that will have you on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, with a plot that is deeply woven into the story, that'll drag you into a world that you'll be glad you are viewing behind the cover of a book - with characters that are so well written, more often than not having a side to them that is totally unpredictable causing you to question everything with one hand held over your mouth, eyebrows raised then this is for you. I have to say it's so dark and gritty I was left both physically and emotionally drained, such was Marnie's skill at drawing the reader right into the heart of the action. I have no hesitation in recommending this book at all - I loved it, although it does feel slightly wrong to say that!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason this gets four stars rather than only three is that this is a debut novel and author Marnie Riches just goes for it. I admire the determination and drive that leaps from the pages of this thriller. Some things are quite brilliant and set this book aside from many that flood this crowded genre; others don't quite work but you trust that with care the author will hone her talent to perfection.
I found the early passages relating to the life of Ella confusing in the tight timeframe of the rest of the narrative; the book would perhaps benefit from a clearer distinction of this earlier but related stream in this plot.
I also found the leaps in story development a little unsettling as not everything is explained and some is a little unexplanable on my first reading.
The lack police co-operation in an undercover sting is a little unbelievable to my mind. The inadequate clearing up of that case and rise within the international criminal world of these same players doesn't ring true either.
However, I am glad in a different way that all these ideas were allowed to flow and not over-edited out of the soul of the book, since the story triumphs in the end and its momentum carries forward into a trilogy with echoes of an even greater work.
Some will be more forgiving than I am perhaps and 5 stars will abound but for many the shortcomings will catch the book out. The bottom line crucially is this is perhaps what makes this series so remarkable. Many books are read and are safe and within the bounds of all of the books that have gone before and sometimes deservedly get plaudits and rave reviews. But here is a book that breaks a general concensus and smashes convention to produce a wonderful journey of a read that will thrill and delight all who give it a fair read.
I approve of the risks taken by writer and publisher alike; I appluad the lack of re-writing to turn it into a different and safer novel.
I look forward to part two due out soon and urge all to read this one first.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this hugely entertaining. There was something refreshing about it, perhaps it was the characters being not the normal police/journalist/forensic specialist. Or maybe it was the string of Amsterdam - a wonderful, vibrant and relaxed city.

Even though this book featured a series of grisly murders, the focus was not so much on police activity but rather on some young students, George (Georgina McKenzie) and Ad, who insinuated themselves into the investigation. George is not who she seems and her past is catching up to her with big, red, danger signals. Everything crashes together at the end and we are set up for an interesting sequel.

[Janet Foxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking ride round Amsterdam, with diversions and excursions to London, Heidelberg and Cambridge,on the trail of - well, who? A terrorist group? A serial murderer? There were a lot characters at the start of this book, and rather fewer by the end, and not just because some had died. A pacy, suspenseful and inventive page-turner.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a couple of goes to get my head into the swapping around, but by chapter 10 I was in there! Really enjoyed the book after this, great twist, good ending. George tad up & down, but so are we! Enjoyable read.

[Sue Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* for this gripping and very unusual thriller and am very pleased to see that this is the first book in a trilogy and look forward to 20th August for the next one !!

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow - this book packed quite a punch!

When I first started reading this novel, I wasn't sure that this was the book for me - George certainly leads an "interesting" life and there are all sorts of people doing illegal things in this book (and very often immoral as well), so just know that you need to be at least a bit open-minded in order to really enjoy the storyline. There were also a few instances where a new chapter should have started and didn't, which was a little disconcerting, but I soon got caught up in this rollicking tale, which was intense.

I am lucky, in that I can read Dutch and have lived in Holland so some of the concepts and words used were easy for me, I can see how it could be less easy for others though. I could SO see van den Bergen in front of me, the author's description was very precise. I can also picture the girls waiting for customers, such a Dutch thing but not always an easy concept for others to wrap their heads around.

There is a lot to take in, in this story and it really is like a rollercoaster, picking up speed as it goes along. If you have started this book and are having trouble getting into it, persevere, it is worth it.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

A solid 4.5 stars from me.

[Carlos Valcarcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a copy of my review on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die is the great first book for unforgettable character George McKenzie. Her backstory, which is presented in a subtle flashback and revealed as such at just the right time, is filled with so much pain and heartache that knowing George is like knowing a friend you want to be with or know better, but never will because George's protective walls are too high.

I didn't follow George because I cared about the mystery, I followed the mystery to learn more about George. Incredibly well done!

Up until this time I had not heard of Marnie Riches. When I started reading this book my first thought was: How did I not find this author sooner?

I patiently await The Girl Who Broke the Rules to become available for pre-order.

I received a free copy of The Girl Who Wouldn't Die in exchange for an honest review.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. "The Girl Who Wouldn't Die" is the story of Georgina, called George by very select friends, who falls into solving who bombed the library at the University of Amsterdam. A skilled criminologist, George is committed to solving the crime but she may soon find herself in the line of fire. This was a good thriller that kept me on my toes.

There is something about fall that makes me crave thrillers. I'm not one for scary horror stories but something about having your heart beat a little faster during this time of year. This book definitely fit the bill. Georgina is a character that you will fall for very quickly. She is sharp and imperfect but committed to a job well done. I loved following her through this story. There are also some great secondary characters like Ella.

The writing of the book is good. The thriller is well paced although it takes awhile to figure out how things come together and where the events are going. This book feels like a slow burn in the beginning but really heats up midway through. The book is told through three different lenses and at first, I was fixated on figuring out how they were all connected. All I have to say is that patience pays off and when they come together, they work great.

I also have to mention the setting of the book. So many times, the setting of a thriller is really just background. Here Amsterdam itself becomes a great character in of itself. I loved all of the detail and how you are able to picture Georgina's world because of it.

Overall, this was a good thriller. This is only the first book in the Georgina McKenzie series and I am looking forward to more!

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die is a fast-moving thriller and grittier than my usual choice of read but if you want excitement by the bucketful this is a book to consider, especially as it is currently available for the kindle at the absolute bargain price of just 99p!

Georgina McKenzie, is an Erasmus student at the University of Amsterdam when a human bomb blows up the library, it has all the hallmarks of a terrorist plot and when George and her friend Ad stumble on the scene she is asked to help the policeman draw the person responsible out by writing a blog post for the student magazine. Detective van den Bergen got more than he bargained for when he asked the student criminologist for help because George wasn’t about to leave it at one post, especially when her fellow students start dying at a rate of knots. No George gets stuck into investigating the crime, working from her already well-honed reading of people she feels she is well-placed to find the person or people responsible. She is also slightly worried that she is being watched, but by whom and why she doesn’t know but she’s determined to find out. To do so she takes part, and encourages Ad in turn to do the same, in some breathtakingly risky escapades to root out the killer.

As well as being quite gruesome in places, there are a lot of characters to keep track of as well as a number of different themes and places; The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die takes in Amsterdam, England and Germany as it hurtles from one scary event to the next. At first I was confused about the part of the story set in London which full of drugs and gangs but I really liked the atmosphere created by the author with young Ella terrified of the local boys Danny and Jez who terrorised her and her mother on a nightly basis while all Ella wanted was a quiet life and to escape.

There are some well-drawn characters to back up a plot that does need the reader to be in the moment and not to ask too many awkward questions about protocol etc. Inspector van den Bergen being one of my favourites. George was a little to full-on at the start but as I got to understand more about her my feelings towards her softened. I liked the interplay between her and her friend Ad and her friendship with her prostitute neighbour and the local coffee-shop owner and landlord. If this book wasn’t so full of action I fear I would have lost track of the numerous characters who populate this novel although the author has done well in giving the majority of them interesting traits so they are easily distinguishable.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy Scandi-crime fiction, and yes I know my geography is poor but I am aware that neither Amsterdam or London are in Scandinavia, but this book has the same feel to it with the big plots, the gruesome retaliations and the complex individuals.

I’d like to thank the author Marnie Riches and the publisher Harper Collins Maze for giving me a copy of this book for review purposes. The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die was published on 23 April 2015.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this one and at one stage I even considered giving up, but I'm glad I didn't as it got better and better after the first third of the book.