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The Grave
Action packed and full of suspense, the latest thriller from Diane Dickson
Tired of her aggressive boyfriend, Sylvie becomes fascinated by a strange man who lives alone in the woods. It is rumored he has piles of hidden money and a whole load of secrets.
Sylvie gets close to him but soon discovers that he is in real danger too. With his enemies closing in and as she learns of his dark past she asks herself, “Have I come too far to turn back?”
This is an intense thriller by Diane Dickson, bestselling author of Leaving George, also available on Kindle.
Tired of her aggressive boyfriend, Sylvie becomes fascinated by a strange man who lives alone in the woods. It is rumored he has piles of hidden money and a whole load of secrets.
Sylvie gets close to him but soon discovers that he is in real danger too. With his enemies closing in and as she learns of his dark past she asks herself, “Have I come too far to turn back?”
This is an intense thriller by Diane Dickson, bestselling author of Leaving George, also available on Kindle.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2013
265 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Diane M. Dickson
45 books98 followersEnglish. Love writing - love reading. Feel very lucky and amazed to have books published.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 22, 2016
Ms. Dickson is a bestselling author, the blurb says. And this I understand, because the woman has style. She can write, and there is no doubt about that. But thing is, I felt that the story spent all its time trying to decide what the fuck it wanted to be, and the ending just left me blank. It was okay as a book, but wasn't really much of a thriller.
August 10, 2021
A quick, easy read about a grizzled drifter, Samual, and a young, immature girl, Sylvie. He was once in a relationship with a woman who was pregnant but she and the baby were killed when she was hit by a car driven by a drug dealer. He gets a compassionate release from the military and sinks into a depression until he decides to become a vigilante and take down the drug dealers. He double crosses them and steals a bunch of money and disappears, living in the woods for a few years. Enter Sylvie who seduces him and then he kills her abusive boyfriend so they go on the run. But it turns out they are not running from the cops because no one reports the loser boyfriend as missing and his body is never found. They are running from the drug dealers who want their money back. This is where it gets a little silly because somehow, no matter where they go, the dealers find them. Samual gets shot and ends up with amnesia. Sylvie, worried that she will go to jail for killing the drug dealer in self defense, goes on the run, is “helped” by a former junkie/current lackey of the drug dealers and they concoct a plan to go to the police and enter witness protection. In the end, Samual is released from the hospital a free man and Sylvie is living under an assumed name and running a bar in Spain. Not the best book in the world with far too many inconceivable things going on but it kept me entertained while on an airplane so it must not be that bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2015
Saddened By The Grave
Though this book was an excellent, highly recommended read, smooth flowing and totally connected, event upon event, it had an atmosphere throughout I cannot quite explain adequately in words I don't think. For the readers who have read this book I know you are identifying with this statement as well, I'm rather certain. For the readers who will undoubtedly choose this read, will then understand this statement and concept as well, I'm sure of it! Samuel was a closed book with many cliffhangers within himself alone. He made some very difficult, unselfish, heart wrenching decisions in his life for those he loved. His physical and emotional strength was undying but shaken down to the mere foundation of his being a couple of times, but always seemed to have a heart for the good of others. Poor Sylvia, poor, poor Sylvia. It is sad to know that what seemed like a young age, that she spent the better of her short years with the likes of a man like the Samuel we were initially introduced to and then from there in a witness protection program with the only friend she had and had become so under the most horrific circumstances. Lenny was just an absolute rock, plainly and simply. Reached the end of the book without me realizing it and then found myself wanting more. I will be keeping in touch with this author. Definitely five star worthy.
Though this book was an excellent, highly recommended read, smooth flowing and totally connected, event upon event, it had an atmosphere throughout I cannot quite explain adequately in words I don't think. For the readers who have read this book I know you are identifying with this statement as well, I'm rather certain. For the readers who will undoubtedly choose this read, will then understand this statement and concept as well, I'm sure of it! Samuel was a closed book with many cliffhangers within himself alone. He made some very difficult, unselfish, heart wrenching decisions in his life for those he loved. His physical and emotional strength was undying but shaken down to the mere foundation of his being a couple of times, but always seemed to have a heart for the good of others. Poor Sylvia, poor, poor Sylvia. It is sad to know that what seemed like a young age, that she spent the better of her short years with the likes of a man like the Samuel we were initially introduced to and then from there in a witness protection program with the only friend she had and had become so under the most horrific circumstances. Lenny was just an absolute rock, plainly and simply. Reached the end of the book without me realizing it and then found myself wanting more. I will be keeping in touch with this author. Definitely five star worthy.
June 7, 2017
I gave in and packed this up 24% in. It's full of punctuation errors and I was getting way too distracted by them and the story was an odd one. The way we see Sylvie encounter Samuel wasn't how it's described in the synopsis. It has echoes of Badlands for me.
It was nice to see it's written in proper British English and it has a great cover, too. That was what caught my eye originally, but British English still uses punctuation and the bulk of the errors were missing commas. It cropped up time after time after time.
"...we could have a bit of fun you and me"
"you can drive right ?"
"The silhouette faded becoming vague and insubstantial"
"...his hands on top of the steering wheel his forearms resting"
Foot well is usually the one word as is motor way and hand out needs hyphenating and so does ill thought out.
A pity nobody proofread or edited it properly.
It was nice to see it's written in proper British English and it has a great cover, too. That was what caught my eye originally, but British English still uses punctuation and the bulk of the errors were missing commas. It cropped up time after time after time.
"...we could have a bit of fun you and me"
"you can drive right ?"
"The silhouette faded becoming vague and insubstantial"
"...his hands on top of the steering wheel his forearms resting"
Foot well is usually the one word as is motor way and hand out needs hyphenating and so does ill thought out.
A pity nobody proofread or edited it properly.
March 2, 2016
Disappointing .... SPOILER ALERT
Reading the description and reviews, I had great hopes for this book, but it didn't deliver. The characters were boring: Samuel is just a big goon without much to say and Sylvie does nothing but cry through the whole book. Instead of building to a climax, the book just....ends. The girls decide to go to the police, there is a big bloody scene, the police arrive and it ends. And come on, since when does the witness protection program buy you a business to run in your new life? And Samuel just goes home to wait till the mob finds him and mourn for his wife and unborn child who died who knows how long ago? My apologies to the author and I would try another from her--the writing was clear and direct--but this one was a disappointment.
Reading the description and reviews, I had great hopes for this book, but it didn't deliver. The characters were boring: Samuel is just a big goon without much to say and Sylvie does nothing but cry through the whole book. Instead of building to a climax, the book just....ends. The girls decide to go to the police, there is a big bloody scene, the police arrive and it ends. And come on, since when does the witness protection program buy you a business to run in your new life? And Samuel just goes home to wait till the mob finds him and mourn for his wife and unborn child who died who knows how long ago? My apologies to the author and I would try another from her--the writing was clear and direct--but this one was a disappointment.
April 16, 2016
The story was good but the writing left a lot to be desired. I cared enough to want to find out what happened to the characters, but my editing compulsion was in high gear. I took me awhile to get through what should have been a quick read. If this is self published, the author might want to run through the editing process once more. That said, the story itself is not bad; it's worth fixing.
January 12, 2018
Gripping
Definitely one to read, you will want to read and turn each page quickly as you become involved with the two main characters. A fast moving story with the reader hoping something good will come after the dreadful situations they find themselves escaping from. Well written and gripping to the final words.
Definitely one to read, you will want to read and turn each page quickly as you become involved with the two main characters. A fast moving story with the reader hoping something good will come after the dreadful situations they find themselves escaping from. Well written and gripping to the final words.
August 8, 2015
A good read
This was my second book by this author. It was fast paced and easy to follow. The characters were well written and likable.
This was my second book by this author. It was fast paced and easy to follow. The characters were well written and likable.
December 23, 2018
Electrifying
Sylvie is a woman who knows only pain and suffering. Mason is a man who also knows what pain and suffering is.
Sylvie meets Mason at a bar and has heard tales that he's loaded so she throws herself at him in hopes of getting at least some of his money, but as he takes her to his place in the woods fear wraps its talons around her. He lives so far away from town and no neighborsors.
Mason knows that Sylvie is a small time whore and although he hasn't been with a woman in years he finally breaks down and takes Sylvie to his place.
What is meant to be a one night stand for both of them quickly escalates into a horror that neither one of them are equipped to handle.
Just when you think you know everything Diane M. Dickson throws a major curve ball that will leave you hanging by your nails and quickly turning the pages as fast as you can read!
This is a must read for all who love to read a thrilling non stop action book. Be prepared for the wildest rollercoaster ride of your life!
Sylvie is a woman who knows only pain and suffering. Mason is a man who also knows what pain and suffering is.
Sylvie meets Mason at a bar and has heard tales that he's loaded so she throws herself at him in hopes of getting at least some of his money, but as he takes her to his place in the woods fear wraps its talons around her. He lives so far away from town and no neighborsors.
Mason knows that Sylvie is a small time whore and although he hasn't been with a woman in years he finally breaks down and takes Sylvie to his place.
What is meant to be a one night stand for both of them quickly escalates into a horror that neither one of them are equipped to handle.
Just when you think you know everything Diane M. Dickson throws a major curve ball that will leave you hanging by your nails and quickly turning the pages as fast as you can read!
This is a must read for all who love to read a thrilling non stop action book. Be prepared for the wildest rollercoaster ride of your life!
May 4, 2020
The Grave
Wonderful story about a woman (Sylvie) in an abusive relationship who intends to steal money from a wealthy man (Samuel) who lives in a cabin in the woods. She seduces him at a bar and he takes her home, which she finds out is a crummy, run down little shack, and the rumors of his wealth have been greatly exaggerated. After having sex, her abusive boyfriend shows up and starts hitting her and Samuel steps in to save her, killing the man. Thus starts the story of their life on the run and them relating their histories to each other. I don't like romance novels, but the love that grows between these two is relatable and natural in a way and it drew me in. The sex scenes were tender and not overly detailed, leaving most of it to the imagination. Not much cursing, if that's important to you. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but it made sense due to the nature of the characters. The story telling made me feel like I was right there with them, and during the less action packed moments it still held my interest and kept me reading.
Wonderful story about a woman (Sylvie) in an abusive relationship who intends to steal money from a wealthy man (Samuel) who lives in a cabin in the woods. She seduces him at a bar and he takes her home, which she finds out is a crummy, run down little shack, and the rumors of his wealth have been greatly exaggerated. After having sex, her abusive boyfriend shows up and starts hitting her and Samuel steps in to save her, killing the man. Thus starts the story of their life on the run and them relating their histories to each other. I don't like romance novels, but the love that grows between these two is relatable and natural in a way and it drew me in. The sex scenes were tender and not overly detailed, leaving most of it to the imagination. Not much cursing, if that's important to you. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but it made sense due to the nature of the characters. The story telling made me feel like I was right there with them, and during the less action packed moments it still held my interest and kept me reading.
December 8, 2017
This is my second book from Diane Dixon and I have to say I'm becoming a fan. It's so nice to find a new writer whose style and work you really like.
This is a story of two very broken people who somehow find solace in one another. In a very odd yet poetic way they save each other. It's hard to say much about the story without giving spoilers so I'll say I read it in under two evenings. A real page turner. And the writing itself is such a joy to read that it makes you want to keep going.
My only problem with the book was it got a little head hoppy starting at about the halfway mark. Which caused some confusion for me - also there were a few places when it seems like there should've been a scene break and there wasn't.
Although of the two books I've read from this author, I would recommend her to anyone.
This is a story of two very broken people who somehow find solace in one another. In a very odd yet poetic way they save each other. It's hard to say much about the story without giving spoilers so I'll say I read it in under two evenings. A real page turner. And the writing itself is such a joy to read that it makes you want to keep going.
My only problem with the book was it got a little head hoppy starting at about the halfway mark. Which caused some confusion for me - also there were a few places when it seems like there should've been a scene break and there wasn't.
Although of the two books I've read from this author, I would recommend her to anyone.
December 10, 2018
Exciting and thrilling end
I've had this book sitting in my library for awhile and decided to start reading it. I wouldnt say it starts off slow but it was pulling my attention as much as I would like, but I decided to give it a fair chance as it's not a super long book. Suddenly and unexpectedly the book shifts gears and I'm suddenly unable to put it down, reading as quickly as I can and holding my breath.
What a thrilling and tragic story. Definitely enjoyed and would definitely recommend
I've had this book sitting in my library for awhile and decided to start reading it. I wouldnt say it starts off slow but it was pulling my attention as much as I would like, but I decided to give it a fair chance as it's not a super long book. Suddenly and unexpectedly the book shifts gears and I'm suddenly unable to put it down, reading as quickly as I can and holding my breath.
What a thrilling and tragic story. Definitely enjoyed and would definitely recommend
December 28, 2018
Great thriller
The story takes place in the UK. It is about a man, Samuel, that has lost his wife and unborn child to crime. The part of the story that we do not see is how he gets involved with drug dealers and exact his revenge. What we do get to see is his chance meeting with Sylvie and their adventure with the drug dealers trying to get even with Samuel and the sacrifice they have to make to be safe.
The story takes place in the UK. It is about a man, Samuel, that has lost his wife and unborn child to crime. The part of the story that we do not see is how he gets involved with drug dealers and exact his revenge. What we do get to see is his chance meeting with Sylvie and their adventure with the drug dealers trying to get even with Samuel and the sacrifice they have to make to be safe.
September 21, 2020
Bittersweet and complete on one hand, yet....
Stunning set up at the beginning, not sure exactly where the story is going and then it takes off. Some things are left to the imagination-what kind of information network works so swiftly, with such devastating consequences?
I’d wish for MORE adventures of these characters, perhaps set some years in the future, while Samuel settles his affairs in the interim.
Quite enjoyable journey!
Stunning set up at the beginning, not sure exactly where the story is going and then it takes off. Some things are left to the imagination-what kind of information network works so swiftly, with such devastating consequences?
I’d wish for MORE adventures of these characters, perhaps set some years in the future, while Samuel settles his affairs in the interim.
Quite enjoyable journey!
June 18, 2018
Intense and emotional
Deeply emotional story about broken people to whom terrible things have happened. The story often didn't go where I thought it would but it took me on an intense journey of love, danger, anger and friendship.
Deeply emotional story about broken people to whom terrible things have happened. The story often didn't go where I thought it would but it took me on an intense journey of love, danger, anger and friendship.
March 21, 2020
This book isn't a thriller in the strict sense of the word, but it does have those elements throughout. The main characters seem real and have good back stories. A little editing is needed to rate a 5.
December 12, 2025
I thought I was in a Thomas Perry adventure
Very well thought out and intricate story. This rates up there with the very best of action and adventure authors in the current game.
I was left with a feeling that there was more to this tale. Maybe a sequel in the future?
Very well thought out and intricate story. This rates up there with the very best of action and adventure authors in the current game.
I was left with a feeling that there was more to this tale. Maybe a sequel in the future?
May 10, 2017
Great Book!
Very engaging story! Just when you thought you had it figured out more twists and turns grip you again! Would love to read part two!
Very engaging story! Just when you thought you had it figured out more twists and turns grip you again! Would love to read part two!
February 10, 2018
I would have imagined a different ending, but it was a good read................a little less countryside description . I would recommend to a Friend
January 20, 2019
Heart-wrenching
It is definitely an intense, gripping thriller. There were also parts that had me sobbing uncontrollably. I was left with an overall feeling of sadness.
It is definitely an intense, gripping thriller. There were also parts that had me sobbing uncontrollably. I was left with an overall feeling of sadness.
January 26, 2019
The Grave
The story has more than it's quota of action and adventure that starts off as a slow story and then ramps up and doesn't stop, all this makes for a good read.
The story has more than it's quota of action and adventure that starts off as a slow story and then ramps up and doesn't stop, all this makes for a good read.
September 22, 2021
Good introduction to a new author
Really good story, enjoyable read with a slow rise to the climax at the end. It was what I hoped from a new to me author
Really good story, enjoyable read with a slow rise to the climax at the end. It was what I hoped from a new to me author
January 23, 2022
Storyline began a bit jumbled but as you read on the characters capture your interest. Things then start to get intense and quick and it's difficult to stop reading. Slight twist at the end.
March 6, 2017
Unique plot
I read a lot if crime thrillers and this story was unique and fast paced. It wasn't what I imagined given the title but I really enjoyed it.
I read a lot if crime thrillers and this story was unique and fast paced. It wasn't what I imagined given the title but I really enjoyed it.
October 1, 2016
Man in the woods
Sylvie's bitten off more than she can chew. It was supposed to be a simple robbery. The man is a mystery with unknown sinister people chasing him. Her being with him puts her in danger to. Who is this man she's taken up with? His name is Samuel that's all she know.
Sylvie's bitten off more than she can chew. It was supposed to be a simple robbery. The man is a mystery with unknown sinister people chasing him. Her being with him puts her in danger to. Who is this man she's taken up with? His name is Samuel that's all she know.
February 11, 2021
Very good book. Enjoyed the storyline
September 19, 2016
Hooked from the start, lots of excitement, twists and turns and an ending that I did not expect!
First class story telling.
First class story telling.
October 5, 2015
If you are someone who like's to read the last few pages first DON'T...you'll ruin the book for yourself.
It's not a murder mystery because you know who did it and why...
It's not a romance because while it has some kissing and a little implied sex (nothing graphic) it's just not romance....
It is an Intense Crime Thriller that take's you on a wild ride. The journey of Samuel and Sylvie involves murder, drugs, drug dealers, gang members and a good bit of violence as they fight for their lives.
It keep's you wanting more turn the page...turn the page again keep going don't stop. It's thrilling to read this book. It's full of surprises and suspenseful.
The charters are written well and fairly believable. Some parts of the story are not very believable but it's a "story" so that's Ok. Just sit back and enjoy the book you wont be sorry you read this one.
It's not a murder mystery because you know who did it and why...
It's not a romance because while it has some kissing and a little implied sex (nothing graphic) it's just not romance....
It is an Intense Crime Thriller that take's you on a wild ride. The journey of Samuel and Sylvie involves murder, drugs, drug dealers, gang members and a good bit of violence as they fight for their lives.
It keep's you wanting more turn the page...turn the page again keep going don't stop. It's thrilling to read this book. It's full of surprises and suspenseful.
The charters are written well and fairly believable. Some parts of the story are not very believable but it's a "story" so that's Ok. Just sit back and enjoy the book you wont be sorry you read this one.
May 25, 2016
I enjoyed reading this story. It was gripping and full of action. Towards the end though I felt Sylvie was doing too much crying and I was wishing she would just get over it. I do understand her emotional turmoil at the hospital and after the scene in the warehouse, but her constant crying carried on for pages and at one point I thought it was only used as a story filler. I usually like a story with an amazing twist at the end, but in this instance, I would have preferred to continue believing Samuel was a good guy. Also, the twist at the end seemed to come out of nowhere, and feels disjointed from the story, even though it does explain the title of the story, although the grave in the beginning also explains the title.
April 12, 2016
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about something to say about this book is, you gotta love a book that opens with someone burying a body.
It says thriller in the description, but I'm not sure this tag does the book justice. There's a lot more than just action and suspense going on. First of all, I found it very unpredictable. I guessed wrong on so many plot twists, I stopped guessing altogether. Second, the author doesn't just give us a story - she gives us beautifully layered characters, difficult relationships, and very good reasons for her characters to act like they do, even if it's cruel.
Parts of the final solution seemed to easy for me, and not entirely logical, but all in all, it was satisfying and not all happy.
It says thriller in the description, but I'm not sure this tag does the book justice. There's a lot more than just action and suspense going on. First of all, I found it very unpredictable. I guessed wrong on so many plot twists, I stopped guessing altogether. Second, the author doesn't just give us a story - she gives us beautifully layered characters, difficult relationships, and very good reasons for her characters to act like they do, even if it's cruel.
Parts of the final solution seemed to easy for me, and not entirely logical, but all in all, it was satisfying and not all happy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews