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I Came to Find a Girl
'DARK, HAUNTING, TWISTED... UNFORGETTABLE' BEST CRIME FICTION BOOKS FOR 2015, THE TELEGRAPH
SHORTLISTED FOR THE VIRGINIA PRIZE FOR FICTION
"I was happy to hear Flood was dead. I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be, but I was happy all the same."
A complex game of cat and mouse in the seedy streets of Nottingham ends in death. Young artist Mia Jackson is compelled to watch the posthumous video diaries of Jack Flood – controversial bad boy of the London art world and convicted serial killer. Can Mia allow Drake Gallery to show Aftermath, in their retrospective of his work? Muse or victim, why was she allowed to survive?
'This is an unusual thriller set on the fringes of the modern art world that is dark, haunting, twisted – and, in its own way, unforgettable' The Telegraph
'Gripping, unusual, and very well written – loved it,' Louise Voss, author of From the Cradle
'It is a disturbing reflective book that will refuse to loosen its grip on you for quite some time' Book Fabulous
'Words have power, and books like this showcase that power to a disturbing degree' Scifiandscary.com
'A magnificent mystery novel that constantly keeps you on your toes and wanting more!' Published Moments
SHORTLISTED FOR THE VIRGINIA PRIZE FOR FICTION
"I was happy to hear Flood was dead. I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be, but I was happy all the same."
A complex game of cat and mouse in the seedy streets of Nottingham ends in death. Young artist Mia Jackson is compelled to watch the posthumous video diaries of Jack Flood – controversial bad boy of the London art world and convicted serial killer. Can Mia allow Drake Gallery to show Aftermath, in their retrospective of his work? Muse or victim, why was she allowed to survive?
'This is an unusual thriller set on the fringes of the modern art world that is dark, haunting, twisted – and, in its own way, unforgettable' The Telegraph
'Gripping, unusual, and very well written – loved it,' Louise Voss, author of From the Cradle
'It is a disturbing reflective book that will refuse to loosen its grip on you for quite some time' Book Fabulous
'Words have power, and books like this showcase that power to a disturbing degree' Scifiandscary.com
'A magnificent mystery novel that constantly keeps you on your toes and wanting more!' Published Moments
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2015
23 people are currently reading
1767 people want to read
About the author
Jaq Hazell
5 books110 followersJaq Hazell's novel My Life as a Bench won the Rubery Book Award Book of the Year 2017 and the Carousel Aware Prize Best Young Adult book 2017. Her debut novel, I Came to Find a Girl, was included in The Telegraph's Best Crime Fiction of 2015 and was shortlisted for the Virginia Prize for Fiction.
Born near Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, to an Irish mother and an English father, she studied textile design at Nottingham Trent University and has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Jaq has worked as a journalist and magazine editor. She lives in London with her partner, their two daughters and her dog, Basil.
Born near Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, to an Irish mother and an English father, she studied textile design at Nottingham Trent University and has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Jaq has worked as a journalist and magazine editor. She lives in London with her partner, their two daughters and her dog, Basil.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 1, 2016
I have had this book on my Kindle for some time and it must have gone further down my pile.
I was fascinated with the title of the book, it sounded very beguiling, intriguing and fascinating.
My honestly is that its a very well written book. I can't fault it there. And at times it kept my interest, at times it faltered and then peaked again.
Its left me feeling up and down with my experience of this read. I felt it more a poetic read than an intense thriller.
Words take on several meanings and they hold power to grip you, grasp you and not let you go, and this held me in a vice at times, and at other times I felt deflated. I wanted to LOVE this book, but I liked it. Its a good read. Its kinda different. But I can't explain how.
I thought the blurb was intense, that's held my interest to read it.
Others may love it, as its well written. I like the oddness of this read.
I'm sitting on the fence and that's not like me at all.
Thank you Jaq Hazell for allowing me to read and review your book.
November 16, 2015
Funny how one meeting with a person can change your life. One night Mia meets artist Jack Flood with whom she is quite taken but there are also some alarm bells ringing early on. Things begin to change for Mia and some things will never be the same. I found Flood to be an exceptional character in this story. Bordering on incredibly creepy and sleazy, Jack walks through his world videoing his life's activities both good and bad. I do not want to say anymore so that I do not give the plot away. I had not read this author before but have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
January 22, 2016
“I Came To Find A Girl” is one of the best stories I’ve read for Books & Pals, and when you consider I’ve reviewed 100+ and sampled at least six times that many titles, you’ll understand that is a substantial compliment to the author. Finding unique stories like this is what keeps me reading indie works.
The writing was light and crisp with terrific imagery. How’s this for a keen observation in a night club full of “beautiful people?”--“Boys with shaved heads and sharp suits stood in a Reservoir Dogs group while a Jesus lookalike in an artfully torn T-shirt popped something in his mouth.” The prose flowed. The dialogue was clipped and realistic. And the pages kept turning. The author owes me some sleep.
Large portions of the story were shown through the lens of a camera being used to record a documentary film. This unusual technique took a little getting used to, but it proved an effective and efficient way to cover a lot of ground, both physically (because the film was shot in short segments at different locations) and also emotionally, as the person holding the camera, Jack Flood, was a main character, and the movie he was making became a key part of the plot.
The main character, Mia, was a struggling art student heading into her final year and working as a waitress to cover her expenses. She and her friends were so real to me they jumped off the page.
There was an underlying mystery threaded through the book, but it never dominated the plot. Sure, I wanted to know “who done it?” but the journey was satisfying enough that it didn’t need a big reveal. I was disappointed when I turned the last page. Not because the story didn’t feel complete—it did--I just didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: This review was originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. I may have received a free review copy.
The writing was light and crisp with terrific imagery. How’s this for a keen observation in a night club full of “beautiful people?”--“Boys with shaved heads and sharp suits stood in a Reservoir Dogs group while a Jesus lookalike in an artfully torn T-shirt popped something in his mouth.” The prose flowed. The dialogue was clipped and realistic. And the pages kept turning. The author owes me some sleep.
Large portions of the story were shown through the lens of a camera being used to record a documentary film. This unusual technique took a little getting used to, but it proved an effective and efficient way to cover a lot of ground, both physically (because the film was shot in short segments at different locations) and also emotionally, as the person holding the camera, Jack Flood, was a main character, and the movie he was making became a key part of the plot.
The main character, Mia, was a struggling art student heading into her final year and working as a waitress to cover her expenses. She and her friends were so real to me they jumped off the page.
There was an underlying mystery threaded through the book, but it never dominated the plot. Sure, I wanted to know “who done it?” but the journey was satisfying enough that it didn’t need a big reveal. I was disappointed when I turned the last page. Not because the story didn’t feel complete—it did--I just didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: This review was originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. I may have received a free review copy.
February 4, 2016
Review: I Came to Find a Girl by Jaq Hazell Self-published (29th October 2015)
ISBN: 978-1518731563
Source: Author provided review copy
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:A complex game of cat and mouse in the seedy streets of Nottingham ends in death. Young artist Mia Jackson is compelled to watch the posthumous video diaries of Jack Flood – controversial bad boy of the London art world and convicted serial killer. Can Mia allow Drake Gallery to show Aftermath in their retrospective of his work? Muse or victim, why was she allowed to survive?
Review:
I was pleasantly surprised by this gripping thriller. There is a strong female lead in Mia, who tells her story by alternating between present day and her memories of her encounters with Jack Flood.
I read this in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down without finding out more! The author's intelligent writing, combined with intriguing characters and a compelling plot grabbed my attention from the outset and rendered me unable to sleep until I reached the end of the book. Jaq Hazell is one to watch.
Thanks to Jaq Hazell for providing a digital copy in return for my honest review.
ISBN: 978-1518731563
Source: Author provided review copy
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:A complex game of cat and mouse in the seedy streets of Nottingham ends in death. Young artist Mia Jackson is compelled to watch the posthumous video diaries of Jack Flood – controversial bad boy of the London art world and convicted serial killer. Can Mia allow Drake Gallery to show Aftermath in their retrospective of his work? Muse or victim, why was she allowed to survive?
Review:
I was pleasantly surprised by this gripping thriller. There is a strong female lead in Mia, who tells her story by alternating between present day and her memories of her encounters with Jack Flood.
I read this in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down without finding out more! The author's intelligent writing, combined with intriguing characters and a compelling plot grabbed my attention from the outset and rendered me unable to sleep until I reached the end of the book. Jaq Hazell is one to watch.
Thanks to Jaq Hazell for providing a digital copy in return for my honest review.
October 29, 2015
Mia is an art student and is asked out for a drink by the famous Jack Flood after an exhibition. Wary, she goes but he wants to get changed first. She accompanied him to her hotel, accepts a glass of champagne and then loses four hours from her memory. What did he do to her? His art form is film and he records everything on camera. She is upset to find what he's filmed in her unconscious 'absence'.
The story explores the world of the art students (though we couldn't afford alcohol on that scale back in my day) and the notion of privacy. All isn't necessarily as it seems. An enjoyable story with a good little twist of an ending.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
The story explores the world of the art students (though we couldn't afford alcohol on that scale back in my day) and the notion of privacy. All isn't necessarily as it seems. An enjoyable story with a good little twist of an ending.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
November 18, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
Flood is an artist who uses a camcorder to record everything. There are murders of street girls. Is it Flood?
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
CNPID.
I had to know who it was.
had me guessing.
I would highly recommend this book.
5 *.
This is a must read.
Flood is an artist who uses a camcorder to record everything. There are murders of street girls. Is it Flood?
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
CNPID.
I had to know who it was.
had me guessing.
I would highly recommend this book.
5 *.
This is a must read.
December 31, 2015
Excellent and unusual read. An author to watch, says The Guardian, and I agree!
November 29, 2015
http://publishedmoments.co.uk
A sophisticated game of cat and mouse.
Mia, a fine-art student in Nottingham is in her second year of University when she meets Jack Flood – a controversial artist who captures his work and life on his hand-held camera. The night Mia meets Jack changes her life forever in a way she never feels she will get over.
When girls start turning up dead and her close friend Jenny goes missing, Mia is starting to fear for her life in her student house located in the seedy, dangerous area of Nottingham – and with her final year of University fast approaching she needs to focus on her ‘finale’.
Jack Flood keeps appearing in Mia’s life, and when she’s trying to avoid him she wonders if he is in any way linked to these missing and murdered girls. After all, he ruined her life in one night so could his game of cat and mouse be the missing link to her friend Jenny?
What did I think?
Jaq Hazell was shortlisted for The Virginia Prize for Fiction for her incredible work with ‘I Came To Find A Girl’ and after reading it, I can definitely see why!
Hazell has written a magnificent mystery novel that constantly keeps you on your toes and wanting more! Not only has Hazell managed to write a gripping story, the way she has written it is incredibly. It all flows perfectly and gives you just enough to imagine exactly how the story should play-out.
‘I Came To Find A Girl’ really pulls you in to Mia’s student-life in Nottingham and incorporates some really racy topics that haunt us in today’s world. The way Hazell has approached these subjects (such as date rape and murder) is faultless and she really writes about them with the delicacy they require but not so delicate that it doesn’t leave you thinking.
I think this would be an incredibly interesting book to be adapted for the ‘big-screen’. It is so complex and could definitely be turned in to a hit-film if it is kept exactly as the book is.
I am definitely adding Hazell’s other releases and any future novels she may right. If the other novels are as good as this she could be competing for a spot as my favourite author!
A sophisticated game of cat and mouse.
Mia, a fine-art student in Nottingham is in her second year of University when she meets Jack Flood – a controversial artist who captures his work and life on his hand-held camera. The night Mia meets Jack changes her life forever in a way she never feels she will get over.
When girls start turning up dead and her close friend Jenny goes missing, Mia is starting to fear for her life in her student house located in the seedy, dangerous area of Nottingham – and with her final year of University fast approaching she needs to focus on her ‘finale’.
Jack Flood keeps appearing in Mia’s life, and when she’s trying to avoid him she wonders if he is in any way linked to these missing and murdered girls. After all, he ruined her life in one night so could his game of cat and mouse be the missing link to her friend Jenny?
What did I think?
Jaq Hazell was shortlisted for The Virginia Prize for Fiction for her incredible work with ‘I Came To Find A Girl’ and after reading it, I can definitely see why!
Hazell has written a magnificent mystery novel that constantly keeps you on your toes and wanting more! Not only has Hazell managed to write a gripping story, the way she has written it is incredibly. It all flows perfectly and gives you just enough to imagine exactly how the story should play-out.
‘I Came To Find A Girl’ really pulls you in to Mia’s student-life in Nottingham and incorporates some really racy topics that haunt us in today’s world. The way Hazell has approached these subjects (such as date rape and murder) is faultless and she really writes about them with the delicacy they require but not so delicate that it doesn’t leave you thinking.
I think this would be an incredibly interesting book to be adapted for the ‘big-screen’. It is so complex and could definitely be turned in to a hit-film if it is kept exactly as the book is.
I am definitely adding Hazell’s other releases and any future novels she may right. If the other novels are as good as this she could be competing for a spot as my favourite author!
August 3, 2016
First I want to thank for the free copy of the book. I won it at a goodreads giveaway. The book was signed by the author and it does give this nice feeling of being special.
The book itself is very unusual as well as the characters, which are mainly artists and we all know artists are odd. This is one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. Many times in history people have argued where is the border between art and insanity.
I found it very interesting how the book was told through the main character point of view and then more objectively through the movie she is watching.
The book did make me cringe remembering how many times I was 'stupid girl' myself.
Most of all I liked the ending and how not all is what it seems.
Maybe not everyone's style, but this was one of these books I think about long time after finishing it and that is the biggest indicator for a good book for me.
The book itself is very unusual as well as the characters, which are mainly artists and we all know artists are odd. This is one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. Many times in history people have argued where is the border between art and insanity.
I found it very interesting how the book was told through the main character point of view and then more objectively through the movie she is watching.
The book did make me cringe remembering how many times I was 'stupid girl' myself.
Most of all I liked the ending and how not all is what it seems.
Maybe not everyone's style, but this was one of these books I think about long time after finishing it and that is the biggest indicator for a good book for me.
August 5, 2016
10/10: There is no comparison.. This is the Mona Lisa of the fictional world!
"It’s a supermarket world and we are merely stock items pre-stamped: Best Before, Display Until, Sell By, Use By –only we don’t know the exact date."
This is not my normal read. Occasionally, I can stomach a twisted, dark thriller, and maybe I Came To Find A Girl caught me at just the right moment. But there's no denying this page-turning read was brilliant.
From the unusual perspective of a camera lens, to the broken protagonist, the edgy artist, and gritty setting of red-light Nottingham, this story gripped me from the very first page. I despised Flood. I empathised with Mia. I didn't see the ending coming.
It takes a lot to get 5 stars from me. It takes genius level writing to get a 10/10 on my own NBRS score. This book deserved both.
Brilliant.
"It’s a supermarket world and we are merely stock items pre-stamped: Best Before, Display Until, Sell By, Use By –only we don’t know the exact date."
This is not my normal read. Occasionally, I can stomach a twisted, dark thriller, and maybe I Came To Find A Girl caught me at just the right moment. But there's no denying this page-turning read was brilliant.
From the unusual perspective of a camera lens, to the broken protagonist, the edgy artist, and gritty setting of red-light Nottingham, this story gripped me from the very first page. I despised Flood. I empathised with Mia. I didn't see the ending coming.
It takes a lot to get 5 stars from me. It takes genius level writing to get a 10/10 on my own NBRS score. This book deserved both.
Brilliant.
November 1, 2015
I received this book in return for an honest review with thanks to the Author Jaq Hazell and The book club (TBC)
A murder mystery surrounding the life of Mia and her friends living and studying in Nottingham. A chance meeting with artist Jack Flood changes everything for Mia. Women are going missing, prostitutes are the main target it seems but then her friend Jenny becomes one of the missing...
A good book which took some time to get my attention but was definitely worth the wait. A difficult subject I think and one which could be hard to write about but it was well written, A great twist at the end made it great for me
November 6, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the perspective from a young art student kept me intrigued.
Murder, mystery and student life all entangled. Mia is a great character using her surroundings to create art and express her frustration with Flood.
Dark and complex, Flood is a character I wanted to know about but didn't want him to know I was interested! I know it sounds crazy, he is fictional yet creeped me right out!
I have been left wanting more yet feeling satisfied I have read a fantastic book!
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written, all consuming read.
Murder, mystery and student life all entangled. Mia is a great character using her surroundings to create art and express her frustration with Flood.
Dark and complex, Flood is a character I wanted to know about but didn't want him to know I was interested! I know it sounds crazy, he is fictional yet creeped me right out!
I have been left wanting more yet feeling satisfied I have read a fantastic book!
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written, all consuming read.
September 3, 2016
I bought this book because it was publicised as set in Nottingham. When it came up from my random TBR I was somewhat horrified it was self-published and I vowed to try it, but not continue beyond egregious errors typical of self-publishing. In actual fact it was independently published, and the author acknowledges her editor, and this is a significant difference.
This really is an extraordinary novel, very unlike any I've read before. Two points of view - Mia, an art student at Trent University, alternating with autobiographical video shot by Flood a prominent controversial artist. Someone said there's actually very few stories to tell, but this one stands out for telling it in a very different way.
The blurb only describes Mia as a university student in Nottingham and I suspected - rightly - that it would be the 'other' place from where I studies. Therefore I can't comment on the veracity of Forest Fields - I only went there for Goose Fair, and didn't know anyone who did live there - one contemporary lived in Hyson Green and that was considered edgy. My friends lived in Dunkirk, like me, Lenton, Radford or Beeston. But I do recognise the City Centre after all these years. Slab Square, the Lace Market and Rock City, and the sense of the place. It made me nostalgic for Nottingham, and regret that I wasted three years being a self-important student rather than exploring this amazing city and its surroundings.
But none of this explains the five stars. I've awarded these because it's an absorbing book, that pushes towards implausibility but never suggests the impossible. Mia is a complex character who grows as events turn her in on herself. Flood is credibly artificial and up his own, and there's a decent cast of role-players - we learn only enough about them to mirror what Mia or Flood would know about them.
There's an interesting little twist at the end, but it's not played dramatically, and we realise that we've missed some foreshadowing.
I suppose it's aimed at people in their 20s not long out of Uni or similar lifestyle, but psychologically and intellectually it suited me, even though that's half a lifetime ago. Nothing is oversimplified and no character is portrayed to be shallowly nice or nasty. It really does work and I hope she has more up her sleeve.
This really is an extraordinary novel, very unlike any I've read before. Two points of view - Mia, an art student at Trent University, alternating with autobiographical video shot by Flood a prominent controversial artist. Someone said there's actually very few stories to tell, but this one stands out for telling it in a very different way.
The blurb only describes Mia as a university student in Nottingham and I suspected - rightly - that it would be the 'other' place from where I studies. Therefore I can't comment on the veracity of Forest Fields - I only went there for Goose Fair, and didn't know anyone who did live there - one contemporary lived in Hyson Green and that was considered edgy. My friends lived in Dunkirk, like me, Lenton, Radford or Beeston. But I do recognise the City Centre after all these years. Slab Square, the Lace Market and Rock City, and the sense of the place. It made me nostalgic for Nottingham, and regret that I wasted three years being a self-important student rather than exploring this amazing city and its surroundings.
But none of this explains the five stars. I've awarded these because it's an absorbing book, that pushes towards implausibility but never suggests the impossible. Mia is a complex character who grows as events turn her in on herself. Flood is credibly artificial and up his own, and there's a decent cast of role-players - we learn only enough about them to mirror what Mia or Flood would know about them.
There's an interesting little twist at the end, but it's not played dramatically, and we realise that we've missed some foreshadowing.
I suppose it's aimed at people in their 20s not long out of Uni or similar lifestyle, but psychologically and intellectually it suited me, even though that's half a lifetime ago. Nothing is oversimplified and no character is portrayed to be shallowly nice or nasty. It really does work and I hope she has more up her sleeve.
June 21, 2016
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot surrounds Mia, a university student living in Nottingham. She meets Jack Flood, a famous artist, who invites her back to his hotel room for a drink. But all is not what it seems, and soon Mia finds herself in an obsessive, dark and vulnerable place, made worse by the disappearance of her friend Jenny.
The protagonist, Mia, is well developed and I thoroughly related to her student-y ways. Jack Flood, however, was my favourite character in the book. His character is so intense (and a little scary) and his bizarre art habits fascinated me. The book follows Flood’s ‘video diary’. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this when I first started to read it but I’m glad I persevered as I was gripped soon after.
The topics covered, including rape, drugs and prostitution were sensitively approached. Jaq’s poetic, eloquent and different style of writing was great and so was her imagery. Nottingham, the working girls and the club scenes were articulated wonderfully and I genuinely felt that the book was playing out in front of my eyes.
“It’s a supermarket world and we are merely stock items pre-stamped: Best Before, Display Until, Sell By, Use By – only we don’t know the exact date.”
When I finished the book, I felt unsettled. But in a good way. I think it’ll be a while until I enjoy a book again as much as I did this one.
Thoroughly recommended if you like an indie novel. Or you like a bit of creepiness. Or you just fancy reading a bloody good book.
5/5
The plot surrounds Mia, a university student living in Nottingham. She meets Jack Flood, a famous artist, who invites her back to his hotel room for a drink. But all is not what it seems, and soon Mia finds herself in an obsessive, dark and vulnerable place, made worse by the disappearance of her friend Jenny.
The protagonist, Mia, is well developed and I thoroughly related to her student-y ways. Jack Flood, however, was my favourite character in the book. His character is so intense (and a little scary) and his bizarre art habits fascinated me. The book follows Flood’s ‘video diary’. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this when I first started to read it but I’m glad I persevered as I was gripped soon after.
The topics covered, including rape, drugs and prostitution were sensitively approached. Jaq’s poetic, eloquent and different style of writing was great and so was her imagery. Nottingham, the working girls and the club scenes were articulated wonderfully and I genuinely felt that the book was playing out in front of my eyes.
“It’s a supermarket world and we are merely stock items pre-stamped: Best Before, Display Until, Sell By, Use By – only we don’t know the exact date.”
When I finished the book, I felt unsettled. But in a good way. I think it’ll be a while until I enjoy a book again as much as I did this one.
Thoroughly recommended if you like an indie novel. Or you like a bit of creepiness. Or you just fancy reading a bloody good book.
5/5
November 9, 2015
I came to find a girl
I was given a copy of this book by TBC and the author in exchange for an honest review.
Being completely honest, I might not have gone for this title normally, but I'm so glad I did. When I read the first page, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, but the more I read, the more I wanted to read; it became a book I couldn't put down. Once it had my attention I was hooked.
The book follows art student Mia Jackson and what becomes her tormentor, artist Jack Flood. Flood was a brilliant character, he completely creeped me out, I could totally imagine what he would be like, if he were real. The author did a great job at developing his character. He lives his life through video diaries, recording everything that he does, everyone he meets etc. Mia is an art student, who I feel was in awe of Flood at first but then things progressed...
I would completely recommend this book to those who enjoy a psychological read, the twist at the end was brilliant and I didn't see it coming at all! I came to find a girl is a thoroughly fantastic read.
I was given a copy of this book by TBC and the author in exchange for an honest review.
Being completely honest, I might not have gone for this title normally, but I'm so glad I did. When I read the first page, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, but the more I read, the more I wanted to read; it became a book I couldn't put down. Once it had my attention I was hooked.
The book follows art student Mia Jackson and what becomes her tormentor, artist Jack Flood. Flood was a brilliant character, he completely creeped me out, I could totally imagine what he would be like, if he were real. The author did a great job at developing his character. He lives his life through video diaries, recording everything that he does, everyone he meets etc. Mia is an art student, who I feel was in awe of Flood at first but then things progressed...
I would completely recommend this book to those who enjoy a psychological read, the twist at the end was brilliant and I didn't see it coming at all! I came to find a girl is a thoroughly fantastic read.
October 30, 2015
I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review of it. I loved the opening line 'I was happy to hear Flood was dead. I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be, but I was happy all the same.' which immediately drew me into the book. The book moves between Mia's life as a university art student and 'bad boy' Flood's video diary, which Mia feels drawn to following his death. The book is very poetically written and captivates its reader with some great narrative 'I wanted to be small, wrap myself in cotton wool and post myself back home to Mum and Dad', 'It's a supermarket world and we are merely stock items pre-stamped: Best Before, Display Until, Sell By, Use By - only we don't know the exact date'. However, I found it difficult to really enjoy the book. I did finish it and there were moments when I didn't want to put it down, but overall, it wasn't really for me. Therefore, the four stars reflect the writing and not necessarily my personal enjoyment of it.
November 16, 2015
dark, twisted, full of suspense. a book that challenges your perception of it right to the end. would highly recommend
February 9, 2016
Loved the portrayal of the impact of sexual assault. Disturbing with a wonderful twist. If you have ever lived or worked in the 'seedier' part if town you will appreciate this book even more
July 17, 2021
A brilliant, gripping thriller set in a location I am familiar with, adding to the realism.
I think this story was unique, and kept me hooked from the beginning. I read it in 24 hours as I didn't want to put it down.
TW: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder
I think this story was unique, and kept me hooked from the beginning. I read it in 24 hours as I didn't want to put it down.
TW: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder
September 1, 2017
Hmm.. hmmmmmmm I don't know.. I didn't like it.
Maybe because Flood was a typical artist and I just don't like modern art.. so yeah I just skipped through the "art part".
Maybe because Flood was a typical artist and I just don't like modern art.. so yeah I just skipped through the "art part".
January 31, 2016
I loved the sound of the blurb for this book but when I started reading it I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it though that soon changed. The first person perspective is unusual, most of the books I read are written in the third person but here the first person works brilliantly. The book slowly draws you in, you see everything through the eyes of Mia Jackson, an art student in Nottingham, all of her highs and lows, good and bad decisions and everything else, nothing is hidden and this is both brilliant and a little unnerving. When I was reading I felt like I was in her head, watching everything she did and feeling everything she felt, the writing is really that excellent. Finishing the book was a slightly surreal experience because once I’d reached the end and closed the cover on my kindle I felt like I had re-emerged into my world from Mia’s, almost like Alice coming back out of the rabbit hole. There are scenes involving footage which has been or is being filmed (depending on the point in the story you are at) and although these could be awkward they actually work really well, they give a perspective and an insight into Jack Flood which would be missing if these scenes were not written in this way.
I realise what I have said may make this book sound odd but it isn’t, this is a really well written story that shows you how the everyday decisions we make can have unpredictable and far reaching consequences for ourselves and for others. We see the decisions Mia makes and how the results affect her as well as how the environment she lives in also affects her and those around her. Mia changes throughout the book and a lot of that change is shown through the changes in her art work which is beautifully described. All of the major characters are well written and realistic in their behaviours, and you also get a sense of the minor characters even though they may only appear in one or two pages in the whole book. I liked Mia, she tries to be tough but is clearly quite vulnerable and it’s obvious she cares about her friends and her art. Although I’m not sure a sequel to this is possible given the ending it would be lovely to find out what happens to Mia or where she is in say, 5 years from the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and once I got used to the pace and feel of it I read it quite quickly, time just disappeared while I was in Mia’s world. I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy psychological thrillers and/or crime novels but want something a little different. This is a fresh perspective on a genre I love and I will be looking forward to the authors next work.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I realise what I have said may make this book sound odd but it isn’t, this is a really well written story that shows you how the everyday decisions we make can have unpredictable and far reaching consequences for ourselves and for others. We see the decisions Mia makes and how the results affect her as well as how the environment she lives in also affects her and those around her. Mia changes throughout the book and a lot of that change is shown through the changes in her art work which is beautifully described. All of the major characters are well written and realistic in their behaviours, and you also get a sense of the minor characters even though they may only appear in one or two pages in the whole book. I liked Mia, she tries to be tough but is clearly quite vulnerable and it’s obvious she cares about her friends and her art. Although I’m not sure a sequel to this is possible given the ending it would be lovely to find out what happens to Mia or where she is in say, 5 years from the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and once I got used to the pace and feel of it I read it quite quickly, time just disappeared while I was in Mia’s world. I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy psychological thrillers and/or crime novels but want something a little different. This is a fresh perspective on a genre I love and I will be looking forward to the authors next work.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2016
Mia is an art student and living in the bad part of Nottingham. Jack Flood is a successful artist who has just had his first solo show at Mia's college. In the book their two lives collide with drastic consequences. After a drink with Jack in his hotel room Mia wakes up naked on his bed with no recollection of the previous 4 hours. She escapes out of there as fast as she can but cannot get over the feeling of being violated.
Set against the backdrop are the disappearance of prostitutes and Jenny, a young girl who worked in a restaurant with Mia. Eventually Jenny's body is found but Mia is convinced Jack had something to do with all the disappearances in Nottingham and concocts a plan to gain revenge.
The story is written in an unusual style, going back and forth in time using Jack's video diaries which Mia has been given after his death. My main criticism would be that at times it gets confusing going between the two timelines but on the other hand it builds up the crescendo of the story so that in the end we are left wondering about the human mind, memory, the power of suggestion and ultimately how far does modern art go? Has modern art over stepped the realms of decency? Ultimately did Jack bring disaster on himself by his hedonistic lifestyle and his form of modern art.
If Mia was not so focused on Jack's guilt and trying to forget the events of that fateful night would she have realised sooner that she just may hold the key to the murders. The author guides us to an answer but still lets the reader draw their own conclusion. It was almost like a sleight of hand, with a bombshell coming in the last chapter. I realised early the significance of Mia's drawings of the scene outside her flat but due to my focus being on Jack and Mia I did not fully grasp who the guilty party just may be.
It was a good book and I can see why it has received critical acclaim
Set against the backdrop are the disappearance of prostitutes and Jenny, a young girl who worked in a restaurant with Mia. Eventually Jenny's body is found but Mia is convinced Jack had something to do with all the disappearances in Nottingham and concocts a plan to gain revenge.
The story is written in an unusual style, going back and forth in time using Jack's video diaries which Mia has been given after his death. My main criticism would be that at times it gets confusing going between the two timelines but on the other hand it builds up the crescendo of the story so that in the end we are left wondering about the human mind, memory, the power of suggestion and ultimately how far does modern art go? Has modern art over stepped the realms of decency? Ultimately did Jack bring disaster on himself by his hedonistic lifestyle and his form of modern art.
If Mia was not so focused on Jack's guilt and trying to forget the events of that fateful night would she have realised sooner that she just may hold the key to the murders. The author guides us to an answer but still lets the reader draw their own conclusion. It was almost like a sleight of hand, with a bombshell coming in the last chapter. I realised early the significance of Mia's drawings of the scene outside her flat but due to my focus being on Jack and Mia I did not fully grasp who the guilty party just may be.
It was a good book and I can see why it has received critical acclaim
August 29, 2024
I got this a while ago and it's laid unread for some time, and when searching for my next read the title stood out to me.
This is a well written book, and I enjoyed reading it but I would not describe it as the dark, haunting,. psychological thriller that it was described as.
I think part of my enjoyment was the fact I used to live around that area and I could really picture the areas that the author is talking about.
Overall an enjoyable easy read, but don't expect anything unexpected.
This is a well written book, and I enjoyed reading it but I would not describe it as the dark, haunting,. psychological thriller that it was described as.
I think part of my enjoyment was the fact I used to live around that area and I could really picture the areas that the author is talking about.
Overall an enjoyable easy read, but don't expect anything unexpected.
July 28, 2016
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Nottingham, this story is told from Mia’s POV (point of view) in the main. Vulnerability, anger, fear, questioning the truth and injustice are a few of the many themes we find in this book.
The plot was interesting however, I found the pace to be a bit too slow for a book described as a psychological thriller. It was a good storyline though and that is why I persisted!
If you follow/read my reviews, you will know how much I love characters! They can make or break a book for me – and although the characters in this book were interesting, I found them a little one dimensional. I was neither repulsed nor drawn to any one in particular – however, Jack Flood nearly drew me in as there was a bit of mystery about him which intrigued me. I must admit, I would have liked to find out a bit more about his background…what made him tick…
I also figured out the twist fairly early on and wonder if there had been a few more red herrings thrown in the mix and development of certain chapters, would I have been more gripped?
I do love the cover of this book and I also loved the descriptions set out. Very atmospheric- you almost felt pulled into the pages. Overall, I would have to say that if you are looking for an interesting story, more crime fiction rather than a pure psychological thriller, than this book will definitely hit the spot.
Set in Nottingham, this story is told from Mia’s POV (point of view) in the main. Vulnerability, anger, fear, questioning the truth and injustice are a few of the many themes we find in this book.
The plot was interesting however, I found the pace to be a bit too slow for a book described as a psychological thriller. It was a good storyline though and that is why I persisted!
If you follow/read my reviews, you will know how much I love characters! They can make or break a book for me – and although the characters in this book were interesting, I found them a little one dimensional. I was neither repulsed nor drawn to any one in particular – however, Jack Flood nearly drew me in as there was a bit of mystery about him which intrigued me. I must admit, I would have liked to find out a bit more about his background…what made him tick…
I also figured out the twist fairly early on and wonder if there had been a few more red herrings thrown in the mix and development of certain chapters, would I have been more gripped?
I do love the cover of this book and I also loved the descriptions set out. Very atmospheric- you almost felt pulled into the pages. Overall, I would have to say that if you are looking for an interesting story, more crime fiction rather than a pure psychological thriller, than this book will definitely hit the spot.
September 25, 2016
Tales of rape and murder are a dime a dozen, and this is one such. Well-written, thoughtful and absorbing, Jaq Hazell confronts the modern world of crime, not as a detective but as a victim, not helpless, but still wounded. Although, a crime novel, this is not a whodunit or a police procedural, but instead a study into the reactions of a victim of sexual assault and the perpetrator, set in the fragile art world where feelings and experiences are the subject of exploitation and profit. There is also an interesting element of futility wound through the story: there is always another rapist/murderer/creep out there, one more in the clink is barely a victory.
December 7, 2015
The story kept me captivated from the beginning. The different perspectives used, Mia's pov & the camera eye, were at times disturbing, but were also totally riveting. I enjoyed the themes of: what is art? And: what is acceptable in art? Plus I was pulled along by the unravelling mystery. The story and the themes were cleverly entwined so that both became equally intriguing. If you like your thriller with depth of thought, then this is for you.
February 7, 2017
Gripping and enthralling with a dark, edgy style. I couldn't stop reading until I reached the dramatic finale. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2017
When I first started this tale in kindle format I was not engaged and didn't think it was going to hold my interest. I am glad I persevered, though there were times I was not held by it. Overall it was a very different story, a different take on the rape scenario. Mia's feelings of having had her life invaded by this sleezy man came across very well - perhaps I am mean giving it only 3 stars?!
February 1, 2016
This was a Goodreads' win. I was thrilled to receive it! A struggling college student near London, living with like-minded artists, juggling deadlines with part time job schedules, crime in the area, the bar scenes. There is an underlying mystery to it all, and I like mysteries, but this book was odd and just okay to me.
January 16, 2016
Definitely a good read
An interesting crime story written from the perspective of a young artist with a strong sense of realism. I particularly enjoyed the insight into the modern art world and the unexpected twists and turns the story takes. It does end somewhat abruptly but with a conclusion.
An interesting crime story written from the perspective of a young artist with a strong sense of realism. I particularly enjoyed the insight into the modern art world and the unexpected twists and turns the story takes. It does end somewhat abruptly but with a conclusion.
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