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The Outsider
She never knew Lisa. But she is haunted by her death.
Yasmin Clark meets wealthy widower Daniel Ward and moves into his home in a small village, but it’s not long since his wife died and emotions are still raw.
Richard Cohen thinks Lisa’s death is suspicious and has started his own investigation. He wants Yasmin to help but can she trust him?
With hostility from Daniel’s friends, events take a threatening turn for Yasmin and her friendship with Richard is ill-fated.
She finds herself pursuing a challenge which has evaded a police investigation. Is the personal cost too great?
Yasmin Clark meets wealthy widower Daniel Ward and moves into his home in a small village, but it’s not long since his wife died and emotions are still raw.
Richard Cohen thinks Lisa’s death is suspicious and has started his own investigation. He wants Yasmin to help but can she trust him?
With hostility from Daniel’s friends, events take a threatening turn for Yasmin and her friendship with Richard is ill-fated.
She finds herself pursuing a challenge which has evaded a police investigation. Is the personal cost too great?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
53 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books654 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2015
An inquest. The tragic death of a young woman who fell off a balcony during a New Year’s Eve party. A coroner concluding it was an accident due to too much alcohol. A quirky individual who won’t let it rest because, as he puts it, “Someone must have seen something.”
This is the premise of the fantastically entertaining THE OUTSIDER. It’s a classic English mystery that paints a quiet, complex picture of what happens when evil invades the perfect home, the perfect couple, and the perfect life. But was it that? It’s what Richard Cohen means to find out. He’s the quirky individual mentioned earlier, and for him, the case is personal. The gardener knew Lisa Ward, was in love with Lisa Ward— but was he also obsessed? It’s what Lisa’s husband Daniel thinks, and it’s the reason he’s so dismissive of Richard’s very unwelcomed and very intrusive inquiry into his wife’s untimely death. While Daniel and his friends all want to put the heartbreak behind them, Richard’s sleuthing only stirs things up.
There are so many things to love about this book. There’s the strength of the plot, the intelligence of developing memorable characters, and the construction of phrases, but in literature it all comes down to the story. Emily Organ gets that and excels in writing a brilliant one. If you’ve ever watched a flower open using time-lapsed photography, you’ll get an idea of what to expect. The cast reveals themselves slowly, without you realizing the unveiling. Before you know it, they’re fleshed out, and we’re connected so strongly in a very human way. But what’s that shadow to the side? The one stretching across the lawn and just out of reach? It’s the solution—the one we’re committed to finding out. If only that camera pulled back a little further so we could see the secrets … the lies. And so we wait to find out, enjoying being kept in suspense and taking measured steps.
I love all the characters Ms. Organ has created. Daniel Ward is the perfect dichotomy of a self-made millionaire who for all his accomplishments yearns to connect to something real. Then there’s Yasmin Clark, a young college graduate. She’s intent on becoming a journalist, but stuck working as an assistant to a fairly impossible woman who sucks the ambition out of her and leaves her dry. The attraction works. After all, Daniel is the epitome of what she wants to be, and Yasmin? Yasmin is genuine. Tangible. Not someone who’s impressed by what Daniel can buy. She’s only interested in what he is, but that’s the crux of the problem. Is he the man he portrays? The one devastated and left heartbroken and alone by his wife’s demise? Or is he a methodical killer? One that carefully plotted out and executed a cunning murder?
I can’t recommend this book highly enough and am thrilled I ran across it. I’d downloaded a ton of stories and had skimmed the opening chapters of quite a few before clicking on THE OUTSIDER. I’d forgotten what the description said, and had never heard of Emily Organ before, but I thought, why not? I’m so glad I took the chance because I discovered a new favorite author. I have to add that I was thoroughly dumbfounded by the lack of reviews for Ms. Organ’s work. I looked her up on Amazon when I was just about finished. I figured she had to be a New York Times bestselling author, but nope. I found her author page devoid of even one review. It just goes to show you that there are great undiscovered authors out there, and it’s our job as readers and lovers of books, to find them!
I loved this book so much and it’s my absolute pleasure to give this work five stars. Ms. Emily Organ, I shall be reading you again so get busy! I’m expecting great things from you and the chance to say, “I told you so!” to those not willing to listen.
In closing: Buy the book! Now!
This is the premise of the fantastically entertaining THE OUTSIDER. It’s a classic English mystery that paints a quiet, complex picture of what happens when evil invades the perfect home, the perfect couple, and the perfect life. But was it that? It’s what Richard Cohen means to find out. He’s the quirky individual mentioned earlier, and for him, the case is personal. The gardener knew Lisa Ward, was in love with Lisa Ward— but was he also obsessed? It’s what Lisa’s husband Daniel thinks, and it’s the reason he’s so dismissive of Richard’s very unwelcomed and very intrusive inquiry into his wife’s untimely death. While Daniel and his friends all want to put the heartbreak behind them, Richard’s sleuthing only stirs things up.
There are so many things to love about this book. There’s the strength of the plot, the intelligence of developing memorable characters, and the construction of phrases, but in literature it all comes down to the story. Emily Organ gets that and excels in writing a brilliant one. If you’ve ever watched a flower open using time-lapsed photography, you’ll get an idea of what to expect. The cast reveals themselves slowly, without you realizing the unveiling. Before you know it, they’re fleshed out, and we’re connected so strongly in a very human way. But what’s that shadow to the side? The one stretching across the lawn and just out of reach? It’s the solution—the one we’re committed to finding out. If only that camera pulled back a little further so we could see the secrets … the lies. And so we wait to find out, enjoying being kept in suspense and taking measured steps.
I love all the characters Ms. Organ has created. Daniel Ward is the perfect dichotomy of a self-made millionaire who for all his accomplishments yearns to connect to something real. Then there’s Yasmin Clark, a young college graduate. She’s intent on becoming a journalist, but stuck working as an assistant to a fairly impossible woman who sucks the ambition out of her and leaves her dry. The attraction works. After all, Daniel is the epitome of what she wants to be, and Yasmin? Yasmin is genuine. Tangible. Not someone who’s impressed by what Daniel can buy. She’s only interested in what he is, but that’s the crux of the problem. Is he the man he portrays? The one devastated and left heartbroken and alone by his wife’s demise? Or is he a methodical killer? One that carefully plotted out and executed a cunning murder?
I can’t recommend this book highly enough and am thrilled I ran across it. I’d downloaded a ton of stories and had skimmed the opening chapters of quite a few before clicking on THE OUTSIDER. I’d forgotten what the description said, and had never heard of Emily Organ before, but I thought, why not? I’m so glad I took the chance because I discovered a new favorite author. I have to add that I was thoroughly dumbfounded by the lack of reviews for Ms. Organ’s work. I looked her up on Amazon when I was just about finished. I figured she had to be a New York Times bestselling author, but nope. I found her author page devoid of even one review. It just goes to show you that there are great undiscovered authors out there, and it’s our job as readers and lovers of books, to find them!
I loved this book so much and it’s my absolute pleasure to give this work five stars. Ms. Emily Organ, I shall be reading you again so get busy! I’m expecting great things from you and the chance to say, “I told you so!” to those not willing to listen.
In closing: Buy the book! Now!
October 3, 2019
Captivating
It doesn't seem to matter what period Ms Organ chooses to set her novels in they're all perfectly placed, adeptly written, well researched and addictive to boot!
Having read all the Penny Green, Churchill and Pemberly and Alice Westcott series along with The Outsider I am disappointed only that I am running out of Emily's novels! I genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed every single one and eagerly await her next book.
Yasmin Clark has recently graduated university with a degree in journalism she's working as a PA to her mother's cousin, Marie, having promised her dying mother that she'd take the job to reassure her that she would have a secure future.
But Marie is a hard taskmaster paying her as little as possible and whilst the job has taken Yasmin from Hackney to the States she's seen little more than hotel and conference rooms. Finally reaching New York Marie becomes more dominating than ever and determined to acquire Daniel Ward as a new client for her consultancy business. Recently bereaved because of the tragic death of his wife, Lisa, in an accident on New Year's Eve, Marie commits a major faux pas at their first meeting by bringing up the subject, and her abrupt manner and rudeness to Yasmin doesn't help either. Daniel isn't interested in doing business with her but is attracted to Yasmin and her refreshing excitement to be in the Big Apple. Stealing her away for lunch and taking her out to experience New York at it's best a bond begins to grow.
As Marie and Yasmin are about to leave for the west coast he asks Yasmin to stay and come back to England with him, torn between the safety of her job and her growing attraction to Daniel it's Marie's belittling rudeness that seals the deal and Yasmin stays.
On returning to England and ensconced in Daniel's multi million pound home she meets Richard Cohen, gardener, long term admirer of Lisa and it seems amateur detective. Convinced that the findings of the inquest are wrong Richard's investigating Lisa's death himself, causing upset and dismay to Daniel and his friends. Yasmin becomes torn between Richards investigation and her growing feelings for Daniel. So can Richard solve the mystery of how Lisa fell to her death and will it implicate Daniel?
The twists and turns keep you gripped, uncertain and trying to work out the answer but it's not easy with when so many people had the opportunity. I just couldn't put it down!
It doesn't seem to matter what period Ms Organ chooses to set her novels in they're all perfectly placed, adeptly written, well researched and addictive to boot!
Having read all the Penny Green, Churchill and Pemberly and Alice Westcott series along with The Outsider I am disappointed only that I am running out of Emily's novels! I genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed every single one and eagerly await her next book.
Yasmin Clark has recently graduated university with a degree in journalism she's working as a PA to her mother's cousin, Marie, having promised her dying mother that she'd take the job to reassure her that she would have a secure future.
But Marie is a hard taskmaster paying her as little as possible and whilst the job has taken Yasmin from Hackney to the States she's seen little more than hotel and conference rooms. Finally reaching New York Marie becomes more dominating than ever and determined to acquire Daniel Ward as a new client for her consultancy business. Recently bereaved because of the tragic death of his wife, Lisa, in an accident on New Year's Eve, Marie commits a major faux pas at their first meeting by bringing up the subject, and her abrupt manner and rudeness to Yasmin doesn't help either. Daniel isn't interested in doing business with her but is attracted to Yasmin and her refreshing excitement to be in the Big Apple. Stealing her away for lunch and taking her out to experience New York at it's best a bond begins to grow.
As Marie and Yasmin are about to leave for the west coast he asks Yasmin to stay and come back to England with him, torn between the safety of her job and her growing attraction to Daniel it's Marie's belittling rudeness that seals the deal and Yasmin stays.
On returning to England and ensconced in Daniel's multi million pound home she meets Richard Cohen, gardener, long term admirer of Lisa and it seems amateur detective. Convinced that the findings of the inquest are wrong Richard's investigating Lisa's death himself, causing upset and dismay to Daniel and his friends. Yasmin becomes torn between Richards investigation and her growing feelings for Daniel. So can Richard solve the mystery of how Lisa fell to her death and will it implicate Daniel?
The twists and turns keep you gripped, uncertain and trying to work out the answer but it's not easy with when so many people had the opportunity. I just couldn't put it down!
October 6, 2018
Intriguing
Really enjoyed the twists I this story and grew to like several of the characters who grew along with the story. Interesting outcome that I'd not thought of so that was a bonus. Love this author and hope more to come
Really enjoyed the twists I this story and grew to like several of the characters who grew along with the story. Interesting outcome that I'd not thought of so that was a bonus. Love this author and hope more to come
March 26, 2015
The Outsider finds Yasmin falling for millionaire businessman, and widower, Daniel. Their whirlwind romance is over-shadowed by Lisa, Daniel's first wife. Was her death an accident? Richard, their gardener, is certain that it wasn't. What is Yasmin getting herself into? Will she be accepted by Daniel's (and Lisa's) friends? Is she in danger?
This romantic thriller builds the tension beautifully, right from the first chapter. I love Emily's use of cold imagery and falling rain to set the opening scene. The characters of Yasmin and Richard are full and rounded. By keeping the reader in the dark about Daniel's feelings, we understand how insecure Yasmin feels and why she is fascinated by Richard's investigation.
The Outsider is cleverly crafted, with a well-disguised twist to keep the reader guessing right to the end. Emily's writing is more assured this time. The Outsider is a great read - I couldn't put it down -and I thoroughly recommend it.
This romantic thriller builds the tension beautifully, right from the first chapter. I love Emily's use of cold imagery and falling rain to set the opening scene. The characters of Yasmin and Richard are full and rounded. By keeping the reader in the dark about Daniel's feelings, we understand how insecure Yasmin feels and why she is fascinated by Richard's investigation.
The Outsider is cleverly crafted, with a well-disguised twist to keep the reader guessing right to the end. Emily's writing is more assured this time. The Outsider is a great read - I couldn't put it down -and I thoroughly recommend it.
March 16, 2016
What an excellent book! I just loved the way the characters built up so you felt as if you knew them.
I thought Daniel was great and hoped something might come of his meeting Yasmin but worried he might somehow let her down. I so wanted them to work and was pleased when Yasmin parted company with the bossy, controlling Marie.
Not only did this author build great characters, she also gave brilliant descriptions of New York and Buckinghamshire.
There is a lot to this tale - romance, murder, mysteries that makes want to keep on reading right to the end. What about Richard? How did he fit in?
Was Lisa's death really an accident? Was it indeed murder? If it was murder who did it? There are more than one to choose from.
This is a 'must read'.
I thought Daniel was great and hoped something might come of his meeting Yasmin but worried he might somehow let her down. I so wanted them to work and was pleased when Yasmin parted company with the bossy, controlling Marie.
Not only did this author build great characters, she also gave brilliant descriptions of New York and Buckinghamshire.
There is a lot to this tale - romance, murder, mysteries that makes want to keep on reading right to the end. What about Richard? How did he fit in?
Was Lisa's death really an accident? Was it indeed murder? If it was murder who did it? There are more than one to choose from.
This is a 'must read'.
April 21, 2015
Just finished reading this, and I really enjoyed it. It was a real page turner - the classic good holiday read. Also a massive step-up from her first novel in terms of prose and characters who were well drawn in this piece. Looking forward to her next novel. Emily Organ is a very good story teller.
August 29, 2015
A good easy holiday read xx
August 22, 2015
Good thriller/page turner
December 30, 2015
The beginning is an almost too good to be true start for Yasmin. Interesting story, keep the reader guessing till the end.
January 27, 2016
An enjoyable read from start to finish, I didn't predict who did what correctly, so I can say it's not predictable. Interesting to see a follow up from this
May 24, 2016
Enjoyed this, just about to tuck into Lisa's diary.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews