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Lucy Hall #1
Journey to Death
Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
144 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Russell
70 books335 followersLeigh Russell has sold over a million books in her Geraldine Steel series of crime novels. Published in English and in translation throughout Europe and in China, the Geraldine Steel titles have appeared on many bestseller lists, including #1 on kindle. Leigh's work has been nominated for several major awards, including the CWA New Blood Dagger and CWA Dagger in the Library.
Leigh has also written a trilogy featuring Lucy Hall, set in the Seychelles, Paris and Rome, and two standalone psychological thrillers.
Leigh serves on the board of the Crime Writers Association and chairs the judges for the prestigious CWA Debut Dagger Award.
She is represented by Bill Goodall.
Leigh has also written a trilogy featuring Lucy Hall, set in the Seychelles, Paris and Rome, and two standalone psychological thrillers.
Leigh serves on the board of the Crime Writers Association and chairs the judges for the prestigious CWA Debut Dagger Award.
She is represented by Bill Goodall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 14, 2020
*Thank you to www.shotsmag.co.uk for my ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
'Paradise isn't quite so nice' were my thoughts when I found myself engrossed in this tense thriller from Leigh Russell.
It's 1977, and British expat George Hall is working on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, where he meets and falls in love with Veronique. As their relationship deepens, there are political storm clouds gathering. Events take a turn for the worse, and the reigning President is ousted in a political coup, with a new regime seizing power. George is foolish enough to criticise the new regime, and is forced by rebels to leave the island immediately. He has to leave Veronique behind, but vows he will return for her.
Fast forward some 30 years, and George returns to Mahé with his wife Sandra, and their daughter Lucy. He believes the holiday will do Lucy good after her recent split from her fiancé. Initially the island works its magic as they relax and take in the beautiful scenery. That's when events from the past create a sinister turn for George and his family.
The book had a slightly slow start, but soon picked up pace and momentum. It caused me something of a dilemma actually - I didn't want to put the book down, and equally didn't want to pick it up, as this meant I would finish it much too soon, and I didn't want it to end! I have to admit to finding Lucy a little irritating, but was willing to overlook this fact in favour of the strong plot. So, to round up, I would say I'd definitely recommend this book, as it retained my interest throughout.
'Paradise isn't quite so nice' were my thoughts when I found myself engrossed in this tense thriller from Leigh Russell.
It's 1977, and British expat George Hall is working on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, where he meets and falls in love with Veronique. As their relationship deepens, there are political storm clouds gathering. Events take a turn for the worse, and the reigning President is ousted in a political coup, with a new regime seizing power. George is foolish enough to criticise the new regime, and is forced by rebels to leave the island immediately. He has to leave Veronique behind, but vows he will return for her.
Fast forward some 30 years, and George returns to Mahé with his wife Sandra, and their daughter Lucy. He believes the holiday will do Lucy good after her recent split from her fiancé. Initially the island works its magic as they relax and take in the beautiful scenery. That's when events from the past create a sinister turn for George and his family.
The book had a slightly slow start, but soon picked up pace and momentum. It caused me something of a dilemma actually - I didn't want to put the book down, and equally didn't want to pick it up, as this meant I would finish it much too soon, and I didn't want it to end! I have to admit to finding Lucy a little irritating, but was willing to overlook this fact in favour of the strong plot. So, to round up, I would say I'd definitely recommend this book, as it retained my interest throughout.
February 1, 2016
I have only just become acquainted with Leigh Russell and her books. This is the first book I have read by her as I have only just discovered her via Facebook and Net Galley. I think that was a good thing.
This is a story that slowly builds.
Picture this:
A man living on an Island, falls in love, but he has to leave the Island, not through choice, but because he is forced to leave. He has also to leave his woman behind with promises of his returning.
Many years later he returns with his wife and his grown daughter Lucy.
Lucy his daughter has been persuaded to go with her parents after the breakup of her cheating boyfriend.
Now that is the layout in short.
I was reading and I could feel the tension mounting as the author 'drops' in little nuggets of interest now and again that will keep you on the 'alert'.
A few times someone is mentioned and you think.....hmmmmmm
Its a slow build up to a climax of events that interlock with the past.
Its not an "on the edge of your seat" thriller, but its what I call 'a good 'un' because this just keeps you wondering with each page you flick.
Its surrounding with a family story, a kidnap and all sorts of things to keep you guessing.
I liked it that much that I will be looking at the authors other books.
*My thanks to the author Leigh Russell and Thomas & Mercer for my copy via Net Galley*
November 28, 2022
Rating: 4* of five for suiting my exact mood
The Publisher Says: Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The wages of sin are paid by those born of it. This is the first of a new series starring the woman who will pay for the sins of the past. It definitely kept me going as we start the book following George in the 1970s...a time of terrible political crises and much violence, as any of us who lived through it remember. Despite the terrible things happening, we're moving at a dream-like pace...it kept me from being fully immersed and presented a problem for me throughout the read.
Landing in the Seychelles for a family vacation, Lucy, George's twentysomething daughter, is ready for a complete change because she's just broken her engagement to a man whose idea of marriage isn't like hers. Because we do hear a LOT about that subject, I was about to skip the rest of the read. I kept going because the descriptions are fully and completely involving. I can't really extract one to show you, sorry...the problem with reading a DRC is that I can't copy-and-paste the way one can with normal Kindle books.
What I found ironic is that ever-so-betrayed Lucy's mother, put in jeopardy by her husband lying by omission, doesn't seem ready to snatch some passing policeman's gun and shoot him dead. I assure you that, were my Young Gentleman Caller to whisk me off to a beautiful foreign destination where he (searching for a lost love) got me kidnapped, you would need one sheet of blotting paper and a whisk broom to clean up what was left of him once I was free.
Anyway, I love reading about tropical places, I enjoyed Lucy's complete unwillingness to accept anything told her at face value no matter whose face was uttering it, and I wanted just this level of readerly demand. It's not perfect, it's not fast-paced, but it is lush and it gives you plenty to think about. Recommended!
The Publisher Says: Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The wages of sin are paid by those born of it. This is the first of a new series starring the woman who will pay for the sins of the past. It definitely kept me going as we start the book following George in the 1970s...a time of terrible political crises and much violence, as any of us who lived through it remember. Despite the terrible things happening, we're moving at a dream-like pace...it kept me from being fully immersed and presented a problem for me throughout the read.
Landing in the Seychelles for a family vacation, Lucy, George's twentysomething daughter, is ready for a complete change because she's just broken her engagement to a man whose idea of marriage isn't like hers. Because we do hear a LOT about that subject, I was about to skip the rest of the read. I kept going because the descriptions are fully and completely involving. I can't really extract one to show you, sorry...the problem with reading a DRC is that I can't copy-and-paste the way one can with normal Kindle books.
What I found ironic is that ever-so-betrayed Lucy's mother, put in jeopardy by her husband lying by omission, doesn't seem ready to snatch some passing policeman's gun and shoot him dead. I assure you that, were my Young Gentleman Caller to whisk me off to a beautiful foreign destination where he (searching for a lost love) got me kidnapped, you would need one sheet of blotting paper and a whisk broom to clean up what was left of him once I was free.
Anyway, I love reading about tropical places, I enjoyed Lucy's complete unwillingness to accept anything told her at face value no matter whose face was uttering it, and I wanted just this level of readerly demand. It's not perfect, it's not fast-paced, but it is lush and it gives you plenty to think about. Recommended!
October 9, 2016
Lucy Hall has just split up from her boyfriend and goes on holiday to the Seychelles with her Mum & Dad.
Lucy's Dad used to work on the island but he was forced to leave suddenly in 1977 following political upheaval and he has to leave is girlfriend behind but tells her he will return for her when things have settled down.
Lucy's Mother goes missing and after searching the Hotel and surrounding area they report her disappearance to the police. There are no clues to where her Mother could have goneand her passport is still in the Hotel's safe. Where can her Mother be?
Don't let the story's slow start put you off finishing this book because when it's pace quickens it turns out to be really good.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Leigh Russell for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy's Dad used to work on the island but he was forced to leave suddenly in 1977 following political upheaval and he has to leave is girlfriend behind but tells her he will return for her when things have settled down.
Lucy's Mother goes missing and after searching the Hotel and surrounding area they report her disappearance to the police. There are no clues to where her Mother could have goneand her passport is still in the Hotel's safe. Where can her Mother be?
Don't let the story's slow start put you off finishing this book because when it's pace quickens it turns out to be really good.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Leigh Russell for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
DNF'ed at 28%
The initial plot build up of this book felt promising but after 15% of the story, it started to feel a little scattered. I enjoyed the part of the vacation and the descriptions of the island, but I felt that after a few pages, the author went a bit onboard with the descriptions. I mean considering the book is a thriller and not a travel guide, the descriptions were too much for my taste. It was distracting me from the basic storyline and kept me thinking, "when the hell will the story start." - Which is, of course, not a good thing.
Secondly, I thought that the concept of the "angel of death" was quite a bit exaggerated, considering she abducted a female at the 25% mark. I really lost the patience after slogging through the 28% of the book and hence, gave up.
The female lead, Lucy, failed to impress me in any way and the book fell short of characterization in a really bad way.
If you're a patient reader and don't mind tons of descriptions, then maybe you'll like this book. Or maybe if you like light mysteries then this book will be an ideal match for you. But not for psychological thriller fans.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
February 21, 2016
This book is a disappointment to me. I have long admired this author's work and ability to produce books in quantity as well as quality with two successful series to her name. As someone who was able to visit the Seychelles in 1985 I was interested to read about the islands through a criminal mystery by the hand of Leigh Russell. While I know she travelled there as part of her research I feel she has missed so much other than the usual tourist highlights. The coral, the fish and glass bottomed boat trip, the food and cocktails, the wonderful sunsets over Sillhouette, the market and landing fish by local fishermen and the wonderful people. She even includes the magic of a tropical downpour that is gone in sixty seconds and the clock tower of Victoria. It is a most precious experience as a holiday destination, made possible for me as family lived there briefly working for FEBA radio.
So for location the book would get 5 stars, even though more perhaps could have been made of its unique qualities. What it lacked were plot and meaningful characterisation; I didn't care who lived or died in the end as most annoyed me at times from Lucy, 22 years on holiday with her parents (?) to Adrian the intelligent accountant who was not very observant or comfortable around a young woman. George was a wet fish like anything landed on the beach; the police were at best incompetant and the hotel negligent despite the numerous security employed.
The best writing was in the prologue and the imagined tensions prior to the coup in 1977. I felt a real sense of threat and danger to George and it set up his return to the islands well.
How the rest of the story which is a tragic one about first love and missed opportunities pans out is really unsatisfactory in my opinion based on the potential and its unfolding. I would loved to have learned more about Veronique rather than the aftermath of events; I would like the shooting of the tourist to have been taken more seriously rather than a plot devise that was lost on everyone including Lucy. The reader assumes some connection as signposted but the police and other tourists seem to be ok about a murderer being on the lose. The actions of all the characters towards the climax of the book seem to be to hasten its end and show that Lucy could become a PI in her own right; meanwhile her logic is both brilliant in never giving up on her Mum but bewildering when she leaves the family still vulnerable. She is concerned what the police would do if the truth gets out but after the climatic conclusion to the mystery they do nothing.
I loved the description of the plane landing at the airport on Mahe but I wanted a crime thriller not a travel guide to spur my many memories of this beautiful place and its great people.
So for location the book would get 5 stars, even though more perhaps could have been made of its unique qualities. What it lacked were plot and meaningful characterisation; I didn't care who lived or died in the end as most annoyed me at times from Lucy, 22 years on holiday with her parents (?) to Adrian the intelligent accountant who was not very observant or comfortable around a young woman. George was a wet fish like anything landed on the beach; the police were at best incompetant and the hotel negligent despite the numerous security employed.
The best writing was in the prologue and the imagined tensions prior to the coup in 1977. I felt a real sense of threat and danger to George and it set up his return to the islands well.
How the rest of the story which is a tragic one about first love and missed opportunities pans out is really unsatisfactory in my opinion based on the potential and its unfolding. I would loved to have learned more about Veronique rather than the aftermath of events; I would like the shooting of the tourist to have been taken more seriously rather than a plot devise that was lost on everyone including Lucy. The reader assumes some connection as signposted but the police and other tourists seem to be ok about a murderer being on the lose. The actions of all the characters towards the climax of the book seem to be to hasten its end and show that Lucy could become a PI in her own right; meanwhile her logic is both brilliant in never giving up on her Mum but bewildering when she leaves the family still vulnerable. She is concerned what the police would do if the truth gets out but after the climatic conclusion to the mystery they do nothing.
I loved the description of the plane landing at the airport on Mahe but I wanted a crime thriller not a travel guide to spur my many memories of this beautiful place and its great people.
June 20, 2021
First of all I have to say what a brilliant book cover and title they really do jump out at me. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Journey To Death and to be honest I am not sure what I was expecting with this new series after reading Leigh's Geraldine Steel and Ian Peterson. But Leigh never fails to disappoint and I really enjoyed this book.
The Prologue starts off in 1977 where we are introduced to George Hall who is working in the Seychelles and falls in love with Veronique. But then George leaves and never speaks to her again. 30 years later George his wife Angela and Lucy go on holiday to the Seychelles where lucy wants to leave her worries at home after a breakup with her fiance. But A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
I have to say the stunning description of the Seychelles is absolutely beautiful I felt like I was there with Lucy. Leigh Russell has definitely done her research. I really liked the characters and I found this a refreshing easy read after reading it in one afternoon I couldn't put down. I would say this is an adventure mystery with a twist.
I am giving this 4 stars which I highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for a ACR copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Prologue starts off in 1977 where we are introduced to George Hall who is working in the Seychelles and falls in love with Veronique. But then George leaves and never speaks to her again. 30 years later George his wife Angela and Lucy go on holiday to the Seychelles where lucy wants to leave her worries at home after a breakup with her fiance. But A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
I have to say the stunning description of the Seychelles is absolutely beautiful I felt like I was there with Lucy. Leigh Russell has definitely done her research. I really liked the characters and I found this a refreshing easy read after reading it in one afternoon I couldn't put down. I would say this is an adventure mystery with a twist.
I am giving this 4 stars which I highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for a ACR copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2016
I have to admit this is the first book that I have read by Leigh Russell but it certainly won't be the last. I think if I had been familiar with her previous work then I may have not compared this favourably so I was glad to read it with an open mind and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lucy Hall has had a pretty awful time of it recently. After a confrontation with her fiance, she breaks off her engagement and, to cheer her up, her parents George and Angela take her on holiday with them. So off they all go to the Seychelles where George was once employed many moons ago and had fallen in love with the beautiful Veronique. But disaster strikes when Angela goes missing...
This was a well written mystery with an old-fashioned twist and gentle telling of the story. It reminded me of watching an episode of Death in Paradise in some ways with the beautiful island setting and the slow pace of life with no hurry even for a missing person enquiry! Lucy seemed very mature for a 22 year old as she handled not just the disappearance of her mum but also the shock that someone is trying to kill her. And I wasn't too keen on Adrian as a character but those were the only gripes I have here. I really enjoyed the way the plot slowly unfolded to match the pace of living and working in the Seychelles-a place that I am still keen to visit! The heat and beauty of the islands were thoroughly brought to life so that I could almost smell the frangipani!
I will look forward to trying other books by this author now and also hope to meet Lucy Hall in her next mystery sometime soon..
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Lucy Hall has had a pretty awful time of it recently. After a confrontation with her fiance, she breaks off her engagement and, to cheer her up, her parents George and Angela take her on holiday with them. So off they all go to the Seychelles where George was once employed many moons ago and had fallen in love with the beautiful Veronique. But disaster strikes when Angela goes missing...
This was a well written mystery with an old-fashioned twist and gentle telling of the story. It reminded me of watching an episode of Death in Paradise in some ways with the beautiful island setting and the slow pace of life with no hurry even for a missing person enquiry! Lucy seemed very mature for a 22 year old as she handled not just the disappearance of her mum but also the shock that someone is trying to kill her. And I wasn't too keen on Adrian as a character but those were the only gripes I have here. I really enjoyed the way the plot slowly unfolded to match the pace of living and working in the Seychelles-a place that I am still keen to visit! The heat and beauty of the islands were thoroughly brought to life so that I could almost smell the frangipani!
I will look forward to trying other books by this author now and also hope to meet Lucy Hall in her next mystery sometime soon..
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
February 4, 2016
I found this book very interesting and they thr surroundings sound pleasing. what a shock with everything that happened.
Baptiste was interesting and extremely unhinged. what a chatacter to have.
Lucy was very independent and very insightful as well. I liked the chatacter but thought she wasn't acting like a grieving person. that was the only thing I saw with her.
George had the dark secret from his past and that is what really caused the issues to unfold. it was all because of what happened 30 years before that his wife and daughter were put in jeopardy
Baptiste was interesting and extremely unhinged. what a chatacter to have.
Lucy was very independent and very insightful as well. I liked the chatacter but thought she wasn't acting like a grieving person. that was the only thing I saw with her.
George had the dark secret from his past and that is what really caused the issues to unfold. it was all because of what happened 30 years before that his wife and daughter were put in jeopardy
September 22, 2018
The only thing going for this book, is the location. The Seychelles sound like beautiful islands, with an interesting culture, and lots to explore. Pity the characters spent most of their time in their resort being boring.
And this was before the "mystery" happened. I do not get resort holidays. Why go somewhere tropical and different to sit around a pool that easily could be in your country? Oh, I apologise. They went to a market, and there were smells. Smells! You could hear the unsaid comments of "I much prefer Tesco." and "I'll never complain about the staff at Waitrose again!"
But that aside. The real thing I did not get in this book is that no one told anyone anything, and thus something that could have been solved in a day took 2 weeks of repetitive nonsense. And a day of my fricking time.
Breakfast. Someone takes a nap, and the other person lies. Someone gets in a little bit of peril that was completely preventable. Gets rescued. Lies. Has dinner and cocktails. Gets heatstroke as it is 25C and we are all going to melt. Repeat. For 250pp. Even the climax resulted in lie upon lie upon lie. And that is one easy way to loose me in a book.
Also, throw in a sprinkling of racism. Only locals worth any development are those who have been to the Mother Land for education purposes. Ignore the help (never ignore the help). And throw in stereotypical American travelers. Even that annoyed me.
Just lackluster and snoozeworthy. But if you want a quick read set in the Indian Ocean with no challenging plot, I found you a book.
And this was before the "mystery" happened. I do not get resort holidays. Why go somewhere tropical and different to sit around a pool that easily could be in your country? Oh, I apologise. They went to a market, and there were smells. Smells! You could hear the unsaid comments of "I much prefer Tesco." and "I'll never complain about the staff at Waitrose again!"
But that aside. The real thing I did not get in this book is that no one told anyone anything, and thus something that could have been solved in a day took 2 weeks of repetitive nonsense. And a day of my fricking time.
Breakfast. Someone takes a nap, and the other person lies. Someone gets in a little bit of peril that was completely preventable. Gets rescued. Lies. Has dinner and cocktails. Gets heatstroke as it is 25C and we are all going to melt. Repeat. For 250pp. Even the climax resulted in lie upon lie upon lie. And that is one easy way to loose me in a book.
Also, throw in a sprinkling of racism. Only locals worth any development are those who have been to the Mother Land for education purposes. Ignore the help (never ignore the help). And throw in stereotypical American travelers. Even that annoyed me.
Just lackluster and snoozeworthy. But if you want a quick read set in the Indian Ocean with no challenging plot, I found you a book.
November 12, 2017
Not the best start for this new series from Leigh Russell - the narrative lacks any real pace and frankly lacks credibility. However, by the end, our heroine may have made the transition to a more strong minded young woman, so I will probably give it the benefit of the doubt and read #2
March 4, 2016
Mystery books can be a hit and miss for me at times but this was my first read by Russell and this story came off as unique and well written.
Recently Lucy hasn't had the best luck after breaking off her engagement her parents decide she needs to get away. While away Angela goes missing and the story begins. The beginning started off just okay but when it finally picked up I found myself trying to solve the mystery.
The characters were well written and well developed. As the story began to grow you could see how mature Lucy was for a 22 year old and how she is dealing with the disappearance of her mom and finding out someone is after her.
The descriptions of the scenery helped make the story. Russell made you think you were their right along side Lucy. One thing I did have issues with was the descriptions of the characters. For some reason I had issues picturing them but by all means that has nothing to do with the author.
This book reminds me a lot of the series Lucy Kincaid and if you have read that series you will definitely love this one. Even though this is my first book by Russell, I can see myself following this new series just to see how it goes and what other mysteries are in store for Lucy.
Recently Lucy hasn't had the best luck after breaking off her engagement her parents decide she needs to get away. While away Angela goes missing and the story begins. The beginning started off just okay but when it finally picked up I found myself trying to solve the mystery.
The characters were well written and well developed. As the story began to grow you could see how mature Lucy was for a 22 year old and how she is dealing with the disappearance of her mom and finding out someone is after her.
The descriptions of the scenery helped make the story. Russell made you think you were their right along side Lucy. One thing I did have issues with was the descriptions of the characters. For some reason I had issues picturing them but by all means that has nothing to do with the author.
This book reminds me a lot of the series Lucy Kincaid and if you have read that series you will definitely love this one. Even though this is my first book by Russell, I can see myself following this new series just to see how it goes and what other mysteries are in store for Lucy.
March 11, 2016
I've been a fan of this author's books for some time, enjoying her police procedurals that aren't for the faint hearted. She's created some great characters in Geraldine Steel and her colleagues, so I was looking forward to this new series opener. However I was disappointed.
The mystery itself was intriguing and should have kept me hooked but I was distracted by descriptions of the Seychelles that were more like a travel guide than the background to a whodunnit.
I found it hard to engage with the main character, Lucy, as some of her actions and choices were too far-fetched.
On the positive side I found the historical facts about the coup in the 70s fascinating.
I'm not sure I'll bother with Book 2 in this series if/when it appears.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof copy of the book.
The mystery itself was intriguing and should have kept me hooked but I was distracted by descriptions of the Seychelles that were more like a travel guide than the background to a whodunnit.
I found it hard to engage with the main character, Lucy, as some of her actions and choices were too far-fetched.
On the positive side I found the historical facts about the coup in the 70s fascinating.
I'm not sure I'll bother with Book 2 in this series if/when it appears.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof copy of the book.
February 9, 2016
George lived in Seychelles & met veronique, 1977 & they fell in love, then unrest & thrown out for speaking out, George was rushed away. (Gorgeous description of Seychelles)
George returns in time, with his wife Angela & daughter Lucy. Visiting the Hotel he had worked at & dipping into his past.
Adrian the accountant, Eddy the barman, all friendly & happy to help, but who is the old man? He keeps turning up & Lucy feels he's spying on her, though if she queries it to others they miss him.
As time passes, things occur & make Lucy nervous, then Angela walks into a trap. What's next?
Intriguing, easy to read & follow, Agatha Christie type twisty tale. Or so I thought! Twists & turns, an unexpected turn up, shot the story off again.
Really enjoyable. As well as being part 1 in a new series!
George returns in time, with his wife Angela & daughter Lucy. Visiting the Hotel he had worked at & dipping into his past.
Adrian the accountant, Eddy the barman, all friendly & happy to help, but who is the old man? He keeps turning up & Lucy feels he's spying on her, though if she queries it to others they miss him.
As time passes, things occur & make Lucy nervous, then Angela walks into a trap. What's next?
Intriguing, easy to read & follow, Agatha Christie type twisty tale. Or so I thought! Twists & turns, an unexpected turn up, shot the story off again.
Really enjoyable. As well as being part 1 in a new series!
April 5, 2016
The sultry Seychelles form the backdrop for a tale of revolution, regret and revenge. A British man comes to work on the island but as the government is overthrown ex-pats are unpopular and he is forced to leave. The local girl he had met stays. Years later the man and his family come for a holiday and trigger a spiral of crime.
We meet a girl in her early twenties who grows stronger through the story; local police who shrug off a missing person as another tourist gone to see other islands; various locals and Aussies. The people and setting are well described with plenty of variation for such a small island. Suspense is well developed.
Anyone looking for an unusual crime story in an exotic locale will enjoy the tale. I read a copy from Net Galley for an unbiased review.
We meet a girl in her early twenties who grows stronger through the story; local police who shrug off a missing person as another tourist gone to see other islands; various locals and Aussies. The people and setting are well described with plenty of variation for such a small island. Suspense is well developed.
Anyone looking for an unusual crime story in an exotic locale will enjoy the tale. I read a copy from Net Galley for an unbiased review.
January 27, 2016
An easy read but somewhat lacking in depth , I did however enjoy the book and finished it in 2 sittings thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an acr in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2020
The main character is Lucy Hall a young attractive graduate who is holidaying in the Seychelles with her parents following the breakdown of a relationship with her boyfriend. Father, George, had worked in the hotel as an accountant some thirty years ago when he had a relationship with Veronique. The question is why has he not told his wife of 25 years that he hoped to find her on his return.
Lucy is a frustrating character being young, naive and foolish which she demonstrates to the full as she charges into situations without thought or care for how others will react. George never seems to react only draws further into his shell. Adrian the current hotel accountant is a local man who has worked hard to improve his situation and falls at Lucy's feet to the risk of his own life. None of them is very appealing to me as the reader.
The biggest fault is the persistent regurgitating of Lucy's relationship breakdown. Had me feeling that it was taking up the majority of the book and apart from being the reason she was there in the first place, it had little relevance to the story. Neither Lucy nor George were forthcoming to the police and in the end, all this was swept under the carpet. Very frustrating.
Not a very enjoyable book and there was nothing to want me to follow the series.
Lucy is a frustrating character being young, naive and foolish which she demonstrates to the full as she charges into situations without thought or care for how others will react. George never seems to react only draws further into his shell. Adrian the current hotel accountant is a local man who has worked hard to improve his situation and falls at Lucy's feet to the risk of his own life. None of them is very appealing to me as the reader.
The biggest fault is the persistent regurgitating of Lucy's relationship breakdown. Had me feeling that it was taking up the majority of the book and apart from being the reason she was there in the first place, it had little relevance to the story. Neither Lucy nor George were forthcoming to the police and in the end, all this was swept under the carpet. Very frustrating.
Not a very enjoyable book and there was nothing to want me to follow the series.
November 12, 2020
I knew when I started to read this book that I had read it previously. I had decided to play catch up with some of the series of books I have and I have given myself a well done pat on the back for starting with this one. Even though it's my second read, there was still a lot in this book I just didn't remember.
The story line felt fresh and original, I'm quite liking the main Character, Lucy Hall, As i've finished this book I dived right in to book 2. Now I feel I can really get to know Lucy. This book was full of surprises and things I didn't really expect.
Expertly written to keep you engrossed. I'm now reading book 2
The story line felt fresh and original, I'm quite liking the main Character, Lucy Hall, As i've finished this book I dived right in to book 2. Now I feel I can really get to know Lucy. This book was full of surprises and things I didn't really expect.
Expertly written to keep you engrossed. I'm now reading book 2
February 3, 2016
I am a big fan of the existing two series that this author writes - Geraldine Steel and Ian Peterson - which are both Police Procedurals so I was quite intrigued to see what this new offering was about.
And, after reading it in only a couple of days, I am pleased to report that it didn't disappoint. It is however quite different to her Police books but the same style shines through as does the sheer amount of dedicated research that the author is so good at - tough setting to do that, honestly, must have been a right chore!
So, Lucy has broken up with her two-timing fiance and is persuaded to join her parents on holiday in the Seychelles. The destination is not a random one because, before he met her mother, Lucy's father worked at their hotel as an accountant back in the 70s, having not set foot back since being "persuaded" to leave during a coup d'etat. Then, as strange things begin to happen to Lucy, she starts to wonder if it is her imagination, the heat or if she's actually in danger? Then when her Mum disappears and Lucy starts to discover that maybe her father's past is not as simple as she once thought, things start to escalate towards a dramatic conclusion.
I am not sure about Lucy. I started off at the beginning not really liking her but as the book progressed, I did start to warm to her a bit and, who knows, I've been wrong about people in the past!
The setting itself was delightfully described although I did think at one point it got a bit repetitive. Oooo sun, ooo flowers, and that did distract me a little from the story and I think is why at times I felt it a little clunky. I have already mentioned that it is obvious that the author has done a terrific amount of research into the history, geography, politics etc of the Seychelles and it all comes across very well. Characterisation was, on the whole, well done but there were however a couple of occurrences in the dialogue that didn't quite sit right with the character but again, it takes a while to get to know someone and it could have just been my interpretation. It does take time to bed in new characters.
All that said, I did enjoy the book and as I believe it is the start of a new series rather than a standalone, I am definitely looking forward to the next book to see what mischief Lucy gets up to next.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
And, after reading it in only a couple of days, I am pleased to report that it didn't disappoint. It is however quite different to her Police books but the same style shines through as does the sheer amount of dedicated research that the author is so good at - tough setting to do that, honestly, must have been a right chore!
So, Lucy has broken up with her two-timing fiance and is persuaded to join her parents on holiday in the Seychelles. The destination is not a random one because, before he met her mother, Lucy's father worked at their hotel as an accountant back in the 70s, having not set foot back since being "persuaded" to leave during a coup d'etat. Then, as strange things begin to happen to Lucy, she starts to wonder if it is her imagination, the heat or if she's actually in danger? Then when her Mum disappears and Lucy starts to discover that maybe her father's past is not as simple as she once thought, things start to escalate towards a dramatic conclusion.
I am not sure about Lucy. I started off at the beginning not really liking her but as the book progressed, I did start to warm to her a bit and, who knows, I've been wrong about people in the past!
The setting itself was delightfully described although I did think at one point it got a bit repetitive. Oooo sun, ooo flowers, and that did distract me a little from the story and I think is why at times I felt it a little clunky. I have already mentioned that it is obvious that the author has done a terrific amount of research into the history, geography, politics etc of the Seychelles and it all comes across very well. Characterisation was, on the whole, well done but there were however a couple of occurrences in the dialogue that didn't quite sit right with the character but again, it takes a while to get to know someone and it could have just been my interpretation. It does take time to bed in new characters.
All that said, I did enjoy the book and as I believe it is the start of a new series rather than a standalone, I am definitely looking forward to the next book to see what mischief Lucy gets up to next.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2016
Review: Journey to Death (A Lucy Hall Mystery) by Leigh Russell Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (9 Feb. 2016)
ISBN: 978-1503951921
Source: ARC via publisher
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
Review:
I've previously read a few of Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel books and enjoyed them, so it was great to get the chance to read her first Lucy Hall novel.
I'm not sure about Lucy as a character; I haven't really warmed to her, but she seems quite mature for her age and obviously has an inquisitive nature. I get the feeling she may be a slow burner.
The way the story is told, with details of the past adding to the slow building, makes for compulsive reading. Some parts did feel a little repetitive and I found myself a bit distracted. Having said that, the Seychelles setting is idyllic, the author's description of the place is fantastic, particularly of the beaches and the fragrant frangipani - I could almost smell the flowers! It's not a place I had really considered visiting, but reading Journey to Death may just have changed my mind.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.
ISBN: 978-1503951921
Source: ARC via publisher
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
Review:
I've previously read a few of Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel books and enjoyed them, so it was great to get the chance to read her first Lucy Hall novel.
I'm not sure about Lucy as a character; I haven't really warmed to her, but she seems quite mature for her age and obviously has an inquisitive nature. I get the feeling she may be a slow burner.
The way the story is told, with details of the past adding to the slow building, makes for compulsive reading. Some parts did feel a little repetitive and I found myself a bit distracted. Having said that, the Seychelles setting is idyllic, the author's description of the place is fantastic, particularly of the beaches and the fragrant frangipani - I could almost smell the flowers! It's not a place I had really considered visiting, but reading Journey to Death may just have changed my mind.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.
February 12, 2016
I was in two minds about how to rate this book, however I think as a Leigh Russell fan (especially the Geraldine Steel series) you have to accept this is an entirely different type of book. This is not a gritty thriller, more a generic mystery type book. Once you get your head around that you can look at the book with fresh eyes (so to speak). Lucy Hall is a character that is easy to read, however at the moment not that memorable (well at least not for the right reasons). Her trip to the Seychelles to get over her ex-boyfriend along with her parents is meant to be a relaxing time for her, to enable her to get herself together. What actually transpires is a holiday nightmare that will leave Lucy and her family reeling in shock.
The story itself was okay and I feel like this is just a mere introduction to Lucy. The characters were probably the thing I disliked most about this book, just in terms of the way there were quite dismissive throughout the book. That aside, the writing flows well and you begin to get a feel for Lucy and her Mother Angela and Father George. It’s revealed little by little why George’s history on the island is now coming back to bite them in the behind! There was certainly an element of suspense and in some ways I quite liked the way the characters were second guessing themselves. I guess in real life, this is more likely to happen than an automatic launch into becoming your very own Miss Marple.
I loved the island setting and this Leigh did an amazing job of getting the setting and scenery across to the reader. There were certainly a few gripes I had with the book, but not enough to warrant a lesser rating. I think overall if you take this book for what it is…a mystery, then it’s certainly an enjoyable read. I will certainly look forward to book 2 to see what Lucy plans on doing next.
The story itself was okay and I feel like this is just a mere introduction to Lucy. The characters were probably the thing I disliked most about this book, just in terms of the way there were quite dismissive throughout the book. That aside, the writing flows well and you begin to get a feel for Lucy and her Mother Angela and Father George. It’s revealed little by little why George’s history on the island is now coming back to bite them in the behind! There was certainly an element of suspense and in some ways I quite liked the way the characters were second guessing themselves. I guess in real life, this is more likely to happen than an automatic launch into becoming your very own Miss Marple.
I loved the island setting and this Leigh did an amazing job of getting the setting and scenery across to the reader. There were certainly a few gripes I had with the book, but not enough to warrant a lesser rating. I think overall if you take this book for what it is…a mystery, then it’s certainly an enjoyable read. I will certainly look forward to book 2 to see what Lucy plans on doing next.
February 22, 2016
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
If you are looking for a quick mystery/thriller read, then this book may be for you. I found it to be lacking in plot, lacking in character exploration and basically not very plausible. The basic story line of the vacation from Hades is not new, and nothing in the lead up or as it played out seemed like it was in the least bit likely. The relationships between the parents and their daughter, between the daughter and the accountant were not explored and seemed pretty stereotypical.
Overall, I would recommend giving this one a pass.
If you are looking for a quick mystery/thriller read, then this book may be for you. I found it to be lacking in plot, lacking in character exploration and basically not very plausible. The basic story line of the vacation from Hades is not new, and nothing in the lead up or as it played out seemed like it was in the least bit likely. The relationships between the parents and their daughter, between the daughter and the accountant were not explored and seemed pretty stereotypical.
Overall, I would recommend giving this one a pass.
January 29, 2016
I found the premise interesting and the characters as well. It seemed to however drag on a bit here and there and I noticed spots like where her mother would go to her room but then somehow be back at the table. I did enjoy this read I just felt there could have been more depth to the suspense through out the story.
March 16, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
I have been a big fan of Leigh Russell since picking up the first Geraldine Steel novel a number of years back. She has always had a knack of writing a mystery/thriller novel that is both clever and gripping. Without fail.
Until now.
But first, a message from the happy reviewer. The mystery story here is just as good as Leigh Russell has done in the past. The plot of Lucy's mother disappearing and her father being in the centre of everything was interesting, and the intrigue about exactly what her father knew kept the pages turning. The resolution worked really well and I do look forward to seeing more of Lucy Hall in the future.
Sounds good, right? But...
I don't know exactly went wrong. For me, I think part of the problem was that the mystery almost felt like a secondary thought to the "travel guide to the Seychelles" - I really did lose a lot of interest in the page after page of detailed observations of a setting sun or rainfall. It felt like a weight on the story. And I don't know if it ever really recovered.
Sadly.
Paul
ARH
Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.
As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.
A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.
I have been a big fan of Leigh Russell since picking up the first Geraldine Steel novel a number of years back. She has always had a knack of writing a mystery/thriller novel that is both clever and gripping. Without fail.
Until now.
But first, a message from the happy reviewer. The mystery story here is just as good as Leigh Russell has done in the past. The plot of Lucy's mother disappearing and her father being in the centre of everything was interesting, and the intrigue about exactly what her father knew kept the pages turning. The resolution worked really well and I do look forward to seeing more of Lucy Hall in the future.
Sounds good, right? But...
I don't know exactly went wrong. For me, I think part of the problem was that the mystery almost felt like a secondary thought to the "travel guide to the Seychelles" - I really did lose a lot of interest in the page after page of detailed observations of a setting sun or rainfall. It felt like a weight on the story. And I don't know if it ever really recovered.
Sadly.
Paul
ARH
September 11, 2017
Leigh Russell is quite a prolific author with 16 Books published since 2009. JOURNEY TO DEATH is the first of 3 in the Lucy Hall series.
Lucy Hall comes to the Seychelles with her parents just after a romance breakup. She has sustained an emotional collapse and her parents are trying to help her recover.
While they know that her father was evacuated (forcibly) from the island 30 years before, his wife and daughter know little about his personal life at that time. Their idyllic holiday is shattered when the wife, Angela, disappears. In the meantime Lucy begins to think that someone is targetting their family.
The main narrator of the tale is Lucy and we see the action mainly through her eyes. However occasionally the reader is told what is happening to Angela, and the tension and suspense ratchet up.
In the long run the story was handled well, and I feel tempted to follow Lucy into the second book in the series.
Lucy Hall comes to the Seychelles with her parents just after a romance breakup. She has sustained an emotional collapse and her parents are trying to help her recover.
While they know that her father was evacuated (forcibly) from the island 30 years before, his wife and daughter know little about his personal life at that time. Their idyllic holiday is shattered when the wife, Angela, disappears. In the meantime Lucy begins to think that someone is targetting their family.
The main narrator of the tale is Lucy and we see the action mainly through her eyes. However occasionally the reader is told what is happening to Angela, and the tension and suspense ratchet up.
In the long run the story was handled well, and I feel tempted to follow Lucy into the second book in the series.
October 24, 2022
The book description makes it all about Lucy but it most definitely isnt, what man would take his wife and daughter back to an island for a holiday where some thirty five years earlier he had fallen in love and had an affair with a beautiful woman, he sadly had to leave the island after some unrest but promised to go back. I crawled my way through this story, for me it had more holes than a colander, I found the character of Lucy was really nice, broken hearted but too ready to be trusting again.
I gave this book a two star as some of it was good, but it didn't flow along, the police were a joke, George was a joke, I cannot recommend it.
I gave this book a two star as some of it was good, but it didn't flow along, the police were a joke, George was a joke, I cannot recommend it.
February 11, 2018
Loved this book, picked it because I've read a lot Leigh Russell books before and thought I would try The Lucy Hall book one. I was hooked from the first chapter and once started couldn't put it down. Its a good book for taking away on holiday. Loved it so much that I've borrowed book two on kindle unlimited ready to read the next one now.
June 20, 2017
I have just finished reading this and found it most evocative of the Seychelles. The story builds slowly and I found myself becoming more and more engrossed as it went on. There is a very good twist which I will not ruin, and the suspense ratchets up well towards the final denouement. Great fun.
July 27, 2017
Lucy, recovering from a relationship break up, joins her parents for a holiday in the Seychelles. Strange things start happening, and danger stalks them. Good thriller, but I prefer her police novels.
November 14, 2020
Very different to Leigh's other series but a great read all the same. I enjoyed the premise of the novel and felt transported to the beaches of the seychelles Lucy is a fantastic character and I look forward to seeing how she develops
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