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The Quiet Ones
The Quiet Ones - a stunning psychological thriller from an international best-selling author. Editorial reviews:
"A chilling thriller that creeps up on you and grabs you by the throat." Mark Edwards, Bestselling author of The Magpies and Follow You Home
"I found this book to be utterly compelling and difficult to put down. Betsy Reavley has written a superb portrayal of Charlie and Josie, insightful and thought-provoking with an ending I did not see coming. Pacy, well written and superbly crafted, this book merits a full five stars." Anita Waller, author of the best-selling thriller Beautiful.
"The Quiet Ones is a powerful psychological thriller that pulls you along and then hits you hard and fast with its genuinely disturbing revelations." Andre Paine, Crime Fiction Lover
Book description:What if you didn’t know where you came from?
Who am I?
This is the question Josie asks herself when a mysterious letter arrives. Then a brutal murder turns her world upside down.
To make sense of the present, Josie must go back to the start.
But who can she trust when no one knows the truth?
And who is the sinister stranger obsessed with her life?
The past is catching up with Josie and the consequences will be fatal …
If you like authors like Angela Marsons, Kathryn Croft, Helen Durrant, Barbara Vine or Rachel Abbott you will be gripped by this brilliant and bracing psychological thriller.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2016
256 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Reavley
24 books271 followersBetsy Freeman Reavley is the author of Beneath the Watery Moon and A Worm in the Bottle. Carrion, her latest psychological thriller will be released in November 2014.
She was born in Hammersmith, London.
As a child she moved around frequently with her family, spending time in London, Provence, Tuscany, Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire.
She showed a flair for literature and writing from a young age and had a particular interest in poetry, of which she was a prolific consumer and producer.
In her early twenties she moved to Oxford, where she would eventually meet her husband. During her time in Oxford her interests turned from poetry to novels and she began to develop her own unique style of psychological thriller.
Beneath the Watery Moon is Betsy Reavley’s beautifully written first release and tells the macabre story of a young woman battling against mental illness.
Beneath the Watery Moon is published by Not So Noble Books and is available as an eBook from Amazon.
Betsy Reavley's second novel Carrion is a psychological chiller that address the link between grief and mental illness.
Reavley says "I think people are at their most fascinating when they are faced with life's real horrors." This is what I love to write about.
Betsy Reavley currently lives in North London, with her husband 2 children, dog, cat and chickens. You can follow her on Twitter @BetsyReavley
She was born in Hammersmith, London.
As a child she moved around frequently with her family, spending time in London, Provence, Tuscany, Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire.
She showed a flair for literature and writing from a young age and had a particular interest in poetry, of which she was a prolific consumer and producer.
In her early twenties she moved to Oxford, where she would eventually meet her husband. During her time in Oxford her interests turned from poetry to novels and she began to develop her own unique style of psychological thriller.
Beneath the Watery Moon is Betsy Reavley’s beautifully written first release and tells the macabre story of a young woman battling against mental illness.
Beneath the Watery Moon is published by Not So Noble Books and is available as an eBook from Amazon.
Betsy Reavley's second novel Carrion is a psychological chiller that address the link between grief and mental illness.
Reavley says "I think people are at their most fascinating when they are faced with life's real horrors." This is what I love to write about.
Betsy Reavley currently lives in North London, with her husband 2 children, dog, cat and chickens. You can follow her on Twitter @BetsyReavley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 23, 2016
What a peculiar tale, I have to say I found the majority of this book is quite slow but it does redeem itself in the last pages but unfortunately you do need some patience until you get that far. Jose Brewers is an ebook author and her husband works for a recruitment company. Josie was adopted at birth and has had experienced some trauma in her early life. I did not find her to be the most likable character and I also found her quite annoying at times, I could not connect with her husband's character either. There are two big twists at the end of the book, one in the last 40 pages but to me these did not make up for such a slow read, especially as the whole book is only just over 200 pages.
March 5, 2016
The Quiet Ones is one seriously messed up and disturbing read!
To start with I really didn't know what to expect from this story, I wouldn't say I was altogether gripped to begin with, but it certainly had me intrigued. As I got further into the story though I started to jump to a lot of conclusions which were well and truly wrong and by the time I was half way through I could not put it down until I had finished it.
Josie is quite a strange character. She has a lot of issues to deal with, though to be fair it is pretty obvious that she isn't dealing with them to well. To a certain extent I did feel sorry for her as life seems to certainly deal her a rubbish hand. To be honest I didn't think her life could get any worse, but boy was I wrong!
It's hard to say to much about the story with out giving to much away. What I will say though is that the author takes the reader on an extremely dark and twisted read. Some of the twists left me reeling but it certainly got the adrenalin flowing.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To start with I really didn't know what to expect from this story, I wouldn't say I was altogether gripped to begin with, but it certainly had me intrigued. As I got further into the story though I started to jump to a lot of conclusions which were well and truly wrong and by the time I was half way through I could not put it down until I had finished it.
Josie is quite a strange character. She has a lot of issues to deal with, though to be fair it is pretty obvious that she isn't dealing with them to well. To a certain extent I did feel sorry for her as life seems to certainly deal her a rubbish hand. To be honest I didn't think her life could get any worse, but boy was I wrong!
It's hard to say to much about the story with out giving to much away. What I will say though is that the author takes the reader on an extremely dark and twisted read. Some of the twists left me reeling but it certainly got the adrenalin flowing.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
I was given this book by Fred at Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review. I actually gave this book 3.7 ⭐️'s which I explain later on. Review will also be posted on www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk Feb 23rd
Read
March 1, 2019A dark, chilling psychological thriller. The main character is a complete wacka-doo, which made interesting reading. The twists are enticing and kept me engaged, although the ending does go a bit off the charts.
Josie is stunned to learn that her adopted parents have become the victims of a brutal murder, seemingly without any obvious motive. The story isn't exactly about Josie trying to find out who did murder them, so much as come to terms with it, with lots of extremely odd twists along the way.
If you're looking for something truly twisted, this is the right book for you.
Josie is stunned to learn that her adopted parents have become the victims of a brutal murder, seemingly without any obvious motive. The story isn't exactly about Josie trying to find out who did murder them, so much as come to terms with it, with lots of extremely odd twists along the way.
If you're looking for something truly twisted, this is the right book for you.
March 14, 2016
The Quiet Ones: Betsy Reavley
This is a book that begins with a fire and an unknown person staring at the flames, transfixed by the glow and unable to move. The character relates his/her feelings about his life, nowhere to go and no place to call home not caring that the houses along with the one that is burning might burn too. What happened to this person will be revealed as the author and the character take readers back to the beginning and we meet Josie and Charlie a couple who are years apart but seem happy. Josie does not know where she came from or who she really is and never questioned it until she receives a mysterious letter and someone close to her is murdered. Questioning her past she must focus on the present and learn who sent the letter and who wants to control her life. The introduction is quite graphic and the scene is vividly described as the reader can feel the heat from the flames as the character’s world goes up in smoke.
Josie might appear happily married to Charlie who is wonderful to her and quite understanding of her odd ways and unusual behavior. A letter that seems to mark the start of her downfall and a phone call that Charlie took that has her staying away from answering the phone. While she is pondering about what to write in her next book and hoping to get it published, loving print but having to deal with eBooks, Josie finds herself in a blue funk you might say while Charlie greets the day with a smile and ready to make her breakfast and ease her way into the pattern she sets for herself. A friend informs her of the brutal murder of her parents and the scene is so vividly depicted and her drunken stupor so graphically described you begin to wonder whether Josie is processing what she was told by her friend on the phone and when she comes face to face with the reality it’s amazing what Charlie has to deal with. She seems out of life, living in limbo and definitely trying to face the world but not without some type of addicting substance.
Josie divorced herself from her family as we get to know about her past, molested as a child and dealing with Post Traumatic Stress disorder and escaping reality and the real world by trying to write a book, find her course in life and then wondering why Charlie stays with her.
Josie seems to bury herself in alcohol, weed and other ways of escaping the realities of life, which makes readers wonder why Charlie remains with her. Her personality shifts gears so many times that you wonder whether she has some type of disorder that has yet to be diagnosed. Adding in she finally admits to Charlie what her father did to her and as you hear the hidden voices within her you wonder if she is going to strike back but at whom, when and where? Even when she has a weekend with her friend Sophie you see shades of deception, her distrust for her boyfriend Rory and she unravels at the slightest things. With alcohol her staple and her ability to black out times, and even more just blacking out you being to wonder what she is doing during those times and where her mind goes as she awakens and has not recall about what happened before. Just who is this person that is following her and wants to destroy her life? Who is the narrator in the other part of the story?
The holiday season has always been special to Josie and now that she has reconnected with her birth mother and invited her to come for the holidays will she embrace some happiness and learn to smile? But, Charlie seems set on putting his own spin on the holidays and although he works hard, tries not to complain he needs something in his life to make him smile too and I don’t think it is Josie. The author allows us to get to know more about his past, the fact that his mother has dementia and he wants to visit her without Josie. It’s a hard illness, which I know quite a lot about. Josie is cold and shows no empathy for anyone but herself she even cuts off her friend Sophie when trying to talk about her holidays and her friendship with Rory. It’s as if she resents anyone else being happy and needs to find a negative twist to every situation.
The author takes us on a ride that you just won’t escape from as Josie sinks further into her own world, something happens that will surprise readers as the twist at the end is quite startling, compelling and the roller coaster ride just might provide a car that tumbles slowly and methodically to the ground. A startling revelation and a confession you just won’t believe as Josie’s world comes tumbling down and the truth about her past smack dab in her face. Just who is Josie Brewer? Why did Ailene leave so abruptly? What caused Josie to run away and go to Sophie’s? An ending that will not only surprise readers but also make people aware that sometimes someone is not what they seem. The truth behind Josie is described in detail at the end of the book with the research shared by the author and the narrator who is compelled to remain with Josie forever but why? How?
This book brings out many issues of child abuse, betrayals, and permanent damage done to a young child that causes her to develop an unusual defense mechanism as an adult. Loyalties were hard for Josie to develop and trust did not come often. The Quiet Ones: Listen carefully because you can hardly hear their words, thoughts and feelings unless you feel the quiet and hear the whispers of the Quiet Ones. Free of agitation, free of anger and free of anguish or turmoil and person that seems subdued, restrained and understated and often keeps their feelings hidden or to themselves. As you get to know Josie, Charlie and Sophie you decide which one if any fits the definition of The Quiet One as a sinister quiet fills the air and pages of this psychological, mystery thriller.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ Magazine
This is a book that begins with a fire and an unknown person staring at the flames, transfixed by the glow and unable to move. The character relates his/her feelings about his life, nowhere to go and no place to call home not caring that the houses along with the one that is burning might burn too. What happened to this person will be revealed as the author and the character take readers back to the beginning and we meet Josie and Charlie a couple who are years apart but seem happy. Josie does not know where she came from or who she really is and never questioned it until she receives a mysterious letter and someone close to her is murdered. Questioning her past she must focus on the present and learn who sent the letter and who wants to control her life. The introduction is quite graphic and the scene is vividly described as the reader can feel the heat from the flames as the character’s world goes up in smoke.
Josie might appear happily married to Charlie who is wonderful to her and quite understanding of her odd ways and unusual behavior. A letter that seems to mark the start of her downfall and a phone call that Charlie took that has her staying away from answering the phone. While she is pondering about what to write in her next book and hoping to get it published, loving print but having to deal with eBooks, Josie finds herself in a blue funk you might say while Charlie greets the day with a smile and ready to make her breakfast and ease her way into the pattern she sets for herself. A friend informs her of the brutal murder of her parents and the scene is so vividly depicted and her drunken stupor so graphically described you begin to wonder whether Josie is processing what she was told by her friend on the phone and when she comes face to face with the reality it’s amazing what Charlie has to deal with. She seems out of life, living in limbo and definitely trying to face the world but not without some type of addicting substance.
Josie divorced herself from her family as we get to know about her past, molested as a child and dealing with Post Traumatic Stress disorder and escaping reality and the real world by trying to write a book, find her course in life and then wondering why Charlie stays with her.
Josie seems to bury herself in alcohol, weed and other ways of escaping the realities of life, which makes readers wonder why Charlie remains with her. Her personality shifts gears so many times that you wonder whether she has some type of disorder that has yet to be diagnosed. Adding in she finally admits to Charlie what her father did to her and as you hear the hidden voices within her you wonder if she is going to strike back but at whom, when and where? Even when she has a weekend with her friend Sophie you see shades of deception, her distrust for her boyfriend Rory and she unravels at the slightest things. With alcohol her staple and her ability to black out times, and even more just blacking out you being to wonder what she is doing during those times and where her mind goes as she awakens and has not recall about what happened before. Just who is this person that is following her and wants to destroy her life? Who is the narrator in the other part of the story?
The holiday season has always been special to Josie and now that she has reconnected with her birth mother and invited her to come for the holidays will she embrace some happiness and learn to smile? But, Charlie seems set on putting his own spin on the holidays and although he works hard, tries not to complain he needs something in his life to make him smile too and I don’t think it is Josie. The author allows us to get to know more about his past, the fact that his mother has dementia and he wants to visit her without Josie. It’s a hard illness, which I know quite a lot about. Josie is cold and shows no empathy for anyone but herself she even cuts off her friend Sophie when trying to talk about her holidays and her friendship with Rory. It’s as if she resents anyone else being happy and needs to find a negative twist to every situation.
The author takes us on a ride that you just won’t escape from as Josie sinks further into her own world, something happens that will surprise readers as the twist at the end is quite startling, compelling and the roller coaster ride just might provide a car that tumbles slowly and methodically to the ground. A startling revelation and a confession you just won’t believe as Josie’s world comes tumbling down and the truth about her past smack dab in her face. Just who is Josie Brewer? Why did Ailene leave so abruptly? What caused Josie to run away and go to Sophie’s? An ending that will not only surprise readers but also make people aware that sometimes someone is not what they seem. The truth behind Josie is described in detail at the end of the book with the research shared by the author and the narrator who is compelled to remain with Josie forever but why? How?
This book brings out many issues of child abuse, betrayals, and permanent damage done to a young child that causes her to develop an unusual defense mechanism as an adult. Loyalties were hard for Josie to develop and trust did not come often. The Quiet Ones: Listen carefully because you can hardly hear their words, thoughts and feelings unless you feel the quiet and hear the whispers of the Quiet Ones. Free of agitation, free of anger and free of anguish or turmoil and person that seems subdued, restrained and understated and often keeps their feelings hidden or to themselves. As you get to know Josie, Charlie and Sophie you decide which one if any fits the definition of The Quiet One as a sinister quiet fills the air and pages of this psychological, mystery thriller.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ Magazine
August 5, 2019
The Quiet Ones by Betsy Reavley
I was given this book by Mel at Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review. This one started off a bit wobbly out of the gate, but turned out to be worth a closer look by the end of it. The prologue turned me off a bit, which is never a good start; the voice was so affected and juvenile that I wasn’t sure I hadn’t picked up a teen thriller. Many of the chapters were slow and little tedious, particularly at the start. At times, this method can be exhilarating, especially in thrillers—that slow build that the reader can feel without yet knowing where they’ll find the quick bend around the corner. Yet, the quick bend here didn’t arrive until roughly two-thirds of the way through the novel, so this build ended up being more of a slightly laborious read, filling in the everyday life of Josie and her husband right down to the color of her nails and the way she takes her breakfast. Such an intimate look at characters can be rewarding, but the way that it was presented in The Quiet Ones did not have the immediate payoff that I’d hoped for; the author wasn’t able to make me care (or give me anything to care about) throughout the first half.
Yes, there is the theme of abuse here, but the way that it was presented has been done before (countless times), so it came off as cliché—a prop for the main character’s issues and situations that was never really filled out and wasn’t helped by the flaccid dialogue surrounding the topic either. In fact, many of the themes and circumstances here weren’t properly filled out the way that we’ve come to expect today—they were just sort of placed there in the novel and then rushed through. Soph and her beau are great examples of this. She was painted as the stereotypical Perfect Patty, and that feeling that Josie had about the new boyfriend, this being a psychological thriller and all, never really panned out and felt limply handled once I realized that his last scene had passed me by and no deeper look at him had been presented. Was he a good guy? Did he have a secret? Was he after her money or did he truly love Josie’s friend? This was never explored.
The shift in voice was off-putting and sudden, again something that could have worked if executed better. I made a note at the start that the voice sounded just like the narrator’s just with a splattering of apostrophes and a few filthy words. I thought that this might play out later, but it seems that it was just the author’s attempt at displaying two voices in one work that fell flat.
Then there’s the glaring appendage of a loose end. I’ll leave that one at that.
All in all, this novel had a wonderful premise—honestly, the plot line of it had the makings of a really top-notch psychological roller coaster. But the execution fell short for me, probably because this one could have easily stood up to another 100 pages or so. That extra filling out of the characters and situations—not additional exposition about the peculiars of Josie’s day-to-day that did nothing to move the novel forward, mind you—would have been an immense help here. Don’t get me wrong—the last 45 pages or so had bite, but it could have been much sharper if done in a different way.
This one forgot that television exists. By that I mean it didn’t cater to the reader who’s “been there, done that;” it didn’t quicken the heart rate or pull me in the way that thrillers these days are designed to do. That can be a plus for some. If you’re looking for a slower read that attempts a cozier approach than other psych thrillers, one that carries your read more gently around the bend of suspense than many of the more fast-paced thrillers on the shelf at your local bookstore or on the NYT, this one may be a great one for you. Two stars. **
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Art + Deco Agency Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Art + Deco Publishing Agency
I was given this book by Mel at Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review. This one started off a bit wobbly out of the gate, but turned out to be worth a closer look by the end of it. The prologue turned me off a bit, which is never a good start; the voice was so affected and juvenile that I wasn’t sure I hadn’t picked up a teen thriller. Many of the chapters were slow and little tedious, particularly at the start. At times, this method can be exhilarating, especially in thrillers—that slow build that the reader can feel without yet knowing where they’ll find the quick bend around the corner. Yet, the quick bend here didn’t arrive until roughly two-thirds of the way through the novel, so this build ended up being more of a slightly laborious read, filling in the everyday life of Josie and her husband right down to the color of her nails and the way she takes her breakfast. Such an intimate look at characters can be rewarding, but the way that it was presented in The Quiet Ones did not have the immediate payoff that I’d hoped for; the author wasn’t able to make me care (or give me anything to care about) throughout the first half.
Yes, there is the theme of abuse here, but the way that it was presented has been done before (countless times), so it came off as cliché—a prop for the main character’s issues and situations that was never really filled out and wasn’t helped by the flaccid dialogue surrounding the topic either. In fact, many of the themes and circumstances here weren’t properly filled out the way that we’ve come to expect today—they were just sort of placed there in the novel and then rushed through. Soph and her beau are great examples of this. She was painted as the stereotypical Perfect Patty, and that feeling that Josie had about the new boyfriend, this being a psychological thriller and all, never really panned out and felt limply handled once I realized that his last scene had passed me by and no deeper look at him had been presented. Was he a good guy? Did he have a secret? Was he after her money or did he truly love Josie’s friend? This was never explored.
The shift in voice was off-putting and sudden, again something that could have worked if executed better. I made a note at the start that the voice sounded just like the narrator’s just with a splattering of apostrophes and a few filthy words. I thought that this might play out later, but it seems that it was just the author’s attempt at displaying two voices in one work that fell flat.
Then there’s the glaring appendage of a loose end. I’ll leave that one at that.
All in all, this novel had a wonderful premise—honestly, the plot line of it had the makings of a really top-notch psychological roller coaster. But the execution fell short for me, probably because this one could have easily stood up to another 100 pages or so. That extra filling out of the characters and situations—not additional exposition about the peculiars of Josie’s day-to-day that did nothing to move the novel forward, mind you—would have been an immense help here. Don’t get me wrong—the last 45 pages or so had bite, but it could have been much sharper if done in a different way.
This one forgot that television exists. By that I mean it didn’t cater to the reader who’s “been there, done that;” it didn’t quicken the heart rate or pull me in the way that thrillers these days are designed to do. That can be a plus for some. If you’re looking for a slower read that attempts a cozier approach than other psych thrillers, one that carries your read more gently around the bend of suspense than many of the more fast-paced thrillers on the shelf at your local bookstore or on the NYT, this one may be a great one for you. Two stars. **
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Art + Deco Agency Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Art + Deco Publishing Agency
July 9, 2019
The Quiet Ones
Betsy Reavley
Bloodhound Books, Feb 2016
215 pages, ebook, paperback, audiobook
Psychological thriller
✬✬✬✬
Purchased for Kindle
The cover is interesting, but really doesn’t tell you anything about the story within, does it? The colors and the symmetry of the design work well, but don’t tell you anything, except for those four words in red at the top of the dark blue area…”Family can be murder”. That’s a line you need to keep in mind through the whole book. If you forget that line, you will be taken totally by surprise at the end as I was. Because I forgot that line while I was reading.
It’s written in a style that alternates a sort of diary with the events of Josie’s life. The person who writes the diary is a murderer, but only reveals so much of himself in the entries. Not really enough to give away his identity easily. Josie’s living with Charlie and they are trying for her to get pregnant without too much success. She’s had a letter from her biological mother and they are getting to know each other. They are taking small, awkward steps. Josie’s also an alcoholic and a frustrated author who can’t get past her block and can’t get published. Her alcoholism is getting worse and worse to the point where she is having total blackouts. Ailene, Josie’s mother comes to spend Christmas with Josie and Charlie and reveals a horrible truth that tears all three lives apart.
The characters were written to be exactly what they were, people who were damaged by life and people previously in their lives. They were mentally suffering from past abuse and neglect and lack of love and care. Now, they’ve come together to find love and care. Instead, some of them are finding horror and death. Some of them are looking for answers and finding them, others are losing the little hope they have. Some may find some peace.
The pace and tension were sort of like the characters in the story, a bit jerky and awkward at times, but right for the story. The end was a complete surprise for me because I really hadn’t paid much attention to that little line on the front cover of the book. I hadn’t known just how important it was and I hadn’t kept it in mind when I was reading the book. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Recommended for readers who enjoy the psychological thriller.
Betsy Reavley
Bloodhound Books, Feb 2016
215 pages, ebook, paperback, audiobook
Psychological thriller
✬✬✬✬
Purchased for Kindle
The cover is interesting, but really doesn’t tell you anything about the story within, does it? The colors and the symmetry of the design work well, but don’t tell you anything, except for those four words in red at the top of the dark blue area…”Family can be murder”. That’s a line you need to keep in mind through the whole book. If you forget that line, you will be taken totally by surprise at the end as I was. Because I forgot that line while I was reading.
It’s written in a style that alternates a sort of diary with the events of Josie’s life. The person who writes the diary is a murderer, but only reveals so much of himself in the entries. Not really enough to give away his identity easily. Josie’s living with Charlie and they are trying for her to get pregnant without too much success. She’s had a letter from her biological mother and they are getting to know each other. They are taking small, awkward steps. Josie’s also an alcoholic and a frustrated author who can’t get past her block and can’t get published. Her alcoholism is getting worse and worse to the point where she is having total blackouts. Ailene, Josie’s mother comes to spend Christmas with Josie and Charlie and reveals a horrible truth that tears all three lives apart.
The characters were written to be exactly what they were, people who were damaged by life and people previously in their lives. They were mentally suffering from past abuse and neglect and lack of love and care. Now, they’ve come together to find love and care. Instead, some of them are finding horror and death. Some of them are looking for answers and finding them, others are losing the little hope they have. Some may find some peace.
The pace and tension were sort of like the characters in the story, a bit jerky and awkward at times, but right for the story. The end was a complete surprise for me because I really hadn’t paid much attention to that little line on the front cover of the book. I hadn’t known just how important it was and I hadn’t kept it in mind when I was reading the book. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Recommended for readers who enjoy the psychological thriller.
April 4, 2017
Definitely surprised me... didn't see it coming!
May 29, 2016
The Quiet Ones is the third novel from Betsy Reavley and given that one of her previous works is an Amazon bestseller in British Horror Fiction I should have been expecting something dark and this was! The subject matter and issues it raises are unedifying and many readers will struggle with The Quiet Ones for that reason alone.
Josie Brewers eeks out a living worker as an author of ebooks which seem to fall somewhere between clear genre boundaries as her seventeen years senior husband Charlie keeps a roof over their heads working as the manager of a recruitment agency. From the start I found the pace a little disconcerting, as there was very little clear evidence of any significant forward progression; Josie seemed to do little more than move between sleep and alcohol with the occasional gripe about the untidiness of the house. I struggled to build any form of interest and the story felt laboured as it mused on the minutiae of daily life. Early on we learn that Josie's natural birth mother, Ailene, has contacted her by letter with a suggestion of meeting up. As Josie frets about her own feelings and any potential meeting she has a chance to look back at her own childhood. As the adopted daughter of Fiona and Harold Griffin she lived a privileged existence in Bletchley. Fairly early on the clues about her life with her adopted parents prior to being sent away to boarding school becomes clear and that she was sexually abused is evident, something she has struggled to come to terms with.
As the prospect of meeting her natural mother advances Josie is rocked by the news that her adopted parents have become the victims of a brutal murder, seemingly devoid of any obvious motive. Clearly not a simple burglary the violence of the attack points to an underlying personal grudge. As the police struggle to make any breakthrough on finding the perpetrator Josie continues to wrangle with her emotions on the home she left behind and the prospect of meeting her birth mother. As she descends into a spiral of drinking too much and pot smoking she finds herself experiencing bouts of unconsciousness and pushing Charlie away. As things come to a head with the discovery of a killer and the prospect of her natural mother meeting Charlie, Josie finds herself at the centre of a nightmare which rips apart her very existence.
The irony of Josie's books falling between genre categories was not lost on me as I was left a little nonplussed as to the intention of The Quiet Ones. The subtitle implies the aim is to deliver a psychological thriller, but to live up to that billing it would needed to be more subtle by far. Despite my disappointment in The Quiet Ones there was a coherent progression from start to finish and I could appreciate the intended effect of the dual narratives, interpreting the italicised text woven throughout as the voice of the penetrator. Sadly not the gripping read promised but an often melodramatic tale with a fairly implausible plot which is well signposted from the off. Significant advancement of the theme of a plodding daily life does not occur until about eighty percent of the way through the novel which feels a long time coming and The Quiet Ones didn't generate any real sense of tension as it built up the the final revelations.
At just over two hundred pages in length I feel obliged to comment on my disappointment at the number of spelling errors and mistakes throughout which I felt was a little sloppy, from simple mistakes such as misspelling a characters name to continuity details, such as the protagonists university education changing locations from Bristol to Nottingham. As an impassioned reader the details do matter. Although I accept that beginning a sentence with a conjunction is perfectly acceptable the frequency of the sentences starting with 'but' grated and this did not make for a pleasurable read with commas also littered apparently randomly throughout.
Josie Brewers eeks out a living worker as an author of ebooks which seem to fall somewhere between clear genre boundaries as her seventeen years senior husband Charlie keeps a roof over their heads working as the manager of a recruitment agency. From the start I found the pace a little disconcerting, as there was very little clear evidence of any significant forward progression; Josie seemed to do little more than move between sleep and alcohol with the occasional gripe about the untidiness of the house. I struggled to build any form of interest and the story felt laboured as it mused on the minutiae of daily life. Early on we learn that Josie's natural birth mother, Ailene, has contacted her by letter with a suggestion of meeting up. As Josie frets about her own feelings and any potential meeting she has a chance to look back at her own childhood. As the adopted daughter of Fiona and Harold Griffin she lived a privileged existence in Bletchley. Fairly early on the clues about her life with her adopted parents prior to being sent away to boarding school becomes clear and that she was sexually abused is evident, something she has struggled to come to terms with.
As the prospect of meeting her natural mother advances Josie is rocked by the news that her adopted parents have become the victims of a brutal murder, seemingly devoid of any obvious motive. Clearly not a simple burglary the violence of the attack points to an underlying personal grudge. As the police struggle to make any breakthrough on finding the perpetrator Josie continues to wrangle with her emotions on the home she left behind and the prospect of meeting her birth mother. As she descends into a spiral of drinking too much and pot smoking she finds herself experiencing bouts of unconsciousness and pushing Charlie away. As things come to a head with the discovery of a killer and the prospect of her natural mother meeting Charlie, Josie finds herself at the centre of a nightmare which rips apart her very existence.
The irony of Josie's books falling between genre categories was not lost on me as I was left a little nonplussed as to the intention of The Quiet Ones. The subtitle implies the aim is to deliver a psychological thriller, but to live up to that billing it would needed to be more subtle by far. Despite my disappointment in The Quiet Ones there was a coherent progression from start to finish and I could appreciate the intended effect of the dual narratives, interpreting the italicised text woven throughout as the voice of the penetrator. Sadly not the gripping read promised but an often melodramatic tale with a fairly implausible plot which is well signposted from the off. Significant advancement of the theme of a plodding daily life does not occur until about eighty percent of the way through the novel which feels a long time coming and The Quiet Ones didn't generate any real sense of tension as it built up the the final revelations.
At just over two hundred pages in length I feel obliged to comment on my disappointment at the number of spelling errors and mistakes throughout which I felt was a little sloppy, from simple mistakes such as misspelling a characters name to continuity details, such as the protagonists university education changing locations from Bristol to Nottingham. As an impassioned reader the details do matter. Although I accept that beginning a sentence with a conjunction is perfectly acceptable the frequency of the sentences starting with 'but' grated and this did not make for a pleasurable read with commas also littered apparently randomly throughout.
June 22, 2016
I've been staring at the blank computer screen for a while now, trying to find the right words to review this book. My mind is still numb and I'm still reeling from this book's twisted, weird plot. The author Betsy Reavley had sent me this book to read and review quite a while back now and so I start off by apologising with her for taking so long.
"I live in the shadows, the place where guilt and anger converge."
I would describe this book as a thriller with a messy family drama at its centre. The story's main character is Josie Brewers, a thirty-something woman married to a much older man named Charlie. We know that Josie had a difficult childhood, but other than that the couple seems quite happy and in love. Josie is supposed to be a writer working from home, however she never manages to write a line. I found her quite dull and annoying, spending her days wallowing in self-pity at home (which is always in total chaos), drinking and smoking or in bed and not knowing what to do with herself while her husband is at work. Why does she behave like this?
However as much as I felt mad at Josie, at times I felt sorry for her too. Well you could say I felt sorry for practically all characters in this book. Betsy Reavley you are soooo mean with your characters!!!
"You never know what's around the corner..."
As I was beginning to get acquainted with Josie and Charlie, bang! I don't know what happened. One chapter knocked me off my feet and given the story a whole new dimension. All of a sudden we have a double brutal murder committed by a VERY sick, violent, sadistic killer. Who is this killer? Who are the victims? Why were they slaughtered? What has this got to do with the whole plot? The blurb says the murder turned Josie's world upside down, but I can say it did the same to my mind. This chapter was quite weird and disturbing but also intriguing and at times I wasn't quite sure what was happening. WTF Betsy!??
I thought I had guessed who the killer was on more than one occasion. Actually I had more than one character in mind, but by the end I realised how wrong I was. I could never have anticipated the surprise the author had in store for me by the end.
As I was reading, I found myself experiencing all sorts of emotions. At times I found myself enjoying this book, at others I felt annoyed, at others sad and at other times I found myself shocked, and dare I say even disgusted at some of the scenes, but thankfully the latter were very few.
By the end there was one thing that didn't add up in my head, but on the whole this was quite a good, fast, enjoyable read for me. I wouldn't say it's suspenseful. 'Disturbing' or 'twisted' are much more adequate words to describe it in my opinion. Actually I would go as far as saying that this was one of the most twisted plots I've ever read.
With many thanks to Betsy Reavley for a review copy of this book. Now I want to read her other books!
"I live in the shadows, the place where guilt and anger converge."
I would describe this book as a thriller with a messy family drama at its centre. The story's main character is Josie Brewers, a thirty-something woman married to a much older man named Charlie. We know that Josie had a difficult childhood, but other than that the couple seems quite happy and in love. Josie is supposed to be a writer working from home, however she never manages to write a line. I found her quite dull and annoying, spending her days wallowing in self-pity at home (which is always in total chaos), drinking and smoking or in bed and not knowing what to do with herself while her husband is at work. Why does she behave like this?
However as much as I felt mad at Josie, at times I felt sorry for her too. Well you could say I felt sorry for practically all characters in this book. Betsy Reavley you are soooo mean with your characters!!!
"You never know what's around the corner..."
As I was beginning to get acquainted with Josie and Charlie, bang! I don't know what happened. One chapter knocked me off my feet and given the story a whole new dimension. All of a sudden we have a double brutal murder committed by a VERY sick, violent, sadistic killer. Who is this killer? Who are the victims? Why were they slaughtered? What has this got to do with the whole plot? The blurb says the murder turned Josie's world upside down, but I can say it did the same to my mind. This chapter was quite weird and disturbing but also intriguing and at times I wasn't quite sure what was happening. WTF Betsy!??
I thought I had guessed who the killer was on more than one occasion. Actually I had more than one character in mind, but by the end I realised how wrong I was. I could never have anticipated the surprise the author had in store for me by the end.
As I was reading, I found myself experiencing all sorts of emotions. At times I found myself enjoying this book, at others I felt annoyed, at others sad and at other times I found myself shocked, and dare I say even disgusted at some of the scenes, but thankfully the latter were very few.
By the end there was one thing that didn't add up in my head, but on the whole this was quite a good, fast, enjoyable read for me. I wouldn't say it's suspenseful. 'Disturbing' or 'twisted' are much more adequate words to describe it in my opinion. Actually I would go as far as saying that this was one of the most twisted plots I've ever read.
With many thanks to Betsy Reavley for a review copy of this book. Now I want to read her other books!
February 5, 2017
After reading the Opticians Wife and loving it I couldn't wait to get stuck into this after hearing such good things about it. Betsy doesn't fail to disappoint either, this book is EPIC if I do say so myself. I absolutely loved it.
The story starts off with one gripping introduction.That was it for me I was well and truly hooked taking me into a place I have never been before.The author certainly knows how to pull you in from the start thats for sure.
Imagine if you didn’t know where you came from? Or who you are? This is the question Josie asks herself when a mysterious letter arrives. Then a brutal murder turns her world upside down.
To make sense of the present, Josie must go back to the start.But who can she trust when no one knows the truth? And who is the sinister stranger obsessed with her life?
The past is catching up with Josie and the consequences will be fatal …
Josie is one of those characters you feel sorry for she definitely wasn't in the right queue when they was giving out good luck.Things just go for bad to worse with her. But her bad luck is what makes this story. How awful do I sound?! But I always say the darker the better for me and this book isn't for the faint hearted. The Quiet Ones is so twisted and warped I thought I was going to have an aneurysm!!! It is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing from start to finish giving me and OMG moment where I shouted WHAT……( I seriously wasn't expecting that)
Oh did I mention this book should come with a warning label saying do not read while cooking the tea.....I was that transfix reading it that I burnt my tea LOL. Honestly from the moment I started It I couldn't put it down….talk about a page turner.
The Quiet Ones without a doubt a must read for all you psychological thriller fans and will take you on a roller coaster ride of your life. Seriously I haven't read anything like this in my life and cannot recommend it enough, giving it 5 massive stars.
The story starts off with one gripping introduction.That was it for me I was well and truly hooked taking me into a place I have never been before.The author certainly knows how to pull you in from the start thats for sure.
Imagine if you didn’t know where you came from? Or who you are? This is the question Josie asks herself when a mysterious letter arrives. Then a brutal murder turns her world upside down.
To make sense of the present, Josie must go back to the start.But who can she trust when no one knows the truth? And who is the sinister stranger obsessed with her life?
The past is catching up with Josie and the consequences will be fatal …
Josie is one of those characters you feel sorry for she definitely wasn't in the right queue when they was giving out good luck.Things just go for bad to worse with her. But her bad luck is what makes this story. How awful do I sound?! But I always say the darker the better for me and this book isn't for the faint hearted. The Quiet Ones is so twisted and warped I thought I was going to have an aneurysm!!! It is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing from start to finish giving me and OMG moment where I shouted WHAT……( I seriously wasn't expecting that)
Oh did I mention this book should come with a warning label saying do not read while cooking the tea.....I was that transfix reading it that I burnt my tea LOL. Honestly from the moment I started It I couldn't put it down….talk about a page turner.
The Quiet Ones without a doubt a must read for all you psychological thriller fans and will take you on a roller coaster ride of your life. Seriously I haven't read anything like this in my life and cannot recommend it enough, giving it 5 massive stars.
July 31, 2016
I did read this book quite quickly and was drawn in by it to a certain degree, however, overall the plot is predictable and not completely believable either. The end especially for me, during which the big twist is revealed, just does not add up. I feel the author made is fairly obvious throughout that Charles would turn out to be Josie's father. The repeated reference to the all important 18 year age gap, the fact he doesn't meet her birth mother until nearing the end of the book and the hints around the circumstances of her being conceived; he was from Oxford, as was the father, they met and had this unexplainable connection straight away etc etc.
The final twist also when it is revealed that Josie is intact the other voice in the book as she has DID and therefore created Jacob as her 'split personality' counterpart. If this was the case why does the author so heavily and repeatedly comment on the fact 'Jacob' is aroused but adds great detail regarding the fact he obviously has a penis and yet evidently he/she doesn't?! I find this very confusing and somewhat unnecessary; I think this could have been executed in a way so that the reader to lead to think he's male but not to the extent that he can take out his genitalia and at points and either urinate or masturbate; all done clearly with a penis. There's no explanation given to this - I assume Josie in her mentally unstable state conjured up the idea that she, as Jacob, possesses a penis??! But this just seems absurd to me. He even ejaculates onto a pillow at one point, now how is this possible? I apologise for the sexual language but I am just using material from the book and in order to review properly I do feel the need to mention. Clearly there is a 'female alternative' to what Jacob acts out but as I say, the author goes into such detail of it being a male carrying out these acts that it just makes the whole thing not add up. This all spoilt the book for me.
It is reminiscent of Tell Me Your Dreams, which had its faults also but I feel was written far more intelligently and although feels a little far fetched, does actually add up by the end.
The final twist also when it is revealed that Josie is intact the other voice in the book as she has DID and therefore created Jacob as her 'split personality' counterpart. If this was the case why does the author so heavily and repeatedly comment on the fact 'Jacob' is aroused but adds great detail regarding the fact he obviously has a penis and yet evidently he/she doesn't?! I find this very confusing and somewhat unnecessary; I think this could have been executed in a way so that the reader to lead to think he's male but not to the extent that he can take out his genitalia and at points and either urinate or masturbate; all done clearly with a penis. There's no explanation given to this - I assume Josie in her mentally unstable state conjured up the idea that she, as Jacob, possesses a penis??! But this just seems absurd to me. He even ejaculates onto a pillow at one point, now how is this possible? I apologise for the sexual language but I am just using material from the book and in order to review properly I do feel the need to mention. Clearly there is a 'female alternative' to what Jacob acts out but as I say, the author goes into such detail of it being a male carrying out these acts that it just makes the whole thing not add up. This all spoilt the book for me.
It is reminiscent of Tell Me Your Dreams, which had its faults also but I feel was written far more intelligently and although feels a little far fetched, does actually add up by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2017
The Quiet Ones
Yet another winner from Betsy Reavley, with unexpected twists, turns, and gut-wrenching surprises. It’s hard for me to write an in-depth review of The Quiet Ones because I might give the game away. The use of first person narrative has been used to great effect and the story flows smoothly. Josie, the main character in the book, is a satisfyingly complex character, beset by gargantuan, disturbing problems, so naturally my interest was held throughout the book. This author has wonderfully unusual stories to tell and I’m a huge fan of her work. I will soon have read all Betsy Reavley’s books, so hopefully she’s busy writing a new one.
Yet another winner from Betsy Reavley, with unexpected twists, turns, and gut-wrenching surprises. It’s hard for me to write an in-depth review of The Quiet Ones because I might give the game away. The use of first person narrative has been used to great effect and the story flows smoothly. Josie, the main character in the book, is a satisfyingly complex character, beset by gargantuan, disturbing problems, so naturally my interest was held throughout the book. This author has wonderfully unusual stories to tell and I’m a huge fan of her work. I will soon have read all Betsy Reavley’s books, so hopefully she’s busy writing a new one.
March 18, 2016
This author was completely unknown to me before I was offered the chance to read it by Bloodhoundbooks in exchange for an honest review.
I am sometimes dubious about straying away from mainstream authors as you can be disappointed…Not however in this case.
The books starts relatively slowly but then builds well, with the author carefully building a back story and placing enough clues and potential twists to keep you engaged.
I had a theory, in fact I had several theories…I was close but no cigar on this occasion.
Shall make a point to read more by Betsy in the future and I wish her luck with this excellent book.
I am sometimes dubious about straying away from mainstream authors as you can be disappointed…Not however in this case.
The books starts relatively slowly but then builds well, with the author carefully building a back story and placing enough clues and potential twists to keep you engaged.
I had a theory, in fact I had several theories…I was close but no cigar on this occasion.
Shall make a point to read more by Betsy in the future and I wish her luck with this excellent book.
April 16, 2016
I received an ARC from the ukcrimebookclub on facebook in exchange for an honest review, and in all honesty I found the first 50% of this book quite hard going and I was unsure if I wanted to finish, but the book picked up from there becoming more tightly plotted and finishing with a very clever twist that i didnt see coming. Probably a 3.5 star read for me but it did enough towards the end to make me liable to read more from this author
February 8, 2017
Terrible in every conceivable way. this woman is weirdly racist and also manages to shoehorn her weird prolife message into every book she writes. Also this book is literally some self insert about an ebook writer and is horribly insensitive. Someone needs to tell this person that research isn't reading one page of the DSM IV- you can read mentally ills peoples own experiences and not be so horribly offensive in your portrayals.
Read
July 10, 2019The story is OK but there is no explanation given as to where Josie’s husband thought she was when she was committing the murders of her parents. The writing style is not great and the proof reading poor as the spelling of her name changes from Josie to Jose in the book. It’s hard to believe that the author has ever been to London and in particular Bethnal Green as some of her observations are quite laughable, in particular the thought of women in Saris walking around chatting in Arabic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2016
Brilliant psychological thriller about a young happily married woman's gradual disintegration when brutal murder touches her life. A gripping, very well-crafted plot with strong characters and a remarkable twist at the end. By far Reavley's best yet. A very worthy five stars.
June 10, 2016
What a strange book! Not that well written, the main character is unlikeable, the "shock" is unbelievable & the reveal at the end a step too far. Not a great way to deal with the subject it attempts to deal with.
Irritating & disappointing.
Irritating & disappointing.
June 19, 2016
at times slow, this book had an ending that no one will suspect, actually it had turns and twists that no one would expect. The overall plot and underlining theme is important and woven well throughout this piece.
December 14, 2018
Overall this is a good book. I think I figured out where the story was going early during my listening. I think the author was trying to hide the killer, but I found it very easy to conclude who it was. It is a disturbing book, but very revealing about mental issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2016
Psychological thriller with a twist
Great read. I was gripped throughout and drawn into the various characters lives as the plot unfolded. Highly recommend this novel.
Great read. I was gripped throughout and drawn into the various characters lives as the plot unfolded. Highly recommend this novel.
January 26, 2019
Absolutely Brilliant
I can not believe I am only justifying a review of this book, it must of been one I overlooked, I read this allergen it was first published, and read her others too. It's a awesome book with wristband turns, a sinister feeling that gives the book a really good atmosphere, bring the chargers alive, my heart was pounding at times for fear, I honesty wasn't sure about the outcome so it took me by a little only a little surprised. I recommend it as a must read
I can not believe I am only justifying a review of this book, it must of been one I overlooked, I read this allergen it was first published, and read her others too. It's a awesome book with wristband turns, a sinister feeling that gives the book a really good atmosphere, bring the chargers alive, my heart was pounding at times for fear, I honesty wasn't sure about the outcome so it took me by a little only a little surprised. I recommend it as a must read
January 28, 2019
Disturbing yet compelling
I found this book extremely disturbing yet compelling it was a real page turner and kept me gripped to the very end. I agree the kindle version has some spelling and grammatical errors however, it didn't cause any distractions. Furthermore I did feel the ending could of been vastly improved and was slightly disappointing but it was overall a good read.
I found this book extremely disturbing yet compelling it was a real page turner and kept me gripped to the very end. I agree the kindle version has some spelling and grammatical errors however, it didn't cause any distractions. Furthermore I did feel the ending could of been vastly improved and was slightly disappointing but it was overall a good read.
February 7, 2019
OMG! This book was bloody amazing & from when I started, I didn't stop till I'd finished. Josie happily married to Charlie loses her parents, then reunites with her real mother, just when you're thinking all will end well, you realise Charlie is her father, she's pregnant, she's Jacob & she's a murderer! 😱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
Decent book but how many times in the book is she going to tell us she has white sin and red hair (ginger)? Sometimes this author seemed to be grasping for a lot of adjectives that were unnecessary. I liked what the story was about and appreciated twists toward the later part of the book. Would not recommend for those triggered by sexual abuse/incest content.
December 27, 2016
Amazing psychological thriller. ☆☆☆☆☆.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller. Couldn't put this book down. I am currently working my way through every book written by this author. I am a very fussy reader who reads every day without fail. Am so pleased that I found this author. Betsy reavley you rock !
Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller. Couldn't put this book down. I am currently working my way through every book written by this author. I am a very fussy reader who reads every day without fail. Am so pleased that I found this author. Betsy reavley you rock !
April 21, 2019
Wow
The ending surprised the hell out of me😳 Definitely didn’t see that coming. I would’ve bet money the culprit was Charlie the entire time. Poor Josie just couldn’t catch a break.
The ending surprised the hell out of me😳 Definitely didn’t see that coming. I would’ve bet money the culprit was Charlie the entire time. Poor Josie just couldn’t catch a break.
August 11, 2019
I must admit I didn’t know where this book was going for quite a way through it, although it was an interesting read..then the pace really picked up. Great ending and plot twist! Glad I stuck with it!
March 10, 2024
Not bad, ending was good
This was a good read. I recommend it. It did have one incredibly improbable situation that bugged me a lot, the rest was good. I did guess the ending quite early on, but that's part of the fun!
This was a good read. I recommend it. It did have one incredibly improbable situation that bugged me a lot, the rest was good. I did guess the ending quite early on, but that's part of the fun!
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