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Betrayal: The Complete Story
A psychological thriller and an enthralling tale of revenge and police investigation. An upbringing marred by rejection and hurt turns Helen King into a serial killer. Detective Inspector Belinda Brennan and her team are on the hunt for her. How many must die before the team can find a connection? Book 2 The Consequences concludes the story of Betrayal but will Helen go quietly?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 19, 2016
Since writing my initial review for Betrayal, we’ve seen the subsequent evolution of the story with the release of Betrayal: The Consequences. Now, for the first time, we can read the complete story in one volume.
From the very first line of the book, I was captivated by the story, though I admit to going over it a second time in more detail. However, what a first line:-
"The man slapped Helen hard across the face and grabbed her by the hair, and threw her onto the bed."
To some, that will mean something. To me, as a reader, it meant ‘read on, this is going to be good.’
Here, I will offer a capsule review of each book, and a summary of the series.
***
Betrayal
‘Betrayal is a hard book to review because it's generally opposite to what I read - it is very hard hitting account of a woman who has been abused by all and everyone around her. Oh, I know the passer by wouldn't necessarily know of her problems, and Helen - our anti-heroine, of sorts, is not someone I immediately warmed to.
That's fine, because your main character should have flaws. If he or she is perfect, how can you root for them.
But Helen was largely unlikeable in the early chapters, and yet, underneath the story I could see that the premise would be amazing if executed correctly.
Here's where author Sharon Brownlie scores very high indeed, and perhaps it is typical of many books. Some start out like a rat out of a trap, and fizzle out after 30 or so pages. Others take their time to grab you.
Once the story gets going and the nasty acts pass and the character motivations become clearer, the story changed from a dark tale of abuse to a taut, gritty thriller that I could not put down.
This is a story you have to take a chance on. It's hard, brutal, unflinching in its descriptive detail. The dialogue changes from stilted in parts to fully understanding what is going on. I blamed part of how Helen talked, on the drugs themselves. But I think she was an extremely frightened young woman who basically life had trampled on from the start.
I rooted for her but not in the way I expected.
The ending is satisfying and yet, still has me thinking some days on!
I know 'must-read' is a well worn phrase, but do give this book a try. It is an examination of the human condition, and a damning report on what humans are actually capable of doing to each other.
A brilliant book that will make you think.
Summary: More than a year on and this powerful story still resonates. Get it on your read list today.
Betrayal: The Consequences
Actually when I heard this was coming out, I was genuinely thrilled. Everything had been left for us to pour over. Now, with this mini-novel completing Helen’s story, there were all sorts of directions in which the author could take us.
‘After the events in Betrayal, it wasn't really in doubt what was going to happen to our anti-heroine Helen King. What would have been less obvious, and perhaps remains so, is what would happen to us, as the readers of the stories.
Betrayal - The Consequences is a very interesting addition to the series. As I stated at the top of the review, it is obvious Helen is in for more hardship, but it is not what one expects. In fact, there seems to be a sense of resignation about Helen in this story, she not only accepts her fate, but seems to have taken a morbid delight in planning it.
She's more in control of her life - this part of her life, than the lawmakers think.
That said, this story focusses more on DI Brennan. Readers will have their own view about that, perhaps wanting Helen to feature more in the story. But here is my take on this - even when Helen is not in the story, she kind of still is. Her presence throughout is undeniable.’
Summary: I enjoyed this second story even more. It rounds off a lot of threads from Betrayal. If anything, the story would work best when read together, and with this new compilation, you can!
From the very first line of the book, I was captivated by the story, though I admit to going over it a second time in more detail. However, what a first line:-
"The man slapped Helen hard across the face and grabbed her by the hair, and threw her onto the bed."
To some, that will mean something. To me, as a reader, it meant ‘read on, this is going to be good.’
Here, I will offer a capsule review of each book, and a summary of the series.
***
Betrayal
‘Betrayal is a hard book to review because it's generally opposite to what I read - it is very hard hitting account of a woman who has been abused by all and everyone around her. Oh, I know the passer by wouldn't necessarily know of her problems, and Helen - our anti-heroine, of sorts, is not someone I immediately warmed to.
That's fine, because your main character should have flaws. If he or she is perfect, how can you root for them.
But Helen was largely unlikeable in the early chapters, and yet, underneath the story I could see that the premise would be amazing if executed correctly.
Here's where author Sharon Brownlie scores very high indeed, and perhaps it is typical of many books. Some start out like a rat out of a trap, and fizzle out after 30 or so pages. Others take their time to grab you.
Once the story gets going and the nasty acts pass and the character motivations become clearer, the story changed from a dark tale of abuse to a taut, gritty thriller that I could not put down.
This is a story you have to take a chance on. It's hard, brutal, unflinching in its descriptive detail. The dialogue changes from stilted in parts to fully understanding what is going on. I blamed part of how Helen talked, on the drugs themselves. But I think she was an extremely frightened young woman who basically life had trampled on from the start.
I rooted for her but not in the way I expected.
The ending is satisfying and yet, still has me thinking some days on!
I know 'must-read' is a well worn phrase, but do give this book a try. It is an examination of the human condition, and a damning report on what humans are actually capable of doing to each other.
A brilliant book that will make you think.
Summary: More than a year on and this powerful story still resonates. Get it on your read list today.
Betrayal: The Consequences
Actually when I heard this was coming out, I was genuinely thrilled. Everything had been left for us to pour over. Now, with this mini-novel completing Helen’s story, there were all sorts of directions in which the author could take us.
‘After the events in Betrayal, it wasn't really in doubt what was going to happen to our anti-heroine Helen King. What would have been less obvious, and perhaps remains so, is what would happen to us, as the readers of the stories.
Betrayal - The Consequences is a very interesting addition to the series. As I stated at the top of the review, it is obvious Helen is in for more hardship, but it is not what one expects. In fact, there seems to be a sense of resignation about Helen in this story, she not only accepts her fate, but seems to have taken a morbid delight in planning it.
She's more in control of her life - this part of her life, than the lawmakers think.
That said, this story focusses more on DI Brennan. Readers will have their own view about that, perhaps wanting Helen to feature more in the story. But here is my take on this - even when Helen is not in the story, she kind of still is. Her presence throughout is undeniable.’
Summary: I enjoyed this second story even more. It rounds off a lot of threads from Betrayal. If anything, the story would work best when read together, and with this new compilation, you can!
June 21, 2017
This was quite a page turner. A gritty, fast paced revenge tale from page 1. Although Helen’s character was unlikable through the first book, Betrayal, by the end of the second, Betrayal – The Consequences, I got a much clearer picture of her character and felt as though I could empathize more with her. I especially enjoyed getting to know the characters like Brennan and Renton, they were intriguing and well-rounded. The two books are best read back to back and a great for a thrilling weekend read!
August 17, 2017
Brilliant Psychological Thriller
I loved the way the book starts with action and continues with it all the way through. It's certainly fast-paced and keeps you on your toes.
I felt beyond sad for Helen King because she had been betrayed by nearly everyone in her life from a young age, starting with her parents. Her mother did nothing when Helen had been abused by her father and his cronies. But there was only one person she felt she could rely on. In the end, even Ash betrayed her, however. Having said that, I was deeply disturbed by the way in which she sought to wreak revenge on people who had betrayed her in her past. The fact that she came across to other people as normal and not a killer, made me wonder how many Helens we walk past daily without knowing it. A scary thought!
The characters were all well-developed and brilliantly portrayed. I didn't think I would but fell in love with the somewhat cynical and ambitious DI Belinda Brennen.
If you like great psychological thrillers, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
I loved the way the book starts with action and continues with it all the way through. It's certainly fast-paced and keeps you on your toes.
I felt beyond sad for Helen King because she had been betrayed by nearly everyone in her life from a young age, starting with her parents. Her mother did nothing when Helen had been abused by her father and his cronies. But there was only one person she felt she could rely on. In the end, even Ash betrayed her, however. Having said that, I was deeply disturbed by the way in which she sought to wreak revenge on people who had betrayed her in her past. The fact that she came across to other people as normal and not a killer, made me wonder how many Helens we walk past daily without knowing it. A scary thought!
The characters were all well-developed and brilliantly portrayed. I didn't think I would but fell in love with the somewhat cynical and ambitious DI Belinda Brennen.
If you like great psychological thrillers, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2022
In Book 1, it’s impossible not to feel for Helen, albeit not a likeable young woman, as she struggles to escape a life of prostitution and drug addiction. Gradually, Sharon Brownlie digs deeper and deeper into the horrific treatment Helen received at the hands of those who should have loved and cared for her. Helen feels BETRAYED, by her parents and society – the teachers and social workers who dismissed her as worthless.
Helen hits back, hard, intent on revenge, and is soon in trouble with the police. Specifically, DCI Brannan and her temporary assistant on loan from New York. They are hunting a serial killer who strikes apparently at random!
Book 2 “The Consequences” is shorter, but I was thankful I’d bought the boxed set. It answers all the questions “Betrayal” leaves unanswered... and still contrives to leave the reader guiltily broken-hearted.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
Helen hits back, hard, intent on revenge, and is soon in trouble with the police. Specifically, DCI Brannan and her temporary assistant on loan from New York. They are hunting a serial killer who strikes apparently at random!
Book 2 “The Consequences” is shorter, but I was thankful I’d bought the boxed set. It answers all the questions “Betrayal” leaves unanswered... and still contrives to leave the reader guiltily broken-hearted.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
February 1, 2018
Sharon Brownlie has written two extremly engaging and thought provoking novels. So thought provoking you develop a deep sympathy for the killer even though her quest for revenge on those who have damaged her is beyond rational and sane. Deeply troubling, at times sad, thrilling and chilling, but truthful at what can happen to a person who has been used and mistreated for her entire life and reverts to violence to strike back at those who shaped her reality into dark horror. Besides being a psychological thriller there is a well developed story of the detectives trying to soilve the murders. Great characterization, captivating story line, more than a simple who done it - a look inside the mind with emotion so real you live with the characters not merely view them from a distance. Better read in order: Betrayal followed by Betrayal The Consequences.
September 6, 2021
Hard hitting
The story of how Helen King became a serial killer is hard hitting, difficult to read at times and upsetting. The author gives us a clear and horrific account of her young life, she didn't ask for or deserve any of it.
The story of how Helen King became a serial killer is hard hitting, difficult to read at times and upsetting. The author gives us a clear and horrific account of her young life, she didn't ask for or deserve any of it.
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June 1, 2016
What is the price that should be paid for ignoring child abuse? Helen has decided the price for Proditio and mastered the serial killer game. Her first kill felt great and paved the way for the rest- the other authority figures who failed to help her. One clue linked them all or should I say one word- Proditio.
I have to admit there were scenes in the book where I struggled, but it was only the accent of the characters. It took me a little time to figure out what they were saying, but I got it done and followed Helen, Renton, Brennan and Ellington farther into this tale of vengence.
I have to admit there were scenes in the book where I struggled, but it was only the accent of the characters. It took me a little time to figure out what they were saying, but I got it done and followed Helen, Renton, Brennan and Ellington farther into this tale of vengence.
March 20, 2016
Staying up late to read doesn't happen often since I have to get up so early, but Betrayal by Sharon Brownlie kept me up. The story focuses on Helen King, a drug addict and prostitute, not a very sympathetic character in most cases, but until she kills her first victim, I felt sorry for her and hoped she would redeem herself. If you are interested in a psycho-thriller, this is a very good one. It is a fast read, but plan to stay up to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews