What do you think?
Rate this book
Untouchable
A Conspiracy. A cover-up. And a whistle-blower…
You think you know who to trust? You're wrong.
~~ Inspired by real UK police investigations, this book contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing ~~
It’s Maya and Jamie’s anniversary, and she waits with excitement for him to return home for a celebratory dinner. There’s a knock at the door. It’s the police. Jamie has been found hanging in a local wood.
His death is ruled a suicide, but Maya doesn’t believe Jamie would take his own life. Something isn’t right. Someone has broken into her house. Someone is watching her. And someone has gone to great lengths to cover up what Jamie was doing before he died.
Maya’s grief turns to suspicion, and as she begins to investigate the weeks leading up to Jamie’s death, her trail leads her to a place known as “The Big House” and the horrific secrets within. Secrets people will stop at nothing to keep hidden. People linked to the heart of the Establishment who think they’re untouchable.
Now Maya has a dangerous decision to make. How far is she prepared to go to reveal the truth?
You think you know who to trust? You're wrong.
~~ Inspired by real UK police investigations, this book contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing ~~
It’s Maya and Jamie’s anniversary, and she waits with excitement for him to return home for a celebratory dinner. There’s a knock at the door. It’s the police. Jamie has been found hanging in a local wood.
His death is ruled a suicide, but Maya doesn’t believe Jamie would take his own life. Something isn’t right. Someone has broken into her house. Someone is watching her. And someone has gone to great lengths to cover up what Jamie was doing before he died.
Maya’s grief turns to suspicion, and as she begins to investigate the weeks leading up to Jamie’s death, her trail leads her to a place known as “The Big House” and the horrific secrets within. Secrets people will stop at nothing to keep hidden. People linked to the heart of the Establishment who think they’re untouchable.
Now Maya has a dangerous decision to make. How far is she prepared to go to reveal the truth?
397 pages, ebook
First published July 18, 2016
1312 people are currently reading
2650 people want to read
About the author
Sibel Hodge
53 books925 followersSibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
December 11, 2016
Sibel Hodge is an outstanding author. Untouchable is an outstanding book. A powerful book.
In her note at the end of Untouchable, Sibel Hodge writes 'Untouchable was a very difficult book to write.' I would image that to be so. For it is not an easy read either. It is disturbing, sickening. It is graphic in it's descriptions of the atrocities performed upon these children.
Hodge has written from her heart; her intention to 'raise awareness, because making child abuse taboo takes the power away from survivors and gives it to the perpetrators. Silence and denial makes the vulnerable even more voiceless.' is well achieved. She dedicates this book to survivors everywhere.
'A Conspiracy. A cover-up. And a whistle-blower who knows too much. You think you know who to trust? You're wrong. And the truth may kill you...Untouchable is a chillingly dark psychological thriller inspired by real UK police investigations.
This book contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing.'
Thank you Sibel Hodge for having the courage and the stamina to write this book, which I unreservedly recommend to everyone. If we don't know, we can't stop these atrocities.
Thank you to Netgalley and WonderWoman Publishing for providing a digital ARC for review.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
In her note at the end of Untouchable, Sibel Hodge writes 'Untouchable was a very difficult book to write.' I would image that to be so. For it is not an easy read either. It is disturbing, sickening. It is graphic in it's descriptions of the atrocities performed upon these children.
Hodge has written from her heart; her intention to 'raise awareness, because making child abuse taboo takes the power away from survivors and gives it to the perpetrators. Silence and denial makes the vulnerable even more voiceless.' is well achieved. She dedicates this book to survivors everywhere.
'A Conspiracy. A cover-up. And a whistle-blower who knows too much. You think you know who to trust? You're wrong. And the truth may kill you...Untouchable is a chillingly dark psychological thriller inspired by real UK police investigations.
This book contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing.'
Thank you Sibel Hodge for having the courage and the stamina to write this book, which I unreservedly recommend to everyone. If we don't know, we can't stop these atrocities.
Thank you to Netgalley and WonderWoman Publishing for providing a digital ARC for review.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 17, 2016
Wow, what an incredible novel. A very riveting approach to a dark and disturbing subject matter. The story is told from the views of all 3 main characters. Each with a seperate but powerful voice. This book was impossible to put down.
December 12, 2016
UNTOUCHABLE by Sibel Hodge, the bestselling author of LOOK BEHIND YOU, is an amazing dark psychological thriller that will grip you totally from beginning until the end, stirring up every emotion along the way. This book contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing…but needs to be told.
Sibel Hodge has taken on a horrifying subject matter, one of child-abuse and brought it to the forefront. I recognize that this must have been a very difficult book to write, but must have been one that she felt needed more exposure, to raise the awareness and give survivors a voice. This is not light reading, but it is a well-written story that needs to be told.
“It's Maya and Jamie's anniversary, and she waits with excitement for him to return home for a celebratory dinner. There's a knock at the door. It's the police. Jamie has been found hanging in a local wood.”
“No. They’re wrong! It’s not Jamie. It’s not! It can’t be.”
“His death is ruled a suicide, but Maya doesn't believe Jamie would take his own life. Something isn't right. Someone has broken into her house. Someone is watching her. And someone has gone to great lengths to cover up what Jamie was doing before he died.”
The POV alternates between Maya and Jamie, and we then follow Jamie giving us background information on, how they met, his hopes and fears and plans for the future.
Jamie had been keeping secrets right from the beginning from Maya. He was afraid that if he told her, she would leave him.
But Maya’s grief soon changes to suspicion, and she begins to investigate the time leading up to Jamie’s death. She is determined to find out the truth…but at what cost? She puts her own life in danger. She doesn’t know who she can trust! I am not going to reveal any more about the plot to avoid spoilers.
I wish to say thank you to Sibel Hodge who provided me with an advance copy of her novel. This book is available for pre-order now with a release date of 1st Sept,2016. I recommend highly that you read this amazing novel! A well-deserved 5-Star rating from me.
Sibel Hodge has taken on a horrifying subject matter, one of child-abuse and brought it to the forefront. I recognize that this must have been a very difficult book to write, but must have been one that she felt needed more exposure, to raise the awareness and give survivors a voice. This is not light reading, but it is a well-written story that needs to be told.
“It's Maya and Jamie's anniversary, and she waits with excitement for him to return home for a celebratory dinner. There's a knock at the door. It's the police. Jamie has been found hanging in a local wood.”
“No. They’re wrong! It’s not Jamie. It’s not! It can’t be.”
“His death is ruled a suicide, but Maya doesn't believe Jamie would take his own life. Something isn't right. Someone has broken into her house. Someone is watching her. And someone has gone to great lengths to cover up what Jamie was doing before he died.”
The POV alternates between Maya and Jamie, and we then follow Jamie giving us background information on, how they met, his hopes and fears and plans for the future.
Jamie had been keeping secrets right from the beginning from Maya. He was afraid that if he told her, she would leave him.
But Maya’s grief soon changes to suspicion, and she begins to investigate the time leading up to Jamie’s death. She is determined to find out the truth…but at what cost? She puts her own life in danger. She doesn’t know who she can trust! I am not going to reveal any more about the plot to avoid spoilers.
I wish to say thank you to Sibel Hodge who provided me with an advance copy of her novel. This book is available for pre-order now with a release date of 1st Sept,2016. I recommend highly that you read this amazing novel! A well-deserved 5-Star rating from me.
July 15, 2017
I am still trying to get my thoughts together on Untouchable by Sibel Hodge I was spell bound by the start , as soon as Jamie's character was written I felt fear straight away I just had to keep reading his story his character was written well & was a horrifying account of what happened to him. For me this was not an easy read my heart went out to Jamie, Moses, Dave, Trevor & Sean it was a gut-wrenching read.
Its Maya's & Jamie's anniversary Maya is excited at their celebrations when Jamie returns home from work at the usual time but he doesn't make dinner, Maya tries to ring his mobile but there is no answer so she waits a but longer tries again still no answer.
Then all of a sudden there is a knock at the door the police show up saying that Jamie was found hanging in the woods near by Maya is numb she doesn't believe it the police said it was suicide, but Maya doesn't believe it as Jamie was going to propose to her when he got home.
So she sets out to find out what happened ? then one day she returns home thinking someone has been inside has an uneasy feeling but nothing seems disturbed, its not until the funeral that Maya looks at the condolence cards her sister Ava tells her too look through that she finds a note from a person called Mitchell sang that he could help her find out the truth.
So she decides to meet him hoping he can fill in the pieces of Jamie's death he tells her that Jamie knew too much & he was murdered so they look into Jamie's past what they find out is that he was sexually abused & tortured at Cross Fields a home for boys which horrifies Maya saying he lied to me, but he wanted her protected.
As they dig deeper Maya finds a list of names but doesn't know what connection they have to Jamie?
Its not until Maya tries to contact the names that know one wants to talk which is infuriating Maya, she is determined to find out the truth if it kills her.
WHAT HAPPENED AT CROMNPTON HOUSE & WHO WERE THE FRIDAY CLUB!! that's what Mitchell & MAYA need to know they eventually take it to some people with power but can they get the answers they want?
What happens from here on is one big cover up, murders galore & one cracker of an ending I absolutely loved this book could not put it down loved Mitchell he was dark yet he was dealing with his own demons was one tough SOB. Sibel Hodge should be congratulated for bringing such a powerful subject to life. 5+++++Stars
Its Maya's & Jamie's anniversary Maya is excited at their celebrations when Jamie returns home from work at the usual time but he doesn't make dinner, Maya tries to ring his mobile but there is no answer so she waits a but longer tries again still no answer.
Then all of a sudden there is a knock at the door the police show up saying that Jamie was found hanging in the woods near by Maya is numb she doesn't believe it the police said it was suicide, but Maya doesn't believe it as Jamie was going to propose to her when he got home.
So she sets out to find out what happened ? then one day she returns home thinking someone has been inside has an uneasy feeling but nothing seems disturbed, its not until the funeral that Maya looks at the condolence cards her sister Ava tells her too look through that she finds a note from a person called Mitchell sang that he could help her find out the truth.
So she decides to meet him hoping he can fill in the pieces of Jamie's death he tells her that Jamie knew too much & he was murdered so they look into Jamie's past what they find out is that he was sexually abused & tortured at Cross Fields a home for boys which horrifies Maya saying he lied to me, but he wanted her protected.
As they dig deeper Maya finds a list of names but doesn't know what connection they have to Jamie?
Its not until Maya tries to contact the names that know one wants to talk which is infuriating Maya, she is determined to find out the truth if it kills her.
WHAT HAPPENED AT CROMNPTON HOUSE & WHO WERE THE FRIDAY CLUB!! that's what Mitchell & MAYA need to know they eventually take it to some people with power but can they get the answers they want?
What happens from here on is one big cover up, murders galore & one cracker of an ending I absolutely loved this book could not put it down loved Mitchell he was dark yet he was dealing with his own demons was one tough SOB. Sibel Hodge should be congratulated for bringing such a powerful subject to life. 5+++++Stars
August 11, 2017
Where do I start? This book is intense and dark. The general theme is both eye-opening and quite disturbing. A compelling psychological thriller that touches a subject matter that many authors would steer away from. Abuse on any level is terrible and sickening.
Firstly, hats off to, Sibel Hodge. Her ability to portray this cleverly written book is quite remarkable. It's delivered in a style that gives you both despair and hope in equal measures. The early accounts of the horrific events are certainly not pleasant, but this is the main theme of the story. The author is extremely clever to describe the horrors without having to go into great detail, but she manages to go far enough to make it evident what is occurring.
The establishment, the elite, the bankers hold a lot of power, and they seem to get what they want - apparently 'Untouchable' or maybe not?
This is a riveting book. It holds conspiracy and truth and revenge, so you'll have to make your own mind up.
The writing style is brilliant and the characters are truly strong and realistic. The whole book is a compelling page-turner that will have you shocked and fascinated.
Another superb read in 2016 and this book has an extra spark. A must read, I promise!
BIG 5* - Excellent
Firstly, hats off to, Sibel Hodge. Her ability to portray this cleverly written book is quite remarkable. It's delivered in a style that gives you both despair and hope in equal measures. The early accounts of the horrific events are certainly not pleasant, but this is the main theme of the story. The author is extremely clever to describe the horrors without having to go into great detail, but she manages to go far enough to make it evident what is occurring.
The establishment, the elite, the bankers hold a lot of power, and they seem to get what they want - apparently 'Untouchable' or maybe not?
This is a riveting book. It holds conspiracy and truth and revenge, so you'll have to make your own mind up.
The writing style is brilliant and the characters are truly strong and realistic. The whole book is a compelling page-turner that will have you shocked and fascinated.
Another superb read in 2016 and this book has an extra spark. A must read, I promise!
BIG 5* - Excellent
July 23, 2016
OHHHHH LET ME SAY how much I love this authors works.
I remember a few years ago now when I cheekily asked if if I could read her book. And from then on I await with bated breath for her next and her next and her next.
Yep, I am gushing, yep I am going on and on, but you may raise your eyes to the ceiling and feel "oh no here she goes again" not often to I rave and I raving now.
Foghorn out, large speakers.
You do not want to miss reading this.
I was lucky enough to get a very advanced copy of this new book by this author. Since reading her first thriller and it being one of that years Stand Out book from an avid bookworm and reviewer who reads loads each year I wondered what her next book would be like and if it would be an epic fail. I'm sure many of you readers know what I mean.
IT WASNT, it was another year of a Stand Out book from Sybel Hodge so when she asked me to read and comment on her latest venture I was....What? Me?
I took it on board happily and the story although is kinda of told in two parts, you will understand it immediantly. Because of what happened to this characters boyfriend something came to light.
So we get a huge insight bit by bit to how Jamie's childhood was.
His girlfriend didn't even know about his upbringing and the more she discovered the worse it got.
Jamie was found hung (yes a small spoiler) but I need to say this as its the start of events that follow.
When Jamie left for work that day happy and telling his girlfriend to look forward to tonight, did he mean this? Or did he mean he was going to ask to marry him?
A hunt goes on as she crosses paths with someone. Also when she discovers something left behind by Jamie.
This is a fast paced intense thriller that will sometimes make you gasp, cringe, make your jaw drop to the floor. Make your heart beat faster, make you read faster like your in a race.
This author has a gift. She isn't a writer, anyone can write. She has a talent, a pure gift that takes you on a journey that sometimes you want to close your eyes to, but you darent because you want to help, that takes you down roads that you feel are dead ends but seem to have invisible doors, that make you stay up all night reading it because how can you watch a movie halfway through? Well, it was like that. You can't switch your brain off, it stays with you. Even months later since I had to wait for my review to go up awaiting its release date.
An outstanding read by an outstanding author
February 4, 2017
Untouchable will be a book that remains with me forever. Sibel Hodge is an author who is not afraid to write and expose difficult topics in her novels and this was no exception. I have NEVER read a book that made me so sad and angry at scenes of systematic child sexual abuse in my entire life, I kid you not. This book stirred up my emotions and whilst not an easy subject matter we all know it happens, it's real and it's common.
The book for the most part follows two storylines, outlining horrific times within a children's home where the strings are pulled by the most vile, sick and messed up individuals for a number of helpless young boys. The other storyline brings us into modern day where everything is not as it seems and a devastated woman is seeking answers to the death of the man she loves. Just what was it in his past that brought life to this place? She will NOT stop looking for answers. What she uncovers will blow you away.
I found this one of those novels that hooks you in from the start, then keeps upping the game as you read it until you are desperate for certain outcomes from the plot and characters. I warn you, this book is fairly descriptive and has very hard to read moments. I can't recommend it enough however, it's exceptional writing, the plot is truly engaging and the characters they type you will be forming "book" relationships with.
Once dark secrets are revealed more and more it really got me thinking as to how much the novel matches real life as I could see how a lot of the scenarios (terrifying I know!) could be in play in today's world. There is a dark side to a lot of people that seem normal. There is a terrible dark side to the internet. There is a war on crimes of this nature by the police, FBI and other organisations. There are real victims out there and real perpetrators. Some of the questions the book raised for me are important ones and I think the author did exceptional research for this book.
It's got all you want really in a page-turner and I know so many others will really rate this book highly as I have. Being my first book ever read by Sibel Hodge I can tell you it will NOT be my last. I am a fan. Totally hooked. I absolutely have the utmost respect for authors who don't pussyfoot around in their writing. Kudos to you Sibel!
I am not going to say much more as it's not a book to reveal plot on as it would spoil the whole journey. I loved it, it stirred me on so many levels and recommend it openly and gladly. 5 huge stars and long-listed for my Top Ten Books of 2016. If this is your thing, add this one to your must-get-no-matter-how list.
Thanks so much to the author Sibel Hodge for sending me a copy of her novel at my request to read and review.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
The book for the most part follows two storylines, outlining horrific times within a children's home where the strings are pulled by the most vile, sick and messed up individuals for a number of helpless young boys. The other storyline brings us into modern day where everything is not as it seems and a devastated woman is seeking answers to the death of the man she loves. Just what was it in his past that brought life to this place? She will NOT stop looking for answers. What she uncovers will blow you away.
I found this one of those novels that hooks you in from the start, then keeps upping the game as you read it until you are desperate for certain outcomes from the plot and characters. I warn you, this book is fairly descriptive and has very hard to read moments. I can't recommend it enough however, it's exceptional writing, the plot is truly engaging and the characters they type you will be forming "book" relationships with.
Once dark secrets are revealed more and more it really got me thinking as to how much the novel matches real life as I could see how a lot of the scenarios (terrifying I know!) could be in play in today's world. There is a dark side to a lot of people that seem normal. There is a terrible dark side to the internet. There is a war on crimes of this nature by the police, FBI and other organisations. There are real victims out there and real perpetrators. Some of the questions the book raised for me are important ones and I think the author did exceptional research for this book.
It's got all you want really in a page-turner and I know so many others will really rate this book highly as I have. Being my first book ever read by Sibel Hodge I can tell you it will NOT be my last. I am a fan. Totally hooked. I absolutely have the utmost respect for authors who don't pussyfoot around in their writing. Kudos to you Sibel!
I am not going to say much more as it's not a book to reveal plot on as it would spoil the whole journey. I loved it, it stirred me on so many levels and recommend it openly and gladly. 5 huge stars and long-listed for my Top Ten Books of 2016. If this is your thing, add this one to your must-get-no-matter-how list.
Thanks so much to the author Sibel Hodge for sending me a copy of her novel at my request to read and review.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
June 10, 2020
'Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision '.
This book is very reminiscent of the UK back in 2012 with the Jimmy Saville scandal and the subsequent enquiries into the BBC, The Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of National Health and 28 NHS hospitals. So basically there's a ton of trigger warnings here guys. This book is dark. Dark. Dark
I do enjoy plot lines like this however I'm not a massive fan of them as thrillers. I much prefer them in other genres where they are more sensitively handled, the pace is slower and the characters being more fleshed out but that's just personal taste.
However this is real page turner, explosive plot line which on the whole I enjoyed.
4 stars.
This book is very reminiscent of the UK back in 2012 with the Jimmy Saville scandal and the subsequent enquiries into the BBC, The Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of National Health and 28 NHS hospitals. So basically there's a ton of trigger warnings here guys. This book is dark. Dark. Dark
I do enjoy plot lines like this however I'm not a massive fan of them as thrillers. I much prefer them in other genres where they are more sensitively handled, the pace is slower and the characters being more fleshed out but that's just personal taste.
However this is real page turner, explosive plot line which on the whole I enjoyed.
4 stars.
May 11, 2019
Maya was excited. She was sure Jamie was going to propose that night at dinner; the night of their second anniversary. She’d moved in with Jamie six months ago and their future was looking great. But Jamie was late and after ringing everyone she could think of and finding some unexpected news from Jamie’s boss, Maya wasn’t sure what to do next. Until the knock on the door late at night. It was when she saw the police outside that Maya’s life changed forever…
Maya knew Jamie wouldn’t have committed suicide but that was what it was ruled. So with her grief and disbelief foremost in her mind, she determined she would find answers. It was the gradual finding of those answers that shocked her to her core. Maya realized she had been insulated; had no idea what the “other people” lived like. The untouchable members of the community who were supposed to look after its citizens. Could she change that? She wanted to continue the work Jamie had started – of which she’d known nothing about – but he deserved that. Maya wanted to reveal those horrific secrets to the world.
Inspired by real United Kingdom police investigations, author Sibel Hodge has tackled difficult and disturbing truths in Untouchable. Written in a sensitive and heartfelt manner, the author has uncovered events which were rife in institutions in the 50s and 60s. I was enthralled and found the book hard to put down. Twisted, intense, heartbreaking – a well-crafted psychological thriller which I highly recommend. Not many authors could write as Ms Hodge has done – I’m sure it was a difficult story to put to paper – but I’m impressed. My first by this author and it won’t be my last.
Maya knew Jamie wouldn’t have committed suicide but that was what it was ruled. So with her grief and disbelief foremost in her mind, she determined she would find answers. It was the gradual finding of those answers that shocked her to her core. Maya realized she had been insulated; had no idea what the “other people” lived like. The untouchable members of the community who were supposed to look after its citizens. Could she change that? She wanted to continue the work Jamie had started – of which she’d known nothing about – but he deserved that. Maya wanted to reveal those horrific secrets to the world.
Inspired by real United Kingdom police investigations, author Sibel Hodge has tackled difficult and disturbing truths in Untouchable. Written in a sensitive and heartfelt manner, the author has uncovered events which were rife in institutions in the 50s and 60s. I was enthralled and found the book hard to put down. Twisted, intense, heartbreaking – a well-crafted psychological thriller which I highly recommend. Not many authors could write as Ms Hodge has done – I’m sure it was a difficult story to put to paper – but I’m impressed. My first by this author and it won’t be my last.
August 6, 2019
Unimaginable, horrific abuse by high-ranking, powerful, untouchable men.
A Conspiracy keeps the truth from being exposed.
The victims deserve justice. Some want revenge.
In order to get either one, first you have to stay alive.
Maya
The policeman cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that a few hours ago, we had a report of a dead body being found in a wood near Tyttenhanger."
I gasped. "What does that have to do with... "I glanced from one to the other.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but when we arrived at the scene, we found a deceased male who hanged himself from one of the trees."
"No." I shook my head, blinking rapidly. "Why are you telling me?"
"In his pocket, we found a wallet with credit cards and a driving license for James Taylor at this address."
Still reeling from Jamie's apparent suicide, Maya is convinced that something isn't right about his death.
Determined to get to the truth, she begins piecing together the weeks prior to James's death.
What Maya doesn't know is that seeking the truth could get her killed.
******
Untouchable by Sibel Hodge is a chilling and frightening, psychological thriller that had me riveted to the pages!
While the story of abuse was disturbing it only made the story more compelling, pulling the reader along into a world full of lies, secrets and conspiracies. As the clues to those responsible begin to add up the more dangerous the men behind the conspiracy become and they will stop at nothing to keep thier sick games a secret. Including murder.
I had a hard time putting this novel down and if life hadn't been in the way I would have read this from beginning to end in one sitting!
This is my first novel by Sibel Hodge and I've already added a few more in audiobook format to my library shelves!
⚠ Caution!
"Inspired by real UK police investigations, Untouchable contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing"
A Conspiracy keeps the truth from being exposed.
The victims deserve justice. Some want revenge.
In order to get either one, first you have to stay alive.
Maya
The policeman cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that a few hours ago, we had a report of a dead body being found in a wood near Tyttenhanger."
I gasped. "What does that have to do with... "I glanced from one to the other.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but when we arrived at the scene, we found a deceased male who hanged himself from one of the trees."
"No." I shook my head, blinking rapidly. "Why are you telling me?"
"In his pocket, we found a wallet with credit cards and a driving license for James Taylor at this address."
Still reeling from Jamie's apparent suicide, Maya is convinced that something isn't right about his death.
Determined to get to the truth, she begins piecing together the weeks prior to James's death.
What Maya doesn't know is that seeking the truth could get her killed.
******
Untouchable by Sibel Hodge is a chilling and frightening, psychological thriller that had me riveted to the pages!
While the story of abuse was disturbing it only made the story more compelling, pulling the reader along into a world full of lies, secrets and conspiracies. As the clues to those responsible begin to add up the more dangerous the men behind the conspiracy become and they will stop at nothing to keep thier sick games a secret. Including murder.
I had a hard time putting this novel down and if life hadn't been in the way I would have read this from beginning to end in one sitting!
This is my first novel by Sibel Hodge and I've already added a few more in audiobook format to my library shelves!
⚠ Caution!
"Inspired by real UK police investigations, Untouchable contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing"
August 14, 2016
This is the second book that I've read by Sibel Hodge and I have definitely liked this one more.
It tells the story of Maya, a woman who loses her fiance to suicide, or that's how it appears. Maya isn't convinced that Jamie would be the type of man to take his own life. He didn't seem depressed or show any signs of anything worrying him. On the contrary, she was of the mind that he might have been about to propose to her.
Cut to Jamie as a young boy and narrating his story in flashback and we start to get a feel for what is really going on. Because Maya is not convinced by what is being perceived as the obvious she decides to do her own investigating. What follows is a story that involves young boys in children's homes and the abuse inflicted on them from monsters that hide behind cloaks of respectability. Ms Hodge handles the subject of abuse very well. Some may well find it upsetting but what is here really is necessary to the overall narrative and was handled with sensitivity without delving too deeply.
It's not a book you would class as enjoyable given the subject matter, more it's a compelling read where I can appreciate that it must have been a really difficult one to research. There was the odd occasion towards the end where I felt it stretched realism but they were just minor niggles that hardly detracted from this read.
Untouchable is a compelling read that leaves you wanting to fight for the vulnerable who find themselves in such horrendous circumstances and wishing and hoping that all this inflicted darkness would stop. Recommended.
It tells the story of Maya, a woman who loses her fiance to suicide, or that's how it appears. Maya isn't convinced that Jamie would be the type of man to take his own life. He didn't seem depressed or show any signs of anything worrying him. On the contrary, she was of the mind that he might have been about to propose to her.
Cut to Jamie as a young boy and narrating his story in flashback and we start to get a feel for what is really going on. Because Maya is not convinced by what is being perceived as the obvious she decides to do her own investigating. What follows is a story that involves young boys in children's homes and the abuse inflicted on them from monsters that hide behind cloaks of respectability. Ms Hodge handles the subject of abuse very well. Some may well find it upsetting but what is here really is necessary to the overall narrative and was handled with sensitivity without delving too deeply.
It's not a book you would class as enjoyable given the subject matter, more it's a compelling read where I can appreciate that it must have been a really difficult one to research. There was the odd occasion towards the end where I felt it stretched realism but they were just minor niggles that hardly detracted from this read.
Untouchable is a compelling read that leaves you wanting to fight for the vulnerable who find themselves in such horrendous circumstances and wishing and hoping that all this inflicted darkness would stop. Recommended.
April 26, 2020
“So, if people don't want a war - are opposed to a war - how do you get away with it? You change public opinion and manufacture consent, that's how. You construct a carefully organised deception. A well-crafted and perfectly executed lie. Stage a false flag attacks, created by our own security services, blame it on terrorists, blow up British or US soldiers, bomb our buildings, fly planes into them, lie about weapons of mass destruction that can annihilate us in forty-five minutes flat. And bombard people with it in the media. Terrorists! Terrorism! Cells! Al-Qaeda! Isis! So every single time you turn on the new or read a paper, it's there. Despite the fact that statistically, you're more likely to be killed in a car accident or by your own bathtub than killed by a terrorist! And all the while, they're hiding the real reasons. Oil and gas. Gold. Regime change. Land. Power. Money. So they carry on until the public gets scared and angry, and yes, let's bomb these bastards! And how dare these people threaten and attack us! Then they want the war. The public are practically begging for it by then! Like George Orwell said, "The people believe what the media tells them". And if you control the media, the money, the politics, and the military, you control the whole systems.”
― Sibel Hodge, Untouchable
I do not even know what to say about this book.
When I picked Untouchable to read, I, like many others, had no idea child abuse and pedophilia would play such a prominent role. And believe me they do. The whole book is basically about this subject. It is really difficult to read.
I must include trigger warnings here for both the above mentioned subjects as well as child murder,
torture..etc..you get the idea. And it is not subtle either. There are very graphic scenes and it is upsetting so please know that before you start.
So, I have mixed feelings In a way, I loved the book. It catches you in its grip and will not let you leave until you finish. It is a dark and sinister read and you wait with baited breath for the sickos to get what is coming to them.
The characters are so fleshed out and I was so deeply moved by Jaime's story. I adored Mitch as well as Maya. I cannot imagine the courage the writer had in writing this! Really! It is remarkable, in the deep and searing character development. But it is also deeply painful and skim those scenes as I might..it is just tough to skim all of them. Sometimes your eyes act before your brain, and your reading something before you even realize it.
This book deeply reminded me of another book/movie called "Sleepers". That was extremely painful as well.
But there were a few things I did not like either that prevented me from giving it a five. Two other things..and do not get me wrong, there was WAY MORE to like than not to like..but two other things bothered me.
I do not ..I mean I am not sure..what to think about the focus of the media being complicit. To an extent I agree the media are "owned". But not all of them. I have a hard time with blanket generalizations. Although I am aware this book does not take place in the United States, I'd like to think..and maybe I am a silly little girl or naive or whatever..but I would like to believe that if a video such as that made its way to Rachel Maddow, a mainstream Media darling whom I watch weekly..or Lawrence O'Donnell..same..I would like to believe they would find a way to get it out there. I really do. And call me crazy but I believe they would too.
OK..Off my soapbox now..I do believe in corruption at the highest levels..look at the Jeffrey Epstein case. I admire the writer's guts. I do.
The only other thing I did not care for was:
spoiler:
The ending. I wanted more! It is not fair we go through 93 percent of the book with terror and dread and the ending is almost blink and miss it. I so wanted more. And yes the bad guys get what is coming but..they never get punished by the law. I would have LOVED to see that stuff go viral. In fact that is what I really thought the book was leading up to.
I have found this before in books about dreadful people. Monsters actually..doing dreadful things. Sometimes the endings are so quick. After hours of reading about these human scum masquerading as people, I just needed more good stuff at the the end.
Still..this was a smart and provocative read, incredibly well written and deeply emotionally upsetting. If you can get through the highly painful subject matter you will want to read this book.
― Sibel Hodge, Untouchable
I do not even know what to say about this book.
When I picked Untouchable to read, I, like many others, had no idea child abuse and pedophilia would play such a prominent role. And believe me they do. The whole book is basically about this subject. It is really difficult to read.
I must include trigger warnings here for both the above mentioned subjects as well as child murder,
torture..etc..you get the idea. And it is not subtle either. There are very graphic scenes and it is upsetting so please know that before you start.
So, I have mixed feelings In a way, I loved the book. It catches you in its grip and will not let you leave until you finish. It is a dark and sinister read and you wait with baited breath for the sickos to get what is coming to them.
The characters are so fleshed out and I was so deeply moved by Jaime's story. I adored Mitch as well as Maya. I cannot imagine the courage the writer had in writing this! Really! It is remarkable, in the deep and searing character development. But it is also deeply painful and skim those scenes as I might..it is just tough to skim all of them. Sometimes your eyes act before your brain, and your reading something before you even realize it.
This book deeply reminded me of another book/movie called "Sleepers". That was extremely painful as well.
But there were a few things I did not like either that prevented me from giving it a five. Two other things..and do not get me wrong, there was WAY MORE to like than not to like..but two other things bothered me.
I do not ..I mean I am not sure..what to think about the focus of the media being complicit. To an extent I agree the media are "owned". But not all of them. I have a hard time with blanket generalizations. Although I am aware this book does not take place in the United States, I'd like to think..and maybe I am a silly little girl or naive or whatever..but I would like to believe that if a video such as that made its way to Rachel Maddow, a mainstream Media darling whom I watch weekly..or Lawrence O'Donnell..same..I would like to believe they would find a way to get it out there. I really do. And call me crazy but I believe they would too.
OK..Off my soapbox now..I do believe in corruption at the highest levels..look at the Jeffrey Epstein case. I admire the writer's guts. I do.
The only other thing I did not care for was:
spoiler:
The ending. I wanted more! It is not fair we go through 93 percent of the book with terror and dread and the ending is almost blink and miss it. I so wanted more. And yes the bad guys get what is coming but..they never get punished by the law. I would have LOVED to see that stuff go viral. In fact that is what I really thought the book was leading up to.
I have found this before in books about dreadful people. Monsters actually..doing dreadful things. Sometimes the endings are so quick. After hours of reading about these human scum masquerading as people, I just needed more good stuff at the the end.
Still..this was a smart and provocative read, incredibly well written and deeply emotionally upsetting. If you can get through the highly painful subject matter you will want to read this book.
July 27, 2016
Untouchable was a completely unexpected read for me if I’m honest. I picked it up late at night and before I knew it I was a quarter of the way through! It is riveting, unsettling and full of tension so it was right up my street!!!
In the aftermath of her boyfriend Jamie’s death, Maya is left to pick up the pieces but when she starts paying attention to small details she realises all is not what it seems in relation to Jamie’s suicide.
What follows is a very tense and absorbing read. The early part of the book is told in alternating chapters between Maya and Jamie and some of those chapters are the most harrowing I have read in a long time. So much so, I was afraid to turn the page because I was so uncomfortable reading it.
I’m not going to go in to detail, i.e, tell you all the reveals because Sibel Hodge has done an excellent job of teasing out little details and nuggets of information throughout the book and I won’t undo her hard work!
Sufficed to say, Untouchable is a book that will stay with you after reading it. I finished it a couple of days ago, and I am still thinking about it. It will run the gamut of your emotions, and I defy you not to feel it because it is truly harrowing at times.
In the aftermath of her boyfriend Jamie’s death, Maya is left to pick up the pieces but when she starts paying attention to small details she realises all is not what it seems in relation to Jamie’s suicide.
What follows is a very tense and absorbing read. The early part of the book is told in alternating chapters between Maya and Jamie and some of those chapters are the most harrowing I have read in a long time. So much so, I was afraid to turn the page because I was so uncomfortable reading it.
I’m not going to go in to detail, i.e, tell you all the reveals because Sibel Hodge has done an excellent job of teasing out little details and nuggets of information throughout the book and I won’t undo her hard work!
Sufficed to say, Untouchable is a book that will stay with you after reading it. I finished it a couple of days ago, and I am still thinking about it. It will run the gamut of your emotions, and I defy you not to feel it because it is truly harrowing at times.
December 19, 2016
Untouchable is the third crime novel by Sibel Hodge that I have read & enjoyed after Look Behind You & Where Memories Lie. All deal with current issues: domestic abuse, dementia & now child sexual abuse. The word ‘enjoy’ seems inapt for such subjects, but as Aristotle taught us, we enjoy good artistic imitations of things that are hideous to experience in reality, & I found that to be the case with Untouchable. Initially I hoped that the author was exaggerating & such a horrible pattern of systematic mistreatment & exploitation of children could scarcely have occurred in a civilised country in our time. To be disabused of that comforting illusion, all that was required was simply to type the words “Elm Guest House” into Wikipedia. The chief pleasure in reading this book is the moral & spiritual satisfaction of seeing the perpetrators punished as the result of the efforts of the main character, who starts by trying to find out why her boyfriend Jamie should seem to have killed himself just as he on the verge of proposing to her.. As in the previous novels written by Sibel Hodge that I read, she creates very appealing principal characters who despite feeling overwhelmingly threatened & inadequately equipped to deal with the evils they encounter, yet press on, not so much overcoming their fears than simply doing what is right despite them. Maya is a character I so liked & admired.
Much as I admire the moral & spiritual quality of Untouchable, though, and am grateful to the author for her sensitive treatment of this horrifying subject, I cannot join so many of my Goodreads friends in awarding the full five stars. There are simply too many artistic flaws. But as happens with good but imperfect stories, we can learn from the faults. Giving the very ordinary main character a sidekick who is an ex-SAS soldier with all the physical & technical skills and equipment (night vision googles, Glock pistol, etc.) to inflict mayhem on the perpetrators seems like cheating & makes things too easy both for Maya & her creator. Most of the evildoers, especially those in high places, are little more than names, particularly the final villain. Were I attempting a story like this, I would endeavour to introduce these characters earlier, and tho’ their crimes can’t & shouldn’t be mitigated or excused, I’d try to show them as @ least human, however depraved their appetites, perhaps some with families & children of their own. Plot also needed some work. When we reach about 2/3 of the way, we know everything about what happened, so it’s just a case of going into thriller mode to wait for Mitchell the ex-SAS trooper to take care of business. Also, I didn’t really believe in the almost omnicompetence the evildoers showed through much of the story, including being able to take over the computer of a motorcar by remote control & crash it with the driver inside. I don’t think so.
But despite artistic flaws, Sibel Hodge writes exciting and satisfying stories, & I am eagerly awaiting her forthcoming novel Duplicity.
Much as I admire the moral & spiritual quality of Untouchable, though, and am grateful to the author for her sensitive treatment of this horrifying subject, I cannot join so many of my Goodreads friends in awarding the full five stars. There are simply too many artistic flaws. But as happens with good but imperfect stories, we can learn from the faults. Giving the very ordinary main character a sidekick who is an ex-SAS soldier with all the physical & technical skills and equipment (night vision googles, Glock pistol, etc.) to inflict mayhem on the perpetrators seems like cheating & makes things too easy both for Maya & her creator. Most of the evildoers, especially those in high places, are little more than names, particularly the final villain. Were I attempting a story like this, I would endeavour to introduce these characters earlier, and tho’ their crimes can’t & shouldn’t be mitigated or excused, I’d try to show them as @ least human, however depraved their appetites, perhaps some with families & children of their own. Plot also needed some work. When we reach about 2/3 of the way, we know everything about what happened, so it’s just a case of going into thriller mode to wait for Mitchell the ex-SAS trooper to take care of business. Also, I didn’t really believe in the almost omnicompetence the evildoers showed through much of the story, including being able to take over the computer of a motorcar by remote control & crash it with the driver inside. I don’t think so.
But despite artistic flaws, Sibel Hodge writes exciting and satisfying stories, & I am eagerly awaiting her forthcoming novel Duplicity.
August 22, 2016
***** 5 "If Only They Knew" Stars *****
This book is nothing of what I thought it would be and damn was I in for a great story. Miss Sibel Hodge....girl you can right a story of heart break and mystery. LOVED everything about this one. The only thing lacking is the sexual hottness but that was ok because the story was fantastic.
"I became adept at putting on a front. And lying. To others, of course, but to myself, mostly.
Jamie is holding onto some very dark secrets. Things no one knows besides the other men involved. Men who should have known better. Men that should have protected Jamie as a child but instead these men, from high ranking positions, abused their power and let their disgusting lust for boys take over and ruin the lives of innocent.
Jamie thought that he was able to bury these secrets so deep that he could finally lead a normal life. A life in which he found love with Maya and was able to make a life filled with happiness and goodness. A life that he was about to make even better until his secrets took him over once again.
When Jamie's body is found, everything points to suicide. The case was closed but the love of Jamie's life knew Jamie would never take his own life. They were happy, they were good, this was the night of their anniversary. He told her good things were going to happen.
Maya does not rest with the suicide outcome and sets forth on path with dangerous road blocks at every turn. Her life is at risk when she must expose the secrets Jamie had buried so deep. Secrets that everyone involved thought were buried with Jamie.
Maya will not let anything stand in her way in bring justice for the man she loved with all her heart. He and all the innocent boys involved will get the justice so many didn't think they deserved.
Sibel Hodge, this is one fabulous and heart breaking book to read. I could not put this down. With the dual point of view for half the book, I was hooked.
This book is nothing of what I thought it would be and damn was I in for a great story. Miss Sibel Hodge....girl you can right a story of heart break and mystery. LOVED everything about this one. The only thing lacking is the sexual hottness but that was ok because the story was fantastic.
"I became adept at putting on a front. And lying. To others, of course, but to myself, mostly.
Jamie is holding onto some very dark secrets. Things no one knows besides the other men involved. Men who should have known better. Men that should have protected Jamie as a child but instead these men, from high ranking positions, abused their power and let their disgusting lust for boys take over and ruin the lives of innocent.
Jamie thought that he was able to bury these secrets so deep that he could finally lead a normal life. A life in which he found love with Maya and was able to make a life filled with happiness and goodness. A life that he was about to make even better until his secrets took him over once again.
When Jamie's body is found, everything points to suicide. The case was closed but the love of Jamie's life knew Jamie would never take his own life. They were happy, they were good, this was the night of their anniversary. He told her good things were going to happen.
Maya does not rest with the suicide outcome and sets forth on path with dangerous road blocks at every turn. Her life is at risk when she must expose the secrets Jamie had buried so deep. Secrets that everyone involved thought were buried with Jamie.
Maya will not let anything stand in her way in bring justice for the man she loved with all her heart. He and all the innocent boys involved will get the justice so many didn't think they deserved.
Sibel Hodge, this is one fabulous and heart breaking book to read. I could not put this down. With the dual point of view for half the book, I was hooked.
October 14, 2016
A special thank you to Wonder Women Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Talented author, Sibel Hodge returns following the suspenseful Where the Memories Lie (2015), with the highly-charged, psychological thriller, UNTOUCHABLE .
A highly emotional book of child abuse, murder, torture, and rape. The hi-profile, officials, influential men- the rich and powerful misuse their authority in unspeakable ways. The sadistic. A child abuse ring.
Well-researched, inspired by true allegations involving deep-rooted historical, institutional, and international child abuse allegations, including murder and pedophiles.
The Big House “There is something so very dreadful, so satanic in tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power, who have weapons neither of offense nor defense, that none but very hardened persons can endure the thought of it.”— Cardinal John Henry Newman
Compelling, dark, and chilling.
Maya and boyfriend Jamie are approaching their second anniversary. Jamie does not show. They had been looking forward to a pleasant evening to celebrate. Instead, Maya is greeted by the police, delivering the devastating news. He has hanged himself in the nearby woods near Tyttenhanger.
How? Why? Maya is shocked, full of horror since he is not the type to commit suicide. After all, they had just discussed their evening plans that morning. Surely someone has made a mistake. Did someone steal his wallet?
His parents had died years ago and he had no family. Had she missed the signs? She was looking forward to an anniversary surprise. She knows he loved her. Now he is dead.
The author takes us back to Jamie. The real story. Not the childhood he had made up. The lying. The relationships. His mistrust. Hard to handle emotions. Damaged. He craved love and closeness, but pushed it away, never staying with a woman more than a few months. He was a loner. He did not need anyone. Or so he thought until Maya came into his life.
With her the attraction was instant. She was so full of life. Energetic, bubbly. She brought him back to life again. He fell in love. He wanted to confide in her but he couldn’t handle the thought she would leave him. He had imagined her looking at him with disgust and revulsion and he knew he could never tell her.
He thought he was safe from the past. Safe with his new life with Maya. His job. His home. However, he was invaded and he was no longer safe.
He saw it on the news. The memories had hit like the powerful force. Now a children’s minister, in charge of protecting the vulnerable and innocent, keeping them safe, looking after their welfare. Nothing was more abhorrent or unjust. The evil excuse for a man. He prayed on the weak. A Member of Parliament.
The dark memories of a terrified boy. He could not stay silent any longer. He would record everything to get it straight in his head. He was now a man who had fought to survive. He was going to finally tell his story.
From Maya's investigation into the death of Jamie. To make sense of everything that has happened to the man she loved. Something wasn’t right. Maya was determined to find out what it was that led Jamie to his death.
The life of Jamie is slowly unraveled from six years old, a family gone. A Children’s Home, social workers. Alone and scared, grieving. Neglected, forgotten children. He could not trust anyone. He was trapped, and no one to talk to or nowhere to run.
His life was a prison. The only thing he had done wrong was to be born. Control, evil. No one would stop them. They were untouchable. The degrading acts. The screams unheard. Drugs, rape, abuse. The killing. The parties. Torture. Authorities. No one could be trusted. Political power.
Maya finds a list of names. What did it all mean? He did not love her enough to stay? What was he mixed up in and what secrets had he been hiding?
Her suspicion grows and her personal investigation leads her to a children’s home called “The Big House” where child sex abuse is commonplace. Maya wants to reveal the truth, but the people involved want to keep it a secret. She had recalled this name and his horrible dreams.
Whatever Jamie had been doing before he died had got him killed. Murdered. Why a murder made to look like a suicide? The same kind of person who would make a child disappear. A diary.
Someone had a very important secret to hide. Whatever secret Jamie had been hiding would be buried with him, unless she can figure it out. A letter from Mitchell, a name she had not heard from Jamie. Can she open this can of worms? She could be putting herself in danger.
Who had gone great lengths to kill Jamie and cover up things James could expose. Jamie had lied about his past. He had hidden the truth because he could not bear to speak of it.
She would have loved him anyway, despite it all. She was angry. People had stolen Jamie’s childhood and his life to shut him up. His death could not: "be for nothing". She had to expose them. Justice. Revenge. (Loved her tenacity)!
"My silence is not weakness but the beginning of my revenge." - Author Unknown
From the physical and mental effects on survivors, the quashed investigations, inquiries, cover-ups, and lack of prosecutions, insanely light sentencing, and a low number of convictions for offenders – mind-blowing devastating, and heartbreaking. The truth is revealed. The author exposes all the dirty evil.
I love Whistle-blower stories! Something thrilling about uncovering corruption of any kind.
Hodge raises awareness of child abuse, by putting it out there versus staying silent, “making child abuse taboo takes the power away from survivors and gives it to the perpetrators.” Silence and denial make the vulnerable even more voiceless.
She is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects which need to be addressed and brought front and center. With a blending of fact and fiction, a chilling psychological suspense thriller of secrets and abuse. An amazing storyteller!
Be sure and add Sibel's upcoming book, Duplicity, coming Dec. 27, 2016. Definitely on my list!
JDCMustReadBooks
Talented author, Sibel Hodge returns following the suspenseful Where the Memories Lie (2015), with the highly-charged, psychological thriller, UNTOUCHABLE .
A highly emotional book of child abuse, murder, torture, and rape. The hi-profile, officials, influential men- the rich and powerful misuse their authority in unspeakable ways. The sadistic. A child abuse ring.
Well-researched, inspired by true allegations involving deep-rooted historical, institutional, and international child abuse allegations, including murder and pedophiles.
The Big House “There is something so very dreadful, so satanic in tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power, who have weapons neither of offense nor defense, that none but very hardened persons can endure the thought of it.”— Cardinal John Henry Newman
Compelling, dark, and chilling.
Maya and boyfriend Jamie are approaching their second anniversary. Jamie does not show. They had been looking forward to a pleasant evening to celebrate. Instead, Maya is greeted by the police, delivering the devastating news. He has hanged himself in the nearby woods near Tyttenhanger.
How? Why? Maya is shocked, full of horror since he is not the type to commit suicide. After all, they had just discussed their evening plans that morning. Surely someone has made a mistake. Did someone steal his wallet?
His parents had died years ago and he had no family. Had she missed the signs? She was looking forward to an anniversary surprise. She knows he loved her. Now he is dead.
The author takes us back to Jamie. The real story. Not the childhood he had made up. The lying. The relationships. His mistrust. Hard to handle emotions. Damaged. He craved love and closeness, but pushed it away, never staying with a woman more than a few months. He was a loner. He did not need anyone. Or so he thought until Maya came into his life.
With her the attraction was instant. She was so full of life. Energetic, bubbly. She brought him back to life again. He fell in love. He wanted to confide in her but he couldn’t handle the thought she would leave him. He had imagined her looking at him with disgust and revulsion and he knew he could never tell her.
He thought he was safe from the past. Safe with his new life with Maya. His job. His home. However, he was invaded and he was no longer safe.
He saw it on the news. The memories had hit like the powerful force. Now a children’s minister, in charge of protecting the vulnerable and innocent, keeping them safe, looking after their welfare. Nothing was more abhorrent or unjust. The evil excuse for a man. He prayed on the weak. A Member of Parliament.
The dark memories of a terrified boy. He could not stay silent any longer. He would record everything to get it straight in his head. He was now a man who had fought to survive. He was going to finally tell his story.
From Maya's investigation into the death of Jamie. To make sense of everything that has happened to the man she loved. Something wasn’t right. Maya was determined to find out what it was that led Jamie to his death.
The life of Jamie is slowly unraveled from six years old, a family gone. A Children’s Home, social workers. Alone and scared, grieving. Neglected, forgotten children. He could not trust anyone. He was trapped, and no one to talk to or nowhere to run.
His life was a prison. The only thing he had done wrong was to be born. Control, evil. No one would stop them. They were untouchable. The degrading acts. The screams unheard. Drugs, rape, abuse. The killing. The parties. Torture. Authorities. No one could be trusted. Political power.
Maya finds a list of names. What did it all mean? He did not love her enough to stay? What was he mixed up in and what secrets had he been hiding?
Her suspicion grows and her personal investigation leads her to a children’s home called “The Big House” where child sex abuse is commonplace. Maya wants to reveal the truth, but the people involved want to keep it a secret. She had recalled this name and his horrible dreams.
Whatever Jamie had been doing before he died had got him killed. Murdered. Why a murder made to look like a suicide? The same kind of person who would make a child disappear. A diary.
Someone had a very important secret to hide. Whatever secret Jamie had been hiding would be buried with him, unless she can figure it out. A letter from Mitchell, a name she had not heard from Jamie. Can she open this can of worms? She could be putting herself in danger.
Who had gone great lengths to kill Jamie and cover up things James could expose. Jamie had lied about his past. He had hidden the truth because he could not bear to speak of it.
She would have loved him anyway, despite it all. She was angry. People had stolen Jamie’s childhood and his life to shut him up. His death could not: "be for nothing". She had to expose them. Justice. Revenge. (Loved her tenacity)!
"My silence is not weakness but the beginning of my revenge." - Author Unknown
From the physical and mental effects on survivors, the quashed investigations, inquiries, cover-ups, and lack of prosecutions, insanely light sentencing, and a low number of convictions for offenders – mind-blowing devastating, and heartbreaking. The truth is revealed. The author exposes all the dirty evil.
I love Whistle-blower stories! Something thrilling about uncovering corruption of any kind.
Hodge raises awareness of child abuse, by putting it out there versus staying silent, “making child abuse taboo takes the power away from survivors and gives it to the perpetrators.” Silence and denial make the vulnerable even more voiceless.
She is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects which need to be addressed and brought front and center. With a blending of fact and fiction, a chilling psychological suspense thriller of secrets and abuse. An amazing storyteller!
Be sure and add Sibel's upcoming book, Duplicity, coming Dec. 27, 2016. Definitely on my list!
JDCMustReadBooks
January 11, 2017
This book just didn't do it for me at all. So many 5 star reviews, but the plot characters, writing just weren't my thing. I trudged through to the very end because I can't NOT finish a book once I start. (Horrible trait, I've tried to give myself permission, etc. - doesn't work.) It wasn't the subject matter (although gruesome), I just never got into the story or the writing. Terrible way to end a great year of reading and start a new year. Or, I can just look at it as no place to go but up :)
August 26, 2016
I loved Look Behind You by Sibel Hodge, it really is a favourite book of mine, so I was interested to see that Untouchable was out and was very keen to read it even though it was obvious from the blurb that it had a very, very different feel to it. In fact, I was a little worried about reading it due to the subject matter but trusting the reviews I had read from other reviewers, I downloaded my copy.
Right from the start, I took to Maya and I hated the fact that there was obviously something devastating about to happen to her. Her relationship with Jamie is beautifully described and I thought they seemed the perfect couple, so well suited and destined for happiness. But Jamie has a past that he has kept secret from Maya and she is about to find out that Jamie hasn't been able to escape from the terrible consequences of what happened to him.
Grief can manifest itself in different ways and with Maya she channels all her energy into finding out what happened to Jamie and why. The story, when it looks backwards to Jamie as a young boy, is absolutely heartbreaking. It just shows how sometimes life can throw good people into bad situations through no fault of their own. Be aware that there are scenes of abuse but they aren't detailed and are handled very delicately but they are, of course, an absolutely essential part of the storyline. This is a very topical book and after the very public enquiries of recent months, probably less shocking than we would like it to be. To raise awareness in such a fictional account must have been a very difficult and emotional journey to undertake.
Hard to read at times but a very powerful fictional account of what goes on behind closed doors and the difficulty in bringing about justice for those let down by the system.
Right from the start, I took to Maya and I hated the fact that there was obviously something devastating about to happen to her. Her relationship with Jamie is beautifully described and I thought they seemed the perfect couple, so well suited and destined for happiness. But Jamie has a past that he has kept secret from Maya and she is about to find out that Jamie hasn't been able to escape from the terrible consequences of what happened to him.
Grief can manifest itself in different ways and with Maya she channels all her energy into finding out what happened to Jamie and why. The story, when it looks backwards to Jamie as a young boy, is absolutely heartbreaking. It just shows how sometimes life can throw good people into bad situations through no fault of their own. Be aware that there are scenes of abuse but they aren't detailed and are handled very delicately but they are, of course, an absolutely essential part of the storyline. This is a very topical book and after the very public enquiries of recent months, probably less shocking than we would like it to be. To raise awareness in such a fictional account must have been a very difficult and emotional journey to undertake.
Hard to read at times but a very powerful fictional account of what goes on behind closed doors and the difficulty in bringing about justice for those let down by the system.
August 15, 2016
Sibel Hodge's psychological thrillers are all brilliant, however in my opinion this one is just fantastic. I love this author's 'voice' and her writing seems to be getting better and better with every book she writes. Untouchable is a chilling, tension-packed read treating a very difficult subject.
Maya's dreams and life are shattered one night when her boyfriend Jamie fails to return home from work. Instead police officers arrive informing her that Jamie's body was found hanging from a tree in a nearby wood. She can't understand. Why did Jamie take his own life? He was so happy, not depressed. He never mentioned any problems to her. So why did he do it?
"But we never really know people, do we?"
Amidst her desperation Maya wants to understand what happened to Jamie. She soon realises that he had been hiding things from her. He hadn't been going to work as she had thought. What was he hiding? Where did he go instead of work? What was he involved in? And did he really commit suicide? Or was he murdered? Maya wants to know, however her need for answers will soon put her in grave danger. Someone will go to great lengths to safeguard their secret...
In the first part of the book, chapters alternate between Maya's and Jamie's povs. The author made a brilliant job in portraying Maya's change from an extremely bubbly, happy girl with dreams and in love to a shadow of her former self drowning in grief and consumed by anger, hopelessness and sadness.
Jamie's chapters, which are actually an account of his childhood, just made me shudder. He had such a sad, lonely and terrifying childhood. No child should ever be subjected to such horror and cruelty. My heart went out to him and I wished I could reach out to him and comfort him in some way.
Though this book treats a very disturbing subject, and it could be a difficult read for some, the scenes are never too graphic. The story made me reflect and made me feel all sorts of emotions, mostly sadness, anger and hatred. I wanted to kill the despicable characters mentioned with my own bare hands. How could anyone be so callous?
The sad thing is that these monstrosities are far more common around the world than anyone can ever imagine and not just inside institutions. This book serves as an effective eye-opener, I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. Well done Ms. Hodge.
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this fab book.
Maya's dreams and life are shattered one night when her boyfriend Jamie fails to return home from work. Instead police officers arrive informing her that Jamie's body was found hanging from a tree in a nearby wood. She can't understand. Why did Jamie take his own life? He was so happy, not depressed. He never mentioned any problems to her. So why did he do it?
"But we never really know people, do we?"
Amidst her desperation Maya wants to understand what happened to Jamie. She soon realises that he had been hiding things from her. He hadn't been going to work as she had thought. What was he hiding? Where did he go instead of work? What was he involved in? And did he really commit suicide? Or was he murdered? Maya wants to know, however her need for answers will soon put her in grave danger. Someone will go to great lengths to safeguard their secret...
In the first part of the book, chapters alternate between Maya's and Jamie's povs. The author made a brilliant job in portraying Maya's change from an extremely bubbly, happy girl with dreams and in love to a shadow of her former self drowning in grief and consumed by anger, hopelessness and sadness.
Jamie's chapters, which are actually an account of his childhood, just made me shudder. He had such a sad, lonely and terrifying childhood. No child should ever be subjected to such horror and cruelty. My heart went out to him and I wished I could reach out to him and comfort him in some way.
Though this book treats a very disturbing subject, and it could be a difficult read for some, the scenes are never too graphic. The story made me reflect and made me feel all sorts of emotions, mostly sadness, anger and hatred. I wanted to kill the despicable characters mentioned with my own bare hands. How could anyone be so callous?
The sad thing is that these monstrosities are far more common around the world than anyone can ever imagine and not just inside institutions. This book serves as an effective eye-opener, I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. Well done Ms. Hodge.
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this fab book.
September 8, 2016
OMG. I AM BLOWN AWAY by Untouchable by Sibel Hodge. I read a lot of romantic suspense. It is one of my favorite genres, and I just want to say, “Sibel Hodge is a master storyteller that left me screaming for more!”
Untouchable contains some sensitive topics, so I would definitely recommend this to adults only and if you are squeamish, think twice…then read it.
I was crunched forward, my foot tap, tap, tapping, racing through the pages, fighting the pain in my neck, hands, and wrists, from holding, clutching my Kindle…unable to stop. My head aches, my eyes burn and still I can’t stop. I have not read her bestseller, Look Behind You, but after reading Untouchable it is high on my wish list. Sibel Hodge has now become a MUST READ author for me.
Untouchable by Sibel Hodge did not go the way I thought. It seemed predictable, but twisted and turned to the very end. Ooooh, THE ENDING, I never saw it coming and I sat with my mouth hanging open and I had to laugh at my astonishment. AWESOME, Sibel!
To wrap it up, Untouchable by Sibel Hodge is a mind blowing, off the charts, out of the ballpark, hellacious rollercoaster ride that brought all my emotions to the surface, roiling and boiling.
I received a copy of Untouchable from Sibel Hodge in return for an honest review.
To see my full review visit fundinmental
Untouchable contains some sensitive topics, so I would definitely recommend this to adults only and if you are squeamish, think twice…then read it.
I was crunched forward, my foot tap, tap, tapping, racing through the pages, fighting the pain in my neck, hands, and wrists, from holding, clutching my Kindle…unable to stop. My head aches, my eyes burn and still I can’t stop. I have not read her bestseller, Look Behind You, but after reading Untouchable it is high on my wish list. Sibel Hodge has now become a MUST READ author for me.
Untouchable by Sibel Hodge did not go the way I thought. It seemed predictable, but twisted and turned to the very end. Ooooh, THE ENDING, I never saw it coming and I sat with my mouth hanging open and I had to laugh at my astonishment. AWESOME, Sibel!
To wrap it up, Untouchable by Sibel Hodge is a mind blowing, off the charts, out of the ballpark, hellacious rollercoaster ride that brought all my emotions to the surface, roiling and boiling.
I received a copy of Untouchable from Sibel Hodge in return for an honest review.
To see my full review visit fundinmental
September 16, 2016
‘It’s what the Establishment - the System - has become. It’s not there for the people’s need, rather to serve the elite.’
It has taken me a few days to be able to write this review as I needed some time to consider Untouchable and process what I had read and how it made me feel. This is, for me, always the sign of a great book. Untouchable is part fast-paced psychological thriller and part political and social commentary.
It all starts when Jamie does not return home after work on the evening of his and partner Maya’s anniversary. When the police arrive and inform Maya that Jamie’s body has been found and he has committed suicide, Maya knows that this can’t be true. What follows is her uncovering of the disturbing truth and been drawn into a world she never imagined existed that will totally shatter all her beliefs about the society we live in.
Told in first person narrative, in the first part by Maya and Jamie, the second part by Maya and the third part by Mitchell, you get totally drawn into the characters, their thoughts and feelings. The first part is interesting as Jamie is deceased and his narrated chapters take us back to the past, it is kind of like we are being spoken to from beyond the grave, however, in part two it all becomes clear.
Maya is dealing with her grief and her frustration that nobody believes that something has happened to Jamie as she knows he would not have taken his own life. Sibel writes with acute understanding of how grief affects you and you cannot fail to be moved by Maya’s emotions -
‘Everything seemed impossible - breathing, walking, standing - and yet somehow I put one foot in front of the other, even though my world crumbled a little more with each step.’
I got completely wrapped up in Maya’s journey and all that she was going through. Maya is stuck in a situation in which she is grappling with so much more than just grief, her very life is at risk, and there is very little that can help her. I got incredibly emotionally involved with Maya and desperately wanted a positive outcome for her, I felt all of her frustration about not being believed and her need for vengeance.
Jamie’s story is difficult to read, heart-breaking, moving, disturbing and sadly a reality for many children. Sibel has clearly researched the subject that effects him meticulously and she writes with an understanding and empathy which this issue needs.
As I stated earlier, this is also a political commentary and highlights how if you have enough money and power you can get away with literally anything. Those in power are able to use their position to abuse and use the vulnerable members of society and institutions will close ranks in order to protect themselves amongst a justice system that is essentially flawed. Untouchable, for me, is a kind of modern day 1984. Although a work of fiction, Sibel has written about issues that for many are a reality.
Untouchable kept me gripped throughout with twists and turns, likeable characters and an incredibly moving storyline. It is written with intelligence and empathy and highlights the sad realities of the society we live in. It is disturbing, not easy to read at times and will shake you to your core, but, in my opinion the story line is an important one to get out there.
A huge thank you to Sibel Hodge for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Published on ebook on 18 July 2016 by Wonder Women Publishing Limited.
Published in paperback on 17 September 2016 by CreateSpace.
It has taken me a few days to be able to write this review as I needed some time to consider Untouchable and process what I had read and how it made me feel. This is, for me, always the sign of a great book. Untouchable is part fast-paced psychological thriller and part political and social commentary.
It all starts when Jamie does not return home after work on the evening of his and partner Maya’s anniversary. When the police arrive and inform Maya that Jamie’s body has been found and he has committed suicide, Maya knows that this can’t be true. What follows is her uncovering of the disturbing truth and been drawn into a world she never imagined existed that will totally shatter all her beliefs about the society we live in.
Told in first person narrative, in the first part by Maya and Jamie, the second part by Maya and the third part by Mitchell, you get totally drawn into the characters, their thoughts and feelings. The first part is interesting as Jamie is deceased and his narrated chapters take us back to the past, it is kind of like we are being spoken to from beyond the grave, however, in part two it all becomes clear.
Maya is dealing with her grief and her frustration that nobody believes that something has happened to Jamie as she knows he would not have taken his own life. Sibel writes with acute understanding of how grief affects you and you cannot fail to be moved by Maya’s emotions -
‘Everything seemed impossible - breathing, walking, standing - and yet somehow I put one foot in front of the other, even though my world crumbled a little more with each step.’
I got completely wrapped up in Maya’s journey and all that she was going through. Maya is stuck in a situation in which she is grappling with so much more than just grief, her very life is at risk, and there is very little that can help her. I got incredibly emotionally involved with Maya and desperately wanted a positive outcome for her, I felt all of her frustration about not being believed and her need for vengeance.
Jamie’s story is difficult to read, heart-breaking, moving, disturbing and sadly a reality for many children. Sibel has clearly researched the subject that effects him meticulously and she writes with an understanding and empathy which this issue needs.
As I stated earlier, this is also a political commentary and highlights how if you have enough money and power you can get away with literally anything. Those in power are able to use their position to abuse and use the vulnerable members of society and institutions will close ranks in order to protect themselves amongst a justice system that is essentially flawed. Untouchable, for me, is a kind of modern day 1984. Although a work of fiction, Sibel has written about issues that for many are a reality.
Untouchable kept me gripped throughout with twists and turns, likeable characters and an incredibly moving storyline. It is written with intelligence and empathy and highlights the sad realities of the society we live in. It is disturbing, not easy to read at times and will shake you to your core, but, in my opinion the story line is an important one to get out there.
A huge thank you to Sibel Hodge for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Published on ebook on 18 July 2016 by Wonder Women Publishing Limited.
Published in paperback on 17 September 2016 by CreateSpace.
September 20, 2016
Well.....Where do I start with this humdinger of a book! It's an extremely dark, psychological thriller. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted, so you can't say you haven't been warned....however, it's definitely a story that needs telling.
Jamie is late for his anniversary dinner with girlfriend Maya. Maya starts getting worried, anxious about where he might be. Then, it happens. A knock on the door, a body found hanging in woods. This is just the start of what is a truly enthralling story. One that will take hold of your hand and pull you through from beginning to end. When your senses and emotions are thrown into turmoil and you try to pull back, that hand keeps its hold and drags you on until it's finished with you. You will feel all sorts of emotions whilst reading this, sadness & anger I found the most prevalent.
The storyline is one that portrays acts of sexual abuse in children, rape and murder for the pleasure of a group of "v.i.p" paedophiles. These people have been protected for years, allowed to carry on the sick & twisted games. Doing things that have progressed and got worse over the years.
So what has this got to do with Maya and Jamie? Well, it's Maya that's going to find out, when her grief subsides and suspicion takes over. Jamie LOVED her, why would he kill himself? This isn't right.....Maya is set upon a journey that puts her own life in danger.....
This book is exceptionally well written. The author has dealt with and given the story the respect it deserves. I'm not going to pretend for a second it's an easy read, but my word it needs reading. I can't imagine this story leaving me anytime soon.
Jamie is late for his anniversary dinner with girlfriend Maya. Maya starts getting worried, anxious about where he might be. Then, it happens. A knock on the door, a body found hanging in woods. This is just the start of what is a truly enthralling story. One that will take hold of your hand and pull you through from beginning to end. When your senses and emotions are thrown into turmoil and you try to pull back, that hand keeps its hold and drags you on until it's finished with you. You will feel all sorts of emotions whilst reading this, sadness & anger I found the most prevalent.
The storyline is one that portrays acts of sexual abuse in children, rape and murder for the pleasure of a group of "v.i.p" paedophiles. These people have been protected for years, allowed to carry on the sick & twisted games. Doing things that have progressed and got worse over the years.
So what has this got to do with Maya and Jamie? Well, it's Maya that's going to find out, when her grief subsides and suspicion takes over. Jamie LOVED her, why would he kill himself? This isn't right.....Maya is set upon a journey that puts her own life in danger.....
This book is exceptionally well written. The author has dealt with and given the story the respect it deserves. I'm not going to pretend for a second it's an easy read, but my word it needs reading. I can't imagine this story leaving me anytime soon.
September 22, 2016
Paedophilia, abuse, establishment conspiracy theory and cover ups are all the main themes of the book and these are covered both sensitively and graphically at times; some may criticise the author for her graphic representation of events but as a writer to play these down is wrong and continues the cover up - Untouchable may be a work of fiction but it is based on a horrific reality and people need to be aware that this is real, this happened and still happens to this day and if this book encourages more people to speak out, come forward and take action then all the better.
I don't think this is a book that you can say that you "enjoyed" as the subject matter is harrowing and upsetting but this is certainly a book that will evoke intense emotions as you follow the story of Maya and Jamie. Sadly I was not shocked as this book is inspired by events and cover ups that continue to be reported widely, however, I was moved to tears and driven to anger and a feeling of great shame that this is still happening and that perpetrators still escape justice.
Untouchable is disturbing, it is graphic and upsetting - it will move you to tears and instill a rage in you - yet it is a compelling read and I'd recommend this highly to all fans of psychological thrillers based on real events.
There is no doubt that this is a five star read!
I don't think this is a book that you can say that you "enjoyed" as the subject matter is harrowing and upsetting but this is certainly a book that will evoke intense emotions as you follow the story of Maya and Jamie. Sadly I was not shocked as this book is inspired by events and cover ups that continue to be reported widely, however, I was moved to tears and driven to anger and a feeling of great shame that this is still happening and that perpetrators still escape justice.
Untouchable is disturbing, it is graphic and upsetting - it will move you to tears and instill a rage in you - yet it is a compelling read and I'd recommend this highly to all fans of psychological thrillers based on real events.
There is no doubt that this is a five star read!
August 9, 2016
Untouchable tells a shocking story of child exploitation and systematic abuse. Unfortunately we have all witnessed the child sexual abuse scandals of recent years and the failed and interrupted public enquiries, one of which is currently in the news,
'Wanted: highly respected chairman or chairwoman, available for up to 10 years, robust in the face of press scrutiny, and with no ties to the British establishment - it is becoming the most toxic job description in public life. Finding the right person to chair this vast, complex and crucial public inquiry is proving all but impossible'. (BBC news website, 9.8.16)
The author tells the shocking story sensitively from the point of view of the victim and his girlfriend and dips between the present and the past. I found it a compelling read, almost to the point of not being able to put it aside. It is the story of Jamie, a boy with a past involved in the 'care' system and his girlfriend Maya who becomes embroiled in the mystery of his chilling past.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in return for a review. One of the twists is a little too neat but it doesn't matter because by that point you care about the characters too much to worry. Highly recommended.
'Wanted: highly respected chairman or chairwoman, available for up to 10 years, robust in the face of press scrutiny, and with no ties to the British establishment - it is becoming the most toxic job description in public life. Finding the right person to chair this vast, complex and crucial public inquiry is proving all but impossible'. (BBC news website, 9.8.16)
The author tells the shocking story sensitively from the point of view of the victim and his girlfriend and dips between the present and the past. I found it a compelling read, almost to the point of not being able to put it aside. It is the story of Jamie, a boy with a past involved in the 'care' system and his girlfriend Maya who becomes embroiled in the mystery of his chilling past.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in return for a review. One of the twists is a little too neat but it doesn't matter because by that point you care about the characters too much to worry. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2021
Setting: St Albans, England. Maya and Jamie are about to celebrate two years together and as he leaves for work that morning he promises her a wonderful surprise that evening - but he never comes home and instead Maya receives a visit from two police officers who bring tragic news about Jamie.
In the first part of the book, chapters alternate between Maya trying to cope with her tragedy and Jamie recounting his childhood years in a violent and abusive children's home. Jamie's past, and his attempt to bring his abusers to justice, has led directly to the tragedy that has shattered Maya - but, instead of collapsing, she pulls herself together to continue his work, which puts her in grave danger from people who consider themselves untouchable...
A stunning, gripping and uncomfortable read - certainly not one for readers who find child abuse and paedophilia uncomfortable reading - with an outcome that is very different from similar stories I have read, hence the 5-star rating. Really enjoyed what I have read of this author's work and glad that I have several more on kindle TBR - 9.5/10.
In the first part of the book, chapters alternate between Maya trying to cope with her tragedy and Jamie recounting his childhood years in a violent and abusive children's home. Jamie's past, and his attempt to bring his abusers to justice, has led directly to the tragedy that has shattered Maya - but, instead of collapsing, she pulls herself together to continue his work, which puts her in grave danger from people who consider themselves untouchable...
A stunning, gripping and uncomfortable read - certainly not one for readers who find child abuse and paedophilia uncomfortable reading - with an outcome that is very different from similar stories I have read, hence the 5-star rating. Really enjoyed what I have read of this author's work and glad that I have several more on kindle TBR - 9.5/10.
July 24, 2016
A 5+ star read
It was Maya and James anniversary he said he had a surprise for her when he got home she was sure he was going to ask her to marry him but instead she gets a visit from the police saying Jamie had hanged himself in the woods.Maya thinks somebody has been in her house there is cigarette smoke and Jamie's laptop has been wiped or does it just have a virus?
Jamies death is ruled as a suicide but Jamie wouldn't do that she had even found the ring that he had bought her to propose so why kill himself.
The book follows two stories Jamie's when he was in a children's home where vile things happened to him and other boys and modern day where Maya tries to find out why Jamie hanged himself.As Maya digs into Jamies past is she putting herself in danger?
Thank you Sibel Hodge for a copy of this book to read what a great story.
It was Maya and James anniversary he said he had a surprise for her when he got home she was sure he was going to ask her to marry him but instead she gets a visit from the police saying Jamie had hanged himself in the woods.Maya thinks somebody has been in her house there is cigarette smoke and Jamie's laptop has been wiped or does it just have a virus?
Jamies death is ruled as a suicide but Jamie wouldn't do that she had even found the ring that he had bought her to propose so why kill himself.
The book follows two stories Jamie's when he was in a children's home where vile things happened to him and other boys and modern day where Maya tries to find out why Jamie hanged himself.As Maya digs into Jamies past is she putting herself in danger?
Thank you Sibel Hodge for a copy of this book to read what a great story.
October 11, 2016
First of all I have to say Untouchables is one of the best psychological thrillers I have read this year, it’s dark, it’s gritty and very disturbing. Maya and Jamie appear to have the perfect relationship and planning for the future, until one day Maya gets a knock on the door telling her Jamie is dead, as far as the police are concerned it’s a case of suicide, but despite Maya’s overwhelming sense of shock and grief things just don’t add up, and it’s not long before Maya begins looking into Jamie’s past for answers, and so begins a dark and harrowing tale that will draw you in and keep you in its grips until the very last page.
Sibel Hodge has created very real characters rich in detail, I couldn’t help becoming attached to Maya whose grief and determination to find out the truth made her a very likeable and intriguing protagonist. The POV alternate between Maya and James certainly made this book all the more intriguing . The chapters told from James POV are both heart breaking and disturbing, they mostly explore his childhood and the horrific secrets he kept hidden from Maya. Jamie’s story is not one for the faint hearted it’s a miserable tale of abuse, but I would say in the authors defence it’s not overly Graphic, and Sybil Hodge deals with the subject with real empathy.
Inspired by real UK police investigations this book unfortunately makes for a very credible and heart breaking read as it explores the issues of abuse and the high end of society having the money and power to cover up their atrocities. How many times have you read or heard about such cover ups? I for one have read numerous cases and this is what makes Untouchables such a dark and seriously disturbing read, I for one felt so many emotions reading this book especially knowing such harrowing events are still going on today.
This is certainly not a book I would describe as a light read due to the subject matter, but it’s a story well told and one I would definitely describe it as gripping and very dark. It’s a compelling read and one that evoked very strong emotions due to the nature of the abuse, yes it’s harrowing and very upsetting but unfortunately such events are very much part of society today, and I believe the author has highlighted this with sympathy and understanding. Untouchables will certainly be added to my top reads of 2016, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological read, although I do feel “enjoy” is not a word that can be used comfortably with this book as its so both heartbreakingly credible and harrowing.
Sibel Hodge has created very real characters rich in detail, I couldn’t help becoming attached to Maya whose grief and determination to find out the truth made her a very likeable and intriguing protagonist. The POV alternate between Maya and James certainly made this book all the more intriguing . The chapters told from James POV are both heart breaking and disturbing, they mostly explore his childhood and the horrific secrets he kept hidden from Maya. Jamie’s story is not one for the faint hearted it’s a miserable tale of abuse, but I would say in the authors defence it’s not overly Graphic, and Sybil Hodge deals with the subject with real empathy.
Inspired by real UK police investigations this book unfortunately makes for a very credible and heart breaking read as it explores the issues of abuse and the high end of society having the money and power to cover up their atrocities. How many times have you read or heard about such cover ups? I for one have read numerous cases and this is what makes Untouchables such a dark and seriously disturbing read, I for one felt so many emotions reading this book especially knowing such harrowing events are still going on today.
This is certainly not a book I would describe as a light read due to the subject matter, but it’s a story well told and one I would definitely describe it as gripping and very dark. It’s a compelling read and one that evoked very strong emotions due to the nature of the abuse, yes it’s harrowing and very upsetting but unfortunately such events are very much part of society today, and I believe the author has highlighted this with sympathy and understanding. Untouchables will certainly be added to my top reads of 2016, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological read, although I do feel “enjoy” is not a word that can be used comfortably with this book as its so both heartbreakingly credible and harrowing.
August 22, 2016
If you are looking for a fluffy romantic happy book then this is NOT for you EVER! If, however, you love uncomfortable, gritty and disturbing stories about the darkest side of life then you will LOVE this. An exceptionally disturbing novel dealing with suicide and paedophiles.
August 23, 2016
Untouchable by Sibel Hodge is the best psychological thriller that I’ve read this year. Psychological thrillers are one of my favorite genres, so I’m always super excited when I find a new author who knows how to write a page-turner like this one.
The synopsis describes this novel as “chillingly dark”, which I think is the perfect description. Maya and her boyfriend Jamie are about to celebrate their second year anniversary. Jamie is several hours late returning home for their anniversary celebration. The police arrive at their home and deliver Maya the devastating news that Jamie hanged himself in the woods. Maya doesn’t believe Jamie would commit suicide, because he was happy that morning and discussed their evening plans. Her suspicion grows and her personal investigation leads her to a children’s home called “The Big House” where child sex abuse is commonplace. Maya wants to reveal the truth, but the people involved want to keep it a secret.
This engaging thriller made me wish I could read faster because I was dying to know what happened next. I love how the author built suspense by leaving cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. The alternating points of view work well in this novel. It actually adds to the suspense. The storytelling was so captivating that I couldn’t tab through the eBook fast enough.
The characters were so well developed they felt real, especially Maya, Jamie, Mitchell and the children and staff at “The Big House”. I was still thinking about them days after I finished the book. I felt sorry for those boys at “The Big House” having to face that horrible abuse, which is such a difficult topic to write about in a novel. I don’t think most writers like to touch topics like child sex abuse, but Sibel Hodge handled it courageously and sensitively. I appreciated the fact that the author implied most of the sexual acts and avoided details. It’s still difficult to read those scenes knowing what’s going on even if the writer isn’t spelling it out for you.
The only part that dragged a little for me was at the 75% mark in the eBook. Honestly, I don’t’ even remember what was going on at the time, but I just wanted it to get to the resolution. Other than that, the story kept moving at a good pace. I kept incorrectly guessing how this was going to end, but it still had a great ending. I’d love to read a sequel just because of how it ended.
Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this one.
A special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter
The synopsis describes this novel as “chillingly dark”, which I think is the perfect description. Maya and her boyfriend Jamie are about to celebrate their second year anniversary. Jamie is several hours late returning home for their anniversary celebration. The police arrive at their home and deliver Maya the devastating news that Jamie hanged himself in the woods. Maya doesn’t believe Jamie would commit suicide, because he was happy that morning and discussed their evening plans. Her suspicion grows and her personal investigation leads her to a children’s home called “The Big House” where child sex abuse is commonplace. Maya wants to reveal the truth, but the people involved want to keep it a secret.
This engaging thriller made me wish I could read faster because I was dying to know what happened next. I love how the author built suspense by leaving cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. The alternating points of view work well in this novel. It actually adds to the suspense. The storytelling was so captivating that I couldn’t tab through the eBook fast enough.
The characters were so well developed they felt real, especially Maya, Jamie, Mitchell and the children and staff at “The Big House”. I was still thinking about them days after I finished the book. I felt sorry for those boys at “The Big House” having to face that horrible abuse, which is such a difficult topic to write about in a novel. I don’t think most writers like to touch topics like child sex abuse, but Sibel Hodge handled it courageously and sensitively. I appreciated the fact that the author implied most of the sexual acts and avoided details. It’s still difficult to read those scenes knowing what’s going on even if the writer isn’t spelling it out for you.
The only part that dragged a little for me was at the 75% mark in the eBook. Honestly, I don’t’ even remember what was going on at the time, but I just wanted it to get to the resolution. Other than that, the story kept moving at a good pace. I kept incorrectly guessing how this was going to end, but it still had a great ending. I’d love to read a sequel just because of how it ended.
Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this one.
A special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter
September 26, 2016
I received an ARC of this book via TBC in return for an honest review
OMG what can I say about this book. It fulfilled every twisted, sick and perverted need of my dark side! This book raised all sorts of emotions in me, mainly rage, disbelief and the need for revenge and heartbreak for those children having to go through what they went through in this book.
It is not a book for the faint hearted, in fact you will need a strong stomach to read this. It covers a very vile and disgusting practice - child abuse and doesn't pull any punches. It also touches on the contraversial subject of cover up from the highest echelons of society and government. How are we then, the ordinary public able to report and get this filth dealt with if those that we report these things to are the very people who carry it out? It is no wonder that this had been going on for years and will continue to do so until someone takes a stand and risks everything to force it into the public eye so that it can no longer be pushed under the carpet.
This is a book that had me cringing with the subtle and not so subtle hints at what is happening. It has me crying because I know it happens and there is nothing I can do to stop it happening. It has me raging against the vile creatures that are carrying out this filthy practice and against the people that are allowing it to happen.
I applaud the author for writing this book. It is brilliant in its telling, it is dark, it is twisted and it sends a message! A book that you cannot put down, no matter how much the subject matter horrifies you as it is compelling and draws you in right up until the end. A fantastic read and one I would definitely recommend to all who enjoy a dark and twisted psychological thriller.
OMG what can I say about this book. It fulfilled every twisted, sick and perverted need of my dark side! This book raised all sorts of emotions in me, mainly rage, disbelief and the need for revenge and heartbreak for those children having to go through what they went through in this book.
It is not a book for the faint hearted, in fact you will need a strong stomach to read this. It covers a very vile and disgusting practice - child abuse and doesn't pull any punches. It also touches on the contraversial subject of cover up from the highest echelons of society and government. How are we then, the ordinary public able to report and get this filth dealt with if those that we report these things to are the very people who carry it out? It is no wonder that this had been going on for years and will continue to do so until someone takes a stand and risks everything to force it into the public eye so that it can no longer be pushed under the carpet.
This is a book that had me cringing with the subtle and not so subtle hints at what is happening. It has me crying because I know it happens and there is nothing I can do to stop it happening. It has me raging against the vile creatures that are carrying out this filthy practice and against the people that are allowing it to happen.
I applaud the author for writing this book. It is brilliant in its telling, it is dark, it is twisted and it sends a message! A book that you cannot put down, no matter how much the subject matter horrifies you as it is compelling and draws you in right up until the end. A fantastic read and one I would definitely recommend to all who enjoy a dark and twisted psychological thriller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews