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The Bridge
The woman of his dreams isn't what she seems.
Michael Beaumont is head over heels with the woman of his dreams. The minute he and Alison saw each other across a crowded bar, there was a powerful, immediate connection. She's everything he could ever want in a woman--charismatic, beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and so much more.
But Alison is harboring a dangerous secret, one that threatens to break loose once Michael introduces her to his last remaining relative. Michael's grandmother Rose, who raised him from childhood, isn't quite the woman she used to be--her memory is failing her, and she's prone to fits of wild emotion. But something about Rose's outburst upon meeting Alison seems like more than just a simple delusion. And something about the string of murders terrorizing London, with incidents occurring just blocks from Michael, feels like more than just a coincidence.
What is Rose not telling Michael? What is Alison hiding? Every relationship in Michael's life is a bridge, and he'll discover that there are some he shouldn't cross.
Michael Beaumont is head over heels with the woman of his dreams. The minute he and Alison saw each other across a crowded bar, there was a powerful, immediate connection. She's everything he could ever want in a woman--charismatic, beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and so much more.
But Alison is harboring a dangerous secret, one that threatens to break loose once Michael introduces her to his last remaining relative. Michael's grandmother Rose, who raised him from childhood, isn't quite the woman she used to be--her memory is failing her, and she's prone to fits of wild emotion. But something about Rose's outburst upon meeting Alison seems like more than just a simple delusion. And something about the string of murders terrorizing London, with incidents occurring just blocks from Michael, feels like more than just a coincidence.
What is Rose not telling Michael? What is Alison hiding? Every relationship in Michael's life is a bridge, and he'll discover that there are some he shouldn't cross.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2017
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767 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 17, 2017
3.5 stars! This book was great it was so fast-paced that it only took me three settings to read, which is amazing for me because I like to take my time with books. Donely thing I can say is the ending did not satisfy me the way I thought it would, I saw this one coming about halfway through.
April 24, 2017
The Bridge introduces us to young Michael. Michael lives in his grandmother's house, has a low-level job and a new girlfriend. There's a Madman running around, tossing children into the river....all in areas where Michael is. Michael takes Alison to meet his grandmother and Grandma Rose screams.
There. That's a summary.
What actually happened is that I figured out the entire end of the book about a quarter of the way through.
Michael was kind-of a wimp. Alison was kind-of annoying. The end.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this review.
There. That's a summary.
What actually happened is that I figured out the entire end of the book about a quarter of the way through.
Michael was kind-of a wimp. Alison was kind-of annoying. The end.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this review.
July 4, 2019
We tend to ignore red flags in a new relationship, especially when the connection with the other person seems so strong . For Michael Beaumont, his new love for Alison blinds him and allows him to overlook her inconsistencies and strange behavior. He only knows that he’s in love, and he can’t wait to introduce her his only and closest family member, his grandmother Rose. When Rose’s reaction to Alison is less than welcoming and filled with terror instead, Michael chalks it up to his grandmother’s rapidly progressing Alzheimer’s.
As Michael and Alison sink into their newfound romance, a madman starts to terrorize London. Young children walking with their parents are snatched up and tossed off bridges and piers. Kids in a dragon boat are drowned when an object is dropped on them from a bridge. The body count of kids under the age of ten continues to rise.
As a reader, you sense there’s a connection to either Michael or Alison. The killings always happen extremely close to wherever they are at the time. Near a restaurant where they’re eating in Kingston. Near Alison’s apartment in Brighton. I immediately suspected the madman was tied to Alison. After all, she’s hiding something — and it’s right there in the book’s blurb.
Yet, there are bridges in both Michael and Alison’s lives that connect them to different people and events. Some bridges are in plain view and safe to cross, such as Michael’s close relationship with grandmother. Some are shrouded in secrets and have the power to destroy Michael if he’s not careful. As Michael’s drawn into the center of the madman investigation by the police, I was left to wonder if Alison wasn’t leading Michael across a bridge built to destroy him.
In his aptly titled book “The Bridge”, Prebble uses bridges as the preferred method of the madman. However, he also uses them to symbolize relationships, as well to also slightly foreshadow future twists. The use of these literary devices makes it even more thrilling of a psychological thriller.
“The Bridge” is shrouded in secrets It’s chock full of the twists and turns that make this genre such an addiction for me.
The only drawback to the book was Michael and Alison’s relationship. The way it was written made it seem kind of dull for me. They seemed like a middle-aged couple who’d been together for years rather than 20-somethings in the throes of youth, new love, and lust. Yet, I’m not sure that’s a valid criticism, because let’s be real. Who has time to be wild and carefree when there’s a madman always close-by — and things just aren’t adding up?
As Michael and Alison sink into their newfound romance, a madman starts to terrorize London. Young children walking with their parents are snatched up and tossed off bridges and piers. Kids in a dragon boat are drowned when an object is dropped on them from a bridge. The body count of kids under the age of ten continues to rise.
As a reader, you sense there’s a connection to either Michael or Alison. The killings always happen extremely close to wherever they are at the time. Near a restaurant where they’re eating in Kingston. Near Alison’s apartment in Brighton. I immediately suspected the madman was tied to Alison. After all, she’s hiding something — and it’s right there in the book’s blurb.
Yet, there are bridges in both Michael and Alison’s lives that connect them to different people and events. Some bridges are in plain view and safe to cross, such as Michael’s close relationship with grandmother. Some are shrouded in secrets and have the power to destroy Michael if he’s not careful. As Michael’s drawn into the center of the madman investigation by the police, I was left to wonder if Alison wasn’t leading Michael across a bridge built to destroy him.
In his aptly titled book “The Bridge”, Prebble uses bridges as the preferred method of the madman. However, he also uses them to symbolize relationships, as well to also slightly foreshadow future twists. The use of these literary devices makes it even more thrilling of a psychological thriller.
“The Bridge” is shrouded in secrets It’s chock full of the twists and turns that make this genre such an addiction for me.
The only drawback to the book was Michael and Alison’s relationship. The way it was written made it seem kind of dull for me. They seemed like a middle-aged couple who’d been together for years rather than 20-somethings in the throes of youth, new love, and lust. Yet, I’m not sure that’s a valid criticism, because let’s be real. Who has time to be wild and carefree when there’s a madman always close-by — and things just aren’t adding up?
March 9, 2017
loved this book. a love story with lots of mystery and amazing twists. a must-read book!
October 17, 2019
Did you know that the dollar tree sells books? I certainly didn’t. I found myself on vacation in the Florida Keys at a dollar tree looking for plastic spoons when I found a book section. It was perfect because I had been searching for a cheap physical book to read on the beach. I selected this one out of the several options they had.
This wasn’t the worst book I have ever read but it was pretty close... I managed to finish it, which was something. The dialogue in particular drove me insane. People don’t talk and think like that. It was too formal and perfect. It had a similar style to bad fanfiction- it sounded like someone who is trying to write for the first time. I say this knowing that I could do no better... but then again, I recognize that and do not write books because of it.
As for the plot... the idea sounded interesting at first- a madman throwing children off bridges and piers. How everything came together in the end, however, was too farfetched for me. Even if a baby drowned in the bathtub in the presence of 2 toddlers, and an 8 year old, I’m pretty sure it would be the adult who left them alone who would be punished if anything. What family would send away the toddler and never again speak to that toddler for that? It’s absurd. And what other family would send away their daughter for being present when a newborn drowned? It’s absurd.
This wasn’t the worst book I have ever read but it was pretty close... I managed to finish it, which was something. The dialogue in particular drove me insane. People don’t talk and think like that. It was too formal and perfect. It had a similar style to bad fanfiction- it sounded like someone who is trying to write for the first time. I say this knowing that I could do no better... but then again, I recognize that and do not write books because of it.
As for the plot... the idea sounded interesting at first- a madman throwing children off bridges and piers. How everything came together in the end, however, was too farfetched for me. Even if a baby drowned in the bathtub in the presence of 2 toddlers, and an 8 year old, I’m pretty sure it would be the adult who left them alone who would be punished if anything. What family would send away the toddler and never again speak to that toddler for that? It’s absurd. And what other family would send away their daughter for being present when a newborn drowned? It’s absurd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2017
This psychological drama grabbed me from page one. An unknown man commits a series of indescribable crimes yet the consequences are almost as bad as the crimes themselves. Imagine a sunny day and then picture the worst thing that can happen. Now you have an idea about what this absorbing wonderful book is about. I don't want to say anything else about THE BRIDGE except that it is a book worth buying on March 17th the first day that is available. I adored this book and I heartily recommend it for those of you who have never read a psychological drama or for those of you who do nothing but read books like this.
May 22, 2017
Not to toot my own horn, but I figured out "who-dunnit" fairly early on. The plot was so contrived, everything was blatantly obvious. I am torn between revealing all and keeping my big mouth shut for once, in case someone actually wants to read this book. For once I am taking the high road and dropping the clue and leaving it at "it's all relative".
May 25, 2017
Disappointed! I read 'The Insect Farm' and enjoyed that. This was just...boring. The twists were easy to figure out well in advance and I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the characters. Waste of time!
August 16, 2019
Meh! I finished it. Not sure I’m buying the whole **** SPOILERS*****
Let’s charge a 3 year old for murder & institutionalize him!!! Just crazy. This isn’t CCCP 1980’s. Plus writing was just blah. I’ve spent too much time on this book already. Going to get a snack.
Let’s charge a 3 year old for murder & institutionalize him!!! Just crazy. This isn’t CCCP 1980’s. Plus writing was just blah. I’ve spent too much time on this book already. Going to get a snack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
This thriller has a great premise--a maniac is killing children in southern England by throwing them in rivers and the sea--and several fascinating plot twists. Really well done. My only nit is that there's a rather improbable coincidence at the core of the book that is hard to swallow.
May 27, 2017
Good entertainment, with an interesting plot. There's a killer throwing children off bridges and he may be our hero.
June 28, 2017
I didn't care for the writing style (it seemed to lack true feeling), but the plot was interesting enough that I skimmed through the second half, so that I could connect the dots.
January 23, 2019
chilling
April 2, 2021
Good . . .
Really good book. I read The Insect Farm that was also a good book by this author, so I decided to read this book and glad I did. I recommend
Really good book. I read The Insect Farm that was also a good book by this author, so I decided to read this book and glad I did. I recommend
September 17, 2022
This started out pretty engaging and held my interest, but about half way through it was clear how it was doing to end and plateaued from there.
March 25, 2022
Very paint-by-numbers thriller. I had figured out who the killer was pretty early on, but that wasn’t necessarily what I thought was wrong with it. The writing seemed to lack any sort of life, for lack of better terms. Just seemed like the author was going through the motions.
April 1, 2017
I can't wait to read this. I really liked The Insect Farm and have been hoping for a new book by this author
March 27, 2017
I like the plot development in this book by Stuart Prebble. It keeps you guessing through most of the story. However, for good plot development to lead to a good book, and 5 stars, it needs a good ending. Unfortunately, Mr. Prebble only managed a fair one. Some of what we learn in the end is unbelievable and other parts just down right corny. Close, but no cigar.
April 6, 2017
The Bridge is Stuart Prebble's latest book.
Michael has been dating Alison for a few months now. They're on the way to meet his Grandma Rose, when the radio newscast reports a madman picking up children and throwing them over the Waterloo Bridge. Horrific, Alison and Michael agree. And then the meeting with Rose goes badly as well. Perhaps it was too soon. Or perhaps he doesn't know Alison well enough yet. The Madman strikes again, again targeting children.
Unbelievably, the police finger Michael as a person of interest. He was in the vicinity of each occurrence and they have other evidence that they say ties him to the crimes.
Prebble leads the reader with many red herrings along the way, igniting our suspicions as to the final whodunit. I must admit, I was pretty sure I had sussed out the answer about midway through. I was wrong, but....I found the coincidences that drove the plot forward to the final reveal to be just too far-fetched. The whodunit was overwrought and overwrote in my opinion. The Bridge was just an okay read for me.
Michael has been dating Alison for a few months now. They're on the way to meet his Grandma Rose, when the radio newscast reports a madman picking up children and throwing them over the Waterloo Bridge. Horrific, Alison and Michael agree. And then the meeting with Rose goes badly as well. Perhaps it was too soon. Or perhaps he doesn't know Alison well enough yet. The Madman strikes again, again targeting children.
Unbelievably, the police finger Michael as a person of interest. He was in the vicinity of each occurrence and they have other evidence that they say ties him to the crimes.
Prebble leads the reader with many red herrings along the way, igniting our suspicions as to the final whodunit. I must admit, I was pretty sure I had sussed out the answer about midway through. I was wrong, but....I found the coincidences that drove the plot forward to the final reveal to be just too far-fetched. The whodunit was overwrought and overwrote in my opinion. The Bridge was just an okay read for me.
April 14, 2017
Lots of twists in this love and mystery story. Would have wanted a better ending.But worth reading.
April 17, 2017
This is my first book by Mr. Prebble and though it wasn't terrible, it wasn't great or even very good.
The Bridge is about a young man named Michael who meets and falls for an intriguing woman, Alison. At the same time their relationship is growing, a lunatic nicknamed the Madman is targeting children by pitching them into the river and causing untold tragic deaths. As Michael falls for Alison, he discovers inconsistencies in her past that causes him to doubt her identity. When the authorities zoom in on Michael and he discovers his past, along with Alison's, are inextricably intertwined and secrets are revealed.
I had a few problems with the story, mainly that I figured out who the Madman was the moment Michael was arrested and all the clues pointed to him. It was obvious. Too obvious.
Secondly, too much of the story is based on coincidence. I mean what are the odds that:
Alison and Michael, players in a tragic past, end up meeting decades later and fall in love?
Alison meets a former frenemy who threatens to expose her secret. How convenient!
Michael's brother is released from custody at the same time this murder spree takes place.
Also, is it just me or isn't an eight year old kid too young to be babysitting three kids under the age of 5? Maybe they do things differently in the UK but that fact was ridiculous.
All these coincidences were too unbelievable to be believed.
Third, I didn't like any of the characters especially Michael who is a whining crybaby. Okay, okay, he's only 20 years old but still...stop crying. And I'm not sexist because if he was female, I would say the same thing.
Michael came off as a submissive personality, a worrywart that lacked initiative and enthusiasm.
Alison was no great lady, either. And how much can you make working for a travel agency and still afford an apartment of your own? I'd sure like to know.
The Bridge was neither original or psychologically thrilling but full of cliche plot twists and unremarkable characters.
The Bridge is about a young man named Michael who meets and falls for an intriguing woman, Alison. At the same time their relationship is growing, a lunatic nicknamed the Madman is targeting children by pitching them into the river and causing untold tragic deaths. As Michael falls for Alison, he discovers inconsistencies in her past that causes him to doubt her identity. When the authorities zoom in on Michael and he discovers his past, along with Alison's, are inextricably intertwined and secrets are revealed.
I had a few problems with the story, mainly that I figured out who the Madman was the moment Michael was arrested and all the clues pointed to him. It was obvious. Too obvious.
Secondly, too much of the story is based on coincidence. I mean what are the odds that:
Alison and Michael, players in a tragic past, end up meeting decades later and fall in love?
Alison meets a former frenemy who threatens to expose her secret. How convenient!
Michael's brother is released from custody at the same time this murder spree takes place.
Also, is it just me or isn't an eight year old kid too young to be babysitting three kids under the age of 5? Maybe they do things differently in the UK but that fact was ridiculous.
All these coincidences were too unbelievable to be believed.
Third, I didn't like any of the characters especially Michael who is a whining crybaby. Okay, okay, he's only 20 years old but still...stop crying. And I'm not sexist because if he was female, I would say the same thing.
Michael came off as a submissive personality, a worrywart that lacked initiative and enthusiasm.
Alison was no great lady, either. And how much can you make working for a travel agency and still afford an apartment of your own? I'd sure like to know.
The Bridge was neither original or psychologically thrilling but full of cliche plot twists and unremarkable characters.
April 15, 2017
Writing was obvious. Characters uninteresting. Plot moved relatively well.
April 23, 2017
contrived story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews