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Dead Woman Walking
'Bolton is a gripping storyteller with fine, haunted characters' Peter James
Just before dawn in the hills near the Scottish border, a man murders a young woman. At the same time, a hot-air balloon crashes out of the sky. There’s just one survivor.
She’s seen the killer’s face – but he’s also seen hers. And he won’t rest until he’s eliminated the only witness to his crime.
Alone, scared, trusting no one, she’s running to where she feels safe – but it could be the most dangerous place of all . . .
Just before dawn in the hills near the Scottish border, a man murders a young woman. At the same time, a hot-air balloon crashes out of the sky. There’s just one survivor.
She’s seen the killer’s face – but he’s also seen hers. And he won’t rest until he’s eliminated the only witness to his crime.
Alone, scared, trusting no one, she’s running to where she feels safe – but it could be the most dangerous place of all . . .
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2017
402 people are currently reading
9810 people want to read
About the author
Sharon J. Bolton
44 books4,552 followersSharon's newest book The Split is now available in both hardback and paperback in the UK!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,251 reviews
April 19, 2017
This is the latest novel from one of my favourite authors. It is classic Bolton with her familiar trademark elements that readers love - atmospheric and compelling writing, great characters, multiple threads, and killer twists. This is set primarily in Northumberland. A surprise hot air balloon trip is Jessie's birthday gift to her beloved Isabel, her sister and a practicing nun. There are 13 people in the balloon, including the pilot, on this unluckiest of trips where a killer is observed in the act of committing murder. Unfortunately, he also sees them, particularly Jessie assiduously taking photographs of him on her phone. Everyone ends up dead except Jessie, something the killer intends to rectify as he hunts her down. Unable to go to the police, there is more to Jessie than we might expect as she fights to stay alive against all the odds.
We learn of Jessie's family history of an unexplained trauma that occurs that revolves around their brother Ned which Isabel refuses to speak of and Jessie's unhappiness when Isabel becomes a nun despite not being a believer. Jessie is a frequent visitor to Wynding Priory through the years, becoming closer to all the nuns. The bond between the sisters is so close that Jessie gives voice to her fear that the death of Isabel will be the end of her. The remarkably well informed killer is an adept and skilled hunter, who it turns out has his own family trauma. Detective Superintendent Ajax Maldonado of Northumbria police is in charge of investigating the Hot Air Balloon tragedy and when it becomes clear that Jessie is alive, tries to locate her to discover what occurred. With a rising body count, disturbing fears of a yellow house in the north amongst migrants, and the connections between the multiple threads becoming clearer, there is a thrilling and tense finale.
This is a story of ghosts, trauma, obsession, unreliable memories and what families will do for each other. It outlines the horrors waiting to befall migrants and how a family history can come to be distorted. It is about the difficulties of coming to terms with loss and grief. There are sufficient clues to see some of the twists coming. The short chapters make this a fast paced read whilst heightening the levels of tension and suspense. The characters are well drawn and form the backbone of the novel. I particularly loved the wonderful nuns who add some great comic touches to a dark story. Just a fabulous book. This is a must read for crime fans and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
We learn of Jessie's family history of an unexplained trauma that occurs that revolves around their brother Ned which Isabel refuses to speak of and Jessie's unhappiness when Isabel becomes a nun despite not being a believer. Jessie is a frequent visitor to Wynding Priory through the years, becoming closer to all the nuns. The bond between the sisters is so close that Jessie gives voice to her fear that the death of Isabel will be the end of her. The remarkably well informed killer is an adept and skilled hunter, who it turns out has his own family trauma. Detective Superintendent Ajax Maldonado of Northumbria police is in charge of investigating the Hot Air Balloon tragedy and when it becomes clear that Jessie is alive, tries to locate her to discover what occurred. With a rising body count, disturbing fears of a yellow house in the north amongst migrants, and the connections between the multiple threads becoming clearer, there is a thrilling and tense finale.
This is a story of ghosts, trauma, obsession, unreliable memories and what families will do for each other. It outlines the horrors waiting to befall migrants and how a family history can come to be distorted. It is about the difficulties of coming to terms with loss and grief. There are sufficient clues to see some of the twists coming. The short chapters make this a fast paced read whilst heightening the levels of tension and suspense. The characters are well drawn and form the backbone of the novel. I particularly loved the wonderful nuns who add some great comic touches to a dark story. Just a fabulous book. This is a must read for crime fans and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
June 22, 2017
Wow!!!! I just loved this book and love Sharon Bolton! Dead Woman Walking is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that the reader is constantly second guessing (wrongly in my case!) everything that is happening. Bolton has crafted a brilliantly complex crime thriller, which is exceptionally plotted out that had me on the edge of my seat throughout and at times holding my breath and a bit scared to read on...just fantastic! Sharon Bolton was already close to the top of my must-read author list and this outing has established her at the number one spot. If you haven’t read any of her books, where have you been? You really don’t know what you are missing. Pitch perfect plotting and dialogue that seamlessly integrates with the characters and situation means that the readers are treated to a read that they won’t forget in a hurry.
A group of people enjoying a hot air balloon trip then they all witness something they shouldn't have, and so begins an insane cat and mouse roller coaster ride. After reading those first chapters I have been put off hot air balloons for life! Jessica is the only survivor and she ends up in a complete and utter nightmare situation. I was pretty much holding my breath the entire way through this book and just willing for Jessica to get to safety. My absolute favorite aspect of this book, which also added a bit of humor to the tale were the nuns and their crime busting theories. This was a great touch and stopped the book being too dark. They don't know why Jessica made no effort to contact the authorities – perhaps she's badly hurt or has a concussion and confused. So the search is on. But the killer also knows there's a survivor, and he's determined to get to her first. But maybe she has reasons for not wanting to be found.
Strongly plotted, fast-paced crime thriller fiction. The characters are believable and genuine and the development of the storyline keeps you hooked, with some fantastic twists and turns along the way. A MUST read!
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Sharon Bolton for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A group of people enjoying a hot air balloon trip then they all witness something they shouldn't have, and so begins an insane cat and mouse roller coaster ride. After reading those first chapters I have been put off hot air balloons for life! Jessica is the only survivor and she ends up in a complete and utter nightmare situation. I was pretty much holding my breath the entire way through this book and just willing for Jessica to get to safety. My absolute favorite aspect of this book, which also added a bit of humor to the tale were the nuns and their crime busting theories. This was a great touch and stopped the book being too dark. They don't know why Jessica made no effort to contact the authorities – perhaps she's badly hurt or has a concussion and confused. So the search is on. But the killer also knows there's a survivor, and he's determined to get to her first. But maybe she has reasons for not wanting to be found.
Strongly plotted, fast-paced crime thriller fiction. The characters are believable and genuine and the development of the storyline keeps you hooked, with some fantastic twists and turns along the way. A MUST read!
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Sharon Bolton for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2017
I'm very familiar with Bolton's work; so far I've read the Lacey Flint series as well as a handful of standalones, and while Flint will always be a near and dear favorite, Dead Woman Walking might just be her most enjoyable solitary book to date. The blurb on the back is very brief, which we all know I'm a fan of, so you really haven't got a clue what to expect going in. Don't read any reviews (including this one) if you're wanting to know absolutely nothing ahead of time; there will be no spoilers here but I always like to give fair warning for those wanting to keep an open mind and a clean palate before picking up the book. If nothing else, know that this was a mesmerizing thriller containing a slow burning mystery. It was a perfect example of crime fiction featuring twisty characterization which makes it the perfect recommendation to anyone who likes the structure of a procedural with more action and quick snippets of chapters.
Where to start when there are so many wonderful attributes to this novel? I love how the beginning chapters really hook us into the story; there's a large group of passengers on a hot air balloon and, in the midst of their tour, they are brought down in a terrorizing way where most of the people do not survive. We find out early on who the culprit(s) are, which was a really nice addition. As a reader, I used to hate when the whodunnit was revealed early on, but now that I've grown and matured a bit, I've come to really appreciate the new aspect and vision this brings to a story. As I stated above, the characterization is fabulous (this is one thing Bolton is known for), and she doesn't shy away from writing about disturbing tendencies and creating dark characters, even in her protagonists. There are ever-changing POVs and timelines in the narrative which kept me on my toes, constantly trying to piece together this mystery of the "why" and a deeper understanding of the "how". While it could get a bit confusing for some readers in the early stages, by the time the middle to ending is reached everything clicks together to form a brilliant finale that blew me away.
There's a reason Sharon Bolton is not only a fan favorite on Goodreads, but is so successful that her work has jumped the pond from the UK on our worldwide. There seems to be a certain trademarked feel to her writing; I can't really describe it to someone who has never read her books because they don't really compare to anyone else I've read. This unique signature she bears in her work is what keeps readers coming back for more with each book she writes. If you're new to her work, Dead Woman Walking is a great place to start. She has managed to keep the suspense genre feeling fresh in a time where books being published feel stale and recycled. The plot here genuinely confounded me and, I have to say, it was great to experience that blown away feeling you get when a book has truly kept you in the dark until the precise moment the author choses to reveal their secrets to you. Highly recommended to all readers who love a thrilling plot with intriguing characters; I know I'll be thinking about those last few pages until her next book is published.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
Where to start when there are so many wonderful attributes to this novel? I love how the beginning chapters really hook us into the story; there's a large group of passengers on a hot air balloon and, in the midst of their tour, they are brought down in a terrorizing way where most of the people do not survive. We find out early on who the culprit(s) are, which was a really nice addition. As a reader, I used to hate when the whodunnit was revealed early on, but now that I've grown and matured a bit, I've come to really appreciate the new aspect and vision this brings to a story. As I stated above, the characterization is fabulous (this is one thing Bolton is known for), and she doesn't shy away from writing about disturbing tendencies and creating dark characters, even in her protagonists. There are ever-changing POVs and timelines in the narrative which kept me on my toes, constantly trying to piece together this mystery of the "why" and a deeper understanding of the "how". While it could get a bit confusing for some readers in the early stages, by the time the middle to ending is reached everything clicks together to form a brilliant finale that blew me away.
There's a reason Sharon Bolton is not only a fan favorite on Goodreads, but is so successful that her work has jumped the pond from the UK on our worldwide. There seems to be a certain trademarked feel to her writing; I can't really describe it to someone who has never read her books because they don't really compare to anyone else I've read. This unique signature she bears in her work is what keeps readers coming back for more with each book she writes. If you're new to her work, Dead Woman Walking is a great place to start. She has managed to keep the suspense genre feeling fresh in a time where books being published feel stale and recycled. The plot here genuinely confounded me and, I have to say, it was great to experience that blown away feeling you get when a book has truly kept you in the dark until the precise moment the author choses to reveal their secrets to you. Highly recommended to all readers who love a thrilling plot with intriguing characters; I know I'll be thinking about those last few pages until her next book is published.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
June 30, 2017
4.5 stars
Dead Woman Walking is a cleverly crafted thriller, jampacked with twists and turns. Brimming with tension and terror, this book had my heart racing until the very last page!
Jessica Lane surprises her sister Isabel with a hot air balloon ride to celebrate Isabel’s birthday. While enjoying the view, all 14 people on board, witness a horrific event that sets forth a chaotic and terrifying ride that ends in tragedy. Jessica,the lone survivor, is being hunted by a killer. But there’s a lot more to this story than what it seems.
“People’s instincts for self-preservation will nearly always outweigh their social conscience”
As the narrative shifts from past to present, revelations come to light concerning a nefarious crime syndicate, corrupt cops, and dark secrets about Jessica and Isabel’s past. While there are multiple plot lines, all seamlessly converge to expose a horrendous inhumane crimes.
This book kept me guessing--there were so many surprises that I was never quite sure where things were going or how it was going to play out. I especially loved the nuns and peacocks! I could not put this book down! Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Woman Walking is a cleverly crafted thriller, jampacked with twists and turns. Brimming with tension and terror, this book had my heart racing until the very last page!
Jessica Lane surprises her sister Isabel with a hot air balloon ride to celebrate Isabel’s birthday. While enjoying the view, all 14 people on board, witness a horrific event that sets forth a chaotic and terrifying ride that ends in tragedy. Jessica,the lone survivor, is being hunted by a killer. But there’s a lot more to this story than what it seems.
“People’s instincts for self-preservation will nearly always outweigh their social conscience”
As the narrative shifts from past to present, revelations come to light concerning a nefarious crime syndicate, corrupt cops, and dark secrets about Jessica and Isabel’s past. While there are multiple plot lines, all seamlessly converge to expose a horrendous inhumane crimes.
This book kept me guessing--there were so many surprises that I was never quite sure where things were going or how it was going to play out. I especially loved the nuns and peacocks! I could not put this book down! Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2017
4.5 stars
What a unique start to a book! Jessica and her sister Isabel, who is a nun, are two of the thirteen people on a hot air balloon excursion. Things go badly awry, and we immediately find ourselves on a wild ride to learn the fate of all aboard. From there the plot thickens considerably as we become immersed in murders, family tragedies, human trafficking, corruption, and memories. I read one review that said the plot was predictable. I was dumbfounded. In my opinion, nothing could be farther from the truth. The plot is as intricate as a spider’s web in true Bolton style, and I could not fathom how all of this was going to come together. One of my favorite threads was the highly complex relationship between Jessica and Isabel, told mostly in flashbacks. Another highlight was the scenes involving the nuns. Sister Hildegard is a jewel. Oh, and the peacocks; I can’t forget them.
Not many authors can come close to Ms. Bolton when it comes to painting a scene. Her imagery is breathtaking, and she deftly transports the reader into the setting with ease. I find the ambience of a Bolton novel generally to be as brilliant and as paramount as any of the characters and the plot. This is one of the major reasons why Ms. Bolton is in my small shrine of very favorite authors.
Be warned, the tale is told within a complicated changing timeline, but by paying close attention to the chapter headings, I didn’t find this to be an issue.
There are a couple of reasons why I didn’t rate this one 5 stars. The main characters, though good, are not as memorable as those in Now You See Me, Little Black Lies, and Daisy in Chains. Furthermore, after the balloon disaster, the pace of the story slows down significantly for a time, but that is for the most part balanced out by the second half of the book, which delivers one shocking twist after another as the threads start to pull together.
I loved the ending.
And I never fail to be impressed by Ms. Bolton’s stellar research skills involving a variety of topics.
Though not my overall favorite Bolton book (that would be Now You See Me), Dead Woman Walking is an outstanding novel well worth the time and attention of every thriller lover. Highly recommended!
What a unique start to a book! Jessica and her sister Isabel, who is a nun, are two of the thirteen people on a hot air balloon excursion. Things go badly awry, and we immediately find ourselves on a wild ride to learn the fate of all aboard. From there the plot thickens considerably as we become immersed in murders, family tragedies, human trafficking, corruption, and memories. I read one review that said the plot was predictable. I was dumbfounded. In my opinion, nothing could be farther from the truth. The plot is as intricate as a spider’s web in true Bolton style, and I could not fathom how all of this was going to come together. One of my favorite threads was the highly complex relationship between Jessica and Isabel, told mostly in flashbacks. Another highlight was the scenes involving the nuns. Sister Hildegard is a jewel. Oh, and the peacocks; I can’t forget them.
Not many authors can come close to Ms. Bolton when it comes to painting a scene. Her imagery is breathtaking, and she deftly transports the reader into the setting with ease. I find the ambience of a Bolton novel generally to be as brilliant and as paramount as any of the characters and the plot. This is one of the major reasons why Ms. Bolton is in my small shrine of very favorite authors.
Be warned, the tale is told within a complicated changing timeline, but by paying close attention to the chapter headings, I didn’t find this to be an issue.
There are a couple of reasons why I didn’t rate this one 5 stars. The main characters, though good, are not as memorable as those in Now You See Me, Little Black Lies, and Daisy in Chains. Furthermore, after the balloon disaster, the pace of the story slows down significantly for a time, but that is for the most part balanced out by the second half of the book, which delivers one shocking twist after another as the threads start to pull together.
I loved the ending.
And I never fail to be impressed by Ms. Bolton’s stellar research skills involving a variety of topics.
Though not my overall favorite Bolton book (that would be Now You See Me), Dead Woman Walking is an outstanding novel well worth the time and attention of every thriller lover. Highly recommended!
March 16, 2022
Brilliant and well-plotted, this one kept me on my toes!
Two sisters: Isabel, a nun in a cloistered order, and Jessica, a police detective. Jessica surprises her sister Isabel with a hot air balloon ride for her birthday, a very rare outing for a cloistered nun. During the ride, Jessica witnesses a murder which sets off a chain of events that leaves her a survivor. The opening chapters left me tense and on the edge of my seat as the 14 balloon occupants try their best to survive.
The murderer has seen Jessica’s face and is on the hunt to eliminate her as a witness. But nothing is as it seems. There’s much more to the story than a cat and mouse game between a killer and a witness. Jessica is on the run from both the murderer and the police, who are searching for her. She trusts no one, including the police, and has her reasons. Pay close attention to the chapter headings as the story toggles back and forth between the distant and recent past as well as the present. Just when you think you know what is happening, you discover you don’t know anything.
Normally too many balls in the air would make me throw my hands up in frustration, but in the very capable hands of the author, it all comes together brilliantly in a way that makes sense!
There’s a surprise twist I did not see coming and that once again made me want to rewind the audio so I could listen again, certain I had heard it wrong. But, the bread crumbs were there, I had just missed their significance. I love that! And, Bolton doesn’t stop there. There’s more to come that was a surprise. She really is the master of the well-placed twist(s) that brings the story together brilliantly.
There’s humor to break the tension, with the side story of the nuns in the convent. I adored them and their peacocks. They added much needed levity plus these nuns aren’t as meek and mild as you would expect. These are not your stereotypical nuns and they were a hoot!
A thrilling story, with well-developed characters, this is an easy 5 stars. This has been the year of disappointing reads, and I’m thrilled to find backlist winners!
Two sisters: Isabel, a nun in a cloistered order, and Jessica, a police detective. Jessica surprises her sister Isabel with a hot air balloon ride for her birthday, a very rare outing for a cloistered nun. During the ride, Jessica witnesses a murder which sets off a chain of events that leaves her a survivor. The opening chapters left me tense and on the edge of my seat as the 14 balloon occupants try their best to survive.
The murderer has seen Jessica’s face and is on the hunt to eliminate her as a witness. But nothing is as it seems. There’s much more to the story than a cat and mouse game between a killer and a witness. Jessica is on the run from both the murderer and the police, who are searching for her. She trusts no one, including the police, and has her reasons. Pay close attention to the chapter headings as the story toggles back and forth between the distant and recent past as well as the present. Just when you think you know what is happening, you discover you don’t know anything.
Normally too many balls in the air would make me throw my hands up in frustration, but in the very capable hands of the author, it all comes together brilliantly in a way that makes sense!
There’s a surprise twist I did not see coming and that once again made me want to rewind the audio so I could listen again, certain I had heard it wrong. But, the bread crumbs were there, I had just missed their significance. I love that! And, Bolton doesn’t stop there. There’s more to come that was a surprise. She really is the master of the well-placed twist(s) that brings the story together brilliantly.
There’s humor to break the tension, with the side story of the nuns in the convent. I adored them and their peacocks. They added much needed levity plus these nuns aren’t as meek and mild as you would expect. These are not your stereotypical nuns and they were a hoot!
A thrilling story, with well-developed characters, this is an easy 5 stars. This has been the year of disappointing reads, and I’m thrilled to find backlist winners!
August 15, 2017
3.5 Stars
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I've only read one of Sharon Bolton's previous books, but I really enjoyed it. I was intrigued by the short blurb for "Dead Woman Walking" and was excited to begin reading.
Sisters, Jessica and Isabel (aka Bella aka Sister Maria Magdalena) are very close, although Jessica wishes she understood her sister better. Whenever Jessica asks her sister about the past or her choice to become a nun, Bella is quick to end the conversation.
"I left that life behind a long time ago, I have a new family now. A family in god"
For Bella's 40th Birthday, Jessica wants to do something memorable, so she organizes a hot air balloon ride.
But what was supposed to be a one hour balloon ride, a birthday gift from one sister to another, turns into a nightmare....
The passengers are having the time of their lives but then they see something they shouldn't have, the balloon crashes, leaving only one survivor in a fight for her life.
I found the first part of the book really intense and I was definitely absorbed in the story. But after a while, I found things got a bit confusing. There was a long chase, a lot of police procedural stuff, as well as quite a few characters to keep track of.
Switching from past to present was interesting, but the chapter headings: 28 years earlier, 22 years earlier, 2 years 8 months earlier, 3 days earlier etc. weren't in order (which I realize was on purpose), so I really had to pay close attention.
There was a lot going on in this novel and most of it was really engaging, but for me it was a bit of information overload. But at no point did I consider stopping. I was quite invested in what was happening and although not everything was entirely plausible, it was still entertaining.
There was even a few laugh out loud moments with the sisters AND the Sisters.
"I'm living in a budget sequel to Sister Act"
So while I was confused at times and it seemed like there was almost too much going on, this was definitely a compelling novel with some interesting plot lines that kept me engaged. There were also some really great twists that I did NOT expect and WOW, I did NOT see that ending coming!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I've only read one of Sharon Bolton's previous books, but I really enjoyed it. I was intrigued by the short blurb for "Dead Woman Walking" and was excited to begin reading.
Sisters, Jessica and Isabel (aka Bella aka Sister Maria Magdalena) are very close, although Jessica wishes she understood her sister better. Whenever Jessica asks her sister about the past or her choice to become a nun, Bella is quick to end the conversation.
"I left that life behind a long time ago, I have a new family now. A family in god"
For Bella's 40th Birthday, Jessica wants to do something memorable, so she organizes a hot air balloon ride.
But what was supposed to be a one hour balloon ride, a birthday gift from one sister to another, turns into a nightmare....
The passengers are having the time of their lives but then they see something they shouldn't have, the balloon crashes, leaving only one survivor in a fight for her life.
I found the first part of the book really intense and I was definitely absorbed in the story. But after a while, I found things got a bit confusing. There was a long chase, a lot of police procedural stuff, as well as quite a few characters to keep track of.
Switching from past to present was interesting, but the chapter headings: 28 years earlier, 22 years earlier, 2 years 8 months earlier, 3 days earlier etc. weren't in order (which I realize was on purpose), so I really had to pay close attention.
There was a lot going on in this novel and most of it was really engaging, but for me it was a bit of information overload. But at no point did I consider stopping. I was quite invested in what was happening and although not everything was entirely plausible, it was still entertaining.
There was even a few laugh out loud moments with the sisters AND the Sisters.
"I'm living in a budget sequel to Sister Act"
So while I was confused at times and it seemed like there was almost too much going on, this was definitely a compelling novel with some interesting plot lines that kept me engaged. There were also some really great twists that I did NOT expect and WOW, I did NOT see that ending coming!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2017
Billowy clouds on the horizon. Wafting air on a crisp September day. Sun-glassed passengers enjoying the breath-taking views from that air balloon high above the trees.......
A perfect day's outing turns deadly as this once aloft air balloon loses power suddenly and heads full-tilt toward the power lines. And now so close to Heaven for each and every one of them.
Jessica Lane has planned an exciting birthday gift for her sister, Isabel. How splendid would it be to rise above the riffraff of the world? Once aboard, these passengers would later be eyewitnesses from high above to a murder happening from far below as a young girl is beaten and chased into the woods by a madman with a gun.
In the tragic aftermath, one individual remains with breath in her body. Jessica clings to the branches of the treetops and the impact of this realization sends her into shock. From her on high position, she spots the madman and his dog going through the wreckage. He saw her face as she was taking photos of him from her lofty position in the balloon. Dead men tell no tales, but there's certainly a live one here as he's counted the passengers before the crash.
Sharon Bolton presents another stellar thriller here with cat and mouse on steroids. Her characters, as always, are well-defined and played out like a well-shuffled deck of cards......holding back some of the crucial ones out of the deck for later. Just as you think you know what the other players have in their dealt hand, you most certainly don't. The wind shifts constantly here creating much emotional chaos like the remnants of that ill-fated balloon trip. As we all know, you can run, but you can't hide. Someone is always watching.
Bolton locks down her storyline with plenty of well-crafted police procedures and investigations. She's also layered the story with unconscionable practices, unhinged families, greed, and relentless behavior. Jessica Lane becomes a character that you won't soon forget. And neither will that madman with the gun. Told in chapters of past and present, Dead Woman Walking holds quite the zap of electrical charge much like those deadly power lines.
I received a copy of Dead Woman Walking through NetGalley for an honest review. My sincere appreciation to Minotaur Books and to the amazingly talented Sharon Bolton for the opportunity.
A perfect day's outing turns deadly as this once aloft air balloon loses power suddenly and heads full-tilt toward the power lines. And now so close to Heaven for each and every one of them.
Jessica Lane has planned an exciting birthday gift for her sister, Isabel. How splendid would it be to rise above the riffraff of the world? Once aboard, these passengers would later be eyewitnesses from high above to a murder happening from far below as a young girl is beaten and chased into the woods by a madman with a gun.
In the tragic aftermath, one individual remains with breath in her body. Jessica clings to the branches of the treetops and the impact of this realization sends her into shock. From her on high position, she spots the madman and his dog going through the wreckage. He saw her face as she was taking photos of him from her lofty position in the balloon. Dead men tell no tales, but there's certainly a live one here as he's counted the passengers before the crash.
Sharon Bolton presents another stellar thriller here with cat and mouse on steroids. Her characters, as always, are well-defined and played out like a well-shuffled deck of cards......holding back some of the crucial ones out of the deck for later. Just as you think you know what the other players have in their dealt hand, you most certainly don't. The wind shifts constantly here creating much emotional chaos like the remnants of that ill-fated balloon trip. As we all know, you can run, but you can't hide. Someone is always watching.
Bolton locks down her storyline with plenty of well-crafted police procedures and investigations. She's also layered the story with unconscionable practices, unhinged families, greed, and relentless behavior. Jessica Lane becomes a character that you won't soon forget. And neither will that madman with the gun. Told in chapters of past and present, Dead Woman Walking holds quite the zap of electrical charge much like those deadly power lines.
I received a copy of Dead Woman Walking through NetGalley for an honest review. My sincere appreciation to Minotaur Books and to the amazingly talented Sharon Bolton for the opportunity.
November 4, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4
I'm so happy I have already gone hot air ballooning as this book might have made me change my mind otherwise. Thirteen people are enjoying a hot air balloon ride as the book begins. Two of the thirteen riders are sisters, Jessica and Isabel. Jessica has treated her sister, Isabel to a hot air balloon ride for her birthday. The sisters are close even though Isabel is a practicing nun and they can only visit once a month. As the balloon occupants are enjoying their ride, they see something horrific on the ground - a man murdering a young woman. He notices the hot air balloon and tragedy ensues.
The beginning of this book is tense and full of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat as the people in the balloon tried to survive. What would be their fate? Who is the man on the ground? What will happen next? Will there be any survivors?
Over the next couple of hours/days, the action in the book dies down and things become less suspenseful. Detective Superintendent Ajax Maldonado has been called in to investigate the case. He determines that there is a missing survivor, but he is not the only one who knows about the missing woman. The man in the beginning of the book is also hunting the survivor. Who will find her first?
This book is told through the present day and through flashbacks. This may be a little confusing at first but read the chapter headings they will help a lot. One thing about this book, you may think you know what is going on, you may have made assumptions about certain characters and you may find that you are wrong. There are several sub-plots going here which initially may not make sense, but they all do come together in the end.
We are supposed to really care for the two main characters, but I have a confession.... I LOVED the nuns! They shined in this book for me. I did like the two sisters, but the nuns were a hoot and I loved their addition to the story. As the plot unfolded, there were some moments where I thought "Oh, come on!" and there were two huge plot twists which I did not see coming - at all. The first twist had me going back to an earlier section of the book to see if I could catch it and the other, I thought "Seriously!?!" and "well, okay". What it came down to for me was suspending some disbelief and just going with it. I also like the idea of going into this book knowing as little as possible. I think that will make the one reveal even more shocking.
I enjoyed how she wove her plot and used issues that are faced in the world today. This is a 3.5 star read for me (I always round up on my half-starred reviews). There were some slight things that bothered me (can't say without giving spoilers) but overall, I found this to be an enjoyable book which entertained and kept my attention.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
I'm so happy I have already gone hot air ballooning as this book might have made me change my mind otherwise. Thirteen people are enjoying a hot air balloon ride as the book begins. Two of the thirteen riders are sisters, Jessica and Isabel. Jessica has treated her sister, Isabel to a hot air balloon ride for her birthday. The sisters are close even though Isabel is a practicing nun and they can only visit once a month. As the balloon occupants are enjoying their ride, they see something horrific on the ground - a man murdering a young woman. He notices the hot air balloon and tragedy ensues.
The beginning of this book is tense and full of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat as the people in the balloon tried to survive. What would be their fate? Who is the man on the ground? What will happen next? Will there be any survivors?
Over the next couple of hours/days, the action in the book dies down and things become less suspenseful. Detective Superintendent Ajax Maldonado has been called in to investigate the case. He determines that there is a missing survivor, but he is not the only one who knows about the missing woman. The man in the beginning of the book is also hunting the survivor. Who will find her first?
This book is told through the present day and through flashbacks. This may be a little confusing at first but read the chapter headings they will help a lot. One thing about this book, you may think you know what is going on, you may have made assumptions about certain characters and you may find that you are wrong. There are several sub-plots going here which initially may not make sense, but they all do come together in the end.
We are supposed to really care for the two main characters, but I have a confession.... I LOVED the nuns! They shined in this book for me. I did like the two sisters, but the nuns were a hoot and I loved their addition to the story. As the plot unfolded, there were some moments where I thought "Oh, come on!" and there were two huge plot twists which I did not see coming - at all. The first twist had me going back to an earlier section of the book to see if I could catch it and the other, I thought "Seriously!?!" and "well, okay". What it came down to for me was suspending some disbelief and just going with it. I also like the idea of going into this book knowing as little as possible. I think that will make the one reveal even more shocking.
I enjoyed how she wove her plot and used issues that are faced in the world today. This is a 3.5 star read for me (I always round up on my half-starred reviews). There were some slight things that bothered me (can't say without giving spoilers) but overall, I found this to be an enjoyable book which entertained and kept my attention.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
July 12, 2017
A fantastic, thrilling traveling sister read with my Canadian sisters Norma and Brenda!
What could be a better birthday present than a hot air balloon ride? Jessica treats her sister Isabel to an experience of a lifetime! But of course - this special treat ends in tragedy, with most of the balloon party dead and the remaining survivor running for her life. Why won't she go to the police for help? What is she so frightened of?
I had a hard time connecting with this book in the beginning. So much happening from different angles that I kept wondering how or even if it would all come together. Left me confused, and felt like I missed something along the way. Told in different timelines, I occasionally found myself stumbling to keep track. Finally, near the half-way mark, I was supremely confident I had it all figured out. So when the first bomb-shell twist occurred, it just about knocked me off my sofa!!
At that point it's like a run-away train…. don't look away or you’ll miss something huge! Turns out, the book is jammed packed full of curve-balls! And I only managed to figure one of them out! Perhaps losing my touch? No…Sharon Bolton is just that good!! Bravo! So be patient, it is absolutely worth the wait for all the twists and shocking moments!
If twisty thrillers are your cup of tea then you will love this one!!
To find this review along with our Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit the Traveling Sister Read Review section of Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Sharon Bolton
What could be a better birthday present than a hot air balloon ride? Jessica treats her sister Isabel to an experience of a lifetime! But of course - this special treat ends in tragedy, with most of the balloon party dead and the remaining survivor running for her life. Why won't she go to the police for help? What is she so frightened of?
I had a hard time connecting with this book in the beginning. So much happening from different angles that I kept wondering how or even if it would all come together. Left me confused, and felt like I missed something along the way. Told in different timelines, I occasionally found myself stumbling to keep track. Finally, near the half-way mark, I was supremely confident I had it all figured out. So when the first bomb-shell twist occurred, it just about knocked me off my sofa!!
At that point it's like a run-away train…. don't look away or you’ll miss something huge! Turns out, the book is jammed packed full of curve-balls! And I only managed to figure one of them out! Perhaps losing my touch? No…Sharon Bolton is just that good!! Bravo! So be patient, it is absolutely worth the wait for all the twists and shocking moments!
If twisty thrillers are your cup of tea then you will love this one!!
To find this review along with our Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit the Traveling Sister Read Review section of Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Sharon Bolton
October 20, 2018
Traveling Sisters NetGalley Sister Review by Norma with Brenda, and Kaceey’s thoughts.
4 stars for an extremely clever story!
DEAD WOMAN WALKING by SHARON BOLTON is an action-packed, intense, compelling, and tension-filled crime thriller novel that grabbed our attention right away with the unique start to this story with a tragic incident involving a hot-air balloon ride.
The action starts off right away and had us using our detective skills quite early on trying to figure out the direction of the story and the motives of the dead woman walking.
Norma’s thoughts: I personally like going into all my books blind as I like to try to figure out the direction of the story on my own with little detail as possible. This one had me totally confused so I did have to read the synopsis after a few chapters in which didn’t really help me all that much still leaving me with more questions than answers. But, I guess that is good though…...
We all had a little trouble connecting with the story at first and struggled with the multiple narratives and the plot jumping back and forth in time although it did create a constant sense of unease throughout this story though. Sending Kaceey off in the wrong direction, Norma asking questions and finding out that she was heading in the right direction, and leaving Brenda with a nagging feeling something is up here. That's what made this a very interesting reading experience for us and where Sharon Bolton does her magic.
SHARON BOLTON delivers a cleverly and skillfully written story here giving us little information at first and dropping those clues so subtle into the plot and then pulling it all together in a heart-stopping and thrilling ending.
To sum it all up it was a gripping, complex, fast-paced, and an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing with all those twists and turns right to the dramatic ending. Would recommend!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sharon Bolton for the opportunity to read a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Our full Traveling Sister review along with Kaceey's thoughts can be found on your sister blog: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
4 stars for an extremely clever story!
DEAD WOMAN WALKING by SHARON BOLTON is an action-packed, intense, compelling, and tension-filled crime thriller novel that grabbed our attention right away with the unique start to this story with a tragic incident involving a hot-air balloon ride.
The action starts off right away and had us using our detective skills quite early on trying to figure out the direction of the story and the motives of the dead woman walking.
Norma’s thoughts: I personally like going into all my books blind as I like to try to figure out the direction of the story on my own with little detail as possible. This one had me totally confused so I did have to read the synopsis after a few chapters in which didn’t really help me all that much still leaving me with more questions than answers. But, I guess that is good though…...
We all had a little trouble connecting with the story at first and struggled with the multiple narratives and the plot jumping back and forth in time although it did create a constant sense of unease throughout this story though. Sending Kaceey off in the wrong direction, Norma asking questions and finding out that she was heading in the right direction, and leaving Brenda with a nagging feeling something is up here. That's what made this a very interesting reading experience for us and where Sharon Bolton does her magic.
SHARON BOLTON delivers a cleverly and skillfully written story here giving us little information at first and dropping those clues so subtle into the plot and then pulling it all together in a heart-stopping and thrilling ending.
To sum it all up it was a gripping, complex, fast-paced, and an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing with all those twists and turns right to the dramatic ending. Would recommend!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sharon Bolton for the opportunity to read a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Our full Traveling Sister review along with Kaceey's thoughts can be found on your sister blog: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
April 9, 2022
Writing: 4.5/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 3ish/5
THE PLOT
Jessica Lane is the lone survivor of a freak hot balloon accident. Before crashing, she witnessed an attempted murder... and now he's after her to eliminate the final witness to his crime.
MY OPINION
Ok ok ok OKKK!! This was my first by the author. I really wanted to the read The Dark but unfortunately it's not available in my region on NG. So, while I wait for it to be released, I thought I'd dabble in her other works. I legit don't remember adding this to my TBR but here we are... Also I dead ass started and abandoned 3 books before sticking with this one. It was what I needed.
Writing? On point. Beautiful, well-structured sentences. Short chapters to keep you engaged and wanting more. I loved Jessica and Isabel's backstory. It's the first book I read that kinda delved into what it's like to be a nun, so I found that really interesting. Also, the nuns were hilarious in their own way. I liked how the author used sharp wit to "humanize" the nuns instead of going to stereotypical route of being religious freakazoids.
This book reads like a movie. Not your typical dude action movie, but like a classy netflix original LOL. There was continuous action and suspense based on a really unique premise. AND THAT TWIST ????? I was SHOOK. I mean... there were red herrings along the way, but I wasn't paying attention/they blended in perfectly (going with the latter lol).
The only part I didn't like was that last 10%. It got a lil too over the top (OTT) and threw in a bunch of unnecessary twists and turns. I think that one twist at 76% plus the culprit reveal was enough. I didn't need all that extra stuff and some of it just wasn't believable.
Anyways. I'm definitely going to read more of her work. It was a great read, unlike anything I've read this year.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Well-written, fast paced, great premise, shocking twist, layered and interesting characters
Cons: last 10% did too much
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THE PLOT
Jessica Lane is the lone survivor of a freak hot balloon accident. Before crashing, she witnessed an attempted murder... and now he's after her to eliminate the final witness to his crime.
MY OPINION
Ok ok ok OKKK!! This was my first by the author. I really wanted to the read The Dark but unfortunately it's not available in my region on NG. So, while I wait for it to be released, I thought I'd dabble in her other works. I legit don't remember adding this to my TBR but here we are... Also I dead ass started and abandoned 3 books before sticking with this one. It was what I needed.
Writing? On point. Beautiful, well-structured sentences. Short chapters to keep you engaged and wanting more. I loved Jessica and Isabel's backstory. It's the first book I read that kinda delved into what it's like to be a nun, so I found that really interesting. Also, the nuns were hilarious in their own way. I liked how the author used sharp wit to "humanize" the nuns instead of going to stereotypical route of being religious freakazoids.
This book reads like a movie. Not your typical dude action movie, but like a classy netflix original LOL. There was continuous action and suspense based on a really unique premise. AND THAT TWIST ????? I was SHOOK. I mean... there were red herrings along the way, but I wasn't paying attention/they blended in perfectly (going with the latter lol).
The only part I didn't like was that last 10%. It got a lil too over the top (OTT) and threw in a bunch of unnecessary twists and turns. I think that one twist at 76% plus the culprit reveal was enough. I didn't need all that extra stuff and some of it just wasn't believable.
Anyways. I'm definitely going to read more of her work. It was a great read, unlike anything I've read this year.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Well-written, fast paced, great premise, shocking twist, layered and interesting characters
Cons: last 10% did too much
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July 9, 2017
...4.5 Stars. A THRILLER OF A RIDE IN THE SKY....plus so much more!
...A hot-air balloon ride is a pretty cool experience....IF you don't drag the ground thru a field with people on top of you before landing upright, but my own trip...while a bit scary...was nothing compared to the frightening plunge taken by the passengers here.
"I am the only person left alive who knows what happened." (no spoiler here)
...After the shocking killer of a start, and let's see 1...2...3...well, I've lost count on the numerous and well-plotted twists and turns that intermingle with a whole stockpile of evil, but the now hunted...banged up, confused and weak lone survivor searches for answers in the most dangerous of places and unburies more than one shocking truth in the end.
...Whew! Sharon Bolton sure knows how to write crime-thrillers....and some of her characters in this one...well...I'll just say, loved the dark silent types...and their fine-feathered friends! DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 8, 2017
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
Thirteen souls on an ill-fated hot air balloon ride - only one will live to see the next day.
Watch for a man in a Trilby hat, dark and squat. Hear the screeching peacocks, tails unfurled to display a hundred unblinking eyes. A silent convent, voices of the dead, and a beloved sister turning into a nun. Sanctuary. A band of gypsies, static rather than roving. A yellow house, what is going on in there?
This is my first read by this author, and what did she do? She got me. Pow! Right in the kisser! Twice! For those who delight in solving as they read, the clues are there to be found along with some very clever misdirection.
Thirteen souls on an ill-fated hot air balloon ride - only one will live to see the next day.
Watch for a man in a Trilby hat, dark and squat. Hear the screeching peacocks, tails unfurled to display a hundred unblinking eyes. A silent convent, voices of the dead, and a beloved sister turning into a nun. Sanctuary. A band of gypsies, static rather than roving. A yellow house, what is going on in there?
This is my first read by this author, and what did she do? She got me. Pow! Right in the kisser! Twice! For those who delight in solving as they read, the clues are there to be found along with some very clever misdirection.
October 2, 2018
I don’t care. A hot air balloon ride is still on my bucket list, although Sharon Bolton did her best to disabuse me of the idea in her thrilling Dead Woman Walking. The title alone tells you the balloon does not stay aloft for long. This doesn’t matter for as is usual with Bolton she sucks you in immediately with her writing, her plotting, her characters, and her settings.
Jessica Lane has decided to treat her sister, Isabel, a nun, to the birthday treat of a hot air balloon ride. The dawn ride above the haunting and desolate landscape of Northumberland near the Scottish border quickly turns to terror and tragedy.
The occupants of the balloon witness a murder below them and the killer, Patrick Faa-his name is reveled early on, this is not a whodunnit but a whydunnit and whoelsedunnit. Faa, member of a large gypsy family, is well aware of being observed. He does his best to make sure no witness to the murder survives the outing. The chapters on the chase of the balloon and the ensuing crash are some of the most harrowing chapters I’ve ever read.
The balloon crash doesn’t kill them all and one of the witnesses goes on the run. The witness has her own agenda refusing to contact the police and trying to make her own way to safety. After playing defense, she decides to go on the offense. There are alternating chapters of past and present, woman being chased and her various chasers.
Bolton explores the themes of obsessive love and the recurring theme in her books of the exploitation of the ‘other’. She also reminds us that although gypsies have been part of Great Britain for centuries they are still considered ‘others’.
Bolton is well known for her twisty turny books. As always there are some surprises, but what is most fascinating is how she pulls them off without a bit of cheating. She is the master of sleight of hand, but only in the service of the story, never for shock value.
Bolton is dark. I found Dead Woman Walking to be her darkest yet. To give balance there is lightness, humor and love provided by a small silent order of Carmelite nuns at St Wynding’s Priory, where the nuns certainly make good use of the short time permitted for talking. One of the nuns, Sister Belinda (really?) announces to the convent, “…it would appear the filth have us surrounded.” This goes on my top ten quotes list.
Bolton doesn’t pull her punches and in the last quarter it is one punch after another. The last chapter was jolting in its emotional intensity of loves found, terrible mistakes rectified, and opportunities forever lost.
Bolton still easily wears the crown of "Queen of Rural Gothic."
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jessica Lane has decided to treat her sister, Isabel, a nun, to the birthday treat of a hot air balloon ride. The dawn ride above the haunting and desolate landscape of Northumberland near the Scottish border quickly turns to terror and tragedy.
The occupants of the balloon witness a murder below them and the killer, Patrick Faa-his name is reveled early on, this is not a whodunnit but a whydunnit and whoelsedunnit. Faa, member of a large gypsy family, is well aware of being observed. He does his best to make sure no witness to the murder survives the outing. The chapters on the chase of the balloon and the ensuing crash are some of the most harrowing chapters I’ve ever read.
The balloon crash doesn’t kill them all and one of the witnesses goes on the run. The witness has her own agenda refusing to contact the police and trying to make her own way to safety. After playing defense, she decides to go on the offense. There are alternating chapters of past and present, woman being chased and her various chasers.
Bolton explores the themes of obsessive love and the recurring theme in her books of the exploitation of the ‘other’. She also reminds us that although gypsies have been part of Great Britain for centuries they are still considered ‘others’.
Bolton is well known for her twisty turny books. As always there are some surprises, but what is most fascinating is how she pulls them off without a bit of cheating. She is the master of sleight of hand, but only in the service of the story, never for shock value.
Bolton is dark. I found Dead Woman Walking to be her darkest yet. To give balance there is lightness, humor and love provided by a small silent order of Carmelite nuns at St Wynding’s Priory, where the nuns certainly make good use of the short time permitted for talking. One of the nuns, Sister Belinda (really?) announces to the convent, “…it would appear the filth have us surrounded.” This goes on my top ten quotes list.
Bolton doesn’t pull her punches and in the last quarter it is one punch after another. The last chapter was jolting in its emotional intensity of loves found, terrible mistakes rectified, and opportunities forever lost.
Bolton still easily wears the crown of "Queen of Rural Gothic."
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 20, 2017
First let me say that I adore this authors Lacey Flint stories. Her stand alones have not met with the same success, at least not for me. A hot air balloon ride, a present to sister who has been in a meditative convent for twenty years. Something is seen from the balloon that places it in jeopardy. Let's just say this balloon ride does not turn out successively. So we are off, on what I thought was a cat and mouse chase through the countryside.
This story never quite gelled with me. I found it implausibke almost from the beginning. Plots need to have a basic sense to them, have a believability factor in which I can engage. For me, this one didn't. What I did like though and the reason I am giving this three stars, is the very humorous scene with the nuns in the convent. Oh, and did I mention the ghost or spirit or what have you, that makes a few appearances? Another case where less would have been better than more. So many things were thrown into this plot, and so many things I found that affected the credulity factor.
I know my rating and reciew is in the minority, and many haven't been bothered by the things that bothered me. The best way to judge is to read it yourself. On the plus side, if I keep reading thrillers, my bucket list will continue to get smaller. One balloon ride off the list!!
ARC from Netgalley.
This story never quite gelled with me. I found it implausibke almost from the beginning. Plots need to have a basic sense to them, have a believability factor in which I can engage. For me, this one didn't. What I did like though and the reason I am giving this three stars, is the very humorous scene with the nuns in the convent. Oh, and did I mention the ghost or spirit or what have you, that makes a few appearances? Another case where less would have been better than more. So many things were thrown into this plot, and so many things I found that affected the credulity factor.
I know my rating and reciew is in the minority, and many haven't been bothered by the things that bothered me. The best way to judge is to read it yourself. On the plus side, if I keep reading thrillers, my bucket list will continue to get smaller. One balloon ride off the list!!
ARC from Netgalley.
March 19, 2017
Jessica Lane has always depended on her big sister Bella. A childhood riddled with tragedy made them even closer until they went their separate ways. Jess was sent to live with an aunt & uncle & Bella became a nun.
Now Bella is turning 40 & Jess has the perfect gift….a view of the world beyond the abbey’s walls from a hot air balloon. What could go wrong? Oh man, where to begin….
If you’re a fan of the author, you know she is famous for sneaky knock-out punches you never saw coming. Half the fun is trying to figure it out before she drops you to your knees so I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice to say while Jess, Bella & 11 others are soaring over the Northumberland countryside, they see a nasty crime in progress. Jess is shocked to realize the man looks familiar. And he’s staring right at her. The last thing he needs are witnesses & by the time the dust settles, the balloon has crashed killing everyone on board. But as he picks through the bodies he only counts 12. Wait…where’s the young woman he locked eyes with?
Well, turns out the lone survivor is up a tree. When she comes to, all she knows for sure is she has to run. It’s the beginning of a deadly game of cat & mouse along the Scottish border that grows increasingly complicated once the police are involved.
The overall plot is extremely complex & there are many side stories that flesh out a large cast of characters. Two time lines run simultaneously. In alternate chapters we go back & follow Jess & Bella as they grow up. We know something terrible happened when they were young & pivotal moments are gradually revealed & woven into present day events.
Yeesh…could I be any more vague? It’s one of those books where the less you know going in, the better & I’m getting dangerously close to spoiler territory.
The story moves along at a good pace thanks to short punchy chapters told from multiple POV’s. But to be honest, I had trouble connecting with the MC’s for the first half. It’s obvious that a lot of information is being withheld & only slowly doled out as the book progresses. Because of that, I had a hard time understanding some of the characters’ actions & motivations & it prevented me from being completely invested. At about 45% a couple of big pieces fell into place, the lights went on & from that point I was all in. All of a sudden I understood some of our heroine’s dodgy decisions & it became a true page turner.
At the very end there is a twist that seems a little too neat but it’s a minor quibble after a couple of classic Bolton bombshells that will have your jaw heading south. The characters are very diverse & I particularly enjoyed Sister Belinda, an elderly nun who has watched waaay too much CSI.
The end is satisfying & evokes a range of emotions as the characters (and readers) finally get their answers. It may not be my favourite book by Ms. Bolton but she sets the bar so high, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smart, intricate thriller that will mess with your head.
Now Bella is turning 40 & Jess has the perfect gift….a view of the world beyond the abbey’s walls from a hot air balloon. What could go wrong? Oh man, where to begin….
If you’re a fan of the author, you know she is famous for sneaky knock-out punches you never saw coming. Half the fun is trying to figure it out before she drops you to your knees so I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice to say while Jess, Bella & 11 others are soaring over the Northumberland countryside, they see a nasty crime in progress. Jess is shocked to realize the man looks familiar. And he’s staring right at her. The last thing he needs are witnesses & by the time the dust settles, the balloon has crashed killing everyone on board. But as he picks through the bodies he only counts 12. Wait…where’s the young woman he locked eyes with?
Well, turns out the lone survivor is up a tree. When she comes to, all she knows for sure is she has to run. It’s the beginning of a deadly game of cat & mouse along the Scottish border that grows increasingly complicated once the police are involved.
The overall plot is extremely complex & there are many side stories that flesh out a large cast of characters. Two time lines run simultaneously. In alternate chapters we go back & follow Jess & Bella as they grow up. We know something terrible happened when they were young & pivotal moments are gradually revealed & woven into present day events.
Yeesh…could I be any more vague? It’s one of those books where the less you know going in, the better & I’m getting dangerously close to spoiler territory.
The story moves along at a good pace thanks to short punchy chapters told from multiple POV’s. But to be honest, I had trouble connecting with the MC’s for the first half. It’s obvious that a lot of information is being withheld & only slowly doled out as the book progresses. Because of that, I had a hard time understanding some of the characters’ actions & motivations & it prevented me from being completely invested. At about 45% a couple of big pieces fell into place, the lights went on & from that point I was all in. All of a sudden I understood some of our heroine’s dodgy decisions & it became a true page turner.
At the very end there is a twist that seems a little too neat but it’s a minor quibble after a couple of classic Bolton bombshells that will have your jaw heading south. The characters are very diverse & I particularly enjoyed Sister Belinda, an elderly nun who has watched waaay too much CSI.
The end is satisfying & evokes a range of emotions as the characters (and readers) finally get their answers. It may not be my favourite book by Ms. Bolton but she sets the bar so high, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smart, intricate thriller that will mess with your head.
July 13, 2017
Dead Woman Walking was an excellent choice for a Traveling Sister Read. A great one for all of us to use our different detective skills. Timing was a bit off for us on this one and we read at different paces. However we were able to come together at the end and read the heart stopping finish together. What a great discussion that made for the ending. I highly recommend for group reads.
Dead Woman Walking is a brilliant and compelling story with many layers to the well-crafted plot that caught my attention right away with the opening scene. After reading a bit more into the multiple stories and the two timelines it did leave me confused and frustrated at times as I didn’t know which way to focus my detective skills towards. I had a hard time connecting at first. But that is where Sandra Bolton shines with the cleverness of the story. She is sneaky and holds back some information leaving several clever clues along the way that did leave me with a nagging feeling something is not right here but still not being able to piece anything together.
Sandra Bolton cleverly merges the plots together, leaving clues along the way and springs the twists and turns at the perfect time. She has developed an array of interesting and compelling characters. I loved the nuns who added some fun and humor to the story.
I highly recommend for the cleverest of thriller lovers to challenge their detective skills.
Thank you so to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sharon Bolton for a copy to read and review
Our full Traveling Sister review along with Kaceey's thoughts can be found on your sister blog
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Dead Woman Walking is a brilliant and compelling story with many layers to the well-crafted plot that caught my attention right away with the opening scene. After reading a bit more into the multiple stories and the two timelines it did leave me confused and frustrated at times as I didn’t know which way to focus my detective skills towards. I had a hard time connecting at first. But that is where Sandra Bolton shines with the cleverness of the story. She is sneaky and holds back some information leaving several clever clues along the way that did leave me with a nagging feeling something is not right here but still not being able to piece anything together.
Sandra Bolton cleverly merges the plots together, leaving clues along the way and springs the twists and turns at the perfect time. She has developed an array of interesting and compelling characters. I loved the nuns who added some fun and humor to the story.
I highly recommend for the cleverest of thriller lovers to challenge their detective skills.
Thank you so to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sharon Bolton for a copy to read and review
Our full Traveling Sister review along with Kaceey's thoughts can be found on your sister blog
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
July 9, 2017
Dead Woman Walking is my second novel that I have read by Sharon Bolton. Bolton has slowly creeped her way up to my favorite author list.
Bolton delivers a well crafted thriller that has plenty of twists and surprises that keeps the reader on edge! This book had my anxiety raging towards the end! Bolton has well developed characters that you as the reader get invested in up until the end.
I can always count on Bolton to deliver those last minute turns that throw you completely off! This is what I LOVE about my thrillers!
I do have to say that I enjoyed Daisy in Chains a little bit more then this one but I give this a solid and strong 4 stars!
I would definitely recommend to my GR friends if you have not experienced this wonderful author. You definitely need to jump on the Bolton wagon :).
Bolton delivers a well crafted thriller that has plenty of twists and surprises that keeps the reader on edge! This book had my anxiety raging towards the end! Bolton has well developed characters that you as the reader get invested in up until the end.
I can always count on Bolton to deliver those last minute turns that throw you completely off! This is what I LOVE about my thrillers!
I do have to say that I enjoyed Daisy in Chains a little bit more then this one but I give this a solid and strong 4 stars!
I would definitely recommend to my GR friends if you have not experienced this wonderful author. You definitely need to jump on the Bolton wagon :).
May 14, 2022
Clever, Clever, Clever!!!! That one word sums up how I feel about this book and this author! Ms. Bolton was one of the first authors that I read when I ventured into the “thriller” genre and she snared me with “Little Black Lies”. Before joining NetGalley I had never, not once, picked up a thriller. Ms. Bolton quickly showed me how brilliantly a thriller writer can be. I was excited to read her newest “Dead Woman Walking”.
What could be more perfect than the surprise of a balloon ride on your birthday on a picture perfect day (unless you were afraid of heights) which Jessica’s sister Isabel was not. For a short time, as we meet the other passengers on the balloon along with the pilot it feels blissful indeed, but that is stopped short when Jess leans over the balloon and sees a crime being committed, and she recognizes the culprit. This was quickly followed by a shot that rang out throughout the beautiful day and began the horror that was to follow, with a balloon crash that killed most of the passengers.
There is more than one subplot in this book and I am not going to ruin any of them for you. Just when you think you may have the answer to it all, another plot pops up along with more characters to contend with.
The crimes committed by this horrendous family of sickies are almost too much to believe but, sadly, at least in some ways, crimes against immigrants are quite common. So many people will do whatever, including selling a part of themselves, to come to this country. There, I gave you a hint, that one tiny one is all you are getting.
The story is also about the sisters growing up, a terrible time in their young lives and how they chose their different lifestyles One became a nun, the other was raised by her aunt and uncle and then choose an interesting and very different career path from her sister, but wait, I can’t tell you that either!
This author is very gifted not only in writing but in the twisty ways the subplots are revealed and the depth of her characters. Sadly, in many thrillers that I read, that depth of characterization is what is often lacking. I’m sure that Ms. Bolton could make a shopping list exciting if she wanted to. Pick up this novel, you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks for this ARC to the publisher and NetGalley.
What could be more perfect than the surprise of a balloon ride on your birthday on a picture perfect day (unless you were afraid of heights) which Jessica’s sister Isabel was not. For a short time, as we meet the other passengers on the balloon along with the pilot it feels blissful indeed, but that is stopped short when Jess leans over the balloon and sees a crime being committed, and she recognizes the culprit. This was quickly followed by a shot that rang out throughout the beautiful day and began the horror that was to follow, with a balloon crash that killed most of the passengers.
There is more than one subplot in this book and I am not going to ruin any of them for you. Just when you think you may have the answer to it all, another plot pops up along with more characters to contend with.
The crimes committed by this horrendous family of sickies are almost too much to believe but, sadly, at least in some ways, crimes against immigrants are quite common. So many people will do whatever, including selling a part of themselves, to come to this country. There, I gave you a hint, that one tiny one is all you are getting.
The story is also about the sisters growing up, a terrible time in their young lives and how they chose their different lifestyles One became a nun, the other was raised by her aunt and uncle and then choose an interesting and very different career path from her sister, but wait, I can’t tell you that either!
This author is very gifted not only in writing but in the twisty ways the subplots are revealed and the depth of her characters. Sadly, in many thrillers that I read, that depth of characterization is what is often lacking. I’m sure that Ms. Bolton could make a shopping list exciting if she wanted to. Pick up this novel, you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks for this ARC to the publisher and NetGalley.
September 1, 2017
“Blood is thicker”
It’s those ties that bind that are the heart of Sharon Bolton’s latest work, Dead Woman Walking. And while it’s evident that Bolton’s goal was emotional resonance, a convoluted and implausible plot limited its impact.
It seems a simple premise: in the Scottish countryside, a man murders a woman. While in the act, a hot air balloon passes overhead and suddenly there's a whole balloon’s worth o’witnesses. Yikes. Hot air balloon crashes leaving just one survivor. That lone survivor is then stalked by previously mentioned murderer. Basic, right? Not exactly.
Action is the name of the game here. The murder is committed right-off--no lolly-gagging allowed. Sharon Bolton’s characteristically beautiful writing opens the story lulling the reader into an early false sense of security making the subsequent violence all the more shocking. Everything is peaceful and lush…..then BAM. Almost as if Bolton wants readers to endure the same potent tonal shift the hot air passengers experienced.
Unlike many a mystery, the murderer’s identity is revealed immediately. It’s not the “who” that’s the question here, it’s the “why” and the “how.” The narrative alternates between the murderer, survivor, and investigating police detectives. All plot angles are fully explored, yet there remain multiple vague references to unnamed events and persons that become increasingly frustrating, rather than puzzling.
Further the suspension of disbelief required to make this story work is bordering on the astronomic. First, why in the world would an experienced killer murder someone in the open countryside? Yes, it’s relatively remote but why take the chance, especially when there are available inside locations? Then, after he’s spotted--and spotted from a HOT AIR BALLOON at that--he proceeds to give chase to said balloon on his quad bike (aka four-wheeler)??? He’s legit chasing a hot air balloon. WHAT THE WHAT??? And the guy's such a dead shot that from the ground he manages to hit his target who’s (again) flying--in a HOT AIR BALLOON??? What is this man??? This entire section reads more like Jason stalking counselors at Camp Crystal Lake than a genuine, British murder mystery. I was simply waiting for the hockey mask to make its appearance. From there, the vast number of coincidences present are just too ridiculous. THIS IS A MYSTERY. It’s not a slaughter-house flick. There needs to be some degree of believability. And frankly, I just don’t buy it.
An initially straightforward plot becomes progressively more convoluted and loses its central thread, as well as its sense of immediacy and profundity. The denouement contains several major twists. Some work, others don’t. Again, improbability (and genre-switching) remains an issue. Basically, Bolton tried to do too much. A narrowed storyline was desperately needed.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It’s those ties that bind that are the heart of Sharon Bolton’s latest work, Dead Woman Walking. And while it’s evident that Bolton’s goal was emotional resonance, a convoluted and implausible plot limited its impact.
It seems a simple premise: in the Scottish countryside, a man murders a woman. While in the act, a hot air balloon passes overhead and suddenly there's a whole balloon’s worth o’witnesses. Yikes. Hot air balloon crashes leaving just one survivor. That lone survivor is then stalked by previously mentioned murderer. Basic, right? Not exactly.
Action is the name of the game here. The murder is committed right-off--no lolly-gagging allowed. Sharon Bolton’s characteristically beautiful writing opens the story lulling the reader into an early false sense of security making the subsequent violence all the more shocking. Everything is peaceful and lush…..then BAM. Almost as if Bolton wants readers to endure the same potent tonal shift the hot air passengers experienced.
Unlike many a mystery, the murderer’s identity is revealed immediately. It’s not the “who” that’s the question here, it’s the “why” and the “how.” The narrative alternates between the murderer, survivor, and investigating police detectives. All plot angles are fully explored, yet there remain multiple vague references to unnamed events and persons that become increasingly frustrating, rather than puzzling.
Further the suspension of disbelief required to make this story work is bordering on the astronomic. First, why in the world would an experienced killer murder someone in the open countryside? Yes, it’s relatively remote but why take the chance, especially when there are available inside locations? Then, after he’s spotted--and spotted from a HOT AIR BALLOON at that--he proceeds to give chase to said balloon on his quad bike (aka four-wheeler)??? He’s legit chasing a hot air balloon. WHAT THE WHAT??? And the guy's such a dead shot that from the ground he manages to hit his target who’s (again) flying--in a HOT AIR BALLOON??? What is this man??? This entire section reads more like Jason stalking counselors at Camp Crystal Lake than a genuine, British murder mystery. I was simply waiting for the hockey mask to make its appearance. From there, the vast number of coincidences present are just too ridiculous. THIS IS A MYSTERY. It’s not a slaughter-house flick. There needs to be some degree of believability. And frankly, I just don’t buy it.
An initially straightforward plot becomes progressively more convoluted and loses its central thread, as well as its sense of immediacy and profundity. The denouement contains several major twists. Some work, others don’t. Again, improbability (and genre-switching) remains an issue. Basically, Bolton tried to do too much. A narrowed storyline was desperately needed.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
Reading Dead Woman Walking was like a roller coaster ride - speeding down the rails, up and down - watch out for that twisty curve!! Whew! What a ride!
The book begins with a balloon ride, beautifully sailing along the hills of Scotland but the passengers above witness a crime below and suddenly their world is catapulted. In the aftermath, only one person walks away and she is determined to find the person responsible for this tragedy!
In case you think this is just another "whodunnit," let me add that there are crooked cops, gypsies, black market body parts, cheating husbands and nuns all included in the book! Yeah, see....it really is a bit like being at an amusement park!!
Despite all of that, the story is solid. Bolton's writing is very fluid and the characters are very well developed. Her descriptions of the people and countryside are so well done that you can almost smell the rain and heather. I admit that I'm a Bolton fan, but this is one of her more interesting works and definitely a unique plot. It's a perfect fit for all mystery, crime, suspense, thriller readers.
The book begins with a balloon ride, beautifully sailing along the hills of Scotland but the passengers above witness a crime below and suddenly their world is catapulted. In the aftermath, only one person walks away and she is determined to find the person responsible for this tragedy!
In case you think this is just another "whodunnit," let me add that there are crooked cops, gypsies, black market body parts, cheating husbands and nuns all included in the book! Yeah, see....it really is a bit like being at an amusement park!!
Despite all of that, the story is solid. Bolton's writing is very fluid and the characters are very well developed. Her descriptions of the people and countryside are so well done that you can almost smell the rain and heather. I admit that I'm a Bolton fan, but this is one of her more interesting works and definitely a unique plot. It's a perfect fit for all mystery, crime, suspense, thriller readers.
September 5, 2017
Tragedy, secrets, murder, sisters (biological), more sisters (nuns), intrigue, some of the most disturbing crimes I've ever read about, and... peacocks? This book is crazy. At times unbelievable, but so well written and intricate I had a hard time putting it down. I lost count of the twists and turns the story took. A few in particular blew my mind. I found this book to be very unpredictable... and I read a lot, so that is saying something. This book is packed with not only action, but revelations.
A sweet gift from one sister to another goes terribly wrong. Jessie just wanted to surprise her big sister with a hot air balloon ride for her birthday. At first it seems like the perfect surprise. Bella is thrilled. It will certainly be the experience of a lifetime... but no one was counting on it being the very last experience for nearly everyone on board.
The passengers witness a crime happening on the land below. A man has brutally attacked a young female. Jessie takes photos of him with her phone. She looks right at him... and he looks back. That's only the beginning of the trouble.
Jessie's sister Bella is a nun who now goes by Maria Magdalena. (Stay with me here.) They're only two of a large cast of fascinating characters, including criminals, other sisters, and the police. The balloon crashes not long after they witness that attack, and almost every life is lost. Without immediate help, Jessie bolts away... from the tragedy, from the loss of her sister, and from the man who is now in pursuit to any witnesses to his violence. She even seems to be avoiding the police, whether it's from some kind of PTSD or a darker reason she has to fear most anyone.
Dark, atmospheric, chilling, and haunting. I don't want to delve deep into the story because I want anyone who chooses to pick this up to have the same experience I had, and I was stunned. They are few, but there are even some lighter moments than made me laugh. I felt so connected to the characters. They all have a colorful history that unravels as you read. I'm not taking any hot air balloon rides anytime soon.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
A sweet gift from one sister to another goes terribly wrong. Jessie just wanted to surprise her big sister with a hot air balloon ride for her birthday. At first it seems like the perfect surprise. Bella is thrilled. It will certainly be the experience of a lifetime... but no one was counting on it being the very last experience for nearly everyone on board.
The passengers witness a crime happening on the land below. A man has brutally attacked a young female. Jessie takes photos of him with her phone. She looks right at him... and he looks back. That's only the beginning of the trouble.
Jessie's sister Bella is a nun who now goes by Maria Magdalena. (Stay with me here.) They're only two of a large cast of fascinating characters, including criminals, other sisters, and the police. The balloon crashes not long after they witness that attack, and almost every life is lost. Without immediate help, Jessie bolts away... from the tragedy, from the loss of her sister, and from the man who is now in pursuit to any witnesses to his violence. She even seems to be avoiding the police, whether it's from some kind of PTSD or a darker reason she has to fear most anyone.
Dark, atmospheric, chilling, and haunting. I don't want to delve deep into the story because I want anyone who chooses to pick this up to have the same experience I had, and I was stunned. They are few, but there are even some lighter moments than made me laugh. I felt so connected to the characters. They all have a colorful history that unravels as you read. I'm not taking any hot air balloon rides anytime soon.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
October 2, 2017
The elements contained in this book are a bewildering assortment. Nuns, gypsies, immigrants, and police are brought together to form this unbelievable story. I mean unbelievable as in amazing! And there are peacocks with groan-inducing names.
It all starts with two sisters, Jessica and Isabel, riding in a hot air balloon which was a birthday surprise. I believe I won’t say more about the plot. The less you know, the more the twists and turns will surprise you. One of them was so unexpected for me that I wanted to start over with my new-found information. It took me a few minutes to think and review what I’d read and then I continued. One of my later suspicions turned out to be true, but I didn’t understand how or why until the reveal.
There were a few sparks of humor from the nuns. I especially appreciated Sister Belinda, knowing that Sharon Bolton and author Belinda Bauer are very good friends who give each other good-natured ribbings.
Sharon Bolton has knocked my socks off once again. I can hardly wait for the next time!
It all starts with two sisters, Jessica and Isabel, riding in a hot air balloon which was a birthday surprise. I believe I won’t say more about the plot. The less you know, the more the twists and turns will surprise you. One of them was so unexpected for me that I wanted to start over with my new-found information. It took me a few minutes to think and review what I’d read and then I continued. One of my later suspicions turned out to be true, but I didn’t understand how or why until the reveal.
There were a few sparks of humor from the nuns. I especially appreciated Sister Belinda, knowing that Sharon Bolton and author Belinda Bauer are very good friends who give each other good-natured ribbings.
Sharon Bolton has knocked my socks off once again. I can hardly wait for the next time!
May 12, 2018
How come I have not read any of this author's books before? I certainly will now - this one was great!
I have tried three times in my life to take a hot air balloon ride and each time it was cancelled due to the weather. I finally decided someone was trying to tell me something and now, having read this book, I have no desire ever to try again! In Dead Woman Walking we follow the experiences of the sole survivor of a hot air balloon crash and we also get a lot of gory details about what happens to the other twelve people in the basket.
The author tells the story in an interesting way with flashbacks thrown in every now and then to give the reader back story. This was occasionally confusing but okay once I remembered to check the date at the top of each chapter before I started to read it. It was all very, very tense and mysterious, and then just when I thought I had sorted things out the author turned the whole thing upside down. Then an emotional ending actually had me reaching for a tissue.
Oh I nearly forgot to mention the nuns. They were brilliant. You could read this book for the nuns alone:)
I have tried three times in my life to take a hot air balloon ride and each time it was cancelled due to the weather. I finally decided someone was trying to tell me something and now, having read this book, I have no desire ever to try again! In Dead Woman Walking we follow the experiences of the sole survivor of a hot air balloon crash and we also get a lot of gory details about what happens to the other twelve people in the basket.
The author tells the story in an interesting way with flashbacks thrown in every now and then to give the reader back story. This was occasionally confusing but okay once I remembered to check the date at the top of each chapter before I started to read it. It was all very, very tense and mysterious, and then just when I thought I had sorted things out the author turned the whole thing upside down. Then an emotional ending actually had me reaching for a tissue.
Oh I nearly forgot to mention the nuns. They were brilliant. You could read this book for the nuns alone:)
December 12, 2022
Ok...here comes another gushing fan of Sharon Bolton...one of few authors who never disappoints. This brilliant author continues her string of five star novels!
Jessica takes her sister up in a hot air balloon 🎈 to celebrate her sister's birthday. From the air they see a man chase and murder a woman. The murderer wants to do everything he can to get rid of the witnesses.
This one reads faster than "The Fugitive!" What an excellent thrill ride. I loved this one so much!
Jessica takes her sister up in a hot air balloon 🎈 to celebrate her sister's birthday. From the air they see a man chase and murder a woman. The murderer wants to do everything he can to get rid of the witnesses.
This one reads faster than "The Fugitive!" What an excellent thrill ride. I loved this one so much!
August 14, 2017
2★
I am a big fan of Sharon Bolton’s Little Black Lies because often mystery/thrillers and I don’t see eye to eye and I end up feeling like my intelligence has been under assault. Great appreciation ensues when they can entertain without making my face look like an emoji 🙄.
Early reviews on this one show high ratings and enthusiasm from readers. I wish I could join them but find myself in agreement with the minority 2 and 3 star reviews. While willing to suspend belief occasionally for a good plot and escape from reality, for myself the mercury rose too far up the implausible scale, impatience to be done with it took over, and I was brain-dead on arrival.
Thank you to NetGalley & Minotaur books for this ARC.
I am a big fan of Sharon Bolton’s Little Black Lies because often mystery/thrillers and I don’t see eye to eye and I end up feeling like my intelligence has been under assault. Great appreciation ensues when they can entertain without making my face look like an emoji 🙄.
Early reviews on this one show high ratings and enthusiasm from readers. I wish I could join them but find myself in agreement with the minority 2 and 3 star reviews. While willing to suspend belief occasionally for a good plot and escape from reality, for myself the mercury rose too far up the implausible scale, impatience to be done with it took over, and I was brain-dead on arrival.
Thank you to NetGalley & Minotaur books for this ARC.
April 28, 2022
Sharon Bolton has my heart. This book has everything I never knew I needed in a story- badass nuns, a hot air balloon catastrophe, the baddest of bad guys involved in human trafficking, & all of the twists and turns!
March 2, 2018
Aspiring literary suspense authors would do well to study Sharon Bolton’s books for a master class in how it should be done. Having read several of her stand-alones, I can unequivocally say that she excels at character development, tightly and cleverly written plots with surprising twists, emotional depth and intensity, meticulous attention to detail, and an incredible sense of place. And while the suspense and sense of peril continually increase, Bolton knows exactly where and how to include humor. (Who wouldn’t laugh at a convent of crime fighting nuns!) The book blurb gives a good outline of the plot and I won’t include anything that might spoil it. The action begins immediately and the pace never lets up. There are several stunning twists, one of which was so unexpected that I re-read the book (which was even better the second time around) to discover how I failed to pick up on the clues Bolton dropped. For those who are readers and not aspiring authors, settle into your favorite reading chair and immerse yourself in one of the best crime thriller books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
February 18, 2017
Another bang on target crime novel from Sharon Bolton here - cleverly twisted plot with some great characters, emotional themes and once more is a genuine page turner. Also Nuns. Loved the Nuns.
This authors plot weaving, game changing, impressively engaging prose is second to none in the crime field really, doesn't really matter what you expect to get, you'll end up sent all round the houses and back again. I loved this - clever and totally riveting.
EXCELLENT. Full review will come in April nearer publication.
Highly Recommended.
This authors plot weaving, game changing, impressively engaging prose is second to none in the crime field really, doesn't really matter what you expect to get, you'll end up sent all round the houses and back again. I loved this - clever and totally riveting.
EXCELLENT. Full review will come in April nearer publication.
Highly Recommended.
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