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Fracture
An engrossing psychological thriller you won't be able to put down
After leaving university and a violent relationship behind, Rosie flies to Australia to spend some time with her uncle, Charlie, and his wife, Rita.
Trying to regain some of her lost confidence she hikes along the coast for a day. She's horrified to see a body on the beach. However the 'body' is the very much alive and enigmatic Alfie. The two women become friends and spend time together in Sydney where Alfie's wild nature becomes apparent. When Alfie is attacked the situation takes a turn for the worse and they decide to leave the city.
It's a road trip that ends in murder...
Who is Alfie? What is Rosie hiding?
Detective Sergeant Pete Norton wants answers to these questions.
What he will discover is that this case is a killer.
After leaving university and a violent relationship behind, Rosie flies to Australia to spend some time with her uncle, Charlie, and his wife, Rita.
Trying to regain some of her lost confidence she hikes along the coast for a day. She's horrified to see a body on the beach. However the 'body' is the very much alive and enigmatic Alfie. The two women become friends and spend time together in Sydney where Alfie's wild nature becomes apparent. When Alfie is attacked the situation takes a turn for the worse and they decide to leave the city.
It's a road trip that ends in murder...
Who is Alfie? What is Rosie hiding?
Detective Sergeant Pete Norton wants answers to these questions.
What he will discover is that this case is a killer.
- GenresMystery
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2016
39 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 28, 2016
From the start I was intrigued about Rosie, her parents seem to be happy to send their daughter half way around the world to stay with family. There is obviously something from her past that they want her to get away from in the hope of making a fresh start.
To go to Australia must be an amazing experience in itself and I was very envious when after meeting Alfie, both women decide to go on a road trip.
As soon as Rosie meets Alfie, alarm bells were ringing. She seems to be a bit of a free spirit and from the off it is obvious this girl is trouble. Unfortunately for Rosie she seems to be captivated by Alfie and is quite happy to follow her lead.
The story alternates between Rosie meeting Alfie and events that happen while on their road trip and to present day where Rosie is being interrogated by DS Pete Norton. I was interested to know the reason for why Rosie was being questioned and as to what could have happened that would see her ending up where she was.
Personally for me I found Fracture to be more a story of suspense than a psychological thriller. Even though I enjoyed the story line, I didn’t find it as gripping as I would expect from this sort of genre as again, for me, I found it set at a slower pace and I didn’t feel that urgency of turning the pages that I would usually get. Obviously this is just my personal preference and I would still urge people to give Fracture a shot as it is still an enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by the author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
To go to Australia must be an amazing experience in itself and I was very envious when after meeting Alfie, both women decide to go on a road trip.
As soon as Rosie meets Alfie, alarm bells were ringing. She seems to be a bit of a free spirit and from the off it is obvious this girl is trouble. Unfortunately for Rosie she seems to be captivated by Alfie and is quite happy to follow her lead.
The story alternates between Rosie meeting Alfie and events that happen while on their road trip and to present day where Rosie is being interrogated by DS Pete Norton. I was interested to know the reason for why Rosie was being questioned and as to what could have happened that would see her ending up where she was.
Personally for me I found Fracture to be more a story of suspense than a psychological thriller. Even though I enjoyed the story line, I didn’t find it as gripping as I would expect from this sort of genre as again, for me, I found it set at a slower pace and I didn’t feel that urgency of turning the pages that I would usually get. Obviously this is just my personal preference and I would still urge people to give Fracture a shot as it is still an enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by the author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
October 31, 2016
You have been hurt in the past – the scars are there for everyone to see. You are sent away to the other end of the world, to start anew, to build up a life. But can you free yourself from who you are? Are you ever able to put the past to rest? When something happens and the police find you – who would believe you, with your past, to be innocent?
Rosie finds herself in a police station – accused of all sorts of things. She tells her story, acknowledges a theft – but they keep nagging at her to confess. Confess to what? What is happening? She came from the UK to Australia to build a new life, far away from her parents and the terrors of her past, sometimes still haunting her. Her uncle Charlie and his wife Rita welcomed Rosie with open arms, offering her the opportunity to find herself - and a future.
Rosie is twenty-eight years old, but feels she’s just awakening from her college years and the horrors of her past. She’s vulnerable and to the reader it seems like she’s only starting to get on her own feet, not having challenged or explored the world before. The home of Charlie and Rita feels so comfortable, that Rosie needs a little push to leave these sheltered surroundings. When she finally dares to go out, she sets herself a goal to walk through Sydney, to explore the city, to mingle with others. For her the challenge is to find her way alone, to socialize with strangers, to pick up herself and be responsible for her own actions. She's taking it step by step and enjoying her freedom, finding self-confidence and a way back in society.
On Rosie’s first walk she meets a young woman named Alfie. Actually .. she stumbles upon a naked body on the beach, imagining it to be dead, a victim to Dracula, preying after innocent virgins. Alfie as the ‘corpse’ turns out to be, is very much alive. Rose is captivated by Alfie's personality and playfulness as well as her darker side underneath. Does Rosie somehow recognize herself in Alfie? She senses Alfie also has secrets in the past she wants to keep buried.
Rosie is fascinated by Alfie's ability to turn ordinary day-to-day situations into exciting imaginative schemes when the two of them wander through Sydney. The more Rosie enjoys Alfie's company, the more desperate she is to be liked - to be loved. Is it a shock for Rosie to realize she's attracted to Alfie? Has Rosie ever been with a woman before - or a man?
Every peek into Rosie's former life gives insight in who she is today, but it doesn't provide an explanation for Rosie's current situation, locked up in a police station without knowing the accusations against her. Rosie admits to spending money from a man's wallet Alfie had stolen - but the attitude of the police suggests there's something more serious going on. It's because of Rosie's past that the police are treating her as a suspect, not believing a single statement Rosie makes.
Whereas the book was not too fast paced, the ending is quite another thing. Before you know it the slow starter becomes a roller coaster hurtling towards the climax in a whirlwind of events. This makes 'Fracture' an intriguing psychological thriller. And yet it also feels like a coming-of-age novel, in which the protagonist is struggling to find her way in life, to accept and take responsibility for who she. Of course normally a 28-year old would not find herself in a 'coming-of-age' situation, but Rosie has that same vulnerability and insecurity regarding her sexuality. Because this is such an intriguing and different read, l was surprisingly captivated by this thriller with a twist.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/fractur...
Rosie finds herself in a police station – accused of all sorts of things. She tells her story, acknowledges a theft – but they keep nagging at her to confess. Confess to what? What is happening? She came from the UK to Australia to build a new life, far away from her parents and the terrors of her past, sometimes still haunting her. Her uncle Charlie and his wife Rita welcomed Rosie with open arms, offering her the opportunity to find herself - and a future.
Rosie is twenty-eight years old, but feels she’s just awakening from her college years and the horrors of her past. She’s vulnerable and to the reader it seems like she’s only starting to get on her own feet, not having challenged or explored the world before. The home of Charlie and Rita feels so comfortable, that Rosie needs a little push to leave these sheltered surroundings. When she finally dares to go out, she sets herself a goal to walk through Sydney, to explore the city, to mingle with others. For her the challenge is to find her way alone, to socialize with strangers, to pick up herself and be responsible for her own actions. She's taking it step by step and enjoying her freedom, finding self-confidence and a way back in society.
On Rosie’s first walk she meets a young woman named Alfie. Actually .. she stumbles upon a naked body on the beach, imagining it to be dead, a victim to Dracula, preying after innocent virgins. Alfie as the ‘corpse’ turns out to be, is very much alive. Rose is captivated by Alfie's personality and playfulness as well as her darker side underneath. Does Rosie somehow recognize herself in Alfie? She senses Alfie also has secrets in the past she wants to keep buried.
Rosie is fascinated by Alfie's ability to turn ordinary day-to-day situations into exciting imaginative schemes when the two of them wander through Sydney. The more Rosie enjoys Alfie's company, the more desperate she is to be liked - to be loved. Is it a shock for Rosie to realize she's attracted to Alfie? Has Rosie ever been with a woman before - or a man?
Every peek into Rosie's former life gives insight in who she is today, but it doesn't provide an explanation for Rosie's current situation, locked up in a police station without knowing the accusations against her. Rosie admits to spending money from a man's wallet Alfie had stolen - but the attitude of the police suggests there's something more serious going on. It's because of Rosie's past that the police are treating her as a suspect, not believing a single statement Rosie makes.
Whereas the book was not too fast paced, the ending is quite another thing. Before you know it the slow starter becomes a roller coaster hurtling towards the climax in a whirlwind of events. This makes 'Fracture' an intriguing psychological thriller. And yet it also feels like a coming-of-age novel, in which the protagonist is struggling to find her way in life, to accept and take responsibility for who she. Of course normally a 28-year old would not find herself in a 'coming-of-age' situation, but Rosie has that same vulnerability and insecurity regarding her sexuality. Because this is such an intriguing and different read, l was surprisingly captivated by this thriller with a twist.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/fractur...
March 11, 2019
A good read. Enjoyable.
January 2, 2017
What an intense and terrifying road trip of a book!
In this unusual and gripping psychological drama we meet Rosie who has had a very tough time, she bears the mental and physical scars of the bitter ending of a toxic relationship which has left her uncertain of her own future and lacking in confidence.
So when her parents suggest a change of scene might be the thing she needs to boost her recovery it seems easiest to go along with it even though a long solo flight is ultra daunting to Rosie's frayed nerves. Its clear she's apprehensive and uncertain of herself and her mind often plays tricks on her.
On arrival in Australia the warm welcome from her laid back Uncle Charlie and loud but lovable Aunt Rita seems to be just the balm she needs to salve her wounds, and following weeks lazing by the pool and reading (my idea of heaven) she finally bites the bullet and gets out to explore her surroundings.
Walking along a cliff top one day she sees a sunbather which her overwrought imagination lets her think is a dead body, which she goes over to investigate - and finds herself staring into the eyes of the naked but very alive and kicking Alfie, an unconventional and irreverent young woman who is about to become a close companion. Is she just the diversion Rosie needs to bring her out of her shell or is she trouble with a capital T?
The book makes it clear from the start that something goes badly wrong as there are snippets of Rosie being questioned by the police about an event she is sketchy about and as the story unfolds it's clear she could be in big trouble. But has she brought this on herself or is Alfie to blame and just how and why has the mysterious and elusive Alfie disappeared?
The psychological twists are superb. Rosie is a likeable yet very unreliable narrator, and although at first her neuroses and hesitance were a touch irritating I soon warmed to her, gained empathy with her and was drawn into her world.
Its clear Rosie has some mental health issues, deep self denial and self esteem at rock bottom. At first I was overjoyed to see her blossoming and building a relationship which at first I thought was going to be the making of her, by the time the alarm bells rang loudly enough to make me have serious misgivings, she was in too deep.
In Alfie she finds the Yang to her Yin, she feels a deep kinship as though she is her own counterpart but Alfie behaves in all the outrageous ways Rosie will never be comfortable with and in this intense love/hate relationship lies the crux of the story.
This is the second book I have read by Heleyne Hammersley, she writes great characters into threatening situations and takes you on a journey to a beautifully described location to watch them play out. Fabulous books from a little known author who I highly recommend.
In this unusual and gripping psychological drama we meet Rosie who has had a very tough time, she bears the mental and physical scars of the bitter ending of a toxic relationship which has left her uncertain of her own future and lacking in confidence.
So when her parents suggest a change of scene might be the thing she needs to boost her recovery it seems easiest to go along with it even though a long solo flight is ultra daunting to Rosie's frayed nerves. Its clear she's apprehensive and uncertain of herself and her mind often plays tricks on her.
On arrival in Australia the warm welcome from her laid back Uncle Charlie and loud but lovable Aunt Rita seems to be just the balm she needs to salve her wounds, and following weeks lazing by the pool and reading (my idea of heaven) she finally bites the bullet and gets out to explore her surroundings.
Walking along a cliff top one day she sees a sunbather which her overwrought imagination lets her think is a dead body, which she goes over to investigate - and finds herself staring into the eyes of the naked but very alive and kicking Alfie, an unconventional and irreverent young woman who is about to become a close companion. Is she just the diversion Rosie needs to bring her out of her shell or is she trouble with a capital T?
The book makes it clear from the start that something goes badly wrong as there are snippets of Rosie being questioned by the police about an event she is sketchy about and as the story unfolds it's clear she could be in big trouble. But has she brought this on herself or is Alfie to blame and just how and why has the mysterious and elusive Alfie disappeared?
The psychological twists are superb. Rosie is a likeable yet very unreliable narrator, and although at first her neuroses and hesitance were a touch irritating I soon warmed to her, gained empathy with her and was drawn into her world.
Its clear Rosie has some mental health issues, deep self denial and self esteem at rock bottom. At first I was overjoyed to see her blossoming and building a relationship which at first I thought was going to be the making of her, by the time the alarm bells rang loudly enough to make me have serious misgivings, she was in too deep.
In Alfie she finds the Yang to her Yin, she feels a deep kinship as though she is her own counterpart but Alfie behaves in all the outrageous ways Rosie will never be comfortable with and in this intense love/hate relationship lies the crux of the story.
This is the second book I have read by Heleyne Hammersley, she writes great characters into threatening situations and takes you on a journey to a beautifully described location to watch them play out. Fabulous books from a little known author who I highly recommend.
October 31, 2016
I read the synopsis of this book and was immediately intrigued, so when I was offered the chance to read and review this book I leapt at it. Boy, I was not disappointed.
I must admit that I binge read this book and found that I couldn’t put it down. I did end up with a migraine from reading too much but an Imigran later and I was good to go again. It’s true that the story goes along at a gentle pace but then I think that to tell the story as convincingly as Heleyne has, the book needs the gentler pace.
Characterwise, I sort of understood and liked the main character Rosie. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil the story for anybody but it is safe to say that Rosie has not exactly had an easy time of things, whilst she was living in the United Kingdom. Her parents can’t seem to wait to get rid of her and send her halfway around the world to stay with an Aunt and Uncle that she doesn’t remember much about. I felt that she had confidence issues, which I think is in a large part due to her upbringing. I also feel that Rosie feels lonely and she doesn’t have that many friends (if any), which is why she befriends Alfie so quickly and so easily. In a way I think that Rosie envies Alfie and her life. I really felt for Rosie as nobody seems to believe a word that she says. As the book goes on, you begin to learn what has happened to Rosie and why she is the way she is. Alfie is enigmatic to say the least and she most certainly leads Rosie astray. As for the character of Alfie, I wanted to poke her eyes out and at the same time shake her by the shoulders for being so irresponsible.
I have to say that this book is really well written. The author grabbed my attention from the very first word on the very first page and didn’t let me go until the very last word on the very last page. More than once, I thought that I had the plot worked out only to be sent off down another path entirely. You could say that reading this book is like going on a rollercoaster ride in that there are lots of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. At times I could see what was going to happen and I wanted to shout out to warn the characters (I know it’s a work of fiction but I do tend to get far too involved in the story, which I take to be the sign of a good book). Several times, I felt like I needed to read this book with my fingers across my eyes as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next.
In short then I really did enjoy reading this book and I would definitely recommend this book to others. I would award this book 4* out of 5*. I can’t wait to read more from this author and in fact I have downloaded another of her books, which I hope to start tonight.
I must admit that I binge read this book and found that I couldn’t put it down. I did end up with a migraine from reading too much but an Imigran later and I was good to go again. It’s true that the story goes along at a gentle pace but then I think that to tell the story as convincingly as Heleyne has, the book needs the gentler pace.
Characterwise, I sort of understood and liked the main character Rosie. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil the story for anybody but it is safe to say that Rosie has not exactly had an easy time of things, whilst she was living in the United Kingdom. Her parents can’t seem to wait to get rid of her and send her halfway around the world to stay with an Aunt and Uncle that she doesn’t remember much about. I felt that she had confidence issues, which I think is in a large part due to her upbringing. I also feel that Rosie feels lonely and she doesn’t have that many friends (if any), which is why she befriends Alfie so quickly and so easily. In a way I think that Rosie envies Alfie and her life. I really felt for Rosie as nobody seems to believe a word that she says. As the book goes on, you begin to learn what has happened to Rosie and why she is the way she is. Alfie is enigmatic to say the least and she most certainly leads Rosie astray. As for the character of Alfie, I wanted to poke her eyes out and at the same time shake her by the shoulders for being so irresponsible.
I have to say that this book is really well written. The author grabbed my attention from the very first word on the very first page and didn’t let me go until the very last word on the very last page. More than once, I thought that I had the plot worked out only to be sent off down another path entirely. You could say that reading this book is like going on a rollercoaster ride in that there are lots of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. At times I could see what was going to happen and I wanted to shout out to warn the characters (I know it’s a work of fiction but I do tend to get far too involved in the story, which I take to be the sign of a good book). Several times, I felt like I needed to read this book with my fingers across my eyes as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next.
In short then I really did enjoy reading this book and I would definitely recommend this book to others. I would award this book 4* out of 5*. I can’t wait to read more from this author and in fact I have downloaded another of her books, which I hope to start tonight.
August 1, 2019
“Fracture” by Heleyne Hammersley is an unusual read. It is about a young woman,Rosie trying to come to terms with a traumatic experience and depression.Visits to psychiatrists have helped, but she needs to get her lost confidence back. Rosie comes across a young woman, a free spirit Alfie. She has all the wild, edgy verve to revitalise Rosie. The story is based in Australia, and we are on a road trip with the principal characters. What happens during this road trip? Does Rosie get to know Alfie? Is Rosie all she seems? Read on.
4 Stars
4 Stars
November 1, 2016
This is a storyline that twists and turns with surprises. You cannot see what the twist is, until much nearer the end of the book, which keeps you guessing. This is a real page-turner.
Rosie is back from university and, living with her parents in England with what appears to be recovery from a breakdown. Her parents are at a loss to understand and realise they don't know how to motivate her into doing something with her life. They tiptoe around her not wanting to upset her further.
Rosie is told that she is going to Australia to stay with her uncle and aunt. When they broach the subject it is already organised, so she finds it is easier to go than argue. On arrival, she finds her aunt and uncle very welcoming and they are been briefed on what to expect. After a couple of weeks, they begin to encourage her to go out and explore Sydney.
She meets Alfie. Something about her not being concerned about being naked, appeals to Rosie, so she stops to talk to her. They spend their days together and become close friends. Alfie is from the UK and on a gap year. She doesn't talk about her life so Rosie doesn't know much about her. She is fun and adventurous which is what attracts Rosie to her.
Alfie's reckless side begins to show as she invites Rosie for a meal then skips out the back having not paid. Rosie said that she would have paid for it, but Alfie enjoyed the daring involved.
Charlie and Rita are very likeable people – very different from Rosie's parents in their outlook and lives. They are fully aware of Rosie's breakdown so treat her with kid gloves to start with.
They embark on an adventure and decide to travel to Adelaide by train and then drive back. Alfie was recently mugged so Rosie offers to pay their fares and Alfie can pay her back.
Alfie has slightly dark side but Rosie cannot put her finger on it
From the outset, Rosie and Alfie's trip becomes bizarre. She is never quite sure of Alfie's moods and she disappears off for while, not wishing to talk about where she goes. At their last stop, having given the hitch-hiker a lift, Alfie disappears along with their companion.
The first that Rosie knows about this is when she is arrested. The police have found the body of the hitch-hiker and insist that he was murdered. Of Alfie, there is no sign.
Rosie's nightmare begins. I will not reveal more, but can highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book courtesy of Bloodhound Books
February 15, 2017
Enjoyable read with some messed up characters
October 27, 2016
Rosie met Alfie when she was in Australia recovering from an ordeal from a violent relationship. Trouble is Alfie has got her in trouble and can’t be found or traced by anyone. Alfie was a friend she needed at the time and was about to be more as Rosie discovers her true sexuality. Alfie showed Rosie the beauty of simple things like spiders in a certain light, stories about pictures on the wall that she invented to keep the visit interesting and made Rosie’s world come alive. This is a book that gets you intrigued at the start as chapters alternate between the past and present. Rosie’s “incident” with an ex- boyfriend, her being interviewed by the police and her story in Australia. A well written book that entices you into the pages. You feel for Rosie but are not quite sure what she has been through and feel that there may be more to come to light. I won’t give anything away but this is a wonderful story with an excellent ending that leaves you feeling replete.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
October 28, 2016
is a killer.
4.5 star review
A great introduction, which reeled me in straight away.
Then the story, this took a slightly different route than I was expecting, which was no bad thing. Unravelling the link between Rosie and Alfie is a great conundrum all the way through the book.
We get to follow them on their road trip, but are the account of events that we are told, the whole truth?
This book is a great suspense novel, which will make you question your own belief of events.
Quite a great road trip of a book, with an element of Thelma and Louise, reading about the travels around Australia and some of the tourist places, came across extremely well.
A deceptive tale of friendship, belief, in yourself and those around you. It is also one of those books that when you have finished it, you realise wow, what you have read. I haven't stopped thinking about the characters since finishing it late yesterday
I would read more from this author.
October 30, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book, thanks to Bloodhound Books for that. This is a story told in the first person, about Rosie, a young woman sent off to stay with relatives in Australia to help her deal with something terrible which has happened to her at the hands of an ex-boyfriend. She seems timid, lacking in confidence, and happy, at first to stay by the pool and soak up the sun.
With her Aunt's encouragement, she ventures out on a walk and meets Alfie, a free spirit who set all my alarm bells ringing with her cavalier attitude towards stealing and telling the truth. There is an immediate attraction there, which blunts Rosie's worries and the two set off on an adventure which ends in disaster. The ending was most satisfactory, as was the moment in the middle when the reader begins to question everything that has been read so far. A really enjoyable, page-turning read.
With her Aunt's encouragement, she ventures out on a walk and meets Alfie, a free spirit who set all my alarm bells ringing with her cavalier attitude towards stealing and telling the truth. There is an immediate attraction there, which blunts Rosie's worries and the two set off on an adventure which ends in disaster. The ending was most satisfactory, as was the moment in the middle when the reader begins to question everything that has been read so far. A really enjoyable, page-turning read.
October 27, 2016
I was very pleased to receive an ARC of this book from Bloodhound Books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the first book I have read by Heleyne Hammersley but I shall look out for future releases by a very good writer. The story centres on a young woman called Rosemary whose past life was turbulent to say the least and who travels to Australia to try to get her life back on track. There she meets another Englishwoman, Alfie, and their time together is the main bulk of the story. There are a few occasions when ones credulity is stretched but this is a gripping read.
November 18, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Thank you Bloodhound Books. This is a good book though I did feel it ended quite abruptly. However,I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 11, 2016
Loved it, the author always does a brilliant job of describing places so you feel like you're actually there, some authors overdo it completely. Great psychological thriller.
January 28, 2017
A fast paced thriller. A road trip with a difference. Very good story and definitely an author to look out for!
October 29, 2016
This is a duck of book. On the surface the plot appears uneventful, even rather vanilla - not my usual choice by any means; until the author hijacked my mind with undercurrents of mental health, sexuality, adventure, and the allure of the exotic.
This book kept me guessing from first page to last - highly recommended. I look forward to more from the author and Bloodhound Books
This book kept me guessing from first page to last - highly recommended. I look forward to more from the author and Bloodhound Books
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November 7, 2017Ending was rushed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews