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The Comeback
Rosemary Paul used to be a celebrated singer, but now in her sixties she is past her prime. Living an isolated life, her only companion is Carrie Markham, her live-in assistant who panders to Rosemary’s every need and looks up to her older mentor. When Rosemary hears news from London that one of her albums is getting an unexpected re-release the old hunger for fame and success is reignited, and with Carrie’s help she plans her big comeback to relaunch herself into the public stratosphere. But as preparations commence, long buried secrets begin to resurface and signs of strain show in Rosemary and Carrie’s relationship, until reaching its dramatic breaking-point... Slowly building its uneasy tension throughout until revealing its shocking twist, The Comeback is an eerie psychological thriller with strong female characters; ideal for fans of The Girl on the Train and The Ice Twins, it is perfect for book clubs, and will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2016
3 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Taylor
67 books93 followersBernard Taylor was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, and now lives in London. Following active service in Egypt in the Royal Air Force, he studied Fine Arts in Swindon, then at Chelsea School of Art and Birmingham University. On graduation he worked as a teacher, painter and book illustrator before going as a teacher to the United States. While there, he took up acting and writing and continued with both after his return to England. He has published ten novels under his own name, including The Godsend (1976), which was adapted for a major film, and Sweetheart, Sweetheart (1977), which Charles L. Grant has hailed as one of the finest ghost stories ever written. He has also written novels under the pseudonym Jess Foley, as well as several works of nonfiction. He has won awards for his true crime writing and also for his work as a playwright. It was during his year as resident playwright at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch that he wrote The Godsend. There Must Be Evil, his latest true crime study, is to be published in England in September.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 15, 2020
3.5/5 stars
As a big fan of Bernard Taylor, I thought I'd give this one a go and I'm so glad I did!
THE COMEBACK is listed as a thriller, but it has some horrific aspects to it. I noted what I thought was a bit of similarity to All About Eve, but I'll admit I turned out to be wrong on that count.
On a few other things I was right though, so there were some predictable bits.
Overall, I enjoyed myself and now I have another Bernard Taylor book under my belt.
Recommended!
*I downloaded this audio from Audible with a free code from this site: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/index.php
I promised nothing in exchange.*
As a big fan of Bernard Taylor, I thought I'd give this one a go and I'm so glad I did!
THE COMEBACK is listed as a thriller, but it has some horrific aspects to it. I noted what I thought was a bit of similarity to All About Eve, but I'll admit I turned out to be wrong on that count.
On a few other things I was right though, so there were some predictable bits.
Overall, I enjoyed myself and now I have another Bernard Taylor book under my belt.
Recommended!
*I downloaded this audio from Audible with a free code from this site: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/index.php
I promised nothing in exchange.*
October 18, 2019
Really fantastic writing, as in everything Taylor writes. The characters are fantastic and the plot is interesting, although a bit predictable toward the end.
February 2, 2018
Bernard Taylor is a wonderful author. His delicate and articulate style creates a setting that deceitfully snares an unsuspecting reader and lulls him into a false sense of security.
Rosemary Paul is a fading star, with an adoring public, long forgotten. She lives out her remaining years as a recluse in New York ably supported by her good friend and companion Carrie Markham. A limited record release of her back catalogue has resulted in a small resurgence of the singer's popularity. Rejuvenated and aided by some close theatrical friends she comes to believe that the unthinkable might now be possible, namely a return to performing in front of her fans. London has been chosen as the venue for this momentous occasion. With financial support guaranteed and the new slim remodeled star about to be unveiled, it seems that nothing can stop the expected rebirth of an iconic legend....
I was ambushed and totally astonished not once but twice by the direction this story took in the closing chapters. To reveal anymore dear reader would destroy the delights and twists that remain to be discovered by you. The black and white cover for The Comeback reflected a very "noir" and old Hollywood feel to the novel. The character of Rosemary reminds me so much of such faded legends as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and in particular their casting in that classic 1962 movie "Whatever happened to Baby Jane" Finally the scene is set and the world is about to meet and greet the once much loved Rosemary Paul. As she prepares to step out on the London stage the tension and anticipation is unbearable......"All at once the curtain no longer separated the stage from the audience. And the lights were changing, getting ready to illuminate her the second she stepped out. And the music, too-now playing the melody for her entrance. She couldn't move. Her hoarse breath loud in her ears, she stood there, rigid, as if her feet were fastened to the floor. Heart pounding, she reached out, her hand groping for support, and felt her fingers touch the wall of the proscenium arch. As best she could she grasped it and remained there, trembling, fixed to the spot....."
A story simply told but utterly absorbing in its unveiling, a masterpiece of the understated and highly recommended.
Rosemary Paul is a fading star, with an adoring public, long forgotten. She lives out her remaining years as a recluse in New York ably supported by her good friend and companion Carrie Markham. A limited record release of her back catalogue has resulted in a small resurgence of the singer's popularity. Rejuvenated and aided by some close theatrical friends she comes to believe that the unthinkable might now be possible, namely a return to performing in front of her fans. London has been chosen as the venue for this momentous occasion. With financial support guaranteed and the new slim remodeled star about to be unveiled, it seems that nothing can stop the expected rebirth of an iconic legend....
I was ambushed and totally astonished not once but twice by the direction this story took in the closing chapters. To reveal anymore dear reader would destroy the delights and twists that remain to be discovered by you. The black and white cover for The Comeback reflected a very "noir" and old Hollywood feel to the novel. The character of Rosemary reminds me so much of such faded legends as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and in particular their casting in that classic 1962 movie "Whatever happened to Baby Jane" Finally the scene is set and the world is about to meet and greet the once much loved Rosemary Paul. As she prepares to step out on the London stage the tension and anticipation is unbearable......"All at once the curtain no longer separated the stage from the audience. And the lights were changing, getting ready to illuminate her the second she stepped out. And the music, too-now playing the melody for her entrance. She couldn't move. Her hoarse breath loud in her ears, she stood there, rigid, as if her feet were fastened to the floor. Heart pounding, she reached out, her hand groping for support, and felt her fingers touch the wall of the proscenium arch. As best she could she grasped it and remained there, trembling, fixed to the spot....."
A story simply told but utterly absorbing in its unveiling, a masterpiece of the understated and highly recommended.
September 10, 2025
The Comeback is a masterpiece of pacing, the first half may seem slow initially. However it's absolutely necessary and essential for setting up our two main characters, a star whose light has faded, and her hanger on close friend. However, as we get further into the story and spend time with these deeply broken people, the story ramps up into over drive and the insane fun begins. I don't think I've come across a bad Bernard Taylor book yet
Want to read
November 14, 2018Valencourt books presents another exciting new release!
http://www.valancourtbooks.com/the-co...
July 6, 2020
A slightly predictable story completely uplifted by Virginia Ferguson's amazing singing voice and excellent narration
July 26, 2024
Whatever happened to Rosemary Paul?
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this book, having chosen it purely because of its striking cover. I was therefore very pleasantly surprised to find myself utterly gripped in the first few minutes. With shades of ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard’, this novel is a riveting portrait of the psychology of two fascinating, flawed, highly unlikeable characters. At the beginning of the book Rosemary is a sharp-tongued diva who behaves atrociously towards other characters, and Carrie is a whiney wet lettuce. But they both change as they navigate the twists and turns of the novel, and it is fascinating to follow them on this admittedly far-fetched yet enthralling and constantly surprising plot.
The author writes in clear, unfussy prose and skilfully gradually increases the pace and suspense throughout the novel. His text is always tight and lucid, which ensures that even though the book covers a large canvas of time and space, and even though there are some sudden and seismic plot shifts, the listener is never confused or lost.
My only minor criticism of the book is that the build up to the first moment of horror is maybe a little overlong. In fact, for the first few chapters I did find myself wondering why this book was classified as horror. But I now realise that such a slow build up was necessary to contrast with the later madness that follows when the you-know-what hits the fan.
In conclusion, I have no hesitation recommending this very well-written book to horror fans, and I will definitely check out this author’s other works.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this book, having chosen it purely because of its striking cover. I was therefore very pleasantly surprised to find myself utterly gripped in the first few minutes. With shades of ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard’, this novel is a riveting portrait of the psychology of two fascinating, flawed, highly unlikeable characters. At the beginning of the book Rosemary is a sharp-tongued diva who behaves atrociously towards other characters, and Carrie is a whiney wet lettuce. But they both change as they navigate the twists and turns of the novel, and it is fascinating to follow them on this admittedly far-fetched yet enthralling and constantly surprising plot.
The author writes in clear, unfussy prose and skilfully gradually increases the pace and suspense throughout the novel. His text is always tight and lucid, which ensures that even though the book covers a large canvas of time and space, and even though there are some sudden and seismic plot shifts, the listener is never confused or lost.
My only minor criticism of the book is that the build up to the first moment of horror is maybe a little overlong. In fact, for the first few chapters I did find myself wondering why this book was classified as horror. But I now realise that such a slow build up was necessary to contrast with the later madness that follows when the you-know-what hits the fan.
In conclusion, I have no hesitation recommending this very well-written book to horror fans, and I will definitely check out this author’s other works.
March 28, 2019
I felt like the plot of this novel had a lot of potential, but there was something in the writing style that didn’t give me as much tension as I would’ve liked. Regardless of that, I did enjoy the dynamic between Rosemary and Carrie as well as the drama that went on between them in later chapters. It’s definitely the type of book that qualifies as an easy read, even if that plot twist at the end came out of left field for me, even though it was explained after it was revealed.
September 13, 2020
4.5 stars. This was a pleasant surprise! Wonderfully narrated and song by Virginia Ferguson, this is about an ageing singing who works with her assistant in order to make a big comeback. This audiobook reminded me of some old great movies: Sunset Boulevard, about an ageing actress who wants to make a comeback; and All About Eve, about an actress and her assistant.
September 6, 2020
Superb! This reminded me of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? not as a copy but for having the same creepy vibe, the same setting. Bernard Taylor writes like few others, a great author for sure
The narrator of the audiobook was amazing, she even sang the songs and really well.
The narrator of the audiobook was amazing, she even sang the songs and really well.
June 28, 2018
That was the best twist ending I have ever read! Wow!
January 17, 2019
Although, I would not say this is well written - it was a fun and quick read. It would make a great, bad Lifetime movie.
July 21, 2021
What if The Golden Girls were a thriller instead of a comedy?
February 9, 2022
To quote Lucille Bluth, "good for her." Shame about the end though, I was really rooting for her.
Read
July 14, 2023Economical, supremely entertaining camp thriller about an aging singer. Some great twists, and a killer audiobook reading!
Gotta admit I really loved this one. Tore through it in a day.
Gotta admit I really loved this one. Tore through it in a day.
January 9, 2017
Good story but probably not my kind of thing. More for regular fans.
May 3, 2017
I loved this ,great characters that u can envisage ,a tale of ruthless ambition,lost dreams and a fragile bond between our two main characters ,that is ultimately one that will shatter as things take shape and desperate times causes for desperate actions
I did guess sthe end but wasn't dissapointed an will look at others bearnard has written.
I did guess sthe end but wasn't dissapointed an will look at others bearnard has written.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews