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The Alibi
Secrets, lies and revenge brim to the top in this gritty thriller. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. A perfect crime needs a perfect alibi... Crime reporter Beth Chambers is committed to uncovering the truth – and she's not afraid of bending the rules to get there. When troubled soap star Megan Fuller is found stabbed to death in her South London home, all eyes are on her ex-husband – the notorious gangster, Danny Shapiro. Determined to expose Danny as a cold-blooded killer, Beth obsessively pursues him. But in her hunt for the truth, her family are set to pay the ultimate price... Secrets, lies and revenge brim to the top in this gritty thriller. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
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Published December 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 7, 2017
I won "The Alibi" written by Jaime Raven in the Goodreads Giveaways and I'm so pleased I did as I would have missed out on a really compelling tense read!
The chapters are written in first and third person character points of view - journalist Beth Chambers, Detective Inspector Ethan Cain and notorious gangster Danny Shapiro. I love it when books are written in the style of these points of view as you get to find out what's really going on inside the characters heads and focuses on their involvement in the story.
Danny is the prime suspect in the murder of his troubled ex wife and realises he needs an alibi quick, but will it be good enough to hold? I particularly liked Beth who was brave, strong willed, determined and when she got the bit between her teeth she wouldn't let go! Nicknamed 'The Ferret' she stops at nothing till she finds the truth but on this occasion will it be at too much of a cost?
There were many twists and turns throughout the story that caught me out (quite early on too!) and was quite shocked at one or two of them. I was hooked from the start, it's an easy, enthralling, uncomplicated read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Jaime's writing is professional and his superb plot line is fast paced and interesting and I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I highly recommend "The Alibi" - if you like gritty British crime thrillers you won't be disappointed!
The chapters are written in first and third person character points of view - journalist Beth Chambers, Detective Inspector Ethan Cain and notorious gangster Danny Shapiro. I love it when books are written in the style of these points of view as you get to find out what's really going on inside the characters heads and focuses on their involvement in the story.
Danny is the prime suspect in the murder of his troubled ex wife and realises he needs an alibi quick, but will it be good enough to hold? I particularly liked Beth who was brave, strong willed, determined and when she got the bit between her teeth she wouldn't let go! Nicknamed 'The Ferret' she stops at nothing till she finds the truth but on this occasion will it be at too much of a cost?
There were many twists and turns throughout the story that caught me out (quite early on too!) and was quite shocked at one or two of them. I was hooked from the start, it's an easy, enthralling, uncomplicated read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Jaime's writing is professional and his superb plot line is fast paced and interesting and I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I highly recommend "The Alibi" - if you like gritty British crime thrillers you won't be disappointed!
August 13, 2018
The Alibi is about family secrets, police corruption and revenge. When Crime reporter Beth Chambers ask her to investigate the death of actress Megan Fuller on her day off, she said yes. The chief investigator of Megan Fuller death is Detective Inspector Ethan Cain who happens to be Beth Chambers ex-husband. However, Beth did not realise that this decision to investigate Megan Fuller death would change her beliefs and her family forever. The readers of The Alibi will follow the twists and turns into Crime Reporter Beth Chambers and Detective Inspector Ethan Cain investigation into the death of Megan Fuller.
The Alibi is the first book I have read of Jaime Raven, and it was an exciting book to read. The Alibi was well written and researched by Jaime Raven. The way Jaime Raven portrayed the characters especially the three main characters Danny, Ethan and Beth ensured that I engaged with the plot of Alibi from the beginning. I like Jaime Raven description of her settings and the way she intertwines her characters.
The readers of Alibi will learn about being a Crime Reporter and a single parent. Also, the readers will see the consequences of greed, revenge and corruption.
I recommend this book.
The Alibi is the first book I have read of Jaime Raven, and it was an exciting book to read. The Alibi was well written and researched by Jaime Raven. The way Jaime Raven portrayed the characters especially the three main characters Danny, Ethan and Beth ensured that I engaged with the plot of Alibi from the beginning. I like Jaime Raven description of her settings and the way she intertwines her characters.
The readers of Alibi will learn about being a Crime Reporter and a single parent. Also, the readers will see the consequences of greed, revenge and corruption.
I recommend this book.
December 29, 2016
The Alibi is a story that flicks between three characters, Danny, Ethan and Beth.
Danny has followed in his fathers footsteps and is now THE main guy. Obviously the murder of his ex wife brings some very unwanted attention, especially as he is the main suspect. Even though he has a very shady background to say the least, he is adamant that it wasn’t him and he will stop at nothing to make sure the police don’t pin it on him.
Ethan is a copper. He just happens to be Beth’s ex husband and is also on Danny’s books as an informant. I actually quite liked Ethan. He has been a fool and made some seriously stupid mistakes but there is no doubting he still cares for Beth and their daughter Rose. Even though he has no one to blame but himself, I did feel sorry as Megan’s death leaves him stuck in the middle of things and he is torn as to where his loyalties lie.
For Beth, being a reporter is her life. She will also stop at nothing to uncover the truth. She is certain Danny is to blame for Megan’s death and is determined to prove it. As much as I loved Beth’s enthusiasm for her job I did feel at times she was quite reckless. Danny is not someone that you take on, not unless you expect consequences.
The Alibi makes for one extremely tense read. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. The tension builds up through out the story until wham! it literally punches you in the gut.
A totally enthralling read and can’t recommend it enough.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Danny has followed in his fathers footsteps and is now THE main guy. Obviously the murder of his ex wife brings some very unwanted attention, especially as he is the main suspect. Even though he has a very shady background to say the least, he is adamant that it wasn’t him and he will stop at nothing to make sure the police don’t pin it on him.
Ethan is a copper. He just happens to be Beth’s ex husband and is also on Danny’s books as an informant. I actually quite liked Ethan. He has been a fool and made some seriously stupid mistakes but there is no doubting he still cares for Beth and their daughter Rose. Even though he has no one to blame but himself, I did feel sorry as Megan’s death leaves him stuck in the middle of things and he is torn as to where his loyalties lie.
For Beth, being a reporter is her life. She will also stop at nothing to uncover the truth. She is certain Danny is to blame for Megan’s death and is determined to prove it. As much as I loved Beth’s enthusiasm for her job I did feel at times she was quite reckless. Danny is not someone that you take on, not unless you expect consequences.
The Alibi makes for one extremely tense read. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. The tension builds up through out the story until wham! it literally punches you in the gut.
A totally enthralling read and can’t recommend it enough.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 15, 2017
This was a fast paced well written, gritty crime drama with lots of twists and turns. Set in London and surrounding areas. A plethora of characters from all types of backgrounds give you an abundance of suspects.
A perfect crime needs a perfect alibi…
Crime reporter Beth Chambers is committed to uncovering the truth – and she’s not afraid of bending the rules to get there.
When troubled soap star Megan Fuller is found stabbed to death in her South London home, all eyes are on her ex-husband – the notorious gangster, Danny Shapiro.
Determined to expose Danny as a cold-blooded killer, Beth obsessively pursues him. But in her hunt for the truth, her family are set to pay the ultimate price…
Secrets, lies and revenge brim to the top in this gritty thriller. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
With a hosts of mixed characters the story keeps you interested.
Knowing that Megan was willing to blackmail anyone she has dealt with in the past just gave more options to the murderer, great story with a good twist at the end. Recommended read.
A perfect crime needs a perfect alibi…
Crime reporter Beth Chambers is committed to uncovering the truth – and she’s not afraid of bending the rules to get there.
When troubled soap star Megan Fuller is found stabbed to death in her South London home, all eyes are on her ex-husband – the notorious gangster, Danny Shapiro.
Determined to expose Danny as a cold-blooded killer, Beth obsessively pursues him. But in her hunt for the truth, her family are set to pay the ultimate price…
Secrets, lies and revenge brim to the top in this gritty thriller. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
With a hosts of mixed characters the story keeps you interested.
Knowing that Megan was willing to blackmail anyone she has dealt with in the past just gave more options to the murderer, great story with a good twist at the end. Recommended read.
January 4, 2017
The famous question. Where were you last night? A perfect crime needs a perfect alibi. Danny Shapiro ex-wife, soap star Megan Fuller had been found dead in her home in a South London. Danny had loved Megan and enjoyed the thrill of being in the limelight going to film premieres and celebrity parties. He had been at Megan's house the night she was killed. They had argued. Danny had repeatedly denied any involvement in organised crime in London. Leading up to the event before Megan was killed she had called Danny on his mobile. She wanted to give him the news that her agent had secured a publishing deal for her autobiography. Blackmail begins. Megan claimed she was going to dish the dirt about Danny and his business and he had to sort out half a million to buy her silence. The question is did Danny kill Megan? The Alibi is full of secrets, lies and revenge. This story is perfect for fans who like Martina Cole.
March 31, 2017
This is my first book of Jamie's and what can I say I have loved every single page of it.
When a famous face is murdered in her own home and her ex husband is a known gang member boss all suspicions is on him.
Beth chambers is called to follow the story and to report on everything she finds out. But Beth's got history with the gang from her trying to report of all the wrong doings the gang boss is into and then finding out the gang boss's dad who's in prison could've murdered her step father. Beth has a lot to deal with including her daughter. And that her ex husband is a police officer who is on the gangs pay roll.
So when Beth pays a visit to one of the gangs work place she wasn't expecting to get i or to actually be seen by someone and now wishes she had not gone as it really shocked her that they would treat her like that. And then finds out they know where she lives and that they had rung the house she lives in with her mother and daughter she tells her ex husband and promises to speak to the gang but doesn't cos he knows the consequences if he says anything.
I did guess one part of the book as I was reading it and found after I guessed that part of the story everything would work out somehow but didn't expect Beth to turn her back on people once finding out the truth.
I was shocked to find out who had murdered Megan and the reason why was really shocking but then they get punished for both crimes even thou Megan is no longer around to see what happened.
Unfortunately it was to much guilt for ethan to live with being a dodgy copper was no way for his daughter to see him like that but I do think he took the cowardly way out though and would've preferred if he actually did face up to his crimes instead.
When a famous face is murdered in her own home and her ex husband is a known gang member boss all suspicions is on him.
Beth chambers is called to follow the story and to report on everything she finds out. But Beth's got history with the gang from her trying to report of all the wrong doings the gang boss is into and then finding out the gang boss's dad who's in prison could've murdered her step father. Beth has a lot to deal with including her daughter. And that her ex husband is a police officer who is on the gangs pay roll.
So when Beth pays a visit to one of the gangs work place she wasn't expecting to get i or to actually be seen by someone and now wishes she had not gone as it really shocked her that they would treat her like that. And then finds out they know where she lives and that they had rung the house she lives in with her mother and daughter she tells her ex husband and promises to speak to the gang but doesn't cos he knows the consequences if he says anything.
I did guess one part of the book as I was reading it and found after I guessed that part of the story everything would work out somehow but didn't expect Beth to turn her back on people once finding out the truth.
I was shocked to find out who had murdered Megan and the reason why was really shocking but then they get punished for both crimes even thou Megan is no longer around to see what happened.
Unfortunately it was to much guilt for ethan to live with being a dodgy copper was no way for his daughter to see him like that but I do think he took the cowardly way out though and would've preferred if he actually did face up to his crimes instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
Now did I like most characters? No. But that's not an issue, I've read books with characters I've disliked before. The issue with this book is the pacing and the almost black and whiteness of the characters.
Speaking of black and white, with such lines as "I knew that nigger who married your mother... And I know what happened to your turd-coloured brother.", "Her face was tanned the rich shade of coffee", "[my situation] lacked one ingredient that made my life complete: a man.", There is a clear... message conveyed. The random mentions of 'black youths', the random blaming of children who had been sex trafficked (why else would someone call an assumed 15 year old prostitute a little whore??) And just the generic talking down and two dimensional women in this is very.... Hm.
The story is....??? There's an alright twist but this book is simply not for me. TO ME it reads like a mix between top boy and the wire and feels like it was written in the early 2000s so when I found out it was written in 2016 I was rather shocked.
Speaking of black and white, with such lines as "I knew that nigger who married your mother... And I know what happened to your turd-coloured brother.", "Her face was tanned the rich shade of coffee", "[my situation] lacked one ingredient that made my life complete: a man.", There is a clear... message conveyed. The random mentions of 'black youths', the random blaming of children who had been sex trafficked (why else would someone call an assumed 15 year old prostitute a little whore??) And just the generic talking down and two dimensional women in this is very.... Hm.
The story is....??? There's an alright twist but this book is simply not for me. TO ME it reads like a mix between top boy and the wire and feels like it was written in the early 2000s so when I found out it was written in 2016 I was rather shocked.
August 26, 2020
Oooh that was brill!!
Gripping, gritty and suspense filled.
Gripping, gritty and suspense filled.
March 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it started off a little slow and the first "twist" was not a big surprise. However, the action and suspense really amped up as the story went on and there were more surprises that kept me interested throughout. All in all it was a very good read.
February 19, 2023
I did enjoy this book, it has a lot of twists in it. I think I would’ve given it 5 stars if I had read it all in one go but due to having long periods of time without reading it I got a little bit lost with the characters.
January 7, 2017
What a tangled web we weave…
Murder, lies and corruption take centre stage in Jaime Raven’s second novel, The Alibi. When celebrity Megan Fuller is found murdered at her home, crime reporter Beth Chambers automatically assumes Megan’s ex-husband, Danny Shapiro, is the killer given his reputation as one of London’s leading gang bosses. In the pursuit of being the first to get the story, Beth becomes embroiled in a web of deceit that threatens her livelihood, her family and ultimately her life. Knowing the finger will be pointed at him, Danny, fakes an alibi resulting in a knock on effect he could never have predicted.
With Beth as the main character the story is told in first person narrative by her, interspersed by the points of view of Danny Shapiro and Ethan Cain in the third person. The novel starts with a bang, with twists, turns and startling revelations from the outset grabbing the reader immediately and firmly ensconcing them into the story. The Alibi moves along at a fast pace resulting in late nights for the reader! Some of the twists I did guess, this may be due to the amount of crime thrillers I have read recently, however, this did not impact on my enjoyment of the book.
Beth is a career-focused crime reporter with, at times, questionable morals. I enjoyed reading about the risks she takes to be the first to get the story and Raven gives a real insight into the life of a journalist. This angle made a change from the usual detective-led story, adding extra appeal to The Alibi.
Raven covers some relevant topics throughout the book - the problems of gangs on London housing estates, the 2011 London riots, disillusionment of police officers and over-riding your ethics and values in order to get what you want - with the dangers of not sticking to the premise of innocent until proven guilty being the most interesting theme to me. Beth inadvertently creates a domino effect, that has wide reaching consequences, in her assumption and belief that Danny is guilty from the outset.
The Alibi is a cracking crime thriller that moves along at a super fast pace. A great second novel from Jaime Raven.
Thank you to Jaime Raven, Avon Books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review. Thank you Louis at Avon Books for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
Murder, lies and corruption take centre stage in Jaime Raven’s second novel, The Alibi. When celebrity Megan Fuller is found murdered at her home, crime reporter Beth Chambers automatically assumes Megan’s ex-husband, Danny Shapiro, is the killer given his reputation as one of London’s leading gang bosses. In the pursuit of being the first to get the story, Beth becomes embroiled in a web of deceit that threatens her livelihood, her family and ultimately her life. Knowing the finger will be pointed at him, Danny, fakes an alibi resulting in a knock on effect he could never have predicted.
With Beth as the main character the story is told in first person narrative by her, interspersed by the points of view of Danny Shapiro and Ethan Cain in the third person. The novel starts with a bang, with twists, turns and startling revelations from the outset grabbing the reader immediately and firmly ensconcing them into the story. The Alibi moves along at a fast pace resulting in late nights for the reader! Some of the twists I did guess, this may be due to the amount of crime thrillers I have read recently, however, this did not impact on my enjoyment of the book.
Beth is a career-focused crime reporter with, at times, questionable morals. I enjoyed reading about the risks she takes to be the first to get the story and Raven gives a real insight into the life of a journalist. This angle made a change from the usual detective-led story, adding extra appeal to The Alibi.
Raven covers some relevant topics throughout the book - the problems of gangs on London housing estates, the 2011 London riots, disillusionment of police officers and over-riding your ethics and values in order to get what you want - with the dangers of not sticking to the premise of innocent until proven guilty being the most interesting theme to me. Beth inadvertently creates a domino effect, that has wide reaching consequences, in her assumption and belief that Danny is guilty from the outset.
The Alibi is a cracking crime thriller that moves along at a super fast pace. A great second novel from Jaime Raven.
Thank you to Jaime Raven, Avon Books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my review. Thank you Louis at Avon Books for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
February 12, 2017
Another good book by Jaime Raven , it was a well written thriller which was realistic, dark, gritty with plenty to keep me engrossed from beginning to end. It is a book I would highly recommend
January 17, 2017
I'd lost my reading mojo but this book definitely gave it back. I couldn't put this book down kept reading just one more chapter all the time. Beth is a journalist who finds herself getting threatened while trying to be first to get the story out about the lastest murder. Beth finds out things that shock her including that her ex husband is not as honest a policeman as she thought. With threats on herself and her Mum and daughter will Beth get her story without risking any of her loved ones lives.
January 9, 2017
For my written review, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
June 5, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable book with a shocker of an ending.
November 4, 2018
Oh god this book annoyed me.
The main character was obnoxious as old hell. She made stupid decisions, let emotions blind her, and then threw away her greatest asset. Her ex-husband was a disgusting pig and I didn't feel bad for him at all. Her mother was horrible, the mafia bros were all terrible people which makes sense because they were all criminals, but the leader has a secret soft heart. The murder mystery wasn't interesting, I didn't care about the victim, or anyone for that matter.
It was well written but when you despise every single character it kinda makes it hard to read, you know?
The main character was obnoxious as old hell. She made stupid decisions, let emotions blind her, and then threw away her greatest asset. Her ex-husband was a disgusting pig and I didn't feel bad for him at all. Her mother was horrible, the mafia bros were all terrible people which makes sense because they were all criminals, but the leader has a secret soft heart. The murder mystery wasn't interesting, I didn't care about the victim, or anyone for that matter.
It was well written but when you despise every single character it kinda makes it hard to read, you know?
April 10, 2019
I’ve got to be honest, bought this book a long time ago and it has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long, unread. I believe i’m not the only one who’s done that.
Turns out this book was so good! great plot, good pace, the storyline was so great, i really had no idea who was the killer.
Love it. It has enough material of this and that, a thriller book with enough portion of drama along with great characters. loved it!
Turns out this book was so good! great plot, good pace, the storyline was so great, i really had no idea who was the killer.
Love it. It has enough material of this and that, a thriller book with enough portion of drama along with great characters. loved it!
January 10, 2017
This was a very easy read but still a good book. Corrupt cops, gangsters and movie stars coupled with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The book jumps between three main characters of Beth, Ethan and Danny and moves at a fast pace. This would make a really good holiday read. Many thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
May 12, 2017
Brilliant book
Be my written thank you Jamie Raven for all your time and hard work that you must have put into writing this, I will definitely be looking for more of your books 📚 10/10
Be my written thank you Jamie Raven for all your time and hard work that you must have put into writing this, I will definitely be looking for more of your books 📚 10/10
July 28, 2017
Must read
Absolutely brilliant, so many twists and turns, had me gripped from the first chapter. Will be reading everything by Jaime raven
Absolutely brilliant, so many twists and turns, had me gripped from the first chapter. Will be reading everything by Jaime raven
September 20, 2017
Very good read
Very easy to get into and keeps you gripped all the way through. Some of it was a bit obvious what was going to happen but it was still a great read.
Very easy to get into and keeps you gripped all the way through. Some of it was a bit obvious what was going to happen but it was still a great read.
May 11, 2018
Audio version of this book 📚 was ok but very predictable, not as good as others by this author
May 4, 2019
Brilliant book ..loved it
September 11, 2020
A good fast-moving adventure - violent crime set in London.
January 7, 2021
book is not bad, easy and fast read, but I don't really like to read crime books about gangsters, not my favorite type of crime read.
January 11, 2023
Easy reading, page-turner... I enjoyed it.
January 19, 2023
Secrets and lies are to be exposed in this gritty thriller. Loved the writing and the story was gripping. Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2024
Great read, fast moving page turning thriller, reminds me of Kimberley Chambers great writing
February 5, 2017
wow I really didn't expect that out come a must read book
February 6, 2017
Great book, really enjoyed it and looking forward to the authors next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews