What do you think?
Rate this book
Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore
['Circle - The Diary of Stella Moore' is the sequel to Chance and is not intended to be read as a stand alone novel] "Is he sharing more than your bed?" It's 2021. A sadistic criminal web has spread across powerful institutions, filling a void created by society's apathy towards sexual violence. Cassie Janus has grown up away from London, shielded from this malevolent force until Detective Sergeant Frank Simmons visits her in desperate need of her help. What starts out as a missing persons case quickly morphs into a battle against evil in which Cassie will need to employ more than just her precognitive powers. It will demand all her courage and wisdom if she's to survive a war waged against the Circle.
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2016
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Peter Dudgeon
4 books36 followersPeter Dudgeon started writing short stories at the age of fourteen, inspired Stephen King’s early novels. At twenty-two he graduated in English Language and Literature and has since travelled the length and breadth of the UK (occasionally beyond) as a management consultant. He lives in North East Lincolnshire, with his wife, two daughters and a troublesome Labrador.
His debut novel ‘Ticket’ is available via Amazon Kindle: http://bookShow.me/B00G1Q8N24
‘Chance’ will be available from May 2015 in print and on Kindle. Its sequel, ‘Circle - The Diary of Stella Moore’ will be available in Autumn 2015.
Follow Peter Dudgeon on twitter: http://twitter.com/PDudgeonnovels
Check out his website:
www.peterdudgeon.com
His debut novel ‘Ticket’ is available via Amazon Kindle: http://bookShow.me/B00G1Q8N24
‘Chance’ will be available from May 2015 in print and on Kindle. Its sequel, ‘Circle - The Diary of Stella Moore’ will be available in Autumn 2015.
Follow Peter Dudgeon on twitter: http://twitter.com/PDudgeonnovels
Check out his website:
www.peterdudgeon.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 8, 2015
This review is from: Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore (Kindle Edition)
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book from the author. After reading his first book in this series I was astounded at his craftsmanship to write a story that had a great plot but also didn't ever dip. Not once did it falter.
Since then I've been waiting in the wings for the follow up book.
Reading so many books as I do, you sometimes find follow up books fall back a bit into second gear not keeping up to readers expectations. I can honestly and sincerely say that this didn't happen in this instance.
The author has embraced a topic that many would avoid writing in fear or others opinions.
My advice is, keep an open mind. Read the subject matter for how it's written and not why it's written.
It's a thriller, it has twists and it certainly has very strong characters not only men, but women.
By the time I was 40% into this I knew I wasn't going to sleep until I had this read.
Frank and Cassie take a lead role. Both for very different reasons but to the same conclusion.
The search is on for a missing person but the plot and findings are just not what you would expect.
Yet another awesome book from Peter Dungeon. I would sincerely advocate his books and say, don't miss out on an up and coming brilliant author with great stories to tell who is unafraid to tackle subjects that others may hold back from.
Comment Comment | Permalink
December 6, 2015
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. When Detective Sergeant Frank Simmons is suspended from the police force for mental health reasons because of paranoia, he is, well, suspicious. Yes, he doesn’t totally trust his superior officer or his therapist. Instead of going home to drink beer and lounge in front of the telly for three weeks, when the parents of a young woman who went missing years earlier want to hire him to find her, he jumps at the chance. His search takes him to deeper, darker places than he ever imagined it would lead.
We met Frank briefly in Peter Dudgeon’s Chance, where he first met nine-year-old Cassie Janus and learned of her extraordinary gift, her ability to see the future. With Cassie’s mother dead, Laura, her former social worker, has adopted her, and they have moved away from London. Most of the book is set is in 2021, when Cassie is a college student. She has learned mostly to control her visions and to avoid malicious situations. Then Frank comes calling, in desperate need of her help. He believes that Cassie’s mind can help him unlock the mystery of Annie’s disappearance.
As Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore begins, Laura and Cassie are picking up the pieces of their devastated lives. Feeling much like an emotional tidal wave has struck her, Cassie suffers from recurring nightmares, and Laura seems at a loss to help. Few details from her past are given; to understand who Cassie is, this book is best read as a sequel, not as a standalone. The author doesn’t tell us much about who Laura and Frank are either. He just sort of drops them in place and runs with it, as if he’s anxious to get to the main event. The story jumps ahead two years, then another four years. Even though I hadn’t read Chance all that long ago, the background was a bit too sketchy; I had to piece together memories in my head. I felt a bit confused and had to re-read several sections where the point of view changes from third person to first person during Cassie’s visions as she becomes the person in her illusion. After one episode where she reads Frank’s memories, she describes her impression as a “fragmented collage” (location 718). That was sort of the feeling I had as I read the first 35 to 40 percent of the book. Not only was I trying to get up-to-date with Cassie, but Mr. Dudgeon jumped from scene to scene, introducing new characters, including a number of male characters, plus Stella, whom we meet in the process of writing in her diary.
Despite my initial discomfort, things came together. They came together incredibly well. If you read the book’s description, you know that there is a far-reaching Circle of sexual abusers who are desperate to sustain their secret illegal practices at the expense of women. Cassie must show determination and poise to prove to be a valuable asset to Frank’s team and to contend with this evil they are pursuing. Frank Simmons turns out to be a wonderful character. He is caring and kind, and no, I don’t think he’s really paranoid. He just has really good instincts that serve him well. He does make one questionable judgment toward the end. I haven’t decided how I feel about it, but I won’t say any more about it than that. There are a couple of other well-written characters in this story as well.
What Peter Dudgeon doesn’t want us to lose track of, I am sure, is his message. This is where Stella comes in. We come to know her as this person who wants to write, and she keeps a journal in which she records her feelings about her relationship. Stella personifies Dudgeon’s message: When does sexual fun and experimentation become exploitation and abuse? Do men and women see this differently? Is there apathy on the part of the public and law enforcement? Stella’s diary is only a fictional account and is not meant to represent all women in all situations, but that doesn’t diminish her story. It is fiction, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
There are a couple of surprises in this story, but there is one twist toward the end that I really did not see coming. I think you might like it. I did.
I wish to thank the author, Mr. Peter Dudgeon, for providing me with a copy of Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
4 stars
We met Frank briefly in Peter Dudgeon’s Chance, where he first met nine-year-old Cassie Janus and learned of her extraordinary gift, her ability to see the future. With Cassie’s mother dead, Laura, her former social worker, has adopted her, and they have moved away from London. Most of the book is set is in 2021, when Cassie is a college student. She has learned mostly to control her visions and to avoid malicious situations. Then Frank comes calling, in desperate need of her help. He believes that Cassie’s mind can help him unlock the mystery of Annie’s disappearance.
As Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore begins, Laura and Cassie are picking up the pieces of their devastated lives. Feeling much like an emotional tidal wave has struck her, Cassie suffers from recurring nightmares, and Laura seems at a loss to help. Few details from her past are given; to understand who Cassie is, this book is best read as a sequel, not as a standalone. The author doesn’t tell us much about who Laura and Frank are either. He just sort of drops them in place and runs with it, as if he’s anxious to get to the main event. The story jumps ahead two years, then another four years. Even though I hadn’t read Chance all that long ago, the background was a bit too sketchy; I had to piece together memories in my head. I felt a bit confused and had to re-read several sections where the point of view changes from third person to first person during Cassie’s visions as she becomes the person in her illusion. After one episode where she reads Frank’s memories, she describes her impression as a “fragmented collage” (location 718). That was sort of the feeling I had as I read the first 35 to 40 percent of the book. Not only was I trying to get up-to-date with Cassie, but Mr. Dudgeon jumped from scene to scene, introducing new characters, including a number of male characters, plus Stella, whom we meet in the process of writing in her diary.
Despite my initial discomfort, things came together. They came together incredibly well. If you read the book’s description, you know that there is a far-reaching Circle of sexual abusers who are desperate to sustain their secret illegal practices at the expense of women. Cassie must show determination and poise to prove to be a valuable asset to Frank’s team and to contend with this evil they are pursuing. Frank Simmons turns out to be a wonderful character. He is caring and kind, and no, I don’t think he’s really paranoid. He just has really good instincts that serve him well. He does make one questionable judgment toward the end. I haven’t decided how I feel about it, but I won’t say any more about it than that. There are a couple of other well-written characters in this story as well.
What Peter Dudgeon doesn’t want us to lose track of, I am sure, is his message. This is where Stella comes in. We come to know her as this person who wants to write, and she keeps a journal in which she records her feelings about her relationship. Stella personifies Dudgeon’s message: When does sexual fun and experimentation become exploitation and abuse? Do men and women see this differently? Is there apathy on the part of the public and law enforcement? Stella’s diary is only a fictional account and is not meant to represent all women in all situations, but that doesn’t diminish her story. It is fiction, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
There are a couple of surprises in this story, but there is one twist toward the end that I really did not see coming. I think you might like it. I did.
I wish to thank the author, Mr. Peter Dudgeon, for providing me with a copy of Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
4 stars
December 22, 2015
Seven years after the events in which she lost her mother, Cassie Janus had found relative peace with Laura in Newark, away from London, but when Detective Sergeant Frank Simmons suddenly appeared needing her help once again, she felt herself drawn into the horrors and violence she had tried so hard to escape.
The evil of sexual violence was rife – everywhere but hidden deeply in the depths of the internet, it was taking over. The world of sado masochism, domestic abuse, and those who viewed images on the web of such horrors with delight was sickening. Would Cassie’s visions and the diary of a mysterious missing woman, Stella Moore give Frank the answers he needed?
Circle by Peter Dudgeon is the sequel to Chance which I thoroughly enjoyed earlier in the year. And for anyone who wants to read Circle, and hasn’t read Chance – you definitely need to read them in order. Circle is much darker than Chance, so much so that I struggled, and didn’t enjoy it anywhere near my first experience with this author. A dark, depressing (subject matter) thriller, I’m afraid it just wasn’t for me.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
The evil of sexual violence was rife – everywhere but hidden deeply in the depths of the internet, it was taking over. The world of sado masochism, domestic abuse, and those who viewed images on the web of such horrors with delight was sickening. Would Cassie’s visions and the diary of a mysterious missing woman, Stella Moore give Frank the answers he needed?
Circle by Peter Dudgeon is the sequel to Chance which I thoroughly enjoyed earlier in the year. And for anyone who wants to read Circle, and hasn’t read Chance – you definitely need to read them in order. Circle is much darker than Chance, so much so that I struggled, and didn’t enjoy it anywhere near my first experience with this author. A dark, depressing (subject matter) thriller, I’m afraid it just wasn’t for me.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
February 8, 2016
The first sentence of the blurb for this book states it is a sequel to Chance and is not a stand alone novel. This is so true. I cannot stress it enough. You must read Chance first!
I had questions when I finished Chance, and they were all answered in this book, most of them right in the beginning. I was thrilled to get the answers, but then more questions popped up. I was drawn into this book because I needed to know the answers.
Cassie, Laura, and Frank return in this book. Maria, a new character, was fantastic! I was rooting for her. Stella, from the title, and her parents were a big surprise.
The events in this book are disturbing. It upset me deeply that women were being subjugated, objectified, manipulated, and abused. And when it was suggested that the books women read indicate that's what they want in their lives, I was angry! Are you kidding me?!
In the first book, we saw the tip of the iceberg with hints of what was below. In this book, the iceberg is completely revealed and crushed.
I had questions when I finished Chance, and they were all answered in this book, most of them right in the beginning. I was thrilled to get the answers, but then more questions popped up. I was drawn into this book because I needed to know the answers.
Cassie, Laura, and Frank return in this book. Maria, a new character, was fantastic! I was rooting for her. Stella, from the title, and her parents were a big surprise.
The events in this book are disturbing. It upset me deeply that women were being subjugated, objectified, manipulated, and abused. And when it was suggested that the books women read indicate that's what they want in their lives, I was angry! Are you kidding me?!
In the first book, we saw the tip of the iceberg with hints of what was below. In this book, the iceberg is completely revealed and crushed.
December 8, 2015
Having read and reviewed the first book "Chance" the author offered me a free copy of this sequel story in exchange for an honest review.
If it hadn't been for the time of year being so socially busy I'd have finished this much quicker, I'd waited for the continued story of Cassie Janus having enjoyed book one so much and I wasn't disappointed.
The subject matter of internet portrayed abused woman was a brave choice by the author and made for an intriguing and gritty background and I was glad that there had been a time jump for Cassie rather than her seeing these subjects in her visions as a child of 10yrs as she was in book one, instead we jumped her early teens.
Though it would be possible to read this on its own it is really meant as a sequel to Chance and as a reader you'd benefit much more from knowing the background of several characters and this is evident right from page one and references to characters in book one and previous events leading up to current situation.
As well as continuing the stories of Cassie, Laura and Frank from Chance we are introduced to new characters and a new case that overlaps with Frank following up on loose ends to the case of Annie Mendoza who having been the main case of Chance has subsequently gone missing suspected by police to have run away from home but Frank disagrees and takes the case on privately paid by her parents.
I was intrigued by the storyline it's an interesting view of how the internet could be used for creepy passing on and sharing of images of abused women, I would like to believe this would never happen but we all know on some level these horrible things happen which makes this story all the more sickening and yet compelling. It also helps you connect with the case and will Frank on to solve the corruption connected to the internet circle of individuals involved and help the abused women involved.
Though I'd love to read another story with Cassie I'm not sure the case solving duo of police officer Frank and Cassie with her psychic ability would continue to appeal to the same level of interest long term I guess it would rely on high interest cases outweighing the predicted case solving abilities but no doubt having enjoyed two books of these characters I'd be drawn to read any future appearances written by the author in hopes he can prove me wrong.
If it hadn't been for the time of year being so socially busy I'd have finished this much quicker, I'd waited for the continued story of Cassie Janus having enjoyed book one so much and I wasn't disappointed.
The subject matter of internet portrayed abused woman was a brave choice by the author and made for an intriguing and gritty background and I was glad that there had been a time jump for Cassie rather than her seeing these subjects in her visions as a child of 10yrs as she was in book one, instead we jumped her early teens.
Though it would be possible to read this on its own it is really meant as a sequel to Chance and as a reader you'd benefit much more from knowing the background of several characters and this is evident right from page one and references to characters in book one and previous events leading up to current situation.
As well as continuing the stories of Cassie, Laura and Frank from Chance we are introduced to new characters and a new case that overlaps with Frank following up on loose ends to the case of Annie Mendoza who having been the main case of Chance has subsequently gone missing suspected by police to have run away from home but Frank disagrees and takes the case on privately paid by her parents.
I was intrigued by the storyline it's an interesting view of how the internet could be used for creepy passing on and sharing of images of abused women, I would like to believe this would never happen but we all know on some level these horrible things happen which makes this story all the more sickening and yet compelling. It also helps you connect with the case and will Frank on to solve the corruption connected to the internet circle of individuals involved and help the abused women involved.
Though I'd love to read another story with Cassie I'm not sure the case solving duo of police officer Frank and Cassie with her psychic ability would continue to appeal to the same level of interest long term I guess it would rely on high interest cases outweighing the predicted case solving abilities but no doubt having enjoyed two books of these characters I'd be drawn to read any future appearances written by the author in hopes he can prove me wrong.
February 3, 2016
NOTE: (Book Blurb) ['Circle - The Diary of Stella Moore' is the sequel to Chance and is not intended to be read as a stand alone novel] ‘Circle' is the sequel to ‘Chance’, picking up the story of Cassie Janus, seven years later.
Cassie is either blessed or cursed. She has visions and sees things in the future. She can see into peoples' minds. Unfortunately what she usually sees are horrific scenes.
Detective Frank Simmons is suspended from his job. His supervisors claim that he is suffering from growing paranoia. He's seeing a spike in crimes against women and he believes there are cops involved.
While he's on leave, he gets a request from the family of a young woman who has gone missing. Taking Cassie with him while he investigates, they will face more danger than they've ever seen or known. They find themselves involved in the CIRCLE .. a wide-spread network of sadistic human beings.
Bringing this organization to a halt is going to take every bit of fortitude they have. They desperately need help ... but who can they trust?
This was an excellent read for me! Cassie is a terrific character ... she is multi-layered....willing to face whatever comes at her. Frank is a great foil for Cassie. He's older and looks at Cassie as a father would. He's desperate for her help, but hates using her.
This was extremely well-written. The tension builds and builds until an explosive ending. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves mystery, crime thrillers, with a little paranormal thrown in.
Many thanks to the author who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I also offer my apologies for taking so long to read this one.
Cassie is either blessed or cursed. She has visions and sees things in the future. She can see into peoples' minds. Unfortunately what she usually sees are horrific scenes.
Detective Frank Simmons is suspended from his job. His supervisors claim that he is suffering from growing paranoia. He's seeing a spike in crimes against women and he believes there are cops involved.
While he's on leave, he gets a request from the family of a young woman who has gone missing. Taking Cassie with him while he investigates, they will face more danger than they've ever seen or known. They find themselves involved in the CIRCLE .. a wide-spread network of sadistic human beings.
Bringing this organization to a halt is going to take every bit of fortitude they have. They desperately need help ... but who can they trust?
This was an excellent read for me! Cassie is a terrific character ... she is multi-layered....willing to face whatever comes at her. Frank is a great foil for Cassie. He's older and looks at Cassie as a father would. He's desperate for her help, but hates using her.
This was extremely well-written. The tension builds and builds until an explosive ending. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves mystery, crime thrillers, with a little paranormal thrown in.
Many thanks to the author who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I also offer my apologies for taking so long to read this one.
July 24, 2017
I read and enjoyed Chance, and was looking forward to reading Circle, which is the sequel to Chance. In this book, set several years later. Cassie is now a teenager who accepts she can never really live a normal life. When Frank asks her to help him in the search for Annie Mendoza (who was also in the first book) Cassie readily agrees. With Frank's police experience and Cassie's ability to see the thoughts and the future of those she taps into, they soon discover a sinister underground network of abuse called the Circle. Within this group, men are abusing and filming women and sharing the content online. In their bid to uncover who is involved, Cassie and Frank are in grave danger themselves, and they suspect men in positions of power are members of the group. This book, like the first, is a race to the finish, page turner. I just couldn't put it down as I so wanted to find out what happened next. The end of one chapter led inevitably to the start of a second. Highly recommended crime thriller.
December 23, 2015
Circle – The Diary of Stella Moore (Peter Dudgeon)
First of all my extreme thanks and gratitude go to the author Peter Dudgeon for letting me read an advance copy of this kindle edition. I was lucky enough to read the first book in this series Chance and you can read my review here http://beveaves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/0...
Circle – The Diary of Stella Moore is the follow up to Chance and picks up the story approximately 7 years later. For those that have read the first book this book continues with Cassie, who is living with Laura at presently but still experiencing those “visions”. Cassie is now in her teens and has a new life with Laura. They are trying to put the past behind them, trying their best to move on and start again.
Just as you get to understand some of what has happened in the past (for those that haven’t read Chance), you are then introduced to diary entries from a girl called Stella Moore.
Who is Stella Moore?
What is the connection between the diary entries and the story?
What is happening to Stella Moore?
Detective Sargent Frank Simmons who was in the last book, plays a major part in this one and enlists Cassie’s help with a case he is working on privately after being suspended from the police force. The case is trying to figure out why Annie Mendoza mysteriously disappeared.
We are then as the book progresses introduced into the world of sado masochism, the horrible world of domestic abuse, the way things are viewed by people on the internet who seem to thrive on seeing pictures of abuse. This is however done in such a way that you are left wanting to read just one more page to see if you can suss out what is happening or what will happen.
Circle is a darker more mysterious book than Chance was. Peter has put a lot of thought and research into this book and I have to say that his writing skills and knowledge of the subject through research alone is impeccable and one he should be proud of.
I would personally recommend that you read Chance before reading Circle as it will give you a better insight into the world of Cassie Janus and help you understand the hidden gift that she has that can help people.
First of all my extreme thanks and gratitude go to the author Peter Dudgeon for letting me read an advance copy of this kindle edition. I was lucky enough to read the first book in this series Chance and you can read my review here http://beveaves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/0...
Circle – The Diary of Stella Moore is the follow up to Chance and picks up the story approximately 7 years later. For those that have read the first book this book continues with Cassie, who is living with Laura at presently but still experiencing those “visions”. Cassie is now in her teens and has a new life with Laura. They are trying to put the past behind them, trying their best to move on and start again.
Just as you get to understand some of what has happened in the past (for those that haven’t read Chance), you are then introduced to diary entries from a girl called Stella Moore.
Who is Stella Moore?
What is the connection between the diary entries and the story?
What is happening to Stella Moore?
Detective Sargent Frank Simmons who was in the last book, plays a major part in this one and enlists Cassie’s help with a case he is working on privately after being suspended from the police force. The case is trying to figure out why Annie Mendoza mysteriously disappeared.
We are then as the book progresses introduced into the world of sado masochism, the horrible world of domestic abuse, the way things are viewed by people on the internet who seem to thrive on seeing pictures of abuse. This is however done in such a way that you are left wanting to read just one more page to see if you can suss out what is happening or what will happen.
Circle is a darker more mysterious book than Chance was. Peter has put a lot of thought and research into this book and I have to say that his writing skills and knowledge of the subject through research alone is impeccable and one he should be proud of.
I would personally recommend that you read Chance before reading Circle as it will give you a better insight into the world of Cassie Janus and help you understand the hidden gift that she has that can help people.
December 3, 2015
As stated in the book description Circle is the sequel to Chance. Chance I have to say, is a brilliant novel and one I highly recommend reading. It certainly does give the reader more background to Cassies character. In Circle the author starts off with a few brief chapters focusing on Cassie growing up but for me the story really started to get going when we get to Cassie in the present day.
Here on in the whole storyline felt very much like the start of a detective series. We have a strong male character in the form of Frank who's a detective who, when he begins to look into a missing persons case it begins to open up a whole can of worms. Enlisting Cassie into helping him due to her psychic powers they set off on the trail of a very dark and potentially dangerous journey.
It was great to meet up with Cassie again and to see what has happened to her since we saw her last in Chance. Growing up brings a whole different mixture of issues for Cassie which is even harder with being able to see things that she shouldn't. She's scared to open up to anyone as she doesn't know how they will react to her secret.
As with Chance, I found Circle to be a fast paced read that I did not want to put down. To start with I had no clue where Stella featured in the whole story and it did slightly confuse me. The author kept me guessing though and through the twisty journey that he takes us on, it all became suddenly clear.
I have no idea what the authors intentions are after this novel. I do think he has left it quite open to maybe a series following Cassie and Frank as they make a great team and they are certainly characters that I as a reader would love to see more of. Circle is an ideal read for fans of dark and fast paced crime thrillers.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Here on in the whole storyline felt very much like the start of a detective series. We have a strong male character in the form of Frank who's a detective who, when he begins to look into a missing persons case it begins to open up a whole can of worms. Enlisting Cassie into helping him due to her psychic powers they set off on the trail of a very dark and potentially dangerous journey.
It was great to meet up with Cassie again and to see what has happened to her since we saw her last in Chance. Growing up brings a whole different mixture of issues for Cassie which is even harder with being able to see things that she shouldn't. She's scared to open up to anyone as she doesn't know how they will react to her secret.
As with Chance, I found Circle to be a fast paced read that I did not want to put down. To start with I had no clue where Stella featured in the whole story and it did slightly confuse me. The author kept me guessing though and through the twisty journey that he takes us on, it all became suddenly clear.
I have no idea what the authors intentions are after this novel. I do think he has left it quite open to maybe a series following Cassie and Frank as they make a great team and they are certainly characters that I as a reader would love to see more of. Circle is an ideal read for fans of dark and fast paced crime thrillers.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2016
Circle is a powerful sequel to the first book featuring Cassie Janus - Chance (which it really helps to have read first).
This book is so much darker. Set in 2021, a not too distant future, it depicts a society awash w its violent pornography distributed among a large online network. Far fetched you think? I have observed a disturbing increase in casual sexism and misogyny all around me and the apparent normalisation of that by an aspiring (now elected) US President disgusts me. Let's hope he tones it down now. Sorry but I just had to get that off my chest.
Back to the book. Cassie, Laura and Frank from the first book appear again. Cassie is seven years older, has settled down with Laura and has her visions under control. Meanwhile Frank has been suspended from the Met but has been engaged by the Mendoza family to find their daughter, Annie (who also featured in the first book), and who disappeared again shortly after the events of that book.
Frank seeks Cassie's help to find Annie and they also enlist a few other helpers as the job grows in complexity. Their investigation uncovers a brutal and sadistic network of abusers. Interspersed throughout the narrative are excerpts from the diary of Stella Moore but I can't say any more about that without spoilers. How does it end? You will have to find out for yourself. The book was uncomfortable to read but its a helpful reminder that we mustn't put up with normalising this sort of behaviour.
This book is so much darker. Set in 2021, a not too distant future, it depicts a society awash w its violent pornography distributed among a large online network. Far fetched you think? I have observed a disturbing increase in casual sexism and misogyny all around me and the apparent normalisation of that by an aspiring (now elected) US President disgusts me. Let's hope he tones it down now. Sorry but I just had to get that off my chest.
Back to the book. Cassie, Laura and Frank from the first book appear again. Cassie is seven years older, has settled down with Laura and has her visions under control. Meanwhile Frank has been suspended from the Met but has been engaged by the Mendoza family to find their daughter, Annie (who also featured in the first book), and who disappeared again shortly after the events of that book.
Frank seeks Cassie's help to find Annie and they also enlist a few other helpers as the job grows in complexity. Their investigation uncovers a brutal and sadistic network of abusers. Interspersed throughout the narrative are excerpts from the diary of Stella Moore but I can't say any more about that without spoilers. How does it end? You will have to find out for yourself. The book was uncomfortable to read but its a helpful reminder that we mustn't put up with normalising this sort of behaviour.
December 21, 2015
I read the first book in this series (Chance)and throughly enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read "Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore".
I love the cover of this book, hidden demons inside Cassie that she struggles to control....
This book is based seven years on from the first one. Cassie is now a mature and strong teenager, headstrong and a great companion to DCI Frank Simmons (whom she has known since she was nine years old, in Chances). I really liked the way they bounced ideas off one another and knew what the other was thinking.
I didn't really have any knowledge of Cassie's powers before reading these two books, but now I understand a little of how it works, it's a very interesting topic.
This book was quite a lot darker than the first - I loved both and cannot wait to read what is next in store for their characters.
Many Thanks to the author, Peter Dudgeon, for giving me a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. An excellent read, I highly recommend that you read Chance first to gain the background story before this one.
I love the cover of this book, hidden demons inside Cassie that she struggles to control....
This book is based seven years on from the first one. Cassie is now a mature and strong teenager, headstrong and a great companion to DCI Frank Simmons (whom she has known since she was nine years old, in Chances). I really liked the way they bounced ideas off one another and knew what the other was thinking.
I didn't really have any knowledge of Cassie's powers before reading these two books, but now I understand a little of how it works, it's a very interesting topic.
This book was quite a lot darker than the first - I loved both and cannot wait to read what is next in store for their characters.
Many Thanks to the author, Peter Dudgeon, for giving me a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. An excellent read, I highly recommend that you read Chance first to gain the background story before this one.
January 10, 2021
A gripping, excellent read.
After reading Chance I had to go onto Circle out of the need to see where Cassie Janus ended up. I liked everything about this book, the storyline although macabre was gripping and the fact Cassie & Frank kind of teamed up put me in mind of the Mr Mercedes trilogy by Stephen King. Thoroughly glad to have had this author and these books recommended to me.
After reading Chance I had to go onto Circle out of the need to see where Cassie Janus ended up. I liked everything about this book, the storyline although macabre was gripping and the fact Cassie & Frank kind of teamed up put me in mind of the Mr Mercedes trilogy by Stephen King. Thoroughly glad to have had this author and these books recommended to me.
April 9, 2016
It is testament to an author's writing when I pick up a sequel to a book that I read 6 months ago and find that the characters are as familiar today as if I'd read about them yesterday. Anyone who has read it, would not forget Chance in a hurry. We were introduced to Cassie Janus who has astonishingly accurate premonitions and finds herself becoming a target as she helps the police with a string of murders.
Without refreshing my memory of Chance, I launched straight into Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore and agree that it should not be read as a stand alone novel. It is the absolutely perfect sequel to Chance with twists and turns that keep the pages turning as fast as your eyes can read each riveting page.
When we meet up with Cassie several years after Chance, we are also introduced to excerpts from the diary of Stella Moore. I kept wondering to myself, 'who is Stella Moore?' and just what does she have to do with the story? Stella has a huge part to play in the story and I found myself looking forward to more excerpts from her diary as I tried to find more clues as to who she was and what would happen to her. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation as Cassie's old friend, DS Frank Simmons, draws closer to unearthing the sadistic circle that Stella has unwittingly become involved in.
As events unfolded, I wondered whether Cassie's gift is a blessing or a curse. She experiences every thought, feeling and emotion of the person she is tuned into. It's quite a burden to bear and little wonder that she has few close friends. I would imagine (and hope) that we will be reading more about Cassie Janus in the future. I also think this pair of books would make a fantastic TV series as there are lots of cliffhangers and shocks in store to keep viewers as riveted to their TV as I was to the books.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Chance, the addition of Circle has made this quite an exceptional series. It is pacey, gritty and thrilling; it is such a riveting story that I'm sure many readers will find it incredibly difficult to put down, I know I certainly couldn't. Peter Dudgeon has created such unusual, memorable characters ensuring that Chance and Circle are completely unforgettable novels. Read them both, you won't regret it!
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Without refreshing my memory of Chance, I launched straight into Circle: The Diary of Stella Moore and agree that it should not be read as a stand alone novel. It is the absolutely perfect sequel to Chance with twists and turns that keep the pages turning as fast as your eyes can read each riveting page.
When we meet up with Cassie several years after Chance, we are also introduced to excerpts from the diary of Stella Moore. I kept wondering to myself, 'who is Stella Moore?' and just what does she have to do with the story? Stella has a huge part to play in the story and I found myself looking forward to more excerpts from her diary as I tried to find more clues as to who she was and what would happen to her. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation as Cassie's old friend, DS Frank Simmons, draws closer to unearthing the sadistic circle that Stella has unwittingly become involved in.
As events unfolded, I wondered whether Cassie's gift is a blessing or a curse. She experiences every thought, feeling and emotion of the person she is tuned into. It's quite a burden to bear and little wonder that she has few close friends. I would imagine (and hope) that we will be reading more about Cassie Janus in the future. I also think this pair of books would make a fantastic TV series as there are lots of cliffhangers and shocks in store to keep viewers as riveted to their TV as I was to the books.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Chance, the addition of Circle has made this quite an exceptional series. It is pacey, gritty and thrilling; it is such a riveting story that I'm sure many readers will find it incredibly difficult to put down, I know I certainly couldn't. Peter Dudgeon has created such unusual, memorable characters ensuring that Chance and Circle are completely unforgettable novels. Read them both, you won't regret it!
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2015
Back in May of this year I read a fantastic novel called Chance and author Peter Dudgeon told me there was a sequel in progress . After months of waiting patiently I finally received my review copy of Circle - The Diary of Stella Moore so I settled down on the sofa and before I knew it I'd reached those dreaded words THE END.
Circle picks up the story of Cassie Janus seven years later and she is living with Laura. The house has bad memories for Laura as it's where she almost died but she naively thinks that by de-cluttering and a lick of paint, her demons will disappear.
Cassie still has her 'visions' and after an altercation at school and one involving a social worker colleague of Laura's, Detective Sargeant Frank Simmons, who has stayed in contact with both Cassie and Laura, pays a visit to discuss her future. The decision is made and Cassie and Laura move to Newark for a fresh start for both of them.
The story is interspersed with entries from Stella's diary, which gives an insight into her life, but just who is the mysterious Stella?
Circle is a much darker read than Chance, taking the reader into the shadowy world of domestic abuse and sado masochism but it's done in a subtle way, leaving you to imagine for yourself exactly what went on. Once again Peter's writing is superb and the story will pull you in and have you frantically reading to get answers. I was slightly disappointed that Laura only made a brief appearance at the beginning of the novel and Cassie's friend, Aaron was totally absent, as I was looking forward to finding out more about them but I appreciate that there really wasn't a place for them within this story.
I would strongly recommend that you read Chance first as without the background of the characters you won't fully appreciate this story and it's not intended to be a stand-alone novel.
Circle picks up the story of Cassie Janus seven years later and she is living with Laura. The house has bad memories for Laura as it's where she almost died but she naively thinks that by de-cluttering and a lick of paint, her demons will disappear.
Cassie still has her 'visions' and after an altercation at school and one involving a social worker colleague of Laura's, Detective Sargeant Frank Simmons, who has stayed in contact with both Cassie and Laura, pays a visit to discuss her future. The decision is made and Cassie and Laura move to Newark for a fresh start for both of them.
The story is interspersed with entries from Stella's diary, which gives an insight into her life, but just who is the mysterious Stella?
Circle is a much darker read than Chance, taking the reader into the shadowy world of domestic abuse and sado masochism but it's done in a subtle way, leaving you to imagine for yourself exactly what went on. Once again Peter's writing is superb and the story will pull you in and have you frantically reading to get answers. I was slightly disappointed that Laura only made a brief appearance at the beginning of the novel and Cassie's friend, Aaron was totally absent, as I was looking forward to finding out more about them but I appreciate that there really wasn't a place for them within this story.
I would strongly recommend that you read Chance first as without the background of the characters you won't fully appreciate this story and it's not intended to be a stand-alone novel.
July 3, 2016
This is the sequel to Chance. I would suggest reading the first book, mainly because it will really help readers to understand Cassie and what she has been through. It also explains the relationships she has with Laura and Frank, aside from that it is just a good read.
I wish there had been less of a jump forward in years. I would have liked to have read about Cassie between Chance and before Circle. Then we might have seen more of Aaron and Laura.
In Circle the events take place 7 years after Chance. Cassie is on the brink of adulthood, which means she can put the past into perspective, and also sees any future visions in a different way.
Her visions are similar to seizures and Cassie often becomes part of the person or the evil she can see. She experiences the events as if she is there, often through the eyes of the perpetrators.
If you have read Chance you will be aware of the hidden society of sexual deviants run by high powered and well-known men in society.
Dudgeon likes to mix his fictional with the stark reality of abuse, sexual exploitation, domestic violence and rape. In Stella’s case he makes the case for the thin line between coercion and consent. When the line is crossed both the victims and outsiders have trouble recognising the difference between abuse and actual true consent. This is also sometimes the case for the perpetrators.
Maybe Dudgeon will let Cassie and Frank become a more permanent fixture, perhaps a psychic-detective combo? Hint, hint.
*I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author.*
I wish there had been less of a jump forward in years. I would have liked to have read about Cassie between Chance and before Circle. Then we might have seen more of Aaron and Laura.
In Circle the events take place 7 years after Chance. Cassie is on the brink of adulthood, which means she can put the past into perspective, and also sees any future visions in a different way.
Her visions are similar to seizures and Cassie often becomes part of the person or the evil she can see. She experiences the events as if she is there, often through the eyes of the perpetrators.
If you have read Chance you will be aware of the hidden society of sexual deviants run by high powered and well-known men in society.
Dudgeon likes to mix his fictional with the stark reality of abuse, sexual exploitation, domestic violence and rape. In Stella’s case he makes the case for the thin line between coercion and consent. When the line is crossed both the victims and outsiders have trouble recognising the difference between abuse and actual true consent. This is also sometimes the case for the perpetrators.
Maybe Dudgeon will let Cassie and Frank become a more permanent fixture, perhaps a psychic-detective combo? Hint, hint.
*I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author.*
April 1, 2016
Fantastic
Second book in the series and it was just as good as the first, Chance. Make sure you read Chance before this one as you will need the background on one of the main characters Cassie. Cassie has 'seizures' which manifest themselves in her ability to know what is to happen to people. She teams up with Frank, a suspended policeman, to uncover a network of domineering and sadistic abusers. Fast-paced and exciting, another great book by Dudgeon.
Second book in the series and it was just as good as the first, Chance. Make sure you read Chance before this one as you will need the background on one of the main characters Cassie. Cassie has 'seizures' which manifest themselves in her ability to know what is to happen to people. She teams up with Frank, a suspended policeman, to uncover a network of domineering and sadistic abusers. Fast-paced and exciting, another great book by Dudgeon.
February 21, 2016
Had 'Chance' on my kindle for a while and finally got round to reading it, that was good also, after finishing it, nearly didn't read 'Circle' straight after, so glad I did as obviously follows on. Another cracking read, loved all the characters, really good idea for a book too, scary stuff mind.
March 28, 2016
Is this the future
A glimpse into Aaron possible future or just a imaginary future
I think it follows on from chance very well but think that this could be going on under our noses already. Yes a good read
A glimpse into Aaron possible future or just a imaginary future
I think it follows on from chance very well but think that this could be going on under our noses already. Yes a good read
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews