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Inheritance
Somewhere deep in her mind Christine Marsden is witnessing the murder of young girls.
And now she has urges to hurt her own children.
After a head injury which left her having nightmares and visions, Christine is convinced that something inside her brain has broken, and that she is slowly sinking into insanity.
She is terrified of what she might be capable of. She fears that in losing her mind she will also lose her children and husband.
Christine embarks on a desperate fight to try to halt the fracture of her mind before it’s too late, and in doing so, discovers the hidden truth behind the dark horrors she is experiencing.
And now she has urges to hurt her own children.
After a head injury which left her having nightmares and visions, Christine is convinced that something inside her brain has broken, and that she is slowly sinking into insanity.
She is terrified of what she might be capable of. She fears that in losing her mind she will also lose her children and husband.
Christine embarks on a desperate fight to try to halt the fracture of her mind before it’s too late, and in doing so, discovers the hidden truth behind the dark horrors she is experiencing.
554 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
2392 people are currently reading
2150 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Wymark
8 books47 followersThomas Wymark is a psychological, mystery and suspense thriller writer. Born in London, now living near Brighton. Author of stand-alone novels, short stories and the Sal Smith thriller series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
November 4, 2015
Good points, nice plot and twists, this took the book from a 3 to a 4. The weak points, main character retells the crime several times to different people, making it tedious and too long.
February 3, 2016
So so many twists
So many twists I felt as if maybe the writer wasn't confident in the initial plots and rapidly kept changing them. She implies her husband is a cheater than not, only to revisit the idea chapters later. She's injured from a random attack, but might be insane, thinks she's a murderer, but wait it might be the husband. Oh wait she's adopted she's really crazy and inherited it from her birth mother, oops nope not that. Oh wait suddenly husband isn't a cheater or a killer but a diligent who catches the guy who attacked her in the beginning. Then we find bio dad, then we find a journal, oh yes and she's passed over for a job she wanted. Bio dad has during this time had a heart attack and she has tracked down the case worker who placed her and had a friend translate the found journal. It was such a jumbled story, I found myself struggling to keep up. I felt there were so many irrelevant plot twists that just weakened the story.
So many twists I felt as if maybe the writer wasn't confident in the initial plots and rapidly kept changing them. She implies her husband is a cheater than not, only to revisit the idea chapters later. She's injured from a random attack, but might be insane, thinks she's a murderer, but wait it might be the husband. Oh wait she's adopted she's really crazy and inherited it from her birth mother, oops nope not that. Oh wait suddenly husband isn't a cheater or a killer but a diligent who catches the guy who attacked her in the beginning. Then we find bio dad, then we find a journal, oh yes and she's passed over for a job she wanted. Bio dad has during this time had a heart attack and she has tracked down the case worker who placed her and had a friend translate the found journal. It was such a jumbled story, I found myself struggling to keep up. I felt there were so many irrelevant plot twists that just weakened the story.
December 28, 2015
Did not like book
This book took too long to get to the point. While I finished the entire book, I really didn't enjoy it as much as other mystery books purchased on Amazon. Someone should have done a better job of proofreading this book as there were several typos. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
This book took too long to get to the point. While I finished the entire book, I really didn't enjoy it as much as other mystery books purchased on Amazon. Someone should have done a better job of proofreading this book as there were several typos. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
May 9, 2019
Went out on a limb with this one, sort of knew it wasn't my tastes but if ya don't try you'll never know.
Each to their own that's what I say...
Each to their own that's what I say...
March 22, 2016
I would have liked to have given this book a 4 star rating, but honestly it let me down a bit. The ending seemed anticlimactic for me; I had different expectations.
That aside, I enjoyed the rest of it. Being inside of a Christine's head throughout this whole ordeal was interesting as I saw her in her lowest of lows and her highest highs. Definitely a rollercoaster of an adventure.
That aside, I enjoyed the rest of it. Being inside of a Christine's head throughout this whole ordeal was interesting as I saw her in her lowest of lows and her highest highs. Definitely a rollercoaster of an adventure.
January 29, 2016
What a dirty trick. I still think Richard mugged her. Deeply engrossing. Good read.
I particularly liked the ending. All wrapped up neatly. 4 stars because the mugging is never addressed as to who really did it. Will read more by Wymark.
I particularly liked the ending. All wrapped up neatly. 4 stars because the mugging is never addressed as to who really did it. Will read more by Wymark.
November 11, 2015
Thought provoking. GREATREAD
This book had me from the start. It only got better page by page. I didn't want to put it down. A gripping book,well written.
This book had me from the start. It only got better page by page. I didn't want to put it down. A gripping book,well written.
May 10, 2016
Inheritance: A Psychological Mystery and Suspense Thriller byThomas Wymark is a book that before you do anything, make sure you have your seatbelt on nice and tight, then hold on because you're going on one confusing wild ride. This is one psychological mystery and suspense thriller you won't put down until you're finished reading. Then you'll wonder "did I really read what I did?" There's twists and turns so you're kept on the edge of your seat. Will Christine find the answers she is looking for? This book will bring out many surprises for you. I loved it. I gave it 5 stars but I wish I could give it more. I highly recommend it to all and I wait for Thomas Wymark's next great read
November 19, 2016
This book did have potential in the beginning, but even for an avid reader like me, this book was too lengthy. There were a few times that I nearly stopped reading it because the story line started losing my attention or had me lost between the main character going between reality and getting lost in her own mind. The story did have twists and turns throughout the book, but I was looking for a more compelling ending. I felt like the author was unsure which direction he was going to go with the story line and had too many things going on all at once. To the point that the ending was anti-climatic for me.
February 18, 2021
Started out promising, but tried to over complicate story by adding far too many elements, which added nothing to overall quality. Main character irritating, arrogant and severely uneducated (to the point it is offensive). Also, a lot of grammatical errors.
November 28, 2018
This is the second book I've read by Wymark. I love books that delve into psychological issues by way of a good story. The book is slow, but paced well so I never lost the thread. I really liked it.
July 29, 2023
If you need a thriller, this one kept me going!
June 26, 2025
I started reading this book by accident... But I am definitely NOT disappointed that I did.
This is the FIRST book I've ever read by Thomas Wymark and it had me hooked from the very beginning. I was in shambles from the very beginning I was either feeling bad for Christine and Neil or angry as hell at the decisions that Christine was making. And I had to constantly remind myself that she is working with a swollen brain and potential mental health occurrences.
Either way, the thrill, the suspense, the twists and everything that came out in this story. Parts of it, I anticipated BUT not the way it played out. I was still surprised at the end.
This book was GOOD!
This is the FIRST book I've ever read by Thomas Wymark and it had me hooked from the very beginning. I was in shambles from the very beginning I was either feeling bad for Christine and Neil or angry as hell at the decisions that Christine was making. And I had to constantly remind myself that she is working with a swollen brain and potential mental health occurrences.
Either way, the thrill, the suspense, the twists and everything that came out in this story. Parts of it, I anticipated BUT not the way it played out. I was still surprised at the end.
This book was GOOD!
June 9, 2021
I couldn't get into the book sorry
October 4, 2015
After being mugged, Christine begins experiencing strange violent visions, blackouts and wanting to lash out at those closest to her. Thinking her mental health has been affected by the mugging, she begins counselling, convinced that she's going mad.
I enjoyed the way the author gradually built up Christine's experiences and her reactions to them. Her personality and relationship with her husband and children are affected by her thoughts and actions. It was interesting to observe how the family reacted to events and interacted with each other.
I thought the story had a great ending and all the events throughout the book were brought together well with a satisfying twist. Without doubt, one of the best books I've read. I'll be reading more by Thomas Wymark.
I enjoyed the way the author gradually built up Christine's experiences and her reactions to them. Her personality and relationship with her husband and children are affected by her thoughts and actions. It was interesting to observe how the family reacted to events and interacted with each other.
I thought the story had a great ending and all the events throughout the book were brought together well with a satisfying twist. Without doubt, one of the best books I've read. I'll be reading more by Thomas Wymark.
December 26, 2016
I hate not finishing a book, so I determinedly read to the end, without skipping any pages. It was hard work. there were many time that I wanted to just give up. I got fed up with the constant conflicts and challenges that happened on every page. The repetition of the tale, and I lost time how many times she told herself to get a grip. Was It worth it, the 7hours or so to read the book? I am not sure. The ending happened fairly quickly once every hurdle in the world was thrown at her and she managed to sort everything out. I know I will never read it again. It was well written, but much too long, even for a free book.
August 28, 2015
Christine Marsden has a skateboard accident even though she does not own or ride a skateboard. She is hit over the head with a skateboard while being mugged. After being hit over the head her life spirals out of control. She has dreams and visions of hurting people. She begins to think she is losing her mind.
This is a book I picked up in the free list. Sometimes these are fabulous like in this case. It is very well written. Even though the outcome was obvious I had a hard time putting it down, could not wait to get to the end!
This is a book I picked up in the free list. Sometimes these are fabulous like in this case. It is very well written. Even though the outcome was obvious I had a hard time putting it down, could not wait to get to the end!
February 10, 2016
This is a book I would give to someone to show them how NOT to write a character. The protagonist cries throughout the entire book - literally, EVERY CHAPTER has some reference to her tears, sobbing, etc. Her emotions yo-yo so dramatically that it's almost comical. I struggled throughout most of the book because the character was so irritating. I had hoped for a dramatic twist that would save the story, but the ending was a complete letdown.
June 30, 2016
Slow paced and weird at times, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and read every word. Mentioning that fact because there are some so-called reviewers on this site (and others) who feels it's appropriate to read the first chapter and then diss other folk's work.
I found this to be a well-written and suspenseful read, and I didn't guess what was going on until about 80% of the way through. Yay! Thank you Thomas Wymark. It's clear that much love and thought went into the creation of this tale.
I found this to be a well-written and suspenseful read, and I didn't guess what was going on until about 80% of the way through. Yay! Thank you Thomas Wymark. It's clear that much love and thought went into the creation of this tale.
November 18, 2015
Wordy
A good book but it a bit lengthy before it gets there. I almost stopped reading due to the author droning on and on but I assume in telling his tale he felt we should know exactly how the character felt and he did a good job there. It did turn into a good story so I give it four stars still think he should have cut back some.
A good book but it a bit lengthy before it gets there. I almost stopped reading due to the author droning on and on but I assume in telling his tale he felt we should know exactly how the character felt and he did a good job there. It did turn into a good story so I give it four stars still think he should have cut back some.
January 10, 2017
Crazy?
At first this story was a little strange but soon it became eventful, somewhat menacing but a great puzzle to solve. Is Chris really crazy, what will happen to her children and there are even more questions? You will like this thriller too. It will sustain you during the dark and dreary days of January.
At first this story was a little strange but soon it became eventful, somewhat menacing but a great puzzle to solve. Is Chris really crazy, what will happen to her children and there are even more questions? You will like this thriller too. It will sustain you during the dark and dreary days of January.
April 27, 2016
What a ride the author took me on!
I literally couldn't put this down. I know how often that phrase is used but in this case its true. The way the author wove the story together is masterful. I can't wait to read his next book.
I literally couldn't put this down. I know how often that phrase is used but in this case its true. The way the author wove the story together is masterful. I can't wait to read his next book.
January 16, 2017
A short review
My rating is 5 as Thomas is one of my favourite authors and his story telling is too notch. Suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. A really good read
My rating is 5 as Thomas is one of my favourite authors and his story telling is too notch. Suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. A really good read
March 30, 2016
Crazy good
I stayed up to read the end!!! I could hardly it it down. Twists and turns wit a surprising ending;;
I stayed up to read the end!!! I could hardly it it down. Twists and turns wit a surprising ending;;
May 7, 2016
"In pursuit of memory"
A really gripping mystery from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the odd dash of humour among the traumatic events.
A really gripping mystery from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the odd dash of humour among the traumatic events.
January 21, 2017
confusing at first but once I figured out where the author was going very suspenseful. The ending was a little hard to believe as the main character puts herself in unnecessary danger.
September 9, 2016
Very interest concept and kept my interest until and including the end. I liked this book.
January 26, 2019
Just. No. I started this book, and then quit somewhere around page 20 something. I just couldn’t deal with the M/C anymore, nor the OVERLY DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS and did I mention… details? And… ugh!!
But… even after reading much of the same sentiment in most of the 1-star reviews (which is what I was originally going to give this novel), I decided I’d give it another go about three days later. I REALLY hate quitting. Plus, having suffered a concussion myself, back in 2017, I figured, why not? I love mind study & behavioral analysis stuff… so, I began again. Now, I’m going with a three-star review, and here’s why…
Let me start by asking you this… Have you ever had a friend or relative relate a story to you that was SOOooo minutely detailed, you found yourself zoning out and only tuning back in when he or she raised their voice in emphasis, denoting a plot twist, etc.? Well, that’s this book. Lots and lots and lots of minute details… Pages worth.
In fact, to be completely honest, I stuck with the story, patiently hoping the pace would pick up and I would actually be given more ‘story’ to go along with my generous serving of ‘details’, soon and in more abundance, as a reward… NOPE. I made it to about 46% (page 257 of FIVE HUNDRED and FIFTY FIVE!!!) before I finally said “forget this” (I didn’t say that though… it was MUCH WORSE) and fast forwarded to page 484 (a random number chosen near the end). I can HONESTLY say that when I came across new characters & new developments in the plot, that I didn’t recognize, it wasn’t difficult to figure it all out and piece together what I’d “missed”, without losing ANY of the storyline.
Now, from 484 on… it’s a DArN good read. The ‘aha’ moments of how everything came together was BEAUTIFUL, making this a good story. Good story, but regrettably, not a good read. So much could have been omitted without ruining the thread. And this is coming from an INCREDIBLY long-winded individual, me. Easily could’ve been a 5-star novel if my endless patience hadn’t gotten annoyed with the mundane.
But… even after reading much of the same sentiment in most of the 1-star reviews (which is what I was originally going to give this novel), I decided I’d give it another go about three days later. I REALLY hate quitting. Plus, having suffered a concussion myself, back in 2017, I figured, why not? I love mind study & behavioral analysis stuff… so, I began again. Now, I’m going with a three-star review, and here’s why…
Let me start by asking you this… Have you ever had a friend or relative relate a story to you that was SOOooo minutely detailed, you found yourself zoning out and only tuning back in when he or she raised their voice in emphasis, denoting a plot twist, etc.? Well, that’s this book. Lots and lots and lots of minute details… Pages worth.
In fact, to be completely honest, I stuck with the story, patiently hoping the pace would pick up and I would actually be given more ‘story’ to go along with my generous serving of ‘details’, soon and in more abundance, as a reward… NOPE. I made it to about 46% (page 257 of FIVE HUNDRED and FIFTY FIVE!!!) before I finally said “forget this” (I didn’t say that though… it was MUCH WORSE) and fast forwarded to page 484 (a random number chosen near the end). I can HONESTLY say that when I came across new characters & new developments in the plot, that I didn’t recognize, it wasn’t difficult to figure it all out and piece together what I’d “missed”, without losing ANY of the storyline.
Now, from 484 on… it’s a DArN good read. The ‘aha’ moments of how everything came together was BEAUTIFUL, making this a good story. Good story, but regrettably, not a good read. So much could have been omitted without ruining the thread. And this is coming from an INCREDIBLY long-winded individual, me. Easily could’ve been a 5-star novel if my endless patience hadn’t gotten annoyed with the mundane.
October 12, 2016
This was a compelling read.
I am always impressed when a male writer pulls off so effectively a first-person narrative where the main protagonist is female. The attention to characterisation was extremely well-observed.
I read this on my Kindle with no idea how far through I was at any point in the story. On several occasions, I felt that the story was pulling towards a climax, but rather than head towards an ending, another dimension was added – a real bonus for the reader – and for a long time I had absolutely no idea where it would lead. There was so much psychological interest, as well as physical events and emotional focus.
It was always difficult to stop reading at the end of a chapter; those final lines were masterful in propelling the reader forward. I felt that, at times, though, the voice of Chris was a little too repetitive, but this can possibly be put down to a character flaw, I suppose. Mid-chapter, however, I was aware that I was in the hands of the author being fed detail at an unhurried pace when I wanted to be sprinting!
Without giving the game away, kudos to Wymark on the level of research undertaken. The turning point in the book, the ‘discovery’, and subsequent action is handled with complete accuracy.
I have held back on the full five star award for a few reasons: I was a little disappointed with the ending (more hurried than the rest of the book, a little less believable) and the reasoning behind Chris’s behaviour (although I imagine this would have been researched as a phenomenon). I didn’t really understand the purpose for the location of the scrawled message and felt that this thread of the story disappeared. When a new character is mentioned, I anticipate that they will make an appearance, so I was disappointed that a character discovered late in the plot didn’t feature. Also, although very well written, I was aware of several typos which had escaped the editing process.
Nevertheless, I am thrilled to have discovered Thomas Wymark, and look forward to reading more of his material.
I am always impressed when a male writer pulls off so effectively a first-person narrative where the main protagonist is female. The attention to characterisation was extremely well-observed.
I read this on my Kindle with no idea how far through I was at any point in the story. On several occasions, I felt that the story was pulling towards a climax, but rather than head towards an ending, another dimension was added – a real bonus for the reader – and for a long time I had absolutely no idea where it would lead. There was so much psychological interest, as well as physical events and emotional focus.
It was always difficult to stop reading at the end of a chapter; those final lines were masterful in propelling the reader forward. I felt that, at times, though, the voice of Chris was a little too repetitive, but this can possibly be put down to a character flaw, I suppose. Mid-chapter, however, I was aware that I was in the hands of the author being fed detail at an unhurried pace when I wanted to be sprinting!
Without giving the game away, kudos to Wymark on the level of research undertaken. The turning point in the book, the ‘discovery’, and subsequent action is handled with complete accuracy.
I have held back on the full five star award for a few reasons: I was a little disappointed with the ending (more hurried than the rest of the book, a little less believable) and the reasoning behind Chris’s behaviour (although I imagine this would have been researched as a phenomenon). I didn’t really understand the purpose for the location of the scrawled message and felt that this thread of the story disappeared. When a new character is mentioned, I anticipate that they will make an appearance, so I was disappointed that a character discovered late in the plot didn’t feature. Also, although very well written, I was aware of several typos which had escaped the editing process.
Nevertheless, I am thrilled to have discovered Thomas Wymark, and look forward to reading more of his material.
August 3, 2020
This was a book club read and a first for me for this author.
It was an enjoyable read overall but it was much, much too long and repetitive. I will admit to just glancing over quite a few parts and didn't lose anything by doing so.
Christine Marsden as a character was a little annoying, constantly crying (who can blame her i suppose?) but in her moments of clarity she was strong willed and determined.
I loved the interaction between Chris and her husband Neil. I liked their strength and weaknesses and the humorous little bits made them very human. I didn't think we needed Neils side story, it just didn't add anything.
The story-line kept me interested and kept me guessing through most of it, but once certain information came to light it was an easy guess to what was going to happen, so a little disappointing.
I hovered over two and three stars for a while but decided on three because this was a well written book with an interesting story,.... but it was just to long.
I would recommend this book if you fancy something a little different.
It was an enjoyable read overall but it was much, much too long and repetitive. I will admit to just glancing over quite a few parts and didn't lose anything by doing so.
Christine Marsden as a character was a little annoying, constantly crying (who can blame her i suppose?) but in her moments of clarity she was strong willed and determined.
I loved the interaction between Chris and her husband Neil. I liked their strength and weaknesses and the humorous little bits made them very human. I didn't think we needed Neils side story, it just didn't add anything.
The story-line kept me interested and kept me guessing through most of it, but once certain information came to light it was an easy guess to what was going to happen, so a little disappointing.
I hovered over two and three stars for a while but decided on three because this was a well written book with an interesting story,.... but it was just to long.
I would recommend this book if you fancy something a little different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews