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Frieda Klein #7
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Psychotherapist Dr Frieda Klein once again finds herself in the midst of a criminal investigation when the rotting body of an ex-policeman is found beneath the floorboards of her house.
The corpse is only months old but the main suspect, murderer Dean Reeve, died over seven years ago.
As the killer picks off his next victims and her home is turned into a crime scene, Frieda's old life seems like a hazy dream.
With eyes of the world upon her and no answers from the police, Frieda realises that she will have to track this killer before he tracks down those she loves.
The corpse is only months old but the main suspect, murderer Dean Reeve, died over seven years ago.
As the killer picks off his next victims and her home is turned into a crime scene, Frieda's old life seems like a hazy dream.
With eyes of the world upon her and no answers from the police, Frieda realises that she will have to track this killer before he tracks down those she loves.
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2017
1040 people are currently reading
5579 people want to read
About the author
Nicci French
80 books3,636 followersNote: (Nicci Gerrard and Sean French also write separately.)
Nicci Gerrard was born in June 1958 in Worcestershire. After graduating with a first class honours degree in English Literature from Oxford University, she began her first job, working with emotionally disturbed children in Sheffield. In that same year she married journalist Colin Hughes.
In the early eighties she taught English Literature in Sheffield, London and Los Angeles, but moved into publishing in 1985 with the launch of Women's Review, a magazine for women on art, literature and female issues.
In 1987 Nicci had a son, Edgar, followed by a daughter, Anna, in 1988, but a year later her marriage to Colin Hughes broke down.
In 1989 she became acting literary editor at the New Statesman, before moving to the Observer, where she was deputy literary editor for five years, and then a feature writer and executive editor.
It was while she was at the New Statesman that she met Sean French.
Sean French was born in May 1959 in Bristol, to a British father and Swedish mother. He too studied English Literature at Oxford University at the same time as Nicci, also graduating with a first class degree, but their paths didn't cross until 1990. In 1981 he won Vogue magazine's Writing Talent Contest, and from 1981 to 1986 he was their theatre critic. During that time he also worked at the Sunday Times as deputy literary editor and television critic, and was the film critic for Marie Claire and deputy editor of New Society.
Sean and Nicci were married in Hackney in October 1990. Their daughters, Hadley and Molly, were born in 1991 and 1993.
By the mid-nineties Sean had had two novels published, The Imaginary Monkey and The Dreamer of Dreams, as well as numerous non-fiction books, including biographies of Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1995 Nicci and Sean began work on their first joint novel and adopted the pseudonym of Nicci French. The Memory Game was published to great acclaim in 1997 followed by The Safe House (1998), Killing Me Softly (1999), Beneath the Skin (2000), The Red Room (2001), Land of the Living (2002), Secret Smile (2003), Catch Me When I Fall (2005), Losing You (2006) and Until It's Over (2008). Their latest novel together is What To Do When Someone Dies (2009).
Nicci and Sean also continue to write separately. Nicci still works as a journalist for the Observer, covering high-profile trials including those of Fred and Rose West, and Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr. Novels include Things We Knew Were True (2003), Solace (2005) and The Moment You Were Gone (2007). Sean's last novel is Start From Here (2004).
Nicci Gerrard was born in June 1958 in Worcestershire. After graduating with a first class honours degree in English Literature from Oxford University, she began her first job, working with emotionally disturbed children in Sheffield. In that same year she married journalist Colin Hughes.
In the early eighties she taught English Literature in Sheffield, London and Los Angeles, but moved into publishing in 1985 with the launch of Women's Review, a magazine for women on art, literature and female issues.
In 1987 Nicci had a son, Edgar, followed by a daughter, Anna, in 1988, but a year later her marriage to Colin Hughes broke down.
In 1989 she became acting literary editor at the New Statesman, before moving to the Observer, where she was deputy literary editor for five years, and then a feature writer and executive editor.
It was while she was at the New Statesman that she met Sean French.
Sean French was born in May 1959 in Bristol, to a British father and Swedish mother. He too studied English Literature at Oxford University at the same time as Nicci, also graduating with a first class degree, but their paths didn't cross until 1990. In 1981 he won Vogue magazine's Writing Talent Contest, and from 1981 to 1986 he was their theatre critic. During that time he also worked at the Sunday Times as deputy literary editor and television critic, and was the film critic for Marie Claire and deputy editor of New Society.
Sean and Nicci were married in Hackney in October 1990. Their daughters, Hadley and Molly, were born in 1991 and 1993.
By the mid-nineties Sean had had two novels published, The Imaginary Monkey and The Dreamer of Dreams, as well as numerous non-fiction books, including biographies of Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1995 Nicci and Sean began work on their first joint novel and adopted the pseudonym of Nicci French. The Memory Game was published to great acclaim in 1997 followed by The Safe House (1998), Killing Me Softly (1999), Beneath the Skin (2000), The Red Room (2001), Land of the Living (2002), Secret Smile (2003), Catch Me When I Fall (2005), Losing You (2006) and Until It's Over (2008). Their latest novel together is What To Do When Someone Dies (2009).
Nicci and Sean also continue to write separately. Nicci still works as a journalist for the Observer, covering high-profile trials including those of Fred and Rose West, and Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr. Novels include Things We Knew Were True (2003), Solace (2005) and The Moment You Were Gone (2007). Sean's last novel is Start From Here (2004).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 893 reviews
February 12, 2018
As a reader, I'm still very new to dynamic duo Nicci French's writing, but I have to say I'm becoming more addicted with every book of theirs that I pick up. (In case you aren't familiar with the authors, Nicci French is a pseudonym for English wife-and-husband writing team Nicci Gerrard and Sean French.) While this is technically book #7 in the Freida Klein series, it's really book #2 for me, as I just jumped on board last year with Dark Saturday (book #6). I still hope to go back 'round to the beginning and catch up on all the novels I've missed prior to these, but in the meantime I've become taken with psychologist Freida Klein and her merry band of law enforcement friends. In case you're wondering these books do have a running backstory, but I found myself easily able to catch on to the plot based on just the two books I've read.
"Glendower. I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Hotspur. Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?
-William Shakespeare
Henry IV Part One (Act III, Scene I)
If you've been following my reading journey for 2 years or 2 minutes, you'll know that I am intensely drawn to any type of crime fiction procedural. Police procedural, legal drama, clinical psychologist; I can't get enough, but I especially love when I find one that balances the ongoing series plotting equally with the crime being solved in each installment of said series. This continuous story is one of the most excellent, in those regards, on the market today; I cannot stress enough what a pleasure it is to be lost in the case at hand while also immersing myself in the drama and chaos of the characters' personal lives. Obviously the plot in this particular segment immediately intrigued me; a body found in the flooring of our main, reoccurring character is no easy feat to write. No plot spoilers here, but it was nicely done and my mind is till trying to play catch up from all the whiplash induced twists and turns.
A safe space. Frieda had always hoped that her consulting room was a place of escape for her patients, a place of refuge. Now it felt like that for her... Sometimes the silence could last for many minutes. At certain times it had lasted almost the whole session. Silence could be a kind of therapy."
As if the above mentioned wasn't enough reason to pick up the series, one of my favorite parts of reading a Frieda Klein novel is the DAD GUM CLIFFHANGER ENDINGS. I mean... How can one possibly expect to wait for the next book? The last sentence alone was enough to make me flip through the final pages a few times to make sure my copy wasn't missing something. WELL DONE YOU FIENDS!!! To say I'm waiting with bated breath for the next installment would be a gross understatement, so I'll just sign off letting you know that, whether you start all the way at the beginning or with book #6, this is a series worth looking at. Highly recommended to my fellow procedural nerds!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
----------
So I devoured this entire 400+ page book yesterday. Clearly I loved it! And that final sentence?!?! *GASP* WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK?! Full review to come.
"Glendower. I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Hotspur. Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?
-William Shakespeare
Henry IV Part One (Act III, Scene I)
If you've been following my reading journey for 2 years or 2 minutes, you'll know that I am intensely drawn to any type of crime fiction procedural. Police procedural, legal drama, clinical psychologist; I can't get enough, but I especially love when I find one that balances the ongoing series plotting equally with the crime being solved in each installment of said series. This continuous story is one of the most excellent, in those regards, on the market today; I cannot stress enough what a pleasure it is to be lost in the case at hand while also immersing myself in the drama and chaos of the characters' personal lives. Obviously the plot in this particular segment immediately intrigued me; a body found in the flooring of our main, reoccurring character is no easy feat to write. No plot spoilers here, but it was nicely done and my mind is till trying to play catch up from all the whiplash induced twists and turns.
A safe space. Frieda had always hoped that her consulting room was a place of escape for her patients, a place of refuge. Now it felt like that for her... Sometimes the silence could last for many minutes. At certain times it had lasted almost the whole session. Silence could be a kind of therapy."
As if the above mentioned wasn't enough reason to pick up the series, one of my favorite parts of reading a Frieda Klein novel is the DAD GUM CLIFFHANGER ENDINGS. I mean... How can one possibly expect to wait for the next book? The last sentence alone was enough to make me flip through the final pages a few times to make sure my copy wasn't missing something. WELL DONE YOU FIENDS!!! To say I'm waiting with bated breath for the next installment would be a gross understatement, so I'll just sign off letting you know that, whether you start all the way at the beginning or with book #6, this is a series worth looking at. Highly recommended to my fellow procedural nerds!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
----------
So I devoured this entire 400+ page book yesterday. Clearly I loved it! And that final sentence?!?! *GASP* WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK?! Full review to come.
November 19, 2017
Chilling and compelling police procedural!
This is number 7 in the Frieda Klein series and I read this one as a stand-alone and it worked out just fine. I was easily drawn into the world of Freida Klein-psychologist and respected police consultant.
A serial killer that was believed to be dead is out for revenge and Frieda and her family are targeted. I really enjoyed the character of Frieda and how she is both intuitive and pro-active in her quest for justice.
The book is very engaging and builds suspense throughout which makes it so easy to get lost in the reading. There are some disturbing scenes, but they are not overly graphic and I was able to easily skim over them. There is one more book to come that will end this series. I have already purchased two more books so I can read from the beginning!
If you enjoy strong police/detective procedurals that build suspense throughout, this would be a great series to try out!
Thanks to Edelweiss for my ARC. On sale January 2018.
This is number 7 in the Frieda Klein series and I read this one as a stand-alone and it worked out just fine. I was easily drawn into the world of Freida Klein-psychologist and respected police consultant.
A serial killer that was believed to be dead is out for revenge and Frieda and her family are targeted. I really enjoyed the character of Frieda and how she is both intuitive and pro-active in her quest for justice.
The book is very engaging and builds suspense throughout which makes it so easy to get lost in the reading. There are some disturbing scenes, but they are not overly graphic and I was able to easily skim over them. There is one more book to come that will end this series. I have already purchased two more books so I can read from the beginning!
If you enjoy strong police/detective procedurals that build suspense throughout, this would be a great series to try out!
Thanks to Edelweiss for my ARC. On sale January 2018.
July 4, 2018
Sunday Silence by Nicci French is a 2018 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
Psychologist Frieda Klein may have finally convinced everyone that her stalker, Dean Reeve, is still alive. However, it would appear he is targeting Frieda’s friends and family, but Reeve may not be the only perpetrator.
This seventh installment picks up where the last book left off and gathering most of the characters from earlier installments together as Frieda horrifyingly watches her friends being systematically attacked. The pacing is quite brisk with no time to waste. I tore this one at record speed, although I had put off reading it for a time, believing it to be the last book in the series. (There is another installment- thank goodness!)
Frieda is one of my favorite book characters and this series is one I never get behind on. This installment is a testament to how far the series has progressed, how much the characters have evolved and how plots continue to improve with each chapter. Frieda is still as complicated and hard to read as she was in the beginning, but I certainly understand her much better now.
I am very much looking forward to her next adventure and touching base with the eclectic cast again soon!
4 stars
Psychologist Frieda Klein may have finally convinced everyone that her stalker, Dean Reeve, is still alive. However, it would appear he is targeting Frieda’s friends and family, but Reeve may not be the only perpetrator.
This seventh installment picks up where the last book left off and gathering most of the characters from earlier installments together as Frieda horrifyingly watches her friends being systematically attacked. The pacing is quite brisk with no time to waste. I tore this one at record speed, although I had put off reading it for a time, believing it to be the last book in the series. (There is another installment- thank goodness!)
Frieda is one of my favorite book characters and this series is one I never get behind on. This installment is a testament to how far the series has progressed, how much the characters have evolved and how plots continue to improve with each chapter. Frieda is still as complicated and hard to read as she was in the beginning, but I certainly understand her much better now.
I am very much looking forward to her next adventure and touching base with the eclectic cast again soon!
4 stars
July 10, 2017
We are back in the seventh in the Dr Frieda Klein series, with one left to go. This is a fast paced read which picks up from the ending in the last book. Frieda discovers a nasty surprise under the floorboards of her home, a dead body that has been killed a few months ago, courtesy of Dean Reeve, a serial killer haunting Frieda. It is ex-cop, Bruce Stringer, who was investigating Reeve. However, the police believe Reeve has been dead for seven years. DCI Petra Burge heads the criminal police investigation. DCI Karlson has a broken leg and on sick leave but gets called in. With the resultant media attention, and the focus of someone with deadly intent, Frieda and her close knit friends and family are the target for violent attacks. Frieda does the only thing she knows how to do to prevent the situation escalating further, she goes hunting for the perpetrator with the help of DCI Karlson. Reeve gets in touch intimating he is not behind these acts. The police do eventually acknowledge that they got it wrong and that Reeve is alive. This is a story with plenty of suspense and twists that motors along to an ending that leaves the reader hanging until the final book of this wonderful series. It is the complex character of Frieda that holds centre stage along with her great group of friends. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
January 27, 2018
Another great book in this excellent series. I still don't really like many of the characters especially Frieda and her silly sister but it really does not matter. The story is the thing in these books and it is always good!
At the conclusion of book six I really thought book seven would be the last in the series. After all the authors would then have completed a nice neat set of seven days for their titles, and Dean Reeve had reappeared ready and raring to go. So I feel very lucky that we took a little side trail in this book and still have the grand finale yet to come!
The 'side trail' still gave us deaths, beatings and abductions and lots of police work. The mystery was good too with plenty of clues for the reader to solve it sooner than Frieda did. I enjoyed the London setting and some of the history of the city which Frieda shares on her long walks.
Altogether good and I have a feeling the last book will be fantastic!
At the conclusion of book six I really thought book seven would be the last in the series. After all the authors would then have completed a nice neat set of seven days for their titles, and Dean Reeve had reappeared ready and raring to go. So I feel very lucky that we took a little side trail in this book and still have the grand finale yet to come!
The 'side trail' still gave us deaths, beatings and abductions and lots of police work. The mystery was good too with plenty of clues for the reader to solve it sooner than Frieda did. I enjoyed the London setting and some of the history of the city which Frieda shares on her long walks.
Altogether good and I have a feeling the last book will be fantastic!
June 23, 2017
Long time readers of this series are going to be surprised at the direction of this outstanding seventh outing for Dr.Frieda Klein and her friends.
If you have read Saturday Requiem you know that Dean Reeves has left a grisly calling card for Frieda under her living room floor. Dean Reeves is a serial killer who has haunted Frieda's life for years as both a tormentor and a protector. Finally the police officially believe her about Reeves being alive and an all out search is launched for him.
Unfortunately this does not keep her friends and loved ones safe. I say friends and loved ones, but in Frieda's world they are one and the same.
Frieda's friend Sasha was out of the picture visiting her father. (Yay!) It me drove me crazy about Frieda, forgiving Sasha. I wonder if Karlsson ever could. Oh wait, these are fictional characters. Darn, I did it again, got sucked back into Frieda's world.
I'm not going to waste too much time on how this is such a good book and the characters, plot, pacing, setting etc etc are as good as always. I'll make an exception in writing a bit about Frieda, as even two people who know her well find it necessary to warn the investigating officer that Frieda is different. Her demeanor is usually taken as cold and indifferent by those who don't know her well, whereas first impressions could not be more wrong concerning Frieda.
This has been an outstanding series, but I have no problem seeing this book being read as a standalone.
If you have read Saturday Requiem you know that Dean Reeves has left a grisly calling card for Frieda under her living room floor. Dean Reeves is a serial killer who has haunted Frieda's life for years as both a tormentor and a protector. Finally the police officially believe her about Reeves being alive and an all out search is launched for him.
Unfortunately this does not keep her friends and loved ones safe. I say friends and loved ones, but in Frieda's world they are one and the same.
Frieda's friend Sasha was out of the picture visiting her father. (Yay!) It me drove me crazy about Frieda, forgiving Sasha. I wonder if Karlsson ever could. Oh wait, these are fictional characters. Darn, I did it again, got sucked back into Frieda's world.
I'm not going to waste too much time on how this is such a good book and the characters, plot, pacing, setting etc etc are as good as always. I'll make an exception in writing a bit about Frieda, as even two people who know her well find it necessary to warn the investigating officer that Frieda is different. Her demeanor is usually taken as cold and indifferent by those who don't know her well, whereas first impressions could not be more wrong concerning Frieda.
This has been an outstanding series, but I have no problem seeing this book being read as a standalone.
August 28, 2017
I think this is the last book in the series. and it might have been one of the best. The story really involved all the characters and friends Frieda amassed throughout the series and though the ending tells me there could be more books in the series, it was not dissatisfying should this be the last.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
September 22, 2019
This is the 7th book in the Psychotherapist Dr Frieda Klein series by authors Nicci Gerrard and Sean French who publish under the pseudonym Nicci French.
Life is never straight forward for Dr Frieda Klein and this book is no different. A body of an ex policeman, Bruce Stringer, who is an associate of Frieda’s is found under the floorboards of her home and Frieda is convinced it is the work of her old adversary Dean Reeve. The police are still convinced Dean Reeve is dead so they will take some convincing of his guilt, but will they now believe he is still alive. Is Freida right in thinking that Dean Reeve is still haunting her or is someone else now threatening her.
Like most successful series, this one is full of good characters, Frieda herself is a complicated character that interacts well with other regular character such as DCI Karlson, builder Josef and of course the likeable Reuben.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Life is never straight forward for Dr Frieda Klein and this book is no different. A body of an ex policeman, Bruce Stringer, who is an associate of Frieda’s is found under the floorboards of her home and Frieda is convinced it is the work of her old adversary Dean Reeve. The police are still convinced Dean Reeve is dead so they will take some convincing of his guilt, but will they now believe he is still alive. Is Freida right in thinking that Dean Reeve is still haunting her or is someone else now threatening her.
Like most successful series, this one is full of good characters, Frieda herself is a complicated character that interacts well with other regular character such as DCI Karlson, builder Josef and of course the likeable Reuben.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2017
i love Frieda
Και για το λόγο αυτό βάζω ασυζητητί 5 αστέρια, γιατί οι αδυναμίες δεν κρύβονται, αλλά δεν μπορούν να είναι και αντικειμενικές.
Η τελευταία περιπέτεια της Φρίντα και της παρέας της για αυτή την εβδομάδα, όπου κατά 99,99999% θα ακολουθήσει τουλάχιστον ένα ακόμα βιβλίο, γιατί ένα μεγάλο ζήτημα (βλ Ντιν Ριβ) δεν λύθηκε οριστικά (δηλαδή δεν κατέληξε ούτε στο χώμα ούτε στη φυλακή - και συγνώμη κιόλας αν σας κάνω σπόιλερ, αλλά, ειλικρινά, έτσι εύκολα πιστεύατε ότι θα ξεμπερδεύαμε με αυτόν;)
Η περιπέτεια του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου είναι κάπως διαφορετική από τις προηγούμενες, υπό την έννοια ότι στόχος των επιθέσεων που γίνονται είναι οι άνθρωποι που αποτελούν το περιβάλλον της Φρίντα. Ομολογώ ότι η εξέλιξη μου άρεσε πολύ, όπως και οι συνέπειες (δεν συνεχίζω για ��α μην προδώσω σπόιλερ, με χαρά το συζητάμε προσωπικά με όποιον θέλει!). Επίσης, το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο, οι ήρωες γνωστοί, έχουν γίνει και αυτοί κομμάτι της παρέας μας, ενώ η Φρίντα αποτελεί πάντα πρότυπο για όλους τους φανατικούς φίλους της. Θα μπορούσα να βρω κάποια θεματάκια πρακτικά, όπως πχ πώς γίνεται η Φρίντα να ξοδεύει τόσο άνετα μεγάλα χρηματικά ποσά όταν τη βλέπουμε εδώ και καιρό να μην δουλεύει, που σίγουρα θα με ενοχλούσαν σε καινούρια βιβλία, αλλά εδώ επιλέγω να τα παρακάμπτω.
7ο βιβλίο της σειράς, άρα δεν έχω κάτι να πω... σίγουρα όσοι το διαβάσετε έχετε διαβάσει και τα προηγούμενα 6, άρα ξέρετε τι σας περιμένει!
Και για το λόγο αυτό βάζω ασυζητητί 5 αστέρια, γιατί οι αδυναμίες δεν κρύβονται, αλλά δεν μπορούν να είναι και αντικειμενικές.
Η τελευταία περιπέτεια της Φρίντα και της παρέας της για αυτή την εβδομάδα, όπου κατά 99,99999% θα ακολουθήσει τουλάχιστον ένα ακόμα βιβλίο, γιατί ένα μεγάλο ζήτημα (βλ Ντιν Ριβ) δεν λύθηκε οριστικά (δηλαδή δεν κατέληξε ούτε στο χώμα ούτε στη φυλακή - και συγνώμη κιόλας αν σας κάνω σπόιλερ, αλλά, ειλικρινά, έτσι εύκολα πιστεύατε ότι θα ξεμπερδεύαμε με αυτόν;)
Η περιπέτεια του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου είναι κάπως διαφορετική από τις προηγούμενες, υπό την έννοια ότι στόχος των επιθέσεων που γίνονται είναι οι άνθρωποι που αποτελούν το περιβάλλον της Φρίντα. Ομολογώ ότι η εξέλιξη μου άρεσε πολύ, όπως και οι συνέπειες (δεν συνεχίζω για ��α μην προδώσω σπόιλερ, με χαρά το συζητάμε προσωπικά με όποιον θέλει!). Επίσης, το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο, οι ήρωες γνωστοί, έχουν γίνει και αυτοί κομμάτι της παρέας μας, ενώ η Φρίντα αποτελεί πάντα πρότυπο για όλους τους φανατικούς φίλους της. Θα μπορούσα να βρω κάποια θεματάκια πρακτικά, όπως πχ πώς γίνεται η Φρίντα να ξοδεύει τόσο άνετα μεγάλα χρηματικά ποσά όταν τη βλέπουμε εδώ και καιρό να μην δουλεύει, που σίγουρα θα με ενοχλούσαν σε καινούρια βιβλία, αλλά εδώ επιλέγω να τα παρακάμπτω.
7ο βιβλίο της σειράς, άρα δεν έχω κάτι να πω... σίγουρα όσοι το διαβάσετε έχετε διαβάσει και τα προηγούμενα 6, άρα ξέρετε τι σας περιμένει!
January 8, 2018
A body under the floorboards, a body in a freezer, a drugged niece in a graveyard. Those things were the start of it.
Frieda Kline, a noted psychologist, now turned herself into a detective as well so she could find why Dean Reeve was after her and her family again.
Incidents and murders were coming too close to home for Frieda. She couldn’t figure out the message Dean was trying to get to Frieda, but Frieda knew it was a message of evil, sadness, and death. But was it really Dean? Was he really still alive as Frieda and only Frieda believed or could there be a copycat added to the mix?
When another incident happened, Frieda and the police knew something definitely was not right.
SUNDAY SILENCE had ordinary characters with ordinary jobs as well as characters who may not be as ordinary as they seemed or who they are.
This was my first Nicci French book. The mystery, marvelous writing, and intrigue kept me turning the pages.
I loved how the engaging, amazing, creative story line evolved and smoothly drew me in.
SUNDAY SILENCE will definitely appeal to psychological thriller fans and repeat readers of Nicci French’s books.
My first Nicci French was an amazingly addicting read. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
March 21, 2018
"Sunday Silence" by Nicci French is the 7th instalment in the Frieda Klein series. I've haven't read any of the books in this series before and although it's quite easy to catch up with the bulk of the story it would be more entertaining to follow the story if the previous ones had been read. I do feel there's been a journey to follow with Freida and that unfortunately you do miss out on quite a bit of back story by coming in blind like I did.
A body has been discovered in the most unlikely and horrifying of places: beneath the floorboards of Frieda Klein's house. The corpse is only months old, but the chief suspect appears to have died more than seven years ago. Except as Frieda knows all too well, he's alive and well and living in secret. And it seems he's inspired a copycat.
As the days pass and the body count rises, Frieda finds herself caught in a fatal tug-of-war between two killers: one who won't let her go, and another who can't let her live.
A great storyline, well written and with excellent characters, I really enjoyed this book and found it interesting and intriguing.
I have read standalones by this author before (actually it's a two person partnership - husband and wife Nicci Gerrard and Sean French) and really enjoyed them, so I knew I would enjoy this book too.
I believe there is one more in the Frieda Klein series to come which I will probably look up now that I've read the penultimate story but I do think you need to read at least some of the previous books to fully understand Frieda's story.
3.5 / 4 stars
A body has been discovered in the most unlikely and horrifying of places: beneath the floorboards of Frieda Klein's house. The corpse is only months old, but the chief suspect appears to have died more than seven years ago. Except as Frieda knows all too well, he's alive and well and living in secret. And it seems he's inspired a copycat.
As the days pass and the body count rises, Frieda finds herself caught in a fatal tug-of-war between two killers: one who won't let her go, and another who can't let her live.
A great storyline, well written and with excellent characters, I really enjoyed this book and found it interesting and intriguing.
I have read standalones by this author before (actually it's a two person partnership - husband and wife Nicci Gerrard and Sean French) and really enjoyed them, so I knew I would enjoy this book too.
I believe there is one more in the Frieda Klein series to come which I will probably look up now that I've read the penultimate story but I do think you need to read at least some of the previous books to fully understand Frieda's story.
3.5 / 4 stars
November 12, 2017
Ποτέ δε θα μπορέσω να καταλάβω τι υπερισχύει μέσα μου, όταν διαβάζω βιβλία (κυρίως σειρές βιβλίων) με χαρακτήρες που αγαπώ: από τη μία, θέλω να το διαβάσω όσο γίνεται γρηγορότερα γιατί η αναμονή που έμεινα «χώρια» από τους χαρακτήρες που αγάπησα είναι μεγάλη και από την άλλη θέλω να το διαβάσω όσο γίνεται πιο αργά για να μου κρατήσει περισσότερες μέρες συντροφιά. Αιώνιο δίλημμα, που δε νομίζω να λυθεί σύντομα. Η «Ματωμένη Κυριακή» λοιπόν, είναι πολύ χαρακτηριστικό παράδειγμα αυτού που αναφέρω.
Να πω την αλήθεια, ήμουν λίγο φοβισμένη πριν αρχίσω να το διαβάζω, γιατί το «Το ρέκβιεμ του Σαββάτου» ήταν το μόνο της σειράς που δε με ενθουσίασε σχεδόν καθόλου και επειδή το είχα διαβάσει σε μια περίοδο που άλλαξε πολύ το ενδιαφέρον μου στα βιβλία, αναρωτήθηκα, μήπως εδώ αρχίζει να σβήνει το ενδιαφέρον μου γι' αυτή σειρά; Μα πώς θα ήταν αυτό δυνατό; Πραγματικά αγαπώ τη Φρίντα -και την παρέα της- όσο έχω αγαπήσει ελάχιστους χαρακτήρες (τη Φρίντα από αυτή τη σειρά και τη Βιν από τη σειρά των ομιχλογέννητων)! Διαβάζοντας την Κυριακή, έφυγε και το παραμικρό, ανούσιο ουσιαστικά, άγχος που είχα μήπως το ενδιαφέρον μου ήταν ως εδώ. Η Κυριακή συγκαταλέγεται στα αγαπημένα μου της σειράς μαζί με την Παρασκευή πλέον. Και γιατί ξεχωρίζω περισσότερο απ' όλα αυτά τα δύο; Γιατί, όταν διαβάζω μια σειρά, με έναν εξελισσόμενο χαρακτήρα, θέλω η υπόθεση, το στόρυ και όλα τα παρελκόμενα, να συγχέονται με την εξέλιξη του χαρακτήρα. Δε θα 'θελα, έχοντας φτάσει μετά από τόσες περιπέτειες, στην Κυριακή να διάβαζα ένα απλό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με μια δολοφονία πχ άσχετη με τη Φρίντα. Θέλω το επίκεντρο να είναι αυτή, έχουμε φτάσει σχεδόν στο τέλος, τα πάντα να συνδέονται μαζί της. Κι αυτό έγινε!!
Ένα βιβλίο που ξεκινάει με πολύ γρήγορο ρυθμό και μπαίνει κατευθείαν στη δράση. Παρ' όλο που είναι το 7ο και όποιος/α το διαβάσει, θα έχει διαβάσει και τα προηγούμενα, τα επεξηγεί με πολύ όμορφο και πρωτότυπο τρόπο. Χωρίς να είμαι απόλυτα σίγουρη, είναι θαρρώ το μοναδικό που τα γεγονότα συμβαίνουν λίγες ώρες από τα γεγονότα του προηγούμενου βιβλίου, δηλαδή του Σαββάτου κι αυτό το κάνει ακόμη πιο ενδιαφέρον.
Πολλά είπα. Δε χρειάζονται συστάσεις, είναι η Φρίντα, που αγαπάω κάθε βιβλίο όλο και πιο πολύ. Αναμένω με μεγαλη αγωνία το 8ο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς, ελπίζοντας να μην ακολοθήσουν οι συγγραφείς το τέλος της μόδας, σκοτώνουμε όσους αγαπάτε.
Να πω την αλήθεια, ήμουν λίγο φοβισμένη πριν αρχίσω να το διαβάζω, γιατί το «Το ρέκβιεμ του Σαββάτου» ήταν το μόνο της σειράς που δε με ενθουσίασε σχεδόν καθόλου και επειδή το είχα διαβάσει σε μια περίοδο που άλλαξε πολύ το ενδιαφέρον μου στα βιβλία, αναρωτήθηκα, μήπως εδώ αρχίζει να σβήνει το ενδιαφέρον μου γι' αυτή σειρά; Μα πώς θα ήταν αυτό δυνατό; Πραγματικά αγαπώ τη Φρίντα -και την παρέα της- όσο έχω αγαπήσει ελάχιστους χαρακτήρες (τη Φρίντα από αυτή τη σειρά και τη Βιν από τη σειρά των ομιχλογέννητων)! Διαβάζοντας την Κυριακή, έφυγε και το παραμικρό, ανούσιο ουσιαστικά, άγχος που είχα μήπως το ενδιαφέρον μου ήταν ως εδώ. Η Κυριακή συγκαταλέγεται στα αγαπημένα μου της σειράς μαζί με την Παρασκευή πλέον. Και γιατί ξεχωρίζω περισσότερο απ' όλα αυτά τα δύο; Γιατί, όταν διαβάζω μια σειρά, με έναν εξελισσόμενο χαρακτήρα, θέλω η υπόθεση, το στόρυ και όλα τα παρελκόμενα, να συγχέονται με την εξέλιξη του χαρακτήρα. Δε θα 'θελα, έχοντας φτάσει μετά από τόσες περιπέτειες, στην Κυριακή να διάβαζα ένα απλό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με μια δολοφονία πχ άσχετη με τη Φρίντα. Θέλω το επίκεντρο να είναι αυτή, έχουμε φτάσει σχεδόν στο τέλος, τα πάντα να συνδέονται μαζί της. Κι αυτό έγινε!!
Ένα βιβλίο που ξεκινάει με πολύ γρήγορο ρυθμό και μπαίνει κατευθείαν στη δράση. Παρ' όλο που είναι το 7ο και όποιος/α το διαβάσει, θα έχει διαβάσει και τα προηγούμενα, τα επεξηγεί με πολύ όμορφο και πρωτότυπο τρόπο. Χωρίς να είμαι απόλυτα σίγουρη, είναι θαρρώ το μοναδικό που τα γεγονότα συμβαίνουν λίγες ώρες από τα γεγονότα του προηγούμενου βιβλίου, δηλαδή του Σαββάτου κι αυτό το κάνει ακόμη πιο ενδιαφέρον.
Πολλά είπα. Δε χρειάζονται συστάσεις, είναι η Φρίντα, που αγαπάω κάθε βιβλίο όλο και πιο πολύ. Αναμένω με μεγαλη αγωνία το 8ο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς, ελπίζοντας να μην ακολοθήσουν οι συγγραφείς το τέλος της μόδας, σκοτώνουμε όσους αγαπάτε.
August 3, 2020
4,5/5*
April 11, 2019
Το βιβλίο ξεκινά από εκεί που είχε σταματήσει Το Ρέκβιεμ του Σαββάτου. Έπρεπε να συμβεί κάτι τέτοιο ώστε να αρχίσουν να πιστεύουν όσα η Φρίντα λέει τόσα χρόνια για τον Ντιν Ριβ. Όμως υπάρχει και συνέχεια, μιας και στοχοποιούνται άτομα από το κοντινο περιβάλλον της.
Πολύ καλοστημένη ιστορία με την ηρωίδα να είναι πιο αποφασισμένη να φτάσει στο τέλος από κάθε άλλη φορά.
Πολύ καλοστημένη ιστορία με την ηρωίδα να είναι πιο αποφασισμένη να φτάσει στο τέλος από κάθε άλλη φορά.
January 31, 2018
4.5/5
I jumped into this series with this book, yes it’s the seventh book, but I have heard so many amazing things about it and I just know I’ll never have the time to start at the beginning so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to see what all the hype is about.
I can totally see why this is such a popular series, there is something unique and unconventional about Sunday Silence. I think it’s a combination of a few key ingredients, the main character is a psychologist and police consultant giving a fresh point of view and the pacing was unlike many other novels. Oftentimes thrillers/police procedurals are set over the course of just a few days, maybe a few weeks but this is spread out over a few months which made it seem so much more realistic to me. Just because the timeline was more stretched out doesn’t mean that the suspense is lacking, in fact it was very intense and the sense of danger was heavy throughout.
This was a calculating read, both in terms of the storyline and the killer. This was deftly plotted, the authors are skilled at creating an elaborate labyrinth that I never managed to work out on my own. The cast of characters is eccentric and interesting and I can see how long time readers of the series would have an emotional attachment to them. If you’re already a fan, I think you’re in for a treat! If you’re a newbie like me I would recommend giving this a shot!
Sunday Silence in three words: Cunning, Extraordinary and Shrewd.
I jumped into this series with this book, yes it’s the seventh book, but I have heard so many amazing things about it and I just know I’ll never have the time to start at the beginning so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to see what all the hype is about.
I can totally see why this is such a popular series, there is something unique and unconventional about Sunday Silence. I think it’s a combination of a few key ingredients, the main character is a psychologist and police consultant giving a fresh point of view and the pacing was unlike many other novels. Oftentimes thrillers/police procedurals are set over the course of just a few days, maybe a few weeks but this is spread out over a few months which made it seem so much more realistic to me. Just because the timeline was more stretched out doesn’t mean that the suspense is lacking, in fact it was very intense and the sense of danger was heavy throughout.
This was a calculating read, both in terms of the storyline and the killer. This was deftly plotted, the authors are skilled at creating an elaborate labyrinth that I never managed to work out on my own. The cast of characters is eccentric and interesting and I can see how long time readers of the series would have an emotional attachment to them. If you’re already a fan, I think you’re in for a treat! If you’re a newbie like me I would recommend giving this a shot!
Sunday Silence in three words: Cunning, Extraordinary and Shrewd.
June 28, 2018
I have very much enjoyed the Frieda Klein series and have read it all in fairly quick succession.
Frieda has found a body underneath her floorboards and is convinced it's a calling card from her old nemesis, Dean Reeve, who the police are convinced is already dead. Is it really Reeve or could it be something else that is hellbent on destroying Dr Klein? The usual cast of characters are as always present and I especially love Karlsson, the patient DCI tasked with trying to keep Frieda in check. A very difficult job at the best of times! Frieda is slowly unnerved as events appear to be spiralling out of control and it takes an awful amount of tenacious effort to fight to uncover what is actually going on.
Sunday Morning Coming Down is the penultimate book in what has been overall a fantastic series. I haven't always liked Dr Klein with her closed off ways, but she's a character that has grown on me over time and I will miss her long hours of walking the streets of old London town.
I'm very much looking forward to the final instalment. Can't wait actually and seriously hoping for a satisfactory resolution. Bring it on .......... !!
Frieda has found a body underneath her floorboards and is convinced it's a calling card from her old nemesis, Dean Reeve, who the police are convinced is already dead. Is it really Reeve or could it be something else that is hellbent on destroying Dr Klein? The usual cast of characters are as always present and I especially love Karlsson, the patient DCI tasked with trying to keep Frieda in check. A very difficult job at the best of times! Frieda is slowly unnerved as events appear to be spiralling out of control and it takes an awful amount of tenacious effort to fight to uncover what is actually going on.
Sunday Morning Coming Down is the penultimate book in what has been overall a fantastic series. I haven't always liked Dr Klein with her closed off ways, but she's a character that has grown on me over time and I will miss her long hours of walking the streets of old London town.
I'm very much looking forward to the final instalment. Can't wait actually and seriously hoping for a satisfactory resolution. Bring it on .......... !!
April 7, 2019
2.5 stars - not as good as some of the other books in this series, and not as suspenseful either. But a good enough read for a Sunday after my brain has been turned to mush at work all week!
April 5, 2020
My favorite series ever!! 1 more to go! I’m so sad to be leaving my friends but so excited to see where we leave off.❤️ (& I think this was the best yet.. A true psychological thriller.. The mystery was ah-mazing!!)
November 13, 2017
Avid readers and lovers of the Frieda Klein series will know that the last book ended on a massive cliff-hanger, with Frieda finding a rotting body under the floor boards of her house. So I had been eagerly looking forward to Sunday Morning Coming Down to find out what happens next. And I am happy to say that French’s latest book is full of the same chilling details that made the series so irresistible for me. In Sunday Morning Coming Down, Frieda must use her unusual skills for sniffing out the truth to protect the ones closest to her, as her loved ones are the targets for brutal attacks, and not even her patients are safe. With Dean Reeve still out there, and the police (who finally have to believe Frieda that he is still alive) unable to find him, Frieda is at her wits’ end how to escape his unwanted (and deadly) attention. But things are not quite as they seem – and Frieda must use all her skills to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer.
There is a reason why the Nicci French writing duo remains firmly on my list of favourite writers – theirs are dark and disturbing books that mess with my mind, and I love that! Sunday Morning Coming Down is no exception, with the added element of danger to beloved characters from earlier books in the series, which had me on tenterhooks! I will not go into any details, for fear of giving something away, only to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have its predecessors.
If you are a lover of unusual protagonists and chilling psychological thrillers, and haven’t discovered this series yet, it’s well worth picking up the first book now. Frieda Klein is a psychotherapist, and a somewhat remote, prickly and often not very likeable character, but if you give her a chance she will grow on you and take you along on her many walks through London’s lesser known places to think and work out the missing links to many murder cases. Whilst I was not a fan of her in the first book (Blue Monday), I am glad I have persevered – she really is a fascinating character who I now look forward to connecting with. This is definitely a series that should be read in order, as it relies heavily on backstory and the emotional baggage the characters share over the course of the seven book currently published. I believe that the eighth – and final – book will be out early next year. I can’t wait to read it, but will be sad to see the end of Frieda Klein.
There is a reason why the Nicci French writing duo remains firmly on my list of favourite writers – theirs are dark and disturbing books that mess with my mind, and I love that! Sunday Morning Coming Down is no exception, with the added element of danger to beloved characters from earlier books in the series, which had me on tenterhooks! I will not go into any details, for fear of giving something away, only to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have its predecessors.
If you are a lover of unusual protagonists and chilling psychological thrillers, and haven’t discovered this series yet, it’s well worth picking up the first book now. Frieda Klein is a psychotherapist, and a somewhat remote, prickly and often not very likeable character, but if you give her a chance she will grow on you and take you along on her many walks through London’s lesser known places to think and work out the missing links to many murder cases. Whilst I was not a fan of her in the first book (Blue Monday), I am glad I have persevered – she really is a fascinating character who I now look forward to connecting with. This is definitely a series that should be read in order, as it relies heavily on backstory and the emotional baggage the characters share over the course of the seven book currently published. I believe that the eighth – and final – book will be out early next year. I can’t wait to read it, but will be sad to see the end of Frieda Klein.
May 15, 2020
Μπορεί το έβδομο βιβλίο των Nicci French, με τίτλο «Ματωμένη Κυριακή», να μην ολοκληρώνει τις περιπέτειες της ψυχοθεραπεύτριας Φρίντα Κλάιν -αφού θα ακολουθήσει ένα ακόμη- όμως αποτελεί ένα ακόμα σκαλοπάτι προς την κορύφωση της εθιστικής ιστορίας που έχουμε αγαπήσει, από την πρώτη μέρα της… εβδομάδας μέχρι και σήμερα.
Τα γεγονότα ξεκινούν ακριβώς από το σημείο που μας είχε αφήσει η υπόθεση του «Σαββάτου», οπότε η σύνδεση ανάμεσά τους είναι άμεση. Ενώ λοιπόν η Φρίντα προσπαθεί να αντιμετωπίσει το γεγονός πως ο εφιάλτης της, ο Ντιν Ριβ, κατάφερε να φτάσει μέχρι το ίδιο της το σπίτι και να το μετατρέψει σε χώρο εγκλήματος, ένας νέος πονοκέφαλος έρχεται να προστεθεί στις ήδη πολλές έγνοιες της.
Ένας καινούριος δολοφόνος εμφανίζεται, που στοχοποιεί άτομα από το στενό φιλικό περιβάλλον της Φρίντα. Αρχικά οι υποψίες πέφτουν επάνω στον Ριβ, όμως δεν αργούν να διαπιστώσουν πως πρόκειται για έναν επίδοξο μιμητή, έναν άνθρωπο που έχει θέσει ως στόχο να προκαλέσει κακό στη Φρίντα χτυπώντας τη στο πιο ευαίσθητο σημείο της: βλάπτοντας τους δικούς της ανθρώπους. Εκείνη συνειδητοποιήσει πως θα πρέπει να τον ανακαλύψει και να αναμετρηθεί μαζί του, προτού κάνει κακό σε ακόμα περισσότερους ανθρώπους.
Για μια ακόμη φορά η Φρίντα καλείται να αποδείξει στην αστυνομία και τον περίγυρό της πως δεν είναι μια φαντασιόπληκτη μανιακή. Όταν τελικά καταλάβει ποιος κρύβεται πίσω από τις φρικτές αυτές επιθέσεις, τις γεμάτες μανιασμένη κακία, θα αποκαλύψει την ταυτότητά του στην αστυνομία· όμως δεν θα την πιστέψουν, μιας και ο ύποπτος διαθέτει άλλοθι και ξέρει πολύ καλά να καλύπτει τα νώτα του. Χωρίς να ελπίζει σε ουσιαστική βοήθεια από τρίτους, η Φρίντα θα οδηγηθεί ξανά στα άκρα, προκειμένου να προστατέψει τους φίλους της και τον εαυτό της. Και, μέσα σ’ όλα αυτά, ο Ντιν Ριβ καραδοκεί, παρακολουθώντας όλα όσα την αφορούν. Και η τελική αναμέτρηση πλησιάζει…
Η πιο ευχάριστη έκπληξη που αφορά το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το ότι, παρόλο που έχουμε φτάσει αισίως στο έβδομο της σειράς και ο βασικός πυρήνας της δεν έχει αλλάξει, δεν είναι καθόλου βαρετό. Η πλοκή είναι καλοδουλεμένη, γρήγορη, και σφιχτή, ενώ οι εξελίξεις τρέχουν με καταιγιστικούς ρυθμούς που δεν αφήνουν περιθώρια για αναγνωστική κούραση ή ανάπαυλα – όπως το δει κανείς! Πολύ έξυπνη η ιδέα του συγγραφικού διδύμου να βάλει για λίγο σε δεύτερη μοίρα τον μόνιμο ‘αντίπαλο’ της Φρίντα, τον Ντιν Ριβ, και να επικεντρωθεί σε ένα καινούριο πρόσωπο με εγκληματική φυσιογνωμία και τρομερή ευφυΐα· έναν άξιο αντίπαλο της Φρίντα και εξίσου αντάξιο ‘αντικαταστάτη’ του Ριβ.
Σε ό,τι αφορά τους γνωστούς μας από τα προηγούμενα βιβλία ήρωες, που αποτελούν τον κύκλο της Φρίντα, βλέπουμε πως η ζωή προχωρά για όλους. Κανείς τους δεν έχει παραμείνει στάσιμος στο πέρασμα του χρόνου, αλλά και των βιβλίων – αλίμονο! Η μόνη που φαίνεται να παραμένει ίδια είναι η Ολίβια, η μητέρα της Χλόης. Όλοι οι υπόλοιποι έχουν εξελιχθεί και ωριμάσει, τόσο από τις προσωπικές εμπειρίες τους όσο και απ’ όσα έχουν ζήσει κατά καιρούς στο πλευρό της Φρίντα. Ολοφάνερα όχι μόνο η πρωταγωνίστρια, αλλά και οι υπόλοιποι, προετοιμάζονται σιγά σιγά για την τελική ευθεία και την ολοκλήρωση της ιστορίας, που πλησιάζει. Τα ψυχογραφήματα είναι όπως πάντα ολοκληρωμένα και δοσμένα με εξαιρετικό τρόπο, παρουσιάζοντας μια πολύ ευφάνταστη και καλοδεχούμενη ποικιλία χαρακτήρων, που θα ικανοποιήσει όλους τους αναγνώστες. Ο καθένας από αυτούς βιώνει ξεχωριστά τις αλλαγές που φέρνει ο χρόνος στη ζωή του -καλές ή κακές- αλλά όλοι τους ενώνονται για να προστατέψουν τη ζωή της Φρίντα, αλλά και να αλληλοπροστατευτούν από τον επερχόμενο κίνδυνο. Είναι πολύ ωραίο να βλέπεις τόσο διαφορετικούς χαρακτήρες, σε όλα τα επίπεδα, να βρίσκουν ως κοινό παρονομαστή την αγάπη, τη φιλία και την εκτίμησή τους ο ένας για τον άλλον. Και είναι πολύ ωραίος ο τρόπος με τον οποίο παρουσιάζεται αυτό από το συγγραφικό δίδυμο, ρεαλιστικά και ώριμα και έτσι απλά.
Η «Ματωμένη Κυριακή» είναι μια ξέφρενη πορεία προς την τελική ευθεία της ιστορίας που παρακολουθούμε με κομμένη την ανάσα εδώ και χρόνια· ένα ταξίδι ενάντια στον χρόνο που, αμείλικτος, μετράει αντίστροφα για όλους· ένα κλείσιμο του ματιού από τους ταλαντούχους Nicci και French στους αναγνώστες, υποσχόμενο ακόμα πιο καταιγιστικές εξελίξεις και φρενήρεις ρυθμούς στο επόμενο βιβλίο. Δεν έχουμε λοιπόν παρά να περιμένουμε!
Τα γεγονότα ξεκινούν ακριβώς από το σημείο που μας είχε αφήσει η υπόθεση του «Σαββάτου», οπότε η σύνδεση ανάμεσά τους είναι άμεση. Ενώ λοιπόν η Φρίντα προσπαθεί να αντιμετωπίσει το γεγονός πως ο εφιάλτης της, ο Ντιν Ριβ, κατάφερε να φτάσει μέχρι το ίδιο της το σπίτι και να το μετατρέψει σε χώρο εγκλήματος, ένας νέος πονοκέφαλος έρχεται να προστεθεί στις ήδη πολλές έγνοιες της.
Ένας καινούριος δολοφόνος εμφανίζεται, που στοχοποιεί άτομα από το στενό φιλικό περιβάλλον της Φρίντα. Αρχικά οι υποψίες πέφτουν επάνω στον Ριβ, όμως δεν αργούν να διαπιστώσουν πως πρόκειται για έναν επίδοξο μιμητή, έναν άνθρωπο που έχει θέσει ως στόχο να προκαλέσει κακό στη Φρίντα χτυπώντας τη στο πιο ευαίσθητο σημείο της: βλάπτοντας τους δικούς της ανθρώπους. Εκείνη συνειδητοποιήσει πως θα πρέπει να τον ανακαλύψει και να αναμετρηθεί μαζί του, προτού κάνει κακό σε ακόμα περισσότερους ανθρώπους.
Για μια ακόμη φορά η Φρίντα καλείται να αποδείξει στην αστυνομία και τον περίγυρό της πως δεν είναι μια φαντασιόπληκτη μανιακή. Όταν τελικά καταλάβει ποιος κρύβεται πίσω από τις φρικτές αυτές επιθέσεις, τις γεμάτες μανιασμένη κακία, θα αποκαλύψει την ταυτότητά του στην αστυνομία· όμως δεν θα την πιστέψουν, μιας και ο ύποπτος διαθέτει άλλοθι και ξέρει πολύ καλά να καλύπτει τα νώτα του. Χωρίς να ελπίζει σε ουσιαστική βοήθεια από τρίτους, η Φρίντα θα οδηγηθεί ξανά στα άκρα, προκειμένου να προστατέψει τους φίλους της και τον εαυτό της. Και, μέσα σ’ όλα αυτά, ο Ντιν Ριβ καραδοκεί, παρακολουθώντας όλα όσα την αφορούν. Και η τελική αναμέτρηση πλησιάζει…
Η πιο ευχάριστη έκπληξη που αφορά το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το ότι, παρόλο που έχουμε φτάσει αισίως στο έβδομο της σειράς και ο βασικός πυρήνας της δεν έχει αλλάξει, δεν είναι καθόλου βαρετό. Η πλοκή είναι καλοδουλεμένη, γρήγορη, και σφιχτή, ενώ οι εξελίξεις τρέχουν με καταιγιστικούς ρυθμούς που δεν αφήνουν περιθώρια για αναγνωστική κούραση ή ανάπαυλα – όπως το δει κανείς! Πολύ έξυπνη η ιδέα του συγγραφικού διδύμου να βάλει για λίγο σε δεύτερη μοίρα τον μόνιμο ‘αντίπαλο’ της Φρίντα, τον Ντιν Ριβ, και να επικεντρωθεί σε ένα καινούριο πρόσωπο με εγκληματική φυσιογνωμία και τρομερή ευφυΐα· έναν άξιο αντίπαλο της Φρίντα και εξίσου αντάξιο ‘αντικαταστάτη’ του Ριβ.
Σε ό,τι αφορά τους γνωστούς μας από τα προηγούμενα βιβλία ήρωες, που αποτελούν τον κύκλο της Φρίντα, βλέπουμε πως η ζωή προχωρά για όλους. Κανείς τους δεν έχει παραμείνει στάσιμος στο πέρασμα του χρόνου, αλλά και των βιβλίων – αλίμονο! Η μόνη που φαίνεται να παραμένει ίδια είναι η Ολίβια, η μητέρα της Χλόης. Όλοι οι υπόλοιποι έχουν εξελιχθεί και ωριμάσει, τόσο από τις προσωπικές εμπειρίες τους όσο και απ’ όσα έχουν ζήσει κατά καιρούς στο πλευρό της Φρίντα. Ολοφάνερα όχι μόνο η πρωταγωνίστρια, αλλά και οι υπόλοιποι, προετοιμάζονται σιγά σιγά για την τελική ευθεία και την ολοκλήρωση της ιστορίας, που πλησιάζει. Τα ψυχογραφήματα είναι όπως πάντα ολοκληρωμένα και δοσμένα με εξαιρετικό τρόπο, παρουσιάζοντας μια πολύ ευφάνταστη και καλοδεχούμενη ποικιλία χαρακτήρων, που θα ικανοποιήσει όλους τους αναγνώστες. Ο καθένας από αυτούς βιώνει ξεχωριστά τις αλλαγές που φέρνει ο χρόνος στη ζωή του -καλές ή κακές- αλλά όλοι τους ενώνονται για να προστατέψουν τη ζωή της Φρίντα, αλλά και να αλληλοπροστατευτούν από τον επερχόμενο κίνδυνο. Είναι πολύ ωραίο να βλέπεις τόσο διαφορετικούς χαρακτήρες, σε όλα τα επίπεδα, να βρίσκουν ως κοινό παρονομαστή την αγάπη, τη φιλία και την εκτίμησή τους ο ένας για τον άλλον. Και είναι πολύ ωραίος ο τρόπος με τον οποίο παρουσιάζεται αυτό από το συγγραφικό δίδυμο, ρεαλιστικά και ώριμα και έτσι απλά.
Η «Ματωμένη Κυριακή» είναι μια ξέφρενη πορεία προς την τελική ευθεία της ιστορίας που παρακολουθούμε με κομμένη την ανάσα εδώ και χρόνια· ένα ταξίδι ενάντια στον χρόνο που, αμείλικτος, μετράει αντίστροφα για όλους· ένα κλείσιμο του ματιού από τους ταλαντούχους Nicci και French στους αναγνώστες, υποσχόμενο ακόμα πιο καταιγιστικές εξελίξεις και φρενήρεις ρυθμούς στο επόμενο βιβλίο. Δεν έχουμε λοιπόν παρά να περιμένουμε!
October 3, 2021
4.5 stars ⭐️
“There are obvious problems with looking for someone who basically disappeared and was presumed dead almost eight years ago.”
- Petra Burge
——
“I get in touch with Frieda when I’m in trouble. And sometimes she gets in touch with me when she’s in trouble. And, as you know, Frieda gets in even worse trouble than I do, which is saying something.”
- Chloë Klein
——
“Sometimes I wish therapy had never been invented.”
- Frieda Klein
——
“There are psychiatrists who are interested in violence and evil but I’m not one of them. I’m a therapist and I deal with ordinary unhappiness.”
- Frieda Klein
——
“We are leaves on a tree . . . Autumn is coming.
In spite of the warmth. Autumn was coming. Darkness was coming. The end was coming.”
- Frieda Klein
“There are obvious problems with looking for someone who basically disappeared and was presumed dead almost eight years ago.”
- Petra Burge
——
“I get in touch with Frieda when I’m in trouble. And sometimes she gets in touch with me when she’s in trouble. And, as you know, Frieda gets in even worse trouble than I do, which is saying something.”
- Chloë Klein
——
“Sometimes I wish therapy had never been invented.”
- Frieda Klein
——
“There are psychiatrists who are interested in violence and evil but I’m not one of them. I’m a therapist and I deal with ordinary unhappiness.”
- Frieda Klein
——
“We are leaves on a tree . . . Autumn is coming.
In spite of the warmth. Autumn was coming. Darkness was coming. The end was coming.”
- Frieda Klein
June 5, 2022
I would give this book a 3.5 if it was possible as I enjoyed the authors' writing style and the rather complex storyline featuring Frieda Klein. She is a psychotherapist who, it appears, is always helping or harming the London police by becoming involved in their cases. And that is where my problem begins which I must clarify is not the fault of the author.
It soon became obvious that I should have read this series in order of publication. Some of the characters seem to ongoing in the series and their history and relationships are not explained. There is much allusion to events (and people) that happened in the past which are connected with this story but without having read the earlier books, are extremely difficult to interpret.
The plot involves the beating, kidnapping, and one murder of individuals who are all are known to Klein and her own life is threatened. The culprit seems to be linked to a psychopathic killer who was also involved in past books which I haven't read and know nothing about. So you see my problem.
The culprit is revealed about halfway through the book, a device I rather liked and his identity took me by surprise. There are twists and turns in the plot which are well done but the ending is rather abrupt. I would recommend this book only if you have read the series in order.
It soon became obvious that I should have read this series in order of publication. Some of the characters seem to ongoing in the series and their history and relationships are not explained. There is much allusion to events (and people) that happened in the past which are connected with this story but without having read the earlier books, are extremely difficult to interpret.
The plot involves the beating, kidnapping, and one murder of individuals who are all are known to Klein and her own life is threatened. The culprit seems to be linked to a psychopathic killer who was also involved in past books which I haven't read and know nothing about. So you see my problem.
The culprit is revealed about halfway through the book, a device I rather liked and his identity took me by surprise. There are twists and turns in the plot which are well done but the ending is rather abrupt. I would recommend this book only if you have read the series in order.
July 6, 2017
I have read all the books in the series, some are better than others. This for me was one of the weaker novels. I was also expecting the series to end, but it looks as though it is going to be spun out for a while yet.
The book is very fast paced and more of Frieda's family and friends are put at risk because of a killers fascination with her. However, for me, the book felt repetitive and I just couldn't suspend disbelief in the way that I had previously.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the arc in return for an honest review.
The book is very fast paced and more of Frieda's family and friends are put at risk because of a killers fascination with her. However, for me, the book felt repetitive and I just couldn't suspend disbelief in the way that I had previously.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the arc in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2017
I was disappointed that this was not the last book in the series. It felt like we had been through a 'week' of stories and that in this book it was all going to come to an end. But alas that was not to be. I failed to see why we needed a 'copy cat' killer type book that once again tests Frieda's resolve and the relationships of those closest to her.
Nicci French this book just felt like you are milking Frieda and Dean's story in one book too many. It is time to wrap it up!
Nicci French this book just felt like you are milking Frieda and Dean's story in one book too many. It is time to wrap it up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2018
After reading this book, I wonder how the psychoanalyst Dr. Frieda Klein earns any income. She is reluctant to see clients, and spends all her time in this book pursuing the person who kidnapped her niece, viciously beat friends, and murdered someone connected to her. Some of her insights are very clever and at other times, when she is searching for a needle in a haystack, it stretches credibility. This is my reason for 4 stars. On the other hand, it is a hard to put down crime novel.
February 27, 2018
3.75 stars. In London, psychotherapist Frieda Klein comes home from a hard day to find a nasty smell, which leads to a dead body under the floorboards of her house. She knows the victim. He has been helping her look for her nemesis Dean Reeve but looks like Reeve found him first. At least the police now believe Reeve is alive and killing. As the people close around her are beaten, kidnapped, and even murdered, Frieda works with the police and media. Using her unusual skill of noticing things that others don't, she believes someone else is obsessing about her besides Reeve.
I started this series three books ago with #5. I can't say that Frieda is one of my favorite female protagonists yet but she has been growing on me. Her demeanor is aloof but she is intensely loyal and generous with her few friends, as they are to her. She says what she thinks without any sugarcoating which does not always make her a popular player.
The bad guy is revealed not long after the halfway point in the book so that Frieda can match wits with him. What Dean Reeve does for her near the end of the book is a surprise.
I started this series three books ago with #5. I can't say that Frieda is one of my favorite female protagonists yet but she has been growing on me. Her demeanor is aloof but she is intensely loyal and generous with her few friends, as they are to her. She says what she thinks without any sugarcoating which does not always make her a popular player.
The bad guy is revealed not long after the halfway point in the book so that Frieda can match wits with him. What Dean Reeve does for her near the end of the book is a surprise.
February 17, 2020
Ik vind dit deel beter dan de laatste paar delen. Dit verhaal wijkt iets af van de voorgaande delen, doordat je al veel vroeger weet wie de dader is. Toch blijft het verhaal spannend. Door de andere opzet was het ook verrassender. Ik ben heel benieuwd naar het laatste deel. Dit is het eerste boek dat ik deze maand lees dat mij onmiddellijk pakte en waardoor ik weer zin aan lezen had.
November 13, 2018
6.5/10*
May 2, 2018
H Φρίντα, όπως ήδη την ξέρουμε, αναβάλλει τα ραντεβού της γιατί έχει πολύ περπάτημα να κάνει. Πα΄όλο το ιδιότροπα πεζό γράψιμο και την παράξενη ηρωίδα, την αγαπήσαμε και περισσότερο την ανομοιόμορφη παρέα της, η οποία δυστυχώς γίνεται στόχος...
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