Anything You Do Say

by Gillian McAllister

Ferez-vous le bon choix ? Le nouveau thriller psychologique de Gillian McAllister !
Après une soirée avec une amie, vous rentrez seule chez vous au
milieu de la nuit.
Là, vous entendez ce que vous redoutez le plus : des pas derrière vous. Qui se rapprochent. De plus en plus vite.
Vous êtes sûre que c'est lui : l'homme du bar, celui qui vous a harcelée.
En quelques secondes, vous vous retournez, vous le poussez, il tombe, face contre terre, il ne bouge plus.
Et maintenant ? Que faites-vous ? Vous appelez la police, au risque d'être inculpée, ou vous vous enfuyez et vous gardez le silence à jamais ?
Quelle que soit votre décision, votre existence ne sera plus jamais la même.

Gillian McAllister explore ici les deux vies possibles de son héroïne, Joanna, en fonction du choix qu'elle s'apprête à faire. Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, les conséquences sont multiples, imprévisibles, les surprises nombreuses, l'issue incertaine. Avec un art inégalé du suspense, la romancière nous offre un superbe thriller psychologique doublé d'un magnifique portrait de femme aux prises avec ses peurs, ses faiblesses... et ses secrets.

À propos d'Après minuit :
" C'est si finement mené qu'on se laisse emporter dans les méandres d'une intrigue d'une virtuosité carrément démoniaque. " Madame Figaro
" Un roman qui rendrait un lecteur sous narcoleptiques insomniaque. " Page des libraires

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2017

About the author

As you find me, it's autumn 2025 and my latest novel is Famous Last Words, a thriller with a marriage at its centre. It asks the question: what would you do if your husband is caught up in a siege in central London? Only, the police tell you he isn't one of the hostages: he is the gunman... I hope you like the answer!

Upcoming in spring 2026 is Caller Unknown, a thriller about a woman whose teenage daughter is kidnapped, and she decides to pay the ransom, meet the kidnappers direct, and not tell the police.

As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:

Everything But The Truth (2017)

Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America

No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America

The Evidence Against You (2019)

How To Disappear (2020)

That Night (2021)

Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)

Just Another Missing Person (2023)

Famous Last Words (2025)

My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese's Book Club August '22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year - a novel idea.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always find it really difficult to write a review for a book that I consider to be exceptional, to put together the right words and phrases to convey just how good it is, to try and do it justice. This is one such book.

Joanna (Jo) and Laura are on a girls night out - a few drinks, a chance to catch up on work, partners, just life in general. All's going well until a guy pesters Jo for a selfie, she agrees but then he won't leave her alone, so Jo and Laura decide to leave early and head for home.

They part company outside the club, going in opposite directions. Jo hears footsteps following her so she picks up her pace, but so does whoever is following. She believes it's the guy from the club. As she heads for the bridge leading to the canal towpath, her pursuer catches up, and in her panic Jo pushes him down the steps and he lands heavily with a thud, face down in a puddle. He's not moving, is he even breathing? Jo, who has hated having to make decisions all her life, now has to make the biggest decision she's ever faced, does she call 999 to get him help or does she walk away, pretend it never happened, get on with her life?

The author has been extremely clever in producing two stories in one here. Chapters alternate between 'Conceal' and 'Reveal' and follows Jo as it shows what happens depending on which decision she made that night.

It's impossible not to put yourself in Jo's situation - the fear and anxiety is palpable. The fact that a split second decision can alter the rest of your life. The attention to detail is amazing, particularly regarding the Criminal Justice System. The characters were really well thought out, and played their parts to perfection, and it was easy to believe you actually knew them personally.

I read a book earlier this year ( I won't say which one in this review) and it was so good that it's become the standard by which I rate every other book. Gillian McAllister has definitely reached that standard for me. An incredible read! Do yourself a favour and don't miss out on this one.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian McAllister is shaping up to be a must read writer. I loved her debut novel but she has outdone herself here, a brilliant book structured to deliver 2 separate storylines which chart the paths of what happens if our protagonist, Joanna, had decided either to reveal her unintended actions and come clean or concealed them and left the scene. Joanna and her friend, Laura, are out on a Friday night, in an overcrowded pub, when a unprepossessing man presses for a selfie and harasses Jo. The two women decide to leave and make their separate ways home. Jo walks along a canal and hears footsteps following her, becoming frightened and certain that the man from the pub is after her, she makes the momentous and instinctive decision to push the man down concrete stairs. He looks dead, and it is at this juncture that we are given alternating chapters, delivered from Jo's perspective, giving the many and wide ranging repercussions on Jo's life and those close to her in the two different scenarios, of concealing or revealing. McAllister does a superb job in outlining the difficulties women face and just how vulnerable they are in social situations generally and out on the streets on dark nights, I imagine most women have experience of the fear of being followed at night, I certainly have.

Jo is a indecisive character who has struggled to stick to anything, often facing ridicule from her family circle, and is married to the supporting and loving Reuban. We come to appreciate the impact of Jo's decision on her entire life. It should be clear cut that Jo doing the right thing and owning up to her actions will benefit her, but as Jo is arrested and faces trial and the might of the British judicial system, her terrifying ordeal makes you question the wisdom of doing the right thing. Concealing her actions and running away brings with it the never ending and pressing guilt which Jo understandably finds difficult to handle. Each scenario is embellished with details that add to the plausibility of the story and lend overtones of reality. What is clear is that the old Jo is going to have to change and confront her issues if she is to survive in each scenario. For Jo, it is a journey of learning and discovering exactly who she as she expands her sense of identity as the stresses and implications of her situations hit hard.

McAllister writes an intelligent and instructive 'what if' novel with flair and style, it feels so real and authentic, and it could so easily happen to anyone of us as we ask ourselves what would we do? It is intricately plotted and her research is apparent in the presentation of the judicial system and the law. It is a gripping, compelling, and fast paced read that draws in the reader with ease. It is emotionally engaging as we invest in Jo's fate, waiting with bated breath to see what happens to her. The greatest strength of the book are the flawed and complex characters, not just Jo, but others, like Reuban, developed to feel authentic to us. This is a morality tale with no easy answers, and touches on just how an unintended act can lead to a life spiralling out of control. A brilliant and highly recommended novel. Many thanks to Penguin Michael joseph for an ARC.

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

So… Do you know that case when you read a book and you want to talk about it with everyone around you, even though they didn’t read it nor they’re familiar with the story? And you just want to question them all the time “What would you do?”

That is what happened to me with this book, and I dare to say it will happen’ to most of the readers. I just couldn’t help it! I wanted to know what would my colleagues do if they were in Joanna’s shoes. It got so bad, I started guessing what each colleague would choose before they even had a say (I guess I’m weird like that).

One good thing came out of that: many of them want to read this book now (so my mission is completed! Gillian McAllister, you can now just sit and wait for the croatian translation (hopefully, fingers crossed!)).



So… what is this book about?
It is about a woman who’s story showed us how one single impulse decision can have a power to change lives complitely.

Joanna, our protagonist, is a woman who decided to have a night out with her friend. While they were in a bar, one guy asked them to pose for a selfie. They agreed, but after that the guy just wouldn’t let them be. He was way too pushy and he even sexualy assaulted Joanna, by rubbing his dick onto her, all while he had his clothes on (maybe I’m not describing all the details right, but it was some similar scenario if not the same).
After a while, when it was time to go home, Joanna parted ways with her friend and, alone in the dark, she had heard footsteps behind her. They were loud, coming after her, and she had an impulse, defensive reaction and as the guy touched her, she pushed him down the stairs, and he fell with his face down in a puddle.

What should she do now? Call 999 and take the blame, or just walk away, as it never happened?

From that moment, the story parted into two stories, Reveal and Conceal, that give you a see what happened with each decision.

I feel like there is so many ways you can actually read this book. You can read it as usual, parallelly follow each story, or you can read one story, then the other (or just one).

I was thrilled by both of them, but I have to admit that Conceal grabbed more of my attention. It was more intense and it kept me on the edge of my sit. One reason for that is McAllister’s writing style, because she did a great job picturing Joanna’s paranoia and her many trains of thought.

Reveal was also very good, even though it was passive at times. What I mean is, sometimes I just read the story and watched what will happen’ to Joanna, not being too engaged in the story.
However, there were some moments when I was pretty nervous.

What I liked the most in both of these stories is how well we got to see what was going on in Joanna’s head. All the chaos, every little decision after the big one that chose her path, had an impact on her and we got to see how she was changing every day, but also how her behaviour and everything that was going on played a role in lives of people aroud her, and how they were changing too.

This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year and I highly recommend it.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

I only wish Anything You Do Say was already out so we could disccuss it properly, because I’d really like to know what you’d choose if you were in Joanna’s place: to call 999 or to walk away?

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story follows two paths that our main character Joanna can take after an incident while she was walking home alone. She has the choice to reveal or conceal her actions and each is explored in alternating chapters.

I thought it was an interesting premise to the story, however, I didn't get that what I would do feeling. I struggled a bit with the uneven flow to the story and didn't find the story convincing right from the start. I couldn't connect or get into the storyline. It just didn't work for me.

I received a copy titled The Choice from Edelweiss, and it publishes here June 2, 2020 here in Canada.

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH!

This 'Sliding Doors' genre novel expertly follows two possible outcomes, two separate pathways Joanna's life takes, depending upon which decision she makes at a single pivotal moment in time.

The chapters alternate between Path A and Path B, and the reader follows both pathways at the same time, like concurring alternate universes.

During a night at a club, Joanna is harassed by a man who won't stop touching her. At the end of the night, she's heading home on a deserted street, and she's horrified to discover the man is now following her. As she approaches the steps leading down to the underground train, he's right there, right behind her. She turns and pushes him... HARD. He falls down the concrete steps and lays motionless at the bottom.

Joanna stands there in total shock. No one is around. Does she leave the sexual predator where he lays? Does she call an ambulance? From then on, the chapters trade back and forth between the two resulting realities that are Joanna's life... the one in which she leaves the man vs. the one in which she calls for help. Extremely well-written and suspenseful. Neither choice is perfect.

This is the third book in the "which path do I take" genre I have read, and it was DEFINITELY the best. Just an awesome read in every way.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller by Gillian McAllister is like the film Sliding Doors where the story moves between two possible scenarios / outcomes and makes the reader question what they would do in the same situation. The main character Joanna faces a life changing decision when she pushes an unknown assailant down a concrete flight of stairs. Should she call for an ambulance and explain what has happened or should she leave the scene to avoid the consequences of her actions. The book alternates between the two options 'reveal' and 'conceal' and tells of Joanna's fate having made her decision in each case.
This book is thought provoking and beggars the question which option would we take in the same position under the same circumstances. This book is different to a lot of other psychological thrillers and will keep you gripped to the end. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Penguin UK and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intelligent and deep novel. I dove into the book without any expectations and found it gave me back more than I'd hoped for. This is a book that makes you think, question "what would I do?" and challenge your own morals and beliefs.

The clever plot is actually two plots. This is like two books in one. Moving between the two scenarios is seamless and smooth. No confusion or losing track of what's happening. Both plot lines are fascinating and make for an exciting read. I was propelled to know the ending of this novel desperately from early pages.

The main characters are faulty and imperfect. Extremely human in every way. Gillian manages to convince us that these are characters we might know, they could be friends or family. The truth may not be that far from fiction. If you like to examine people's motives, ideals, beliefs and choices then you'll love this book!

One night a terrible event occurs. A night that could change everything and impacts the lives of so many. A moment in time that can't be taken back again. This sets off the two plot lines and a lot of thinking for me as I read this book. We get an intimate look into one couple's marriage and the impact a few minutes has on it. I loved watching the relationship impact. I was very invested.

I felt a lot of feelings reading it. Sadness, anger, frustration, disappointment (at characters), happiness, relief and many more. I picked up the book any moment that I could find free. I like a book that woos me like that.

It's not a typical psychological thriller. It's a contemporary novel with a dark edgy taste, plenty of food for thought and a stunning double plot direction that's done very well. It is a psychological thriller in other ways. You can't read this book without looking into the minds of the characters and their actions.It also has thrilling moments that can be very unexpected.

A mature read, highly entertaining whilst challenging my belief systems. This would make a stunning TV drama or movie. I love Gillian's writing. She's a very talented author indeed. I'm a fan.5 stars and highly recommended to everyone. This book will appeal to readers of all types of genres.

I received an ARC of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and totally unbiased.

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ingenious concept for a novel, "Anything You Do Say", by the much loved and respected writer Gillian McAllister is an excellent book that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Incorporating a moral dilemma following a night out with her friend Laura, Joanna is involved in an incident that sees a stranger lying seriously injured at the bottom of some concrete steps.
The two stories in one are told from the point of view of both possible actions after the incident - reveal: should she call 999 or - conceal: leave and pretend she wasn't there. Both scenarios are written precisely as you'd probably expect them to happen in real life and I enjoyed following Joanna through both possible decisions.
Although a fabulously written book and it did keep me entertained, I felt half way through that it needed to move along a bit faster but it did soon start progressing after the trial and the united denouement to both stories was exceptionally executed.
I love this author's books and will continue to read more by her in the future.

4 stars

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

"With sadness, you cry. With grief, you miss somebody. But fear. Fear gets under your skin. And you can do nothing but feel it. Worry about it."

I wish we all had this opportunity when we face a dilemma, we knew what’s waiting for us at the end of our choices so then we could choose wisely but unfortunately the real world doesn’t work this way and we must live with our choices, both good and bad.

Joanna did something. She pushed someone down the steps just because she thought he was following her. The question is, was he really? Now she has two choices. What’s the consequences of her choices? So which one is wrong or right? Do you think the right or wrong choice has a meaning at all?

"Stay or go. Fight or flight. Truth or dare. Which is it to be?"

It was a really good story, so well-written and I enjoyed it so much! It was my first read by this author but definitely won’t my last! With this book it’s liked you’re reading two different stories but all at once they are sync with each other and that was so interesting to me! Told in Joanna’s POV, 1st person and it’s a standalone novel. Overall, I liked it and I hope you enjoy it as well!

[BIBLIOMANIAC MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are a woman walking home alone late at night when you realise someone is following you, edging closer and closer. What do you do in this terrifying scenario?

Joanna finds herself in this very situation, and in fear, she pushes her unknown assailant down a flight of stairs, where he remains face down, lying in an awkward position, unconscious. Should she do the right thing by calling an ambulance, explaining her motives for pushing her pursuer, or should she do what she does best, avoid the situation, by escaping the scene of the crime.

The author does a brilliant job by taking us into Joanne's two possible futures, spoiling the reader with two stories in one, in alternating chapters titled 'reveal', where Joanna reports her transgression, and the other story titled 'conceal', where she hides what she has done.

It is a story of fight or flight, right or wrong, with mere moments to decide which path to take. It's a story of how that one decision made in panic can irrevocably change the course of your life and the life of those around you. It's a story that examines people's beliefs and choices, forcing you to review your own morals, making one think, " what would I do?" But as we learn, there is no clear cut black and white situation of right and wrong, it's a situation that no matter which choice is made, each option has its repercussions and neither grants absolution.

With wonderfully descriptive writing, I could not help putting myself in each character's humanly imperfect shoes, feeling an array of emotions: fear; anxiety; sadness; frustration; anger; betrayal...you name it.

Intelligent, fresh and different, this thought provoking, frighteningly realistic tale had me wishing I could read faster in order to discover the outcome.

Gillian McAllister did a brilliant job in the way she concluded this book, a true master of her craft, I am in awe at how she tied it up so beautifully.

This book will most definitely make the cut as one of my favourite books of the year. Many thanks to the author, Netgalley and Penguin UK- Michael Joseph, for the privilege of allowing me an ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book! I love that it was different.. 2 different takes on what happens next. What would you do.. conceal or reveal? So happy that my local library managed to get this one as it us hard to get here in Australia. Great book!

[Rebecca Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything You Do Say is a tense and fast paced thriller which reminded me in its structure of "Sliding Doors". The story poses a moral dilemma and really makes you think and question yourself, as to what you would do yourself in the main protagonists shoes.

On her way home from a night out, which ended unpleasantly, Joanna believes she is being followed by a man who was harassing her in a bar. When he gets too close, she turns and pushes him down a flight of steps. What follows is what happens when she makes two different decisions; help him or run away. In each decision the impacts on relationships, family, friends, careers and personal life are explored in detail over a couple of years.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to fans of thrillers. Gillian McAllister is proving herself to be a "go to" dependable author, when you want a totally engrossing and original read.

With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do?

A momentary, impulsive, split second decision and suddenly you have your life and that of another teetering on the edge of the next move you make...

"Anything You Do Say" is a dual narrative, incredibly thought provoking character drama, peppered with realistically flawed people and a moral dilemma at the heart of it that may keep you up at night. Gillian Mcallister pulls no punches with either of the possible outcomes, laying it out for the reader, paring back her characters personalities, decisions, defining moments and taking you down the rabbit hole with Jo into separating possible futures, neither of which necessarily grants absolution.

The world is not black and white.

Doing the wrong thing is not necessarily easy.

Doing the right thing doesn't necessarily solve anything.

So, what would you do?

Fight or Flight. Right or Wrong. Make that choice...you only have moments.

Highly Recommended.
(Fuller review to come for the blog tour)

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanna is an a avoider. She has spent her audult life hiding bank statements and changing career aspirations weekly. One night Joanna hears footsteps on the way home. Is she being followed? Is it the man from the bar who would not leave her alone? Hearing the footsteps sped up Joanna turns and pushes with all her might, sending her persurer down the steps and lying motionless on the floor.

This book is quite cleverly written. The main character, Joanna Oliva, on the one hand is vunerable and scared and on the other she is calculating and manipulative. You can't help but have a little sympathy for her, but at the same time feel a little bit repulsed. The story is told in alternating chapters and two variations on what might have happened. This is an edge of your seat read and I could not wait to see where this ingenious storyline was taking me.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel (not currently receiving notifications) Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her second sensational novel, Anything You Do Say, Gillian McAllister has cemented his status amongst the top tier of bestselling authors with her intelligent and thought-provoking brand of crime fiction which is both articulate and well-researched. Launching into a moral quagmire of potentially seismic consequences from the off, McAllister wastes no time in presenting a dilemma fraught with implications and caveats.

What begins with a Friday night out with best-friend Laura and an innocuous selfie taken by a male admirer ends for Joanna Olivia when his unwanted advances take on a more physical form and border on harassment. Calling time on their evening out and going their separate ways, when Jo hears the rapidly gaining footsteps behind her the very natural response is to think that her pursuer is the overbearing man from the bar and with no mobile signal and a dearth of passers-by she takes the split second decision to get her defence in first. As her pursuer falls head first down a set of concrete steps the impact leaves him lying face down and motionless. As Joanna’s world realigns she is forced to make a snap decision and what she decides to do has the power to decide her future. In one scenario, the chapters entitled ‘Reveal’, Joanna makes the decision to be honest, call 999 and follow the correct path.. in a second, entitled ‘Conceal’ she chooses to turn her back, stay silent and continue with her life. In a monumental achievement, McAllister follows both of these paths through to their conclusions and delivers a well-rounded analysis of Joanna’s possible futures. Without wishing to detract from the shocks in store as a profusion of unintended consequences arise, readers can rely on the author for hard-hitting honesty in both accounts. More impressive it that in each scenario she takes time to consider the possible validation of self-defence, the intent of Joanna and the likely medical and legal factors through to the judgmental attitudes of society.

Lead protagonist Jo, and her husband of seven-years are both well-fleshed out, making their responses and decisions feel authentic and McAllister takes time to show how Joanna’s formative years have in turn shaped her subsequent actions. Both narratives are all the more convincing given the author uses this profile of Joanna to extrapolate her likely responses, making them feel understandable and natural. With an avoidant personality and reliant on others for validating her self-worth, Joanna naturally lacks confidence and has a highly over-active imagination. Married to liberal thirty-two-year-old and refugee charity working spouse, Reuben, with his sanctimonious righteousness often bordering on anal, Joanna is despatched in a world fraught with the implications and possible hidden meanings behind his body language and unspoken words. When these aspects are factored into all of Jo’s other relationships with her family, working colleagues and even customers, her mind goes into overdrive as she infers and presumes their likely reactions to her decisions. A snapshot into Joanna’s world, even as a reader, is exhausting and in both scenarios it is no wonder that she finds herself in a constant state of angst.

Gripping and compulsively readable, as the alternative stories take shape with far-reaching effects and shattering repercussions for Joanna’s life the definitive line separating right from wrong becomes less distinct as the pages fly past. Manna from heaven for book club discussions, this plausible and sympathetic account of the fork in the road turning point and the subsequent unwieldy what and if paths they might take proves both emotive and contentious. In both the ‘Reveal’ and ‘Conceal’ unfolding narratives there are shocks aplenty with a dispassionately honest assessment of issues such a racism and a woman’s right to walk the streets without feeling intimidated or ‘fair game’ for the lascivious attention of passing men. As the media and Internet mouthpieces hijack the incident to validate their own arguments, Jo’s split second decision starts to become inescapable. Compelling throughout, both narratives bristle with palpable tension, with the ‘Conceal’ timeline making evident Joanna’s guilt, self-flagellation, procrastination and ensuing paranoia which comes to characterise her life. As mitigating factors and issues such as previous good character and what constitutes reasonable force come to take on greater significance in Joanna’s world she is thoroughly unprepared for what transpires.

McAllister takes her complex and realistic flawed characters through every gut-wrenching moment of each scenario with fastidious attention to detail, imbuing both the ‘Conceal’ and ‘Reveal’ storylines with readily conceivable consequences. To follow both stories through to possible conclusion and remain on-point throughout is impressive and with the medical, legal, moral and emotional aspects of each observed with exactitude and veracity, McAllister has written a cracking novel. Not only does the author analyse the implications for Joanna and her relationship with highly-principled husband, Reuben, but the changes that emanate from Joanna’s predicament in hippy best-friend, Laura, and her successful and remote brother, Wilf. Gillian McAllister is an author who inspires confidence and her uncanny knack for getting to grips with her characters throws up the prospect of a very difficult set of characters and an entirely different set of possible dilemmas. Interesting, Anything You Do Say makes apparent that even amongst those we are closest to and choose to place our trust in, the implications of a snap decision have the power to change everything. A fascinating and well-rounded examination of making a life-changing instantaneous decision and living with the aftermath.

Prior to reading Anything You Do Say I had thought I was pretty informed about the intricacies of the Criminal Justice System, yet in the course of this astounding four-hundred page novel I found reason to question and analyse everything I have previously taken for granted. The result is a well-informed novel with practicable life-lessons that are readily applicable and relevant to all our daily lives. It is unlikely that a brief review will do justice to such a standout novel and kudos to Gillian McAllister for eschewing the current trend in popular fiction for air-headed females making a host of nonsensical decisions.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘Sliding Doors’ concept in books is not new, its been done before, as have books focusing on a moral dilemma and I’ve read plenty of those but to me this felt fresh and different. In Anything You Do Say, the plot revolves around two possible outcomes following an incident late at night by a canal path. Our protagonist Joanna is faced with a situation that every woman fears – you are walking home on your own late at night and you think that someone is following you. What Joanna decides to do forms the basis of the ‘Conceal’ where she covers up her actions or ‘Reveal’, where she owns up and faces the consequences. Alternate Conceal or Reveal chapters tell Joanna’s story and the path her life would take depending on her decision.

I’m not going to give away any more of the story because you do need to read it for yourselves. However I LOVED it. Joanna was the type of person that any of us could identify with – she had her flaws and her vulnerabilities and she made some questionable decisions (in both scenarios) in my opinion but I could understand why she made them.

The characterisation was spot on – for Joanna as well as the supporting players; her husband Reuben was a complex character and we see how Joanna’s actions impact on his life. His reactions in both scenarios play an integral part in the story.

The two outcomes flow seamlessly without confusion and I was addicted to both ‘stories’ without favouring one over the other.

The psychological thriller/suspense market is saturated with much of the same type of story but what particularly appealed to me about this is purely the fact that it is different. No missing children or toxic marriages – just a well researched thought provoking story that is so realistic. It’s quite frightening to think of the impact that a split second decision such as this would have. I have to say I still don’t know what I would do in this situation. I would like to think that I would Reveal but as this book clearly shows nothing is clear cut or black and white.

This is definitely a contender for my Books of the Year List. Do put it on your reading pile, you won’t regret it.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really clever story as it follows two scenarios that the central character Joanna Oliva could take after pushing someone she thought was following her down some steps and seriously injuring him. Should she help and ring for an ambulance? Reveal? Or conceal and walk away? The book explores the dual path that Joanna could take into differing scenarios and cleverly converges at the end. It’s a really good read and very well written.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was quite enjoying this story but the leading lady....whether in the Reveal or Conceal chapters, is a neurotic mess and I just couldn't spend a minute more with her !! I staggered through it till I was 29% in and finally she had me beat.
Right at the beginning-the opening sentence is "It starts with a selfie"-and her and her pal were at a bar with some bloke they didn't know and they were having a selfie taken with him.....they didn't even know his name at this point !! Now, call me old-fashioned but do people do this ? Women in their 30s ? Both women in their 30s in solid, longterm relationships ? And, if so, WHY ?? It was never explained and the author never gave us a glance back to the lead-in so I'm none the wiser. I should've realised then that Joanna's a "bit" of a flake....I have to wonder how someone like this could seriously get through life. She lies continually, can't make a decision to save her life and is just a bloody mess altogether !! She fell over near the start and hurt her wrist but doesn't tell her husband. Yet there is no reason on this earth not to ! In the Conceal chapters, she is just so mental around him that he has to know something's up. She was just a useless basket-case at any sort of subterfuge. She actually says at one point-'I am never sure about anything', and she'd not spoken a truer word throughout.
This passage made me howl.....it was that ridiculous-she was ruminating about possible, future babies-"Perhaps they might inherit Wilf's long nose. I play with one baby, in my mind's eye. She has Reuben's ginger hair but my imagination. We're playing with a glockenspiel together". Then, she asks a policewoman, "What's causing grievous bodily harm with intent" ? I got to page 108 and she'd just explained she'd called into work sick and said this-"Nobody is surprised. I've got form for this unreliability, sadly...." and I sighed, loudly and switched my Kindle off !! Thank goodness I have nobody like this in my life !
There's quite a surfeit of Muslims mentioned throughout and I was shocked silly when I read that cells in police stations here have arrows painted on the ceilings pointing to........Mecca !!! Can you believe that ?? No doubt they're now arrested more than anyone else, perhaps !!
She does use American spellings throughout, an irritant of mine but there were NO mistakes which always impresses me and the cover is really super. I just couldn't handle such stupidity from Joanna !!

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this has certainly got me wondering which path I would choose if I found myself in this situation.

For the whole of her adult life Joanna has been a avoider.She would much rather ignore a situation than face it head on and deal with it.

Then one night Joanna hears footsteps on her way home from a night out.She has just had a bad experience with a man in a bar and she is sure that it is him following her.Hearing the steps speed up Joanna turns and pushes with all her might,sending her pursuer tumbling down the steps and leaving him lying motionless on the floor.

Now Joanna has to do the thing she hates most - make a decision,fight or flight? truth or lie? right or wrong?

This thought provoking,moral dilemma is voiced entirely by Joanna with the chapters alternating between conceal and reveal.The conceal chapters follow Joanna as she struggles with her guilt and how the changes in her behaviour affects her relationships with the people she cares about.In the reveal chapters you follow Joanna`s arrest,trial and what happens after she is released from prison as well as how the situation affects the people she cares about and the way that they treat her throughout the whole ordeal.The author has obviously done a lot of research into brain injuries and also the British judicial system but the story is not padded out with pages and pages of unneeded complicated information or a long drawn out trial.

No one is ever going to be the same after going through an ordeal like this and it was fascinating to witness how Joanna`s character changed as both parts of the story unfolded.

I can't honestly say I enjoyed one part of the story more than the other but I was definitely routing more for the reveal Jo than I was for the conceal Jo and I really felt so much sympathy for Jo`s husband Reuben during the conceal chapters.It's a thought provoking story of lies,secrets,relashionships,forgiveness,guilt and making the right decisions.This would be a very good book to be read by a book group,it would definitely raise some interesting discussions.I mean after all what would you do.....conceal or reveal?.

Many thanks to Penquin UK/ Michael Joseph for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

[Sara Eames · Rating 1 out of 5]

And another one bites the dust.....this is the thirteenth book I have been unable to finish this year - that is a record for me.

Anyway, reasons why I gave up reading this one:
1. The characters are boring/wet/pathetic with few redeeming qualities
2. The split storyline - both halves were going nowhere
3. Reuben underwent a complete character change depending what storyline you were following at the time
4. I got bored of waiting for something to happen

I was disappointed to give up on this one, as I really really wanted to like it. I was drawn in by the description, but the book did not deliver. So, I skipped to the end, and was glad that I gave up - I would have been furious to have invested my time to reach such an ending (although, I admit, I've not got the full context due to skipping vast pages).

I'm hoping my next book will get me out of this reading slump......

[Charlene Wedgner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up in Sainsbury’s this morning and knew within a few pages I was reading a winner.

Hours later and a long bath my mind is blown…this book is incredible!!

Read it!! Plus saying it right now this has tv /film written all over it .

This is a book that will make you question not only the situation, the characters actions but also yourself??

What would you do ?

Life is a result of choices we make and this book realistically and scarily represents this .

I was so embedded in Joannas life even I was feeling guilty and anxious !

This is Gillians second novel and while I enjoyed her debut…this is something else .

I cannot wait to read more from her and I wish her every success .

Addictive ,compelling and extremely thought provoking .

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Gillian McAllisters debut novel Everything but The Truth so I couldn’t wait to read Anything You Do Say as I just had to find out if Gillian McAllister could match the magic of her wonderful debut. And you know what? She absolutely has! This is such a thought provoking read with an intriguing plot that has been very carefully crafted then given a very clever delivery. It packed an emotional punch that left me mentally drained by the end but I absolutely loved it. No other book has made my head ache as much this year as I had to ask myself…. what would I have done? We all like to think that we would always do the right thing in this type of situation but until we are actually faced with a dilemma of this magnitude, we can’t honestly say what we would be prepared to do. And we have all been there haven’t we? Just had that millisecond of hesitation before doing “the right thing”. But what if that right thing is actually the wrong thing? How do you know and more importantly, which path will it take you down?

I think the Sliding Doors comparison gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect from the plot here. That a decision made by Joanna, when she pushes her supposed attacker down a flight of steps, leads to two parallel timelines. One is the Reveal ….where she calls the police to tell them what happened and the other is the Conceal ….where she decides to leave the man laying where he fell and just goes home. Both storylines carry a fascinating insight into the mindset of our main protagonist Joanna as well as her relationship with her husband Reuben. Reuben was a complex personality and I was never quite sure whether I liked him or not. My feelings for him remained undecided throughout both sides of this moral dilemma as I watched this couple struggle to come to terms with the decision that had been made. The initial act of violence, although committed by a frightened woman as an act of perceived self defence, caused a ripple effect that became distorted by the underlying truth of what really happened and Joannas unexpected journey of self discovery.

I was gripped from first page till last here. Completely engrossed equally in each timeline desperate to see how Joanna copes with the fallout of both scenarios. Gillian McAllister emotionally involves her readers, immersing them completely in her own style and uniquely conceived concepts. Her ideas and the way she developed them made me love every single minute of this book This talented author has now become one of my very favourites, captivating me with her intelligent and well thought out storylines. Very highly recommended by me.

[Tracy Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant, thought-provoking and original story! Anything You Do Say is being marketed as “Gone Girl meets Sliding Doors” which possibly won’t entice you to read it if you didn’t like Gone Girl, so here are my thoughts.

Anything You Do Say is an intelligent and clever story involving Joanna who has to make a life changing decision when she pushes an unknown assailant down a concrete flight of stairs; should she call the ambulance and admit her actions or should she flee the scene and pretend it never happened.

The story really takes off after this attack and alternating between “Conceal” and “Reveal” chapters we follow the two paths Joanna has taken, both filled with guilt, lies, fear and secrets.

Throughout the book the authors knowledge of the criminal justice system was clearly evident and I felt all the emotions Joanna was experiencing in both the Conceal and Reveal stories were plausible and realistic. A really gripping thriller that certainly makes the reader think about the paths they could have chosen in certain circumstances. This is Gillian McAllister’s second novel and in my personal opinion is her best yet!

https://www.compulsivereaders.com

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many books carrying the label of psychological thriller these days, it’s a tough genre to stand out in but Gillian McAllister manages to do exactly that in the most fabulous way.

For many among us, the scenario isn’t all that hard to fathom. Walking the dark streets on your own, thinking you’re being followed. Imagine taking action but then something horrible occurs. This is what happens to Joanna as she believes she’s being followed by a man who harassed her in a bar. She pushes her pursuer, who tumbles down the steps and remains motionless. And this is where the story really starts.

Basically, you get to books for the price of one. The story alternates between chapters called “reveal” and “conceal”. In one storyline, Joanna comes clean and faces the consequences. In the other, she runs. Personally, I highly disliked Joanna. She didn’t come across as very smart and is absolutely awful at making any kind of decisions, preferring the “stick head in the sand” approach. Her constant faffing about got on my nerves quite a bit.

But I think not liking her worked to my advantage somehow. It allowed me to focus on events and really consider what I would have done in that situation. I feel that if I had liked Joanna, I might have been distracted to the point of rooting for her in either of the scenario’s, which wouldn’t have felt right. I know what I mean, I’m just not sure I’m explaining it well. 😄

This is such a hard book to review as there’s very little I can talk about without giving the whole thing away. The storyline is incredibly thought-provoking and brilliantly executed. It’s just so utterly clever, gripping and compelling. Gillian McAllister is most definitely one to watch and books like these are what keep me coming back to this genre time and time again. Highly recommended!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you had been harassed in a bar for part of an evening, were nervy and jumpy and then expected to walk back to the station late at night by yourself? Especially if you as you are a walking hear footsteps behind you, and believe you are being followed?

Well Joanne makes the decision to push him, and then has to make the toughest decision of her life as he lays their unmoving - to call 999 or not?

I honestly don't know what I would do in her shoes, other than potentially have called a cab and not walked back to the station. But that is the basic premise of the book - told in alternating chapters you have two distinct time lines, two variations on what could have happened, on whether Joanne conceals or reveals the truth.

As the chapters were titled and clearly alternated without fail it was easy enough to keep the two scenarios separate in my mind, so as not to cause confusion. I was with Joanne with every step of her life over a two year period, with the consequences of her actions.

I found this to be a surprisingly easy book to get into, and I loved the concept of the story. I was interested in both scenarios, and found I kept returning to the book, to get more and more of it read. I'm not really sure what I felt other than intrigue as I was reading it, but I did need to know what happened.

It was interesting to see how the characters developed and changed in both halves of the story, and the stark realities of the impact of Joannes decisions. It is definitely a story that will make you think and one that I could fully appreciate the story and writing style of.

Thank you to Penguin for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely ashamed to admit that I haven’t (as yet!) managed to read McAllister’s debut, Everything But The Truth. It’s another of my TBR that’s been giving me that come-hither look for a while now but thanks to my need to overindulge in blog tours it’s been left, literally ‘stood up’ on my bookshelf! I promise, after having read the wonderful Anything You Do Say, to make it a top priority!

Anything You Do Say is quite possibly the cleverest suspense thriller I have read. The author has managed to write two different stories (albeit with the same characters) in the one book! Two for the price of one; what a bargain us readers are getting. Following a night out and a frightening confrontation in a bar, Joanna heads home to husband Reuben. Traipsing the streets of London she is suddenly aware that someone is following her. A quick glance tells her it’s the man from the bar, the one that…. Joanna starts to panic, she knows he’s followed her so he can finish what he started. Utterly consumed by fear and panic she lashes out at her attacker and watches as he falls, head first into a shallow puddle at the foot of the steps. In a moment of misguided self-defence, Joanna has changed her life forever. Now, the decision she makes will dictate the direction which her life takes. Call the police and report the incident or run home to Reuben and pretend it never happened. Which decision will it be…?

The reader is given a fascinating ‘Sliding Doors-esque‘ look into what happens to gentle, indecisive Joanna as she changes her life forever. The chapters are headed either ‘cover‘, where Joanna decides to run away from what she’s done and hide her crime from everyone, even her husband Reuben or ‘reveal‘, where Joanna dials 999 and has to live with the consequences of that decision. I found it riveting reading, the differences created; the repercussions of her situation and how it affects absolutely everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) else in her life. Throughout the reveal chapters, I could feel Joanna’s despair emanating from the pages in front of me. During the cover chapters, I watched as the decision totally devastated a nice, normal middle-class woman bit by agonising bit.

I’m not sure I liked Joanna. I wanted to, and I really felt for her but I don’t think we got anywhere near the ‘liking’ stage. I found her a little too dreamy at times and wanted to give her a good shake so she’d wake up and actually face what was happening to her. Joanna’s husband, Reuben is also quite a frustrating character. He’s very closed off to everyone around him, apart from his wife who he adores in his own, special way. I desperately wanted him to notice that Joanna was gradually falling apart during the cover but he was oblivious. Despite not really liking either of the main characters I was, however, totally invested in their lives and where, whether it be cover or reveal, they were headed.

Beautifully written and heartbreaking in places; my congratulations to McAllister for the amount of intricate research she has put into this novel. As a reader, it was incredibly obvious to me how much time and effort had gone in to making Joanna and Reuben come alive.

Would I recommend this book? I would. I don’t think I’ve read a suspense novel quite like this before. It takes a little while to get your head around the fact that you are, essentially, reading two different stories about the same characters but it’s well worth it. In a perfect world, I would have liked a more surprising conclusion but that’s just me and my personal taste! Nothing more. A great read with a very interesting plot which pulls you in and keeps you hooked till the end.

Four out of five stars.

I chose to read and review an eARC of Anything You Do Say. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

Another fantastic read from Gillian McAllister! It's full of every emotion you can think of, all written spectacularly well. I couldn't put it down!

I don't want to give anything away so I'm going to keep this fairly succinct. What I will  say is: don't read Anything You Do Say if you have immediate plans - all you'll want to do is stay in and race through this novel... which is exactly what I did!

The plot itself is just excellent, and presents a worryingly realistic situation. It's every woman's worst nightmare and whilst reading it I could imagine only too well how I might feel in Joanna's place. Though I may not agree with everything she did, and at times her indecision was frustrating, but I really felt for her throughout the novel.

 I absolutely loved the split storylines, titled 'conceal' and 'reveal', each showing what would happen if Jo had reacted in a different way, and how her life would have changed accordingly (and in some ways, dramatically!). It feels very realistic, and Gillian McAllister resists the urge to make everything tied up with a neat bow. It also made me really think about how unfair some aspects of just being a woman are! It provoked some strong emotions in me, which is always the sign of a great writer.

This is just a brilliantly constructed, convincing novel which I highly recommend. No doubt this will be on my best books of 2018 even though we're only in January! 

* Many thanks to Michael Joseph UK and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review. *

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to Net Galley and Penguin Random House UK for the opportunity to read this ARC. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Laura and Joanna. Enjoying a Friday drink as they do most weeks. A crowded bar. A swarthy bloke with a smart-phone. Pushes in for a selfie. Takes an aggressive fancy to Joanna. Grabs her, pushes against her. A frisson of fear invades the atmosphere. “Leave us alone…” The girls escape and leave the bar. They go their different ways. Joanna takes Warwick Avenue, away from Little Venice and towards the canal. She is being followed and her life is about to change - forever. A moment of panic, on the bridge over the canal, she pushes him. A bad fall - hits his head, lands in a heap at the bottom of the steps.

Two ways to go, two choices. Fight or flight. Call the emergency services or leave him and run? Parallel lines, different outcomes. Two stories in one book. Damned if she doesn’t, damned if she does.

Comparisons to ‘Sliding Doors’ are inevitable. Two stories, two outcomes, one final destination. But Gillian Mcallister handles this with tremendous skill. To develop two outcomes with such credulity and power is masterful. The pace, whichever route you follow, is relentless. Reveal or conceal. Beautifully written with a forensic eye for detail.

I cannot say much else for fear of giving away too much. I can say that you won’t read a better book this year…

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book...its the first one of this type that i have read, with this sliding door premise.. i liked to see how the story played out depending on what path was taken....very entertaining. Would defintely reccomend this book!!

[Lavender · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really had a hard time reading this book. I was extremely annoyed by Joanna from the beginning. I was about stop reading. But then I was too curious how the book would go on. It finally reconciled me to the end. But I really did not like it.

Joanna is in a bar with a friend and an unpleasant stranger tries to flirt with her. On her way home she hears fast steps behind her. She suspects that it is the man from the bar, but does not turn around. She panics a bit and tries to call her husband Reuben. Unfortunately, the cell phone connection breaks off. When she thinks on a staircase that her pursuer wants to grab her, she takes the initiative and pushes him down. He falls down heavy, lying face down in a puddle. Joanna hesitates. Should she run away and just let him lie or should she call the police.

From this initial situation, the author develops two differently running storylines. In one she runs away and covers up, that she was to blame for the accident. The man dies. In addition, it turns out that he was not the guy from the bar but a 17-year-old jogger. First, she is terrified that she will be caught. She becomes paranoid and does the stupidest things headless. Later, their feelings of guilt become overpowering.

In the other version, after a few minutes' hesitation, she calls the police. But those few minutes of waiting were already too much for her victim. The young man lies too long with his face in the puddle and got severe health damage. Joanna is arrested and put on trial. Oddly enough, the English judiciary treats her incredibly severely. Is that really the case in England? I think in Germany the case would be treated differently. Self-defence is not at issue here.
The big problem in this book is Joanna. She is just terrible. Alien and dreamy, she walks through her life. She trusts her husband that he'll fix everything. She is an avoider. Unpleasant bills are hidden under her mattress. She is unreliable in her work; she walks through her life without a plan. She thinks herself stupid, she says to herself constantly. She does not have a good degree from the university. That must be the unmistakable sign that she is stupid. However, she always does stupid things. She never really thinks about anything. There are different types of intelligence. Joanna is intelligent and educated, but she is totally unable to manage her life. She is a very exhausting figure. At the beginning, the author let her babbles all the time. She imagines a life story for every person she sees. She reflects on how her lawyer applies her lipstick in the morning and why she chose that colour. I found that extremely exhausting. I simply flew over vast passages of Joanna's thoughts.

I could go on grumbling about the book for ages. Of course in the first place about Joanna. She is a terrible person, neurotic and unable to make the simplest decision. She lies to everyone. She gets entangled in both stories in her lies. Her husband Reuben is a quiet guy, who only thaws properly with her alone. He likes how awkward Joanna is. He likes it when he's right and Joanna is glad he makes all the decisions. I found both storylines a bit awkward and unbelievable. In the Conceal chapters, Joanna invents a dead girlfriend for her brother. This dead girlfriend then suddenly pops up in the other storyline. It really existed in the brother's past without Joanna knowing about her. That legitimizes Joanna's lie in hindsight. And is quite unlikely.

The developments of all figures run differently in both stories. Joanna's decision affects everyone involved. Joanna's girlfriend, for example ends up being a successful artist in one storyline, while in the other she gives up her bohemian life and takes on a "decent" and “adult” job.

I found the idea for the book very appealing. However, it was a bit chaotic in the implementation. I've rarely seen a more exhausting character than Joanna. I have no problem with unsympathetic characters, but Joanna is annoying. I could not handle her exhausting stupidity. For the first quarter, I would have awarded only one star. Since the last half was much easier to read I give it 2 Stars. However, I will not read another book by the author in the future.