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Second Sight
It started with Ruth – everything did, in the end...
Ruth, Kieran’s ex-wife, the woman he still loves after all these years.
Try as she might, Lin can’t compete with Ruth.
If it weren’t for the affair and the baby, Theo, that came out of it, Kieran would leave Lin for Ruth in a heartbeat.
So it’s no wonder Kieran doesn’t believe that Ruth keeps showing up, letting herself into the house at all hours, phoning all day every day.
Lin knows it sounds crazy.
But after a trauma, of course caused by Ruth, Lin is going to sound even crazier.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing people who aren’t there, knowing things she shouldn’t be able to know.
Her strange symptoms confuse even her doctors.
Lin thinks it’s a miracle, but it’s a miracle that might cost her everyone she loves… and maybe even her life.
That is, if Ruth has anything to say about it…
Elizabeth McGregor is the pen name of Elizabeth Cooke. She also writes under the name Holly Fox and has had over a hundred stories and serials published in the UK and abroad. She has worked for both magazines and radio, and currently writes a weekly column for the Dorchester Guardian. She lives in Dorset with her husband, her daughter and the world’s most laid-back golden retriever.
Ruth, Kieran’s ex-wife, the woman he still loves after all these years.
Try as she might, Lin can’t compete with Ruth.
If it weren’t for the affair and the baby, Theo, that came out of it, Kieran would leave Lin for Ruth in a heartbeat.
So it’s no wonder Kieran doesn’t believe that Ruth keeps showing up, letting herself into the house at all hours, phoning all day every day.
Lin knows it sounds crazy.
But after a trauma, of course caused by Ruth, Lin is going to sound even crazier.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing people who aren’t there, knowing things she shouldn’t be able to know.
Her strange symptoms confuse even her doctors.
Lin thinks it’s a miracle, but it’s a miracle that might cost her everyone she loves… and maybe even her life.
That is, if Ruth has anything to say about it…
Elizabeth McGregor is the pen name of Elizabeth Cooke. She also writes under the name Holly Fox and has had over a hundred stories and serials published in the UK and abroad. She has worked for both magazines and radio, and currently writes a weekly column for the Dorchester Guardian. She lives in Dorset with her husband, her daughter and the world’s most laid-back golden retriever.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1999
45 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth McGregor
14 books17 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Elizabeth McGregor is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Cooke. She also writes as Holly Fox.
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Elizabeth McGregor is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Cooke. She also writes as Holly Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 26, 2017
Second Sight by Elizabeth McGregor.
It started with Ruth – everything did, in the end...
Ruth, Kieran’s ex-wife, the woman he still loves after all these years.
Try as she might, Lin can’t compete with Ruth.
If it weren’t for the affair and the baby, Theo, that came out of it, Kieran would leave Lin for Ruth in a heartbeat.
So it’s no wonder Kieran doesn’t believe that Ruth keeps showing up, letting herself into the house at all hours, phoning all day every day.
Lin knows it sounds crazy.
But after a trauma, of course caused by Ruth, Lin is going to sound even crazier.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing people who aren’t there, knowing things she shouldn’t be able to know.
Her strange symptoms confuse even her doctors.
Lin thinks it’s a miracle, but it’s a miracle that might cost her everyone she loves… and maybe even her life.
That is, if Ruth has anything to say about it…
This was a good read with good characters. Little slow to begin with then I couldn't put it down. I really felt for lin. Didn't like Ruth at all. 5*. Thanks netgalley.
It started with Ruth – everything did, in the end...
Ruth, Kieran’s ex-wife, the woman he still loves after all these years.
Try as she might, Lin can’t compete with Ruth.
If it weren’t for the affair and the baby, Theo, that came out of it, Kieran would leave Lin for Ruth in a heartbeat.
So it’s no wonder Kieran doesn’t believe that Ruth keeps showing up, letting herself into the house at all hours, phoning all day every day.
Lin knows it sounds crazy.
But after a trauma, of course caused by Ruth, Lin is going to sound even crazier.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing people who aren’t there, knowing things she shouldn’t be able to know.
Her strange symptoms confuse even her doctors.
Lin thinks it’s a miracle, but it’s a miracle that might cost her everyone she loves… and maybe even her life.
That is, if Ruth has anything to say about it…
This was a good read with good characters. Little slow to begin with then I couldn't put it down. I really felt for lin. Didn't like Ruth at all. 5*. Thanks netgalley.
May 10, 2019
Lin Gallagher loves her husband, Kieran, but she's not sure he loves her. Lin and Kieran had an affair while Kieran was married to Ruth, and they now have a son together, but Ruth is still very much a part of Kieran's life. Lin is living in the house they chose together and Ruth still has a key. When Kieran is out of town, Lin is sure Ruth sometimes uses the key to come in while Lin is sleeping. She rearranges small things. Only Lin would notice that things such as a book she's reading or papers she's working on, have been straightened or moved. Kieran thinks it's Lin's imagination.
Kieran is a successful historian, a professor, and a writer who stars in his own television series about historical sites. He is often away while filming on location. The book opens on a morning when Ruth has been in the house the night before. Frightened and exasperated, Lin packs up their son, Theo, and leaves, going back to an apartment she rented while going to the university. Somehow Ruth finds out where they are, sending Lin into a panic that leaves her hospitalized with only Ruth, a respected GP, to explain what happened. Ruth takes charge of Theo.
Although, a younger woman having an affair with a married man and getting pregnant, shouldn't make Lin a likable character, somehow she is. It's soon clear that Lin's editing is what makes Kieran's books so popular and she is also behind much of his research and the TV series. Her past is woven into the story leaving questions about her sanity. Should the reader believe Ruth is stalking her, or just looking out for her ex-husband's younger wife and his child?
Kieran is a successful historian, a professor, and a writer who stars in his own television series about historical sites. He is often away while filming on location. The book opens on a morning when Ruth has been in the house the night before. Frightened and exasperated, Lin packs up their son, Theo, and leaves, going back to an apartment she rented while going to the university. Somehow Ruth finds out where they are, sending Lin into a panic that leaves her hospitalized with only Ruth, a respected GP, to explain what happened. Ruth takes charge of Theo.
Although, a younger woman having an affair with a married man and getting pregnant, shouldn't make Lin a likable character, somehow she is. It's soon clear that Lin's editing is what makes Kieran's books so popular and she is also behind much of his research and the TV series. Her past is woven into the story leaving questions about her sanity. Should the reader believe Ruth is stalking her, or just looking out for her ex-husband's younger wife and his child?
May 8, 2017
Lin is a young wife and mother who finds items in the home have been moved around. Her husband is not supportive and continues to dismiss her concerns with amusement. After concerns for her safety and that of her four year old son Theo she moves out of the house and into a flat.
Kieren is her academic turned film producer husband and her expertise has ensured his success. He maintains contact with his first wife even to the extent of asking her to keep an eye on his wife while he is away and allowing her access to the house.
Ruth is a GP and Kieren’s first wife who would like nothing better than Lin out of the way and her husband back where (she thinks) he belongs.
One day Lin collapses after experiencing what appears to be some sort of seizure. While doctors investigate the possible causes Lin experiences what may be second sight. After her release from hospital events escalate to an emotionally packed conclusion.
I thought it strange the ex still had keys to the house and would be asked to keep an eye on Lin. Kieren seemed a little immature and selfish at times so maybe this wasn’t so odd. I did think he may have been keeping the door open in more ways than one.
Ruth was very good at manipulating others to get what she wanted. Ruth seemed a really unstable character and I am glad my GP is nothing like her. I guess we have a tendency to place doctors on pedestals when they are just as likely as the rest of us to struggle with life. At one stage I even suspected her of using her medical knowledge to make Lin sick.
This story didn’t quite end the way I expected. Part of me felt sad for Lin and also happy she finally found some peace and joy. The little surprise friendship from an unexpected person was a nice touch after everything she had been through.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery and/or thrillers. You won’t be disappointed.
A digital copy of the book was obtained from the publisher via Netgalley and the review is solely mine.
Kieren is her academic turned film producer husband and her expertise has ensured his success. He maintains contact with his first wife even to the extent of asking her to keep an eye on his wife while he is away and allowing her access to the house.
Ruth is a GP and Kieren’s first wife who would like nothing better than Lin out of the way and her husband back where (she thinks) he belongs.
One day Lin collapses after experiencing what appears to be some sort of seizure. While doctors investigate the possible causes Lin experiences what may be second sight. After her release from hospital events escalate to an emotionally packed conclusion.
I thought it strange the ex still had keys to the house and would be asked to keep an eye on Lin. Kieren seemed a little immature and selfish at times so maybe this wasn’t so odd. I did think he may have been keeping the door open in more ways than one.
Ruth was very good at manipulating others to get what she wanted. Ruth seemed a really unstable character and I am glad my GP is nothing like her. I guess we have a tendency to place doctors on pedestals when they are just as likely as the rest of us to struggle with life. At one stage I even suspected her of using her medical knowledge to make Lin sick.
This story didn’t quite end the way I expected. Part of me felt sad for Lin and also happy she finally found some peace and joy. The little surprise friendship from an unexpected person was a nice touch after everything she had been through.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery and/or thrillers. You won’t be disappointed.
A digital copy of the book was obtained from the publisher via Netgalley and the review is solely mine.
October 29, 2018
Second Sight is quite an old story so there are no easy options like phoning or looking things up on the go on a smart phone and for this I found it a pleasant change.
The story is based around Lin, she is a mother and a wife and they are in this order as she is married to Kieran whom she had an affair with and then when she found out she was pregnant he did the “honourable” thing and left his wife and married Lin after the divorce. Kieran’s first wife Ruth is an odd character and I didn’t like her one bit, she still for some reason had keys to her old married home that Lin lived in which I found weird. Lin felt sure Ruth was coming in the house at night and moving magazines and things around but Kieran laughed it off. Lin moves out but again strange key Ruth finds where she is and an accident occurs leaving Lin hearing voices and seeing people. The doctors are baffled but Lin thinks it is a miracle but it definately isn’t.
In parts I enjoyed this novel but there were a lot of unbelievable things that happen and the characters weren’t very likeable, Lin was ok but Kieran was like a wimpy school kid and came across very immature which made me dislike him more.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The story is based around Lin, she is a mother and a wife and they are in this order as she is married to Kieran whom she had an affair with and then when she found out she was pregnant he did the “honourable” thing and left his wife and married Lin after the divorce. Kieran’s first wife Ruth is an odd character and I didn’t like her one bit, she still for some reason had keys to her old married home that Lin lived in which I found weird. Lin felt sure Ruth was coming in the house at night and moving magazines and things around but Kieran laughed it off. Lin moves out but again strange key Ruth finds where she is and an accident occurs leaving Lin hearing voices and seeing people. The doctors are baffled but Lin thinks it is a miracle but it definately isn’t.
In parts I enjoyed this novel but there were a lot of unbelievable things that happen and the characters weren’t very likeable, Lin was ok but Kieran was like a wimpy school kid and came across very immature which made me dislike him more.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2023
Grabs your attention and holds it
Lin, a brilliant student who dropped out to marry a tutor, Kieran, and bring up their child, Theo, suffers headaches and is plagued by the constant presence of Kieran’s ex-wife.
Despite trusting and relying on Lin to write and edit his books and the scripts for his tv series that have made him famous, Kieran does not believe her claims that Ruth has been coming into their home at night. Feeling vulnerable and ‘invaded’ she takes Theo away to her old flat but Ruth is not thwarted in her plans to get her ex-husband back. During a confrontation Lin collapses and she then has to deal with her new ability of second sight.
The characters are well-drawn. The brilliant but vulnerable Lin, the detached Kieran who wants his cake and to eat it too and the cool, meticulous Ruth, totally focused on her goal. Interesting plot, drama, intrigue and tension that keeps the reader hooked throughout and a satisfying twist at the end. Couldn’t put it down. Recommended.
Lin, a brilliant student who dropped out to marry a tutor, Kieran, and bring up their child, Theo, suffers headaches and is plagued by the constant presence of Kieran’s ex-wife.
Despite trusting and relying on Lin to write and edit his books and the scripts for his tv series that have made him famous, Kieran does not believe her claims that Ruth has been coming into their home at night. Feeling vulnerable and ‘invaded’ she takes Theo away to her old flat but Ruth is not thwarted in her plans to get her ex-husband back. During a confrontation Lin collapses and she then has to deal with her new ability of second sight.
The characters are well-drawn. The brilliant but vulnerable Lin, the detached Kieran who wants his cake and to eat it too and the cool, meticulous Ruth, totally focused on her goal. Interesting plot, drama, intrigue and tension that keeps the reader hooked throughout and a satisfying twist at the end. Couldn’t put it down. Recommended.
July 17, 2017
For the most part, I thought this was an interesting story. The only issue I really had with it was that I didn't like any of the characters enough to really connect with them properly. I tried to like them, but it just never happened. It was almost like the author intentionally tried to show the worst sides of people, even the ones that should have appealed to the reader.
This book has a lot of twists and unexpected turns and I liked the descriptive nature of the writing. I could feel and sense my way through this book because of the descriptions and at times I was so curious about what was going on that I read longer than I normally might have. Still, the trouble connecting to the people in the book made this a bit of a struggle to finish.
Overall I didn't think it was a bad book and I look forward to seeing what others who read it have to say.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book has a lot of twists and unexpected turns and I liked the descriptive nature of the writing. I could feel and sense my way through this book because of the descriptions and at times I was so curious about what was going on that I read longer than I normally might have. Still, the trouble connecting to the people in the book made this a bit of a struggle to finish.
Overall I didn't think it was a bad book and I look forward to seeing what others who read it have to say.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2017
I found this book gripping but not sure why as I didn't actually like some of the characters. I found Kieron very self centred and I didn't like Ruth at all. On reaching the end of the book, which I thought had a very good twist, I was still unsure whether I enjoyed it or not but I am sure that it will appeal to readers of psychological thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley and Endeavour Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 22, 2023
Good in Parts
A very strange book which I enjoyed in parts, although I did skip a few pages every now and then. Lin and Kieran married after they had an affair and were expecting a baby, but Kieran's ex wife is always waiting in the wings and when Lin is taken ill Ruth decides to step in and take over Kieran and baby Theo. The book left me with so many unanswered questions, but it did have a twist at the end.
A very strange book which I enjoyed in parts, although I did skip a few pages every now and then. Lin and Kieran married after they had an affair and were expecting a baby, but Kieran's ex wife is always waiting in the wings and when Lin is taken ill Ruth decides to step in and take over Kieran and baby Theo. The book left me with so many unanswered questions, but it did have a twist at the end.
August 27, 2021
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley.
ELIZABETH MCGREGOR's novels are always thrilling. "Second Sight" is a story that keeps your nerves frayed and your eyes wide open throughout every page. I love the cover and the story of all of her novels!
ELIZABETH MCGREGOR's novels are always thrilling. "Second Sight" is a story that keeps your nerves frayed and your eyes wide open throughout every page. I love the cover and the story of all of her novels!
October 18, 2023
More than meets the eye
excellent characters, truly thought provoking tale. There is so much more to life than what we see, fascinating look at different perspectives of what lies beyond our understanding.
excellent characters, truly thought provoking tale. There is so much more to life than what we see, fascinating look at different perspectives of what lies beyond our understanding.
October 23, 2023
Great Read
Wow. This story is powerful. I lost sleep because I could not put this book down until I'd finished it.
Each chapter had me on the edge of my seat.
I advice readers' to give this book a try, I'm sure they won't be disappointed.
5***** from this happy reader.
Wow. This story is powerful. I lost sleep because I could not put this book down until I'd finished it.
Each chapter had me on the edge of my seat.
I advice readers' to give this book a try, I'm sure they won't be disappointed.
5***** from this happy reader.
October 29, 2023
Good.
Glad I didn't read what his was about as I probably wouldn't have read it . But enjoyable jumble of relationships and a bit of life after death thrown in . One man an ex wife a new wife and the tangled mess they make , with out going into the plot.
Glad I didn't read what his was about as I probably wouldn't have read it . But enjoyable jumble of relationships and a bit of life after death thrown in . One man an ex wife a new wife and the tangled mess they make , with out going into the plot.
June 12, 2015
super annoying characters equal a very boring book
Read
June 26, 2016Good in places but ending silly
April 10, 2017
Lin is married to Kieran, who is still in love with his ex-wife Ruth. Kieran cheated on Ruth with Lin, and managed to get Lin preggers which in this instance led to a quick divorce and immediate marriage for Lin and Kieran.
Things like this happen, and I'm sure that the dynamics that played out in this book could be reality. Unfortunately, I thought Lin was quite a twit, Kieran was a word I'm not allowed to use on Goodreads, and Ruth was...Ruth was an unfortunate excuse for a human being.
From the beginning of the book, all I could hope was for Lin to take a baseball bat to Kieran and ask him how funny he thought it was, after how amusing he found Lin's fear of Ruth. I didn't even really get into the storyline of Lin getting messages/hearing things because I was so mad at both Kieran and Ruth. It's hard to focus on a main point in a novel when readers are so invested in hating two of the main characters.
I did manage to finish the book, and was truly glad when it was over. I'd planned to read other Elizabeth McGregor novels but will really think about whether I want to waste another four hours of my life for another disappointing ending.
Things like this happen, and I'm sure that the dynamics that played out in this book could be reality. Unfortunately, I thought Lin was quite a twit, Kieran was a word I'm not allowed to use on Goodreads, and Ruth was...Ruth was an unfortunate excuse for a human being.
From the beginning of the book, all I could hope was for Lin to take a baseball bat to Kieran and ask him how funny he thought it was, after how amusing he found Lin's fear of Ruth. I didn't even really get into the storyline of Lin getting messages/hearing things because I was so mad at both Kieran and Ruth. It's hard to focus on a main point in a novel when readers are so invested in hating two of the main characters.
I did manage to finish the book, and was truly glad when it was over. I'd planned to read other Elizabeth McGregor novels but will really think about whether I want to waste another four hours of my life for another disappointing ending.
April 13, 2017
I could just not get into this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley
April 15, 2017
Mmm not my usual kind of storyline, though not sure if I might read this type again, having said that glad I have read this book...
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August 28, 2018I have read a few books recently and unfortunately this was not one of my favourites. The description sounded really good; however it just did not seem to grip me and I struggled to want to go back and finish it. However, I did and enjoyed the way the book concluded.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews