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Beware the Cuckoo
They were reunited at his funeral, school friends with a shared past. A past that is anything but straightforward. A past that harbours secrets and untruths.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2017
13 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 5, 2021
Audio - 5 stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
May 13, 2017
Rating: 3 / 5
Publication Date: May 18th 2017
Review Date: May 13th 2017
DNF @ 34%
First of all, let me start this off with a serious warning of pedophilia. There is a lot of pedophilia in this book, and if you are triggered by it, please do not read it. I personally think this will be quite dangerous to read for those with a pedophilia trigger.
I saw this book on Netgalley and I was immediately drawn in by the cover. I thought it was quite well done, and it made me want to read it, so I requested it.
I kind of regret this.
The prologue was absolutely amazing. I was immediately sucked in; it seemed dark, quite gritty, and with the promise of betrayal in there, I needed to know how this was going to all tie in.
The writing was really crude. It read like a young teenager talking to themselves in their head, with too long sentences and strange jumps. Paragraphs would end and a new scene would begin literally the line beneath the previous, with only a tab space to signify that the scene had changed. This was really, really confusing at first and it took me a long time to get used to it.
There is a slight moment of homophobia in this, that really had no place sitting in the book. It wasn’t useful to the plot at all and honestly, it makes me side eye Newman a little bit. In my personal opinion, it really shouldn’t have been in the book. It just made it uncomfortable for myself, as a gay man, to read. I have never speed read a page so quickly in my life.
Now, the main plot point is pedophilia, as I mentioned before. It is the continuing line of flashbacks in the story, and it’s very uncomfortable to read. I don’t personally know why Newman decided to have pedophilia as her plot line, and I have no idea how respectful it is, as I have never been a victim of it. I think, however, with my limited knowledge of it, this is done in a way that shows just how controlling Bill can be. I think that there’s a fine line between doing it for a plot point, and doing it to show how easy these things can happen, and I think Newman is toeing the line quite a bit. However, she does show just how easily these things can occur, and I think that’s respectful in itself. Whether it’s done respectfully as a whole, I do not know, and I will leave to any survivors of this horrible thing to comment on that.
I really tried to read this, but in the end, the fact I was utterly uncomfortable whilst reading the flashbacks won over. The 2010 plot line is really interesting, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t hack it. This was too descriptive for me, and I couldn’t finish reading it. I don’t know why this was written, so I can’t comment on that but if this has been written in order to show just how easy pedophilia can occur, then Newman did a really good job.
Ultimately, if I knew what this was about, I wouldn’t have requested it.
Publication Date: May 18th 2017
Review Date: May 13th 2017
DNF @ 34%
First of all, let me start this off with a serious warning of pedophilia. There is a lot of pedophilia in this book, and if you are triggered by it, please do not read it. I personally think this will be quite dangerous to read for those with a pedophilia trigger.
I saw this book on Netgalley and I was immediately drawn in by the cover. I thought it was quite well done, and it made me want to read it, so I requested it.
I kind of regret this.
The prologue was absolutely amazing. I was immediately sucked in; it seemed dark, quite gritty, and with the promise of betrayal in there, I needed to know how this was going to all tie in.
The writing was really crude. It read like a young teenager talking to themselves in their head, with too long sentences and strange jumps. Paragraphs would end and a new scene would begin literally the line beneath the previous, with only a tab space to signify that the scene had changed. This was really, really confusing at first and it took me a long time to get used to it.
There is a slight moment of homophobia in this, that really had no place sitting in the book. It wasn’t useful to the plot at all and honestly, it makes me side eye Newman a little bit. In my personal opinion, it really shouldn’t have been in the book. It just made it uncomfortable for myself, as a gay man, to read. I have never speed read a page so quickly in my life.
Now, the main plot point is pedophilia, as I mentioned before. It is the continuing line of flashbacks in the story, and it’s very uncomfortable to read. I don’t personally know why Newman decided to have pedophilia as her plot line, and I have no idea how respectful it is, as I have never been a victim of it. I think, however, with my limited knowledge of it, this is done in a way that shows just how controlling Bill can be. I think that there’s a fine line between doing it for a plot point, and doing it to show how easy these things can happen, and I think Newman is toeing the line quite a bit. However, she does show just how easily these things can occur, and I think that’s respectful in itself. Whether it’s done respectfully as a whole, I do not know, and I will leave to any survivors of this horrible thing to comment on that.
I really tried to read this, but in the end, the fact I was utterly uncomfortable whilst reading the flashbacks won over. The 2010 plot line is really interesting, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t hack it. This was too descriptive for me, and I couldn’t finish reading it. I don’t know why this was written, so I can’t comment on that but if this has been written in order to show just how easy pedophilia can occur, then Newman did a really good job.
Ultimately, if I knew what this was about, I wouldn’t have requested it.
May 28, 2017
This was a very unexpected read, It was totally different to what I expected it to be, not actually in an awful way just very unanticipated.
I will start my review with a warning, this book described the grooming and exploitation of a young teenager so if you find the subject matter tackled in this story distressing best to give a wide berth.
So where to start well I loved the title "Beware the cuckoo" and I totally got the insinuation from Sandra's point of view of Karen being an interloper, the cuckoo in the nest who in her view has always wanted her life and dad.
Nothing could be further from the truth and it just shows the wrongness and lack of morality That Sandra has been raised with that even when the truth about her father is finally revealed to her she still sees Karen, not as a victim but as a cuckoo and her dad Bill as the injured party taken advantage off.
Nearly from the start we the reader are aware of the secret and what Karen has endured. The way she has been manipulated to believe her young self in love with a much older man, a predator.
We are taken through past events through a variety of eyes, even Bill himself, then returned back to the present time where our story continues.
As events unfold we learn all there is to know of these awful occurrences.
Now for the main characters involved well the three girls for starters, they are hardly the BFF'S you would want for life Sandra selfish and spoilt, Yvonne well in my opinion she seemed very fickle in her friendship, bouncing from Karen to Sandra and then back again. and then there's Karen herself she really needed to get a backbone with her friends and say what she thinks.
Well, let's just say the term frenemies comes to mind.
Bill, well that one is self-explanatory.
Then there's The husband, without giving away any spoilers I am not a fan of the condescending hypocritical douchebag I will just leave it there.
As you can see I got personally invested in Beware the cuckoo, hence the irritation with certain individuals, this only happens with me when I feel a connection.
So as I was saying Loved the title, the book cover is also fabulous and I book- bonded to the point I was muttering under my breath.
This Tale also kept my interest and I found the storyline easy to follow, overall this was an enjoyable addicting read.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Beware The cuckoo By Julie Newman.
This is my own personal opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
I will start my review with a warning, this book described the grooming and exploitation of a young teenager so if you find the subject matter tackled in this story distressing best to give a wide berth.
So where to start well I loved the title "Beware the cuckoo" and I totally got the insinuation from Sandra's point of view of Karen being an interloper, the cuckoo in the nest who in her view has always wanted her life and dad.
Nothing could be further from the truth and it just shows the wrongness and lack of morality That Sandra has been raised with that even when the truth about her father is finally revealed to her she still sees Karen, not as a victim but as a cuckoo and her dad Bill as the injured party taken advantage off.
Nearly from the start we the reader are aware of the secret and what Karen has endured. The way she has been manipulated to believe her young self in love with a much older man, a predator.
We are taken through past events through a variety of eyes, even Bill himself, then returned back to the present time where our story continues.
As events unfold we learn all there is to know of these awful occurrences.
Now for the main characters involved well the three girls for starters, they are hardly the BFF'S you would want for life Sandra selfish and spoilt, Yvonne well in my opinion she seemed very fickle in her friendship, bouncing from Karen to Sandra and then back again. and then there's Karen herself she really needed to get a backbone with her friends and say what she thinks.
Well, let's just say the term frenemies comes to mind.
Bill, well that one is self-explanatory.
Then there's The husband, without giving away any spoilers I am not a fan of the condescending hypocritical douchebag I will just leave it there.
As you can see I got personally invested in Beware the cuckoo, hence the irritation with certain individuals, this only happens with me when I feel a connection.
So as I was saying Loved the title, the book cover is also fabulous and I book- bonded to the point I was muttering under my breath.
This Tale also kept my interest and I found the storyline easy to follow, overall this was an enjoyable addicting read.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Beware The cuckoo By Julie Newman.
This is my own personal opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
October 2, 2021
3.5 stars audio
3 stars story
3 stars story
May 20, 2017
Beware the Cuckoo is an unsettling read but a good page turner that I could not put down and read in two sittings.
The characters are well developed and the pace of the story is slow to build with the tension ratcheting up with each chapter.
I know this book won’t be for everybody due to the disturbing dark theme and unpleasant characters but this was a well written story which held my attention throughout and had me quickly turning the pages as I needed to find out what happened.
The characters are well developed and the pace of the story is slow to build with the tension ratcheting up with each chapter.
I know this book won’t be for everybody due to the disturbing dark theme and unpleasant characters but this was a well written story which held my attention throughout and had me quickly turning the pages as I needed to find out what happened.
August 12, 2017
Review: Beware the Cuckoo by Julie Newman Published by: Urbane Publications (18th May 2017)
ISBN: 978-1911129912
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Two women. One man. A buried secret.
They were reunited at his funeral, school friends with a shared past. A past that is anything but straightforward. A past that harbours secrets and untruths.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
Review:
With Beware the Cuckoo, Julie Newman has written a powerful debut centered around a sensitive subject matter. At times, this made for very uncomfortable reading. If you're the parent of a teenage girl, this book will certainly make you worry about what could happen right under your nose.
I like how the story is told in both present day and past tense, so we learn the story of Karen and Sandra's friendship from the beginning and the end at the same time. I found some parts of the story quite compelling, and others I managed to guess before they happened, hence just missing out on the 5* review. I was intrigued by the title of this book and not really sure what to expect, but I'm glad I decided to read it, it's really worth it. I recommend it to readers of psychological thrillers, crime and harder hitting women's fiction.
Thanks to Matthew Smith at Urbane Publications, Julie Newman and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
ISBN: 978-1911129912
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Two women. One man. A buried secret.
They were reunited at his funeral, school friends with a shared past. A past that is anything but straightforward. A past that harbours secrets and untruths.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
Review:
With Beware the Cuckoo, Julie Newman has written a powerful debut centered around a sensitive subject matter. At times, this made for very uncomfortable reading. If you're the parent of a teenage girl, this book will certainly make you worry about what could happen right under your nose.
I like how the story is told in both present day and past tense, so we learn the story of Karen and Sandra's friendship from the beginning and the end at the same time. I found some parts of the story quite compelling, and others I managed to guess before they happened, hence just missing out on the 5* review. I was intrigued by the title of this book and not really sure what to expect, but I'm glad I decided to read it, it's really worth it. I recommend it to readers of psychological thrillers, crime and harder hitting women's fiction.
Thanks to Matthew Smith at Urbane Publications, Julie Newman and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
May 22, 2017
I wasn't sure what I expected from this novel but it wasn't what I got!
Beware The Cuckoo by Julie Newman is a sensitively written book about a difficult subject. That of paedophilia and grooming. The more I read the more I was hooked and seeing everything happen but knowing you can't help the victim left me feeling a little uncomfortable and helpless.
The story centres around 3 young girls (Karen, Sandra & Yvonne) who are thrown together into a friendship. The story is told between two timelines, the past and the present. It's well written and slowly pieces together everything that happened when the girls were younger and how it has shaped their lives to the ultimate end where Karen and Sandra meet again and where their past and future collide and must be resolved.
I finally came to realise how the book is so cleverly named and why.
Without giving anything away this book gets you thinking and if you have daughters (or even sons) it does make you worry that these things unfortunately can and does happen under your noses.
Thank you to Urbane Publications, Julie Newman & NetGalley for my ARC of the book.
Beware The Cuckoo by Julie Newman is a sensitively written book about a difficult subject. That of paedophilia and grooming. The more I read the more I was hooked and seeing everything happen but knowing you can't help the victim left me feeling a little uncomfortable and helpless.
The story centres around 3 young girls (Karen, Sandra & Yvonne) who are thrown together into a friendship. The story is told between two timelines, the past and the present. It's well written and slowly pieces together everything that happened when the girls were younger and how it has shaped their lives to the ultimate end where Karen and Sandra meet again and where their past and future collide and must be resolved.
I finally came to realise how the book is so cleverly named and why.
Without giving anything away this book gets you thinking and if you have daughters (or even sons) it does make you worry that these things unfortunately can and does happen under your noses.
Thank you to Urbane Publications, Julie Newman & NetGalley for my ARC of the book.
May 10, 2017
Not for me really hard to read. If I knew what this was about I really wouldn't have tried reading it.
September 25, 2022
WARNING! This book is about pedophilia, grooming, drug abuse, cover-up, bribery, murder, abuse of power, and so much more.
I refuse to even waste my time writing a review. I downloaded the free book off of a highly suggested list and because of the incredibly catching green eye on the front cover.
This book has no redeeming qualities for me.
I refuse to even waste my time writing a review. I downloaded the free book off of a highly suggested list and because of the incredibly catching green eye on the front cover.
This book has no redeeming qualities for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
Such a compelling and original debut from author Julie Newman. A story that begins so innocently quickly turns into an unsettling triangle of greed, obsession and abuse. Newman does not shy away from these difficult themes, but stays true to the story, which makes the abuse all the more shocking and real.
There are so many elements to this story, which is told both from the perspective of Karen as a young girl and as a grown woman. From family issues, to friendships and relationships, her vulnerability is both sad and touching. While many of the characters are not particularly likeable, they are very well drawn and make for gripping reading.
Beware The Cuckoo is the kind of book that makes you think and the themes are so relevant in today's society, as we strive to speak out against sexual assault, especially by those in a position of power. I think this book adds to the conversation.
A tale full of lies, deceit and jealousy, this is a psychological thriller that will stay with me for some time. Another great title from Urbane!
There are so many elements to this story, which is told both from the perspective of Karen as a young girl and as a grown woman. From family issues, to friendships and relationships, her vulnerability is both sad and touching. While many of the characters are not particularly likeable, they are very well drawn and make for gripping reading.
Beware The Cuckoo is the kind of book that makes you think and the themes are so relevant in today's society, as we strive to speak out against sexual assault, especially by those in a position of power. I think this book adds to the conversation.
A tale full of lies, deceit and jealousy, this is a psychological thriller that will stay with me for some time. Another great title from Urbane!
May 20, 2017
First of all, I would like to warn readers of the content of this book. It features grooming and paedophilia so those who are sensitive to the subject might want to avoid it. I was not aware of this and once I realised, had to skip certain chapters once I got the general gist for the purpose of the story.
Overall none of the characters are particularly likeable for various reasons. The story centres around the friendship between 3 girls who are more thrown together by circumstances than being genuine friends. Life throws all sorts of challenges their way and tests their friendship to the hilt. Eventually, years later, two of them are thrown back together and this is where the story really steps up pace. Years of built up jealousy and resentment come together with recently discovered facts to make for a potentially explosive finish. I felt that this is a great book, my only criticism is maybe lacked a little detail towards its conclusion which is why I rate it 4 out 5 stars.
Overall none of the characters are particularly likeable for various reasons. The story centres around the friendship between 3 girls who are more thrown together by circumstances than being genuine friends. Life throws all sorts of challenges their way and tests their friendship to the hilt. Eventually, years later, two of them are thrown back together and this is where the story really steps up pace. Years of built up jealousy and resentment come together with recently discovered facts to make for a potentially explosive finish. I felt that this is a great book, my only criticism is maybe lacked a little detail towards its conclusion which is why I rate it 4 out 5 stars.
January 9, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC copy of this book which I received in return for an honest review.
I tried several times to get into this story and once I was 'in', I was compelled to finish it despite not being completely immersed in the story.
I found the characters rather unlikeable. Despite the interesting handling of a rather sensitive subject matter, I was sometimes wondering if we needed such vivid descriptions and whether some things could simply be left to our imagination.
As we grew closer to the big reveal, I was tempted to add this to the DNF pile as I wasn't at the point where I actually cared about the outcome. The ending was something of an anti- climax, I am sorry to say. I wasn't sure whether to be annoyed at the waste of my time or relief that it was over.
I tried several times to get into this story and once I was 'in', I was compelled to finish it despite not being completely immersed in the story.
I found the characters rather unlikeable. Despite the interesting handling of a rather sensitive subject matter, I was sometimes wondering if we needed such vivid descriptions and whether some things could simply be left to our imagination.
As we grew closer to the big reveal, I was tempted to add this to the DNF pile as I wasn't at the point where I actually cared about the outcome. The ending was something of an anti- climax, I am sorry to say. I wasn't sure whether to be annoyed at the waste of my time or relief that it was over.
June 1, 2017
I very nearly didn't read this as I foolishly read an unforgiving review on Amazon. I'm so glad that I followed my instincts and decided to read and judge for myself. I really enjoyed this book!
It reminded me a little of the 80's book/movie "Lace" by Shirley Conran.
A great mixture of characters with multiple layers within them.
I was first drawn to "Beware The Cuckoo" by its striking cover. The flash of green really drew my eye to the eye pictured, it made me wonder what was going on in the girl's mind...
Many Thanks to the author and the Publisher, Urbane Publications, for granting me a copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
It reminded me a little of the 80's book/movie "Lace" by Shirley Conran.
A great mixture of characters with multiple layers within them.
I was first drawn to "Beware The Cuckoo" by its striking cover. The flash of green really drew my eye to the eye pictured, it made me wonder what was going on in the girl's mind...
Many Thanks to the author and the Publisher, Urbane Publications, for granting me a copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
May 25, 2017
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
Good characters and story line, kept the reader guessing and down-played the story lines. Easy to read.
Good characters and story line, kept the reader guessing and down-played the story lines. Easy to read.
July 19, 2021
This was a freebie on Audible and I was initially attracted by the stunning cover and the intro that promised intrigue and betrayal.
However, the Pedophilia scenes, I felt, was a bit much. The story deals with the grooming and systematic sexual abuse of the main character, by her friends father, and while I agree that you should sometimes read books that make you slightly uncomfortable, this was just pushed a bit far, the sexual scenes between the much older man and a really young school girl were drawn out and described in such detail that I skipped those bits of the book - just ugh.
I also found the characters totally unbelievable. Karin has so little backbone it's beyond believe, while you can understand a young, insecure school girl being easily influenced, the fact that she is so easily manipulated and ordered around by a friend she has not seen in years, does not like and parted ways with on such a sour note is just not believable. Don't get me started on Sandra and Yvonne.
And my personal peeve, as a South-African, the Afrikaans is ridiculous the narrators attempt at a South-African accent was so off-putting I struggled to finish it.
Frankly, had I known the content, I would not have downloaded it.
However, the Pedophilia scenes, I felt, was a bit much. The story deals with the grooming and systematic sexual abuse of the main character, by her friends father, and while I agree that you should sometimes read books that make you slightly uncomfortable, this was just pushed a bit far, the sexual scenes between the much older man and a really young school girl were drawn out and described in such detail that I skipped those bits of the book - just ugh.
I also found the characters totally unbelievable. Karin has so little backbone it's beyond believe, while you can understand a young, insecure school girl being easily influenced, the fact that she is so easily manipulated and ordered around by a friend she has not seen in years, does not like and parted ways with on such a sour note is just not believable. Don't get me started on Sandra and Yvonne.
And my personal peeve, as a South-African, the Afrikaans is ridiculous the narrators attempt at a South-African accent was so off-putting I struggled to finish it.
Frankly, had I known the content, I would not have downloaded it.
March 28, 2022
This is a hard one to write about for me as it is only my opinion to what is a good book but I wanted to finish as quickly as possible so it was over for me it never got going so long and drawn out so maybe not a author for me
May 16, 2022
one of the most disturbing book - Karen is being groomed by someone close to her friend, she doesn't realize what's happening until she starts to realize that it's happening without her consent.
Sandra's life is spiraling as her dad was full of surprises, and now she has to fight her way to get money that she thinks she is entitled to.
Overall a good book, but felt a little dragged in some spots.
Sandra's life is spiraling as her dad was full of surprises, and now she has to fight her way to get money that she thinks she is entitled to.
Overall a good book, but felt a little dragged in some spots.
December 5, 2021
I enjoy books that tell a story alternating between past and present. Although the subject was common, the story was uniquely told while hearing all the character's perspectives of the events. A nice flowing read.
October 25, 2021
Noen gang tenkt på hvordan livet til en sjarmerende, manipulerende sørafrikansk våpenhandler og datter kan være på 70-tallet? Og hvordan påvirkes datteren senere? Uventet plot og ikke akkurat hyggelig lesing, men veldig engasjerende lesing 👍🏼
June 9, 2017
In spite of the dark undertone, this book gripped me after a few chapters and kept me hooked until the end. Yes, the theme is disturbing and yes, at times I crawled with antipathy, but the descriptive is 'matter of fact' enough to make it tolerable. I think the content adds to the story--after all, some messages are best delivered accompanied with a shock--though I do think the blurb should indicate a theme of grooming.
Warning.. spoilers coming up.....
Karen is frustratingly naïve though the way in which she puts the abuse behind her is admirable. Sandra (almost) gets what she deserves though, what with being raised without a mother figure and in a world of lies and secret depravity, she is a victim herself in some ways. The ending was not what I expected; however, I liked how the money Karen received following Bill's death was used to help potentially vulnerable people and I liked how the lose ends were tied up.
Great debut novel!
Warning.. spoilers coming up.....
Karen is frustratingly naïve though the way in which she puts the abuse behind her is admirable. Sandra (almost) gets what she deserves though, what with being raised without a mother figure and in a world of lies and secret depravity, she is a victim herself in some ways. The ending was not what I expected; however, I liked how the money Karen received following Bill's death was used to help potentially vulnerable people and I liked how the lose ends were tied up.
Great debut novel!
May 10, 2017
I assume that the book cover is the representation of the green eyed-monster. The book is about Karen growing up with her three friends and living with a terrible secret. The secret is bad, I just thought it was much bigger. I really didn't care for the protagonist Karen at all, She was a complete doormat for most of her life and the only time I felt sorry for her was when she had the secret. I didn't get a real friendship vibe from those girls so I couldn't really connect with them. I did enjoy the writers work regardless of how I felt of about the book. I didn't once feel like I wanted to put the book down. We the readers was already given the secret early on, I guess I was looking for something more. The more I did get wasn't a surprise.. This book is based off of secrets, lies and betrayal. I think the revenge part was more interesting out of the three.
May 18, 2017
Beware the Cuckoo by Julie Newman.
Two women. One man. A buried secret.
They were reunited at his funeral, school friends with a shared past. A past that is anything but straightforward. A past that harbours secrets and untruths.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
A very good read. Slow to begin with then bam couldn't put it down. OMG what a secret. 5* netgalley and urbane publications.
Two women. One man. A buried secret.
They were reunited at his funeral, school friends with a shared past. A past that is anything but straightforward. A past that harbours secrets and untruths.
Karen has a seemingly perfect life. An adoring husband, two wonderful children and a beautiful home. She has all she has ever wanted, living the dream. She also has a secret.
Sandra's once perfect life is rapidly unravelling. The man who meant everything to her had a dark side and her business is failing. To get her life back on track she needs to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She knows the secret.
As the past meets the present, truths are revealed - and both women understand the true cost of betrayal.
A very good read. Slow to begin with then bam couldn't put it down. OMG what a secret. 5* netgalley and urbane publications.
May 28, 2017
I have been very torn by this book there are things I liked and disliked . I liked the fact that once you start reading you soon realize why the cover fits well because truthfully at the beginning I didn't understand it and thought it didn't fit the book but now I do. I liked that the book is pretty disturbing but I think that's the charm of the book in a odd way. I liked that I couldn't stop reading it because I needed to know more. I didn't like that what I thought would be a good twist at the end wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped not to mention I didn't care for the ending I found it very lacking .the build up was great but disappointing at the end.
June 12, 2017
This book is another book that works with the past vs. present points of view. However, it is some very sensitive subjects so if you are triggered by pedophile don't pick this up. If you are interested in the dark side of humanity you may like this book. There was some really good writing, but the ending seemed a bit rushed, I could have used a little more suspense near the end. However, it did keep me on the seat of my chair trying to figure out what could happen and I had a few surprises that I didn't expect. This being a debut novel is worth the read, looking forward to more by Ms. Newman.
This book was provided to me in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley and the publisher.
This book was provided to me in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley and the publisher.
May 19, 2017
What a sad but brilliant and uplifting book.
The story tracks the life of a young girl who has been cleverly abused by an older man, making her believe that she is not a victim and so ashamed for what she has done, it's so heartbreaking and also realistic, I was so glad when she finally broke free of his clutches.
The ending was satisfying too, tying up all loose ends and filling me with a sense of justice.
This was a well written, captivating novel, with good characters and excellent descriptions, highly recommended.
The story tracks the life of a young girl who has been cleverly abused by an older man, making her believe that she is not a victim and so ashamed for what she has done, it's so heartbreaking and also realistic, I was so glad when she finally broke free of his clutches.
The ending was satisfying too, tying up all loose ends and filling me with a sense of justice.
This was a well written, captivating novel, with good characters and excellent descriptions, highly recommended.
July 28, 2017
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for copy of this book in exchange for a review.
What a great book - I couldn't put it down - it's a fast paced page turner about 3 best friends growing up.
It does touch on the delicate subject of "grooming teenage girls" but I didn't find it that shocking or disturbing that I was unable to read the story like some other reviewers have suggested.
Loved the way the story flowed so it was one chapter in the present day and one chapter in the past but they were always linked so made the story easy to follow.
Definitely recommend reading.
What a great book - I couldn't put it down - it's a fast paced page turner about 3 best friends growing up.
It does touch on the delicate subject of "grooming teenage girls" but I didn't find it that shocking or disturbing that I was unable to read the story like some other reviewers have suggested.
Loved the way the story flowed so it was one chapter in the present day and one chapter in the past but they were always linked so made the story easy to follow.
Definitely recommend reading.
October 1, 2017
High expectations
Promising start, reflecting on cultural and social fabric of 70's. The relationship .between Karen and Bill is abusive - I don't need the sexual details.of.child and adult.
Promising start, reflecting on cultural and social fabric of 70's. The relationship .between Karen and Bill is abusive - I don't need the sexual details.of.child and adult.
August 21, 2017
It wasn't what I expected from the description but in a odd sort of way I enjoyed it.
September 29, 2017
A horrifyingly gripping story which was equally hard to continue with and difficult to put down.
October 11, 2017
Gripping story of a young woman's pain
Great story telling the pain of a young girl led into child abuse by a man who she trusted like a father
Great story telling the pain of a young girl led into child abuse by a man who she trusted like a father
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