What do you think?
Rate this book
LANDSLIDING: When past and present collide
A tense thriller about relationships and long-held secrets that break out with potentially devastating results.
Despite the misgivings of her friends, a newly single mother becomes involved with an unattached man she meets by chance. Both are concealing traumatic events from years before but - as the present starts to unravel - the truth emerges: their past lives are inextricably linked.
Twists, turns and plenty of intrigue to keep readers guessing to the very end.
Despite the misgivings of her friends, a newly single mother becomes involved with an unattached man she meets by chance. Both are concealing traumatic events from years before but - as the present starts to unravel - the truth emerges: their past lives are inextricably linked.
Twists, turns and plenty of intrigue to keep readers guessing to the very end.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2017
About the author
Mandy Jameson
2 books4 followersMandy Jameson, newly published author, lives in West Sussex having returned from the depths of rural France a couple of years ago.
Loves reading, writing, chocolate, dogs & cats, films, theatre, as well as watching (not playing) football.
Suffers from strange ‘animal blindness’ affliction which means many types of creatures appear indistinguishable from one other!
Loves reading, writing, chocolate, dogs & cats, films, theatre, as well as watching (not playing) football.
Suffers from strange ‘animal blindness’ affliction which means many types of creatures appear indistinguishable from one other!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 16, 2020
5☆ A Twisty, Highly Compelling, Gripping, Domestic Thriller, I Couldn't Put Down!
Julia's hubby Harry of 17yrs just walked out and left. Leaving behind their 6yr old son Matty. All that was left was a note.
Julia, Caroline and Vicky became best of friends when their children became friends at school.
When Harry left Julia they became her rock as did their husbands.
Brendan is the new man in Julia's life. They came to meet when her laptop broke and she called his number from an advert and he came round to fix it. But something seemed off with Brendan. Almost too good to be true!
Caroline & Vicky were suspicious of him and thought it was moving too fast.
Brendan made it very clear he wanted them to have nothing more to do with Julia even accusing Vicky husband of an obsession with Julia. Causing them to fall out!
He's obsession and possessive behaviour should of been ringing alarm bells for Julia but she was so needy and frightened that Matty needed a Male Figure in his life, she just brushed off Brendan's erratic behaviour!
But there was Something very creepy about Brendan... how he was taking over with Matty, worming his way into the father figure he craves.
Making Julia and Matty reliant on him.. Brendan can hardly believe his luck meeting Julia — attractive, kind, caring, a great Mum, vulnerable and most of all he loves Matty!
Landsliding is a down as a commercial Women's Fiction, but I think it's more like a Twisty domestic thriller!
That was almost written in a interview/statement kind of way. Told in several points of view, which was perfect for this style of writing.
I loved the characters, they were so complex but oh so compelling.
There are plenty of juicy twists, dark secrets, lots of intrigue and unease I loved it!
It's a Pacy read that held my attention the whole way through, I was completely engrossed as the plot thickened so did my intrigue.
I can't recommend reading Landsliding enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Julia's hubby Harry of 17yrs just walked out and left. Leaving behind their 6yr old son Matty. All that was left was a note.
Julia, Caroline and Vicky became best of friends when their children became friends at school.
When Harry left Julia they became her rock as did their husbands.
Brendan is the new man in Julia's life. They came to meet when her laptop broke and she called his number from an advert and he came round to fix it. But something seemed off with Brendan. Almost too good to be true!
Caroline & Vicky were suspicious of him and thought it was moving too fast.
Brendan made it very clear he wanted them to have nothing more to do with Julia even accusing Vicky husband of an obsession with Julia. Causing them to fall out!
He's obsession and possessive behaviour should of been ringing alarm bells for Julia but she was so needy and frightened that Matty needed a Male Figure in his life, she just brushed off Brendan's erratic behaviour!
But there was Something very creepy about Brendan... how he was taking over with Matty, worming his way into the father figure he craves.
Making Julia and Matty reliant on him.. Brendan can hardly believe his luck meeting Julia — attractive, kind, caring, a great Mum, vulnerable and most of all he loves Matty!
Landsliding is a down as a commercial Women's Fiction, but I think it's more like a Twisty domestic thriller!
That was almost written in a interview/statement kind of way. Told in several points of view, which was perfect for this style of writing.
I loved the characters, they were so complex but oh so compelling.
There are plenty of juicy twists, dark secrets, lots of intrigue and unease I loved it!
It's a Pacy read that held my attention the whole way through, I was completely engrossed as the plot thickened so did my intrigue.
I can't recommend reading Landsliding enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
April 17, 2020
A fun twisted domestic thriller where the plot lines were kept just at the right side of suspense. Author Mandy Jameson delightfully then weaved all those scenes together, releasing a wicked reveal at the right moments. But she came up with a whopper on the last page. Shot my heart with the thrill of it. Yes she did.
Harry the louse left Julia and son Mattie after 17 years of marriage. Julia could barely cope up, her friends and their husband’s helped. Then came the computer Fixit Brendan Baker who tiled the scales. The friends found themselves set aside and Julia too started to feel trapped. But Brendan had too strong a hold. Best friend Caroline started her investigation. As per the norm, can opened, worms crawled.
My first book by the author, I was swiftly pulled in by the story which was written in a different format. Each of the characters provided me statements of their lives, rather Julia’s life, to help me understand their POV. It was to the author’s credit that I was never left confused. I was soon deeply entrenched in Julia’s life.
I had guessed some of the truths, but the rest sideswiped me and left me with just a thought. Whoa… What just happened? The author could pull the rug from under by feet easily. And what a way to fall by knowing those delicious secrets that these characters were trying their best to hide.
A fun BREAKFAST read. I was so happy to come back to reading. At last.
Harry the louse left Julia and son Mattie after 17 years of marriage. Julia could barely cope up, her friends and their husband’s helped. Then came the computer Fixit Brendan Baker who tiled the scales. The friends found themselves set aside and Julia too started to feel trapped. But Brendan had too strong a hold. Best friend Caroline started her investigation. As per the norm, can opened, worms crawled.
My first book by the author, I was swiftly pulled in by the story which was written in a different format. Each of the characters provided me statements of their lives, rather Julia’s life, to help me understand their POV. It was to the author’s credit that I was never left confused. I was soon deeply entrenched in Julia’s life.
I had guessed some of the truths, but the rest sideswiped me and left me with just a thought. Whoa… What just happened? The author could pull the rug from under by feet easily. And what a way to fall by knowing those delicious secrets that these characters were trying their best to hide.
A fun BREAKFAST read. I was so happy to come back to reading. At last.
March 11, 2020
“A tense thriller about relationships and long-held secrets that break out with potentially devastating results.”
Julia has a son Matty, and they live together after her husband Harry walked out one day never to return. Her close friends are Vicki and Caroline and since she has been on her own their husbands have been helpful if Julia has required a hand with something. Julia then meets Brendan who appears to feel threatened by others and is very protective of Julia and Matty and alienates her from her friends. The story is told from various perspectives from each of the main characters so we understand their thinking and rationale. It appears Brendan has secrets, something Julia herself has, however Brendans are affecting his demeanour and behaviour. He sends letters to Vicki’s husband and to Julias boss. Caro is determined to find out more as the last thing she wants is her friend in a disastrous relationship. A story with twists and turns, of secrets and lies, good and bad. I found myself slightly anxious towards the end and turning faster and faster willing my brain to read even quicker- which has to be a good sign of a gripping read. A different read and an exciting one.
Julia has a son Matty, and they live together after her husband Harry walked out one day never to return. Her close friends are Vicki and Caroline and since she has been on her own their husbands have been helpful if Julia has required a hand with something. Julia then meets Brendan who appears to feel threatened by others and is very protective of Julia and Matty and alienates her from her friends. The story is told from various perspectives from each of the main characters so we understand their thinking and rationale. It appears Brendan has secrets, something Julia herself has, however Brendans are affecting his demeanour and behaviour. He sends letters to Vicki’s husband and to Julias boss. Caro is determined to find out more as the last thing she wants is her friend in a disastrous relationship. A story with twists and turns, of secrets and lies, good and bad. I found myself slightly anxious towards the end and turning faster and faster willing my brain to read even quicker- which has to be a good sign of a gripping read. A different read and an exciting one.
May 15, 2017
This is a pacey story that hooks you in from the start and keeps you guessing right up to the unexpected ending. Julia and Brendan are well-drawn characters and one’s sympathies veer from one to the other as the story develops through their separate perspectives. They are both keeping secrets about their pasts, which collide with terrible inevitability. The tension builds inexorably throughout the novel and kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2020
I absolutely loved the way it was told in multiple points of view and parts in the past tense! It was so interesting and I was hooked from the beginning!
The swapping wasn’t too much and I was so invested I all the points of view, not just a couple. All of the dialogue was believable and it was easy to read and understand
It explores sexual assault in a way that may trigger some but it was an addition to the story and was dealt with appropriately.
There were elements of friendship, love, mystery, family. The perfect package.
The ending wasn’t as conclusive as I would have liked but it didn’t necessarily detract from the book! 4/5 would recommend!
The swapping wasn’t too much and I was so invested I all the points of view, not just a couple. All of the dialogue was believable and it was easy to read and understand
It explores sexual assault in a way that may trigger some but it was an addition to the story and was dealt with appropriately.
There were elements of friendship, love, mystery, family. The perfect package.
The ending wasn’t as conclusive as I would have liked but it didn’t necessarily detract from the book! 4/5 would recommend!
May 16, 2020
Landsliding is the story of Julia, in the immediate aftermath of her husband, Harry, leaving her and their son Matty. After a chance encounter where her laptop breaks and the repairman, Brendan, comes over, her life changes forever. As the prologue states – her husband leaving was nothing compared to what came next. Lies, deceit, abuse, and a sordid past all come to the forefront during this, and all Julia can do is go along for the ride or get to the bottom of it. All the while, she still has a young son to look after – can she do it all?
Written in a truly fascinating way, the majority of this novel is in 1st person, with Julia as the narrator, but interjected within those scenes are snippets from other characters in a format not unlike an interview. It gave me mega AHS Roanoke vibes, even though the two genres are vastly different. These scenes give some foresight into what’s coming, as well as an immediacy into what the characters will be thinking and feeling. It suggests there’s something in the near future recapping on what’s happened, or some meta ‘confessional’ cam within this world. This was honestly my second favorite part about this entire novel, and I really want to see it done more often.
So, what was my favorite part, you ask? The pacing. This is an intense plot, which genuinely I’m shocked is being genre-d as women’s fiction and not a thriller in some way – but the pacing forces the world to slow down, and mimics that sludgy headspace we can get in when we’re depressed or not totally present. Then as the plot moves forward, things escalate and move more fluidly, highlighting the focus Julia has acquired. All while that interview style cutaway suggests something worse is still to come. When I talk about tension in the future, I’ll be bringing this up as something creative and interesting. The plot is winding, a little complex, and takes side alleys to get to the point. It’s mysterious, and a little alluring – but overall, unravels slowly like a ball of yarn being batted around. As the string rolls, some tangles again, as does this plot. Things find themselves at the end, but more questions will be asked before they’re answered. If you’re intrigued, read this. Honestly. I’ll get into why it’s not without fault, but above all, no matter what I say, this novel had me captivated.
It’s unbelievable to think this could easily happen, which makes the interview, ‘confessional’ cutaways that much better. think my favorite character might be Lee? I don’t know. I didn’t warm greatly to anyone, but did love how real they all felt. I think that’s something this has in handfuls, reality.
Did anything not work for me? Well, sadly yes, and they’re two pretty forefront things. Firstly, Brendan being the one character in 3rd person didn’t capture me. There is something meta about it – we don’t know him, neither does anyone around him, so 3rd person pushes him away from us. That on a level is great, but in reality didn’t do anything for me. I liked the consistency of 1st person until then, and sadly that pulled me from the story. I also wasn’t a fan of probably the last quarter of the novel. We had this uptick, just clocking up to this powerful moment, and I was left feeling lackluster. For the genre, it works, and there will be readers who think I’m insane for being disappointed, but I needed something else. Too, and I lied, there’s apparently three points, I wasn’t invested in a side drama introduced, and felt it didn’t add what it needed to. This was Julia’s story, so the add on just muddied a powerful moment from the beginning. I obviously can’t go too far into it, as again, it’s down to taste, and I’d hate to ruin anything… but I just wish this ventured further into thriller and deception, than woman’s fiction. For what it is, I was extactic. I adore when an author wants to play with style, and I needed those answers, so again, as I always say, preference plays a large part in reviews – what doesn’t work for me, could be your favorite parts.
If you’re drawn to unusually crafted work, with something unique, check this out.
Written in a truly fascinating way, the majority of this novel is in 1st person, with Julia as the narrator, but interjected within those scenes are snippets from other characters in a format not unlike an interview. It gave me mega AHS Roanoke vibes, even though the two genres are vastly different. These scenes give some foresight into what’s coming, as well as an immediacy into what the characters will be thinking and feeling. It suggests there’s something in the near future recapping on what’s happened, or some meta ‘confessional’ cam within this world. This was honestly my second favorite part about this entire novel, and I really want to see it done more often.
So, what was my favorite part, you ask? The pacing. This is an intense plot, which genuinely I’m shocked is being genre-d as women’s fiction and not a thriller in some way – but the pacing forces the world to slow down, and mimics that sludgy headspace we can get in when we’re depressed or not totally present. Then as the plot moves forward, things escalate and move more fluidly, highlighting the focus Julia has acquired. All while that interview style cutaway suggests something worse is still to come. When I talk about tension in the future, I’ll be bringing this up as something creative and interesting. The plot is winding, a little complex, and takes side alleys to get to the point. It’s mysterious, and a little alluring – but overall, unravels slowly like a ball of yarn being batted around. As the string rolls, some tangles again, as does this plot. Things find themselves at the end, but more questions will be asked before they’re answered. If you’re intrigued, read this. Honestly. I’ll get into why it’s not without fault, but above all, no matter what I say, this novel had me captivated.
It’s unbelievable to think this could easily happen, which makes the interview, ‘confessional’ cutaways that much better. think my favorite character might be Lee? I don’t know. I didn’t warm greatly to anyone, but did love how real they all felt. I think that’s something this has in handfuls, reality.
Did anything not work for me? Well, sadly yes, and they’re two pretty forefront things. Firstly, Brendan being the one character in 3rd person didn’t capture me. There is something meta about it – we don’t know him, neither does anyone around him, so 3rd person pushes him away from us. That on a level is great, but in reality didn’t do anything for me. I liked the consistency of 1st person until then, and sadly that pulled me from the story. I also wasn’t a fan of probably the last quarter of the novel. We had this uptick, just clocking up to this powerful moment, and I was left feeling lackluster. For the genre, it works, and there will be readers who think I’m insane for being disappointed, but I needed something else. Too, and I lied, there’s apparently three points, I wasn’t invested in a side drama introduced, and felt it didn’t add what it needed to. This was Julia’s story, so the add on just muddied a powerful moment from the beginning. I obviously can’t go too far into it, as again, it’s down to taste, and I’d hate to ruin anything… but I just wish this ventured further into thriller and deception, than woman’s fiction. For what it is, I was extactic. I adore when an author wants to play with style, and I needed those answers, so again, as I always say, preference plays a large part in reviews – what doesn’t work for me, could be your favorite parts.
If you’re drawn to unusually crafted work, with something unique, check this out.
April 16, 2020
The story centres on Julia, a woman unaware of how stunning she is yet also very insecure as a result of secrets bottled up from her childhood. After her husband, Harry, leaves her and son Matty, Julia is at a loss what to do. She relies on her friends Caro and Vick, and especially their husbands, to support, advise, help, mend, fix and basically everything. Realising she needs to find a job and start taking control of her life, her search begins on the Internet. When her laptop breaks down, she can't ask her friends to help and has to find someone technically able to do so. She calls a number from an ad in her local free paper, and Brendan Baker responds. He is prompt, capable and friendly. For the first time in ages, Julia enjoys chatting with someone new. And, of course, Brendan is smitten by her too. Their friendship blossoms, and soon Brendan is her go-to person for anything and everything, much to the disappointment and disapproval of Caro and Vick. Caro, in particular, feels left out, and finds Brendan a tad creepy. As the story develops, Julia becomes distanced from Caro and Vick, mainly because of Brendan's desire to be the only person in hers and Matty's life.
Creepy, and mildly disturbing indeed.
The story is told in first person initially, reflecting Julia's and Caro's thoughts on how Julia is coping without Harry. Then, when Brendan arrives, his story is told in the third person. This all works really well to distinguish the present from the past, and also to provide foresight into what may be ahead. There is a lot of supposition which makes for a tense read, and had me reading 'just one more chapter' to see how the story would unfurl.
You see, Brendan has secrets of his own too. There's a reason why his former partner left him, and one he is scared to reveal to Julia in case their relationship goes the same way. With Caro stuck in the middle, wanting to support Julia and to discredit Brendan at any opportunity, the tension ratchets up a notch with each new chapter.
The storyline feels very realistic, and shows just how easy it is to be sucked into a new relationship when you're still grieving the last one. Both Julia and Brendan carry baggage that they keep closed off from everyone. The intrigue is high, the drama too - what is Brendan hiding? (Julia's secret is revealed to the reader early on) When the truth comes out, as it inevitably must, then alarm bells start to ring.
As the pace quickened as the tension mounted, I was ready for fireworks. Instead, for me, the ending was a pretty display of sparklers. There was an element of shock, but it vanished into warm and fuzzy. I guess that's why this is categorised as women's fiction and not a tense psychological thriller. Don't get me wrong, it was a compelling read but it seemed to morph genres and left me with an ending I didn't expect.
I'd definitely read more by this author, though. I loved the delivery of the story, the separation of the present and the past, the two womens' thoughts so easily distinguishable from Brendan's. A novel way to present a story, and one that takes a different path to resolution.
Drama, suspicion and mistrust play off against a desire for a happy ending. In a nutshell, quality storytelling with great pace and plenty of suspense and intrigue.
Creepy, and mildly disturbing indeed.
The story is told in first person initially, reflecting Julia's and Caro's thoughts on how Julia is coping without Harry. Then, when Brendan arrives, his story is told in the third person. This all works really well to distinguish the present from the past, and also to provide foresight into what may be ahead. There is a lot of supposition which makes for a tense read, and had me reading 'just one more chapter' to see how the story would unfurl.
You see, Brendan has secrets of his own too. There's a reason why his former partner left him, and one he is scared to reveal to Julia in case their relationship goes the same way. With Caro stuck in the middle, wanting to support Julia and to discredit Brendan at any opportunity, the tension ratchets up a notch with each new chapter.
The storyline feels very realistic, and shows just how easy it is to be sucked into a new relationship when you're still grieving the last one. Both Julia and Brendan carry baggage that they keep closed off from everyone. The intrigue is high, the drama too - what is Brendan hiding? (Julia's secret is revealed to the reader early on) When the truth comes out, as it inevitably must, then alarm bells start to ring.
As the pace quickened as the tension mounted, I was ready for fireworks. Instead, for me, the ending was a pretty display of sparklers. There was an element of shock, but it vanished into warm and fuzzy. I guess that's why this is categorised as women's fiction and not a tense psychological thriller. Don't get me wrong, it was a compelling read but it seemed to morph genres and left me with an ending I didn't expect.
I'd definitely read more by this author, though. I loved the delivery of the story, the separation of the present and the past, the two womens' thoughts so easily distinguishable from Brendan's. A novel way to present a story, and one that takes a different path to resolution.
Drama, suspicion and mistrust play off against a desire for a happy ending. In a nutshell, quality storytelling with great pace and plenty of suspense and intrigue.
October 3, 2017
Julia and Caroline are best friends, brought together by their young children who are play mates. Julia is struggling with the abandonment of her husband of 17 years, Harry, when Brendan enters her life. Seemingly ordinary, and something that Caroline can’t quite put her finger on, she is immediately wary of the way Brendan ingratiates his way into Julia’s life, and her son’s, so quickly. Could he be too good to be true?
As secrets are gradually revealed to the reader, the more we can see how the characters' lives have transformed.
This is a great book. I was hooked from the start as the drama is told from both Julia and Caroline’s points of view, one trusting, one suspicious and, further on, Brendan’s chapters are slowly slotted in, giving us an insight into all three characters and how their lives intertwine.
I loved the way we get to see how they think, and how scenarios were seen from different points of view. I have to say some of the subjects covered by the author were difficult and brave to tackle and I was extremely impressed at how well told they were, even to the point of feeling slightly uncomfortable. The way the characters are all covering something up in some way is very clever and intriguing. This is a truly edgy and current read.
For a debut novel I really, really loved this book. It’s easy to pick up, with the short bursts of different characters contributing to the small sections in the chapters making it a quick read. I was interested in all the characters enough to keep on with the less likeable ones which frustrated me (and, again, that’s all credit to the author for being so descriptive) and I loved the way the storyline teased us throughout, from going back to the past to seeing how their futures pan out.
Highly recommended. I can't wait for another book by this author!
As secrets are gradually revealed to the reader, the more we can see how the characters' lives have transformed.
This is a great book. I was hooked from the start as the drama is told from both Julia and Caroline’s points of view, one trusting, one suspicious and, further on, Brendan’s chapters are slowly slotted in, giving us an insight into all three characters and how their lives intertwine.
I loved the way we get to see how they think, and how scenarios were seen from different points of view. I have to say some of the subjects covered by the author were difficult and brave to tackle and I was extremely impressed at how well told they were, even to the point of feeling slightly uncomfortable. The way the characters are all covering something up in some way is very clever and intriguing. This is a truly edgy and current read.
For a debut novel I really, really loved this book. It’s easy to pick up, with the short bursts of different characters contributing to the small sections in the chapters making it a quick read. I was interested in all the characters enough to keep on with the less likeable ones which frustrated me (and, again, that’s all credit to the author for being so descriptive) and I loved the way the storyline teased us throughout, from going back to the past to seeing how their futures pan out.
Highly recommended. I can't wait for another book by this author!
December 31, 2020
After being in a long-term relationship for nearly two decades it's fair to say that Julia is perhaps vulnerable to the dangers of meeting someone in this era of technology. Instead of listening for any potential alarm bells she jumps straight into a new relationship. Brendan seems like a nice bloke, but there is just something off about him.
What's with the almost obsessive way he is trying to squirrel himself into Julia's good books and her those of her son? Is there a coercive element to this new relationship? The subtle way he is trying to disrupt certain well-established friendships to ensure the focus is on him and only him.
It's a domestic thriller - women's fiction with a tense and dark undercurrent.
You should always give yourself enough time to not only grieve your last relationship, but also spend time by yourself without a partner. When you have evaluated what went wrong and what you would like going forward, then try and meet someone new.
Jameson captures that element of relationships quite well - the past influencing the present when it comes to romance. The way any baggage we carry with us is always carried by each person in the new relationship. That can make it become toxic, make the atmosphere feel burdened and ultimately make it harder to be happy.
*I received a courtesy copy*
What's with the almost obsessive way he is trying to squirrel himself into Julia's good books and her those of her son? Is there a coercive element to this new relationship? The subtle way he is trying to disrupt certain well-established friendships to ensure the focus is on him and only him.
It's a domestic thriller - women's fiction with a tense and dark undercurrent.
You should always give yourself enough time to not only grieve your last relationship, but also spend time by yourself without a partner. When you have evaluated what went wrong and what you would like going forward, then try and meet someone new.
Jameson captures that element of relationships quite well - the past influencing the present when it comes to romance. The way any baggage we carry with us is always carried by each person in the new relationship. That can make it become toxic, make the atmosphere feel burdened and ultimately make it harder to be happy.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 21, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this was a really well-developed and enjoyable story!
Julia and Brendan are great characters, very well developed and I enjoyed their interaction, I loved how their secrets from the past started to come to the surface too – it made for a great read!
The author has an excellent writing style and it suited this book perfectly, she did a great job bringing the plot to life and I loved how she brought all the loose ends together as the book reached its ending too.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I enjoyed it and found it to be an addictive read – it is one I will be recommending too!
I thought that this was a really well-developed and enjoyable story!
Julia and Brendan are great characters, very well developed and I enjoyed their interaction, I loved how their secrets from the past started to come to the surface too – it made for a great read!
The author has an excellent writing style and it suited this book perfectly, she did a great job bringing the plot to life and I loved how she brought all the loose ends together as the book reached its ending too.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I enjoyed it and found it to be an addictive read – it is one I will be recommending too!
May 2, 2020
Secrets are made to be found out with time…
Julia relies a lot on her friends Caroline and Vick and their husbands after her own husband left her and their son Matty. But when Julia meets Brendan, her friends are suspicious about him. The relationship moves to quickly and Brendan seems too jealous and controlling. Julia does not shares their worries and is happy she met someone loving and protective and even cares about Matty. Brendan behavior goes from caring and loving to over-protective and controlling, even causing a distance between Julia and her best friends. Behind his behavior lays a secret he is not willing to share. But also Julia has a secret of her own…
From the first moment, I felt pity for Julia… without a real explanation, her husband leaves her and doesn’t even tries to keep in touch with their son. Of course, a single mom cannot manage to solve all the problems in her household. Luckily for her, she can always rely on her friends. But when Brendan appears in the story, you feel that something is going to happen…
I understand the reservations Caroline and Vick had towards Brendan. He appears out of the blue, and he makes himself rather quickly part of Julia’s life. I found him too smooth, too eager to be involved with Julia. From the first instance I disliked him. But I have to admit the way the acts with Matty, is admirable. Matty is just a little boy missing his father. And Brendan does not see Matty as a burden, but wants to see him happy. But here also, something kept nagging me that something was just off… No matter what good act Brendan was doing, I kept having this feeling of distrust. You feel something big is coming out and I was afraid of what it could be.
Julia initially was a kind of a doormat… she was tired of being alone and grabs at the first opportunity to have someone who takes matters in hand. And when the first signs of Brendan being off appears, she keeps on defending him, even if she knows Brendan is behaving oddly. But slowly Julia grows in the story. She goes from ‘doormat’ to a woman who wants to know the truth and wants to gain her own independence.
This story made me change sympathies all the time. I liked Julia, but when she betrayed her friends, I didn’t like her that much anymore. Talking about her friends… Caroline and Vick seemed like real friends, but when Vick broke off all contact with Julia, it seemed a reaction too extreme if you take in account they were best friends. And Caroline acts with the best intentions, but she also once in a while seems too possessive and wants to be acknowledged instead of just having her friend’s back.
This story makes you wonder who you can really trust and who is having a secret agenda. Each character has something dodgy and even if I felt sympathetic towards someone, I couldn’t shake that odd feeling… When all the secrets are out, all the pieces of the puzzle come together and everything makes sense. And I even felt a bit embarrassed for being so mistrusting…
But the last chapter was something I didn’t see coming at all! It made me rethink of everything I read before and doubting if I had skipped some important clue or not! So the end was not really the end and left me even with bigger questions than I already had!
Julia relies a lot on her friends Caroline and Vick and their husbands after her own husband left her and their son Matty. But when Julia meets Brendan, her friends are suspicious about him. The relationship moves to quickly and Brendan seems too jealous and controlling. Julia does not shares their worries and is happy she met someone loving and protective and even cares about Matty. Brendan behavior goes from caring and loving to over-protective and controlling, even causing a distance between Julia and her best friends. Behind his behavior lays a secret he is not willing to share. But also Julia has a secret of her own…
From the first moment, I felt pity for Julia… without a real explanation, her husband leaves her and doesn’t even tries to keep in touch with their son. Of course, a single mom cannot manage to solve all the problems in her household. Luckily for her, she can always rely on her friends. But when Brendan appears in the story, you feel that something is going to happen…
I understand the reservations Caroline and Vick had towards Brendan. He appears out of the blue, and he makes himself rather quickly part of Julia’s life. I found him too smooth, too eager to be involved with Julia. From the first instance I disliked him. But I have to admit the way the acts with Matty, is admirable. Matty is just a little boy missing his father. And Brendan does not see Matty as a burden, but wants to see him happy. But here also, something kept nagging me that something was just off… No matter what good act Brendan was doing, I kept having this feeling of distrust. You feel something big is coming out and I was afraid of what it could be.
Julia initially was a kind of a doormat… she was tired of being alone and grabs at the first opportunity to have someone who takes matters in hand. And when the first signs of Brendan being off appears, she keeps on defending him, even if she knows Brendan is behaving oddly. But slowly Julia grows in the story. She goes from ‘doormat’ to a woman who wants to know the truth and wants to gain her own independence.
This story made me change sympathies all the time. I liked Julia, but when she betrayed her friends, I didn’t like her that much anymore. Talking about her friends… Caroline and Vick seemed like real friends, but when Vick broke off all contact with Julia, it seemed a reaction too extreme if you take in account they were best friends. And Caroline acts with the best intentions, but she also once in a while seems too possessive and wants to be acknowledged instead of just having her friend’s back.
This story makes you wonder who you can really trust and who is having a secret agenda. Each character has something dodgy and even if I felt sympathetic towards someone, I couldn’t shake that odd feeling… When all the secrets are out, all the pieces of the puzzle come together and everything makes sense. And I even felt a bit embarrassed for being so mistrusting…
But the last chapter was something I didn’t see coming at all! It made me rethink of everything I read before and doubting if I had skipped some important clue or not! So the end was not really the end and left me even with bigger questions than I already had!
April 16, 2020
This is the story of Julia and her new partner Brendan. Her two friends Caroline and Vicky have reservations about Brendan and feel like he is possessive of Julia. Brendan is creepy and seems like there is more to him than is obvious initially.
The characters in this book were so addictive and compelling. This book is filled with many twists and turns.
It is a fast paced read that held my interest throughout. It’s a page turner.
However, I was slightly disappointed by the ending and felt it was a bit weak.
The characters in this book were so addictive and compelling. This book is filled with many twists and turns.
It is a fast paced read that held my interest throughout. It’s a page turner.
However, I was slightly disappointed by the ending and felt it was a bit weak.
May 15, 2017
A very well paced and structured novel with tension building throughout. A real page-turner from first to last. When Julia’s husband leaves her and her son Matty she is distraught and vulnerable. Brendan seems the answer to her prayers. But is he who she thinks he is? Does he have a past to hide? Un-peeling the layers of secrecy and background slowly Julia grapples with the hidden past taking us to the very last page for answers.
March 30, 2020
I loved this debut novel from Mandy Jameson! Gripping and unusual its various twists and turns will have you guessing right up until the end. It’s hard to know what to say about it without giving too much away, but this book follows 30 something Julia as she begins a new relationship and the past that she’s tried so hard to bury collides with her present. Definitely worth a read you’ll have this page turner finished in no time and be left wanting more.
May 25, 2017
Just finished Landsliding and am feeling bereft and wanting more! Told, with great sensitivity, it delves into the murky world of celebrity paedophilia and the emotional damage caused to a young innocent girl and the effect it has on her future relationships. This is a gripping novel from start to finish, well crafted and with a brilliant twist at he end.
May 10, 2017
One of those books you HAVE to read in one sitting!!! Loved it!
May 20, 2017
A well paced contemporary novel about relationships and self-preservation. The multiple viewpoints were deftly handled. An enjoyable read with a surprise twist.
June 4, 2017
Loved it!
Great book, couldn't put it down. Really want to know what happens next. The twist at the end screams for a sequel!!!
Thoroughly recommend it.
Great book, couldn't put it down. Really want to know what happens next. The twist at the end screams for a sequel!!!
Thoroughly recommend it.
September 11, 2020
Just when you think you know everything, along comes another twist in the tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews