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The Suicide Plan
A chilling new suspense novella
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. But why?
Patrick is then catapulted into a case, which sees the death of a child, a failed court case and a family torn apart. Soon Patrick will have all the pieces of the puzzle but will he be able to fit them together in time?
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. But why?
Patrick is then catapulted into a case, which sees the death of a child, a failed court case and a family torn apart. Soon Patrick will have all the pieces of the puzzle but will he be able to fit them together in time?
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2017
65 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Emma L. Clapperton
4 books49 followersI write supernatural thrillers under Emma Clapperton and psychological thrillers under the pseudonym Alex Kane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 7, 2018
After reading the brilliant novellas by S Pearce, I thought I would give other short stories a go. This one is a paranormal murder mystery. The protagonist, Patrick McLaughlin, contacts spirits and passes their messages on. His world gets turned upside down when someone walks into one of his meetings and kills himself right there and then. Why? Well, read the story to find out. It is an enjoyable read, if a little bit predictable. The interest lies not so much in the final revelation, but in the journey there.
March 12, 2018
THE SUICIDE PLAN is a novella by Emma L. Clapperton, a paranormal and murder mystery.
He witnesses a suicide. The victim had asked him for his help before he killed himself.
Patrick McLaughlin and his fiancée, Jodie run a spiritualist meeting, providing messages for people from their passed loved ones.
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. Then a man walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. His reasoning? Patrick is only of use to him in death. But what help does he need?
The police identified the man as David Hopkins, a fifty-five-year old, accused of killing his son.
In this novella, Patrick is obliged to investigate the death of a ten- year-old boy. He must put all the pieces of the puzzle together and discover the truth.
This novella sets the stage for readers to read more about Patrick McLaughlin in the full-length novels "Beyond Evidence" and "Henderson Manor".
Even though I am not a general fan of paranormal books, I really enjoyed this novella, and look forward to continuing with the series.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy.
He witnesses a suicide. The victim had asked him for his help before he killed himself.
Patrick McLaughlin and his fiancée, Jodie run a spiritualist meeting, providing messages for people from their passed loved ones.
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. Then a man walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. His reasoning? Patrick is only of use to him in death. But what help does he need?
The police identified the man as David Hopkins, a fifty-five-year old, accused of killing his son.
In this novella, Patrick is obliged to investigate the death of a ten- year-old boy. He must put all the pieces of the puzzle together and discover the truth.
This novella sets the stage for readers to read more about Patrick McLaughlin in the full-length novels "Beyond Evidence" and "Henderson Manor".
Even though I am not a general fan of paranormal books, I really enjoyed this novella, and look forward to continuing with the series.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy.
June 3, 2017
One thing I really like with novellas is that it gives one the chance to see if a series will work for you or not. There are several times when I have read a novella and afterward decided to buy a book in the series because I liked the novella so much.
The Suicide Plan starts off with Patrick McLaughlin getting the shock of his life when David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his throat before Patrick's eyes. Since Patrick is a medium can see ghosts and it doesn't take long for David to reach out to Patrick to plead with him to find out who killed his son. Can Patrick find out the truth about the death of David's son and also find peace for David and his son in the afterlife?
The Suicide Plan is a short novella, it doesn't take a long time to read it and with few characters in the story isn't the outcome of the story a complete surprise. However, it's more than a crime story, it's a study in relationships and consequences (with a paranormal angle). How selfish decisions can ruin everything. It's in the essence a very tragic story.
I found Patrick McLaughlin to be an interesting character. As a fan of paranormal books did I really like this short novella and it would be interesting to read a book in this series to really get to know Patrick McLaughlin and get a really meaty story.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
The Suicide Plan starts off with Patrick McLaughlin getting the shock of his life when David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his throat before Patrick's eyes. Since Patrick is a medium can see ghosts and it doesn't take long for David to reach out to Patrick to plead with him to find out who killed his son. Can Patrick find out the truth about the death of David's son and also find peace for David and his son in the afterlife?
The Suicide Plan is a short novella, it doesn't take a long time to read it and with few characters in the story isn't the outcome of the story a complete surprise. However, it's more than a crime story, it's a study in relationships and consequences (with a paranormal angle). How selfish decisions can ruin everything. It's in the essence a very tragic story.
I found Patrick McLaughlin to be an interesting character. As a fan of paranormal books did I really like this short novella and it would be interesting to read a book in this series to really get to know Patrick McLaughlin and get a really meaty story.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
June 5, 2017
The Suicide Plan is a short novella that focuses on Patrick McLaughlin, who is part of the West End Spiritualist Church in Glasgow. On this particular evening, a man called David Hopkirk comes into the church and commits suicide in front of the congregation. This traumatic incident begs the question, why there? Why in Patrick’s church?
What follows is an unusual story, with elements of the paranormal as well as a murder case that is time-sensitive. I don’t know what I was expecting when I started The Suicide Plan, but it was a punchy and different storyline to my usual reads.
With such a short story it’s very difficult to write a review without spoiling anything. Emma has managed to pack a hell of a lot into so few pages, with an intriguing story and some very well-drawn characters. Really enjoyed this one!
Recommended!
What follows is an unusual story, with elements of the paranormal as well as a murder case that is time-sensitive. I don’t know what I was expecting when I started The Suicide Plan, but it was a punchy and different storyline to my usual reads.
With such a short story it’s very difficult to write a review without spoiling anything. Emma has managed to pack a hell of a lot into so few pages, with an intriguing story and some very well-drawn characters. Really enjoyed this one!
Recommended!
June 12, 2017
On the night Patrick McLaughlin welcomes people to his spiritualist church, the strangest thing happened. Patrick is used to strange, weird, different as he is a psychic who passes on messages from the dead to the loved ones they have left behind. (Think Mark Edward, Psychic).
A man, David Hopkirk, walks into the church, disrobes, and announces that Patrick can help him but only after his death. He then calmly whips out a knife and cuts his own throat.
Feeling obligated to investigate. Patrick learns that Hopkirk supposedly threw his 10-year-old son to his death. He was charged, but found not guilty. So why would the man kill himself?
This is an interesting novella. I remember watching Mark Edward when he had his TV show many years ago. I always found him to be fascinating ... the same as I found this story.
Patrick is trying to reach the child that died, but so far has only been in contact with the father. Feeling that the father really was innocent, he starts looking at the family.
A twist at the end caught me a bit off guard. Just wasn't what I expected. There is a second book (full length) featuring Patrick McLaughlin. If you like the paranormal, psychics, occult, you will enjoy this one.
A man, David Hopkirk, walks into the church, disrobes, and announces that Patrick can help him but only after his death. He then calmly whips out a knife and cuts his own throat.
Feeling obligated to investigate. Patrick learns that Hopkirk supposedly threw his 10-year-old son to his death. He was charged, but found not guilty. So why would the man kill himself?
This is an interesting novella. I remember watching Mark Edward when he had his TV show many years ago. I always found him to be fascinating ... the same as I found this story.
Patrick is trying to reach the child that died, but so far has only been in contact with the father. Feeling that the father really was innocent, he starts looking at the family.
A twist at the end caught me a bit off guard. Just wasn't what I expected. There is a second book (full length) featuring Patrick McLaughlin. If you like the paranormal, psychics, occult, you will enjoy this one.
August 10, 2018
I half knew what to expect with The Suicide Plan, having read Deja Vu and The Boy Who Wasn't There by Ms Clapperton. But what I didn't expect was the totally gruesome start with David Hopkins' very public suicide as Patrick McLaughlin starts his service. I have to admit, this shocked me! And then what ensued was a crime thriller with a difference.
Patrick has his work cut out trying to solve the mystery around the death of David's son. He needs to find the witnesses to the tragedy, but one of them died shortly after the incident. Can he solve this mystery and give the soul of David peace in the afterlife?
The Suicide Plan is different to my normal crime read. Not only does the story involved the supernatural realm but Patrick is far from the normal hero of the police or PI. But I liked that. I don't think it would work as well if Patrick hadn't been the renowned spiritualist that he is.
This is only a short read at 81 pages but I didn't feel I missed out on anything by its brevity. I hit the ground running with the story and didn't stop until the end. I'll definitely be returning to Patrick's world to catch with Beyond Evidence and The Dead Whisperer.
Patrick has his work cut out trying to solve the mystery around the death of David's son. He needs to find the witnesses to the tragedy, but one of them died shortly after the incident. Can he solve this mystery and give the soul of David peace in the afterlife?
The Suicide Plan is different to my normal crime read. Not only does the story involved the supernatural realm but Patrick is far from the normal hero of the police or PI. But I liked that. I don't think it would work as well if Patrick hadn't been the renowned spiritualist that he is.
This is only a short read at 81 pages but I didn't feel I missed out on anything by its brevity. I hit the ground running with the story and didn't stop until the end. I'll definitely be returning to Patrick's world to catch with Beyond Evidence and The Dead Whisperer.
September 18, 2018
This was a random Kindle freebie. The sort of thing to grab when you don’t want to make any decisions and have some time to kill. In fact it didn’t kill that much time even, 45 minutes or so, very quick read. Supernatural murder mystery where the convoluted book logic (on par with convoluted dream logic to give you an idea) leads to a solution via a thoroughly circuitous way of the accused party committing suicide and then assisting with investigation from the other side of the veil as it were, hence the title. While it doesn’t sound like much a plan, it does work out in the end. Of course it does, it’s a story. First one in a series as it turns out, because that’s what everyone does these days. But it was perfectly decent for what it was in contents, writing and editing, pleasantly above what you’ve might come to expect from random Kindle freebies. And it was entertaining enough, which for the time sufficed.
June 1, 2017
The Suicide Plan is a short novella featuring Patrick McLaughlin who can communicate with people on the other side.
What a great start to a story! Not so great for Patrick and the people in the audience someone taking their own life before them but boy was I hooked from that point.
I’ve always had a fascination with all things paranormal so this grabbed my interest straight away. The fact it was to do with a father whose son had died under suspicious circumstances made it even more intriguing.
For a short story, The Suicide Plan, was still very much an emotional read. Losing a child must be horrendous and this will certainly tug on readers heart strings. The benefit of this book is that it is great when you are wanting a quick read but has all the elements you would expect of a longer novel. I certainly didn’t feel like it was being rushed in anyway. It’s also a great introduction to a new character and a crime series.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
What a great start to a story! Not so great for Patrick and the people in the audience someone taking their own life before them but boy was I hooked from that point.
I’ve always had a fascination with all things paranormal so this grabbed my interest straight away. The fact it was to do with a father whose son had died under suspicious circumstances made it even more intriguing.
For a short story, The Suicide Plan, was still very much an emotional read. Losing a child must be horrendous and this will certainly tug on readers heart strings. The benefit of this book is that it is great when you are wanting a quick read but has all the elements you would expect of a longer novel. I certainly didn’t feel like it was being rushed in anyway. It’s also a great introduction to a new character and a crime series.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
August 22, 2017
What a great opening! A good story though I have to admit I didn't enjoy the dialogue between the characters very much as it felt a little stilted and the ending was a bit predictable.
May 30, 2017
Well I can truly say that I didn’t see that happening in the first few pages. When David Hopkirk arrived after the spiritual meeting had begun at Patrick McLaughlin’s church, it soon became obvious that he was a very disturbed man. I thought ‘eh up mate you can’t do that in here’ then it really took a dive, to be honest it couldn’t get any worse really, all hell had broken out. I mean talk about grabbing your attention, he certainly had mine and he definitely had Patrick McLaughlin’s.
Patrick and his fiancee Jodie are really thrown in the deep end to help solve the murder of a young boy from two years before. But wow what a shocking entrance. Really how far would you go to find out the truth? There is already a body count rising and not many people left that really know the truth. There is only one thing for it. If the living won’t tell you, you have to ask the dead.
I really got into this novella, all 81 pages, so a really fast read. What I got out of it was a fully story. A story that definitely gets your attention and pulls at your emotions right from the start. As the investigation goes along the story falls back and reveals events that lead up to the fateful day this little boy died.
I really liked Patrick straight away, with his respect for a spiritual world he only knows a small amount about. The tip of a very unstable iceberg. He knows that there are extremely dangerous and dark presences that he never wants to invite over which brought the hairs up on the back of my neck every time he opened this Pandora’s box of spirits.
I am looking forward to another case of spiritual investigating soon.
Patrick and his fiancee Jodie are really thrown in the deep end to help solve the murder of a young boy from two years before. But wow what a shocking entrance. Really how far would you go to find out the truth? There is already a body count rising and not many people left that really know the truth. There is only one thing for it. If the living won’t tell you, you have to ask the dead.
I really got into this novella, all 81 pages, so a really fast read. What I got out of it was a fully story. A story that definitely gets your attention and pulls at your emotions right from the start. As the investigation goes along the story falls back and reveals events that lead up to the fateful day this little boy died.
I really liked Patrick straight away, with his respect for a spiritual world he only knows a small amount about. The tip of a very unstable iceberg. He knows that there are extremely dangerous and dark presences that he never wants to invite over which brought the hairs up on the back of my neck every time he opened this Pandora’s box of spirits.
I am looking forward to another case of spiritual investigating soon.
June 5, 2017
I've only read a handful of paranormal books and two of these are Emma's first two in her Patrick McLaughlin series which I thoroughly enjoyed. Even though this is not my favourite genre, for some reason this author's work attracts and intrigues me!
Patrick and Jodie are a married couple, but unlike any ordinary couple, they are mediums. They both have the ability to hear and speak with the dead. They pass on messages from the other side to living relatives and vice versa. The burden of having this gift can however be hard to carry at times and can be quite stressful. Dead people are always trying to get into contact with you and their voices swirl around inside your brain all the time.
"Only you can help me."
One night as Patrick is about to begin a medium reading session in his spiritualist church, a man suddenly barges in, walks through the aisle towards Patrick and tells him that he needs his help but that Patrick can only help him once he's dead. At that point to everyone's horror, this man slits his own throat and drops dead in a pool of blood. Patrick, and everyone at the church, is stunned and shocked. What did this poor man mean by that? What happened to him? Why did he kill himself?
Soon Patrick's mind is invaded by this dead man's desperate pleas for help. He learns that his name was David Hopkirk and that he wants Patrick to find out the truth behind his son's death, for which he was held responsible. Patrick decides to help David, but would his paranormal abilities help him prove David's innocence and find the truth? Where will this investigation take him? What did really happen to young Aidan? Was it grief or guilt that pushed David to suicide?
Though part of a series, 'The Suicide Plan' can be read as a standalone and even though it's a short story, it has all the elements found in a full-length novel - an intriguing mystery, an investigation, interesting characters, drama, tragedy and an emotional, tear-jerking ending that I found both satisfying and sad. It is quite fast-paced at times and I ended up devouring it in a very short time.
One aspect of the story that I liked is that Patrick and Jodie's young son also possesses his parents' gift and in my opinion this does not only make the series more interesting but it opens wide the door to the possibilities where the McLaughlins' journey could go in future books.
Even though not a fanatic of paranormal books, I really enjoyed this novella and actually feel quite excited about this series and hope it won't be long till the author writes the next instalment. Highly recommended, especially for those loving good paranormal mysteries.
With thanks to Bloodhound books and to Ms Sarah Hardy for involving me in the blog tour of this book.
Patrick and Jodie are a married couple, but unlike any ordinary couple, they are mediums. They both have the ability to hear and speak with the dead. They pass on messages from the other side to living relatives and vice versa. The burden of having this gift can however be hard to carry at times and can be quite stressful. Dead people are always trying to get into contact with you and their voices swirl around inside your brain all the time.
"Only you can help me."
One night as Patrick is about to begin a medium reading session in his spiritualist church, a man suddenly barges in, walks through the aisle towards Patrick and tells him that he needs his help but that Patrick can only help him once he's dead. At that point to everyone's horror, this man slits his own throat and drops dead in a pool of blood. Patrick, and everyone at the church, is stunned and shocked. What did this poor man mean by that? What happened to him? Why did he kill himself?
Soon Patrick's mind is invaded by this dead man's desperate pleas for help. He learns that his name was David Hopkirk and that he wants Patrick to find out the truth behind his son's death, for which he was held responsible. Patrick decides to help David, but would his paranormal abilities help him prove David's innocence and find the truth? Where will this investigation take him? What did really happen to young Aidan? Was it grief or guilt that pushed David to suicide?
Though part of a series, 'The Suicide Plan' can be read as a standalone and even though it's a short story, it has all the elements found in a full-length novel - an intriguing mystery, an investigation, interesting characters, drama, tragedy and an emotional, tear-jerking ending that I found both satisfying and sad. It is quite fast-paced at times and I ended up devouring it in a very short time.
One aspect of the story that I liked is that Patrick and Jodie's young son also possesses his parents' gift and in my opinion this does not only make the series more interesting but it opens wide the door to the possibilities where the McLaughlins' journey could go in future books.
Even though not a fanatic of paranormal books, I really enjoyed this novella and actually feel quite excited about this series and hope it won't be long till the author writes the next instalment. Highly recommended, especially for those loving good paranormal mysteries.
With thanks to Bloodhound books and to Ms Sarah Hardy for involving me in the blog tour of this book.
October 20, 2016
This novella by Emma Clapperton forms part of the series featuring Patrick McLaughlin. Now firstly this series is a paranormal series which I know isn't for everybody, and normally I would include myself in that list. However, there are exceptions to my rule and certain authors manage to hook me with this genre and Emma Clapperton is one of them. Patrick and Jodie McLaughlin are both mediums and Patrick uses his gift to try and pass along messages to people who have lost loved ones. One evening in the spiritualist church where Patrick and Jodie work a man named David Hopkirk arrives and slits his own throat in front of everybody, asking Patrick to help him before he commits this terrible suicide!
Yep, sounds crazy I know but in a weird way although it's a grisly and violent opening it has the wow factor and you can't help but wonder what it is that this man needs help with. Patrick then goes on to delve into the world of David and find out what was driving him so hard to commit suicide and help him. Although this is only 78 pages and a novella/short story (which I normally don't enjoy) this one hit the spot nicely.
It re-introduces you to Patrick and Jodie and where they are with their lives, whilst delivering a fast paced and enthralling story. All in all this was a cracking book and only made me want to read the next full length book in the series....yesterday! A great book for this genre and a series I will continue to follow.
Yep, sounds crazy I know but in a weird way although it's a grisly and violent opening it has the wow factor and you can't help but wonder what it is that this man needs help with. Patrick then goes on to delve into the world of David and find out what was driving him so hard to commit suicide and help him. Although this is only 78 pages and a novella/short story (which I normally don't enjoy) this one hit the spot nicely.
It re-introduces you to Patrick and Jodie and where they are with their lives, whilst delivering a fast paced and enthralling story. All in all this was a cracking book and only made me want to read the next full length book in the series....yesterday! A great book for this genre and a series I will continue to follow.
October 5, 2016
Huge thanks to the author, Emma L Clapperton, for giving me and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
OMFG #bookjunkies! Two things first: THAT cover and THAT blurb! Both would have me grabbing the book off a shelf in order to purchase! Talk about a #KillerHook – and I had not even started the book yet!
In this superb novella, we return to Glasgow and meet up with Patrick and Jodie McLaughlin. The paranormal couple are met with tragedy, loss, betrayal and the search for the truth.
The plot is perfectly paced and kept me on the edge of my seat at times. There is a haunting sadness to this story and it sits on the pages like a mist over a lake….you can never see far enough ahead to pick out the twists, even if you think you have! Bloody loved that!
I was over the moon to see that Preston & Lang, the police duo, were back as I loved these guys in Beyond Evidence and Henderson Manor. However, even though there are some references to the backstory from both these books, this novella can easily be read as a stand-alone.
I also was thrilled to meet up with Patrick and Jodie again! I forgot how much I adored these characters until I read this short story! Now I am aching for more!! And Eeeeeek! The bairn (see, I am not just your average Canadian! I can pick terminology up too!
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June 5, 2017My Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
This is a prequel novella and is the first book I have read by Emma Clapperton.
I was unsure what to expect from the book as it doesn’t perfectly fit my usual genre of crime fiction.
Patrick is the leader of a spiritual church and claims to be able to contact the dead. However, his detective skills are put to the test when a man walks into his church asking for help before committing suicide.
David has been accused of a heinous crime and although found not guilty he is not completely exonerated and unable to live without his child he takes is own life in the hope that Patrick will find out the truth. We meet David briefly before his death but it is his spirit that we really get to know as he guides Patrick in his search for the truth.
Eleanor was David's wife and was having an affair with Rob Aiden died and her character is very complex as she makes bad decisions with tragic consequences.
Patrick believes in David's innocence as the spirits help him to uncover the truth.
Expect the unexpected but rest assured you will never guess the outcome.
This is a real, emotionally gripping, page-turner.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books who provided me with an advance copy.
This is a prequel novella and is the first book I have read by Emma Clapperton.
I was unsure what to expect from the book as it doesn’t perfectly fit my usual genre of crime fiction.
Patrick is the leader of a spiritual church and claims to be able to contact the dead. However, his detective skills are put to the test when a man walks into his church asking for help before committing suicide.
David has been accused of a heinous crime and although found not guilty he is not completely exonerated and unable to live without his child he takes is own life in the hope that Patrick will find out the truth. We meet David briefly before his death but it is his spirit that we really get to know as he guides Patrick in his search for the truth.
Eleanor was David's wife and was having an affair with Rob Aiden died and her character is very complex as she makes bad decisions with tragic consequences.
Patrick believes in David's innocence as the spirits help him to uncover the truth.
Expect the unexpected but rest assured you will never guess the outcome.
This is a real, emotionally gripping, page-turner.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books who provided me with an advance copy.
December 3, 2017
This is a 3.5 star read with promise.
An interesting, enticing short novella featuring a couple that operate a Spiritualist Church, each with their own special paranormal perceptions. The protagonist, Patrick McLaughlin, heads the church helping to connect members with their passed over loved ones. (Think physic Mark Edwards)
In this story we see a church session interrupted by a man seeking help who commits suicide directly in front of Patrick.
His ghost then asks for help in finding out who really killed his son. It's a wonderful premise that works well but I feel it would work far better as a longer novella to work more story into and heighten the "detective mystery" component of the work.
My two favourite genre's, paranormal and murder mystery, melded together to make a read that holds your attention from first sentence until the last. I hope this is the start of a what could be a fabulous new series.
An interesting, enticing short novella featuring a couple that operate a Spiritualist Church, each with their own special paranormal perceptions. The protagonist, Patrick McLaughlin, heads the church helping to connect members with their passed over loved ones. (Think physic Mark Edwards)
In this story we see a church session interrupted by a man seeking help who commits suicide directly in front of Patrick.
His ghost then asks for help in finding out who really killed his son. It's a wonderful premise that works well but I feel it would work far better as a longer novella to work more story into and heighten the "detective mystery" component of the work.
My two favourite genre's, paranormal and murder mystery, melded together to make a read that holds your attention from first sentence until the last. I hope this is the start of a what could be a fabulous new series.
June 6, 2017
The Suicide Plan is a short novella introducing us to Patrick McLaughlin a psychic medium basically a person who can communicate with the dead. I am a big fan and believer of things like this. So knowing this book was a crime story with the element of supernatural I found it perfect.
With an OMG start it grabbed me from the very first page and I didn't put it down until the end….it is certainly a page turner. In this story we follow Patrick on a case where he see’s the death of a child and a family torn apart. After David Hopkirk slits his throat in the middle of a demonstration at the Spiritualist church!
Wowzers what can I say but this novella is brilliant keeping you guessing until the end with the whole who done it element. And is nicely wrapped up at the end.
Even though it is a short story there is enough information where you get to know the characters enough. Emma Clapperton has laid down all the foundations for the start of what I can see is going to be brilliant series. I seriously cannot wait to read Beyond Evidence now.
If you are looking for a quick and easy read I highly recommend this giving it 5 stars.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
With an OMG start it grabbed me from the very first page and I didn't put it down until the end….it is certainly a page turner. In this story we follow Patrick on a case where he see’s the death of a child and a family torn apart. After David Hopkirk slits his throat in the middle of a demonstration at the Spiritualist church!
Wowzers what can I say but this novella is brilliant keeping you guessing until the end with the whole who done it element. And is nicely wrapped up at the end.
Even though it is a short story there is enough information where you get to know the characters enough. Emma Clapperton has laid down all the foundations for the start of what I can see is going to be brilliant series. I seriously cannot wait to read Beyond Evidence now.
If you are looking for a quick and easy read I highly recommend this giving it 5 stars.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
May 30, 2017
Patrick McLaughlin is at his spiritual home at the West End Spiritual Church.
During a regular service in walks David, carrying a knife. He calmly approaches Patrick, and says, “after I have gone...” removes his clothes and then slashes his throat in front of Patrick and the congregation.
Everyone is in shock until Patrick comes to his senses and ushers everyone out of the building.
Who is this man and why did he choose to die in front of everyone?
Patrick is feeling extremely unsettled and it is pushed to the back of his mind as he escorts the congregation outside, What a truly shocking thing to happen. WHY?
He visits David's wife to see if there is anything she can tell him. Sadly, he hadn't got over the death of their son who had a tragic accident. Something doesn't feel right.
There are lots of twists and turns in this story and the characters are wholly believable.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
During a regular service in walks David, carrying a knife. He calmly approaches Patrick, and says, “after I have gone...” removes his clothes and then slashes his throat in front of Patrick and the congregation.
Everyone is in shock until Patrick comes to his senses and ushers everyone out of the building.
Who is this man and why did he choose to die in front of everyone?
Patrick is feeling extremely unsettled and it is pushed to the back of his mind as he escorts the congregation outside, What a truly shocking thing to happen. WHY?
He visits David's wife to see if there is anything she can tell him. Sadly, he hadn't got over the death of their son who had a tragic accident. Something doesn't feel right.
There are lots of twists and turns in this story and the characters are wholly believable.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
June 5, 2017
The Suicide Plan is a short novella and is part ghost story, and part detective story. In this case, the person investigating is in fact a spiritualist medium trying to find out the truth about the death of a young boy after the boy's father commits suicide in front of the main character.
I found this book to be a quick and interesting read. Even towards the end of the story, I still had no idea who was to blame for the boy's death.
Well worth reading.
I found this book to be a quick and interesting read. Even towards the end of the story, I still had no idea who was to blame for the boy's death.
Well worth reading.
July 14, 2017
Read this in one sitting when I couldn't sleep one night. Very good book, a bit spooky.
May 31, 2017
The suicide plan by Emma L Clapperton.
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. His reasoning? Patrick is only of use to him in death.
an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I love Patrick and how he wouldn't give up. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. bloodhound books.
Standing up and welcoming everyone to the spiritualist church is something Patrick McLaughlin does most evenings. Most of the faces in the audience are familiar to him, except one. David Hopkirk walks into the West End Spiritualist church in Glasgow and slits his own throat in the middle of a demonstration. His reasoning? Patrick is only of use to him in death.
an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I love Patrick and how he wouldn't give up. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. bloodhound books.
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August 11, 2018Review to follow.
September 18, 2017
I found this short-story to be very captivating, and a great introduction to a series. I love the idea of a novella that allows the reader to decide if they like the characters, the plot, and the writing before diving into a series.
There isn’t much I can say about it negatively or constructively, because it was so short there was no character development or anything that I usually look for and appreciate. I am going to assume that if I read the full-length novels in this series I will have a better connection to the characters, and a deeper plot line, so I am rating this as a three because I enjoyed it.
Check out my full review on my blog!
http://theprincessgummybearreviews.bl...
There isn’t much I can say about it negatively or constructively, because it was so short there was no character development or anything that I usually look for and appreciate. I am going to assume that if I read the full-length novels in this series I will have a better connection to the characters, and a deeper plot line, so I am rating this as a three because I enjoyed it.
Check out my full review on my blog!
http://theprincessgummybearreviews.bl...
June 2, 2017
The Suicide Plan is a short novella introducing us to Patrick McLaughlin a psychic medium basically a person who can communicate with the dead. I am a big fan and believer of things like this. So knowing this book was a crime story with the element of supernatural I found it perfect.
With an OMG start it grabbed me from the very first page and I didn't put it down until the end….it is certainly a page turner. In this story we follow Patrick on a case where he see’s the death of a child and a family torn apart. After David Hopkirk slits his throat in the middle of a demonstration at the Spiritualist church!
Wowzers what can I say but this novella is brilliant keeping you guessing until the end with the whole who done it element. And is nicely wrapped up at the end.
Even though it is a short story there is enough information where you get to know the characters enough. Emma Clapperton has laid down all the foundations for the start of what I can see is going to be brilliant series. I seriously cannot wait to read Beyond Evidence now.
If you are looking for a quick and easy read I highly recommend this giving it 5 stars.
With an OMG start it grabbed me from the very first page and I didn't put it down until the end….it is certainly a page turner. In this story we follow Patrick on a case where he see’s the death of a child and a family torn apart. After David Hopkirk slits his throat in the middle of a demonstration at the Spiritualist church!
Wowzers what can I say but this novella is brilliant keeping you guessing until the end with the whole who done it element. And is nicely wrapped up at the end.
Even though it is a short story there is enough information where you get to know the characters enough. Emma Clapperton has laid down all the foundations for the start of what I can see is going to be brilliant series. I seriously cannot wait to read Beyond Evidence now.
If you are looking for a quick and easy read I highly recommend this giving it 5 stars.
June 2, 2017
The Suicide Plan was a wee gem of a read. I don’t normally (well don’t ever) read short stories or novellas but I quite liked the sound of this one so decided to give it a go and I am glad I did.
The story was quite harrowing in places and Emma Clapperton is not pulling any punches as she puts her characters through the emotional wringer. The story opens with a man who felt he had no one left to turn to for support. He takes his own life in a crowded hall in the presence of a spiritualist in the hope that his suicide will lead to his plea for help being heard from beyond the grave.
As shocking and traumatic as that incident may have been for the spiritualist, Patrick McLaughlin, he reaches out to the deceased man to try to understand why he would take his own life. Some communication is possible and Patrick starts to look deeper into past tragedies.
No spoilers are allowed but The Suicide Plan is a cleverly delivered tale which I rather enjoyed. If you enjoy a supernatural twist to your crime stories this is one to pick up.
The story was quite harrowing in places and Emma Clapperton is not pulling any punches as she puts her characters through the emotional wringer. The story opens with a man who felt he had no one left to turn to for support. He takes his own life in a crowded hall in the presence of a spiritualist in the hope that his suicide will lead to his plea for help being heard from beyond the grave.
As shocking and traumatic as that incident may have been for the spiritualist, Patrick McLaughlin, he reaches out to the deceased man to try to understand why he would take his own life. Some communication is possible and Patrick starts to look deeper into past tragedies.
No spoilers are allowed but The Suicide Plan is a cleverly delivered tale which I rather enjoyed. If you enjoy a supernatural twist to your crime stories this is one to pick up.
May 30, 2017
This is a novella, that introduces us to Patrick and Jodie, which packed a punch with a gritty start.
Patrick is a medium and runs the Spritualist church with his partner Jodie.
David Hopkirk is a man on the edge, and kills himself in front of Patrick begging for him to help him from the other side.
This teaser of a novella gives a great insight in to what we can expect in future novels. I am looking forward to reading more about the spiritual aspect of the books as well as getting to know Patrick and Jodie.
An inticing read which had me hooked from the beginning, don't let the fact that this is a novella fool you into it being less than it is. A clever plot which leads me to want to read more from this dynamic duo.
Patrick is a medium and runs the Spritualist church with his partner Jodie.
David Hopkirk is a man on the edge, and kills himself in front of Patrick begging for him to help him from the other side.
This teaser of a novella gives a great insight in to what we can expect in future novels. I am looking forward to reading more about the spiritual aspect of the books as well as getting to know Patrick and Jodie.
An inticing read which had me hooked from the beginning, don't let the fact that this is a novella fool you into it being less than it is. A clever plot which leads me to want to read more from this dynamic duo.
June 14, 2017
Not being a fan of spiritualist churches, I was a little unsure if I'd like this novella. After a friend's recommendation however, I felt spurred on to finish it and am so glad I did. Patrick McLaughlin who runs the church, grew on me; I liked his humble nature and the fact that there was nothing airy-fairy about his character. I loved the crime element too; and wanting to know the outcome kept me turning the pages. Will I be reading the series that follows this gripping introduction?....Most definitely!
June 27, 2017
I enjoyed this Novella. The plot was a great idea. It was easy to guess the ending but that didn't bother me. It was also easy to see how people get swept up in lies and fear. Worth a quick read.
June 23, 2017
“You can only help me…..but only when I’m dead!”
Patrick McLaughlin is a spiritualist and is just about to begin a session for the assembled audience, who are hoping to receive messages from the departed family and friends. Jodie, his fiancé is closing the door when a bedraggled man pushes past her and refuses to leave until he’s spoken to Patrick. Patrick asks how he can help him and the man replies that he wants to find out whether he killed his son, but that Patrick will only be able to help him once he’s dead. He has just uttered the last word, when he kills himself.
Patrick decides to investigate why this man felt so desperate that the only way he could get help was to end his own life, giving Patrick the ability through his spiritualism. to communicate with his soul in the afterlife. He discovers that the man’s son was killed under suspicious circumstances but who was the real perpetrator?
This was a very quick read. Something I normally enjoy. The problem with very short stories is that sometimes there is insufficient time to give the reader the information needed to form a realistic opinion on the characters. Unfortunately, that’s how I felt when I reached the final page. Possibly readers, who have read the previous book in the series, will not feel the same way and find this novella very entertaining.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Patrick McLaughlin is a spiritualist and is just about to begin a session for the assembled audience, who are hoping to receive messages from the departed family and friends. Jodie, his fiancé is closing the door when a bedraggled man pushes past her and refuses to leave until he’s spoken to Patrick. Patrick asks how he can help him and the man replies that he wants to find out whether he killed his son, but that Patrick will only be able to help him once he’s dead. He has just uttered the last word, when he kills himself.
Patrick decides to investigate why this man felt so desperate that the only way he could get help was to end his own life, giving Patrick the ability through his spiritualism. to communicate with his soul in the afterlife. He discovers that the man’s son was killed under suspicious circumstances but who was the real perpetrator?
This was a very quick read. Something I normally enjoy. The problem with very short stories is that sometimes there is insufficient time to give the reader the information needed to form a realistic opinion on the characters. Unfortunately, that’s how I felt when I reached the final page. Possibly readers, who have read the previous book in the series, will not feel the same way and find this novella very entertaining.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 31, 2017
Tread softly for you tread on my tears
Patrick who runs a spiritual church along with his girlfriend Jodie is used to having a crowd come along almost every night..One very rainy night however a man walks in ,strips off then produces a knife asking Patrick to help him.Before Patrick can reach him the man slits his own throat in front of the congregation. As the crowd in shock and disbelief cry out Jodie calls an ambulance but it is too late.. When the police show up Patrick learns that the dead man David Hopkins had been accused of the murder of his ten year old son Aiden.Patrick wants answers he feels there is something amiss ,not right here.When he goes to see the ex wife Eleanor she is cold and withdrawn now living with Rob a man she had been having an affair with during her marriage to David.Patrick also finds that Amy the nanny at the time of Aidens death committed suicide...Patrick doesn't let go..he is determined to find out what happened to the child that night ..This is a story of a father who loved his child to the ends of the earth. A father who in death wants his story to be told..Patrick is the man who will put the pieces back together so that an angel may get their wings .., and those who have sinned shall indeed pay for their misdeeds. A sad tragic story that has an ending so pure and precious.Emma Clapperton is an author to watch out for...
Patrick who runs a spiritual church along with his girlfriend Jodie is used to having a crowd come along almost every night..One very rainy night however a man walks in ,strips off then produces a knife asking Patrick to help him.Before Patrick can reach him the man slits his own throat in front of the congregation. As the crowd in shock and disbelief cry out Jodie calls an ambulance but it is too late.. When the police show up Patrick learns that the dead man David Hopkins had been accused of the murder of his ten year old son Aiden.Patrick wants answers he feels there is something amiss ,not right here.When he goes to see the ex wife Eleanor she is cold and withdrawn now living with Rob a man she had been having an affair with during her marriage to David.Patrick also finds that Amy the nanny at the time of Aidens death committed suicide...Patrick doesn't let go..he is determined to find out what happened to the child that night ..This is a story of a father who loved his child to the ends of the earth. A father who in death wants his story to be told..Patrick is the man who will put the pieces back together so that an angel may get their wings .., and those who have sinned shall indeed pay for their misdeeds. A sad tragic story that has an ending so pure and precious.Emma Clapperton is an author to watch out for...
June 2, 2017
Patrick and Jodie McLaughlin are mediums. One day as they are in church, David Hopkirk comes in and approaches Patrick. He says, “after I have gone…” then proceeds to cut his own throat. Of course Patrick and Jodie are going to look into David and they learn that two years earlier his son died under mysterious circumstances but the case went cold. There is something strange about the case and Patrick and Jodie are going to have to communicate with spirits to solve it.
This is my first book from Emma Clapperton and it was amazing. You start out with a bang and just go headlong into the case. I loved the paranormal aspect but the way it was executed just rang out. Patrick doesn’t know much about communicating with the dead but he is respectful. He does know that not everything on the other side is good and he is essentially playing Russian Roulette with who and what he connects to.
This was a short story but felt like reading a full novel. I loved the whole thing and now I can’t wait to read Beyond Evidence to see where this series started. Although this is a short story it can easily be read as a standalone book. This is one thriller that you need to check out.
I received The Suicide Plan from Bloodhound Books for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This is my first book from Emma Clapperton and it was amazing. You start out with a bang and just go headlong into the case. I loved the paranormal aspect but the way it was executed just rang out. Patrick doesn’t know much about communicating with the dead but he is respectful. He does know that not everything on the other side is good and he is essentially playing Russian Roulette with who and what he connects to.
This was a short story but felt like reading a full novel. I loved the whole thing and now I can’t wait to read Beyond Evidence to see where this series started. Although this is a short story it can easily be read as a standalone book. This is one thriller that you need to check out.
I received The Suicide Plan from Bloodhound Books for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
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