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The Brighton Mermaid
Brighton Beach, 1993
Teenagers Nell and Jude find the body of a young woman and when no one comes to claim her, she becomes known as the Brighton Mermaid. Nell is still struggling to move on when, three weeks later, Jude disappears.
Twenty-five years on, Nell is forced to quit her job to find out who the Brighton Mermaid really was - and what happened to her best friend that summer.
But as Nell edges closer to the truth, dangerous things start to happen. Someone seems to be watching her every move, and soon she starts to wonder who in her life she can actually trust ...
Fast-paced and thrilling, The Brighton Mermaid explores the deadly secrets of those closest to you.
Teenagers Nell and Jude find the body of a young woman and when no one comes to claim her, she becomes known as the Brighton Mermaid. Nell is still struggling to move on when, three weeks later, Jude disappears.
Twenty-five years on, Nell is forced to quit her job to find out who the Brighton Mermaid really was - and what happened to her best friend that summer.
But as Nell edges closer to the truth, dangerous things start to happen. Someone seems to be watching her every move, and soon she starts to wonder who in her life she can actually trust ...
Fast-paced and thrilling, The Brighton Mermaid explores the deadly secrets of those closest to you.
475 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2018
305 people are currently reading
2546 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Koomson
50 books3,252 followersHello, my name's Dorothy Koomson and I'll try to make this bit that's all about me as interesting as possible.
I wrote my first novel called There's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate when I was 13. I used to write a chapter every night then pass it around to my fellow convent school pupils every morning, and they seemed to love it.
I grew up in London and then grew up again in Leeds when I went to university. I eventually returned to London to study for my masters degree and stayed put for the following years. I took up various temping jobs and eventually got my big break writing, editing and subbing for various women's magazines and national papers.
Fiction and storytelling were still a HUGE passion of mine and I continued to write short stories and novels every spare moment that I got. In 2001 I had the idea for The Cupid Effect and my career as a published novelist began. And it's been fantastic. In 2006, third novel, My Best Friend's Girl was published. It was incredibly successful - selling nearly 90,000 copies within its first few weeks on sale. Six weeks later, it was selected for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads Book Club and the book went on to sell over 500,000 copies. Oh, there I go again, this is meant to be about me, not my novels.
Okay, back to me. I recently spent two years living in Sydney Australia, and now I'm back in England. But I can't say for how long I'll be in the UK for because I've been well and truly bitten by the travel bug
I wrote my first novel called There's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate when I was 13. I used to write a chapter every night then pass it around to my fellow convent school pupils every morning, and they seemed to love it.
I grew up in London and then grew up again in Leeds when I went to university. I eventually returned to London to study for my masters degree and stayed put for the following years. I took up various temping jobs and eventually got my big break writing, editing and subbing for various women's magazines and national papers.
Fiction and storytelling were still a HUGE passion of mine and I continued to write short stories and novels every spare moment that I got. In 2001 I had the idea for The Cupid Effect and my career as a published novelist began. And it's been fantastic. In 2006, third novel, My Best Friend's Girl was published. It was incredibly successful - selling nearly 90,000 copies within its first few weeks on sale. Six weeks later, it was selected for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads Book Club and the book went on to sell over 500,000 copies. Oh, there I go again, this is meant to be about me, not my novels.
Okay, back to me. I recently spent two years living in Sydney Australia, and now I'm back in England. But I can't say for how long I'll be in the UK for because I've been well and truly bitten by the travel bug
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
June 15, 2018
So sad this one turned out to be a disappointment. It had so much potential - sigh!
I must admit it was doing well for the first chapters but then it started going everywhere and nowhere at the same time, turning a promising plot into what I like to call the Pinball Multi-ball Effect.
Weak thriller factor. Rather predictable and unsatisfying ending.
*1 extra star for Nell, a superlative strong female character and a proud and independent woc, who knows what she wants and isn't afraid of fighting for the people she cares about.
*A half extra star for the Okories' family dynamics. I was going to mention the sisterly bond, too, but for a big part of the story I had trouble coping with Macy's behavior, and I swear it has nothing to do with her issues. We just didn't click immediately and I thought she was way too hard on Nell (as if Nell herself wasn't already), sometimes.
ACTUAL RATINGS 2.5/5
I must admit it was doing well for the first chapters but then it started going everywhere and nowhere at the same time, turning a promising plot into what I like to call the Pinball Multi-ball Effect.
Weak thriller factor. Rather predictable and unsatisfying ending.
*1 extra star for Nell, a superlative strong female character and a proud and independent woc, who knows what she wants and isn't afraid of fighting for the people she cares about.
*A half extra star for the Okories' family dynamics. I was going to mention the sisterly bond, too, but for a big part of the story I had trouble coping with Macy's behavior, and I swear it has nothing to do with her issues. We just didn't click immediately and I thought she was way too hard on Nell (as if Nell herself wasn't already), sometimes.
ACTUAL RATINGS 2.5/5
March 10, 2019
Esta autora tornou-se numa das minhas favoritas. É raro ler um livro dela que não goste. De leitura fácil, personagens integrantes, história bem elaborada. Difícil não se apaixonar pela sua escrita.
Opinião completa no blog: https://lostinmyownworldofbooks.wordp...
Opinião completa no blog: https://lostinmyownworldofbooks.wordp...
June 30, 2018
The story begins twenty-five years ago; it’s 1993 in Brighton Beach and Nell and Jude are teenagers. They’ve sneaked out without their parents knowledge to go to a party thrown by a local boy. They are making their way home in the early hours when they discover a body laying on the sand.
The identity of this young woman is never discovered and she becomes known as the Brighton Mermaid. Nell and Jude’s lives change overnight and whilst Nell struggles to understand why the police are convinced that she and her family have something to do with the body, Jude disappears.
Moving forward to the present day and Nell is still obsessed with the Brighton Mermaid, and with Jude’s disappearance. She spends every minute that she can spare, online; frantically trying to find people; anyone who may hold a clue to the identity of the mermaid and to Jude’s disappearance. When she gives up her job to carry on this work, she begins to uncover things that certain people really don’t want anyone to know about.
The Brighton Mermaid is a mystery story, a crime thriller and a detailed and fascinating exploration of relationships, and how one event can affect so many lives for such a long time. This author has created characters who are perfectly formed, yet incredibly flawed at the same time. Her insight in the human psyche and the way in which judgements can be altered so quickly is excellently done.
The book simmers with tension throughout, the depth of character and the intricately woven and ever changing relationship add a darkness to what is an excellent story.
The identity of this young woman is never discovered and she becomes known as the Brighton Mermaid. Nell and Jude’s lives change overnight and whilst Nell struggles to understand why the police are convinced that she and her family have something to do with the body, Jude disappears.
Moving forward to the present day and Nell is still obsessed with the Brighton Mermaid, and with Jude’s disappearance. She spends every minute that she can spare, online; frantically trying to find people; anyone who may hold a clue to the identity of the mermaid and to Jude’s disappearance. When she gives up her job to carry on this work, she begins to uncover things that certain people really don’t want anyone to know about.
The Brighton Mermaid is a mystery story, a crime thriller and a detailed and fascinating exploration of relationships, and how one event can affect so many lives for such a long time. This author has created characters who are perfectly formed, yet incredibly flawed at the same time. Her insight in the human psyche and the way in which judgements can be altered so quickly is excellently done.
The book simmers with tension throughout, the depth of character and the intricately woven and ever changing relationship add a darkness to what is an excellent story.
September 20, 2018
Tenho que dizer que Dorothy Koomson, é a minha escritora feminina preferida! Tendo lido já todos os livros da autora, por isso, parti para a leitura deste livro muito entusiasmada! Para já por ser um triller psicológico, uma escrita diferente daquilo que a autora escreve! Este livro fez-me lembrar, algumas vezes, outro livro da autora, um pouco dentro deste género, "Os aromas do amor"
Adorei a história, que me agarrou, logo desde as primeiras páginas. Gostei muito das personagens, principalmente da Nell e da sua irmã Macy. Não vou revelar nada da história, mas como sempre as personagens principais são de cor negra, como a autora e o racismo é falado e encarado de uma forma muito natural.
Um livro que adorei e aconselho a sua leitura!
Adorei a história, que me agarrou, logo desde as primeiras páginas. Gostei muito das personagens, principalmente da Nell e da sua irmã Macy. Não vou revelar nada da história, mas como sempre as personagens principais são de cor negra, como a autora e o racismo é falado e encarado de uma forma muito natural.
Um livro que adorei e aconselho a sua leitura!
February 21, 2021
Um livro imperdível da Dorothy Koomson, a minha opinião em vídeo em livros à Lareira com chá; https://youtu.be/IGZqJq7mb90
Uma escrita viciante como só Dorothy tem poder para escrever, um mistério que não nos deixa esperar,só pensamos em ler e ler.
Um livro maravilhoso.
Recomendo.
Boas leituras!
Uma escrita viciante como só Dorothy tem poder para escrever, um mistério que não nos deixa esperar,só pensamos em ler e ler.
Um livro maravilhoso.
Recomendo.
Boas leituras!
September 26, 2018
9,5 de 10*
Sou fã da Dorothy Koomson. Tenho todos os seus livros e já os li todos. Adoro! É daquelas autoras que assim que sai um novo livro, nem preciso de ler a sinopse para ter a certeza que o quero ler. Logo!
Ao longo dos anos a autora tem convergido mais para o género thriller, afastando-se um pouco dos seus romances iniciais. Na minha opinião, escreve tão bem um género quanto o outro. Em “A Sereia de Brighton”, utilizou uma vez as suas mãos de fada e soltou pozinhos de perlimpimpim que me fizeram estar agarrada ao livro da primeira à última página, desfrutando de horas a fio de boa leitura. Foram mais de 500 páginas em 3 dias!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.com...
Sou fã da Dorothy Koomson. Tenho todos os seus livros e já os li todos. Adoro! É daquelas autoras que assim que sai um novo livro, nem preciso de ler a sinopse para ter a certeza que o quero ler. Logo!
Ao longo dos anos a autora tem convergido mais para o género thriller, afastando-se um pouco dos seus romances iniciais. Na minha opinião, escreve tão bem um género quanto o outro. Em “A Sereia de Brighton”, utilizou uma vez as suas mãos de fada e soltou pozinhos de perlimpimpim que me fizeram estar agarrada ao livro da primeira à última página, desfrutando de horas a fio de boa leitura. Foram mais de 500 páginas em 3 dias!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.com...
June 6, 2019
“Eu e a Jude éramos extremamente parecidas e chegadas, mas simultaneamente muito diferentes. Ela fazia-me rir , irritava-me, assustava-me e fazia-me inveja quando conseguia algo que eu não tinha. E depois, desapareceu.”
*
“Jude and I were so similar, so close, and so very different, too. She made me laugh, made me angry, made me scared, made me jealous when she got something I didn’t. And then she vanished.”
- Nell (Enelle Okorie)
* * *
“Será que estou de cabeça perdida ou algo do género? Por vezes, acho que tenho duas pessoas dentro da minha cabeça - a que faz coisas disparatadas e a outra que não a impede de as fazer.”
*
“Have I lost my mind or something? Sometimes I think there are two people in my head – the one who does ridiculous things, and the other one who doesn’t stop her.”
- Macy (Macenna Okorie)
* * *
“Era desgastante. Às vezes, olho para trás e pergunto a mim mesma o que me teria passado pela cabeça. Que tipo de loucura teria tomado conta do meu cérebro para fazer aquilo a mim própria. O amor, claro. O amor, essa droga capaz de nos fazer cometer as maiores loucuras, sequestrou o meu cérebro e levou-me a fazer isto.
Teria feito tudo pelo Clyde. Quase tudo, como se veio a concluir.”
*
“It was exhausting, and I sometimes look back and wonder what I was thinking, what type of madness had taken over my brain to do that to myself. Love, of course. Love, the most crazy-making drug, had seized my brain and made me do that.
I would have done anything for Clyde. Almost anything, as it turned out.”
- Macy
* * *
“Prometo que telefono quando estiver preparada, quando estiver menos assustada. Prometo, prometo.
Não queria ir-me embora. Queria ter a vida que imaginara que iria ter, com a Nell a meu lado, como minha melhor amiga, é um namorado decente. Queria passar nos exames e entrar para a universidade. Não queria ir-me embora, mas como não queria ir à polícia, não tinha outra alternativa. Não conseguia viver na mesma casa que o meu pai e fingir que não era nada comigo.”
*
“I promise, when I’m ready, when I’m less scared, I’ll get in touch. I promise. I promise.’
I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to have the life I thought I would live, as best friends with Nell, getting a proper boyfriend, passing my exams, going to university. I didn’t want to leave but if I wasn’t going to go to the police then I had to, because I couldn’t live in a house with my dad and pretend.”
- Jude (Judana Dalton)
*
“Jude and I were so similar, so close, and so very different, too. She made me laugh, made me angry, made me scared, made me jealous when she got something I didn’t. And then she vanished.”
- Nell (Enelle Okorie)
* * *
“Será que estou de cabeça perdida ou algo do género? Por vezes, acho que tenho duas pessoas dentro da minha cabeça - a que faz coisas disparatadas e a outra que não a impede de as fazer.”
*
“Have I lost my mind or something? Sometimes I think there are two people in my head – the one who does ridiculous things, and the other one who doesn’t stop her.”
- Macy (Macenna Okorie)
* * *
“Era desgastante. Às vezes, olho para trás e pergunto a mim mesma o que me teria passado pela cabeça. Que tipo de loucura teria tomado conta do meu cérebro para fazer aquilo a mim própria. O amor, claro. O amor, essa droga capaz de nos fazer cometer as maiores loucuras, sequestrou o meu cérebro e levou-me a fazer isto.
Teria feito tudo pelo Clyde. Quase tudo, como se veio a concluir.”
*
“It was exhausting, and I sometimes look back and wonder what I was thinking, what type of madness had taken over my brain to do that to myself. Love, of course. Love, the most crazy-making drug, had seized my brain and made me do that.
I would have done anything for Clyde. Almost anything, as it turned out.”
- Macy
* * *
“Prometo que telefono quando estiver preparada, quando estiver menos assustada. Prometo, prometo.
Não queria ir-me embora. Queria ter a vida que imaginara que iria ter, com a Nell a meu lado, como minha melhor amiga, é um namorado decente. Queria passar nos exames e entrar para a universidade. Não queria ir-me embora, mas como não queria ir à polícia, não tinha outra alternativa. Não conseguia viver na mesma casa que o meu pai e fingir que não era nada comigo.”
*
“I promise, when I’m ready, when I’m less scared, I’ll get in touch. I promise. I promise.’
I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to have the life I thought I would live, as best friends with Nell, getting a proper boyfriend, passing my exams, going to university. I didn’t want to leave but if I wasn’t going to go to the police then I had to, because I couldn’t live in a house with my dad and pretend.”
- Jude (Judana Dalton)
October 18, 2018
Quem como eu segue a escrita da Dorothy Koomson, repara que desde o último livro "A Amiga", a sua forma de escrita tem mudado, tendo-se evidenciado neste livro.
Um livro que me prendeu desde a primeira à última página e que nos faz ficar sem fôlego à medida que vamos lendo.
Até às últimas páginas nunca imaginei que um dos verdadeiros culpados fosse aquele, o que me deixou bastante surpreendida.
Uma vez mais a Dorothy apresentou-nos um livro impressionante.
Recomendo vivamente.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Um livro que me prendeu desde a primeira à última página e que nos faz ficar sem fôlego à medida que vamos lendo.
Até às últimas páginas nunca imaginei que um dos verdadeiros culpados fosse aquele, o que me deixou bastante surpreendida.
Uma vez mais a Dorothy apresentou-nos um livro impressionante.
Recomendo vivamente.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 21, 2018
Depois de ler alguns livros da autora chego à conclusão que não tenho uma opinião, com meias medidas, sobre o que leio. Ou gosto mesmo muito ou é uma leitura algo sensaborona.
Neste caso, não posso opinar de forma absolutamente positiva. Achei a estória muito arrastada e repetitiva. Quinhentas e poucas páginas que se poderiam reduzir a umas trezentas. Narrativa pouco apelativa apesar de, a dada altura, se tornar previsível. O estilo particular de escrita e a forma como Dorothy constrói os enredos está lá, porém a estória em ai não me cativou muito.
Uma última palavra para revisão do livro... É que nem deixa muito a desenhar, é só absolutamente medonha.
Neste caso, não posso opinar de forma absolutamente positiva. Achei a estória muito arrastada e repetitiva. Quinhentas e poucas páginas que se poderiam reduzir a umas trezentas. Narrativa pouco apelativa apesar de, a dada altura, se tornar previsível. O estilo particular de escrita e a forma como Dorothy constrói os enredos está lá, porém a estória em ai não me cativou muito.
Uma última palavra para revisão do livro... É que nem deixa muito a desenhar, é só absolutamente medonha.
June 8, 2018
Book reviews and more on www.snazzybooks.com
I am a huge fan of Dorothy Koomson, having loved the other novels I've read by her (including The Ice Cream Girls and The Friend), so I was incredibly excited to get the chance to read her newest release, The Brighton Mermaid. The premise sounded really interesting and I knew I'd be treated to Koomson's excellent writing.
I wasn't disappointed - once again, readers can enjoy some brilliantly convincing characters (people you can actually imagine meeting in real life) and an intriguing, just-one-more-page plot, as well as the great location of Brighton.
I really enjoyed reading about Nell and the two key narratives: one focussing on her time as a child - before, during, and after the discover of the mysterous murdered woman and the disappearance of her her best friend, Jude) - and one set in the present day, as Nell deals with her past and tries to work out who could be watching, following and slowly torementing her...
The narrative is fast-paced and kept me wanting to read on, and I love the element of mystery interwoven with topics around family, friendship and secrets. There's a mix of emotions, with some quite disturbing themes cropping up alongside slightly more light-hearted parts. I loved the sense of time and place that Koomson always creates so well - I may only have been a very small child at the time this was set but I could picture myself there, in the early 1990's, right there with Jude and Nell as they made their horrifying discovery.
Another addictive release from this brilliant author - definitely recommended!
Many thanks to Century for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
I am a huge fan of Dorothy Koomson, having loved the other novels I've read by her (including The Ice Cream Girls and The Friend), so I was incredibly excited to get the chance to read her newest release, The Brighton Mermaid. The premise sounded really interesting and I knew I'd be treated to Koomson's excellent writing.
I wasn't disappointed - once again, readers can enjoy some brilliantly convincing characters (people you can actually imagine meeting in real life) and an intriguing, just-one-more-page plot, as well as the great location of Brighton.
I really enjoyed reading about Nell and the two key narratives: one focussing on her time as a child - before, during, and after the discover of the mysterous murdered woman and the disappearance of her her best friend, Jude) - and one set in the present day, as Nell deals with her past and tries to work out who could be watching, following and slowly torementing her...
The narrative is fast-paced and kept me wanting to read on, and I love the element of mystery interwoven with topics around family, friendship and secrets. There's a mix of emotions, with some quite disturbing themes cropping up alongside slightly more light-hearted parts. I loved the sense of time and place that Koomson always creates so well - I may only have been a very small child at the time this was set but I could picture myself there, in the early 1990's, right there with Jude and Nell as they made their horrifying discovery.
Another addictive release from this brilliant author - definitely recommended!
Many thanks to Century for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
October 3, 2018
Que estreia!!
Mas que grande estreia eu tive com esta autora. Não é que nunca tivesse ouvido falar de Dorothy Koomson, mas nunca tinha tido grande motivação para ler os seus livros, muito embora toda a gente falasse bem. Acho que são daquelas fases em que temos sempre receio de ir com as expectativas demasiadamente altas e depois cair redonda no chão *figurativamente falando*.
Ora, se todos os livros dela forem assim, nem vou pensar duas vezes em ler todos os anteriores e os futuros livros que, acredito piamente, vão surgir. Pelo que me apercebi Dorothy Koomson é uma autora que aposta no Romance/Drama/Mistério e essa é uma combinação que me agrada imenso.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Mas que grande estreia eu tive com esta autora. Não é que nunca tivesse ouvido falar de Dorothy Koomson, mas nunca tinha tido grande motivação para ler os seus livros, muito embora toda a gente falasse bem. Acho que são daquelas fases em que temos sempre receio de ir com as expectativas demasiadamente altas e depois cair redonda no chão *figurativamente falando*.
Ora, se todos os livros dela forem assim, nem vou pensar duas vezes em ler todos os anteriores e os futuros livros que, acredito piamente, vão surgir. Pelo que me apercebi Dorothy Koomson é uma autora que aposta no Romance/Drama/Mistério e essa é uma combinação que me agrada imenso.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
March 1, 2019
Tenho gostado de todos os livros que tenho lidos desta autora e tem sido bastantes. Uns mais do que outros, acabam por me cativar, pelas mais diversas razões. Este livro teve uma parte que li sem grandes pressas, achei que poderia ter avançado u pouco mais, andou um bocadinho a marcar passo. Mas a parte final fez-me querer ler sem parar, para saber o que ia acontecer e qual o desfecho. Não adivinharia o final, nem de longe nem de perto e se é algo que gosto num livro, é que me surpreenda
October 11, 2018
Opinião em:
https://livrosgosto.blogspot.com/
ou
M João Covas Livrosgosto youtube
https://livrosgosto.blogspot.com/
ou
M João Covas Livrosgosto youtube
October 1, 2018
Dorothy Koomson é conhecida pelos seus romances apaixonantes, mas, os seus últimos livros têm sido enriquecidos com histórias com um toque de mistério que me agradam ainda mais. O racismo e os problemas sociais continuam a ser retratados com mestria, mas Koomson elevou-os para outro patamar, podendo assim abarcar muitos mais leitores. E, claro, mais uma vez, a personagem principal do livro é negra, como todas as que figuram nos seus livros.
A história é passada em dois espaços temporais, o passado de há 25 anos e o presente.
Corria o ano de 1993 quando Nell e Jude, melhores amigas, são confrontadas com um corpo de uma jovem negra morto na praia. Além de ficarem traumatizadas com o que presenciam, são exaustivamente interrogadas pela polícia que desconfia que elas estejam relacionadas com o homicídio. Três semanas depois Jude desaparece sem deixar rasto e Nell acaba por ficar obcecada com estes casos.
A minha opinião completa em: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.com/...
A história é passada em dois espaços temporais, o passado de há 25 anos e o presente.
Corria o ano de 1993 quando Nell e Jude, melhores amigas, são confrontadas com um corpo de uma jovem negra morto na praia. Além de ficarem traumatizadas com o que presenciam, são exaustivamente interrogadas pela polícia que desconfia que elas estejam relacionadas com o homicídio. Três semanas depois Jude desaparece sem deixar rasto e Nell acaba por ficar obcecada com estes casos.
A minha opinião completa em: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.com/...
October 10, 2018
Dorothy Koomson no seu melhor.
A autora vem por intermédio deste livro fazer apenas duas perguntas. Uma pergunta que ninguém nunca sabe nem saberá responder.
Até que ponto conhecemos mesmo uma pessoa?
E a outra: Do que precisamos realmente para desconfiar... de quem nunca desconfiaríamos?
A autora vem por intermédio deste livro fazer apenas duas perguntas. Uma pergunta que ninguém nunca sabe nem saberá responder.
Até que ponto conhecemos mesmo uma pessoa?
E a outra: Do que precisamos realmente para desconfiar... de quem nunca desconfiaríamos?
September 22, 2018
Não foi o que esperava até ao meio do livro, capítulos muito curtos e demasiadas páginas em branco, quebra o ritmo da leitura (nervos!).
A partir de certa altura, sim, é um típico livro da Dorothy Koomson. Intenso, empolgante e misterioso. Ninguém é o que parece!
A partir de certa altura, sim, é um típico livro da Dorothy Koomson. Intenso, empolgante e misterioso. Ninguém é o que parece!
September 24, 2018
Sabem como sou fã da Dorothy Koomson. O primeiro livro que li da autora foi Os Muitos Nomes do Amor, tinha acabado de sair e eu li-o num abrir e fechar de olhos. Entretanto não tinha lido mais nenhuma novidade da escritora, queria ler os livros mais antigos da autora para depois conseguir ter noção da evolução dos escritores.Li diversos livros, muitos gostei e outros nem tanto. Ao saber que haveria mais um livro da Dorothy Koomson não resisti: precisava de ler e saber como estava a escrita da Dorothy. Digo já: incrível.
Após terminar a leitura ainda fiquei indecisa quanto à classificação. Não sabia se daria as quatro estrelas ou se estendia para as cinco estrelas. Fico-me pelas quatro estrelas, porquê? Porque apesar de o livro ter uma história que agarra desde do princípio, existiram muitos momentos parados e que de certo modo quebravam o ritmo da leitura.
Gosto imenso da escrita da Dorothy Koomson como sabem. Conseguimos ler sem sentir necessidade de fazer pausas porque é uma leitura viciante. Existem diversas mudanças de tempo, viajámos constantemente entre o passado e o presente. Isso não me fez qualquer confusão, até gostei. Apenas tenho pena que a certo ponto as lembranças do passado tenham terminado porque não havia necessidade de relembrar e trazer para o presente. Adorei imenso ler sobre o passado da Nell, Jude e Macy. Um ponto de vista totalmente diferente e que consegue chamar a atenção para os pequenos detalhes que nos podem ajudar a resolver o crime.
As personagens estão bem caracterizadas, inclusive a personagem principal a Nell. Adorei-a desde do primeiro contacto com ela. Uma personagem com medos e receios. Porém, Nell é uma personagem com garra e força de vontade. Toda a sua ambição para resolver os crimes foram deveras inspiradores. Uma das minhas personagens preferidas dos livros da Dorothy Koomson. Para além da Nell gostei imenso da sua irmã a Macy, apesar de ser uma personagem que a certo momento torna-se irritante e começámos a desconfiar dela. Todas as restantes personagens são incríveis, adorei-as imenso e cada uma tornou-se especial para mim.
Adorei o facto deste livro em especial ser baseado em diversos crimes. Sabia mais ou menos do que se tratava, mas não estava à espera que conseguisse surpreender-me tanto. Superou as expectativas. As desconfianças que eu tinha sobre os crimes e as personagens foram tantos que a certo ponto já me perdia nas próprias teorias. A verdade é que temos a verdade quase à frente dos olhos e não vemos. Um toque único que adorei neste livro da Dorothy. Incrível mesmo, estou sem palavras. Gostei tanto deste livro que não sei ao certo como explicar-vos como me sinto quanto a ele.
Apesar de o livro ser enorme, com cerca de 500 páginas voámos literalmente pelas páginas. Se eu vos disser que li o livro em menos de um dia acreditam? Claro, para mim já é normal quando se trata dos livros da Dorothy Koomson, contudo ultimamente não tenho tido muita sorte com os livros dela.
Um livro bem planeado, desde da primeira página até à última. Não houve um único momento que não fosse planeado deste livro. Cada frase, palavra, detalhes, recordação. Vemos o quanto é importante ouvir cada palavra por parte de cada personagem. Detalhes que nos vão fazer interligar até descobrir o verdadeiro criminoso. Com este livro apercebi-me que: todos têm segredos, e nós sabemos disso, apenas não queremos ver.
Já não sei mais que dizer-vos para vos convencer a ler este livro. Vocês se conhecem a escrita e livros da autora sabem como ela consegue trazer um livro tão apaixonante aos leitores. Recomendo-vos a lerem este livro, leiam porque vão gostar. Temos aqui um livro que nos fala sobre aceitar-nos, racismo, amor, amizade, família, e muito mais. Leiam, vão gostar e vão guardar este livro para sempre no vosso coração. Leiam.
Após terminar a leitura ainda fiquei indecisa quanto à classificação. Não sabia se daria as quatro estrelas ou se estendia para as cinco estrelas. Fico-me pelas quatro estrelas, porquê? Porque apesar de o livro ter uma história que agarra desde do princípio, existiram muitos momentos parados e que de certo modo quebravam o ritmo da leitura.
Gosto imenso da escrita da Dorothy Koomson como sabem. Conseguimos ler sem sentir necessidade de fazer pausas porque é uma leitura viciante. Existem diversas mudanças de tempo, viajámos constantemente entre o passado e o presente. Isso não me fez qualquer confusão, até gostei. Apenas tenho pena que a certo ponto as lembranças do passado tenham terminado porque não havia necessidade de relembrar e trazer para o presente. Adorei imenso ler sobre o passado da Nell, Jude e Macy. Um ponto de vista totalmente diferente e que consegue chamar a atenção para os pequenos detalhes que nos podem ajudar a resolver o crime.
As personagens estão bem caracterizadas, inclusive a personagem principal a Nell. Adorei-a desde do primeiro contacto com ela. Uma personagem com medos e receios. Porém, Nell é uma personagem com garra e força de vontade. Toda a sua ambição para resolver os crimes foram deveras inspiradores. Uma das minhas personagens preferidas dos livros da Dorothy Koomson. Para além da Nell gostei imenso da sua irmã a Macy, apesar de ser uma personagem que a certo momento torna-se irritante e começámos a desconfiar dela. Todas as restantes personagens são incríveis, adorei-as imenso e cada uma tornou-se especial para mim.
Adorei o facto deste livro em especial ser baseado em diversos crimes. Sabia mais ou menos do que se tratava, mas não estava à espera que conseguisse surpreender-me tanto. Superou as expectativas. As desconfianças que eu tinha sobre os crimes e as personagens foram tantos que a certo ponto já me perdia nas próprias teorias. A verdade é que temos a verdade quase à frente dos olhos e não vemos. Um toque único que adorei neste livro da Dorothy. Incrível mesmo, estou sem palavras. Gostei tanto deste livro que não sei ao certo como explicar-vos como me sinto quanto a ele.
Apesar de o livro ser enorme, com cerca de 500 páginas voámos literalmente pelas páginas. Se eu vos disser que li o livro em menos de um dia acreditam? Claro, para mim já é normal quando se trata dos livros da Dorothy Koomson, contudo ultimamente não tenho tido muita sorte com os livros dela.
Um livro bem planeado, desde da primeira página até à última. Não houve um único momento que não fosse planeado deste livro. Cada frase, palavra, detalhes, recordação. Vemos o quanto é importante ouvir cada palavra por parte de cada personagem. Detalhes que nos vão fazer interligar até descobrir o verdadeiro criminoso. Com este livro apercebi-me que: todos têm segredos, e nós sabemos disso, apenas não queremos ver.
Já não sei mais que dizer-vos para vos convencer a ler este livro. Vocês se conhecem a escrita e livros da autora sabem como ela consegue trazer um livro tão apaixonante aos leitores. Recomendo-vos a lerem este livro, leiam porque vão gostar. Temos aqui um livro que nos fala sobre aceitar-nos, racismo, amor, amizade, família, e muito mais. Leiam, vão gostar e vão guardar este livro para sempre no vosso coração. Leiam.
June 17, 2018
Having now read several Dorothy Koomson novels I am in admiration of her tightly plotted, compassionate and intelligent brand of women’s fiction. Far superior to chick lit, Koomson’s well-realised characters are full of heart and her perceptive, honest and down to earth ordinary good humour throughout make her stories accessible. Her transition to a darker brand of fiction has only added another dimension to her novels and The Brighton Mermaid kept me guessing all the way with its deft deployment of red herrings and sizeable subplots holding interest and supporting character development.
In June 1993 teenage best friends Nell Okorie and Jude Dalton are returning home at 3 a.m. after sneaking out to attend a party without their parents permission when they discover the body of a dead young woman on Brighton beach. Not much older that Jude and Nell, the beautiful woman with her elaborate mermaid tattoo and dozens of bracelets makes a strikingly impression. Instead of being treated as vulnerable witnesses and given support by the police a malicious local detective (John Pope) treats both girls with contempt and seems intent on linking them to the crime. When just weeks later a preoccupied Jude vanishes and a series of coastline copycat murders of other ‘mermaids’ follow, it triggers the start of a search for answers on the part of Nell. Clearly a racist, Detective John Pope’s boorish arrogance and sneering venom quickly gravitates to Nell’s protective father, Mr Okorie, and his bullying and suspicion in turn have irrevocable effects for the entire Okorie family, making their journey to dysfunctional breakdown understandable. As the timeline from 1993 progresses Pope’s focus gradually turns to Nell and his continued refusal to accept her father’s innocence with his son, Aaron, still doing his bidding further down the line.
Twenty-five-years later, a forty-year-old Nell has left her job with one ambition in sight; a dedicated year long pursuit to find the identity of the Brighton Mermaid whose body she discovered and an answer to the mystery of Jude’s disappearance. Supporting her task is her hobby of tracing family trees and gathering DNA samples, all in pursuit of a familial connection and a name for the Brighton Mermaid. As rewarding as Nell finds her sideline she accepts no recompense and in the eyes of sister Macy has allowed her life to be hijacked by this single obsession. Determined once and for all to find a conclusive answer and prove her father’s innocence, Nell’s concerted focus triggers some sinister events. With someone seemingly intent on stopping Nell in her tracks she is thrust into a race against time to uncover a killer watching her every move and putting her and her family in danger. Soon a palpable and increasing ominous sense of threat seems to encroach on every aspect of her life..
The dual narrative alternates between Nell and Macy both written in the first-person and between the events of 1993 and the present day, putting the issues of both of the women into context and making it easy to empathise with both and illustrating how their lives were changed by that single event. For Nell, on the cusp of adolescence in 1993 and trying to keep her family together her sense of responsibility for disobeying her parents is agonising and for Macy, just eleven years old at the time of the 1993 events and devastated by the frightening abuse of Pope it has left a legacy of self-soothing rituals and coping mechanisms to keep panic at bay and prevent her ordered life from falling apart. Fleshed out vividly, understanding Nell’s preoccupations and motivations is implicit to connect with the story and Koomson excels with nuanced insights and her non-judgemental attitude.
It takes time for the story to build and fully detail just why Nell has quit her job and the continued threat of John Pope to her wider family, however the story is so absorbing along the way largely because there are so many aspects to it - family dynamics, the bond between sisters and the lasting effects on both sisters, from Nell’s trust issue and closed off attitude to men through to Macy’s anxieties and bitterness. All of this adds depth to the characterisation and the story is a journey for both women each with a persona, secret motivating their individual behaviours which often results in a relationship full of resentment and frustration. The secondary characters all leave memorable impressions and play a critical role in the story despite the main focus on Nell and Macy and even with the denouement in sight Koomson takes time to resolve their own individual stories and tie up loose ends. In truth there was just one character whose behaviour I found a little at odds with their true nature and retained some scepticism about.
Clearly well-researched Koomson takes time to explain in layman’s terms Nell’s unique brand of genealogy comprising extended branches of the family tree with the added DNA breakdown and not only does this make sense it adds veracity to the unfolding mystery angle and supports Nell’s ambition to solve the lasting mystery and finally move forwards with her life. The Brighton Mermaid combines a highly original plot and relatable, sympathetic characters with a juicy mystery and a host of secrets. A throughly satisfying read the story illustrates the repercussions of one devastating event and the lasting effects of the unspoken secrets between a formerly close family. Heartfelt and emotive all the way, Koomson does not disappoint. An engaging read with superior crime credentials than many a flimsy psychological thriller!
In June 1993 teenage best friends Nell Okorie and Jude Dalton are returning home at 3 a.m. after sneaking out to attend a party without their parents permission when they discover the body of a dead young woman on Brighton beach. Not much older that Jude and Nell, the beautiful woman with her elaborate mermaid tattoo and dozens of bracelets makes a strikingly impression. Instead of being treated as vulnerable witnesses and given support by the police a malicious local detective (John Pope) treats both girls with contempt and seems intent on linking them to the crime. When just weeks later a preoccupied Jude vanishes and a series of coastline copycat murders of other ‘mermaids’ follow, it triggers the start of a search for answers on the part of Nell. Clearly a racist, Detective John Pope’s boorish arrogance and sneering venom quickly gravitates to Nell’s protective father, Mr Okorie, and his bullying and suspicion in turn have irrevocable effects for the entire Okorie family, making their journey to dysfunctional breakdown understandable. As the timeline from 1993 progresses Pope’s focus gradually turns to Nell and his continued refusal to accept her father’s innocence with his son, Aaron, still doing his bidding further down the line.
Twenty-five-years later, a forty-year-old Nell has left her job with one ambition in sight; a dedicated year long pursuit to find the identity of the Brighton Mermaid whose body she discovered and an answer to the mystery of Jude’s disappearance. Supporting her task is her hobby of tracing family trees and gathering DNA samples, all in pursuit of a familial connection and a name for the Brighton Mermaid. As rewarding as Nell finds her sideline she accepts no recompense and in the eyes of sister Macy has allowed her life to be hijacked by this single obsession. Determined once and for all to find a conclusive answer and prove her father’s innocence, Nell’s concerted focus triggers some sinister events. With someone seemingly intent on stopping Nell in her tracks she is thrust into a race against time to uncover a killer watching her every move and putting her and her family in danger. Soon a palpable and increasing ominous sense of threat seems to encroach on every aspect of her life..
The dual narrative alternates between Nell and Macy both written in the first-person and between the events of 1993 and the present day, putting the issues of both of the women into context and making it easy to empathise with both and illustrating how their lives were changed by that single event. For Nell, on the cusp of adolescence in 1993 and trying to keep her family together her sense of responsibility for disobeying her parents is agonising and for Macy, just eleven years old at the time of the 1993 events and devastated by the frightening abuse of Pope it has left a legacy of self-soothing rituals and coping mechanisms to keep panic at bay and prevent her ordered life from falling apart. Fleshed out vividly, understanding Nell’s preoccupations and motivations is implicit to connect with the story and Koomson excels with nuanced insights and her non-judgemental attitude.
It takes time for the story to build and fully detail just why Nell has quit her job and the continued threat of John Pope to her wider family, however the story is so absorbing along the way largely because there are so many aspects to it - family dynamics, the bond between sisters and the lasting effects on both sisters, from Nell’s trust issue and closed off attitude to men through to Macy’s anxieties and bitterness. All of this adds depth to the characterisation and the story is a journey for both women each with a persona, secret motivating their individual behaviours which often results in a relationship full of resentment and frustration. The secondary characters all leave memorable impressions and play a critical role in the story despite the main focus on Nell and Macy and even with the denouement in sight Koomson takes time to resolve their own individual stories and tie up loose ends. In truth there was just one character whose behaviour I found a little at odds with their true nature and retained some scepticism about.
Clearly well-researched Koomson takes time to explain in layman’s terms Nell’s unique brand of genealogy comprising extended branches of the family tree with the added DNA breakdown and not only does this make sense it adds veracity to the unfolding mystery angle and supports Nell’s ambition to solve the lasting mystery and finally move forwards with her life. The Brighton Mermaid combines a highly original plot and relatable, sympathetic characters with a juicy mystery and a host of secrets. A throughly satisfying read the story illustrates the repercussions of one devastating event and the lasting effects of the unspoken secrets between a formerly close family. Heartfelt and emotive all the way, Koomson does not disappoint. An engaging read with superior crime credentials than many a flimsy psychological thriller!
May 19, 2018
Despite having had a copy of The Friend on my bookshelf for months, I’ve still not gotten around to reading it and so The Brighton Mermaid is my very first introduction to Dorothy Koomson. It only took a few pages for me to realise it won’t be the last time I pick up one of her books as I quickly fell for the author’s captivating writing style.
Twenty-five years ago, Nell and her best friend Jude, discover the body of a young girl on a Brighton beach. Despite having the most wonderful mermaid tattoo, the girl is never identified and her killer is never caught. A few weeks later, Jude disappears. Now, Nell has taken a year off work to try and figure out what happened to Jude and maybe finally solve the murder of the Brighton Mermaid, as she was called.
The story is told through the characters of Nell and her sister Macy, and seamlessly switches between the past and the present. Both sisters have been affected by past events. Nell has commitment issues and is seemingly obsessed, whereas Macy is riddled with anxiety issues. Even knowing where they were both coming from and sympathising with them, I found both the sisters incredibly hard to connect to. However, their character development is incredibly intriguing and often made me almost forget about the mysteries that needed solving. These are complex, multi-layered characters that drew me in and kept me immersed throughout.
There are some truly shocking moments that sometimes made this quite the uneasy read. Even more so as I have no doubt these things actually happen. Sadly. I don’t want to say anything more about this because I feel the impact will be even bigger when you read this for yourself. Suffice to say though, they pretty much all involve an absolutely vile and despicable character that made my skin crawl.
The Brighton Mermaid is incredibly well plotted and a truly compelling story. It’s dark, haunting, harrowing and disturbing. The first part of the story is relatively on the slow side as the scene is set but hold on to your pants when things really kick off! I couldn’t at all predict the outcome and ended up being suspicious of just about everyone. This brilliantly written book has put Dorothy Koomson firmly onto my radar and I very much look forward to reading some of her other work.
Twenty-five years ago, Nell and her best friend Jude, discover the body of a young girl on a Brighton beach. Despite having the most wonderful mermaid tattoo, the girl is never identified and her killer is never caught. A few weeks later, Jude disappears. Now, Nell has taken a year off work to try and figure out what happened to Jude and maybe finally solve the murder of the Brighton Mermaid, as she was called.
The story is told through the characters of Nell and her sister Macy, and seamlessly switches between the past and the present. Both sisters have been affected by past events. Nell has commitment issues and is seemingly obsessed, whereas Macy is riddled with anxiety issues. Even knowing where they were both coming from and sympathising with them, I found both the sisters incredibly hard to connect to. However, their character development is incredibly intriguing and often made me almost forget about the mysteries that needed solving. These are complex, multi-layered characters that drew me in and kept me immersed throughout.
There are some truly shocking moments that sometimes made this quite the uneasy read. Even more so as I have no doubt these things actually happen. Sadly. I don’t want to say anything more about this because I feel the impact will be even bigger when you read this for yourself. Suffice to say though, they pretty much all involve an absolutely vile and despicable character that made my skin crawl.
The Brighton Mermaid is incredibly well plotted and a truly compelling story. It’s dark, haunting, harrowing and disturbing. The first part of the story is relatively on the slow side as the scene is set but hold on to your pants when things really kick off! I couldn’t at all predict the outcome and ended up being suspicious of just about everyone. This brilliantly written book has put Dorothy Koomson firmly onto my radar and I very much look forward to reading some of her other work.
October 18, 2018
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://youtu.be/bNuvgTm2fYE
November 7, 2018
Mais um livro fantástico da Dorothy Koomson.
A descoberta do corpo de uma jovem junto ao local onde vivem, vai condicionar a vida das irmãs, Nell e Marcy e também da vizinha, Jude.
Este acontecimento terá repercussões nas decisões futuras e no desenvolvimento das suas personalidades.
A descoberta do corpo de uma jovem junto ao local onde vivem, vai condicionar a vida das irmãs, Nell e Marcy e também da vizinha, Jude.
Este acontecimento terá repercussões nas decisões futuras e no desenvolvimento das suas personalidades.
April 23, 2018
I've been left reeling from this book that packs a humongous punch. The story builds steadily at first but when I sat down for the last 30% this evening, I didn't expect anything like what I read.
It had been building to a fast paced, action packed, adrenalin fuelled finale where all those burning questions that you will have from reading the rest of the book get some answers. I couldn't believe what I was reading and I can't tell you any more than that as it would be a huge spoiler.
This is a book told from two viewpoints, Nell and her sister Macy. Both of their lives changed massively in 1993, when Nell and her best friend Jude find a dead body on the beach, who is unidentified but definitely murdered.
Shortly after that Jude disappeared and was never heard from again, and the sisters have to continue with their life, despite the directions the police investigation was going in.
The story is told in a mix of past and present as we are brought up to date with Nell's life and why 25 years on she is obsessed with discovering the identity of the Brighton Mermaid.
The writing is fabulous, I was drawn completely into the story and had my own thoughts as to how it would pan out and I was wrong. I am utterly convinced that Dorothy Koomson gets better and better with every single book, and this is no exception. My only regret is that I read it so soon after getting it so that I now probably have another years wait for another book from this superb author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It had been building to a fast paced, action packed, adrenalin fuelled finale where all those burning questions that you will have from reading the rest of the book get some answers. I couldn't believe what I was reading and I can't tell you any more than that as it would be a huge spoiler.
This is a book told from two viewpoints, Nell and her sister Macy. Both of their lives changed massively in 1993, when Nell and her best friend Jude find a dead body on the beach, who is unidentified but definitely murdered.
Shortly after that Jude disappeared and was never heard from again, and the sisters have to continue with their life, despite the directions the police investigation was going in.
The story is told in a mix of past and present as we are brought up to date with Nell's life and why 25 years on she is obsessed with discovering the identity of the Brighton Mermaid.
The writing is fabulous, I was drawn completely into the story and had my own thoughts as to how it would pan out and I was wrong. I am utterly convinced that Dorothy Koomson gets better and better with every single book, and this is no exception. My only regret is that I read it so soon after getting it so that I now probably have another years wait for another book from this superb author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 1, 2019
What a thoroughly gripping read!
When best friends Nell and Jude discover the body of a young lady on the beach, the path of their lives are changed forever. 25 years on, and Nell is still desperate to discover the identity of the lady labelled as the 'Brighton Mermaid'. As she steps up her investigations and starts edging towards the truth, she finds herself and those around her in increasing danger.
I stormed through this book in a day as I couldn't put it down until the secrets contained in the twisty plot revealed themselves. The story seamlessly travels from present to past, with a cast of complex and interesting characters. I was totally surprised by how everything played out and commend the author on her great writing and characterisation. I'm not sure how Dorothy Koomson has managed to pass me by before, but it's a situation I'm now rectifying, adding all of her books to my future reading list.
Highly recommended!
When best friends Nell and Jude discover the body of a young lady on the beach, the path of their lives are changed forever. 25 years on, and Nell is still desperate to discover the identity of the lady labelled as the 'Brighton Mermaid'. As she steps up her investigations and starts edging towards the truth, she finds herself and those around her in increasing danger.
I stormed through this book in a day as I couldn't put it down until the secrets contained in the twisty plot revealed themselves. The story seamlessly travels from present to past, with a cast of complex and interesting characters. I was totally surprised by how everything played out and commend the author on her great writing and characterisation. I'm not sure how Dorothy Koomson has managed to pass me by before, but it's a situation I'm now rectifying, adding all of her books to my future reading list.
Highly recommended!
May 21, 2018
The book follows the fallout from a tragic event in 2 sisters childhood. Nell and her best friend Jude found the body of The Brighton Mermaid, after they had crept out for a night out. Nell's dad comes to collect them from the police station and tries to stop the policeman in charge 'bullying' the girls. He has his own nightmare following this event and eventually moves to a more remote village where Macy has troubles of her own.
It's a great thriller- you know about the crimes, a spate of similar girls found. But we have no idea who is killing them or why. Shortly afterwards Nell's friend disappears and she then dedicates trying to find her and help find out who the Brighton Mermaid was. I loved the dna evidence- I hadn't realised that there was such a development in tracing family trees.
Danger seems to be around every corner- it's very tense at points , keeping you on the edge of your seat. Dark secrets are being kept and we wonder when skeletons are going to come tumbling about- and where!
I love reading Dorothy Koomsons books and always look forward to the latest release.
It's a great thriller- you know about the crimes, a spate of similar girls found. But we have no idea who is killing them or why. Shortly afterwards Nell's friend disappears and she then dedicates trying to find her and help find out who the Brighton Mermaid was. I loved the dna evidence- I hadn't realised that there was such a development in tracing family trees.
Danger seems to be around every corner- it's very tense at points , keeping you on the edge of your seat. Dark secrets are being kept and we wonder when skeletons are going to come tumbling about- and where!
I love reading Dorothy Koomsons books and always look forward to the latest release.
May 16, 2018
I’ll straight up tell you that I was utterly thrilled to be granted an ARC of this book because Dorothy Koomson has long been one of my favourite authors; her storytelling skills are off the scale! Unputdownable novels such as Rose Petal Beach, The Ice Cream Girls and That Girl From Nowhere all embody her phenomenal talent of writing genre-crossing bestselling books! Ok, so now you know I’m a huge fan. This book did not disappoint; it is everything you’d hope for from Koomson, and some.
This book crosses the genres of thriller/drama/domestic noir/crime/contemporary fiction and I think would appeal to a wide audience because of this. Written from the perspectives of two sisters you see a dark, twisted tale unfold as a terrible event rips a family apart and the far-reaching consequences this has for all involved.
Set across various landmarks and sights in Brighton, this is a treat for anyone who has visited (or longs to visit) the seaside resort; during the countdown for publication Dorothy has been posting photos of her book at various locations from the story on her social media, which has been a good visual guide for me as well as entertaining hearing her own little anecdotes of these places.
A great cast of characters and some pretty gritty themes feature throughout the book: institutional racism, coercion, OCD, anxiety, guilt/obligation, privilege, abuse, how vulnerable people can slip between the cracks of society. Yet it is also an uplifting story of sisterhood, loyalty, honour and love. It is brilliantly edgy, addictive and heartbreaking.
The narrative is steady at the start to set the scene and then the pace quickens to the point where by the last third of the book I just could not put it down until I had finished it. It was THAT addictive. There’s a shocking but satisfying ending which obviously I can say no more about other than you really do need to read this book.
This book crosses the genres of thriller/drama/domestic noir/crime/contemporary fiction and I think would appeal to a wide audience because of this. Written from the perspectives of two sisters you see a dark, twisted tale unfold as a terrible event rips a family apart and the far-reaching consequences this has for all involved.
Set across various landmarks and sights in Brighton, this is a treat for anyone who has visited (or longs to visit) the seaside resort; during the countdown for publication Dorothy has been posting photos of her book at various locations from the story on her social media, which has been a good visual guide for me as well as entertaining hearing her own little anecdotes of these places.
A great cast of characters and some pretty gritty themes feature throughout the book: institutional racism, coercion, OCD, anxiety, guilt/obligation, privilege, abuse, how vulnerable people can slip between the cracks of society. Yet it is also an uplifting story of sisterhood, loyalty, honour and love. It is brilliantly edgy, addictive and heartbreaking.
The narrative is steady at the start to set the scene and then the pace quickens to the point where by the last third of the book I just could not put it down until I had finished it. It was THAT addictive. There’s a shocking but satisfying ending which obviously I can say no more about other than you really do need to read this book.
July 1, 2018
Wonderful! Another fabulous, addictive read from this author. Loved it.
March 24, 2019
Gostei de A Sereia de Brighton, especialmente pela expetativa que criou desde o início, aquele mistério todo em volta do cadáver da que ficou conhecida como a Sereia de Brighton, uma mulher jovem assassinada que Nell e Jude encontraram quando tinham apenas 14 anos. A própria Jude desaparece pouco depois, sem deixar rasto e esse é outro mistério que ia deixando uma linha aqui, outra acolá, de mistério e me mantinha presa.
Dorothy Koomson escreve romance, com uma queda para o drama, mas também se safa muito bem a criar uma aura de mistério, quase thriller, que prende a atenção. Bravo!
No entanto, não posso dizer que gostei de tudo. Quando, finalmente, tudo é revelado, não sei, mas houve ali uma nota que não consigo precisar e que me soou muito off. À primeira vista, não me convenceu a justificação. Nalguns pontos fico a pensar, tentar colocar-me no lugar dos personagens, pensar que eram o início dos anos 1990 quando tudo ocorreu e, pronto, talvez consiga perceber, mas… Não me agrada.
É um bom livro, tem um tom misterioso que é espetacular mas, sinceramente, as revelações, motivos, não me soaram muito convincentes… Acho que, já tendo lido tantos thrillers, policiais, mistérios, com as mais diversas revelações, já não é fácil surpreender-me.
Dorothy Koomson escreve romance, com uma queda para o drama, mas também se safa muito bem a criar uma aura de mistério, quase thriller, que prende a atenção. Bravo!
No entanto, não posso dizer que gostei de tudo. Quando, finalmente, tudo é revelado, não sei, mas houve ali uma nota que não consigo precisar e que me soou muito off. À primeira vista, não me convenceu a justificação. Nalguns pontos fico a pensar, tentar colocar-me no lugar dos personagens, pensar que eram o início dos anos 1990 quando tudo ocorreu e, pronto, talvez consiga perceber, mas… Não me agrada.
É um bom livro, tem um tom misterioso que é espetacular mas, sinceramente, as revelações, motivos, não me soaram muito convincentes… Acho que, já tendo lido tantos thrillers, policiais, mistérios, com as mais diversas revelações, já não é fácil surpreender-me.
March 30, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy of The Brighton Mermaid, a stand alone novel set in Brighton.
In 1993 teenagers Nell and Jude discover the dead body of a young woman on Brighton Beach. Shortly after Jude disappears. What happens after that still reverberates into the present and has affected Nell's family life in many ways.
I ended up thoroughly enjoying the Brighton Mermaid but initially I found the format annoying and it drove me crazy trying to sort out who and when as I kept forgetting to check the chapter headings but I soon wised up. In the first half the timeline switches between 1993 and the present day with a few side forays into significant times in Nell's life before mostly settling for the present. The point of view switches between two first person narratives (get my frustration?), that of Nell and her sister Macy. Frustration aside, I enjoyed the dual narrative as it gives the reader a wider perspective on events, both past and present.
This is not a particularly fast moving read but it is quite gripping as a slow burner. Nell is still obsessed 25 years later with finding Jude and identifying Brighton Mermaid, so called because of where she was found and the intricate tattoo of a mermaid on her arm. Recent developments which are initially hidden from the reader and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the discovery have accelerated her investigation. Nell uses a mixture of genealogy, names and DNA in her hunt - I can't explain it more as the science went a bit over my head (it's not very technical I'm just a science duffer) but it seems to work for all the people she helps except herself and her quest.
The Brighton Mermaid is not a novel about smart people making smart decisions. Both Nell and Macy are damaged individuals with a dysfunctional relationship. Macy is annoying as a character with untreated OCD and anxiety issues but obviously well enough drawn to provoke a reaction. Nell appears more well balanced but her 25 year obsession would suggest something different.
The Brighton Mermaid is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
In 1993 teenagers Nell and Jude discover the dead body of a young woman on Brighton Beach. Shortly after Jude disappears. What happens after that still reverberates into the present and has affected Nell's family life in many ways.
I ended up thoroughly enjoying the Brighton Mermaid but initially I found the format annoying and it drove me crazy trying to sort out who and when as I kept forgetting to check the chapter headings but I soon wised up. In the first half the timeline switches between 1993 and the present day with a few side forays into significant times in Nell's life before mostly settling for the present. The point of view switches between two first person narratives (get my frustration?), that of Nell and her sister Macy. Frustration aside, I enjoyed the dual narrative as it gives the reader a wider perspective on events, both past and present.
This is not a particularly fast moving read but it is quite gripping as a slow burner. Nell is still obsessed 25 years later with finding Jude and identifying Brighton Mermaid, so called because of where she was found and the intricate tattoo of a mermaid on her arm. Recent developments which are initially hidden from the reader and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the discovery have accelerated her investigation. Nell uses a mixture of genealogy, names and DNA in her hunt - I can't explain it more as the science went a bit over my head (it's not very technical I'm just a science duffer) but it seems to work for all the people she helps except herself and her quest.
The Brighton Mermaid is not a novel about smart people making smart decisions. Both Nell and Macy are damaged individuals with a dysfunctional relationship. Macy is annoying as a character with untreated OCD and anxiety issues but obviously well enough drawn to provoke a reaction. Nell appears more well balanced but her 25 year obsession would suggest something different.
The Brighton Mermaid is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 1, 2018
It's been a while since I read a Dorothy Koomson book, but years ago I went through a phase of her and read everything I could and then her last couple I have struggled with. I decided to give The Brighton Mermaid ago as it sounded like something I would enjoy. It was a twist to the story, I did not see coming, and I was like OMG How and WTF? I also have to admit I was hoping to have a bit more closure with the ending as well, maybe a nice reunion of certain characters as felt like it was pretty much not focused on. The book starts in 1993 where two friends Nell and Jude sneak out and find a dead female body washed up on the shore. The girl is nameless but later more dead bodies start to pile up, and for some reason, the cops are looking at Nell's dad as the main suspect. During this time, Nell's best friend Jude vanishes one evening. Fast forward twenty-five years and the mystery of who The Brighton Mermaid was and who killed those women are still unsolved, and Nell's best friend Jude is still missing. Nell knows it is connected and has taken a year off work to find out who the killer is and whatever happened to Jude as she has never been able to move on. Nell's older sister Macy seems a bit OCD and has severe anxiety problems and has been dating Shane who we discover was Nell's college boyfriend. I have to admit, I never liked the character of Macy as there was something off about her and when we discover it, I'm like really - that's all. She was a show and pony type, drama queen character. If you love UK stories and British mysteries, then check out The Brighton Mermaid by Dorothy Koomson today.
July 23, 2019
Senti-me agarrada a este mistério logo desde os primeiros capítulos. Estes são curtos e, devido à alternância temporal, tornam-se muito apelativos e de leitura rápida. Eu gosto imenso de livros que nos fazem viajar entre o presente e o passado.
Opinião completa: https://quandoseabreumlivro.blogspot....
Opinião completa: https://quandoseabreumlivro.blogspot....
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