No Reception

by Maisie Porter

For hyper-successful wedding photographer and blogger, Zody Lee Swabler, anonymous death threats come with the territory. When warned by email not to continue booking jobs, she responds by accepting the next request that comes in.

When a strangely eager woman approaches her about the emails, she accepts the woman’s invitation to visit her home. So begins Helena Hoath’s elaborate plan to take over the life and profession of the photographer she wishes she could be.

And when Zody unleashes her own revenge scheme, she discovers that the unhinged woman may still have the wit to turn a successful photographer’s own talents against her.

Zody and Helena's lives begin to intertwine in ways that neither could have foreseen…

Genres: Psychological Thriller

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2018

About the author

Maisie works as a wedding photographer in Australia, though she has neither abducted nor been abducted by any competitors. Author at Crooked Cat Books.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Photographers Gone Mad Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Who knew the life of a photographer was so crazy? Not to mention the photographers themselves! This was a short quirky thrrill of a read...

Told from multiple points of view...Zody A successful photographer with a dream life.... and Helena a wife and mother who envies the life that Zody has... Helen is driven by jealousy to invent a revenge plot against Zody who she believes is having an affair with her husband... and if she’s not she has the life that Helena deserves.... not sure how Helena came to this conclusion but she was slightly nuts... OK she was a lot nuts! And at the end of the day Zody wasn’t too far behind her in nuthood....

A crazy ride of a book filled with unlikable characters doing questionable things throughout... this was a quick fast paced story that you could absolutely read in a single sitting... I really couldn’t get through it quick enough, I had to find out what these crazy people were up to next!

Recommend two fans of a psychological thriller with a quick pace and unlikable nutty characters...

*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Gripping Psychological Thriller - A Page Turning Must Read!

No Reception is a gripping rollercoaster of a thriller that had me hooked. It dabbles with obsession, jealousy, death threats, danger, action, manipulation and revenge, what more could you want in a thriller.

Zody is a very successful wedding photographer, she has the perfect life.
Helena appears to be a normal housewife.... well that is what she wants you to believe.
Helena thinks she has reason to seek revenge on Zody, I won't say why I don't want to ruin it.
But she has a dark obsession with Zody and wants her life.

Helena is a dark twisted character that made my hair stand on end. She's manipulative, devious, calculating and she will stop at nothing to take over Zody's life.

Zody receives death threats.
Helena knows something about that....
I wonder why!!!
So Zody walks straight into the spiders web when Zody unbeknown to her walks straight into Helena's trap.

I was willing Zody to walk away and don't fall for it.
I love thrillers that get you so involved you feel yourself shouting at the characters... 'No don't do that, turn back'
This was definitely one of those books.

I also want to mention how much I like the cover. It doesn't give much away but it's definitely intriguing! Caught my attention!

No Reception literally kept me gripped the whole way through. I loved to hate Helena, Maisie created the perfect villain.
This was a short fast paced psychological thriller that will have you turning pages.
Highly recommend this thrilling read!

I'm surprised this is a debut novel, it's so well written, I'm excited to see what's next for Maisie.
Definitely an Author to watch out for!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website:-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow and wow again,Now this is the sort of gripping thriller that I really love and enjoy reading.Fast paced,packed full of twists,our heroine in constant danger.Enough background information about the two main characters to give them depth but not so much that it slows down the page and comes across as padding.

This roller coaster ride of a thriller is the story of two women,hyper successful wedding photographer and blogger Zody Lee Shabler and housewife Helena Hoath,a twisted unhinged woman who had become obsessed with Zody and has hatched an elaborate plan to take over the life and profession of the photographer that she wishes she could be.Zody has been receiving emails containing death threats warning her not to continue booking jobs.But death threats come with the territory so Zody just ignores the emails and accepts the next request that comes in.When Helena approaches Zody and states that she knows something about the emails,Zody despite her reservations goes to the strange woman's house.Big mistake,Zody has walked into her enemy's trap and finds herself in a bit of tricky situation involving some rope and a chair.Now knowing who is terrorising her,she devises her own revenge scheme.But Zody has underestimated just how cunning and manipulative Helena is and how far she is prepared to go to get the life she believes is rightfully hers.

The chapters of this twisty story alternate between Zody and Helena`s points of view and is voiced in the first person perspective.I wouldn't say I liked or disliked Zody but I could definitely say that for a supposedly intelligent woman she made some seriously stupid decisions.Helena gave me the creeps,she was one of those characters that you dread getting to their parts of the story.She was definitely a whole loaf of bread short of a picnic but very cunning and manipulative.There is additional secondary characters in this thriller,the main ones being a girl called Chantal and Helena`s husband Archer.

This is a very well written debut thriller that is set in Australia,it's quite a short story but the author has certainly packed a lot into the 161 pages.The story had me hooked throughout and frantically turning the pages,totally mesmerised as the gripping game of cat and mouse unfolded before my eyes.The only part that I felt a bit disappointed with was the ending.Very highly recommended and I looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Many thanks to Rachel Gilbey and Crooked Cat Books for a arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I was really intrigued by the blurb for this book and knew it was a book that I'd want to read straight away - now I've finished I have to say that this is a really impressive debut - it had me hooked and I loved the plotline.

The characters really intrigued me and I loved how they developed and changed as the book progressed. The plot was well woven and I was left guessing a few times as the plot shifted.
A really solid read - four stars from me and would definitely be looking forward to seeing what the author releases next!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got to say I was in a tizzy after reading this. How could I write a review when my thoughts weren’t even straight? I can usually write a review straight away but I couldn’t after reading this. Well done to the author on her debut novel.

This story is told through two points of view... Helena & Zody. I’m not going to go into the storyline but it’s so twisted I couldn’t believe what I was reading. The author wrote a story that sucks you in slowly from the start. The two main characters seem normal enough until we realise how twisted one of them really is.

I believe the story needs tightening up and the ending felt really rushed. However this book messed with my head so it’s getting four stars.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this novella certainly packs a punch! This took me on one crazy CRAZY rollercoaster of a reading ride! You think you know the characters but you really do not! Backstabbing and plotting at every turn! It is a blinking debut too (Will be published 27th June 2018), so I can't wait to read what else Maisie has for us!

Not going to lie I loved the main character's name, Zody Lee, because it is basically my name (Zoé-Lee), but that is honestly where the similarities stop. Zody is a successful photographer, who has built up her business with hard grafting. She receives negative comments about her work every day and she receives a death threat. I mean seriously what is wrong with people!

Helena, the woman who wants Zody's life, knows about the emails and confronts Zody to try and 'help' her. So it begins!

I honestly do not know who was the bad guy or the good guy in this book, as they were both flawed in their own way. Neither did the sensible thing, and I got a tad bit confused with what was going on near the end of the book. It was fast paced and you didn't get a chance to breath (obviously I did or I wouldn't be writing this now!) The book is told from Zody and Helena point of view, and you get to see an insight to their mind and wellbeing.

And don't get me started on the ending. It just came out of nowhere, one bit of it was a little far-fetched and another bit was just so god damn shocking. I had to re-read it to double check that I had read it right. It has the wow factor that's for sure! I would never want to get on the wrong side of either of these two women!

Definitely give this novella a try, it is 160 pages of a pure thrilling crazy ride!

[Jess Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and quirky thriller. Chapters alternate between the two women, and flip flops the story, keeping you on your toes. I never knew what was coming next! All the way to the end, I was curious how it would turn out, and continuously surprised.

The book is set in Australia, which for this American made it all the more intriguing. Throw together photography, oleander, a cast of unreliable characters, and you've got yourself a winning thriller.

[Susan Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short psychological thriller that packs a punch. Take a professional, highly successful photographer and another who no longer has a business as she takes care of her young family. One of them’s jealous of the other. Now, which could it be? “No Reception” is pure thriller, taking its characters from one danger to another. One of them is psychotic – now you work it out. I thoroughly recommend this novel.

[Kazz Mossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few books that grabbed me from the opening page. Yes, a page turner is a good way to describe this thriller.

Photography is a world I know nothing about, so it was interesting to have that as a theme.

Two good main characters as one stalked the other wanting to take over her life.

I found a few flaws in the plot, but they were easy to overlook because the storyline was so good.

[Subhajit Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a gripping and compact read for me. Several compact element in the plot made the book more interesting. The portrayal of the events were intense and captivating for any individual read. I am satisfied and I would surely recommend this one. Thank you.

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and gutsy!

The perfect thriller full of twists and turns and a very unique storyline, highlighting the lengths some people will go to for 'success'. Maisie Porter has a real gift... and an incredibly vivid imagination. This is one book you'll struggle to put down.

[Gwen Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

It usually takes me awhile before I get pulled into a story. This book, only took one page. Great character building. Great characters. The good, the bad and the confused. All blend together perfectly, to make an interesting, what's going to happen next, kind of story. It definitely held my attention to the final page. Where I found myself wanting more. Good ending, I like, no, I need, a beginning, middle and an ending to the books that I read. I liked the story and characters so much, I was sad to see it end. I would definitely read a sequel. Hint, hint Ms. Porter! I would also like to thank the author for offering this great story for free.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Reception had me fooled from the get go .. in my mind with the leading lady being a photographer, mainly weddings I thought I knew where this was headed .. mistake number one!

It’s only a shortish book but No Reception has the quirky ability to get under your skin and certainly keep an eye on what’s going on behind/around you.

Zody (I kept picturing Zoe or Jody so even the name screwed with me!) is a successful photographer, she has the means to travel the world, have high end clients and basically call the shots on everything until her email inbox begins to get threatening messages. Someone wants Zody out of the competitive field .. it’s a bit difficult to work when your next job could be your last.

Enter Helena, a quieter less successful photographer, she is married to Archer, with toddler Marla she has home commitments but feels she should be up in the big leagues as well. She finds herself in a position to discuss the emails with Zody but what is her motive?

It’s certainly a fast paced story alternating chapters between these two women with a few other characters thrown in to add to the intrigue. I can’t say I warmed to either of the ladies, at first I felt sorry for Zody but my opinion changed. There are thrilling moments made even more devious by the outright wackiness shown by them. I have to admit I couldn’t see what was coming or maybe I just didn’t need to because it was sure to happen anyway.

I like the fact it’s set in Australia, so along with the creepiness of the people there is also the creepy crawly critters and snakes to take into account which makes it an even finer line to walk upon.

No Reception kept me turning the pages desperate to find out the conclusion but for me it seemed to sag at about 90% through, it became more of a struggle to really care by that time. I’m not sure why because it’s not a long heavy read, perhaps it just lost direction because it tried too hard?

Having said that though I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting a quick thriller which is slightly different from the routine ‘normal’. Who knew such bizarre antics occur in the photographic world!

My thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel from Random Resources for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Norrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intense…

You know how some books have a bit of a poetic vibe to them with flowery descriptions and dreamy prose that sometimes leave things open to interpretation? Well, No Reception is not like that, so if you like straightforward story telling, this will appeal to your need for no-nonsense. Written in a raw, matter-of-fact style Maisie Porter tells the story of two women out for revenge.

Helena is out there to get Zody, more specifially her clients and her lifestyle. Who would have thought photography is such a cutthroat business? Told in the alternating voices of these two ladies, the story quickly unfolds into utter lunacy. Zody might be the victim, but we shouldn’t worry about her. She hatches her own plan to stop this madness at all cost.

I must say, the writing style was not one I prefer, because damn, these women talk a lot (think along the lines of Gilmore Girls), but I couldn’t help it and my curiosity got the better of me. I mean, I had to know just how insane Helena and Zody can get. Let me reassure you: very.

A quick and action packed read, No Reception will to take you on a wild ride into madness.

[Elisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller takes the reader on quite the rollercoaster! Told from the perspective of Zody, who is a successful photographer and Helena, a mother and wife who wants the life that Zody lives...Helena's jealousy drives her to conceive of doing crazy things to get what she wants. And there are even more twists as you delve deeper into this story! This was a fast-paced and quick read but, not simplified. It has depth and mystery that makes you want to keep turning that page to find out how this will work out in such a short span of time. Well written! I look forward to what comes next! If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will want to read this.

http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...

[Bena Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review - No Reception by Maisie Porter

The cover does not do this brilliant book justice.

The Good
A gripping read about jealousy. This had it all! I loved it and devoured it.

The Bad
This was so real it was horrible. It could happen, maybe has happened. I kept on thinking about the poor baby.

The Ugly
This book is Misery on Acid. Read it!

5 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour and I bloody well loved it!

[Heidi Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never look at a photographer the same way again! I really enjoyed this fast-paced read and found myself screaming at the characters to behave differently (a good sign that I got caught up in the book). But the fact that the characters did the opposite of what I wanted them to do, was what made this story so enjoyable. I never knew what was coming next. If you're a fan of thrillers or just enjoy a quirky read, then you have to check this book out!

[Katharine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific cat and mouse tale peopled by flawed characters. I read it in one sitting and would recommend this book to fans of gladiatorial psychological thrillers

[Joan Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

In No Reception, author Maisie Porter has created an unforgettable character in Helena Hoath, certainly one I wouldn’t want to encounter in real life. Helena imagines Zody Lee Swabler, a successful wedding photographer and blogger, is cheating with her husband. So the unhinged woman sets up an elaborate scheme to not only ruin Zody, but be the top photographer she wishes she were. The author uses the POV of the two characters, so it was easy to get inside their heads in this psychological thriller set in Australia. I kept worrying for Zody’s safety and wondering how it would turn out for Helena. By the way, I love the play on words for the book’s title.

[John Dougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story.
The subject was original which counts for a lot in my rating.
The story was told by the two main characters Zody and Helena, each narrating chapter by chapter. Even though they both spoke from their own perspectives, the story moved forward rather than repeating scenes from the different perspectives. This was done quite well.
The author did a good job with each character, developing their personalities and idiosyncrasies.
The author used great imagination.
If you like an original and well told story, read this book.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please keep reading!

The first few pages were hard to get through. You can definitely tell this is a first time author but once she found her stride the book takes off. Non stop plot twists and suspension. Read it in one day, at work, between customers, because I couldn't put it down. My only problem with it was the forest scene was a tad long winded and drawn out. The ending could have been better to although it did the everything up. Other then that an amazing read.

[The Reading Raccoon]

Read a few pages but I didn't find the dialogue or inner voice very enjoyable

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zody Lee Swabler is a woman at the very top of her profession. She travels the world as a super successful wedding photographer capturing the happiest days of the rich and famous and with that success comes a glamourous and wealthy lifestyle.

In contrast Helena, also a photographer is experiencing a dip in her career. She has recently become a mother and believes that her husband is having an affair. Convinced that Zody is stealing her clients and possibly her husband, she is out to seek revenge on Zody. First, it is a few menacing emails which land in Zody's inbox but before long things get far worse.

An entertaining psychological thriller which keeps the reader curious to find out what happens next, The book's chapters alternate between the voices of both women, it has a fast pace and eerie feel throughout.

Thank you to Rachels Random Resources, the publisher and author for my copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A really bad book

This ridiculous story is something I should have never finished, but as I felt myself falling asleep after a bad night of insomnia I realized it had, indeed, served a purpose as I was finally able to go to sleep. Unfortunately my ensuing dreams had me reliving this twisted tale, and I awakened, screaming about being poisoned by oleanders.

[Vikki Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste time or money on this drivel

I expecting a good plot based on the description and was sadly disappointed. I have read better books/stories from amateurs. This would never be accepted by any decent publisher.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally published at my blog for a tour: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...

No Reception by Maisie Porter is a light thriller read. I barely read thriller because I tend to always stay up late and sometimes end up imagining things in the dark, lol. Honestly, I was expecting something that would really give me the creeps. Well, this one did but not as much as I imagined. It was more like a light psychological thriller.

Zody is a very successful photographer who’s got almost everything she could wish for. The author actually made good use of adjectives that I can totally imagine how she lives her life and oh boy that could be anyone’s dream.

Helena already seemed like a mad person right from the start. And she’s a little creepy and gets creepier as the story unfolds. She’s mad, alright. It’s quite obvious right from the start. And it’s a little disturbing when I read about her.

This was a fast read. The chapters were told in Zody and Helena’s POV. I think it’s a great idea to show both sides of the story because I can’t imagine if it would be easier to understand if it was only told in one POV.

It started out as a nice read. It was quite easy and I was reading chapter after chapter. I thought I would be able to read it in one sitting but after the first half, I felt that the vibe was lost. Though, I was really looking forward and curious on how everything would turn out. It didn’t disappoint me even though I was really looking for something more.

To wrap it up, it was a nice fast read and I recommend this to someone who’s looking for a light thriller book. Overall, I rate No Reception by Maisie Porter, 3.5 out of 5 stars!

[David Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely bonkers. I'm afraid the story made no sense, the writing was poor, and the ending is awful. If you can get it fairly cheap, it's a bit of fun i guess, but don't expect too much.

[Mary Ann Harbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

First ok

Too far fetched. Strange ending. Nothing makes sense. Nobody would act like any of the characters. It was a page turner though.