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Une mer si froide
Un jour de fin d’été, sur une plage des Cornouailles, Olivia, trois ans, disparaît. Effondrés, ses parents Maggie et Colin attendent en vain que l’Océan leur restitue le corps de l’enfant.
Quelques semaines plus tard, non loin de là, c’est la rentrée des classes pour Hailey, cinq ans. Jennifer s’en fait une fierté mais depuis quelque temps, sa petite fille est distante et craintive, si bien que Jennifer se laisse parfois déborder par la nervosité. D’autant que son mari est absent, qu’elle affronte seule une nouvelle grossesse, et que certaines bribes de son passé lui reviennent comme enveloppées de brouillard.
Alors que Maggie traverse la pire épreuve de sa vie, Jennifer veut redonner l’apparence du bonheur à sa famille fracassée. Intriguée par la fillette mutique, Katie, une jeune
institutrice passionnée par son métier, pousse Hailey à mettre des mots sur les démons qui l’étouffent…
Construite comme un thriller, rythmée par l’implacable mécanique du suspense, une poignante histoire de deuil, de maternité, et de résilience.
Quelques semaines plus tard, non loin de là, c’est la rentrée des classes pour Hailey, cinq ans. Jennifer s’en fait une fierté mais depuis quelque temps, sa petite fille est distante et craintive, si bien que Jennifer se laisse parfois déborder par la nervosité. D’autant que son mari est absent, qu’elle affronte seule une nouvelle grossesse, et que certaines bribes de son passé lui reviennent comme enveloppées de brouillard.
Alors que Maggie traverse la pire épreuve de sa vie, Jennifer veut redonner l’apparence du bonheur à sa famille fracassée. Intriguée par la fillette mutique, Katie, une jeune
institutrice passionnée par son métier, pousse Hailey à mettre des mots sur les démons qui l’étouffent…
Construite comme un thriller, rythmée par l’implacable mécanique du suspense, une poignante histoire de deuil, de maternité, et de résilience.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
214 people are currently reading
2150 people want to read
About the author
Linda Huber
21 books141 followersLinda Huber grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, but went to work in Switzerland for a year aged twenty-two, and has lived there ever since. Her day jobs have included working as a physiotherapist in hospitals and schools for handicapped children, and teaching English in a medieval castle. Not to mention several years spent as a full-time mum to two boys, a rescue dog, and a large collection of goldfish and guinea pigs.
Linda now lives in Switzerland, in a little town on the banks of beautiful Lake Constance.
Her debut psychological suspense novel The Paradise Trees was published in 2013, and was followed by The Cold Cold Sea, The Attic Room, Chosen Child, Ward Zero, Baby Dear, and Death Wish. Linda has also had over 50 short stories and articles published, some of which can be read in The Saturday Secret, a charity collection of short (feel-good) stories.
Linda now lives in Switzerland, in a little town on the banks of beautiful Lake Constance.
Her debut psychological suspense novel The Paradise Trees was published in 2013, and was followed by The Cold Cold Sea, The Attic Room, Chosen Child, Ward Zero, Baby Dear, and Death Wish. Linda has also had over 50 short stories and articles published, some of which can be read in The Saturday Secret, a charity collection of short (feel-good) stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
This is a truly outstanding work of fiction, it's got everything going for it, a strong plot, fluid writing, tension, emotion, well developed characters, well paced with a fantastic ending. Need I say more? Well okay maybe just a bit.
So what's the book about then?
When three-year-old Olivia disappears, her parents are overwhelmed with grief. Weeks go by and Olivia’s mother refuses to leave the cottage, staring out at the turbulent sea and praying it didn’t claim her precious daughter’s life.
Not far away, another mother watches proudly as her daughter starts school. Jennifer has loved Hailey for five years, but the child is suddenly moody and difficult, and there’s a niggling worry of doubt that Jennifer cannot shake off. As she struggles to maintain control there are gaps in her story that even she can’t explain.
It's every mother's worst nightmare, a day at the beach, one minute you can see your daughter the next you can't, and suddenly all eyes are on you as you should have been taking care of her more closely, the guilt on top of the grief is overwhelming. You know your husband thinks it's your fault.
This plays on the emotions this book, it's so well written that you are placed right there with the grief of this family, as they try to come to terms with what has happened to Olivia, the final thoughts by most being that she drowned at sea, never to be seen again. Tragic and awful. A grieving mother, strains in the marriage, a young son to still love and take care of. Life must go on.
Some books don't get written conversation down very well, this book is different, each verbal interaction is as smooth as silk, it flows to make it so easy on the reader to be part of the discussion, totally in the moment.
She had vanished off the face of the earth. The news reports all said 'missing, believed drowned.' But there was still no proof, and dear God, as Livvy's mother, she just needed proof.
Olivia's mother is holding on that she's not dead, and if she is dead she wants proof. Everyone else is moving on. But Olivia's mother just can't give up, not fully.
The doctor arrived when she was sitting wrapped in a blanket with a hot water bottle, being fed lentil soup by Mary. It was as if she were at the theatre, and all the people here were putting on a performance especially for her. They were acting out a story, speaking their lines and gesticulating, but none of it was real.
The book takes you on a very unexpected journey, and it's powerful reading, I remember literally gasping at points in this book and feeling so moved by it in others. The characters are incredibly tangible and real, some I loved, others I despised, some I pitied, some I wanted to hold.
I had a lot of emotions stirred reading this book and could not stop reading until I had absorbed every last word and felt every last feeling. Phew! I survived the entire journey in one piece (just).
I can't rave about this book enough, it was excellent reading from the first word to the last, the clever plot, the grand finale, all of it, just stunning, a stunning work of fiction. I had never heard of Linda Huber before reading this but will be watching her as an author to watch in the future and am keen to read more of her work.
Brilliance, sheer brilliance.
This is a truly outstanding work of fiction, it's got everything going for it, a strong plot, fluid writing, tension, emotion, well developed characters, well paced with a fantastic ending. Need I say more? Well okay maybe just a bit.
So what's the book about then?
When three-year-old Olivia disappears, her parents are overwhelmed with grief. Weeks go by and Olivia’s mother refuses to leave the cottage, staring out at the turbulent sea and praying it didn’t claim her precious daughter’s life.
Not far away, another mother watches proudly as her daughter starts school. Jennifer has loved Hailey for five years, but the child is suddenly moody and difficult, and there’s a niggling worry of doubt that Jennifer cannot shake off. As she struggles to maintain control there are gaps in her story that even she can’t explain.
It's every mother's worst nightmare, a day at the beach, one minute you can see your daughter the next you can't, and suddenly all eyes are on you as you should have been taking care of her more closely, the guilt on top of the grief is overwhelming. You know your husband thinks it's your fault.
This plays on the emotions this book, it's so well written that you are placed right there with the grief of this family, as they try to come to terms with what has happened to Olivia, the final thoughts by most being that she drowned at sea, never to be seen again. Tragic and awful. A grieving mother, strains in the marriage, a young son to still love and take care of. Life must go on.
Some books don't get written conversation down very well, this book is different, each verbal interaction is as smooth as silk, it flows to make it so easy on the reader to be part of the discussion, totally in the moment.
She had vanished off the face of the earth. The news reports all said 'missing, believed drowned.' But there was still no proof, and dear God, as Livvy's mother, she just needed proof.
Olivia's mother is holding on that she's not dead, and if she is dead she wants proof. Everyone else is moving on. But Olivia's mother just can't give up, not fully.
The doctor arrived when she was sitting wrapped in a blanket with a hot water bottle, being fed lentil soup by Mary. It was as if she were at the theatre, and all the people here were putting on a performance especially for her. They were acting out a story, speaking their lines and gesticulating, but none of it was real.
The book takes you on a very unexpected journey, and it's powerful reading, I remember literally gasping at points in this book and feeling so moved by it in others. The characters are incredibly tangible and real, some I loved, others I despised, some I pitied, some I wanted to hold.
I had a lot of emotions stirred reading this book and could not stop reading until I had absorbed every last word and felt every last feeling. Phew! I survived the entire journey in one piece (just).
I can't rave about this book enough, it was excellent reading from the first word to the last, the clever plot, the grand finale, all of it, just stunning, a stunning work of fiction. I had never heard of Linda Huber before reading this but will be watching her as an author to watch in the future and am keen to read more of her work.
Brilliance, sheer brilliance.
August 26, 2018
You can read all of my review at Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine.
Though reliably disturbing, stories about missing children never fail to attract my attention. When I had the opportunity to join the blog tour for this one, I couldn’t say anything but YES!
The Cold Cold Sea is told in the third person but straightaway events and twists brought the phrase “unreliable narrator” to mind. I suppose it would be more accurately described as RSGP (Reader’s Second Guessing Phenomena—and yes, I did just make that up) because throughout the book I was constantly second guessing what it was that I actually knew. Am I on the right track? Is what you see what you get? Or will there come another twist to blow my theory to bits? Of course there’s always going to be some of that twisty business in a mystery or suspense novel but this one felt more like the cat and mouse game was between author and reader vs. the characters themselves. I found the tension it created to be unique and refreshing.
The idyllic opening setting was perfectly and chillingly incongruous to the events of the day. Though some suspension of disbelief was required, I was quickly invested in the story and found it to be a page-turner.
As for the characters, all I can say is buckle up. There are some folks here with serious issues. There was one character in particular who made me want to shout WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? I wish I could elaborate but I don’t want to risk spoilers. You need to be as baffled as I was at decisions this character made.
This is the first book I’ve read written by Linda Huber. I would certainly look forward to reading her future titles. If you enjoyed What Was Mine or gravitate toward psychological suspense involving missing children, I highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Love Books Group Tours and Linda Huber for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Though reliably disturbing, stories about missing children never fail to attract my attention. When I had the opportunity to join the blog tour for this one, I couldn’t say anything but YES!
The Cold Cold Sea is told in the third person but straightaway events and twists brought the phrase “unreliable narrator” to mind. I suppose it would be more accurately described as RSGP (Reader’s Second Guessing Phenomena—and yes, I did just make that up) because throughout the book I was constantly second guessing what it was that I actually knew. Am I on the right track? Is what you see what you get? Or will there come another twist to blow my theory to bits? Of course there’s always going to be some of that twisty business in a mystery or suspense novel but this one felt more like the cat and mouse game was between author and reader vs. the characters themselves. I found the tension it created to be unique and refreshing.
The idyllic opening setting was perfectly and chillingly incongruous to the events of the day. Though some suspension of disbelief was required, I was quickly invested in the story and found it to be a page-turner.
As for the characters, all I can say is buckle up. There are some folks here with serious issues. There was one character in particular who made me want to shout WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? I wish I could elaborate but I don’t want to risk spoilers. You need to be as baffled as I was at decisions this character made.
This is the first book I’ve read written by Linda Huber. I would certainly look forward to reading her future titles. If you enjoyed What Was Mine or gravitate toward psychological suspense involving missing children, I highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Love Books Group Tours and Linda Huber for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2014
Cornwall, England.
Maggie and Colin Grainger have been enjoying a holiday at Cove Cottage for two weeks with their two children, Joe & Livvy, when Livvy, three years old, disappeared under the watchful eye of both parent on the beach. The one minute she was with her mother, running off to join her dad and her brother at the rocks. The next moment she was gone. Maggie, in her state of grief, could not come to terms with the disappearance of her child and hardly had the energy left to take proper care of their son, Joe. The investigation was officially called off but the file kept open, which had Maggie in a constant fear of the telephone. She simply was not ready for the final confirmation of the inevitable.
Philip and Jennifer Marshall lived in Devon, when his grandmother in California was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He flew over to take care of her while Jennifer stayed behind. His stay in California was elongated and Jennifer decided to move into a bigger house in the meantime, being pregnant with twins - which was kept a surprise to Philip. The move proved to be difficult for their daughter Hailey, who also had to start school in the new neighborhood for the first time. A shy withdrawn child, she slowly opened up to her teacher, Katie McLure. Upon his eventual return he found changes he had to accept for the children's sake. Life was different and challenging.
That is the background of the plot that slowly turned into a chilling, heart wrenching, disturbing saga, in which grief played a pivotal role in shaping people's conduct and minds. The love of these two mothers for their children triggered the most basic instincts known to mankind and the results were devastating and shocking.
This is the second novel by Linda Huber that I read. As with the first novel, The Paradise Trees , I was immediately pulled into the suspense which grabbed hold of me in the first paragraph and never ended until the very last sentence.
The book addresses the fears of all parents, and drives the reader's emotions up and down the normality chart with ruthless intent.
Although the story dragged a bit, it was an unbelievable intense thriller that kept me glued to the pages with no way out. The reader does not want to step aside although it was at times impossible to breath normally. I constantly, silently, cried out: "For Heaven's sake stop this! Stop this, I cannot take it anymore!"
A brilliant, enlightened and wonderful wonderful wonderful experience. Linda Huber will fast become a must-read British author for anyone enjoying psychological thrillers. Her writing style is excellent. I cannot actually find the right words to describe it. You just know someone is playing you like a fiddle and it's not the plot or the characters.
A review copy was provided by Legend Press via NetGalley for review. It was an amazing read. Thank you!
February 22, 2015
Two sets of parents have both lost little girls in tragic circumstances. Their stories become connected in a very chilling, twisted sort of way. To avoid spoilers, not much else should be said about that.
It's a very finely woven story with grief, marital strife, family issues, and a woman sorely in need of therapy. I was disappointed that the character whom I believed would be the hero of the book failed in that respect. But there was redemption at the end. This book is chilling, thrilling, and will break your heart.
Courtesy of NetGalley.
It's a very finely woven story with grief, marital strife, family issues, and a woman sorely in need of therapy. I was disappointed that the character whom I believed would be the hero of the book failed in that respect. But there was redemption at the end. This book is chilling, thrilling, and will break your heart.
Courtesy of NetGalley.
September 10, 2018
This story is a brilliant page turning heartbreaking story. The Cold Cold sea is a very disturbing psychologically that had me hooked from page one. While three-year-old Olivia is happily playing on the beach with her family she disappears. Everyone is sure that Olivia must of drowned at sea. I do not want to give away too much of the story but what I can say is that the twist in the story is emotionally unsettling. This story will stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend The Cold Cold Sea.
January 9, 2016
OMG what can I say about this book that hasn't already been written!
This is a very powerful and emotive read. I've read in the newspapers instances like this where a child gets 'lost' and after days and weeks,nothing.
This story is about a little girl called Livvy and her family. She has a loving Mom, doting Dad who she adores and her sibling. One day they are on the beach, but alas, little Livvy wants to go with her dad amongst the rock pools and do what they are doing, her brother and her Dad. She gets to join them and although the Mom can see her heading in the direction of her husband, she isn't worried, its straight forward, its only down there a little bit...........
Livvy is MISSING!!!
Its finally accepted after weeks of searching that Livvy has been swept away by the sea.
Her Mother cannot accept that though.
And like any good thriller, any fantastic story, any good book that has one ounce of depth to it.........
Livvy is not Livvy anymore, she is now Hailey.
How did that happen?
She was abducted.
We see parallel lives being lived from that day forward.
There is the family and their loss and emotions and striving to move forward........
There is this woman.....this woman who has taken Livvy and turned her into Hailey.
Its a very powerful read. Its not straight forward where you can hate one woman and not the other.
My thoughts initially as I was reading it......why didn't the Mother take her to her Father by the rock pool for gods sake she was only 5 years old!!!
Then my mind changed.
How on earth could a Mother take another Mother's child, is she mad without emotions?
Then I changed.
Where was this woman who abducted Livvy, where was her husband? Her extended family and friends? How did she explain this away?
Oh boy......
I loved, loved, loved this book, yes the ending made me cry.
If such a book can bring out so many thoughts, so many emotions in you.......then the author has nailed it!
Linda Huber really nailed it for me!
I need to look to see if she has any other books!
I have to thank Legend Press via Net Galley for my copy to read and review
August 14, 2014
An extremely emotional read this one, so evocative and very very haunting dealing as it does with the loss of a child and the far reaching consequences that this can have on a family. As well as being beautifully written, it is very memorable and one that will stay with me for a long time.
A momentary lapse of attention during a day at the beach and Olivia is lost. Her parents Maggie and Colin pray, but it seems as if she has been taken by the cold cold sea – although Maggie refuses to leave their cottage, holding onto hope, Colin understands that they have to move on. Not far away from Maggie, we find Jennifer, pregnant and alone while her husband is away in the US, she is struggling to cope with her 5 year old daughter as she starts school. Hailey is becoming unmanageable and Jennifer cannot quite put her finger on the problem…
Perfectly paced and with great psychological insight, this is an intriguing and graceful story with a dark heart and great resonance to the writing that holds you in place throughout. My sympathy ebbed and flowed with each passing chapter, I was at turns horrified and captivated, often surprised by the reactions of some of the exquisitely drawn characters. My favourite being Hailey’s schoolteacher, so involved and caring in her work, one would hope that all our children could be taught by someone like her.
Overall a wonderful read, heart stopping and heart warming in equal measure and one that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
A momentary lapse of attention during a day at the beach and Olivia is lost. Her parents Maggie and Colin pray, but it seems as if she has been taken by the cold cold sea – although Maggie refuses to leave their cottage, holding onto hope, Colin understands that they have to move on. Not far away from Maggie, we find Jennifer, pregnant and alone while her husband is away in the US, she is struggling to cope with her 5 year old daughter as she starts school. Hailey is becoming unmanageable and Jennifer cannot quite put her finger on the problem…
Perfectly paced and with great psychological insight, this is an intriguing and graceful story with a dark heart and great resonance to the writing that holds you in place throughout. My sympathy ebbed and flowed with each passing chapter, I was at turns horrified and captivated, often surprised by the reactions of some of the exquisitely drawn characters. My favourite being Hailey’s schoolteacher, so involved and caring in her work, one would hope that all our children could be taught by someone like her.
Overall a wonderful read, heart stopping and heart warming in equal measure and one that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
August 1, 2014
This is the second book I have read by Linda Huber and I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The author really is skilled at telling a story that will have you really caring for the characters and hoping against hope for a happy ending.
Maggie’s daughter Livvy is missing, believed drowned at sea and you just know what has happened from fairly early on in the book but have to keep turning the pages to see if you are right and, if so, how is it all going to pan out in the end. I really felt for Maggie as she stared out to see day after day waiting for her daughter to be brought back to her.
Livvy’s fate is told alongside the story of Maggie’s waiting, and it is one that will certainly shock and makes for compelling reading.
I was thoroughly gripped by this story which is filled with suspense and emotion. A very good read for fans of psychological dramas. Many thanks to the publishers for the advance copy in return for a review.
Maggie’s daughter Livvy is missing, believed drowned at sea and you just know what has happened from fairly early on in the book but have to keep turning the pages to see if you are right and, if so, how is it all going to pan out in the end. I really felt for Maggie as she stared out to see day after day waiting for her daughter to be brought back to her.
Livvy’s fate is told alongside the story of Maggie’s waiting, and it is one that will certainly shock and makes for compelling reading.
I was thoroughly gripped by this story which is filled with suspense and emotion. A very good read for fans of psychological dramas. Many thanks to the publishers for the advance copy in return for a review.
December 28, 2016
This is my 1st novel I have read by Linda Huber and my thoughts are why have I waited so long? A real page turner that kept me up to the wee hours of the morning. This book is the beginning of a wonderful friendship with this author and can't wait to read another one of her books. Thanks to Goodreads for helping me discover this book. Without Goodreads I would have missed out on a lot of fantastic new discoveries.
January 20, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a disturbing book. I'm not sure I could go through something like what the family experienced. The writing was pretty good, and the various viewpoints made it interesting, looking at the events from the perspective of the insane mother, the father swept up in the events, the school teacher, and the family that lost their little girl.
This was a disturbing book. I'm not sure I could go through something like what the family experienced. The writing was pretty good, and the various viewpoints made it interesting, looking at the events from the perspective of the insane mother, the father swept up in the events, the school teacher, and the family that lost their little girl.
August 1, 2014
The Cold Cold Sea – Chilling
Linda Huber with her latest novel The Cold Cold Sea has written one of the most chilling, disturbingly brilliant psychological thrillers of the year. If a parent is reading this book and they are on the beach they certainly will not want to take their eyes off their children as you never know what can happen to them right before your eyes. I could not put this book down there is such a tense feel in the novel it drives you on to read more. Every page devoured in the hope there could be a happy conclusion, rather than the psychological torture that takes place in the story.
Maggie and Colin Grainger are at Cove Cottage in Cornwall their holiday cottage on the beautiful Cornwall coastline. Their children, Joe and Livvy, can play on the beach or in their garden all with their parent’s supervision. Somehow Livvy goes missing on the beach somewhere between her mother at the top of the beach and her father on the shoreline looking in the rock pools with Joe. Maggie only takes her eyes off Livvy for a few minutes but she is gone. The police and coastguard searches cannot find Livvy and she will not leave the cottage until she is found. She needs to accept the sea has taken Livvy and move on.
Philip Marshall is out in California with his Gran as she slowly leaves this moral coil and his wife, Jennifer, is back at home in Devon and he wonders how she is coping. She has said she if fine and is looking forward to seeing him home soon and she has a wonderful surprise for him. She does not tell him that in between looking after Hailey, being pregnant with twins and a new house she is shattered.
Katie the reception class teacher knows there is something wrong but she cannot quite put her finger on it. The poor child is smaller than the other children, quite withdrawn and has some surprising reactions to what happens around her in the classroom. There is something odd about her and her mother, but only time will tell.
I really could not put this book down as it is so powerful from the first page until the last hitting all those psychological buttons that makes this thriller so real. At times The Cold Cold Sea is deeply disturbing even harrowing that keeps you on edge looking for a glimmer of hope. Linda Huber’s prose is so evocative and the imagery so clear, the voices are clear and the spine chillingness so real. This is a story that all parents fear that any adult can recognise as a possible event and society hates.
This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read, tense, chilling and absolutely devastating that is a brilliant, chilling and stunning read.
Linda Huber with her latest novel The Cold Cold Sea has written one of the most chilling, disturbingly brilliant psychological thrillers of the year. If a parent is reading this book and they are on the beach they certainly will not want to take their eyes off their children as you never know what can happen to them right before your eyes. I could not put this book down there is such a tense feel in the novel it drives you on to read more. Every page devoured in the hope there could be a happy conclusion, rather than the psychological torture that takes place in the story.
Maggie and Colin Grainger are at Cove Cottage in Cornwall their holiday cottage on the beautiful Cornwall coastline. Their children, Joe and Livvy, can play on the beach or in their garden all with their parent’s supervision. Somehow Livvy goes missing on the beach somewhere between her mother at the top of the beach and her father on the shoreline looking in the rock pools with Joe. Maggie only takes her eyes off Livvy for a few minutes but she is gone. The police and coastguard searches cannot find Livvy and she will not leave the cottage until she is found. She needs to accept the sea has taken Livvy and move on.
Philip Marshall is out in California with his Gran as she slowly leaves this moral coil and his wife, Jennifer, is back at home in Devon and he wonders how she is coping. She has said she if fine and is looking forward to seeing him home soon and she has a wonderful surprise for him. She does not tell him that in between looking after Hailey, being pregnant with twins and a new house she is shattered.
Katie the reception class teacher knows there is something wrong but she cannot quite put her finger on it. The poor child is smaller than the other children, quite withdrawn and has some surprising reactions to what happens around her in the classroom. There is something odd about her and her mother, but only time will tell.
I really could not put this book down as it is so powerful from the first page until the last hitting all those psychological buttons that makes this thriller so real. At times The Cold Cold Sea is deeply disturbing even harrowing that keeps you on edge looking for a glimmer of hope. Linda Huber’s prose is so evocative and the imagery so clear, the voices are clear and the spine chillingness so real. This is a story that all parents fear that any adult can recognise as a possible event and society hates.
This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read, tense, chilling and absolutely devastating that is a brilliant, chilling and stunning read.
July 15, 2020
I was already reading one book, with at least two others in my ‘to be read’ pile when I picked up Linda Huber’s chilling new novel The Cold Cold Sea. The idea had me hooked from the first page - and I couldn't put it down until I was past the point of no return, as you just have to know how it ends.
A skilfully told story of every parent’s nightmare, Linda Huber explores how grief and guilt can ruin an otherwise idyllic life. The sheer normality of her character’s world make it all the more shocking, as we realise the appalling truth of what has happened.
I shouldn't have been surprised that Linda had an unexpected twist, just when I thought I knew it was going to turn out. I try to spare my ‘five out five stars’ for books that really deserve it. The Cold Cold Sea is one of those books. Highly recommended!
A skilfully told story of every parent’s nightmare, Linda Huber explores how grief and guilt can ruin an otherwise idyllic life. The sheer normality of her character’s world make it all the more shocking, as we realise the appalling truth of what has happened.
I shouldn't have been surprised that Linda had an unexpected twist, just when I thought I knew it was going to turn out. I try to spare my ‘five out five stars’ for books that really deserve it. The Cold Cold Sea is one of those books. Highly recommended!
June 7, 2016
This book describes every parents nightmare, fear, and worry, losing a child. Very well written describing how two mothers reacted when they lost their daughters. Reminded me a little of "Gone Girl" but thought it was better. One excerpt from a part of the book that move me most..."Maggie stood up and took a long, hard look round the cove. One day, here or at another cove, there would be something, she knew. One day, a little body." 4★
August 13, 2018
This is one hell of a read. I cried buckets of tears and for one little girl I wanted to rip her out of the pages and just hug her. This is one of the most heart wrenching stories that I have read, not just because of the subject but because of the way it is written. So be warned you will need tissues, lots of tissues from the first page to the last and after …………
Before this tragedy happened I could see it, in fact the words were playing after my thoughts because I knew and so will you but I kept thinking and the words kept coming after until they caught me up when the inevitable happened and so many lives would change forever, even people who hadn’t known this child.
OMG this is the worst thing that can happen to a parent, that moment when they realise that neither of them have their child and so much time has passed. This story takes you through the guilt, the blame and the coming to terms with accepting they aren’t coming back. It is heart wrenching and utterly compelling reading because for the grace of God, it isn’t you.
There is so much more to this story but I simply won’t go into any details this is to be experienced by the reader. I couldn’t hate anyone in this story it was simply so very heart breaking for every single character. We simply don’t follow a set pattern to similar situations. This story will drain you of your tears and take all your energy until you feel wiped out it really is so very powerful. A superb read that captures the point not when you break but when you can’t be mended. Simply Stunning!
Before this tragedy happened I could see it, in fact the words were playing after my thoughts because I knew and so will you but I kept thinking and the words kept coming after until they caught me up when the inevitable happened and so many lives would change forever, even people who hadn’t known this child.
OMG this is the worst thing that can happen to a parent, that moment when they realise that neither of them have their child and so much time has passed. This story takes you through the guilt, the blame and the coming to terms with accepting they aren’t coming back. It is heart wrenching and utterly compelling reading because for the grace of God, it isn’t you.
There is so much more to this story but I simply won’t go into any details this is to be experienced by the reader. I couldn’t hate anyone in this story it was simply so very heart breaking for every single character. We simply don’t follow a set pattern to similar situations. This story will drain you of your tears and take all your energy until you feel wiped out it really is so very powerful. A superb read that captures the point not when you break but when you can’t be mended. Simply Stunning!
March 29, 2018
This novel is a very good example of psychological thriller. It specifically focuses on how parents behave in different situations which involve their children.
When three-year-old Olivia disappears from a seemingly peaceful beach trip, the initial blame falls on her mother who was supposed to watch over the toddler. As the week long police search continues and nothing shows up, the parents are forced to accept the death of their daughter. Their life is scarred forever, yet gradually they learn to move on from the tragedy.
On the other part of some area, a heavily pregnant Jennifer struggles to keep up with her 5 years old daughter, Hailey, who suddenly acts like a stranger and needs a lots of attention. As Hailey joins school, and Jennifer tries to make her presentable, her husband remains busy with his cancer-affected grandmother. As Jennifer's delivery date advances and her husband arrives, he gets the biggest surprise of his life- a daughter who died two years ago.
This novel deserves every kind of praise possible. I am feeling so ecstatic probably because this is the exact kind of novel I like. Emotion, mystery, suspense- you never know what will happen because human nature is unpredictable and they can do anything. I was amazed at how realistic the story seemed, except for some parts ofcourse, and how real the characters seemed. Hats off to the writer for such a touching and clever novel.
When three-year-old Olivia disappears from a seemingly peaceful beach trip, the initial blame falls on her mother who was supposed to watch over the toddler. As the week long police search continues and nothing shows up, the parents are forced to accept the death of their daughter. Their life is scarred forever, yet gradually they learn to move on from the tragedy.
On the other part of some area, a heavily pregnant Jennifer struggles to keep up with her 5 years old daughter, Hailey, who suddenly acts like a stranger and needs a lots of attention. As Hailey joins school, and Jennifer tries to make her presentable, her husband remains busy with his cancer-affected grandmother. As Jennifer's delivery date advances and her husband arrives, he gets the biggest surprise of his life- a daughter who died two years ago.
This novel deserves every kind of praise possible. I am feeling so ecstatic probably because this is the exact kind of novel I like. Emotion, mystery, suspense- you never know what will happen because human nature is unpredictable and they can do anything. I was amazed at how realistic the story seemed, except for some parts ofcourse, and how real the characters seemed. Hats off to the writer for such a touching and clever novel.
January 18, 2015
A special thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
WOW, a riveting, emotional and brilliantly written page-turner! Crossing many genres, fans of suspense, mystery, intrigue, family drama, women's fiction, adult fiction, and psycho-thrillers will devour The Cold Cold Sea.
The novel begins in Cornwall at a holiday beach cottage, and flashing back and forth with two separate families, and a caring school teacher, Kate who ultimately links the two families for an intense (edge of your seat), and explosive conclusion.
Maggie/Colin and their two children, Olivia and Jon—a family is out for a day on the beach, Olivia wants to join her dad and older brother, so Maggie, says go ahead while she goes back to sipping her coffee.
However, in the blink of an eye, Olivia (Livvy), only three years old never makes it to her father. She just vanishes, and being next to the beach, after time goes on in a frantic search, this family worries she has drowned. Colin blames Maggie and she is guilt and grief stricken. The search places more added stress on their marriage, so he takes off with the son and leaves Maggie at the cottage. Maggie wants to stay and wait for her daughter, and never gives up home, as she continues to put off the memorial service.
In the meantime, we switch to another family in England: Jennifer and Phillip, who have lost a daughter, as well. Jennifer is preparing for her daughter, Hailey’s first day at school, while her husband Phillip is away in Los Angeles, CA taking care of the elderly grandmother.
Enter, Katie, a new and eager teacher who takes Hailey under her wing, as a new student in her class. She is quite concerned about her, appears to be young for her age. Hailey seems disturbed and tense around her mother and wonders if there could be problems at home, as she knows the mother is pregnant with twins and the father is away in the states.
Most of the second half of the story centers on Jennifer and her relationship with Hailey, and plans for her husband’s return for a shocker reunion. What happens next is mind blowing, as Phillip now is immersed in a saga between protecting his family and doing the right thing.
Jennifer’s twisted character is brilliantly crafted, clearly delusional and has escaped reality. Phillip’s engrossing character is cleverly crafted as this mind blowing tale comes to a choice of right and wrong, and his conflicting feelings of love and loyalty.
The Cold Cold Sea is quite unique, cleverly crafted and a gripping suspense thriller, hooking you immediately into the intriguing and powerful storyline, as have never read any other book like it-with twists and turns which will keep you dying to learn the fate of these families.
With the Switzerland author’s former profession as psychotherapist, she does not “miss a beat” for a dynamic character-driven read, with strong raw emotions, and feelings of motherhood, grief, love, loss and family.
The one thing I have mentioned to a few other readers, the front cover does not adequately convey the complexity, power, and intensity of the novel, as it seems a little elementary. As a former publisher, and designer, I am into covers, as believe they sell books, and speak for the book as a brand and image. Would like to see a change in cover for the next 2015 printing to reflect more sophistication. Can envision a battered cottage on a cliffside with thick landscaping and hidden with a winding path, and many rocks overlooking a gray/blue foggy beach front, to further enhance the mystery and intrigue surrounding this stunning and spectacular thriller.
Highly recommend The Cold Cold Sea and delighted to be introduced to talented Switzerland author, Linda Huber. Cannot wait to read her first book, The Paradise Trees, (teaser included). Sounds like another intense mystery suspense. Fans of Diane Chamberlain will enjoy this one!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
WOW, a riveting, emotional and brilliantly written page-turner! Crossing many genres, fans of suspense, mystery, intrigue, family drama, women's fiction, adult fiction, and psycho-thrillers will devour The Cold Cold Sea.
The novel begins in Cornwall at a holiday beach cottage, and flashing back and forth with two separate families, and a caring school teacher, Kate who ultimately links the two families for an intense (edge of your seat), and explosive conclusion.
Maggie/Colin and their two children, Olivia and Jon—a family is out for a day on the beach, Olivia wants to join her dad and older brother, so Maggie, says go ahead while she goes back to sipping her coffee.
However, in the blink of an eye, Olivia (Livvy), only three years old never makes it to her father. She just vanishes, and being next to the beach, after time goes on in a frantic search, this family worries she has drowned. Colin blames Maggie and she is guilt and grief stricken. The search places more added stress on their marriage, so he takes off with the son and leaves Maggie at the cottage. Maggie wants to stay and wait for her daughter, and never gives up home, as she continues to put off the memorial service.
In the meantime, we switch to another family in England: Jennifer and Phillip, who have lost a daughter, as well. Jennifer is preparing for her daughter, Hailey’s first day at school, while her husband Phillip is away in Los Angeles, CA taking care of the elderly grandmother.
Enter, Katie, a new and eager teacher who takes Hailey under her wing, as a new student in her class. She is quite concerned about her, appears to be young for her age. Hailey seems disturbed and tense around her mother and wonders if there could be problems at home, as she knows the mother is pregnant with twins and the father is away in the states.
Most of the second half of the story centers on Jennifer and her relationship with Hailey, and plans for her husband’s return for a shocker reunion. What happens next is mind blowing, as Phillip now is immersed in a saga between protecting his family and doing the right thing.
Jennifer’s twisted character is brilliantly crafted, clearly delusional and has escaped reality. Phillip’s engrossing character is cleverly crafted as this mind blowing tale comes to a choice of right and wrong, and his conflicting feelings of love and loyalty.
The Cold Cold Sea is quite unique, cleverly crafted and a gripping suspense thriller, hooking you immediately into the intriguing and powerful storyline, as have never read any other book like it-with twists and turns which will keep you dying to learn the fate of these families.
With the Switzerland author’s former profession as psychotherapist, she does not “miss a beat” for a dynamic character-driven read, with strong raw emotions, and feelings of motherhood, grief, love, loss and family.
The one thing I have mentioned to a few other readers, the front cover does not adequately convey the complexity, power, and intensity of the novel, as it seems a little elementary. As a former publisher, and designer, I am into covers, as believe they sell books, and speak for the book as a brand and image. Would like to see a change in cover for the next 2015 printing to reflect more sophistication. Can envision a battered cottage on a cliffside with thick landscaping and hidden with a winding path, and many rocks overlooking a gray/blue foggy beach front, to further enhance the mystery and intrigue surrounding this stunning and spectacular thriller.
Highly recommend The Cold Cold Sea and delighted to be introduced to talented Switzerland author, Linda Huber. Cannot wait to read her first book, The Paradise Trees, (teaser included). Sounds like another intense mystery suspense. Fans of Diane Chamberlain will enjoy this one!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
October 18, 2014
This book was compelling reading although at times I wanted to do so from behind a cushion as every parent’s nightmare unfolds over 256 pages. This book is almost understated in tone but beware it is full of raw emotions and drills into your mind making it a book that you won’t easily forget.
I was instantly dragged into memories of summer days sat on the beach entertaining children with rock pools and sandcastles. For Olivia’s mother Maggie she felt hurt when her daughter spurned her attention and wanted to look in the rock pools with her father Colin and big brother Joe, with the Cornish beach empty she makes her way across to them and Maggie pours herself a cup of coffee and waits for them to return for biscuits. When the Colin and Joe make their way back there is the awful realisation that Olivia is missing. Colin’s reaction isn’t sugar-coated, he is furious with his wife and when the search finds no trace of the little girl he goes with his son to his parent’s house leaving Maggie to wait for the return of her daughter.
A few weeks later teacher Katie who is preparing her classroom for the infants starting at the private school where she works, she’s a little nervous and easily intimidated by the mothers who look like they’ve stepped out of glamorous magazines but soon she has sufficiently worried about Hailey Marshall to visit her mother. Disturbed by the lack of feeling Jennifer Marshall shows her young daughter she talks to her colleagues who soon reassure her that with Jenifer Marshall pregnant with twins and her husband Peter away caring for his sick grandmother that hormones and tiredness are the most likely cause.
In this clever story it is easy to work out exactly what Jennifer’s problem is and as the story drags you along through difficult scene after scene it felt like watching a slow-motion car crash. I knew the fall-out would be enormous but kept reading to find out who for. The plot is audacious but keeps to just the right side of believable when you take everything the author tells us into account. The story is told from the three women’s points of view; Maggie, Jennifer and Katie all mull over their feelings as they try to make sense of what is happening. I did find the narrative a little lacking in interaction and conversation due to this introspection but given the nature of the storyline it served well in adding to the tension which mounts until the superb ending.
I’d like to thank Legend Press for giving me a copy of this novel in return for this honest review and since I haven’t read Linda Huber’s debut novel, The Paradise Trees, it has gone onto my list of books I must have.
I was instantly dragged into memories of summer days sat on the beach entertaining children with rock pools and sandcastles. For Olivia’s mother Maggie she felt hurt when her daughter spurned her attention and wanted to look in the rock pools with her father Colin and big brother Joe, with the Cornish beach empty she makes her way across to them and Maggie pours herself a cup of coffee and waits for them to return for biscuits. When the Colin and Joe make their way back there is the awful realisation that Olivia is missing. Colin’s reaction isn’t sugar-coated, he is furious with his wife and when the search finds no trace of the little girl he goes with his son to his parent’s house leaving Maggie to wait for the return of her daughter.
A few weeks later teacher Katie who is preparing her classroom for the infants starting at the private school where she works, she’s a little nervous and easily intimidated by the mothers who look like they’ve stepped out of glamorous magazines but soon she has sufficiently worried about Hailey Marshall to visit her mother. Disturbed by the lack of feeling Jennifer Marshall shows her young daughter she talks to her colleagues who soon reassure her that with Jenifer Marshall pregnant with twins and her husband Peter away caring for his sick grandmother that hormones and tiredness are the most likely cause.
In this clever story it is easy to work out exactly what Jennifer’s problem is and as the story drags you along through difficult scene after scene it felt like watching a slow-motion car crash. I knew the fall-out would be enormous but kept reading to find out who for. The plot is audacious but keeps to just the right side of believable when you take everything the author tells us into account. The story is told from the three women’s points of view; Maggie, Jennifer and Katie all mull over their feelings as they try to make sense of what is happening. I did find the narrative a little lacking in interaction and conversation due to this introspection but given the nature of the storyline it served well in adding to the tension which mounts until the superb ending.
I’d like to thank Legend Press for giving me a copy of this novel in return for this honest review and since I haven’t read Linda Huber’s debut novel, The Paradise Trees, it has gone onto my list of books I must have.
July 22, 2014
The book begins with a family on a beach, a little girl wanders away from her mother and down to the sea, where the unthinkable happens and she is suddenly out of her depth in deep water.
A chilling, dark, domestic drama set in Cornwall, it's tense and scary, but its also about peoples reactions to tragedy and things people will do when dreadful events take over their lives.
The story continues in several different perspectives, those of Maggie whose little girl Olivia went missing on the beach, at first she longs for her daughters return, then as weeks pass and the search grows futile she only longs for closure, her feelings of guilt for not preventing this occurring place cracks in her marriage.
There is also Phillip who is abroad caring for his terminally ill grandmother, Aware that his wife Jennifer struggles to cope alone he is keen to get back to her, meanwhile she makes plans for their future but finds it hard to relate to her little girl Hailey who has become sullen and uncommunicative.
Finally we meet Katie a newly qualified infants teacher, keen to make a real difference to her young pupils starting school for the first time, when little Hailey joins her class she tries to get the reluctant child to open up, but can't quite put her finger on whether the little girl is just difficult, or if there are problems at home.
As the story unfolds things become clear that I don't want to reveal as you'll uncover them when you read it, theres no great mystery as to what has happened, you'll be able to work that out yourself, but the twists and turns lie not in what, but why and how and the consequences and repercussions of peoples decisions.
There are a couple of pretty unreliable narrators and though we know their viewpoint is skewed its hard to work out quite how things are going to end.
Its quite a character driven story and its about emotions, and reactions to those emotions and how events outside our control can have far reaching repercussions. There are a couple of characters whose actions are quite hard to stomach, although you can still have sympathy for them.
One of the main characters is a little girl you will hold close to your heart and you'll keep turning the pages, hoping beyond hope that her story at least can have a happy ending - but can it? You'll have to read this excellent tangled tale to find out.
A chilling, dark, domestic drama set in Cornwall, it's tense and scary, but its also about peoples reactions to tragedy and things people will do when dreadful events take over their lives.
The story continues in several different perspectives, those of Maggie whose little girl Olivia went missing on the beach, at first she longs for her daughters return, then as weeks pass and the search grows futile she only longs for closure, her feelings of guilt for not preventing this occurring place cracks in her marriage.
There is also Phillip who is abroad caring for his terminally ill grandmother, Aware that his wife Jennifer struggles to cope alone he is keen to get back to her, meanwhile she makes plans for their future but finds it hard to relate to her little girl Hailey who has become sullen and uncommunicative.
Finally we meet Katie a newly qualified infants teacher, keen to make a real difference to her young pupils starting school for the first time, when little Hailey joins her class she tries to get the reluctant child to open up, but can't quite put her finger on whether the little girl is just difficult, or if there are problems at home.
As the story unfolds things become clear that I don't want to reveal as you'll uncover them when you read it, theres no great mystery as to what has happened, you'll be able to work that out yourself, but the twists and turns lie not in what, but why and how and the consequences and repercussions of peoples decisions.
There are a couple of pretty unreliable narrators and though we know their viewpoint is skewed its hard to work out quite how things are going to end.
Its quite a character driven story and its about emotions, and reactions to those emotions and how events outside our control can have far reaching repercussions. There are a couple of characters whose actions are quite hard to stomach, although you can still have sympathy for them.
One of the main characters is a little girl you will hold close to your heart and you'll keep turning the pages, hoping beyond hope that her story at least can have a happy ending - but can it? You'll have to read this excellent tangled tale to find out.
August 3, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Linda Huber.
The Cold Cold Sea Starts off when a child who goes missing on a Cornish beach on a summer's day. Every parents nightmare. And right from this moment you are forced to keep on reading. I started this book late at night, and got over half way in my first sitting. I ended up reading it in two sittings. A very powerful story.
I'm actually glad I wasn't sat on a beach when reading this. This is a very chilling and disturbing story, very well written and put together. It really does keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering how things can progress, how this could actually happen.
I really felt a huge mixture of emotions whilst reading this. And will have to admit i cried more than once. Absolutely fantastic read. I really did enjoy it.
Maggie and Colin - I really did feel for these two. How on earth can any parent cope with what they went through.
Philip and Jennifer. I wanted to get hold of Jennifer and give her more that just a slap. I kept thinking all would be ok when Philip returned, but how wrong was I.
Katie teacher - I really believed that Kate was the key to solving everything, that one day at school she would just work it all out.
I don't want to say to much about the story, as I really don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but if you are going to read something this year, make it this.
The Cold Cold Sea Starts off when a child who goes missing on a Cornish beach on a summer's day. Every parents nightmare. And right from this moment you are forced to keep on reading. I started this book late at night, and got over half way in my first sitting. I ended up reading it in two sittings. A very powerful story.
I'm actually glad I wasn't sat on a beach when reading this. This is a very chilling and disturbing story, very well written and put together. It really does keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering how things can progress, how this could actually happen.
I really felt a huge mixture of emotions whilst reading this. And will have to admit i cried more than once. Absolutely fantastic read. I really did enjoy it.
Maggie and Colin - I really did feel for these two. How on earth can any parent cope with what they went through.
Philip and Jennifer. I wanted to get hold of Jennifer and give her more that just a slap. I kept thinking all would be ok when Philip returned, but how wrong was I.
Katie teacher - I really believed that Kate was the key to solving everything, that one day at school she would just work it all out.
I don't want to say to much about the story, as I really don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but if you are going to read something this year, make it this.
June 19, 2015
When their daughter Olivia disappears whilst they are all playing on the beach, a family is left devastated. Colin blames Maggie, and Maggie refuses to leave their holiday home, searching for her little daughter.
Another family have a little girl about to start school, but she suddenly seems to turn into a difficult child, We follow Hailey's introduction to school life with the problems she has mixing and the teacher is concerned about how withdrawn she appears to be. She finds Jennifer very aloof and makes a few home visits to check that everything is well. Jennifer is about to have twins and her husband is in America with a family member.
Will Olivia be found- or will Maggie have to accept she has drowned and hold a memorial service for her? Will Hailey settle at school and why is Jennifer so aloof with everyone?
You can feel Maggie and Colins despair and how this tragedy is pulling them apart. A split second of not concentrating and their little girl vanished.
This was a real page turner and I can't wait to read more by this author. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
Another family have a little girl about to start school, but she suddenly seems to turn into a difficult child, We follow Hailey's introduction to school life with the problems she has mixing and the teacher is concerned about how withdrawn she appears to be. She finds Jennifer very aloof and makes a few home visits to check that everything is well. Jennifer is about to have twins and her husband is in America with a family member.
Will Olivia be found- or will Maggie have to accept she has drowned and hold a memorial service for her? Will Hailey settle at school and why is Jennifer so aloof with everyone?
You can feel Maggie and Colins despair and how this tragedy is pulling them apart. A split second of not concentrating and their little girl vanished.
This was a real page turner and I can't wait to read more by this author. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
August 23, 2022
Judging by the other reviews I must be in the minority with this book. I found it really good at the start but personally felt it got ridiculous the further into the story you got. I would say at least the last 25% of the book was spent with me just wishing it would finish.
August 27, 2017
A little girl goes missing and is presumed drowned. Meanwhile, another grieving mother finds her family restored. This is one of those rare books that is both predictable and fascinating at the same time. There's no question what has happened or how it must end...but I found myself absorbed watching the broken mind devolve, on edge watching all the "protectors" miss all the clues and frustrated/sympathetic as the supposed voice of reason falls victim to his own fears, griefs and if onlies.
I did find the ending a bit of any "easy" out on the reveal and fall-out.
Still, I enjoyed it very much.
I did find the ending a bit of any "easy" out on the reveal and fall-out.
Still, I enjoyed it very much.
August 26, 2018
If you believe it enough, others will too …
OMG, what was that? I loved this book. It simply is a huge vat, filled to the brim with emotions. Being a mum myself, I could relate to both mums. I could feel what they were going through and although I can understand some actions, I certainly don’t agree with them.
Every main character was well developped and they seemed so real. The story was fluently written, emotional, heartfelt and shows that ‘love’ and heartbreak can work in mysterious ways. I just had to keep on reading.
This author will be added to my list of favourite authors and I am definitely going to look out for more of her books. 5 stars do not seem to be enough.
Thank you, Linda Huber and LoveBooksGroup.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
OMG, what was that? I loved this book. It simply is a huge vat, filled to the brim with emotions. Being a mum myself, I could relate to both mums. I could feel what they were going through and although I can understand some actions, I certainly don’t agree with them.
Every main character was well developped and they seemed so real. The story was fluently written, emotional, heartfelt and shows that ‘love’ and heartbreak can work in mysterious ways. I just had to keep on reading.
This author will be added to my list of favourite authors and I am definitely going to look out for more of her books. 5 stars do not seem to be enough.
Thank you, Linda Huber and LoveBooksGroup.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
January 4, 2015
To say that I enjoyed reading this book is strange considering it is the story of a missing child which is every parent’s worst nightmare. I think what I mean by that is that I really enjoyed the way the tale was told to the extent that I was thinking about where the storyline was going during parts of my day when I wasn’t reading which is always a good sign. Huber depicts the pain caused for the family who lose their daughter, Olivia, as well as their reactions to the tragedy very well both in the initial stages and then as time moves on when they have to find some way to carry on without their daughter.
Without giving too much away there is a more disturbing element to the story in the form of the frighteningly scary Jennifer who has suffered her own tragedy and then Philip who I felt both sorry for as well as frustrated with when he failed to put things right.
Huber has all these characters, and more, off to a tee and this is a really excellent read for those who like very well written, emotionally intelligent storylines. I shall be looking out for more from this author.
Without giving too much away there is a more disturbing element to the story in the form of the frighteningly scary Jennifer who has suffered her own tragedy and then Philip who I felt both sorry for as well as frustrated with when he failed to put things right.
Huber has all these characters, and more, off to a tee and this is a really excellent read for those who like very well written, emotionally intelligent storylines. I shall be looking out for more from this author.
October 26, 2015
When I started reading this book I was expecting a mystery but it was actually more of an emotional and often disturbing account of family breakdown after the loss of a child. It was so well executed that the author could have been telling a true story.
I wavered between a four and five star review thinking that perhaps some aspects of the book were implausible. However, then I thought about stories in the news in recent years and realised that this sort of thing can (and does) happen. This book brought out a range of emotions in me - it disturbed me, it reduced me to tears, it made me realise that things aren't always black and white. Sometimes people are motivated to do the wrong thing for what they perceive as the right reason and this was particularly evident with Jennifer's husband.
I think a book that makes me think so much even after I have finished reading it, and produces such a range of emotions in a reader, has to be worthy of five stars.
I wavered between a four and five star review thinking that perhaps some aspects of the book were implausible. However, then I thought about stories in the news in recent years and realised that this sort of thing can (and does) happen. This book brought out a range of emotions in me - it disturbed me, it reduced me to tears, it made me realise that things aren't always black and white. Sometimes people are motivated to do the wrong thing for what they perceive as the right reason and this was particularly evident with Jennifer's husband.
I think a book that makes me think so much even after I have finished reading it, and produces such a range of emotions in a reader, has to be worthy of five stars.
March 5, 2018
This is my second Linda Huber book and I’m very excited that unlike some authors who have a good book then their others are mediocre this one was very well written and I couldn’t put it down!!
What can I say this is beautifully written it’s emotional, disturbing and brilliant and after finishing this book I can’t stop thinking about it.
I have to admit I finished this book with tears In my eyes, to feel such a broad range of emotions whilst reading a book goes to show what an amazing author Linda is.
Looking for her other books ASAP
What can I say this is beautifully written it’s emotional, disturbing and brilliant and after finishing this book I can’t stop thinking about it.
I have to admit I finished this book with tears In my eyes, to feel such a broad range of emotions whilst reading a book goes to show what an amazing author Linda is.
Looking for her other books ASAP
July 16, 2014
I had a love/hate relationship with this book. It was a thriller and and and like a bad addiction, I could not stop reading until I finished the book. As sick and twisted as some of the characters were, I wanted more and the author delivered! I read this book over the weekend with my three year old at my beach house...I will be keeping a closer eye on my kids now!
January 5, 2015
This is the first book I've read by this author and will definitely be looking out for more. Absolutely loved this book, the storyline is every parents worst nightmare and to be honest from the start you know where the story was going and how it was going to turn out but the journey inbetween makes it worth reading.
August 10, 2015
Fantastic book that hooked me in from the first chapter. An engaging storyline, believable characters and a good pace that kept me interested throughout. A chilling psychological thriller, this was a real page turner. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
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