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Beyond the Pale
Forensic Pathologist Addison Sharpe is thirty-five, single, overstressed, overworked and unappreciated. But give it all up, with nowhere to go but back to the rugged lands and rolling hills of West Virginia? Not a chance.
Now that she lives in Washington, D.C., her hope was to leave her tragic past behind. But a mysterious and charming businessman and philanthropist moves in next door and now Addison finds herself entangled in a web of lies.
But revealing a truth this horrifying means not everyone will survive.
Now that she lives in Washington, D.C., her hope was to leave her tragic past behind. But a mysterious and charming businessman and philanthropist moves in next door and now Addison finds herself entangled in a web of lies.
But revealing a truth this horrifying means not everyone will survive.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2018
About the author
E.J. Wood
16 books154 followers Wood is just a storyteller!
E.J. Wood is a British author of crime, horror, dark romance, and psychological suspense.
Aside from her memoirs, her books feature unhinged, and morally grey characters, although, some readers may argue that even her memoirs feature some very unusual characters.
Wood started writing in 2001. She published a 3-part series of erotic short stories (The Red Death Diaries) in 2015 with Smashwords, and later with Amazon in 2017. Her debut novel, Beyond the Pale was published in 2018.
She loves to chat with her readers and is very active on her Facebook page E.J. Wood Author, so please do reach out. If you have something positive to say about any of her books, she'd be grateful if you left a review and told your friends, as most of all, she just wants you to enjoy her stories.
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Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/authorejwood
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E.J. Wood is a British author of crime, horror, dark romance, and psychological suspense.
Aside from her memoirs, her books feature unhinged, and morally grey characters, although, some readers may argue that even her memoirs feature some very unusual characters.
Wood started writing in 2001. She published a 3-part series of erotic short stories (The Red Death Diaries) in 2015 with Smashwords, and later with Amazon in 2017. Her debut novel, Beyond the Pale was published in 2018.
She loves to chat with her readers and is very active on her Facebook page E.J. Wood Author, so please do reach out. If you have something positive to say about any of her books, she'd be grateful if you left a review and told your friends, as most of all, she just wants you to enjoy her stories.
To be notified about future book releases press "Follow"
Book music PLAYLISTS - Spotify: E.J. Wood | Author
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/authorejwood
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/@_j_wood_au...
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 1, 2018
A beautiful, sad story about true love and the deadly consequences it can lead to.
Beyond the Pale is one of the those wtf stories I've ever had the privilege of reading ..... it kept me guessing until the very last page
Beyond the Pale is one of the those wtf stories I've ever had the privilege of reading ..... it kept me guessing until the very last page
July 5, 2018
Happy endings are just stories that haven't ended yet
A psychological thriller, featuring Forensic Pathologist Addison Sharpe (#1)
A psychological thriller, featuring Forensic Pathologist Addison Sharpe (#1)
August 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Addy and Guy. I thought the characters were well developed and the story line actually quite clever.
Briefly, Addison moves away from West Virginia where she had been living with her aunt. She moves to the big city, DC and meets businessman Guy Davidson. What develops is a relationship of obsession, possession and betrayal. I loved the secondary plot, well thought out. Highly recommended for psychological thriller readers
Briefly, Addison moves away from West Virginia where she had been living with her aunt. She moves to the big city, DC and meets businessman Guy Davidson. What develops is a relationship of obsession, possession and betrayal. I loved the secondary plot, well thought out. Highly recommended for psychological thriller readers
October 15, 2018
Strong for a debut. I found it was quite well-written, and from a female first-person perspective. The only trouble with that is that you know the protagonist is going to live. However, on the other side of the coin you're tapping directly into the person's first-hand emotional experience and trust me, it gets emotional! There was a lot of description and technical detail, almost like watching a film which I could get used to and I liked how the author showed these details in conversation. I also liked how Amelia in the beginning is quite naive and how she grows in confidence.
What I also enjoyed was that it was set in Washington, D.C. I gave a four star because it is the debut and like a lot of debuts there are some errors but easily fixed and not any that affected my reading in anyway.
There was some to-ing and fro-ing but by the end of the book it all made sense.
What I also enjoyed was that it was set in Washington, D.C. I gave a four star because it is the debut and like a lot of debuts there are some errors but easily fixed and not any that affected my reading in anyway.
There was some to-ing and fro-ing but by the end of the book it all made sense.
January 7, 2019
This was my first exposure to EJ Wood, and I must say, I'm impressed! The book had plenty of twists and turns while keeping a quick pace. The only turn off for me was it was written from a female perspective so i kept questioning my sexuality with the desirable Mr Davidson haha..
I loved the end of the book, I thought that was very well written. Can't really explain why as I don't want to give anything away, so you will have to find out for yourself.
Overall I did enjoy the book and I read it very quickly...her use of foreshadowing was impressive and kept me wanting to turn the next page.
I think it is a great story for a debut, i adore the writing style and the legitimacy of her words.
I'd definitely recommend this book and I will be continuing the series.
I loved the end of the book, I thought that was very well written. Can't really explain why as I don't want to give anything away, so you will have to find out for yourself.
Overall I did enjoy the book and I read it very quickly...her use of foreshadowing was impressive and kept me wanting to turn the next page.
I think it is a great story for a debut, i adore the writing style and the legitimacy of her words.
I'd definitely recommend this book and I will be continuing the series.
March 1, 2019
Downloaded the book about two weeks ago looking for something to read while EJ Wood is writing her next book. I enjoyed it very much. It's very descriptive, though sometimes a little long winded explaining medical procedures and surroundings etc. but if you're not from a medical background then at least Wood explains what she's on about so you have some understanding, so I can understand why in some aspects it is over descriptive. I found some parts very thrilling and gory and yet other parts romantic and other parts upsetting.
Characters and plot lines are well formed with room for story line development.
I hope the sequel is just as good!
The subtle and often not so subtle humour kept me turning pages, and what a dramatic ending!
Characters and plot lines are well formed with room for story line development.
I hope the sequel is just as good!
The subtle and often not so subtle humour kept me turning pages, and what a dramatic ending!
September 11, 2018
This is the first book I have read by EJ Wood and for the criminal aspect of the book, it is safe to say that Wood has done me proud. It has everything needed to make a good erotic crime thriller, so many twists and turns, characters with in depth personas that kept me on the edge of my seat. It constantly added new questions and for me the mystery was great. It came to a wonderful ending where I hope there will be a sequel.
April 2, 2019
From the very first page I was hooked. Wood weaved in a secondary plot flawlessly so that the reader is suddenly aware that there is another even more mysterious story line than the first. I really enjoyed the ending, what a surprise! It totally took me off guard. It took me a while to get deep into it, the start takes some concentration but overall a great unusual read.
March 9, 2019
Loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed Beyond the Pale. I couldn't put it down.
March 12, 2019
I devoured this book in one sitting. Didn't like Cross at all! Hope there is more! Loved the underline storyline.
February 28, 2019
Great thriller! lots of tension and action and twists and turns. I'll be interested in reading more by this author.
March 6, 2019
5 * Love love love
I love this story. Guy Davidson may I? I think this whole story is out of this world.
Spoiler alert:
It’s about a medical graduate Amelia Sharpe who moves to Washington, D.C to further her career at the Smithsonian. Whilst living in a prestigious cul-de-sac she meets prominent businessman Guy Davidson who moves in next door. Amelia is naive and succumbs to Guy’s temptations and finds herself overwhelmed by this possessive and somewhat controlling handsome man. Her feelings bring up some terrors from a past she had hoped to have escaped from and puts her new found relationship at risk. Convinced she is about to uncover an unsolved mystery she places herself in mortal danger and when a colleague crosses the line Amelia finds out that not all that meets the eye is true. The novel is taken from the pov of Amelia Sharpe and I love how she battles with her inner demons. I also love the fact she fights against her feelings towards Guy. It really does make you wonder how far you would go to for someone you love.
I love this story. Guy Davidson may I? I think this whole story is out of this world.
Spoiler alert:
It’s about a medical graduate Amelia Sharpe who moves to Washington, D.C to further her career at the Smithsonian. Whilst living in a prestigious cul-de-sac she meets prominent businessman Guy Davidson who moves in next door. Amelia is naive and succumbs to Guy’s temptations and finds herself overwhelmed by this possessive and somewhat controlling handsome man. Her feelings bring up some terrors from a past she had hoped to have escaped from and puts her new found relationship at risk. Convinced she is about to uncover an unsolved mystery she places herself in mortal danger and when a colleague crosses the line Amelia finds out that not all that meets the eye is true. The novel is taken from the pov of Amelia Sharpe and I love how she battles with her inner demons. I also love the fact she fights against her feelings towards Guy. It really does make you wonder how far you would go to for someone you love.
March 6, 2019
Gets a definite thumbs up I decided to give this book a read and incorporated a musical dimension, when a piece of music was mentioned I quickly youtubed it whilst I read that passage and it added a whole new dimension and tone to the story. I heard about this book through a friend and it captivated me from page one. It was a twist on the usual romantic interlude with a wealthy attractive guy. There is a lot of emotion in this book so beware!
March 6, 2019
5* A good dirty book
I purchased this book out of curiosity. Whilst browsing for something to read and something to pick up for the wife. At the local library a member of staff handed me Beyond the Pale. “Not for me” I explained.
Another member of staff walked over and said “that book must be good, my daughter is reading that.”
I thought it would be something the wife would enjoy so I bought it.
As I went to checkout, the cashier gave me a cheeky wink as she passed it through. “OK what’s it about?” I asked. She had to of read it with that expression.
“If you haven’t read it, I won’t spoil it.” She answered.
These women were all different age groups so I raised my brow and thought “mmm”
I could go on. I decided to read it before the wife and I was pleasantly surprised about Amelia. However, how anyone guy would ever find one like her is only in one’s imagination. I also found it great that they came together and conquered the challenges they faced.
After finishing Beyond the Pale, I conclude that my strange winks were put down to my devilish good looks? And somewhat resemblance to Mr Davidson – that’s my excuse anyway. I found it a good twisty dirty book.
March 15, 2019
Beyond the Pale:
First Beyond the Pale E.J Wood certainly knows how to create and sustain an edge-of-your seat, tension-filled thriller.
When our two main characters meet, there is an instant connection. Guy is a rich successful and mysterious man. It turns out that Mr Davidson has a dark side and this intrigues the younger Ms Sharpe. The book is told from Sharpe’s point of view and I found her emotions very real. I can relate to her insecurities and naivety in a new relationship.
As both of their emotions develop and they begin to fall in love, her past returns to haunt her and does not allow her to recognize her feelings.
This novel is very psychological and you really do wonder what to believe. Her love for Guy is deep rooted and sometimes we need to listen to our hearts and not our heads. But can she tolerate the demands and secrecy of Mr Davidson?
Her past is drip fed and sparse and we know very little of the eluded Mr Davidson and I really want to know more about him.... He intrigues me too. I found their banter and jokes very funny.
Giving a 4 star as would have liked it longer.
First Beyond the Pale E.J Wood certainly knows how to create and sustain an edge-of-your seat, tension-filled thriller.
When our two main characters meet, there is an instant connection. Guy is a rich successful and mysterious man. It turns out that Mr Davidson has a dark side and this intrigues the younger Ms Sharpe. The book is told from Sharpe’s point of view and I found her emotions very real. I can relate to her insecurities and naivety in a new relationship.
As both of their emotions develop and they begin to fall in love, her past returns to haunt her and does not allow her to recognize her feelings.
This novel is very psychological and you really do wonder what to believe. Her love for Guy is deep rooted and sometimes we need to listen to our hearts and not our heads. But can she tolerate the demands and secrecy of Mr Davidson?
Her past is drip fed and sparse and we know very little of the eluded Mr Davidson and I really want to know more about him.... He intrigues me too. I found their banter and jokes very funny.
Giving a 4 star as would have liked it longer.
May 23, 2022
Having read this author before I wasn’t expecting a straightforward read and thank goodness for that as I did get a bit confused at the beginning. Very well written with a great use of ‘hints’ about what was coming that had me turning the pages. There is a secondary storyline running through much of the book and this is woven in seamlessly.
Briefly, forensic pathologist Addison Sharpe has moved from West Virginia and now lives with her friend Claire, in Washington DC, in a very exclusive area. She loves her job apart from her boss Dr Thomas Cross who has wandering hands and has taken an unprofessional liking to her. Then Guy Davidson, a good looking, wealthy philanthropist moves in next door. A relationship quickly evolves between them with shocking results.
This is a dark psychological thriller about lies and hidden secrets, obsession and betrayal and the ending was not what I expected, total surprise. It’s not a long book so I read it in an afternoon but I was still thinking about it a fair while after. An unusual book and definitely one worth reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, forensic pathologist Addison Sharpe has moved from West Virginia and now lives with her friend Claire, in Washington DC, in a very exclusive area. She loves her job apart from her boss Dr Thomas Cross who has wandering hands and has taken an unprofessional liking to her. Then Guy Davidson, a good looking, wealthy philanthropist moves in next door. A relationship quickly evolves between them with shocking results.
This is a dark psychological thriller about lies and hidden secrets, obsession and betrayal and the ending was not what I expected, total surprise. It’s not a long book so I read it in an afternoon but I was still thinking about it a fair while after. An unusual book and definitely one worth reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 21, 2022
I’ve read other books by this author, so I knew before I even opened the first page that once I started reading it I wouldn’t be able to put it down. This is a very dark and in parts, disturbing read as it alternated between Addison’s life as a child and how it shaped her present. As a psychological thriller it hit all the right notes for me, portraying obsession, the need for love and just how far a person would go to fulfil their needs. I did have to go back a couple of times to re-read some parts so I got the full picture of what was happening but that just pulled me further into the story and in a couple of places I had to pause to allow the twists to sink in as they were really unexpected.
This is another great book by E J Wood as she has the great skill of pulling you straight into the story, and the way she writes just gets better with each book.
This is another great book by E J Wood as she has the great skill of pulling you straight into the story, and the way she writes just gets better with each book.
January 26, 2025
Beyond the Pale by E.J. Wood is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of obsession, control, and the complexities of human relationships.
Wood crafts a compelling dynamic between Addison and Guy, presenting well-developed characters whose interactions are both captivating and unsettling. The storyline is cleverly constructed, with a secondary plot that adds depth and intrigue. As the narrative progresses, past traumas and secrets resurface, challenging both characters in unforeseen ways. The novel adeptly explores how far individuals are willing to go in the name of love, leading to a series of twists that keep readers guessing until the very end.
This is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense with emotional complexity. It’s a recommended read for those who appreciate narratives that challenge perceptions and delve deep into the human psyche.
Wood crafts a compelling dynamic between Addison and Guy, presenting well-developed characters whose interactions are both captivating and unsettling. The storyline is cleverly constructed, with a secondary plot that adds depth and intrigue. As the narrative progresses, past traumas and secrets resurface, challenging both characters in unforeseen ways. The novel adeptly explores how far individuals are willing to go in the name of love, leading to a series of twists that keep readers guessing until the very end.
This is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense with emotional complexity. It’s a recommended read for those who appreciate narratives that challenge perceptions and delve deep into the human psyche.
June 9, 2022
Am lucky enough to have been given an ARC copy from Emma J Wood... Great, dark psychological thriller... This one did take me a wee while to get into. I found myself having to re-read pages between sittings to get myself back into the story.. however, once I got further into story things seemed to flow better. Forensic pathology is a subject I thoroughly enjoy reading about, so following Addison Sharpe piqued my interest straight away. Full of deceit, intrigue and suspense which keeps you turning those pages. Finished off by an ending which I definitely did not see coming. Altogether a great read, albeit slow for me to start with. 4 stars from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 12, 2022
Started reading this book with high hopes as Emma’s books have always been amazing, this one is no different! I love diving into the backstory of Addison but the twists and turns that happen had me totally bewildered! The writing was phenomenal and had me hooked from the beginning. I know this books different to EJ’s previous ones but for me it was just as good if not better! Totally recommend EJ’s books, you will not be disappointed!
August 12, 2022
This book is a gripping psychological thriller full of unexpected twists that keep you guessing right up to the very end! Every time you think you have it all figured out, every time you think it can’t possibly get any crazier— it does.
Includes topics of self-harm, sexual assault, rape, drug abuse, and mutilation, so be mindful if those tend to be a difficult read for you. Overall well written with an ending that leaves you wanting for more!
Includes topics of self-harm, sexual assault, rape, drug abuse, and mutilation, so be mindful if those tend to be a difficult read for you. Overall well written with an ending that leaves you wanting for more!
March 17, 2019
Worth a read!
I started reading this with “oh it’s another chick lit” but I kept reading. Interested in knowing why this was considered a thriller, I soon found out. Beyond the Pale will send you on a whirlwind adventure of passion, lust and betrayal! Amelia surprised me at the end. Some of the medical terms lose me, but in the whole it is simply fantastic.
I started reading this with “oh it’s another chick lit” but I kept reading. Interested in knowing why this was considered a thriller, I soon found out. Beyond the Pale will send you on a whirlwind adventure of passion, lust and betrayal! Amelia surprised me at the end. Some of the medical terms lose me, but in the whole it is simply fantastic.
September 7, 2022
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I’m hooked! A book full or twists and turns, and just when you think you’ve worked it out, you’re proved wrong! Highly recommend this exciting and disturbing read
May 4, 2022
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Addy and Guy. I thought the characters were well developed and the story line actually quite clever.
Briefly, Addison moves away from West Virginia where she had been living with her aunt. She moves to the big city, DC and meets businessman Guy Davidson. What develops is a relationship of obsession, possession and betrayal. I loved the secondary plot, well thought out. Highly recommended for psychological thriller readers
Briefly, Addison moves away from West Virginia where she had been living with her aunt. She moves to the big city, DC and meets businessman Guy Davidson. What develops is a relationship of obsession, possession and betrayal. I loved the secondary plot, well thought out. Highly recommended for psychological thriller readers
April 8, 2022
This was definitely a psychological type thriller. Well crafted and you really don’t know what’s coming until the very last page. Like her other novel Amalie, you find yourself rooting for the people that you should be hoping get jail time at least. The author has a way of presenting her characters in a way that humanizes the villains and you find yourself empathizing with them, knowing they had circumstances beyond their control that created them.
As a subplot, you can also see how illegal drugs and their effects change families, and the burden they place on extended family members.
The twists in the book will keep you reading until the very end. Excellent work!
As a subplot, you can also see how illegal drugs and their effects change families, and the burden they place on extended family members.
The twists in the book will keep you reading until the very end. Excellent work!
April 23, 2022
A beautiful, sad story about true love and the deadly consequences it can lead to.
Beyond the Pale is one of the those wtf stories I've ever had the privilege of reading ..... it kept me guessing until the very last page
Beyond the Pale is one of the those wtf stories I've ever had the privilege of reading ..... it kept me guessing until the very last page
April 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Two worlds melt together when Amelia Sharpe meets businessman Mr Davidson and shortly after embark on a passionate love affair.
Between the lines there's a past that resurfaces. A past that Amelia wanted to leave behind.
What are we getting ourselves into when we meet someone? Can you trust your instincts? Will your heart rule your head?
I love Amelia, she scared me at times but I definitely want to read more.
Between the lines there's a past that resurfaces. A past that Amelia wanted to leave behind.
What are we getting ourselves into when we meet someone? Can you trust your instincts? Will your heart rule your head?
I love Amelia, she scared me at times but I definitely want to read more.
April 19, 2019
Beyond the Pale is packed with humor and mystery.
This sad love story is full of charm and two people that are meant to be together. It will captivate you, obsess you and possess you.
I was a bit hesitant giving this book a read. But I'm so glad I did. I hated Mr Cross, but who wouldn't? I loved the suspense, the edge of the seat page turning story. Guy's involvement at the zoo makes for a wonderful backstory that´s cleverly incorporated and the diversity of the characters gave dimension.
I´d recommend this to anyone that loves a mystery without the predictability of the ending.
This sad love story is full of charm and two people that are meant to be together. It will captivate you, obsess you and possess you.
I was a bit hesitant giving this book a read. But I'm so glad I did. I hated Mr Cross, but who wouldn't? I loved the suspense, the edge of the seat page turning story. Guy's involvement at the zoo makes for a wonderful backstory that´s cleverly incorporated and the diversity of the characters gave dimension.
I´d recommend this to anyone that loves a mystery without the predictability of the ending.
May 12, 2022
I enjoyed it very much. It's very descriptive. I found some parts very thrilling and gory and yet other parts romantic and other parts upsetting. This can be a tear jerker.
Characters and plot lines are well formed.
The subtle and often not so subtle humour kept me turning pages, and what a dramatic ending!
Characters and plot lines are well formed.
The subtle and often not so subtle humour kept me turning pages, and what a dramatic ending!
March 15, 2019
A thrilling debut with a gutsy protagonist twisty plot and a likeable heroine makes this a memorable story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews