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Do No Harm
Lily has a fresh new start when she marries Sebastian, but her controlling ex-husband soon makes an appearance, and soon she’s fighting for her marriage … and her life. A startling, twisty psychological thriller from bestselling author Lucy V Hay.
‘Well written, engrossing and brilliantly unique’ Heat
‘Prepare to be surprised’ Closer
‘A claustrophobic and complex read’ CultureFly
‘Sharp, confident writing’ Peter James
____________________
Till death do us part…
After leaving her marriage to jealous, possessive oncologist Maxwell, Lily and her six-year-old son have a second chance at happiness with headteacher Sebastian. Kind but vulnerable, Sebastian is the polar opposite of Maxwell, and the perfect match for Lily. After a whirlwind romance, they marry, and that’s when things start to go wrong…
Maxwell returns to the scene, determined to win back his family, and events soon spiral out of control. Lily and Sebastian find themselves not only fighting for their relationship, but also their lives…
Chilling, dark and terrifying, Do No Harm is a taut psychological thriller and a study of obsession, from one of the most exciting new voices in crime fiction.
____________________
‘Wonderfully layered and gripping’ Jendella Benson
‘I couldn’t put it down’ Paula Daly
‘Propulsive, inventively and purely addictive’ Crime by the Book
‘Intense and pacy’ Mari Hannah
‘Wrong-foots you in ALL the best ways’ Caz Frear
‘Original, daring and emotionally truthful’ Paul Burston
‘Slick and compulsive’ Random Things through My Letterbox
‘Crackles with tension’ Karen Dionne
‘A contemporary thriller with a heart of darkness’ Live & Deadly
‘Dark, compelling, twisted, thought-provoking and emotional’ Chapter in My Life
‘Well written, engrossing and brilliantly unique’ Heat
‘Prepare to be surprised’ Closer
‘A claustrophobic and complex read’ CultureFly
‘Sharp, confident writing’ Peter James
____________________
Till death do us part…
After leaving her marriage to jealous, possessive oncologist Maxwell, Lily and her six-year-old son have a second chance at happiness with headteacher Sebastian. Kind but vulnerable, Sebastian is the polar opposite of Maxwell, and the perfect match for Lily. After a whirlwind romance, they marry, and that’s when things start to go wrong…
Maxwell returns to the scene, determined to win back his family, and events soon spiral out of control. Lily and Sebastian find themselves not only fighting for their relationship, but also their lives…
Chilling, dark and terrifying, Do No Harm is a taut psychological thriller and a study of obsession, from one of the most exciting new voices in crime fiction.
____________________
‘Wonderfully layered and gripping’ Jendella Benson
‘I couldn’t put it down’ Paula Daly
‘Propulsive, inventively and purely addictive’ Crime by the Book
‘Intense and pacy’ Mari Hannah
‘Wrong-foots you in ALL the best ways’ Caz Frear
‘Original, daring and emotionally truthful’ Paul Burston
‘Slick and compulsive’ Random Things through My Letterbox
‘Crackles with tension’ Karen Dionne
‘A contemporary thriller with a heart of darkness’ Live & Deadly
‘Dark, compelling, twisted, thought-provoking and emotional’ Chapter in My Life
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2018
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530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 17, 2019
Do No Harm is a dark piece of domestic noir that will keep even the most astute of readers guessing right through to the end. With a focused and well crafted plot, a relatively small cast of characters and a straight forward style, the book is a fast read that kept the pages turning.
As the story opens. Lily and Sebastian are about to be married. Though they have only known each other a matter of months, they appear to be the perfect couple. With Lily’s young son Dennis, the product of a previous marriage, the little family is embracing what they hope will be a happy life together. Soon after the couple returns from their honeymoon, however, a number of events occur that shake them both to the core and threaten their relationship. Who is responsible is anyone’s guess. Lily’s best friend Triss is a shade too clingy, Sebastian’s mother, Fran, is painted as over protective, and Lily’s ex husband Maxwell is a sadistic ego maniac. All have seemingly ample opportunity and motive to disrupt the newly wedded bliss, and as the story unfolds, so grows the suspense. When the truth is finally revealed, no one is left unscathed.
The novel presents chapters told in first person (some from the perspective of Lily and others as told by the anonymous person behind the chaos), as well as chapters written in third person (limited) from the perspective of Sebastian. In the hands of a less capable author, this structure could have devolved into a tangled mess. Writer L.V. Hay, though, handles it beautifully, consistently staying true to the voice of the character speaking. The result is an easy to follow plot unencumbered by the weight of superfluous details.
As I was reading, I appreciated the singular storyline, but I always felt as if I was looking through a lens that was just a shade blurred. Everything seemed a hair off center, somehow, a tick away from being fully realistic. The fast pace did, though, keep me from dwelling on the uneasy feeling and carried me through to the finish.
Overall, this was a one-sitting read that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Thanks to NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for allowing me access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As the story opens. Lily and Sebastian are about to be married. Though they have only known each other a matter of months, they appear to be the perfect couple. With Lily’s young son Dennis, the product of a previous marriage, the little family is embracing what they hope will be a happy life together. Soon after the couple returns from their honeymoon, however, a number of events occur that shake them both to the core and threaten their relationship. Who is responsible is anyone’s guess. Lily’s best friend Triss is a shade too clingy, Sebastian’s mother, Fran, is painted as over protective, and Lily’s ex husband Maxwell is a sadistic ego maniac. All have seemingly ample opportunity and motive to disrupt the newly wedded bliss, and as the story unfolds, so grows the suspense. When the truth is finally revealed, no one is left unscathed.
The novel presents chapters told in first person (some from the perspective of Lily and others as told by the anonymous person behind the chaos), as well as chapters written in third person (limited) from the perspective of Sebastian. In the hands of a less capable author, this structure could have devolved into a tangled mess. Writer L.V. Hay, though, handles it beautifully, consistently staying true to the voice of the character speaking. The result is an easy to follow plot unencumbered by the weight of superfluous details.
As I was reading, I appreciated the singular storyline, but I always felt as if I was looking through a lens that was just a shade blurred. Everything seemed a hair off center, somehow, a tick away from being fully realistic. The fast pace did, though, keep me from dwelling on the uneasy feeling and carried me through to the finish.
Overall, this was a one-sitting read that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Thanks to NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for allowing me access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2018
What a fabulous and captivating psychological thriller Do No Harm turned out to be. Deviously plotted the L V Hay delivers a story with sustained tension, surprises, and a constant sense of impending doom, definitely my kind of read. There is nothing I find more satisfying than reading a book that heightens my feelings of anticipation, excitement and anxiety and this is one of those rare books that managed to evoke all these feelings and more.
Lily is looking forward to starting a new life with Sebastian, she believes she can finally shut the door on her first marriage to Maxwell, a possessive control freak, but before the ink has even had time to dry on the marriage certificate, it soon becomes apparent someone will do anything to break the couple up. Hay drags the reader into a compelling plot that’s claustrophobic and very tense, you very much feel like a “fly on the wall” as the couples life begins to unravel, you want to jump into the pages and warn them “to trust no one”.
Do No Harm is an unsettling tale of obsession, Lucy Hay explores the persistent disturbing preoccupation someone appears to have with the couple through occasional chapters told from their POV, it’s these chapters that make you realise how obsession can turn into something much more dangerous and chilling. The author has created a cast of characters who can only be described as untrustworthy, and that’s the thing I loved about this book as the reader your on high alert looking for inconsistencies in the characters dialogue, constantly second guessing and trying to work out who and why someone is manipulating the couples relationship, I think every character featured as a “suspect” at some point hence my constant feelings of anxiety. Although I did guess the “culprit” correctly I still really enjoyed this book as I was stilll left wondering WHY? and the motive behind their increasingly disturbing behaviour.
Do No Harm has all the ingredients I’ve come to expect in a psychological thriller and then some, with unstable characters, steeped in mystery and suspense. I raced through this book, it’s satisfyingly twisted and made for a compelling read. I should mention I loved the conclusion so satisfying and yet shocking. L V Hay is definitely an author to look out for and I’m excited to see what twisted plot she comes up with in her next book. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Lily is looking forward to starting a new life with Sebastian, she believes she can finally shut the door on her first marriage to Maxwell, a possessive control freak, but before the ink has even had time to dry on the marriage certificate, it soon becomes apparent someone will do anything to break the couple up. Hay drags the reader into a compelling plot that’s claustrophobic and very tense, you very much feel like a “fly on the wall” as the couples life begins to unravel, you want to jump into the pages and warn them “to trust no one”.
Do No Harm is an unsettling tale of obsession, Lucy Hay explores the persistent disturbing preoccupation someone appears to have with the couple through occasional chapters told from their POV, it’s these chapters that make you realise how obsession can turn into something much more dangerous and chilling. The author has created a cast of characters who can only be described as untrustworthy, and that’s the thing I loved about this book as the reader your on high alert looking for inconsistencies in the characters dialogue, constantly second guessing and trying to work out who and why someone is manipulating the couples relationship, I think every character featured as a “suspect” at some point hence my constant feelings of anxiety. Although I did guess the “culprit” correctly I still really enjoyed this book as I was stilll left wondering WHY? and the motive behind their increasingly disturbing behaviour.
Do No Harm has all the ingredients I’ve come to expect in a psychological thriller and then some, with unstable characters, steeped in mystery and suspense. I raced through this book, it’s satisfyingly twisted and made for a compelling read. I should mention I loved the conclusion so satisfying and yet shocking. L V Hay is definitely an author to look out for and I’m excited to see what twisted plot she comes up with in her next book. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
July 20, 2018
Ah, newly wedded bliss. Joys of joys and all that. Or not, as Sebastian and Lily will find out soon enough.
Lily’s first marriage to successful oncologist, Maxwell, was a bit of a nightmare. But now Lily has found love again with Sebastian, who is the polar opposite of her first husband. After a whirlwind romance, we meet Sebastian and Lily on their wedding day but little do they know, there is trouble ahead.
Just because Lily is now marrying someone else, that doesn’t mean Maxwell’s obsessive and controlling behaviour has come to an end. He’s decided he wants his family back and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
The chapters alternate between Sebastian and Lily, giving the reader glimpses into what could possibly be going on while the characters remain clueless. While I was sometimes a little frustrated at their decisions and behaviour, it somehow all felt quite realistic and believable. It was fascinating to see how quickly trust, one of the foundations of a relationship, is blown to smithereens.
Now, I did figure out the “who”, but it didn’t ruin the reading experience for me one bit because I couldn’t at all predict their end game and there were still plenty of other twists to entertain me. Lucy Hay knows how to keep a reader hooked with intriguing characters and a scenario that will make you flip the pages faster as the tension builds up. And she most definitely knows how to set a scene, which always allows me to see things play out right in front of my eyes as if I was watching it on a screen.
Do No Harm is a devilish tale of manipulation and possessiveness with a disturbed and twisted individual calling the shots. Once again, Lucy Hay delivers a captivating, suspenseful and addictive page-turner that is sure to mess with your head!
Lily’s first marriage to successful oncologist, Maxwell, was a bit of a nightmare. But now Lily has found love again with Sebastian, who is the polar opposite of her first husband. After a whirlwind romance, we meet Sebastian and Lily on their wedding day but little do they know, there is trouble ahead.
Just because Lily is now marrying someone else, that doesn’t mean Maxwell’s obsessive and controlling behaviour has come to an end. He’s decided he wants his family back and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
The chapters alternate between Sebastian and Lily, giving the reader glimpses into what could possibly be going on while the characters remain clueless. While I was sometimes a little frustrated at their decisions and behaviour, it somehow all felt quite realistic and believable. It was fascinating to see how quickly trust, one of the foundations of a relationship, is blown to smithereens.
Now, I did figure out the “who”, but it didn’t ruin the reading experience for me one bit because I couldn’t at all predict their end game and there were still plenty of other twists to entertain me. Lucy Hay knows how to keep a reader hooked with intriguing characters and a scenario that will make you flip the pages faster as the tension builds up. And she most definitely knows how to set a scene, which always allows me to see things play out right in front of my eyes as if I was watching it on a screen.
Do No Harm is a devilish tale of manipulation and possessiveness with a disturbed and twisted individual calling the shots. Once again, Lucy Hay delivers a captivating, suspenseful and addictive page-turner that is sure to mess with your head!
August 17, 2018
4.5/5
Remember last year when I was raving about The Other Twin? I was SO excited to get my hands on Do No Harm because I just loved Hay’s style of writing and ability to suck the reader in, almost forcing you to binge read her novels until you find out what exactly is really going on and I can firmly say that she most definitely delivered in a major way with this one.
Hay is a sneaky little devil, while I was reading this I kept thinking, ok I see exactly where this is going, to an avid reader such as myself things seemed obvious, but I was so engrossed I didn’t even care that I “knew” what would happen next. Imagine my surprise when I was wrong! Not once, not even twice, but too many times to count. Shame on me for being so cocky and bravo to the author for shocking me so much. Well played Hay, well played.
I said before I loved her writing style, it’s razor sharp and highly unnerving at the same time and she writes cleverly short chapters that just entice you to go further and further to see what will happen next. I’m not touching the plot with a ten foot pole, but did you read that description?! A jealous ex-husband trying to ruin his ex-wife’s new marriage?! Umm YES PLEASE!! If you love psychological thrillers as much as I do then definitely check this one out, it surprised me in the best possible way and had such a strong ending I’m still thinking about it days later.
Do No Harm in three words: Unsettling, Obsessive and Compulsive.
Remember last year when I was raving about The Other Twin? I was SO excited to get my hands on Do No Harm because I just loved Hay’s style of writing and ability to suck the reader in, almost forcing you to binge read her novels until you find out what exactly is really going on and I can firmly say that she most definitely delivered in a major way with this one.
Hay is a sneaky little devil, while I was reading this I kept thinking, ok I see exactly where this is going, to an avid reader such as myself things seemed obvious, but I was so engrossed I didn’t even care that I “knew” what would happen next. Imagine my surprise when I was wrong! Not once, not even twice, but too many times to count. Shame on me for being so cocky and bravo to the author for shocking me so much. Well played Hay, well played.
I said before I loved her writing style, it’s razor sharp and highly unnerving at the same time and she writes cleverly short chapters that just entice you to go further and further to see what will happen next. I’m not touching the plot with a ten foot pole, but did you read that description?! A jealous ex-husband trying to ruin his ex-wife’s new marriage?! Umm YES PLEASE!! If you love psychological thrillers as much as I do then definitely check this one out, it surprised me in the best possible way and had such a strong ending I’m still thinking about it days later.
Do No Harm in three words: Unsettling, Obsessive and Compulsive.
August 3, 2018
Oh my goodness Lucy Hay. What a deliciously twisted mind you have. Think of the old saying “If I can’t have you, no-one else can”.
The story begins with Lily and Sebastian’s wedding. There is already a spectre at the feast in the shape of Lily’s ex-husband, Maxwell, who, although uninvited, just has to make his presence felt.
Moving forward to after the honeymoon and things just get worse for Lily and Sebastian. At first it’s fairly inconsequential events and although they may think it’s Maxwell playing games with them, they are not entirely sure; they could have made a mistake themselves and besides there is no hard proof. But then events escalate to another level and neither of them are left in any doubt. After Lily’s nightmare of a marriage to Maxwell, all they want to live their life in peace with Lily’s young son Denny.
This is one of those stories that leads you in one direction, only to suddenly veer off into another. Most of the way through I was pretty sure that I knew what was going on and who was responsible but….then, it could be X instead, ….couldn’t it? Oh no, hang on, back to number 1 suspect – I think! I was so glad that I was reading a paper copy where I was able to easily flick back to a particular part and re-read. I did this several times and also did that smack on the head thing, when I suddenly realised what I had missed.
It would be a crime to give away any details of the plot as you need to read this twisted and gripping story for yourself. Narrated by Lily (in the first person), Sebastian (in the third) and a third unknown voice, it’s only 300 pages but every single page will keep your attention and I was so completely engrossed from the beginning. The main characters were so deftly defined that I really cared what happened to them (well some of them anyway!) and there was one in particular, that I felt huge sympathy for (not saying who!).
Add in the skilful plotting, the unpredictability and that menacing feeling making the reader fear what will happen next. Do No Harm is a story of obsession, deceit and manipulation. It’s a fabulous read and I absolutely LOVED it.
Finally. That cover! The designer should take a bow. That is one of the best covers I have seen and suits the book perfectly.
The story begins with Lily and Sebastian’s wedding. There is already a spectre at the feast in the shape of Lily’s ex-husband, Maxwell, who, although uninvited, just has to make his presence felt.
Moving forward to after the honeymoon and things just get worse for Lily and Sebastian. At first it’s fairly inconsequential events and although they may think it’s Maxwell playing games with them, they are not entirely sure; they could have made a mistake themselves and besides there is no hard proof. But then events escalate to another level and neither of them are left in any doubt. After Lily’s nightmare of a marriage to Maxwell, all they want to live their life in peace with Lily’s young son Denny.
This is one of those stories that leads you in one direction, only to suddenly veer off into another. Most of the way through I was pretty sure that I knew what was going on and who was responsible but….then, it could be X instead, ….couldn’t it? Oh no, hang on, back to number 1 suspect – I think! I was so glad that I was reading a paper copy where I was able to easily flick back to a particular part and re-read. I did this several times and also did that smack on the head thing, when I suddenly realised what I had missed.
It would be a crime to give away any details of the plot as you need to read this twisted and gripping story for yourself. Narrated by Lily (in the first person), Sebastian (in the third) and a third unknown voice, it’s only 300 pages but every single page will keep your attention and I was so completely engrossed from the beginning. The main characters were so deftly defined that I really cared what happened to them (well some of them anyway!) and there was one in particular, that I felt huge sympathy for (not saying who!).
Add in the skilful plotting, the unpredictability and that menacing feeling making the reader fear what will happen next. Do No Harm is a story of obsession, deceit and manipulation. It’s a fabulous read and I absolutely LOVED it.
Finally. That cover! The designer should take a bow. That is one of the best covers I have seen and suits the book perfectly.
August 14, 2018
Do No Harm is a chilling tale of obsession, an addictive read that can be devoured in one-sitting. I’m always a little bit wary of domestic thrillers because, as time goes on, it’s becoming harder to find originality in them. However, there seems to be this new wave emerging of these dark, domestic tales that have me utterly hooked, and Do No Harm is up there with the best of them.
What’s great about this novel is the pull it has, the readability factor, that keeps you turning pages. I thought the characters were perfectly crafted to fit the storyline, believable in their actions, even if you don’t always agree with them. Hay really delivered on the psychological aspects of this novel, the manipulation, the controlling behaviours, were fantastic in building tension.
Regarding the ending, I can’t say it came as a complete surprise, but I loved it. I had the culprit decided, and then I changed my mind at the last moment, only to find I should have stuck with my original choice! But this is a perfect example of Hay’s clever ability to spin a tale, it had me questioning what I know, characters constantly trumping each other in the battle for the most twisted.
I highly recommend Do No Harm, it’s an engrossing read, perfect for fans of contemporary crime, who crave the drama only a domestic thriller can deliver. I thought that Hay’s previous book, The Other Twin, was very good but Do No Harm is on a different level, and that’s got me very excited for her next book!
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book*
What’s great about this novel is the pull it has, the readability factor, that keeps you turning pages. I thought the characters were perfectly crafted to fit the storyline, believable in their actions, even if you don’t always agree with them. Hay really delivered on the psychological aspects of this novel, the manipulation, the controlling behaviours, were fantastic in building tension.
Regarding the ending, I can’t say it came as a complete surprise, but I loved it. I had the culprit decided, and then I changed my mind at the last moment, only to find I should have stuck with my original choice! But this is a perfect example of Hay’s clever ability to spin a tale, it had me questioning what I know, characters constantly trumping each other in the battle for the most twisted.
I highly recommend Do No Harm, it’s an engrossing read, perfect for fans of contemporary crime, who crave the drama only a domestic thriller can deliver. I thought that Hay’s previous book, The Other Twin, was very good but Do No Harm is on a different level, and that’s got me very excited for her next book!
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book*
July 21, 2018
Ex-husbands, new husbands, mother-in-laws, sons and possessiveness. Lily is happy to be marrying Sebastian - the complete opposite of her controlling and possessive ex-husband, Maxwell. But once a control freak, always a control freak and Maxwell will do whatever it takes to get Lily back. Sebastian doesn't like confrontation but how much will it take to get him to fight back for his new family?
No one ever wants to think the worst of their ex. After all, there was love there once, something there that drew you to them. You had a child with him and at the VERY least, you know he wouldn't want to him his only child... right?
Alternating back and forth between Sebastian and Lily, and peppered with an unreliable narrator's thoughts, Hay has us questioning just how bad it's going to get. Now I'll admit I did get frustrated during this read. WHY CAN'T THEY JUST SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING! And my oh my how quickly trust is broken when the tiniest seed of doubt gets planted. I felt the most for Denny, the poor kid stuck in the middle - a pawn in a deadly game between the two most important people in his world.
I did figure things out fairly quickly - well I had my suspicions and proved myself right. Honestly, I find this fun to do in certain stories. What is captivating about this story is that while a little off the rails (because hello, drama! looooove it), it is also really realistic. I've certainly had my fair share of run ins with men who are irrationally possessive and jealous. Praise be to Lily for getting out of that - at least once. 😉
A proper read for domestic thriller lovers.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
No one ever wants to think the worst of their ex. After all, there was love there once, something there that drew you to them. You had a child with him and at the VERY least, you know he wouldn't want to him his only child... right?
Alternating back and forth between Sebastian and Lily, and peppered with an unreliable narrator's thoughts, Hay has us questioning just how bad it's going to get. Now I'll admit I did get frustrated during this read. WHY CAN'T THEY JUST SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING! And my oh my how quickly trust is broken when the tiniest seed of doubt gets planted. I felt the most for Denny, the poor kid stuck in the middle - a pawn in a deadly game between the two most important people in his world.
I did figure things out fairly quickly - well I had my suspicions and proved myself right. Honestly, I find this fun to do in certain stories. What is captivating about this story is that while a little off the rails (because hello, drama! looooove it), it is also really realistic. I've certainly had my fair share of run ins with men who are irrationally possessive and jealous. Praise be to Lily for getting out of that - at least once. 😉
A proper read for domestic thriller lovers.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
August 16, 2018
So we met the perfect couple wrapped up in love when someone is hell bent on ruining their happiness. Newly weds should be sickeningly happy but Seb and Lily have jealousy to content with which is making their early days of marriage less blissful than most.
Neither of them knew it would be worse before it got better
There are so many words I could use to describe this book. It’s a tense addictive read that ticked the box called “mess with your head”. This domestic noir grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go. I kept clicking through the e-book, reluctant to put it down even when my eyelids were giving up!! My mind swarmed with ideas of what the author was doing, where she was taking me.
Seb and Lily became a couple being played like puppets but by who? I loved the sporadic chapters where the antagonist is plotting but carefully not giving their true identity away. I had an inkling who I thought it was but I didn’t expect the lengths that individual would go to to fulfil their desire! Ms Hay perfectly used diversion and subterfuge to keep me guessing what would happen next and who our culprit was!
I’ve not read Ms Hay’s previous novels even though they’re sat waiting patiently on the ever growing reading pile but after reading this, I’m going to have to rearrange things a little to get them further up.
Primum non nocere
Neither of them knew it would be worse before it got better
There are so many words I could use to describe this book. It’s a tense addictive read that ticked the box called “mess with your head”. This domestic noir grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go. I kept clicking through the e-book, reluctant to put it down even when my eyelids were giving up!! My mind swarmed with ideas of what the author was doing, where she was taking me.
Seb and Lily became a couple being played like puppets but by who? I loved the sporadic chapters where the antagonist is plotting but carefully not giving their true identity away. I had an inkling who I thought it was but I didn’t expect the lengths that individual would go to to fulfil their desire! Ms Hay perfectly used diversion and subterfuge to keep me guessing what would happen next and who our culprit was!
I’ve not read Ms Hay’s previous novels even though they’re sat waiting patiently on the ever growing reading pile but after reading this, I’m going to have to rearrange things a little to get them further up.
Primum non nocere
July 22, 2018
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I absolutely LOVE this cover, it is just perfect for this book!!
This book is a very clever piece of work, it has excellent attention to details and some fantastic characters.
I was hooked right from the beginning straight through to the end and was reeling when I’d finished it – it is superb!!
Five stars from me – a brilliant story – very, very highly recommended!!!
I absolutely LOVE this cover, it is just perfect for this book!!
This book is a very clever piece of work, it has excellent attention to details and some fantastic characters.
I was hooked right from the beginning straight through to the end and was reeling when I’d finished it – it is superb!!
Five stars from me – a brilliant story – very, very highly recommended!!!
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July 17, 2018Review posted closer to publication...
July 22, 2018
I wanted to read this novel as soon as I saw the cover. Doesn’t it look great and doesn’t it sound menacing? You already expect the exact opposite when you read such an imperative.
This novel was so freaking develish! Do No Harm is a wonderful addictive story about someone’s obsession and the unwillingness of letting go. Obsession and revenge are the best ingredients in any book plot so I was very pleased this novel centers all around these two promising words :-).
It’s obvious that Maxwell, Lily’s ex-husband, can’t get over the fact that they’re not together anymore and that she’s marrying another man, not even a year after they seperated. When strange events start to occur everything points to Maxwell, but the question remains: is he the culprit?
Do No Harm concentrates on 5 characters – if you leave little 6-year old Denny, the sixth main character of the novel, aside – and each character is even more dubious than the next. Do any of them have anything to do with what is happening in Lily and Sebastian’s life? There’s nothing I can share about the plot of this novel, except that it includes a string of red herrings that you’ll walk into with open eyes.
Do No Harm was an exciting and addictive novel to read and L V Hay did a magnificent job with all the characters she created, I couldn’t rely on anyone being honest. An engrossing read that you won’t want to put down!
This novel was so freaking develish! Do No Harm is a wonderful addictive story about someone’s obsession and the unwillingness of letting go. Obsession and revenge are the best ingredients in any book plot so I was very pleased this novel centers all around these two promising words :-).
It’s obvious that Maxwell, Lily’s ex-husband, can’t get over the fact that they’re not together anymore and that she’s marrying another man, not even a year after they seperated. When strange events start to occur everything points to Maxwell, but the question remains: is he the culprit?
Do No Harm concentrates on 5 characters – if you leave little 6-year old Denny, the sixth main character of the novel, aside – and each character is even more dubious than the next. Do any of them have anything to do with what is happening in Lily and Sebastian’s life? There’s nothing I can share about the plot of this novel, except that it includes a string of red herrings that you’ll walk into with open eyes.
Do No Harm was an exciting and addictive novel to read and L V Hay did a magnificent job with all the characters she created, I couldn’t rely on anyone being honest. An engrossing read that you won’t want to put down!
August 15, 2018
I really enjoyed The Other Twin by Lucy V Hay and so was quite looking forward to her new book Do No Harm. This is a truly terrifying psychological thriller, that messed with my head almost as much as the events that occurred affected Lily. Right from the first few pages, the desperation of Lily’s stalker felt oppressive, with the madness that develops from such an obsession becoming immediately apparent.
This was a character lead domestic thriller where it was impossible to predict the outcome. I eyed everyone with suspicion as they ALL seemed to have a motive for trying to split up Lily and her new husband Sebastian. But Maxwell especially made my skin crawl as it was his job as a father to protect his son and poor Denny was definitely caught in the crossover between his divorced parents. I wanted things to work out between Lily and Sebastian as he was such an devoted husband and stepfather that their marriage should have been working perfectly. It was all I could do not to shout at them to run away from everything and make a fresh start elsewhere but unfortunately they wouldn’t have been able to hear me!! And anyway, when someone is as disturbed and threatening as their stalker, there is no hiding place on earth that would be safe.
I adored this book. It was so wonderful for me to be able to pick up a book and have no idea what was going to happen! There were so many twists and turns that I was dizzy with delight when all the reveals came together. Some I admit that I did expect but others came as a huge shock to me! The creativity of the storyline felt fresh and exciting from start to finish with a true rollercoaster of emotional responses from me all the way throughout this book and I loved it.
Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers.
This was a character lead domestic thriller where it was impossible to predict the outcome. I eyed everyone with suspicion as they ALL seemed to have a motive for trying to split up Lily and her new husband Sebastian. But Maxwell especially made my skin crawl as it was his job as a father to protect his son and poor Denny was definitely caught in the crossover between his divorced parents. I wanted things to work out between Lily and Sebastian as he was such an devoted husband and stepfather that their marriage should have been working perfectly. It was all I could do not to shout at them to run away from everything and make a fresh start elsewhere but unfortunately they wouldn’t have been able to hear me!! And anyway, when someone is as disturbed and threatening as their stalker, there is no hiding place on earth that would be safe.
I adored this book. It was so wonderful for me to be able to pick up a book and have no idea what was going to happen! There were so many twists and turns that I was dizzy with delight when all the reveals came together. Some I admit that I did expect but others came as a huge shock to me! The creativity of the storyline felt fresh and exciting from start to finish with a true rollercoaster of emotional responses from me all the way throughout this book and I loved it.
Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers.
August 12, 2018
Do No Harm is the follow-up novel to the excellent The Other Twin and is one of the more malevolent novels I have read. From the opening chapters you could see the venomous thoughts and the wish that the marriage between Lily and Sebastian would fail.
The narrative comes from Lily, Sebastian, and an unknown narrator. You read about how happy Lily is to get away from her controlling ex husband Maxwell, how Sebastian wants to do the best he can for Lily and her son Denny, and how all the unknown narrator wants is for the marriage to fail. I changed my mind constantly about who this person could be. The only two I didn’t suspect were Lily, because it was so evident that it couldn’t be her, and Denny because he was only six years old. These two were also the most likeable in the novel.
At times I found it very unsettling, more so at the beginning when the unexplained events were less life threatening and more mind games. The acts that involved Denny left me feeling tense. Anybody who could manipulate a situation that could cause anxiety to a six year old child must have no remorse or compassion.
I did eventually realise who was responsible quite late on in the novel, I have to admit I was convinced it was somebody else. Obviously I can’t say who.
A brilliant, even though disturbing novel that I recommend highly.
The narrative comes from Lily, Sebastian, and an unknown narrator. You read about how happy Lily is to get away from her controlling ex husband Maxwell, how Sebastian wants to do the best he can for Lily and her son Denny, and how all the unknown narrator wants is for the marriage to fail. I changed my mind constantly about who this person could be. The only two I didn’t suspect were Lily, because it was so evident that it couldn’t be her, and Denny because he was only six years old. These two were also the most likeable in the novel.
At times I found it very unsettling, more so at the beginning when the unexplained events were less life threatening and more mind games. The acts that involved Denny left me feeling tense. Anybody who could manipulate a situation that could cause anxiety to a six year old child must have no remorse or compassion.
I did eventually realise who was responsible quite late on in the novel, I have to admit I was convinced it was somebody else. Obviously I can’t say who.
A brilliant, even though disturbing novel that I recommend highly.
July 18, 2018
This is one of those slow burn books that you think you have all figured out & then BAM-all is not how it seemed! You can’t quite guess which snarling character is actually “the bad guy” and it’s a roller coaster ride to the finish.
Thanks to Orenda for this copy:)
Thanks to Orenda for this copy:)
January 28, 2019
This book is engaging, absorbing and crisp. The author manages to tell a gripping tale succinctly. I can’t appreciate enough how the author had managed to keep this book short yet delivers many twists without leaving gaping plot holes.
Do No Harm is a domestic noir and leads you down a dark twisted path. Having read many books in this genre, I had a good guess at what was going on. I had my suspicions early on and while they were not 100% correct they were fairly close. When I started reading the diary entires and messages initially I thought I knew who was writing them and who was being addressed, but there were many small details in there that threw me off and made me second guess myself. The plot truly makes you wonder and reconsider what you think you know of the human psyche.
As a reader it present you with a well rounded view of what is going on but you can clearly see that the couple of question do not have this benefit. Their life is unraveling and there is not much they can do about it. It goes on to show you how dangerous an obsession can become and how the lines of loyalty are blurred when someone gets obsessed. The multiple POVs makes you wonder what is going on and you begin to suspect every single character. You try and deduce who is trying to split this couple up and everyone is a suspect. The relationship almost seems doomed from get go and while you want the couple to make better choices you can completely understand why they don’t. It’s very realistic.
The book is unsettling and taut psychological thriller. The ending has a good twist but it made me sad. Highly recommend this fast paced, hard to put down, mess with your head thriller.
Thank you NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Orenda Books for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley, #DoNoHarm
Also shared on: https://romasharma.blogspot.com
Do No Harm is a domestic noir and leads you down a dark twisted path. Having read many books in this genre, I had a good guess at what was going on. I had my suspicions early on and while they were not 100% correct they were fairly close. When I started reading the diary entires and messages initially I thought I knew who was writing them and who was being addressed, but there were many small details in there that threw me off and made me second guess myself. The plot truly makes you wonder and reconsider what you think you know of the human psyche.
As a reader it present you with a well rounded view of what is going on but you can clearly see that the couple of question do not have this benefit. Their life is unraveling and there is not much they can do about it. It goes on to show you how dangerous an obsession can become and how the lines of loyalty are blurred when someone gets obsessed. The multiple POVs makes you wonder what is going on and you begin to suspect every single character. You try and deduce who is trying to split this couple up and everyone is a suspect. The relationship almost seems doomed from get go and while you want the couple to make better choices you can completely understand why they don’t. It’s very realistic.
The book is unsettling and taut psychological thriller. The ending has a good twist but it made me sad. Highly recommend this fast paced, hard to put down, mess with your head thriller.
Thank you NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Orenda Books for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley, #DoNoHarm
Also shared on: https://romasharma.blogspot.com
July 31, 2018
(rounded up from 4.5)
The story begins with Lily and Sebastian’s wedding after a whirlwind romance, followed by an exotic honeymoon in Mauritius but the second they return everything starts to go wrong…
Wow this is one of those books that I got so absorbed in that hours could pass and I didn’t even notice.
The first book I read by Lucy V Hay was very different to this one but like Proof Positive I still found myself pulled in by the characters, I got slightly too emotionally involved to be honest!
Sebastian and Lily are quite normal characters, both teachers, you know someone you might pass in the street. Both have baggage, Lily, her possessive ex Maxwell and her BBF Triss and Sebastian his mother who he seems to have quite a complicated relationship with. Lily’s six year old son adds another layer to the story, he also has issues with Sebastian's and Lily’s marriage and starts wetting the bed. So many things go wrong for them throughout the story, it could even test a couple that had been together longer than they had.
I did start to get a little frustrated with the characters and their decisions as the end neared and I’m still not sure whether I liked the ending or not but I can’t stop thinking about it!
Overall Do No Harm is an original and engrossing novel that you won’t forget once you’ve read it.
The story begins with Lily and Sebastian’s wedding after a whirlwind romance, followed by an exotic honeymoon in Mauritius but the second they return everything starts to go wrong…
Wow this is one of those books that I got so absorbed in that hours could pass and I didn’t even notice.
The first book I read by Lucy V Hay was very different to this one but like Proof Positive I still found myself pulled in by the characters, I got slightly too emotionally involved to be honest!
Sebastian and Lily are quite normal characters, both teachers, you know someone you might pass in the street. Both have baggage, Lily, her possessive ex Maxwell and her BBF Triss and Sebastian his mother who he seems to have quite a complicated relationship with. Lily’s six year old son adds another layer to the story, he also has issues with Sebastian's and Lily’s marriage and starts wetting the bed. So many things go wrong for them throughout the story, it could even test a couple that had been together longer than they had.
I did start to get a little frustrated with the characters and their decisions as the end neared and I’m still not sure whether I liked the ending or not but I can’t stop thinking about it!
Overall Do No Harm is an original and engrossing novel that you won’t forget once you’ve read it.
July 25, 2018
This is the second book I have read by L V Hay, the first, The Other Twin examines sexuality and the power of social media whereas Do No Harm examines marriage, coercive control and the pitfalls of parenting after the breakdown of a relationship. Like The Other Twin I found Do No Harm to be a clever, suspenseful page-turner of a book.
Lily and Sebastian’s wedding day should be a happy one, however there is the spectre of her ex-husband Maxwell looming over proceedings. There is a pre-arranged time for him to collect his and Lily’s son Denny from the wedding venue however he is there hours too early, sat in his expensive car watching the wedding take place. He was a cruel husband to Lily and even though she nor Sebastian trust Maxwell they both believe that he should be involved in Denny’s life. It is this small chink of light that Maxwell clings to and what follows is a cat and mouse game where he tries in any way he can to get his family back together.
L V Hay can really write people and cleverly uses her characters to throw you firmly off kilter. Maxwell is the perfect antagonist – smooth, incredibly attractive, wealthy, powerful, successful and trustworthy but with an undertone of menace that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. If he were to describe himself he would say he is kind (he’s an oncologist after all) and loving (he misses Lily and adores Denny) but there is something insidious about him. I loved the contrast between Maxwell and Sebastian, a man who actually is kind and loving and an all round good egg. They are two complete opposites but on the surface have similar values which I found really interesting to read about.
This is an intricately plotted book which uses some clever narrative devices to keep the reader intrigued. I was wrong-footed on several occasions and incredibly smug when I thought I had figured it all out only to realise that I was drastically wrong. The writing is skilled and suspense is built so gradually that I didn’t know who to believe.
At its heart this is a book about revenge and obsession and the lengths that people will go to to, in their opinion, right a wrong. It is SO creepy and with only a handful of characters incredibly claustrophobic making it a tense read. I loved that I didn’t quite trust any of the characters and how dark it was at times without it being particularly violent or bloody. The hints of menace were superb and really showed how devastating obsessive behaviour can be. Fabulous.
L V Hay is the Queen of writing contemporary crime fiction with a thoroughly modern bent and Do No Harm is a compelling read. I gobbled it up.
Lily and Sebastian’s wedding day should be a happy one, however there is the spectre of her ex-husband Maxwell looming over proceedings. There is a pre-arranged time for him to collect his and Lily’s son Denny from the wedding venue however he is there hours too early, sat in his expensive car watching the wedding take place. He was a cruel husband to Lily and even though she nor Sebastian trust Maxwell they both believe that he should be involved in Denny’s life. It is this small chink of light that Maxwell clings to and what follows is a cat and mouse game where he tries in any way he can to get his family back together.
L V Hay can really write people and cleverly uses her characters to throw you firmly off kilter. Maxwell is the perfect antagonist – smooth, incredibly attractive, wealthy, powerful, successful and trustworthy but with an undertone of menace that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. If he were to describe himself he would say he is kind (he’s an oncologist after all) and loving (he misses Lily and adores Denny) but there is something insidious about him. I loved the contrast between Maxwell and Sebastian, a man who actually is kind and loving and an all round good egg. They are two complete opposites but on the surface have similar values which I found really interesting to read about.
This is an intricately plotted book which uses some clever narrative devices to keep the reader intrigued. I was wrong-footed on several occasions and incredibly smug when I thought I had figured it all out only to realise that I was drastically wrong. The writing is skilled and suspense is built so gradually that I didn’t know who to believe.
At its heart this is a book about revenge and obsession and the lengths that people will go to to, in their opinion, right a wrong. It is SO creepy and with only a handful of characters incredibly claustrophobic making it a tense read. I loved that I didn’t quite trust any of the characters and how dark it was at times without it being particularly violent or bloody. The hints of menace were superb and really showed how devastating obsessive behaviour can be. Fabulous.
L V Hay is the Queen of writing contemporary crime fiction with a thoroughly modern bent and Do No Harm is a compelling read. I gobbled it up.
September 6, 2018
Ex husband Maxwell is not making life easy for teacher Lily and her new husband Sebastian.
If he isn’t condescending, arrogant or abusive, he is playing mind games using their son Denny as a pawn, to break up their marriage and win his family back.
The mind games get more involving, putting the family’s livlihood at risk finally coming to a head, and descending into violence, deception, and heartbreak.
“A good plot that starts mildly, and descends into a dark cringeworthy place, where friends and relatives deceive, and nobody trusts anybody, with an shocking ending i never expected!!”
If he isn’t condescending, arrogant or abusive, he is playing mind games using their son Denny as a pawn, to break up their marriage and win his family back.
The mind games get more involving, putting the family’s livlihood at risk finally coming to a head, and descending into violence, deception, and heartbreak.
“A good plot that starts mildly, and descends into a dark cringeworthy place, where friends and relatives deceive, and nobody trusts anybody, with an shocking ending i never expected!!”
July 19, 2018
When I read L V Hay's debut thriller, The Other Twin, last year it completely blew me away so I was very excited when I saw that there was a new book coming out. As soon as I jumped into DO NO HARM I knew that this story was going to be a cracker but nothing prepared me for the utterly terrifying, disturbing, and shocking drama that was waiting to unfold.
Lily and her little boy have finally found their happily ever after with Sebastian and getting married is the icing on the cake. Having suffered at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, Maxwell, for years, gentle, kind, and considerate Sebastian is everything that he is not. It is time for a fresh start and Lily cannot wait. But what happens when the past refuses to be left behind ...
Dark, twisted, and utterly spine-chilling, DO NO HARM by L V Hay is a forceful story about love and obsession that will leave you gasping for breath. The characters are compelling, engaging, and masterful and the pace is perfect as there are no flat moments to be found.
I didn't think that any story could beat L V Hay's debut but I have to admit that DO NO HARM pips it for me and to be honest, is sitting pretty on the top of my list for the best psychological thriller this year.
If you love thrillers then there is no question that you must read this book - I'm almost envious of those who get to read this story for the first time as it really is that superb!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
Lily and her little boy have finally found their happily ever after with Sebastian and getting married is the icing on the cake. Having suffered at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, Maxwell, for years, gentle, kind, and considerate Sebastian is everything that he is not. It is time for a fresh start and Lily cannot wait. But what happens when the past refuses to be left behind ...
Dark, twisted, and utterly spine-chilling, DO NO HARM by L V Hay is a forceful story about love and obsession that will leave you gasping for breath. The characters are compelling, engaging, and masterful and the pace is perfect as there are no flat moments to be found.
I didn't think that any story could beat L V Hay's debut but I have to admit that DO NO HARM pips it for me and to be honest, is sitting pretty on the top of my list for the best psychological thriller this year.
If you love thrillers then there is no question that you must read this book - I'm almost envious of those who get to read this story for the first time as it really is that superb!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
August 4, 2018
3.5 stars for this gripping psychological thriller.
At first, I didn't really connect with the writing style, finding a lot of the dialogue a bit forced. However, I soon became gripped by the exciting plot. The short chapters made for a great fast-paced read and the tension was truly palpable.
The author did a great job of making sure none of the characters could be trusted; everyone was a suspect! I loved the use of red herrings/misdirection and enjoyed the shock moments (of which there were plenty!) I will say that I found a couple of things quite triggering but overall, this was a fun, fast read!
I will be reviewing this one in full on August 10th as part of the Do No Harm blog tour.
At first, I didn't really connect with the writing style, finding a lot of the dialogue a bit forced. However, I soon became gripped by the exciting plot. The short chapters made for a great fast-paced read and the tension was truly palpable.
The author did a great job of making sure none of the characters could be trusted; everyone was a suspect! I loved the use of red herrings/misdirection and enjoyed the shock moments (of which there were plenty!) I will say that I found a couple of things quite triggering but overall, this was a fun, fast read!
I will be reviewing this one in full on August 10th as part of the Do No Harm blog tour.
July 23, 2018
Gripping stuff even if I sort of rumbled who was responsible if not why or how. Full review to follow as part of the blog tour at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk
September 11, 2018
Lucy Hay is a one of the cleverest writers of domestic noir out there. She neatly offers us just enough characters and then slowly she messes with our heads until we have suspected every one of them at least once – and sometimes twice!
For Lily it is a second marriage. Sebastian is all she needs in a husband; loving, kind and it doesn’t hurt that he has a good, stable job as Headmaster in the local school where Lily also teaches.
Lily and Sebastian won’t be having a grand wedding, but Lily doesn’t care, she is just looking forward to starting her new, happy life. She won’t even let Maxwell’s lurking presence spoil her day. He is the father to their son, Denny, and though he’s not due to pick him up for another hour or so, he’s sitting in the car park in his flash consultant oncologist’s car, just waiting and watching.
Maxwell is everything that Sebastian is not. Outwardly attractive, smooth and doing an incredibly important job, he is also controlling and just a bit cold and scary when he wants to be. He never wanted to give Lily up, despite his philandering and he has nothing but contempt for her new husband, Sebastian.
Fortunately, after a few last minute panics, the wedding passes off well and the happy couple fly off to Mauritius for a week of blissful honeymooning. Ah, but that bliss is to be all too short lived. As soon as they arrive back, all the calm and happiness they had experienced disappears in a welter of petty disasters.
Told in three voices, first person Lily and third person Sebastian, there’s another first person voice that we don’t identify until late in the book.
Together with Triss, Lily’s longstanding best friend and Fran, Sebastian’s mother, this is our cast of principal characters. Yet this book is so beautifully crafted, so elegantly and intricately plotted that the reader is left counting their toes when they have, once more, been wrong-footed by the excellent story arc.
A close domestic drama, Do No Harm is at once thrilling and suspenseful whilst infusing a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation into the mix. Coercive control, trust, the difficulties of separate parenting all have a part to play in this clever, twisty novel.
Lucy Hay’s characters are well formed and believable and the small but deadly acts that slowly attack this marriage are at once petty and manageable, yet at the same time, cruel and cumulatively horrendous.
This is very skillful storytelling and I was blown away by its power and its ability to misdirect and deflect.
Verdict: a deeply chilling, clever and tension filled domestic noir.
For Lily it is a second marriage. Sebastian is all she needs in a husband; loving, kind and it doesn’t hurt that he has a good, stable job as Headmaster in the local school where Lily also teaches.
Lily and Sebastian won’t be having a grand wedding, but Lily doesn’t care, she is just looking forward to starting her new, happy life. She won’t even let Maxwell’s lurking presence spoil her day. He is the father to their son, Denny, and though he’s not due to pick him up for another hour or so, he’s sitting in the car park in his flash consultant oncologist’s car, just waiting and watching.
Maxwell is everything that Sebastian is not. Outwardly attractive, smooth and doing an incredibly important job, he is also controlling and just a bit cold and scary when he wants to be. He never wanted to give Lily up, despite his philandering and he has nothing but contempt for her new husband, Sebastian.
Fortunately, after a few last minute panics, the wedding passes off well and the happy couple fly off to Mauritius for a week of blissful honeymooning. Ah, but that bliss is to be all too short lived. As soon as they arrive back, all the calm and happiness they had experienced disappears in a welter of petty disasters.
Told in three voices, first person Lily and third person Sebastian, there’s another first person voice that we don’t identify until late in the book.
Together with Triss, Lily’s longstanding best friend and Fran, Sebastian’s mother, this is our cast of principal characters. Yet this book is so beautifully crafted, so elegantly and intricately plotted that the reader is left counting their toes when they have, once more, been wrong-footed by the excellent story arc.
A close domestic drama, Do No Harm is at once thrilling and suspenseful whilst infusing a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation into the mix. Coercive control, trust, the difficulties of separate parenting all have a part to play in this clever, twisty novel.
Lucy Hay’s characters are well formed and believable and the small but deadly acts that slowly attack this marriage are at once petty and manageable, yet at the same time, cruel and cumulatively horrendous.
This is very skillful storytelling and I was blown away by its power and its ability to misdirect and deflect.
Verdict: a deeply chilling, clever and tension filled domestic noir.
July 18, 2018
First of all, thank you so much to Anne Cater for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and to the always fabulous Orenda Books for providing me with a copy of Do No Harm in exchange for an honest review. I'm adoring the new wave of psychological/domestic thrillers that are coming out at the moment and although sometimes I worry that they're going to be too similar, so far I haven't found any yet that aren't both unique and thrilling reads. This is definitely the case with Do No Harm, it has so much to recommend it - a compelling, twisty plot, fascinating and very readable characters and of course, those unexpected moments (I call them "gasp out louds") that cement the book in your memory and make it more likely you'll remember the story months down the line.
This is the story of a marriage, as you might have guessed. Actually, hang on a second, this is the story of TWO marriages. We have our main female lead, Lily and her new husband Sebastian who have recently married and are attempting to achieve full wedded bliss but are being hampered slightly (understatement of the year!) by the spectre of Lily's previous marriage with ex-husband, the very intense Maxwell. Lily and Maxwell both share a son and although they share custody fairly amicably, the boy becomes a perfect pawn for both finding out what is going on in the newlyweds' household and manipulating that situation for some other, more venomous motives. Lily and Sebastian are desperate to enjoy their new life as man and wife and Sebastian, to forge a relationship with his stepson but it's not long before the cracks start to show and the family are at breaking point. However, what they don't realise is exactly how out of hand and dangerous their lives are about to get.
Do No Harm is a gripping tale where you really never know what's coming next. I've read so many novels in this genre and I can't help myself trying to predict what's going to happen but with this novel? I failed miserably. I kept thinking I had figured it all out and feeling quite smug and clever then my bubble was well and truly burst when L V Hay pulled that metaphorical rug right out from under me and completely twisted everything round beyond all recognition. I thought it was going to be obvious. It's not obvious. I thought it was going to be predictable. Nope, definitely not predictable. I love when an author surprises me and refuses to submit to a cliché and Do No Harm does this time and time again. I've also had the misfortune to be in an obsessive, negative and manipulative relationship and the author describes the uncomfortable, confusing nature of this perfectly. Expect the unexpected with this exciting novel and just enjoy being taken along for a ride where ANYTHING could happen.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
This is the story of a marriage, as you might have guessed. Actually, hang on a second, this is the story of TWO marriages. We have our main female lead, Lily and her new husband Sebastian who have recently married and are attempting to achieve full wedded bliss but are being hampered slightly (understatement of the year!) by the spectre of Lily's previous marriage with ex-husband, the very intense Maxwell. Lily and Maxwell both share a son and although they share custody fairly amicably, the boy becomes a perfect pawn for both finding out what is going on in the newlyweds' household and manipulating that situation for some other, more venomous motives. Lily and Sebastian are desperate to enjoy their new life as man and wife and Sebastian, to forge a relationship with his stepson but it's not long before the cracks start to show and the family are at breaking point. However, what they don't realise is exactly how out of hand and dangerous their lives are about to get.
Do No Harm is a gripping tale where you really never know what's coming next. I've read so many novels in this genre and I can't help myself trying to predict what's going to happen but with this novel? I failed miserably. I kept thinking I had figured it all out and feeling quite smug and clever then my bubble was well and truly burst when L V Hay pulled that metaphorical rug right out from under me and completely twisted everything round beyond all recognition. I thought it was going to be obvious. It's not obvious. I thought it was going to be predictable. Nope, definitely not predictable. I love when an author surprises me and refuses to submit to a cliché and Do No Harm does this time and time again. I've also had the misfortune to be in an obsessive, negative and manipulative relationship and the author describes the uncomfortable, confusing nature of this perfectly. Expect the unexpected with this exciting novel and just enjoy being taken along for a ride where ANYTHING could happen.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
August 4, 2018
L. V. Hay is back with her latest psychological thriller, Do No Harm. This is one of the books I have been highly anticipating this year following her scorching debut, The Other Twin.
Do No Harm follows Lily as she and her son embark on a new life with partner Sebastian. Sebastian is the absolute antithesis of her ex-husband, the possessive Maxwell, and life should be plain sailing and happy. However, Maxwell has decided that Lily and their son should still be with him.
Sounds like your average domestic noir, right? Wrong! Hay takes the domestic noir, shakes it up and turns it completely on its head. Do No Harm is more twisty than a slinky toy and as unpredictable in which direction it is going to take.
Do No Harm is skilfully written as Hay has cleverly weaved a plot that keeps the reader totally on the back foot when it comes to trying to work out what is going to happen. My theories were completely blown out of the water every time. The twists and turns are cleverly executed and utterly chilling. Hay has a way of building the tension to the point that when you finally reach the crescendo you feel as wrung out as the poor characters involved.
Using first and third person narrative to convey Lily and Sebastian, we are given unique access to the thoughts and views of those closely involved. The characterisation is totally on point and I couldn’t help but become totally immersed in the lives of Lily and Sebastian. It’s clichéd to say, but Do No Harm is unputdownable.
Hay will make you look at love in a whole new way. In Do No Harm, the concept of love is portrayed via those whose interpretation of what love is is totally skewed, and the result is a clever, chilling and utterly unnerving thriller. In Do No Harm, Hay takes the shock factor you expect in a psychological thriller and increases it by a hundred. One of the must-read thrillers of 2018.
Do No Harm follows Lily as she and her son embark on a new life with partner Sebastian. Sebastian is the absolute antithesis of her ex-husband, the possessive Maxwell, and life should be plain sailing and happy. However, Maxwell has decided that Lily and their son should still be with him.
Sounds like your average domestic noir, right? Wrong! Hay takes the domestic noir, shakes it up and turns it completely on its head. Do No Harm is more twisty than a slinky toy and as unpredictable in which direction it is going to take.
Do No Harm is skilfully written as Hay has cleverly weaved a plot that keeps the reader totally on the back foot when it comes to trying to work out what is going to happen. My theories were completely blown out of the water every time. The twists and turns are cleverly executed and utterly chilling. Hay has a way of building the tension to the point that when you finally reach the crescendo you feel as wrung out as the poor characters involved.
Using first and third person narrative to convey Lily and Sebastian, we are given unique access to the thoughts and views of those closely involved. The characterisation is totally on point and I couldn’t help but become totally immersed in the lives of Lily and Sebastian. It’s clichéd to say, but Do No Harm is unputdownable.
Hay will make you look at love in a whole new way. In Do No Harm, the concept of love is portrayed via those whose interpretation of what love is is totally skewed, and the result is a clever, chilling and utterly unnerving thriller. In Do No Harm, Hay takes the shock factor you expect in a psychological thriller and increases it by a hundred. One of the must-read thrillers of 2018.
August 31, 2018
This is the kind of story you resent having to put down, even to eat. It begins with a newly married couple, an ex, a child/step child, a best friend, a mother/mother-in-law and then things start to happen. There’s a deep resentment here, but we don’t know who it’s from, or why, though we can makes some pretty decent guesses. I’ve been wrong before, but rarely so often. If you want a mystery that’ll have you turning pages and stealing time from other jobs, look no further. I really enjoyed this book.
October 23, 2018
I keep getting sucked into domestic thrillers and always end up disappointed. It is not a fun read when the bad guy gives one large speech at the end describing how they destroyed their victims lives step by step. I wanted much more showing than telling.
August 28, 2019
Wow! That was intense, and down right disturbing. Possessive and obsessive tenancies is the theme throughout "Do no Harm" and you don't realise how crazy that can get.
Great book and very addictive. Definitely worth a read.
Great book and very addictive. Definitely worth a read.
November 10, 2024
If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and even questioning yourself what is real, this is for you. Could not put it down.
September 3, 2018
Very food psychological thriller that will have you think you know what’s going on but really you don’t till the end. Book in 4 parts. Part 1 good and sets up the crazy. But Part 2 dragged for me. Parts 3 & 4 fast paced and good !
July 30, 2018
So I still have book hangover on this book, I am still on edge because of this book and I am not sure how much of this will make sense because the author has short-circuited my brain WITH THIS BOOK!
Wow!… I need a moment bear with me…
Ok, let’s try and start! So, Lilly, the leading lady is trying to move on from her crazy ex-husband, and the book starts with her wedding day to her new happiness in the form of Sebastian. She has a son with Maxwell(the crazy ex) and so is tied to him still- which he LOVES! He is always trying for the one-upmanship that male egos love, and tried to drive a wedge between Lilly and Sebastian.
After their wedding, they try to live in marital bliss, this does not last long, Fran the mother in law becomes awkward and then later on ill. Denny, Lilly’s son, goes missing at a school fete, wets the bed and displays so-called behaviour of not accepting Sebastian.. or so we are shown. Maxwell, well Maxwell is just always there, subject to every conversation.
Lilly and Sebastian’s relationship becomes strained, and things go terribly wrong, TERRIBLY wrong, but who is behind it all? Who is telling the truth? Why are you torturing me with all this suspense? (Ok, it’s a nice kind of torture!) and what is going to be done by September?
Not going to lie, when reading this I got cocky and thought I know who it is! Haha, the author knew this would happen, and my god did she play so many tricks on you, that when we had the big sickening reveal, you realise how goddamn good this book is! She never implicated anyone, the wording in this book was open for all the characters to be suspected but she never implicitly marked them out as the one. She tricked me time and time again that I thought my head was spinning (again not like the exorcist) !!
I was hooked from the opening pages (again!) and I even took to Twitter to ask if it was deemed ok to cancel plans with friends in favour of finishing the book..so many naughty people said it was fine lol, I didn’t though! If I could’ve I would’ve! Lucy’s writing is so compelling, she has got the crazy to a tee, the emotion of the characters and all the setups. You need to hold on tight for this crazy rollercoaster!
There is no respite in this book and my god so much I want to say but I can’t for the fear of giving the slightest thing away! So again not sure if it made any sense, I do try to articulate my thought..maybe I need more time but not sure if time will help… I do however need to tell you one thing…you ready…come closer…..
GO AND BUY THE BOOK!!!!
Wow!… I need a moment bear with me…
Ok, let’s try and start! So, Lilly, the leading lady is trying to move on from her crazy ex-husband, and the book starts with her wedding day to her new happiness in the form of Sebastian. She has a son with Maxwell(the crazy ex) and so is tied to him still- which he LOVES! He is always trying for the one-upmanship that male egos love, and tried to drive a wedge between Lilly and Sebastian.
After their wedding, they try to live in marital bliss, this does not last long, Fran the mother in law becomes awkward and then later on ill. Denny, Lilly’s son, goes missing at a school fete, wets the bed and displays so-called behaviour of not accepting Sebastian.. or so we are shown. Maxwell, well Maxwell is just always there, subject to every conversation.
Lilly and Sebastian’s relationship becomes strained, and things go terribly wrong, TERRIBLY wrong, but who is behind it all? Who is telling the truth? Why are you torturing me with all this suspense? (Ok, it’s a nice kind of torture!) and what is going to be done by September?
Not going to lie, when reading this I got cocky and thought I know who it is! Haha, the author knew this would happen, and my god did she play so many tricks on you, that when we had the big sickening reveal, you realise how goddamn good this book is! She never implicated anyone, the wording in this book was open for all the characters to be suspected but she never implicitly marked them out as the one. She tricked me time and time again that I thought my head was spinning (again not like the exorcist) !!
I was hooked from the opening pages (again!) and I even took to Twitter to ask if it was deemed ok to cancel plans with friends in favour of finishing the book..so many naughty people said it was fine lol, I didn’t though! If I could’ve I would’ve! Lucy’s writing is so compelling, she has got the crazy to a tee, the emotion of the characters and all the setups. You need to hold on tight for this crazy rollercoaster!
There is no respite in this book and my god so much I want to say but I can’t for the fear of giving the slightest thing away! So again not sure if it made any sense, I do try to articulate my thought..maybe I need more time but not sure if time will help… I do however need to tell you one thing…you ready…come closer…..
GO AND BUY THE BOOK!!!!
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