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The Truth Waits
Anna has everything worked out – a successful company, all the comforts she needs and no ties. But when she stumbles across the body of a young girl on a deserted beach in Lithuania, everything changes.
Anna is compelled to uncover the story behind the tragedy, despite concern from her partner, Will. Everything points towards sex trafficking, but as she searches, her own deepest secrets start to surface.
Anna is compelled to uncover the story behind the tragedy, despite concern from her partner, Will. Everything points towards sex trafficking, but as she searches, her own deepest secrets start to surface.
When Will disappears without a trace, Anna is pulled further into the murky world of organised crime. Time is running out for them all, and there’s a killer out there who will stop at nothing.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
610 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 23, 2018
I read lots of thrillers. And I remember reading this authors very first debut book and loving it.
I get so nervous when that happens if the debut is so dam good I don’t want to read the next publication they release or they could burst my bubble.
Or, they could blow me away again.
This story starts off well, a body found on a beach.
It’s apparent straight away that I’m going to be wondering all the way through who this dead persons body is.
To be fair, that’s the thing that kept me reading onwards to find out.
I felt the story lost its thread here and there and the author chasing to find the end and knit them altogether. Which she did beautifully.
There were some down time moments where I found I was less eager to pick up my kindle and other times when I resented putting it down as I was so engrossed.
I just wish it kept its momentum throughout.
I did enjoy it, it wasn’t a chore. But as I’ve said at the beginning, I read a lot of thrillers. I stated that sentence as it didn’t really stand out from the crowd.
Now this is my point of view. It may not be yours, you may thoroughly enjoy it. And I’m happy, because not all readers get the same vibes. Which make for good book discussion.
November 1, 2018
The Truth Waits, the second psychological thriller from Susanna Beard, is a superbly compelling read, albeit with more substance to it than most which I always appreciate. It is certainly a dark affair and deals with some of the cardinal sins of life - greed, guilt, evil and revenge, but also has a focus on the part love, trust and reconciliation can play in healing a soul. The balance between the light and dark is expertly managed, and luckily, in the end, good triumphs over evil, just as it should.
This is a fast-paced, beautifully written book, with an incredibly likeable protagonist that is the epitome of all that's good in the world. All she wants to do is what's right, unfortunately, this gets her into quite a bit of trouble with organised crime and pits her against those who will do anything to keep their devious and disturbing secrets safe. A captivating and immersive read with an upbeat ending that I didn't at all expect with all of the gangbangers that were hanging around. However, there are quite a few tropes of the genre used here, but if you're looking for an interesting and engaging story that isn't required to be original, then you could do a lot worse than pick this up.
Many thanks to Legend Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fast-paced, beautifully written book, with an incredibly likeable protagonist that is the epitome of all that's good in the world. All she wants to do is what's right, unfortunately, this gets her into quite a bit of trouble with organised crime and pits her against those who will do anything to keep their devious and disturbing secrets safe. A captivating and immersive read with an upbeat ending that I didn't at all expect with all of the gangbangers that were hanging around. However, there are quite a few tropes of the genre used here, but if you're looking for an interesting and engaging story that isn't required to be original, then you could do a lot worse than pick this up.
Many thanks to Legend Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2018
I would like to start off by saying this isn't a psychlogical thriller. This is an international crime thriller. I have to warn you there is international sex/human trafficking involved.
The book starts off with this protagonist who found herself stranded in Lithuania due to the ashes coming from the eruption of a volcano. The planes were grounded for days. She takes a walk along the beach only to find a dead 16 year girl washed ashore. After giving statements to the police, she meets a man younger than her while waiting to fly back to England.
She finally flies back to her home in England only to find that girl in constantly on her mind. She slowly develops a relationship with a journalist she's met back in Lithuania. During the course of their relationship with him, he doesn't want her to get involved with the investigation of the dead teen once she found out sex/human trafficking may be involved. Her co worker, friends, and family don't want her involved. As the story moves on, it turns out that she and the journalist both have dark secrets of their own. The heroine spirals deep into depression along with panic attacks. However, she doesn't give up. The conclusion was good.
It is mostly suspense/mystery, crime, relationships, corruptions, power, guilt, tragedies and trafficking.
The book may be dark but it is interesting even though it started out slow.
I'm going to give it a 3 3/4 stars.
I received this ARC from Legend Press through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you
The book starts off with this protagonist who found herself stranded in Lithuania due to the ashes coming from the eruption of a volcano. The planes were grounded for days. She takes a walk along the beach only to find a dead 16 year girl washed ashore. After giving statements to the police, she meets a man younger than her while waiting to fly back to England.
She finally flies back to her home in England only to find that girl in constantly on her mind. She slowly develops a relationship with a journalist she's met back in Lithuania. During the course of their relationship with him, he doesn't want her to get involved with the investigation of the dead teen once she found out sex/human trafficking may be involved. Her co worker, friends, and family don't want her involved. As the story moves on, it turns out that she and the journalist both have dark secrets of their own. The heroine spirals deep into depression along with panic attacks. However, she doesn't give up. The conclusion was good.
It is mostly suspense/mystery, crime, relationships, corruptions, power, guilt, tragedies and trafficking.
The book may be dark but it is interesting even though it started out slow.
I'm going to give it a 3 3/4 stars.
I received this ARC from Legend Press through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you
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December 13, 2018
Gritty crime drama set in Lithuania. A dead body on the beach and themes of sex trafficking takes the reader to some dark places. It's sadly relelvant to news today and uncovers lots of emotions!
Author Susanna spoke of the research she did for this novel here
BookTrail the locations here!
December 22, 2018
An entertaining crime thriller packed with suspense, 'The Truth Waits' had me gripped throughout and one thread of the story kept me guessing right to the end.
Anna, was a well written and likeable protagonist. A strong businesswoman with a secret in her past who stumbles across the dead body of a young girl in Lithuania and feels compelled to investigate how she died. Her actions draw her into the dark world of sex trafficking, and she soon doesn't know who she can trust in her pursuit for the truth. A neat conclusion rounded off this very good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna, was a well written and likeable protagonist. A strong businesswoman with a secret in her past who stumbles across the dead body of a young girl in Lithuania and feels compelled to investigate how she died. Her actions draw her into the dark world of sex trafficking, and she soon doesn't know who she can trust in her pursuit for the truth. A neat conclusion rounded off this very good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
The blurb of this novel immediately intrigued me; a successful 45-year-old woman, Anna, is in Lithuania when she discovers the body of a 16-year-old girl washed up on the beach. Unnerved and unable to get the image of the girl... read the full review here: https://www.amybucklesbookshelf.co.uk...
October 31, 2018
I just love locations that are off the beaten path. This book made me look up Lithuania, a setting I have never read about before. I wish there had been more information like history or topography in the book. Not sure I ever really bought into the romance, but it seemed to work for how things worked out. I will be looking for more books by Susanna Beard.
October 5, 2022
This was really quite terrible. I got it from my box of stories 3 monthly box and I’m not impressed. The story was a slow burn, main character was dull and so many pointless plot points!
December 6, 2018
I read Dare To Remember that I enjoyed, but I must say that my favourite read that is the newest book The Truth Wait. A young girl of only sixteen had been found on a deserted beach, with the cause of death to be established. Here a terrible crime has been committed, but who could have done such a wicked thing in killing a young sixteen year old. if you would like to check out Susanna Beard she writes for Legend Press.
August 17, 2019
The synopsis of Anna finding the body of a 16 year old girl in Lithuania and then trying to find out what happens intrigued me. The book began well and I was interested to find out about Will’s shady dealings. Will and his antics kept me reading to be honest. The plot jumped around a bit
It was overall well written and I enjoyed the plot although for me it was an average read.
It was overall well written and I enjoyed the plot although for me it was an average read.
October 22, 2018
This was a good read! Slow starting out but got more intense the more you read. Anna on business in a country known for trafficking young girls stumbles upon a dead body on a deserted beach. When the case goes cold Anna becomes obsessed and decides to delve deeper on her own
December 31, 2018
Review to come November 2nd as part of the blog tour organised by the publisher.
June 16, 2022
Very lackluster. Writing was rudimentary. Nothing exceptional about the book.
April 7, 2023
An OK story, although some parts were a little unbelievable. There also wasn't any real surprise in the ending
December 3, 2018
In her latest novel ‘The Truth Waits’, Susanna Beard has used the emotive subject of sex trafficking to create a gripping tale of secret guilt, trust, revenge and retribution.
Set against an actual event in Iceland, where ash from a volcanic eruption disrupted air travel across the UK and Europe, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded, the story centres round Anna Dent, a 45-year-old divorcee who runs an on-line business selling linen products. However, although Anna is content with her successful and independent lifestyle, she harbours a guilty secret, which she has buried deep in the recesses of her mind for the past sixteen years … a secret that is about to resurface and set her on a dangerous path.
With her manufacturers based there, Anna is a frequent visitor to Lithuania, but when the volcano in Iceland erupts, all flights are cancelled and she suddenly finds herself stranded with a group of people she would normally avoid. Irritated by their company, she decides to take a stroll on a nearby deserted beach to gather her thoughts. Lost in her own world, it is only on her way back to the hotel that she stumbles across the dead body of Margryta Simonis, a young girl of sixteen, washed up on the shore and now half buried in sand and seaweed.
Although Anna does not realise it at the time, this gruesome discovery proves to be a catalyst for her deeply buried guilt to re-emerge from the depths of her subconscious mind. As a result, she experiences an irrational feeling of responsibility to find out what happened to Margryta and subsequently becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth for herself – in direct contravention of the police’s warning to keep away from the murder investigation. It is a decision that is destined to bring her into contact with a dark and murky world, run by extremely ruthless and violent criminals, ultimately putting her own life at risk.
The situation is further complicated by her blossoming relationship with Will Russell, a young travel journalist she meets at the hotel. Several years her junior, Will is an enigma to Anna as he constantly disappears for weeks at a time on so called assignments, leaving Anna to wonder about the true reasons for his long absences. Although she questions the wisdom of a liaison with a younger man, she nevertheless finds herself falling in love with him. Unfortunately, by doing so, Anna is then forced to confront the reason behind her deep-seated guilt and the break up of her marriage.
Masterfully crafted by Beard, ‘The Truth Waits’ is a compelling story that builds in both tension and intrigue as Anna struggles with the gradual realisation that the unforgivable mistakes of her past could have a disastrous effect on her future with Will. However, when he suddenly disappears without a trace and the police start to question her about his whereabouts and the company he keeps, a new dilemma presents itself as Anna is also forced to face up to the awful possibility that Will may somehow be connected with Margryta’s murder.
At times it is hard to understand why Anna would want to put herself in danger on behalf of a girl she neither knew nor had any connection with – a question also put to her by Will. However, as the many threads of the story begin to come together and the truth is gradually revealed, the reason for her irrational behaviour becomes apparent. As other revelations also come to light and the story escalates towards its exciting conclusion, the ending will have you holding your breath.
Set against an actual event in Iceland, where ash from a volcanic eruption disrupted air travel across the UK and Europe, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded, the story centres round Anna Dent, a 45-year-old divorcee who runs an on-line business selling linen products. However, although Anna is content with her successful and independent lifestyle, she harbours a guilty secret, which she has buried deep in the recesses of her mind for the past sixteen years … a secret that is about to resurface and set her on a dangerous path.
With her manufacturers based there, Anna is a frequent visitor to Lithuania, but when the volcano in Iceland erupts, all flights are cancelled and she suddenly finds herself stranded with a group of people she would normally avoid. Irritated by their company, she decides to take a stroll on a nearby deserted beach to gather her thoughts. Lost in her own world, it is only on her way back to the hotel that she stumbles across the dead body of Margryta Simonis, a young girl of sixteen, washed up on the shore and now half buried in sand and seaweed.
Although Anna does not realise it at the time, this gruesome discovery proves to be a catalyst for her deeply buried guilt to re-emerge from the depths of her subconscious mind. As a result, she experiences an irrational feeling of responsibility to find out what happened to Margryta and subsequently becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth for herself – in direct contravention of the police’s warning to keep away from the murder investigation. It is a decision that is destined to bring her into contact with a dark and murky world, run by extremely ruthless and violent criminals, ultimately putting her own life at risk.
The situation is further complicated by her blossoming relationship with Will Russell, a young travel journalist she meets at the hotel. Several years her junior, Will is an enigma to Anna as he constantly disappears for weeks at a time on so called assignments, leaving Anna to wonder about the true reasons for his long absences. Although she questions the wisdom of a liaison with a younger man, she nevertheless finds herself falling in love with him. Unfortunately, by doing so, Anna is then forced to confront the reason behind her deep-seated guilt and the break up of her marriage.
Masterfully crafted by Beard, ‘The Truth Waits’ is a compelling story that builds in both tension and intrigue as Anna struggles with the gradual realisation that the unforgivable mistakes of her past could have a disastrous effect on her future with Will. However, when he suddenly disappears without a trace and the police start to question her about his whereabouts and the company he keeps, a new dilemma presents itself as Anna is also forced to face up to the awful possibility that Will may somehow be connected with Margryta’s murder.
At times it is hard to understand why Anna would want to put herself in danger on behalf of a girl she neither knew nor had any connection with – a question also put to her by Will. However, as the many threads of the story begin to come together and the truth is gradually revealed, the reason for her irrational behaviour becomes apparent. As other revelations also come to light and the story escalates towards its exciting conclusion, the ending will have you holding your breath.
November 13, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.
Anna's very successful business brings her to Lithuania. She has traveled all the way from London and is getting anxious to return home. However, there has been a volcanic eruption and all travel has ceased. So she is stuck. She is trying to make the best of it until at least the airlines are running again.
She decides to take a walk, and when she is near the beach she discovers the body of a young girl. Horrified, she contacts the police right away. They make a quick investigation and ask her a few questions. She gets rather annoyed, however, when she notices that the death of the girl is barely mentioned in the media.
While waiting at the hotel, Anna meets a few people, including Gavin, his wife Charlotte, and a travel journalist named Will. He tells her about some of the articles he's worked on, and he mentions sex trafficking. This is an activity that is prevalent in countries like Lithuania. Due to what Anna has learned from Will, among other things, she wonders if that could have played a role in the young girl's death. If so, why aren't the police doing more?
She decides to investigate things herself, despite being warned by Will and others to leave matters alone. Anna and Will draw closer together, but suddenly Will disappears. Anna starts wondering if he could have a role in the nefarious activities that went on while they were in Lithuania.
This story vacillates between the criminal activity of organized crime, drugs, and the aforementioned sex trafficking. The Truth Waits also delves into the pasts that Anna and Will seek to hide, and deep emotions that affect Anna in several ways. It is quite a compelling, if not often tragic, story. Although it was a stressful read at times, I was pleased with the conclusion.
Many thanks to Legend Press and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
Anna's very successful business brings her to Lithuania. She has traveled all the way from London and is getting anxious to return home. However, there has been a volcanic eruption and all travel has ceased. So she is stuck. She is trying to make the best of it until at least the airlines are running again.
She decides to take a walk, and when she is near the beach she discovers the body of a young girl. Horrified, she contacts the police right away. They make a quick investigation and ask her a few questions. She gets rather annoyed, however, when she notices that the death of the girl is barely mentioned in the media.
While waiting at the hotel, Anna meets a few people, including Gavin, his wife Charlotte, and a travel journalist named Will. He tells her about some of the articles he's worked on, and he mentions sex trafficking. This is an activity that is prevalent in countries like Lithuania. Due to what Anna has learned from Will, among other things, she wonders if that could have played a role in the young girl's death. If so, why aren't the police doing more?
She decides to investigate things herself, despite being warned by Will and others to leave matters alone. Anna and Will draw closer together, but suddenly Will disappears. Anna starts wondering if he could have a role in the nefarious activities that went on while they were in Lithuania.
This story vacillates between the criminal activity of organized crime, drugs, and the aforementioned sex trafficking. The Truth Waits also delves into the pasts that Anna and Will seek to hide, and deep emotions that affect Anna in several ways. It is quite a compelling, if not often tragic, story. Although it was a stressful read at times, I was pleased with the conclusion.
Many thanks to Legend Press and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 4, 2018
Anna is a successful, workaholic business woman who travels to Lithuania frequently for her company.
Due to a volcanic eruption in Finland, her flight home is canceled. The smoke and ash in the air have delayed air travel.
With her free time, she decides to take a long walk on the beach. She starts out with clear weather, but soon the rain pours down and the wind swirls around her. As she struggles to make her way back to the hotel, she looks down at the water's edge and sees something strange. Taking a closer look, she realizes there is a human leg sticking out of the water. Through the downpour, she sees the sightless eyes of a young girl staring up at her.
She makes her way back to the hotel and informs the police what she stumbled upon and they begin investigating.
Before Anna is able to fly home, she meets Will, a travel journalist. There is an immediate attraction. They discuss whether the girl she found could have been caught up in human trafficking, which is prevalent in the area.
Anna is haunted by the girl and begins her own investigation into the death. She gets involved in the sordid world of human trafficking, putting herself in danger.
Is Will an ally, or is he somehow involved in it too? As their relationship deepens, secrets that they both keep will be revealed.
This started a little slow for me, but by the middle of the story the pace really picked up. By the end, I was invested in the characters and anxious to see how things resolved!
Thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Due to a volcanic eruption in Finland, her flight home is canceled. The smoke and ash in the air have delayed air travel.
With her free time, she decides to take a long walk on the beach. She starts out with clear weather, but soon the rain pours down and the wind swirls around her. As she struggles to make her way back to the hotel, she looks down at the water's edge and sees something strange. Taking a closer look, she realizes there is a human leg sticking out of the water. Through the downpour, she sees the sightless eyes of a young girl staring up at her.
She makes her way back to the hotel and informs the police what she stumbled upon and they begin investigating.
Before Anna is able to fly home, she meets Will, a travel journalist. There is an immediate attraction. They discuss whether the girl she found could have been caught up in human trafficking, which is prevalent in the area.
Anna is haunted by the girl and begins her own investigation into the death. She gets involved in the sordid world of human trafficking, putting herself in danger.
Is Will an ally, or is he somehow involved in it too? As their relationship deepens, secrets that they both keep will be revealed.
This started a little slow for me, but by the middle of the story the pace really picked up. By the end, I was invested in the characters and anxious to see how things resolved!
Thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2018
This is a long and difficult journey for Anna. She is in her mid-forties and single. She owns a successful online company that necessitates visits to Lithuania where the factory is.
On one such trip, the volcano in Iceland erupts. Like millions of others, she is stranded until the airlines are flying again. She decides to go nearer the airport and goes for a walk along the beach before setting off. To her horror, she finds the body of a young girl washed up on the beach. Having spoken to the police and accepted the hotel solicitous offerings, she sets off toward the airport,
In her hotel, she meets a brash English couple, Gavin and Charlotte. She stays in the bar with them, to be polite, and are joined by travel writer Will. This moment changes her life.
Through Will, she begins to find out about the sex trafficking that is rife in the eastern block countries. The body that she found on the beach was a 16-year-old Margryta Simonis. She cannot get her out of her mind. The police are saying nothing.
When Will goes back to again for yet another article she doesn't hear anything – for some time. She tries desperately to contact him and goes to great lengths to track him down.
She unwittingly falls herself embroiled in the world of poverty, corruption, and prostitution. A great story.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
On one such trip, the volcano in Iceland erupts. Like millions of others, she is stranded until the airlines are flying again. She decides to go nearer the airport and goes for a walk along the beach before setting off. To her horror, she finds the body of a young girl washed up on the beach. Having spoken to the police and accepted the hotel solicitous offerings, she sets off toward the airport,
In her hotel, she meets a brash English couple, Gavin and Charlotte. She stays in the bar with them, to be polite, and are joined by travel writer Will. This moment changes her life.
Through Will, she begins to find out about the sex trafficking that is rife in the eastern block countries. The body that she found on the beach was a 16-year-old Margryta Simonis. She cannot get her out of her mind. The police are saying nothing.
When Will goes back to again for yet another article she doesn't hear anything – for some time. She tries desperately to contact him and goes to great lengths to track him down.
She unwittingly falls herself embroiled in the world of poverty, corruption, and prostitution. A great story.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
December 2, 2018
Thank you Legend Press for the advance copy of this book, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The story starts with the protagonist, Anna, walking along the beach in winter in Lithuania, where she has been for business and is now delayed by a volcano eruption that has grounded all planes. She comes across the body of a young girl and is greatly affected by the experience.
In Lithuania she begins to suspect that the young girl has been murdered and shares this with some of the people staying in her hotel with her.
Once she is back in Britain, she reconnects with a young journalist, who she feels drawn to. As their relationship progresses she realises that they are both hiding something that connects them to the murder of the young girl and criminal activity in Lithuania.
The plot is interesting, and although the dialogue feels a little forced at times, the reader gets a good sense of the characters. There is a satisfying level of intrigue the whole way through. There is a shocking reality to the subject matter, bringing the issue of child sex trafficking in Eastern Europe to the forefront. It's obviously been very well researched. I found the plot a little predictable at times, and something about the characters didn't ring entirely true. But overall, this is an interesting story.
In Lithuania she begins to suspect that the young girl has been murdered and shares this with some of the people staying in her hotel with her.
Once she is back in Britain, she reconnects with a young journalist, who she feels drawn to. As their relationship progresses she realises that they are both hiding something that connects them to the murder of the young girl and criminal activity in Lithuania.
The plot is interesting, and although the dialogue feels a little forced at times, the reader gets a good sense of the characters. There is a satisfying level of intrigue the whole way through. There is a shocking reality to the subject matter, bringing the issue of child sex trafficking in Eastern Europe to the forefront. It's obviously been very well researched. I found the plot a little predictable at times, and something about the characters didn't ring entirely true. But overall, this is an interesting story.
January 28, 2019
Anna has business interests in Lithuania and gets stuck there when an ash cloud grounds all flights. During her stay,while walking on the beach, she finds the body of a dead young girl. No one has answers for her as to whether the girl was murdered or was it an accident. When she moves hotel she meets Gavin and his wife who are in the same predicament and they introduce her to Will who is also stranded. Over time herself and Will get close but she cannot forget the young girl Margyryta.
After returning home she starts to ask questions and soon learns more about human trafficking in the Eastern European states. Will has come across a lot of these stories in the process of his work as a journalist, including the death of an ex girlfriend Olga. During the story Anna meets a lot of people who know more than they are letting on, including Will!! Then Will goes missing and Anna finds herself deeply embroiled. She comes across Gavin again, what is his story?
I enjoyed this book. The start of the story draws you in. However at time I found Anna very niaive and felt like shouting at her to wake up. It all comes together and along the way we find out a lot about Annas past
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
After returning home she starts to ask questions and soon learns more about human trafficking in the Eastern European states. Will has come across a lot of these stories in the process of his work as a journalist, including the death of an ex girlfriend Olga. During the story Anna meets a lot of people who know more than they are letting on, including Will!! Then Will goes missing and Anna finds herself deeply embroiled. She comes across Gavin again, what is his story?
I enjoyed this book. The start of the story draws you in. However at time I found Anna very niaive and felt like shouting at her to wake up. It all comes together and along the way we find out a lot about Annas past
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 3, 2018
This was my first book by Susanna Beard and I was not disappointed! It started off slow but did not leave my disappointed. I was always left wondering if I really knew what was going on or not. I found myself second guessing myself the whole time I was reading thinking I for sure knew what was happening one chapter and then the next was sure I was wrong.
I enjoy getting to see other parts of the world that aren't often featured in novels. While the subject matter is of a sensitive nature (human traffic and sex traffic market) and may be hard for some to read it was well written about.
There were a few parts of the book that the story seemed to get away from itself that left me a little confused. I am unsure if this was done intentionally by Susanna to indicate the narrators current state of mind. I was satisfied with the way the story wrapped up though and how everything wrapped up. Susanna builds her characters so well and you get to know them so well and begin to feel their feelings and their anxieties.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishes for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
I enjoy getting to see other parts of the world that aren't often featured in novels. While the subject matter is of a sensitive nature (human traffic and sex traffic market) and may be hard for some to read it was well written about.
There were a few parts of the book that the story seemed to get away from itself that left me a little confused. I am unsure if this was done intentionally by Susanna to indicate the narrators current state of mind. I was satisfied with the way the story wrapped up though and how everything wrapped up. Susanna builds her characters so well and you get to know them so well and begin to feel their feelings and their anxieties.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishes for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 7, 2018
Anna finds a teenage girl’s body on the beach in Lithuania while on a business trip to her textile factory. Prevented from leaving by a natural disaster, she meets a journalist named Will, who moves into her carefully constructed life. He and her friends warn her against pursuing the girl’s murder, but her own past urges her on, until she finds herself in danger, and Will is incommunicado. Beard portrays a workaholic with repressed emotions and memories vividly, though Anna seems to throw up a lot and has quite a few anxiety attacks, not to mention the breakdown from grief. The story seems as self-oriented as Anna, focusing on her distress throughout, when it could have explored the horrors of sex trafficking further. Even as Anna is justified in her wavering faith in Will, his character is not developed enough for the reader to make a judgment call either way. Though the story is a good one, it could have given a little more weight toward other characters, and even considered location a main character in its cultural presence, but Anna simply comes across as too neurotic to notice anything else. I was graciously given a digital copy by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 27, 2020
***Before we start I want to mention that this book covers the sex trafficking trade.***
This is my first time venturing onto a Susanna Beard book, the blurb grabbed me instantly And the fact that a body is discovered within the first few chapters is a winner for me!
The story starts off with Anna, stranded in Lithuania thanks to an Ash cloud, a walk along the beach and her whole world stops as she discovers a body of a young teenage girl! How she kept it together is beyond me, she answers the police questions and even socialised at the bar that night…… Me, is be a wreck. At this point I knew I’d like Anna, not all the cards on the table character (I liked that).
For me I enjoy a fast paced book, this one was a bit slower than I’m used to and I felt I was rushing along trying to find out what was happening, so I found myself having to go back and pick up the bits that I missed (totally my fault, I’m just and eager reader).
I loved the plot, the destinations, and little shudders I got from peeking into the sex trafficking trade.
This is my first time venturing onto a Susanna Beard book, the blurb grabbed me instantly And the fact that a body is discovered within the first few chapters is a winner for me!
The story starts off with Anna, stranded in Lithuania thanks to an Ash cloud, a walk along the beach and her whole world stops as she discovers a body of a young teenage girl! How she kept it together is beyond me, she answers the police questions and even socialised at the bar that night…… Me, is be a wreck. At this point I knew I’d like Anna, not all the cards on the table character (I liked that).
For me I enjoy a fast paced book, this one was a bit slower than I’m used to and I felt I was rushing along trying to find out what was happening, so I found myself having to go back and pick up the bits that I missed (totally my fault, I’m just and eager reader).
I loved the plot, the destinations, and little shudders I got from peeking into the sex trafficking trade.
January 18, 2019
The Truth Waits
by Susanna Beard
Legend Press
General Fiction (Adult) , Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Nov 2018
I am am reviewing a copy of The Truth Waits through Legend Press and Netgalle:
Anna believes she has everything, a successful company, all the comforts she needs and no ties. But stumbling across the body of a young girl on a deserted beach in Lithuania, everything changes.
Anna finds the need to uncover the story behind the tragedy, despite concern from her partner, Will. She soon realizing everything points towards sex trafficking, but as she searches her deepest secrets come to the surface.
After Will dissapears without even a trace, Anna is pulled deeper into the murky world of organized crime. Time is running out, will they be able to stop a killer before it’s to late?
I give The Truth Waits five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
January 31, 2024
Having recently read 'Trafficked' which is an autobiographical account of a young English woman being kidnapped and used as a prostitute, this book by Susanna Beard took me back to that story. An English woman Anna Dent on business in Lithuania is stranded by a volcanic ash cloud causing flight cancellations. She meets an obnoxious Brit couple and later a younger man in a hotel bar. Shortly afterwards while walking on a beach she discovers the washed up body of a young female.
There are issues of trust as a new relationship develops and some regrets about her past as Anna can’t let go of wanting to find out how and why the young girl died. The characters are plausible and the plot has a couple of twists. It's an easy holiday read but raises questions about why sex trafficking is still such a problem and what is being done to fight it. Recommended.
There are issues of trust as a new relationship develops and some regrets about her past as Anna can’t let go of wanting to find out how and why the young girl died. The characters are plausible and the plot has a couple of twists. It's an easy holiday read but raises questions about why sex trafficking is still such a problem and what is being done to fight it. Recommended.
May 17, 2021
Blaming and shaming women
I gave this story a 3* rating because the character development and pace was good. I found it offensive that the author wrote about self-loathing, self-incrimination about personal decisions . Women do not need to justify their decisions about reproduction and should be a topic for patient and her medical providers. It is insulting that victims are featured as the justification for the abuser. The author used bandaid where females are emotionally crippled for life. Any time trauma is introduced the author should be cognizant that a traumatized individual deserves therapeutic interventions.
Shaming women after blaming them for the trauma is not acceptable.
I gave this story a 3* rating because the character development and pace was good. I found it offensive that the author wrote about self-loathing, self-incrimination about personal decisions . Women do not need to justify their decisions about reproduction and should be a topic for patient and her medical providers. It is insulting that victims are featured as the justification for the abuser. The author used bandaid where females are emotionally crippled for life. Any time trauma is introduced the author should be cognizant that a traumatized individual deserves therapeutic interventions.
Shaming women after blaming them for the trauma is not acceptable.
April 2, 2022
Wow. Not an easy read, BUT …
… a story that grabbed me and kept me reading, trying to urge and protect Anna. Gentle Will being drawn with such kindness. And the heartbreak of the girl on the beach and others like her.
I appreciated the setting of the time when the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud affected so many people. The description of unfamiliar cities and landscapes had me reading along with Google maps, especially now with the Ukraine-Russia horribleness (2022).
The author did well with setting the research about a crime we all know about, but hardly anybody exposes in journalism. I completely believed the story, the young girls caught up in the web of unscrupulous people.
… a story that grabbed me and kept me reading, trying to urge and protect Anna. Gentle Will being drawn with such kindness. And the heartbreak of the girl on the beach and others like her.
I appreciated the setting of the time when the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud affected so many people. The description of unfamiliar cities and landscapes had me reading along with Google maps, especially now with the Ukraine-Russia horribleness (2022).
The author did well with setting the research about a crime we all know about, but hardly anybody exposes in journalism. I completely believed the story, the young girls caught up in the web of unscrupulous people.
November 13, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this was a well written psychological thriller with some really interesting characters.
The plot was good and well developed, the characters were strong and they worked really well within the plot itself and I thought that the pace was great. The author’s writing style is really suited to this genre.
The suspense builds up slowly and adds to the tense nature of the story, and the book is quite dark in places which I really enjoyed.
Four stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!
I thought that this was a well written psychological thriller with some really interesting characters.
The plot was good and well developed, the characters were strong and they worked really well within the plot itself and I thought that the pace was great. The author’s writing style is really suited to this genre.
The suspense builds up slowly and adds to the tense nature of the story, and the book is quite dark in places which I really enjoyed.
Four stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!
December 15, 2018
Five star thriller! First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book. I could not put this book down, but then there would be a twist, and I'd have to put the book down and catch my breath! Anna is traveling, and goes for a walk on the beach. She comes across the body of a girl at the water's edge. She can't let it go, and continues to check in with police on the status of their investigation. Pretty soon, they are asking her hard questions, and she's having to face that things might not be what she thought they really were..... I just can't recommend this book enough!
May 20, 2021
Fabulous
This is the third boom of hers I have read. It was just great. I shot it on Kind
For unlimited but I will buy it and all her others. I love to reread books I liked....and really enjoy how the story now I know how it ends. One book , about the brother was hard to read because the father was abusive. She is a very good writer...good at descriptions, creating characters, seeing into their hearts.she deserves to be a success. I read a lot of e-books that are good stories, but the writing is ok but not great. A I read a lot of samples where the writing is so trite I can't read them.beard is j just ...fabulous.
This is the third boom of hers I have read. It was just great. I shot it on Kind
For unlimited but I will buy it and all her others. I love to reread books I liked....and really enjoy how the story now I know how it ends. One book , about the brother was hard to read because the father was abusive. She is a very good writer...good at descriptions, creating characters, seeing into their hearts.she deserves to be a success. I read a lot of e-books that are good stories, but the writing is ok but not great. A I read a lot of samples where the writing is so trite I can't read them.beard is j just ...fabulous.
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