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Before I Find You
Maggie is a husband watcher. A snooper, a marriage doctor, a destroyer of dreams, a killer of happy-ever-afters. She runs her own private detective agency specialising in catching out in those who cheat. And she is bloody good at it.
Helene is a husband catcher. A beautiful wife, a doting step-mother, a perfect home maker and a dazzling presence at parties. She has landed herself with one of the most eligible bachelors in town - handsome property developer Gabe Moreau.
Alice is just a teenager. A perfect daughter to Gabe, a kind stepchild to Helene, a tragic girl to a dead mother. She lives a sheltered but happy life, until she finds that handwritten note 'You owe me. I'm not going away.'
All three women suspect Gabe Moreau of keeping secrets and telling lies. But not one of them suspects that these lies could end in cold-blooded murder . . .
Helene is a husband catcher. A beautiful wife, a doting step-mother, a perfect home maker and a dazzling presence at parties. She has landed herself with one of the most eligible bachelors in town - handsome property developer Gabe Moreau.
Alice is just a teenager. A perfect daughter to Gabe, a kind stepchild to Helene, a tragic girl to a dead mother. She lives a sheltered but happy life, until she finds that handwritten note 'You owe me. I'm not going away.'
All three women suspect Gabe Moreau of keeping secrets and telling lies. But not one of them suspects that these lies could end in cold-blooded murder . . .
345 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
82 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Ali Knight
11 books63 followersI'm the author of five psychological thriller novels. The latest, Before I Find You, is a 99p digital special offer. My other books are The Silent Ones, 'Eerie, smart and brutal,' said Heat; Wink Murder, named by The Independent as 'One of their best commercial reads of 2011'; The First Cut, 'One of the top ten crime books to take on holiday,' according to The Telegraph; and Until Death, 'A gripping read,' The Sunday Mirror.
I love reading and writing and getting feedback from readers. I live in London with my husband, kids and a psychotic cat. (Photo: Rankin Photography)
I love reading and writing and getting feedback from readers. I live in London with my husband, kids and a psychotic cat. (Photo: Rankin Photography)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 123 reviews
November 5, 2018
Before I Find You, successful psychological thriller writer Ali Knight's sixth novel to date, is an impeccably paced and exciting affair and was certainly worth waiting for. The story unfurls slowly, pulling the reader this way and then the other with shocking revelations and long-hidden secrets. Knight manages to conjure up a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that had me turning those pages until I had finished it all in one sitting! It crackles with intensity for the duration and is taut and tightly-plotted. Compelling, pacey and with a few heart-in-your-mouth moments, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I have read each of her books and I would say that this is one of her best works to date.
As with all of her other thrillers, Knight's characters are sufficiently developed and memorable. Each is Likeable, believable, but troubled in one way or another. At its core, this novel explores the often life-changing and irreversible consequences of telling lies and that no good will ever come of resorting to avoiding the truth. Told from the perspectives of the three main protagonists - Maggie, Helene and Alice. I tend to read a lot from the crime genre, therefore, it's rare if I am truly shocked by some of the twists, but the ending came from nowhere and completely blindsided me. Bravo, Ms Knight, I appreciated that but did not expect it. If you enjoy your thrillers with lots of red herrings/misdirection, unpredictability and writing that engages you from the first few pages and holds you captive until the last page has been turned, then this is a great option. Recommended.
Many thanks to Hodder Paperbacks for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
As with all of her other thrillers, Knight's characters are sufficiently developed and memorable. Each is Likeable, believable, but troubled in one way or another. At its core, this novel explores the often life-changing and irreversible consequences of telling lies and that no good will ever come of resorting to avoiding the truth. Told from the perspectives of the three main protagonists - Maggie, Helene and Alice. I tend to read a lot from the crime genre, therefore, it's rare if I am truly shocked by some of the twists, but the ending came from nowhere and completely blindsided me. Bravo, Ms Knight, I appreciated that but did not expect it. If you enjoy your thrillers with lots of red herrings/misdirection, unpredictability and writing that engages you from the first few pages and holds you captive until the last page has been turned, then this is a great option. Recommended.
Many thanks to Hodder Paperbacks for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2018
Helene is suspicious that her husband is having an affair and goes to a detective agency to find out if they can get evidence of this. Maggie is the detective who is now following Helene's husband. This book is full of secrets and lies. Nothing is quite how is seems.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2018
With a title like “ Before I find you” I could not resist this book.
Private Detective Maggie specialises in catching out cheating husbands. Helene is a new client beautiful, doting step mother and has bagged herself Gabe a wealthy successful property developer. She had seen him with another woman and now wants to know if he is having an affair.
This book is full of secrets and lies. Loved how you knew at the start of the book something bad has happened, then the next chapters count down to the fateful day. Thought this was a very clever ploy to keep the tension and mystery going.
A slow burning start, but oh man the last few chapters had more twists than a Blackpool roller coaster and there were so many reveals that my head was spinning like a fairground Waltzer.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Private Detective Maggie specialises in catching out cheating husbands. Helene is a new client beautiful, doting step mother and has bagged herself Gabe a wealthy successful property developer. She had seen him with another woman and now wants to know if he is having an affair.
This book is full of secrets and lies. Loved how you knew at the start of the book something bad has happened, then the next chapters count down to the fateful day. Thought this was a very clever ploy to keep the tension and mystery going.
A slow burning start, but oh man the last few chapters had more twists than a Blackpool roller coaster and there were so many reveals that my head was spinning like a fairground Waltzer.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
November 5, 2018
Maggie runs her own private detective agency specialising on in finding those who cheat on their partners. Helene is a husband catcher. She has caught herself one of the most eligible bachelors, Gabe Moreau, a handsome property developer. He has a teenage daughter, Alice.
Maggie Malone is the head of the Blue and White private detective agency. Helene Moreau suspects her husband of cheating and she does not want his teenage daughter Alice, finding out. As the story unfolds, dark and disturbing secrets unravel. The atmosphere is tense and the narrative told by three different voices. The characters, though likeable and believable,also come across as a little bit troubled. There are lots of twists but nothing and nobody seems to ring true. The book does have more than a satisfactory ending. The moral to this story is - Don't Ever Tell Lies!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the other Ali Knight for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie Malone is the head of the Blue and White private detective agency. Helene Moreau suspects her husband of cheating and she does not want his teenage daughter Alice, finding out. As the story unfolds, dark and disturbing secrets unravel. The atmosphere is tense and the narrative told by three different voices. The characters, though likeable and believable,also come across as a little bit troubled. There are lots of twists but nothing and nobody seems to ring true. The book does have more than a satisfactory ending. The moral to this story is - Don't Ever Tell Lies!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the other Ali Knight for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2018
When I was first approved for this book it had. Publication date of March 2019 so I apologise for my review being late.
I enjoyed this book to begin with but I started to lose interest around half way in. The story was good but just didn't grab me like I had hoped.
I really liked the character of Maggie, the tough PI with her own business that specialises in catching our cheats. Helene comes to her agency for help when she suspects her husband Gabe of cheating on her. Helene stepdaughter Alice also suspects her dad of lying. Nobody is thought it would end in murder.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
I enjoyed this book to begin with but I started to lose interest around half way in. The story was good but just didn't grab me like I had hoped.
I really liked the character of Maggie, the tough PI with her own business that specialises in catching our cheats. Helene comes to her agency for help when she suspects her husband Gabe of cheating on her. Helene stepdaughter Alice also suspects her dad of lying. Nobody is thought it would end in murder.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
August 12, 2018
Maggie Malone, head of the Blue and White private detective agency, is approached by Helene Moreau. She suspects her husband, Gabe, is cheating on her. She doesn’t want her step-daughter, Alice, to find out about her father’s potential lover, but little does she know that Alice already suspects him of keeping secrets...
Ali Knight is a good writer, but unfortunately that is one of the very few positives I can take from ‘Before I Find You’.
I didn’t like the characters. They felt detached and I didn’t particularly care about them. I felt no sorrow for Helene, Alice or even Maggie, at any point during the ups and downs of the book.
There were times when I struggled heavily to distinguish between the characters’ speech in their respective chapters. Specifically Helene and Alice. It would switch between their perspective and I’d find myself thinking ‘huh?’ and having to go back and check who was supposed to be giving us their first person perspective.
The twists along the way were primarily unexpected and although they were executed well, I found them for the most part unbelievable. I think when you feel no attachment to the characters, you don’t particularly feel much empathy regarding anything, good or bad, which happens to them.
The story is original and could have been fantastic, but I just really found myself unable to gel with any, and all, of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ali Knight is a good writer, but unfortunately that is one of the very few positives I can take from ‘Before I Find You’.
I didn’t like the characters. They felt detached and I didn’t particularly care about them. I felt no sorrow for Helene, Alice or even Maggie, at any point during the ups and downs of the book.
There were times when I struggled heavily to distinguish between the characters’ speech in their respective chapters. Specifically Helene and Alice. It would switch between their perspective and I’d find myself thinking ‘huh?’ and having to go back and check who was supposed to be giving us their first person perspective.
The twists along the way were primarily unexpected and although they were executed well, I found them for the most part unbelievable. I think when you feel no attachment to the characters, you don’t particularly feel much empathy regarding anything, good or bad, which happens to them.
The story is original and could have been fantastic, but I just really found myself unable to gel with any, and all, of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
Well this book was brilliant. Told by Maggie, Helene and Alice it was easily one of my favourite books. It had everything you would want in a thriller. It was gripping and I really wanted to find out what happened. You think you know what’s going to happen but there’s so many twists I was really shocked. I loved it and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 19, 2024
Crazy women 😫
November 16, 2025
This ended up being quite a disappointment.
I really liked the idea of having a female private investigator looking into a wealthy man who could be cheating on his wife.
But the way the three main female characters were created, their personalities, their behaviours, were a deterrent for my complete enjoyment of this story. In the end, I couldn't care less about any of them.
Still, I was curious to see how would it all unravel. Unfortunately, the result was just ludicrous and, somehow, left a bad taste in my mouth.
I'm sorry to say, this wasn't a satisfying story.
I really liked the idea of having a female private investigator looking into a wealthy man who could be cheating on his wife.
But the way the three main female characters were created, their personalities, their behaviours, were a deterrent for my complete enjoyment of this story. In the end, I couldn't care less about any of them.
Still, I was curious to see how would it all unravel. Unfortunately, the result was just ludicrous and, somehow, left a bad taste in my mouth.
I'm sorry to say, this wasn't a satisfying story.
November 5, 2018
Review by www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Running your own private detective agency catching out those who cheat on their partner, there’s one rule about tailing a target, don’t let them ever see you. A private investigator should be invisible as air. Helene thinks her husband, Gabe Moreau is cheating on her. Maggie Malone is being paid to track down Gabe’s movement and Maggie is waiting to get the damning evidence she needs for Helene. But that’s all it takes to deliver the fatal blow to a marriage. The thing is you hire her. You trust her. You shouldn’t. Daughter Alice wants to know more about her stepmother Helene. And Maggie a husband watcher has a secret past. This book certainly held my attention all the way through and furthermore if you like reading about the private detectives agency in catching out cheaters, then you will without doubt enjoy this this novel where a murder happens.
I also recommend A true-life story The Real Lady Detective Agency by Jane Rebecca
Running your own private detective agency catching out those who cheat on their partner, there’s one rule about tailing a target, don’t let them ever see you. A private investigator should be invisible as air. Helene thinks her husband, Gabe Moreau is cheating on her. Maggie Malone is being paid to track down Gabe’s movement and Maggie is waiting to get the damning evidence she needs for Helene. But that’s all it takes to deliver the fatal blow to a marriage. The thing is you hire her. You trust her. You shouldn’t. Daughter Alice wants to know more about her stepmother Helene. And Maggie a husband watcher has a secret past. This book certainly held my attention all the way through and furthermore if you like reading about the private detectives agency in catching out cheaters, then you will without doubt enjoy this this novel where a murder happens.
I also recommend A true-life story The Real Lady Detective Agency by Jane Rebecca
October 30, 2018
A very twisted family drama/psychological thriller that is thoroughly enjoyable.
Full review to follow for the tour.
Full review to follow for the tour.
August 15, 2018
This book was interesting!
Maggie Malone runs a detective agency ( and try as I might for some reason her name conjured up a woman wearing a cowboy hat and that would not leave me through the book!!! )....she basically catches partners cheating, makes a tidy sum and enjoys her job!
Helene comes along and wants her to see if her hubby Gabe is playing away, after an incident she witnesses...
Alice is the daughter of Gabe and step daughter of Helene
The story then centres on who the ‘mystery woman’ is and what she is doing.....at one point she ‘takes a bath’ in their house and Helene catches her!!
Its an intriguing story, the characters go between very likeable ( Maggie ) and deplorable ( ‘the mystery woman’)
However....this is more to the tale than meets the eye, naturally, and maybe where in the middle it feels a bit like it is going to be a predictable ending ,it makes up for in the last quarter when the truth comes out and all hell is let loose!!!
There are very funny moments as Maggie takes no prisoners and says as she feels!
I loved it being set in London and around where I live and the author is deffo 100% a lover of London
Twists seem a bad word to some readers but theres one massive one and yes it did shock me ( its very cleverly done as it seems like the twist has happened only then to go onto a hundred fold bigger one)
Yep. A good enjoyable at times light and at times dark story
9/10 4.5 stars
Maggie Malone runs a detective agency ( and try as I might for some reason her name conjured up a woman wearing a cowboy hat and that would not leave me through the book!!! )....she basically catches partners cheating, makes a tidy sum and enjoys her job!
Helene comes along and wants her to see if her hubby Gabe is playing away, after an incident she witnesses...
Alice is the daughter of Gabe and step daughter of Helene
The story then centres on who the ‘mystery woman’ is and what she is doing.....at one point she ‘takes a bath’ in their house and Helene catches her!!
Its an intriguing story, the characters go between very likeable ( Maggie ) and deplorable ( ‘the mystery woman’)
However....this is more to the tale than meets the eye, naturally, and maybe where in the middle it feels a bit like it is going to be a predictable ending ,it makes up for in the last quarter when the truth comes out and all hell is let loose!!!
There are very funny moments as Maggie takes no prisoners and says as she feels!
I loved it being set in London and around where I live and the author is deffo 100% a lover of London
Twists seem a bad word to some readers but theres one massive one and yes it did shock me ( its very cleverly done as it seems like the twist has happened only then to go onto a hundred fold bigger one)
Yep. A good enjoyable at times light and at times dark story
9/10 4.5 stars
October 28, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Private Investigator Maggie Malone ran the Blue and White Detective Agency which specialised in catching cheating spouses. One day she was instructed by Helene Moreau, who suspected her husband Gabe a wealthy property developer was having an affair.
Gabe was a widow after his first Clara died in a car accident. Gabe and Clara had a daughter together called Alice who was 18 years old. For weeks Maggie and her team followed Gabe and they only thing suspicious they discovered was he had a second mobile phone. Until one day Gabe drove to a flat in an upmarket part of London where he met a unidentified woman.
Meanwhile Alice started work as an intern at her father's company. One day she heard Gabe speaking to someone one the second mobile. After searching his office found out he was receiving threatening notes `not to tell Alice`.
The story was told from the POV of Maggie, Helene and Alice. I liked Maggie who had tough exterior but you understand why as the story developed. I also liked Gabe who was a philanthropist who adored his daughter Alice.
The story was fast paced and I found it hard to put down. Although I guessed part of the twist, I can promise you will not see the final conclusion coming.
October 18, 2018
Some interesting characters in the book and I think that there’s more mileage in Maggie Malone. The plot was engaging but a little too far-fetched in the end for me.
February 24, 2021
Lost interest after 7 chapters lots of talk talk but nothing exciting happened in the story
November 1, 2018
I, despite figuring out several of the twists and turns to this dark story, really enjoyed it. Maggie Malone heads the Blue and White private detective agency. She is a likeable if flawed, straight talking, street-smart woman who seeks love in all the wrong places. She is approached by Helene Moreau a wealthy woman who suspects her husband, Gabe, is cheating, with a mysterious woman who she sees briefly at a function. Helene who actually changed her name from Helen, inherited her overindulged, out of control disrespectful step-daughter, Alice. She herself has secrets that she doesn’t want in the open. And Alice, she too has a history of lying and places her father on a pedestal. This makes for an interesting triangle where the three women go head to head.
With Maggie following Gabe and a bit of digging, the story unfolds to reveal dark, disturbing secrets and a lesson. Don’t lie. Even if you think your so-doing is for someone’s good. Just don’t do it.
The story had a blend of humour, which countered some of the darkness, anger and sadness.
I enjoyed the story being told from the three main characters’ perspectives and honestly felt when I got to the end that a sequel is in order. Gets four and a half stars from me
With Maggie following Gabe and a bit of digging, the story unfolds to reveal dark, disturbing secrets and a lesson. Don’t lie. Even if you think your so-doing is for someone’s good. Just don’t do it.
The story had a blend of humour, which countered some of the darkness, anger and sadness.
I enjoyed the story being told from the three main characters’ perspectives and honestly felt when I got to the end that a sequel is in order. Gets four and a half stars from me
September 18, 2018
Before I find you by Ali Kniggt.
‘I’m Maggie Malone, I run the Blue and White agency, and I’m going to find out if he’s cheating on you. I’ll tell you who he’s cheating with, where and how, I’ll show you the video, pictures or audio evidence if you want to see or hear it. And you’ll pay me.’
‘And then you get to skip all the bits where he claims it was a misunderstanding and he’s innocent and all that. It saves you a lot of time.’
Maggie loves her job and her office. Helene Moreau says to Maggie
‘I want you to tell me if I’m married to a cheating bastard.’.
This was a very enjoyable read. Some characters I liked some I didn't. It wasn't who I thought it was. 4*.
‘I’m Maggie Malone, I run the Blue and White agency, and I’m going to find out if he’s cheating on you. I’ll tell you who he’s cheating with, where and how, I’ll show you the video, pictures or audio evidence if you want to see or hear it. And you’ll pay me.’
‘And then you get to skip all the bits where he claims it was a misunderstanding and he’s innocent and all that. It saves you a lot of time.’
Maggie loves her job and her office. Helene Moreau says to Maggie
‘I want you to tell me if I’m married to a cheating bastard.’.
This was a very enjoyable read. Some characters I liked some I didn't. It wasn't who I thought it was. 4*.
September 2, 2018
This book had to have been written by a psychopath! I am not kidding! Horrible people who took their childhood traumas, instead of making them stronger; it made them trash! The ending in this book is horrendous! I wish that I had never read it! Extremely depressing! Thank you Netgalley?
I Do Not Recommend!
Carolintallahassee
I Do Not Recommend!
Carolintallahassee
December 16, 2018
3.5 stars
Before I Find You is a story dominated by women, very strong women to be exact. I can’t say I felt much sympathy for any of them, unfortunately. Helene, the woman who suspects her husband Gabe of cheating, was too snubby and composed for me to like her. I hate to say it because there really shouldn’t be any excuse but in a way I could even see why her husband might have done what she suspects him of. Alice, the daughter, is a spoilt little brat who I wouldn’t want in my house and who happens to be smart beyond her years. I knew not to underestimate her. As for Maggie, the PI, who I would have expected to like and love, well she didn’t seem like a bad person but even she’s quite rude and standoffish. I also knew she was hiding something about her past so that didn’t make her very trustworthy either.
Aside from the characters, the storyline was quite good and kept me on my toes. The start of the story was a bit of a slow burner but it really kicks into higher gear when the murder happens. I quickly became engrossed and hooked from there. I didn’t know who to put my money on from thereon and if I thought it would end here, well no no.. the author had a brilliant twist up her sleeve that really lifted the story up to a higher level. I very much enjoyed the last part of the novel and I’d give it 4 stars easily for the ‘where the hell did that came from’ plot but I’m afraid the characters influenced my rating in this case more than I wanted. It’s still a good read though so I’m sure to keep an eye out for another one of her novels.
Before I Find You is a story dominated by women, very strong women to be exact. I can’t say I felt much sympathy for any of them, unfortunately. Helene, the woman who suspects her husband Gabe of cheating, was too snubby and composed for me to like her. I hate to say it because there really shouldn’t be any excuse but in a way I could even see why her husband might have done what she suspects him of. Alice, the daughter, is a spoilt little brat who I wouldn’t want in my house and who happens to be smart beyond her years. I knew not to underestimate her. As for Maggie, the PI, who I would have expected to like and love, well she didn’t seem like a bad person but even she’s quite rude and standoffish. I also knew she was hiding something about her past so that didn’t make her very trustworthy either.
Aside from the characters, the storyline was quite good and kept me on my toes. The start of the story was a bit of a slow burner but it really kicks into higher gear when the murder happens. I quickly became engrossed and hooked from there. I didn’t know who to put my money on from thereon and if I thought it would end here, well no no.. the author had a brilliant twist up her sleeve that really lifted the story up to a higher level. I very much enjoyed the last part of the novel and I’d give it 4 stars easily for the ‘where the hell did that came from’ plot but I’m afraid the characters influenced my rating in this case more than I wanted. It’s still a good read though so I’m sure to keep an eye out for another one of her novels.
May 17, 2019
Before I Find You starts with a dramatic event, and we then focus on the events leading up to that before coming to the present.
We follow Maggie, a private detective who prides herself on her 100% success rate in finding guilty partners...but she’s hiding a secret or two. She’s hired by Helene, a wealthy woman who suspects her entrepreneur husband of having an affair. The husband, Gabe, is certainly hiding something but they can’t work out what.
Initially I found the story rather drawn out. Setting up the scenario took longer than it needed to, and there were few hints to prepare us for some of the key moments.
I was quite drawn into the scenario once it got going - I was convinced Helene knew more than was initially revealed. I didn’t find the character of Maggie particularly appealing, and it wasn’t until much later that she became someone I felt very invested in. I was totally unprepared for the ending having quite the outcome it did.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this prior to publication.
We follow Maggie, a private detective who prides herself on her 100% success rate in finding guilty partners...but she’s hiding a secret or two. She’s hired by Helene, a wealthy woman who suspects her entrepreneur husband of having an affair. The husband, Gabe, is certainly hiding something but they can’t work out what.
Initially I found the story rather drawn out. Setting up the scenario took longer than it needed to, and there were few hints to prepare us for some of the key moments.
I was quite drawn into the scenario once it got going - I was convinced Helene knew more than was initially revealed. I didn’t find the character of Maggie particularly appealing, and it wasn’t until much later that she became someone I felt very invested in. I was totally unprepared for the ending having quite the outcome it did.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this prior to publication.
June 25, 2023
❝ i had such high expectations for this book, and i was very excited to dive into a psychological thriller for a change, but i am disappointed.
at first, when the characters were being introduced, i was intrigued. i really like the concept of the book, i just think its written very poorly. the idea of a husband-watcher discovering a broken family is interesting, but i think there needs to be much more depth. it was very ‘point a, point b, point c’ coded which made it hard to be invested in.
also, the end was unfortunately predictable. i had already figured out that warriner was gabe’s wife halfway through the book. so the repetition of it at the end wasnt as appealing as it should have been. in saying this, though, i think the characters that alice chooses to kill and her justification behind it was pretty interesting. its just a shame that you knew it was going to happen.
overall, i really dont think ill be reading this again. thrillers are not a genre i tend to reach for and i do want to give it another shot, but maybe in the future. ❞
at first, when the characters were being introduced, i was intrigued. i really like the concept of the book, i just think its written very poorly. the idea of a husband-watcher discovering a broken family is interesting, but i think there needs to be much more depth. it was very ‘point a, point b, point c’ coded which made it hard to be invested in.
also, the end was unfortunately predictable. i had already figured out that warriner was gabe’s wife halfway through the book. so the repetition of it at the end wasnt as appealing as it should have been. in saying this, though, i think the characters that alice chooses to kill and her justification behind it was pretty interesting. its just a shame that you knew it was going to happen.
overall, i really dont think ill be reading this again. thrillers are not a genre i tend to reach for and i do want to give it another shot, but maybe in the future. ❞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2019
Oh my god I totally loved this book. So the story is Helene thinks her husband is having an affair and seeks out a private detective agency to find snoop on him and get evidence for her, when it began nobody thought it would end up with someone being murdered!
So in comes Maggie who’s the detective who is now trailing Helene's husband. The story is centred around the “other woman” and it had lots of secrets and lies, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it as nothing is quite how it seems to be and a few red herrings are thrown in there to catch you out!
So yeah a great little read and one to keep you turning the pages for sure, looking forward to more from the author.
So in comes Maggie who’s the detective who is now trailing Helene's husband. The story is centred around the “other woman” and it had lots of secrets and lies, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it as nothing is quite how it seems to be and a few red herrings are thrown in there to catch you out!
So yeah a great little read and one to keep you turning the pages for sure, looking forward to more from the author.
August 16, 2022
Dark and suspenseful
August 9, 2019
OK. Took a long time to get to the guts of the story. Didn't like the ending. Only just.
November 26, 2018
I was sent a copy of this book for my honest independent review. This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller which kept me engaged from start to finish. An interesting cast of characters who you are never sure about their reliability! I loved the Female private eye who reminded me of the wonderful Cormorant Strike in Robert Galbraith's. television dramatisation. Feisty,unrelenting and funny without realising it. She usually just investigates marital infidelity,however she ends up with a much more complex case, a rich husband, a trophy wife and a brat of a daughter. Well worth reading. Make sure you have plenty of time as you won't want to put it down
October 30, 2019
In 'Before I Find You', Maggie is the private investigator in charge at the Blue and White agency where evidence of infidelities, betrayals and lies is uncovered. When new client Helene suspects her handsome and successful husband Gabe of adultery, Maggie gets neck-deep in a web of secrets and deceit..
The story was engaging from the beginning, further enhanced by well-thought-out background information on the inception of the agency that made it feel very real indeed. Maggie and her staff's (not-so-stealthy) investigation was fascinating, from following Gabe everywhere to setting traps. It took some time before they picked up some promising leads but those were worth waiting for.
The chapters alternated between Maggie, Helene and Alice (Gabe's daughter / Helene's stepdaughter). The different points of view fleshed out each character, including Gabe and gave them plenty of depth. Delving into their difficult and heartwrenching experiences effectively showed how those affected who they became and their decisions. I would've liked to get a glimpse into Gabe's mind.
I was disappointed by the contrived way the pieces of the puzzle eventually came together. The revelations and reactions were squeezed into one scene that was concluded way too quickly:
This was followed by two things that were written lazily, the first being and the second was the worst thing about this book. Having That was out of character and made zero sense considering .
Overall, 'Before I Find You' presented a look into the day-to-day life of a PI, along with layered main characters. On the downside, the final act was rushed and anticlimactic.
The story was engaging from the beginning, further enhanced by well-thought-out background information on the inception of the agency that made it feel very real indeed. Maggie and her staff's (not-so-stealthy) investigation was fascinating, from following Gabe everywhere to setting traps. It took some time before they picked up some promising leads but those were worth waiting for.
The chapters alternated between Maggie, Helene and Alice (Gabe's daughter / Helene's stepdaughter). The different points of view fleshed out each character, including Gabe and gave them plenty of depth. Delving into their difficult and heartwrenching experiences effectively showed how those affected who they became and their decisions. I would've liked to get a glimpse into Gabe's mind.
I was disappointed by the contrived way the pieces of the puzzle eventually came together. The revelations and reactions were squeezed into one scene that was concluded way too quickly:
This was followed by two things that were written lazily, the first being and the second was the worst thing about this book. Having That was out of character and made zero sense considering .
Overall, 'Before I Find You' presented a look into the day-to-day life of a PI, along with layered main characters. On the downside, the final act was rushed and anticlimactic.
November 2, 2018
2.5 Stars
This book started out really well, melding together Helene who thinks her husband has a mistress, Maggie the Private Detective who she hires to follow her husband and Alice Helene's step-daughter. Information about the 3 main characters is dealt out piece meal and in the format that we have now become so familiar with - start at the end with the cataclysmic result and then jump back in time for the first chapter proper. We all know how that works and this book follows that tried and tested route. The main difference being we get to see the tale from 3 different points of view, so the same scene will be described 3 ways. I presume this is in an attempt to obfuscate proceedings, it doesn't do that but initially it makes for very entertaining reading.
The characters are strongly written and they do each have an individual voice on the page. None of them are particularly likeable and are somewhat cliched - slightly neurotic second wife, stroppy teenage girl and psychologically damaged private detective. That I can forgive as they have enough about them to appear as human on the page and the mere fact that the one author can create such distinct voices has to be applauded (makes me feel a little bit guilty for giving this such a low rating).
Unfortunately after about halfway through the book I found my attention being to wane and I stopped caring about what was going on. In fact, I had actually figured out who Gabe's paramour was and when he fell to his death from Connaught Tower I lost all interest in the story. It then became more of a skim than a read to get to the end. What started off as quite a taut thriller that had multiple options and threads became, for this reader, rather farcical. The final denouement in the Blue and White office was really the icing on the cake as far as stretching credulity went.
This is a real shame as this book had all the hallmarks of being truly great but all sent of realism and subsequent tension dissipated steadily through the story until it became almost unfinishable.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
This book started out really well, melding together Helene who thinks her husband has a mistress, Maggie the Private Detective who she hires to follow her husband and Alice Helene's step-daughter. Information about the 3 main characters is dealt out piece meal and in the format that we have now become so familiar with - start at the end with the cataclysmic result and then jump back in time for the first chapter proper. We all know how that works and this book follows that tried and tested route. The main difference being we get to see the tale from 3 different points of view, so the same scene will be described 3 ways. I presume this is in an attempt to obfuscate proceedings, it doesn't do that but initially it makes for very entertaining reading.
The characters are strongly written and they do each have an individual voice on the page. None of them are particularly likeable and are somewhat cliched - slightly neurotic second wife, stroppy teenage girl and psychologically damaged private detective. That I can forgive as they have enough about them to appear as human on the page and the mere fact that the one author can create such distinct voices has to be applauded (makes me feel a little bit guilty for giving this such a low rating).
Unfortunately after about halfway through the book I found my attention being to wane and I stopped caring about what was going on. In fact, I had actually figured out who Gabe's paramour was and when he fell to his death from Connaught Tower I lost all interest in the story. It then became more of a skim than a read to get to the end. What started off as quite a taut thriller that had multiple options and threads became, for this reader, rather farcical. The final denouement in the Blue and White office was really the icing on the cake as far as stretching credulity went.
This is a real shame as this book had all the hallmarks of being truly great but all sent of realism and subsequent tension dissipated steadily through the story until it became almost unfinishable.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2018
It's a clever premise; a woman P.I. called to investigate a potential adulterer and a family with a web of lies at its centre. Add in a bit of blackmail, a murder, mix it up, finish with a couple of shocking reveals towards the end of the novel and this is an enjoyable quick read.
The book does have a clever trick of creating a tense atmosphere in the use of the different narrative voices. A character will recount an event, then later someone else will do the same, and the slight differences in the re-telling is quite unsettling. This is what drew me in and kept me reading. However, the characters themselves were very difficult to engage with, and reading the book I always felt at a distance from them. The book itself isn't particularly memorable either, and this is why I have given an average 3 star rating.
My thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
The book does have a clever trick of creating a tense atmosphere in the use of the different narrative voices. A character will recount an event, then later someone else will do the same, and the slight differences in the re-telling is quite unsettling. This is what drew me in and kept me reading. However, the characters themselves were very difficult to engage with, and reading the book I always felt at a distance from them. The book itself isn't particularly memorable either, and this is why I have given an average 3 star rating.
My thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2018
A private detective story that just didn’t hit the reading spot for me. I found this one quite slow reading, not enough to capture and keep my attention. And also quite predictable.
Having said that It makes for a very easy read and has some twists. If you like the slower paced, easy read detective style novels then this book is well worth looking at.
It’s a not for me but may be for you.
Having said that It makes for a very easy read and has some twists. If you like the slower paced, easy read detective style novels then this book is well worth looking at.
It’s a not for me but may be for you.
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