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She Lies Hidden
How far would you go to find your missing sister?
When DI Thomasine Albright is informed that the remains of her fifteen-year-old sister have been found, she has the tragic responsibility of breaking the news to her mother. Thomasine promises her mother that she will be the one to find Karen’s killer.
But Karen Albright wasn’t the only girl to go missing during that weekend in 1973... Veronica Lightfoot disappeared too. They’d lived barely four miles apart, yet apparently never met. Suddenly there is a new question, was Veronica involved in Karen’s death? Is that why she vanished?
DI Mel Philips is handed the original case file and begins a new investigation. Unwilling to be side-lined, Thomasine decides to go it alone.
As the case unfolds, Thomasine realises that there may be other victims. Can she find them too?
When DI Thomasine Albright is informed that the remains of her fifteen-year-old sister have been found, she has the tragic responsibility of breaking the news to her mother. Thomasine promises her mother that she will be the one to find Karen’s killer.
But Karen Albright wasn’t the only girl to go missing during that weekend in 1973... Veronica Lightfoot disappeared too. They’d lived barely four miles apart, yet apparently never met. Suddenly there is a new question, was Veronica involved in Karen’s death? Is that why she vanished?
DI Mel Philips is handed the original case file and begins a new investigation. Unwilling to be side-lined, Thomasine decides to go it alone.
As the case unfolds, Thomasine realises that there may be other victims. Can she find them too?
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2018
260 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Stephenson
1 book19 followersC.M. Stephenson grew up amongst the villages and moorlands of Lancashire. In 1974 she took a train to Cornwall and never moved back.
Her professional background includes human resource management, personality profiling and training and development. She is a qualified executive and corporate coach.
In 2008, she and husband started a brand new life in South Gloucestershire.
She studied creative writing with Open University and has an MA Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Her work was included in the Sparks Anthology 2016.
Published in September 2018, ''She Lies Hidden' is her debut novel.
Her professional background includes human resource management, personality profiling and training and development. She is a qualified executive and corporate coach.
In 2008, she and husband started a brand new life in South Gloucestershire.
She studied creative writing with Open University and has an MA Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Her work was included in the Sparks Anthology 2016.
Published in September 2018, ''She Lies Hidden' is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 12, 2018
This was an engaging, fast paced debut.... this was a straightforward murder mystery with no shocking twist at the end, and I mention that because I kept waiting for it.... this was a busy book with a lot of action packed into these pages... and yet still a bit of a slow burn....
23 years ago, Thomasina’s sister went missing... now her body has been found, is her murder connected to the disappearance of another girl? The story is told from multiple points of view and different time frames.... The author did a very good job of weaving these threads together, I was never confused as to whose story I was reading.... The only little problem I had with this is information was not discovered at the same time, so sometimes things got a bit repetitive...The characters were likable and engaging, however I wish they had been developed a bit more...
This was an admirable debut, an uncomplicated murder mystery... The writing was effortless and flowed well... cannot wait to see what this author has Up Next for us!
*** many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
23 years ago, Thomasina’s sister went missing... now her body has been found, is her murder connected to the disappearance of another girl? The story is told from multiple points of view and different time frames.... The author did a very good job of weaving these threads together, I was never confused as to whose story I was reading.... The only little problem I had with this is information was not discovered at the same time, so sometimes things got a bit repetitive...The characters were likable and engaging, however I wish they had been developed a bit more...
This was an admirable debut, an uncomplicated murder mystery... The writing was effortless and flowed well... cannot wait to see what this author has Up Next for us!
*** many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
September 14, 2018
This book wasn't for me. I found it slow, with a lot of characters to place and very confusing. It sounded like the kind of book that I usually devour but I really struggled to get into it,
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
September 26, 2018
IN MY HONEST OPINION, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK!!!
I am going to be perfectly honest and say, after reading the reviews on She Lies Hidden, I didn't hold out much hope for it. I think it is not gettng the recognition it deserves. Keep a clear head for the first five chapters and you will be hooked.
The story is from alot of different points of view, keep a clear head and it will flow so easily. A gem of a book by CM Stephenson.
I am going to be perfectly honest and say, after reading the reviews on She Lies Hidden, I didn't hold out much hope for it. I think it is not gettng the recognition it deserves. Keep a clear head for the first five chapters and you will be hooked.
The story is from alot of different points of view, keep a clear head and it will flow so easily. A gem of a book by CM Stephenson.
September 23, 2018
'She Lies Hidden' is C. M. Stephenson's debut novel, and although the synopsis sounded exciting, i'm afraid it didn't quite hit the mark for me. There were too many issues for it to be an enjoyable read. For starters the story was quite boring, not to mention repetitive. The classic rookie mistake of making the story as action-packed as possible backfires here as it makes it impossible to keep up with all the different threads of the story. There were also far too many characters meaning they lacked depth and development and were not at all memorable. The writing style made it difficult to get invested in the story and there were no twists as such just the slow discovery of information adding to the boredom. The ending was totally odd and much of it felt as though it had been thrown together and a bit of an afterthought.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion of psychology at certain points in the book, and as I have a deep interest in psychological conditions this kept me reading. The authors use of multiple perspectives to add to the story worked really well, and I felt that Stephenson wove them together seamlessly. Unfortunately, there are many times that the reader could end up very confused because of the amount that is happening, and coupled with the slow pace it felt as though the story was literally not going anywhere. Overall, it was far too much like hard work getting through it all. I found that I could guess the outcome from very early on which was extremely disappointing.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion of psychology at certain points in the book, and as I have a deep interest in psychological conditions this kept me reading. The authors use of multiple perspectives to add to the story worked really well, and I felt that Stephenson wove them together seamlessly. Unfortunately, there are many times that the reader could end up very confused because of the amount that is happening, and coupled with the slow pace it felt as though the story was literally not going anywhere. Overall, it was far too much like hard work getting through it all. I found that I could guess the outcome from very early on which was extremely disappointing.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2018
A murder mystery at its core, the blurb attracted me. 23 years ago Thomasina's sister went missing and now has been found, rather her body has. And the story rolls on with different points of view, different timelines.
Though it had its enjoyable moments but there were too many characters and the whole story felt a little formulaic and repetitive.
A debut by C M Stephenson, left me a little disenchanted with the book as I generally like murder mysteries, but they've got to be fast and furious... This sadly wasn't.
Too many niggles and a slow pace made me glad I was done with the story without a DNF.. On to my next
Though it had its enjoyable moments but there were too many characters and the whole story felt a little formulaic and repetitive.
A debut by C M Stephenson, left me a little disenchanted with the book as I generally like murder mysteries, but they've got to be fast and furious... This sadly wasn't.
Too many niggles and a slow pace made me glad I was done with the story without a DNF.. On to my next
September 29, 2018
The blurb grabbed my attention, a cracking good mystery/thriller/crime book was just what I was in the mood for when I got this one. I’ve been having trouble sleeping so I read a lot at night. Now I don’t know if it was because I was a bit weary or not but I found it very hard to concentrate and actually follow what was happening.
It is very much a case of past and present, while knowing what the characters were doing in the past can aid the process to the here and now I found it a bit too complicated.
Nevertheless I thought the unravelling of Thomasines mind,how she has carried the guilt with her all this time about what happened to her sister was intriguing. Was that justified or can she find peace. Knowing other girls went missing must reveal a few clues surely? She was only a child herself when the event occurred, now she is in the force and doing a bit of digging herself.
Keep plodding with it, become as keen to find the answers as Thomasine is and you will be rewarded. As a debut author She Lies Within shows promise and it will be interesting to see what comes next.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
It is very much a case of past and present, while knowing what the characters were doing in the past can aid the process to the here and now I found it a bit too complicated.
Nevertheless I thought the unravelling of Thomasines mind,how she has carried the guilt with her all this time about what happened to her sister was intriguing. Was that justified or can she find peace. Knowing other girls went missing must reveal a few clues surely? She was only a child herself when the event occurred, now she is in the force and doing a bit of digging herself.
Keep plodding with it, become as keen to find the answers as Thomasine is and you will be rewarded. As a debut author She Lies Within shows promise and it will be interesting to see what comes next.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
September 23, 2018
4.5 stars
Stunning debut! This was a 5 star until the last 20%. I felt the ending was a little rushed and motivation wasn't clearly spelled out. However, I did love Thom and all her bad asseryness.
Stunning debut! This was a 5 star until the last 20%. I felt the ending was a little rushed and motivation wasn't clearly spelled out. However, I did love Thom and all her bad asseryness.
September 25, 2018
Twenty three years ago DO Thomasine Albright’s sister Karen disappeared. Thom’s mother always insisted that Karen would return home. With the discovery of Karen’s body it is up to Thom to break the news to her mother. Since this directly affects Thom, she is not allowed to formally investigate Karen’s murder but this doesn’t stop her from looking into it and discovering a couple other girls disappeared at the same time.
This story follows along with a couple different story lines that eventually come together. Although the different perspectives gave this story a little more depth, it didn’t really bring us closer to the different characters. It was also a touch repetitious when you learn the same piece of evidence from different viewpoints.
For a debut book She Lies Hidden was a good start. It was a tough rough and I think the story was spread out a little thin. But this is not a bad thriller. I am eager to see that CM Stephenson is going to come up with next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
This story follows along with a couple different story lines that eventually come together. Although the different perspectives gave this story a little more depth, it didn’t really bring us closer to the different characters. It was also a touch repetitious when you learn the same piece of evidence from different viewpoints.
For a debut book She Lies Hidden was a good start. It was a tough rough and I think the story was spread out a little thin. But this is not a bad thriller. I am eager to see that CM Stephenson is going to come up with next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
September 9, 2018
I found it difficult to get into this book. There were just so many characters and storylines to keep track of. I took notes, but I was still a bit lost. Once it started to come together it wasn’t bad. An average thriller.
A thank you to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
A thank you to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 20, 2018
A crime novel where you know who has done it from around the 30% mark, this is not my kind of book. I do not want to sound harsh as a result but there were elements that caused me some annoyance. I will start with what I enjoyed about this book.
It was an engaging and immersive read. Thomasine was a sympathetic character and I really felt for her throughout. The fact that there was a lot of "psychobabble" also appealed and it was an interesting read in places. The multiple perspectives were well done, with each chapter being dedicated to one character, although the multiple threads sometimes got confusing.
However, I have a few more issues with the book; Thomasine and the police discovered the same information at different times during the book which resulted in a lot of repetition for the reader. This got a tad tedious after a while due to the fact that there were so many threads to keep hold of, it was annoying to have the same information just from a different characters perspective. It was also a shame that Thomasine seemed to be more of a plot device than a character - we are reading her part in the story therefore something important is about to happen, reader take note. I also didn't like the portrayal of two psychological conditions in this book, as both felt a little undercooked, they just didn't sit right with me. Finally, my issues lie with the ending of the book, where the epilogue seemed a little thrown together and not in keeping with the rest of the book, it was also a bit out of the blue as the character perspective was from someone we had not heard from for a long time in the book. I was also a tad disappointed that there were no twists in this book, what you see is what you get.
However, I will say that C.M Stephenson can write really well, I was engaged for most of the story and I did enjoy it to a point. I would recommend for people who like to read murder stories but don't want to solve them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
It was an engaging and immersive read. Thomasine was a sympathetic character and I really felt for her throughout. The fact that there was a lot of "psychobabble" also appealed and it was an interesting read in places. The multiple perspectives were well done, with each chapter being dedicated to one character, although the multiple threads sometimes got confusing.
However, I have a few more issues with the book; Thomasine and the police discovered the same information at different times during the book which resulted in a lot of repetition for the reader. This got a tad tedious after a while due to the fact that there were so many threads to keep hold of, it was annoying to have the same information just from a different characters perspective. It was also a shame that Thomasine seemed to be more of a plot device than a character - we are reading her part in the story therefore something important is about to happen, reader take note. I also didn't like the portrayal of two psychological conditions in this book, as both felt a little undercooked, they just didn't sit right with me. Finally, my issues lie with the ending of the book, where the epilogue seemed a little thrown together and not in keeping with the rest of the book, it was also a bit out of the blue as the character perspective was from someone we had not heard from for a long time in the book. I was also a tad disappointed that there were no twists in this book, what you see is what you get.
However, I will say that C.M Stephenson can write really well, I was engaged for most of the story and I did enjoy it to a point. I would recommend for people who like to read murder stories but don't want to solve them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
September 29, 2018
She Lies Hidden by C.M. Stephenson
Difficult to get into at first but when all the threads finally started coming together I could not put this book down. My main problem, at first, was figuring out who each third person pronoun starting sections referred to since there were more than one or two characters. Her could be DCI Thomasine or her colleague Mel or any of the females unnamed in the book just as the males unnamed were hard to figure out until more of the book had been read.
This is a book about young women that went missing and were never found. The police assumed they were runaways and put little if any effort into finding them. Families suffered and so did many of the women.
When Thomasine is notified that her missing sister’s remains have been found the search begins to find out what happened to her and how she ended up in a grave over twenty years before. Thomasine is not on the investigative team but she finds clues and tidbits and shared what she finds with the team as she uncovers them.
This was a dark, twisted, disturbing story that did see justice eventually prevail before the end of the book. I would say that as a debut novel it was well done and will also say that I would read another book by this author. I am not sure if there will be a series to come or if the author will leave this as a single story and tackle something else but I am up for the read when her book is finished.
I will caution the reader not to give up in the first part of the book even if slightly confused because reading on through is definitely worth it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Difficult to get into at first but when all the threads finally started coming together I could not put this book down. My main problem, at first, was figuring out who each third person pronoun starting sections referred to since there were more than one or two characters. Her could be DCI Thomasine or her colleague Mel or any of the females unnamed in the book just as the males unnamed were hard to figure out until more of the book had been read.
This is a book about young women that went missing and were never found. The police assumed they were runaways and put little if any effort into finding them. Families suffered and so did many of the women.
When Thomasine is notified that her missing sister’s remains have been found the search begins to find out what happened to her and how she ended up in a grave over twenty years before. Thomasine is not on the investigative team but she finds clues and tidbits and shared what she finds with the team as she uncovers them.
This was a dark, twisted, disturbing story that did see justice eventually prevail before the end of the book. I would say that as a debut novel it was well done and will also say that I would read another book by this author. I am not sure if there will be a series to come or if the author will leave this as a single story and tackle something else but I am up for the read when her book is finished.
I will caution the reader not to give up in the first part of the book even if slightly confused because reading on through is definitely worth it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
September 24, 2018
Such a striking read! No chance of falling asleep with this one - there's too much going on!
DI Thomasine Albright was only a child when her sister went missing in 1973; her mother has always maintained that Karen would turn up one of these days, even though it's now 2010. When Karen's body is found, Thom has the unenviable job of telling her mother - and quickly, fearing the press may reach her first. Isolated from the official investigation, DI Albright decides to carry out a little snooping of her own. Karen wasn't the only teenage girl to disappear at that time - so where are the others?
This is a scintillating novel, and one you must give your full attention. At first, there seems to be various disconnected threads but, believe me, when they are all stitched together your jaw will drop. I'm astonished that this is a debut novel! This reads like the work of a much more experienced author; the story itself is so skilfully crafted and beautifully written. The suspense is palpable and the overall effect is an astounding read which keeps your attention to the very last. I'll definitely be watching out for the author's next novel! Without a doubt, worthy of a full five shiny, sparkling stars!
My thanks to publisher Bloodhound Books not only for my copy via NetGalley but also for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
DI Thomasine Albright was only a child when her sister went missing in 1973; her mother has always maintained that Karen would turn up one of these days, even though it's now 2010. When Karen's body is found, Thom has the unenviable job of telling her mother - and quickly, fearing the press may reach her first. Isolated from the official investigation, DI Albright decides to carry out a little snooping of her own. Karen wasn't the only teenage girl to disappear at that time - so where are the others?
This is a scintillating novel, and one you must give your full attention. At first, there seems to be various disconnected threads but, believe me, when they are all stitched together your jaw will drop. I'm astonished that this is a debut novel! This reads like the work of a much more experienced author; the story itself is so skilfully crafted and beautifully written. The suspense is palpable and the overall effect is an astounding read which keeps your attention to the very last. I'll definitely be watching out for the author's next novel! Without a doubt, worthy of a full five shiny, sparkling stars!
My thanks to publisher Bloodhound Books not only for my copy via NetGalley but also for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
September 25, 2018
DI Thomasine Albright’s sister went missing many years ago. Finally the family know what happened. Finding the killer of her sister is going to be difficult for Thomasine as she is not allowed anywhere near the case. New developments come to light and nothing will stop Thomasine finding the truth.
This is a story that has several subplots running through it as I was soon to discover. I found that there were a few characters that I had to get to know but I soon started to recognise as the story unfolded, and they became recognisable. Also their role in the grand scheme of things, making them even more memorable.
As the story evolved I did wonder what sort of route this book would take, it became darker and caught me out when I started to discover where it was heading as questions and threads were being pulled together. At this point my reading started to quicken as the pacing seemed to speed up as well.
This story has good descriptions for the setting, a bleak, cold, isolated farm that was once a family home added to the story line, and increasing the tense feeling as I read.
This did require a little more concentration in the early stages as I had to get a grasp on the seemingly unrelated threads. Once the characters had cemented themselves and the threads of the story started to be woven together I had a better understanding and could really enjoy the story.
This is a story that would appeal to crime, thriller and mystery readers and is one I would recommend.
This is a story that has several subplots running through it as I was soon to discover. I found that there were a few characters that I had to get to know but I soon started to recognise as the story unfolded, and they became recognisable. Also their role in the grand scheme of things, making them even more memorable.
As the story evolved I did wonder what sort of route this book would take, it became darker and caught me out when I started to discover where it was heading as questions and threads were being pulled together. At this point my reading started to quicken as the pacing seemed to speed up as well.
This story has good descriptions for the setting, a bleak, cold, isolated farm that was once a family home added to the story line, and increasing the tense feeling as I read.
This did require a little more concentration in the early stages as I had to get a grasp on the seemingly unrelated threads. Once the characters had cemented themselves and the threads of the story started to be woven together I had a better understanding and could really enjoy the story.
This is a story that would appeal to crime, thriller and mystery readers and is one I would recommend.
September 30, 2018
In 1973 two local girls go missing, never to be found until building work uncovers a skeleton in 2010. Their names are Karen and Veronica. For their parents and families, the nightmare has not gone away.
DI Thomasina Allbright is the sister of Karen . This is one of the reasons she joined the force. To find out what happened.
She is called into her bosses office and told the news that the remains of her sister have been found. She feels she has no choice but to brace the awful weather and tell her mother face to face. Since her father died, her mother had gone downhill rapidly and was a shadow of her former self. What this news would do to her was anyone's guess.
What no=one has been able to work, is why those two girls as they lived 4 miles apart and did not know each other.
This is a pacey novel and this is a very good debut.
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.
DI Thomasina Allbright is the sister of Karen . This is one of the reasons she joined the force. To find out what happened.
She is called into her bosses office and told the news that the remains of her sister have been found. She feels she has no choice but to brace the awful weather and tell her mother face to face. Since her father died, her mother had gone downhill rapidly and was a shadow of her former self. What this news would do to her was anyone's guess.
What no=one has been able to work, is why those two girls as they lived 4 miles apart and did not know each other.
This is a pacey novel and this is a very good debut.
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.
September 24, 2018
Well done to the author on her debut novel. What a great start. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
Thomasines sisters body has turned up twenty seven years after she went missing. Thomasine needs to find out what happened her sister Karen. As to be expected Karen’s disappearance affected her whole family and Thomasine carried the guilt.
This story is told through the past and the present and through several different points of view.
I found this pretty hard to get into but once I read more I didn’t want to put it down, I needed to read more to find out what was gonna happen.
Although the story confuses me at the start and I’d have liked the characters developed more I really liked the storyline. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thomasines sisters body has turned up twenty seven years after she went missing. Thomasine needs to find out what happened her sister Karen. As to be expected Karen’s disappearance affected her whole family and Thomasine carried the guilt.
This story is told through the past and the present and through several different points of view.
I found this pretty hard to get into but once I read more I didn’t want to put it down, I needed to read more to find out what was gonna happen.
Although the story confuses me at the start and I’d have liked the characters developed more I really liked the storyline. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 13, 2019
I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted to the cover of this book, you can see half of a young woman's face and the catchphrase at the top made me want to read this book: "How far would you go to find your missing sister?"
There is Inspector Thomasine who learns that the remains of her sister's body have just been found. She promised her mother to do everything to find the murderer who was not on her first attempt, since in 1973 another girl had disappeared. She's going to ask herself a lot of questions.
A book that I read in one go because I was so hooked on the story so gripping, addictive, captivating, moving, full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading on.
I was immediately attracted to the cover of this book, you can see half of a young woman's face and the catchphrase at the top made me want to read this book: "How far would you go to find your missing sister?"
There is Inspector Thomasine who learns that the remains of her sister's body have just been found. She promised her mother to do everything to find the murderer who was not on her first attempt, since in 1973 another girl had disappeared. She's going to ask herself a lot of questions.
A book that I read in one go because I was so hooked on the story so gripping, addictive, captivating, moving, full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading on.
November 15, 2020
When her sister went missing 25 years ago, there was little hope that she would be found. She and another girl, same age, same town but nothing else in common, just vanished without a trace. Now her sisters remains have been found. What happened to the other girl? As the police restart their investigation, she will move every rock she can find looking for clues. What she finds is another mystery.
This story is built in layers. It moves back and forth in time, giving us clues to the killer but never quite enough to solve the crime before the end. As a debut, CM Stephenson has taken an oft used story line and tweaked it just enough to keep readers interested. A good read from an author with potential!
This story is built in layers. It moves back and forth in time, giving us clues to the killer but never quite enough to solve the crime before the end. As a debut, CM Stephenson has taken an oft used story line and tweaked it just enough to keep readers interested. A good read from an author with potential!
September 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I've read several reviews where readers said they had a hard time getting into it, but I didn't feel that way. I wanted to know what happened. I was definitely intrigued by the story line and events that took place over decades. My one criticism - I felt that some of the characters could have been developed a little more; had a little more personality. I would recommend this book. (actual rating would be 3.5/5 if I could)
Thank you #netgalley and #bloodhound books for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #bloodhound books for the eARC.
February 6, 2023
DNF. This is an ok book, even though I didn’t finish it. The story is good, the narrator is good, but it was very confusing. There are many points of view, which would have been ok, if I had known who was talking. There were long periods where i kept listening and thinking, who’s point of view is this. I went back multiple times and re-listened to previous chapters to see if I’d missed something, but no, the points of view were not clear, so i gave up at about 30%
July 29, 2019
This book was OK, there were lots of characters which were difficult to grasp hold off.
I found the plot was weak in a few spots, but the writing was what helped it keep my attention. There were a few bits where I had held my breath unknowingly.
I will look out for other books by this author and hope that some of the criticism will be taken on board.
I found the plot was weak in a few spots, but the writing was what helped it keep my attention. There were a few bits where I had held my breath unknowingly.
I will look out for other books by this author and hope that some of the criticism will be taken on board.
December 27, 2019
Excellent listen (Bolinda audio, through Borrowbox service from Council library). A first novel, I look forward to more !
May 11, 2019
Was ok can get confusing with lots of characters and took me a long time to attempt to get into it was disappointed.
February 11, 2021
I started reading the book with some trepidation: reviewers had commented on the storyline being confusing but the storyline of life isn't straightforward and such awful circumstances must destroy it completely. Thomasine and the police have to disentangle the threads to find what happened.
It's set in the area around Bolton, north of Manchester and I loved the descriptions of the moorland in winter, the Northern Soul scene in the 1970s and the accent that I could hear, not only in the characters' speech but also in parts of the narrative. I'm avoiding spoilers but will just say that the descriptions of Veronica's fate and the events of the climax were very effective.
This is C.M. Stephenson's first book. I'm looking forward to reading the second one.
It's set in the area around Bolton, north of Manchester and I loved the descriptions of the moorland in winter, the Northern Soul scene in the 1970s and the accent that I could hear, not only in the characters' speech but also in parts of the narrative. I'm avoiding spoilers but will just say that the descriptions of Veronica's fate and the events of the climax were very effective.
This is C.M. Stephenson's first book. I'm looking forward to reading the second one.
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March 10, 2020I did finish this book, but it was confusing. Switching between characters' viewpoints, going back and forth in time, the use of the present tense for everything... I wasn't sure when I reached the end if I'd really understood all that transpired. I almost felt as if--well, to be perfectly honest, I felt as if I'd kinda wasted my time.
September 27, 2018
Much of this book is very bewildering and sometimes requires reading over again to try to work out what is going on, especially as it focuses on different people, told in their own voices, at different times without identifying them. This may be acceptable occasionally, or, for one character, but becomes confusing when done too often and for several different characters.
At other times it is gripping, holds the attention well and makes the reader care about what is going on. I found myself absorbed and unwilling to put the book down.
In the early chapters it would appear that someone is watching Lily, they seem to know her very well, they follow her and even watch the events leading up to, and including, her accident. There is never any explanation for this.
At one point a character is outside the home of another, looking in as the second character is interacting with his wife. We are given to understand that the outsider poses a threat to the other person but because he sees an intimate moment between the couple he creeps away and takes no action. This makes no sense.
Other characters are mentioned with no real context and their relevance to the story is unclear. For example although we know what the significance of Ellen Williams was, we don't know how she came to be involved with Lily.
At the end of the book we are left with a number of unanswered questions, including how Veronica came to be on the moors, what exactly Paula's role was, what was the significance of the photographs Bennett had and how did he come to have them? Why was a European arrest warrant issued for the original investigating officer, Frank Tanner?
I am conflicted about this book because the good bits were very good but, there were too many voices introducing too many bitty strands in the beginning. The male voices were also confusing because they were not identified and it was often difficult to work out who was in a café or a cheap B&B, who was doing what elsewhere and that confusion continued for much of the book.
Those conflicts give me problems in rating this book. If it had been told in a more straightforward manner and the loose ends tidied up a little better, it could have been a solid four star but the confusion it engenders would make it a one or two star but weighing up the pros and cons, I am going with a three star rating
At other times it is gripping, holds the attention well and makes the reader care about what is going on. I found myself absorbed and unwilling to put the book down.
In the early chapters it would appear that someone is watching Lily, they seem to know her very well, they follow her and even watch the events leading up to, and including, her accident. There is never any explanation for this.
At one point a character is outside the home of another, looking in as the second character is interacting with his wife. We are given to understand that the outsider poses a threat to the other person but because he sees an intimate moment between the couple he creeps away and takes no action. This makes no sense.
Other characters are mentioned with no real context and their relevance to the story is unclear. For example although we know what the significance of Ellen Williams was, we don't know how she came to be involved with Lily.
At the end of the book we are left with a number of unanswered questions, including how Veronica came to be on the moors, what exactly Paula's role was, what was the significance of the photographs Bennett had and how did he come to have them? Why was a European arrest warrant issued for the original investigating officer, Frank Tanner?
I am conflicted about this book because the good bits were very good but, there were too many voices introducing too many bitty strands in the beginning. The male voices were also confusing because they were not identified and it was often difficult to work out who was in a café or a cheap B&B, who was doing what elsewhere and that confusion continued for much of the book.
Those conflicts give me problems in rating this book. If it had been told in a more straightforward manner and the loose ends tidied up a little better, it could have been a solid four star but the confusion it engenders would make it a one or two star but weighing up the pros and cons, I am going with a three star rating
September 16, 2018
When the body of Karen Albright turns up after she has been missing for 27 years her sister Thomasine goes on the hunt to find out who is responsible for her murder and if her disappearance is linked to that of three other girls, who like Karen had just been considered runaways. Her desire to solve the years old case brought her into conflict with her job in the police force as a family liaison officer as she had been told that under no circumstances could she be involved in the investigations.
I found myself feeling a little bit sorry for Thomasine. For years she had lived with the guilt that even at her young age she could have possibly done more to stop her sister from disappearing all those years ago. The events of 1973 had brought around the early death of her father and her mother had effectively shut herself off from her other daughter. The discovery of her remains had further tragic consequences for her family and then to be shut off from the investigations seemed to set her on the path that could cause her problems with her career. Luckily for her the DI in charge of the case seemed more inclined to use the evidence that she uncovered for the good of the case rather than to end her colleague’s career. I got the feeling that the events of the past led her to her eventual career and the hope that she could help others through the traumas she and her family had suffered.
This is the first novel by C.M. Stephenson and In She Lies Hidden, she takes the reader through the events of both the past and the present through the eyes of several different characters to bring the story to its eventual conclusion. I will admit that at the start of the book I was a bit confused as to where the initial character fitted into the story but the further I got into the book the clearer their relevance became. Telling the story from several different viewpoints certainly required me to concentrate at times but despite this I found that like Thomasine I wanted to see the case through to the end and see the murderer pay for their crime.
I found myself feeling a little bit sorry for Thomasine. For years she had lived with the guilt that even at her young age she could have possibly done more to stop her sister from disappearing all those years ago. The events of 1973 had brought around the early death of her father and her mother had effectively shut herself off from her other daughter. The discovery of her remains had further tragic consequences for her family and then to be shut off from the investigations seemed to set her on the path that could cause her problems with her career. Luckily for her the DI in charge of the case seemed more inclined to use the evidence that she uncovered for the good of the case rather than to end her colleague’s career. I got the feeling that the events of the past led her to her eventual career and the hope that she could help others through the traumas she and her family had suffered.
This is the first novel by C.M. Stephenson and In She Lies Hidden, she takes the reader through the events of both the past and the present through the eyes of several different characters to bring the story to its eventual conclusion. I will admit that at the start of the book I was a bit confused as to where the initial character fitted into the story but the further I got into the book the clearer their relevance became. Telling the story from several different viewpoints certainly required me to concentrate at times but despite this I found that like Thomasine I wanted to see the case through to the end and see the murderer pay for their crime.
September 23, 2018
The writing in this book was top-notch, in my opinion. This book had so many seemingly unrelated characters and storylines going on that the author weaves together seamlessly as the story goes on. I loved that. The story was complex enough to keep my interest, but not so complex that I got lost.
There were several perspectives that the story is told from, which gives the reader the advantage of seeing all sides of the characters and story.
I did not figure things out until things were revealed in time. It was a nice ending that wrapped things up with some good twists thrown in. It also gives a different perspective than a
"regular" straightforward police procedural, since Thomasine was "on the other side" of this investigation, as a family member. It really showed how the families are continuously affected, years and years after someone goes missing.
I liked Thomasine and hope to see more of her and Mel Phillips in the future. The author doesn't say whether this will turn into a series, but I liked both main policewomen and hope that they reappear in the future.
There were several perspectives that the story is told from, which gives the reader the advantage of seeing all sides of the characters and story.
I did not figure things out until things were revealed in time. It was a nice ending that wrapped things up with some good twists thrown in. It also gives a different perspective than a
"regular" straightforward police procedural, since Thomasine was "on the other side" of this investigation, as a family member. It really showed how the families are continuously affected, years and years after someone goes missing.
I liked Thomasine and hope to see more of her and Mel Phillips in the future. The author doesn't say whether this will turn into a series, but I liked both main policewomen and hope that they reappear in the future.
September 18, 2018
“she is missing, she hasn’t come home, she promised to be here by 2 pm”. The story is told from the point of view of “Thomasine”, Karen (the missing girl's sister), how to protect (her) their mother from the tragedy, the fight to find the truth.
I struggled with the outline of this book, I started the book thinking I was in the present time or at least not many months before, I wasn’t certain what was happening or when it was occurring. Unfortunately, I struggled with this read, I felt there was too much going on at times with the various “stories” incidents or characters.
There were some great twists that had me intrigued and wanting more, on average it was a suspense/thriller. Thank You. C.M. Stephenson, Bloodhound books and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.
I struggled with the outline of this book, I started the book thinking I was in the present time or at least not many months before, I wasn’t certain what was happening or when it was occurring. Unfortunately, I struggled with this read, I felt there was too much going on at times with the various “stories” incidents or characters.
There were some great twists that had me intrigued and wanting more, on average it was a suspense/thriller. Thank You. C.M. Stephenson, Bloodhound books and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.
September 26, 2018
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I was hooked by the blurb for this one, it sounded excellent and I couldn't wait to get started!! And that cover is to die for...
I really enjoyed the idea behind the story and the plot was clearly well planned out. I enjoyed the characters and thought that they worked well together.
There was a tad too much detail for me in places and I think that detracted from the main storyline at times and could confuse some readers but overall it was a well written story that ticked all the right boxes for me!
I enjoyed the different view points used to tell the story and how it went from past to the present to give the background more detail - an impressive debut - 4 stars from me and can't wait to see what she releases next!
I was hooked by the blurb for this one, it sounded excellent and I couldn't wait to get started!! And that cover is to die for...
I really enjoyed the idea behind the story and the plot was clearly well planned out. I enjoyed the characters and thought that they worked well together.
There was a tad too much detail for me in places and I think that detracted from the main storyline at times and could confuse some readers but overall it was a well written story that ticked all the right boxes for me!
I enjoyed the different view points used to tell the story and how it went from past to the present to give the background more detail - an impressive debut - 4 stars from me and can't wait to see what she releases next!
June 20, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't gel with the writing or plot.
I found it very confusing to keep up with, as there was just too many characters. I didn't know what was going on half the time.
I wish the chapter headings were actually labelled with the name of each character, I think it would have been easier to follow.
I also really didn't like the writing style, it
didn't grip me in anyway nor did the plot.
I found it quite dull and boring, nothing was really happening or compelling me to read on.
Also, it felt like it dragged on forever. I read it on kindle and it felt like it took an age, for me to actually read 10%
Overall, I think this thriller did some potential but it was just too confusing, to the point, of not really knowing what was going on and thus, impacted my enjoyment while reading
I found it very confusing to keep up with, as there was just too many characters. I didn't know what was going on half the time.
I wish the chapter headings were actually labelled with the name of each character, I think it would have been easier to follow.
I also really didn't like the writing style, it
didn't grip me in anyway nor did the plot.
I found it quite dull and boring, nothing was really happening or compelling me to read on.
Also, it felt like it dragged on forever. I read it on kindle and it felt like it took an age, for me to actually read 10%
Overall, I think this thriller did some potential but it was just too confusing, to the point, of not really knowing what was going on and thus, impacted my enjoyment while reading
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