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After He Died
When a strange woman slips a note into grieving widow Paula's pocket at her husband's funeral, everything suggests that he was not all that he seemed ... A devastatingly moving, explosive psychological thriller from the international bestselling author of A Suitable Lie. 'Disturbing but compulsive ... I loved it' Martina Cole 'Bristling with unease, this is domestic noir at its very darkest, twisting the marriage thriller into a new and troubling shape' Eva Dolan 'Vivid, visceral and compulsive' Ian Rankin _________________You need to know who your husband really was... When Paula Gadd's husband of almost thirty years dies, just days away from the seventh anniversary of their son, Christopher's death, her world falls apart. Grieving and bereft, she is stunned when a young woman approaches her at the funeral service, and slips something into her pocket. A note suggesting that Paula's husband was not all that he seemed... When the two women eventually meet, a series of revelations challenges everything Paula thought she knew, and it becomes immediately clear that both women's lives are in very real danger. Both a dark, twisty slice of domestic noir and taut, explosive psychological thriller, After He Died is also a chilling reminder that the people we trust the most can harbour the deadliest secrets... _________________Praise for Michael J. Malone 'Gripping and suspenseful fare that reinforces Malone's renown for producing psychological thrillers' Herald Scotland 'It's a tough high-wire act, balancing believability with surprise, but the author pulls it off with aplomb. Excellent stuff' Doug Johnstone, The Big Issue 'Michael J Malone has portrayed this beautifully and managed to get the balance just right ... A well-paced, excellent read' Promoting Crime 'After he Died is a fantastic read packed with engaging characters and a compelling narrative' CrimeSquad 'An explosive tale, one that takes hold, bites, and doesn't let go' LoveReading 'A stark, gripping storyline' Scots 'A fine, page-turning thriller' Daily Mail 'Original, engrossing and scary' The Times 'Brilliantly creepy' Daily Record 'Genuinely shocking' Crime by the Book 'Delightfully disturbing' Chapter in My Life 'Michael Malone has a way of telling a story that just leaves you more than a little disturbed yet breathless with admiration' Live & Deadly 'Enthralling, wonderful, intense, full of suspense and twists that had my head in a spin! Crime Book Junkie 'Michael J.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2018
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908 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 28, 2019
After He Died by Michael J. Malone is the first book I've read by this author and I'm excited to read more.
It's a non stop pacy thriller which you want to finish NOW!! It's also shocking, disturbing and unbelievably fun to read, with plenty of twists and turns with also the ability to throw you off just when you think you figured it out (especially the ending).
I really do recommend this to anyone who loves a great thriller.
It's a non stop pacy thriller which you want to finish NOW!! It's also shocking, disturbing and unbelievably fun to read, with plenty of twists and turns with also the ability to throw you off just when you think you figured it out (especially the ending).
I really do recommend this to anyone who loves a great thriller.
March 4, 2019
I received a free e-copy of After He died by Michael J. Malone from NetGalley for my honest review.
Paula Gadd has just lost her husband. This on top of loosing her son a few years before. She is questioning life itself. Then she meets Cara. Cara has also lost a loved one; she has lost her brother. Paula and Cara end up developing a close bond. But soon Paula discovers that the events that have taken place are connected.
Strange people keep turning up in her life and then secrets start to unfold. She learns secrets that her husband wasn't who she thought he was.
This was a good book but was a bit of a slow burn. I stuck with it wanting to know the truth and am glad I did but I feel like the book could have used a bit more action.
Paula Gadd has just lost her husband. This on top of loosing her son a few years before. She is questioning life itself. Then she meets Cara. Cara has also lost a loved one; she has lost her brother. Paula and Cara end up developing a close bond. But soon Paula discovers that the events that have taken place are connected.
Strange people keep turning up in her life and then secrets start to unfold. She learns secrets that her husband wasn't who she thought he was.
This was a good book but was a bit of a slow burn. I stuck with it wanting to know the truth and am glad I did but I feel like the book could have used a bit more action.
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March 4, 2019DNF - 26% - will not be included in my 2019 reading challenge.
This story just took a turn that I don't care for so I'm throwing in the towel. Michael J. Malone is a terrific writer so please don't let this review sway you. This one just wasn't for me.
This story just took a turn that I don't care for so I'm throwing in the towel. Michael J. Malone is a terrific writer so please don't let this review sway you. This one just wasn't for me.
August 29, 2018
After He Died is a pacy, addictive read, a beautifully plotted character driven drama that digs into whether we can really know anyone, even those closest to us.
Paula is grieving, having lost her husband without warning. Enter Cara, who wants Paula to know some bitter truths – but what exactly the truth is waits to be discovered.
Various relationship dynamics are key here as Paula discovers hidden depths in those around her. There are plenty of unexpected moments and the authors eye for nuance of character is second to none, creating an authentic and clever tale that keeps you hooked from first page to last.
I was utterly engaged all the way and After He Died is just the kind of novel I look for in my crime reading. Unpredictable, edgy and insightful, a really excellent read.
Recommended
Paula is grieving, having lost her husband without warning. Enter Cara, who wants Paula to know some bitter truths – but what exactly the truth is waits to be discovered.
Various relationship dynamics are key here as Paula discovers hidden depths in those around her. There are plenty of unexpected moments and the authors eye for nuance of character is second to none, creating an authentic and clever tale that keeps you hooked from first page to last.
I was utterly engaged all the way and After He Died is just the kind of novel I look for in my crime reading. Unpredictable, edgy and insightful, a really excellent read.
Recommended
October 23, 2018
4.5 ⭐️ Michael J Malone never fails to surprise me, he is such a versatile author, Crime, Gothic mystery, domestic noir, psychological thriller, which every genre he chooses to write about, its obvious he puts his heart and soul into his writing. When I read the book description for After He Died I convinced myself this novel was going to be purely domestic noir, along the lines of one of his previous books A Suitable Lie (which is one of my favourite books EVER by the way) but apologises to the author as I should have known better, this novel doesn’t fit into one particular genre, it has mystery, crime and Psychological aspects which made this novel an unique and extraordinary read.
After He Died is the story of Paula Gadd, newly widowed. We first meet Paula at her husband’s funeral where she is approached by Cara a strange young woman who mutters one heart stopping sentence “your husband is not the man you thought he was”. Of course once said Paula’s imagination goes into over drive, what secrets as her husband been hiding? How can the man she trusted the most harbour secrets from her? As she tries to unravel the truth with only her husband’s family to turn to, events take a very dangerous and sinister turn. I really thought this novel would take the familiar route in domestic noir, but Michael J Malone does the exact opposite and takes the reader on a unique ride, one full of surprises, mystery and copious amounts of suspense.
The author captures Paula’s grief perfectly as the reader you feel her pain, bewilderment and overwhelming sense of loss. Cara’s character is the complete opposite of Paula’s she hasn’t had an easy life but she’s determined and resourceful. Paula despite her grief is determined to find the truth about her husband however painful that might be, and Cara needs answers to her own personal tragedy. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the way in which the author places Paula in a world she has never had to really think about, living a very comfortable and charmed life (to a point) she is shown through Cara’s work, that not everyone has the comfortable lifestyle she has very much taken for granted.
Throughout After He Died I find myself completely immersed in Paula’s and Cara’s story, it’s gripping and not without surprises. The tension slowly simmers, as the author deftly reveals hidden secrets, lies and the worse kind of betrayal, exploding in a shocking conclusion which also felt to be a very fitting one. Once again Michael J Malone has written an intensely gripping tale, it’s one that reminds the reader what an exceptional and talented writer the author is. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
After He Died is the story of Paula Gadd, newly widowed. We first meet Paula at her husband’s funeral where she is approached by Cara a strange young woman who mutters one heart stopping sentence “your husband is not the man you thought he was”. Of course once said Paula’s imagination goes into over drive, what secrets as her husband been hiding? How can the man she trusted the most harbour secrets from her? As she tries to unravel the truth with only her husband’s family to turn to, events take a very dangerous and sinister turn. I really thought this novel would take the familiar route in domestic noir, but Michael J Malone does the exact opposite and takes the reader on a unique ride, one full of surprises, mystery and copious amounts of suspense.
The author captures Paula’s grief perfectly as the reader you feel her pain, bewilderment and overwhelming sense of loss. Cara’s character is the complete opposite of Paula’s she hasn’t had an easy life but she’s determined and resourceful. Paula despite her grief is determined to find the truth about her husband however painful that might be, and Cara needs answers to her own personal tragedy. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the way in which the author places Paula in a world she has never had to really think about, living a very comfortable and charmed life (to a point) she is shown through Cara’s work, that not everyone has the comfortable lifestyle she has very much taken for granted.
Throughout After He Died I find myself completely immersed in Paula’s and Cara’s story, it’s gripping and not without surprises. The tension slowly simmers, as the author deftly reveals hidden secrets, lies and the worse kind of betrayal, exploding in a shocking conclusion which also felt to be a very fitting one. Once again Michael J Malone has written an intensely gripping tale, it’s one that reminds the reader what an exceptional and talented writer the author is. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
March 18, 2019
Paula Gadd is attending her husband's funeral when a young woman walks up, hugs her, and hands her a note. Then she leaves. The note suggests that her husband was not the man she thought he was.
Losing her husband of almost 30 years was bad enough, but she had also lost her son just a few years ago and practically on the same date. And now someone has placed doubts in her mind about her husband.
When Paula meets the young woman, she expected to be told that her husband had had an affair. But what she's told is something worse ... much worse. And they are both in danger.
This is a well written psychological thriller. It's an action packed page turner with finely drawn characters. There are twists and turns that appear out of nowhere. Some characters have dark terrible secrets in their pasts that they don't want anyone to know. Sometimes they kill someone close to them ....
Many thanks to the author / Trafalgar Square Publishing - Orenda Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Losing her husband of almost 30 years was bad enough, but she had also lost her son just a few years ago and practically on the same date. And now someone has placed doubts in her mind about her husband.
When Paula meets the young woman, she expected to be told that her husband had had an affair. But what she's told is something worse ... much worse. And they are both in danger.
This is a well written psychological thriller. It's an action packed page turner with finely drawn characters. There are twists and turns that appear out of nowhere. Some characters have dark terrible secrets in their pasts that they don't want anyone to know. Sometimes they kill someone close to them ....
Many thanks to the author / Trafalgar Square Publishing - Orenda Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 3, 2018
The story starts off at the funeral of Paula's husband Tommy. Straight away I could feel the emotions building up inside of me. Losing a loved one is never easy but a husband is more than just that, usually they can be a soul mate or best friend. Not only is she having to deal with the death of her husband, she is still dealing with the loss of their son from some years before. How does one person deal with that? It soon becomes apparent that Paula doesn't really have any friends and also isn't close to other family members or her in laws.
Tommy has two surviving brothers, Joe and Bill. Joe I took to straight away. Priests usually scared me when I was younger with them being someone in authority but there is a certain warmness that comes from him that I couldn't help liking him from the start. Bill and his wife I could sort of understand why Paula would probably not have too much to do with them. It made me intrigued to find out why these people were not closer than they should have been though.
Cara is another stand out character in this book. I loved the job she does, trying to help the people that need it the most. It was good to get an insight into her job and I think it will make people sit back and reflect about the differences we can do in this world.
It soon becomes apparent that Paula may not know everything about her husband and boy how the author draws this out throughout the story. It was frustrating but in a good way as I was dying to know what secrets and lies were about to be unveiled but the author keeps things very close to his chest not letting anything slip until he wanted to. When all becomes clear, I hadn't worked out one bit of it. With every revelation I was like 'WHAT!!'. I just didn't see any of it coming until it was right there before me.
After He Died is such an enthralling read that kept me on edge at all times. Packed full of suspense it had me gripped all the way through. Set in Scotland you really get the whole sense of environment and dialogue which really brings the story to life. Another great read from the author.
My thanks to Anne Cater and Orenda Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Tommy has two surviving brothers, Joe and Bill. Joe I took to straight away. Priests usually scared me when I was younger with them being someone in authority but there is a certain warmness that comes from him that I couldn't help liking him from the start. Bill and his wife I could sort of understand why Paula would probably not have too much to do with them. It made me intrigued to find out why these people were not closer than they should have been though.
Cara is another stand out character in this book. I loved the job she does, trying to help the people that need it the most. It was good to get an insight into her job and I think it will make people sit back and reflect about the differences we can do in this world.
It soon becomes apparent that Paula may not know everything about her husband and boy how the author draws this out throughout the story. It was frustrating but in a good way as I was dying to know what secrets and lies were about to be unveiled but the author keeps things very close to his chest not letting anything slip until he wanted to. When all becomes clear, I hadn't worked out one bit of it. With every revelation I was like 'WHAT!!'. I just didn't see any of it coming until it was right there before me.
After He Died is such an enthralling read that kept me on edge at all times. Packed full of suspense it had me gripped all the way through. Set in Scotland you really get the whole sense of environment and dialogue which really brings the story to life. Another great read from the author.
My thanks to Anne Cater and Orenda Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 2, 2018
After He Died is the addictive,fast paced,twisty tale of the tension filled friendship that is forged between two women from completely different social classes during their quests for the truth about their lost loved one.
Paula Gadd is only just managing to hold herself together mainly due to the pills that she took before the service.Her beloved husband of almost thirty years has recently died,just days away from the forth anniversary of the death of their son Christopher.Grieving and bereft she is stunned when a young woman approaches her at the funeral service and slips a note into her pocket.A note that suggests that Paula's husband Thomas wasn't all he seemed. Intrigued Paula agrees to meet the young woman (Cara Connolly),who's shocking revelations cause Paula to wonder if she really knew her husband. Was Thomas really the evil person Cara insists he was? Paula reluctantly begins a search to uncover the truth. But the more she uncovers,the more endangered her life became.
The story is told in short,snappy chapters (many of which end on a cliff hanger) that alternate between Paula and Cara`s points of view. Just like Cara,I struggled to like Paula at times,she sometimes came across as a bit of a opinionated snob but then she would do or say something surprising and make me like her again. I loved the banter and interactions between Paula and Thomas's brother Father Joe who was a sweet,likeable character unlike Thomas's other brother Bill and his wife Daphne.Not everyone is who they appear to be and Paula will be find herself being betrayed by a number of characters as the story unfolds.Despite my mixed feelings about Paula's character,her chapters which were packed full of twists,mystery and intrigue were my favourite parts of the story. I liked feisty,caring Cara and admired her determination to get Paula to accept what she was saying about Thomas.I just felt that there wasn't as much danger and intrigue during Cara`s chapters. Cara is from a poor background and works with the underprivileged and homeless whereas Paula is wealthy,has a big house but is really quite lonely and isolated. It's a sad fact as Paula discovers that there always has been and always will be a massive divide between the rich and the poor as the author illustrates perfectly throughout this riveting thriller. The story is set in and around Glasgow,I spent quite a few years in Scotland when I was younger and sometimes stayed with my Aunt,who had lived not far away Erskine bridge which is mentioned in this story which brought back memories of my childhood.
This is quite a quick read due to the short,snappy chapters that give the reader a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome. It's a well written,character driven,gripping thriller that held my attention throughout the whole book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last. Highly recommended by little old me
Many thanks to Orenda Books and Anne Carter for the opportunity to read and review this book and the opportunity to take part in the blog tour
Paula Gadd is only just managing to hold herself together mainly due to the pills that she took before the service.Her beloved husband of almost thirty years has recently died,just days away from the forth anniversary of the death of their son Christopher.Grieving and bereft she is stunned when a young woman approaches her at the funeral service and slips a note into her pocket.A note that suggests that Paula's husband Thomas wasn't all he seemed. Intrigued Paula agrees to meet the young woman (Cara Connolly),who's shocking revelations cause Paula to wonder if she really knew her husband. Was Thomas really the evil person Cara insists he was? Paula reluctantly begins a search to uncover the truth. But the more she uncovers,the more endangered her life became.
The story is told in short,snappy chapters (many of which end on a cliff hanger) that alternate between Paula and Cara`s points of view. Just like Cara,I struggled to like Paula at times,she sometimes came across as a bit of a opinionated snob but then she would do or say something surprising and make me like her again. I loved the banter and interactions between Paula and Thomas's brother Father Joe who was a sweet,likeable character unlike Thomas's other brother Bill and his wife Daphne.Not everyone is who they appear to be and Paula will be find herself being betrayed by a number of characters as the story unfolds.Despite my mixed feelings about Paula's character,her chapters which were packed full of twists,mystery and intrigue were my favourite parts of the story. I liked feisty,caring Cara and admired her determination to get Paula to accept what she was saying about Thomas.I just felt that there wasn't as much danger and intrigue during Cara`s chapters. Cara is from a poor background and works with the underprivileged and homeless whereas Paula is wealthy,has a big house but is really quite lonely and isolated. It's a sad fact as Paula discovers that there always has been and always will be a massive divide between the rich and the poor as the author illustrates perfectly throughout this riveting thriller. The story is set in and around Glasgow,I spent quite a few years in Scotland when I was younger and sometimes stayed with my Aunt,who had lived not far away Erskine bridge which is mentioned in this story which brought back memories of my childhood.
This is quite a quick read due to the short,snappy chapters that give the reader a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome. It's a well written,character driven,gripping thriller that held my attention throughout the whole book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last. Highly recommended by little old me
Many thanks to Orenda Books and Anne Carter for the opportunity to read and review this book and the opportunity to take part in the blog tour
October 1, 2018
Paula Gadd is at the funeral of her husband Thomas when an unknown woman approaches her and whispers to her “you need to know who your husband really was” before slipping a note into her pocket. With such an intriguing start to the story I was hooked.
After He Died is very different to the previous two standalones by Michael Malone. This is a much darker thriller featuring some very nasty characters and is an addictive and suspenseful read.
I took to Paula straight away. She was a strong woman but in her grief also vulnerable and unpredictable. For reasons we learn about, her and Thomas had drifted apart before his sudden death but that didn’t make the pain of his passing any less. Her grief was raw and tempered with anger and confusion especially when faced with the revelation that he may have had secrets of his own, and been involved in things she knew nothing about. She couldn’t reconcile the husband she loved with what she was hearing. There must have been some mistake. With no family of her own to turn to, she relies on Thomas’ family for support and to try to find answers to questions. Just when she thought she had a handle on things, there would be another piece of the jigsaw to solve.
I read this book within a day. I couldn’t bear to put it down until I came to the end. I was confused as Paula with each new revelation about her husband’s life; I had no idea who to trust and I think I suspected everyone in turn. Despite thinking that I had it all worked out, the ending took me completely by surprise.
The characterisation is excellent and the dialogue sharp and realistic. The story is set in Glasgow and there was just enough dialect for realism, without being an annoyance (I don’t enjoy reading overdone local dialect). The story includes other issues such as poverty and drugs and homelessness and the stark comparison between the haves and the have nots.
After He Died is a superb and complex twisty thriller that you won’t want to put down. It’s not a fast paced read but is more character focused with bucket loads of tension and atmosphere. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
After He Died is very different to the previous two standalones by Michael Malone. This is a much darker thriller featuring some very nasty characters and is an addictive and suspenseful read.
I took to Paula straight away. She was a strong woman but in her grief also vulnerable and unpredictable. For reasons we learn about, her and Thomas had drifted apart before his sudden death but that didn’t make the pain of his passing any less. Her grief was raw and tempered with anger and confusion especially when faced with the revelation that he may have had secrets of his own, and been involved in things she knew nothing about. She couldn’t reconcile the husband she loved with what she was hearing. There must have been some mistake. With no family of her own to turn to, she relies on Thomas’ family for support and to try to find answers to questions. Just when she thought she had a handle on things, there would be another piece of the jigsaw to solve.
I read this book within a day. I couldn’t bear to put it down until I came to the end. I was confused as Paula with each new revelation about her husband’s life; I had no idea who to trust and I think I suspected everyone in turn. Despite thinking that I had it all worked out, the ending took me completely by surprise.
The characterisation is excellent and the dialogue sharp and realistic. The story is set in Glasgow and there was just enough dialect for realism, without being an annoyance (I don’t enjoy reading overdone local dialect). The story includes other issues such as poverty and drugs and homelessness and the stark comparison between the haves and the have nots.
After He Died is a superb and complex twisty thriller that you won’t want to put down. It’s not a fast paced read but is more character focused with bucket loads of tension and atmosphere. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
September 23, 2018
Imagine your son dies and you have to deal with the aftermath with your husband. This obviously strains a relationship but also can bring a couple closer together. Then imagine your husband dies and now you're left all alone.
This book opens at the funeral of Paula's husband. At the funeral, she's given a note that her husband is not who he seems. First of all, that's not a great place for someone to do this - isn't she going through enough already?! Then people start showing up and you're hearing from a strange woman about a somewhat conspiracy theory on something that happened that connects them. SAY WHAT?!
Yeah, if that didn't confuse you… then you need to read this book and figure it all out! A solid look into domestic noir/suspense and how you never, EVER, fully know someone completely. I did think some of the writing got a little choppy - but I think that's because everything happened so fast at the beginning... funeral, note, Cara, crazy eyed drunk guy rummaging through drawers when she comes home. WHAT IS HAPPENING?! But as you read further, you start to get fully invested in what is going on and the MANY surprises that comes about.
My favorite character is Joe. While he might not a front runner character compared to others, I just love him.. and how he has his moments of "taking a break" from being a priest and being what Paula needed at times.
Overall a compulsive read with short chapters that keep you turning the pages. While I felt the beginning was a bit blunted, the rest of the read really pulls everything together and delivers that one, two punch.
3.5 stars - rounding up to 4 for goodreads.
September 10, 2018
Michael J. Malone has quickly become one of my favorite authors with the likes of books such as this. A really quick paced read with zippy chapters has you not bothering with a bookmark and gobbling up very clever detail! Paula is a great damsel in distress character who doesn’t all fall apart when things go awry but solves a mystery and gives herself some resolve after her husbands death. Great read!
Thanks so much to Orenda for this copy:)
Thanks so much to Orenda for this copy:)
September 26, 2018
If you haven’t yet introduced yourself to Michael J. Malone’s books, you are missing out on an amazingly talented author. If there’s one thing I love about his work, it is that I never quite know what to expect when I pick up one his books. But I do know I’m in for a treat as he always delivers a most devilish tale.
After He Died once again shows of Michael J. Malone’s ability to diversify so if you’re expecting something along the lines of the gothic greatness that was House of Spines or the extremely powerful A Suitable Lie, this isn’t it. This one is quite different, again, yet awesome in its own right. And that’s exactly why this author should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
Paula’s husband dies unexpectedly from a heart attack. During these hard times and feeling lost in a mental fog, the last thing she needs is a woman coming up to her at the funeral to tell her there are things she should know about her late husband, Thomas. But that’s exactly what happens when Paula is approached by Cora.
This domestic noir / psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a dark, utterly absorbing and incredibly addictive page-turner. All throughout the story you wonder what Thomas had been up to, if anything, and if there’s anyone Paula can trust. While I thought I had a few things figured out, I couldn’t connect the dots at all and I was left guessing until the end, when a massive curveball completely threw me for a loop.
Michael J. Malone is an incredible storyteller and has delivered a complex and character-driven story that had me hooked from start to finish. His writing style is utterly absorbing. I adore the realistic touches like the Scottish dialect since this story is set in Glasgow, which wasn’t too confusing to follow so I didn’t have to hit up my Scottish chum to ask what the heck the characters were saying. A pacy read, a thrilling ride and a mind-blowing conclusion … what more could you possibly want?
This is one exciting author who quickly shot his way up my list of go-to authors and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
After He Died once again shows of Michael J. Malone’s ability to diversify so if you’re expecting something along the lines of the gothic greatness that was House of Spines or the extremely powerful A Suitable Lie, this isn’t it. This one is quite different, again, yet awesome in its own right. And that’s exactly why this author should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
Paula’s husband dies unexpectedly from a heart attack. During these hard times and feeling lost in a mental fog, the last thing she needs is a woman coming up to her at the funeral to tell her there are things she should know about her late husband, Thomas. But that’s exactly what happens when Paula is approached by Cora.
This domestic noir / psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a dark, utterly absorbing and incredibly addictive page-turner. All throughout the story you wonder what Thomas had been up to, if anything, and if there’s anyone Paula can trust. While I thought I had a few things figured out, I couldn’t connect the dots at all and I was left guessing until the end, when a massive curveball completely threw me for a loop.
Michael J. Malone is an incredible storyteller and has delivered a complex and character-driven story that had me hooked from start to finish. His writing style is utterly absorbing. I adore the realistic touches like the Scottish dialect since this story is set in Glasgow, which wasn’t too confusing to follow so I didn’t have to hit up my Scottish chum to ask what the heck the characters were saying. A pacy read, a thrilling ride and a mind-blowing conclusion … what more could you possibly want?
This is one exciting author who quickly shot his way up my list of go-to authors and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
September 25, 2018
I’m beginning to realize that the ever so talented Malone is the rare type of author who reinvents himself with each new book and I am so very impressed with this keen ability he possesses. I’ve now read his last three releases and have really liked all three and am truly blown away by how unique and compelling all of them are.
His last book (House of Spines) left me feeling highly unsettled and this one did as well, albeit in a completely different manner. This time I had an uneasy feeling as it seemed that the more Paula went searching for answers the more danger she was in, and I cared about this woman. Right from the moment you’re introduced to her character you’re empathetic because she’s a new widow and then she receives a cryptic note from a young woman saying her husband isn’t who she thought he was. Of course my first thought was that he was a stereotypical cheating husband with a possible double life, but I should’ve known better. Malone didn’t take the easy way out, instead he led me down a twisty and winding path full of intrigue, betrayals and deceit that left me breathless.
That’s where I cease discussing the plot because this one is best discovered on your own. It’s the best combination of simmering tension and extremely fast pacing that kept me reading late into the night. Something about his writing style always consumes me, he gets under my skin and I’m not satisfied until I’ve finished the book. Speaking of satisfying it had a totally gratifying conclusion and proves yet again that Malone is an author that’s not to be missed.
His last book (House of Spines) left me feeling highly unsettled and this one did as well, albeit in a completely different manner. This time I had an uneasy feeling as it seemed that the more Paula went searching for answers the more danger she was in, and I cared about this woman. Right from the moment you’re introduced to her character you’re empathetic because she’s a new widow and then she receives a cryptic note from a young woman saying her husband isn’t who she thought he was. Of course my first thought was that he was a stereotypical cheating husband with a possible double life, but I should’ve known better. Malone didn’t take the easy way out, instead he led me down a twisty and winding path full of intrigue, betrayals and deceit that left me breathless.
That’s where I cease discussing the plot because this one is best discovered on your own. It’s the best combination of simmering tension and extremely fast pacing that kept me reading late into the night. Something about his writing style always consumes me, he gets under my skin and I’m not satisfied until I’ve finished the book. Speaking of satisfying it had a totally gratifying conclusion and proves yet again that Malone is an author that’s not to be missed.
September 1, 2018
Having read all of Michael J Malones books I have to start by commenting on how different each and every one of them is! You never quite know what type of story you’ll be getting, although the constant throughout is the beautifully written narratives he creates. After He Died is an involving and intriguing mystery that will have you questioning just how well you really know those that we love.
Paula has lost her husband of nearly 30 years and it has devastated her, especially as they lost their only child Christopher in an accident 7 years previously. But when a young woman slips a note to her at the funeral, she is shocked to find out that she didn’t know everything about the man she has shared her life with. And as she investigates the secrets and lies told to her, she discovers that chasing the past is a dangerous game to play.
I do love a domestic thriller that makes characters question everything they thought they knew about those who have shared their lives. And it is the death of Paula’s husband that acts as the catalyst to bring together two very strong female protagonists who were expertly created and explored in this character driven thriller. As a woman of a certain age myself, I found that the author perfectly captured the marriage values of a couple who had been together for such a long time. This meant that I didn’t need to suspend belief at the lack of knowledge Paula had about certain aspects of her husbands life.
After He Died kept me on the edge of my seat throughout as the tension slowly built towards some rather shocking revelations. I suspected everyone and trusted no one as I cheered Paula on towards making her most unsettling discoveries. The settings supported the plot perfectly and I especially loved how they were used towards the end, describing a part of Scotland I’ve never actually been to before, that immediately made me want to jump in my car and drive north to visit there!
This is a great psychological thriller with a gripping storyline and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. But I have to admit that I would probably buy and read a shopping list if it was written by Michael J Malone! He is a master craftsman of his art and he creates such perfectly poetic material that his words slowly draws you in until before you know it, you’re lost in his fictional world.
Well written and intuitive, this is another great read by Michael J Malone.
Paula has lost her husband of nearly 30 years and it has devastated her, especially as they lost their only child Christopher in an accident 7 years previously. But when a young woman slips a note to her at the funeral, she is shocked to find out that she didn’t know everything about the man she has shared her life with. And as she investigates the secrets and lies told to her, she discovers that chasing the past is a dangerous game to play.
I do love a domestic thriller that makes characters question everything they thought they knew about those who have shared their lives. And it is the death of Paula’s husband that acts as the catalyst to bring together two very strong female protagonists who were expertly created and explored in this character driven thriller. As a woman of a certain age myself, I found that the author perfectly captured the marriage values of a couple who had been together for such a long time. This meant that I didn’t need to suspend belief at the lack of knowledge Paula had about certain aspects of her husbands life.
After He Died kept me on the edge of my seat throughout as the tension slowly built towards some rather shocking revelations. I suspected everyone and trusted no one as I cheered Paula on towards making her most unsettling discoveries. The settings supported the plot perfectly and I especially loved how they were used towards the end, describing a part of Scotland I’ve never actually been to before, that immediately made me want to jump in my car and drive north to visit there!
This is a great psychological thriller with a gripping storyline and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. But I have to admit that I would probably buy and read a shopping list if it was written by Michael J Malone! He is a master craftsman of his art and he creates such perfectly poetic material that his words slowly draws you in until before you know it, you’re lost in his fictional world.
Well written and intuitive, this is another great read by Michael J Malone.
August 9, 2018
Another book full of suspense, characters on the edge, and a plot that takes you in the opposite direction to where you expect; it's also one that's littered with the kind of language that reminds you Malone is at heart a poet. Each of Malone's books are very different, and this is no exception, but they're united by the great writing and the passionate story. Highly reccommend.
Read
December 27, 2018Review to come
February 13, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for providing this book for review!
For a short book, it does not contain any fluff to lengthen the plot. The plot is intense and filled with subtle hints that lead to the suspect behind the questionable killing.
(1) Who is behind her husband's death and subsequent murders that follow it? (2) What's the intent for the murders?
I love how Paula (main) does not dive into unnecessary trouble but reasonable trouble comes her way due to the circumstances related to her husband. Grief is expressed without extreme overexaggeration. Hints are placed in a manner that does not point to the perpetrator.
So I give it a 5 star. ❣
For a short book, it does not contain any fluff to lengthen the plot. The plot is intense and filled with subtle hints that lead to the suspect behind the questionable killing.
(1) Who is behind her husband's death and subsequent murders that follow it? (2) What's the intent for the murders?
I love how Paula (main) does not dive into unnecessary trouble but reasonable trouble comes her way due to the circumstances related to her husband. Grief is expressed without extreme overexaggeration. Hints are placed in a manner that does not point to the perpetrator.
So I give it a 5 star. ❣
January 28, 2019
Paula's husband of thirty years is dead. At the funeral a young woman she has never seen slips a note in her pocket telling Paula she didn't know who her husband really was. So although she is grieving, Paula decides to follow up and find out what secrets Thomas may have harbored. His two brothers seem to know nothing so who is this mysterious young woman who is sure her husband was hiding something. Lots of twists and turns, but at times the grieving seemed to overtake the plot a bit. Overall, I enjoyed the plot as it was hard to tell who the bad guys were and I hadn't guessed it at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 14, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.
Some books just shouldn't be read at a specific time in your life, I truly believe that. This book flopped for me. I couldn't escape with it. I couldn't sink my teeth into it. I was angry at Paula for how clueless and gullible she could be. I felt like a lot of this was a bias hate on the husband book and I couldn't love it.
Some books just shouldn't be read at a specific time in your life, I truly believe that. This book flopped for me. I couldn't escape with it. I couldn't sink my teeth into it. I was angry at Paula for how clueless and gullible she could be. I felt like a lot of this was a bias hate on the husband book and I couldn't love it.
September 22, 2018
First of all, a huge thank you to Anne Cater, Karen Sullivan and all at Orenda Books for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and providing me with a complimentary copy of this fantastic psychological thriller in exchange for an honest review. There's been a few novelists published by Orenda that I've been woefully behind in getting round to their work and Michael J. Malone is another one of those that I wish I'd picked up MONTHS ago. I've heard glowing praise and read wonderful reviews about his other work and of course, I've been following my fellow bloggers reviews on this blog tour which only made me keener to find out if I too could potentially become a huge fan. Well, Orenda never let me down with the supreme quality of authors that they publish so it was no big surprise that I loved everything about this novel, meaning Malone has yet another adoring reader to add to his list, which he fully and absolutely deserves - this story was exciting, meaningful and wonderfully told.
Set in and around Glasgow, this is primarily the story of our female lead, Paula Gadd, in her late forties and grieving for her husband, Thomas who passed away unexpectedly one evening while out for dinner. Paula wasn't present at the time of his death and sadly, blames herself for not being there at her husband's time of need. However, things are about to get a whole lot darker when at her husband's funeral a young woman slips a note into her pocket with a phone number to call insinuating that Thomas wasn't who Paula thought he was. Having been married for almost thirty years, Paula's world implodes as she continues to struggle with both her grief, the memories of losing her teenage son Christopher some years previously and this intense, new information that she has no idea what to do with. As the story continues, Paula begins to find out some remarkable secrets about her husband that still continue to affect certain people around her, including herself, in very frightening and unpredictable ways.
Being of Scottish descent myself, I was delighted to read a book set in my home country which brought back feelings of nostalgia, happiness, comfort and home. I particularly enjoyed the way Malone used Scottish words and phrases that occasionally slip into my own vocabulary and leaves a minority of English people I may be talking to at the time looking rather confused! Coupled with this was the marvellous characterisation, particularly of Paula and the young woman she meets at the funeral, Cara. Funnily enough, I wasn't sure about Paula at first. I was desperately sorry for her loss and was interested in how her future would look but it wasn't until further along in the narrative that I really warmed to her. Much like Cara, she has gumption, drive, determination, focus, incredible strength and bravery and as some of you might know by now, I can't get enough of a resilient, gutsy female lead!
However, I think the thing I admired most about this novel was the way Michael J. Malone chose to write about poverty in Scotland in contemporary times. It's something that's not really written about (or if it is, I haven't read it, happy to accept recommendations!), and of course, it's not just in Scotland, it's all over the world, I accept that unequivocally. Nevertheless, it's so refreshing to read a story where a well-off upper middle class woman comes face to face with the darker side of people who go hungry, are addicted to drugs, are homeless etc and explores her reactions/actions as a result. This is why I loved Cara so much as a character too. She was a real fighter for the unheard and often unseen, despite having a difficult upbringing herself and I loved her "never give up" attitude, morals and ethics. I might have had a bit of a girl crush, to be honest!
As I mentioned before, I can't believe this is the first Malone book I've experienced but I'm ever so glad I started with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and can only rub my hands in gleeful anticipation at his past novels, just waiting to be explored.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Set in and around Glasgow, this is primarily the story of our female lead, Paula Gadd, in her late forties and grieving for her husband, Thomas who passed away unexpectedly one evening while out for dinner. Paula wasn't present at the time of his death and sadly, blames herself for not being there at her husband's time of need. However, things are about to get a whole lot darker when at her husband's funeral a young woman slips a note into her pocket with a phone number to call insinuating that Thomas wasn't who Paula thought he was. Having been married for almost thirty years, Paula's world implodes as she continues to struggle with both her grief, the memories of losing her teenage son Christopher some years previously and this intense, new information that she has no idea what to do with. As the story continues, Paula begins to find out some remarkable secrets about her husband that still continue to affect certain people around her, including herself, in very frightening and unpredictable ways.
Being of Scottish descent myself, I was delighted to read a book set in my home country which brought back feelings of nostalgia, happiness, comfort and home. I particularly enjoyed the way Malone used Scottish words and phrases that occasionally slip into my own vocabulary and leaves a minority of English people I may be talking to at the time looking rather confused! Coupled with this was the marvellous characterisation, particularly of Paula and the young woman she meets at the funeral, Cara. Funnily enough, I wasn't sure about Paula at first. I was desperately sorry for her loss and was interested in how her future would look but it wasn't until further along in the narrative that I really warmed to her. Much like Cara, she has gumption, drive, determination, focus, incredible strength and bravery and as some of you might know by now, I can't get enough of a resilient, gutsy female lead!
However, I think the thing I admired most about this novel was the way Michael J. Malone chose to write about poverty in Scotland in contemporary times. It's something that's not really written about (or if it is, I haven't read it, happy to accept recommendations!), and of course, it's not just in Scotland, it's all over the world, I accept that unequivocally. Nevertheless, it's so refreshing to read a story where a well-off upper middle class woman comes face to face with the darker side of people who go hungry, are addicted to drugs, are homeless etc and explores her reactions/actions as a result. This is why I loved Cara so much as a character too. She was a real fighter for the unheard and often unseen, despite having a difficult upbringing herself and I loved her "never give up" attitude, morals and ethics. I might have had a bit of a girl crush, to be honest!
As I mentioned before, I can't believe this is the first Malone book I've experienced but I'm ever so glad I started with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and can only rub my hands in gleeful anticipation at his past novels, just waiting to be explored.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
September 8, 2018
“The big man’s gone”
I’ve loved my first experience of Michael J Malone’s writing. I was immediately drawn into Paula’s world, feeling her heartbreak. Thomas was her world and with him gone, she’s left with no family of her own. Then at a time of vulnerability, one stranger says something to pull the rug from under her already shaky feet.
“your husband is not the man you thought he was”
My instant thought was he had a second family or something similar, the usual revelation in a domestic noir kind of book. But no, Michael J Malone took me on a much darker and twisted journey with After He Died.
You need to know the truth
Was Cara right? What had Thomas done? What were Thomas’ brothers hiding? I needed answers!!! I had my suspicions of what had happened but my mind was blown by the full extent of the deception that Paula uncovered. I had to keep reading, determined to find out the truth just like Paula. The writing really inspired my mind to imagine the goings-on amongst the striking Scottish backdrop.
I apologise to anyone who has told me to read his books. Believe you me on finishing this, I’m kicking myself for not reading any sooner. I will be rectifying the errors of my ways!
I’ve loved my first experience of Michael J Malone’s writing. I was immediately drawn into Paula’s world, feeling her heartbreak. Thomas was her world and with him gone, she’s left with no family of her own. Then at a time of vulnerability, one stranger says something to pull the rug from under her already shaky feet.
“your husband is not the man you thought he was”
My instant thought was he had a second family or something similar, the usual revelation in a domestic noir kind of book. But no, Michael J Malone took me on a much darker and twisted journey with After He Died.
You need to know the truth
Was Cara right? What had Thomas done? What were Thomas’ brothers hiding? I needed answers!!! I had my suspicions of what had happened but my mind was blown by the full extent of the deception that Paula uncovered. I had to keep reading, determined to find out the truth just like Paula. The writing really inspired my mind to imagine the goings-on amongst the striking Scottish backdrop.
I apologise to anyone who has told me to read his books. Believe you me on finishing this, I’m kicking myself for not reading any sooner. I will be rectifying the errors of my ways!
September 19, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
“After He Died” opens on a scene which (I’m assuming) everybody would dread. One of our two protagonists is burying her husband when she is asked to question her dead husbands past, and if he truly was the man she thinks he was. This is the catalyst that leads her on a journey for the truth about her husband, and his business.
The protagonists here are incredibly strong and I found myself somehow rooting for both of them to get a satisfactory conclusions. The author weaves a brilliant story, and the use of Scottish phrases and dialect during conversations sucked me right in.
This is a stomping read, and even though I say this quite a bit lately, I could not tear myself away from it. I managed to read it in two days, and could not wait to dive straight back in having been rudely pulled away (by my proper job no less!!!).
A Five Star read it there ever was one. Highly Recommended.
Originally posted on donjimmyreviews.wordpress.com
“After He Died” opens on a scene which (I’m assuming) everybody would dread. One of our two protagonists is burying her husband when she is asked to question her dead husbands past, and if he truly was the man she thinks he was. This is the catalyst that leads her on a journey for the truth about her husband, and his business.
The protagonists here are incredibly strong and I found myself somehow rooting for both of them to get a satisfactory conclusions. The author weaves a brilliant story, and the use of Scottish phrases and dialect during conversations sucked me right in.
This is a stomping read, and even though I say this quite a bit lately, I could not tear myself away from it. I managed to read it in two days, and could not wait to dive straight back in having been rudely pulled away (by my proper job no less!!!).
A Five Star read it there ever was one. Highly Recommended.
Originally posted on donjimmyreviews.wordpress.com
February 24, 2020
As soon as I hear Michael J. Malone has a new book coming out, I want a copy! For those of you who are new to damppebbles, Malone’s first Orenda release, A Suitable Lie absolutely blew my socks off (and then some!) back in 2016. It was my book of the year and I still, to this day, recommend it to EVERYONE! If you haven’t purchased a copy yet, then you MUST! I’m also a massive fan of Malone’s self-published gritty Scottish crime series featuring the ‘rough-around-the-edges’ DI, Ray McBain. Another must read if you haven’t already discovered this series yet. So new Michael J. Malone titles immediately kick the book craving into gear, particularly those published by Orenda Books. I love a gritty police procedural like the McBain series, they’re my bread and butter and Malone excels at writing them. But his novels published via Orenda Books are very different; they’re domestic noir thrillers that set a benchmark so high, others can only dream of achieving what he does. They’re chock full of heart, with real living, breathing characters. And more often than not, they take my breath away. They have so much soul, there’s so much emotion between the pages and the unease the reader feels is really quite glorious.
After He Died is another top-notch domestic thriller from the twisted mind and pen of Michael J. Malone. Another page-turner full of secrets and lies; you never know what to believe! The unease I felt whilst reading was palpable and I very much enjoyed every moment I spent in Paula and Cara’s company. Did I like them? Well…I didn’t hate them. I found myself strongly disliking Thomas from quite early on which was rather unfair of me as he is the ‘he’ who has died. I can’t say I liked Paula or Cara but I was definitely on their side, wanting to solve the mystery, urging them on to discover the truth.
Would I recommend this book? I would. If you want a surefire, guaranteed good read then Michael J. Malone’s After He Died is the book for you. Or any other of Malone’s books actually, they’re all wonderful compulsive reads that I’ve struggled to put down. Malone knows how to write a character; whether it’s someone to love or someone to hate, eliciting that emotion is what is all about and Malone does that with ease and lashings of style. After He Died is bulging with secrets, it has a wonderfully Scottish edge that will appeal to many readers – you feel as though you’re reading something very special. Recommended.
Four stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of After He Died. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
After He Died is another top-notch domestic thriller from the twisted mind and pen of Michael J. Malone. Another page-turner full of secrets and lies; you never know what to believe! The unease I felt whilst reading was palpable and I very much enjoyed every moment I spent in Paula and Cara’s company. Did I like them? Well…I didn’t hate them. I found myself strongly disliking Thomas from quite early on which was rather unfair of me as he is the ‘he’ who has died. I can’t say I liked Paula or Cara but I was definitely on their side, wanting to solve the mystery, urging them on to discover the truth.
Would I recommend this book? I would. If you want a surefire, guaranteed good read then Michael J. Malone’s After He Died is the book for you. Or any other of Malone’s books actually, they’re all wonderful compulsive reads that I’ve struggled to put down. Malone knows how to write a character; whether it’s someone to love or someone to hate, eliciting that emotion is what is all about and Malone does that with ease and lashings of style. After He Died is bulging with secrets, it has a wonderfully Scottish edge that will appeal to many readers – you feel as though you’re reading something very special. Recommended.
Four stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of After He Died. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 11, 2019
Thank you NetGalley, Michael J Malone and Trafalgar Square Publishing for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Paula’s husband of almost thirty years just died of a heart attack just before the anniversary of their son’s death and her world falls apart. She is stunned when a younger woman slips her a note at the funeral saying that her husband isn’t who she thought he was. The two women finally meet and Paula is shocked by the revelations that are brought to her attention. We soon see that both women’s lives are in danger!
I really enjoyed that we begin the novel wondering who Paula’s husband really was and what he was up to that she didn’t know about. I loved Paula’s character and how native she is, but how she needs to know what is going on in her life. I also really enjoyed Cara’s character and how different she is from Paula in so many different ways. The fact that they grew up in two very different economic status’ really connect them together because they find out very different things that help the case really come together. I loved how the novel moved along at a steady pace with something interesting happening in almost every chapter. There were tons of moments in this novel that I was shocked, surprised and interested in what was going on and kept flipping through to find out what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the ending because I really didn’t see it coming and was shocked with how deep into this some of the characters were! I would definitely recommend this novel!
Paula’s husband of almost thirty years just died of a heart attack just before the anniversary of their son’s death and her world falls apart. She is stunned when a younger woman slips her a note at the funeral saying that her husband isn’t who she thought he was. The two women finally meet and Paula is shocked by the revelations that are brought to her attention. We soon see that both women’s lives are in danger!
I really enjoyed that we begin the novel wondering who Paula’s husband really was and what he was up to that she didn’t know about. I loved Paula’s character and how native she is, but how she needs to know what is going on in her life. I also really enjoyed Cara’s character and how different she is from Paula in so many different ways. The fact that they grew up in two very different economic status’ really connect them together because they find out very different things that help the case really come together. I loved how the novel moved along at a steady pace with something interesting happening in almost every chapter. There were tons of moments in this novel that I was shocked, surprised and interested in what was going on and kept flipping through to find out what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the ending because I really didn’t see it coming and was shocked with how deep into this some of the characters were! I would definitely recommend this novel!
September 9, 2020
After Paula's husband Thomas passes away from a heart attack, people come crawling out of the woodwork to try to access money that he has hidden away. One of the people believes that Thomas was responsible for her brother's death. Luckily, Paula has the support of Thomas' two brothers and her sister-in-law to get through. It turns out though that they complicate things. This book kept me guessing until the end and I definitely ended up blindsided. However, this book drug on and just seemed to crawl. I almost stopped reading several times as it just felt really repetitive and overall really boring in parts. This was definitely not a favorite, but not terrible. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
Read
June 25, 2018Will never get tired of Mr Malone's writing style...
September 23, 2018
I loved Michael J. Malone's previous books, A Suitable Lie and House of Spines but After He Died is possibly my favourite yet. There are some novels that resonate personally with a reader and this is one such book for me.
Michael J. Malone is an author who seems to be able to get to the heart of the most complicated, damaged people and does so in a way that means their lives aren't sanitised but neither are they dehumanised. Some of the characters in After He Died live on the edges of society, they are the sort of people that others hurry past but here they are written about with honesty and compassion. One of my brothers was a drug addict who eventually died by suicide and this meant I felt a particular affinity with Cara. The people she comes into contact with through her role as an advocacy worker may be dismissed as no-hopers but Michael J. Malone ensures that their strong sense of community is also portrayed here. This is something I saw first-hand after my brother's death - the prayers at his funeral may have been accompanied by the sounds of Special Brew being opened but the love his friends had for him was very clear that day. After He Died is an exciting and tense domestic noir novel but it's also beautifully crafted, empathetic writing.
The central themes to the novel are grief and secrets and poor Paula certainly suffers here. Her husband, Thomas dies suddenly of a heart attack almost seven years after the tragic loss of their son, Christopher. Paula could have been a difficult character to identify with - she lives an affluent lifestyle far removed from the daily struggles many people experience and acknowledges that she turned a blind eye to her suspicions that not all his business dealings were strictly above board. However, as she slowly begins to discover dark secrets about her husband which threaten to tarnish her memories of their years together, she somehow finds an inner strength which meant that as well as feeling sorry for her, I also grew to admire her.
After He Died is a compelling and tense thriller with a dark and surprising mystery which kept me engrossed throughout. There's something particularly sinister about learning that those closest to you harbour the deadliest secrets and it wasn't just Paula who wasn't sure who she could trust, the twists and turns kept me guessing too. Michael J. Malone has written a book which is a chilling psychological thriller while also being a warm and sympathetic look at grief, that most shared of human experiences. I truly loved this gripping yet deeply touching novel and highly, highly recommend it.
Michael J. Malone is an author who seems to be able to get to the heart of the most complicated, damaged people and does so in a way that means their lives aren't sanitised but neither are they dehumanised. Some of the characters in After He Died live on the edges of society, they are the sort of people that others hurry past but here they are written about with honesty and compassion. One of my brothers was a drug addict who eventually died by suicide and this meant I felt a particular affinity with Cara. The people she comes into contact with through her role as an advocacy worker may be dismissed as no-hopers but Michael J. Malone ensures that their strong sense of community is also portrayed here. This is something I saw first-hand after my brother's death - the prayers at his funeral may have been accompanied by the sounds of Special Brew being opened but the love his friends had for him was very clear that day. After He Died is an exciting and tense domestic noir novel but it's also beautifully crafted, empathetic writing.
The central themes to the novel are grief and secrets and poor Paula certainly suffers here. Her husband, Thomas dies suddenly of a heart attack almost seven years after the tragic loss of their son, Christopher. Paula could have been a difficult character to identify with - she lives an affluent lifestyle far removed from the daily struggles many people experience and acknowledges that she turned a blind eye to her suspicions that not all his business dealings were strictly above board. However, as she slowly begins to discover dark secrets about her husband which threaten to tarnish her memories of their years together, she somehow finds an inner strength which meant that as well as feeling sorry for her, I also grew to admire her.
After He Died is a compelling and tense thriller with a dark and surprising mystery which kept me engrossed throughout. There's something particularly sinister about learning that those closest to you harbour the deadliest secrets and it wasn't just Paula who wasn't sure who she could trust, the twists and turns kept me guessing too. Michael J. Malone has written a book which is a chilling psychological thriller while also being a warm and sympathetic look at grief, that most shared of human experiences. I truly loved this gripping yet deeply touching novel and highly, highly recommend it.
September 20, 2018
Imagine being at the funeral of your spouse and being approached by a woman who tells you that you don’t really know your husband. This is the reality which Paula Gadd faces at the funeral of her husband Thomas who has died suddenly of a hear attack. She is initially reluctant to contact the woman who left a note with her telephone number but the curiosity and doubt starts to seep in leading her down a path of lies and revelations.
I was struck by Michael J. Malone’s sensitive and gentle way of writing about grief in After He Died. Paula and Thomas’ only son, Christopher died seven years earlier and the death of her husband leaves Paula alone in the large house which had once been a bustling family home. She aimlessly drifts from room to room, sleeps at odd hours, has no appetite and wraps herself in Thomas’ dressing gown so she can smell him. These passages were raw and visceral and I felt her loss keenly and felt quite emotional at times reading about her deep grief.
This grief propels her into action and she contacts Cara, the mysterious woman from the funeral. She knows things about Thomas and Christopher that terrify and bemuse Paula and yet, she and Cara forge a tentative friendship based on these deep, dark secrets. There is a deftness of touch in the way these truths are revealed with clues dropped tantalizingly and we are as much in the dark as Paula. She seeks comfort in family, particularly in Thomas’ two brothers one of whom, Joe, is a priest but it appears that they may also know more about her husband than she does. Just who was Thomas Gadd?
Family and loyalty is a main theme within this book. Paula is cast adrift without Thomas and her husband’s family are all she has left but there is a distinct distance between her and older brother-in-law Bill and his wife Daphne.It appears that for wealthy Thomas and Paula, money does not buy happiness. We become privy to Cara’s family and the social class that she has come from which is the exact opposite of Paula’s, yet, she has people she can rely on – who does Paula have? In fact, there are some great contrasts in the novel between affluence and poverty and I felt it was a great snapshot of life in a British city in 2018 with the two extremes living side-by-side.
This is a fast-paced read which kept me turning the pages with its twists and turns. Michael J. Malone withholds just enough information to make it bearable and I was furiously trying to work out how everything linked together. It is a wonderful piece of crime fiction and I also thought it was a compelling slice of social history highlighting injustices and the security and greed of money.
I was struck by Michael J. Malone’s sensitive and gentle way of writing about grief in After He Died. Paula and Thomas’ only son, Christopher died seven years earlier and the death of her husband leaves Paula alone in the large house which had once been a bustling family home. She aimlessly drifts from room to room, sleeps at odd hours, has no appetite and wraps herself in Thomas’ dressing gown so she can smell him. These passages were raw and visceral and I felt her loss keenly and felt quite emotional at times reading about her deep grief.
This grief propels her into action and she contacts Cara, the mysterious woman from the funeral. She knows things about Thomas and Christopher that terrify and bemuse Paula and yet, she and Cara forge a tentative friendship based on these deep, dark secrets. There is a deftness of touch in the way these truths are revealed with clues dropped tantalizingly and we are as much in the dark as Paula. She seeks comfort in family, particularly in Thomas’ two brothers one of whom, Joe, is a priest but it appears that they may also know more about her husband than she does. Just who was Thomas Gadd?
Family and loyalty is a main theme within this book. Paula is cast adrift without Thomas and her husband’s family are all she has left but there is a distinct distance between her and older brother-in-law Bill and his wife Daphne.It appears that for wealthy Thomas and Paula, money does not buy happiness. We become privy to Cara’s family and the social class that she has come from which is the exact opposite of Paula’s, yet, she has people she can rely on – who does Paula have? In fact, there are some great contrasts in the novel between affluence and poverty and I felt it was a great snapshot of life in a British city in 2018 with the two extremes living side-by-side.
This is a fast-paced read which kept me turning the pages with its twists and turns. Michael J. Malone withholds just enough information to make it bearable and I was furiously trying to work out how everything linked together. It is a wonderful piece of crime fiction and I also thought it was a compelling slice of social history highlighting injustices and the security and greed of money.
September 18, 2018
Paula Gadd lost her son almost seven years ago, her husband has just died. But a stranger asking Paula how well she knew her husband leaves her questioning all she thought she knew.
Straight away I want to mention the cover, how simple, effective and amazing it is. The story itself is far from simple, but it is effective and it really is amazing. I got to meet Paula at the funeral of her husband Tommy, she is still stunned, shocked and in a daze when this random stranger just walks up and asks Paula how well she knew her husband…
By this point I am already hooked, what follows left me on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. Paula is rocked and as she discovers there are things that her husband has done that she had no idea about. I also got to meet some of Tommy’s family and also the stranger and how she fits into the story. Yes this is vague for a reason, no spoilers from me..
This is a book that is fast paced but one where I forced myself to slow my reading of so I didn’t miss any little detail. The author does the most amazing job of building up tension and suspense and at the same time sows so many seeds of doubt along the way. The plot is deliciously deceptive and twisted, but never once did I feel confused, the writing simply flowed as the story was revealed.
The characters in the story are such a random lot, and yes some I did like, those that I couldn’t make my mind up about and some that completely hoodwinked me. I love the concept of how well you know someone and how the author has used that and then completely turned it on it backside to reveal a world of doubt, mistrust, conflict and finding the truth about the person you thought you knew.
This is the first book I have read by this author, I have now bought a myself a couple more as this was so amazing. If you are a fan of crime, mystery, thriller, and suspense with a good helping of domestic noir then you will absolutely want to read this one. An absolutely fantastic read that I would highly recommend.
Straight away I want to mention the cover, how simple, effective and amazing it is. The story itself is far from simple, but it is effective and it really is amazing. I got to meet Paula at the funeral of her husband Tommy, she is still stunned, shocked and in a daze when this random stranger just walks up and asks Paula how well she knew her husband…
By this point I am already hooked, what follows left me on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. Paula is rocked and as she discovers there are things that her husband has done that she had no idea about. I also got to meet some of Tommy’s family and also the stranger and how she fits into the story. Yes this is vague for a reason, no spoilers from me..
This is a book that is fast paced but one where I forced myself to slow my reading of so I didn’t miss any little detail. The author does the most amazing job of building up tension and suspense and at the same time sows so many seeds of doubt along the way. The plot is deliciously deceptive and twisted, but never once did I feel confused, the writing simply flowed as the story was revealed.
The characters in the story are such a random lot, and yes some I did like, those that I couldn’t make my mind up about and some that completely hoodwinked me. I love the concept of how well you know someone and how the author has used that and then completely turned it on it backside to reveal a world of doubt, mistrust, conflict and finding the truth about the person you thought you knew.
This is the first book I have read by this author, I have now bought a myself a couple more as this was so amazing. If you are a fan of crime, mystery, thriller, and suspense with a good helping of domestic noir then you will absolutely want to read this one. An absolutely fantastic read that I would highly recommend.
November 16, 2021
I wanted to enjoy this book. Hey, the main character was called Paula after all.
BUT, This Paula ( MC) wasn’t even listening to herself. She kept repeating things that later on she had forgotten that she had said to herself like she questioned whether Anton was a builder as his hand were to soft. Yet when she was tied up with her brother and sister-in-law she is shocked to find out Anton wasn’t a builder.
The book became quite annoying and repetitive. I don’t normally give three stars but this time I’m sorry to me it is all it’s worth. I just wanted to tell Paula to man up and grow balls. If she believed in her husband then find out what happened because something wasn’t right instead of wandering around feeling sorry for herself. And as for making out with her brother-in-law, and feeling sorry a gambling Priest who got them into the mess in the first place… my goodness!
BUT, This Paula ( MC) wasn’t even listening to herself. She kept repeating things that later on she had forgotten that she had said to herself like she questioned whether Anton was a builder as his hand were to soft. Yet when she was tied up with her brother and sister-in-law she is shocked to find out Anton wasn’t a builder.
The book became quite annoying and repetitive. I don’t normally give three stars but this time I’m sorry to me it is all it’s worth. I just wanted to tell Paula to man up and grow balls. If she believed in her husband then find out what happened because something wasn’t right instead of wandering around feeling sorry for herself. And as for making out with her brother-in-law, and feeling sorry a gambling Priest who got them into the mess in the first place… my goodness!
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