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Exit Five from Charing Cross
A life built on a lie.
Rich investment banker, Jake, has everything he’s ever dreamed about. Money, a beautiful wife, two children.
But nothing in Jake’s world is as it seems. He dislikes his wife, never sees his children and is in so much debt there doesn’t appear to be a way out...unless....?
Faced with the only decision that seems to make sense, he makes a choice that will change all their lives forever.
Rich investment banker, Jake, has everything he’s ever dreamed about. Money, a beautiful wife, two children.
But nothing in Jake’s world is as it seems. He dislikes his wife, never sees his children and is in so much debt there doesn’t appear to be a way out...unless....?
Faced with the only decision that seems to make sense, he makes a choice that will change all their lives forever.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2014
234 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
50 books882 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 4, 2017
"My confidence wasn't misplaced. It was the way it was. The future was warm and rosy and the clouds that drifted were wisps that dissolved before they as much as dipped the temperature. None of us saw the storm clouds approach, the tornadoes, the hurricanes, the trembling of our world, and the resultant tsunami that wiped it all away, changing it forever.".....
If you look at Jake Mitchell's life you'll see a rich man, with a trophy wife, two children, and an elegant home. What more could a successful man ask for?
The problem is Jake doesn't love his wife, spends little time with the kids, and is in serious debt. If only there was a way out of the mess he's made of his life. Is there?
Maybe it's all the pressure, but a chance meeting with a stranger when he gets off at "Exit Five From Charing Cross," will ultimately alter his and his family's lives forever. The story takes place in London.
The back story building to these moments are so interesting, with some shocking surprises for Jake. You learn what Jake is really made of, how he came to be, and how it all comes crashing down.
I really enjoyed this book. What started as a solid straight road, took on turns and curves and hills, reminiscent of a roller coaster. Great read!
Thank you Valerie Keogh
If you look at Jake Mitchell's life you'll see a rich man, with a trophy wife, two children, and an elegant home. What more could a successful man ask for?
The problem is Jake doesn't love his wife, spends little time with the kids, and is in serious debt. If only there was a way out of the mess he's made of his life. Is there?
Maybe it's all the pressure, but a chance meeting with a stranger when he gets off at "Exit Five From Charing Cross," will ultimately alter his and his family's lives forever. The story takes place in London.
The back story building to these moments are so interesting, with some shocking surprises for Jake. You learn what Jake is really made of, how he came to be, and how it all comes crashing down.
I really enjoyed this book. What started as a solid straight road, took on turns and curves and hills, reminiscent of a roller coaster. Great read!
Thank you Valerie Keogh
June 29, 2019
A gripping story
Love this author's work and this book is completely different to her others . Jake Mitchell tells his own story, moving to Oxford attending university with a room over the stables tending to the professor's garden. Another life that he doesn't even think of his parents back home. He befriends Adam Brett who is told that Jakes parents died. Time goes on and Jake gets a good job working for Sebastian et Sebastian and buys a beautiful house in Elgin Crescent. Adam meets and marries Jane. Seventeen years jake goes back home to see his parents to find they died just after he left. He later goes on to marry Ann,
Adams sister who can spend money like water. They have two girl's then Jake meets Joyce, leaving him with a plan. This book kept me going right till the end , I actually felt a big sorry for Jake in parts. He definitely had his moments from Charing Cross. It will definitely give you a thrill as you read. Deserving stars for this book.
Love this author's work and this book is completely different to her others . Jake Mitchell tells his own story, moving to Oxford attending university with a room over the stables tending to the professor's garden. Another life that he doesn't even think of his parents back home. He befriends Adam Brett who is told that Jakes parents died. Time goes on and Jake gets a good job working for Sebastian et Sebastian and buys a beautiful house in Elgin Crescent. Adam meets and marries Jane. Seventeen years jake goes back home to see his parents to find they died just after he left. He later goes on to marry Ann,
Adams sister who can spend money like water. They have two girl's then Jake meets Joyce, leaving him with a plan. This book kept me going right till the end , I actually felt a big sorry for Jake in parts. He definitely had his moments from Charing Cross. It will definitely give you a thrill as you read. Deserving stars for this book.
November 9, 2015
I’m genuinely amazed at how much I loved this.
I started the story not knowing what to think. I hadn’t read the blurb so I didn’t know what to expect. The opening chapter was interesting enough and when I wanted to find out more, discovered that we had in fact travelled back in time to a memory.
I was surprised to find this book took on a different format to most and that this flashback lasted almost half the book, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. I couldn’t put it down! The journey of Jake’s life is somehow so amazing and captivating and before we know it, we have a curveball thrown at us that we just didn’t see coming.
I found the characters were absolutely amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that has made the characters feel so alive in such a short space of time. One telephone conversation with the housekeeper gave me such a clear picture of her – and that’s without any physical description!
This author is a truly talented lady and one that is capable of providing someone’s life story in such a way that the mundane becomes interesting. There were moments when I wanted more details but I admired how some scenes felt like really memories and were, in themselves, short stories that contributed to one overall picture.
I think this is a fantastic book. Different to a lot of stuff that I’ve read in the same genre and the writing style is refreshing. If you’re looking for something that will entertain then this is for you. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
I started the story not knowing what to think. I hadn’t read the blurb so I didn’t know what to expect. The opening chapter was interesting enough and when I wanted to find out more, discovered that we had in fact travelled back in time to a memory.
I was surprised to find this book took on a different format to most and that this flashback lasted almost half the book, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. I couldn’t put it down! The journey of Jake’s life is somehow so amazing and captivating and before we know it, we have a curveball thrown at us that we just didn’t see coming.
I found the characters were absolutely amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that has made the characters feel so alive in such a short space of time. One telephone conversation with the housekeeper gave me such a clear picture of her – and that’s without any physical description!
This author is a truly talented lady and one that is capable of providing someone’s life story in such a way that the mundane becomes interesting. There were moments when I wanted more details but I admired how some scenes felt like really memories and were, in themselves, short stories that contributed to one overall picture.
I think this is a fantastic book. Different to a lot of stuff that I’ve read in the same genre and the writing style is refreshing. If you’re looking for something that will entertain then this is for you. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
October 18, 2015
Jake Mitchell is desperate to leave his home. Once he gets accepted to the University of Oxford he knows this is his big chance to start his own life away from his parents and their boring, embarrassing, and predictable life.
Once in Oxford Jake reinvents himself; he lies about his family and background. “Telling the truth was never an option.” He becomes friends with Adam and Jane. He loves Jane and when she chooses Adam he is crushed. The love he has for Jane makes it impossible for him to love anyone else. As the story progresses he becomes successful but he is not happy.
Image is everything to Jake and material wealth is crucial. Jake goes to great length to achieve the perfect image. He becomes a very wealthy man and he spends his money like it’s going out of style.
This is the second book I have read by Valerie Keogh. She is a good story-teller. There are a few surprises in this book and a shocking ending. Her style of writing flows easily and it’s a pleasure to read her books.
Once in Oxford Jake reinvents himself; he lies about his family and background. “Telling the truth was never an option.” He becomes friends with Adam and Jane. He loves Jane and when she chooses Adam he is crushed. The love he has for Jane makes it impossible for him to love anyone else. As the story progresses he becomes successful but he is not happy.
Image is everything to Jake and material wealth is crucial. Jake goes to great length to achieve the perfect image. He becomes a very wealthy man and he spends his money like it’s going out of style.
This is the second book I have read by Valerie Keogh. She is a good story-teller. There are a few surprises in this book and a shocking ending. Her style of writing flows easily and it’s a pleasure to read her books.
November 4, 2015
A surprisingly haunting read. The second time around, the story has a Fight Club kind of feel, as I wonder just how reliable the author after learning the real twist, that I don't wish to reveal. (Come on, don't cheat, you have to read it too)
I will say that the ending is one that I didn't see coming, and when I say that it had the qualities of a certain Edger Allen Poe story, it is a compliment which I do not pay lightly as a reader.
I will say that the ending is one that I didn't see coming, and when I say that it had the qualities of a certain Edger Allen Poe story, it is a compliment which I do not pay lightly as a reader.
June 5, 2019
So disappointing
I will admit- this book pulled me in at the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and was interested to see what would happen in the next chapter. BUT- I don't know what happened, it's like the author got tired of all the detail and 3/4 of the way through the book, it took a complete nose dive. I can not believe I read this book for the author to just " throw away the characters " Definitely pass on this one, you will be glad you did!
I will admit- this book pulled me in at the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and was interested to see what would happen in the next chapter. BUT- I don't know what happened, it's like the author got tired of all the detail and 3/4 of the way through the book, it took a complete nose dive. I can not believe I read this book for the author to just " throw away the characters " Definitely pass on this one, you will be glad you did!
July 11, 2015
This story could be a Woody Allen screenplay, with themes of chance and fate. Through his narrative, the introverted Jake takes us on his sad and lonely journey. Distanced from the outside world, he goes to extreme lengths trying to get what he thinks he wants. But all is not what it seems. Brilliantly written. Thought provoking in the vein of Crime and Punishment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Not a psychological thriller
I finished this book because I don't like to give up but I should have with one. Spent the whole book telling the back story until the last couple of chapters and the ending was weak. The author is a good story teller so I will definitely read something else by her but I would recommend giving this one a miss
I finished this book because I don't like to give up but I should have with one. Spent the whole book telling the back story until the last couple of chapters and the ending was weak. The author is a good story teller so I will definitely read something else by her but I would recommend giving this one a miss
March 18, 2019
Good book with a Disappointing ending
Enjoyed this book right through until the last chapter which I though lost the plot entirely......one will never know what the author was trying to convey or the reason the main character suddenly lived in a bizarre whirlwind...it did not gel with the storyline at all
Enjoyed this book right through until the last chapter which I though lost the plot entirely......one will never know what the author was trying to convey or the reason the main character suddenly lived in a bizarre whirlwind...it did not gel with the storyline at all
June 20, 2016
All right, an unreliable narrator is an unreliable narrator but that was FUCKED UP!!!!
I feel used. Toyed with. Manipulated. Had.
..... I need a nap.
I feel used. Toyed with. Manipulated. Had.
..... I need a nap.
January 5, 2019
Enjoyable
O did enjoy reading this book but unfortunately the ending was an anticlimactic and I didn't real y understand it
O did enjoy reading this book but unfortunately the ending was an anticlimactic and I didn't real y understand it
May 20, 2020
Another ending I didnt see coming
I've read two of Valerie's books now in quick succession. This one has taken me just under a day to read and wow! What a rollercoaster of a ride. I had to say I initially intensely disliked the main protagonist (Jake) but as his story evolved I couldnt help but feel a little sympathy for him. An ending I could again not have predicted and I look forward to reading more of Valerie's novels for their unpredictability.
I've read two of Valerie's books now in quick succession. This one has taken me just under a day to read and wow! What a rollercoaster of a ride. I had to say I initially intensely disliked the main protagonist (Jake) but as his story evolved I couldnt help but feel a little sympathy for him. An ending I could again not have predicted and I look forward to reading more of Valerie's novels for their unpredictability.
May 23, 2021
Jake
Jake grew up in a normal household with his parents but he wanted better for himself so he applied for Oxford and things changed for him then. He met Adam who turned into a really good friend Jake had a really good future ahead for himself.but things change Valerie's books always have a twist but they keep you on edge of your seat and this one didn't dissapointed either 5 STARS for a fantastic book.
Jake grew up in a normal household with his parents but he wanted better for himself so he applied for Oxford and things changed for him then. He met Adam who turned into a really good friend Jake had a really good future ahead for himself.but things change Valerie's books always have a twist but they keep you on edge of your seat and this one didn't dissapointed either 5 STARS for a fantastic book.
June 29, 2021
What about the ending!
We all want that perfect fairytale life right? Big house, new car, beautiful life and two kids right ? But for Jake it wasn’t enough. He marries his best friends sister, gets his dream house, has two kids but it’s not enough. While his life is crumpling down, he kills his wife to run away with his girlfriend; or does he?
I couldn’t put this book down. Such a good read that kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next !
We all want that perfect fairytale life right? Big house, new car, beautiful life and two kids right ? But for Jake it wasn’t enough. He marries his best friends sister, gets his dream house, has two kids but it’s not enough. While his life is crumpling down, he kills his wife to run away with his girlfriend; or does he?
I couldn’t put this book down. Such a good read that kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next !
October 29, 2020
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. From the start it was absolutely riveting and I ploughed thru it in 4 hours. Loved loved loved, right up until the last page and it just ended. I am so frustrated. Was Joyce a figment of his imagination or what? I have to deduct a star although it pains me to do so.
January 5, 2019
Dreadful!
Bought this book based on the reviews as it suggested to be my genre and therefore I kept reading. Completely unbelievable story line.... would not recommend or bother with another book by this author
Bought this book based on the reviews as it suggested to be my genre and therefore I kept reading. Completely unbelievable story line.... would not recommend or bother with another book by this author
May 4, 2019
Totally Unexpected
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and while there were a few typos, they didn’t detract from the story at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was completely surprised by the ending. I’ll be reading more from her!
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and while there were a few typos, they didn’t detract from the story at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was completely surprised by the ending. I’ll be reading more from her!
December 5, 2016
What an excellent book! Totally narrated by the man, with a twist that was totally unexpected! Don't hesitate! Read this book!
April 6, 2020
A good read, although it felt a bit rambling at times, and I became annoyed at the main character's stupidity by the end.
September 19, 2020
Easy reading, nice escape book!
December 14, 2020
Good read
Enjoyed the book but disappointed with the ending !
Was she dead ? Did it happen ?
Or did he just have a mental breakdown to get out of the hole he had dug for himself
Enjoyed the book but disappointed with the ending !
Was she dead ? Did it happen ?
Or did he just have a mental breakdown to get out of the hole he had dug for himself
August 17, 2021
A great story
Wow, what an unusual story, with a surprising ending. Although it would have been nice to know what happened next.
Wow, what an unusual story, with a surprising ending. Although it would have been nice to know what happened next.
December 8, 2021
Dark & Twisty story!!
Great story, lovely twist at the end!!!
If you like dark & twisty this is a great read!!
Couldn’t put it down
Great story, lovely twist at the end!!!
If you like dark & twisty this is a great read!!
Couldn’t put it down
February 10, 2019
I had no expectations of what to expect but it's probably the most original book I've read this year and the ending left me open mouthed. Loved it
September 20, 2020
Fascinating Read
This book was intriguing from the first page. I loved the pace and suspense. The characters were well developed. I found myself at times feeling sympathy for Jake but at other times he seemed shrewd and calculating. From the beginning he says he landed on his feet and he built a life to be proud of and found himself deserving but at times throughout the novel, he seemed to dwell on fantasies. Example: Hoping his best friend's wife would leave him and then decide to build a life with Jake. This wasn't going to happen but even in his imagination, he was unconcerned about hurting his best friend although Adam had always been a sincere friend. The ending was so unexpected. I was left with the wonder of the woman he met and the rash decisions he made. I think he was so used to ending up on the up side of things that he couldn't come with the bad side when his life seemed to fall apart.
I love how the sentences were well written enough so I could envision the scenes in my mind. It seems he assumed too much about his wife and it seemed unfair to her. The last page left me blindsided.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about the author's style of writing. It was refreshing and honestly a surprise of events. I can normally tell where a novel is going but every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was shocked in a good way.
This novel to me rates right up there with "Gone Girl," "The Girl on the Train" and "Anonymous Girl."
One of the better novels I've read in awhile.
This book was intriguing from the first page. I loved the pace and suspense. The characters were well developed. I found myself at times feeling sympathy for Jake but at other times he seemed shrewd and calculating. From the beginning he says he landed on his feet and he built a life to be proud of and found himself deserving but at times throughout the novel, he seemed to dwell on fantasies. Example: Hoping his best friend's wife would leave him and then decide to build a life with Jake. This wasn't going to happen but even in his imagination, he was unconcerned about hurting his best friend although Adam had always been a sincere friend. The ending was so unexpected. I was left with the wonder of the woman he met and the rash decisions he made. I think he was so used to ending up on the up side of things that he couldn't come with the bad side when his life seemed to fall apart.
I love how the sentences were well written enough so I could envision the scenes in my mind. It seems he assumed too much about his wife and it seemed unfair to her. The last page left me blindsided.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about the author's style of writing. It was refreshing and honestly a surprise of events. I can normally tell where a novel is going but every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was shocked in a good way.
This novel to me rates right up there with "Gone Girl," "The Girl on the Train" and "Anonymous Girl."
One of the better novels I've read in awhile.
July 21, 2016
This is far from the typical mystery novel. The plot is intriguing enough, but it starts off slow. It wasn't until I was over half way through the book that I became truly hooked. Valerie Keogh knows how to write a story with characters who are easy to feel for.
Jake, the main character goes through so much drama throughout the book, dealing with obstacles in every chapter. For a protagonist who is intriguing enough, and easy to sympathize with, he's also a frustrating mess. There were times I was hoping he'd disappoint and fail, other times I was rooting for his success.
I never knew how I was going to feel about Jake, or what was actually going to play out. Jake's mind worked in such mysterious and curious ways, that it was fascinating to see him come to the conclusions he did, and how his mind worked under pressure.
The book is full of turns that you probably won't see coming. The character is a bundle of emotions and is constantly struggling with one thing or another. His struggle was tolerable only due to Keogh's writing style. Not many people can put so much angst into a book without it being the main focus of the plot.
What can I say about the ending that won't spoil it for the new reader? I can't say much, but it was quite an interesting twist that really makes me hope that there will be a sequel in the future. Overall, I give this book a 4/5.
Jake, the main character goes through so much drama throughout the book, dealing with obstacles in every chapter. For a protagonist who is intriguing enough, and easy to sympathize with, he's also a frustrating mess. There were times I was hoping he'd disappoint and fail, other times I was rooting for his success.
I never knew how I was going to feel about Jake, or what was actually going to play out. Jake's mind worked in such mysterious and curious ways, that it was fascinating to see him come to the conclusions he did, and how his mind worked under pressure.
The book is full of turns that you probably won't see coming. The character is a bundle of emotions and is constantly struggling with one thing or another. His struggle was tolerable only due to Keogh's writing style. Not many people can put so much angst into a book without it being the main focus of the plot.
What can I say about the ending that won't spoil it for the new reader? I can't say much, but it was quite an interesting twist that really makes me hope that there will be a sequel in the future. Overall, I give this book a 4/5.
October 9, 2015
I don't usually read this type of book, when I first read the synopsis I just cringed, why would Valerie Keogh write something like this??? But as she is my favourite author, I braced myself and read. It is not a bad write for this genre, I am surprised that she made reading such a painful kissy-hurt plot of a story much bearable! It gives me better perspective!
April 8, 2017
This mystery was a delight to read. Not only did it keep my interest throughout, it was also well-crafted and suspenseful. It's a story of a man, Jake, whose whole life has been built upon lies. The first part of the story reminded me of The Great Gatsby and Jude the Obscure. The main character family's is relatively poor and when he finds out that he's been given a full scholarship to Oxford, his parents chide him for trying to rise above his station. He leaves for Oxford anyway and becomes a good friend with Adam, a fellow student, who comes from a very rich an upper-class family.
He falls in love with Adam's girlfriend, Jane, and the three of them are inseparable. Jake rises to the top of his profession as an investment banker and marries Adam's sister who is a gold-digger who demands expensive jewelry, a housekeeper, masseuse, a chef, and a nanny. The author foreshadows that all of this pretense of expensive houses with several servants will soon come crashing down. When he meets a mysterious young woman at a coffee shop, she reminds him of all of the things he's always wanted. Hoping to start a new life with her, he decides that "something had to be done" and comes up with an elaborate plan. Like "A Girl on a Train", the narrator is very unreliable and is full of surprises; and that just made me want to keep reading and find out what will happen next. I highly recommend this book.
He falls in love with Adam's girlfriend, Jane, and the three of them are inseparable. Jake rises to the top of his profession as an investment banker and marries Adam's sister who is a gold-digger who demands expensive jewelry, a housekeeper, masseuse, a chef, and a nanny. The author foreshadows that all of this pretense of expensive houses with several servants will soon come crashing down. When he meets a mysterious young woman at a coffee shop, she reminds him of all of the things he's always wanted. Hoping to start a new life with her, he decides that "something had to be done" and comes up with an elaborate plan. Like "A Girl on a Train", the narrator is very unreliable and is full of surprises; and that just made me want to keep reading and find out what will happen next. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews