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Dr. Samantha Willerby Mystery #3
Perfect Bones
Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside you?
When art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on a London towpath, the police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: refusing to leave his canal boat and traumatised by the shock, Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and can’t speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2018
252 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Waines
11 books481 followersAJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *over half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 International Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 8, 2018
Perfect Bones, the 3rd novel in the Samantha Willerby Mystery Series by bestselling author, A.J. Waines a tense and creepy psychological thriller that will send your pulse racing. It can easily be read as a stand-alone novel but I suggest you read in order to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones.
Aiden Blake, a nineteen-year-old art student who lives on his canal boat, appears to be the only witness to a violent attack. He was found at the scene in a catatonic state. The authorities believe that he saw the whole thing, but was traumatized by the situation.
The victim, Korea Washington, a sculptor at Camden Community Art Project (CCAP) was almost decapitated. She had been out bike riding on a London towpath, when a tripwire was used in a calculated attack.
The witness won’t talk to anybody…he can’t speak. The police need Aiden’s help to identify the assailant. Time is of the essence.
The Met Police call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. Samantha has specialist art therapy skills. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, through the use of a sand tray to express his feelings he found too hard to put into words, the images are not initially understood. Before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
“Words can get in the way sometimes. Sometimes it’s easier, safer, to show…”
Perfect Bones is a well-written psychological thriller that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I always believe that if an author can grip and involve the reader with an intriguing plot and memorable characters while providing insight while educating their audience…they have ticked all the boxes. I loved this novel! It was a pleasure to read and an easy 5-star rating.
Expected publication: November 8th 2018 by Bloodhound Books
Aiden Blake, a nineteen-year-old art student who lives on his canal boat, appears to be the only witness to a violent attack. He was found at the scene in a catatonic state. The authorities believe that he saw the whole thing, but was traumatized by the situation.
The victim, Korea Washington, a sculptor at Camden Community Art Project (CCAP) was almost decapitated. She had been out bike riding on a London towpath, when a tripwire was used in a calculated attack.
The witness won’t talk to anybody…he can’t speak. The police need Aiden’s help to identify the assailant. Time is of the essence.
The Met Police call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. Samantha has specialist art therapy skills. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, through the use of a sand tray to express his feelings he found too hard to put into words, the images are not initially understood. Before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
“Words can get in the way sometimes. Sometimes it’s easier, safer, to show…”
Perfect Bones is a well-written psychological thriller that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I always believe that if an author can grip and involve the reader with an intriguing plot and memorable characters while providing insight while educating their audience…they have ticked all the boxes. I loved this novel! It was a pleasure to read and an easy 5-star rating.
Expected publication: November 8th 2018 by Bloodhound Books
November 28, 2018
EXCERPT: '...(she) said my work was derivative and passe - but now she'll become part of one of my pieces. Some sort of poetic justice, don't you think?' (The) mouth curled into a smug grin. '...her flesh will rot, but she'll forever have perfect bones.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside you?
When art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on a London towpath, the police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: refusing to leave his canal boat and traumatised by the shock, Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and can’t speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
MY THOUGHTS: I liked Perfect Bones by A. J. Waines, but I didn't love it. There was one thing that niggled at me the whole time I was reading. . . and that was the time frame, the seven days to produce results, and the fact that Sam had to drop all her other cases to work exclusively with Aiden, and yet she has plenty of time to do other things. . . But putting that aside, this is a well crafted murder mystery, though I don't honestly believe it to be a 'psychological thriller', even if the perpetrator is insane. It just doesn't have that 'cat and mouse' feel to it.
A good read, but not a great read. And yes, I will definitely read more by this author, including more of this series. Although this is book 3 in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone.
😊😊😊.5
THE AUTHOR: AJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *nearly half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Perfect Bones by A. J. Waines for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside you?
When art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on a London towpath, the police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: refusing to leave his canal boat and traumatised by the shock, Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and can’t speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
MY THOUGHTS: I liked Perfect Bones by A. J. Waines, but I didn't love it. There was one thing that niggled at me the whole time I was reading. . . and that was the time frame, the seven days to produce results, and the fact that Sam had to drop all her other cases to work exclusively with Aiden, and yet she has plenty of time to do other things. . . But putting that aside, this is a well crafted murder mystery, though I don't honestly believe it to be a 'psychological thriller', even if the perpetrator is insane. It just doesn't have that 'cat and mouse' feel to it.
A good read, but not a great read. And yes, I will definitely read more by this author, including more of this series. Although this is book 3 in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone.
😊😊😊.5
THE AUTHOR: AJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *nearly half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Perfect Bones by A. J. Waines for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 8, 2018
Sam Willerby, a Clinical Psychologist, is called in by the Met to help with a witness. Aiden Blake saw a horrendous murder and has been rendered mute by the terror. He can't speak and he doesn't appear to do anything that might give the police a hint of what he saw.
Bringing her tools of the trade, Sam works with Aiden and is making very small headway. He finally starts to communicate with her through his art, but it's up to her to make sense of them.
Before she fully gains AIden's trust, another murder takes place. Again, it is someone connected to Aiden's art school. So .. is he a witness? Or a suspect?
This is the 3rd in the series featuring Dr. Samantha Willerby, but this one can easily be read as a stand alone.
With plenty of suspects to go around, Sam has no problem playing amateur sleuth in order to protect Aiden and put a killer away. There's a lot of action with suspects, one of which will do anything to keep secrets from seeing the light of day.
Many thanks to the author /Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 14, 2018
Perfection
This lives up to its title and tagline. The first two books were excellent, the third is even better.
Different approach to investigation, but really works,. There is further development of the main characters. More information revealed about them.
Really keeps you guessing who the killer is until the very end. They weren't even on my radar.
Really hope there will be a fourth book.
This lives up to its title and tagline. The first two books were excellent, the third is even better.
Different approach to investigation, but really works,. There is further development of the main characters. More information revealed about them.
Really keeps you guessing who the killer is until the very end. They weren't even on my radar.
Really hope there will be a fourth book.
November 13, 2018
This is book three in the Samantha Willerby Mystery series. Although this can be read as a standalone I recommend you read the series as it’s really good.
Dr. Samantha Willerby is called in to see if she can get some information from Aiden, a witness in a gruesome attack. Unfortunately Aiden is traumatised by the attack and won’t talk. Sam is on a race against time to help Aiden.
This is a really well written psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seats. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Dr. Samantha Willerby is called in to see if she can get some information from Aiden, a witness in a gruesome attack. Unfortunately Aiden is traumatised by the attack and won’t talk. Sam is on a race against time to help Aiden.
This is a really well written psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seats. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more from this author.
November 7, 2018
Have just finished this ‘Gripper of a Book’. So good that I couldn’t put it down but, at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. Very, very readable. Keeps you guessing to the very end. Best book I’ve read in a long time!
November 3, 2018
A brutal murder attempt, a traumatised witness rendered mute & a consultant psychologist protagonist.
Perfect Bones served as my introduction to both the writing of A.J. Waines and her series featuring clinical psychologist, Dr Samantha Willerby, of which this is the third novel. Despite my late entry to the series I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone as any necessary backstory was woven into the unfolding action. Whilst the synopsis did not quite prepare me for the emphasis of the novel being on the theory and practice of psychology and far less on the actual mystery element, and despite never being wholly gripped by the story, some fascinating content certainly kept me reading! A predominantly first-person narrative interspersed with occasional third-person occurrences affords the reader an eye-opening look at the treatment of PTSD.
Perfect Bones is quick to get into its stride and sets up a tantalisingly prospect when Dr Sam Willerby, an expert in PTSD and art therapy, is called in to work intensively with the sole witness to a savage murder attempt on the towpath adjoining his houseboat. With the aforementioned witness, Aiden Blake, a gifted nineteen-year-old art student rendered mute and agoraphobic by the trauma, the police give Sam just seven days to realistically recover vital memories and possible crucial evidence. Much of the first part of the novel concentrates on Aiden’s mental trauma and initial results prove unforthcoming with it obviously taking a substantial amount of time for Sam to build trust with her patient. Factor in the added complication of the victim being the best friend of Sam’s fragile sister, Miranda, who herself is battling schizophrenia, and her sense of responsibility to her patient and Sam’s personal motivation to deliver a successful resolution becomes readily apparent.
When the body of a second victim is found nearby to the first and throws suspicion on Aiden, the police begin to prevaricate as to whether he is a genuine suspect or not and Sam is forced to rely on her own instincts to identify a murderer. Warned by the police not to remain alone with a potential killer and compelled by the links that connect both victims to Aiden’s world of art, Sam is left with a nagging element of doubt. As she becomes convinced that Aiden is as much of a victim himself she attempts to secure the crucial evidence that will clear his name and simultaneously nail a killer in her midst, and for that she must turn detective.. But how do you go about clearing the name of a traumatised young man who is unable to speak for himself? And could Sam’s involvement in the case in fact be putting her own life in jeopardy? As she cross-references the connections between the two victims and probes the disappearances of several other missing women she begins to suspect that there could be more to the case than even the police imagine..
The early part of the novel mainly focuses on Aiden’s response to witnessing the fatal event and the associated trauma he is experiencing means a lengthy wait until the story is fleshed out in any significant detail, with the crime aspect on the story put on a back burner and it is not until approximately 30% of the way through the novel that some genuine intrigue is introduced. The constant cutting back and forth from Sam’s investigations to the painstaking slow breakthroughs with Aiden hampers the pace and thus prevents meaningful suspense from ever building a head of steam. The police are portrayed as a bunch of wholesale bigots and both ignorant of, and unsympathetic towards mental health issues, and given Sam beats them to securing evidence on several occasions I was less convinced by their handling of a major incident. The mystery aspect is undoubtedly a little too transparent and after Sam’s impressive early inroads it falls apart with Aiden’s leaps of logic requiring a huge suspension of disbelief and a far-fetched denouement with things slotting into place too neatly to ring true.
Sam is a credible, if a little over-earnest, character and her dedication and responsibility to her patients is second to none which makes her hard to dislike. Likewise her guilt when a second murder takes place is all too clear. Whilst I would have appreciated her character having a little more life outside of her job she is smart with a realistic attitude to the workings of the police. My main bugbear was her patronising attitude towards her schizophrenic older sister, Miranda, and her first-person narrative which occasionally lapses into a preachy tone with occasional information dumping on applied psychology. In one respect this comes with the benefit of educating the reader but the detriment is that it introduces a sterility into the novel with the mystery element feeling rather like an afterthought.
Whilst Perfect Bones held my attention easily, proved fascinating reading from a psychological perspective and taught me a great deal, I was disappointed by the absence of suspense and tension throughout the story. I liked the character of Dr Sam Willerby and the story was both refreshingly original and a memorable read. Recommended for readers with an interest in the psychological effects of witnessing a crime and those that are simply looking for something slightly different within the crime fiction domain.
I voluntarily offered to read Perfect Bones and provide an honest review in exchange for an ARC from the author.
Perfect Bones served as my introduction to both the writing of A.J. Waines and her series featuring clinical psychologist, Dr Samantha Willerby, of which this is the third novel. Despite my late entry to the series I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone as any necessary backstory was woven into the unfolding action. Whilst the synopsis did not quite prepare me for the emphasis of the novel being on the theory and practice of psychology and far less on the actual mystery element, and despite never being wholly gripped by the story, some fascinating content certainly kept me reading! A predominantly first-person narrative interspersed with occasional third-person occurrences affords the reader an eye-opening look at the treatment of PTSD.
Perfect Bones is quick to get into its stride and sets up a tantalisingly prospect when Dr Sam Willerby, an expert in PTSD and art therapy, is called in to work intensively with the sole witness to a savage murder attempt on the towpath adjoining his houseboat. With the aforementioned witness, Aiden Blake, a gifted nineteen-year-old art student rendered mute and agoraphobic by the trauma, the police give Sam just seven days to realistically recover vital memories and possible crucial evidence. Much of the first part of the novel concentrates on Aiden’s mental trauma and initial results prove unforthcoming with it obviously taking a substantial amount of time for Sam to build trust with her patient. Factor in the added complication of the victim being the best friend of Sam’s fragile sister, Miranda, who herself is battling schizophrenia, and her sense of responsibility to her patient and Sam’s personal motivation to deliver a successful resolution becomes readily apparent.
When the body of a second victim is found nearby to the first and throws suspicion on Aiden, the police begin to prevaricate as to whether he is a genuine suspect or not and Sam is forced to rely on her own instincts to identify a murderer. Warned by the police not to remain alone with a potential killer and compelled by the links that connect both victims to Aiden’s world of art, Sam is left with a nagging element of doubt. As she becomes convinced that Aiden is as much of a victim himself she attempts to secure the crucial evidence that will clear his name and simultaneously nail a killer in her midst, and for that she must turn detective.. But how do you go about clearing the name of a traumatised young man who is unable to speak for himself? And could Sam’s involvement in the case in fact be putting her own life in jeopardy? As she cross-references the connections between the two victims and probes the disappearances of several other missing women she begins to suspect that there could be more to the case than even the police imagine..
The early part of the novel mainly focuses on Aiden’s response to witnessing the fatal event and the associated trauma he is experiencing means a lengthy wait until the story is fleshed out in any significant detail, with the crime aspect on the story put on a back burner and it is not until approximately 30% of the way through the novel that some genuine intrigue is introduced. The constant cutting back and forth from Sam’s investigations to the painstaking slow breakthroughs with Aiden hampers the pace and thus prevents meaningful suspense from ever building a head of steam. The police are portrayed as a bunch of wholesale bigots and both ignorant of, and unsympathetic towards mental health issues, and given Sam beats them to securing evidence on several occasions I was less convinced by their handling of a major incident. The mystery aspect is undoubtedly a little too transparent and after Sam’s impressive early inroads it falls apart with Aiden’s leaps of logic requiring a huge suspension of disbelief and a far-fetched denouement with things slotting into place too neatly to ring true.
Sam is a credible, if a little over-earnest, character and her dedication and responsibility to her patients is second to none which makes her hard to dislike. Likewise her guilt when a second murder takes place is all too clear. Whilst I would have appreciated her character having a little more life outside of her job she is smart with a realistic attitude to the workings of the police. My main bugbear was her patronising attitude towards her schizophrenic older sister, Miranda, and her first-person narrative which occasionally lapses into a preachy tone with occasional information dumping on applied psychology. In one respect this comes with the benefit of educating the reader but the detriment is that it introduces a sterility into the novel with the mystery element feeling rather like an afterthought.
Whilst Perfect Bones held my attention easily, proved fascinating reading from a psychological perspective and taught me a great deal, I was disappointed by the absence of suspense and tension throughout the story. I liked the character of Dr Sam Willerby and the story was both refreshingly original and a memorable read. Recommended for readers with an interest in the psychological effects of witnessing a crime and those that are simply looking for something slightly different within the crime fiction domain.
I voluntarily offered to read Perfect Bones and provide an honest review in exchange for an ARC from the author.
November 9, 2018
This is the second book by A.J. Waines that I’ve read, very much enjoying both! The latest offering, “Perfect Bones”, the 3rd of the Dr. Samantha Willerby series, treats us with a complex and taut psychological thriller.
A horrific assault is perpetrated upon a young cyclist riding along a canal towpath. Luckily there is a witness, or is there? The witness, a young art student by the name of Aiden Blake, has been forced to look into the abyss and what he has seen has left him literally speechless. The investigation by the Met needs urgently help and plucks clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Willerby away from the brink of her much longed for holiday tasking her with the seemingly impossible—bring Aiden back from the personal hell into which his mind has descended.
Samantha’s position is further complicated by a familial connection to the assault victim. As an expert on PSTD Samantha knows that the commodity she needs most to solve this dilemma is time, but she is given precious little of it, in this instance just seven days. Either Aiden’s memories must be retrieved within the frame or risk being lost forever.
Along the way, Samantha introduces us to the ways and means of the opaque world of psychotherapy. The technical detail offered up gives the reader deeper insight into therapeutical treatment and fits snuggly alongside the storyline.
The balanced tension thus created carries the reader through to a totally satisfying end. I quite enjoyed this book and have no reservation in recommending it to others who enjoy this genre.
A horrific assault is perpetrated upon a young cyclist riding along a canal towpath. Luckily there is a witness, or is there? The witness, a young art student by the name of Aiden Blake, has been forced to look into the abyss and what he has seen has left him literally speechless. The investigation by the Met needs urgently help and plucks clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Willerby away from the brink of her much longed for holiday tasking her with the seemingly impossible—bring Aiden back from the personal hell into which his mind has descended.
Samantha’s position is further complicated by a familial connection to the assault victim. As an expert on PSTD Samantha knows that the commodity she needs most to solve this dilemma is time, but she is given precious little of it, in this instance just seven days. Either Aiden’s memories must be retrieved within the frame or risk being lost forever.
Along the way, Samantha introduces us to the ways and means of the opaque world of psychotherapy. The technical detail offered up gives the reader deeper insight into therapeutical treatment and fits snuggly alongside the storyline.
The balanced tension thus created carries the reader through to a totally satisfying end. I quite enjoyed this book and have no reservation in recommending it to others who enjoy this genre.
October 27, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. Very interesting premise for a story and I was captivated all the way through.
November 12, 2018
Perfect Bones is the third book in the Samantha Willerby Mystery series and it's another great read from this hugely talented author.
A young woman is cycling along a London towpath when she is almost decapitated by a strategically placed wire and Aiden Blake witnessed the gruesome event from his narrowboat. Hoping to be able to gain useful leads from Aiden the police are disheartened to find that the young man has been rendered mute by the experience. Desperate to obtain vital information that they are sure Aiden can provide, they decide they need a psychologist and fast.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Willerby has her suitcase packed and is more than ready for a well deserved holiday with her sister Miranda, when she's called in by the Met to try and get Aiden communicating. The question is can she get the information the police need within the tight timeframe when she knows that she needs much more time than they are prepared to give her and more importantly is Aiden a witness . . . or a suspect?
I love Samantha's character, she's a clever woman who is doing well in her career but, like all of us, she has flaws and self-doubt. As for her sister, Miranda, she's a character that I'd like to find out more about and hopefully this is something that the author will include in future books in this cracking series. A.J.Waines draws on her own experience in psychotherapy to give the reader an unusual insight into conditions that they may otherwise not be aware of and the ways and means that these conditions can be dealt with or treated.
Perfect Bones is a skillful mix of thriller, mystery and suspence and a worthy addition to any crime lovers bookshelf.
A young woman is cycling along a London towpath when she is almost decapitated by a strategically placed wire and Aiden Blake witnessed the gruesome event from his narrowboat. Hoping to be able to gain useful leads from Aiden the police are disheartened to find that the young man has been rendered mute by the experience. Desperate to obtain vital information that they are sure Aiden can provide, they decide they need a psychologist and fast.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Willerby has her suitcase packed and is more than ready for a well deserved holiday with her sister Miranda, when she's called in by the Met to try and get Aiden communicating. The question is can she get the information the police need within the tight timeframe when she knows that she needs much more time than they are prepared to give her and more importantly is Aiden a witness . . . or a suspect?
I love Samantha's character, she's a clever woman who is doing well in her career but, like all of us, she has flaws and self-doubt. As for her sister, Miranda, she's a character that I'd like to find out more about and hopefully this is something that the author will include in future books in this cracking series. A.J.Waines draws on her own experience in psychotherapy to give the reader an unusual insight into conditions that they may otherwise not be aware of and the ways and means that these conditions can be dealt with or treated.
Perfect Bones is a skillful mix of thriller, mystery and suspence and a worthy addition to any crime lovers bookshelf.
November 9, 2018
Perfect Bones takes you on a thrilling psychological ride to places you want to go yet are hesitant to visit. A.J. Waines has the extraordinary way of weaving the story in and out of darkness and light. The character development was descriptive and compelling as I felt I was living the story with Samantha and Aiden. An absolute page turner that you will want to complete in a cozy chair. Five stars to the third book in the series!
October 24, 2018
Oh my gosh! One of the very best psychological stories I have read. You have done it again, but you just keep getting better. Love, love all your books!
November 13, 2018
4.5 stars. ARC (advance review copy) with thanks from the publisher and Netgalley - more in my November Good Reads blog at https://www.sandiwallace.com/blog/ at the end of the month.
Read
October 22, 2018As a former psychotherapist, it’s second nature for me to turn to disorders and unusual patterns of behaviour when writing my thrillers! In Perfect Bones, one of the key characters, Aiden Blake, a sensitive young artist, doesn’t say a word. He is the sole witness to a horrific attack near his canal boat which renders him mute.
The Met want Aiden to give them a description of the attacker, as it’s clear from the crime scene that the culprit came right up to the boat where Aiden was putting out his washing.
He saw everything....
But, not only does Aiden not speak, in the early stages of the book, he’s unable to communicate at all. He’s closed down and in shock. It was quite a challenge as an author! I had to convey interactions without the usual social signals we all use every day – speech, smiles, waves, nods, shrugs, shakes of the head, for instance. I also wanted to show the frustrating impact this would have on those around Aiden – those who are desperate for information they knew he could give them!
Psychologist and 'amateur sleuth', Samantha Willerby, is brought in as an expert in art therapy with traumatised patients. The police give her seven days (after which his memory of the attacker is likely to be sketchy, at best). With the clock ticking, eventually Aiden does draw a picture – but it’s not what anyone expects. Dismissing the sketch as useless, the police drop her from the case, but Sam refuses to give up. On her own, she gets closer and closer to the truth until she’s finally driven into the terrifying path of the killer, herself. Then she has to ask the million-dollar question: Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside me?
The Met want Aiden to give them a description of the attacker, as it’s clear from the crime scene that the culprit came right up to the boat where Aiden was putting out his washing.
He saw everything....
But, not only does Aiden not speak, in the early stages of the book, he’s unable to communicate at all. He’s closed down and in shock. It was quite a challenge as an author! I had to convey interactions without the usual social signals we all use every day – speech, smiles, waves, nods, shrugs, shakes of the head, for instance. I also wanted to show the frustrating impact this would have on those around Aiden – those who are desperate for information they knew he could give them!
Psychologist and 'amateur sleuth', Samantha Willerby, is brought in as an expert in art therapy with traumatised patients. The police give her seven days (after which his memory of the attacker is likely to be sketchy, at best). With the clock ticking, eventually Aiden does draw a picture – but it’s not what anyone expects. Dismissing the sketch as useless, the police drop her from the case, but Sam refuses to give up. On her own, she gets closer and closer to the truth until she’s finally driven into the terrifying path of the killer, herself. Then she has to ask the million-dollar question: Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside me?
October 24, 2018
She’s done it again. AJ Waines is an incredibly talented writer.
Reading this story has taken me on a remarkable journey through ‘Perfect Bones’ by AJ Waines buffeting my sensibilities.
I’ve bought read all of AJ Waines books and shall be reading them again.
In my opinion this third Dr Samantha Willerby book is the best. The easy to read narrative, action and dialogue are perfectly balanced, engaging in aspects of psychology and relative therapy. I’m stunned at how I’ve enjoyed learning about aspects of psychology. What is also noteworthy with the characters in their settings; they are eccentric, frustrating, talented, and in my brain they are real. The descriptive language is just that, descriptive. Therapeutic methods are painted in words, the easy to read narrative whips you along, not wanting to stop reading, the cliff-hanger chapter endings literally push you to constant page turning wanting to know more.
It is most certainly a page-turner.
I found myself wanting to get to the end but not wanting to finish the book! I loved reading this story and it is most certainly the book to buy and read.
Reading this story has taken me on a remarkable journey through ‘Perfect Bones’ by AJ Waines buffeting my sensibilities.
I’ve bought read all of AJ Waines books and shall be reading them again.
In my opinion this third Dr Samantha Willerby book is the best. The easy to read narrative, action and dialogue are perfectly balanced, engaging in aspects of psychology and relative therapy. I’m stunned at how I’ve enjoyed learning about aspects of psychology. What is also noteworthy with the characters in their settings; they are eccentric, frustrating, talented, and in my brain they are real. The descriptive language is just that, descriptive. Therapeutic methods are painted in words, the easy to read narrative whips you along, not wanting to stop reading, the cliff-hanger chapter endings literally push you to constant page turning wanting to know more.
It is most certainly a page-turner.
I found myself wanting to get to the end but not wanting to finish the book! I loved reading this story and it is most certainly the book to buy and read.
October 22, 2018
A. J. Waines has outdone herself once again with “Perfect Bones”. An anxiously awaited, Samantha Willerby, psychological thriller series. This book grabbed me from the beginning. I loved how the multiple stories were taking place and found myself constantly trying to figure out who was good, who was bad and what might happen next. I love how it was all tied together at the end. The characters are wonderful and so believable. I loved the detailed descriptions of them. Making them so easy to picture and adore or despise. I could go on but I don’t want to spoil this page turner for anyone. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 30, 2018
I am a fan of this author after reading many, if not all, of her books!
Perfect Bones is the third in a series featuring Dr. Sam Willerby. I am especially enjoying her character as well as her sister Miranda, who suffers with schizophrenia. I would love to see a whole book featured on Sam and Miranda from the early days of their childhood to where they both are today as adults. Get a glimpse of when symptoms started with Miranda and how it affected them as children, etc.... Pretty please?!
Dr Sam Willerby is about to leave for vacation to spend time with her sister when she receives a call from police that she is needed to help the witness of a horrible crime. I think I would have found it more intriguing had it been a younger child that went mute after witnessing the accident, but that
is just me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how Sam interacted with Aiden.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book straight from the author! I highly recommend this series BUT recommend starting with Book 1. I would love to see more character development with Sam as this series continues and will eagerly be waiting for book number 4.
Perfect Bones is the third in a series featuring Dr. Sam Willerby. I am especially enjoying her character as well as her sister Miranda, who suffers with schizophrenia. I would love to see a whole book featured on Sam and Miranda from the early days of their childhood to where they both are today as adults. Get a glimpse of when symptoms started with Miranda and how it affected them as children, etc.... Pretty please?!
Dr Sam Willerby is about to leave for vacation to spend time with her sister when she receives a call from police that she is needed to help the witness of a horrible crime. I think I would have found it more intriguing had it been a younger child that went mute after witnessing the accident, but that
is just me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how Sam interacted with Aiden.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book straight from the author! I highly recommend this series BUT recommend starting with Book 1. I would love to see more character development with Sam as this series continues and will eagerly be waiting for book number 4.
November 8, 2018
When art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on a London towpath, the police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: refusing to leave his canal boat and traumatised by the shock, Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and can’t speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
Long being a fan of AJ Waines’ writing, I was really looking forward to reading Perfect Bones, and it didn’t disappoint. The psychologist Sam is a great central character, and that’s because of her flaws. She isn’t some behaviourist, who takes one look at the evidence and reels off the characterises of the killer. She focuses on the witness, Aiden, who himself is a victim. I have to agree that there were lots of psychological references, something that has put some people off the book. However, I loved these vignettes, which gave the reader added insights into Sam’s reasoning and thinking behind her actions. It showed Ms Waines’ knowledge of her subject and for me added an extra element of realism to the book.
The plot was tight and well planned. At times it reminded me of an Agatha Christie type murder mystery. I shouted, ’No don’t do that!’ in places, as Sam went that one step further to trying to find the killer.
So if you enjoy crime fiction, Perfect Bones would be a perfect addition to your reading list.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
Long being a fan of AJ Waines’ writing, I was really looking forward to reading Perfect Bones, and it didn’t disappoint. The psychologist Sam is a great central character, and that’s because of her flaws. She isn’t some behaviourist, who takes one look at the evidence and reels off the characterises of the killer. She focuses on the witness, Aiden, who himself is a victim. I have to agree that there were lots of psychological references, something that has put some people off the book. However, I loved these vignettes, which gave the reader added insights into Sam’s reasoning and thinking behind her actions. It showed Ms Waines’ knowledge of her subject and for me added an extra element of realism to the book.
The plot was tight and well planned. At times it reminded me of an Agatha Christie type murder mystery. I shouted, ’No don’t do that!’ in places, as Sam went that one step further to trying to find the killer.
So if you enjoy crime fiction, Perfect Bones would be a perfect addition to your reading list.
November 8, 2018
As a former psychotherapist with an interest in trauma cases, AJ Waines is more than qualified to write a gripping thriller dealing with psychological disorders. She does it again with the nail-biting Perfect Bones, the third story in her Samantha Willerby series. Our clinical psychologist is about to set off on a well-earned holiday with her sister when an urgent PTSD case is foisted upon her to derail her plans. The Met needs her help and Dr Willerby is given seven days to unravel the testimony of a key witness to a vicious attack. Knowing her prowess we presume she'll make short work of the assignment until we discover that the young artist is so traumatised he is unable to speak.
AJ Waines evokes the shimmer of the Limehouse basin and the heat of a London summer as the action moves between the artist's narrowboat and a Camden community art college. We meet an array of possible suspects as Samantha turns amateur sleuth, investigating a number of diverse characters from the art world and going head to head with a motley selection of police officers. She's a very likeable heroine, clearly riding high in her field but engagingly as full of doubts and foibles as the rest of us. Other characters are fully realised too, including her troubled sister Miranda, old friend Terry and DI Fenway, who takes a shine to her. There's a mysterious sub-plot to keep you guessing and all in all, the snaky plot had me on the edge of my seat with a series of cliffhangers that kept me enthralled. Like the other Sam Willerby books, Perfect Bones is an enjoyable rollercoaster, with its fair share of tension and wrong-footing. In my view this is AJ Waines at her best and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
AJ Waines evokes the shimmer of the Limehouse basin and the heat of a London summer as the action moves between the artist's narrowboat and a Camden community art college. We meet an array of possible suspects as Samantha turns amateur sleuth, investigating a number of diverse characters from the art world and going head to head with a motley selection of police officers. She's a very likeable heroine, clearly riding high in her field but engagingly as full of doubts and foibles as the rest of us. Other characters are fully realised too, including her troubled sister Miranda, old friend Terry and DI Fenway, who takes a shine to her. There's a mysterious sub-plot to keep you guessing and all in all, the snaky plot had me on the edge of my seat with a series of cliffhangers that kept me enthralled. Like the other Sam Willerby books, Perfect Bones is an enjoyable rollercoaster, with its fair share of tension and wrong-footing. In my view this is AJ Waines at her best and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
November 8, 2018
This is a Dr. Samantha Willoughby novel. She is a psychologist specialising in trauma. Her patients are referred through the hospital where she works.
Her sister Miranda is on the scene after being allowed out aa community-based mental health unit, and Sam feels very protective towards her.
This begins on the evening before Sam and Miranda are due to fly off for a holiday in Greece. It is the first time they are going on their own, and the first holiday Sam has taken in 3 years.
After completing her packing, she receives a phone call from a senior police officer requesting her help with a case that has just happened. Reluctantly she agrees. The trauma victim is a young artist who saw a woman who was nearly decapitated.
From then only, it begins to get a bit complicated. Sam stays with Aiden on his narrowboat. His does not talk at all. The shock of what he witnessed has rendered him mute. Same feels very protective towards him and acts in his best interest.
The body count begins to rise, the victims all linked to the local art world.
The characters in this are mostly very likable and knowledge of art great. This is set in London, around Limehouse and surrounding canals. I give this a well deserved 4****
My thanks to the publisher for this opportunity to give an unbiased review,
Her sister Miranda is on the scene after being allowed out aa community-based mental health unit, and Sam feels very protective towards her.
This begins on the evening before Sam and Miranda are due to fly off for a holiday in Greece. It is the first time they are going on their own, and the first holiday Sam has taken in 3 years.
After completing her packing, she receives a phone call from a senior police officer requesting her help with a case that has just happened. Reluctantly she agrees. The trauma victim is a young artist who saw a woman who was nearly decapitated.
From then only, it begins to get a bit complicated. Sam stays with Aiden on his narrowboat. His does not talk at all. The shock of what he witnessed has rendered him mute. Same feels very protective towards him and acts in his best interest.
The body count begins to rise, the victims all linked to the local art world.
The characters in this are mostly very likable and knowledge of art great. This is set in London, around Limehouse and surrounding canals. I give this a well deserved 4****
My thanks to the publisher for this opportunity to give an unbiased review,
November 3, 2018
This was my first book by the author after 'Girl on a Train' which I thought was brilliant. For this book, the third in the series, well, is it almost enough to say I have now bought the other 2 as well?
I loved this book and I was kept glued to the edgy and compelling storyline throughout, not to mention a few twists and turns. I especially liked the insights into the psychology used and the insights into how we all have stuff going on inside us, however it looks on the outside.
Not to give the story away, but with an ethical background myself, I was a little surprised at the action Sam took to get really close to the witness and I had to re-read a couple of things to follow the plot, but I was occasionally grasping at chunks of the story where my attention was not complete.
I didn't see the ending as it turned out and for most of the story, I had no idea how or why the main crime was committed.
A new thriller writer I can enjoy! I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book and I was kept glued to the edgy and compelling storyline throughout, not to mention a few twists and turns. I especially liked the insights into the psychology used and the insights into how we all have stuff going on inside us, however it looks on the outside.
Not to give the story away, but with an ethical background myself, I was a little surprised at the action Sam took to get really close to the witness and I had to re-read a couple of things to follow the plot, but I was occasionally grasping at chunks of the story where my attention was not complete.
I didn't see the ending as it turned out and for most of the story, I had no idea how or why the main crime was committed.
A new thriller writer I can enjoy! I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2018
A J Waines is my 'go to' author when I'm looking for a gripping psychological thriller. This third novel in the Sam Willerby series certainly didn't disappoint. It's a 'how/why/what?' kind of a book and I definitely didn't anticipate that ending! Loved it and can't wait to revisit Sam and her sister again.
November 14, 2018
I have a massive confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have the first two books in the Doctor Samantha Willerby series, I haven’t actually read one yet. Until now that is. I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘Perfect Bones’ and I thought that it would be an ideal opportunity to acquaint myself with Dr. Willerby. Oh my goodness me, now I am left asking myself ‘why the devil haven’t I discovered the series or met Dr. Willerby sooner?’ I absolutely loved reading ‘Perfect Bones’ but more about that in a bit.
Doctor Samantha Willerby has my fantasy job. She is a Clinical Psychologist, who is often called in to advise police on who they should be looking for and to advise on questioning techniques and such like. Sam is also a trauma expert. I always wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist but that desire partly stemmed from watching the television series ‘Cracker’ and I wanted to be ‘Cracker’. Sam is dedicated to her work and it appears that she doesn’t have much of a life outside of her work. Sam is an expert in her field but she is just like you and me in that she occasionally has crises’ of confidence and doubts over her ability. Sam has a sister who has schizophrenia and I got the impression that things are not exactly hunky dory between the two of them.
Oh my word this was one seriously brilliant book. As soon as I read the synopsis for ‘Perfect Bones’ I knew that this was one book that I would become addicted to. That certainly proved to be the case. I found it nigh on impossible to put ‘Perfect Bones’ down. If for some reason I had to put the book down, then I would try to make every excuse to get back to reading it as soon as possible. It was as if I was an addict in desperate need of her next fix. I would try to ration how much I read at once because I was enjoying the book so much that I didn’t want it to end too quickly. My attempts at rationing soon flew out of the window because I was enjoying the book so much that I just kept reading on and on and on. I seemed to gallop through the book but I didn’t realise just how quickly I was reading until I closed the back cover. The author uses such vivid descriptions that I began to think of myself as being Dr. Willerby’s invisible assistant and I began interacting with the book by suggesting what needed to be done or said next as it were. Before anybody jumps on me to remind me that this book is fiction, I already know it is. If I am convinced by the storylines, the characters and the author’s writing style I end up ‘living’ the story.
Reading ‘Perfect Bones’ was much like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty. This is one of those books that messed with my head occasionally, kept me guessing and it certainly kept me on my toes. I loved the psychological aspect to the story as I find anything to do with psychology and psychiatry fascinating. ‘Perfect Bones’ is certainly authentic as the author used to be a psychotherapist.
In short, I loved reading ‘Perfect Bones’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Although ‘Perfect Bones’ is the third in the series it can be read as a standalone. However because I am a bit OCD, I fully intend to read all three books in order and I can guarantee that the other two books in the series will not be on my ‘To Be Read’ mountain for much longer. I can’t wait to read what A. J. Waines comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Doctor Samantha Willerby has my fantasy job. She is a Clinical Psychologist, who is often called in to advise police on who they should be looking for and to advise on questioning techniques and such like. Sam is also a trauma expert. I always wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist but that desire partly stemmed from watching the television series ‘Cracker’ and I wanted to be ‘Cracker’. Sam is dedicated to her work and it appears that she doesn’t have much of a life outside of her work. Sam is an expert in her field but she is just like you and me in that she occasionally has crises’ of confidence and doubts over her ability. Sam has a sister who has schizophrenia and I got the impression that things are not exactly hunky dory between the two of them.
Oh my word this was one seriously brilliant book. As soon as I read the synopsis for ‘Perfect Bones’ I knew that this was one book that I would become addicted to. That certainly proved to be the case. I found it nigh on impossible to put ‘Perfect Bones’ down. If for some reason I had to put the book down, then I would try to make every excuse to get back to reading it as soon as possible. It was as if I was an addict in desperate need of her next fix. I would try to ration how much I read at once because I was enjoying the book so much that I didn’t want it to end too quickly. My attempts at rationing soon flew out of the window because I was enjoying the book so much that I just kept reading on and on and on. I seemed to gallop through the book but I didn’t realise just how quickly I was reading until I closed the back cover. The author uses such vivid descriptions that I began to think of myself as being Dr. Willerby’s invisible assistant and I began interacting with the book by suggesting what needed to be done or said next as it were. Before anybody jumps on me to remind me that this book is fiction, I already know it is. If I am convinced by the storylines, the characters and the author’s writing style I end up ‘living’ the story.
Reading ‘Perfect Bones’ was much like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty. This is one of those books that messed with my head occasionally, kept me guessing and it certainly kept me on my toes. I loved the psychological aspect to the story as I find anything to do with psychology and psychiatry fascinating. ‘Perfect Bones’ is certainly authentic as the author used to be a psychotherapist.
In short, I loved reading ‘Perfect Bones’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Although ‘Perfect Bones’ is the third in the series it can be read as a standalone. However because I am a bit OCD, I fully intend to read all three books in order and I can guarantee that the other two books in the series will not be on my ‘To Be Read’ mountain for much longer. I can’t wait to read what A. J. Waines comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 8, 2018
Perfect Bones is a well-written thriller with a lot of twists and turns. A art student witnesses a murder and is so traumatized it renders him mute. Dr. Samantha Willoughby is a psychologist who specializes in trauma and must help the art student and police figure out who the killer is. I really enjoyed this book and the characters.
October 24, 2018
Having recently read two of her books, Alison is now one of my “go-to” authors. I love psychological dramas and Alison certainly knows how to write one to keep you turning the pages and wondering ”what on earth…??”. This one has a hard hitting crime to start us off with- a woman is cycling along a canal towpath in the wrong direction for home when she hits a wire strategically placed across the path which almost decapitates her. One of the boat owners moored alongside is witness to the horrific scene. We also have flits of other threads along the way- a journalist is heading out to hopefully capture that exclusive story about an original painting that has been uncovered and other women being enticed to the same address under different pretenses. Dr Sam Willerby is about to head off on holiday for much needed time to spend with her sister who suffers from schizophrenia when she receives a call to come and help the witness as the police fear that they only have a few days to piece this together as there is very little to go on and that they need evidence before the memory fades. I loved this, it kept me sitting (not easily done). There is a gripping plot and a little humour in the right places. A strong female lead who sees life as it is with all its twists and turns warts and delights and someone who doesn’t give up. There are other threads running through the books which gives us some background to Sam and her personal life which I (in my humble opinion) think gives characters depth rather than “just” having the main plot line. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and understood Aidens lack of speech- it can and does happen with shock. A brilliantly entertaining and interesting read. I very much look forward to the next one.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
October 23, 2018
I greatly enjoyed this book. I love the character development through the whole series, A.J. Waines does a great job of getting the characters to feel like people you know. I especially like that when writing about Samantha Willerby, A.J. puts her in situations and has her react or handle the situation like a real person would. For example, a few times in the book, Sam overheard a conversation, in reading that scene you know if she is anxious about what she heard, maybe frightened or suspicious. In the book Sam reacts to things just like you would; getting pulled away from a vacation she is angry and resistant but once hearing the situation, concerned and compassionate. I feel I’m rambling now but long story short, A.J. Does a fantastic job bringing her characters to life!
The book itself is great, it holds many different plots within the whole but all are interesting and come to conclusion nicely by the end. Nothing is worse than reading a good book that has loose ends. None of that here! I enjoy learning about different therapy methods, especially in regards to the unique situation in this book. When I read books by A.J. Waines, I’m always waiting for a little twist and this book does not disappoint! Definitely a page turner, I was in the mist of moving and getting married and somehow managed to finish the book in two days. If you enjoy a little mystery and realistic crime solving give this book a read!
The book itself is great, it holds many different plots within the whole but all are interesting and come to conclusion nicely by the end. Nothing is worse than reading a good book that has loose ends. None of that here! I enjoy learning about different therapy methods, especially in regards to the unique situation in this book. When I read books by A.J. Waines, I’m always waiting for a little twist and this book does not disappoint! Definitely a page turner, I was in the mist of moving and getting married and somehow managed to finish the book in two days. If you enjoy a little mystery and realistic crime solving give this book a read!
November 7, 2018
I thought this police thriller was very well written. It had me hooked from the beginning. The heroine is a therapist that specializes in post dramatic stress disorders. She's pulled into helping a young art student uncover what he witnesses when a young woman is murdered and the trauma is so intense that it literally renders him mute.
I loved Sam's interactions with Aiden she becomes his protector and confidant. It was thrilling to read each clue he uncovers using sand, miniature models and sketch pads. Just an Incredible way to communicate when words are hard to come by. The investigation itself was interesting and each victim compelling. Really enjoyed the twist and turns.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Sam's interactions with Aiden she becomes his protector and confidant. It was thrilling to read each clue he uncovers using sand, miniature models and sketch pads. Just an Incredible way to communicate when words are hard to come by. The investigation itself was interesting and each victim compelling. Really enjoyed the twist and turns.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2022
Book 3 in the Samantha Willerby Mystery Series
Can psychology help solve the crime?
Aiden witnessed a horrific crime, the trauma of which has left him unable to speak. Dr Sam Willerby (a clinical psychologist) has just 7 days to find out what he saw, and help the police find the perpetrator. Can she do it?
Meanwhile the story has occasional flashbacks to women disappearing. Is there a link to what Aiden saw, and the disappearing women?
This is very much a two main characters story, with Sam working with Aiden to try to help him recall memories of what he saw, without adding to his trauma. Alongside there are other storylines going on that add interest, and background to Sam and Aiden’s story. These include Sam’s relationship with her sister, the police operation, and maybe a relationship in the offing for Sam.
I loved the first 2 thirds of this book, got a little distracted after that, and then the ending brought me back fully into what was happening. Fascinating psychology, great story. This is the 3rd book in the 4 part series (each book can be read as standalone), and I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoy a psychological thriller (AJ Waines was a psychologist before she turned to full time writing).
I look forward to reading Cut You Dead, Book 4, in this Samantha Willerby Mystery series to find out where Sam goes next in her private and work life.
Can psychology help solve the crime?
Aiden witnessed a horrific crime, the trauma of which has left him unable to speak. Dr Sam Willerby (a clinical psychologist) has just 7 days to find out what he saw, and help the police find the perpetrator. Can she do it?
Meanwhile the story has occasional flashbacks to women disappearing. Is there a link to what Aiden saw, and the disappearing women?
This is very much a two main characters story, with Sam working with Aiden to try to help him recall memories of what he saw, without adding to his trauma. Alongside there are other storylines going on that add interest, and background to Sam and Aiden’s story. These include Sam’s relationship with her sister, the police operation, and maybe a relationship in the offing for Sam.
I loved the first 2 thirds of this book, got a little distracted after that, and then the ending brought me back fully into what was happening. Fascinating psychology, great story. This is the 3rd book in the 4 part series (each book can be read as standalone), and I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoy a psychological thriller (AJ Waines was a psychologist before she turned to full time writing).
I look forward to reading Cut You Dead, Book 4, in this Samantha Willerby Mystery series to find out where Sam goes next in her private and work life.
July 26, 2020
I felt as if I was in safe hands with this author. She clearly knows how to put together character, plot and setting. This story expertly combines psychology, art and houseboats. A quick, satisfying read.
November 14, 2018
Ok, so … this is the third in a series of which I hadn’t read the previous two books. It’s easily read as a standalone but I need to say off the bat that although this is the case, and the author does a good job of filling the reader in on the backstory, this does impede on the pace of the plot slightly. Don’t get me wrong … it didn’t put me off at all, but I just felt like I kept stopping because someone was whispering in my ear to tell me something I needed to know.
What the book’s about: Art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on the London towpath, next to his houseboat. The police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: he’s refusing to leave his canal boat and is traumatised by the shock. Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and is unable to speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
Sam actually gets duped into working on this case, and feels that she’s been brought in under false pretenses in the beginning – especially as she was meant to be on her first holiday in ages, together with her sister. But it’s immediately apparent that this is where she’s meant to be, and her sister is directly connected to the victim, so any ideas of sunshine and cocktails on sunloungers are immediately forgotten as Sam gets down to the task at hand.
We learn (if we don’t already know from reading the first two books) that Miranda, Sam’s older sister, has deep-seated psychological issues of her own and that Sam’s sense of responsibility to the case and her sister’s proximity to it are bound to become more than just professional. In fact, I felt that Sam herself didn’t seem to have much of a sense of self at all with her all-consuming responsibility to everyone else: her sister, the victims of whoever was perpetrating these brutal attacks, and Aiden, who’s displaying increasingly disturbing behaviour. I couldn’t really get a grasp of who Sam is – but maybe this is to be revealed slowly in future books, which would certainly be a great idea!
I would describe this more as a psychological police procedural more than a psychological thriller. It leans more on the investigative side and looks into the in-depth workings of the psyche and emotional backgrounds which I found really interesting. I’m wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars for this one. It’s highly readable, and I’d definitely get excited if I heard there was another Dr Sam Willerby book coming out!
Thank you to the lovely Emma Welton and Bloodhound Books for inviting me along on the Blog Tour.
What the book’s about: Art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on the London towpath, next to his houseboat. The police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: he’s refusing to leave his canal boat and is traumatised by the shock. Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and is unable to speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
Sam actually gets duped into working on this case, and feels that she’s been brought in under false pretenses in the beginning – especially as she was meant to be on her first holiday in ages, together with her sister. But it’s immediately apparent that this is where she’s meant to be, and her sister is directly connected to the victim, so any ideas of sunshine and cocktails on sunloungers are immediately forgotten as Sam gets down to the task at hand.
We learn (if we don’t already know from reading the first two books) that Miranda, Sam’s older sister, has deep-seated psychological issues of her own and that Sam’s sense of responsibility to the case and her sister’s proximity to it are bound to become more than just professional. In fact, I felt that Sam herself didn’t seem to have much of a sense of self at all with her all-consuming responsibility to everyone else: her sister, the victims of whoever was perpetrating these brutal attacks, and Aiden, who’s displaying increasingly disturbing behaviour. I couldn’t really get a grasp of who Sam is – but maybe this is to be revealed slowly in future books, which would certainly be a great idea!
I would describe this more as a psychological police procedural more than a psychological thriller. It leans more on the investigative side and looks into the in-depth workings of the psyche and emotional backgrounds which I found really interesting. I’m wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars for this one. It’s highly readable, and I’d definitely get excited if I heard there was another Dr Sam Willerby book coming out!
Thank you to the lovely Emma Welton and Bloodhound Books for inviting me along on the Blog Tour.
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