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Intention
Darkness lies within…
When twenty-two year old Gillian Thompson returns from university for the summer, it is apparent there is tension at home. An irritant to her father and a concern to her mother, Gillian’s home life is less than ideal.
Geraldine, Gillian’s mother, has suffered abuse from Joe for years. However, it is not until Joe dies that the family dynamic shifts and Gillian starts out on her own dark journey…
When Gillian meets Paul and Daniel she starts to become the person she always knew she was. And as people around her start dying Gillian faces scrutiny from her mother.
But are the deaths accidents or is something more sinister at work?
When twenty-two year old Gillian Thompson returns from university for the summer, it is apparent there is tension at home. An irritant to her father and a concern to her mother, Gillian’s home life is less than ideal.
Geraldine, Gillian’s mother, has suffered abuse from Joe for years. However, it is not until Joe dies that the family dynamic shifts and Gillian starts out on her own dark journey…
When Gillian meets Paul and Daniel she starts to become the person she always knew she was. And as people around her start dying Gillian faces scrutiny from her mother.
But are the deaths accidents or is something more sinister at work?
391 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2019
105 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews
February 20, 2019
Gillian lived in an abusive household almost her whole life. Her father drank and beat her mother for years and her mother did nothing to stop it. So it was no wonder that mentally Gillian was highly influenced.
Deciding that she needs to know exactly who she is, she starts experimenting on small animals, moving onto larger animals.
WARNING: These are graphic descriptions about the abusing and killing of animals.
Her father is killed falling down the stairs while drunk ... or did he? Gillian was the only person in the house when he fell. Because Gillian is young and maybe because she suspects what really happened, she takes the blame, claiming self defense.
It's when people around Gillian start to disappear or their bodies found, her mother starts to look differently at Gillian.
But are these deaths totally unrelated to Gillian, or is she a sociopath/psychopath? Why does she kill random people ... maybe because she can .. or she enjoys it ... or maybe its just a compulsion. Or maybe she's not murdering at all.
The writing grabbed me from the first page. However, I skipped a lot of pages because I don't enjoy reading about the abuse and killing of animals. I could not relate to Gillian or her mother. The ending was a bit abrupt ... and I felt things were left in the air without an actual conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of INTENTION. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 20, 2019
Well, that was different and I totally enjoyed it. Even though Gillian is a strange character, I had a soft spot for her. I just wanted her to be "normal" and live happily ever after.
I devoured this in two sittings.
Give it a go and let me know what you think.
I devoured this in two sittings.
Give it a go and let me know what you think.
not-going-to-read
February 2, 2019I received this from NetGalley and was about to start it but looked at a couple of recent reviews which mentioned that it features graphic animal abuse which I cannot bear to read about, so I am not even going to start it.
This is only the second time I have done this with a NetGalley book, and I hate that it will affect my percentage, but too bad.
This is only the second time I have done this with a NetGalley book, and I hate that it will affect my percentage, but too bad.
January 31, 2019
MY REVIEW
Well where do I start? What a disturbing, brilliant read that grabs you with both hands and won’t let go.....
Gillian’s father, Joe, is a brutal drunk, who regularly beats her mother. These injuries are hidden but Gillian is aware from a young age what is going on. While life plods along, Gillian is experimenting, putting bleach In the fish pond, breaking cats bones and more...this is the most disturbing part to me, a fledgling psychopath that no one seems to notice.....but do they?
Joe has a fatal accident, a fall down the stairs, ably assisted by Gillian, but her mother takes the blame as she ‘can’t lose both of you’. Due to his brutality there is no prison sentence but she goes to visit her sister for a while, leaving Gillian at home alone with her box......!
There is a stint at university, where she carries on with experiments but while at home for the holidays she meets Daniel and his sick Aunt Emily. She has a relationship with Daniel and is upset when Emily dies peacefully...
Gillian is very clever at hiding her lack of social skills and learns what is acceptable and expected of her.....but someone is killing young men in her area. Her mother knows what and who Gillian is, does Daniel?
This is an extraordinary book by C S Barnes, that shows the inner mind of a psychopath and the relationship she has with others close to her.
It has some disturbing moments like..... “For my own curiosity then, tell me: what shocked you more, the animal with the broken neck or the patricide? Really take some time to consider that, and then tell me why I’m the only monster”....
I fully intend making sure my windows are all shut tight !!! If you like a dark thriller then you’ll love this, it doesn’t come much darker.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and netgalley for the opportunity to read this and for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Well where do I start? What a disturbing, brilliant read that grabs you with both hands and won’t let go.....
Gillian’s father, Joe, is a brutal drunk, who regularly beats her mother. These injuries are hidden but Gillian is aware from a young age what is going on. While life plods along, Gillian is experimenting, putting bleach In the fish pond, breaking cats bones and more...this is the most disturbing part to me, a fledgling psychopath that no one seems to notice.....but do they?
Joe has a fatal accident, a fall down the stairs, ably assisted by Gillian, but her mother takes the blame as she ‘can’t lose both of you’. Due to his brutality there is no prison sentence but she goes to visit her sister for a while, leaving Gillian at home alone with her box......!
There is a stint at university, where she carries on with experiments but while at home for the holidays she meets Daniel and his sick Aunt Emily. She has a relationship with Daniel and is upset when Emily dies peacefully...
Gillian is very clever at hiding her lack of social skills and learns what is acceptable and expected of her.....but someone is killing young men in her area. Her mother knows what and who Gillian is, does Daniel?
This is an extraordinary book by C S Barnes, that shows the inner mind of a psychopath and the relationship she has with others close to her.
It has some disturbing moments like..... “For my own curiosity then, tell me: what shocked you more, the animal with the broken neck or the patricide? Really take some time to consider that, and then tell me why I’m the only monster”....
I fully intend making sure my windows are all shut tight !!! If you like a dark thriller then you’ll love this, it doesn’t come much darker.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and netgalley for the opportunity to read this and for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2019
This is a strange book as I have to say I’m not sure where it led to. I finished reading it and yes, I know some things about Gillian but the story didn’t really have me hooked.
I think there should be mention in the blurb that the story contains graphic descriptions of animals being killed and then I would not have read it.
I appreciate it was so we would see how damaged Gillian is, but I found it made my stomach churn.
Gillian apparently can’t help killing and at her mums insistence goes to see a therapist. I expected to get to the bottom of why, but felt Gillian wasn’t revealing everything, so am still none the wiser.
A strange book...
Thanks to Bloodhound books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I think there should be mention in the blurb that the story contains graphic descriptions of animals being killed and then I would not have read it.
I appreciate it was so we would see how damaged Gillian is, but I found it made my stomach churn.
Gillian apparently can’t help killing and at her mums insistence goes to see a therapist. I expected to get to the bottom of why, but felt Gillian wasn’t revealing everything, so am still none the wiser.
A strange book...
Thanks to Bloodhound books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 30, 2019
Intriguing, psychologically comprehensible, chilling...I found myself fascinated by the mother / daughter, GT / Daniel relationships.
February 7, 2019
Intention is a book about how psychopaths are made. Gillian is 22 years old and for as long as she can remember she has been fascinated with hurting animals and she has always got away with it.
Gillian grew up in a grew up in a family home where her father was an alcoholic and abusive towards her mother. When Gillian’s father dies everything in her life and her mother’s life changes. Gillian starts to acknowledge the kind of person she is and, worryingly, so does her mother.
I knew when I picked up Intention that it wasn’t going to be a traditional fast-paced thriller. I’d heard talk of it being about the making of a psychopath; I’d heard it was all about the way the mind of a psychopath developed, from hurting and killing animals, all the way up to murder. I’d heard correctly – that’s exactly what Intention is about.
I loved Gillian as a character. I loved her constant introspection. She knew she wasn’t ‘normal’. She also knew that it freaked people out and spent endless amounts of time trying to figure out, trying to remember, HOW she was supposed to react. I also found it interesting how she rationalised her behaviour to herself and how she waited for default emotions to ‘appear’ in certain situations.
I think it’s genius how Charley Barnes managed to write exactly as Gillian was thinking throughout the entire book, that cannot have been easy. Gillian is slightly neurotic about being specific when it comes to times and dates: she’ll tell you how many years and months old she was when an event happened, she’ll tell you exactly how many minutes a journey should take her. She also likes to count: how many steps between two points, how many houses with lights on in a particular street and so on. Gillian is so completely emotionless, and Charley has managed to convey that, but without the book becoming flat and un-readable.
I found Intention incredibly compelling and I really do hope we’re going to hear more from Gillian in another book.
Gillian grew up in a grew up in a family home where her father was an alcoholic and abusive towards her mother. When Gillian’s father dies everything in her life and her mother’s life changes. Gillian starts to acknowledge the kind of person she is and, worryingly, so does her mother.
I knew when I picked up Intention that it wasn’t going to be a traditional fast-paced thriller. I’d heard talk of it being about the making of a psychopath; I’d heard it was all about the way the mind of a psychopath developed, from hurting and killing animals, all the way up to murder. I’d heard correctly – that’s exactly what Intention is about.
I loved Gillian as a character. I loved her constant introspection. She knew she wasn’t ‘normal’. She also knew that it freaked people out and spent endless amounts of time trying to figure out, trying to remember, HOW she was supposed to react. I also found it interesting how she rationalised her behaviour to herself and how she waited for default emotions to ‘appear’ in certain situations.
I think it’s genius how Charley Barnes managed to write exactly as Gillian was thinking throughout the entire book, that cannot have been easy. Gillian is slightly neurotic about being specific when it comes to times and dates: she’ll tell you how many years and months old she was when an event happened, she’ll tell you exactly how many minutes a journey should take her. She also likes to count: how many steps between two points, how many houses with lights on in a particular street and so on. Gillian is so completely emotionless, and Charley has managed to convey that, but without the book becoming flat and un-readable.
I found Intention incredibly compelling and I really do hope we’re going to hear more from Gillian in another book.
February 8, 2019
Intention is a book that's difficult to categorise, but it was more contemporary women's fiction than a thriller per se, as there was plenty of emotional pull, and I found myself really caring about the characters. The disgusting animal cruelty in this novel, however, made me feel physically sick and reminded me that those who find pleasure in hurting defenceless animals quite often go on to hurt or kill humans; history tells us that, so if you're squeamish I recommend picking something different to read. Well written with engaging characters and a refreshing yarn this is well worth your time if you're a fan of women's fiction or light suspense.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
January 30, 2019
Gillian comes from a home with a difficult background, which leads her to view the world differently to others.
I wasn’t sure what she was going to do, but I did like a variety of factors.
Her age, her confusion, her trying to come to terms with so much.
CS Barnes has weaved a story that slowly takes you through Gillian’s decisions whether they are right or wrong.
Barnes command of language and how she told the story was exceptionally engaging, the creepiness and seeped out of the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
I will definitely be picking up CS Barnes next book.
January 20, 2019
I have to admit I didn’t really enjoy this. The killing of then animals early on put me off and I couldn’t really get into the book from there.
Gillian comes back home for the summer to her fathers abusive behaviour. He regularly beats her mother and the whole house suffers as a result.
Following her father’s death the story follows Gillian’s attempt to fit into normal society while harbouring some horrific secrets.
Well written but not for me.
Gillian comes back home for the summer to her fathers abusive behaviour. He regularly beats her mother and the whole house suffers as a result.
Following her father’s death the story follows Gillian’s attempt to fit into normal society while harbouring some horrific secrets.
Well written but not for me.
March 2, 2019
I read the synopsis for ‘Intention’ and it sounded deliciously creepy so I just knew that I had to read it. Oh my word, ‘Intention’ is one of those books that really did give me the heebies jeebies and sent a shiver down my spine on several occasions. I absolutely loved reading ‘Intention’ but more about that in a bit.
Gillian Thompson is one of those characters that makes you uneasy or at least she made me feel uneasy anyway. When we first meet her she casually discusses some of the darker things that she gets up to, such as her animal experiments, but she isn’t fazed by them at all. When I used to work in Safeguarding many moons ago, the Home Office psychologist that ‘trained’ us said that psychopaths often start off by being cruel to animals and their behaviour escalates in severity. I certainly felt that Gillian fitted that description. Put it this way I certainly wouldn’t have turned my back to her because I feared that she would put a knife in it. As the book continued I did wonder if this behaviour was learned behaviour because to be quite frank, her father is a cowardly drunkard brute who thinks nothing of giving his wife a good hiding. He has no shame and he certainly feels no guilt. The father accidentally on purpose takes a trip down the stairs (literally) courtesy of Gillian.
OMG this was one seriously twisted and deliciously creepy story that had me gripped all the way through. I didn’t want to put the book down because I thought I might miss something if I stopped reading. Thank goodness I didn’t read this book before going to bed because it is the sort of read that would keep me awake all night and might even have given me nightmares. The pages were turning that quick at one point that the page numbers all seemed to blur into one. I binge read this book over the course of a day.
‘Intention’ is superbly written and I found it hard to believe that this was a debut novel as the writing style and the storylines is so confident and polished. The author draws you into the story and writes in such a way that has you going back for more time and time again.
Reading ‘Intention’ was much like being on a very scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster with twists and turns aplenty along the way and with no idea of which direction the story is going to take. On more than one occasion, I was left speechless (which is rare for me) by some of Gillian’s experiments and I was also left feeling as though I had been punched in the gut. Whilst reading this book, there were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next. At times I didn’t think that I could read on but then gave myself a kick up the bottom because if I had any hope of finding out what happened and if the story got any darker, I simply had to read on.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this twisty, dark and creepy story and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read what this author comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is 5* out of 5*.
Gillian Thompson is one of those characters that makes you uneasy or at least she made me feel uneasy anyway. When we first meet her she casually discusses some of the darker things that she gets up to, such as her animal experiments, but she isn’t fazed by them at all. When I used to work in Safeguarding many moons ago, the Home Office psychologist that ‘trained’ us said that psychopaths often start off by being cruel to animals and their behaviour escalates in severity. I certainly felt that Gillian fitted that description. Put it this way I certainly wouldn’t have turned my back to her because I feared that she would put a knife in it. As the book continued I did wonder if this behaviour was learned behaviour because to be quite frank, her father is a cowardly drunkard brute who thinks nothing of giving his wife a good hiding. He has no shame and he certainly feels no guilt. The father accidentally on purpose takes a trip down the stairs (literally) courtesy of Gillian.
OMG this was one seriously twisted and deliciously creepy story that had me gripped all the way through. I didn’t want to put the book down because I thought I might miss something if I stopped reading. Thank goodness I didn’t read this book before going to bed because it is the sort of read that would keep me awake all night and might even have given me nightmares. The pages were turning that quick at one point that the page numbers all seemed to blur into one. I binge read this book over the course of a day.
‘Intention’ is superbly written and I found it hard to believe that this was a debut novel as the writing style and the storylines is so confident and polished. The author draws you into the story and writes in such a way that has you going back for more time and time again.
Reading ‘Intention’ was much like being on a very scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster with twists and turns aplenty along the way and with no idea of which direction the story is going to take. On more than one occasion, I was left speechless (which is rare for me) by some of Gillian’s experiments and I was also left feeling as though I had been punched in the gut. Whilst reading this book, there were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next. At times I didn’t think that I could read on but then gave myself a kick up the bottom because if I had any hope of finding out what happened and if the story got any darker, I simply had to read on.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this twisty, dark and creepy story and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read what this author comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is 5* out of 5*.
March 2, 2019
This is most definitely a marmite book, an acquired taste.
Gillian Thompson sounds like a perfectly ordinary name & an ordinary person. Gillian is, however, far from ordinary. She has grown up in a household where her mother is frequently emotionally, psychologically & physically abused by her father. There is permanent tension in the air ; so much that cannot be talked about. How could Gillian have turned out to be normal?
The first to say is a warning – this book does include quite detailed descriptions of abuse to people and animals. Gillian is far from normal & “experiments” on animals before preserving them. I found this quite hard to read & I am far from squeamish. Not for the faint hearted.
Leaving aside the descriptions, this is quite a strange book. We follow Gillian as she grows up before focusing on one long university vacation. Gillian is very seriously damaged and quite feasibly on the autistic spectrum. She struggles with social interaction and fitting in with day to day life. This summer she meets Daniel, a nice young man who cares for his elderly dying aunt. She also meets Paul who has the most wonderful looking dog. A lot happens this summer and Gillian struggles, seeking outlet in her “hobby”. Her mother also gains a new voice and challenges the person that Gillian has become.
There is a lot in this book about people’s interaction & the way that other people’s behaviour can leave a lasting affect. I enjoyed looking at Gillian’s personality & seeing how she has evolved as a person as a result of her upbringing. Would she still have been the same person had she grown up in a different household. Why are Gillian and Daniel attracted to each other? Does Daniel understand who Gillian really is?
I did enjoy this book in a strange sort of way. Gillian is not likeable but I did feel sorry for her – not that she would have appreciated that. I couldn’t relate to her or the situation but found it interesting to look at her from the outside. The story flowed well & I found it easy to follow. The ending was interesting & certainly not to everyone’s tastes as it left so much up in the air and open to suggestion – however it worked for me. This is definitely an individual book.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
Gillian Thompson sounds like a perfectly ordinary name & an ordinary person. Gillian is, however, far from ordinary. She has grown up in a household where her mother is frequently emotionally, psychologically & physically abused by her father. There is permanent tension in the air ; so much that cannot be talked about. How could Gillian have turned out to be normal?
The first to say is a warning – this book does include quite detailed descriptions of abuse to people and animals. Gillian is far from normal & “experiments” on animals before preserving them. I found this quite hard to read & I am far from squeamish. Not for the faint hearted.
Leaving aside the descriptions, this is quite a strange book. We follow Gillian as she grows up before focusing on one long university vacation. Gillian is very seriously damaged and quite feasibly on the autistic spectrum. She struggles with social interaction and fitting in with day to day life. This summer she meets Daniel, a nice young man who cares for his elderly dying aunt. She also meets Paul who has the most wonderful looking dog. A lot happens this summer and Gillian struggles, seeking outlet in her “hobby”. Her mother also gains a new voice and challenges the person that Gillian has become.
There is a lot in this book about people’s interaction & the way that other people’s behaviour can leave a lasting affect. I enjoyed looking at Gillian’s personality & seeing how she has evolved as a person as a result of her upbringing. Would she still have been the same person had she grown up in a different household. Why are Gillian and Daniel attracted to each other? Does Daniel understand who Gillian really is?
I did enjoy this book in a strange sort of way. Gillian is not likeable but I did feel sorry for her – not that she would have appreciated that. I couldn’t relate to her or the situation but found it interesting to look at her from the outside. The story flowed well & I found it easy to follow. The ending was interesting & certainly not to everyone’s tastes as it left so much up in the air and open to suggestion – however it worked for me. This is definitely an individual book.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 12, 2019
Gillian was not like other children. She knew she was different. She knew how to do things that would mae the other children squir. For years she has heard her father beating her mother, and her mother covering up her bruises with makeup and making excuses about being clumsy. When her father is no longer around things change between them. She meets Daniel by chance and they get on well. He looks after his elderly Aunt who has terminal cancer. Gillian begins to see things differently and suddenly realises that she is in a relationship and has feeling for someone- something she hasn’t experienced beforehand ever. she also meets Paul and his dog and somehow take to him but she can’t figure out why. I quite liked Gillian (although perhaps wouldn’t want her as a friend) as she stood up for herself in difficult situations. Maybe I felt for her rather than liked her. Her upbringing hadn’t been easy and being in the big wide world to her was rather like being in a different land where she didn’t know the language. A crime book of sorts but more about someone’s feelings and thoughts and how life changes us through experience. A book I would find difficult to put in a genre. Contemporary fiction perhaps? That matters not, what does is that this is an excellent story, very well told. I really enjoyed it hence the 5 stars and it held me to the end and left me with a smile. A different read and one to remember in a very good way.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
February 2, 2019
Gillian is a woman with a big difference. Her thought process does not enable her to feel emotion or have any understanding of why people feel as they do. She is learning what others see as normal, she just can't so bluffs her way through life and relationships. Only her mother knows the truth.
From a very young age, she was interested in what happens to animals when they are dead, how to dissect them. She is just fascinated. As her mother so rightly said, “animals have a habit of dying all around her”. Not surprisingly she attends Bristol university where the dissection of animals is applauded for her course.
Domestic violence is something she grew up with. Her mother was forever falling over, walking into doors etc. and they were regularly found and A & E.
This highly intelligent woman happens upon a single man, Daniel, whilst on an evening stroll that found her in a restaurant. They become good friends, to start with. This story has everything in a thriller, Deceit, family secrets, hate more than love, and the thought process for someone with sociopathic tenancies.
The characters in this are very keenly observed and it is cleverly orchestrated.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
From a very young age, she was interested in what happens to animals when they are dead, how to dissect them. She is just fascinated. As her mother so rightly said, “animals have a habit of dying all around her”. Not surprisingly she attends Bristol university where the dissection of animals is applauded for her course.
Domestic violence is something she grew up with. Her mother was forever falling over, walking into doors etc. and they were regularly found and A & E.
This highly intelligent woman happens upon a single man, Daniel, whilst on an evening stroll that found her in a restaurant. They become good friends, to start with. This story has everything in a thriller, Deceit, family secrets, hate more than love, and the thought process for someone with sociopathic tenancies.
The characters in this are very keenly observed and it is cleverly orchestrated.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
January 31, 2019
Intention by C. S. Barnes is a gripping and disturbingly brilliant read.
The main character, Gillian Thompson, is complex and compelling. The narrative voice Barnes crafts for Gillian is maintained perfectly throughout, giving the reader a dark, but often oddly humorous insight into the mind of a psychopath. The reader will probably find themselves secretly (or guiltily) liking Gillian, whose blunt tone and unique way of processing the world around her is enthralling.
Dark, disturbing, and in parts, disgusting events keep the reader hooked to Gillian’s story. That said, Gillian’s budding relationship with Daniel features some amazing moments of warmth and humour in a book that is a genuine page-turner. Barnes traverses this line tastefully, striking an excellent balance between the lighter elements of the book, and the many, many disturbing but captivating parts.
Brilliantly written, Barnes’ debut novel is a must read for anyone who loves a psychological thriller, and will keep you guessing from beginning to end!
The main character, Gillian Thompson, is complex and compelling. The narrative voice Barnes crafts for Gillian is maintained perfectly throughout, giving the reader a dark, but often oddly humorous insight into the mind of a psychopath. The reader will probably find themselves secretly (or guiltily) liking Gillian, whose blunt tone and unique way of processing the world around her is enthralling.
Dark, disturbing, and in parts, disgusting events keep the reader hooked to Gillian’s story. That said, Gillian’s budding relationship with Daniel features some amazing moments of warmth and humour in a book that is a genuine page-turner. Barnes traverses this line tastefully, striking an excellent balance between the lighter elements of the book, and the many, many disturbing but captivating parts.
Brilliantly written, Barnes’ debut novel is a must read for anyone who loves a psychological thriller, and will keep you guessing from beginning to end!
February 3, 2019
I honestly didn't like this book. The killing of then animals early on put me off and I wasn’t able to get into the book from there. I completely understand that this was supposed to be almost a mirror into how damaged the main character, Gillian is, but there should be some forewarning in this book.
Gillian comes back home to for the summer to her father’s abusive behavior towards her mother. For years she hears her father beating her mother, while her mother covers the bruises with makeup and excuses. After her father dies, the story follows Gillian’s attempt to fit into a normal life-style, while facing horrific secrets.
I will give praise where it is needed, and CS Barnes use of language was captivating and bold. But this book truly wasn’t for me.
Thanks to Bloodhound books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Gillian comes back home to for the summer to her father’s abusive behavior towards her mother. For years she hears her father beating her mother, while her mother covers the bruises with makeup and excuses. After her father dies, the story follows Gillian’s attempt to fit into a normal life-style, while facing horrific secrets.
I will give praise where it is needed, and CS Barnes use of language was captivating and bold. But this book truly wasn’t for me.
Thanks to Bloodhound books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 12, 2019
This was so clever and different with top notch writing. The evolution of a psychopath, how one’s created, detailed through their mindset was brilliant!
Gillian is a fascinating character. Her inner dialogue is dark. Her ability to rationalize her evil was both disturbing and comical in its rationale. She is extremely detailed in her timing of events and is quick to supply (internally) a movie quote or song lyric as a response. It was this inner dialogue that supplied some lighter moments.
There are some twists and surprises. This is extremely dark and violent and it won’t be for everyone but I was hooked from the first page! The conclusion make me wonder if this is the beginning of a series? If so, sign me up!!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
Gillian is a fascinating character. Her inner dialogue is dark. Her ability to rationalize her evil was both disturbing and comical in its rationale. She is extremely detailed in her timing of events and is quick to supply (internally) a movie quote or song lyric as a response. It was this inner dialogue that supplied some lighter moments.
There are some twists and surprises. This is extremely dark and violent and it won’t be for everyone but I was hooked from the first page! The conclusion make me wonder if this is the beginning of a series? If so, sign me up!!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
February 16, 2019
Intention
Darkness lies within…
by C.S. Barnes
Bloodhound Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 30 Jan 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Intention Through Bloodhound Books and Netgalley:
When Twenty two year old Gillian Thompson comes home from the University she was attending for the summer it quickly becomes clear thattherw is a great deal of tension at home.
Geraldine, Gillian’s Mom has been abused by her husband Joe for years. It’s not until after her Father dies that Gillian
begins her own dark journey.
After meeting Paul and Daniel, Gillian becomes who she always knew she was. Just as people start dying around Gillian, her Mother becomes suspicious.
I give Intention four out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Darkness lies within…
by C.S. Barnes
Bloodhound Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 30 Jan 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Intention Through Bloodhound Books and Netgalley:
When Twenty two year old Gillian Thompson comes home from the University she was attending for the summer it quickly becomes clear thattherw is a great deal of tension at home.
Geraldine, Gillian’s Mom has been abused by her husband Joe for years. It’s not until after her Father dies that Gillian
begins her own dark journey.
After meeting Paul and Daniel, Gillian becomes who she always knew she was. Just as people start dying around Gillian, her Mother becomes suspicious.
I give Intention four out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 5, 2019
Great debut from C S Barnes. We see the story through the narration of Gillian, a young woman who has graduated from killing neighbourhood rats and even pets to dissections that may not be entirely explained by her biology course at uni. Her father's drunken abuse of her mother may have contributed to some of her interests and emotional distance. Where will her urges take her? Will her mother intervene? When she meets Daniel, caring for his dying aunt, how will their relationship develop? And what of dog-walker Paul? Not my usual kind of reading choice but I'm so glad I gave this a go. Not for the squeamish, though. I'm very much looking forward to whatever Barnes's twisted mind comes up with for her next novel.
My only caveat is that the paper edition has some irritating publisher proofing/format fails where the occasional paragraph splits mid-sentence; hopefully that will be sorted out in the next print batch.
My only caveat is that the paper edition has some irritating publisher proofing/format fails where the occasional paragraph splits mid-sentence; hopefully that will be sorted out in the next print batch.
January 30, 2019
Happy Publication Day. I love this cover. If this opening of a letter by the narrator does not draw the reader in I don't know what will. It had me gripped and intrigued.
A fast paced read which had me judging and analysing Gillians character throughout. Parts are quite dark and stomach turning... But she didn't expect to meet a mysterious stranger Daniel! Wierd, spooky, scary and twisted. I devoured this story within a day. Brilliantly written. A story that you can't forget. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
A fast paced read which had me judging and analysing Gillians character throughout. Parts are quite dark and stomach turning... But she didn't expect to meet a mysterious stranger Daniel! Wierd, spooky, scary and twisted. I devoured this story within a day. Brilliantly written. A story that you can't forget. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
April 27, 2019
Gillian is a captivating narrator
I've not read a female psychopath thriller before!
Certainly Barnes is able to get into her psyche and thought process.
I had to skip over some of the blood lust, especially for animal deaths, but overall it was a really interesting read of someone sinister but protected by those around them. I look forward to future books by this great writer!
I've not read a female psychopath thriller before!
Certainly Barnes is able to get into her psyche and thought process.
I had to skip over some of the blood lust, especially for animal deaths, but overall it was a really interesting read of someone sinister but protected by those around them. I look forward to future books by this great writer!
February 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own. Awesome book. It will raise goosebumps all along your arms. Did she or didn't she? Read this gem of a book so you can figure it out for yourself. Happy reading! #Intention #NetGalley
February 2, 2019
Perfect psychological thriller! It moved at a fast pace with twists and turns throughout! I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
March 1, 2019
A female Dexter, not bad at all.
March 6, 2019
WOW 😐😐😐
October 12, 2024
Very dark and very thrilling! Quickly devoured.
January 2, 2024
Firstly, I have to admit, I'm not quite sure how to review this book. But I hope I've done it some justice?!
Gillian comes from a dysfunctional family and within this family is a horrible and abusive father and Gillian is back with them for the summer, surely, things can't get any worse can they?
But... think again.
Following her fathers death, Gillian wants nothing more than to fit in but she is hiding some secrets - not the kind of secrets you'd want to share with your best friend. But what secrets is Gillian hiding? Does she know why people are turning up dead or are they accidents?
This book for a debut, is brilliantly written with great depth & holds a brilliant character in Gillian. She has her history but is trying to get on with it despite everything.
If you like twisty, gripping and get-in-your-head type of books, this is perfect for you.
Gillian comes from a dysfunctional family and within this family is a horrible and abusive father and Gillian is back with them for the summer, surely, things can't get any worse can they?
But... think again.
Following her fathers death, Gillian wants nothing more than to fit in but she is hiding some secrets - not the kind of secrets you'd want to share with your best friend. But what secrets is Gillian hiding? Does she know why people are turning up dead or are they accidents?
This book for a debut, is brilliantly written with great depth & holds a brilliant character in Gillian. She has her history but is trying to get on with it despite everything.
If you like twisty, gripping and get-in-your-head type of books, this is perfect for you.
January 10, 2019
Hmmmmmmmmm.--- Maybe it is because I taught science for a number of years, but I DID like this read. Gillian's family is definitely bordering on psychotic. Her mother had been abused since Gillian (22) can remember. Mum cowers to her husband. So, ever so politely, Gillian lends a hand to assist dear dad to fall to his death. Mum comes home from shopping and says, "I don't want to lose you both", insisting that they tell the story that mum was the accidental pusher.
The funeral and mum's depression ensue - during this time Gillian meets Daniel in a restaurant - and also Paul at the park. Mum takes off for a week to her estranged sister's place.
Weirdly, mum comes back a "new" person. Different clothes and different attitude. She wants to know everything that Gillian does, is demanding and downright mean. During this time, Gillian's relationship grows with Daniel - she also begins to visit his aunt who is cancer stricken.
Does mum have a reason for her "turnaround'? Or is what is in Gillian's "box" enough to drive her to
demand things Gillian must and must not do?
And...what becomes of Daniel and Paul?
I found this to be a good, quick read. Held my interest all of the way through.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an interesting read.
The funeral and mum's depression ensue - during this time Gillian meets Daniel in a restaurant - and also Paul at the park. Mum takes off for a week to her estranged sister's place.
Weirdly, mum comes back a "new" person. Different clothes and different attitude. She wants to know everything that Gillian does, is demanding and downright mean. During this time, Gillian's relationship grows with Daniel - she also begins to visit his aunt who is cancer stricken.
Does mum have a reason for her "turnaround'? Or is what is in Gillian's "box" enough to drive her to
demand things Gillian must and must not do?
And...what becomes of Daniel and Paul?
I found this to be a good, quick read. Held my interest all of the way through.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an interesting read.
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