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The Warning
My little boy’s room was empty, his bed neatly made. Alarm bells should have rung immediately. Then the knock on the door came. All I remember is a thick fog wrapping itself tightly around me. This couldn’t be happening to us.
Three years ago, nurse Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a muddy river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident.
Heartbroken, Zoe and her family, move away from her home. They’re just beginning to get back to some kind of normality, when, out of the blue, Zoe receives an anonymous email:
You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie.
Shaken, Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help?
And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller about a mother’s desperate search for the truth. Fans of The Girl on the Train, and Gone Girl will be hooked from the very first page.
Three years ago, nurse Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a muddy river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident.
Heartbroken, Zoe and her family, move away from her home. They’re just beginning to get back to some kind of normality, when, out of the blue, Zoe receives an anonymous email:
You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie.
Shaken, Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help?
And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller about a mother’s desperate search for the truth. Fans of The Girl on the Train, and Gone Girl will be hooked from the very first page.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2018
1394 people are currently reading
1867 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
October 17, 2018
4.5 stars
Be warned! This is a seriously good book!
Three years ago, Zoe's son, Ethan, and his friend, Josh drowned in a river by her home. Their deaths were ruled as being accidental. After Ethan’s death, Zoe, her husband, Jack and their son Harley moved to a new area and a new home. Zoe continues to work as a nurse and Jack buries himself in his work, while Harley prepares for college. Their family is attempting to maintain their status quo until one day, Zoe receives a message informing her that Ethan's death was not an accident, that there is more to the story, and that she needs to find out the truth. Zoe is naturally rattled and decides to meet with Josh's Mother, Roberta, to determine if she has received a message as well. It becomes apparent that something is not right in Roberta's home and even Zoe's husband, Jack seems less than enthusiastic to learn who sent the note and the person's reason for doing so. Then Zoe begins receiving more messages about her son's death. Why is she being targeted? Is this some sick joke? Does someone out there know something about the night her son died? Could Ethan and Josh's deaths have been prevented? Were they murdered? Is this someone trying to hurt Zoe? Just what is going on?
I really felt for Zoe in this book. It seemed like no one in her life was too invested in helping her learn why she was receiving the notes, who could be behind the notes, and even if there was any truth to what the notes were saying. Plus, her husband used work as an excuse for not being home. If he keeps busy he doesn't need to think about his son's death or help his other son and wife cope with their grief. Zoe wants the truth and refuses to give up. Through her search for the truth she begins to wonder, how much (or how little) she knew her son, who he had in his life, and what secrets he may have had. But, as it turns out, he is not the only one who had secrets in this book.
It was so easy to get wrapped up in this book. There is always something happening, and the reveals happen at regular intervals to keep things interesting and to keep the reader guessing. This book is told through various characters POV including Zoe, Roberta and an unknown narrator. This book is fast paced and sucked me in right away. This book became a page turner to me as I was so intrigued with what was going on. This book has secrets, lies, deception, mystery, tension, suspense - basically all the things I love in a book. I'm not sure that too many people will see that ending coming, I know I did not.
This book earned high marks from me for being an entertaining fast paced page turner which kept me guessing the entire time and managed to surprise me in the end!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Be warned! This is a seriously good book!
Three years ago, Zoe's son, Ethan, and his friend, Josh drowned in a river by her home. Their deaths were ruled as being accidental. After Ethan’s death, Zoe, her husband, Jack and their son Harley moved to a new area and a new home. Zoe continues to work as a nurse and Jack buries himself in his work, while Harley prepares for college. Their family is attempting to maintain their status quo until one day, Zoe receives a message informing her that Ethan's death was not an accident, that there is more to the story, and that she needs to find out the truth. Zoe is naturally rattled and decides to meet with Josh's Mother, Roberta, to determine if she has received a message as well. It becomes apparent that something is not right in Roberta's home and even Zoe's husband, Jack seems less than enthusiastic to learn who sent the note and the person's reason for doing so. Then Zoe begins receiving more messages about her son's death. Why is she being targeted? Is this some sick joke? Does someone out there know something about the night her son died? Could Ethan and Josh's deaths have been prevented? Were they murdered? Is this someone trying to hurt Zoe? Just what is going on?
I really felt for Zoe in this book. It seemed like no one in her life was too invested in helping her learn why she was receiving the notes, who could be behind the notes, and even if there was any truth to what the notes were saying. Plus, her husband used work as an excuse for not being home. If he keeps busy he doesn't need to think about his son's death or help his other son and wife cope with their grief. Zoe wants the truth and refuses to give up. Through her search for the truth she begins to wonder, how much (or how little) she knew her son, who he had in his life, and what secrets he may have had. But, as it turns out, he is not the only one who had secrets in this book.
It was so easy to get wrapped up in this book. There is always something happening, and the reveals happen at regular intervals to keep things interesting and to keep the reader guessing. This book is told through various characters POV including Zoe, Roberta and an unknown narrator. This book is fast paced and sucked me in right away. This book became a page turner to me as I was so intrigued with what was going on. This book has secrets, lies, deception, mystery, tension, suspense - basically all the things I love in a book. I'm not sure that too many people will see that ending coming, I know I did not.
This book earned high marks from me for being an entertaining fast paced page turner which kept me guessing the entire time and managed to surprise me in the end!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 23, 2019
"You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son down by the river three years ago. Don't let this rest. Don't believe the lie. It was no accident."
So reads the email Zoe receives from an anonymous sender, three years after her 14yo son Ethan had drowned alongside his friend Josh in a tragic accident. It sets her off on a hunt for the truth, even though her husband Jake insists it's a prank. It soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems, many people are hiding secrets about that night. People with a lot to lose. As Zoe slowly works her way towards the truth she sets into motion events that could shatter her world even more than it already is.
Wow! This is definitely one of the better psychological thrillers that I've read this year, and I read a lot of them! I can usually work out part of the twist, if not all, but this one I couldn't fathom at all. It had me absolutely stumped! And the truth? It had me saying "what the ?" It was totally from left field! Well done Kathryn Croft, I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this authors books. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So reads the email Zoe receives from an anonymous sender, three years after her 14yo son Ethan had drowned alongside his friend Josh in a tragic accident. It sets her off on a hunt for the truth, even though her husband Jake insists it's a prank. It soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems, many people are hiding secrets about that night. People with a lot to lose. As Zoe slowly works her way towards the truth she sets into motion events that could shatter her world even more than it already is.
Wow! This is definitely one of the better psychological thrillers that I've read this year, and I read a lot of them! I can usually work out part of the twist, if not all, but this one I couldn't fathom at all. It had me absolutely stumped! And the truth? It had me saying "what the ?" It was totally from left field! Well done Kathryn Croft, I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this authors books. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2018
Well now... that is how you write a psychological thriller!
This was a dark, twisted, compelling, unsettling, unputdownable book... filled with so many twists, turns and misdirections that my head is still spinning....
Zoe and Jake’s youngest son Ethan, died in an unfortunate drowning accident over three years ago.... they fled the town they were living in with their older son Harley for a fresh start... the family was Learning to live their lives after tragedy,until... Zoe began, receiving anonymous emails and text stating that Ethan’s death was not an accident,and for her not to let this go! So like all good mothers Zoe is determined to find out the truth behind her son’s death... but why is she met by so much resistance from her husband Jake? And equally concerning why is Roberta the mother of Josh, the boy who died along Ethan’s side, not interested in finding the truth? What secrets are being kept? And why? And by whom? These are just a few of the questions you will have running through your head throughout this book.... and if you figure this one out, major props to you! This one caught me completely offguard, that is for sure!
Told in short chapters from many points of view this book will keep you on your toes and engaged throughout... we also get an anonymous point of view from a creepy character sure to make you uncomfortable... this really was a fast paced page turner full of well drawn characters... whether or not you like them, Zoe and Harley, or liked to hate them, Roberta and Adrian.... all these characters were so well-developed you truly had a good sense of who they were and where they were coming from....
This is my first book from this author, but most definitely will not be my last! A thrilling read that I finished in two sittings that I would highly recommend to all fans of the psychological thriller genre.... this one will make you think!
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
This was a dark, twisted, compelling, unsettling, unputdownable book... filled with so many twists, turns and misdirections that my head is still spinning....
Zoe and Jake’s youngest son Ethan, died in an unfortunate drowning accident over three years ago.... they fled the town they were living in with their older son Harley for a fresh start... the family was Learning to live their lives after tragedy,until... Zoe began, receiving anonymous emails and text stating that Ethan’s death was not an accident,and for her not to let this go! So like all good mothers Zoe is determined to find out the truth behind her son’s death... but why is she met by so much resistance from her husband Jake? And equally concerning why is Roberta the mother of Josh, the boy who died along Ethan’s side, not interested in finding the truth? What secrets are being kept? And why? And by whom? These are just a few of the questions you will have running through your head throughout this book.... and if you figure this one out, major props to you! This one caught me completely offguard, that is for sure!
Told in short chapters from many points of view this book will keep you on your toes and engaged throughout... we also get an anonymous point of view from a creepy character sure to make you uncomfortable... this really was a fast paced page turner full of well drawn characters... whether or not you like them, Zoe and Harley, or liked to hate them, Roberta and Adrian.... all these characters were so well-developed you truly had a good sense of who they were and where they were coming from....
This is my first book from this author, but most definitely will not be my last! A thrilling read that I finished in two sittings that I would highly recommend to all fans of the psychological thriller genre.... this one will make you think!
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
October 15, 2018
Twisted and deceptive—that is how I describe Kathryn Croft’s character-driven novels. And I don’t just mean the villain! Kathryn Croft writes about people and her novels are character-driven above all else. How do ordinary people react to extraordinary circumstances? When does grief cross into deception? And how do we know who is lying to us? This book had my mind spinning the whole way through, and then when I got to the reveal I could hardly believe that I’d missed it!!! Masterful!
About the Book
Three years after the tragic death of her 14-year old son Ethan, Zoe is still grieving. Her family has never really healed from the tragic accident. Her husband Jake is distant, throwing himself into his work. Her older son Harley had an emotional breakdown that he barely recovered from. And Zoe finds herself unable to move on. They go through the motions every day, pretending to be a happy family. But inside their home, they are shattered.
And then one day Zoe receives an email…
You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son down by the river three years ago. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the Lie. It was no accident.
Despite Jake’s insistence that it is a prank, and tracking the sender down will only bring them more pain, Zoe can’t accept that. She starts to follow the clues about the deaths of Ethan and his friend Josh that night. The more information Zoe finds, the more she realizes that there’s a lot she didn’t know about that night.
Why is Jake so insistent that she drop this? What is going on in Harley’s mind that he keeps so private? And why will Josh’s mother not speak about this with Zoe? Secrets come to light and Zoe realizes she has been lied to, perhaps by those she holds dearest…
Reflection
It’s no secret that Kathryn Croft is a favorite author of mine. Her books tend to feature characters in a difficult life situation, which Croft then twists until secrets, lies, and deception are revealed. As a reader, I find her books masterful. The answers are there, if only we see them. But we never do! Croft manipulates us into a false sense of understanding about the story, and then flips it on us. Her books are among the top psychological thrillers I’ve read!
This poor family in this book!!! There’s an authenticity to the way they’ve shattered after tragedy struck. From the outside, they seem to be coping. But each of them has demons. Each of them is barely holding it together, which means as a unit they aren’t holding together. They’ve settled into a routine of going through the motions. Accepting the lies in order to feel whole again. For instance, Zoe allows herself to believe that Jake works so much because he cares about his business. But the truth is, Jake is not okay since Ethan’s death. Jake can’t bare the hours when his mind is unoccupied.
The writing structure is so effective. The chapters are fairly short, and change narrators. It totally hooked me! It was important to see what each of them was experiencing and piecing together. And then there is a mysterious narrator of some chapters. Twisted and unsettling is the only way to describe this narrator. Those chapter positively gave me the chills! I couldn’t work it out—I was stumped!
And then we get to the reveal and I was blown away! How did I never consider THAT twist??? Masterful and twisty—I can’t wait for more readers to experience this book!
About the Book
Three years after the tragic death of her 14-year old son Ethan, Zoe is still grieving. Her family has never really healed from the tragic accident. Her husband Jake is distant, throwing himself into his work. Her older son Harley had an emotional breakdown that he barely recovered from. And Zoe finds herself unable to move on. They go through the motions every day, pretending to be a happy family. But inside their home, they are shattered.
And then one day Zoe receives an email…
You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son down by the river three years ago. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the Lie. It was no accident.
Despite Jake’s insistence that it is a prank, and tracking the sender down will only bring them more pain, Zoe can’t accept that. She starts to follow the clues about the deaths of Ethan and his friend Josh that night. The more information Zoe finds, the more she realizes that there’s a lot she didn’t know about that night.
Why is Jake so insistent that she drop this? What is going on in Harley’s mind that he keeps so private? And why will Josh’s mother not speak about this with Zoe? Secrets come to light and Zoe realizes she has been lied to, perhaps by those she holds dearest…
Reflection
It’s no secret that Kathryn Croft is a favorite author of mine. Her books tend to feature characters in a difficult life situation, which Croft then twists until secrets, lies, and deception are revealed. As a reader, I find her books masterful. The answers are there, if only we see them. But we never do! Croft manipulates us into a false sense of understanding about the story, and then flips it on us. Her books are among the top psychological thrillers I’ve read!
This poor family in this book!!! There’s an authenticity to the way they’ve shattered after tragedy struck. From the outside, they seem to be coping. But each of them has demons. Each of them is barely holding it together, which means as a unit they aren’t holding together. They’ve settled into a routine of going through the motions. Accepting the lies in order to feel whole again. For instance, Zoe allows herself to believe that Jake works so much because he cares about his business. But the truth is, Jake is not okay since Ethan’s death. Jake can’t bare the hours when his mind is unoccupied.
The writing structure is so effective. The chapters are fairly short, and change narrators. It totally hooked me! It was important to see what each of them was experiencing and piecing together. And then there is a mysterious narrator of some chapters. Twisted and unsettling is the only way to describe this narrator. Those chapter positively gave me the chills! I couldn’t work it out—I was stumped!
And then we get to the reveal and I was blown away! How did I never consider THAT twist??? Masterful and twisty—I can’t wait for more readers to experience this book!
December 17, 2018
A Dark & Intense Psychological Thriller
Three years ago, Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident. 3 years later, Zoe receives an anonymous email “You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie.” Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth but is she searching for the truth or an illusion? Who is really behind these anonymous messages?
The story has a perfect start and the pace is unrelenting till the end. The Warning is not only a good psychological thriller story but beneath the surface, it’s an emotional and heart-breaking story. The story keeps you hooked with several twists and turns, strategically revealed (just when you think you have solved the mystery)
The characters in book are well defined esp. Zoe & her Family. The struggles of a family still recovering from the loss of a loved and a mother’s fight to find the truth has been well brought out throughout the book. This book has narrated through POVs of various characters including Zoe and others which keeps the story moving without getting stuck. With too many tracks going on simultaneously, it may feel the main mystery is relegated to the background at times. Also, the ending may feel a bit weak compared to the build-up. The writing though was excellent and the fairly short chapters and changing POVs never let you get bored.
Overall, the book is a fast paced page turner which will keep you guessing right till the end. 3.5/5
Many Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC.
Three years ago, Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident. 3 years later, Zoe receives an anonymous email “You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie.” Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth but is she searching for the truth or an illusion? Who is really behind these anonymous messages?
The story has a perfect start and the pace is unrelenting till the end. The Warning is not only a good psychological thriller story but beneath the surface, it’s an emotional and heart-breaking story. The story keeps you hooked with several twists and turns, strategically revealed (just when you think you have solved the mystery)
The characters in book are well defined esp. Zoe & her Family. The struggles of a family still recovering from the loss of a loved and a mother’s fight to find the truth has been well brought out throughout the book. This book has narrated through POVs of various characters including Zoe and others which keeps the story moving without getting stuck. With too many tracks going on simultaneously, it may feel the main mystery is relegated to the background at times. Also, the ending may feel a bit weak compared to the build-up. The writing though was excellent and the fairly short chapters and changing POVs never let you get bored.
Overall, the book is a fast paced page turner which will keep you guessing right till the end. 3.5/5
Many Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC.
October 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
Three years ago Zoe and Jake lost their son, Ethan! Ethan and his best friend drowned in the river and both died. They don’t know why they were there or how they ended up in the river. Their deaths were ruled a tragic accident! Now after three years, when this incomplete family somehow finds its normalcy, Zoe receives an email from an anonymous, warning her that she has to find the truth about Ethan's death and don’t believe the lies!
Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help? And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
This was my second read by this author and I enjoyed it even more than my first! It was suspenseful and nail-biting! So good and somehow unpredictable! I mean I guessed and guessed and no clue which one is right! A real page-turner! It’s well-written and fast-paced with a great story-line! Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. And look at that cover! It’s one of those gorgeous covers! Overall, I really liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Thanks to Kathryn Croft, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
Three years ago Zoe and Jake lost their son, Ethan! Ethan and his best friend drowned in the river and both died. They don’t know why they were there or how they ended up in the river. Their deaths were ruled a tragic accident! Now after three years, when this incomplete family somehow finds its normalcy, Zoe receives an email from an anonymous, warning her that she has to find the truth about Ethan's death and don’t believe the lies!
Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help? And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
This was my second read by this author and I enjoyed it even more than my first! It was suspenseful and nail-biting! So good and somehow unpredictable! I mean I guessed and guessed and no clue which one is right! A real page-turner! It’s well-written and fast-paced with a great story-line! Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. And look at that cover! It’s one of those gorgeous covers! Overall, I really liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Thanks to Kathryn Croft, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
Read
October 14, 2018I’m very happy to be on the blog tour for Kat Croft’s latest psychological thriller, The Warning! I’ve read several of her other books and really enjoyed them so I was so excited to read her latest! Thank you to Bookouture for the invitation.
Zoe and Jake lost their son in a tragic accident three years ago. Suddenly, Zoe stats receiving cryptic messages – what really happened that night? Was it truly an accident? Who is behind these messages?
Zoe opens old wounds and begins her own investigation to try to figure out what happened that night. She has to push through her grief in order to shuffle the pieces of the puzzle to make it all fit. She unearths many truths that the police investigation missed and unravels a mystery that only she can solve.
Kat Croft has woven a deep psychological thriller with several twists and turns that will have you scratching your head and trying to figure out what really happened that night at the river, with a shocker of a reveal.
Thank you to Bookouture for my advance copy. This book is now available!
Zoe and Jake lost their son in a tragic accident three years ago. Suddenly, Zoe stats receiving cryptic messages – what really happened that night? Was it truly an accident? Who is behind these messages?
Zoe opens old wounds and begins her own investigation to try to figure out what happened that night. She has to push through her grief in order to shuffle the pieces of the puzzle to make it all fit. She unearths many truths that the police investigation missed and unravels a mystery that only she can solve.
Kat Croft has woven a deep psychological thriller with several twists and turns that will have you scratching your head and trying to figure out what really happened that night at the river, with a shocker of a reveal.
Thank you to Bookouture for my advance copy. This book is now available!
January 3, 2019
Kathryn Croft does it again with another riveting psychological thriller! She is a must-read author of mine! This one was probably my least favourite of hers, and that's saying something because it was still fantastic!
Zoe's son Ethan drowned with his best friend three years ago and Zoe had only just started getting her life back on track. All of a sudden she gets a mysterious email. "You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son". All of a sudden she is on a quest to discover what really happened to Ethan.
Really enjoyed this one. As usual, Croft dives straight into it and we are soon wondering what on earth is going on and who did it. There is a large range of characters to choose from and there are many twists and turns along the way.
Although I'm not sure if anyone could guess what really happened, I came awfully close. But there was still an extra surprise that I wasn't expecting. However, saying that I wasn't blown away by the dramatic climax of the novel.
Her writing, as usual - is brilliant. Gradually increasing the tension until you are bursting to find out the truth. The characters were well developed and I just love the way she only gives a little bit away at precisely the right time.
Would I recommend The Warning?
Absolutely! I would recommend ANYTHING by Kathryn Croft for thriller fans. Just pick any of them! You won't be disappointed!
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of The Warning for me to read and review.
For more reviews check out my:
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Zoe's son Ethan drowned with his best friend three years ago and Zoe had only just started getting her life back on track. All of a sudden she gets a mysterious email. "You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son". All of a sudden she is on a quest to discover what really happened to Ethan.
Really enjoyed this one. As usual, Croft dives straight into it and we are soon wondering what on earth is going on and who did it. There is a large range of characters to choose from and there are many twists and turns along the way.
Although I'm not sure if anyone could guess what really happened, I came awfully close. But there was still an extra surprise that I wasn't expecting. However, saying that I wasn't blown away by the dramatic climax of the novel.
Her writing, as usual - is brilliant. Gradually increasing the tension until you are bursting to find out the truth. The characters were well developed and I just love the way she only gives a little bit away at precisely the right time.
Would I recommend The Warning?
Absolutely! I would recommend ANYTHING by Kathryn Croft for thriller fans. Just pick any of them! You won't be disappointed!
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of The Warning for me to read and review.
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
September 23, 2018
The Warning by Kathryn Croft is the first book I have read from this author. A great psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end.
Three years after two boys (Ethan and Josh) were found drowned in the river, their parents and family still struggling with their deaths. Still no answers of what happened that night? Why were these fourteen-year-old boys by the river at night? The coroner ruled it an accident, but was it? The family still struggles and thinks there is more to it.
Ethan’s parents are Zoe and Jake. Zoe, randomly starts getting messages from an anonymous person implying the boys did not die accidentally. Zoe is trying to make a new life and try to create some happiness in her life again with her family but she can't let it go.
Zoe, returns to Guildford to visit Josh’s parents and anyone else who might have information or answers. is someone just messing with Zoe or are there secrets and lies that someone is hiding?
A wonderfully written and exciting read that kept me guessing till the end. Thank you NetGalley for my Advanced e-copy.
Three years after two boys (Ethan and Josh) were found drowned in the river, their parents and family still struggling with their deaths. Still no answers of what happened that night? Why were these fourteen-year-old boys by the river at night? The coroner ruled it an accident, but was it? The family still struggles and thinks there is more to it.
Ethan’s parents are Zoe and Jake. Zoe, randomly starts getting messages from an anonymous person implying the boys did not die accidentally. Zoe is trying to make a new life and try to create some happiness in her life again with her family but she can't let it go.
Zoe, returns to Guildford to visit Josh’s parents and anyone else who might have information or answers. is someone just messing with Zoe or are there secrets and lies that someone is hiding?
A wonderfully written and exciting read that kept me guessing till the end. Thank you NetGalley for my Advanced e-copy.
September 2, 2018
The Warning by Kathryn Croft is a psychological thriller that kept me in the edge of my seat.
Zoe's teenage son and his friend were killed in an accident and three years later the families are still trying to come to teams with this tragedy. Zoe receives an anonymous email telling her that she should look into the incident as it may not have been an accident. Zoe then decides to investigate and find out what happened to the boys. This is a story of secrets and lies with many twists and turns. A very enjoyable read that I read in one day as I couldn't put it down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe's teenage son and his friend were killed in an accident and three years later the families are still trying to come to teams with this tragedy. Zoe receives an anonymous email telling her that she should look into the incident as it may not have been an accident. Zoe then decides to investigate and find out what happened to the boys. This is a story of secrets and lies with many twists and turns. A very enjoyable read that I read in one day as I couldn't put it down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2018
Another exciting psychological thriller from author Kathryn Croft.
This is just what you want from this type of book, excellent storyline that is well paced and believable characters that come to life. Full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Three years ago, Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a muddy river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. There were no witnesses and their deaths were ruled a tragic accident. With their world shattered, Zoe and her family moved away from their home and started to piece back their lives. They were just starting to get back some normality when Zoe receives an anonymous email. The email tells Zoe that she needs to find out the truth about what happened to her son and not believe the lie.
Zoe starts the hunt for the truth but is surprised by her husbands reaction and Josh's mother's reluctance to believe her. What is the truth and what secrets are waiting to be uncovered.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is just what you want from this type of book, excellent storyline that is well paced and believable characters that come to life. Full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Three years ago, Zoe's son Ethan was found drowned in a muddy river by their home, along with his best friend Josh. There were no witnesses and their deaths were ruled a tragic accident. With their world shattered, Zoe and her family moved away from their home and started to piece back their lives. They were just starting to get back some normality when Zoe receives an anonymous email. The email tells Zoe that she needs to find out the truth about what happened to her son and not believe the lie.
Zoe starts the hunt for the truth but is surprised by her husbands reaction and Josh's mother's reluctance to believe her. What is the truth and what secrets are waiting to be uncovered.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2018
“We try our best for our children, teach them to learn and then set them free, hoping they make the right decisions.”
3 years ago two teenage boys who were close friends, drowned in the river. Their death was ruled accidental.
The two families have tried to move on since then, somehow trying to cope with their losses.
But when Zoe, the mother of one of the teenagers receives an anonymous email telling her to try to find out the truth about what happened to her son, that his death was no accident, her life turns upside down. She begins to question everything she has been told before and digging deeper she realizes everyone has something to hide and everyone has secrets, even her own husband.
The Warning is a fast-paced and suspenseful read, with a major twist in the end.
Looking forward to read more books by Kathryn Croft.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
December 14, 2018
THE WARNING by bestselling author Kathryn Croft is a psychological thriller that will reel you in from page one and only toss you out at the end…to regain your thoughts. A real page turner and a novel that is sure to please.
“Secrets always come back to haunt you.”
Three years ago, nurse Zoe and husband, Jake lost their younger fourteen-year-old son, Ethan and his best friend Josh, found drowned in a muddy river by their home. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident.
Devastated, Zoe and husband, Jake along with their older son, Harley, move from their home in Guildford to London, to try to start a new life. They leave behind Josh’s parents, Roberta and Adrian who can’t afford to relocate. In London, Jake and his friend, Liam are working hard after starting a new business, leaving Zoe and Harley, studying to be a doctor, to hold up the fort.
But then out of the blue, Zoe, a nurse at a fertility clinic receives an anonymous email:
“You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie. It was no accident.”
Shaken, Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help? And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
Over a short period of time…there are more mysterious emails…and so many secrets!
This fast-paced well-written character-driven novel, with short chapters is told from multiple POV’s, each chapter is devoted to a particular character and tells of what happened from their perspective. This novel kept me guessing the entire time and then managed to surprise me in the end! An easy 5-star rating from me! Read this book…you won’t be disappointed.
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller about a mother’s desperate search for the truth.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital copy.
“Secrets always come back to haunt you.”
Three years ago, nurse Zoe and husband, Jake lost their younger fourteen-year-old son, Ethan and his best friend Josh, found drowned in a muddy river by their home. With no witnesses, their deaths were ruled a tragic accident.
Devastated, Zoe and husband, Jake along with their older son, Harley, move from their home in Guildford to London, to try to start a new life. They leave behind Josh’s parents, Roberta and Adrian who can’t afford to relocate. In London, Jake and his friend, Liam are working hard after starting a new business, leaving Zoe and Harley, studying to be a doctor, to hold up the fort.
But then out of the blue, Zoe, a nurse at a fertility clinic receives an anonymous email:
“You need to find out the truth about what happened to your son. Don’t let this rest. Don’t believe the lie. It was no accident.”
Shaken, Zoe starts an obsessive hunt for the truth. But why is her husband so reluctant to help? And why is Josh’s mother so determined not to believe her?
Over a short period of time…there are more mysterious emails…and so many secrets!
This fast-paced well-written character-driven novel, with short chapters is told from multiple POV’s, each chapter is devoted to a particular character and tells of what happened from their perspective. This novel kept me guessing the entire time and then managed to surprise me in the end! An easy 5-star rating from me! Read this book…you won’t be disappointed.
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller about a mother’s desperate search for the truth.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital copy.
Read
October 10, 2018Kathryn Croft has become another of those authors that for me are just auto reads and I don’t even bother with the blurbs anymore. The Warning is another psychological thriller that as typical of one of her books that had me engaged from the opening and suspicious of everyone on the pages.
Zoe is a mother who lost her son three years ago and has been dealing with not only her grief but also her husband and surviving son’s. One day Zoe gets a note that tells her she needs to look into Ethan’s death and that things were not what they seemed with the police ruling it a tragic accident.
Everyone Zoe talks to tried to convince her that the warning has to be some kind of sick joke and can’t possibly be true. The boys had sneaked out that night while in Zoe’s care so her guilt has never gone away and now she really needs to find out the truth of just what happened that night even if it means investigating herself.
The story is told from changing the point of view between several different characters with Zoe being the most but there’s also an unknown voice that leads readers onto what had happened. Even with the various voices I found the story easy to follow and hard to trust anyone keeping the pages turning all throughout. Another great read from this author that I’d definitely recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Zoe is a mother who lost her son three years ago and has been dealing with not only her grief but also her husband and surviving son’s. One day Zoe gets a note that tells her she needs to look into Ethan’s death and that things were not what they seemed with the police ruling it a tragic accident.
Everyone Zoe talks to tried to convince her that the warning has to be some kind of sick joke and can’t possibly be true. The boys had sneaked out that night while in Zoe’s care so her guilt has never gone away and now she really needs to find out the truth of just what happened that night even if it means investigating herself.
The story is told from changing the point of view between several different characters with Zoe being the most but there’s also an unknown voice that leads readers onto what had happened. Even with the various voices I found the story easy to follow and hard to trust anyone keeping the pages turning all throughout. Another great read from this author that I’d definitely recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 11, 2018
The Warning is Kathryn Croft's seventh psychological thriller, and, just like all of the rest, it's a real page-turner! It follows nurse Zoe who's has been devastated by the death of son Ethan in the local river along with his best friend Josh. Three years later she receives a terrifying message stating that the boys' drowning was not an accident. Thrown once again into turmoil, she resolves to find out the truth about her son's death even if it means grieving all over again.
This book has everything: a compelling storyline, a cast of intriguing characters and a relentless pace, add to that an addictive quality and you've got a right rollicking good read! There are twisty surprises aplenty and especially at the back end of the book, they became pretty jaw-dropping in nature. The tale is told in quite a unique way - each chapter is devoted to a particular character and tells of what happened from their perspective. Emotive, well written and a thoroughly fantastic book, you'd be mad not to opt for this one!
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book has everything: a compelling storyline, a cast of intriguing characters and a relentless pace, add to that an addictive quality and you've got a right rollicking good read! There are twisty surprises aplenty and especially at the back end of the book, they became pretty jaw-dropping in nature. The tale is told in quite a unique way - each chapter is devoted to a particular character and tells of what happened from their perspective. Emotive, well written and a thoroughly fantastic book, you'd be mad not to opt for this one!
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 4, 2018
Within a few chapters after starting this book, I had a bad feeling. Oh no, I said to no one there, not another woman with a bone in her teeth who refuses to let go and can't listen to reason. Now that I've finished, I've changed my attitude to so what? This book is WAY too good to get hung up on a single character (especially one who does, for the most part, have good reasons for being so obstinate). The story is riveting and truly hard to put down; I actually asked my sweet husband to record one of my favorite TV shows so that I could finish the book and watch the show later.
Three years earlier, Zoe Monaghan and her husband, Jake, lost the younger of their two sons. Ethan, age 14, and his best friend Josh somehow fell into a nearby river and drowned after inexplicably sneaking out in the middle of the night; both deaths were deemed accidental. Unable to deal with the emotional upheaval, Zoe, Jake and their remaining son, Harley, move to London, leaving Josh's parents, Roberta and Adrian - who simply can't afford to relocate. At their new location, Jake and his friend Liam are working hard to get their business going, so Jake isn't around to offer much emotional support for his wife and son.
Out of the blue, Zoe - a nurse at at a fertilization clinic - gets an anonymous email claiming that Ethan's death wasn't an accident. While Jake is dismissive (and isn't willing to stir the coals of an old and very destructive fire), Zoe is determined to get to the bottom of the message. She's not sure it isn't a prank at this point, but neither is she willing to disregard it. Ignoring advice from Jake and the local police, she sets out to contact anyone and everyone who knew Ethan and Josh back then to at the very least find out why they went to the river in the first place. By all accounts, Josh is headstrong almost to the point of incorrigible; but her son, she insists, had his head on straight and wouldn't have gone along with anything he felt was wrong.
As time - and more mysterious emails - go along, readers learn that just about everyone involved has secrets (some much darker than others). Some offer clues to the drownings, while others threaten to disrupt the lives of the major characters for totally different reasons. Thrown in the mix are chapters from the perspective of another anonymous character - an apparent stalker of an unknown victim. Who both turn out to be provides yet another twist to a road already filled with unexpected turns.
In short, outstanding - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Three years earlier, Zoe Monaghan and her husband, Jake, lost the younger of their two sons. Ethan, age 14, and his best friend Josh somehow fell into a nearby river and drowned after inexplicably sneaking out in the middle of the night; both deaths were deemed accidental. Unable to deal with the emotional upheaval, Zoe, Jake and their remaining son, Harley, move to London, leaving Josh's parents, Roberta and Adrian - who simply can't afford to relocate. At their new location, Jake and his friend Liam are working hard to get their business going, so Jake isn't around to offer much emotional support for his wife and son.
Out of the blue, Zoe - a nurse at at a fertilization clinic - gets an anonymous email claiming that Ethan's death wasn't an accident. While Jake is dismissive (and isn't willing to stir the coals of an old and very destructive fire), Zoe is determined to get to the bottom of the message. She's not sure it isn't a prank at this point, but neither is she willing to disregard it. Ignoring advice from Jake and the local police, she sets out to contact anyone and everyone who knew Ethan and Josh back then to at the very least find out why they went to the river in the first place. By all accounts, Josh is headstrong almost to the point of incorrigible; but her son, she insists, had his head on straight and wouldn't have gone along with anything he felt was wrong.
As time - and more mysterious emails - go along, readers learn that just about everyone involved has secrets (some much darker than others). Some offer clues to the drownings, while others threaten to disrupt the lives of the major characters for totally different reasons. Thrown in the mix are chapters from the perspective of another anonymous character - an apparent stalker of an unknown victim. Who both turn out to be provides yet another twist to a road already filled with unexpected turns.
In short, outstanding - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
September 22, 2018
I have enjoyed all of Kathryn Crofts previous books and couldn't wait to get into this one. It certainly did not disappoint. Full of twists and storylines that have you wondering how on earth it is going to all end, this book kept me up late into the night,.
3 years ago Zoe's 14 year old son Ethan and his best mate drowned in the lake near their home in what was ruled a terrible accident. The family have moved away to London to get a fresh start. When Zoe starts receiving anonymous messages that suggest that there was more to his death she started looking into what really happened. Her husband is less than supportive but she is determined to find out the truth.
It is a great, very fast paced story as always with Kathryn Croft. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
3 years ago Zoe's 14 year old son Ethan and his best mate drowned in the lake near their home in what was ruled a terrible accident. The family have moved away to London to get a fresh start. When Zoe starts receiving anonymous messages that suggest that there was more to his death she started looking into what really happened. Her husband is less than supportive but she is determined to find out the truth.
It is a great, very fast paced story as always with Kathryn Croft. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
October 12, 2018
The Warning by Kathryn Croft is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis:
Zoe and Jake’s marriage has been shaky since the accidental drowning death of their 14-year old son Ethan and his friend Josh. Even their older son Harley has taken it hard. It’s been three years, and although they moved and are trying to start fresh, Ethan’s death hangs over them. When Zoe gets a text message that suggests Ethan’s death may not have been accidental, the whole event comes crashing back. Zoe will not let this go, and she is determined to find answers, especially when more texts arrive. Jake doesn’t believe the texts, and is sure that they are just a sick prank. Even the police don’t seem interested.
Zoe shows the text to Josh’s mom Roberta, but Roberta hasn’t received any texts, and she and her husband Adrian just want Zoe to leave them alone. Is it because they have moved on? Or do they know something about Ethan and Josh that could help Zoe?
As Zoe continues to question friends and family, she finds that her closest friend, and even her husband has been hiding something. She is about to find out that everyone has secrets, and those secrets are going to put someone’s life in danger.
My Opinions:
Kathryn Croft amazes me. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read so far, and I know I’ve missed a couple that I’m going to have catch up on.
This author brings it all to the table. Her plots are fascinating, her characters deep, and her twists always a surprise. This book threw in a lot of red herrings, and a lot of side stories, all of which added to the overall suspense and mystery of the tale. Croft’s writing is crisp, clear, and straightforward. Even though she told the story from many points of view, including a mystery narrator, nothing got confused. That last twist had me shocked, and it takes a lot to do that. It was great!
Again, can’t recommend this book enough. Be warned, it is hard to put down!
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis:
Zoe and Jake’s marriage has been shaky since the accidental drowning death of their 14-year old son Ethan and his friend Josh. Even their older son Harley has taken it hard. It’s been three years, and although they moved and are trying to start fresh, Ethan’s death hangs over them. When Zoe gets a text message that suggests Ethan’s death may not have been accidental, the whole event comes crashing back. Zoe will not let this go, and she is determined to find answers, especially when more texts arrive. Jake doesn’t believe the texts, and is sure that they are just a sick prank. Even the police don’t seem interested.
Zoe shows the text to Josh’s mom Roberta, but Roberta hasn’t received any texts, and she and her husband Adrian just want Zoe to leave them alone. Is it because they have moved on? Or do they know something about Ethan and Josh that could help Zoe?
As Zoe continues to question friends and family, she finds that her closest friend, and even her husband has been hiding something. She is about to find out that everyone has secrets, and those secrets are going to put someone’s life in danger.
My Opinions:
Kathryn Croft amazes me. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read so far, and I know I’ve missed a couple that I’m going to have catch up on.
This author brings it all to the table. Her plots are fascinating, her characters deep, and her twists always a surprise. This book threw in a lot of red herrings, and a lot of side stories, all of which added to the overall suspense and mystery of the tale. Croft’s writing is crisp, clear, and straightforward. Even though she told the story from many points of view, including a mystery narrator, nothing got confused. That last twist had me shocked, and it takes a lot to do that. It was great!
Again, can’t recommend this book enough. Be warned, it is hard to put down!
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 20, 2023
Three years ago, Zoe and Jake Monaghan’s fourteen year old son Ethan was found drowned by a river with his best friend, Josh Butler. Despite a brief police investigation, the deaths were ruled a tragic accident and two families were left to heal after the loss of their children.
Now, the Monaghans have left their Surrey home to resettle in London, hoping that their new house and jobs will help them move forward without Ethan. And somehow they’ve found a new normal. That is, however, until Zoe receives an anonymous email that implores her to hunt out the truth to what really happened three years ago, because the truth is a far cry from what they’ve all believed.
Determined to do right by her son, Zoe begins to dig through the past. One by one, she finds disturbing lies and secrets just beneath the carefully constructed stories of those she thought she could trust. But her best friend refuses to buy into her new reality, her husband doesn’t want their new peace disturbed, and even Josh’s mother seems determined to stay in a bubble of denial. Is she truly the only one who cares about what really happened? Or is someone trying just as hard to hide the facts as she is at unearthing them?
Well, after loving a recent ARC by Kathryn Croft, I was just itching to read a second by her. Unfortunately, The Warning left me somewhat disappointed. Why, do you ask? Well, to start off with, the multiple POVs were jarring with a plethora of seemingly unnecessary details. Don’t get me wrong, in the end some of them were incredibly important, but the climax and conclusion came out of nowhere to a certain degree, leaving much of my suppositions in the dust. While this could have been an excellent attribute, the back-and-forth narration and the deftly obscured facts meant that I felt a little too lost just a little too often for my taste. On top of that, the rest of those unneeded elements led instead to completely extraneous and superfluous subplots that merely muddied the plot. Sigh.
Don’t get me wrong, there were some wonderful elements here as well. From the top-notch character development to the wholly heartbreaking tale of a mother’s devastation, there was a solidly built foundation of suspense. Granted, it all happened in the last third of the book, but it was blindingly good. And one thing this also had in spades was a storyline filled to the brim with lies, secrets, and deception. On top of that, it did a marvelous job of making a very uncomfortable story readable. It could have gone too far any number of ways, but instead fell just on the right side of dark and disturbing.
One last stellar aspect? It thoroughly kept me guessing right up until the end. Granted, we weren’t given all the relevant facts, so there was no armchair sleuthing to be had, but I loved the almighty surprise that the climax presented nevertheless. Because the few twists buried in these pages were mind-blowing to say the least. You know, the kind where the whole story is turned on its head? Yup, there are a few of those.
All in all, I still came away impressed by Croft’s writing and look forward to reading more by her. This one just didn’t quite hit me as strongly as her most recent book. One last warning, however. The trigger list should not be taken lightly. They’re plentiful with some particularly hard to take. I specifically didn’t care for the inexcusable attempt to falsely accuse a man of rape. It belittles the very real terror women go through and was a cheap parlor trick for the plot. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Regardless, I still recommend this book. Maybe not quite as forcefully as I normally would, but nevertheless, the plot kept me engaged and entertained, so a thumbs up from me in the end. Rating of 3 stars.
Trigger warning: death of a child, controlling and abusive relationship, infidelity, pedophilia, infertility problems, kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, stalking, drunk driving, fatal hit-and-run accident
Now, the Monaghans have left their Surrey home to resettle in London, hoping that their new house and jobs will help them move forward without Ethan. And somehow they’ve found a new normal. That is, however, until Zoe receives an anonymous email that implores her to hunt out the truth to what really happened three years ago, because the truth is a far cry from what they’ve all believed.
Determined to do right by her son, Zoe begins to dig through the past. One by one, she finds disturbing lies and secrets just beneath the carefully constructed stories of those she thought she could trust. But her best friend refuses to buy into her new reality, her husband doesn’t want their new peace disturbed, and even Josh’s mother seems determined to stay in a bubble of denial. Is she truly the only one who cares about what really happened? Or is someone trying just as hard to hide the facts as she is at unearthing them?
Well, after loving a recent ARC by Kathryn Croft, I was just itching to read a second by her. Unfortunately, The Warning left me somewhat disappointed. Why, do you ask? Well, to start off with, the multiple POVs were jarring with a plethora of seemingly unnecessary details. Don’t get me wrong, in the end some of them were incredibly important, but the climax and conclusion came out of nowhere to a certain degree, leaving much of my suppositions in the dust. While this could have been an excellent attribute, the back-and-forth narration and the deftly obscured facts meant that I felt a little too lost just a little too often for my taste. On top of that, the rest of those unneeded elements led instead to completely extraneous and superfluous subplots that merely muddied the plot. Sigh.
Don’t get me wrong, there were some wonderful elements here as well. From the top-notch character development to the wholly heartbreaking tale of a mother’s devastation, there was a solidly built foundation of suspense. Granted, it all happened in the last third of the book, but it was blindingly good. And one thing this also had in spades was a storyline filled to the brim with lies, secrets, and deception. On top of that, it did a marvelous job of making a very uncomfortable story readable. It could have gone too far any number of ways, but instead fell just on the right side of dark and disturbing.
One last stellar aspect? It thoroughly kept me guessing right up until the end. Granted, we weren’t given all the relevant facts, so there was no armchair sleuthing to be had, but I loved the almighty surprise that the climax presented nevertheless. Because the few twists buried in these pages were mind-blowing to say the least. You know, the kind where the whole story is turned on its head? Yup, there are a few of those.
All in all, I still came away impressed by Croft’s writing and look forward to reading more by her. This one just didn’t quite hit me as strongly as her most recent book. One last warning, however. The trigger list should not be taken lightly. They’re plentiful with some particularly hard to take. I specifically didn’t care for the inexcusable attempt to falsely accuse a man of rape. It belittles the very real terror women go through and was a cheap parlor trick for the plot. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Regardless, I still recommend this book. Maybe not quite as forcefully as I normally would, but nevertheless, the plot kept me engaged and entertained, so a thumbs up from me in the end. Rating of 3 stars.
Trigger warning: death of a child, controlling and abusive relationship, infidelity, pedophilia, infertility problems, kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, stalking, drunk driving, fatal hit-and-run accident
January 23, 2019
Once again, I appear to be in the (very) small minority of people who just didn’t enjoy this book. I’m not going to spend a great deal of time trying to convince you that it’s a “bad” read—it’s not. It just wasn’t a read for ME.
First, the main plot is relatively cut and dry. Zoe and Jake have two sons, Ethan and Harley. The reader learns that three years prior to the start of the story, 14 year old Ethan and a friend, Josh, both drown after sneaking out late at night and making their way to the nearby river. Police ruled their deaths accidental. When the book opens, Zoe and Jake are still trying to find their way out of the darkness of grief that consumes them. Zoe, however, begins getting text messages from an unknown sender—messages that suggest Ethan’s death may not have been an accident. She sets out to discover the tuth, though the cost may be more than she bargained for.
In spite of the promising plot, there are a number of reasons I only gave this one three stars:
1. The structure is actually three-fold, which makes the entire work feel messy and disconnected—a series of chapters told in first person from an anonymous writer (in italics); another series written by Zoe, also in first person; then the remaining chapters, written in third person.
2. Extraneous subplots are, well....extraneous! For example, Cara, who works with Jake, is trying to seduce him. He rebuffs her, at which time she tries to (unsuccessfully) convince Zoe that he raped her. Entire pages are dedicated to detailing Cara’s attempts, yet those pages add nothing to the story itself. Other subplots were, I suppose, meant to be red herrings, but their resolutions just felt contrived.
3. The big reveal is a huge letdown and introduces characters that the reader has no idea even existed. There is NO way to puzzle this one out because the reader is never given all of the relevant details.
The writing itself is solid in construction, though there were numerous punctuation errors. This may be a Kindle issue, but if that’s the case, the electronic version should have been more closely vetted.
Overall, above average writing with an average plot and a substandard conclusion.
First, the main plot is relatively cut and dry. Zoe and Jake have two sons, Ethan and Harley. The reader learns that three years prior to the start of the story, 14 year old Ethan and a friend, Josh, both drown after sneaking out late at night and making their way to the nearby river. Police ruled their deaths accidental. When the book opens, Zoe and Jake are still trying to find their way out of the darkness of grief that consumes them. Zoe, however, begins getting text messages from an unknown sender—messages that suggest Ethan’s death may not have been an accident. She sets out to discover the tuth, though the cost may be more than she bargained for.
In spite of the promising plot, there are a number of reasons I only gave this one three stars:
1. The structure is actually three-fold, which makes the entire work feel messy and disconnected—a series of chapters told in first person from an anonymous writer (in italics); another series written by Zoe, also in first person; then the remaining chapters, written in third person.
2. Extraneous subplots are, well....extraneous! For example, Cara, who works with Jake, is trying to seduce him. He rebuffs her, at which time she tries to (unsuccessfully) convince Zoe that he raped her. Entire pages are dedicated to detailing Cara’s attempts, yet those pages add nothing to the story itself. Other subplots were, I suppose, meant to be red herrings, but their resolutions just felt contrived.
3. The big reveal is a huge letdown and introduces characters that the reader has no idea even existed. There is NO way to puzzle this one out because the reader is never given all of the relevant details.
The writing itself is solid in construction, though there were numerous punctuation errors. This may be a Kindle issue, but if that’s the case, the electronic version should have been more closely vetted.
Overall, above average writing with an average plot and a substandard conclusion.
October 24, 2018
After the accidental drowning death of Zoe and Jake’s son Ethan they move to a new town to start again.They are just beginning to get their life together when Zoe gets an anonymous email telling her to look into Ethan’s death as it was no accident .When she starts investigating,Zoe is surprised to encounter her husbands reluctance to find out what actually happened that day but nothing can stop Zoe from uncovering the truth
Told from different point of views in short chapters The Warning is a dark psychological thriller with great character development. Twisty with a surprising ending makes this an enjoyable read
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Told from different point of views in short chapters The Warning is a dark psychological thriller with great character development. Twisty with a surprising ending makes this an enjoyable read
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 18, 2021
An absolutely stunning thriller.
I’ve read several books by this author and have enjoyed each one.
This was was so tightly knitted not one stitch was dropped. The reader sure is going to be twisted in knots and not know who to believe. I certainly didn’t.
There’s lots of reviews for this book outlining the storyline and for me to add to this would take away your excitement of reading it and I don’t want to drop spoilers inadvertently.
If you’ve not read this, and you love a thriller/mystery book you can get your teeth into. Look no further.
It’s also narrated well on audio. Your library might have it.
I’ve read several books by this author and have enjoyed each one.
This was was so tightly knitted not one stitch was dropped. The reader sure is going to be twisted in knots and not know who to believe. I certainly didn’t.
There’s lots of reviews for this book outlining the storyline and for me to add to this would take away your excitement of reading it and I don’t want to drop spoilers inadvertently.
If you’ve not read this, and you love a thriller/mystery book you can get your teeth into. Look no further.
It’s also narrated well on audio. Your library might have it.
October 12, 2018
Three years ago, Zoe’s fourteen year old son Ethan and his best friend Josh were found drowned in a river. It was ruled an unfortunate accident. Now, Zoe and her family have moved away and are trying to move on from the dramatic loss. But then Zoe receives an email. Was Ethan’s death not an accident after all? What really happened that night? And who is behind these messages?
Well, who indeed. I thought I knew and held on to that belief throughout the story, even when at some point my theory failed to make sense even to me. Kathryn Croft has created an immensely dark and twisted story here and if you manage to figure it out, there’s a whole box of cookies waiting for you right here!
Obviously, the truth about what happened to Ethan is what kept me hooked. But more than that, I felt the author did an incredible job bringing these characters and their struggles to life. Zoe, her husband and her remaining son all have very different ways of dealing with the loss of Ethan and the never-ending grief. The changing family dynamics fascinated me and there are a multitude of lies and secrets to discover.
Kathryn Croft manages to combine a few uncomfortable topics into a twisty psychological thriller. Zoe is stunned to find that Josh’s mother Roberta seems quite reluctant to help her in finding out the truth. After all, she lost her son as well. But there is more than meets the eye and as always, the reader soon finds out that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors.
The Warning is a well-paced tale of love, grief, loss and a mother’s desperate search for the truth with realistic and believable characters. I couldn’t at all predict the outcome. Full of suspense, this psychological thriller will keep you gripped from start to finish.
Well, who indeed. I thought I knew and held on to that belief throughout the story, even when at some point my theory failed to make sense even to me. Kathryn Croft has created an immensely dark and twisted story here and if you manage to figure it out, there’s a whole box of cookies waiting for you right here!
Obviously, the truth about what happened to Ethan is what kept me hooked. But more than that, I felt the author did an incredible job bringing these characters and their struggles to life. Zoe, her husband and her remaining son all have very different ways of dealing with the loss of Ethan and the never-ending grief. The changing family dynamics fascinated me and there are a multitude of lies and secrets to discover.
Kathryn Croft manages to combine a few uncomfortable topics into a twisty psychological thriller. Zoe is stunned to find that Josh’s mother Roberta seems quite reluctant to help her in finding out the truth. After all, she lost her son as well. But there is more than meets the eye and as always, the reader soon finds out that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors.
The Warning is a well-paced tale of love, grief, loss and a mother’s desperate search for the truth with realistic and believable characters. I couldn’t at all predict the outcome. Full of suspense, this psychological thriller will keep you gripped from start to finish.
March 22, 2019
I thought this book was a very good read. It had a lot of characters and chapters were told by Zoe, Jake, Harley, Roberta and a mystery person who is revealed at the end. The story was very interesting and I really wanted to know what happened to Josh and Ethan. There was definitely a lot going on and it was great to read from start to finish. There were so many secrets and lies. I felt bad for Zoe during the book not only losing her son but then receiving nasty messages about it, her husband cheating on with her best friend and her other son going missing. The ending was really good and explained everything well. I definitely recommend this book.
October 1, 2018
Three years ago Zoe's son, Ethan, drowned in the river along with his best friend. Zoe's family has moved to London for a fresh start but suddenly Zoe receives an email stating that maybe Ethan's death wasn't an accident at all. Zoe's husband, Jake, wants her to ignore it but Zoe feels the pull to find out the truth. Told through multiple pov's, The Warning, will leave you wondering the whole time about what truly happened. Soon old secrets, betrayals, and lies come to the surface leaving Zoe to trust nobody. This book was a fast read, one that I didn't want to put down. I enjoyed every minute of it!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2019
Oh boy, I'm really swimming against the tide here. Feel free to abuse me, I don't give a crap. I did not like this book. At all. There seems to be a handful of authors whose books I cannot relate to and Kathryn Croft is one of them.
There are plenty of plot summaries out there so have at it. I will, however, say that I didn't find the book remotely thrilling. Yes, the text messages were bit concerning but that was it. What the fuck was Cara doing in the story? She had no relevance whatsoever. The story, taken as a whole, constituted the most unlikely set of circumstances you could imagine. Just one example (of many) - Roberta's hand wringing confession to Alistair that she may have spilled her guts during a drunken one night stand with Lewis (whom she had just met and who doesn't owe her anything), leading to Alistair beating the crap out of him and then tying him up in their bathroom where he fears for his life and then Lewis (bless his little heart) doesn't press charges but becomes Roberta's friend. WTF? Is the man a saint? There was more but I won't bother, it was just a mess.
And that ending, what a damp squib that was. I won't be reading any more of Croft's books. I only gave it two stars (rather than one) because I wanted to see what all the drama was about so I actually finished it. I needn't have bothered, there was no drama. Even the revelations about Harley...come on guys, its the 21st century! I think I'm cranky because I've read quite a few lacklustre efforts recently.
There are plenty of plot summaries out there so have at it. I will, however, say that I didn't find the book remotely thrilling. Yes, the text messages were bit concerning but that was it. What the fuck was Cara doing in the story? She had no relevance whatsoever. The story, taken as a whole, constituted the most unlikely set of circumstances you could imagine. Just one example (of many) - Roberta's hand wringing confession to Alistair that she may have spilled her guts during a drunken one night stand with Lewis (whom she had just met and who doesn't owe her anything), leading to Alistair beating the crap out of him and then tying him up in their bathroom where he fears for his life and then Lewis (bless his little heart) doesn't press charges but becomes Roberta's friend. WTF? Is the man a saint? There was more but I won't bother, it was just a mess.
And that ending, what a damp squib that was. I won't be reading any more of Croft's books. I only gave it two stars (rather than one) because I wanted to see what all the drama was about so I actually finished it. I needn't have bothered, there was no drama. Even the revelations about Harley...come on guys, its the 21st century! I think I'm cranky because I've read quite a few lacklustre efforts recently.
March 16, 2019
Rodzinna tragedia to zaledwie początek walki o prawdę w familijnym thrillerze Kathryn Croft – „Nie pozwól mu odejść”.
Kathryn Croft z miejsca rzuca czytelnika na głęboką wodę. Fabuła „Nie pozwól mu odejść” meandruje, kluczy, zakręca, a po drodze, tak jak na tej zdradzieckiej rzece, wyjdą na jaw sprawy, na które żadna rodzina nie może być przygotowana. Autorce udało się stworzyć przygnębiającą atmosferę suspensu i matczynej obsesji, w której pogrąża się kobieta gotowa zrobić wszystko, by poznać prawdę. Nawet jeśli ta prawda złamie jej serce. Nawet jeśli nikt nie będzie chciał stanąć u jej boku. Nawet jeśli tylko jej będzie zależało na tym, by odkryć ostatnie sceny z życia swojego młodszego syna.
„Nie pozwól mu odejść” to niepokojąca historia rodzinnych tajemnic, kłamstw, które prowadzą donikąd, oszustw i sekretów, które nigdy nie miały wyjść na światło dzienne. Opowieść o żałobie, która nigdy się nie kończy, a wszystko to zebrane w rozpędzony nurt dreszczowca rodzinnego, w którym czytelnik przepada bez reszty. Kathryn Croft ma wprawę w takich właśnie fabułach, które wciągając w swoje wiry i rzucają na fale. Podobnie jak w jej poprzednich powieściach, jak chociażby „Nie ufaj nikomu”, spoglądamy na wydarzenia z kilku różnych perspektyw, co buduje ciekawe napięcie, fascynujące rozłożenie sił, bo żadna z nich nie jest do końca wiarygodna, nikomu nie można ufać. To psychologiczna zagrywka, w którą czujemy się emocjonalnie zaangażowani, w której każda scena jest pieczołowicie dopracowana i wyreżyserowana z pisarską precyzją, a niepewne zakończenie sprawia, że jeszcze chwilę po lekturze nie można złapać tchu.
Kathryn Croft z miejsca rzuca czytelnika na głęboką wodę. Fabuła „Nie pozwól mu odejść” meandruje, kluczy, zakręca, a po drodze, tak jak na tej zdradzieckiej rzece, wyjdą na jaw sprawy, na które żadna rodzina nie może być przygotowana. Autorce udało się stworzyć przygnębiającą atmosferę suspensu i matczynej obsesji, w której pogrąża się kobieta gotowa zrobić wszystko, by poznać prawdę. Nawet jeśli ta prawda złamie jej serce. Nawet jeśli nikt nie będzie chciał stanąć u jej boku. Nawet jeśli tylko jej będzie zależało na tym, by odkryć ostatnie sceny z życia swojego młodszego syna.
„Nie pozwól mu odejść” to niepokojąca historia rodzinnych tajemnic, kłamstw, które prowadzą donikąd, oszustw i sekretów, które nigdy nie miały wyjść na światło dzienne. Opowieść o żałobie, która nigdy się nie kończy, a wszystko to zebrane w rozpędzony nurt dreszczowca rodzinnego, w którym czytelnik przepada bez reszty. Kathryn Croft ma wprawę w takich właśnie fabułach, które wciągając w swoje wiry i rzucają na fale. Podobnie jak w jej poprzednich powieściach, jak chociażby „Nie ufaj nikomu”, spoglądamy na wydarzenia z kilku różnych perspektyw, co buduje ciekawe napięcie, fascynujące rozłożenie sił, bo żadna z nich nie jest do końca wiarygodna, nikomu nie można ufać. To psychologiczna zagrywka, w którą czujemy się emocjonalnie zaangażowani, w której każda scena jest pieczołowicie dopracowana i wyreżyserowana z pisarską precyzją, a niepewne zakończenie sprawia, że jeszcze chwilę po lekturze nie można złapać tchu.
August 31, 2018
Sooooo a days reading today and so I managed to start and finish this psychological thriller...I have loved all of the authors previous 6 books and this, number 7 ( obvs ) does not disappoint
There are many books classed as psychological thrillers now but with this author you know you are going to get a true psychological treat, as with every one of her books there is something new ‘brought to the table’ its great when you find an author that you know is going to thrill and inspire you
The story is fast paced, dark and at times sad, 2 boys drown, 2 families try to cope with the aftermath of this, there are lies, recriminations, accusations and mystery...what REALLY happened to these boys and why do some people want to find out and some dont? Add a dose of catfishing, kidnap and much tension along with mini stories thrown in for good measure and your halfway there!!!
Each chapter is told by the main character leads, all wonderful in their roles, believable and easy to ‘picture’...some weak, some strong, some nasty, some scary, some willing, some not but all tell their side past and present brilliantly
The kind of book if a friend says ‘how can you spend all day reading your can hand them the book and say ‘read this, thats why’
10/10 5 Stars
February 10, 2019
Warning - this book is not worth your time! Zoe is consumed with finding
out the mystery surrounding the accidental drowning of her teenage son and his friend from 3 years ago. There are many secrets and lies (no real twists) and I was willing to see if this all panned out to a satisfying ending despite my doubts. Im still trying to figure out what Caras character had to do with anything other than being truly annoying. The ending not only did not satisfy it was somewhat offensive
Spoiler........................................
My biggest problem the ending
This book is present day for goodness sake
to me Harvey would never have let his brother drown
just to protect himself from some pictures being exposed.
out the mystery surrounding the accidental drowning of her teenage son and his friend from 3 years ago. There are many secrets and lies (no real twists) and I was willing to see if this all panned out to a satisfying ending despite my doubts. Im still trying to figure out what Caras character had to do with anything other than being truly annoying. The ending not only did not satisfy it was somewhat offensive
Spoiler........................................
My biggest problem the ending
This book is present day for goodness sake
to me Harvey would never have let his brother drown
just to protect himself from some pictures being exposed.
October 12, 2018
I have already read some fantastic books these last few months and this one is one of those that flew straight up to the top of my list.
It's one of those stories where you do not know who to trust and I totally had no idea who I could pin the responsibility on. The whole book through the suspense keeps you company, like a too sticky friend not wanting to let go. The whole time you rack your poor brain and the author keeps pulling rabbits out of her hat.
This story is heartbreaking, utterly captivating and every page seemed to contain an amount of glue to keep you reading and preventing you from putting it down.
I will certainly highlight the author's name on my list of writers to follow.
The only thing I want to add is, if you are looking for a superb book then this is one I can recommend.
It is my first book by Kathryn Croft, but I will not be my last. 5 big, fat stars.
Thank you, Kathryn Croft, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
It's one of those stories where you do not know who to trust and I totally had no idea who I could pin the responsibility on. The whole book through the suspense keeps you company, like a too sticky friend not wanting to let go. The whole time you rack your poor brain and the author keeps pulling rabbits out of her hat.
This story is heartbreaking, utterly captivating and every page seemed to contain an amount of glue to keep you reading and preventing you from putting it down.
I will certainly highlight the author's name on my list of writers to follow.
The only thing I want to add is, if you are looking for a superb book then this is one I can recommend.
It is my first book by Kathryn Croft, but I will not be my last. 5 big, fat stars.
Thank you, Kathryn Croft, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
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