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Cracked
Seven patients. One dark secret.
Jennifer Nielsen has her life on track. Until she gets news that her former psychiatrist, Phillip Walton, has been brutally murdered, and that she is implicated.
Philip knew her darkest secrets. And circumstances of his murder suggest that someone else out there knows them too.
Jenny needs to speak to old friends, and old enemies, from her dark years spent at Hillside Psychiatric Hospital. Because they are the only ones who know what really happened at Hillside, about the secret that Phil kept for them all, and that this is not the first murder.
Jennifer Nielsen has her life on track. Until she gets news that her former psychiatrist, Phillip Walton, has been brutally murdered, and that she is implicated.
Philip knew her darkest secrets. And circumstances of his murder suggest that someone else out there knows them too.
Jenny needs to speak to old friends, and old enemies, from her dark years spent at Hillside Psychiatric Hospital. Because they are the only ones who know what really happened at Hillside, about the secret that Phil kept for them all, and that this is not the first murder.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
205 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Louise McCreesh
1 book11 followersLouise McCreesh is a freelance journalist working in London. She is an alumnus of the Curtis Brown Creative Writing Course, where she was offered a scholarship to continue work on this novel. Cracked is her debut novel. Email: louisemccreeshauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 11, 2020
When Philip Waltham is viciously murdered it opens huge cracks in Jenny Neilson's life. Jenny had been through very dark times and was admitted to Hillside Psychiatric Hospital and Walton has been her psychiatrist. It’s clear from the start that Jenny is covering something up, something that she hides from husband James who is one of the detectives investigating the murder. The story is told in alternating timelines from 2007 when Jenny is resident at Hillside and 2016 following the murder.
This is a really good debut novel that is well written, with a plausible plot and the alternating timelines blend seamlessly. The setting partly in the psychiatric hospital lends itself or feelings of tension and suspense between patients and patients and staff. It’s not always easy reading as of course these characters have sad backstories and their varying emotions come across powerfully, especially Jenny and how she often feels inside. It adds an extra dimension too because they are all hiding things and it’s hard to know who is truthful and who is the liar. It’s evident that all the patients that Jenny had the closest contact with are covering up a big secret and that includes Walton which is intriguing. I like the power play between Jenny and fellow patient Heidi who is very damaged physically and mentally by her experiences. My feelings about her change though as I read on which is unexpected and she demonstrates how resourceful she is. All the characters are portrayed well and there’s a good mix of those that are likeable and those who are not and some of those create fear and loathing. I like the portrayal of James’ feelings as he does not know Jenny’s history and so initially there’s betrayal and suspicion but the shows clearly that he cares. The story evokes a range of feelings from confusion about who could have murdered Walton and why, there’s an aura of mystery about events at the hospital in 2007, trying to separate fact from fiction and there’s also questioning if it centres around events in 2007 why doesn’t it stay buried?
My only negative is the pace flattens off as a lot of time is spent on a missing staff security key fob from 2007 and I feel that goes on too long so some focus is lost. However, thankfully the pace quickens again as a new revelation is made.
Overall, a good mystery, suspense thriller that I enjoyed reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the arc.
This is a really good debut novel that is well written, with a plausible plot and the alternating timelines blend seamlessly. The setting partly in the psychiatric hospital lends itself or feelings of tension and suspense between patients and patients and staff. It’s not always easy reading as of course these characters have sad backstories and their varying emotions come across powerfully, especially Jenny and how she often feels inside. It adds an extra dimension too because they are all hiding things and it’s hard to know who is truthful and who is the liar. It’s evident that all the patients that Jenny had the closest contact with are covering up a big secret and that includes Walton which is intriguing. I like the power play between Jenny and fellow patient Heidi who is very damaged physically and mentally by her experiences. My feelings about her change though as I read on which is unexpected and she demonstrates how resourceful she is. All the characters are portrayed well and there’s a good mix of those that are likeable and those who are not and some of those create fear and loathing. I like the portrayal of James’ feelings as he does not know Jenny’s history and so initially there’s betrayal and suspicion but the shows clearly that he cares. The story evokes a range of feelings from confusion about who could have murdered Walton and why, there’s an aura of mystery about events at the hospital in 2007, trying to separate fact from fiction and there’s also questioning if it centres around events in 2007 why doesn’t it stay buried?
My only negative is the pace flattens off as a lot of time is spent on a missing staff security key fob from 2007 and I feel that goes on too long so some focus is lost. However, thankfully the pace quickens again as a new revelation is made.
Overall, a good mystery, suspense thriller that I enjoyed reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the arc.
September 26, 2020
3.5 stars — I liked it.
Cracked by Louise McCreesh is a bingeable mystery/thriller, whose protagonist is forced to confront her less than idyllic past when her ex-psychiatrist is found murdered. With a dual timeline narration and vivid descriptions, McCreesh’s debut novel is a quick read.
Jenny becomes the prime suspect when at the scene of her ex-psychiatrist’s murder, her patient file is found missing. Past, darker secrets about what really happened all those years ago at the psychiatric hospital comes bubbling back up when she starts receiving emails warning her not to open her mouth. The only others who know are the people who were her fellow patients who were institutionalised at the same time as her.
With her husband being on the police force and investigating the past, Jenny needs to get to the bottom of things before she is arrested, or worse, her husband finds out what really happened nine years back.
The dual narration of the book made for an interesting read, alternating between Jenny’s time at the hospital in 2007, and her present life in 2016. The supporting characters that we get to meet add flavour to the story, because we also get to see how they’ve grown since then.
The narrative style initially reminded me of Shalini Boland’s works, whose stories often follow the same formula — an unreliable narrator, a dual timeline, and a plot based on murky secrets from the past. This endeared me to the book instantly, and I largely finished it in just one sitting.
Seeing as half the story is set in a psych ward, this book comes with a host of trigger warnings, which I’ve listed in no particular oder here: depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, suicide, rape, murder, schizophrenia, sexual assault and abuse, self-harm, self mutilation, anorexia, body dysmorphia. It’s important to note though, that as someone who’s faced eight of the TWs mentioned above in real life, I wasn’t particularly triggered by it.
McCreesh has done a fantastic job of portraying recovery realistically, and nothing is graphically exposed in order to “shock” the reader. Rather, it is written very maturely, and I felt a sense of understanding for the characters, and absolutely no judgement for what most of them did.
The pacing of the book was so good, I didn’t quite realise how quickly I was going through the chapters. As the story went on, there was an urgency that built as well; a gripping need to see what really happened in the past.
The only downside for me was the resolution of the plot. I kept expecting a twist at the end, but unfortunately, the narration was rather straightforward, and the ending felt anticlimactic, considering how the tension was built up. I think this was a major let down for me only because I enjoyed the first 95% of the book so much.
The book felt incomplete because I kept waiting for a plot twist that never quite came. But it did conclude in a way which makes me now wonder if the book was ever really about the murder — I think it was more about Jenny’s mental health journey, and how she reconciles her mental issues with who she is, and accepting it as a part of her life.
While I’m okay with the conclusion the author chose, I wish there had been a twist. It would have been a 4-5 star read for me, then. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable book! I will definitely be reading McCreesh’s future works, thanks to her engaging writing style.
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This book comes out on Aug 20, 2020.
Cracked by Louise McCreesh is a bingeable mystery/thriller, whose protagonist is forced to confront her less than idyllic past when her ex-psychiatrist is found murdered. With a dual timeline narration and vivid descriptions, McCreesh’s debut novel is a quick read.
Jenny becomes the prime suspect when at the scene of her ex-psychiatrist’s murder, her patient file is found missing. Past, darker secrets about what really happened all those years ago at the psychiatric hospital comes bubbling back up when she starts receiving emails warning her not to open her mouth. The only others who know are the people who were her fellow patients who were institutionalised at the same time as her.
With her husband being on the police force and investigating the past, Jenny needs to get to the bottom of things before she is arrested, or worse, her husband finds out what really happened nine years back.
The dual narration of the book made for an interesting read, alternating between Jenny’s time at the hospital in 2007, and her present life in 2016. The supporting characters that we get to meet add flavour to the story, because we also get to see how they’ve grown since then.
The narrative style initially reminded me of Shalini Boland’s works, whose stories often follow the same formula — an unreliable narrator, a dual timeline, and a plot based on murky secrets from the past. This endeared me to the book instantly, and I largely finished it in just one sitting.
Seeing as half the story is set in a psych ward, this book comes with a host of trigger warnings, which I’ve listed in no particular oder here: depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, suicide, rape, murder, schizophrenia, sexual assault and abuse, self-harm, self mutilation, anorexia, body dysmorphia. It’s important to note though, that as someone who’s faced eight of the TWs mentioned above in real life, I wasn’t particularly triggered by it.
McCreesh has done a fantastic job of portraying recovery realistically, and nothing is graphically exposed in order to “shock” the reader. Rather, it is written very maturely, and I felt a sense of understanding for the characters, and absolutely no judgement for what most of them did.
The pacing of the book was so good, I didn’t quite realise how quickly I was going through the chapters. As the story went on, there was an urgency that built as well; a gripping need to see what really happened in the past.
The only downside for me was the resolution of the plot. I kept expecting a twist at the end, but unfortunately, the narration was rather straightforward, and the ending felt anticlimactic, considering how the tension was built up. I think this was a major let down for me only because I enjoyed the first 95% of the book so much.
The book felt incomplete because I kept waiting for a plot twist that never quite came. But it did conclude in a way which makes me now wonder if the book was ever really about the murder — I think it was more about Jenny’s mental health journey, and how she reconciles her mental issues with who she is, and accepting it as a part of her life.
While I’m okay with the conclusion the author chose, I wish there had been a twist. It would have been a 4-5 star read for me, then. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable book! I will definitely be reading McCreesh’s future works, thanks to her engaging writing style.
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This book comes out on Aug 20, 2020.
May 31, 2021
Cracked I think is one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a while.
When Jenny finds out her old doctor Phillip has been murdered she suspects it's related to a secret she and four other patients swore to never tell anyone. When Jenny starts to look more closely into his death it looks more and more like someone is framing her. But with a detective for a husband and only five people knowing what happened one is dead so who else knows their secret and what is she willing to do to hide her past.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the mental health elements of the book were really well researched. There was a good balance between writing about mental illness and not making the characters out as completely unhinged. Jenny hasn't declared the time she spent as an inpatient to her husband. It's her past and she doesn't want it all coming out again.
Throughout the book we have two mysteries, who killed the doctor and what is the secret they were trying to hide. I found that I was intrigued by both.
I wasn't sure who did what or why. I was convinced that I had it all sussed out and then I didn't have a clue. It was really well written and I actually quite liked our leading lady Jenny. Although I must say for someone with a secret she puts alot of trust in people who she probably shouldn't be trusting.
Her hiding her past from her husband was a strange one. I felt like at times she caused more damage than good but hey it wouldn't be a story without a bit of drama.
In conclusions, I enjoyed this book and I must say its very hard to review because the storyline is very easy to spoil. It was a great read and I liked the twist and turns. I must say the constant who stole the key card confused me but that eventually made sense. For a good psychological thriller pick this one up and have a read.
4 stars 🌟
When Jenny finds out her old doctor Phillip has been murdered she suspects it's related to a secret she and four other patients swore to never tell anyone. When Jenny starts to look more closely into his death it looks more and more like someone is framing her. But with a detective for a husband and only five people knowing what happened one is dead so who else knows their secret and what is she willing to do to hide her past.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the mental health elements of the book were really well researched. There was a good balance between writing about mental illness and not making the characters out as completely unhinged. Jenny hasn't declared the time she spent as an inpatient to her husband. It's her past and she doesn't want it all coming out again.
Throughout the book we have two mysteries, who killed the doctor and what is the secret they were trying to hide. I found that I was intrigued by both.
I wasn't sure who did what or why. I was convinced that I had it all sussed out and then I didn't have a clue. It was really well written and I actually quite liked our leading lady Jenny. Although I must say for someone with a secret she puts alot of trust in people who she probably shouldn't be trusting.
Her hiding her past from her husband was a strange one. I felt like at times she caused more damage than good but hey it wouldn't be a story without a bit of drama.
In conclusions, I enjoyed this book and I must say its very hard to review because the storyline is very easy to spoil. It was a great read and I liked the twist and turns. I must say the constant who stole the key card confused me but that eventually made sense. For a good psychological thriller pick this one up and have a read.
4 stars 🌟
June 18, 2020
This was a bit of a grower. I wasn't so sure about it to start with but ended up quite hooked trying to work out who of the group killed the psychiatrist. I liked the alternating timelines as Jenny works to solve the current murder but also narrates past events. In the 'before' part you know early on a lot of what happens but she narrates the events leading up to this. As it's set in an institution there are a lot of things discussed that are linked to triggering issues but at the same time everyone is written about as human but with mental health issues. I really liked that the majority of them went on to gain qualifications and really good jobs. There's no judgements on the authors part, something important to me in this type of subject.
For the modern day murder there are plenty of twists and turns with people keeping secrets, sabotaging each other and causing confusion. My favourite bit was actually the last couple of pages which I won't spoil but as someone coming out of a period of deep depression they really resonated.
It's a good thriller and a great debut.
For the modern day murder there are plenty of twists and turns with people keeping secrets, sabotaging each other and causing confusion. My favourite bit was actually the last couple of pages which I won't spoil but as someone coming out of a period of deep depression they really resonated.
It's a good thriller and a great debut.
August 25, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers Hodder & Stoughton for letting me read this in exchange for my thoughts.
Cracked is something of a conundrum. The majority of characters in it are, or have been, affected by quite serious mental health issues. Jenny is our main focus, and though she seems to have her life together it doesn’t take much to tip her back to a dangerous place.
Jenny was part of a group of six patients under the care of a respected psychologist. When he’s found murdered, Jenny starts to receive strange emails and they are linked to her time at Hillside and something that she desperately wants hidden.
Her partner, James, knows nothing of her past and as a police officer linked to the investigation is put in quite an awkward situation. We can see she’s hiding something, and the book looks at the investigation and it’s impact on her and the attempts to work out what she’s trying to avoid dealing with.
This was a well-paced story in the main, though the story of the past wasn’t quite as interesting as it was made out to be.
Cracked is something of a conundrum. The majority of characters in it are, or have been, affected by quite serious mental health issues. Jenny is our main focus, and though she seems to have her life together it doesn’t take much to tip her back to a dangerous place.
Jenny was part of a group of six patients under the care of a respected psychologist. When he’s found murdered, Jenny starts to receive strange emails and they are linked to her time at Hillside and something that she desperately wants hidden.
Her partner, James, knows nothing of her past and as a police officer linked to the investigation is put in quite an awkward situation. We can see she’s hiding something, and the book looks at the investigation and it’s impact on her and the attempts to work out what she’s trying to avoid dealing with.
This was a well-paced story in the main, though the story of the past wasn’t quite as interesting as it was made out to be.
December 9, 2020
When Jenny came to know her psychiatrist was murdered, she was in a panic as in those dark times of her life, she had revealed many truths, and now someone out there knew it all. She had to contact her former roommates of the psychiatric hospital to know the truth.
This was dark and creepy for me as the past was told in the setting of a psychiatric hospital and that was so not my ideal setting. I was freaked out most of the time by the vibes the writing gave, and I wanted nothing more than to get to the ending.
Told in dual timelines, I realized most of them had secrets they wanted to bury and it was fun to see them seeing the light. With such unreliable characters, Nothing was the truth until it was laid out in the end.
Quite an entertaining read.
This was dark and creepy for me as the past was told in the setting of a psychiatric hospital and that was so not my ideal setting. I was freaked out most of the time by the vibes the writing gave, and I wanted nothing more than to get to the ending.
Told in dual timelines, I realized most of them had secrets they wanted to bury and it was fun to see them seeing the light. With such unreliable characters, Nothing was the truth until it was laid out in the end.
Quite an entertaining read.
June 25, 2020
This whole story relies on a key being lost for a few days and then for a number of years. In a mental ward. How the hell did they not reprogram a key to deactivate the old one? It took me forever to finish this book. Though I did like the writing style the story was stale.
June 16, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this. It gripped me straight away but then I lost the thread of the story and the characters and timeframes so I struggled towards the end. I think this will be enjoyed by many though!
August 4, 2021
In her final teenage year, Jenny was a patient at the Hillside institution. Around ten years later, her psychiatrist has been murdered and her police husband is tasked with finding the killer. All Jenny's secrets will come to the fore as the truth emerges about what happened previously and how it's led to now. This was a great debut, very enjoyable and nice and twisty.
June 28, 2020
The plot I found pretty dull, with the big secret they are all hiding revealed too early, and underwhelming. The characters weren't fully developed, they were just names to me which made me not care about any of them. Why were they there? a few tidbits about what brought them to the facility would have helped me develop some empathy for them. I also found the storytelling pretty flat and clunky. Plodding and it lacked suspense. Pretty much zero interaction between Jenny and her husband. The ending, anti-climactic.
June 27, 2020
I enjoyed the mystery to this book, it certainly hooked me in to begin with. However, I’m afraid the many typos and poor editing really started to get in the way of my enjoyment, and then there was a lot of dialogue with little descriptive writing or character depth. I didn’t feel gripped as the answers all became clear, there are too many characters you don’t know enough about to care whether they committed a crime. Also, for me the characters’ mental health felt used only as a plot point to justify the setting of the book, there wasn’t sufficient character depth to make it feel authentic.
August 9, 2020
“Seven patients. One dark secret. Phillip Walton was murdered. Jenny hasn’t seen him since she left Hillside Psychiatric Unit eight years ago. She wanted to forget everything about her time there, so she kept her secrets buried deep. But now the police are knocking at her door with evidence of her involvement in Phillip's death. Jenny desperately needs to speak to old friends and old enemies, from those dark years at Hillside to clear her name before more of her past is unearthed and her new life is destroyed. Because they are the only ones who know what really happened at Hillside. About the secret that Phillip kept for them all. “
I couldn’t put this book down. It surprised me to find out this was a debut novel. I was engulfed in this story from the first chapter and find it really hard to stop reading it until the end of the book. But before anything else I just wanted to say that this book may be a trigger for people with mental health problems.
The plot is really interesting and the setting of a psychiatric hospital was hugely captivating.
The story narrates past and present events and each chapter just makes you want to keep reading.
The portrayal of different psychological problems was spot on and you always questions the reliability of the characters. The descriptions were spot on and the feelings of the characters were really well portrayed throughout the story.
I could absolutely empathise with Jenny and just wanted to keep reading to find out more about her. I really loved Alicia too and really enjoyed her story too. I couldn’t warm up to James and really didn’t like one of the detectives but that’s probably because I was too invested in Jenny and hated the way he would speak to her.
I just wanted to read more and know more about all the characters and I didn’t even guess how it would all wrap up in the end. I also really enjoyed how it ended.
There were some tiny details that I didn’t particularly like but overall they didn’t make any difference to the plot so I can say that I really loved this read.
There are certain triggers in this book so I would advise anyone who are more sensitive to mental health problems to be careful if they decide to read it but overall I found Cracked to be a fantastically written and compelling book and would highly recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Louise McCreesh for an advanced copy of Cracked in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more novels by this debut author!
I couldn’t put this book down. It surprised me to find out this was a debut novel. I was engulfed in this story from the first chapter and find it really hard to stop reading it until the end of the book. But before anything else I just wanted to say that this book may be a trigger for people with mental health problems.
The plot is really interesting and the setting of a psychiatric hospital was hugely captivating.
The story narrates past and present events and each chapter just makes you want to keep reading.
The portrayal of different psychological problems was spot on and you always questions the reliability of the characters. The descriptions were spot on and the feelings of the characters were really well portrayed throughout the story.
I could absolutely empathise with Jenny and just wanted to keep reading to find out more about her. I really loved Alicia too and really enjoyed her story too. I couldn’t warm up to James and really didn’t like one of the detectives but that’s probably because I was too invested in Jenny and hated the way he would speak to her.
I just wanted to read more and know more about all the characters and I didn’t even guess how it would all wrap up in the end. I also really enjoyed how it ended.
There were some tiny details that I didn’t particularly like but overall they didn’t make any difference to the plot so I can say that I really loved this read.
There are certain triggers in this book so I would advise anyone who are more sensitive to mental health problems to be careful if they decide to read it but overall I found Cracked to be a fantastically written and compelling book and would highly recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Louise McCreesh for an advanced copy of Cracked in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more novels by this debut author!
October 21, 2020
Η συγγραφέας έχει επιλέξει την χρονικά εναλλασσόμενη αφήγηση, που στην προκειμένη περίπτωση μοιράζεται ανάμεσα στο 2007, τότε που η Jenny ζούσε στο Hillside, και στο 2016 -και σε όσα ακολουθούν την δολοφονία του Philip. Αυτή η τεχνική δεν είναι πλέον κάτι το πρωτότυπο, ενώ στο συγκεκριμένο είδος χρησιμοποιείται πάρα πολύ τακτικά, ειδικά την τελευταία 3ετία-5ετία, ωστόσο γίνεται καλή και σωστή χρήση αυτής, με τα χρονοδιαγράμματα να μην περιπλέκονται, αλλά να στηρίζουν αφηγηματικά το ένα το άλλο, κλείνοντας τρύπες και κουμπώνοντας εκεί που θα έπρεπε ώστε η δομή της πλοκής να μην καταρρεύσει, κάτι που αν μη τι άλλο αποδεικνύει πως η McCreesh κατέχει, τεχνικά, την “τέχνη” της πένας.
Η ανάπτυξη της πλοκής έχει μια λογική πορεία -και ακολουθία-, γεγονός το οποίο δεν μας επιτρέπει να αμφισβητήσουμε τις όποιες εξελίξεις και την πορεία αυτών, αλλά και των ηρώων μας, όσο το κουβάρι της ιστορίας ξετυλίγεται. Παράλληλα, αφηγηματικά πάντα, υπάρχουν αρκετές στιγμές εντάσεων -με πολλαπλές έννοιες και χρήσεις-, πράγμα που κορυφώνει την αγωνία μας αρκετές φορές, καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης, έστω κι αν δεν καταφέρνει να την διατηρήσει μόνιμα και απόλυτα στα ύψη.
Σίγουρα, το καλύτερο κομμάτι του βιβλίου είναι αυτό που διαδραματίζεται εντός των τειχών του ψυχιατρείου. Η ατμόσφαιρα έχει αποδοθεί άψογα, και άκρως περιγραφικά, όπως με πολύ ιδιαίτερο τρόπο έχει αποδοθεί και η σχέση ανάμεσα σε γιατρούς και ασθενείς. Παράλληλα, όσον αφορά τους δεύτερους, δίνεται πολύ μεγάλη βαρύτητα και ανάλυση στον ψυχικό τους κόσμο -και στον βαθύτερο ψυχισμός τους-, χωρίς το αποτέλεσμα να είναι ευχάριστο, αλλά σίγουρα είναι άκρως ρεαλιστικό και αληθινό, γεγονός που θα αγγίξει όσους έχουν ευαίσθητες χορδές, θα ενοχλήσει όσους δεν έχουν γερό στομάχι.
Υπάρχει αρκετό μυστήριο να πλανάται στην ατμόσφαιρα, κυρίως γιατί η συγγραφέας “παίζει” με την κλασσική ιδέα: όλοι έχουν μυστικά και ποτέ κανείς και τίποτα δεν είναι αυτό που φαίνεται. Κατ' επέκτασιν, όλοι είναι ψεύτες μέχρι ν' αποδειχθεί το αντίθετο. Δεν μπορώ να πω πως όλο αυτό δεν λειτουργεί ως ιδέα, αλλά προσωπικά με έχει κουράσει κάπως, γιατί μου στερεί σε αρκετά μεγάλο βαθμό την έννοια της ανατροπής έτσι όπως αυτή θα μπορούσε να δομηθεί και να καλλιεργηθεί -ή ακόμα, γιατί όχι, και να αποδομηθεί με έναν ολόδικό της τρόπο.
Σε μια πολύ συγκεκριμένη χρονική καμπή της αφήγησης, ενώ θα έπρεπε η ένταση να εκτοξεύεται στα ύψη, η πλοκή αναλώνεται σε θέματα που μικρή σημασία έχουν, όπως αποδεικνύεται τελικά, πράγμα που έχει ως αποτέλεσμα να προκαλούνται ρήγματα στην ατμόσφαιρα που είχε χτιστεί έως τότε -πόσο μάλλον στην ένταση αυτής. Όσο να 'ναι, αυτό μας ξενερώνει κάπως, για να το πω πολύ λαϊκά, ιδίως γιατί μιλάμε για μια στιγμή όπου δεν υπήρχε περιθώριο να γίνει κοιλία και να υπάρξει κάθοδος, αλλά που θα έπρεπε η άνοδος να είναι μονόδρομος.
Έχουμε ιδιαίτερα καλή ανάλυση και ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων, όπου δίνεται μεγάλη προσοχή στα ψυχογραφήματά τους, πράγμα το οποίο δεν αφορά μόνο τους πρωταγωνιστές, αλλά και τους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες, με τον καθέναν από αυτούς όχι μόνο να παίζει τον δικό του ξεχωριστό ρόλο στην πορεία και στην εξέλιξη της ιστορίας, αλλά και με τον δικό του, ξεχωριστό χαρακτήρα, με άλλους να μας γίνονται εξαιρετικά συμπαθής, την ίδια ώρα που κάποιους άλλους δεν τους αντέχουμε, ή ακόμα μας προκαλούν κι έναν εσωτερικό φόβο ή αγωνία.
(Αναλυτικό review αν τελικά κυκλοφορήσει...)
Η ανάπτυξη της πλοκής έχει μια λογική πορεία -και ακολουθία-, γεγονός το οποίο δεν μας επιτρέπει να αμφισβητήσουμε τις όποιες εξελίξεις και την πορεία αυτών, αλλά και των ηρώων μας, όσο το κουβάρι της ιστορίας ξετυλίγεται. Παράλληλα, αφηγηματικά πάντα, υπάρχουν αρκετές στιγμές εντάσεων -με πολλαπλές έννοιες και χρήσεις-, πράγμα που κορυφώνει την αγωνία μας αρκετές φορές, καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης, έστω κι αν δεν καταφέρνει να την διατηρήσει μόνιμα και απόλυτα στα ύψη.
Σίγουρα, το καλύτερο κομμάτι του βιβλίου είναι αυτό που διαδραματίζεται εντός των τειχών του ψυχιατρείου. Η ατμόσφαιρα έχει αποδοθεί άψογα, και άκρως περιγραφικά, όπως με πολύ ιδιαίτερο τρόπο έχει αποδοθεί και η σχέση ανάμεσα σε γιατρούς και ασθενείς. Παράλληλα, όσον αφορά τους δεύτερους, δίνεται πολύ μεγάλη βαρύτητα και ανάλυση στον ψυχικό τους κόσμο -και στον βαθύτερο ψυχισμός τους-, χωρίς το αποτέλεσμα να είναι ευχάριστο, αλλά σίγουρα είναι άκρως ρεαλιστικό και αληθινό, γεγονός που θα αγγίξει όσους έχουν ευαίσθητες χορδές, θα ενοχλήσει όσους δεν έχουν γερό στομάχι.
Υπάρχει αρκετό μυστήριο να πλανάται στην ατμόσφαιρα, κυρίως γιατί η συγγραφέας “παίζει” με την κλασσική ιδέα: όλοι έχουν μυστικά και ποτέ κανείς και τίποτα δεν είναι αυτό που φαίνεται. Κατ' επέκτασιν, όλοι είναι ψεύτες μέχρι ν' αποδειχθεί το αντίθετο. Δεν μπορώ να πω πως όλο αυτό δεν λειτουργεί ως ιδέα, αλλά προσωπικά με έχει κουράσει κάπως, γιατί μου στερεί σε αρκετά μεγάλο βαθμό την έννοια της ανατροπής έτσι όπως αυτή θα μπορούσε να δομηθεί και να καλλιεργηθεί -ή ακόμα, γιατί όχι, και να αποδομηθεί με έναν ολόδικό της τρόπο.
Σε μια πολύ συγκεκριμένη χρονική καμπή της αφήγησης, ενώ θα έπρεπε η ένταση να εκτοξεύεται στα ύψη, η πλοκή αναλώνεται σε θέματα που μικρή σημασία έχουν, όπως αποδεικνύεται τελικά, πράγμα που έχει ως αποτέλεσμα να προκαλούνται ρήγματα στην ατμόσφαιρα που είχε χτιστεί έως τότε -πόσο μάλλον στην ένταση αυτής. Όσο να 'ναι, αυτό μας ξενερώνει κάπως, για να το πω πολύ λαϊκά, ιδίως γιατί μιλάμε για μια στιγμή όπου δεν υπήρχε περιθώριο να γίνει κοιλία και να υπάρξει κάθοδος, αλλά που θα έπρεπε η άνοδος να είναι μονόδρομος.
Έχουμε ιδιαίτερα καλή ανάλυση και ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων, όπου δίνεται μεγάλη προσοχή στα ψυχογραφήματά τους, πράγμα το οποίο δεν αφορά μόνο τους πρωταγωνιστές, αλλά και τους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες, με τον καθέναν από αυτούς όχι μόνο να παίζει τον δικό του ξεχωριστό ρόλο στην πορεία και στην εξέλιξη της ιστορίας, αλλά και με τον δικό του, ξεχωριστό χαρακτήρα, με άλλους να μας γίνονται εξαιρετικά συμπαθής, την ίδια ώρα που κάποιους άλλους δεν τους αντέχουμε, ή ακόμα μας προκαλούν κι έναν εσωτερικό φόβο ή αγωνία.
(Αναλυτικό review αν τελικά κυκλοφορήσει...)
August 29, 2020
'Cracked' is the debut novel of Louise McCreesh and blimey what a debut it is. I read the synopsis for 'Cracked' and it certainly appealed to me and then some. I finished reading 'Cracked' and I was blown away by the book. I absolutely loved reading 'Cracked' but more about that in a bit.
Jenny was an interesting character although I can't say that I took to her that well. She had more layers to her character than you would find on a parcel during a game of 'Pass The Parcel'. Unwrap one layer and you uncover more. Jenny seems to be like two different people. We have the before treatment Jenny and the post treatment Jenny. Jenny had mental health problems back in the day which led to her admission to a psychiatric unit. A few years later she has been released and she has married a police officer. To start with the marriage seemed happy enough and they seem close. I can't say that Jenny has completely 'recovered' as such because I find that once you have mental health problems, you are at risk of having a relapse. I suffer from them too and I have found that to be true but enough of me and back to Jenny. When Jenny's former psychiatrist is killed, Jenny is taken back to a time that she had hoped she could avoid and she slowly starts to unravel. Jenny has been keeping secrets and they are at risk of being revealed.
Oh my word, 'Cracked' was an amazing read and then some. I was drawn into the story from the synopsis alone. I think part of the attraction was the fact that part of the story is set in a mental health unit. I realise that that sounds odd but the whole topic of mental health and its history is a particular interest of mine. I won't go into the reason why but it's an issue close to my heart. As soon as I started to read ,that was it. There was no point talking to me because I could not tear my eyes away from the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to emerge and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or whether or not I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. 'Cracked' was one of those books that you wanted to finish because you needed to know how the story ended but at the same time you don't want to finish the book because you are enjoying the story too much.
'Cracked' is simply brilliantly written. The author grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story. The chapters are written from the point of view of the present day and chapters that describes events as they happened in Jenny's past and when she was a psychiatric patient. This way of telling the tale really works, the chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly. I had real problems accepting that this was a debut novel because the author's writing style is so polished and so confident. I was blown away by the quality of the story. I found this to be a gripping read, which held my interest throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Cracked' and I would definitely recommend to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Louise's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Jenny was an interesting character although I can't say that I took to her that well. She had more layers to her character than you would find on a parcel during a game of 'Pass The Parcel'. Unwrap one layer and you uncover more. Jenny seems to be like two different people. We have the before treatment Jenny and the post treatment Jenny. Jenny had mental health problems back in the day which led to her admission to a psychiatric unit. A few years later she has been released and she has married a police officer. To start with the marriage seemed happy enough and they seem close. I can't say that Jenny has completely 'recovered' as such because I find that once you have mental health problems, you are at risk of having a relapse. I suffer from them too and I have found that to be true but enough of me and back to Jenny. When Jenny's former psychiatrist is killed, Jenny is taken back to a time that she had hoped she could avoid and she slowly starts to unravel. Jenny has been keeping secrets and they are at risk of being revealed.
Oh my word, 'Cracked' was an amazing read and then some. I was drawn into the story from the synopsis alone. I think part of the attraction was the fact that part of the story is set in a mental health unit. I realise that that sounds odd but the whole topic of mental health and its history is a particular interest of mine. I won't go into the reason why but it's an issue close to my heart. As soon as I started to read ,that was it. There was no point talking to me because I could not tear my eyes away from the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to emerge and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or whether or not I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. 'Cracked' was one of those books that you wanted to finish because you needed to know how the story ended but at the same time you don't want to finish the book because you are enjoying the story too much.
'Cracked' is simply brilliantly written. The author grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story. The chapters are written from the point of view of the present day and chapters that describes events as they happened in Jenny's past and when she was a psychiatric patient. This way of telling the tale really works, the chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly. I had real problems accepting that this was a debut novel because the author's writing style is so polished and so confident. I was blown away by the quality of the story. I found this to be a gripping read, which held my interest throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Cracked' and I would definitely recommend to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Louise's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 1, 2020
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
‘Cracked’ is an engaging thriller from debut author, Louise McCreesh. Indeed, there is much to recommend about this book to lovers of crime fiction. It is a compact story - not extensively long, that is also tightly plotted. The central thrust of the story revolves around the murder of a psychiatrist, Phillip Waltham. Initially, we know little more other than the fact that Waltham helped cover up a death at the psychiatric facility where he worked. Jenny Nilsen is at the forefront of this thread of the story-arc and the main protagonist going forward in the search for Waltham’s killer. There are seven potential suspects for the crime, and in the resolution of the motives behind the murder, McCreesh has written an eminently satisfying mystery. There are a number of flaws with the book, however. My reservations mainly centre on the authenticity of certain aspects of the novel. It appears that the story is set in the UK, but the narrative, including some of the dialogue between the characters, are peppered with Americanisms. Moreover, the places in the novel do not feel well known to the author. It feels like the book was written by someone unfamiliar with the geography of the UK. Then there is the description of the psychiatric facility at the heart of ‘Cracked’. The portrayal of the workings of the psychiatric facility, including issues around accessibility of different categories of patients to various parts of the facility, do not resemble the true workings of a psychiatric hospital of this type. Well, in the UK at least. There are other issues with the drugs prescribed to patients - Sertraline to someone who has attempted suicide, for instance, does not seem likely. The lack of attempts by healthcare professionals to review medication before committal to a psychiatric facility, for another instance, are other erroneous examples of how mental health strategies are pursued in the UK. The book needs more thorough research by the author, in other words. A sense of time and place in any novel is an intrinsic part of its authenticity, and thus believability to any reader. Sadly, this book lacked the attention to detail that would elevate ‘Cracked’ from a good reading experience to a great one.
‘Cracked’ is an engaging thriller from debut author, Louise McCreesh. Indeed, there is much to recommend about this book to lovers of crime fiction. It is a compact story - not extensively long, that is also tightly plotted. The central thrust of the story revolves around the murder of a psychiatrist, Phillip Waltham. Initially, we know little more other than the fact that Waltham helped cover up a death at the psychiatric facility where he worked. Jenny Nilsen is at the forefront of this thread of the story-arc and the main protagonist going forward in the search for Waltham’s killer. There are seven potential suspects for the crime, and in the resolution of the motives behind the murder, McCreesh has written an eminently satisfying mystery. There are a number of flaws with the book, however. My reservations mainly centre on the authenticity of certain aspects of the novel. It appears that the story is set in the UK, but the narrative, including some of the dialogue between the characters, are peppered with Americanisms. Moreover, the places in the novel do not feel well known to the author. It feels like the book was written by someone unfamiliar with the geography of the UK. Then there is the description of the psychiatric facility at the heart of ‘Cracked’. The portrayal of the workings of the psychiatric facility, including issues around accessibility of different categories of patients to various parts of the facility, do not resemble the true workings of a psychiatric hospital of this type. Well, in the UK at least. There are other issues with the drugs prescribed to patients - Sertraline to someone who has attempted suicide, for instance, does not seem likely. The lack of attempts by healthcare professionals to review medication before committal to a psychiatric facility, for another instance, are other erroneous examples of how mental health strategies are pursued in the UK. The book needs more thorough research by the author, in other words. A sense of time and place in any novel is an intrinsic part of its authenticity, and thus believability to any reader. Sadly, this book lacked the attention to detail that would elevate ‘Cracked’ from a good reading experience to a great one.
September 19, 2020
There are very few authors who can grab me quickly, but this is exactly what happened with Cracked. Intending to read a chapter or two at bedtime, I suddenly realised I was 25% in and midnight was just a memory. The writing style is very easy digestible, whilst also being compelling.
Told in the first person through the eyes of Jenny, a former patient at Hillside Psychiatric Unit, the narrative alternates between ‘Before’ and ‘After’. The incident and the happenings surrounding it are revealed throughout the novel, being linked to the murder of psychiatrist Phillip Walton. It’s an intriguing tale, which held my attention throughout. As expected there are twists and turns along the way and I felt entirely satisfied by its conclusion. My only very tiny negative is that it wasn’t longer as I felt some elements of the novel could have been explored in more depth. While it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the novel as was, there were a couple of characters whose backstories I would have loved to have known more about.
Just one word of warning however, a good chunk of the novel deals with mental health, dealing with various conditions. While nothing is gratuitous and everything is sensitively handled, fully in keeping with the tone and content of the novel; if you are sensitive, please be aware of this as elements could be triggering for some.
Cracked is a novel I would heartily recommend, especially if you are a fan of the genre. It had everything I was looking for; a whodunnit style mystery, complex characters, a compelling narrative and a fast-paced yet suspenseful plot.
Told in the first person through the eyes of Jenny, a former patient at Hillside Psychiatric Unit, the narrative alternates between ‘Before’ and ‘After’. The incident and the happenings surrounding it are revealed throughout the novel, being linked to the murder of psychiatrist Phillip Walton. It’s an intriguing tale, which held my attention throughout. As expected there are twists and turns along the way and I felt entirely satisfied by its conclusion. My only very tiny negative is that it wasn’t longer as I felt some elements of the novel could have been explored in more depth. While it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the novel as was, there were a couple of characters whose backstories I would have loved to have known more about.
Just one word of warning however, a good chunk of the novel deals with mental health, dealing with various conditions. While nothing is gratuitous and everything is sensitively handled, fully in keeping with the tone and content of the novel; if you are sensitive, please be aware of this as elements could be triggering for some.
Cracked is a novel I would heartily recommend, especially if you are a fan of the genre. It had everything I was looking for; a whodunnit style mystery, complex characters, a compelling narrative and a fast-paced yet suspenseful plot.
September 1, 2020
Jenny is happily married and she thinks her troubled past as a teenager is behind her. She is shocked to find out that her previous Doctor Phil at the Hillside Psychiatric Unit has been murdered. Jenny has not told James, her husband about her attempts of suicide and self harm. She receives an email warning her not to say anything so decides to continue to hide it from him.
She gets in to contact some of the people she was in the unit with all those years ago and it becomes apparent that something significant happened during this time and someone else knows about it.
When Jenny contacts Tony, Heidi and Tom, they have also had emails. James is taken off the case when the police find out that Jenny has a connection to the unit. He is angry with her for not telling him about her past.
The book switches between the present and back to 2007 at the unit. I enjoyed this as you uncover what was going on whilst Jenny and the others were patients.
It is a twisty tale that keeps you on your toes throughout. As we uncover what happened at Hillside all those years before we also unravel the disturbing events that lead them to the murder of Phil and the subsequent death.
This is an interesting take on a thriller and some readers may find some of the themes distressing but it is handled sensitively and highlights the stigma that still occurs around mental health. If you like a twisty, dark thriller you will really enjoy this book.
She gets in to contact some of the people she was in the unit with all those years ago and it becomes apparent that something significant happened during this time and someone else knows about it.
When Jenny contacts Tony, Heidi and Tom, they have also had emails. James is taken off the case when the police find out that Jenny has a connection to the unit. He is angry with her for not telling him about her past.
The book switches between the present and back to 2007 at the unit. I enjoyed this as you uncover what was going on whilst Jenny and the others were patients.
It is a twisty tale that keeps you on your toes throughout. As we uncover what happened at Hillside all those years before we also unravel the disturbing events that lead them to the murder of Phil and the subsequent death.
This is an interesting take on a thriller and some readers may find some of the themes distressing but it is handled sensitively and highlights the stigma that still occurs around mental health. If you like a twisty, dark thriller you will really enjoy this book.
June 13, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the arc of Cracked by Louise McCreesh.❤️
Thank you to Louise McCreesh for writing such a suspenseful novel which had be hooked and intrigued right from the start right to the end. ❤️
It is set within a Psychiatric hospital, which is called Hillside. This involves Jenny who was a patient here at Hillside 9 years ago to be in fact and her psychiatrist gets brutally murdered by someone but who? The story is based of when Jenny was at the hospital, with the alternates of past and present whilst it being portrayed in Jenny's POV, you get to understand that everyone has a secret... you get to know and feel the other characters mental health states like Schizophrenia etc, with their accounts of what actually happened but is unreliable. Jenny must reunite with her former room-mates to find out who the killer may be?... but question of it all why is the person sending them very threatening messages telling them to keep quiet...
I really did like this book it had be hooked and engulfed right from the start, i was very shocked to know this was her debut novel as the writing was so intense and it was very well written! I read this within a day it was that gripping and the portraying of mental health was on point and can clearly seen a lot of work has gone into this so well done Louise McCreesh.
I definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Louise McCreesh for writing such a suspenseful novel which had be hooked and intrigued right from the start right to the end. ❤️
It is set within a Psychiatric hospital, which is called Hillside. This involves Jenny who was a patient here at Hillside 9 years ago to be in fact and her psychiatrist gets brutally murdered by someone but who? The story is based of when Jenny was at the hospital, with the alternates of past and present whilst it being portrayed in Jenny's POV, you get to understand that everyone has a secret... you get to know and feel the other characters mental health states like Schizophrenia etc, with their accounts of what actually happened but is unreliable. Jenny must reunite with her former room-mates to find out who the killer may be?... but question of it all why is the person sending them very threatening messages telling them to keep quiet...
I really did like this book it had be hooked and engulfed right from the start, i was very shocked to know this was her debut novel as the writing was so intense and it was very well written! I read this within a day it was that gripping and the portraying of mental health was on point and can clearly seen a lot of work has gone into this so well done Louise McCreesh.
I definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 25, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Seven patients. One dark secret.
Jennifer Nielsen has her life on track. Until she gets news that her former psychiatrist, Phillip Walton, has been brutally murdered, and she is implicated.
Phil knew her darkest secrets. And circumstances of his murder suggest that someone else out there knows them too.
Jenny needs to speak to old friends, and old enemies, from her dark years spent at Hillside Psychiatric Hospital. Because they are the only ones who know what really happened at Hillside, about the secret that Phil kept for them all, and that this is not the first murder.
With a synopsis like that how can you nor want to read this!
Jenny Nilsen hasn't seen Philip, her former psychiatrist, since she left the Hillside Psychiatric Hospital eight years ago. She wanted to forget everything about her time in there, and she kept her secrets buried deep. Even from her husband! Now the police are knocking at her door with evidence that she was involved in Phil's death and everything she has kept hidden is coming to light. Jenny desperately needs to speak to people she knew from those dark years at Hillside to clear her name before her new life is destroyed.
Seven patients. One dark secret.
Jennifer Nielsen has her life on track. Until she gets news that her former psychiatrist, Phillip Walton, has been brutally murdered, and she is implicated.
Phil knew her darkest secrets. And circumstances of his murder suggest that someone else out there knows them too.
Jenny needs to speak to old friends, and old enemies, from her dark years spent at Hillside Psychiatric Hospital. Because they are the only ones who know what really happened at Hillside, about the secret that Phil kept for them all, and that this is not the first murder.
With a synopsis like that how can you nor want to read this!
Jenny Nilsen hasn't seen Philip, her former psychiatrist, since she left the Hillside Psychiatric Hospital eight years ago. She wanted to forget everything about her time in there, and she kept her secrets buried deep. Even from her husband! Now the police are knocking at her door with evidence that she was involved in Phil's death and everything she has kept hidden is coming to light. Jenny desperately needs to speak to people she knew from those dark years at Hillside to clear her name before her new life is destroyed.
April 22, 2021
Jenny is married to a police officer and seems to have a normal life. Her husband is a police officer and is investigating the murder of Phillip Walton, a psychiatrist at the local hospital. Jenny was an inpatient at the hospital ten years earlier, and is worried her husband will find out about it, and the death she’s trying to keep covered up.
She contacts the other patients who were involved in the cover up, and tries to find out who murdered the psychiatrist.
The chapters alternate between ‘before’ and ‘after’ and are from Jenny’s point of view. There’s also times mentioned throughout, I wasn’t sure of the need for this.
It’s quite easy to read and the plot is alright. However, some parts didn’t add up. The fact an electronic key was stolen from a psychiatric hospital and not deactivated or the locks changed was very odd.
I thought the only character that was developed was Jenny, the others were a bit flat.
The phrase kill Phil was mentioned a lot and it made me think of the film Shaun of the Dead.
Unfortunately, I noticed a few typos in the book.
The ending was a bit of an anti-climax and the last part seemed to peter out.
Overall, the book was alright but not as suspenseful as I’d hoped.
She contacts the other patients who were involved in the cover up, and tries to find out who murdered the psychiatrist.
The chapters alternate between ‘before’ and ‘after’ and are from Jenny’s point of view. There’s also times mentioned throughout, I wasn’t sure of the need for this.
It’s quite easy to read and the plot is alright. However, some parts didn’t add up. The fact an electronic key was stolen from a psychiatric hospital and not deactivated or the locks changed was very odd.
I thought the only character that was developed was Jenny, the others were a bit flat.
The phrase kill Phil was mentioned a lot and it made me think of the film Shaun of the Dead.
Unfortunately, I noticed a few typos in the book.
The ending was a bit of an anti-climax and the last part seemed to peter out.
Overall, the book was alright but not as suspenseful as I’d hoped.
July 10, 2020
This had me hooked within the first chapter. I was totally engaged through the whole book which is a rarity in my case.
A totally original story that felt real, plausible and believable in every sense.
Written in alternating timelines of 2007 and now, you get to relive Jenny's time as a resident of the hospital.
I loved the story behind everyones mental health struggles, bringing to light that everybody can suffer in so many different ways.
Extremely well written. The character development flows brilliantly and each character is brought to life cleverly with their own story in both the past and present.
It's definitely a chilling read at times and is full of twists, turns, shocks and a clever ending.
I really enjoyed the setting withing the psychiatric hospital, Louise McCreesh manages to bring it to life with the variety of patients and staff personalities.
I was really shocked when I read it was the authors debut novel! I will definitely be looking out for the next book and would highly recommend this one over and over.
4.5*
Huge thanks to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.
A totally original story that felt real, plausible and believable in every sense.
Written in alternating timelines of 2007 and now, you get to relive Jenny's time as a resident of the hospital.
I loved the story behind everyones mental health struggles, bringing to light that everybody can suffer in so many different ways.
Extremely well written. The character development flows brilliantly and each character is brought to life cleverly with their own story in both the past and present.
It's definitely a chilling read at times and is full of twists, turns, shocks and a clever ending.
I really enjoyed the setting withing the psychiatric hospital, Louise McCreesh manages to bring it to life with the variety of patients and staff personalities.
I was really shocked when I read it was the authors debut novel! I will definitely be looking out for the next book and would highly recommend this one over and over.
4.5*
Huge thanks to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.
January 17, 2021
A good debut novel covering the themes of mental illness and suicide. The premise was interesting and the flow of the story kept me intrigued, although the pace was a bit slow.
I felt the author could have spent more time developing the characters to show more insight into their behaviours. Mental illness is rife in current society, and I thought if the characters behaviours were explored more thoroughly, it would have added to the tension of the story.
Some of the threads of the story also seemed superfluous, most notably that of the husband. He played no supportive role to the story at all. At first I thought a storyline would develop from their relationship, but if he wasn't included as a character it would've been no loss to the story.
The grammar mistakes became a little irritating. I often had to re-read a sentence to get the message, but this didn't detract from the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this as a debut novel and will look out for future writings by Ms. McCreesh.
I felt the author could have spent more time developing the characters to show more insight into their behaviours. Mental illness is rife in current society, and I thought if the characters behaviours were explored more thoroughly, it would have added to the tension of the story.
Some of the threads of the story also seemed superfluous, most notably that of the husband. He played no supportive role to the story at all. At first I thought a storyline would develop from their relationship, but if he wasn't included as a character it would've been no loss to the story.
The grammar mistakes became a little irritating. I often had to re-read a sentence to get the message, but this didn't detract from the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this as a debut novel and will look out for future writings by Ms. McCreesh.
April 5, 2020
When Jennifer hears that her former psychiatrist Phillip Walton has been murdered, her past comes back to haunt her. Phillip knew all of Jennifer's secrets and she did something back then at Hillside Psychiatric Hospital that may be connected to the murder. She is forced to track down the others who she knew from her days at Hillside, who also knew her biggest secret. However, Jennifer isn't sure who she can trust as it seems that someone is trying to keep things quiet, while the police seem to think she might have had something to do with the murder...
The story moves between the past at Hillside and the present day, and keeps you guessing. A thrilling read that I enjoyed and would recommend.
Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest review.
The story moves between the past at Hillside and the present day, and keeps you guessing. A thrilling read that I enjoyed and would recommend.
Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest review.
August 21, 2020
Interesting premise for this title. Jenny has a past of mental health problems that she has not shared with her husband. Set with Before and After the story unfolds a past that Jenny is ashamed of and that she believes would have sent her to prison. When her past catches up with her when her old Psychiatrist is murdered and her husband, a policeman, is investigating Jenny begins to unravel again. The pace is good and the possibilities as to who did what are intriguing. Descriptions of mental health problems sympathetically portrayed.
Three and a half stars for me!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Louise McCreesh/Hodder & Stoughton for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Three and a half stars for me!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Louise McCreesh/Hodder & Stoughton for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 14, 2020
It’s been eight years since Jenny Nilsen saw her former psychiatrist Phillip Walton and it suits her. After all, she doesn’t want her husband or friends to know the reasons why she was in a secure unit, Hillside, when she was younger. But with the police wanting answers – ie, what’s her involvement in this cruel, calculated death – Jenny has to return to her past, a past she’s understandably not entirely comfortable with, to find out the truth. Can you separate the fact from fiction in this twisty turny read? The idea of keeping secrets is paramount throughout the read and it’s creepy, dark, and puts you on edge. Brilliant!
February 27, 2020
This is a great book from a debut author. I had the pleasure of reading it before the actual release date. Jenny has a secret from her past which she thought was well hidden, she thought wrong, her old Psychiatrist has been murdered and Jenny has to go back to a time which she'd rather just forget about. It has great characters who gel together and their stories intertwine to a dramatic conclusion. A secret which can destroy lives and break up a happy marriage. This novel really makes you think about mental well being and how it can devastates lives. A stunning read.
June 10, 2020
Astounding
All of the characters were flawed but inherently relatable and likeable. Jenny was an every woman for mental health everywhere. She was likeable and I couldn't wait to see the twists and turns coming together and all of the loose ends tied up.
As someone who suffers with my own many and varied mental health issues , I didn't feel as alone. I have coincidentally suffered with dark thoughts today, where Jenny has a grey cloud hovering I have a deep dark abyss of horrid thoughts about myself.
All of the characters were flawed but inherently relatable and likeable. Jenny was an every woman for mental health everywhere. She was likeable and I couldn't wait to see the twists and turns coming together and all of the loose ends tied up.
As someone who suffers with my own many and varied mental health issues , I didn't feel as alone. I have coincidentally suffered with dark thoughts today, where Jenny has a grey cloud hovering I have a deep dark abyss of horrid thoughts about myself.
June 17, 2020
The cover says that this is like The Silent Patient, but it isn't anywhere near as good or attention grabbing as that book. The only similarity is that part of the novel takes place at a psych ward. Don't get me wrong, it was an alright book, just not anything special. The story alternates between present day and almost 10 years in the past when Jen was living at a psych ward because she tried to kill herself. During her time there, someone ended up dead and it's all because of Jen. In present day, the psychiatrist that was treating her, Phil, is murdered and she's the prime suspect.
February 3, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
November 15, 2021
The book also needs to come with multiple trigger warnings: Suicide, Self Harm, Sexual Abuse etc.
I've never given a book such a low score before, but honestly, the book is so bad. Despite it being a psychological thriller related to therapy, not once did the book even cover scenes related to therapy. Also spotted multiple really obvious grammar errors. The whole plot is based on the "hook" of finding out the "secret", which is not even that much of a secret.
I've never given a book such a low score before, but honestly, the book is so bad. Despite it being a psychological thriller related to therapy, not once did the book even cover scenes related to therapy. Also spotted multiple really obvious grammar errors. The whole plot is based on the "hook" of finding out the "secret", which is not even that much of a secret.
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