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The Woman on the Cliff
1988. The body of Moira Mackie, a St Andrews University student, is found on a clifftop path. Her ex-boyfriend is found days later, hanged in his uncle’s garage with a suicide note confessing that he killed her. The case is abruptly closed.
Thirty years later, Ros Maitland has seemingly moved on from the horrific murder of her housemate Moira. Then her daughter takes up a place at the same university, and old demons reawaken.
Was Moira murdered in a lover’s quarrel? Or was her death part of something far larger, uglier and more calculated?
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT TERRIBLE NIGHT?
Policeman, Innes Nevin, investigated Moira’s death and has been haunted by it ever since. It was his first murder case, and he knew it had been closed too soon.
Innes and Ros must delve back into the painful past to finally bring the truth to light.
THEN COMES A BRUTAL TURN OF EVENTS. SOMEONE WANTS THEIR INVESTIGATION STOPPED AT ALL COSTS.
In an electrifying standoff, Ros must risk everything she cares about.
CAN SHE FIND THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEATH AND ESCAPE WITH HER LIFE?
Thirty years later, Ros Maitland has seemingly moved on from the horrific murder of her housemate Moira. Then her daughter takes up a place at the same university, and old demons reawaken.
Was Moira murdered in a lover’s quarrel? Or was her death part of something far larger, uglier and more calculated?
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT TERRIBLE NIGHT?
Policeman, Innes Nevin, investigated Moira’s death and has been haunted by it ever since. It was his first murder case, and he knew it had been closed too soon.
Innes and Ros must delve back into the painful past to finally bring the truth to light.
THEN COMES A BRUTAL TURN OF EVENTS. SOMEONE WANTS THEIR INVESTIGATION STOPPED AT ALL COSTS.
In an electrifying standoff, Ros must risk everything she cares about.
CAN SHE FIND THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEATH AND ESCAPE WITH HER LIFE?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2019
767 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Janice Frost
15 books158 followersJanice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. Her love of writing began when she was given a notebook by a primary school teacher and told to write ‘Just Imagine,’ on the cover. She enjoyed writing stories in the notebook so much that she decided she'd like to be an author. Due to life, work and children, It took a little longer than she imagined.
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 6, 2019
Thirty years ago, a college girl was murdered. Her ex-boyfriend hanged himself few days after the body was found. In his pocket was a written note confessing that he had killed her. Case closed.
At the time she had been sharing a house with four other students. They all had much different reactions to their house mate's death.
After all this time, Ros Maitland, one of her housemates, has moved on ... married and then widowed, raised a daughter who is now enrolled at the same university as her mother.
As it so happens, Ros runs into Innes Nevin, one of the police who first investigated the murder. Over a cup of coffee he states that he has been haunted by that case for years. He has always felt there was much more to the story ... and he believes the boyfriend was innocent .. and he, too, may have been murdered.
Ros and Innes decide to take a trip into the past to find the truth and shine a light on it. Someone doesn't want the truth to come out of the shadows. Someone wants this investigation stopped ... at all costs.
This is a solidly written mystery with characters that stand out. Plenty of action and twists and turns keep the reader glued to the pages.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Crime Fiction / Mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
At the time she had been sharing a house with four other students. They all had much different reactions to their house mate's death.
After all this time, Ros Maitland, one of her housemates, has moved on ... married and then widowed, raised a daughter who is now enrolled at the same university as her mother.
As it so happens, Ros runs into Innes Nevin, one of the police who first investigated the murder. Over a cup of coffee he states that he has been haunted by that case for years. He has always felt there was much more to the story ... and he believes the boyfriend was innocent .. and he, too, may have been murdered.
Ros and Innes decide to take a trip into the past to find the truth and shine a light on it. Someone doesn't want the truth to come out of the shadows. Someone wants this investigation stopped ... at all costs.
This is a solidly written mystery with characters that stand out. Plenty of action and twists and turns keep the reader glued to the pages.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Crime Fiction / Mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 29, 2019
Five women lodged together when they attended St. Andrews University. They all have different personalities which meant some of them did not get along. The story flips back and forth from the time that they were at Uni to the present day. Moria, one of the flatmate has been found murdered. DI John Menzies and rookie cop PC Innes Nevin were called in to investigate. But then a suicide and a letter confessing to be the person who killed Moira put a halt on the case. It's now twenty years later and Ros's daughter is about to start studying at St. Andrews. A walk along the beach brings Ros to a face from her past. This is not quite an edge of your seat read but there's just something compelling about this story. I did guess where this story was leading to but I enjoyed it just the same. There is some twists to try and put you off the scent. This is my first book by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Janice Frost for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Janice Frost for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
The Woman on the Cliff is a standalone thriller from rising crime star Janice Frost and what it lacks in realism it makes up for in tension and twists. Alternating between present day and St Andrews circa 1988 the timelines are interconnected and complement each other perfectly; they combine near the end where everything comes together creating an interesting conclusion. There is action aplenty, suspense that slowly builds to a stifling crescendo and a flurry of twists and turns throughout which caught me off guard many times. It is certainly an addictive read with some excellent characterisation flowing through it.
The storyline is pretty brutal with sexual violence as well as murder, but if you can stomach it this is a solid mystery with a lot going for it and never a dull moment. Ros's journey is an intriguing part of the jigsaw making up the whole plot and we get to know her as she struggles to come to terms with all that's happened and this makes her a very relatable and believable character. It kept me completely engrossed for its entirety and is well-crafted and satisfying. If you are tired of the formulaic nature of crime fiction this is one for you as it strays from the usual and because of this, it is really quite unpredictable. Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
The storyline is pretty brutal with sexual violence as well as murder, but if you can stomach it this is a solid mystery with a lot going for it and never a dull moment. Ros's journey is an intriguing part of the jigsaw making up the whole plot and we get to know her as she struggles to come to terms with all that's happened and this makes her a very relatable and believable character. It kept me completely engrossed for its entirety and is well-crafted and satisfying. If you are tired of the formulaic nature of crime fiction this is one for you as it strays from the usual and because of this, it is really quite unpredictable. Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
June 8, 2019
I picked up this book due to the intrigue in the tale. An incident which happened 30 years ago and its effects felt till today. Moira was found dead on the cliff top in 1988, and her alleged murderer committed suicide with a confession note. She stayed with Roz and 3 other girls, and her death affected them all.
In the present time, Roz's daughter had joined the same college and was attacked by a random stranger. Roz met the ex-cop Innes Nevin who had investigated Moira's murder and soon realized the wrong man had been framed, and probably the murderer was someone she had known.
Author Janice Frost has written a solid murder investigation, the old fashioned sleuthing, which depended completely on intelligence and asking the right questions, getting the stories straight even after 30 years. There were no gadgetry or forensics involved. I liked that body language and instinct played a huge part.
Innes and Roz made a good team. The other friends added to the layers of this mystery as memories unfolded and the dirty truths revealed. The story was told in dual timelines. Romance between the two was sweet and kept to a minimum with more focus on the past and murder. I liked that.
The only niggle which hit me was there were no headings to the chapter, and since the characters were the same in both the timelines, I was confused about the time frame till I read down the page.
Janice's writing kept me hooked to the murder mystery. It was clean and focused. Overall, a fun read.
In the present time, Roz's daughter had joined the same college and was attacked by a random stranger. Roz met the ex-cop Innes Nevin who had investigated Moira's murder and soon realized the wrong man had been framed, and probably the murderer was someone she had known.
Author Janice Frost has written a solid murder investigation, the old fashioned sleuthing, which depended completely on intelligence and asking the right questions, getting the stories straight even after 30 years. There were no gadgetry or forensics involved. I liked that body language and instinct played a huge part.
Innes and Roz made a good team. The other friends added to the layers of this mystery as memories unfolded and the dirty truths revealed. The story was told in dual timelines. Romance between the two was sweet and kept to a minimum with more focus on the past and murder. I liked that.
The only niggle which hit me was there were no headings to the chapter, and since the characters were the same in both the timelines, I was confused about the time frame till I read down the page.
Janice's writing kept me hooked to the murder mystery. It was clean and focused. Overall, a fun read.
June 8, 2019
Gripping, different and a stunning read
I am a big fan of the Merry & Neal series by Janice Frost so I was really looking forward to this step away from the norm and I wasn't disappointed.
When Ros was studying at St Andrews one of her house mates, Moira is murdered. Moira's ex boyfriend is later found hanged with a letter in his pocket confessing to the murder. Case solved. Or is it.
Over 20 years later and everyone has moved on. Ros' daughter is about to start studying at St Andrews. A chance meeting while walking along the beach brings Ros face to face with Innes, the young DC who was involved in the murder investigation all thosAe years ago. With the lid to Pandora's Box well and truly off the past comes back bringing with it many questions and also danger for Ros.
The story alternates between past and present as the reader is taken on a twisty turny journey as stones are turned over and more questions uncovered.
At the beginning I had a couple of people I suspected but as the story progresses more are added to the list and along with the intrigue and suspense the possibilities are many. Will it be possible for the truth to be uncovered or will the murder remain unsolved?
The characters are well built I really like Ros she is a very realistic character and acts and reacts in a way that makes the book mirror real life. Although there are a lot of characters we get to know them through the story rather than chunks of descriptive text which makes this a fast moving read.
A great read well worth the 5 stars
I am a big fan of the Merry & Neal series by Janice Frost so I was really looking forward to this step away from the norm and I wasn't disappointed.
When Ros was studying at St Andrews one of her house mates, Moira is murdered. Moira's ex boyfriend is later found hanged with a letter in his pocket confessing to the murder. Case solved. Or is it.
Over 20 years later and everyone has moved on. Ros' daughter is about to start studying at St Andrews. A chance meeting while walking along the beach brings Ros face to face with Innes, the young DC who was involved in the murder investigation all thosAe years ago. With the lid to Pandora's Box well and truly off the past comes back bringing with it many questions and also danger for Ros.
The story alternates between past and present as the reader is taken on a twisty turny journey as stones are turned over and more questions uncovered.
At the beginning I had a couple of people I suspected but as the story progresses more are added to the list and along with the intrigue and suspense the possibilities are many. Will it be possible for the truth to be uncovered or will the murder remain unsolved?
The characters are well built I really like Ros she is a very realistic character and acts and reacts in a way that makes the book mirror real life. Although there are a lot of characters we get to know them through the story rather than chunks of descriptive text which makes this a fast moving read.
A great read well worth the 5 stars
September 7, 2019
3.5 stars.
June 6, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Woman on the Cliff, a stand alone set in St Andrews.
Ros Maitland is taking her daughter to university in St Andrews when she bumps into an old acquaintance, Innes Nevin. The then DC Innes Nevin had been part of the team investigating the murder of Ros’s housemate, Moira Mackie, in 1988 when they were students. Nevin never forgot Moira or the quick investigation into her death and has recently received some shocking news about the investigation which he shares with Ros. Together they decide to investigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Woman on the Cliff which is an absorbing read full of twists and turns. The novel is told in the first person by Ros and alternates in its timeline between the current day and 1988. Both timelines have curiosity inducing plot lines and meld together well with each illuminating parts of the other to make a great whole. The present day timeline is more action packed with a couple of tense scenes and plenty of twists. The 1988 plot line also has plenty of unexpected twists but is more character based, examining Moira, her actions and relationships. It might not sound it but the first person narrative makes it more intimate and absorbing. I found myself turning the pages feverishly to find out what was coming next. The solution when it comes may be a bit much for younger readers to swallow but for us older readers is easy to believe and the final irony is a great touch.
What makes the novel more than just a run of the mill investigation is the journey Ros embarks on. The benefit of hindsight and distance force her to re-examine the friendships she took for granted and the assumptions she made. It is an honest appraisal of a woman struggling with old loyalties, beliefs and habits in the face of contrary indications. It is not a laboured point, just an added evolution in the course of the novel.
The Woman on the Cliff is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ros Maitland is taking her daughter to university in St Andrews when she bumps into an old acquaintance, Innes Nevin. The then DC Innes Nevin had been part of the team investigating the murder of Ros’s housemate, Moira Mackie, in 1988 when they were students. Nevin never forgot Moira or the quick investigation into her death and has recently received some shocking news about the investigation which he shares with Ros. Together they decide to investigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Woman on the Cliff which is an absorbing read full of twists and turns. The novel is told in the first person by Ros and alternates in its timeline between the current day and 1988. Both timelines have curiosity inducing plot lines and meld together well with each illuminating parts of the other to make a great whole. The present day timeline is more action packed with a couple of tense scenes and plenty of twists. The 1988 plot line also has plenty of unexpected twists but is more character based, examining Moira, her actions and relationships. It might not sound it but the first person narrative makes it more intimate and absorbing. I found myself turning the pages feverishly to find out what was coming next. The solution when it comes may be a bit much for younger readers to swallow but for us older readers is easy to believe and the final irony is a great touch.
What makes the novel more than just a run of the mill investigation is the journey Ros embarks on. The benefit of hindsight and distance force her to re-examine the friendships she took for granted and the assumptions she made. It is an honest appraisal of a woman struggling with old loyalties, beliefs and habits in the face of contrary indications. It is not a laboured point, just an added evolution in the course of the novel.
The Woman on the Cliff is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 20, 2019
1988. Five students at St. Andrews University share a house. It is clear that the five girls don't all get along and that there are some tensions and disputes. But then Moira,a stunning,clever and a very confident girl is found murdered on a cliff path. Her boyfriend is charged with the murder but before the police can arrest him,he commits suicide leaving a note saying he killed her.
30 years later,Roz,one of those students returns to St. Andrews accompanying her daughter who is ready to start her studies. Roz meets Innes Nevin, one of the policeman of the original investigation. The murder of Moira has left a deep impact on him. He was never completely convinced of the culpability of the boyfriend. And very slowly they try to discover the truth behind this horrendous crime.
This is an easy reads that keeps your attention (perfect for a flight where you sit between a snoring bloke and a grumpy teenager) right until the denouement .Then the story becomes a bit messy,confusing and goes definitely over the top. And the explanations are not exactly crystal clear and satisfying. Pity...
30 years later,Roz,one of those students returns to St. Andrews accompanying her daughter who is ready to start her studies. Roz meets Innes Nevin, one of the policeman of the original investigation. The murder of Moira has left a deep impact on him. He was never completely convinced of the culpability of the boyfriend. And very slowly they try to discover the truth behind this horrendous crime.
This is an easy reads that keeps your attention (perfect for a flight where you sit between a snoring bloke and a grumpy teenager) right until the denouement .Then the story becomes a bit messy,confusing and goes definitely over the top. And the explanations are not exactly crystal clear and satisfying. Pity...
June 10, 2019
I have read and enjoyed a number of Janice Frost's books, so I was looking forward to reading this new one. I wasn't disappointed as this, I feel, is her best book yet. It had me gripped from page one, so much so that I was snappy if anyone interrupted my reading.
In 1988, a student was found murdered on a clifftop path. A few days later, her boyfriend was found hanging with a suicide note in his pocket, admitting to being the murderer. Very unpleasant for Moira's four housemates but the case was closed. Nearly thirty years later, when one of the housemates, Ros, is back in St Andrews bringing her own daughter as a student, the case is re-opened when Ros meets the Constable who was part of the investigation at the time. Innes Nevin was never happy with the result of the original investigation and he persuades Ros to join him in trying to get at the truth.
We follow as the two begin their investigation but we are also privy to slices of the initial investigation as Ros remembers what happened at the time. I felt that the present and the past were beautifully entwined without any mixing-up of the plot or any extraneous detail and each look back presented the reader with a greater knowledge of the situation. The characters were incredibly well-drawn (I have met many people who have displayed similar characteristics and failings) and I was hoping all the way through that Innes and Ros would hit it off. A wonderful story and so well-written. I am a huge fan!
In 1988, a student was found murdered on a clifftop path. A few days later, her boyfriend was found hanging with a suicide note in his pocket, admitting to being the murderer. Very unpleasant for Moira's four housemates but the case was closed. Nearly thirty years later, when one of the housemates, Ros, is back in St Andrews bringing her own daughter as a student, the case is re-opened when Ros meets the Constable who was part of the investigation at the time. Innes Nevin was never happy with the result of the original investigation and he persuades Ros to join him in trying to get at the truth.
We follow as the two begin their investigation but we are also privy to slices of the initial investigation as Ros remembers what happened at the time. I felt that the present and the past were beautifully entwined without any mixing-up of the plot or any extraneous detail and each look back presented the reader with a greater knowledge of the situation. The characters were incredibly well-drawn (I have met many people who have displayed similar characteristics and failings) and I was hoping all the way through that Innes and Ros would hit it off. A wonderful story and so well-written. I am a huge fan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2019
Comfortably paced mystery with quirky characters
This is a quick-read, standalone mystery about the death of a young woman, who was murdered thirty-years ago near St. Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. I was looking for a comfortably-paced mystery set in Britain, and happily, I found this well-plotted book with clever twists and unexpected turns.
I was quickly drawn to protagonist Ros Anderson, who was a student at St. Andrews when her friend and house-mate was murdered. She returns to Fife when her daughter starts uni as a St. Andrews student. Ros becomes re-acquainted with retired DCI Innes Nevin, who was a callow PC assisting a detective investigate the 1988 murder. Ros joins Nevin, who is re-investigating the murder after new information came to his attention.
The chapters alternate between current time and 1988, but the timeline switches are not clearly marked. Without titles or headings to differentiate present time from 1988, I had to stop reading several times to re-orient myself—which annoyingly pulled me out of the story. Otherwise, this was a solid read that I would recommend.
This is a quick-read, standalone mystery about the death of a young woman, who was murdered thirty-years ago near St. Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. I was looking for a comfortably-paced mystery set in Britain, and happily, I found this well-plotted book with clever twists and unexpected turns.
I was quickly drawn to protagonist Ros Anderson, who was a student at St. Andrews when her friend and house-mate was murdered. She returns to Fife when her daughter starts uni as a St. Andrews student. Ros becomes re-acquainted with retired DCI Innes Nevin, who was a callow PC assisting a detective investigate the 1988 murder. Ros joins Nevin, who is re-investigating the murder after new information came to his attention.
The chapters alternate between current time and 1988, but the timeline switches are not clearly marked. Without titles or headings to differentiate present time from 1988, I had to stop reading several times to re-orient myself—which annoyingly pulled me out of the story. Otherwise, this was a solid read that I would recommend.
June 16, 2019
Janice Frost outdone herself.
I think Janice Frost has outdone herself with this book. It was well written and I read it in one sitting.
I think Janice Frost has outdone herself with this book. It was well written and I read it in one sitting.
June 2, 2019
An enjoyable reading in a weekend afternoon, with a cup of hot chocolate and the trusted dog at your feet
June 2019
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF - An Addictive crime thriller full of twists
by Janice Frost
Coming June 2019
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF is a story of 5 young women lodged together while attending St Andrews University in the 80s. The relationships between them are some good, some difficult, some conflicted, because of their different characters.
When one of them is found dead everybody is asking who the killer is. During the police investigation, a friend of the dead young woman commits suicide leaving a note in the pocket saying he killed the woman and the investigation stops.
Decades later, one of the young women returns to St Andrews University to bring her student daughter and the murder, apparently solved, begins to haunt her.
I liked the story because it is a good mystery book, even better than I would have thought at the beginning. Writing a mystery book is not an easy task and the fact that I wasn't able to have even the slightest idea who the killer is until the main character revealed it is a good thing.
I didn't like the story because I think there is a lot of cliches, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.
I think the suspense is too little, too late.
I recommend the book because it is a good mystery book, and as the story unfolds, it becomes more attractive, interesting, and suspenseful.
Janice Frost also wrote DS MERRY & DI NEAL SERIES Book 1: DEAD SECRET Book 2: DARK SECRET Book 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET Book 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS Book 5: DIRTY SECRETS.
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF - An Addictive crime thriller full of twists
by Janice Frost
271 pages, Joffe Books Publisher. Paperback $8.99 (USD)
This review can be found at NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2019
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF - An Addictive crime thriller full of twists
by Janice Frost
Coming June 2019
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF is a story of 5 young women lodged together while attending St Andrews University in the 80s. The relationships between them are some good, some difficult, some conflicted, because of their different characters.
When one of them is found dead everybody is asking who the killer is. During the police investigation, a friend of the dead young woman commits suicide leaving a note in the pocket saying he killed the woman and the investigation stops.
Decades later, one of the young women returns to St Andrews University to bring her student daughter and the murder, apparently solved, begins to haunt her.
I liked the story because it is a good mystery book, even better than I would have thought at the beginning. Writing a mystery book is not an easy task and the fact that I wasn't able to have even the slightest idea who the killer is until the main character revealed it is a good thing.
I didn't like the story because I think there is a lot of cliches, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.
I think the suspense is too little, too late.
I recommend the book because it is a good mystery book, and as the story unfolds, it becomes more attractive, interesting, and suspenseful.
Janice Frost also wrote DS MERRY & DI NEAL SERIES Book 1: DEAD SECRET Book 2: DARK SECRET Book 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET Book 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS Book 5: DIRTY SECRETS.
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF - An Addictive crime thriller full of twists
by Janice Frost
271 pages, Joffe Books Publisher. Paperback $8.99 (USD)
This review can be found at NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2019
If you have ever been haunted by the past, this is a great read for you.
It is probably fair to say that most reunions with friends from school aren't overshadowed by the ghost of a murdered roommate. In The Woman on The Cliff, we follow the story of Ros, a woman that sends her daughter off to St. Andrews University and is forced to face not only her past, but her present when she runs into one of the detectives who investigated the murder of her roommate.
Nothing is what it seems and Ros gets caught in a tangle of uncertainty and danger as she tries to find closure and justice for her murdered friend.
Certainly many mystery and suspense books have a fairly predictable formula, this one sheds most of the formulary and takes the reader on a twisting journey between past and present. The jumps back and forth can be a little confusing but are necessary to the story. It is also about Ros and her coming to terms with some of her own flaws and mistakes in judgement.
Frost creates an intriguing tale with The Woman on The Cliff, Her characters are well developed. Because Ros has her own flaws she is incredibly relatable. I love her description of the sound and smells of the North Sea, she definitely puts the reader in the location. She builds tension well and makes the game of figuring out 'who did it and why' entertaining.
Part of the ending left me wanting a bit. Without spoiling, I felt like Frost built up the evil/vicious in one of the characters and there was no real final confrontation. It did have a bit of a tidy wrapped up ending which isn't my favorite thing, but that is just a personal preference.
Overall, this is a solid mystery read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
It is probably fair to say that most reunions with friends from school aren't overshadowed by the ghost of a murdered roommate. In The Woman on The Cliff, we follow the story of Ros, a woman that sends her daughter off to St. Andrews University and is forced to face not only her past, but her present when she runs into one of the detectives who investigated the murder of her roommate.
Nothing is what it seems and Ros gets caught in a tangle of uncertainty and danger as she tries to find closure and justice for her murdered friend.
Certainly many mystery and suspense books have a fairly predictable formula, this one sheds most of the formulary and takes the reader on a twisting journey between past and present. The jumps back and forth can be a little confusing but are necessary to the story. It is also about Ros and her coming to terms with some of her own flaws and mistakes in judgement.
Frost creates an intriguing tale with The Woman on The Cliff, Her characters are well developed. Because Ros has her own flaws she is incredibly relatable. I love her description of the sound and smells of the North Sea, she definitely puts the reader in the location. She builds tension well and makes the game of figuring out 'who did it and why' entertaining.
Part of the ending left me wanting a bit. Without spoiling, I felt like Frost built up the evil/vicious in one of the characters and there was no real final confrontation. It did have a bit of a tidy wrapped up ending which isn't my favorite thing, but that is just a personal preference.
Overall, this is a solid mystery read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
July 21, 2019
The Woman on the Cliff was a well written crime/mystery novel, abeit with a slightly unrealistic ending. What I did like, apart from the twists and turns, was the character development and the relationship between Ros and Innes.
June 18, 2019
The author wrote a thriller that started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, so I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
June 6, 2019
In 1988 five girls studying at St Andrews university are sharing a house together.
Ros, best friend Elspeth, Moira, Lucy and Shona get along well enough apart from regular arguments and jealousies occuring between Elspeth and Moira. It is left to the others to do their best to calm the situations as best they can.
That is until the day that Moira is murdered,her body discovered lying on a cliff top path.
Suspicions are aroused but when Moiras boyfriend Stuart takes his own life leaving behind a note stating he was responsible for her death Inspector Menzies the SIO closes the case.
Fast forward nearly 30 years and we find Ros dropping off her daughter for her first term at St Andrews.
A chance encounter with Innes Nevin, the young pc who had worked on Moiras` case inevitably leads to them disussing Moiras death and as both of them have always felt that something hadn`t been right at the time they decide to look into the circumstances once again.
Will they finally discover the truth of what happened to Moira? Is the killer still out there?
This is a tense thriller where nothing is as it seems, well drawn characters who came to life.
A well thought out plot that kept me hooked all the way through, many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Ros, best friend Elspeth, Moira, Lucy and Shona get along well enough apart from regular arguments and jealousies occuring between Elspeth and Moira. It is left to the others to do their best to calm the situations as best they can.
That is until the day that Moira is murdered,her body discovered lying on a cliff top path.
Suspicions are aroused but when Moiras boyfriend Stuart takes his own life leaving behind a note stating he was responsible for her death Inspector Menzies the SIO closes the case.
Fast forward nearly 30 years and we find Ros dropping off her daughter for her first term at St Andrews.
A chance encounter with Innes Nevin, the young pc who had worked on Moiras` case inevitably leads to them disussing Moiras death and as both of them have always felt that something hadn`t been right at the time they decide to look into the circumstances once again.
Will they finally discover the truth of what happened to Moira? Is the killer still out there?
This is a tense thriller where nothing is as it seems, well drawn characters who came to life.
A well thought out plot that kept me hooked all the way through, many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
June 8, 2019
This is a big whodunit
Five young women sharing a house in north street St Andrews while studying at university. One student Moira Mackie is found murdered out on the cliff path. The last time she was seen was speaking to a older man that she seems to know well. She was having an affair with married Andrew Kelso and had a boyfriend Stuart Brogan who killed himself two days after the murder with a note in his pocket saying he had killed her. Andrew Kelso had an alibi that he was at home with his wife looking after their daughter who was poorly. Inspectors John Menzies and Innes Nevin are dealing with the case. Roslyn is telling her story as we go from the past to the present and we learn more. The present day she meets up again with Innes Nevin and both set out together to find the true killer. This book kept me guessing till the end I loved reading it all the way through. It will definitely keep readers in suspense.
Five young women sharing a house in north street St Andrews while studying at university. One student Moira Mackie is found murdered out on the cliff path. The last time she was seen was speaking to a older man that she seems to know well. She was having an affair with married Andrew Kelso and had a boyfriend Stuart Brogan who killed himself two days after the murder with a note in his pocket saying he had killed her. Andrew Kelso had an alibi that he was at home with his wife looking after their daughter who was poorly. Inspectors John Menzies and Innes Nevin are dealing with the case. Roslyn is telling her story as we go from the past to the present and we learn more. The present day she meets up again with Innes Nevin and both set out together to find the true killer. This book kept me guessing till the end I loved reading it all the way through. It will definitely keep readers in suspense.
June 12, 2019
The first thing that drew me to pick this novel up was the title, and then I read the blurb and was intrigued. I’m really glad I read it because now I have a new author to follow.
Janice Frost knows how to keep her readers invested. The characters stand out as realistic and relatable. The plot is well-paced and the twists are really great. I was definitely surprised a few times.
If you like a solid mystery, The Woman on the Cliff is one you should pick up. Good plot, characters and action.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Books N All. All opinions are my own.*
Janice Frost knows how to keep her readers invested. The characters stand out as realistic and relatable. The plot is well-paced and the twists are really great. I was definitely surprised a few times.
If you like a solid mystery, The Woman on the Cliff is one you should pick up. Good plot, characters and action.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Books N All. All opinions are my own.*
May 27, 2019
Roslyn Anderson is one of five students living together while attending St. Andrews University in 1988. Then Moira one of the flatmates is found murdered.
D.I. John Menzies and P.C. Innes Nevin start the investigation but a confession and a suicide halt the proceedings.
Nearly 30 years later, the past comes back to haunt everyone involved. Is there still a murderer out there and what was the motive for any person.
The story evolves about the two time periods concerned. It is a well-written interesting mystery, with some likeable and genuine portrayals of characters
Received an ARC from the publisher.
D.I. John Menzies and P.C. Innes Nevin start the investigation but a confession and a suicide halt the proceedings.
Nearly 30 years later, the past comes back to haunt everyone involved. Is there still a murderer out there and what was the motive for any person.
The story evolves about the two time periods concerned. It is a well-written interesting mystery, with some likeable and genuine portrayals of characters
Received an ARC from the publisher.
May 28, 2019
This is a good story of deceit and murder. What happened years ago comes back to haunt Ros and someone is trying to stop her getting to the truth.
I have to be fair and say although I did enjoy it, it switched backwards and forwards from the past to the present too much and I did find myself getting a bit muddled throughout. On the whole it was a good read, can’t say I warmed to the characters apart from Ros & Innes, the others were a bit flaky and elspeth was just a manipulator for her own ends. I’m surprised no one bumped her off.
My thanks to Janice and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
I have to be fair and say although I did enjoy it, it switched backwards and forwards from the past to the present too much and I did find myself getting a bit muddled throughout. On the whole it was a good read, can’t say I warmed to the characters apart from Ros & Innes, the others were a bit flaky and elspeth was just a manipulator for her own ends. I’m surprised no one bumped her off.
My thanks to Janice and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
February 10, 2020
I liked the characters of Ros and Innes and I hope they return in another novel as private investigators. However, the plot with the spy business was too far-fetched for me to believe.
June 25, 2019
Good read. Interesting about the cold war. Never expected that.
May 29, 2019
This story is about 5 roommates who lodge together while at St. Andrews university. Yes the university Will and Kate went too. Through their lodging a rivalry pops up between Ros’ best friend Elspeth and a new friend Moira. Having distinctly similar characteristics caused more than a few commotions amongst the girls. This causes Lucy, Ros and Shona to be constant mediators in weird situations. But soon things take a toll for the worst. Moira gets murdered and it’s to be believed that her ex boyfriend committed d the crime. After his suicide the investigation is called to a full stop. However, nearly 30 years later Ros still feels something isn’t right with her friends death. After meeting up with Innes the original PC on the case they reopen it and start looking for answers. Will they find them or will the answers they seek cost them their lives?
This was a wild ride! I won’t say I didn’t have an inkling on what I thought was going to happen but it was so much more. I liked the diversity of characters and how realistic the author portrayed them. I did however think Ros was too naive into thinking her friend Elspeth didn’t have a dark side. Although I did like seeing the past and the future to try and piece things together I find it kind of disorienting at times when you were trying to figure out where in the time line you were. Only feedback would be I wish they were dated past and present so I could get in the right mindset as to what year I was reading. I mean it really helped in the flashbacks to have Moira alive obviously but still having a date with the chapter would have helped me personally.
Merged review:
This story is about 5 roommates who lodge together while at St. Andrews university. Yes the university Will and Kate went too. Through their lodging a rivalry pops up between Ros’ best friend Elspeth and a new friend Moira. Having distinctly similar characteristics caused more than a few commotions amongst the girls. This causes Lucy, Ros and Shona to be constant mediators in weird situations. But soon things take a toll for the worst. Moira gets murdered and it’s to be believed that her ex boyfriend committed d the crime. After his suicide the investigation is called to a full stop. However, nearly 30 years later Ros still feels something isn’t right with her friends death. After meeting up with Innes the original PC on the case they reopen it and start looking for answers. Will they find them or will the answers they seek cost them their lives?
This was a wild ride! I won’t say I didn’t have an inkling on what I thought was going to happen but it was so much more. I liked the diversity of characters and how realistic the author portrayed them. I did however think Ros was too naive into thinking her friend Elspeth didn’t have a dark side. Although I did like seeing the past and the future to try and piece things together I find it kind of disorienting at times when you were trying to figure out where in the time line you were. Only feedback would be I wish they were dated past and present so I could get in the right mindset as to what year I was reading. I mean it really helped in the flashbacks to have Moira alive obviously but still having a date with the chapter would have helped me personally.
This was a wild ride! I won’t say I didn’t have an inkling on what I thought was going to happen but it was so much more. I liked the diversity of characters and how realistic the author portrayed them. I did however think Ros was too naive into thinking her friend Elspeth didn’t have a dark side. Although I did like seeing the past and the future to try and piece things together I find it kind of disorienting at times when you were trying to figure out where in the time line you were. Only feedback would be I wish they were dated past and present so I could get in the right mindset as to what year I was reading. I mean it really helped in the flashbacks to have Moira alive obviously but still having a date with the chapter would have helped me personally.
Merged review:
This story is about 5 roommates who lodge together while at St. Andrews university. Yes the university Will and Kate went too. Through their lodging a rivalry pops up between Ros’ best friend Elspeth and a new friend Moira. Having distinctly similar characteristics caused more than a few commotions amongst the girls. This causes Lucy, Ros and Shona to be constant mediators in weird situations. But soon things take a toll for the worst. Moira gets murdered and it’s to be believed that her ex boyfriend committed d the crime. After his suicide the investigation is called to a full stop. However, nearly 30 years later Ros still feels something isn’t right with her friends death. After meeting up with Innes the original PC on the case they reopen it and start looking for answers. Will they find them or will the answers they seek cost them their lives?
This was a wild ride! I won’t say I didn’t have an inkling on what I thought was going to happen but it was so much more. I liked the diversity of characters and how realistic the author portrayed them. I did however think Ros was too naive into thinking her friend Elspeth didn’t have a dark side. Although I did like seeing the past and the future to try and piece things together I find it kind of disorienting at times when you were trying to figure out where in the time line you were. Only feedback would be I wish they were dated past and present so I could get in the right mindset as to what year I was reading. I mean it really helped in the flashbacks to have Moira alive obviously but still having a date with the chapter would have helped me personally.
June 29, 2019
Excellent book
I started this book wondering if I would like it having been used to Janice Frosts previous books. No problem enjoyed from start to finish
I started this book wondering if I would like it having been used to Janice Frosts previous books. No problem enjoyed from start to finish
January 25, 2020
Brilliant!
October 12, 2019
Wow, great read...
Janice Frost has written some great books but I reckon this one is her best.Character development excellent and not overdone. Great story with thrilling twists and a great ending.What more can you ask for?
Janice Frost has written some great books but I reckon this one is her best.Character development excellent and not overdone. Great story with thrilling twists and a great ending.What more can you ask for?
June 21, 2019
In 1988 a young college student is murdered and one of the men she had a relationship with commits suicide leaving a note confessing to her murder. The murder has haunted the young policeman who was part of the initial investigation and the women who were her roommates. Years later a chance encounter between Innes Nevin (the policeman) and Roz Maitland (one of the roommates) prompts them to start asking questions and reinvestigating the murder.
The story is told through flashbacks between the past and the present which is interesting because it gives a sense of the relationships between the five women. The motive for the murder seemed a bit farfetched to me and left me feeling a bit disappointed because I didn’t feel that all my questions were answered in enough detail.
The story is told through flashbacks between the past and the present which is interesting because it gives a sense of the relationships between the five women. The motive for the murder seemed a bit farfetched to me and left me feeling a bit disappointed because I didn’t feel that all my questions were answered in enough detail.
May 30, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own. was hooked from the first page. It's a taut and we'll told story with strong characters that you will immerse yourself in. If you enjoy well written thrillers absolutely pick up this winner because you won't be disappointed. Happy reading! #TheWomanOnTheCliffs #Netgalley
January 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book, as it was fast paced and had good character development. Told in alternating between past and present, from one character’s perspective, we are introduced to a cast of characters and a mystery to solve. This was my first book to read from this author, and will read more in the future from her!
September 3, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed this book completely different from her detective novels Janice Frost is an excellent writergreat characters would like to read more with innes nevins. Character in
I really enjoyed this book completely different from her detective novels Janice Frost is an excellent writergreat characters would like to read more with innes nevins. Character in
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