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Forget Me Not
‘AMAZING’ Marian Keyes I disappeared on a Tuesday afternoon. I was there one minute and the next I was gone. They’ve never found my body…
It’s six in the morning during the hottest summer on record when Elizabeth O’Loughlin , out walking her dog, comes across Clare, a victim of a horrific knife attack, clinging onto life at the side of the road.
Clare dies minutes later, but not before whispering her haunting last words to Elizabeth.
When it becomes clear that Clare’s killer has more than one murder on his mind, Elizabeth has to take drastic action or face losing everything.
But what if she can’t stop a killer determined never to be forgotten? What readers are saying about Forget Me Not : " Wow. This book was absolutely fantastic! " "An intense psychological thriller… many twists and turns… an exceptional read ' "My first Claire Allan book but won't be my last! I flew through this creepy little thriller " " An adrenaline rush from beginning to end . One of those "I couldn't put down" books, full of twists and turns" " I was hooked! Full of twists and turns that will have you guessing right up till the end of this excellent book. I loved it" "Thoroughly enjoyable with an amazing cast of characters that you cannot help but engage with." "A fast paced, well written and suspenseful read… k ept me on the edge of my seat biting my nails " " Wow. This book was absolutely fantastic. I read this book in one sitting." " Probably Allan's best book yet! ” "A compulsively readable and engrossing tale that sends shivers down the spine and will have readers cowering behind the sofa .” “ Ingeniously plotted, brilliantly written and cleverly told , Forget Me Not is a pacy thriller that continues to propel best-selling author Claire Allan straight on the path to superstardom. Another winner from Claire Allan’s twisted pen! "
It’s six in the morning during the hottest summer on record when Elizabeth O’Loughlin , out walking her dog, comes across Clare, a victim of a horrific knife attack, clinging onto life at the side of the road.
Clare dies minutes later, but not before whispering her haunting last words to Elizabeth.
When it becomes clear that Clare’s killer has more than one murder on his mind, Elizabeth has to take drastic action or face losing everything.
But what if she can’t stop a killer determined never to be forgotten? What readers are saying about Forget Me Not : " Wow. This book was absolutely fantastic! " "An intense psychological thriller… many twists and turns… an exceptional read ' "My first Claire Allan book but won't be my last! I flew through this creepy little thriller " " An adrenaline rush from beginning to end . One of those "I couldn't put down" books, full of twists and turns" " I was hooked! Full of twists and turns that will have you guessing right up till the end of this excellent book. I loved it" "Thoroughly enjoyable with an amazing cast of characters that you cannot help but engage with." "A fast paced, well written and suspenseful read… k ept me on the edge of my seat biting my nails " " Wow. This book was absolutely fantastic. I read this book in one sitting." " Probably Allan's best book yet! ” "A compulsively readable and engrossing tale that sends shivers down the spine and will have readers cowering behind the sofa .” “ Ingeniously plotted, brilliantly written and cleverly told , Forget Me Not is a pacy thriller that continues to propel best-selling author Claire Allan straight on the path to superstardom. Another winner from Claire Allan’s twisted pen! "
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
May 11, 2019
Claire Allan certainly knows how to keep you guessing while reading her books. Elizabeth had been out walking her dog when she found a woman dying from her horrific injuries. I don't want to say much more about the story as I don't want to spoil it. The story is told mainly by Rachel and Elizabeth's point of view. The tension builds from the turn of the first page. It's action packed and full of twists. This is a fast paced, well written and suspenseful read. I quickly added Claire Allan to my favourite author list after reading Her Name Was Rose. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk and the author Claire Allan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk and the author Claire Allan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2019
Elizabeth, while out walking her dog early one morning, stumbles upon a woman with her neck slashed. She immediately calls for help but while waiting for the ambulance and police to arrive the victim utters two words:
Warn Them
. Then she takes her final breath.
It turns out the victims name is Clare and her best friends Rachel and Julie are just devastated by the news. Who would want to kill their best friend?
Elizabeth, Rachel, Julie, and Clare's family have all been left ominous bouquets of forget me not flowers with cryptic messages attached. Do they have a reason to be frightened?
Chapters are narrated by Elizabeth and Rachel and you know that these two seemingly unrelated people will have a connection at some point because psych thrillers need a twist to throw at their readers.
This was a ho-hum thriller if ever I read one. Rachel is the worst person. I could not stand her whining and complaining constantly. This is a woman that has been carrying on an affair for months but when she notices scratches on her husbands arm she immediately becomes enraged because he *may* be cheating on her. Her lover on the other hand wants nothing more than to be with Rachel but of course she can't because she loves her kids so very much and could never hurt them. So when he says that maybe they should pause the relationship while the murder investigation is going on...guess what she does? She becomes enraged with him for playing games with her. This woman needs a throat punch.
All I know about Julie, the other best friend, is that she lives inside a vodka bottle. Shocking! She has no character development whatsoever.
Elizabeth likes to bake bread and mourn the loss of her husband and daughter while living a solitary life in an old farmhouse with her dog and because of that fateful morning walk has been thrust into a situation she would rather have nothing to do with.
Pages upon pages of useless words. This book could have and should have been nearly 50-100 pages less. I skimmed quite a bit only to get to the most predictable conclusion. Let's just say I saw the twists coming from a mile away.
This one just wasn't for me. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It turns out the victims name is Clare and her best friends Rachel and Julie are just devastated by the news. Who would want to kill their best friend?
Elizabeth, Rachel, Julie, and Clare's family have all been left ominous bouquets of forget me not flowers with cryptic messages attached. Do they have a reason to be frightened?
Chapters are narrated by Elizabeth and Rachel and you know that these two seemingly unrelated people will have a connection at some point because psych thrillers need a twist to throw at their readers.
This was a ho-hum thriller if ever I read one. Rachel is the worst person. I could not stand her whining and complaining constantly. This is a woman that has been carrying on an affair for months but when she notices scratches on her husbands arm she immediately becomes enraged because he *may* be cheating on her. Her lover on the other hand wants nothing more than to be with Rachel but of course she can't because she loves her kids so very much and could never hurt them. So when he says that maybe they should pause the relationship while the murder investigation is going on...guess what she does? She becomes enraged with him for playing games with her. This woman needs a throat punch.
All I know about Julie, the other best friend, is that she lives inside a vodka bottle. Shocking! She has no character development whatsoever.
Elizabeth likes to bake bread and mourn the loss of her husband and daughter while living a solitary life in an old farmhouse with her dog and because of that fateful morning walk has been thrust into a situation she would rather have nothing to do with.
Pages upon pages of useless words. This book could have and should have been nearly 50-100 pages less. I skimmed quite a bit only to get to the most predictable conclusion. Let's just say I saw the twists coming from a mile away.
This one just wasn't for me. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2019
After reading Claire Allan’s “My Name Was Rose” I was very excited to start this book and was intrigued with the title “Forget Me Not”
WOW what a beginning!! You are thrown straight into this book, you had me hooked from the start and I was completely oblivious to my surroundings the whole time I was reading this book.
Elizabeth was walking her dog when they stumble upon a woman who has been attacked with a knife. Elizabeth calls for an ambulance and holds the dying woman’s hand. She mutters “Warn them” before dying.
The police are desperately trying to find the person responsible for this heinous act. When the victim’s friends are also being targeted you can’t help but wander who else will be next!! And what is the connection of Elizabeth to these women?
This is a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat biting my nails, there were twists galore and a surprising ending. I practically devoured this book in one day. The tension builds throughout the book like a pressure cooker about to explode!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
WOW what a beginning!! You are thrown straight into this book, you had me hooked from the start and I was completely oblivious to my surroundings the whole time I was reading this book.
Elizabeth was walking her dog when they stumble upon a woman who has been attacked with a knife. Elizabeth calls for an ambulance and holds the dying woman’s hand. She mutters “Warn them” before dying.
The police are desperately trying to find the person responsible for this heinous act. When the victim’s friends are also being targeted you can’t help but wander who else will be next!! And what is the connection of Elizabeth to these women?
This is a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat biting my nails, there were twists galore and a surprising ending. I practically devoured this book in one day. The tension builds throughout the book like a pressure cooker about to explode!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 4, 2019
Wow what an excellent book. It hooked me from the first page until the last. It was incredibly well written. I thought I had it all figured out but then the twists started to come which were great. A thoroughly enjoyable and addictive read. Ive really enjoyed Claire Allan’s books. Every one has been brilliant and she’s easily one of my favourite authors I can’t wait for the next book already!
May 21, 2019
Forget Me Not was a book that I read in one afternoon. I have loved all of Clare Allen's books and this one was no exception. Once I started reading it I didn't want to stop. The story had me sucked in from the beginning and held on until the end. The ending had me shocked - I didn't see it coming at all, The characters all had their quirks - not all of them likeable but it worked. And we can't go past that gorgeous cover! Great colours!
Elizabeth is walking her dog early one very hot morning when she come across a woman who has been brutally attacked and left for dead. She calls the authorities and holds the woman's hand but she dies in front of her. But not before uttering her last words "warn them" She is identified as Clare a local woman. Clare's best friend Rachael is devastated by the news and wants to know who would do this to her friend. Her secrets start to come out as do Rachael's. And then her life and that of her family's are threatened. What is the link? And how is Elizabeth connected? You will not pick it and the ending is shocking.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon UK for my advanced copy of this book to read.. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Elizabeth is walking her dog early one very hot morning when she come across a woman who has been brutally attacked and left for dead. She calls the authorities and holds the woman's hand but she dies in front of her. But not before uttering her last words "warn them" She is identified as Clare a local woman. Clare's best friend Rachael is devastated by the news and wants to know who would do this to her friend. Her secrets start to come out as do Rachael's. And then her life and that of her family's are threatened. What is the link? And how is Elizabeth connected? You will not pick it and the ending is shocking.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon UK for my advanced copy of this book to read.. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
April 2, 2019
Forget Me Not by Claire Allan is was a psychological thriller that kept me guessing.
Elizabeth was out walking her dog when she found a woman dying. The woman had been brutally attacked and it turns out that there was a link to Elizabeth's daughter who had died a few years before.
The woman's friends are now in fear for their lives and the police are trying to find the attacker before he strikes again.
I enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of days. I will be looking out for more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth was out walking her dog when she found a woman dying. The woman had been brutally attacked and it turns out that there was a link to Elizabeth's daughter who had died a few years before.
The woman's friends are now in fear for their lives and the police are trying to find the attacker before he strikes again.
I enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of days. I will be looking out for more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2019
Captivating!
Thats how I would ‘sum up’ this 3rd novel from Claire Allen, the term ‘couldn’t put it down’ turns up a lot in reviews ( mine too! ) BUT this really was the case for this book...
The story starts with retired nurse, Elizabeth, finding a brutally murdered woman and hearing her last words...these words send a chill down her spine, little knowing the consequences these words will have on her life......introduce 2 best friends of the victim, in shock and disbelief at what has happened and then realising the killer has them in their sights and you have the basis for this exciting and scary tale!
Actions that people were not aware they made come back home to roost and no one is safe, innocent or guilty and the book takes you along at motorway speed through page after page of this dark claustrophobic thriller
Characters are precise and well written and almost instantly easy to ‘get to know’, the writing flows easily and the whole thing is immersive and enjoyable
A great book with a surprising conclusion and as say really was a pleasure to read and enjoy
10/10 5 Stars
Thats how I would ‘sum up’ this 3rd novel from Claire Allen, the term ‘couldn’t put it down’ turns up a lot in reviews ( mine too! ) BUT this really was the case for this book...
The story starts with retired nurse, Elizabeth, finding a brutally murdered woman and hearing her last words...these words send a chill down her spine, little knowing the consequences these words will have on her life......introduce 2 best friends of the victim, in shock and disbelief at what has happened and then realising the killer has them in their sights and you have the basis for this exciting and scary tale!
Actions that people were not aware they made come back home to roost and no one is safe, innocent or guilty and the book takes you along at motorway speed through page after page of this dark claustrophobic thriller
Characters are precise and well written and almost instantly easy to ‘get to know’, the writing flows easily and the whole thing is immersive and enjoyable
A great book with a surprising conclusion and as say really was a pleasure to read and enjoy
10/10 5 Stars
May 30, 2019
Forget me not by Clare Allan is the first book by the author and it won’t be my last.
It’s one of the hottest days of the year and Elizabeth O’Loughlin is walking her dog Izzy, when she comes across a woman covered in blood after a horrific attack and just before she dies, she whispers ‘warn them’. Elizabeth is in shock and finds it hard to come to terms to what happened as she, still blames herself for her daughters’ suicide two years previously. She lives alone, on a run-down farm after her death of her husband.
When the friends of the woman find out she is dead. they are mortified and seem afraid that they maybe next as they receive Forget me not flowers with weird notes left. Like ones left next to dying woman Clare. The story also tells us of Rachel Walker, one of the friends of Clare who died. She is in a loveless marriage with a new baby but has a lover who she met through her creative writing class.
Wooo hoo I liked this. Clare Allan is a new author for me. I will be definitely looking at her other books. Written with two perspectives Rachel and Elizabeth we learn about both their backgrounds and how they are both connected. This is an unputdownable thriller, with more twists and turns than a roller-coaster that kept me guessing to the end. I liked it’s tense and clever plot.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this book.
It’s one of the hottest days of the year and Elizabeth O’Loughlin is walking her dog Izzy, when she comes across a woman covered in blood after a horrific attack and just before she dies, she whispers ‘warn them’. Elizabeth is in shock and finds it hard to come to terms to what happened as she, still blames herself for her daughters’ suicide two years previously. She lives alone, on a run-down farm after her death of her husband.
When the friends of the woman find out she is dead. they are mortified and seem afraid that they maybe next as they receive Forget me not flowers with weird notes left. Like ones left next to dying woman Clare. The story also tells us of Rachel Walker, one of the friends of Clare who died. She is in a loveless marriage with a new baby but has a lover who she met through her creative writing class.
Wooo hoo I liked this. Clare Allan is a new author for me. I will be definitely looking at her other books. Written with two perspectives Rachel and Elizabeth we learn about both their backgrounds and how they are both connected. This is an unputdownable thriller, with more twists and turns than a roller-coaster that kept me guessing to the end. I liked it’s tense and clever plot.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this book.
April 10, 2019
Elizabeth, walking her dog one morning, is horrified to find the barely alive body of a woman, the victim of a vicious attack. Clare is only able to whisper a few words before she dies.
Rachel, one of Clare’s best friends, is understandably traumatised by the death of her friend. But as it turns out, that’s only the beginning of the nightmare for Rachel.
I didn’t really engage with the character of Rachel, which is unfortunate as she’s the main narrator (there are also sections from Elizabeth’s point of view). She just didn’t seem that interesting and I never felt I had a grasp on her personality. I preferred the older Elizabeth, who also has some secrets up her sleeve.
The story took me a while to get into but then did become quite an addictive read as I tried to work out what was going on, There was obvious misdirection in play from early on, but I wasn’t at all sure where it was all leading, and in fact it was cleverer misdirection than I thought because when I did think I knew where things were going, it turned out I was wrong. I did guess in the end - but only very shortly before the big reveal.
The prologue confused me and I had to think about it a bit to get my head round it.
There are occasional clumsily constructed sentences (“DI Bradley had left the room to call the details in to his team that I’d given him”.... huh?) but I read an advance copy so hopefully these will be edited out in the final version. The title’s pretty unoriginal.
All in all a good escapist read, cleverly put together and ultimately quite gripping.
May 28, 2019
This book pulled me in, my world went spiraling out. I wanted to live inside the book, be with the characters, peruse them, get to know what they had been hiding for so long.
"Secrets in the past never remain buried long.
Murder and fear make the thriller-y song
Do photos stare at you
Do flowers speak to you
Corny messages they may sound
Poems from unknown keep you bound
Look on the inside more than out
Get to the truth in a bout"
This was the basic arc of the book. 3 best friends, one killed and the other 2 seemed to be at risk. An old mate from school who commuted suicide seemed to be link. How, when, where, why were the the cops had to solve.
Claire Allan was fabulous in her writing, clear and foreboding. Every chapter was like a layer uncovered. The panic and fear leapt off the pages to grip me by the throat. Casting a doubt on every character was blissful fun. The women in the book were flawed, it seemed they were falling apart, their friendships frayed. And they touched my heart with this vulnerability.
From beginning to end the book kept me tied to it. I had work but called in sick because the book called me more. This was the call of the trifecta siren, the perfect combination of mystery, suspense, and emotion.
For me, no two ways about it, I loved the book completely, and this was the best book by Claire Allan.
"Secrets in the past never remain buried long.
Murder and fear make the thriller-y song
Do photos stare at you
Do flowers speak to you
Corny messages they may sound
Poems from unknown keep you bound
Look on the inside more than out
Get to the truth in a bout"
This was the basic arc of the book. 3 best friends, one killed and the other 2 seemed to be at risk. An old mate from school who commuted suicide seemed to be link. How, when, where, why were the the cops had to solve.
Claire Allan was fabulous in her writing, clear and foreboding. Every chapter was like a layer uncovered. The panic and fear leapt off the pages to grip me by the throat. Casting a doubt on every character was blissful fun. The women in the book were flawed, it seemed they were falling apart, their friendships frayed. And they touched my heart with this vulnerability.
From beginning to end the book kept me tied to it. I had work but called in sick because the book called me more. This was the call of the trifecta siren, the perfect combination of mystery, suspense, and emotion.
For me, no two ways about it, I loved the book completely, and this was the best book by Claire Allan.
January 24, 2023
A tense psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, FORGET ME NOT by Claire Allan is the first I have read by this author - and it won't be my last. It is tight, it is twisted, it is heart-stopping! I would often fall asleep late into the night reading it, I didn't want to put it down!
Elizabeth O'Loughlin is on a morning walk with her dog Izzy (and throughout the whole book I hoped and prayed nothing untoward would happen to Izzy. Thank you Allan for not taking the story in that direction) when she discovers the lifeless body of a woman, barely alive, the victim of a vicious attack. A nurse in her former life, Elizabeth immediately springs into action, dialling 999 for emergency services, and then cradles the woman urging her to hang on. Her injuries however are too severe and she succumbs to them but not before whispering urgently in Elizabeth's ear the words "Warn them!"
Rachel Walker is a troubled woman. Dissatisfied with her marriage, her husband growing ever more distant, Rachel embarks on an affair of sorts Michael, a student from her creative writing class. A schoolteacher, Rachel is in a class of students when best friend Julie rings her in tears, claiming "It's her, Rach! Clare's dead!" Best friends since school, now one third of their group/friendship was gone. But instead of going home, Rachel seeks the arms of Michael (her bit on the side) to soothe her pain. When she does venture home and tells her husband Paul, he is shocked but it is her teenage daughter Beth that is devastated by the news. Only their 3 year old is not privy to the news however little Molly is not completely oblivious. Kids know when something isn't right.
The loss of Clare is felt deeply by the two friends, Rachel and Julie, though both cope with it differently. When Rachel decides to visit the site of Clare's death, she notices a strange bouquet of flowers - forget me nots - tied with black ribbon and a very cryptic message. Then Julie receives a similar bouquet with an equally cryptic message as does Rachel. What does this mean? Both women are oblivious to the fact that on the gates of her isolated farmhouse, Elizabeth has also received a bouquet with its own message. But unlike the others, Elizabeth knows the significance of the flowers - FORGET ME NOTS. They were her daughter's favourite flower.
After receiving similar bouquets of forget me nots, it is revealed that Rachel and Julie could now be in danger. Particularly when a photo of the trio is left at Rachel's house with Clare's face angrily scrubbed out and a circle around her own stating "You're next!" Turning the photo over the teenage scrawl identified Julie, Rachel, Clare and me. Me? Rachel turned the photo back over and looked closer. In the background on the periphery was a face from the past. A shadow of a smile on her face. Laura O'Loughlin.
Elizabeth's daughter Laura had taken her own life two years before after a lifetime of never fitting in. Laura grew up with no friends and lived a very lonely existence, belittled and laughed at by her peers. Cruel pranks were played on her - one of which resonated with me deeply as having had similar things happen to me as a teenager. One such occasion saw Laura excited at being asked by one of the popular girls, to accompany them to the school dance. She was over the moon and her family had never seen her so thrilled and bursting with excitement. But when Laura asked this girl should they go shopping together for a dress, she turned and laughed at her and said she must be joking and that they wouldn't be seen with the likes of her! Laura was devastated! As anyone in that situation would be. The girl who had taunted Laura...her name was Clare.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a definite connection between Rachel, Clare and Elizabeth's daughter, Laura. The three best friends were at school with Laura though she wasn't part of their circle of friends, Rachel had vague recollections of a quiet girl on the periphery just listening, waiting and wanting to be a part of their group. We are given snippets of memories from both the perspectives of Rachel and Elizabeth of Laura during their school years. It paints a rather sad picture...one to which I can relate from my own "crool" years.
Throughout the story we are introduced to a cast of characters that aid the plot development. The police investigating Clare's death, DI Bradley and PC King; the media, including the devious Ingrid Devine (I think that was her name) who hounds poor Elizabeth until she gives in; Michael, Rachel's bit on the side, who begins as understanding only to end up giving ultimatums. I didn't like him. And Rachel was a fool to throw her marriage away without even trying to work things out on the selfish need to feel good. What about her children? Her marriage? Maybe I'm old school but I believe in marriage; you don't give up and toss it out just because things gets too hard. As one of the narrators, I guess it was this that made it difficult for me to connect with Rachel. I rather enjoyed Elizabeth's narration more who also had some secrets to hide.
Then someone approaches young Molly at nursery, who she refers to as "the bad man", reducing her to tears with the threat of taking her mammy away because she is bad. And when she can't reach Beth at home the police are dispatched, finding Beth locked in the bathroom in tears because someone had tried breaking in, Rachel knows she has become the killer's next target. A fact highlighted by the photo left on her doorstep stating "You're next!"
When Rachel disappears on a supermarket run, the race is on to find her before she becomes the killer's next victim.
FORGET ME NOT is a tense and twisted thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The story did take a little for me to get into (probably due to Rachel to-ing and fro-ing between Paul and Michael) but it soon became addictive as I watched the rest of the story unfold. I did guess who was really behind it all despite being given a misdirection that was incredibly clever, that I had to wonder was I wrong in my suspicions when being lead in that direction?
I was saddened for Elizabeth who had no one left and had lost so much. Particularly after suffering the stroke on top of everything else. It just made me want to wrap her in a giant hug.
There are the occasional clumsy sentences and wording, with extra words thrown in to make no sense whatsoever. I put this down to being an advanced readers copy and hoping these will all be editted out in the final version.
FORGET ME NOT is clever, compelling and intriguing. An addictive read that I could not put down.
I would like to thank #ClaireAllan, #NetGalley and #AvonUK for an ARC of #ForgetMeNot in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Elizabeth O'Loughlin is on a morning walk with her dog Izzy (and throughout the whole book I hoped and prayed nothing untoward would happen to Izzy. Thank you Allan for not taking the story in that direction) when she discovers the lifeless body of a woman, barely alive, the victim of a vicious attack. A nurse in her former life, Elizabeth immediately springs into action, dialling 999 for emergency services, and then cradles the woman urging her to hang on. Her injuries however are too severe and she succumbs to them but not before whispering urgently in Elizabeth's ear the words "Warn them!"
Rachel Walker is a troubled woman. Dissatisfied with her marriage, her husband growing ever more distant, Rachel embarks on an affair of sorts Michael, a student from her creative writing class. A schoolteacher, Rachel is in a class of students when best friend Julie rings her in tears, claiming "It's her, Rach! Clare's dead!" Best friends since school, now one third of their group/friendship was gone. But instead of going home, Rachel seeks the arms of Michael (her bit on the side) to soothe her pain. When she does venture home and tells her husband Paul, he is shocked but it is her teenage daughter Beth that is devastated by the news. Only their 3 year old is not privy to the news however little Molly is not completely oblivious. Kids know when something isn't right.
The loss of Clare is felt deeply by the two friends, Rachel and Julie, though both cope with it differently. When Rachel decides to visit the site of Clare's death, she notices a strange bouquet of flowers - forget me nots - tied with black ribbon and a very cryptic message. Then Julie receives a similar bouquet with an equally cryptic message as does Rachel. What does this mean? Both women are oblivious to the fact that on the gates of her isolated farmhouse, Elizabeth has also received a bouquet with its own message. But unlike the others, Elizabeth knows the significance of the flowers - FORGET ME NOTS. They were her daughter's favourite flower.
After receiving similar bouquets of forget me nots, it is revealed that Rachel and Julie could now be in danger. Particularly when a photo of the trio is left at Rachel's house with Clare's face angrily scrubbed out and a circle around her own stating "You're next!" Turning the photo over the teenage scrawl identified Julie, Rachel, Clare and me. Me? Rachel turned the photo back over and looked closer. In the background on the periphery was a face from the past. A shadow of a smile on her face. Laura O'Loughlin.
Elizabeth's daughter Laura had taken her own life two years before after a lifetime of never fitting in. Laura grew up with no friends and lived a very lonely existence, belittled and laughed at by her peers. Cruel pranks were played on her - one of which resonated with me deeply as having had similar things happen to me as a teenager. One such occasion saw Laura excited at being asked by one of the popular girls, to accompany them to the school dance. She was over the moon and her family had never seen her so thrilled and bursting with excitement. But when Laura asked this girl should they go shopping together for a dress, she turned and laughed at her and said she must be joking and that they wouldn't be seen with the likes of her! Laura was devastated! As anyone in that situation would be. The girl who had taunted Laura...her name was Clare.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a definite connection between Rachel, Clare and Elizabeth's daughter, Laura. The three best friends were at school with Laura though she wasn't part of their circle of friends, Rachel had vague recollections of a quiet girl on the periphery just listening, waiting and wanting to be a part of their group. We are given snippets of memories from both the perspectives of Rachel and Elizabeth of Laura during their school years. It paints a rather sad picture...one to which I can relate from my own "crool" years.
Throughout the story we are introduced to a cast of characters that aid the plot development. The police investigating Clare's death, DI Bradley and PC King; the media, including the devious Ingrid Devine (I think that was her name) who hounds poor Elizabeth until she gives in; Michael, Rachel's bit on the side, who begins as understanding only to end up giving ultimatums. I didn't like him. And Rachel was a fool to throw her marriage away without even trying to work things out on the selfish need to feel good. What about her children? Her marriage? Maybe I'm old school but I believe in marriage; you don't give up and toss it out just because things gets too hard. As one of the narrators, I guess it was this that made it difficult for me to connect with Rachel. I rather enjoyed Elizabeth's narration more who also had some secrets to hide.
Then someone approaches young Molly at nursery, who she refers to as "the bad man", reducing her to tears with the threat of taking her mammy away because she is bad. And when she can't reach Beth at home the police are dispatched, finding Beth locked in the bathroom in tears because someone had tried breaking in, Rachel knows she has become the killer's next target. A fact highlighted by the photo left on her doorstep stating "You're next!"
When Rachel disappears on a supermarket run, the race is on to find her before she becomes the killer's next victim.
FORGET ME NOT is a tense and twisted thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The story did take a little for me to get into (probably due to Rachel to-ing and fro-ing between Paul and Michael) but it soon became addictive as I watched the rest of the story unfold. I did guess who was really behind it all despite being given a misdirection that was incredibly clever, that I had to wonder was I wrong in my suspicions when being lead in that direction?
I was saddened for Elizabeth who had no one left and had lost so much. Particularly after suffering the stroke on top of everything else. It just made me want to wrap her in a giant hug.
There are the occasional clumsy sentences and wording, with extra words thrown in to make no sense whatsoever. I put this down to being an advanced readers copy and hoping these will all be editted out in the final version.
FORGET ME NOT is clever, compelling and intriguing. An addictive read that I could not put down.
I would like to thank #ClaireAllan, #NetGalley and #AvonUK for an ARC of #ForgetMeNot in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 10, 2019
In Derry, Ireland, 41-year old Clare Taylor is found brutally murdered on the side of the road. Her last words whispered were “warn them,” springing the police into an investigation to find Clare’s killer and protect any future victims. We follow the perspectives of two women—Elizabeth and Rachel—during the investigation, putting the pieces together, uncovering what happened to Clare Taylor.
Elderly local, Elizabeth, was out walking her dog when she discovered Clare. Her last words will forever be ingrained in Elizabeth’s mind. Clare’s death is bringing back tough memories for Elizabeth. Her own daughter, Laura, tragically died 2-years previously and Elizabeth is still stricken with grief.
Rachel and Julie grew up with Clare and the three of them have been friends for over 30-years. Clare’s friends are shocked to learn of her death and as the investigation continues, they question how well they truly knew her. On top of the investigation, Rachel is dealing with her own set of problems. Her marriage is on the rocks and she’s been keeping a deep, dark secret from her husband for months.
After Clare’s murder, peculiar flower bouquets, along with cryptic messages start showing up—at the homes of Clare’s family, Rachel and Elizabeth, as well as at the crime scene. At first, they seem harmless, maybe someone trying to play a prank, but the women quickly learn that someone is taunting them. Someone knows their pasts and is determined to make them pay. They’re next, or so the notes say. And if the police don’t discover who the killer is, their lives are in serious danger...
Forget Me Not by Claire Allan is a fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was my first time reading a book by Claire Allan and I’m glad I gave her a chance! This thriller is pacey and never let up, keeping me in constant suspense. It’s full of unlikable characters, which I enjoy in a thriller. It also has a double-reveal at the end and I’m happy to say I didn’t guess who the killer was. Highly recommend this quick and creepy thriller! 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Claire Allan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elderly local, Elizabeth, was out walking her dog when she discovered Clare. Her last words will forever be ingrained in Elizabeth’s mind. Clare’s death is bringing back tough memories for Elizabeth. Her own daughter, Laura, tragically died 2-years previously and Elizabeth is still stricken with grief.
Rachel and Julie grew up with Clare and the three of them have been friends for over 30-years. Clare’s friends are shocked to learn of her death and as the investigation continues, they question how well they truly knew her. On top of the investigation, Rachel is dealing with her own set of problems. Her marriage is on the rocks and she’s been keeping a deep, dark secret from her husband for months.
After Clare’s murder, peculiar flower bouquets, along with cryptic messages start showing up—at the homes of Clare’s family, Rachel and Elizabeth, as well as at the crime scene. At first, they seem harmless, maybe someone trying to play a prank, but the women quickly learn that someone is taunting them. Someone knows their pasts and is determined to make them pay. They’re next, or so the notes say. And if the police don’t discover who the killer is, their lives are in serious danger...
Forget Me Not by Claire Allan is a fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was my first time reading a book by Claire Allan and I’m glad I gave her a chance! This thriller is pacey and never let up, keeping me in constant suspense. It’s full of unlikable characters, which I enjoy in a thriller. It also has a double-reveal at the end and I’m happy to say I didn’t guess who the killer was. Highly recommend this quick and creepy thriller! 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Claire Allan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2019
And Claire Allan strikes again! Yowza!
Early one morning, Elizabeth sets out walking her dog when she comes across a young woman called Clare, who’s been the victim of a knife attack. Sadly, Clare dies minutes later while Elizabeth holds her hand, but not before whispering two haunting words. A series of events soon show Clare’s killer is on a mission. Can her killer be stopped from achieving their aim?
This is one of those books you just can’t put down once you’ve started reading. The prologue alone already had me sitting up and paying attention. It’s one of those beginnings where you just can’t help flipping the pages back to it, trying to figure out how the prologue fits into the rest of the story. And just like with Claire Allan’s previous books, that’s when I knew I’d be hooked from start to finish. It’s pretty tense and the tension only ramps up as you get closer to the conclusion.
The chapters alternate between Elizabeth and Rachel, who was one of Clare’s best friends. Elizabeth is one of those characters I immediately felt myself drawn to. Living on her own in isolation with just her dog for company, there is something quite sad about her. It makes you wonder what happened that made her come to be this way. Finding Clare abandoned by the roadside opens up a whole can of worms for her. Meanwhile, Rachel too is struggling to come to terms with Clare’s death. Finding little support in her husband’s arms, she seeks comfort elsewhere.
I felt rather smug, thinking I had the whole thing figured out and in a way I sort of had, but not quite (I know, totally confusing. 😄). Somehow Claire Allan managed to keep me doubting my theory and keep me wondering. I said it last time and I’ll say it again, it’s an absolute credit to the author’s writing that even when you think you know it all, the journey to get to the end remains every bit as thrilling.
Sometimes quite heartbreaking but always gripping, Forget Me Not is another fantastically addictive page-turner by this author. Claire Allan’s writing just gets better and better and once again she delivers with an incredibly clever and suspenseful plot, intriguing characters, twists and turns and an ending that will chill you to the bone. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Early one morning, Elizabeth sets out walking her dog when she comes across a young woman called Clare, who’s been the victim of a knife attack. Sadly, Clare dies minutes later while Elizabeth holds her hand, but not before whispering two haunting words. A series of events soon show Clare’s killer is on a mission. Can her killer be stopped from achieving their aim?
This is one of those books you just can’t put down once you’ve started reading. The prologue alone already had me sitting up and paying attention. It’s one of those beginnings where you just can’t help flipping the pages back to it, trying to figure out how the prologue fits into the rest of the story. And just like with Claire Allan’s previous books, that’s when I knew I’d be hooked from start to finish. It’s pretty tense and the tension only ramps up as you get closer to the conclusion.
The chapters alternate between Elizabeth and Rachel, who was one of Clare’s best friends. Elizabeth is one of those characters I immediately felt myself drawn to. Living on her own in isolation with just her dog for company, there is something quite sad about her. It makes you wonder what happened that made her come to be this way. Finding Clare abandoned by the roadside opens up a whole can of worms for her. Meanwhile, Rachel too is struggling to come to terms with Clare’s death. Finding little support in her husband’s arms, she seeks comfort elsewhere.
I felt rather smug, thinking I had the whole thing figured out and in a way I sort of had, but not quite (I know, totally confusing. 😄). Somehow Claire Allan managed to keep me doubting my theory and keep me wondering. I said it last time and I’ll say it again, it’s an absolute credit to the author’s writing that even when you think you know it all, the journey to get to the end remains every bit as thrilling.
Sometimes quite heartbreaking but always gripping, Forget Me Not is another fantastically addictive page-turner by this author. Claire Allan’s writing just gets better and better and once again she delivers with an incredibly clever and suspenseful plot, intriguing characters, twists and turns and an ending that will chill you to the bone. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
July 4, 2019
I’ve read a few previous books by this author so I couldn’t resist reading this one. I wasn’t disappointed as I really enjoyed this story.
Straight off this is a gripping read. From the start the author grabs our attention when Elizabeth finds Clare after being horrifically attacked with a knife. Elizabeth rings for an ambulance and hold Clare’s hand when she breathes her last breath. Just before she whispers her last words to Elizabeth.
There is plenty to this story which I’m not going to go into. Brilliant storyline with relatable characters.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Straight off this is a gripping read. From the start the author grabs our attention when Elizabeth finds Clare after being horrifically attacked with a knife. Elizabeth rings for an ambulance and hold Clare’s hand when she breathes her last breath. Just before she whispers her last words to Elizabeth.
There is plenty to this story which I’m not going to go into. Brilliant storyline with relatable characters.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 23, 2019
Forget me not is jam packed full of secrets, surprises, twists and turns. When you think that you know what is happening and who the killer is you have to think again. It isn’t until the author wants you to figure it out. That you manage to piece everything together.
May 9, 2019
Review to follow for the blog tour
August 11, 2020
Another fantastic dark thriller from Claire Allan!
This is my third thriller from this author and again, I really enjoyed it. I really think her thrillers are underrated.
This was really well written. It was really engaging and well paced from the start.
Her books always draw on themes of family and friendship. This book was no different. She always writes characters that you find yourself really invested in and caring for.
I was really moved by some elements of the plot in this book. The difficult subject matter was handled with great care and sensitivity.
Although this book isn't necessarily very unique in that similar plots have been written before. I always find with Claire Allan books that I really care about the characters and am really engrossed in the story due to her great writing style.
If you like a dark psychological thriller with themes of family and friendship you'll love this
Overall, highly recommend!
TW: suicide, violence, murder and bullying
This is my third thriller from this author and again, I really enjoyed it. I really think her thrillers are underrated.
This was really well written. It was really engaging and well paced from the start.
Her books always draw on themes of family and friendship. This book was no different. She always writes characters that you find yourself really invested in and caring for.
I was really moved by some elements of the plot in this book. The difficult subject matter was handled with great care and sensitivity.
Although this book isn't necessarily very unique in that similar plots have been written before. I always find with Claire Allan books that I really care about the characters and am really engrossed in the story due to her great writing style.
If you like a dark psychological thriller with themes of family and friendship you'll love this
Overall, highly recommend!
TW: suicide, violence, murder and bullying
May 26, 2019
This book has a rather unusual start: it begins with the murdered woman’s last thoughts. No clues about how or why Clare died. That is the last you hear from her, though her best friends – Rachel and Julie – now take up the baton and fill in her personality and life. No-one can quite grasp why anybody would want to kill “my friend smiling from her Facebook page. My friend who’d got the most contagious laugh in the world.” Clare seems to have been universally loved. Last seen “she’d been so happy – glowing, in fact. … She was happy in work, hoping for promotion, and she’d met someone.”
The story is told from two points of view (after Clare’s last thoughts): Rachel; and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the middle-aged lady who found Clare, while out walking her dog. Both women had suffered tragic family deaths not too long before this point, and the brutal murder sharpened their grief and loss. Though neither are in any way responsible for Clare’s death, both women are keeping secrets. I couldn’t really warm to Rachel (too many stupid decisions), but liked Elizabeth, and understood why her secret was kept hidden until near the end. It is not certain that the killer would have been identified much more quickly if the police had been party to what the women knew.
I had suspicions early on as to who the killer might be, but had no real idea what was their motive, nor really their identity. Even once all was finally revealed, I still could not really understand why the killer felt the need to kill, and why at that particular time. The killer clearly had intelligence and planning skills, and a charisma that belied the impression that most had of the killer as a child. I did enjoy the mystery and the storyline right up until near the end when the killer was revealed. Then, I felt it lacked credibility. The police work was good, and believable. The characters of Rachel and Elizabeth remained true to type, and were also believable. But, the killer had one too many screws loose. You do expect a murderer to lean towards a bit of insanity (after all, murder is not a sign of sanity) – but do also hope for a reasonable, understandable pathology, or at least an unavoidable pressure to kill. I did not feel either of these were the case.
In conclusion, I really liked most of the book and the writing and story-telling was strong throughout, but I did not feel satisfied with the end. However, given the set-up, I am not sure how else it could have been brought to a close. So, a good, worthwhile read, and hopefully you won’t be as picky as me.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The story is told from two points of view (after Clare’s last thoughts): Rachel; and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the middle-aged lady who found Clare, while out walking her dog. Both women had suffered tragic family deaths not too long before this point, and the brutal murder sharpened their grief and loss. Though neither are in any way responsible for Clare’s death, both women are keeping secrets. I couldn’t really warm to Rachel (too many stupid decisions), but liked Elizabeth, and understood why her secret was kept hidden until near the end. It is not certain that the killer would have been identified much more quickly if the police had been party to what the women knew.
I had suspicions early on as to who the killer might be, but had no real idea what was their motive, nor really their identity. Even once all was finally revealed, I still could not really understand why the killer felt the need to kill, and why at that particular time. The killer clearly had intelligence and planning skills, and a charisma that belied the impression that most had of the killer as a child. I did enjoy the mystery and the storyline right up until near the end when the killer was revealed. Then, I felt it lacked credibility. The police work was good, and believable. The characters of Rachel and Elizabeth remained true to type, and were also believable. But, the killer had one too many screws loose. You do expect a murderer to lean towards a bit of insanity (after all, murder is not a sign of sanity) – but do also hope for a reasonable, understandable pathology, or at least an unavoidable pressure to kill. I did not feel either of these were the case.
In conclusion, I really liked most of the book and the writing and story-telling was strong throughout, but I did not feel satisfied with the end. However, given the set-up, I am not sure how else it could have been brought to a close. So, a good, worthwhile read, and hopefully you won’t be as picky as me.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 23, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
I discovered Claire Allan earlier this year when I read Apple Of My eye. When I discovered she was releasing Forget Me Not I was excited to read it.
During a heat wave pensioner Elizabeth O`Laughlin decided to take her dog for walk before the heat set in for the day. During their walk Elizabeth found a woman badly injured in the road. Elizabeth held the dying woman's hand and she slipped away, before she died she whispered `warn them`.
Meanwhile teacher Rachel was at work when her best friend Julie told her that their friend Clare had been murdered. Rachel, Julie and Clare had became friends at school and the friendship remained into adult hood. Rachel and Julie were absolutely devastated and tried to help Clare`s parents and brother. When Rachel visited the sight of Clare`s murder there was a bunch of forget me nots by the roadside with a note saying every action has consequences. Every inaction too.
Days later Elizabeth found a bunch of forget me nots tied to her gate, there was a note attached that said `Laura sends her love`. Eighteen months earlier her daughter Laura had committed suicide, leaving her husband Aaron and two children. Elizabeth`s son left home short!y afterwards because he couldn't deal with the grief.
What do the cryptic notes mean ? Who murdered Clare and why are they targeting Rachel and Elizabeth?
I was drawn to this book from the first page. Forget Me Not was a fast paced thriller with twists and turns a plenty. I constantly kept changing my mind about who the killer was as the story unravelled. When the killer was finally discovered I was absolutely gobsmacked, I did not see it coming.
The story was told from the POV of Elizabeth and Rachel. I felt sorry for Elizabeth who still lived in the farmhouse where she brought up her two children. Rachel`s affair with Michael made an interesting side story to the police investigation. In the story Paul mentioned they started to grow apart after Rachel`s mum died but that was barely mentioned in Rachel's POV.
The final two paragraphs of the book were gripping and left me wanting more.
I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this five 🌟 read.
July 17, 2020
Elizabeth O'Loughlin is taking her dog for a walk when she discovers a woman with her throat slit. Elizabeth calls paramedics and police, but the woman dies before they get there, and her last words to Elizabeth are, "Warn them."
Rachel Walker has been friends with the victim, Clare Taylor, since childhood. She and their other friend from school, Julie Cosgrove, can't believe anyone could have wished harm to Clare. Rachel is a bit of your typical psychological thriller hot mess, feeling estranged in her own marriage, and having an affair with a man, Michael, from a community writing course she teaches.
Elizabeth and Rachel are the two narrators of the story. It's clear that there's a link between the two, as they both (along with Julie and members of Clare's family) receive bundles of forget-me-not flowers with sinister messages. The mystery of the story is what actually links the two women and who could possibly want them both dead.
I easily predicted how this book would play out. I wonder if it's because I read so many thrillers? I don't know. I don't think so. Plenty of books still take me by surprise. Heck, the best book I've read this year was a YA thriller from the 90s. I'm not that hard to surprise. Maybe authors should try a little harder and not use such obvious tricks. For example
I actually really liked Elizabeth. In her late sixties, she was a nice counterpart to the usual neurotic 20, 30, 40-somethings you usually get in this genre. That trope is still present with Rachel. She wasn't entirely unlikable, but she was believable. Personally, I could understand why she was having an affair. Her husband, Paul, was an utter prick.
This was confidently written, but as I said, highly predictable. The book's length is padded out with too much of Rachel's crying jag over her friend's death. Realistic, I suppose, but it got tired reading about her having an emotional breakdown every five pages. Elizabeth's backstory was the highlight here. She was an interesting, sympathetic character.
One big plus for this book was the fact that not only were the characters believable, but they acted in believable ways. As soon as anything sinister happened, they went straight to the police. Who would have thought? I've read so many thrillers where the protagonists act like complete idiots from start to finish, so it was refreshing to get a book where the protagonists had level heads on their shoulders.
But as I said, it's too predictable. The killer's motive was all a bit, "Huh?" That prologue didn't make too much sense in light of what comes later, either. But I did devour this in almost one go, and appreciated that it tried to avoid the tropes that usually come with the genre.
Rachel Walker has been friends with the victim, Clare Taylor, since childhood. She and their other friend from school, Julie Cosgrove, can't believe anyone could have wished harm to Clare. Rachel is a bit of your typical psychological thriller hot mess, feeling estranged in her own marriage, and having an affair with a man, Michael, from a community writing course she teaches.
Elizabeth and Rachel are the two narrators of the story. It's clear that there's a link between the two, as they both (along with Julie and members of Clare's family) receive bundles of forget-me-not flowers with sinister messages. The mystery of the story is what actually links the two women and who could possibly want them both dead.
I easily predicted how this book would play out. I wonder if it's because I read so many thrillers? I don't know. I don't think so. Plenty of books still take me by surprise. Heck, the best book I've read this year was a YA thriller from the 90s. I'm not that hard to surprise. Maybe authors should try a little harder and not use such obvious tricks. For example
I actually really liked Elizabeth. In her late sixties, she was a nice counterpart to the usual neurotic 20, 30, 40-somethings you usually get in this genre. That trope is still present with Rachel. She wasn't entirely unlikable, but she was believable. Personally, I could understand why she was having an affair. Her husband, Paul, was an utter prick.
This was confidently written, but as I said, highly predictable. The book's length is padded out with too much of Rachel's crying jag over her friend's death. Realistic, I suppose, but it got tired reading about her having an emotional breakdown every five pages. Elizabeth's backstory was the highlight here. She was an interesting, sympathetic character.
One big plus for this book was the fact that not only were the characters believable, but they acted in believable ways. As soon as anything sinister happened, they went straight to the police. Who would have thought? I've read so many thrillers where the protagonists act like complete idiots from start to finish, so it was refreshing to get a book where the protagonists had level heads on their shoulders.
But as I said, it's too predictable. The killer's motive was all a bit, "Huh?" That prologue didn't make too much sense in light of what comes later, either. But I did devour this in almost one go, and appreciated that it tried to avoid the tropes that usually come with the genre.
April 22, 2019
Forget me not is another fantastic read from Claire Allan. When Elizabeth discovers the horrific injuries of a young girl while walking her dog, The girl passes away from her injuries, but not before whispering something to Elizabeth. Another thrilling read by this author, who is becoming a firm favourite. 4 stars
June 7, 2019
A really gripping plot that made me keep turning the pages.
February 26, 2022
Group review to follow.
May 29, 2019
Oh my, this is a tense, taut and twisty thriller with a chilling premise and suspense by the bucketload. Once I had turned the first few pages it had me hook, line and sinker, and I was completely engrossed. I cannot explain to you just how much intense suspense there is amongst these pages, but I found my heart pounding at certain points as the tension was ratcheted up. This is Ms Allan's third novel and it's clear from the opening chapter that this her best to date. It is a race-against-the-clock type of thriller but has mystery elements and emotional aspects to it too. The story unravels its secrets in a fascinating way and both the characterisation and plot are more detailed than in her previous books.
As you would imagine, there are a good few twists in the tale and I found it a highly entertaining, easy read for a spring afternoon. There's never a dull moment as something major happens in every single chapter, and Allan is adept at showing the panic, fear and utter confusion of those involved in the case as well as those on the periphery of it. There is also an underlying menace which runs the duration of the book and creates an ominous atmosphere. This is a potent mix of, mystery, emotion, suspense and great plotting. The only real issue I had with it was the three main characters were rather juvenile and often came across as spoiled and arrogant, but overall a very solid read. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
As you would imagine, there are a good few twists in the tale and I found it a highly entertaining, easy read for a spring afternoon. There's never a dull moment as something major happens in every single chapter, and Allan is adept at showing the panic, fear and utter confusion of those involved in the case as well as those on the periphery of it. There is also an underlying menace which runs the duration of the book and creates an ominous atmosphere. This is a potent mix of, mystery, emotion, suspense and great plotting. The only real issue I had with it was the three main characters were rather juvenile and often came across as spoiled and arrogant, but overall a very solid read. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
June 17, 2019
Forget Me Not starts with a bang and doesn't really let up throughout. It combines convincing characters, an intriguing plot and plenty of tension, and although it includes elements of a police procedural, it's much more of a pyschological thriller and focuses on various people involved in different ways with the murder of a woman called Clare. Elizabeth finds her whilst out walking her dog, and holds her hand whilst she dies - finding herself unable to think about anything else but this awful experience, whilat Clare's friends Rachel and Julie struggle to cope - especially when Rachel discovers something worrying about someone close to her.
There are plenty of secrets hidden away behind seemingly normal family lives, and I really liked the many layers and twists that this story has. Seemingly loose threads suddenly become connected as the novel goes on - I really enjoy stories like this.
The story sets a good pace which did a great job of keeping me interested, and it's an easy book to race through, so I'd really recommend Forget Me Not. It's an entertaining thriller, where no one is quite as they seem and plenty of people are less than likable! The ending will definitely surprise you, and it's a really fun, addictive read - one to take away on holiday (if you want to spend all your time reading!)
There are plenty of secrets hidden away behind seemingly normal family lives, and I really liked the many layers and twists that this story has. Seemingly loose threads suddenly become connected as the novel goes on - I really enjoy stories like this.
The story sets a good pace which did a great job of keeping me interested, and it's an easy book to race through, so I'd really recommend Forget Me Not. It's an entertaining thriller, where no one is quite as they seem and plenty of people are less than likable! The ending will definitely surprise you, and it's a really fun, addictive read - one to take away on holiday (if you want to spend all your time reading!)
May 2, 2020
Hard to empathize with the self absorbed and flawed protagonist in this serial killer thriller that also reflected on the effects of bullying. Fine prologue with lamentably predictable interspersed twists and a cryptic conclusion that leaves the reader guessing.
April 8, 2025
It gets off to a blistering start with the discovery of a body during a heatwave. Elizabeth O'Loughlin is out walking her dog Izzy one morning when she discovers Clare Taylor, a woman who has been the subject of a vicious attack. Elizabeth hears Clare's last words but they don't mean a great deal to her.
We then hear from Elizabeth throughout the story and it's clear she has a place in the story but what is not clear is what that place is. We also hear from Rachel, one of Clare's best friends, and we follow her as she deals with the aftermath of Clare's attack amidst the mess that her own life is becoming. As the story progresses it becomes clear that there's a lot more to the attack than first thought and more women are in danger.
I found Forget Me Not to be an intense and gripping read all the way from that explosive beginning to the explosive ending.
We then hear from Elizabeth throughout the story and it's clear she has a place in the story but what is not clear is what that place is. We also hear from Rachel, one of Clare's best friends, and we follow her as she deals with the aftermath of Clare's attack amidst the mess that her own life is becoming. As the story progresses it becomes clear that there's a lot more to the attack than first thought and more women are in danger.
I found Forget Me Not to be an intense and gripping read all the way from that explosive beginning to the explosive ending.
January 3, 2022
This was my first book by Claire Allen and what a book!
A brilliant psychological thriller that keeps your attention from the first page.
The 2 main characters in the book are Elizabeth & Rachel. I found it very easy to connect with Elizabeth, a kind, older, sincere lady who has had her share of heartache. Rachel was just awful! Selfish, weak and entitled.
I had my suspicions very early in the book who the killer was and the more I read, the more convinced I was. That was until there came a twist that I didn’t see coming! I love when books blindside you with a plot twist. Brilliantly done!
I felt the ending was a little bit weak and over too quickly but overall I really enjoyed this book.
A brilliant psychological thriller that keeps your attention from the first page.
The 2 main characters in the book are Elizabeth & Rachel. I found it very easy to connect with Elizabeth, a kind, older, sincere lady who has had her share of heartache. Rachel was just awful! Selfish, weak and entitled.
I had my suspicions very early in the book who the killer was and the more I read, the more convinced I was. That was until there came a twist that I didn’t see coming! I love when books blindside you with a plot twist. Brilliantly done!
I felt the ending was a little bit weak and over too quickly but overall I really enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2019
Claire Allan's latest is darker, oh, is it ever. And it's just as addictive as her previous. What's not to love about a murdered girl whispering two final, terrifying words to the woman who finds her? Who is going to easily put down a book where creepy bunches of Forget-Me-Nots are then sent to her friends? Not me. I was hooked. I read this in a few sittings, and so will you. Highly recommend.
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