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Der Unfall: Roman
Sechzig Sekunden nachdem sie aus dem Koma erwacht, bricht Maggies Welt in Stücke: Man teilt ihr mit, dass ihre Tochter Elspeth tot ist. Sie ertrank, als der Familienwagen in den Fluss stürzte. Maggie kann sich an nichts erinnern – aber sie wird das Gefühl nicht los, dass irgendetwas an der Geschichte nicht stimmt. Als sie darum bittet, ihren Mann zu sehen, erfährt sie, dass Sean spurlos verschwunden ist. Was ist wirklich an dem verhängnisvollen Tag am Fluss passiert? Wo ist Sean? Und warum kann sich Maggie des Verdachts nicht erwehren, dass ihre Tochter irgendwo, irgendwie noch am Leben ist?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2018
583 people are currently reading
3470 people want to read
About the author
Nuala Ellwood
4 books387 followersNuala Ellwood is the daughter of an award-winning journalist. She was inspired by his experiences and those of foreign correspondents such as Marie Colvin and Martha Gellhorn to secure Arts Council funding for her research into PTSD for her debut psychological thriller MY SISTER’S BONES.
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August 10, 2025
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When Maggie wakes up from a coma, her whole life has changed. The nurse tells her that she has been in an accident, her little daughter is dead, and her husband sold the house and left her.
Maggie doesn’t remember a thing.
With no home, no family, and no memory, she has to find a way and discover what happened that day.
A thriller that will uncover the greatest of secrets everyone could have. A nail-biter, this one, I tell you.
The character of Maggie was so well formed, that love between a mother and her little daughter is expressed in such a lovely and caring way. A book that will be definitely hard to read for all the parents out there, but a very good one.
I especially loved the part with the letters – it was such a unique way to present …
… present what?
I am not telling you. Go and read it, duhh!
The scenes are so vivid and realistic and the little Virginia Woolf Easter eggs thrown across the pages of this book were so precious. Thrilling story and plot that keeps you on your toes. I haven’t read anything this good in a while!
If you are looking for a book to keep you up at night – this is the one.
If you are looking for the great plot twist – there isn’t only one plot twist…
I highly recommend it to all of the mystery lovers that are reading my review.
A masterpiece.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Maggie wakes up from a coma, her whole life has changed. The nurse tells her that she has been in an accident, her little daughter is dead, and her husband sold the house and left her.
Maggie doesn’t remember a thing.
With no home, no family, and no memory, she has to find a way and discover what happened that day.
A thriller that will uncover the greatest of secrets everyone could have. A nail-biter, this one, I tell you.
The character of Maggie was so well formed, that love between a mother and her little daughter is expressed in such a lovely and caring way. A book that will be definitely hard to read for all the parents out there, but a very good one.
I especially loved the part with the letters – it was such a unique way to present …
… present what?
I am not telling you. Go and read it, duhh!
The scenes are so vivid and realistic and the little Virginia Woolf Easter eggs thrown across the pages of this book were so precious. Thrilling story and plot that keeps you on your toes. I haven’t read anything this good in a while!
If you are looking for a book to keep you up at night – this is the one.
If you are looking for the great plot twist – there isn’t only one plot twist…
I highly recommend it to all of the mystery lovers that are reading my review.
A masterpiece.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2018
The Day Of The Accident by Nuala Ellwood is a psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting.
Maggie wakes up in hospital after being in a coma for ten weeks to find out that she has been in an accident. She then learns that her daughter was killed in the accident and her husband has now left her and nobody can tell her where he has gone. Maggie has no memory of the accident and tries to put together the facts for her own peace of mind.
I really enjoyed this book and did not guess the ending. I will certainly be looking for more books from this author. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Books (UK) for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie wakes up in hospital after being in a coma for ten weeks to find out that she has been in an accident. She then learns that her daughter was killed in the accident and her husband has now left her and nobody can tell her where he has gone. Maggie has no memory of the accident and tries to put together the facts for her own peace of mind.
I really enjoyed this book and did not guess the ending. I will certainly be looking for more books from this author. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Books (UK) for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2019
Nuala Ellwood is a new author to me but one to look out for in the future.
When Maggie awakes from a coma her world is shattered by the news that her daughter Elspeth is dead. That she drowned when the car Maggie had been driving plunged into the river. Maggie remembers nothing and when she asks to see her husband Sean, discovers that he disappeared the day after his daughters funeral.
I seem to reading a lot of psychological thrillers lately but this one is certainly up there with the better ones and well worth a read. A page turner, full of twists, lies etc and plenty of tension a long the way.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When Maggie awakes from a coma her world is shattered by the news that her daughter Elspeth is dead. That she drowned when the car Maggie had been driving plunged into the river. Maggie remembers nothing and when she asks to see her husband Sean, discovers that he disappeared the day after his daughters funeral.
I seem to reading a lot of psychological thrillers lately but this one is certainly up there with the better ones and well worth a read. A page turner, full of twists, lies etc and plenty of tension a long the way.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2019
Maggie has woken up after 10 days in a coma to find her whole world utterly changed forever. Her daughter Elspeth dead in an accident she is being blamed for, her house sold, her possessions gone and her husband disappeared. With no memory of how this all came about Maggie is forced to come to terms with suddenly losing her whole family and being sent back to the world penniless and homeless.
This is a very captivating thriller, one to keep the little grey cells working overtime, trying to work out what has happened. She has so many unanswered questions: Why was her daughter locked in the car? Where is her husband and why has he left without a word? Why did he sell their house? I ended up guessing part of the story but certainly didn't see all of the twists coming. The plot is well written and paced and I couldn't help help feeling sorry for Maggie as she tried to cope back in the world, struggling to remember her past and what led up to the day of the accident.
This is a very captivating thriller, one to keep the little grey cells working overtime, trying to work out what has happened. She has so many unanswered questions: Why was her daughter locked in the car? Where is her husband and why has he left without a word? Why did he sell their house? I ended up guessing part of the story but certainly didn't see all of the twists coming. The plot is well written and paced and I couldn't help help feeling sorry for Maggie as she tried to cope back in the world, struggling to remember her past and what led up to the day of the accident.
February 9, 2019
Magpies world was torn apart when she wakes up from a coma to be told that her daughter Elspeth is dead. She had drowned in the car that Maggie had been driving, plunged into the river. Maggie has no memory of the accident. When Maggie asks where her husband Sean is, she is told by the police that he has disappeared. He went missing on the day of Elspeth's funeral.
Maggie has so many unanswered questions from how the accident happened to where her husband had disappeared to and everything in between. You can't help feeling sorry for Maggie and the predicament that she has been left in. Maggie has found a new friend in her carer, Sonia, who is always there for her. The plot has been well thought out and the pace is steady. The twists are plentiful and the tension grows as we get nearer the truth. I was hooked from the first page.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Books (UK) and the author Nuala Ellwood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie has so many unanswered questions from how the accident happened to where her husband had disappeared to and everything in between. You can't help feeling sorry for Maggie and the predicament that she has been left in. Maggie has found a new friend in her carer, Sonia, who is always there for her. The plot has been well thought out and the pace is steady. The twists are plentiful and the tension grows as we get nearer the truth. I was hooked from the first page.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Books (UK) and the author Nuala Ellwood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2019
I always find stories that are set close to my home town have an extra layer of enjoyment to them, the fact that I wasn’t even aware that this was the case when purchasing this book made for such a pleasant surprise.
As Maggie wakes up from a short coma in Lewes Victoria Hospital and learns that her daughter has died during the accident whilst her husband has also disappeared, I was completely invested.
With no memory Maggie starts to piece together the events of that tragic day, the small crumbs of information slowly revealed made this addictive reading. I wanted to know more!
Even though Ellwood admits in the acknowledgments that the Plough Inn is a fictionalised pub, there is in fact one that shares the same name just outside of Lewes that I kept picturing.
As I know the River Ouse and the bus station too, it was easy to be transported into the story.
Even though I probably enjoyed this a little more because of the location, the story was strong enough to keep me gripped.
As Maggie wakes up from a short coma in Lewes Victoria Hospital and learns that her daughter has died during the accident whilst her husband has also disappeared, I was completely invested.
With no memory Maggie starts to piece together the events of that tragic day, the small crumbs of information slowly revealed made this addictive reading. I wanted to know more!
Even though Ellwood admits in the acknowledgments that the Plough Inn is a fictionalised pub, there is in fact one that shares the same name just outside of Lewes that I kept picturing.
As I know the River Ouse and the bus station too, it was easy to be transported into the story.
Even though I probably enjoyed this a little more because of the location, the story was strong enough to keep me gripped.
August 14, 2018
Maggie Allan woke in a hospital bed after being in a coma for ten weeks. She was weak, confused and light-headed. But when she was informed her daughter Elspeth had died in the car accident, Maggie was distraught and disbelieving. She had no recollection of what had happened – she needed to talk to Sean, her husband. But it seemed that he had vanished – the day after Elspeth’s funeral, he disappeared, completely. Maggie was alone in her grief...
As Maggie struggled to come to terms with what she was being told, she knew she needed to remember what had happened. But could she? And was it really in her best interests to find out what had happened on the day of the accident?
With Sonia, her carer by her side, Maggie gradually faced her fears. But the more she faced, the more there were. The more questions she asked, the more answers she needed. And why was Maggie convinced Elspeth was alive out there somewhere – she wanted so desperately to find her…
The Day of the Accident is my second by author Nuala Ellwood and a riveting psychological thriller that kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. In fact, although I thoroughly enjoyed My Sister's Bones, this was definitely better. The intriguing twists, the chilling lies and devious evil surrounding the characters; The Day of the Accident was excellent. I was blown away by the ending and didn’t see it coming! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Originally shown as being published 23rd August 2018
As Maggie struggled to come to terms with what she was being told, she knew she needed to remember what had happened. But could she? And was it really in her best interests to find out what had happened on the day of the accident?
With Sonia, her carer by her side, Maggie gradually faced her fears. But the more she faced, the more there were. The more questions she asked, the more answers she needed. And why was Maggie convinced Elspeth was alive out there somewhere – she wanted so desperately to find her…
The Day of the Accident is my second by author Nuala Ellwood and a riveting psychological thriller that kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. In fact, although I thoroughly enjoyed My Sister's Bones, this was definitely better. The intriguing twists, the chilling lies and devious evil surrounding the characters; The Day of the Accident was excellent. I was blown away by the ending and didn’t see it coming! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Originally shown as being published 23rd August 2018
June 14, 2018
Dull, dull, dull.
This is yet another sub-par psychological thriller with zero actual thrills and nothing new to offer. It’s obvious, overwrought, and unlikely. Her first book was excellent, this is not.
ARC via Netgalley
This is yet another sub-par psychological thriller with zero actual thrills and nothing new to offer. It’s obvious, overwrought, and unlikely. Her first book was excellent, this is not.
ARC via Netgalley
May 7, 2019
Between 3 and 4 ⭐️. I think for the first part of the book I would have given 5 stars but there were times where the narrative plateaued and the ending was too far fetched for me.
The story centred around Maggie Allan who had been in a coma for ten weeks following her car going into the River Ouse with her daughter trapped inside. Sadly, Elspeth did not survive and whilst Maggie was in a coma her husband Sean disappeared. Once Maggie awoke she had only fleeting recollections and struggled with her health afterwards. Interspersed with the unfolding story were letters that came from a child to her mother but you don’t know who they are as the letters are signed Your Daughter. I was intrigued about these but as the truth emerged their impact was lost though other people really liked this - so possibly cynical me!
I really liked the setting in and around Lewes, Sussex and a lot of the action centred on Rodmell which is a lovely place and was the home of Virginia Woolf (Monk’s House, it’s gorgeous) and is of course, where she drowned. In fact, Maggie wanted to be a writer and one of her attempts was about Virginia Woolf which I liked.
Overall, not a bad read but the fast pace was not maintained throughout. I found aspects of the story a bit of a stretch in particular the events towards the end of the book.
The story centred around Maggie Allan who had been in a coma for ten weeks following her car going into the River Ouse with her daughter trapped inside. Sadly, Elspeth did not survive and whilst Maggie was in a coma her husband Sean disappeared. Once Maggie awoke she had only fleeting recollections and struggled with her health afterwards. Interspersed with the unfolding story were letters that came from a child to her mother but you don’t know who they are as the letters are signed Your Daughter. I was intrigued about these but as the truth emerged their impact was lost though other people really liked this - so possibly cynical me!
I really liked the setting in and around Lewes, Sussex and a lot of the action centred on Rodmell which is a lovely place and was the home of Virginia Woolf (Monk’s House, it’s gorgeous) and is of course, where she drowned. In fact, Maggie wanted to be a writer and one of her attempts was about Virginia Woolf which I liked.
Overall, not a bad read but the fast pace was not maintained throughout. I found aspects of the story a bit of a stretch in particular the events towards the end of the book.
January 25, 2019
I absolutely loved My Sister's Bones, the debut psychological thriller by Nuala Ellwood, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I was not disappointed. Rarely do I come across a second book by an author that is as good as the first - there seems to be a block regarding those second outings - but Ellwood surprised me with Day of the Accident
Moments after Maggie wakes from a coma, her world is shattered when she is told that her daughter was tragically killed and Maggie may be the one responsible for her death. When she asks to see her husband, she learns that he disappeared the day of the funeral. With no memory of the tragedy, alone and confused and still injured, Maggie attempts to learn the truth of what happened on that fateful day. But, if you are familiar with Ellwood's writing at all, you know those answers involve deeply held secrets, dark and twisty surprises and an ending you will not see coming!
I don't always enjoy twists and turns in a book, especially when they are thrown in there just to "surprise" you but have little relevance to the story. Ellwood however, slowly allows you to twist and turn, shading the truth in darkness and lies and leaves you wanting more until you reach the climactic conclusion. Every reveal brings more questions rather than answers and has you, the reader, questioning what you once thought of as real.
There is a reason that Ellwood was awarded so many accolades in 2017 as "the author to watch" and "the new face in suspense," because she really is that talented! I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It is terrific! And, if you cannot wait until February, you can listen to the book now with audible. :) 5 plus more captivating stars for Ellwood and Day of the Accident. The Kindle book is available now with the paperback being published in February.
It goes without saying that I hugely thankful to #Netgalley, #NualaEllwood and the folks at @PenguinUK for my copy of this incredible thriller.
Moments after Maggie wakes from a coma, her world is shattered when she is told that her daughter was tragically killed and Maggie may be the one responsible for her death. When she asks to see her husband, she learns that he disappeared the day of the funeral. With no memory of the tragedy, alone and confused and still injured, Maggie attempts to learn the truth of what happened on that fateful day. But, if you are familiar with Ellwood's writing at all, you know those answers involve deeply held secrets, dark and twisty surprises and an ending you will not see coming!
I don't always enjoy twists and turns in a book, especially when they are thrown in there just to "surprise" you but have little relevance to the story. Ellwood however, slowly allows you to twist and turn, shading the truth in darkness and lies and leaves you wanting more until you reach the climactic conclusion. Every reveal brings more questions rather than answers and has you, the reader, questioning what you once thought of as real.
There is a reason that Ellwood was awarded so many accolades in 2017 as "the author to watch" and "the new face in suspense," because she really is that talented! I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It is terrific! And, if you cannot wait until February, you can listen to the book now with audible. :) 5 plus more captivating stars for Ellwood and Day of the Accident. The Kindle book is available now with the paperback being published in February.
It goes without saying that I hugely thankful to #Netgalley, #NualaEllwood and the folks at @PenguinUK for my copy of this incredible thriller.
June 1, 2020
Oh My: this book was just so good.
I was hooked and invested from the very instance I started this journey and what a ride this was.
The basic premise here: Maggie wakes up from a coma after an accident that has left her daughter dead.
The car slipped into the river after the handbrake wasn't engaged properly and despite Maggies best efforts Elspeth drowns and is pronounced dead at the scene.
When Maggie eventually gains consciousness her daughter's funeral has past and her husband is missing.
To further confound events their marital home has been sold seven years precious and their joint bank account has been cleared.
Maggie is alone adrift without an anchor and she has no idea where her husband has disappeared off to, she is also suffering from amnesia and can't remember what actually happened the day of that terrible accident.
So there's a lot going on here: So many strands of the narrative waiting patiently until eventually, a picture starts to emerge where all pieces of the puzzle connect.
The flashbacks of Maggies returning memories like a trail of breadcrumbs marking the forward path.
A deepening mystery in regards to Sean and his secrets and Maggie: what is she hiding from, what dark secret from her past is infecting her present.
I also felt such a sense of sympathy at poor Maggie's confusion and current bewilderment at her present situation: not only has she lost Elspeth but her life has imploded so dramatically leaving her essentially alone.
But the bit I liked most of all about this was that child dialogue and it's utter poignancy.
It was like a beacon of hope that eventually was quashed by the realism and disappointment of life.
That voice for me resounded so loudly through "Day of the Accident" essentially stealing the whole show.
So this was psychological suspense at its finest a gripping page-turner that I read in one sitting.
I actually thought I had worked this one out and though I had guessed some I was still blown away by that finale.
This one is a definite thumbs up from me it was such an amazing read.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Day of the Accident.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 22, 2019
Day of the Accident is Nuala Ellwood's second novel, and after loving My Sister's Bones I was apprehensive about delving into this in case it was suffering from a bad case of second book syndrome; I needn't have worried though as this is even better than her first book. The whole plot concept revolves around the consequences of a car accident in which Maggie starts to suffer from amnesia and can't seem to tell perception from reality anymore; this makes for a thrilling and intensely absorbing tale.
It's well written, evocative and, at times, rather poignant. It's packed with surprises some I predicted, others I didn't. Full of melancholy and tragic circumstances, this is quite a depressing read. You are drawn in from the opening pages and spat out at the end as a breathless mess. It's not till nearer the conclusion that we see the different strands of the plot come together and merge into one; it's quite a eureka moment. This is a satisfying and totally gripping page-turner in which there are copious secrets and lies and plenty of duplicities.
Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
It's well written, evocative and, at times, rather poignant. It's packed with surprises some I predicted, others I didn't. Full of melancholy and tragic circumstances, this is quite a depressing read. You are drawn in from the opening pages and spat out at the end as a breathless mess. It's not till nearer the conclusion that we see the different strands of the plot come together and merge into one; it's quite a eureka moment. This is a satisfying and totally gripping page-turner in which there are copious secrets and lies and plenty of duplicities.
Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
March 30, 2018
WOW and WOW again,I was so hooked in by this twist packed,roller coaster ride that I read the whole book in one day.
In the opening prologue Maggie is being led into a court room and we witness her enter her plea to a unknown crime.After that we slip back in time to the ICU of a hospital where we find Maggie just waking up after being in a coma.She eventually learns that she was involved in a accident,her ten year old daughter Elspeth is dead and Maggie's husband Sean has not been seen since the day of their daughter's funeral.Maggie is devastated by the news that her beloved daughter is dead but as time passes and contrary to what everyone else is insisting and the fact that Sean officially identified Elspeth`s body,Maggie starts to wonder if she is being lied to,that her daughter is still alive.After all Maggie is a mother and mothers can sense these things....right.As soon as she is released from the hospital Maggie begins a desperate search for the truth of what happened on that horrifying day.Maggie was a vivid,complex character who suffered from severe anxiety,a condition that I understand all too well.Throughout the story she takes the reader back into the past and tells us about her relashionships with Sean and Elspeth and her younger years.Although I felt a lot of sympathy for Maggie because of what she was going through and her anxiety issues,I also found some of her character traits frustrating,she occasionally came across as not very likeable.Interspersed throughout the book where italicized letters written by a young girl who was telling her mother how lonely and frightened she was and begging her mummy to please come and take her home.These letters where heart breaking and it was shocking how as the time passed,the tone of the letters and the child`s attitude towards her mummy changed.I loved the descriptions of Larkfields where Maggie,Sean and Elspeth used to live,the old gothic lodge house,the old mill stones and the peace,solitude and beauty of the downs.It was a lovely tranquil contrast to Maggie's chaotic,messed up feelings and thoughts.
This is a emotionally charged,twist packed tale of revenge,secrets,lies,manipulation and the sad fact that people don't really appreciate what they have got until it's gone.My anxiety levels went through the roof,I think I even forgot to breath at times as this well written, riveting story unfolded.This is definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House UK for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
In the opening prologue Maggie is being led into a court room and we witness her enter her plea to a unknown crime.After that we slip back in time to the ICU of a hospital where we find Maggie just waking up after being in a coma.She eventually learns that she was involved in a accident,her ten year old daughter Elspeth is dead and Maggie's husband Sean has not been seen since the day of their daughter's funeral.Maggie is devastated by the news that her beloved daughter is dead but as time passes and contrary to what everyone else is insisting and the fact that Sean officially identified Elspeth`s body,Maggie starts to wonder if she is being lied to,that her daughter is still alive.After all Maggie is a mother and mothers can sense these things....right.As soon as she is released from the hospital Maggie begins a desperate search for the truth of what happened on that horrifying day.Maggie was a vivid,complex character who suffered from severe anxiety,a condition that I understand all too well.Throughout the story she takes the reader back into the past and tells us about her relashionships with Sean and Elspeth and her younger years.Although I felt a lot of sympathy for Maggie because of what she was going through and her anxiety issues,I also found some of her character traits frustrating,she occasionally came across as not very likeable.Interspersed throughout the book where italicized letters written by a young girl who was telling her mother how lonely and frightened she was and begging her mummy to please come and take her home.These letters where heart breaking and it was shocking how as the time passed,the tone of the letters and the child`s attitude towards her mummy changed.I loved the descriptions of Larkfields where Maggie,Sean and Elspeth used to live,the old gothic lodge house,the old mill stones and the peace,solitude and beauty of the downs.It was a lovely tranquil contrast to Maggie's chaotic,messed up feelings and thoughts.
This is a emotionally charged,twist packed tale of revenge,secrets,lies,manipulation and the sad fact that people don't really appreciate what they have got until it's gone.My anxiety levels went through the roof,I think I even forgot to breath at times as this well written, riveting story unfolded.This is definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House UK for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
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October 23, 2019I am not even sure what in the world to rate this.. Let me start by clearly stating that this was a good book, just M I S E R A B L E!!! So miserable that I didn’t even enjoy it.. I guess I was satisfied with the ending, such that it was. But idk man, this book was a serious downer! I read (& enjoy) dark books too. Thrillers, mysteries, even crime books are my thing. So maybe it was just my mood at this moment..? & I can absolutely appreciate certain aspects of the story, which is why I’m just going to leave the rating for another time (when its not so fresh.) For now I’m just going to be relieved this is over & move on to some light murder mystery or something 😂.. but seriously, idk if it was the kid thing or what, but this 1 took it out of me.
June 22, 2019
Έχοντας διαβάσει το πρώτο βιβλίο της συγγραφέως, ανυπομονούσα να δω την εξέλιξή της.
Η Μάγκι ξυπνά στο κρεβάτι του νοσοκομείου έπειτα από ένα τροχαίο ατύχημα που είχε και μαθαίνει οτι στο ίσιο αυτοκίνητο επέβαινε η κόρη της η οποία πνίγηκε. Επισπροσθέτως, ο σύζυγός της την εγκατέλειψε κι εκείνη προσπαθεί να αναρρώσει και ταυτόχρονα να ανακαλύψει τι συνέβη τελικά μιας και δεν θυμάται τίποτα από τη μέρα του ατυχήματος.
Οι σελίδες του βιβλίου τρέχουν σαν νερό και προσπαθείς να ανακαλύψεις τι πραγματικά συνέβη διαβάζοντας το. Ένα καλοφτιαγμένο ψυχολογικό θρίλερ που απόλαυσα την ανάγνωση του!
Η Μάγκι ξυπνά στο κρεβάτι του νοσοκομείου έπειτα από ένα τροχαίο ατύχημα που είχε και μαθαίνει οτι στο ίσιο αυτοκίνητο επέβαινε η κόρη της η οποία πνίγηκε. Επισπροσθέτως, ο σύζυγός της την εγκατέλειψε κι εκείνη προσπαθεί να αναρρώσει και ταυτόχρονα να ανακαλύψει τι συνέβη τελικά μιας και δεν θυμάται τίποτα από τη μέρα του ατυχήματος.
Οι σελίδες του βιβλίου τρέχουν σαν νερό και προσπαθείς να ανακαλύψεις τι πραγματικά συνέβη διαβάζοντας το. Ένα καλοφτιαγμένο ψυχολογικό θρίλερ που απόλαυσα την ανάγνωση του!
July 16, 2020
Wow, what a ride this has been. I woke up this morning, read a few pages of this new book like every morning and then I'm glued to the same spot until I was done.
This was a gripping story dealing with loss and a domino effect of important proportions and you could not help but wonder how it would end up. The whole psychological part, the secrets and twists that came out slowly painting the picture in your mind were handled so well to the point that up until the last ~50 pages, you were wondering what was going to happen.
Despite all this interesting story-driven path, it lost its way in the last ~50 pages. At that point it was really apparent what was going to happen, but more importantly, there was an infodump that we had snippets, but we lacked lots of information and the characters/development were a bit too unnatural.
However, I don't regret reading this at all as I enjoyed it thoroughly and the mystery up until the end was amazing!
This was a gripping story dealing with loss and a domino effect of important proportions and you could not help but wonder how it would end up. The whole psychological part, the secrets and twists that came out slowly painting the picture in your mind were handled so well to the point that up until the last ~50 pages, you were wondering what was going to happen.
Despite all this interesting story-driven path, it lost its way in the last ~50 pages. At that point it was really apparent what was going to happen, but more importantly, there was an infodump that we had snippets, but we lacked lots of information and the characters/development were a bit too unnatural.
However, I don't regret reading this at all as I enjoyed it thoroughly and the mystery up until the end was amazing!
September 25, 2018
What a twist... great book!
May 4, 2019
Ξεκίνησα αυτό το βιβλίο αμέσως μετά το ντεμπούτο της συγγραφέως (''τα κόκαλα της αδερφής μου'') καθώς είχα απομείνει με άριστες εντυπώσεις από εκείνο.
Κι εδώ τα πράγματα κυλούν εξίσου καλά. Το ''πένθιμο'' ύφος καλά κρατεί, οι χαρακτήρες είναι απολύτως σκιαγραφημένοι, ενώ η ιστορία είναι κλασική του είδους, με τις αποκαλύψεις να πέφτουν καταιγιστικά στις τελευταίες σελίδες του βιβλίου. Ήταν μία μονάχα από τις ''ανατροπές'' που δεν με έπεισε τόσο, αλλά, στον κόσμο που ζούμε, θα μπορούσαν πραγματικά να συμβούν τα πάντα στον καθένα. (Δεν αναφέρω προφανώς ποια ανατροπή, προς αποφυγή σπόιλερ).
Όσες μητέρες έχετε κορίτσια στην εφηβεία, ετοιμαστείτε για δυνατά σφιξίματα στο στομάχι!
Κι εδώ τα πράγματα κυλούν εξίσου καλά. Το ''πένθιμο'' ύφος καλά κρατεί, οι χαρακτήρες είναι απολύτως σκιαγραφημένοι, ενώ η ιστορία είναι κλασική του είδους, με τις αποκαλύψεις να πέφτουν καταιγιστικά στις τελευταίες σελίδες του βιβλίου. Ήταν μία μονάχα από τις ''ανατροπές'' που δεν με έπεισε τόσο, αλλά, στον κόσμο που ζούμε, θα μπορούσαν πραγματικά να συμβούν τα πάντα στον καθένα. (Δεν αναφέρω προφανώς ποια ανατροπή, προς αποφυγή σπόιλερ).
Όσες μητέρες έχετε κορίτσια στην εφηβεία, ετοιμαστείτε για δυνατά σφιξίματα στο στομάχι!
January 25, 2021
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I remember the first book I read a book by this author, in fact I had an early copy of it from the publishers.
Never heard of her.
I was astounded by that book so, when I could read this too I got it.
It’s been sat waiting to be read......
Why?
Because, her first book was so good I’d been worried about reading this one incase I get disappointed.
I need not have worried.
Nope, not worried at all because this author can weave a story that entrap you in it’s web.
The entire plot of this left you wondering......what happened? What can’t she remember?
Will it shock me? Will it shock her!
The twists were great.
I listened to it on audio. There was only one voice that annoyed me, but a part from that......I loved it.
It has all the ingredients of what a suspenseful thriller should have.
Goodreads |
Blog |
Instagram |
I remember the first book I read a book by this author, in fact I had an early copy of it from the publishers.
Never heard of her.
I was astounded by that book so, when I could read this too I got it.
It’s been sat waiting to be read......
Why?
Because, her first book was so good I’d been worried about reading this one incase I get disappointed.
I need not have worried.
Nope, not worried at all because this author can weave a story that entrap you in it’s web.
The entire plot of this left you wondering......what happened? What can’t she remember?
Will it shock me? Will it shock her!
The twists were great.
I listened to it on audio. There was only one voice that annoyed me, but a part from that......I loved it.
It has all the ingredients of what a suspenseful thriller should have.
June 2, 2019
Wow what a brilliant book this was. I was totally engrossed from start to finish. I was desperate to find out who was writing the letters and if Elspeth was really alive. I felt awful for Maggie throughout this book especially with her daughter dying and her husband disappearing. I really liked her and I did think she was a good person. This was the perfect thriller/mystery and I loved every page. I definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 7, 2018
What an intriguing start!!! Maggie’s daughter has died and her husband has disappeared without a trace. Maggie who has been in a comma is trying to recuperate and deal with her grief and memory loss from the night of the accident. This book drew me in from the start and kept me hooked, it is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and very addictive!!
The letters from a child to her mother are heartbreaking, which will tug at anybody’s heart strings.
I thought I had it all worked out where this story was going, but NO this author is way too clever for the obvious route, so I waited with baited breath to see what the ending was and all was revealed.
Will definitely be keeping an eye out for this author.
Thank you to netgalley for this book which was a pleasure to review.
The letters from a child to her mother are heartbreaking, which will tug at anybody’s heart strings.
I thought I had it all worked out where this story was going, but NO this author is way too clever for the obvious route, so I waited with baited breath to see what the ending was and all was revealed.
Will definitely be keeping an eye out for this author.
Thank you to netgalley for this book which was a pleasure to review.
January 25, 2019
Regrets and losses
Truth and lies
Vengeance and revenge
Pride and hurt
Pretense and real
Innocence and mature
What is true, what is false
One is memory, the other life
These are the lines which came into my mind when I finished reading this book. A psychological thriller turned emotional which started with Maggie in the ICU waking up from the coma and being told that her child Elspeth had drowned due to her mistake, and she herself was found to be a state of near drowning trying to save her daughter. Add to this, her husband Sean had vanished into thin air. Then came the trials of Maggie trying to get her memory of the day back, which led to the tortuous road of the past and its hidden secrets.
My first book by Nuala Ellwood had me gripped to my kindle wanting to make the pages fly and at the same time, slowing down to soak up the atmosphere of this mother and her grief. The book had me totally entwined in Maggie's story and her love for daughter Elspeth. I couldn't help but have my heart broken at the way she cried for her daughter. Told in dual viewpoints by Maggie and anonymous letters by a child searching for her mother, which created its own eerie effect.
Some parts of it I could guess, but I have to admit Nuala did a phenomenal job in maintaining the tension in the plot all through. Maggie's emotions created a powerful arc which leapt off the pages to wrench my heart in her pain.
The mystery of the lost memory, hidden past, vanished husband, drowned daughter, old affairs, old connections kept me hooked to this book till the last page which drew the entire story in a perfect circle.
A few implaucible scenes kept me from completely believing in the plot, but they were just my niggles, which didn't detract me from shedding a few tears at the end for this mother who just tried her best. Psychological thriller turned emotional!!
Truth and lies
Vengeance and revenge
Pride and hurt
Pretense and real
Innocence and mature
What is true, what is false
One is memory, the other life
These are the lines which came into my mind when I finished reading this book. A psychological thriller turned emotional which started with Maggie in the ICU waking up from the coma and being told that her child Elspeth had drowned due to her mistake, and she herself was found to be a state of near drowning trying to save her daughter. Add to this, her husband Sean had vanished into thin air. Then came the trials of Maggie trying to get her memory of the day back, which led to the tortuous road of the past and its hidden secrets.
My first book by Nuala Ellwood had me gripped to my kindle wanting to make the pages fly and at the same time, slowing down to soak up the atmosphere of this mother and her grief. The book had me totally entwined in Maggie's story and her love for daughter Elspeth. I couldn't help but have my heart broken at the way she cried for her daughter. Told in dual viewpoints by Maggie and anonymous letters by a child searching for her mother, which created its own eerie effect.
Some parts of it I could guess, but I have to admit Nuala did a phenomenal job in maintaining the tension in the plot all through. Maggie's emotions created a powerful arc which leapt off the pages to wrench my heart in her pain.
The mystery of the lost memory, hidden past, vanished husband, drowned daughter, old affairs, old connections kept me hooked to this book till the last page which drew the entire story in a perfect circle.
A few implaucible scenes kept me from completely believing in the plot, but they were just my niggles, which didn't detract me from shedding a few tears at the end for this mother who just tried her best. Psychological thriller turned emotional!!
July 23, 2018
THIS IS A BOOK!!😃
In my top 5 of the year, so far
Maggie wales from a coma
She remembers little
Thankfully though she does remember she has a daughter, Elspeth and a husband Sean
Then she is told
There was an accident
Elspeth is dead
Sean hasnt been seen for 6 weeks, he just stopped visiting......
And so the hard hitting, tense story starts and doesnt stop
The narrative goes from present to the past and soon you realise that what seemed a normal happy family was anything but.....lies, secrets, nasty lies and disgusting unforgivable secrets are discovered and piece by piece you get the story as to why Maggie is in the unenviable position she is in
I really love these in depth, layered psychological thrillers that are full on and make you think you have the answers only to reveal, you havent!!
A very tense, emotive and dark book where you feel real empathy for Maggie as recovering from a coma, you feel the pain, pressure and frustration she is going through as the author paints a very vivid picture of her struggle to come to terms with the awful events that she now has to face
A very atmospheric read where disbelief and reality roll into one to make a chilling and unputdownable book
A book that will stay with you for a long time after you read the ending......fantastic!
10/10 5 stars
In my top 5 of the year, so far
Maggie wales from a coma
She remembers little
Thankfully though she does remember she has a daughter, Elspeth and a husband Sean
Then she is told
There was an accident
Elspeth is dead
Sean hasnt been seen for 6 weeks, he just stopped visiting......
And so the hard hitting, tense story starts and doesnt stop
The narrative goes from present to the past and soon you realise that what seemed a normal happy family was anything but.....lies, secrets, nasty lies and disgusting unforgivable secrets are discovered and piece by piece you get the story as to why Maggie is in the unenviable position she is in
I really love these in depth, layered psychological thrillers that are full on and make you think you have the answers only to reveal, you havent!!
A very tense, emotive and dark book where you feel real empathy for Maggie as recovering from a coma, you feel the pain, pressure and frustration she is going through as the author paints a very vivid picture of her struggle to come to terms with the awful events that she now has to face
A very atmospheric read where disbelief and reality roll into one to make a chilling and unputdownable book
A book that will stay with you for a long time after you read the ending......fantastic!
10/10 5 stars
March 1, 2019
This book was a little slow at times but I kept plugging along and I wanted to see how it ended. It picked up at about 65% and then I couldn’t put it down. So many unexpected things came to the surface that I ended up really liking this book. 4 stars.
March 1, 2019
Isn’t it fantastic when an author carries all that was great from their previous novel into their next novel? It’s the very thing that allows you, as the reader, to recognise their work, to get to know their style, and I think that’s what essentially keeps you returning to an author’s work, these assurances. Now, I don’t mean repetition in plot, I mean repetition in skill! When I read Ellwood’s previous novel, My Sister’s Bones, I loved the dark themes running through the plot, the feelings of unsettlement created within me, the emotional tug, and how the plot plays on your perception of what’s real. And I loved that all these things were present in Day of the Accident too!
The fragility of Maggie’s character was expertly displayed, as she tries to put the events together that led to the accident, you’re right there with her, trying to piece things together. What is a true memory and what is Maggie wishing to be true? Ellwood’s ability to push Maggie to the brink of sanity really had me unsure of what to believe, and this created the suspense that propelled me through this novel. At times, this novel was poignant, with the subject matter involved (waking up from a coma to find your daughter has died and your husband is gone) it needed to be, to be invested in this novel, you have to feel that emotion surrounding Maggie.
That’s not to say this novel doesn’t stretch reality, and you might have to suspend your disbelief towards the end. However, it’s wrong not to mention something else that was present in the last novel, and carried in to this one, and that’s the ‘commercial’ nature of the ending – it made this novel similar to other psychological thrillers, and took away from the brilliance that came before. I think this comes from the powerful nature of the plot, you’re so invested in Maggie’s plight, perhaps to the point you forget this novel takes places within the fictional realm where anything is possible. I think I was expecting more of a subtle ending. That’s not to say the ending isn’t good and the twist didn’t work well, because it absolutely did, it just had a bigger focus of the entertainment factor than I was expecting.
What is great about this novel are the layers that are slowly peeled back in order to get to the ending, to the truth. I made my predictions based on the feeling that something is not quite right, and I missed the mark – but it’s that feeling when you know something is amiss, and you’re reaching for it, that makes this novel addictive.
If you enjoyed Ellwood’s previous novel, you’ll like this one. Day of the Accident is an addictive read, dark in nature, suspenseful and emotional, a main character you like even more with every page you turn, and a plot that will have you guessing till the end.
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this title*
The fragility of Maggie’s character was expertly displayed, as she tries to put the events together that led to the accident, you’re right there with her, trying to piece things together. What is a true memory and what is Maggie wishing to be true? Ellwood’s ability to push Maggie to the brink of sanity really had me unsure of what to believe, and this created the suspense that propelled me through this novel. At times, this novel was poignant, with the subject matter involved (waking up from a coma to find your daughter has died and your husband is gone) it needed to be, to be invested in this novel, you have to feel that emotion surrounding Maggie.
That’s not to say this novel doesn’t stretch reality, and you might have to suspend your disbelief towards the end. However, it’s wrong not to mention something else that was present in the last novel, and carried in to this one, and that’s the ‘commercial’ nature of the ending – it made this novel similar to other psychological thrillers, and took away from the brilliance that came before. I think this comes from the powerful nature of the plot, you’re so invested in Maggie’s plight, perhaps to the point you forget this novel takes places within the fictional realm where anything is possible. I think I was expecting more of a subtle ending. That’s not to say the ending isn’t good and the twist didn’t work well, because it absolutely did, it just had a bigger focus of the entertainment factor than I was expecting.
What is great about this novel are the layers that are slowly peeled back in order to get to the ending, to the truth. I made my predictions based on the feeling that something is not quite right, and I missed the mark – but it’s that feeling when you know something is amiss, and you’re reaching for it, that makes this novel addictive.
If you enjoyed Ellwood’s previous novel, you’ll like this one. Day of the Accident is an addictive read, dark in nature, suspenseful and emotional, a main character you like even more with every page you turn, and a plot that will have you guessing till the end.
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this title*
June 8, 2018
Review to follow.
February 25, 2019
3.5 stars
Well I did a 360 degree turnaround on my opinion of this book.
I started off disliking it, as it's written in the present tense and I find that annoying to read. The only reason that I continued is that I had really enjoyed the author's previous book, so I wanted to give this one every chance.
Lucky I did!
I ended up loving the plot. I had ZERO idea what was actually going on, and I was totally baffled by the events. In a great way, as it meant I couldn't put the book down. The plot and the characters demanded my full attention, and I fully got over my struggle with the present tense. I think I was reading so fast towards the end, that I couldn't even tell you what tense it was in!
Well I did a 360 degree turnaround on my opinion of this book.
I started off disliking it, as it's written in the present tense and I find that annoying to read. The only reason that I continued is that I had really enjoyed the author's previous book, so I wanted to give this one every chance.
Lucky I did!
I ended up loving the plot. I had ZERO idea what was actually going on, and I was totally baffled by the events. In a great way, as it meant I couldn't put the book down. The plot and the characters demanded my full attention, and I fully got over my struggle with the present tense. I think I was reading so fast towards the end, that I couldn't even tell you what tense it was in!
March 18, 2019
I was a huge fan of author Nuala Ellwood’s debut novel My Sister’s Bones and after reading Day Of The Accident the author is now firmly on my “favourite author’s list”. What an exciting, nerve-wracking read Day Of The Accident turned out to be. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you up late I’ve found it, if you are looking for a deliciously devious plot, you guessed it I’ve found it! I think an author has done their job well if they can surprise me, but Nuala Elwood has gone one better and left me stunned. I smugly thought I had pretty much worked out the plot half way through, EPIC fail as I reached the conclusion I realised the author had well and truly duped me and that’s the reason you will hear me shouting from the rooftops about how much I enjoyed this book.
From the start of the Day Of The Accident the author draws you. We first meet Maggie as she wakes from a coma and to be told that her child Elspeth had drowned in an unfortunate accident and add to her heartache husband Sean has vanished. Maggie’s life is in tatters, she has lost everything that is dear to her, not only does she have to cope with her grief but she also desperate to find out what happened on that fateful day. The author has done a superb job in maintaining the tension throughout the Day Of The Accident I’m surprised I never ended up with repetitive strain injury as I was flipping the pages of my kindle so fast, desperate to get to the truth.
Maggie isn’t the most reliable narrator partly due to her memory loss from the accident, but also the events the author alludes to regarding Maggie’s past, which encourage the reader to be suspicious of her. I raced through this book I read the first 60% in one sitting so engrossed was I in Maggie’s story, if life hadn’t got in the way I’m sure I would have read the book cover to cover in one sitting. Apologises if this review appears to be vague, but I’m desperate not to spoil the read for others, I want the book to surprise you, just as I was, it makes the read all the more enjoyable. Nuala Ellwood is a master of deception and misdirection, Day Of The Accident is a brilliant crafted, psychological suspense-filled read, with lashings of deceit, it’s a book that will keep you guessing to the last few chapters, cliched but true. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
From the start of the Day Of The Accident the author draws you. We first meet Maggie as she wakes from a coma and to be told that her child Elspeth had drowned in an unfortunate accident and add to her heartache husband Sean has vanished. Maggie’s life is in tatters, she has lost everything that is dear to her, not only does she have to cope with her grief but she also desperate to find out what happened on that fateful day. The author has done a superb job in maintaining the tension throughout the Day Of The Accident I’m surprised I never ended up with repetitive strain injury as I was flipping the pages of my kindle so fast, desperate to get to the truth.
Maggie isn’t the most reliable narrator partly due to her memory loss from the accident, but also the events the author alludes to regarding Maggie’s past, which encourage the reader to be suspicious of her. I raced through this book I read the first 60% in one sitting so engrossed was I in Maggie’s story, if life hadn’t got in the way I’m sure I would have read the book cover to cover in one sitting. Apologises if this review appears to be vague, but I’m desperate not to spoil the read for others, I want the book to surprise you, just as I was, it makes the read all the more enjoyable. Nuala Ellwood is a master of deception and misdirection, Day Of The Accident is a brilliant crafted, psychological suspense-filled read, with lashings of deceit, it’s a book that will keep you guessing to the last few chapters, cliched but true. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
September 23, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
I have conflicting feelings about this novel. On the one hand, it does intrigue and mystery well; I spent the first 2/3 of the book really intrigued as to what had actually happened on the day Maggie's daughter dies. However, I felt that the story was just a bit too unbelievable and unlikely. I didn't believe that a lot of it would actually happen, and although that doesn't necessarily mean I won't enjoy a book (I don't mind books that make me have to suspend by disbelief), this just didn't wow me.
The plot is entertaining, and I enjoyed the slow reveal as Maggie begins to realise what happened in the lead up to 'that day'. There were parts that surprised me, and I like Nualla Elwood's writing (I loved My Sister's Bones so was really excited to read this). I warmed a lot to Maggie as time went on, and was willing her to discover what had happened. I also really liked one part of the ending where the character I assumed would come out of it all as squeaky clean, didn't quite - which kept that side of things believable (keeping it vague as I don't want to give too much away). I didn't guess the ending but it felt a little too stretched for me.
The Day of the Accident just didn't quite live up to expectations compared to My Sister's Bones - but perhaps I'm at fault for comparing the two books, I'm sure authors hate it when readers always do that...! So I feel that it's still worth a read as it's entertaining and kept me guessing, plus many other reviews have raved about it so I seem to be in the minority here by thinking it was just 'OK'.
I have conflicting feelings about this novel. On the one hand, it does intrigue and mystery well; I spent the first 2/3 of the book really intrigued as to what had actually happened on the day Maggie's daughter dies. However, I felt that the story was just a bit too unbelievable and unlikely. I didn't believe that a lot of it would actually happen, and although that doesn't necessarily mean I won't enjoy a book (I don't mind books that make me have to suspend by disbelief), this just didn't wow me.
The plot is entertaining, and I enjoyed the slow reveal as Maggie begins to realise what happened in the lead up to 'that day'. There were parts that surprised me, and I like Nualla Elwood's writing (I loved My Sister's Bones so was really excited to read this). I warmed a lot to Maggie as time went on, and was willing her to discover what had happened. I also really liked one part of the ending where the character I assumed would come out of it all as squeaky clean, didn't quite - which kept that side of things believable (keeping it vague as I don't want to give too much away). I didn't guess the ending but it felt a little too stretched for me.
The Day of the Accident just didn't quite live up to expectations compared to My Sister's Bones - but perhaps I'm at fault for comparing the two books, I'm sure authors hate it when readers always do that...! So I feel that it's still worth a read as it's entertaining and kept me guessing, plus many other reviews have raved about it so I seem to be in the minority here by thinking it was just 'OK'.
January 17, 2021
It's no accident that DAY OF THE ACCIDENT has an intriguing premise. The protagonist Maggie is an unreliable and pitiful narrator who wakes up in the hospital from a 10-week coma only to learn that she has been in an accident that killed her daughter. Her husband has disappeared. She no longer has fingernails. Maggie has no memory of the day of the accident and is clueless about her husband's whereabouts.
The story unfolds from Maggie's POV. Throughout the book, letters from a daughter to her mother are read that specifically reference Maggie; leaving readers to wonder if Maggie's daughter is really dead. The book's beginning and ending were fast-paced but the middle of the book lacked luster and frequently dragged.
Although the book really picked up in the end, I felt that the book's ending was contrived and not very believable. In fact, when the book ended, I heard myself saying "HUH?"
I listened to the book's audio version and the narration was superb.
Overall, the book was well-written and I will definitely be looking forward to future titles from this author.
The story unfolds from Maggie's POV. Throughout the book, letters from a daughter to her mother are read that specifically reference Maggie; leaving readers to wonder if Maggie's daughter is really dead. The book's beginning and ending were fast-paced but the middle of the book lacked luster and frequently dragged.
Although the book really picked up in the end, I felt that the book's ending was contrived and not very believable. In fact, when the book ended, I heard myself saying "HUH?"
I listened to the book's audio version and the narration was superb.
Overall, the book was well-written and I will definitely be looking forward to future titles from this author.
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