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Simon Says
Her new life may not be perfect but she’s happy. Until she makes a terrible decision – and learns the hard way that home is not a place of refuge.
Not while Simon lurks in every shadow.
He groomed her as a teen: terrorised her into fleeing and leaving her baby behind. Now the man who destroyed her childhood has become the perfect father to her teenage daughter. And her return threatens his future.
A desperate man is a dangerous one.
Simon says she must leave or suffer the consequences. She refuses.
Now it’s his move. Because it's not enough to face your demons.
Sometimes, you must destroy them.
Not while Simon lurks in every shadow.
He groomed her as a teen: terrorised her into fleeing and leaving her baby behind. Now the man who destroyed her childhood has become the perfect father to her teenage daughter. And her return threatens his future.
A desperate man is a dangerous one.
Simon says she must leave or suffer the consequences. She refuses.
Now it’s his move. Because it's not enough to face your demons.
Sometimes, you must destroy them.
- GenresThriller
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
114 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 25, 2019
4☆ A Dark, Gritty, Twisty, Realistic Domestic Thriller that will get under your skin!
Simon Says is a gripping,compulsive, heart breaking twisty Domestic Thriller that will get under your skin.
I'm not too sure where to start with my review for this one as the blurb is really very intriguing and gives you a good glimpse into this dark book.
I don't want to give too much away as it's as book that is in two timelines and thoroughly addictive!
Simon Says is a heart breaking, twisty, compulsive, gritty, dark, realistic story of child grooming, taking a young girls innocence, rape, teenage pregnancy, danger, facing your demons, confronting your past, bullying, protecting your loved ones from evil.
The timelines flowed seamlessly, the characters are superbly written and believable, the plot is heart breaking, twisty, dark, will make you angry and will get under your skin. Wesley's writing provoked the perfect emotions throughout, sending me on a rollercoaster ride, which I love in my Domestic Thrillers.
Simon Says is a A dark gritty domestic Thriller that once you delve into you won't want to put down!
I am so excited to discover more from Jo Wesley, an author that I'm definitely adding to my watch out for list!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Simon Says is a gripping,compulsive, heart breaking twisty Domestic Thriller that will get under your skin.
I'm not too sure where to start with my review for this one as the blurb is really very intriguing and gives you a good glimpse into this dark book.
I don't want to give too much away as it's as book that is in two timelines and thoroughly addictive!
Simon Says is a heart breaking, twisty, compulsive, gritty, dark, realistic story of child grooming, taking a young girls innocence, rape, teenage pregnancy, danger, facing your demons, confronting your past, bullying, protecting your loved ones from evil.
The timelines flowed seamlessly, the characters are superbly written and believable, the plot is heart breaking, twisty, dark, will make you angry and will get under your skin. Wesley's writing provoked the perfect emotions throughout, sending me on a rollercoaster ride, which I love in my Domestic Thrillers.
Simon Says is a A dark gritty domestic Thriller that once you delve into you won't want to put down!
I am so excited to discover more from Jo Wesley, an author that I'm definitely adding to my watch out for list!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
September 16, 2019
Simon is a desperate man ... a dangerous man. He groomed Cindy from a young age and in the end forced her to leave home ... leaving her baby behind.
She is back .... with her twin children after narrowly escaping a house fire with their lives.
Simon is still around ... having become the perfect father to her daughter. When Cindy returns (as Karis) he fears her interference and warns her once more to leave or suffer the direst of consequences.
Her choices ... face her demons and Simon ..... or run .... again.
Well written, this psychological thriller tells the story of Cindy as a young child living with an emotionally toxic mother, an absent father, and then meeting her sister's older boyfriend. It then tells her life as Karis, the mother of twins. She's lived her life as best she can and she's left the little girl she was far behind.
This is a compelling read with finely drawn characters who lend credibility to the story.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for the digital copy of SIMON SAYS. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 10, 2019
A riveting read full of heartbreak.
This is an emotional read and written as though I knew Cindy, the main character so much. My heart broke for what life dished out so many times.
I have to mention this needs a trigger warning around rape, as I know it may distress some.
The book is written over two timelines. There is Cindy as a young teenager and her now, an adult. She goes through so much it is impossible not to feel for her.
Jo Wesley has represented all the characters in a way that's very realistic. From their speech and dialogue to their characters and intent. There are characters you will despise and the dark sides of people exposed with no apologies or sugar coating. Kudos for that because Cindy and her story happens in real life everyday,
Despite it's dark moments the book shows us the courage and will to survive, to be a protector when nobody protected you. I was hooked on this is all the way through, no pulls it slow sections.
I recommend this novel if you love characters who are realistic and flawed and enjoy a book that presents real world issues. I like the authors writing style and how she exposes the impact of toxic families on life paths.
I love Cindy, my heart hurt for her and I cheered all the way for justice. A solid 4 star book.
This is an emotional read and written as though I knew Cindy, the main character so much. My heart broke for what life dished out so many times.
I have to mention this needs a trigger warning around rape, as I know it may distress some.
The book is written over two timelines. There is Cindy as a young teenager and her now, an adult. She goes through so much it is impossible not to feel for her.
Jo Wesley has represented all the characters in a way that's very realistic. From their speech and dialogue to their characters and intent. There are characters you will despise and the dark sides of people exposed with no apologies or sugar coating. Kudos for that because Cindy and her story happens in real life everyday,
Despite it's dark moments the book shows us the courage and will to survive, to be a protector when nobody protected you. I was hooked on this is all the way through, no pulls it slow sections.
I recommend this novel if you love characters who are realistic and flawed and enjoy a book that presents real world issues. I like the authors writing style and how she exposes the impact of toxic families on life paths.
I love Cindy, my heart hurt for her and I cheered all the way for justice. A solid 4 star book.
September 17, 2019
Years ago when I was bright and innocent, I played the game Simon Says. Now decades later, I read the book and it raised my hackles. Innocence lost, oh so slowly, grooming a child of 14, making her pregnant and threatening her brought my need for justice to the forefront. Oh, how my vengeant heart wanted revenge!!
Author Jo Wesley has written a book so authentic that I couldn't help but see the scenes like a movie horrifying. The creepiness slithered silently like a snake, its venom subtle but deadly. The story shown was dark, its barbs hooking me deeply into the story of Cindy who was groomed by Simon and then delivered her daughter Ella, but managed to escape him. Oh how I wanted her to be safe forever!!
She ran for her life, her daughter was being raised by her elder sister Mandy. But life wasn't kind to her. She was on the crossroads and had to return home just to discover the abhorrent truth. Simon had now moved in with Mandy and ELLA WAS 13 YEARS OLD. Would the cycle begin again? Oh how I wished it weren't so!!
Written in dual timelines, Jo Wesley has depicted the dual timeframes when Cindy was slowly pulled into Simon's web and years later when she was back home with twins. The book unfurled a story which was scary yet it happened frequently in life. Oh, how I felt helpless at this point!!
I cried when innocence was lost, I wanted to take this child and protect her from the predators. How children were brainwashed to believe the wrong person. But I could do nothing but read the story. The writing was raw and gritty with Cindy's emotions hitting me hard. Oh, how I wanted to cry at the wrongness!!
With Simon coming back to threaten her once again, I was happy to see how Cindy gathered up her strength against him and fought for her firstborn. My heart, though heavy, was lightened by the end of the book. One of my toughest reads!!
Author Jo Wesley has written a book so authentic that I couldn't help but see the scenes like a movie horrifying. The creepiness slithered silently like a snake, its venom subtle but deadly. The story shown was dark, its barbs hooking me deeply into the story of Cindy who was groomed by Simon and then delivered her daughter Ella, but managed to escape him. Oh how I wanted her to be safe forever!!
She ran for her life, her daughter was being raised by her elder sister Mandy. But life wasn't kind to her. She was on the crossroads and had to return home just to discover the abhorrent truth. Simon had now moved in with Mandy and ELLA WAS 13 YEARS OLD. Would the cycle begin again? Oh how I wished it weren't so!!
Written in dual timelines, Jo Wesley has depicted the dual timeframes when Cindy was slowly pulled into Simon's web and years later when she was back home with twins. The book unfurled a story which was scary yet it happened frequently in life. Oh, how I felt helpless at this point!!
I cried when innocence was lost, I wanted to take this child and protect her from the predators. How children were brainwashed to believe the wrong person. But I could do nothing but read the story. The writing was raw and gritty with Cindy's emotions hitting me hard. Oh, how I wanted to cry at the wrongness!!
With Simon coming back to threaten her once again, I was happy to see how Cindy gathered up her strength against him and fought for her firstborn. My heart, though heavy, was lightened by the end of the book. One of my toughest reads!!
July 19, 2019
A great read with two equally brilliant stories woven into one
Simon Says is a fantastic read with two timelines, the past life of Cindy, a fifteen-year-old girl, living in an emotionally toxic household, and then her future life as Karis - a mum herself with twins. As Karis, she has made her way in life the best way that she can, but when that life is ripped out from under her, she goes back 'home' and has to face up to the past. This was a compelling read that kept me rooting for the main character, and turning the page. I look forward to Jo's next book.
Simon Says is a fantastic read with two timelines, the past life of Cindy, a fifteen-year-old girl, living in an emotionally toxic household, and then her future life as Karis - a mum herself with twins. As Karis, she has made her way in life the best way that she can, but when that life is ripped out from under her, she goes back 'home' and has to face up to the past. This was a compelling read that kept me rooting for the main character, and turning the page. I look forward to Jo's next book.
September 18, 2019
This is a brilliant debut read.
We get two stories here that are connected. Cindy, a teenager and then as Karis.
She has tried to move on but finds herself right back into her past.
I thought this was a great read. Although we don’t like to believe it, parts of this happens in real life and I’m glad the author brings it to the forefront.
I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future
We get two stories here that are connected. Cindy, a teenager and then as Karis.
She has tried to move on but finds herself right back into her past.
I thought this was a great read. Although we don’t like to believe it, parts of this happens in real life and I’m glad the author brings it to the forefront.
I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future
December 7, 2019
An interesting concept jumping from past and present. Topical after the initial height of the #MeToo campaign. The eyes of the victim and how their lives can sometimes never be the same after going through something as traumatic as this. Would recommend. Thank you TBC for my copy.
May 11, 2020
Loved this, start to finish, it really sucked me in. I really felt for Cindy, having to go through all she did with little support and understanding. I felt the denial was explained very well and captured how the actions of others can have a significant impact on the victims and wider relationships.
For a first novel, Jo should take a bow, I hope to see new works of the same calibre in the future.
For a first novel, Jo should take a bow, I hope to see new works of the same calibre in the future.
September 23, 2019
The most horrifying thing about Simon is that if you’re a woman, you’ve met a Simon. He was That Guy who first made an inappropriately sexual comment to you, when you were 14 or 12 or maybe even as young as 9. He might have been a sports coach, a teacher, a relative, your older sister’s boyfriend (as was the Simon in this book), or just some random dude on the bus. You might have been lucky to get away with nothing more than an icky feeling after being perved on by an older guy inappropriately interested in pubescent girls.
Cindy wasn’t that lucky.
Told in chapters alternating between the present day and a time thirteen years earlier, when Cinty was 14, the story leads us through Cindy’s present troubles and back through what happened to her back then, and as the book progresses it becomes very obvious that one thing led directly to another. Cindy never really had a chance, with a mother who neglected and even abused her and a predator like Simon waiting in the shadows for his chance to strike. It’s uncomfortable and at times tragic reading, and it’s so realistic it could be the biography of thousands of young women in the UK today. Pleasingly, it does end on a positive note, with a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for Cindy and the chance of a better life if she wants it, but she goes through a lot of dark places before she arrives there.
This is a gritty domestic noir thriller set on Britain’s poverty-stricken council estates, and readers should be aware there are a lot of potentially distressing triggers including parental abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a child, forcible drugging and date-raping and more. None of it is gratuitous and Simon is treated with the contempt he and his ilk deserve, but it’s not easy reading. Cindy’s story is compelling, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for her as she struggles to get her life on any kind of decent track.
Five stars for a gritty, realistic read with a pleasantly surprising uplift at the very end.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
Cindy wasn’t that lucky.
Told in chapters alternating between the present day and a time thirteen years earlier, when Cinty was 14, the story leads us through Cindy’s present troubles and back through what happened to her back then, and as the book progresses it becomes very obvious that one thing led directly to another. Cindy never really had a chance, with a mother who neglected and even abused her and a predator like Simon waiting in the shadows for his chance to strike. It’s uncomfortable and at times tragic reading, and it’s so realistic it could be the biography of thousands of young women in the UK today. Pleasingly, it does end on a positive note, with a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for Cindy and the chance of a better life if she wants it, but she goes through a lot of dark places before she arrives there.
This is a gritty domestic noir thriller set on Britain’s poverty-stricken council estates, and readers should be aware there are a lot of potentially distressing triggers including parental abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a child, forcible drugging and date-raping and more. None of it is gratuitous and Simon is treated with the contempt he and his ilk deserve, but it’s not easy reading. Cindy’s story is compelling, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for her as she struggles to get her life on any kind of decent track.
Five stars for a gritty, realistic read with a pleasantly surprising uplift at the very end.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
September 5, 2019
Simon Says is written in two voices- Karis, mother of twins in the current day and Cindy, the girl she used to be back in her teens.
Karis escapes from a house fire, saving her twins but unable to rouse her partner Jez from his drunken slumber, leaving him in the burning house. Scared for her life she takes Jez's car and flees home to her mother.
Cindy is the victim of an uncaring mother and a bossy older sister. She has one good friend, the boy next door and is easy prey for Simon, who is ostensibly her sisters boyfriend but ends up grooming her and ultimately destroying her, forcing her to leave home and leave her baby behind.
In her efforts to remove herself from the dangers of her old life with Jez, Karis reverts back to Cindy and moves into her mothers empty house- still with the same neighbours next door.
This book is so well written that Karis and Cindy initially feel like totally different people but as the tale unfolds they become entwined by the past back into Cindy, the girl who is terrified by Simon but wants justice/revenge and to rescue her now grown child from his clutches. She falls back into an unlikely friendship with the boy from next door, embroiling him initially unwittingly into the dangers of her past.
Extremely well written, very dark and anxiety ridden...I was up past 1am finishing this as I could not put it down!
Karis escapes from a house fire, saving her twins but unable to rouse her partner Jez from his drunken slumber, leaving him in the burning house. Scared for her life she takes Jez's car and flees home to her mother.
Cindy is the victim of an uncaring mother and a bossy older sister. She has one good friend, the boy next door and is easy prey for Simon, who is ostensibly her sisters boyfriend but ends up grooming her and ultimately destroying her, forcing her to leave home and leave her baby behind.
In her efforts to remove herself from the dangers of her old life with Jez, Karis reverts back to Cindy and moves into her mothers empty house- still with the same neighbours next door.
This book is so well written that Karis and Cindy initially feel like totally different people but as the tale unfolds they become entwined by the past back into Cindy, the girl who is terrified by Simon but wants justice/revenge and to rescue her now grown child from his clutches. She falls back into an unlikely friendship with the boy from next door, embroiling him initially unwittingly into the dangers of her past.
Extremely well written, very dark and anxiety ridden...I was up past 1am finishing this as I could not put it down!
September 6, 2019
This is the first book by this author I have read, and it won't be the last. The book is written with two intertwined time lines, past and present.
It follows Cindy and her dysfunctional family from the age of about 11. Her dad is not around, her mum has a new boyfriend, her older sister dislikes her but her sisters boyfriend is overly attentive. Cindy doesn't like school, and does not have many friends, she spends her time hanging around outside, and stealing and smoking cigarettes. Her sisters boyfriend offers a space for her to retreat to when home life gets too much. But is it a safe space?
In the present day Karis is running for her life after the flat she lives in with her boyfriend Jez and her twin children is set on fire. She escapes the fire with her children, and soon discovers that Jez had been keeping secrets which ultimately led to his death and the destruction of their flat. With nowhere else to go, Karis must return to her mother's house and try to escape the people chasing her, for something she no longer has. But escaping from one bad situation takes her back to the past she though she had left behind.
The story builds up slowly with more and more being revealed. The story is at times quite hard to read - it covers some gritty subject areas, and is probably not for the faint hearted. But it is a good read, original and keeps you gripped.
It follows Cindy and her dysfunctional family from the age of about 11. Her dad is not around, her mum has a new boyfriend, her older sister dislikes her but her sisters boyfriend is overly attentive. Cindy doesn't like school, and does not have many friends, she spends her time hanging around outside, and stealing and smoking cigarettes. Her sisters boyfriend offers a space for her to retreat to when home life gets too much. But is it a safe space?
In the present day Karis is running for her life after the flat she lives in with her boyfriend Jez and her twin children is set on fire. She escapes the fire with her children, and soon discovers that Jez had been keeping secrets which ultimately led to his death and the destruction of their flat. With nowhere else to go, Karis must return to her mother's house and try to escape the people chasing her, for something she no longer has. But escaping from one bad situation takes her back to the past she though she had left behind.
The story builds up slowly with more and more being revealed. The story is at times quite hard to read - it covers some gritty subject areas, and is probably not for the faint hearted. But it is a good read, original and keeps you gripped.
September 11, 2019
I love a dark psychological thriller and this one did not disappoint.
After a terrible incident, with it's own consequences, we find Cindy escaping to the safety of her childhood home. Except that home is not the safe refuge she thinks it is and is full of heart break and bad memories. How can she keep her children safe when Simon lurks around every corner?
The story goes back and forth in time building up the twists in the tale. Child grooming, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and the wrench of leaving her baby, poor Cindy has endured a lifetime of sadness and secrets. With Simon now threatening her for the second time she must finally face her demons.
This was an excellent book which I read in one sitting. The build up and back story made me not want to put it down. A highly recommended read with a full five stars.
After a terrible incident, with it's own consequences, we find Cindy escaping to the safety of her childhood home. Except that home is not the safe refuge she thinks it is and is full of heart break and bad memories. How can she keep her children safe when Simon lurks around every corner?
The story goes back and forth in time building up the twists in the tale. Child grooming, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and the wrench of leaving her baby, poor Cindy has endured a lifetime of sadness and secrets. With Simon now threatening her for the second time she must finally face her demons.
This was an excellent book which I read in one sitting. The build up and back story made me not want to put it down. A highly recommended read with a full five stars.
July 22, 2019
From the very first page this book had me hooked! The chapters alternate between Cindy/ Karis childhood /adulthood. I'm not giving no spoilers away but this book blew me away. It wasn't the psychological aspect what done it for me, it was the way the story was told. I really felt as if I was in her home at times!
I download 3-4 books a week and rarely leave review's but I have to say this was one of the best books I have read this year.
Very well done to the author and I am so looking forward to her next one.
I download 3-4 books a week and rarely leave review's but I have to say this was one of the best books I have read this year.
Very well done to the author and I am so looking forward to her next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
This book gripped me from the first page, Karis escaping a house fire with her twins leaving Jez to die, she escapes back to her mum's home. What is she running from and what is she running into. No matter which way she turns she has to face and deal with her life as Cindy a teenager who was groomed and destroyed not only by her sisters boyfriend but by her mum and sister. The only person she could ever rely on was Troy, can he help her put her life back together.
Harrowing at times reading what Cindy endured but loved her resilience
Harrowing at times reading what Cindy endured but loved her resilience
August 4, 2019
A fantastic story
I found this by chance so thought I'd try it. At the end of the first chapter I just had to keep reading. This was an extremely well written novel, with characters that were so real. Cindy's story was so sad, I was rooting for her to find happiness. The ending was lovely.
I found this by chance so thought I'd try it. At the end of the first chapter I just had to keep reading. This was an extremely well written novel, with characters that were so real. Cindy's story was so sad, I was rooting for her to find happiness. The ending was lovely.
August 23, 2019
So this book kept me up all night as I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end. I really enjoyed this psychological thriller about a woman on the run after a house fire who is forced to go back and confront her past head on even though there she is also in danger there as well. It doesn’t disappoint.
September 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
A fantastic read, Jo has the ability to manipulate within the story 2 timelines (past and present) keeping them separate and tying them together. A dark and twisted read that really gripped me! Thank you for keeping me up all night!
A fantastic read, Jo has the ability to manipulate within the story 2 timelines (past and present) keeping them separate and tying them together. A dark and twisted read that really gripped me! Thank you for keeping me up all night!
September 12, 2019
This debut book “Simon Says” by Jo Wesley is a fantastic read. Set over the past and present it reads smoothly and was a joy to read.
There’s just the right amount of characters who are all written so well that the reader really feels they know them.
There’s heartache, love and fear - a superb book which kept me glued to my phone for 2 days. Highly recommended.
There’s just the right amount of characters who are all written so well that the reader really feels they know them.
There’s heartache, love and fear - a superb book which kept me glued to my phone for 2 days. Highly recommended.
October 8, 2019
Brilliantly written with flavours of This is England
When I read this I was instantly transported to the world of Cindy. It was so well written- attention to detail you felt you were right there. It had a gritty edge to it- which reminded me of the dysfunctional families in This is England...I am going to read it again ... I loved it!
When I read this I was instantly transported to the world of Cindy. It was so well written- attention to detail you felt you were right there. It had a gritty edge to it- which reminded me of the dysfunctional families in This is England...I am going to read it again ... I loved it!
July 24, 2019
An excellent read. I really enjoyed it.
August 13, 2019
Page turning
I couldn't put it down, emotional at times but a page turner. The strength of Cindy fight ing for the truth
I couldn't put it down, emotional at times but a page turner. The strength of Cindy fight ing for the truth
August 16, 2019
Great read
An open honest account of life past present and the future with unexpected twists and turns 😁 great read 😁
An open honest account of life past present and the future with unexpected twists and turns 😁 great read 😁
August 26, 2019
Very good
This story was told very well with very believable characters. The story line told through the mind of a child was really well put together with a good ending.
This story was told very well with very believable characters. The story line told through the mind of a child was really well put together with a good ending.
August 27, 2019
Great book, kept me hooked. Loved the characters but the lack of twist at the end stopped me giving 5☆
September 10, 2019
Simon Says
First time I have read a book by this author and I have to say what a brilliant thriller from start to finish definitely give stars
First time I have read a book by this author and I have to say what a brilliant thriller from start to finish definitely give stars
September 18, 2019
A fab read , it really drew me in and kept me there....
February 18, 2020
Wasnt too keen on this book. I thought it was very slow the whole way through and then the ending was a let down. I would have preferred more of a shock factor to it. A girl lives a simple life until she makes a mistake. He grooms her and then forces her to flee leaving her baby behind but the past always catches up later in life.
February 14, 2022
A great debut, this book is gripping, dark and disturbing.
The story of Cindy, then and now, is heartbreaking. No child should be brought up by a woman like her mother. Despite this Cindy has determination and is fiercely protective of her own children. A book you will keep reading into the early hours.
The story of Cindy, then and now, is heartbreaking. No child should be brought up by a woman like her mother. Despite this Cindy has determination and is fiercely protective of her own children. A book you will keep reading into the early hours.
January 3, 2020
An excellent read! Just could not put this book down!!
December 12, 2019
Don't know if it is the subject or the style of writing, but something made me feel very uneasy whilst reading this book and it bothers me that that I cannot understand why.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews