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Cate Austin #2
The Sacrificial Man
What I want to say is that suicide is my choice. No-one else is to blame. Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime: Will you help me to die?
When Probation probation Officer officer Cate Austin is given her new assignment, she faces the highest-profile case of her career. Alice Mariani is charged with assisted suicide, and Cate must recommend a sentence.
Alice insists her story is one of misinterpreted love, forcing those around her to analyze their own lives. Who is to decide what is normal, and when does loyalty turn to obsession?
Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must now meet the woman who agreed to comply with her lover's final request. Shocking revelations expose bitter truths that can no longer be ignored.
When Probation probation Officer officer Cate Austin is given her new assignment, she faces the highest-profile case of her career. Alice Mariani is charged with assisted suicide, and Cate must recommend a sentence.
Alice insists her story is one of misinterpreted love, forcing those around her to analyze their own lives. Who is to decide what is normal, and when does loyalty turn to obsession?
Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must now meet the woman who agreed to comply with her lover's final request. Shocking revelations expose bitter truths that can no longer be ignored.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
46 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Dugdall
25 books292 followersRuth Dugdall was born in 1971. She holds a BA honours degree in English Literature (Warwick University) and an MA in Social Work (University of East Anglia). She qualified as a probation officer in 1996 and has worked in prison with offenders guilty of serious crimes, including stalking, rape and murder. This has informed her crime writing. Since she started writing, Ruth has won awards in several writing competitions, and has had short stories published in the Winchester Writers' Conference and the Eva Wiggins Award anthologies.
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 30, 2019
Blimey. The start is 0-60 in 3 seconds, talk about high octane! Alice Mariani has been convicted of the assisted suicide of David Jenkins also known as Smith. She believes everyone has the right to die on their own terms. Cate Austin is a probation officer who assesses the convicted and their crimes and then recommends sentences to judges. The story is told from the perspectives of Cate and Alice and we learn Alice’s sad background as the storyline goes backwards and forwards in time emerging a bit at a time, in a very tantalising way. This is much more than a story about ethics and the right to die, although of course this is part of it and it does examine whether it’s a crime if the death is merciful and what the victim clearly wants. It’s also about love and sacrifice which is tied up with religious overtones although some would consider the characters ideas deranged.
What can I say about Alice? She’s very clever, becomes a lecturer in English Literature at a university and I love the references and quotes from Keats which resonate personally with Alice. She’s very complex, lonely, possibly narcissistic and apart from her friend Lee and her mother Matilde, who died when she was four, she’s unloved. Much of her motivation is to recreate the love she feels for her mother which is desperately sad. Cate is very likeable and tenacious and I’ll definitely read more of the series featuring her. Their interactions and encounters are tense at times and it’s horribly fascinating as the truth emerges. It’s a bit like watching cats and mice, only you have no idea who the cat actually is. The storyline is not for everyone and at times it is disturbing and if you are squeamish it’s probably not for you!
Overall, it’s well written, the storyline flows, it’s gripping, very dark, twisted, scary, disturbing and obviously it’s right up my street and I couldn’t put it down!
Thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press.
What can I say about Alice? She’s very clever, becomes a lecturer in English Literature at a university and I love the references and quotes from Keats which resonate personally with Alice. She’s very complex, lonely, possibly narcissistic and apart from her friend Lee and her mother Matilde, who died when she was four, she’s unloved. Much of her motivation is to recreate the love she feels for her mother which is desperately sad. Cate is very likeable and tenacious and I’ll definitely read more of the series featuring her. Their interactions and encounters are tense at times and it’s horribly fascinating as the truth emerges. It’s a bit like watching cats and mice, only you have no idea who the cat actually is. The storyline is not for everyone and at times it is disturbing and if you are squeamish it’s probably not for you!
Overall, it’s well written, the storyline flows, it’s gripping, very dark, twisted, scary, disturbing and obviously it’s right up my street and I couldn’t put it down!
Thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press.
November 29, 2019
Probation Officer Cate Austin is handed a different care to analyze and recommend sentencing. The person charged is Alice ... she has been convicted of assisted suicide and cannibalism.
Alice has a story to tell ... but is it true? There's a fine line between euthanasia and murder. There's another fine line between love and obsession.
Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime: Will you help me to die?
Alice says she agreed to comply with her lover's final request. But he also had another agenda ... one that will make all the difference in the world.
Alice tells her story .... starting with her mother's death. Her lover's story is told through his journal.
This one has all the elements that drew me in and kept me riveted to the pages.... assisted suicide/murder, cannibalism. love, obsession, sacrifice. It's well written with deftly drawn characters and a unique story premise leading to a surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Legend Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 17, 2023
Second in the series and just as good as the first.
Probation officer Cate deals with a case which involves death and the eating of flesh - not for the faint hearted trust me.
Had me gripped throughout and was nice to see Colchester featured.
Four stars.
Probation officer Cate deals with a case which involves death and the eating of flesh - not for the faint hearted trust me.
Had me gripped throughout and was nice to see Colchester featured.
Four stars.
December 23, 2019
Reading this book was like a drug. I could not put it down, but then I wanted to, to experience the “highs” of the plot. Dark, twisted and deep, I was reluctant to stop reading but needed to; not only to absorb the plot, but to fully appreciate Dugdall’s writing. This truly was a winning book.
I haven’t read a book that explores the role of the Probation Officer. Cate is in charge of writing the final report on Alice, determining her sentence for assisting with the death of Smith. So, as far as readers are concerned, we have a victim, a perpetrator, a crime and a pending sentence. However, as Dugdall (and Alice) reveal the true story behind Smith’s death, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems. The plot ambiguities were delightful and I relished in not knowing what Dugdall would do next to the development.
Undoubtedly, this is a dark story. I mean, with the theme of cannibalism, you can expect there to be some pretty gruesome scenes! Some were quite toe-curling however, Dugdall does not go completely gory. I can hardly argue that it is “tasteful”, (if you read the book – and you should – then you will know what I mean with that,) but, it isn’t glorified or extended for the sake of prolonging the narrative. Gore where it was required, not for gore’s sake!
Whilst this is the second of a series, I did not notice this at all. Dugdall explores some of Cate’s background but she is hardly the lynchpin to understanding the story. I wonder if the first book delves more into her as a character. Yet, this was hardly necessary when Alice is such a fascinating person to read about. The narrative does switch viewpoints and time scales but this is all part of learning how and why Alice came to assist with a suicide.
This novel covers a controversial topic but the crime theme makes it an interesting exploration. The writing is rich and vivid; I felt like I could imagine Alice sitting with me as I read this book, although many-a-time I wish she were not there! Consequently, I think I can honestly say that I will have to sit and “digest” this story. This is quite unlike me but Dugdall’s writing is so powerful that I want to immerse myself in it a bit longer, even after the final page has been turned.
I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to read this book. So unexpected but so thrilling at the same time. It was a real page turner and I could not have foreseen how emotionally immersed I would have become in the story.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to everyone at Legend Press and Ruth Dugdall for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
I haven’t read a book that explores the role of the Probation Officer. Cate is in charge of writing the final report on Alice, determining her sentence for assisting with the death of Smith. So, as far as readers are concerned, we have a victim, a perpetrator, a crime and a pending sentence. However, as Dugdall (and Alice) reveal the true story behind Smith’s death, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems. The plot ambiguities were delightful and I relished in not knowing what Dugdall would do next to the development.
Undoubtedly, this is a dark story. I mean, with the theme of cannibalism, you can expect there to be some pretty gruesome scenes! Some were quite toe-curling however, Dugdall does not go completely gory. I can hardly argue that it is “tasteful”, (if you read the book – and you should – then you will know what I mean with that,) but, it isn’t glorified or extended for the sake of prolonging the narrative. Gore where it was required, not for gore’s sake!
Whilst this is the second of a series, I did not notice this at all. Dugdall explores some of Cate’s background but she is hardly the lynchpin to understanding the story. I wonder if the first book delves more into her as a character. Yet, this was hardly necessary when Alice is such a fascinating person to read about. The narrative does switch viewpoints and time scales but this is all part of learning how and why Alice came to assist with a suicide.
This novel covers a controversial topic but the crime theme makes it an interesting exploration. The writing is rich and vivid; I felt like I could imagine Alice sitting with me as I read this book, although many-a-time I wish she were not there! Consequently, I think I can honestly say that I will have to sit and “digest” this story. This is quite unlike me but Dugdall’s writing is so powerful that I want to immerse myself in it a bit longer, even after the final page has been turned.
I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to read this book. So unexpected but so thrilling at the same time. It was a real page turner and I could not have foreseen how emotionally immersed I would have become in the story.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to everyone at Legend Press and Ruth Dugdall for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
May 27, 2016
The expression unputdownable is probably over used but this book almost qualifies. The reason you have to put it down sometimes is to absorb what you’ve read. Ruth Dugdall’s novels are dark; they tap into some of our basest fears and as such they can repel us at times – for a little while, until we MUST continue reading.
It is hard to believe that this was only Ruth’s third novel, as she has the ability to move you, make you feel uncomfortable and to provoke you to think about the incredible variety of human thought and behaviour, some of which is very scary and horrible, the more so because she is so adept at getting into the mind of the perpetrator that you can almost empathise with them – against your will. She has the ability to get under a character’s skin so thoroughly that they seem real, making them all the more scary.
The ‘crime’ has already been committed in Line 1 of Chapter 1, we know who did it and that she was caught and convicted. The story here is one of love, rejection, sacrifice and warped visions of the world, a world that the main protagonist, Parole Officer Cate Austin, has to pick apart in order to recommend a sentence for the judge to hand down; a sentence that will satisfy society’s need for justice to be seen to be done as well as one that is also just for the perpetrator – prison or a Community Order and psychological support?
The story is revealed in stages, sometimes by the perpetrator telling us her story directly, sometimes by Cate as she interacts with her. Ruth has built in some twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The clever part is that Ruth really gets the psychology, as far as I can tell with my very limited knowledge, and that is what makes it all seem so realistic.
The writing is pretty sparse; Ruth has a knack of using relatively few words to impart very good depth of character in her subjects and she is never over-wordy. The chapters are short enough that you keep reading ‘just one more’, so you will probably finish the book in just a few days.
Cate Austin comes across as very real, not only as a probation officer (as far as I can tell), in that she has doubts about her own ability, commitment to her work and the courage of her convictions, but also as a person, a woman and a mother.
This is a powerful work of fiction and thoroughly deserves the five stars it gets from me. I can’t wait to read the next in the Cate Austin series, Humber Boy B, though I’ll read something lighter first…
It is hard to believe that this was only Ruth’s third novel, as she has the ability to move you, make you feel uncomfortable and to provoke you to think about the incredible variety of human thought and behaviour, some of which is very scary and horrible, the more so because she is so adept at getting into the mind of the perpetrator that you can almost empathise with them – against your will. She has the ability to get under a character’s skin so thoroughly that they seem real, making them all the more scary.
The ‘crime’ has already been committed in Line 1 of Chapter 1, we know who did it and that she was caught and convicted. The story here is one of love, rejection, sacrifice and warped visions of the world, a world that the main protagonist, Parole Officer Cate Austin, has to pick apart in order to recommend a sentence for the judge to hand down; a sentence that will satisfy society’s need for justice to be seen to be done as well as one that is also just for the perpetrator – prison or a Community Order and psychological support?
The story is revealed in stages, sometimes by the perpetrator telling us her story directly, sometimes by Cate as she interacts with her. Ruth has built in some twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The clever part is that Ruth really gets the psychology, as far as I can tell with my very limited knowledge, and that is what makes it all seem so realistic.
The writing is pretty sparse; Ruth has a knack of using relatively few words to impart very good depth of character in her subjects and she is never over-wordy. The chapters are short enough that you keep reading ‘just one more’, so you will probably finish the book in just a few days.
Cate Austin comes across as very real, not only as a probation officer (as far as I can tell), in that she has doubts about her own ability, commitment to her work and the courage of her convictions, but also as a person, a woman and a mother.
This is a powerful work of fiction and thoroughly deserves the five stars it gets from me. I can’t wait to read the next in the Cate Austin series, Humber Boy B, though I’ll read something lighter first…
January 3, 2014
The story of a woman charged with murder for her role in an assisted suicide. Is this murder, or compassion?
Such is an ethical dilemma for our time, but here the implications are deeper for the woman consumed some of the dead man's flesh. Was this just offering a merciful helping hand or something more sinister? The question is not only if a crime was committed, but if so, is the culprit sane? and how much of a punishment does she deserve? It is up to her probation officer to recommend a sentence. The plot largely traces and reveals the motives of the characters involved.
The novel has so many secrets that get revealed. Some are subtle and made me grin at the author's craft. At least one made my jaw completely drop to the floor.
The point of view switches often from first person to third, to prose to chat messages to journal. Normally when I would see something written in this manner I would think it was too complicated and took too much work to read. Not so here. It blended together seamlessly and I looked forward to each change of pace. It was like a multi-media experience.
The narcissism of the first person narrator/murderer in question, is unforgettable and done with a style that you won't soon forget. Every character in the novel is shades of grey, and everything comes from something. The reader gets flashbacks to the narrator's time as a child that is full of emotion. There was a sharp realism here that is touching, but none of it bubbled up from the suds of soap-opery moments. Whatever degree of blame and guilt you find with her, you will feel sympathy.
I requested and was accepted this novel on netgalley, partly because I was looking for a Gillian Flynn-like experience. (If Gillian Flynn ever goes missing, the first place one should look is my own basement.)
As I read I "The Sacrificial Man," I first thought, 'no, this isn't Gillian,' then I thought, 'heck yeah, this is Gillian's twin,' and then I found the author had a voice all of her own. Overall, this is a fantastic story, with writing that is lyrical, flowing, and eloquent, yet with an unmistakeable edge.
Such is an ethical dilemma for our time, but here the implications are deeper for the woman consumed some of the dead man's flesh. Was this just offering a merciful helping hand or something more sinister? The question is not only if a crime was committed, but if so, is the culprit sane? and how much of a punishment does she deserve? It is up to her probation officer to recommend a sentence. The plot largely traces and reveals the motives of the characters involved.
The novel has so many secrets that get revealed. Some are subtle and made me grin at the author's craft. At least one made my jaw completely drop to the floor.
The point of view switches often from first person to third, to prose to chat messages to journal. Normally when I would see something written in this manner I would think it was too complicated and took too much work to read. Not so here. It blended together seamlessly and I looked forward to each change of pace. It was like a multi-media experience.
The narcissism of the first person narrator/murderer in question, is unforgettable and done with a style that you won't soon forget. Every character in the novel is shades of grey, and everything comes from something. The reader gets flashbacks to the narrator's time as a child that is full of emotion. There was a sharp realism here that is touching, but none of it bubbled up from the suds of soap-opery moments. Whatever degree of blame and guilt you find with her, you will feel sympathy.
I requested and was accepted this novel on netgalley, partly because I was looking for a Gillian Flynn-like experience. (If Gillian Flynn ever goes missing, the first place one should look is my own basement.)
As I read I "The Sacrificial Man," I first thought, 'no, this isn't Gillian,' then I thought, 'heck yeah, this is Gillian's twin,' and then I found the author had a voice all of her own. Overall, this is a fantastic story, with writing that is lyrical, flowing, and eloquent, yet with an unmistakeable edge.
April 9, 2019
This is the second book in the Cate Austin series by author Ruth Dugdall but works as a stand-alone novel.
I love the writing of Ruth Dugdall and I am yet to be disappointed. I first read her novel 'Humber Boy B'and was totally hooked and since then have eagerly awaited the next book. 'The Sacrificial Man' is another book featuring probation officer Cate Austin who is given the task of recommending a sentence for Alice Mariani, who is charged with assisted suicide. Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must meet the woman who agreed to her lover's dying wish.
A much under rated author who certainly deserves more plaudits.
I love the writing of Ruth Dugdall and I am yet to be disappointed. I first read her novel 'Humber Boy B'and was totally hooked and since then have eagerly awaited the next book. 'The Sacrificial Man' is another book featuring probation officer Cate Austin who is given the task of recommending a sentence for Alice Mariani, who is charged with assisted suicide. Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must meet the woman who agreed to her lover's dying wish.
A much under rated author who certainly deserves more plaudits.
February 21, 2014
To all appearances Alice is a successful professor, a woman who has it all together. Why then is social worker Cate being asked to write a sentencing recommendation for this woman?
Dark, dark book, disturbing and begs an answer to the question of nurture vs. nature. Also how much does a horrifying incident in ones childhood effect ones actions in future. Also the whole debate on euthanasia and ones right to choose their own death.
This psychologically twisty book is not for everyone.
Dark, dark book, disturbing and begs an answer to the question of nurture vs. nature. Also how much does a horrifying incident in ones childhood effect ones actions in future. Also the whole debate on euthanasia and ones right to choose their own death.
This psychologically twisty book is not for everyone.
February 27, 2020
First of all, this book is dark, dark, dark. But I was fascinated! It centers around a storyline I've never seen before: a young man seeks a woman not just to date but to assist in his death. Who would answer that kind of ad? Well, Alice does and we see that she is a broken woman herself although she's a highly respected English teacher. Cate is the woman assigned to her case who must get to know Alice and determine whether she is sane or whether prison is the answer as she is charged with his murder. We delve into her past and witness her burgeoning relationship with "Smith," (and there's more that may shock you as well). Not for the faint of heart, this novel quickly drew me in and kept me reading until the final twisted conclusion. Some of the ideas may keep me up at night but it was well worth the read!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 18, 2019
My review on www.bookread2day.wordpress.com Twitter@bookpage5
The Sacrificial Man was first released in 2011 by Legend press, I’m so glad that this book has been released 29th November 2019 as I didn’t get to read this novel when it was first published. Now I’ve read it I can’t get the dark shocking moments out of my head.
If you haven’t read The Sacrificial Man, I can promise you that this is the perfect shocking book for the wintry weather curled up on the sofa in the comfort of your warm lounge, this the book I’m 100% recommending.
This heartbreaking advert is with effects going to cause a lot of trouble. And the beginning of Probation officer Cate Austins notes won’t even scratch the service of what took place and what’s about to happen.
Cate Austin has to do her job and give the Crown Prosecution a summary of evidence about Alice Mariani.
Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime. Alice was browsing Facebook and Twitter, searching special sites, cruising in and out of chat rooms she didn’t know what she was waiting for until she found Robin Smith advert. I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. Will you help me to die? David Jenkins called himself Robin Smith on all social platforms.
Alice Mariani helped David Jenkins take his own life. But this spices it all up as David Jenkins wasn’t ill or in pain. There was no foundations that he was in any debts. There hanging over probation officer Cate Austin is the biggest question why did he want to die?
What is stacked up for Alice in court? And what will the court decide to do with Alice ?
The Sacrificial Man was first released in 2011 by Legend press, I’m so glad that this book has been released 29th November 2019 as I didn’t get to read this novel when it was first published. Now I’ve read it I can’t get the dark shocking moments out of my head.
If you haven’t read The Sacrificial Man, I can promise you that this is the perfect shocking book for the wintry weather curled up on the sofa in the comfort of your warm lounge, this the book I’m 100% recommending.
This heartbreaking advert is with effects going to cause a lot of trouble. And the beginning of Probation officer Cate Austins notes won’t even scratch the service of what took place and what’s about to happen.
Cate Austin has to do her job and give the Crown Prosecution a summary of evidence about Alice Mariani.
Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime. Alice was browsing Facebook and Twitter, searching special sites, cruising in and out of chat rooms she didn’t know what she was waiting for until she found Robin Smith advert. I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. Will you help me to die? David Jenkins called himself Robin Smith on all social platforms.
Alice Mariani helped David Jenkins take his own life. But this spices it all up as David Jenkins wasn’t ill or in pain. There was no foundations that he was in any debts. There hanging over probation officer Cate Austin is the biggest question why did he want to die?
What is stacked up for Alice in court? And what will the court decide to do with Alice ?
January 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this one!
While reading it i had no idea where the story was going, and when it did arrive at it's twisty conclusions they were not what i had expected at all....whatever it was i did expect anyway i'm not really that sure.
This was such an interesting, twisted, dark, grim in places and also quite emotional in places too, this read had everything really. I liked the switching of narratives with the chapters, and the flashback chapters too because they added so much back story and details which i thought really added then a whole other element to this already complex story.
If you are after something that is uncomfortable at times, twisty , dark , interesting and something that will keep you guessing along the way then i highly would recommend this one.
I was very kindly sent a copy from the publishers to read and review, all views are my own as always.
While reading it i had no idea where the story was going, and when it did arrive at it's twisty conclusions they were not what i had expected at all....whatever it was i did expect anyway i'm not really that sure.
This was such an interesting, twisted, dark, grim in places and also quite emotional in places too, this read had everything really. I liked the switching of narratives with the chapters, and the flashback chapters too because they added so much back story and details which i thought really added then a whole other element to this already complex story.
If you are after something that is uncomfortable at times, twisty , dark , interesting and something that will keep you guessing along the way then i highly would recommend this one.
I was very kindly sent a copy from the publishers to read and review, all views are my own as always.
September 5, 2017
I think I found my new favorite author! It's my second book written by Ruth Dugdall and man was it good or what?! Twisty, dark, creepy and sick- right up my alley! loved every minute of it. warning, it's not for everyone. if you can't stomach unlikable characters, death and mental illness, look for something else. And as for me, I love good writing and twisty tales so Ruth Dugdall is my go to girl for a fix of something dark and creepy. awesome!
August 3, 2012
This is Ruth Dugdall’s second psychological thriller featuring Probation Officer, Cate Austin, the first being The Woman Before Me. Typically, I have got it wrong again and read this one first but I am now looking forward to reading the first book in the series!
Cate Austin’s latest case is a tricky one as she has to recommend a sentence for Alice Mariani, charged with assisted suicide. Before you sigh, “Oh no, not another euthanasia tale”, this story has very little to do with ethics but more of a reflection on the lengths some folk will go to out of love for another human being, even if that love is born out of a warped sense of loyalty. Alice is an intriguing character, not the most endearing and often quite chilling in her steely self possession. As the novel progresses we learn more about Alice’s background, the traumatic events which have made her what she is today and we start to see a chink in her emotional armour.
This thriller will grip you, not letting go until the final page and then you’ll feel quite dazed by the whole experience. Not for the squeamish, with a dash of cannibalism, this is a dark, bleak, delightfully disturbing read. It all feels very authentic, testament to Ruth’s previous career as a Probation Officer. Looking forward to catching up with The Woman Before Me and reading more from this talented author in the future.
Cate Austin’s latest case is a tricky one as she has to recommend a sentence for Alice Mariani, charged with assisted suicide. Before you sigh, “Oh no, not another euthanasia tale”, this story has very little to do with ethics but more of a reflection on the lengths some folk will go to out of love for another human being, even if that love is born out of a warped sense of loyalty. Alice is an intriguing character, not the most endearing and often quite chilling in her steely self possession. As the novel progresses we learn more about Alice’s background, the traumatic events which have made her what she is today and we start to see a chink in her emotional armour.
This thriller will grip you, not letting go until the final page and then you’ll feel quite dazed by the whole experience. Not for the squeamish, with a dash of cannibalism, this is a dark, bleak, delightfully disturbing read. It all feels very authentic, testament to Ruth’s previous career as a Probation Officer. Looking forward to catching up with The Woman Before Me and reading more from this talented author in the future.
January 3, 2016
The great thing about this authors books is that even though they all feature Cate Austin they can all be read as a stand alone. The Sacrificial Man is the second novel and the only one I hadn't read.
With another hard hitting story line, this novel had me gripped from start to finish.
Alice is a very complex character. She lost her mum at a young age and even though she was brought up in a fairly normal home with her adoptive parents she never really gave back the love they tried to show her. She has led a fairly lonely existence only ever having one friend who loves her.
Cate has great instincts and from the very start she knows there is more to Alice than meets the eye. I never really warmed to Alice's character even by the end. The relationship that she has with 'Smith' was extremely strange that got even more stranger the more we found out about it.
The Sacrificial Man is a dark and slightly disturbing read. It has a very thought provoking storyline that even after reading I am still un decided as to whether the outcome with Alice is one that is befitting of her or not. Can't wait to read more by this author.
With another hard hitting story line, this novel had me gripped from start to finish.
Alice is a very complex character. She lost her mum at a young age and even though she was brought up in a fairly normal home with her adoptive parents she never really gave back the love they tried to show her. She has led a fairly lonely existence only ever having one friend who loves her.
Cate has great instincts and from the very start she knows there is more to Alice than meets the eye. I never really warmed to Alice's character even by the end. The relationship that she has with 'Smith' was extremely strange that got even more stranger the more we found out about it.
The Sacrificial Man is a dark and slightly disturbing read. It has a very thought provoking storyline that even after reading I am still un decided as to whether the outcome with Alice is one that is befitting of her or not. Can't wait to read more by this author.
January 13, 2014
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the Sacrificial Man, nor how to respond to it. Recommended by Carol at Reading, Writing and Riesling, the blurb certainly sounded intriguing.
The Sacrificial Man tells the story of Alice Mariani, a woman convicted by the courts for helping her lover to die. As Alice insists she has done nothing wrong and deserves no punishment, probation officer Cate Austin begins her investigation to determine an appropriate sentence for the crime.
The reader might expect that the ethics of euthanasia would be at the core of this novel but it is subverted by the study of the twisted psychology and motivations of Alice, and her lover. While I thought the twists to the plot were clever, somehow they failed to catch me unawares, though shocking revelations involving incest, rape, drug addiction and cannibalism did surprise me.
I developed some sympathy for Alice as Dugdall revealed her personal history, but she is not a likeable character, and is quickly exposed as cold, calculating and manipulative. Neither did I engage with Cate, though perhaps if I had read Dugdall's first book featuring the probation officer, The Woman Before Me, it would have helped.
The Sacrificial Man is an unsettling read, I really can't articulate why it didn't affect me more strongly, especially as I do admire the plot and was reluctant to put the book down while reading. This is a dark and disturbing and if asked, I'd recommend it to readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.
December 21, 2019
Wow.
This book is definitely up there as one of the more twisted and disturbing books I have read. A dramatic roller coaster of emotions that just doesn't stop.
Swipe for the synopsis.
Alice is an intellectual English lecturer who has pleaded guilty to assisted suicide. Probation officer Cate meets with Alice to finalise a report for the judge and to recommend a sentence for the crime.
The alternating perspectives from Cate and Alice flowed well, however I would liked to have read more of Cate's thoughts on the matter. Alice's character had depth and background, traits and flaws that made you both feel sorry for her and dislike her. I really liked reading about her childhood and how she cane to be as complex as she us. Cate could have had more a little depth and I didn't feel as much of a connection with her. We heard a little about her daughter and ex, but not a lot else. At times she seemed aloof and not phased by what she knew, but then I guess in that job, she has seen a lot!
The impact of the story is full on from the first few chapters, the pacing and threading of the unique story is immaculate and Dugdall's writing is superb. There are shocking and disturbing twists which although can be disgusting, kept me wanting to read more.
At times you will probably question and reflect on issues within the book, looking at your own morals and who you deem to be the victim. I was left with many unanswered questions and I would love to have learnt more.
A dark and heavy book which kept surprising me, but I was hooked, found it riveting and finished it with ease. But be warned, it is definitely not a book for everyone.
This book is definitely up there as one of the more twisted and disturbing books I have read. A dramatic roller coaster of emotions that just doesn't stop.
Swipe for the synopsis.
Alice is an intellectual English lecturer who has pleaded guilty to assisted suicide. Probation officer Cate meets with Alice to finalise a report for the judge and to recommend a sentence for the crime.
The alternating perspectives from Cate and Alice flowed well, however I would liked to have read more of Cate's thoughts on the matter. Alice's character had depth and background, traits and flaws that made you both feel sorry for her and dislike her. I really liked reading about her childhood and how she cane to be as complex as she us. Cate could have had more a little depth and I didn't feel as much of a connection with her. We heard a little about her daughter and ex, but not a lot else. At times she seemed aloof and not phased by what she knew, but then I guess in that job, she has seen a lot!
The impact of the story is full on from the first few chapters, the pacing and threading of the unique story is immaculate and Dugdall's writing is superb. There are shocking and disturbing twists which although can be disgusting, kept me wanting to read more.
At times you will probably question and reflect on issues within the book, looking at your own morals and who you deem to be the victim. I was left with many unanswered questions and I would love to have learnt more.
A dark and heavy book which kept surprising me, but I was hooked, found it riveting and finished it with ease. But be warned, it is definitely not a book for everyone.
June 26, 2013
This is a staggeringly dextrous book. It is told deftly from the perspective of two narrators. Both of them have a distinct worldview that is utterly convincing. There are real horrors inside this book but, unlike as occurs too often in the horror genre, this is no done needlessly, but worked into the plot. Many preconceptions I had about love and relationships were challenged and shaken up by this book, and I can give it no higher praise than to say that it made me consider powerful issues afresh.
September 27, 2013
This book isn't my usual type , but the synopsis intrigued me. It kept me gripped to the end , which was powerful and there was a twist I didn't see coming. I liked the alternate points of view , and the fact that the author skilfully leads us to think one thing , then turns that on its head , then back again.
Very very good book, I look forward to reading more from this author.
Very very good book, I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 24, 2016
Controversial topic of assisted suicide, but was it??? So clever story! This is the second in the series and can't wait to read the next!
December 23, 2019
If you are a fan of dark books, you should certainly pick this one up. It’s disturbing, repulsing and made me feel sick sometimes, but on the other hand it’s also heartbreaking.
Why are people driven to some acts sometimes? Don’t they realise they start a chain reaction? Don’t they see what they are doing to innocent human beings? It really does no surprise me how traumatised that can leave them.
There is a thin line between helping a friend die and not helping him when he is dying. Are you innocent or are you a killer? After all when you make a plan, you have to stick to it, right?
Is there a victim and a killer? Is there a friend helping a friend? Is there a friend being helped by a friend? Is the friend helping the friend a killer or a victim? Is the friend being helped by the friend a killer or a victim? Are both killer or both victims?
These are questions answers need to be found for.
It was a very fascinating story and the author created an interesting main character Alice. 5 stars.
Thank you, Ruth Dugdall and Legend Press.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Why are people driven to some acts sometimes? Don’t they realise they start a chain reaction? Don’t they see what they are doing to innocent human beings? It really does no surprise me how traumatised that can leave them.
There is a thin line between helping a friend die and not helping him when he is dying. Are you innocent or are you a killer? After all when you make a plan, you have to stick to it, right?
Is there a victim and a killer? Is there a friend helping a friend? Is there a friend being helped by a friend? Is the friend helping the friend a killer or a victim? Is the friend being helped by the friend a killer or a victim? Are both killer or both victims?
These are questions answers need to be found for.
It was a very fascinating story and the author created an interesting main character Alice. 5 stars.
Thank you, Ruth Dugdall and Legend Press.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
November 23, 2019
This book was definitely interesting but it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me.
The main topic of this book is euthanasia and suicide. Its definitely interesting and a thought provoking subject. But can be difficult to read at times.
I liked how we followed a probation officers perspective. That is definitely a unique perspective and was interesting to read from
I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this one, it did take quite a while to get used to.
Its definitely quite graphic in places and does make for quite an uncomfortable read at times.
I really didn't like any of the characters. I found them annoying and I couldn't connect to them at all.
Overall, it was okay, not the best book I've ever read nor the worst.
TW: suicide, euthanasia and cannibalism
The main topic of this book is euthanasia and suicide. Its definitely interesting and a thought provoking subject. But can be difficult to read at times.
I liked how we followed a probation officers perspective. That is definitely a unique perspective and was interesting to read from
I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this one, it did take quite a while to get used to.
Its definitely quite graphic in places and does make for quite an uncomfortable read at times.
I really didn't like any of the characters. I found them annoying and I couldn't connect to them at all.
Overall, it was okay, not the best book I've ever read nor the worst.
TW: suicide, euthanasia and cannibalism
July 8, 2020
Tries too hard to cover way too may topics
December 19, 2019
Where I thought this book was going i do not know... but I know that it shocked me multiple times and that the outcomes were not what I expected! This rarely happens to me so this was a pleasant surprise.
This book has a certain quality that many may struggle with. The content is very dark.... the writing is skilled and intense in such a way that it affected my mood. This isn't a negative comment at all, it takes some doing for a story to leave me feeling emotions this deep.
I enjoyed the twists, I felt they came at the right moment each time (yes there are a few) and I kicked myself when I hadn't worked it out.
I enjoyed reading the parts when Alice was a child, this gave great insight as to why she ended up in the situation she is in at later life. These chapters were heartbreaking and had hints of ‘room' in them where we saw pure innocence radiating from a 4 year old Alice.
Here in the present day, Alice is an adult who is about to tell us a story of a man named Smith. Who she answers an online advert to, declaring interest in assisting him to die.
This book brings a 101 questions to the surface of the mind, it is both sad, and peaceful. A great one to read with a friend or two as there are so many places that need exploring and discussing.
This book has a certain quality that many may struggle with. The content is very dark.... the writing is skilled and intense in such a way that it affected my mood. This isn't a negative comment at all, it takes some doing for a story to leave me feeling emotions this deep.
I enjoyed the twists, I felt they came at the right moment each time (yes there are a few) and I kicked myself when I hadn't worked it out.
I enjoyed reading the parts when Alice was a child, this gave great insight as to why she ended up in the situation she is in at later life. These chapters were heartbreaking and had hints of ‘room' in them where we saw pure innocence radiating from a 4 year old Alice.
Here in the present day, Alice is an adult who is about to tell us a story of a man named Smith. Who she answers an online advert to, declaring interest in assisting him to die.
This book brings a 101 questions to the surface of the mind, it is both sad, and peaceful. A great one to read with a friend or two as there are so many places that need exploring and discussing.
January 22, 2014
Having read The Woman Before Me by Ruth Dugdall and loved it, I was thrilled to get a review copy of Dugdall's second novel about probation officer Cate Austin through NetGalley.
The Sacrificial Man is a gripping, can't-stop-reading, kind of novel. It follows a similar structure to The Woman Before Me, in that it follows our "criminal," in this case Alice Mariani, beautiful, narcissistic, and convicted of assisting in a suicide. The novel also follows Cate Austin, the probation officer assigned to evaluate Alice. Cate has to make a recommendation to the judge as to whether Alice should go to prison, a mental hospital, or receive a community order. Although this series is ostensibly about Cate Austin, in The Sacrificial Man, she fades into the background, and our central narrator, who actually addresses the reader directly, is Alice. I had mixed feelings about this dynamic; on the one hand, I would have liked to know more about Cate's life, since this series is based on her cases. But on the other hand, Alice, in all her creepy brilliance, is a character who really steals the show, and her story naturally takes precedence in the novel.
My main issue with The Sacrificial Man is in choosing how to categorize it. I have a shelf for novels that deal with "big issues," and I was really stumped as to whether or not this book belonged there. The Sacrificial Man was promoted as a book dealing with the moral complexities of assisted suicide, so I expected a thought-provoking, although fictional treatment of the subject. In fact, I found The Sacrificial Man to be more of a novel about obsession, secrets, and the dark side of human nature. It was absolutely successful at being a fascinating tale of damaged people who mix up love and pain. But it was more of a psychological thriller, than a serious look at the dynamics of assisted suicide.
I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would, because of this. But it left me slightly confused. If Ruth Dugdall was aiming to write a gripping thriller, she succeeded totally. But if she was trying to bring new ideas to the table regarding the morality of assisted suicide, she missed the mark.
One other quibble I had with The Sacrificial Man was that, without giving away spoilers, I was not totally convinced by the explanation we were given for why Alice was attracted to the idea of helping someone to die.
In the final analysis, The Sacrificial Man was not a perfect novel, but it was a thoroughly engrossing read. Ruth Dugdall has a talent for creating scenes with emotional impact; in her first Cate Austin novel, her depictions of motherhood were deeply moving. And in The Sacrificial Man, Dugdall's descriptions of the final day of the suicidal man were raw, immediate, and had the ring of truth. While Dugdall is a mother, and therefore could be said to have experienced some of the feelings of love that she so powerfully recounts, I am impressed with her ability to capture the haunting isolation of a man about to commit suicide.
Dugdall's ability to write unflinchingly about the darker side of love sets her work above and beyond most novels in the domestic-noir/thriller genre. Dugdall's novels have gripping plot twists and chilling crimes, but their greatest strength is the raw emotions that they capture. I really enjoyed The Sacrificial Man, and will wait impatiently for Dugdall's next novel.
The Sacrificial Man is a gripping, can't-stop-reading, kind of novel. It follows a similar structure to The Woman Before Me, in that it follows our "criminal," in this case Alice Mariani, beautiful, narcissistic, and convicted of assisting in a suicide. The novel also follows Cate Austin, the probation officer assigned to evaluate Alice. Cate has to make a recommendation to the judge as to whether Alice should go to prison, a mental hospital, or receive a community order. Although this series is ostensibly about Cate Austin, in The Sacrificial Man, she fades into the background, and our central narrator, who actually addresses the reader directly, is Alice. I had mixed feelings about this dynamic; on the one hand, I would have liked to know more about Cate's life, since this series is based on her cases. But on the other hand, Alice, in all her creepy brilliance, is a character who really steals the show, and her story naturally takes precedence in the novel.
My main issue with The Sacrificial Man is in choosing how to categorize it. I have a shelf for novels that deal with "big issues," and I was really stumped as to whether or not this book belonged there. The Sacrificial Man was promoted as a book dealing with the moral complexities of assisted suicide, so I expected a thought-provoking, although fictional treatment of the subject. In fact, I found The Sacrificial Man to be more of a novel about obsession, secrets, and the dark side of human nature. It was absolutely successful at being a fascinating tale of damaged people who mix up love and pain. But it was more of a psychological thriller, than a serious look at the dynamics of assisted suicide.
I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would, because of this. But it left me slightly confused. If Ruth Dugdall was aiming to write a gripping thriller, she succeeded totally. But if she was trying to bring new ideas to the table regarding the morality of assisted suicide, she missed the mark.
One other quibble I had with The Sacrificial Man was that, without giving away spoilers, I was not totally convinced by the explanation we were given for why Alice was attracted to the idea of helping someone to die.
In the final analysis, The Sacrificial Man was not a perfect novel, but it was a thoroughly engrossing read. Ruth Dugdall has a talent for creating scenes with emotional impact; in her first Cate Austin novel, her depictions of motherhood were deeply moving. And in The Sacrificial Man, Dugdall's descriptions of the final day of the suicidal man were raw, immediate, and had the ring of truth. While Dugdall is a mother, and therefore could be said to have experienced some of the feelings of love that she so powerfully recounts, I am impressed with her ability to capture the haunting isolation of a man about to commit suicide.
Dugdall's ability to write unflinchingly about the darker side of love sets her work above and beyond most novels in the domestic-noir/thriller genre. Dugdall's novels have gripping plot twists and chilling crimes, but their greatest strength is the raw emotions that they capture. I really enjoyed The Sacrificial Man, and will wait impatiently for Dugdall's next novel.
February 5, 2017
How to review this book? Certainly Ruth Dugdall is a talented writer and she tackles some really controversial topics. In this case - assisted suicide. I imagine many of us can see a case for euthanasia for terminally ill people if they so choose. But when the person is not ill...
Alice Mariani answers an ad from a man seeking a beautiful woman to help him die. It comes to pass and she pleads guilty to assisting his death. To protect her he has left a suicide note so there is no question of murder. But there are other complications so a sentencing hearing is called for. Cate Austin is the probation officer who has to recommend a sentence to the court about what to do with Alice. But first she needs to understand what motivated both the dead man and Alice. And that is what the book is about. We soon learn it is not so simple.
As Cate investigates we learn Alice's story and some of the man's story. But new evidence comes to light that throws the whole case wide open.
It was certainly beautifully and sensitively written but I had trouble with Alice's character. She seemed to be searching for a pure love, such as she felt with her mother, and seemed to believe that if death came in a moment of pure love that that love would live on in its purity. She also seemed to be on another planet. I couldn't relate to her at all. I guess I'm just a more practical person. To be sure, love is grand but Alice's romantic nonsense was just to much for me. Could it be that perhaps that was the author's intent? Nevertheless a powerful and thought provoking book.
Alice Mariani answers an ad from a man seeking a beautiful woman to help him die. It comes to pass and she pleads guilty to assisting his death. To protect her he has left a suicide note so there is no question of murder. But there are other complications so a sentencing hearing is called for. Cate Austin is the probation officer who has to recommend a sentence to the court about what to do with Alice. But first she needs to understand what motivated both the dead man and Alice. And that is what the book is about. We soon learn it is not so simple.
As Cate investigates we learn Alice's story and some of the man's story. But new evidence comes to light that throws the whole case wide open.
It was certainly beautifully and sensitively written but I had trouble with Alice's character. She seemed to be searching for a pure love, such as she felt with her mother, and seemed to believe that if death came in a moment of pure love that that love would live on in its purity. She also seemed to be on another planet. I couldn't relate to her at all. I guess I'm just a more practical person. To be sure, love is grand but Alice's romantic nonsense was just to much for me. Could it be that perhaps that was the author's intent? Nevertheless a powerful and thought provoking book.
April 23, 2013
This is the second Cate Austin novel, the said Cate being a parole officer in this book preparing a presentence assessment for a court. As in her first book, The Woman Before Me, this book also follows another character, who is really the protagonist even if she is also the criminal. In this book Alice has helped her ‘boyfriend’ die, but all is not as it seems and as the book sucks us into this page turner, we aren’t sure who to like or feel sorry for.
Alice is a complex and largely unlikeable character but we believe her, and Dugdall takes us back to her childhood to show us how she became who she is. The twist in this one I didn’t pick, actually either of the two main ones, which is pretty unusual. One was more believable than the other but even then we are carried along and don’t question that as much as the consequences.
This is a well written interesting book, worth reading, but to be honest, Alice and the story in the end didn’t exactly leave me feeling great about anything. The book leaves a definite distaste behind…but then maybe this is because it has achieved what it set out to.
Alice is a complex and largely unlikeable character but we believe her, and Dugdall takes us back to her childhood to show us how she became who she is. The twist in this one I didn’t pick, actually either of the two main ones, which is pretty unusual. One was more believable than the other but even then we are carried along and don’t question that as much as the consequences.
This is a well written interesting book, worth reading, but to be honest, Alice and the story in the end didn’t exactly leave me feeling great about anything. The book leaves a definite distaste behind…but then maybe this is because it has achieved what it set out to.
February 25, 2013
This book is very suspensful - I finished it even though it was painful to read, and did want to know what the end is goind to be. Even so, I must say that as a reader who likes psychological thrillers and is not at all squimish, this book was quite sick, even for me. It is all about sick - sick relationships, sick thinking, seriously digusting acts, sick decisions. The writer has some compassion towards the main character, Alice, but none for any of the others, which is very disturbing sometimes, since some of them do deserve it. Some of the characters' motivations aren't clear or explained, and the character of the policewoman, Cate Austin, isn't fully developed, although she appears in other books by Dugdall. There were also some pretty unbelievable and even ridiculous scenes. For example, Austin couldn't understand the meaning of the broken yellow vase? Really? I'm sure any reader has spotted it a mile away.
After finishing this book, I feel quite repelled and grossed out, and am not sure I would ever be able to bring myself to read any of Dugdall's other books.
After finishing this book, I feel quite repelled and grossed out, and am not sure I would ever be able to bring myself to read any of Dugdall's other books.
September 19, 2013
Ruth Dugdall has created a second book featuring Cate Austin, a Probation Officer. As in The Woman Before Me the reader enters the story after the crime and after the trial but Alice has not been imprisoned, instead the judge is waiting for Cate Austin to recommend a sentence. Alice answered an online advert 'Man seeks beautiful woman for the journey of a lifetime. I will lift mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. Will you help me to die?' Smith is dead but should Alice be punished?
Once again as a Probation Officer Cate is writing a report on a woman carrying out a crime which we don't associate with women. Cate Austin teases out information from Alice and carries out her own investigations and the facts presented at the start of the book are not as clear as they first seem. A great second book and once again I can't wait to see what Ruth Dugdall will serve up next.
Once again as a Probation Officer Cate is writing a report on a woman carrying out a crime which we don't associate with women. Cate Austin teases out information from Alice and carries out her own investigations and the facts presented at the start of the book are not as clear as they first seem. A great second book and once again I can't wait to see what Ruth Dugdall will serve up next.
June 25, 2016
This is the second book in a row that I read by Ruth Dugdall (the one I read last was The Woman Before Me). I have to say I enjoy the character of Cate Austin, a probation office who's job is to decide if the "prisoner" gets parole or if they are still a danger to themselves or society"-she is a common character in both of these books). Each of the books has a lot of twists and the "case" is always unique and interesting. This book was about a woman who was in jail for an assisted suicide with an added element (too disgusting to even tell you about). Now for my 3 star rating- I liked the book, but didn't love it. I found the dialogue to be repetitive and I found the back story to be a little boring. I kept waiting to get back to Cate Austin. I still may read another book with her character in it, but I'm going to take a break before I do.
December 8, 2013
My View:
A deeply disturbing psychological thriller, you will not be disappointed.
This is an amazing narrative that will both compel and repulsive you simultaneously; this is a great piece of fiction that will reverberate in the dark places in your mind. Stunning!
Be warned, this book is not for everyone. The themes in this novel are confronting, uncomfortable, black and ghoulish and ultimately will leave you feeling very sad. In this novel there are no heroes, all the cast are victims to some degree in this complex plot. The writing is superb, the plot intricate and surprising. I have never come across a book quite like this and I know I will not be forgetting this journey for quite awhile.
A deeply disturbing psychological thriller, you will not be disappointed.
This is an amazing narrative that will both compel and repulsive you simultaneously; this is a great piece of fiction that will reverberate in the dark places in your mind. Stunning!
Be warned, this book is not for everyone. The themes in this novel are confronting, uncomfortable, black and ghoulish and ultimately will leave you feeling very sad. In this novel there are no heroes, all the cast are victims to some degree in this complex plot. The writing is superb, the plot intricate and surprising. I have never come across a book quite like this and I know I will not be forgetting this journey for quite awhile.
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