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Keep Him Close
ONE SON LIED. ONE SON DIED.
Alice’s son is dead. Indigo’s son is accused of murder.
Indigo is determined to prove her beloved Kane is innocent. Searching for evidence, she is helped by a kind stranger who takes an interest in her situation. Little does she know that her new friend has her own agenda.
Alice can’t tell Indigo who she really is. She wants to understand why her son was killed – and she needs to make sure that Indigo’s efforts to free Kane don’t put her remaining family at risk. But how long will it take for Indigo to discover her identity? And what other secrets will come out as she digs deeper?
No one knows a son like his mother. But neither Alice nor Indigo know the whole truth about their boys, and what happened between them on that fateful night.
320 pages, ebook
First published March 12, 2020
30 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Emily Koch
7 books163 followersEmily Koch is an award-winning writer living in Bristol, UK, with her husband and daughters.
She is the author of three novels: If I Die Before I Wake, Keep Him Close and What July Knew.
Her books have been shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award, longlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, and selected as a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. The French translation of If I Die Before I Wake also won the inaugural crime fiction prize, Prix du Bureau des Lecteurs, in 2021.
If I Die Before I Wake was described as ‘a debut to be reckoned with’ (Guardian), and others have called her work ‘exhilarating’ (Daily Mail), ‘twisty, emotional and addictive’ (The Sun) and ‘tense drama’ (The Times). Waterstones have called her ‘one of the most exciting new crime writers of our day’.
She is the author of three novels: If I Die Before I Wake, Keep Him Close and What July Knew.
Her books have been shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award, longlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, and selected as a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. The French translation of If I Die Before I Wake also won the inaugural crime fiction prize, Prix du Bureau des Lecteurs, in 2021.
If I Die Before I Wake was described as ‘a debut to be reckoned with’ (Guardian), and others have called her work ‘exhilarating’ (Daily Mail), ‘twisty, emotional and addictive’ (The Sun) and ‘tense drama’ (The Times). Waterstones have called her ‘one of the most exciting new crime writers of our day’.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
May 12, 2020
Persistent
Keep Him Close is a slow-burn psychological thriller which revolves around the death of a young man and two devastated mothers trying to understand what actually happened. The unfolding family drama is taut and full of suspense as information is gradually released and two respective sons, know much more about the incident than they are prepared to say. Their silence adds to the mystery and a suspected threat looms if anything is revelaed.
There is a wonderful range of personalities, each very different and all adding to the impressively observed actions and motivations being plotted. The highlights are the two single mothers, Alice Hyde and Indigo Owen. Alice is a librarian, composed and reserved, who believes showing emotion is a sign of weakness. She has two sons Benny and Lou, both very different characters and both with very different relationships with their mother. Lou privately intimidates his mother with a bubbling undercurrent of malice causing her to be fearful around him. Benny is the attentive gentle older son and a good brother to Lou. Indigo is an art therapist, stereotypically colourful, emotional and open. Kane is her only son, he is gay, and is sincere, thoughtful and laden with a deep sense of responsibility.
When Lou is found dead at a car park one evening, looking like he fell or was pushed from several floors above, the two families are about to experience the most devastating horror they have ever faced. The three boys along with an unsavoury character were all together that evening but none of them is willing to talk about the incident except Kane, who goes to make a statement at the police station and is subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Indigo cannot accept her son is guilty and starts investigating herself as the police are unwilling to spend any more time on a case with a written confession of guilt.
Alice with her buried emotions struggles to deal with her pain and loss as those around her would expect, including her son. Benny has his own reasons for not wanting to speak about the evening and Kane refuses to say anything to Indigo. Alice and Indigo meet by accident while Alice helps her use library resources. She is drawn into helping Indigo and while she discovers early this is the mother of her son’s killer she has a nagging doubt herself and helps Indigo find answers. On the other hand, Indigo is unaware of the connection and is extremely grateful for Alice's help.
Emily Koch creates an engaging narrative and dialogue that highlights the power of a mother’s protection for her children. Two very different mothers with different relationships with each of their sons. The relationship between each of them is fascinating and intriguing how it evolves over time as the mystery is resolved. The expectations, mood and connection between the two mothers cleverly morph as the story develops. The novel is brought to a great ending that resolves various issues with the boys, the police and the relationship between the mothers.
I would rate this book 4.5 stars and I’d highly recommend it to mystery and thriller readers. I would like to thank Harvill Secker, Random House UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
Keep Him Close is a slow-burn psychological thriller which revolves around the death of a young man and two devastated mothers trying to understand what actually happened. The unfolding family drama is taut and full of suspense as information is gradually released and two respective sons, know much more about the incident than they are prepared to say. Their silence adds to the mystery and a suspected threat looms if anything is revelaed.
There is a wonderful range of personalities, each very different and all adding to the impressively observed actions and motivations being plotted. The highlights are the two single mothers, Alice Hyde and Indigo Owen. Alice is a librarian, composed and reserved, who believes showing emotion is a sign of weakness. She has two sons Benny and Lou, both very different characters and both with very different relationships with their mother. Lou privately intimidates his mother with a bubbling undercurrent of malice causing her to be fearful around him. Benny is the attentive gentle older son and a good brother to Lou. Indigo is an art therapist, stereotypically colourful, emotional and open. Kane is her only son, he is gay, and is sincere, thoughtful and laden with a deep sense of responsibility.
When Lou is found dead at a car park one evening, looking like he fell or was pushed from several floors above, the two families are about to experience the most devastating horror they have ever faced. The three boys along with an unsavoury character were all together that evening but none of them is willing to talk about the incident except Kane, who goes to make a statement at the police station and is subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Indigo cannot accept her son is guilty and starts investigating herself as the police are unwilling to spend any more time on a case with a written confession of guilt.
Alice with her buried emotions struggles to deal with her pain and loss as those around her would expect, including her son. Benny has his own reasons for not wanting to speak about the evening and Kane refuses to say anything to Indigo. Alice and Indigo meet by accident while Alice helps her use library resources. She is drawn into helping Indigo and while she discovers early this is the mother of her son’s killer she has a nagging doubt herself and helps Indigo find answers. On the other hand, Indigo is unaware of the connection and is extremely grateful for Alice's help.
Emily Koch creates an engaging narrative and dialogue that highlights the power of a mother’s protection for her children. Two very different mothers with different relationships with each of their sons. The relationship between each of them is fascinating and intriguing how it evolves over time as the mystery is resolved. The expectations, mood and connection between the two mothers cleverly morph as the story develops. The novel is brought to a great ending that resolves various issues with the boys, the police and the relationship between the mothers.
I would rate this book 4.5 stars and I’d highly recommend it to mystery and thriller readers. I would like to thank Harvill Secker, Random House UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2020
Easy 5 stars from me! This is so good, it starts very dramatically and unfolds very naturally and organically, making the reader go through a whole range of emotions until reaching a really excellent conclusion. This is the story of two mothers and three sons. Alice Hyde is the mother of Benoit, known as Benny and Lou(is) Durand and Indigo Owen, is the mother of Kane. On 17th August their lives collide and shatter when Lou dies and Kane is arrested two days later. What follows is a very moving and powerful story of mothers love as the two women in their different but eventually joint ways try to elicit the truth of what happened to Lou. The story is principally told from the point of view of both women but the story of the night in question is told from the perspectives of the young men who were there.
The portrayal of the characters is beautifully observed and described. The teenage boys with their angst, bravado, insecurities and aggression are easy to picture and Indigo is easy to like as she is open and has a loving relationship with Kane. Alice seems so self contained and unemotional that she could easily be mistaken for a robot but you end up really admiring her and most definitely warming to her. I love the dynamic between the two mothers as they did their best for their sons and certainly going the extra mile for them when the police fail to do so.
There are some very tense scenes that are so powerful you almost hold your breath. There’s grief, guilt, regret, compassion but ultimately healing as justice is achieved. Some revelations are jaw droppers and I like the danger that emanates from time to time.
Overall, this is a slow burner, psychological drama of high quality, there is tension but also powerful emotion. Several scenes really tug at your heart, especially as a parent you are able to empathise with how the characters feel and I confess to the odd tear in my eye. I think Emily Koch is a terrific writer and delivers an excellent well written, thoughtful and thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for the ARC.
The portrayal of the characters is beautifully observed and described. The teenage boys with their angst, bravado, insecurities and aggression are easy to picture and Indigo is easy to like as she is open and has a loving relationship with Kane. Alice seems so self contained and unemotional that she could easily be mistaken for a robot but you end up really admiring her and most definitely warming to her. I love the dynamic between the two mothers as they did their best for their sons and certainly going the extra mile for them when the police fail to do so.
There are some very tense scenes that are so powerful you almost hold your breath. There’s grief, guilt, regret, compassion but ultimately healing as justice is achieved. Some revelations are jaw droppers and I like the danger that emanates from time to time.
Overall, this is a slow burner, psychological drama of high quality, there is tension but also powerful emotion. Several scenes really tug at your heart, especially as a parent you are able to empathise with how the characters feel and I confess to the odd tear in my eye. I think Emily Koch is a terrific writer and delivers an excellent well written, thoughtful and thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for the ARC.
January 2, 2020
I really enjoyed reading Emily Koch's fictional debut, If I Die Before I Wake, with its highly original premise and was keen to see what else she could come up with. Keep Him Close is a blend of dark domestic psychological thriller and family drama, with a strong spotlight on what it is to be a mother and how far a mother will go for her children. Alice is a single mother with two sons, Benny and Lou, she is a reserved, uptight and self contained character. Art therapist Indigo Owen is a completely different kettle of fish, she is emotional, open and expressive with her son, Kane. The two families become connected on the night of Lou's death at a multi-story car park. Alice wakes up to her worst nightmare when the police call on her in the early hours. After answering an appeal for information, Kane is arrested, although Indigo is certain of his innocence.
No-one else is going to look after Kane's interest other than Indigo, she must find out what took place that fateful day and Alice too is driven by a need to know the truth of what happened and to ensure that her family is safe. Alice goes below the radar to secretively befriend Indigo in a narrative that shifts from one mother to the other. Do mothers really know all there is to know about their sons? In a emotionally heartbreaking and twisted story, there are hints that there was someone else there that terrible night and a thoughtful, sensitive, and insightful portrayal of the relationship that develops between Alice and Indigo. This is an intense and compulsive family drama, beautifully written and plotted, about motherhood, loss, grief, guilt, what it is to be a teenager and friendship. Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
No-one else is going to look after Kane's interest other than Indigo, she must find out what took place that fateful day and Alice too is driven by a need to know the truth of what happened and to ensure that her family is safe. Alice goes below the radar to secretively befriend Indigo in a narrative that shifts from one mother to the other. Do mothers really know all there is to know about their sons? In a emotionally heartbreaking and twisted story, there are hints that there was someone else there that terrible night and a thoughtful, sensitive, and insightful portrayal of the relationship that develops between Alice and Indigo. This is an intense and compulsive family drama, beautifully written and plotted, about motherhood, loss, grief, guilt, what it is to be a teenager and friendship. Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
January 12, 2020
Alice has bought up her two sons Lou and Benny on her own. Her life is turned upside down when she is informed by the police that her son Lou has died in suspicious circumstances when out with his brother Benny.
Indigo has a son Kane who is getting ready to go to university. When Kane is arrested Indigo cannot believe that her son can be connected with the death of Lou.
The story follows the two women. It is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, of a mother’s deep love for her sons and what they would do for them.
Both Alice and Indigo are desperate to find out what happened on that tragic night, they are two very different women but in a chance meeting they unite to find out the truth unbeknown to Indigo that Alice is Lou’s Mother.
I was so caught up in this I finished it in one day. With characters you can identify with making this a great book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Indigo has a son Kane who is getting ready to go to university. When Kane is arrested Indigo cannot believe that her son can be connected with the death of Lou.
The story follows the two women. It is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, of a mother’s deep love for her sons and what they would do for them.
Both Alice and Indigo are desperate to find out what happened on that tragic night, they are two very different women but in a chance meeting they unite to find out the truth unbeknown to Indigo that Alice is Lou’s Mother.
I was so caught up in this I finished it in one day. With characters you can identify with making this a great book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 16, 2020
Alice is a single mum with two teenage sons. On a night out one of her sons is killed and Alice will do anything to find out how and why.
Indigo is also a single mum with one teenage son. Her son is charged will killing Alice’s son but Indigo can not believe that this is true.
A story of two mothers fighting for their children.
This story started off well but didn’t hold my interest in the second half of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Indigo is also a single mum with one teenage son. Her son is charged will killing Alice’s son but Indigo can not believe that this is true.
A story of two mothers fighting for their children.
This story started off well but didn’t hold my interest in the second half of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2020
Emily Koch’s sophomore offering is a highly original and deliciously dark domestic-based psychological thriller and it was every bit as addictive and absorbing as her debut, if not more so. It centres around two mothers with two sons when their lives are unexpectedly intertwined in the worst way possible. It's every families nightmare and highlights just how far a mother is willing to go to protect her child. Alice is a struggling mother of two sons, Benny and Lou. Because of her situation, she is regularly stressed and exhausted but she does her best. At the opposite end of the city resides Indigo Owen, an art therapist, who simply adores her son Kane and is happy go lucky with a sweet temperament. When Lou is found dead in a deserted car park an investigation begins to find information. Alice gets the dreaded notification and Kane is rapidly arrested. Yet Indigo proclaims his innocence and is feeling outraged.
Both mothers vow to discover the truth about what happened that fateful day but can they really handle the truth about the sons they created? Koch crafts a masterful story with a cast of characters that is believable and relatable and plenty of reveals and surprises throughout. It's extremely clever and intricately designed so that once you're hooked in there no hope of escape. Moving, heartbreaking and profoundly thought-provoking, the relationship that builds between Alice and Indigo is fascinating and portrayed sensitively. This is a really intense read that will make you think about not simply taking what people say as the truth. Written beautifully the book explores motherhood, love, grief, friendship, loss, guilt and denial. I look forward to picking up her next book. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Harvill Secker for an ARC.
Both mothers vow to discover the truth about what happened that fateful day but can they really handle the truth about the sons they created? Koch crafts a masterful story with a cast of characters that is believable and relatable and plenty of reveals and surprises throughout. It's extremely clever and intricately designed so that once you're hooked in there no hope of escape. Moving, heartbreaking and profoundly thought-provoking, the relationship that builds between Alice and Indigo is fascinating and portrayed sensitively. This is a really intense read that will make you think about not simply taking what people say as the truth. Written beautifully the book explores motherhood, love, grief, friendship, loss, guilt and denial. I look forward to picking up her next book. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Harvill Secker for an ARC.
March 18, 2020
Alice's son, Lou died and the police have charged Indigo's son, Kane with murder. Alice and Indigo are striving to find out the truth. They don't know if it was accidental death, suicide or murder. The police seem to have the case wrapped up, but have they missed something?
This is a story of two mothers and its told by both womens women's perspectives. They are both determined to find out the truth behind what had happened. It's a very moving story. I could not read this book quick enough. I was caught up in the story from page one. There's a few twists in this well written book. A story about a grieving mother needing to know the truth and the mother of athe alleged murderer coming to terms with the aftermath.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author Emily Koch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of two mothers and its told by both womens women's perspectives. They are both determined to find out the truth behind what had happened. It's a very moving story. I could not read this book quick enough. I was caught up in the story from page one. There's a few twists in this well written book. A story about a grieving mother needing to know the truth and the mother of athe alleged murderer coming to terms with the aftermath.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author Emily Koch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2020
Alice's son, Lou died and then police have charged Indigo's son, Kane with murder. A,ice and indigo are striving to find out the truth. They don't k ow if it was an accidental death, suicide or murder. The police seem to have the case wrapped up, ut have they missed something?
This is a story of two mothers and is told by both women's perspectives. They are oth determined to find out the truth behind what had occurred. It's a very moving story. I could not read this book quick enough. I was caught up in this story from page one. There's a few twists in this well written book. A story about a grieving mother needing to know the truth and thre mother of the alleged murderer coming to terms with the aftermath.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author Emily bloch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of two mothers and is told by both women's perspectives. They are oth determined to find out the truth behind what had occurred. It's a very moving story. I could not read this book quick enough. I was caught up in this story from page one. There's a few twists in this well written book. A story about a grieving mother needing to know the truth and thre mother of the alleged murderer coming to terms with the aftermath.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author Emily bloch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2020
Keep Him Close is the first book I have read by Emily Koch, but having devoured this quite quickly, I'm pretty certain it will not be the last. The book opens with a fairly typical interaction between mother and son, Alice and Lou. Typical that is if there is a clear amount of tension and animosity between the pair. Lou is Alice's youngest son, seemingly full of confidence, arrogance and a little bit of menace. This clash of wills, the derision that Lou exhibits towards his mother, is the last conversation the pair will have as by the morning, Lou is dead.
Now whilst this is a story about a young man who has lost his life in suspicious and ultimately tragic circumstances, it is far more than that too. The actual act itself takes place off the page, the first that Alice or the reader knows of it is when she gets that dreaded visit from the police in the middle of the night. As a reader, the prologue gives us that ominous sense of something bad about to happen, but whilst we can guess the who, we won;t know the real how and why for a very long time.
Beyond the how and the why though, which of course intrigued me, this was far more a story looking at the impact of loss upon two very different mothers. First we have Alice, a woman who has suffered the ultimate loss in that her son can never be returned to her. Then you have Indidigo who is faced with a very different kind of loss as it is her son, Dean, who stands accused of Lou's murder. The pair are united in only one thing - the need to know the truth about what happened and yet are brought together in a surprising but believable way, although it is fair to say that secrets are still the name of the game here.
The author has portrayed the two women perfectly. Alice is restrained, almost cold in the loss of her son, unable to express her grief as others might expect her to. It seems odd but. I actually understand her character quite well, can relate to it in a way, and Emily Koch has really captured that intolerance and determination, the way the odd memory forces its way through to the front of her mind when she least expects it. Indigo is Alice's polar opposite, and whilst not overcome by her emotion, her passion for proving her son's innocence leeches from the page and reels you in as a reader.
There are lots of side threads to this story, where we learn more about Dean, as well as Lou and his brother Benny and the world they inhabit. Lots of shady characters about who cast doubt on the account of what happened that night, and who possess vital clues in Alice and Indigo's search for the truth. There are also those who sit on the periphery of Alice's life - her ex husband and her father. They humanise her in a way, but also show the stark contrasts between their emotions and Alice's aloofness.
As I said before, this book is about far much more than the who and the why. It is a keen study of character, of the impact of loss and of two women who work together to find closure and some kind of justice in the most horrible of situations. There are some real emotions wrapped up in this story, moments that will make even a hard hearted woman like Alice take pause. It is not fast paced and it is not high action, but there is an underlying suspense and tension that kept me hooked to the very last page.
Now whilst this is a story about a young man who has lost his life in suspicious and ultimately tragic circumstances, it is far more than that too. The actual act itself takes place off the page, the first that Alice or the reader knows of it is when she gets that dreaded visit from the police in the middle of the night. As a reader, the prologue gives us that ominous sense of something bad about to happen, but whilst we can guess the who, we won;t know the real how and why for a very long time.
Beyond the how and the why though, which of course intrigued me, this was far more a story looking at the impact of loss upon two very different mothers. First we have Alice, a woman who has suffered the ultimate loss in that her son can never be returned to her. Then you have Indidigo who is faced with a very different kind of loss as it is her son, Dean, who stands accused of Lou's murder. The pair are united in only one thing - the need to know the truth about what happened and yet are brought together in a surprising but believable way, although it is fair to say that secrets are still the name of the game here.
The author has portrayed the two women perfectly. Alice is restrained, almost cold in the loss of her son, unable to express her grief as others might expect her to. It seems odd but. I actually understand her character quite well, can relate to it in a way, and Emily Koch has really captured that intolerance and determination, the way the odd memory forces its way through to the front of her mind when she least expects it. Indigo is Alice's polar opposite, and whilst not overcome by her emotion, her passion for proving her son's innocence leeches from the page and reels you in as a reader.
There are lots of side threads to this story, where we learn more about Dean, as well as Lou and his brother Benny and the world they inhabit. Lots of shady characters about who cast doubt on the account of what happened that night, and who possess vital clues in Alice and Indigo's search for the truth. There are also those who sit on the periphery of Alice's life - her ex husband and her father. They humanise her in a way, but also show the stark contrasts between their emotions and Alice's aloofness.
As I said before, this book is about far much more than the who and the why. It is a keen study of character, of the impact of loss and of two women who work together to find closure and some kind of justice in the most horrible of situations. There are some real emotions wrapped up in this story, moments that will make even a hard hearted woman like Alice take pause. It is not fast paced and it is not high action, but there is an underlying suspense and tension that kept me hooked to the very last page.
December 2, 2019
I guess this is presented as a psychological thriller but it's far more in the way of family drama, two families, one tragedy...but just whose fault is it?
Emily Koch presents her characters pitch perfectly, involving the reader immediately into their lives, just at the point that horrible things happen. This is all about the relationships - mother and son, brothers and friends, all entangled up in guilt and grief.
As the truth emerges over the course of the story, it is emotionally resonant and often thought provoking. I read it in one sitting and recommend it.
Emily Koch presents her characters pitch perfectly, involving the reader immediately into their lives, just at the point that horrible things happen. This is all about the relationships - mother and son, brothers and friends, all entangled up in guilt and grief.
As the truth emerges over the course of the story, it is emotionally resonant and often thought provoking. I read it in one sitting and recommend it.
May 8, 2020
The most unthrilling thriller I have read. I appreciate slow burn thrillers/mysteries but please at least make it worth it in the end. I just didn’t ‘vibed’ with this. Time for the next one!
February 1, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Vintage publishing for a copy of Keep him close. I have read Emily Koch first book, If I die before I wake that I really enjoyed so I was looking forward to reading this.
After their father Etienne left to tour with his band when they very young, Alice brought up her two sons Benny and Lou on her own single handily. They are now grown up. Alice works part time at library and a reserved person and always cleaning the house. Ben is nice person, but his brother is brother is intimidating and gets into trouble.
When both the boys go out for the night they don’t return, and Alice only realises that something has happened when she gets a knock on the door from the police that Lou has died. He has fallen from a car park and was killed. When Benny comes home, he says he wasn’t there but, Alice knows he is trying to hide something. Things don’t add up. The next day their friend goes to the police and says he has killed Lou.
Kane’s mother Indigo knows her son is innocent with the help of Alice they to go out to discover what happened that fatal night and prove Kane’s innocence.
This is another Intriguing and heartfelt story from Emily Koch. I loved the storyline because of the uniqueness of it. The way the two mothers went to find out what really happened that fateful day. You would have thought that they would be against each other. I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait to see what else she comes out with.
After their father Etienne left to tour with his band when they very young, Alice brought up her two sons Benny and Lou on her own single handily. They are now grown up. Alice works part time at library and a reserved person and always cleaning the house. Ben is nice person, but his brother is brother is intimidating and gets into trouble.
When both the boys go out for the night they don’t return, and Alice only realises that something has happened when she gets a knock on the door from the police that Lou has died. He has fallen from a car park and was killed. When Benny comes home, he says he wasn’t there but, Alice knows he is trying to hide something. Things don’t add up. The next day their friend goes to the police and says he has killed Lou.
Kane’s mother Indigo knows her son is innocent with the help of Alice they to go out to discover what happened that fatal night and prove Kane’s innocence.
This is another Intriguing and heartfelt story from Emily Koch. I loved the storyline because of the uniqueness of it. The way the two mothers went to find out what really happened that fateful day. You would have thought that they would be against each other. I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait to see what else she comes out with.
June 12, 2022
Alice’s son, Lou, is dead. Indigo’s son, Kane, is arrested for his murder. These two women are determined to find out what happened that fateful night.
A slow burn of a story, perhaps a little too slow for me. I did enjoy the different characteristics of each woman though - the stilted formality of Alice was a great contrast to the more relaxed and open Indigo. This was an interesting enough read, but it wasn’t as exciting as I’d have liked.
A slow burn of a story, perhaps a little too slow for me. I did enjoy the different characteristics of each woman though - the stilted formality of Alice was a great contrast to the more relaxed and open Indigo. This was an interesting enough read, but it wasn’t as exciting as I’d have liked.
July 1, 2020
One son lied. One son died.
That's the catchphrase for Emily Koch's exciting new thriller KEEP HIM CLOSE, a dark domestic psychological mystery drama with a slow burn that builds with a tension that's palpable. I wouldn't call it a thriller as such but there are parts to it that does have a thriller element. I don't generally like slow burns but this is one that keeps your interest despite its slow pace to begin with.
The story opens with a snippet of the event that is clearly at the centre of this dark mystery. The moment is tense with a fear that is palpable. And then it is gone. Leaving readers questioning "what just happened?"
Alice Hyde is single mother of two teenage sons who couldn't be more different from each other. Benny, the eldest, is sweet and gentle and about to start university in Exeter whilst Lou is the troubled younger child who has never given her a moments peace since the day he was born. But Alice loves her boys despite their differences...and the fact that Lou's intimidating behaviour sometimes scares her that she wonders if she'll ever be free of him. She hates that she thinks that of her own son but unlike Benny, Lou knows how to push her buttons.
The opening chapter, after the rather dramatic prologue, Alice is preparing for Benny's departure for university as well as dealing with the growing fractiousness with younger son Lou. The conversation and barbs Lou alludes to whilst dancing over the loft opening, which he knows will provoke his stoic mother, gives readers the opinion that this boy had little or no respect for her. The boy certainly grated on my nerves as Alice herself presented as cold and aloof. Neither of them are completely likable...at first.
When Ben and Lou leave the house that evening for a night on the town, Alice doesn't know it will be the last time she sees her youngest son. Her boys are 18 and 19, old enough to look after themselves and she doesn't worry when they haven't returned by the time she goes to bed that night. But in the early hours when she gets a knock on the door, she knows something is wrong. Police inform her that there had been an incident which has resulted in Lou's death.
When Benny returns home, he is quiet. He says little though he admits to being there but not at the time of Lou's death so he never saw anything. But Alice fears he is hiding something when things don't add up.
Indigo Owen is also a single mother to 19 year old Kane. He was out with Benny and Lou the night of Lou's death and he is riddled with guilt over something Indigo can't quite understand. He breaks down and tells his mother all he knows and she suggests they tell the police. After all, they are piecing together the events of that night to discover what happened to Lou. But little does Indigo know that this step of honesty on her son's part does little to close the chapter on his guilt over that night. After hours of questioning, police then inform her that they are charging Kane with Lou's murder after he confessed to the incident. Indigo is outraged. She knows her son and she knows he is innocent.
Both Alice and Indigo are desperate to uncover what really happened on that tragic night. Two very different women who, after a chance meeting, unite to find out the truth in the midst of secrets. What will they uncover? Who else was there that night Lou fell to his death? What did they see, if anything? And why, if he is innocent, did Kane confess to killing Lou? Is he protecting someone? If so, who? And Benny - what is he hiding? He certainly seems to know more than what he's letting on.
Alice and Indigo believe they know their boys...but do they really?
A very different type of psychological thriller blended with taut domestic drama that is both dark and tense throughout, KEEP HIM CLOSE is a thought provoking and emotional read. Although it is a slow burn, it is addictive in its tension and powerful emotion. As the story unfolds and the truth slowly emerges, a light is finally cast on the shadow of doubt surrounding that fateful night.
Told primarily from Alice and Indigo's perspectives throughout, readers are also given a short glimpse from the other players on the night in question - Benny, Kane and even Lou himself. These chapters are equally revealing as well as adding to the mystery. A very cleverly written story, KEEP HIM CLOSE is not fast paced or even action packed, but it is addictive with an underlying suspense that will keep the reader hooked to the very last page.
I would like to thank #EmilyKoch, #NetGalley and #RandomHouseUK and #VintagePublishing for an ARC of #KeepHimClose in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
That's the catchphrase for Emily Koch's exciting new thriller KEEP HIM CLOSE, a dark domestic psychological mystery drama with a slow burn that builds with a tension that's palpable. I wouldn't call it a thriller as such but there are parts to it that does have a thriller element. I don't generally like slow burns but this is one that keeps your interest despite its slow pace to begin with.
The story opens with a snippet of the event that is clearly at the centre of this dark mystery. The moment is tense with a fear that is palpable. And then it is gone. Leaving readers questioning "what just happened?"
Alice Hyde is single mother of two teenage sons who couldn't be more different from each other. Benny, the eldest, is sweet and gentle and about to start university in Exeter whilst Lou is the troubled younger child who has never given her a moments peace since the day he was born. But Alice loves her boys despite their differences...and the fact that Lou's intimidating behaviour sometimes scares her that she wonders if she'll ever be free of him. She hates that she thinks that of her own son but unlike Benny, Lou knows how to push her buttons.
The opening chapter, after the rather dramatic prologue, Alice is preparing for Benny's departure for university as well as dealing with the growing fractiousness with younger son Lou. The conversation and barbs Lou alludes to whilst dancing over the loft opening, which he knows will provoke his stoic mother, gives readers the opinion that this boy had little or no respect for her. The boy certainly grated on my nerves as Alice herself presented as cold and aloof. Neither of them are completely likable...at first.
When Ben and Lou leave the house that evening for a night on the town, Alice doesn't know it will be the last time she sees her youngest son. Her boys are 18 and 19, old enough to look after themselves and she doesn't worry when they haven't returned by the time she goes to bed that night. But in the early hours when she gets a knock on the door, she knows something is wrong. Police inform her that there had been an incident which has resulted in Lou's death.
When Benny returns home, he is quiet. He says little though he admits to being there but not at the time of Lou's death so he never saw anything. But Alice fears he is hiding something when things don't add up.
Indigo Owen is also a single mother to 19 year old Kane. He was out with Benny and Lou the night of Lou's death and he is riddled with guilt over something Indigo can't quite understand. He breaks down and tells his mother all he knows and she suggests they tell the police. After all, they are piecing together the events of that night to discover what happened to Lou. But little does Indigo know that this step of honesty on her son's part does little to close the chapter on his guilt over that night. After hours of questioning, police then inform her that they are charging Kane with Lou's murder after he confessed to the incident. Indigo is outraged. She knows her son and she knows he is innocent.
Both Alice and Indigo are desperate to uncover what really happened on that tragic night. Two very different women who, after a chance meeting, unite to find out the truth in the midst of secrets. What will they uncover? Who else was there that night Lou fell to his death? What did they see, if anything? And why, if he is innocent, did Kane confess to killing Lou? Is he protecting someone? If so, who? And Benny - what is he hiding? He certainly seems to know more than what he's letting on.
Alice and Indigo believe they know their boys...but do they really?
A very different type of psychological thriller blended with taut domestic drama that is both dark and tense throughout, KEEP HIM CLOSE is a thought provoking and emotional read. Although it is a slow burn, it is addictive in its tension and powerful emotion. As the story unfolds and the truth slowly emerges, a light is finally cast on the shadow of doubt surrounding that fateful night.
Told primarily from Alice and Indigo's perspectives throughout, readers are also given a short glimpse from the other players on the night in question - Benny, Kane and even Lou himself. These chapters are equally revealing as well as adding to the mystery. A very cleverly written story, KEEP HIM CLOSE is not fast paced or even action packed, but it is addictive with an underlying suspense that will keep the reader hooked to the very last page.
I would like to thank #EmilyKoch, #NetGalley and #RandomHouseUK and #VintagePublishing for an ARC of #KeepHimClose in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 21, 2020
This story is told from the point of view of the two mothers. Alice, who's youngest son Lou has died. And, Indigo, who's son Kane is accused of murdering Lou. What is the truth? What happened on that night? It all gets unravelled in a fantastic way in KEEP HIM CLOSE.
As we get the story from the mother's views, we the reader don't actually know what happened on that fateful night either. There is a little hint in the opening chapter, but nothing to give the game away completely. I liked the decision to see things through the eyes of the mother. Being a mother myself I would like to think that I know my children inside out and be able to determine how they are feeling and what they get up to. Bare in mind my kids are only two and five. But, I'm hoping once they are old enough to hit the world head on then I would know what they do.
This story shows the reality that actually we don't really know everything about our offspring. And, it's so easy to miss simple things, and as easily for the children to keep secrets. All we need to do really is to think back to our childhood, did we tell our parents everything? I know dam well I didn't, or I wouldn't be here to tell the tale now.
We uncover small details as the story develops, and find out the truth of Lou's death. And, then we get a few chapters from the lads themselves from the night in question. I really liked this technique, because this is when we got to really unpick at the events and delve deeper into the relationships of the lads.
KEEP HIM CLOSE is out today. And I say it's a dam good read so go out there (or if you can't go out, go online and buy this book)
As we get the story from the mother's views, we the reader don't actually know what happened on that fateful night either. There is a little hint in the opening chapter, but nothing to give the game away completely. I liked the decision to see things through the eyes of the mother. Being a mother myself I would like to think that I know my children inside out and be able to determine how they are feeling and what they get up to. Bare in mind my kids are only two and five. But, I'm hoping once they are old enough to hit the world head on then I would know what they do.
This story shows the reality that actually we don't really know everything about our offspring. And, it's so easy to miss simple things, and as easily for the children to keep secrets. All we need to do really is to think back to our childhood, did we tell our parents everything? I know dam well I didn't, or I wouldn't be here to tell the tale now.
We uncover small details as the story develops, and find out the truth of Lou's death. And, then we get a few chapters from the lads themselves from the night in question. I really liked this technique, because this is when we got to really unpick at the events and delve deeper into the relationships of the lads.
KEEP HIM CLOSE is out today. And I say it's a dam good read so go out there (or if you can't go out, go online and buy this book)
October 20, 2020
Keep Him Close is a psychological thriller about two mothers dealing with the aftermath of a devastating night out.
Both mothers suffer through an incredible trauma: One son is dead. One son is accused of murder.
Unfortunately, the whole story unfolds too slowly, and the ending felt almost incoherent to me.
The psychological aspect, however, is spot-on and well developed. It almost feels like a family drama/tragedy more so than a psychological suspense novel, and that's perhaps why I felt disappointed.
It's an emotional story and the tale of a mother's worst nightmare. (Both, actually. Losing an 18-year-old and finding out your 18-year-old might be capable of murder...both horrific scenarios.)
If I’d had the right expectations going in, I might have liked it. If you like the premise, give it a go.
Both mothers suffer through an incredible trauma: One son is dead. One son is accused of murder.
Unfortunately, the whole story unfolds too slowly, and the ending felt almost incoherent to me.
The psychological aspect, however, is spot-on and well developed. It almost feels like a family drama/tragedy more so than a psychological suspense novel, and that's perhaps why I felt disappointed.
It's an emotional story and the tale of a mother's worst nightmare. (Both, actually. Losing an 18-year-old and finding out your 18-year-old might be capable of murder...both horrific scenarios.)
If I’d had the right expectations going in, I might have liked it. If you like the premise, give it a go.
March 18, 2020
3.5 stars
This is a good read but is a bit slow in places.
When Kane admits to pushing Louis to his death, his mum, Indigo is desparate to prove her son is innocent.
The story is told from two perspectives - Indigo and Alice.
Alice is Louis’ mum and equally wants to find out his her son died and she joins up with Alice, to try and uncover the truth.
This was an enjoyable read, but is more of a family drama than a thriller.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good read but is a bit slow in places.
When Kane admits to pushing Louis to his death, his mum, Indigo is desparate to prove her son is innocent.
The story is told from two perspectives - Indigo and Alice.
Alice is Louis’ mum and equally wants to find out his her son died and she joins up with Alice, to try and uncover the truth.
This was an enjoyable read, but is more of a family drama than a thriller.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 26, 2020
I liked the idea of two mothers, two sons, one killed, the other confessing to his murder, but the reality just didn’t grab me. It felt claustrophobic, and although the characters and scenarios were interesting, it didn’t really seem to get going for me.
Having a pile of other books waiting to be read, I’m afraid I jumped ship about half way through because it just never really grabbed me.
Having a pile of other books waiting to be read, I’m afraid I jumped ship about half way through because it just never really grabbed me.
January 2, 2021
3.5 stars. Enjoyable and easy to read. Has a bit more depth than some books of this genre in terms of exploring the difficult relationship between the mother Alice and her sons. There was far more background story for Alice than the other main character, Indigo, which I felt was a shame and a missed opportunity as her character wasn't as fully fleshed out. Another weakness was the sometimes implausible plot, such as the police not fully investigating the crime and making such a rookie mistake as interviewing the main suspect without a lawyer present. It was also a bit unbelievable that the main witness changed her mind about talking to the police, following a brief phone call from Alice- when she was initially so adamant that she wouldn't. The red herring of the boys' mate Wilko and another minor character kept you guessing, but other revelations were quite obvious, such as Benny and Kane being lovers. I also would've liked it if Alice had finally given in to her grief and started to express it at the end, since she had started to thaw out in terms of her tight emotional control, as the story progressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
This is a slow burn of read, a story of two women both mothers dealing with a tragic incident and both desperately trying to find out the truth about the fateful night when one son died and one son admitted to killing them. What follows is an intense and compelling story told from both the mothers point of view and these are two very different women who both have different emotions and ways of dealing with the tragedy, the portrayal of the women is done in an excellent and beautifully written way by the wonderful Emily Koch.
It’s a read that is slow paced and very emotional as the tension builds and we find ourselves getting closer to the truth and it was a read I very much enjoyed.
So a well recommended read and look forward to more from this author in the future.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing, Harvill Secker for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It’s a read that is slow paced and very emotional as the tension builds and we find ourselves getting closer to the truth and it was a read I very much enjoyed.
So a well recommended read and look forward to more from this author in the future.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing, Harvill Secker for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 17, 2020
Lou goes out the pub with his friends, but will never come home again; the events of the evening are surrounded in mystery. None of the others present will say what went on, and then Kane confesses that he was responsible for Lou falling to his death.
Keep Him Close is an unusual crime thriller in that the story is told mostly from the points of view of the mother of the victim, and the mother of the young man who confesses to the crime. The two lads were friends, but their mothers did not know each other. The police are involved but seem particularly inept and happy to take Kane’s confession at face value.
To begin with Alice has the advantage as she works in the library and Indigo comes in looking for help using the computer. Alice knows that Indigo’s son has confessed; Indigo does not know who Alice is. This adds to the tension. As the story progresses, we learn not to judge the characters by first impressions. They all have secrets that only gradually come to light, and through Indigo’s eyes we see a different side to Alice, less rigid and more human.
Once Indigo finds out that Alice is Lou’s mother, and that they are both searching for the truth about the fatal events in the multi-storey car park, they start to work together to clear Kane’s name and find out what really happened to Lou. The backstory is revealed a little bit at a time, ramping up the suspense, until the truth finally comes to light.
Keep Him Close is well written with believable characters and a plot that will keep you guessing right to the very end. I’ve not read anything by Emily Koch before, but I will certainly be looking out for her next book.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
When a young man dies in suspicious circumstances two mothers are thrown into turmoil. Alice’s two sons went out together but the morning after the police are knocking on her door to tell her that the youngest, Lou won’t be coming home and his brother Benny is answering some questions at the station. When an appeal is put out from the police for two men to come forward, who has been captured on CCTV, Kane tells his mum that they must go to the police station to tell them that one of the men is him. Indigo waits for him but eventually finds out what he has told them. He admits having pushed Lou from a multi-storey car park, so he has been arrested for his murder.
The story follows the two mums of the young men, their different reactions to events and how they both deal with it. Both women are single parents but have brought up their children very differently. Both Benny and Kane are very tight-lipped about what happened that night. Indigo knows that the only way to find the truth is to find out herself. As far as the police see things, it is an open and shut case as Kane admitted to killing Lou.
We all like to think that we know our children but there is such a lot of other things and people that we don’t have control of. I really felt like I was side by side with these two mothers and so confused to want justice for one for the death of her boy and yet protective for the other. One thing for sure was that it is heartbreaking no matter which side you are on.
To begin with I couldn’t gell with Alice but as the pages turned I felt that I understood her more and felt so very sorry for her. This is a great story which I had all the pieces for, except for the final one that completed the whole picture. A very intriguing story very well written.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
The story follows the two mums of the young men, their different reactions to events and how they both deal with it. Both women are single parents but have brought up their children very differently. Both Benny and Kane are very tight-lipped about what happened that night. Indigo knows that the only way to find the truth is to find out herself. As far as the police see things, it is an open and shut case as Kane admitted to killing Lou.
We all like to think that we know our children but there is such a lot of other things and people that we don’t have control of. I really felt like I was side by side with these two mothers and so confused to want justice for one for the death of her boy and yet protective for the other. One thing for sure was that it is heartbreaking no matter which side you are on.
To begin with I couldn’t gell with Alice but as the pages turned I felt that I understood her more and felt so very sorry for her. This is a great story which I had all the pieces for, except for the final one that completed the whole picture. A very intriguing story very well written.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
April 26, 2020
Keep Him Close is one of those books that will get under your skin, and make you re-evaluate yourself and your interactions with others.
After a dramatic opening that establishes something deeply upsetting has taken place, but offers little further, we focus on an almost mundane everyday experience - a mother preparing for one of her sons to leave for university, and a growing fractiousness with her younger son who seems to be growing apart from her. The conversation in the loft hints at problems and secrets, but we go no further. Then we learn that one of the boys doesn’t come home that night.
Alongside this family horror we have another mother, one who has to come to terms with the fact that her only son has been charged with murder.
The question of what actually happened the night Lou died does eat away at us. Was he pushed? Did he fall? Why was he fighting with his brother’s friend? Why were they on the third floor of the car park anyway?
There’s no quick answers. Some of them are hinted at early on, but we’re never entirely sure how the snippets of information link.
What intrigued me about this was the shifting perspectives. We see the viewpoints of both mothers, and a rather odd set of circumstances that lead to them working together to get the answers they so desperately crave.
While our main story is resolved fairly neatly, there are so many things left unsaid. This, no doubt, is deliberate but it left a rather unsettled feel to things.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this prior to publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.
After a dramatic opening that establishes something deeply upsetting has taken place, but offers little further, we focus on an almost mundane everyday experience - a mother preparing for one of her sons to leave for university, and a growing fractiousness with her younger son who seems to be growing apart from her. The conversation in the loft hints at problems and secrets, but we go no further. Then we learn that one of the boys doesn’t come home that night.
Alongside this family horror we have another mother, one who has to come to terms with the fact that her only son has been charged with murder.
The question of what actually happened the night Lou died does eat away at us. Was he pushed? Did he fall? Why was he fighting with his brother’s friend? Why were they on the third floor of the car park anyway?
There’s no quick answers. Some of them are hinted at early on, but we’re never entirely sure how the snippets of information link.
What intrigued me about this was the shifting perspectives. We see the viewpoints of both mothers, and a rather odd set of circumstances that lead to them working together to get the answers they so desperately crave.
While our main story is resolved fairly neatly, there are so many things left unsaid. This, no doubt, is deliberate but it left a rather unsettled feel to things.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this prior to publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 2, 2020
The first thing that struck me whilst reading this fascinating novel is that you shouldn’t be too quick to judge people. For example, my first opinion of Alice was that she was cold and unapproachable. My first opinion of Lou was that he was a thug who had no respect. I was wrong about both, but it took a while, especially with Lou to see, what they were really like. My thoughts regarding Alice changed gradually as I saw her way of coping in secret and started to understand why she came across as so unfriendly.
Most of the narrative switches between Alice and Indigo, you see how they both cope, or otherwise, with the way their lives have been destroyed by Lou’s death. But there are occasional chapters that concern the other characters and you start to see what happened on the night out.
This is a crime novel but for me it was more a character study. How different people react to an impossible situation and how they try and improve it. It shows the strengths and the flaws in all of the characters and how important family and friends are.
Most of the narrative switches between Alice and Indigo, you see how they both cope, or otherwise, with the way their lives have been destroyed by Lou’s death. But there are occasional chapters that concern the other characters and you start to see what happened on the night out.
This is a crime novel but for me it was more a character study. How different people react to an impossible situation and how they try and improve it. It shows the strengths and the flaws in all of the characters and how important family and friends are.
March 19, 2020
This story follows two women whose lives become intertwined after one’s son is murdered and the other’s is accused of the crime. The woman didn’t know each other before the devastating event occurred, but a chance meeting between the two of them sets the backdrop for this tale of a mother’s love, forgiveness and finding friendship in the most bizarre of places. As both woman fight for the justice that they believe their respective sons deserve, a strange thing starts to happen. They start to understand each other, and to form a loose friendship that seems highly unlikely at first, but which just might be possible when the truth shines through.
This book is primarily a family drama, and I don’t read many of those which meant that I did enjoy the different experience that this book gave me. There are also elements to this story that made it read like a domestic thriller. As the reader, you’re constantly on the edge of your seat waiting to learn about the events of the tragic night when Alice’s son plunged to his death. The story unravels slowly and it soon becomes clear that the full facts aren’t known, and that all may not be as it seems. This leads to a good level of suspense throughout the read.
This is a pretty emotional story. It highlights how both woman felt as though they had lost a son even though only one of them was dead. Alice’s son had fallen to his death from a parkade, while Indigo’s son had been arrested for murder and then held in a high security prison where she didn’t have much access to him. Both woman are devastated by the events of that night. They both had something taken away from them and they are battling to deal with the situations they find themselves in.
Alice’s relationship with her son, Lou was a very complicated one, and I did battle somewhat to understand her reaction to her son’s death. She seemed very cold, almost robotic and she never seemed to show much emotion or devastation over the loss of her son. Indigo on the other hand absolutely adored her son Kane, and their bond was very strong. She was therefore absolutely lost without him and hellbent on proving that he wasn’t involved in Lou’s death. I did enjoy their different characters and I enjoyed seeing the different reactions that people can have to tragedy.
Overall, this was a solid read and I enjoyed it. It won’t be making its way onto my favourite reads of the year list, but I do recommend it to those of you that like the sound of the blurb.
This book is primarily a family drama, and I don’t read many of those which meant that I did enjoy the different experience that this book gave me. There are also elements to this story that made it read like a domestic thriller. As the reader, you’re constantly on the edge of your seat waiting to learn about the events of the tragic night when Alice’s son plunged to his death. The story unravels slowly and it soon becomes clear that the full facts aren’t known, and that all may not be as it seems. This leads to a good level of suspense throughout the read.
This is a pretty emotional story. It highlights how both woman felt as though they had lost a son even though only one of them was dead. Alice’s son had fallen to his death from a parkade, while Indigo’s son had been arrested for murder and then held in a high security prison where she didn’t have much access to him. Both woman are devastated by the events of that night. They both had something taken away from them and they are battling to deal with the situations they find themselves in.
Alice’s relationship with her son, Lou was a very complicated one, and I did battle somewhat to understand her reaction to her son’s death. She seemed very cold, almost robotic and she never seemed to show much emotion or devastation over the loss of her son. Indigo on the other hand absolutely adored her son Kane, and their bond was very strong. She was therefore absolutely lost without him and hellbent on proving that he wasn’t involved in Lou’s death. I did enjoy their different characters and I enjoyed seeing the different reactions that people can have to tragedy.
Overall, this was a solid read and I enjoyed it. It won’t be making its way onto my favourite reads of the year list, but I do recommend it to those of you that like the sound of the blurb.
March 12, 2020
Do you know your son as well as you think you do? This novel had a fascinating theme and characters. For the life of me, it was hard to put myself in the place of the two main characters Alice and Indigo. Their situation was untenable and sent shivers down my spine as the case was investigated. I couldn’t imagine having to endure the agony, but the novel gave an excellent insight. The death of a son and the boy who has been charged with killing him. The characterisation was exceptional, skilfully drawn, showing how opposite the two women were and despite everything connected. Curiously, I discovered that I knew them by the end. In the usual way, one would expect them to be sworn, adversaries. Alice is stalwart and eager to investigate what led up to her son’s death. I felt she deserved a medal for her patience, kindness and forgiveness. I suspect Indigo might have gone to pieces without Alice’s unexpected, level-headed, practical support. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK.
March 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book I couldn't put it down. The first part completely grips you as you try to figure out who killed Lou. And when the 2 mothers meet and Alice does not admit to indigo she knows it's her son that killed Lou things start to get complicated should she tell her she knows who she is??? What sort of mother has a killer as a son.
But as the story goes on they both want to find the truth and eventually they work together to finally get there.
I liked all the characters and couldn't wait to find out who the guilty party was. It's a fantastic read.
But as the story goes on they both want to find the truth and eventually they work together to finally get there.
I liked all the characters and couldn't wait to find out who the guilty party was. It's a fantastic read.
December 26, 2024
okay honestly idk why my sister was hating on this book sm but i acc liked it. ESPECIALLY because there were no irrelevant and unnecessary subplots. the characters were well-written esp this one annoying character (who is like one my least fave characters). i honestly loved how Alice's grief was portrayed; it was very new and refreshing to read and im somewhat glad bc the way she grieves i find it somewhat relatable. i love benny sm for some reason i can't get him off my mind 😍😍like he is sooo fine. i would've rated 4/5 but im taking off one-star bc the cause of death was lowkey lame and i expected more.
August 27, 2023
It didn’t move me, surprise me, or entertain me. I didn’t hate it, but there’s nothing really good I can say about it.
February 29, 2020
Good. Interesting characters and concept. A real page turner. Kept me guessing till the end. Love the writing style and how it makes it such a atmospheric book. Thank you Vintage for inviting me to read this via Netgalley.
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