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Deny Me
From the bestselling author of Deliver Me comes a gripping new thriller with a twist you'll never see coming!
Thirty-two-year-old Jessica is newly divorced and has returned home to live with her parents whilst she puts the pieces of her life back together. But Jessica isn't the only one with problems, as her mother, Jean, has recently been diagnosed with dementia.
Shortly after Jessica's arrival, one of the neighbours falls to her death, in what appears to be a terrible accident. However, Jean claims that the woman was murdered by her husband and that she witnessed the whole thing.
With Jean's memory rapidly deteriorating, her family dismiss her story, believing Jean is confused. But when Jessica learns that the couple next door's marriage may have been in trouble, she begins to wonder if her mother did see something after all.
Jessica is determined to discover the truth, but soon uncovers much more than she bargained for...
An addictive psychological thriller for fans of Rachel Abbott and CL Taylor.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
424 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Karen Cole
18 books89 followersKaren Cole grew up in the Cotswolds and got a degree in psychology at Newcastle University. She spent several years teaching English around the world before settling in Cyprus with her husband and two sons, where she works at a British army base as a primary school teacher. She recently completed the Curtis Brown writing course where she found her love of writing psychological thrillers.
Deliver Me is her debut novel.
~ from Quercus
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Deliver Me is her debut novel.
~ from Quercus
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 24, 2020
Jessica has mental health issues. She was living in Spain but has returned home to help care for her elderly parents. Her mother has Alzheimer's but she's convinced she saw her neighbour push his wife from the balcony. The woman died and Jessica is now wondering if her mother had witnessed the woman being pushed. Jessica needs to find out the truth but what will she uncover?
This is a very twisty quick read. The pace is steady and it grabbed my attention from the start. Its packed full of secrets and lies. I loved the epilogue. Imdid guess correctly where this story was heading but there was still some surprises along the way. A really enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Karen Cole for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very twisty quick read. The pace is steady and it grabbed my attention from the start. Its packed full of secrets and lies. I loved the epilogue. Imdid guess correctly where this story was heading but there was still some surprises along the way. A really enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Karen Cole for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Having enjoyed Karen Cole's previous book "Deceive Me" I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into DENY ME. And I have to say, I think I loved this one even more!
He said it was an accident.
She said it was murder.
How far would YOU go to discover the truth?
Jessica Delaney has recently returned to England after her life fell apart in Spain. Leaving her controlling partner Matteo behind and a job she loved teaching, she returned home after spiraling into anxiety and depression after a mental health episode. But upon her arrival she discovered her mother, Jean, is suffering from Alzheimer's and her condition is gradually deteriorating.
One night after learning their neighbour's wife had fallen to her death from a window in recent weeks, Jean declares the woman was pushed and that she saw it happen. But given her gradual decline with dementia, how much of what Jean says can be believed? Is she confused? Or is she a witness to murder?
Jess believes her mother knows something but her father Brian and her brother Howie dismiss her claims as the dementia talking. But Jess is not so sure. Is her mother's claim just fantasy mingled with reality? Or are her memories confused with the present? Whatever the case may be, Jean appears to be truly frightened of something or someone.
Then when Jess receives a call that her mother has taken an overdose of her medication, Jess rushes to the hospital only to arrive too late. Her father is devastated but Jess can't help but feel something is wrong. Her father always doled out her mother's medication for her - how could she overdose on it intentionally or accidentally? Unless... Jess has a horrible feeling that her mother's fears weren't completely unfounded.
Just days before, Jean had started to tell Jess something that she had kept secret for years, whispering fearfully that "he wants me dead" and "I know too much". But her father walked in, ending their conversation. What was her mother about to tell her that was obviously so important? Jess thought she would get another opportunity to find out but sadly her mother died before she could ask her about it. But before she did, Jean had given Jess her jewellery box claiming that a lot of memories were stored in there. Was her mother trying to tell her something?
Knowing her previous mental health breakdown will preclude anyone from accepting her belief that her mother knew something, Jess decides to investigate but will she get more than she bargained for? As her quest for answers takes her back to the past Jess wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll uncover...
Told solely in Jess' narrative, DENY ME is a fast paced quick read that will have you turning the pages at the speed of light. Jess battles her own demons whilst on a journey for the truth with a number of events that not only affect her but also her family and friends.
The topics of mental health and dementia are dealt with sensitively and accurately and, as I am no stranger to either, I found myself in tears as I drew parallels to my own experiences. Watching Jean's confusion mingled with her moments of lucidity were both accurate and heartbreaking. As the dementia adds another dimension to the story, like Jess, we also question how much of one's memories real or imagined or mingled with reality? And did that make her mother's claims all the more real or a figment of her imagination?
Filled with family drama and secrets, DENY ME is a compelling and captivating thriller that will have you questioning everyone and everything. I hovered between two characters as the guilty party but still had it figured out before the shocking reveal came. It was clever and well written and I enjoyed every moment of the ride.
My only flaw I found with it was...how on earth did Jess get a passport without ever seeing her birth certificate? Because if she had...? Just a slight unanswered question that is a little fuzzy. And as such, the Spanish back story may have been better to have been left out altogether in that case. The same could have still taken place in England without the need for a passport, leaving the validity of that question dangling.
But nevertheless, DENY ME is an engaging and twisty psychological thriller that is addictive throughout. Right up to that shocking end. Packed with enough twists to give you whiplash and whether you see what is coming or not, that Epilogue will leave you breathless!
Definitely recommend!
I would like to thank #KarenCole, #NetGalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #DenyMe in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Having enjoyed Karen Cole's previous book "Deceive Me" I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into DENY ME. And I have to say, I think I loved this one even more!
He said it was an accident.
She said it was murder.
How far would YOU go to discover the truth?
Jessica Delaney has recently returned to England after her life fell apart in Spain. Leaving her controlling partner Matteo behind and a job she loved teaching, she returned home after spiraling into anxiety and depression after a mental health episode. But upon her arrival she discovered her mother, Jean, is suffering from Alzheimer's and her condition is gradually deteriorating.
One night after learning their neighbour's wife had fallen to her death from a window in recent weeks, Jean declares the woman was pushed and that she saw it happen. But given her gradual decline with dementia, how much of what Jean says can be believed? Is she confused? Or is she a witness to murder?
Jess believes her mother knows something but her father Brian and her brother Howie dismiss her claims as the dementia talking. But Jess is not so sure. Is her mother's claim just fantasy mingled with reality? Or are her memories confused with the present? Whatever the case may be, Jean appears to be truly frightened of something or someone.
Then when Jess receives a call that her mother has taken an overdose of her medication, Jess rushes to the hospital only to arrive too late. Her father is devastated but Jess can't help but feel something is wrong. Her father always doled out her mother's medication for her - how could she overdose on it intentionally or accidentally? Unless... Jess has a horrible feeling that her mother's fears weren't completely unfounded.
Just days before, Jean had started to tell Jess something that she had kept secret for years, whispering fearfully that "he wants me dead" and "I know too much". But her father walked in, ending their conversation. What was her mother about to tell her that was obviously so important? Jess thought she would get another opportunity to find out but sadly her mother died before she could ask her about it. But before she did, Jean had given Jess her jewellery box claiming that a lot of memories were stored in there. Was her mother trying to tell her something?
Knowing her previous mental health breakdown will preclude anyone from accepting her belief that her mother knew something, Jess decides to investigate but will she get more than she bargained for? As her quest for answers takes her back to the past Jess wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll uncover...
Told solely in Jess' narrative, DENY ME is a fast paced quick read that will have you turning the pages at the speed of light. Jess battles her own demons whilst on a journey for the truth with a number of events that not only affect her but also her family and friends.
The topics of mental health and dementia are dealt with sensitively and accurately and, as I am no stranger to either, I found myself in tears as I drew parallels to my own experiences. Watching Jean's confusion mingled with her moments of lucidity were both accurate and heartbreaking. As the dementia adds another dimension to the story, like Jess, we also question how much of one's memories real or imagined or mingled with reality? And did that make her mother's claims all the more real or a figment of her imagination?
Filled with family drama and secrets, DENY ME is a compelling and captivating thriller that will have you questioning everyone and everything. I hovered between two characters as the guilty party but still had it figured out before the shocking reveal came. It was clever and well written and I enjoyed every moment of the ride.
My only flaw I found with it was...how on earth did Jess get a passport without ever seeing her birth certificate? Because if she had...? Just a slight unanswered question that is a little fuzzy. And as such, the Spanish back story may have been better to have been left out altogether in that case. The same could have still taken place in England without the need for a passport, leaving the validity of that question dangling.
But nevertheless, DENY ME is an engaging and twisty psychological thriller that is addictive throughout. Right up to that shocking end. Packed with enough twists to give you whiplash and whether you see what is coming or not, that Epilogue will leave you breathless!
Definitely recommend!
I would like to thank #KarenCole, #NetGalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #DenyMe in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 7, 2021
Jessica left a bad relationship and is staying with her parents until she gets herself in a position to find her own place. Her mom has been diagnosed with dementia ..leaving her confused a lot of the time.
One night at dinner, Jessica's mom comes out with a statement that unnerves her. She states she saw her next door neighbor killing his wife by pushing her out of the upstairs window. True ... the neighbor's wife did die exactly like that, but it was investigated and found to be an accident.
Her mom now fears for her own life. Did she really see a murder ... or is this just confusion associated with dementia?
Jessica wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll find...
Solidly woven plot with skillfully drawn characters makes this psychological thriller a real page turner. There are twists and turns that lead to a terrifying unexpected ending. This was the first I've read of this author ... it won't be the last.
Many thanks to the author / Mobius Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this captivating psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
One night at dinner, Jessica's mom comes out with a statement that unnerves her. She states she saw her next door neighbor killing his wife by pushing her out of the upstairs window. True ... the neighbor's wife did die exactly like that, but it was investigated and found to be an accident.
Her mom now fears for her own life. Did she really see a murder ... or is this just confusion associated with dementia?
Jessica wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll find...
Solidly woven plot with skillfully drawn characters makes this psychological thriller a real page turner. There are twists and turns that lead to a terrifying unexpected ending. This was the first I've read of this author ... it won't be the last.
Many thanks to the author / Mobius Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this captivating psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 20, 2021
Ominous, tense, and clever!
Deny Me is a sharp, compulsive, psychological thriller that delves into all the deep, dark secrets people keep even from those closest to them and highlights just how easily people can be emotionally manipulated, controlled, and exploited by those they love.
The writing is crisp and edgy. The characters are distressed, unreliable, and vulnerable. And the plot unfolds subtly into a murky tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, lies, scandal, secrets, manipulation, wickedness, deception, tragedy, mental illness, and murder.
Overall, Deny Me is another crafty, sinister, engaging tale by Cole that kept me engaged from the very first page and has now, without a doubt, solidified her status on my must-read authors list.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Deny Me is a sharp, compulsive, psychological thriller that delves into all the deep, dark secrets people keep even from those closest to them and highlights just how easily people can be emotionally manipulated, controlled, and exploited by those they love.
The writing is crisp and edgy. The characters are distressed, unreliable, and vulnerable. And the plot unfolds subtly into a murky tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, lies, scandal, secrets, manipulation, wickedness, deception, tragedy, mental illness, and murder.
Overall, Deny Me is another crafty, sinister, engaging tale by Cole that kept me engaged from the very first page and has now, without a doubt, solidified her status on my must-read authors list.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
This was crazy good! Again with not seeing the ending coming at all! Karen Cole has a knack for making me guess until the very end & I’m here for it!! Many thanks to the publisher for this copy for review:)
September 7, 2020
Excellent , excellent
This was a well thought out book. Started it Sunday afternoon and stayed up to 2:00 am to finish it in one go. Really keeps your attention and you don't want to put it down. Some reviews say it was easy to figure out early but I didn't find that to be the case. There were still a few options fairly close to the end. I plan to read more by this author. If you like psychological thrillers and you are in the mood to read awhile, I really recommend this book. Just don't have any plans because you too will find it hard to put it down. I promise. Highly recommend.
This was a well thought out book. Started it Sunday afternoon and stayed up to 2:00 am to finish it in one go. Really keeps your attention and you don't want to put it down. Some reviews say it was easy to figure out early but I didn't find that to be the case. There were still a few options fairly close to the end. I plan to read more by this author. If you like psychological thrillers and you are in the mood to read awhile, I really recommend this book. Just don't have any plans because you too will find it hard to put it down. I promise. Highly recommend.
April 19, 2020
this is the story of a newly divorced woman returning home after spending some time in spain. it seems that jess finally has time to get herself together but no chance!
her mother is drifting off into dementia more and more, she is enstranged to her brother and her friends and last but not least a crime might have just happened in the neighbourhood...hold on...might have?!
bit by bit karen cole reveals what is going on in an empathetic but also very very thrilling way.
in my opinion this story is multilayered but you will not get lost in all that is going on.
a great joy to read!
thanks #netgalley and #Quercus Books for a ARC of this book
her mother is drifting off into dementia more and more, she is enstranged to her brother and her friends and last but not least a crime might have just happened in the neighbourhood...hold on...might have?!
bit by bit karen cole reveals what is going on in an empathetic but also very very thrilling way.
in my opinion this story is multilayered but you will not get lost in all that is going on.
a great joy to read!
thanks #netgalley and #Quercus Books for a ARC of this book
April 19, 2020
Overall, a good, quick read. The plot twists and pace kept me engaged for the most part. I thought I had worked it out early on so I was losing interest but turns out I was wrong!
June 14, 2020
My first book by this author, I was pulled in by the mystery and intrigue that one statement uttered in the state of dementia.
Jessica's mother murmured one line about seeing a murder, and that started the ball rolling. The characters were quite well etched. I wanted the pace to be slightly slow, but I soon found myself engrossed in the story.
Wanting to know the truth had me tapping my kindle until the end. Quite a fun read.
Jessica's mother murmured one line about seeing a murder, and that started the ball rolling. The characters were quite well etched. I wanted the pace to be slightly slow, but I soon found myself engrossed in the story.
Wanting to know the truth had me tapping my kindle until the end. Quite a fun read.
January 3, 2023
This is a fast paced, suspenseful story that is so hard to put down, I read it in 24 hours! Filled with family drama and intriguing secrets, I didn’t know who to trust or what was real until the shocking reveal at the end. This is my second book by this author and won’t be my last. I love how she spins a tale, taking my on a mysterious journey with surprising twists every single time! Thank you Netgalley, Möbius Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Available now
May 2, 2024
I took a while to get into this book as it didn’t start to pick up pace until about 1/2 way through.Then my interest picked up.
May 26, 2020
This was an interesting and quick read, centered on Jessica, who moves home with her parents after a breakup while she figures out what she wants to do next. Her mother is in the early stages of dementia and what she says cannot be fully trusted, but she says something about their neighbor murdering his wife, whose death had been ruled an accidental fall, and Jessica can't bring herself to stop looking into it.
Jessica was unapologetic about her previous mental issues, which I found refreshing, and gave her an authenticity when she questioned her own conclusions. The book gives you a twist that I saw coming, but then additional twists later that surprised me. The book moves at a fast pace- I finished it in one sitting.
Overall, I'd recommend this for those who like the domestic suspense genre. I would be interested in reading additional books by Karen Cole.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica was unapologetic about her previous mental issues, which I found refreshing, and gave her an authenticity when she questioned her own conclusions. The book gives you a twist that I saw coming, but then additional twists later that surprised me. The book moves at a fast pace- I finished it in one sitting.
Overall, I'd recommend this for those who like the domestic suspense genre. I would be interested in reading additional books by Karen Cole.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
Jessica has returned to live with her parents after living in Spain for 3 years. While in Spain she lost her job, had a nasty break up and suffered a mental break down. Jess settles in quickly to helping her father care for her mother, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. When her mother tells Jess that their neighbor killed his wife, Jess fears her mother’s illness is moving more quickly than expected. There is a great deal of plot twisting in this novel snd it had me on edge trying to decide what would happen next. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 20, 2020
This was a very quick read - it took about 3 hours to read the whole story but I think that was perfect as there was no unnecessary padding. I really liked Jean's character, I think the author portrayed a character with dementia very well.
The story kept me guessing, it was fast paced and although I had an idea of where it was leading, there were still some surprises at the end.
A solid 4 star thriller for me
The story kept me guessing, it was fast paced and although I had an idea of where it was leading, there were still some surprises at the end.
A solid 4 star thriller for me
April 11, 2020
I devoured this book! Full of twists and turns I honestly didn’t figure it out until the end! This book had me hooked all the way through the crazy epilogue.
April 28, 2022
What a twist 😲
April 7, 2020
Thrillers with a good twist. Sign me up. When I first saw the blurb, I knew that I had to read this one. Deny Me captivated and engaged me from the start. I really enjoyed it.
April 21, 2020
Actually 4.5 stars.
Well, this book took me all round the houses and back again as I, along with MC Jessica, tried to cut through all the secrets and lies and piece together all the pieces to reveal the whole truth.
Jessica is recently divorced and has moved back home, both to try and make a fresh start and also to assist her father with the care of her mother, Jean, who has been diagnosed with dementia. Shortly after she arrives, there is a tragic accident ending with the death of one of her neighbours. Jean thinks she saw something and is convinced it was murder. But is she just confused in what she thinks she saw. Jessica is torn between writing it off as the ramblings of a confused woman and wondering if there is any truth there. As she starts to investigate she realises that there are many people in her close circle with quite a lot to hide.
Wowsers... this book really has it all! Maybe a little too much when all laid out in the finale but it was all delivered in a really rather credible way. Jessica really does bite off way more than she can chew when she takes the lid of what ends up being a rather juicy can of very active worms. All very cleverly plotted and with misdirection aplenty along the way. If you like your books jam packed full of secrets, lies and served with a generous dollop of duplicitous behaviour then you're really going to love the journey this book will take you on.
Pacing is good and the characters all act according to their roles in the whole. It's hard to single any out as to do so might inject spoilers but I did take to Jessica early on and that really helps me connect to a book.
All in all, a good solid read that held my attention throughout and which left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Well, this book took me all round the houses and back again as I, along with MC Jessica, tried to cut through all the secrets and lies and piece together all the pieces to reveal the whole truth.
Jessica is recently divorced and has moved back home, both to try and make a fresh start and also to assist her father with the care of her mother, Jean, who has been diagnosed with dementia. Shortly after she arrives, there is a tragic accident ending with the death of one of her neighbours. Jean thinks she saw something and is convinced it was murder. But is she just confused in what she thinks she saw. Jessica is torn between writing it off as the ramblings of a confused woman and wondering if there is any truth there. As she starts to investigate she realises that there are many people in her close circle with quite a lot to hide.
Wowsers... this book really has it all! Maybe a little too much when all laid out in the finale but it was all delivered in a really rather credible way. Jessica really does bite off way more than she can chew when she takes the lid of what ends up being a rather juicy can of very active worms. All very cleverly plotted and with misdirection aplenty along the way. If you like your books jam packed full of secrets, lies and served with a generous dollop of duplicitous behaviour then you're really going to love the journey this book will take you on.
Pacing is good and the characters all act according to their roles in the whole. It's hard to single any out as to do so might inject spoilers but I did take to Jessica early on and that really helps me connect to a book.
All in all, a good solid read that held my attention throughout and which left me satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 28, 2021
Jessica lived in Spain with her partner until their recent breakup. She has had mental problems for years, and they reached a point that sent her back home to her parents. There, she learns that her mother, Jean, is sinking into early-onset Alzheimers. Her father, Brian is doing all he can to care for her.
Her mother tells her that her neighbor was pushed from an upstairs window and died. But, she is told that it was an accident and that her mother is confused.
The husband of the woman who died is a vet named Ajay and knew, as did many others, that his wife had been having an affair with, it turns out, a man that Jessica had loved at one time. Now, she finds him cocky and distasteful.
One day, her mother insists Jessica take her jewelry box because there are secrets there that she must learn about. Not long after, Jean dies from an overdose and it’s unknown if it was accidental of intentional.
It’s at her mother’s funeral that she learns a devastating secret that had been withheld from her all her life. How will she be able to deal with it?
This book started out slowly in an almost “woe is me” manner. But it finally picked up to end in a stunning manner. Plow through the first part and you will be rewarded later in the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Her mother tells her that her neighbor was pushed from an upstairs window and died. But, she is told that it was an accident and that her mother is confused.
The husband of the woman who died is a vet named Ajay and knew, as did many others, that his wife had been having an affair with, it turns out, a man that Jessica had loved at one time. Now, she finds him cocky and distasteful.
One day, her mother insists Jessica take her jewelry box because there are secrets there that she must learn about. Not long after, Jean dies from an overdose and it’s unknown if it was accidental of intentional.
It’s at her mother’s funeral that she learns a devastating secret that had been withheld from her all her life. How will she be able to deal with it?
This book started out slowly in an almost “woe is me” manner. But it finally picked up to end in a stunning manner. Plow through the first part and you will be rewarded later in the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 27, 2020
After reading Karen Cole’s ‘Deliver Me’ and enjoying it i was very much looking forward to reading this latest book. This, once again, is a great psychological thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing until the final pages.
Jessica has just moved back to England, after her life fell apart in Spain. She left her job and her partner after a mental health episode and returned home to be with her Mum and Dad. Jessica’s mother, Jean, is suffering from Alzheimer’s and her condition is gradually worsening. On her return Jean tells her daughter that she saw her neighbour kill his wife, but is it true ? Or is the Alzheimer’s causing her Mum to become confused ?
Jessica decides to investigate her Mother’s claim about their neighbour but will Jessica discover more than she bargained for ?
This is a great twisty psychological thriller that kept me hooked throughout. Jessica battles her own demons whilst also trying to find the truth about a number of events affecting not only her family but also her friends. This is quite a quick read that you really won’t want to put down - one to definitely add to the TBR pile !!
Thank you to Quercus Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.
Jessica has just moved back to England, after her life fell apart in Spain. She left her job and her partner after a mental health episode and returned home to be with her Mum and Dad. Jessica’s mother, Jean, is suffering from Alzheimer’s and her condition is gradually worsening. On her return Jean tells her daughter that she saw her neighbour kill his wife, but is it true ? Or is the Alzheimer’s causing her Mum to become confused ?
Jessica decides to investigate her Mother’s claim about their neighbour but will Jessica discover more than she bargained for ?
This is a great twisty psychological thriller that kept me hooked throughout. Jessica battles her own demons whilst also trying to find the truth about a number of events affecting not only her family but also her friends. This is quite a quick read that you really won’t want to put down - one to definitely add to the TBR pile !!
Thank you to Quercus Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.
June 18, 2021
**T/W = DV, Abuse, Mental Health**
This story is written from the perspective of Jessica, a thirty-something who returns home to live with her parents, after her marriage breaks down whilst living in Madrid, as well as struggling with her mental health. Upon returning, Jessica learns that her mother has been living with dementia, which leads her to discover a dark family secret that changes everything for her. Searching for answers to the questions this discovery creates, things take a sinister turn and Jessica finds herself in a breath-taking situation that she may not be able to get herself out of.
Full of twists and turns, this definitely lived up to its hype of a gripping thriller, however, I did find this rollercoaster of a plot a bit too slow for the first third and I was unsure if I would end up finishing this but once it picked up pace, it was well worth sticking with. The conclusion to this was shocking for all the right reasons, and I was way off the mark with my own predications! (Unfortunately, I am unable to divulge deeper into this as I do not want to add any spoilers in this review.)
Since listening to this audiobook, I have discovered that Karen Cole has written a few thrillers, and I will definitely be listening to/reading those when I come across them.
This story is written from the perspective of Jessica, a thirty-something who returns home to live with her parents, after her marriage breaks down whilst living in Madrid, as well as struggling with her mental health. Upon returning, Jessica learns that her mother has been living with dementia, which leads her to discover a dark family secret that changes everything for her. Searching for answers to the questions this discovery creates, things take a sinister turn and Jessica finds herself in a breath-taking situation that she may not be able to get herself out of.
Full of twists and turns, this definitely lived up to its hype of a gripping thriller, however, I did find this rollercoaster of a plot a bit too slow for the first third and I was unsure if I would end up finishing this but once it picked up pace, it was well worth sticking with. The conclusion to this was shocking for all the right reasons, and I was way off the mark with my own predications! (Unfortunately, I am unable to divulge deeper into this as I do not want to add any spoilers in this review.)
Since listening to this audiobook, I have discovered that Karen Cole has written a few thrillers, and I will definitely be listening to/reading those when I come across them.
May 18, 2020
Nothing does murder like families. And families are often so f-d up. Not only do the members resent and hate each other (in the f-d up families that is) but they often do not even know who their family members are. In the UK at least, so many hidden family connections, exo-conceptions, previous partners and unacknowledged children. It’s worse at times of crisis (like a war), but it goes on all the time.
This is something of the background to Karen Cole’s novel – although she herself says it was sparked off by Alzheimer. Well, ok, but it draws on the rich field of family pathology to produce a very satisfying novel. I must say I didn’t entirely get the Madrid bit, but ok, perhaps I didn’t pay enough attention. There were a few loose points. The Brandon story seemed ripe for expansion, but never got there. And I'm wondering how she got a passport without ever seeing her birth certificate. I dare say it is possible, but probably best left fuzzy, as was. This makes me think though that the Spanish back story was brought in for some reason not connected with the story, which might have been better off without it.
This is something of the background to Karen Cole’s novel – although she herself says it was sparked off by Alzheimer. Well, ok, but it draws on the rich field of family pathology to produce a very satisfying novel. I must say I didn’t entirely get the Madrid bit, but ok, perhaps I didn’t pay enough attention. There were a few loose points. The Brandon story seemed ripe for expansion, but never got there. And I'm wondering how she got a passport without ever seeing her birth certificate. I dare say it is possible, but probably best left fuzzy, as was. This makes me think though that the Spanish back story was brought in for some reason not connected with the story, which might have been better off without it.
July 10, 2021
Deny Me by Karen Cole
Newly divorced, thirty-two year old Jessica, moves back in with her parents, Jean and Brian, as she gets her life back on track. Jessica isn’t the only one with problems, her mom was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Jean swears she witnessed her neighbor, Ajay, pushing his wife, Kate, from their top-floor house window to her death. But he says it was an accident. Ajay says she was only trying to clean the gutter out! Accident? Or did he have something to do with it?
Their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.
Jessica feels like her world is crashing down around her. Paranoid thoughts.
But she’s still determined to figure out the truth behind Kate’s death.
In searching for answers she upturns many lies in her life. What can she believe.
I enjoy reading Karen’s books! This book grabbed my attention right at the start, but lost me a little in the middle, but then grabbed my attention again with 10% to go. The middle to me just seemed a little slow. I guessed one of the twists, but still I enjoyed the book!
Thank you Karen Cole, Mobius Books and NetGalley for the advance copy to read in return for my honest review!
Newly divorced, thirty-two year old Jessica, moves back in with her parents, Jean and Brian, as she gets her life back on track. Jessica isn’t the only one with problems, her mom was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Jean swears she witnessed her neighbor, Ajay, pushing his wife, Kate, from their top-floor house window to her death. But he says it was an accident. Ajay says she was only trying to clean the gutter out! Accident? Or did he have something to do with it?
Their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.
Jessica feels like her world is crashing down around her. Paranoid thoughts.
But she’s still determined to figure out the truth behind Kate’s death.
In searching for answers she upturns many lies in her life. What can she believe.
I enjoy reading Karen’s books! This book grabbed my attention right at the start, but lost me a little in the middle, but then grabbed my attention again with 10% to go. The middle to me just seemed a little slow. I guessed one of the twists, but still I enjoyed the book!
Thank you Karen Cole, Mobius Books and NetGalley for the advance copy to read in return for my honest review!
May 10, 2020
HE SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.
SHE SAID IT WAS MURDER.
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH?
When one of Jessica's neighbours falls to her death, it is declared a tragic accident. However, Jessica's mother, Jean, claims the woman was pushed, and that she saw it happen.
Having recently been diagnosed with Dementia, is Jean confused or could she be the sole witness to a murder?
Jessica wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll find...
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
SHE SAID IT WAS MURDER.
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH?
When one of Jessica's neighbours falls to her death, it is declared a tragic accident. However, Jessica's mother, Jean, claims the woman was pushed, and that she saw it happen.
Having recently been diagnosed with Dementia, is Jean confused or could she be the sole witness to a murder?
Jessica wants to know the truth, but she can't possibly prepare herself for what she'll find...
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
June 27, 2020
Jessica has returned from Spain after her relationship broke down and she suffered some mental health issues. For the time being she is living back at home with her parents in Aylesbury. Unfortunately, Jean, Jessica’s mother, has Alzheimer’s and flits between reality and fantasy, although Jessica is not always sure which is which. Whilst sitting with her mother, not long after she returns Jean says she saw someone push their neighbour over the window ledge to her death, however this tragic event has already been investigated and confirmed as a suicide. Jessica is convinced there’s something going on across their close and she needs to find out exactly what happened to poor Kate Chandry.
Yet another fabulously weaved psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat right till the end. Karen Cole has a wonderful ability to turn stories in directions you weren’t quite expecting always ensures for a great read.
Yet another fabulously weaved psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat right till the end. Karen Cole has a wonderful ability to turn stories in directions you weren’t quite expecting always ensures for a great read.
February 11, 2021
You can’t undo the past. You have to look it square in the eye, acknowledge the effect it’s had and then move on.
Jessica hasn't had the easiest time in Madrid and she moves back home with her parents. Her mother has dementia which puts into question a lot of the things she says. However, Jessica isn't so sure her mothers words are quite so unreliable when she tells her their neighbour was murdered. Jessica clings on to what her mother has told her and takes the investigation into her own hands, finding much more than she bargained for!
The way this story twists, turns and intertwines together is fantastic! No detail is insignificant. The characters have depth and the unreliable narratives coming from both Jessica and Jean keep you wondering what information you can trust. It tackles mental health and childhood trauma brilliantly. If I have one criticism it is this..
Jessica hasn't had the easiest time in Madrid and she moves back home with her parents. Her mother has dementia which puts into question a lot of the things she says. However, Jessica isn't so sure her mothers words are quite so unreliable when she tells her their neighbour was murdered. Jessica clings on to what her mother has told her and takes the investigation into her own hands, finding much more than she bargained for!
The way this story twists, turns and intertwines together is fantastic! No detail is insignificant. The characters have depth and the unreliable narratives coming from both Jessica and Jean keep you wondering what information you can trust. It tackles mental health and childhood trauma brilliantly. If I have one criticism it is this..
April 11, 2020
Jessica has returned from Spain following a difficult relationship and is now back living with her parents.
Her mother has early stage Alzheimers and is insisting she saw a neighbour push his wife from the upstairs balcony. The wife died following a fall and Jessica worries that, in spite of her dementia onset, she could be right.
What follows is Jessica coming to terms with her early family life whilst trying to discover the truth of what happened with the neighbour.
I found it slow and plodding at times, but, it certainly has some good twists and turns if you stick with it.
A decent read which for me is a 2.5 stars. However, I've rounded it up based upon the good twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview in exchange for my honest review.
Her mother has early stage Alzheimers and is insisting she saw a neighbour push his wife from the upstairs balcony. The wife died following a fall and Jessica worries that, in spite of her dementia onset, she could be right.
What follows is Jessica coming to terms with her early family life whilst trying to discover the truth of what happened with the neighbour.
I found it slow and plodding at times, but, it certainly has some good twists and turns if you stick with it.
A decent read which for me is a 2.5 stars. However, I've rounded it up based upon the good twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2020
I was super interested to read this book. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s, so I was excited to read about an MC with it. It’s an awful disease, but I wanted to see how Karen Cole would spin the character. I thought Jean was very believable. I saw parallels to what my grandpa went though. You never know what to believe in those early to mid stages. Sometimes they seem fine, and sometimes they aren’t. It was heartbreaking.
Jessica was a great protagonist. She was smart, questioned everything, trusted the wrong people. It made for a very compelling story. I was gripping my seat at the end! There’s a surprise hero and a ton of action.
I was a little disappointed that the beginning mystery ended up not being the mystery that was investigated. The one that was investigated was compelling, but I wanted closure on the first mystery! I was left with questions and was a little disappointed.
The mystery that was investigated was full of family drama and secrets, one of my favorite things in a thriller. You were left questioning everyone and everything. The ending shocked me! I think I audibly gasped when I realized who the villain was! I did not see it coming.
I would definitely recommend if you are a thriller lover! I was invested from the get-go..
Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.x
Jessica was a great protagonist. She was smart, questioned everything, trusted the wrong people. It made for a very compelling story. I was gripping my seat at the end! There’s a surprise hero and a ton of action.
I was a little disappointed that the beginning mystery ended up not being the mystery that was investigated. The one that was investigated was compelling, but I wanted closure on the first mystery! I was left with questions and was a little disappointed.
The mystery that was investigated was full of family drama and secrets, one of my favorite things in a thriller. You were left questioning everyone and everything. The ending shocked me! I think I audibly gasped when I realized who the villain was! I did not see it coming.
I would definitely recommend if you are a thriller lover! I was invested from the get-go..
Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.x
September 7, 2020
Jessica moves away from a bad relationship in Spain and moves back in with her elderly parents. While she is there Jessica’s mum who has dementia claims that a girl falling from a window over the road wasn’t an accident and a murder had happened. Jessica is the only person to believe her mother and takes it upon herself to find out what happened that tragic night.
As things start to unfold Jessica starts to learn the truth about not only the falling girl from the window but secrets and lies from her own past. There is so much going on in this fast paced amazing psychological thriller you won’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed this book however I did guess the ending and it didn’t take me long to work out that Jessica’s hunch was not only wrong but who the culprit behind everything was.
As things start to unfold Jessica starts to learn the truth about not only the falling girl from the window but secrets and lies from her own past. There is so much going on in this fast paced amazing psychological thriller you won’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed this book however I did guess the ending and it didn’t take me long to work out that Jessica’s hunch was not only wrong but who the culprit behind everything was.
March 17, 2021
I would like to thank Quercus and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.
We find Jessica who at 32 years old has just divorced and returned to live with her parents to try to reflect, to rebuild herself. But her mother will soon have problems too, she will suffer from dementia. And some time after Jessica arrived, one of her neighbors fell and died in a terrible accident. Jessica's mother claims that it was her husband who killed her and that she saw the whole thing. And once in search of the truth, Jessica will discover much more.
A book read in one sitting, so much so that I was hooked on the story, so moving in certain passages, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters.
We find Jessica who at 32 years old has just divorced and returned to live with her parents to try to reflect, to rebuild herself. But her mother will soon have problems too, she will suffer from dementia. And some time after Jessica arrived, one of her neighbors fell and died in a terrible accident. Jessica's mother claims that it was her husband who killed her and that she saw the whole thing. And once in search of the truth, Jessica will discover much more.
A book read in one sitting, so much so that I was hooked on the story, so moving in certain passages, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters.
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