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Finding ALICE: Escape sometimes requires reaching deeper into darkness
Have you ever been on holiday and just wanted to stay? How far would you go for this newfound freedom?
For P.I. Toni Mendez, the honeymoon seems over with her long-time best friend — recently turned girlfriend. Needing time to think, she takes on what looks like a straightforward missing person case in a coveted holiday destination. However, she soon realises this case might not be the stroll on a beach she had hoped for.
Alice has lived a sheltered, privileged life, controlled and influenced by those around her, until one day, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, she walks out.
Cape Town, South Africa — renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its white sand beaches, majestic Table Mountain, nearby wine lands, and scenic drives. Behind the shiny tourist veneer, it is a place with a dark underbelly of crime and conflict; a city on the edge, where life is cheap and theft, murder and trafficking are business as usual.
*** Winner of 2018 - NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - World Literature ***
*** Winner of 2018 - NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - LGBTQ+ ***
“Compelling, intriguing, fascinating and a terrific read!”
“Multi-layered and intelligently plotted...Bravo!”
“An utterly absorbing read.”
“A gripping novel!”*** Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts. ***
This book was previously titled “Project ALICE”.
Looking for a gripping, fast-paced, thriller, set in a picturesque tourist haven by day and a dark and gritty underbelly by night — then “Finding ALICE” is for you!Sign up to Sam’s VIP Reader Club to receive news and notification of future releases. See back of book for details.
For P.I. Toni Mendez, the honeymoon seems over with her long-time best friend — recently turned girlfriend. Needing time to think, she takes on what looks like a straightforward missing person case in a coveted holiday destination. However, she soon realises this case might not be the stroll on a beach she had hoped for.
Alice has lived a sheltered, privileged life, controlled and influenced by those around her, until one day, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, she walks out.
Cape Town, South Africa — renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its white sand beaches, majestic Table Mountain, nearby wine lands, and scenic drives. Behind the shiny tourist veneer, it is a place with a dark underbelly of crime and conflict; a city on the edge, where life is cheap and theft, murder and trafficking are business as usual.
*** Winner of 2018 - NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - World Literature ***
*** Winner of 2018 - NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - LGBTQ+ ***
“Compelling, intriguing, fascinating and a terrific read!”
“Multi-layered and intelligently plotted...Bravo!”
“An utterly absorbing read.”
“A gripping novel!”*** Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts. ***
This book was previously titled “Project ALICE”.
Looking for a gripping, fast-paced, thriller, set in a picturesque tourist haven by day and a dark and gritty underbelly by night — then “Finding ALICE” is for you!Sign up to Sam’s VIP Reader Club to receive news and notification of future releases. See back of book for details.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
25 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 11, 2019
'Alice' not in Wonderland
Alice is visiting South Africa with her husband Dr. Magnus McCroy as the full-time carer of his mother. After a crisis with Magnus, she decides to leave him and embark on a trip of self-discovery. In the meantime, Dr. McCroy sends private investigator Toni Mendez to South Africa to find Alice and take her back to England. But nothing is as it seems and Alice will have to learn who to trust...
This is a novel hard to categorise and even harder to review without giving anything away. Let's just say that the story follows the premise that, as the blurb says, 'all reality is subjective'. Even though there are scenes of lesbian love, this isn't a romance but there is a good amount of intrigue and psychological thriller. This is the second book featuring P.I. Toni Mendez which follows her story after Ms. Skyborne's 'Risk'. It's not necessary to read them in order and 'Alice' can be read as a stand-alone.
In my opinion, the best part of this book is the beautiful description of the landscape. The author is from South Africa and her love for her country shows. The backdrop of Camps Bay beach, Table Mountain and other beautiful places in Capetown is ideal for this novel. The magnificence of the geography is contrasted with the social inequalities described by Ms. Skyborne such as racism, poverty and human trafficking, which provides the reader with a realistic view of the country.
My main concern with this book is that the plot is a bit confusing and the twist of the story comes with a lengthy explanation in the last few chapters that felt a bit forced and doesn't merge smoothly with the rest. There was too much new information and explaining for me to process at such a late time in the book. Maybe if the author would have dropped hints at an earlier stage the story would have felt more believable as a whole.
Overall, an ok read with a beautiful setting in which nothing is at it seems. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Alice is visiting South Africa with her husband Dr. Magnus McCroy as the full-time carer of his mother. After a crisis with Magnus, she decides to leave him and embark on a trip of self-discovery. In the meantime, Dr. McCroy sends private investigator Toni Mendez to South Africa to find Alice and take her back to England. But nothing is as it seems and Alice will have to learn who to trust...
This is a novel hard to categorise and even harder to review without giving anything away. Let's just say that the story follows the premise that, as the blurb says, 'all reality is subjective'. Even though there are scenes of lesbian love, this isn't a romance but there is a good amount of intrigue and psychological thriller. This is the second book featuring P.I. Toni Mendez which follows her story after Ms. Skyborne's 'Risk'. It's not necessary to read them in order and 'Alice' can be read as a stand-alone.
In my opinion, the best part of this book is the beautiful description of the landscape. The author is from South Africa and her love for her country shows. The backdrop of Camps Bay beach, Table Mountain and other beautiful places in Capetown is ideal for this novel. The magnificence of the geography is contrasted with the social inequalities described by Ms. Skyborne such as racism, poverty and human trafficking, which provides the reader with a realistic view of the country.
My main concern with this book is that the plot is a bit confusing and the twist of the story comes with a lengthy explanation in the last few chapters that felt a bit forced and doesn't merge smoothly with the rest. There was too much new information and explaining for me to process at such a late time in the book. Maybe if the author would have dropped hints at an earlier stage the story would have felt more believable as a whole.
Overall, an ok read with a beautiful setting in which nothing is at it seems. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
July 22, 2020
A real on the edge thrill!
Alice finds herself in South Africa with her husband while he attends a work conference. Her life is miserable and she longs for freedom. When inspired to take a stand by Gloria, a friendly member of housekeeping staff at the hotel, Alice stands up to her husband and doesn’t return home with him. Life quickly gets difficult and Alice finds herself relying on the kindness of acquaintances. Toni arrives in South Africa looking for Alice as a job that has come at a great time for her to process her personal circumstances back home.
This story was so clever and it took me on an unexpected adventure! I spent so long feeling sorry for Alice. Her story was so sad and even when she took flight for her freedom, she was never really truly going to be free in her current situation. The more her story unfolded, the more my heart ached for her. She was getting caught up in so much that was going to be beyond her control. I sympathised so much and adored how Sam had put together a story that really tugged at my heartstrings.
There were so many moments when my heart was in my throat, and I wondered if any of this was even possible. I realised it really was probably just the type of scenario someone in Alice position might end up innocently entangled in and that made me feel so sad. Still, this was one adventure that blew me away. I got so sucked into it, so emotionally invested that when I finally finished reading it I was shocked! The plot in this is one of twists and turns that will completely surprise you, and you will never guess how it is all going to end, but you’ll be sure you know. It was extremely clever, deeply intense, and emotionally moving.
Although part of a series, this is a standalone novel and I now excited to read more from Sam Skyborne. This really was gripping, and I was hooked from the very first chapter because I became very emotionally connected to Alice. She is such a character and to sympathise with her is very easy. If Alice doesn’t get under your skin, then something is wrong. She is just one of those amazing characters who will completely surprise you with every decision she makes.
Thoroughly enjoyable and quite the rush to read, I highly recommend this story and will definitely read it again and again because each time I think it might just throw up something that makes me view the story differently from how I had the first time. Very exciting, very clever and a thrill to read!
Alice finds herself in South Africa with her husband while he attends a work conference. Her life is miserable and she longs for freedom. When inspired to take a stand by Gloria, a friendly member of housekeeping staff at the hotel, Alice stands up to her husband and doesn’t return home with him. Life quickly gets difficult and Alice finds herself relying on the kindness of acquaintances. Toni arrives in South Africa looking for Alice as a job that has come at a great time for her to process her personal circumstances back home.
This story was so clever and it took me on an unexpected adventure! I spent so long feeling sorry for Alice. Her story was so sad and even when she took flight for her freedom, she was never really truly going to be free in her current situation. The more her story unfolded, the more my heart ached for her. She was getting caught up in so much that was going to be beyond her control. I sympathised so much and adored how Sam had put together a story that really tugged at my heartstrings.
There were so many moments when my heart was in my throat, and I wondered if any of this was even possible. I realised it really was probably just the type of scenario someone in Alice position might end up innocently entangled in and that made me feel so sad. Still, this was one adventure that blew me away. I got so sucked into it, so emotionally invested that when I finally finished reading it I was shocked! The plot in this is one of twists and turns that will completely surprise you, and you will never guess how it is all going to end, but you’ll be sure you know. It was extremely clever, deeply intense, and emotionally moving.
Although part of a series, this is a standalone novel and I now excited to read more from Sam Skyborne. This really was gripping, and I was hooked from the very first chapter because I became very emotionally connected to Alice. She is such a character and to sympathise with her is very easy. If Alice doesn’t get under your skin, then something is wrong. She is just one of those amazing characters who will completely surprise you with every decision she makes.
Thoroughly enjoyable and quite the rush to read, I highly recommend this story and will definitely read it again and again because each time I think it might just throw up something that makes me view the story differently from how I had the first time. Very exciting, very clever and a thrill to read!
July 23, 2018
Amazing story - read it in one go - the characters are great - it made me really think about identity. I felt as if I was in Cape Town. Gripping tale
August 1, 2018
This much anticipated new book by Sam Skyborne doesn’t disappoint. The unfolding adventures of Alice on her flight to freedom kept me hooked, wanting to find out what was around the next corner for our brave heroine. The story keeps you guessing and there is one hell’uv a twist in store.
Once again, the sensuous interludes are carefully woven into the storyline, making for a satisfying and pleasurable read. Once again these interludes are some of the most skillfully written sex scenes I have come across. The realism (whilst not going so far as problems with bra straps and crumbs in the bed!) makes them relatable and all the more erotic because of that.
Alice shows a development in the depth and maturity of Sam’s writing – ‘Like a surgeons knife on soft skin, the car cleaved a slow, cautious, red dusty line along the track..’ - descriptions of places and scenes of South Africa are alluring and colourful.
It’s a joy to catch up on Lizbeth’s and Toni’s relationship with the added mystery of what’s in store for them…
Sam Skyborne is a boon to the genre of lesbian erotic writing, but it would be a disservice to limit it to this niche – Sam’s books are a focus on an exciting story and ideas, rather than just sex and romance. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next!
Once again, the sensuous interludes are carefully woven into the storyline, making for a satisfying and pleasurable read. Once again these interludes are some of the most skillfully written sex scenes I have come across. The realism (whilst not going so far as problems with bra straps and crumbs in the bed!) makes them relatable and all the more erotic because of that.
Alice shows a development in the depth and maturity of Sam’s writing – ‘Like a surgeons knife on soft skin, the car cleaved a slow, cautious, red dusty line along the track..’ - descriptions of places and scenes of South Africa are alluring and colourful.
It’s a joy to catch up on Lizbeth’s and Toni’s relationship with the added mystery of what’s in store for them…
Sam Skyborne is a boon to the genre of lesbian erotic writing, but it would be a disservice to limit it to this niche – Sam’s books are a focus on an exciting story and ideas, rather than just sex and romance. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next!
September 1, 2019
3.5 Iloved this book all the way through but not the ending
November 8, 2020
Project Alice : (A psychological mystery suspense thriller )
This was an interesting story and read. This was a story about a woman called Alice whose in South Africa Cape town with her husband a world famous plastic surgeon, his mother and assistant who is there for a conference. But he treats her like a carer than his mother. She meets Gloria who encourages to go out and promises to keep an eye on the mother. At the end of the trip she tells him she is leaving him.When he gets home he gets in contact with Toni Mendez a P. I. to find her at no cost.
The story revols around Alice mainly and how she copes in a country she doesn't know.
Sam Skyborne did a great job writing this and thinking it was just another psychological book it's not it's a real good one. If you like this type of book you might really enjoy it.The ending has a real twist to it believe me.
Recommend---- Yes
This was an interesting story and read. This was a story about a woman called Alice whose in South Africa Cape town with her husband a world famous plastic surgeon, his mother and assistant who is there for a conference. But he treats her like a carer than his mother. She meets Gloria who encourages to go out and promises to keep an eye on the mother. At the end of the trip she tells him she is leaving him.When he gets home he gets in contact with Toni Mendez a P. I. to find her at no cost.
The story revols around Alice mainly and how she copes in a country she doesn't know.
Sam Skyborne did a great job writing this and thinking it was just another psychological book it's not it's a real good one. If you like this type of book you might really enjoy it.The ending has a real twist to it believe me.
Recommend---- Yes
February 10, 2021
Great Story
The story was intriguing and complex, and the characters believable and very well developed. I LOVE a lesbian novel that’s more than just a story about being lesbians ... and THIS is a very good story about real, thought-provoking issues, that just happens to star lesbians. Truly enjoyed it!
The story was intriguing and complex, and the characters believable and very well developed. I LOVE a lesbian novel that’s more than just a story about being lesbians ... and THIS is a very good story about real, thought-provoking issues, that just happens to star lesbians. Truly enjoyed it!
April 4, 2020
A mind-bending, suspense-filled mystery indeed, with a bit of romance thrown in! Skyborne creates unique, interesting characters, and stories. And as unique as this story is, she provides an alternate ending that will bring you off your chair. I was left wondering at the end of the book…no spoilers…it was one of those endings where I still had questions. A book that had you asking what happens after! Then lo and behold, the author gives you an alternate ending that not only answers your questions but blows your whole perception of the main character’s reality. If you are looking to be surprised by a book, look no further! As always, Skyborne’s writing stays with me, thoughts roll around in my mind long after I have completed a story. Skyborne has brilliant dialogue and lovely, vivid descriptions of locations that draw you into the story, but despite what you might think, reality is not always what we perceive it to be. Just sayin’!
February 8, 2019
‘Alice’ is one of those books that surprises, engages and takes the reader off in unexpected directions. It is the story of a young woman trapped in an awful marriage. When she decides she can take no more and leaves, her life becomes one of secrets, new friends and a fight to keep her new found freedom. Sam Skyborne made me feel an affinity with Alice. I felt as if I was along for the ride and worried about her as she became more involved in her new life in Cape Town. A PI, Toni Mendez, is sent to track her down and her part in the story opened up a whole lot of other issues. This book had so many layers and was intelligently plotted. I could never have guessed the twists and turns and I take my hat off to the author. Bravo!
I was given this ARC for review.
I was given this ARC for review.
September 5, 2020
Alice is a thought provoking read that takes you on a psychological roller coaster. The deeper into this book you explore, the more twists and turns you encounter on the ride. Great characters in an unexpected storyline. A solid read at 3.8 for me.
February 16, 2019
Writing is heavy handed with a passive, unlikable protagonist. And then things take a turn for the bizarre in the final chapter(s). Wish THAT little twist had actually been woven into the story; it would have potentially made for a more interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews