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Between the Lines
The closer you are, the less you see . . .
When Kev's girlfriend is killed in a hit-and-run, he thinks he's suffered the worst.
Haunted by his past, Kev attempts to put his life back together, throwing himself into his new relationship with Stella and his job as a literary agent.
Then a book lands on his desk that changes everything. And he quickly realises his nightmare has only just begun.
When Kev's girlfriend is killed in a hit-and-run, he thinks he's suffered the worst.
Haunted by his past, Kev attempts to put his life back together, throwing himself into his new relationship with Stella and his job as a literary agent.
Then a book lands on his desk that changes everything. And he quickly realises his nightmare has only just begun.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 8, 2020
When Kev's girlfriend is killed in a hit and run, he thinks he's suffered the worst. Haunted by his past, Kev attempts to put his life back together. He throws himself into a new relationship with Stella and his job as a literary agent. A book lands on his desk that changes everything.
This is a dark and gripping psychological thriller. The pace is fast from the beginning. There's a few twists and surprised along the way. This is a well written story with an interesting plotline. The characters are well rounded and and believable. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in future. Loved this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author S.J. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dark and gripping psychological thriller. The pace is fast from the beginning. There's a few twists and surprised along the way. This is a well written story with an interesting plotline. The characters are well rounded and and believable. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in future. Loved this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author S.J. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2020
Kev Parker is a hapless literary agent, muddling through life, a little bit lost and often worse for drink. Then he falls in love with Eve, who is brutally killed in a hit and run. What follows is a tortuous journey as Kev tries to rebuild his life. Someone seems to be out to get him, and we are never sure who until the final chapter. Between the Lines can be read as a twisty thriller, with plenty of surprise turns along the way. It skilfully weaves the strands of the story to the final twist, and is a gripping read. Yet it is so much more than that. On another, deeper level, it is an exploration of how our actions, thoughtless, careless, can have huge ramifications. Is Kev a hapless hero, or a thoughtless, selfish man who stampedes though life causing damage in his wake without giving a second though for those around him? The author cleverly (through emailed submissions from a mystery would-be author) forces Kev to look deep into his soul and examine who he really is. And at times it is uncomfortable reading, as Kev realises that he is not the gentle, dance-loving, bumbling fool he thought he was. That his actions have consequences. The drama cleverly pivots on the opening scene, where a drunken Kev dances and cavorts with women at a boat party before meeting and falling in love with Eve. The novel does what any good thriller should, weaves an intriguing story, but also makes the reader think more deeply about the themes of identity, loss, perception and self-perception. I found it compelling, and the author really delves into the male psyche and asks difficult questions. Ultimately a gripping, but also slightly tragic read. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2020
For someone who is not a big reader I flew through this book which was recommended by a friend. Finished it in under a week. Kev Parker is an intriguing ,self depreciating character who seems to have finally found love when things suddenly go amiss.The author has a lovely gentle descriptive style and beautifuly crafts his main characters so that we want to know more about them and how they will influence the plot.The author who is always one step ahead keeps surprising us with the beginning, middle and end skillfully intertwined .Great read will be passing it on to a friend
August 20, 2020
A well-crafted thriller with plenty of surprises and some very funny moments too - a great debut. I'm looking forward to the next book from this promising new writer!
August 20, 2020
Gripping read, would highly recommend.
August 20, 2020
Just finished reading this original and compelling psychological thriller, a story which Butler has told with great emotional power. Kev Parker is a very likeable character and his journey through this story is full of familiar ups and downs before the death of his girlfriend Eve in a hit and run sets in motion a tale of suspense and intrigue that is hard to put down. Full of beautifully worded descriptions providing calm in a quickly moving plot and interesting characters that add to the suspense this debut novel is well worth a read.
November 20, 2020
This book isn't a simple thriller. It challenges the reader, plays games with them and pleases them. It is complex, dark, unsettling and a great read. Kev Parker is flawed but interesting and the events which unfold around him pull the readers around corners and down alleys. There are shocks too and a thrilling finale which is truly original. Setting the story in a literary agency is mischievous and fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
Kev and Eve have spent three months togethed, she is free spirited compared to him but tragically Eve is killed in a hit and run, and his brief is all consuming.
As he tries to move on things start to take a dark turn. After reading great reviews i wanted to love this book but for me it didn't peak. For many they will love it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
As he tries to move on things start to take a dark turn. After reading great reviews i wanted to love this book but for me it didn't peak. For many they will love it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 21, 2020
A fantastic read. A real page turner. I really enjoyed this book.
August 17, 2023
Very interesting
November 21, 2020
An extraordinarily fantastic literary thriller. An original plot, flawless characterisation, an evocative and realistic story written extremely well. A huge five star read for me and I'm looking forward to any future works of Butler's.
January 10, 2022
I must be in the minority here because although I really wanted to enjoy S.J. Butler's debut thriller BETWEEN THE LINES, I didn't. In fact I found it incredibly difficult to follow. The story seemed to jump around with the writing somewhat convoluted that I found myself thoroughly confused at times. In fact there were times I wasn't sure what was happening as the narrative appeared to be outlining something completely different and off the wall...before returning back to the actual present. And I was left with...what the hell just happened?
I admit I was drawn to the book for it's tagline "a darkly gripping psychological thriller...perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, K.L. Slater and Shalini Boland". Sadly, in my opinion, this book doesn't even touch the even outer echelons of these other more well known and prolific writers.
I can't even say I liked the characters. I couldn't connect with Kev as he seemed to be daydreaming most of the time, stuck in a realm I've no idea where, with bursts of dialogue to reiterate that he was still in the land of the living.
Unfortunately, BETWEEN THE LINES wasn't for me but that isn't to say that it isn't for everyone...as other reviews show that many people loved it. And sadly, one cannot like every book they read just as not everyone will like the same books as everyone else. After all, reading is subjective and tastes differ.
So while I was intrigued by the premise of this book that was to cross his desk at some point and whether the hit and run driver was ever found, I wasn't enough so to continue reading to find out what it was and what it meant. Had I done so, the book may have improved. But for me, if 20 or 30% in and it hasn't garnered my interest by then, I move on. Life's too short for books I don't enjoy.
I would like to thank #SJButler, #Netgalley and #HeadlineAccent for an ARC of #BetweenTheLines in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I admit I was drawn to the book for it's tagline "a darkly gripping psychological thriller...perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, K.L. Slater and Shalini Boland". Sadly, in my opinion, this book doesn't even touch the even outer echelons of these other more well known and prolific writers.
I can't even say I liked the characters. I couldn't connect with Kev as he seemed to be daydreaming most of the time, stuck in a realm I've no idea where, with bursts of dialogue to reiterate that he was still in the land of the living.
Unfortunately, BETWEEN THE LINES wasn't for me but that isn't to say that it isn't for everyone...as other reviews show that many people loved it. And sadly, one cannot like every book they read just as not everyone will like the same books as everyone else. After all, reading is subjective and tastes differ.
So while I was intrigued by the premise of this book that was to cross his desk at some point and whether the hit and run driver was ever found, I wasn't enough so to continue reading to find out what it was and what it meant. Had I done so, the book may have improved. But for me, if 20 or 30% in and it hasn't garnered my interest by then, I move on. Life's too short for books I don't enjoy.
I would like to thank #SJButler, #Netgalley and #HeadlineAccent for an ARC of #BetweenTheLines in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 31, 2020
Unfortunately, S.J. Butler's Between the Lines wasn't the right book for me. But, here's what I loved: the main character Kev is a literary agent. The bits about his job were fascinating, and the words and descriptions he chose were fitting for his character.
However, I did not enjoy the story itself, mainly because it seemed to jump all over the place, but also because the characters were so unhappy and sometimes appalling.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review.
However, I did not enjoy the story itself, mainly because it seemed to jump all over the place, but also because the characters were so unhappy and sometimes appalling.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2020
Between The Lines is the debut novel from Irish-based writer S. J. Butler. Published with Headline Accent 6th August 2020, it is described as ‘a darkly gripping psychological thriller….perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, K.L Slater and Shalini Bolland'
Kevin Parker (Kev) is a disillusioned literary agent. Working in a fast-paced and energetic environment, Kev is struggling to make a success of his career. His colleagues are always dropping names in conversations, all expanding their network in the hope of being winners in this tough world. Kev knows he is out of his depth but he struggles on determined that he can succeed. On a night out celebrating an event with his co-workers, Kev has one too many. Kev loves to dance and, as the rhythm of the music takes over, Kev gets lost in the beat with little recollection of the evening. Later on, while taking air and trying to walk off his impending hangover, Kev bumps into a girl and the conversation flows. Her name is Eve Blake and she is about to become the love of his life.
After three exciting and wonderful months together Kev and Eve are about to meet Eve’s family for the first time on Christmas Eve. But this was to be the night that would alter the course of Kev’s life forever. A tragedy of a hit-and-run and Kev’s world is shattered.
Trying to pick up the pieces is proving a major struggle for Kev but then something very unexpected happens, he meets Stella. Although Eve was always very much on his mind, he knew he needed to move on and Stella made him happy. She was just out of a bad marriage. She was an independent woman, uncomplicated and funny and was just what Kev needed at that time.
As a literary agent, Kev was used to getting lots of submissions which he filters out in the search for that one book that will give him the credit he is looking for. After rejecting one particular book, Kev starts to receive very unusual emails. Initially he is dismissive of them but then things start to take a sinister turn. Kev is intrigued yet unnerved by what he reads. His life had settled down. He had cut way back on his drinking. He had been sleeping again and was happy in his new relationship with Stella. Kev is uneasy as he starts to see a pattern in the emails. Who is sending them to him? And why?
Kev is a very interesting main protagonist. He is, at times, thoughtless and quite selfish yet also, lost and lonely, finding it very difficult to stay afloat. His decisions can be reckless but always with no harm intended. He is really is quite a vulnerable character.
Between The Lines is a clever, clever tale. Dealing with many relevant themes, the reader is taken down a very twisty road. The concept is very original adding to the suspense at all times. There are some shocking scenes intertwined into the plot that are truly tragic but S. J. Butler handles them in a very sensitive and thought-provoking manner.
Between The Lines is quite a complex psychological thriller. It is a very impressive debut novel from a writer who definitely brings his own unique twist to the genre. One to watch.
Kevin Parker (Kev) is a disillusioned literary agent. Working in a fast-paced and energetic environment, Kev is struggling to make a success of his career. His colleagues are always dropping names in conversations, all expanding their network in the hope of being winners in this tough world. Kev knows he is out of his depth but he struggles on determined that he can succeed. On a night out celebrating an event with his co-workers, Kev has one too many. Kev loves to dance and, as the rhythm of the music takes over, Kev gets lost in the beat with little recollection of the evening. Later on, while taking air and trying to walk off his impending hangover, Kev bumps into a girl and the conversation flows. Her name is Eve Blake and she is about to become the love of his life.
After three exciting and wonderful months together Kev and Eve are about to meet Eve’s family for the first time on Christmas Eve. But this was to be the night that would alter the course of Kev’s life forever. A tragedy of a hit-and-run and Kev’s world is shattered.
Trying to pick up the pieces is proving a major struggle for Kev but then something very unexpected happens, he meets Stella. Although Eve was always very much on his mind, he knew he needed to move on and Stella made him happy. She was just out of a bad marriage. She was an independent woman, uncomplicated and funny and was just what Kev needed at that time.
As a literary agent, Kev was used to getting lots of submissions which he filters out in the search for that one book that will give him the credit he is looking for. After rejecting one particular book, Kev starts to receive very unusual emails. Initially he is dismissive of them but then things start to take a sinister turn. Kev is intrigued yet unnerved by what he reads. His life had settled down. He had cut way back on his drinking. He had been sleeping again and was happy in his new relationship with Stella. Kev is uneasy as he starts to see a pattern in the emails. Who is sending them to him? And why?
Kev is a very interesting main protagonist. He is, at times, thoughtless and quite selfish yet also, lost and lonely, finding it very difficult to stay afloat. His decisions can be reckless but always with no harm intended. He is really is quite a vulnerable character.
Between The Lines is a clever, clever tale. Dealing with many relevant themes, the reader is taken down a very twisty road. The concept is very original adding to the suspense at all times. There are some shocking scenes intertwined into the plot that are truly tragic but S. J. Butler handles them in a very sensitive and thought-provoking manner.
Between The Lines is quite a complex psychological thriller. It is a very impressive debut novel from a writer who definitely brings his own unique twist to the genre. One to watch.
September 12, 2020
A compelling psychological thriller with a fast paced plot & interesting characters. Kev Parker is a flawed individual, likeable & exasperating in equal measure as he attempts to rebuild his life following the tragic death of his girlfriend, Eve. His new relationship & his job as a literary agent seem to be on track until a new book arrives on his desk.
The reader is kept in suspense throughout this debut novel as different threads of the story are told with unexpected twists & turns until the final chapters where the truth is revealed.
A really enjoyable & riveting read & I'm already looking forward to the next offering from this author.
The reader is kept in suspense throughout this debut novel as different threads of the story are told with unexpected twists & turns until the final chapters where the truth is revealed.
A really enjoyable & riveting read & I'm already looking forward to the next offering from this author.
February 16, 2024
what the heck did I just read, the main character is insufferable. All you need to know about him is that he sleeps with his DEAD girlfriend's sister, on the day they buried her. I laughed at how badly this book was written. Typical book with terrible characters and a pointless plot that didn't even make sense.
June 28, 2023
Not predictable what soever
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews