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Witness
Dark and gritty, Witness is a heart-pounding thriller set in Manchester by bestselling author Mandasue Heller. Holly Evans and her over-protective mother, Josie, are living a hand-to-mouth existence, moving constantly from one squalid dump to the next. When they move into an illegally sub-let council flat in Manchester, Holly feels settled for the first time in her life – even if she is forbidden to go out, or even open the front door to callers when her mum’s at work. What exactly are they hiding from? Then Holly has a falling out with her best friend, and suddenly finds herself becoming increasingly isolated and alone in the world. But she is about to make a new friend in Suzie – the glamorous woman who lives directly across the road, who Holly witnesses being beaten up by her violent boyfriend. When it happens a second time it’s Holly who Suzie turns to for help, and a bond is quickly formed between the pair. But whoever Holly and Josie have been running from is about to find them, and nothing will ever be the same again . . . You can only run for so long, and some will kill for your silence . . .
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2020
137 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
37 books447 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 24, 2020
Mandasue Heller is back and as my fav author its no surprise to say I was looking forward to this book and pretty much was guaranteed to love it, and I did
The initial love of the authors books was all to do with the characters, how quick you get to know them, can visualise them and feel you are part of whats going on, and of course a fantastic gritty, hard hitting story
And its all here in ‘Witness’
Set around a Manchester estate we neet Holly and her ‘ likes a drink’ Mum Josie, new neighbour Suzie and her on/off ‘handy’ boyfriend Rob, Carol the next door neighbour and Gee the bloke who lives above Holly and her Mum....Holly and Josie move around a lot and Holly doesn’t know why but after a series of events and with Suzies help and noseyness things begin to ‘come clearer’ and the horror of who Holly really is will be revealed, but not without a fight!
As always told with ‘no holds’ barred it was a great, edge of my bed read that once again confirmed why this author is my favourite, a perfect read
10/10
5 Stars
The initial love of the authors books was all to do with the characters, how quick you get to know them, can visualise them and feel you are part of whats going on, and of course a fantastic gritty, hard hitting story
And its all here in ‘Witness’
Set around a Manchester estate we neet Holly and her ‘ likes a drink’ Mum Josie, new neighbour Suzie and her on/off ‘handy’ boyfriend Rob, Carol the next door neighbour and Gee the bloke who lives above Holly and her Mum....Holly and Josie move around a lot and Holly doesn’t know why but after a series of events and with Suzies help and noseyness things begin to ‘come clearer’ and the horror of who Holly really is will be revealed, but not without a fight!
As always told with ‘no holds’ barred it was a great, edge of my bed read that once again confirmed why this author is my favourite, a perfect read
10/10
5 Stars
October 14, 2021
Holly Evans and her over-protective mother, Josie, are living a hand-to-mouth existence, moving constantly from one squalid dump to another. When they move into an illegally sub-let council flat in Manchester's rough Lansdowne Estate, Holly finally feels settled for the first time in her life - even if she is forbidden to go out, or even open the front door to callers when her mum's at work due to fear of eviction. But Holly is about to make a new friend in Suzie - the glamourous woman who lives across the street who Holly witnesses being beaten by her violent boyfriend. But Holly makes a shocking discovery about her past which turns her world upside down.
I read this book on the journey home from holiday, It made a long journey go past quickly. It's gripping plotline held my attention throughout. Josie is hiding something, but what is it? Holly finds a true friend in Suzie, the neighbour across the street. Josie and Holly have moved about quite a lot. Josie is always looking over her shoulder, why? you'll have to read this book to find out.
#OnMyKindle
I read this book on the journey home from holiday, It made a long journey go past quickly. It's gripping plotline held my attention throughout. Josie is hiding something, but what is it? Holly finds a true friend in Suzie, the neighbour across the street. Josie and Holly have moved about quite a lot. Josie is always looking over her shoulder, why? you'll have to read this book to find out.
#OnMyKindle
September 4, 2020
Domestic violence is one of the most important crimes that needs to be thought about but is often the 'wife or girlfriend to blame' this old story why, or why does she keep going back to him even after he beats her. The I walked into door females. Once again Heller creates the problem brilliant and gives you another plot to follow.
But this really about the bastard Rob. Not just Holly and her mad vodka drinking piss artist mother Josie, this perfect mix from Heller. I read all her books each one has hidden messages.
But this really about the bastard Rob. Not just Holly and her mad vodka drinking piss artist mother Josie, this perfect mix from Heller. I read all her books each one has hidden messages.
August 5, 2022
Characters and plot made this a gripping read!
Set in a rough Manchester council estate, Holly is a determined, genuine, and relatively innocent 15-year-old. Josie, her ‘I need another drink’ mother was an easily disliked character.
A great plot that unfolded unexpectedly and was thoroughly enjoyable. I took one star off purely for the typecasting of characters and stereotypes that come from this type of settings. The plot itself - unique and unpredictable.
Dark and gritty, a worthwhile read.
Set in a rough Manchester council estate, Holly is a determined, genuine, and relatively innocent 15-year-old. Josie, her ‘I need another drink’ mother was an easily disliked character.
A great plot that unfolded unexpectedly and was thoroughly enjoyable. I took one star off purely for the typecasting of characters and stereotypes that come from this type of settings. The plot itself - unique and unpredictable.
Dark and gritty, a worthwhile read.
April 18, 2021
Holly lives with her alcoholic mother in a run down flat. Hiding from the authorities, Holly is not allowed to open the door.
Across the road, Suzy lives with her abusive boyfriend Rob.
The two women form a relationship and Suzy’s home becomes Holly’s sanctuary.
Josie, Hollys mum is hiding something and it’s not long until everyone is in danger and Holly is the centre of it all.
I normally love these type of gritty reads but this one fell short for me.
The plot was predictable and there were no real twists or what the hell type moments.
Across the road, Suzy lives with her abusive boyfriend Rob.
The two women form a relationship and Suzy’s home becomes Holly’s sanctuary.
Josie, Hollys mum is hiding something and it’s not long until everyone is in danger and Holly is the centre of it all.
I normally love these type of gritty reads but this one fell short for me.
The plot was predictable and there were no real twists or what the hell type moments.
March 14, 2021
Not as good as some books in this vain, but better than average. The ending did make up for the plodding going on in the first two thirds of the book.
Very interesting and unique plotlines that are brought together very well
Very interesting and unique plotlines that are brought together very well
August 26, 2020
This is one almighty cracking read.
The Author has nailed it in one book.
Fast action I just could not put it down.
set in Manchester, Holly Evans fifteen years old lives in Lansdowne road on the estate.
Her mum Josie, either out on nightshift, or sleeping all day, very protective, not allowing her to roam, but Holly witness plenty going on around the estate especially late at night.
Glamourous Suzie Clifton lives across the road and always having visits from the coppers after her partner Rob kicks off.
Holly having a massive fall out at school with her mates Bex and Kelly, finds a friend in Suzie, going over to her house at night when her mums at work.
then Josie suffers an attack that opens a can of worms, she is so protective of Holly, and there's a big reason why, what is she hiding?
Suzie is about to find out.
This book certainly hits you chapter after chapter.
Full of action, Full of suspense, and Lies with so much more.
The star rating's are worth a lot more.
The Author has nailed it in one book.
Fast action I just could not put it down.
set in Manchester, Holly Evans fifteen years old lives in Lansdowne road on the estate.
Her mum Josie, either out on nightshift, or sleeping all day, very protective, not allowing her to roam, but Holly witness plenty going on around the estate especially late at night.
Glamourous Suzie Clifton lives across the road and always having visits from the coppers after her partner Rob kicks off.
Holly having a massive fall out at school with her mates Bex and Kelly, finds a friend in Suzie, going over to her house at night when her mums at work.
then Josie suffers an attack that opens a can of worms, she is so protective of Holly, and there's a big reason why, what is she hiding?
Suzie is about to find out.
This book certainly hits you chapter after chapter.
Full of action, Full of suspense, and Lies with so much more.
The star rating's are worth a lot more.
August 29, 2020
I have waited so patiently to read Mandasue's new book and boy it was worth the wait.Living on a notorious estate in Manchester are Josie and Holly Evans,holly is busy revising for her exams and her mom works nights.Josie is very protective of holly who is not allowed to tell anyone anything about them or their lives and she is not allowed to open the door or go out once Josie has left for work.One night while mom's at work holly is looking out the window and can see into a house across the road and what she see's shocks her a man beating up a woman,then the police arrive.That woman Suzie later becomes the only true friend Holly has ever had.I don't want to say anymore as it would spoil the book for other readers but Mandasue Heller knows how to catch a reader and reel them in Witness is BRILLIANT and i will recommending it to others.Well Worth the 5*
November 10, 2020
Even though this book is written simply, there are no twists and turns it just flows throughout the read, i really enjoyed reading this book. And it all tied in nicely at the end and had a happy ending
November 26, 2020
I can’t understand how this book ever gets more than one star. The characters are unpleasant, the lives they live are raw and brutal, the dialogue is juvenile and the plot far fetched. The ending is especially unconvincing and unsatisfying.
August 28, 2020
Must read
What a fab read I read this in a day
I was unable to stop reading fab characters and plot
With a fab twist at the end loved it
What a fab read I read this in a day
I was unable to stop reading fab characters and plot
With a fab twist at the end loved it
September 3, 2020
Mandasue is always one of my go to reads, Witness does not disappoint.
February 4, 2021
Couldn't put it down
I have read all of Mandersue's books and she never disappoints. Meandered writes about real lives and characters you can relate to.
I have read all of Mandersue's books and she never disappoints. Meandered writes about real lives and characters you can relate to.
December 6, 2021
Mandasue heller books are always a winner for solid engaging crime thrillers and this one is no different. It is very well written, very realistic and gritty, and the characters are very varied and believable. The book is entertaining and enjoyable, and not as unnecessarily explicit as some other crime authors can be. The plot line is solid. My only dislike is that the twist was a bit too tame and could be guessed at from quite early on. Also there seemed to be opportunity missed in the form of Suzie’s true motives, the book could have been way spicier, if you like, with a twist related to this. Susie is a helpful amiable character who gets involved in Holly’s life with little explanation for why. A little thing but also the description ‘hooded’ for the looks people gave each other was way too overused. But in general, the book was a great read and i would definitely recommend.
October 24, 2020
I love Mandasue Heller and this didn't disappoint nice and gritty and brilliant story
June 8, 2021
Enjoyed this one. My type of book. Full of twists and thrills. Pulls at the old heart strings a few times. A good page turner at its best.
April 9, 2022
My first by this author but not my last, it kept me hooked for sure ! Very gritty and well told.
The author really gets the reader into the soul of the characters.
The author really gets the reader into the soul of the characters.
February 9, 2025
Another great read never disappoints
April 3, 2021
Not as good as the gritty gangland Mandasue Heller books but a great book and one I devoured quickly to get to the end.
February 18, 2021
Waited for this authors new book and it was well worth the wait! If you haven't read any of her books then what are you reading?? You are missing out! All her books are set in Manchester and the characters are brilliant.
This book is about a girl called Holly who's mum locks her in the house when she's alone and won't let her live by hiding her away but Holly sees something through the window and her life is changed forever.
Read the book, you won't regret it. I'm already looking forward to her next book.
This book is about a girl called Holly who's mum locks her in the house when she's alone and won't let her live by hiding her away but Holly sees something through the window and her life is changed forever.
Read the book, you won't regret it. I'm already looking forward to her next book.
February 16, 2021
Great book as always
February 12, 2021
Witness
A very good book although I guessed the ending about holly being Charlotte it didn't spoil it for me I would recommend it to anyone
A very good book although I guessed the ending about holly being Charlotte it didn't spoil it for me I would recommend it to anyone
February 8, 2021
Witness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book from the beginning,I have read most of Mandasue 's books & have loved them all,the characters are so real & the main characters I felt so much for them.I don't want to spoil it for others but I really hope there will be more to come from this group of people.1 of my favourite author's⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book from the beginning,I have read most of Mandasue 's books & have loved them all,the characters are so real & the main characters I felt so much for them.I don't want to spoil it for others but I really hope there will be more to come from this group of people.1 of my favourite author's⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 10, 2021
Brilliant book and very well written. Mandasue is so talented. If you've not read her books I highly recommend you do! Hoping for more soon!
August 24, 2020
Ok
Not my favourite of MH’s books although I enjoyed the storyline but found the characters slightly unnatural. Also found the ending a slight anticlimax after the introduction of a bunch of new characters prior to it.
Not my favourite of MH’s books although I enjoyed the storyline but found the characters slightly unnatural. Also found the ending a slight anticlimax after the introduction of a bunch of new characters prior to it.
September 19, 2020
Thoroughly entertaining
Fab book by Mandasue Heller again. Kept me guessing right up until the end. I've been a fan since the beginning and for good reason. Cracking book. Great lady.
Fab book by Mandasue Heller again. Kept me guessing right up until the end. I've been a fan since the beginning and for good reason. Cracking book. Great lady.
October 6, 2020
Wow you did it again, excellent story with plenty of twists!!
This book is a brilliant read. Lots of twists.A must read Mandalay Heller books are all awesome can't wait for the next one!!!!!
This book is a brilliant read. Lots of twists.A must read Mandalay Heller books are all awesome can't wait for the next one!!!!!
November 18, 2020
This was another excellent book by Mandasue. I enjoyed the plot and hope that this will be turned into a series covering the central characters is Suzie, Holly and Josie. All three characters showed inner strength and the ability to come back fighting and succeeding.
August 23, 2020
Superbly written as always by Mandasue Heller. She has that knack of hooking you in so you just can’t put it down. I have the bags under my eyes to prove it. Brilliant!
August 25, 2020
Great
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book this author never fails to write a good book. Can't wait for the next one
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book this author never fails to write a good book. Can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews