What do you think?
Rate this book
Traces of Her
'Addictive! A twisty page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.' Roz Watkins 'Rose. Rose. Pick up, please. I know who killed her. I know who killed my real mum. I've worked it out.'
When Rose's flighty stepsister Willow disappears to Cornwall, she can't help but roll her eyes. Willow is always taking off and there is always some kind of emergency.
But after Willow discovers that she was adopted and her birth mother died in tragic circumstances, her trip to the coast sparks a search into her past.
Two days later, when a package arrives at Rose's house containing a series of four polaroids of four different men, Rose knows that Willow is in trouble. Each photograph a possible murder suspect, their family life begins to unravel, leaving one crucial question unanswered...
Who killed Willow's mother and where is Willow now? * * * * * * * Readers LOVE Traces of Her ! 'What a ride, more twists and turns than a Formula 1 race track ' A.M. Castle 'A whirlwind of a read. Just brilliant!' Diane Jeffrey 'Addictive and fast-paced. Amanda Brittany is a name to keep your eye on. A brilliant thriller' Phoebe Morgan 'An emotional thriller with a broad cast of characters who come alive on the pages of this addictive mystery.' Naomi Joy ' Gripped me from start to finish ... Definitely did not see the twist at the end coming!' NetGalley reviewer 'This was an amazing page turner . So many twists and turns and I was completely surprised by the ending.' Netgalley reviewer ' A real page turner . This book had me hooked .' Netgalley reviewer
When Rose's flighty stepsister Willow disappears to Cornwall, she can't help but roll her eyes. Willow is always taking off and there is always some kind of emergency.
But after Willow discovers that she was adopted and her birth mother died in tragic circumstances, her trip to the coast sparks a search into her past.
Two days later, when a package arrives at Rose's house containing a series of four polaroids of four different men, Rose knows that Willow is in trouble. Each photograph a possible murder suspect, their family life begins to unravel, leaving one crucial question unanswered...
Who killed Willow's mother and where is Willow now? * * * * * * * Readers LOVE Traces of Her ! 'What a ride, more twists and turns than a Formula 1 race track ' A.M. Castle 'A whirlwind of a read. Just brilliant!' Diane Jeffrey 'Addictive and fast-paced. Amanda Brittany is a name to keep your eye on. A brilliant thriller' Phoebe Morgan 'An emotional thriller with a broad cast of characters who come alive on the pages of this addictive mystery.' Naomi Joy ' Gripped me from start to finish ... Definitely did not see the twist at the end coming!' NetGalley reviewer 'This was an amazing page turner . So many twists and turns and I was completely surprised by the ending.' Netgalley reviewer ' A real page turner . This book had me hooked .' Netgalley reviewer
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2019
115 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Brittany
15 books204 followersAmanda Brittany is the best selling author of psychological thrillers NOW YOU ARE MINE, HER LAST LIE, TELL THE TRUTH, TRACES OF HER, I LIE IN WAIT, I'M WATCHING YOU and THE ISLAND HOUSE
LET ME OUT is out on June 29th 2025 with Boldwood Books.
Her debut, HER LAST LIE has so far raised £9000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her sister from eBook royalties.
Amanda lives in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and her crazy, cute dog. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, walking her dogs, reading & sunny days. She also has a soft spot for snow, which features in HER LAST LIE & I LIE IN WAIT.
Amanda has studied psychology and criminology, has a diploma in creative writing, and a BA(Hons) in English Literature.
She also writes psychological suspense novels with Karen Clarke. THE SECRET SISTER, THE PERFECT NANNY and THE NEW WIFE.
You can follow her on:
Twitter: @amandajbrittany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabrittany2
Instagram: @amanda_brittany_author
LET ME OUT is out on June 29th 2025 with Boldwood Books.
Her debut, HER LAST LIE has so far raised £9000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her sister from eBook royalties.
Amanda lives in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and her crazy, cute dog. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, walking her dogs, reading & sunny days. She also has a soft spot for snow, which features in HER LAST LIE & I LIE IN WAIT.
Amanda has studied psychology and criminology, has a diploma in creative writing, and a BA(Hons) in English Literature.
She also writes psychological suspense novels with Karen Clarke. THE SECRET SISTER, THE PERFECT NANNY and THE NEW WIFE.
You can follow her on:
Twitter: @amandajbrittany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabrittany2
Instagram: @amanda_brittany_author
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 92 reviews
October 10, 2019
Good story, strong plot, some unexpected twists, turns and revelations and a rum cast of characters with a writing style that wasn’t my favourite!
So how to review this one then?
Well the story is quite complex and revolves around a fairly dysfunctional family that have a past of lies, secrets and the usual, oh and a family wedding where 2 sisters died!
One of the dead sisters daughters is now on the trail of the man she thinks was responsible for the murders, she has 5 or so to choose from and her adopted family receive a call from her to ‘come to Cornwall now and help me’, they do and the book then goes from present to past and you start to piece together just how deep and unresolved the past is, to all of them, victims, crim’s, adopted, natural, half and quarter, old, new and those inbetween
There are a LOT of people in the book and at times it lost me and I found myself wandering off while still reading and wondering if was having Nando’s tonight etc, but once reigned myself back in and had a break was able to get back into it
Now the writing style for me was clunky at times, and also at times kinda ‘he said’ then ‘she said’ and also phrases were used by characters that just didn’t suit them
as they were being portrayed,I found the past sections of the book much more to my liking in that respect than the present
BUT you know I did read it in a day, it did get exciting, as said the plot was good and the ending quite shockingly dark sooooo unusually for me its like a book of 2 halves, yet am still glad read it
6/10
3 Stars
So how to review this one then?
Well the story is quite complex and revolves around a fairly dysfunctional family that have a past of lies, secrets and the usual, oh and a family wedding where 2 sisters died!
One of the dead sisters daughters is now on the trail of the man she thinks was responsible for the murders, she has 5 or so to choose from and her adopted family receive a call from her to ‘come to Cornwall now and help me’, they do and the book then goes from present to past and you start to piece together just how deep and unresolved the past is, to all of them, victims, crim’s, adopted, natural, half and quarter, old, new and those inbetween
There are a LOT of people in the book and at times it lost me and I found myself wandering off while still reading and wondering if was having Nando’s tonight etc, but once reigned myself back in and had a break was able to get back into it
Now the writing style for me was clunky at times, and also at times kinda ‘he said’ then ‘she said’ and also phrases were used by characters that just didn’t suit them
as they were being portrayed,I found the past sections of the book much more to my liking in that respect than the present
BUT you know I did read it in a day, it did get exciting, as said the plot was good and the ending quite shockingly dark sooooo unusually for me its like a book of 2 halves, yet am still glad read it
6/10
3 Stars
September 8, 2019
Review to come
November 21, 2019
WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! Where do I even start? This book was, simply put, mind blowing!
I was hooked from the beginning and simply could not stop reading, devouring TRACES OF HER in two sittings! I loved the alternating narratives and timelines between Rose and Ava and just had to keep turning pages to find out what truly happened 18 years before.
The story opens with a Prologue that sets the tone instantly with a chilling sense of foreboding that is so haunting it will give you goosebumps. From this point on, I was completely drawn in...and couldn't turn those pages quick enough! I would have devoured it in one sitting had I not required sleep...lol
When Rose doesn't hear from her stepsister Willow for a month, she wasn't particularly worried as Willow has always been unreliable and has often taken off on a whim in the past. But this time is different. When she suddenly receives a call from Willow, she is surprised to hear that she is in Cornwall and begs Rose to join her, pleading with her in desperation. Rose has always been soft where her stepsister is concerned and knew she would concede in the end so promises to make the five hour drive down on the weekend.
A couple of days later, Rose receives a mysterious package from Willow with photos of four suspects relating to a cold case in which two sisters died 18 years before. One of them was Willow's birth mother, Ava. And now she is obsessed with uncovering the truth about what really happened to Ava and her sister, Gail.
The news comes as a shock to Rose, who didn't even know Willow was adopted. She confronted her stepmother Eleanor who confirmed that Willow's mother had been murdered by her sister Gail, who then committed suicide. Eleanor was a case worker for the family and after the deaths, the girls' mother was incapable of looking after her granddaughter and relinquished custody, afterwhich Eleanor adopted her.
Armed with this new information, Rose and her 14 year old daughter Becky made the long journey to Cornwall but upon arrival find the cottage in which Willow is supposedly staying to be empty. Her luggage, clothes and any sign that she was ever hear has gone. All that remains is her jacket laying in one of the bedrooms...the only sign that Willow had even been here. Rose knows that she wouldn't have just upped and left, knowing that Rose was on her way to her. So where was she?
Rose then begins by asking locals at the pub and in the shop about the men in the photographs, hoping it will lead her to Willow, and to gauge their reactions. Asking if they remembered the Ava Millar murder, she soon learns that Ava was full of secrets with a history of numerous relationships with different men...or rather, boys. Justin (Willow's father), Peter and Maxen - making all them appear suspects. She hopes that the more she can find out about Ava and her murder, the closer she will get to finding Willow.
But someone doesn't want her digging up the past. On more than one occasion, Rose receives messages to LEAVE, and becomes fearful when she has the sense of being watched. Who is trying to drive her out of town? Who doesn't want the truth uncovered? And what really happened on the beach that night? The night of Ava's sister's wedding.
There are plenty of characters you will love to hate and others that is easy to sympathise with. I am unsure how I feel about Rose because she seemed to defer to her daughter an awful lot, and given that she is just 14, I thought that was a little unrealistic. Considering Becky had Rose slightly wrapped around her finger, she didn't seem to be completely ruined...which was a surprise. But I did find myself questioning just who was the adult in this relationship at times. We didn't see much of Willow as an adult but more as a precocious 2 year old when Ava was still alive, so it was hard to really have much of an opinion of her. Rory, Gail, Jeanette, Justin...could not stand any of them. As for the many other characters...most I didn't like all that much, basically because I didn't trust them.
Told through the alternating chapters between Rose in the present and Ava in the past, as well as the addition of a unknown narrative titled YOU, TRACES OF HER is a well-plotted, intriguing tale of two sisters across two timelines - Rose and Willow, and Ava and Gail - and the fate that awaits them. There are suspects aplenty as the mystery deepens. What really happened to Ava? And why was she so brutally killed? And where is Willow now?
Despite the triple narrative over dual timelines, TRACES OF HER is very easy to follow and will have you enthralled throughout. With many twists and turns, you may figure out the killer or you may not. I had my suspicions throughout most of the story of two major factors which turned out to be correct...which I only questioned when something occurred in the past to make me wonder "what if?" To me, it was so out of left field I thought that it would be mind-blowing twist that readers (except me) would never guess and it seems I was on the same wavelength as the author. And it never detracts from my enjoyment of the book if my suspicions prove to be correct. I find it a kind of challenge...to see if I can work it out.
There are many secrets and lies in this deftly crafted thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Its fast pace did not let up throughout and by the time it ended, I was left breathless.
Overall, a brilliant read from a new author to me. I have not read Amanda Brittany before and, if this book is anything to go by, it won't be my last. I do have to question if the author is a fan of the Australian soap "Home and Away" with the characters such as Justin, Willow and Ava...with the female characters roles reversed? lol
TRACES OF HER is just brilliant. Just mind-blowing. I cannot express just how much I loved this book, despite some of its loathsome characters. I just hope I was able to do such a brilliant book justice with my review.
If you love a good psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming at the end (although now you will...lol), then grab yourself a copy of TRACES OF HER! You will love it, I'm sure!
I would like to thank #AmandaBrittany, #NetGalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TracesOfHer in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I was hooked from the beginning and simply could not stop reading, devouring TRACES OF HER in two sittings! I loved the alternating narratives and timelines between Rose and Ava and just had to keep turning pages to find out what truly happened 18 years before.
The story opens with a Prologue that sets the tone instantly with a chilling sense of foreboding that is so haunting it will give you goosebumps. From this point on, I was completely drawn in...and couldn't turn those pages quick enough! I would have devoured it in one sitting had I not required sleep...lol
When Rose doesn't hear from her stepsister Willow for a month, she wasn't particularly worried as Willow has always been unreliable and has often taken off on a whim in the past. But this time is different. When she suddenly receives a call from Willow, she is surprised to hear that she is in Cornwall and begs Rose to join her, pleading with her in desperation. Rose has always been soft where her stepsister is concerned and knew she would concede in the end so promises to make the five hour drive down on the weekend.
A couple of days later, Rose receives a mysterious package from Willow with photos of four suspects relating to a cold case in which two sisters died 18 years before. One of them was Willow's birth mother, Ava. And now she is obsessed with uncovering the truth about what really happened to Ava and her sister, Gail.
The news comes as a shock to Rose, who didn't even know Willow was adopted. She confronted her stepmother Eleanor who confirmed that Willow's mother had been murdered by her sister Gail, who then committed suicide. Eleanor was a case worker for the family and after the deaths, the girls' mother was incapable of looking after her granddaughter and relinquished custody, afterwhich Eleanor adopted her.
Armed with this new information, Rose and her 14 year old daughter Becky made the long journey to Cornwall but upon arrival find the cottage in which Willow is supposedly staying to be empty. Her luggage, clothes and any sign that she was ever hear has gone. All that remains is her jacket laying in one of the bedrooms...the only sign that Willow had even been here. Rose knows that she wouldn't have just upped and left, knowing that Rose was on her way to her. So where was she?
Rose then begins by asking locals at the pub and in the shop about the men in the photographs, hoping it will lead her to Willow, and to gauge their reactions. Asking if they remembered the Ava Millar murder, she soon learns that Ava was full of secrets with a history of numerous relationships with different men...or rather, boys. Justin (Willow's father), Peter and Maxen - making all them appear suspects. She hopes that the more she can find out about Ava and her murder, the closer she will get to finding Willow.
But someone doesn't want her digging up the past. On more than one occasion, Rose receives messages to LEAVE, and becomes fearful when she has the sense of being watched. Who is trying to drive her out of town? Who doesn't want the truth uncovered? And what really happened on the beach that night? The night of Ava's sister's wedding.
There are plenty of characters you will love to hate and others that is easy to sympathise with. I am unsure how I feel about Rose because she seemed to defer to her daughter an awful lot, and given that she is just 14, I thought that was a little unrealistic. Considering Becky had Rose slightly wrapped around her finger, she didn't seem to be completely ruined...which was a surprise. But I did find myself questioning just who was the adult in this relationship at times. We didn't see much of Willow as an adult but more as a precocious 2 year old when Ava was still alive, so it was hard to really have much of an opinion of her. Rory, Gail, Jeanette, Justin...could not stand any of them. As for the many other characters...most I didn't like all that much, basically because I didn't trust them.
Told through the alternating chapters between Rose in the present and Ava in the past, as well as the addition of a unknown narrative titled YOU, TRACES OF HER is a well-plotted, intriguing tale of two sisters across two timelines - Rose and Willow, and Ava and Gail - and the fate that awaits them. There are suspects aplenty as the mystery deepens. What really happened to Ava? And why was she so brutally killed? And where is Willow now?
Despite the triple narrative over dual timelines, TRACES OF HER is very easy to follow and will have you enthralled throughout. With many twists and turns, you may figure out the killer or you may not. I had my suspicions throughout most of the story of two major factors which turned out to be correct...which I only questioned when something occurred in the past to make me wonder "what if?" To me, it was so out of left field I thought that it would be mind-blowing twist that readers (except me) would never guess and it seems I was on the same wavelength as the author. And it never detracts from my enjoyment of the book if my suspicions prove to be correct. I find it a kind of challenge...to see if I can work it out.
There are many secrets and lies in this deftly crafted thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Its fast pace did not let up throughout and by the time it ended, I was left breathless.
Overall, a brilliant read from a new author to me. I have not read Amanda Brittany before and, if this book is anything to go by, it won't be my last. I do have to question if the author is a fan of the Australian soap "Home and Away" with the characters such as Justin, Willow and Ava...with the female characters roles reversed? lol
TRACES OF HER is just brilliant. Just mind-blowing. I cannot express just how much I loved this book, despite some of its loathsome characters. I just hope I was able to do such a brilliant book justice with my review.
If you love a good psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming at the end (although now you will...lol), then grab yourself a copy of TRACES OF HER! You will love it, I'm sure!
I would like to thank #AmandaBrittany, #NetGalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TracesOfHer in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 29, 2019
Amanda Brittany writes a powerful story, with excellent characterisation and a gripping plot.
I was instantly drawn to the cover of the book and just knew I had to read 'Traces of Her' before I had even cast my eye over the synopsis! The story opens with a prologue that immediately sets the tone of the book. It is all-consuming and chilling and from this point onwards, Amanda had me totally engrossed in this story.
Told from the perspectives of Rose and Ava, this book crackles with tension. With alternating chapters between Rose in the present, and Ava in the past, Amanda Brittany's cleverly crafted and intriguing plot follows two sisters, Willow and Rose, in Willow's journey to root out the truth, having discovered that she was adopted, also learning that her birth mother, Ava, died in tragic circumstances.
When the irresponsible, flighty Willow disappears to Cornwall, Rose later receives a package from her, containing four Polaroids of different men, and she is sure that Willow is in trouble. Each of the men are possible murder suspects in relation to the death of Willow's mother. And so, their family life begins to unravel, leaving some crucial questions unanswered…who killed Willow’s mother and where is Willow now?
There were a fair few characters in this book that had me baffled, initially, as to exactly how they fitted into the story, although I managed not to become overwhelmed by this. I think it actually enhanced the story and kept me second-guessing precisely to what degree each was involved. I felt an instant connection with the three main players of Rose, Willow and Ava, who were well-drawn and 100% convincing. However, as befits all of the best thrillers, there were some less personable ones, though each had their relevant roles to play (once I had established what they were).
I totally adored Amanda Brittany’s emotive and descriptive writing style. It flowed effortlessly and the narrative was very well structured. 'Traces of Her' was a story that was rammed with suspense, mystery, and twists as it spiralled it way to the surprise denouement. It is a must-read for fans of the psychological thriller genre. A new author for me, Amanda is definitely now on my list of go-to authors and I look forward to reading many more books from her. I read 'Traces of Her' with enormous relish and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I was instantly drawn to the cover of the book and just knew I had to read 'Traces of Her' before I had even cast my eye over the synopsis! The story opens with a prologue that immediately sets the tone of the book. It is all-consuming and chilling and from this point onwards, Amanda had me totally engrossed in this story.
Told from the perspectives of Rose and Ava, this book crackles with tension. With alternating chapters between Rose in the present, and Ava in the past, Amanda Brittany's cleverly crafted and intriguing plot follows two sisters, Willow and Rose, in Willow's journey to root out the truth, having discovered that she was adopted, also learning that her birth mother, Ava, died in tragic circumstances.
When the irresponsible, flighty Willow disappears to Cornwall, Rose later receives a package from her, containing four Polaroids of different men, and she is sure that Willow is in trouble. Each of the men are possible murder suspects in relation to the death of Willow's mother. And so, their family life begins to unravel, leaving some crucial questions unanswered…who killed Willow’s mother and where is Willow now?
There were a fair few characters in this book that had me baffled, initially, as to exactly how they fitted into the story, although I managed not to become overwhelmed by this. I think it actually enhanced the story and kept me second-guessing precisely to what degree each was involved. I felt an instant connection with the three main players of Rose, Willow and Ava, who were well-drawn and 100% convincing. However, as befits all of the best thrillers, there were some less personable ones, though each had their relevant roles to play (once I had established what they were).
I totally adored Amanda Brittany’s emotive and descriptive writing style. It flowed effortlessly and the narrative was very well structured. 'Traces of Her' was a story that was rammed with suspense, mystery, and twists as it spiralled it way to the surprise denouement. It is a must-read for fans of the psychological thriller genre. A new author for me, Amanda is definitely now on my list of go-to authors and I look forward to reading many more books from her. I read 'Traces of Her' with enormous relish and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 27, 2019
"Traces of her" is my first book by Amanda Brittany and it certainly won't be the last. If you like domestic suspense/thrillers, this book is definitely for you. It kept me guessing till the very end. When I thought I had it all figured out then another twist came along (even the last sentence was a twist I didn't see coming). I felt so deeply for Ava and how bad her family treated her. With past and present storylines, the author did a good job tying it all nicely at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2019
After not hearing from her younger stepsister for over a month, Rose is surprised when she gets a call from Willow out of the blue. But something seems off—Willow sounds desperate and she asks Rose to come visit her and help her. So as any big sister would, Rose heads off to the cottage Willow is staying in, but when she arrives, Willow is nowhere to be found. It’s like she just vanished out of nowhere. And as Rose looks into what Willow was doing before her disappearance, she discovers Willow was looking into the murders of two women who died almost two decades earlier.
Rose knows that her sister didn’t just pick up and leave, especially when she was expecting Rose’s company. And now Rose must uncover a nearly a twenty year old mystery in order to find Willow, before it’s too late…
Traces of Her by Amanda Brittany is a dual-timeline mystery about sisterhood and the danger of trusting those closest to you. This story had a solid plot and the premise intrigued me. I love stories that have a current and past mystery and you’re trying to discover how the two intersect. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters or compelled to continue reading the story. This was a run-of-the-mill mystery, but still worth the read if the premise at all intrigues you! 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and Amanda Brittany for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rose knows that her sister didn’t just pick up and leave, especially when she was expecting Rose’s company. And now Rose must uncover a nearly a twenty year old mystery in order to find Willow, before it’s too late…
Traces of Her by Amanda Brittany is a dual-timeline mystery about sisterhood and the danger of trusting those closest to you. This story had a solid plot and the premise intrigued me. I love stories that have a current and past mystery and you’re trying to discover how the two intersect. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters or compelled to continue reading the story. This was a run-of-the-mill mystery, but still worth the read if the premise at all intrigues you! 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and Amanda Brittany for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. As a thriller lover, this story kept me guessing until the very end. I was a little confused in the early pages, trying to keep track of all the characters, but after a few flashback stories, I had it all nailed down. I truly felt for Ava and adored how much she loved her daughter Willow. This story was definitely heart wrenching at times and I seriously wanted to shake both her mother and sister to understand their incredible cruelty. While the end was a surprise, it also requires a little bit of extended imagination. While it’s not exactly realistic, the outcome is certainly possible, overall, I really enjoyed the constant twists and turns. Overall. A really great thriller!
October 26, 2019
Traces Of Her by Amanda Brittany is a fabulous heart racing contemporary psychological suspense. I was intrigued and glued from the start.
The novel is very cleverly constructed drawing the reader in immediately. It is set in 2001 and present day, from alternating points of view in the first person. As we ‘hear’ different voices, we know who they all are except one. I was gripped and guessing as to who this was, but failed in my attempts.
A cold case murder comes alive as a daughter searches to solve who killed her mum when she was young. She travels to Cornwall and unleashes a can of worms.
Family is important. Love binds members together. Twisted love blows relationships apart. A mother’s love is fiercely protective.
There is the theme of control. Control may be exercised in a number of ways but it is never good.
Obsession is a dangerous thing. When an obsession takes over, there are disastrous results.
Traces Of Her was an exciting read. I failed to predict the outcome as I read greedily towards the end with my heart racing. I look forward to reading more by Amanda Brittany.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is very cleverly constructed drawing the reader in immediately. It is set in 2001 and present day, from alternating points of view in the first person. As we ‘hear’ different voices, we know who they all are except one. I was gripped and guessing as to who this was, but failed in my attempts.
A cold case murder comes alive as a daughter searches to solve who killed her mum when she was young. She travels to Cornwall and unleashes a can of worms.
Family is important. Love binds members together. Twisted love blows relationships apart. A mother’s love is fiercely protective.
There is the theme of control. Control may be exercised in a number of ways but it is never good.
Obsession is a dangerous thing. When an obsession takes over, there are disastrous results.
Traces Of Her was an exciting read. I failed to predict the outcome as I read greedily towards the end with my heart racing. I look forward to reading more by Amanda Brittany.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 25, 2019
Loved it!!! I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop reading it. I loved how the book alternated between Ava and Rose. I didn't find the story confusing or hard to follow. Loved Ava. She wanted the best for Willow and was a wonderful mother. I hated the way her family treated her. Gail was an awful sister and had no heart. Was there any love in that family because there wasn't any family support system? At first I wasn't too sure about Peter, but I changed my mind with how he was with Willow. I was happy he was there for Ava, because her mom and sister were useless. I was definitely surprised by the ending and wasn't expecting that turn of events. I thought I had everything figured out at the wedding and I was wrong!!! There were so many twists and turns and the story kept me on my toes. Everyone was hiding secrets. Rose was an amazing sister. She never gave up looking for Willow and got involved with the mystery behind Ava's death. Becky was the most annoying character. She was definitely a teenager and complained about everything. It was plain to see she had an eating disorder and needed help.
Definitely recommend the book. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery on what happened to Gail and Ava. I can't wait to read more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery on what happened to Gail and Ava. I can't wait to read more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 25, 2019
Overall: 3/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5 Stars
Believability: 2.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 3/5 Stars
If I could separate the events in this book between the current time’s events and the events that happened in the past and put them into two different books, I would have loved the book that focused on the past and probably would have DNF’d the book that focused on the present.
All of the events that focused on the past and Ava’s character, were great. That whole storyline was interesting and I was really invested in seeing how it all played out. Unfortunately there wasn’t nearly enough events from the past to balance out the fact that I had to do an awful lot of ignoring the events from the present to keep momentum going.
I struggled with how much I disliked Rose and her daughter, Becky, because they both fall solidly into that Too Stupid To Live category. Besides that fact, there is this really weird back and forth as to which one of the characters is the more mature one of the two. Considering Becky is in her mid-teens, that isn’t a good thing.
There were so many times where I got frustrated by how much Rose let Becky get away with, at her age, especially under the circumstances they were in. Becky even being there in the first place made absolutely zero sense from a parental standpoint and bothered me the entire way through the story. I cannot think of a single, decent parent that would think it was okay to drag their mid-teen daughter 5 hours from home to help look for a potential killer. Everything about that whole part of the plot kept yanking me out of the story because it seemed so ridiculous.
When you finally get to weave the past events together with the present events, things get a little crazy and over the top with how it all plays out. On the one hand, I didn’t entirely see it coming, though there were hints. On the other, it breaks a lot of believability barriers. When you combine that with how little I enjoyed the present events because of the characters, this falls down into the okay range for me.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions stated are honest and my own.
Characters: 3/5 Stars
Believability: 2.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 3/5 Stars
If I could separate the events in this book between the current time’s events and the events that happened in the past and put them into two different books, I would have loved the book that focused on the past and probably would have DNF’d the book that focused on the present.
All of the events that focused on the past and Ava’s character, were great. That whole storyline was interesting and I was really invested in seeing how it all played out. Unfortunately there wasn’t nearly enough events from the past to balance out the fact that I had to do an awful lot of ignoring the events from the present to keep momentum going.
I struggled with how much I disliked Rose and her daughter, Becky, because they both fall solidly into that Too Stupid To Live category. Besides that fact, there is this really weird back and forth as to which one of the characters is the more mature one of the two. Considering Becky is in her mid-teens, that isn’t a good thing.
There were so many times where I got frustrated by how much Rose let Becky get away with, at her age, especially under the circumstances they were in. Becky even being there in the first place made absolutely zero sense from a parental standpoint and bothered me the entire way through the story. I cannot think of a single, decent parent that would think it was okay to drag their mid-teen daughter 5 hours from home to help look for a potential killer. Everything about that whole part of the plot kept yanking me out of the story because it seemed so ridiculous.
When you finally get to weave the past events together with the present events, things get a little crazy and over the top with how it all plays out. On the one hand, I didn’t entirely see it coming, though there were hints. On the other, it breaks a lot of believability barriers. When you combine that with how little I enjoyed the present events because of the characters, this falls down into the okay range for me.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions stated are honest and my own.
September 19, 2019
'I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.'
Overall rating: 5 stars
I'll start by saying that this mystery kept me reading well into the night. I just had to finish it. Fast-paced and interesting read. However, the events in this book warrant a trigger warning, so keep that in mind while reading.
It's told from 3 Points of view, but flows well with minimal confusion. Rose, Ava and YOU. Rose keeps you in the present. Her paranoia and anxiety are palpable. Ava you learn past events and how they line up with future findings. I felt so deeply for her, that I wanted to pull her out of the pages and hug her and kiss the top of her head like she desperately needed. YOU was chaotic, lonely, longing for attention. Reading their portions left my skin crawling.
I thought I had figured it out and I'd be half right, only for a major twist to show up. It kept me second guessing until the very end.
The plot, characters and surroundings are developed and described well. I loathed and loved characters.
I really enjoyed this book, much more than I originally anticipated. Very pleased.
Overall rating: 5 stars
I'll start by saying that this mystery kept me reading well into the night. I just had to finish it. Fast-paced and interesting read. However, the events in this book warrant a trigger warning, so keep that in mind while reading.
It's told from 3 Points of view, but flows well with minimal confusion. Rose, Ava and YOU. Rose keeps you in the present. Her paranoia and anxiety are palpable. Ava you learn past events and how they line up with future findings. I felt so deeply for her, that I wanted to pull her out of the pages and hug her and kiss the top of her head like she desperately needed. YOU was chaotic, lonely, longing for attention. Reading their portions left my skin crawling.
I thought I had figured it out and I'd be half right, only for a major twist to show up. It kept me second guessing until the very end.
The plot, characters and surroundings are developed and described well. I loathed and loved characters.
I really enjoyed this book, much more than I originally anticipated. Very pleased.
August 25, 2019
An engaging murder mystery that kept me entertained for a few hours.
Rose isn't surprised by the sudden disappearance of her always unreliable sister Willow.
However, this time is different as Rose receives a mysterious package sent from Willow with photos of a cold murder case she had been obsessed with.
Rose has to find her sister before its too late, and also had to dig deeper to solve those long forgotten murders.
Will Rose and Willow survive and uncover the killer, or they will be his next victims?
The plot was pacey and the characters engaging, but when the culprit was identified the mystery became easy to predict. However still enjoyable enough especially for a beach read.
Thanks Netgalley, HQ Digital, and author Amanda Brittany for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Rose isn't surprised by the sudden disappearance of her always unreliable sister Willow.
However, this time is different as Rose receives a mysterious package sent from Willow with photos of a cold murder case she had been obsessed with.
Rose has to find her sister before its too late, and also had to dig deeper to solve those long forgotten murders.
Will Rose and Willow survive and uncover the killer, or they will be his next victims?
The plot was pacey and the characters engaging, but when the culprit was identified the mystery became easy to predict. However still enjoyable enough especially for a beach read.
Thanks Netgalley, HQ Digital, and author Amanda Brittany for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 28, 2019
What an opening! I love a strong hook in the beginning of a book and Amanda Brittany did not disappoint! She is a true talent in this genre. I don't like to give away plot details so I'll keep it brief. A dysfunctional family, a missing person and an incredible cast of characters. A strong plot full of twists and turns, and a rich, satisfying mystery that keeps you turning pages.
October 23, 2019
A brilliantly written thriller filled with so twists and turns and a shocking ending ! This page turner is a must read !!! Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read and review this book ! #Netgalley #HQDigital #TracesOfHer
October 30, 2019
This was quite a complex mystery which had me lost in some parts with the sheer number of characters, but brought me into the story with its intrigue.
Rose did not hear from her stepsister Willow for over a month, then cane to know she was investigating the death of 2 sisters 20 years ago. She knew to find Willow, she had to solve the cold case.
My first book by author Amanda Brittany, the story was told in dual timelines. The mystery kept the plot going. Many characters muddied the trail, but it was still entertaining as murder mysteries are.
The writing kept the thrill going, it felt smooth, and the twists added to the plot. Characters ranged from likable to non likable and were all cast under my suspicious eye.
Overall, it was a fun twisty murder mystery.
Rose did not hear from her stepsister Willow for over a month, then cane to know she was investigating the death of 2 sisters 20 years ago. She knew to find Willow, she had to solve the cold case.
My first book by author Amanda Brittany, the story was told in dual timelines. The mystery kept the plot going. Many characters muddied the trail, but it was still entertaining as murder mysteries are.
The writing kept the thrill going, it felt smooth, and the twists added to the plot. Characters ranged from likable to non likable and were all cast under my suspicious eye.
Overall, it was a fun twisty murder mystery.
September 29, 2019
Review to come
October 5, 2019
I devoured this book in a matter of hours. I couldn’t put it down, I had to find out what was coming next. The suspense throughout had me on the edge of my seat and it’s a constant page turner. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
September 13, 2019
This book was incredible! It had guessing all over the place and the wow moments kept coming! Even the ending was impressive!
The story is told from the points of view of Ava in the past and Rose in the present. Rose is searching for her sister Willow, who often runs off on her own but Rose feels that something is different this time and when her sister sends her a txt and a package with a note and photographs and asks for her help in finding her mother’s killer. Rose and her daughter Becky head down there as soon as Rose, who is headmistress, is done with school for the summer. When they reach the cottage, Willow is still not there and all calls go straight to voicemail. Rose decides to do some investigative work herself in the hopes that she will solve the mystery and find Willow. She locates the men in the photographs that her sister sent and tries to gauge their innocence and how much they know. The characters in the book aren’t always who they appear to be and their roles in what happened over fifteen years ago seem to change and keep you guessing who was really at fault.
This book kept me interested throughout with nary a dull moment.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The story is told from the points of view of Ava in the past and Rose in the present. Rose is searching for her sister Willow, who often runs off on her own but Rose feels that something is different this time and when her sister sends her a txt and a package with a note and photographs and asks for her help in finding her mother’s killer. Rose and her daughter Becky head down there as soon as Rose, who is headmistress, is done with school for the summer. When they reach the cottage, Willow is still not there and all calls go straight to voicemail. Rose decides to do some investigative work herself in the hopes that she will solve the mystery and find Willow. She locates the men in the photographs that her sister sent and tries to gauge their innocence and how much they know. The characters in the book aren’t always who they appear to be and their roles in what happened over fifteen years ago seem to change and keep you guessing who was really at fault.
This book kept me interested throughout with nary a dull moment.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 9, 2019
Mind Blown! Those are the best words to describe this book! When Rose's step-sister, Willow disappears it's nothing new. Willow then sends Rose a package with photos of suspects in a cold case. Then Willow disappears without a trace and Rose rushes to pick up where Willow left off. As Rose follows the trail it is clear that someone doesn't want her asking questions. Can Rose figure out what happened before it's too late?
Again I will say mind blown! A psychological thriller that leaves you stunned. There is a lot of build up in the book but I promise it is worth it. The build up in long but not so long that you start to get bored. I thought I had it figured out and I will say I wasn't even close! I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good guessing game. I can't wait to read more by Amanda Brittany!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Again I will say mind blown! A psychological thriller that leaves you stunned. There is a lot of build up in the book but I promise it is worth it. The build up in long but not so long that you start to get bored. I thought I had it figured out and I will say I wasn't even close! I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good guessing game. I can't wait to read more by Amanda Brittany!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2019
What a thrilling, compelling read this book is! Be warned though there's a lot going on! This has a complex storyline with many characters although I did connect well with all of them.
Rose's step-sister Willow is known for being a wanderer never staying in one place for long she is determined to find out who killed her birth mother.
When Rose receives a letter containing four photographs of male suspects and a desperate plea for help, Rose sets off for Cornwall to help very concerned for Willow 's safety.
Told from the perspectives of Mainly Ava, Willows Birth Mother and Rose this is very tense. There's lots of unexpected twists and although a certain amount of concentration is needed to read this book it did pay off.
Rose's step-sister Willow is known for being a wanderer never staying in one place for long she is determined to find out who killed her birth mother.
When Rose receives a letter containing four photographs of male suspects and a desperate plea for help, Rose sets off for Cornwall to help very concerned for Willow 's safety.
Told from the perspectives of Mainly Ava, Willows Birth Mother and Rose this is very tense. There's lots of unexpected twists and although a certain amount of concentration is needed to read this book it did pay off.
October 26, 2019
I have read a couple of Amanda's books now and those I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed. I read the synopsis for her most recent book, 'Traces Of Her' which was released on 25th October 2019, and I was most intrigued. The book screamed 'you need to read me' at me and so I settled down with a nice cup of tea in one hand and the book in another hand and began to read. I finished reading it fairly recently and all I can say is 'wowzers'. I flipping well loved reading 'Traces Of Her' but more about that in a bit.
I really felt for the character of Willow, although it did take me a little while to warm to her. She is a young woman, who is a bit of a nomad in a sense. She often disappears for days and often weeks at a time and her step sister cannot help but worry about her. Willow lost her birth mother, after she died in tragic circumstances. Since then I get the impression that Willow has been a lost soul and drifts from place to place. Willow disappears again and her step sister Rose receives a phone call from Willow to say that she is in Cornwall, staying in a hotel, which has been paid for by a mysterious character, and she is making progress in her investigation into who killed her birth mother. Willow makes Rose agree to go to Cornwall so that she can tell Rose in person what she has found out. Rose can't help but fear for Willow's safety. This feeling intensifies when she receives four polaroids of men that Willow suspects of being involved in her mother's death. I could get where Willow was coming from in terms of wanting to find out who killed her mother and doing anything to find out. I kept everything crossed that Willow stayed safe and in one piece at the end of the book and that she discovered who or what had killed her mother. Does that happen? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I have to be honest and say that it took a little while to get into this book. To start with, I found that a lot of different characters seemed to be introduced into the story within a relative short space of time. I ended up having to flick back in the book a few times to keep track of who was who. I felt confused on occasion but then it doesn't take much to confuse me. Once I got into the story then that was it, I just couldn't put the book down. I was sufficiently intrigued to keep reading. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what really had happened to Willow's birth mother grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don't get me wrong I was pleased to finish because at least I knew how the story concluded but I was disappointed to finish the story because I was enjoying the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Traces Of Her' is well written and the author certainly knows how to grab your attention from pretty early on. Once Amanda has your attention, she will not let it go until the moment you turn the back cover as it were. Amanda has skilfully created a complex plot that will keep you gripped and on the edge of your seat throughout. I found that Amanda describes the characters and the storylines so well that I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself. The book is written using two different timelines and they switch back and forth with ease. One timeline describes events as they happened in the past to Willow and her birth mother and the other timelines describes present day events. I did wonder if that way of telling the story might be a bit confusing but I needn't have worried because the chapters interlinked really well and the story flowed seamlessly as a result.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Traces Of Her' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Amanda's work in the future. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I really felt for the character of Willow, although it did take me a little while to warm to her. She is a young woman, who is a bit of a nomad in a sense. She often disappears for days and often weeks at a time and her step sister cannot help but worry about her. Willow lost her birth mother, after she died in tragic circumstances. Since then I get the impression that Willow has been a lost soul and drifts from place to place. Willow disappears again and her step sister Rose receives a phone call from Willow to say that she is in Cornwall, staying in a hotel, which has been paid for by a mysterious character, and she is making progress in her investigation into who killed her birth mother. Willow makes Rose agree to go to Cornwall so that she can tell Rose in person what she has found out. Rose can't help but fear for Willow's safety. This feeling intensifies when she receives four polaroids of men that Willow suspects of being involved in her mother's death. I could get where Willow was coming from in terms of wanting to find out who killed her mother and doing anything to find out. I kept everything crossed that Willow stayed safe and in one piece at the end of the book and that she discovered who or what had killed her mother. Does that happen? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I have to be honest and say that it took a little while to get into this book. To start with, I found that a lot of different characters seemed to be introduced into the story within a relative short space of time. I ended up having to flick back in the book a few times to keep track of who was who. I felt confused on occasion but then it doesn't take much to confuse me. Once I got into the story then that was it, I just couldn't put the book down. I was sufficiently intrigued to keep reading. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what really had happened to Willow's birth mother grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don't get me wrong I was pleased to finish because at least I knew how the story concluded but I was disappointed to finish the story because I was enjoying the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Traces Of Her' is well written and the author certainly knows how to grab your attention from pretty early on. Once Amanda has your attention, she will not let it go until the moment you turn the back cover as it were. Amanda has skilfully created a complex plot that will keep you gripped and on the edge of your seat throughout. I found that Amanda describes the characters and the storylines so well that I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself. The book is written using two different timelines and they switch back and forth with ease. One timeline describes events as they happened in the past to Willow and her birth mother and the other timelines describes present day events. I did wonder if that way of telling the story might be a bit confusing but I needn't have worried because the chapters interlinked really well and the story flowed seamlessly as a result.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Traces Of Her' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Amanda's work in the future. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
October 25, 2019
A good psychological thriller, I enjoyed reading this book, I did get a little muddled with so many characters at times, but the overall story is very good. Well plotted well laid out. Told in a dual timeline, Ava from the past and Rose from the present. Rose is a headmistress living in Hertfordshire. She is used to her stepsister Willow disappearing, so has thought nothing of not hearing from her for a month. But when Willow does call, she sounds different, desperate. She is staying in a cottage in Cornwall and wants Rose to come and help her, she thinks she has found the person who killed her mother years ago. Rose also receives 4 photos of different men sent to her by Willow.
Rose and her daughter Becky drive down to Cornwall but when they reach the cottage Willow is nowhere to be found, Rose knows she wouldn’t have left, not with knowing that Rose was coming to her. Where is Willow?
So Rose starts looking for the men in the photographs to see if she can find where Willow is, and to gauge their reactions. Rose’s anxiety and paranoia at times, just ramps up the tension, keeping you turning the pages. It turns out Ava, Willows mum was full of secrets. She had had numerous relationships with different men. Rory, Peter, and Maxen which really makes them all suspects. Rory has a past history of being abusive and violent, so he has to be in the mix as main suspect, but then just as you think you are figuring things out along comes Gail, Rory’s wife. There are so many twists and turns in this story it makes you dizzy.
There are characters who aren’t what they say they are. The story is quite complex and involves a totally dysfunctional family, to say the least. With many secrets and lies.
If you like a psychological thriller with a twist at the end you won’t see coming then grab this book for a read. You may guess who the killer is or you may not. Depends how much of a detective you are.
I found the beginning a little slow, but once I got into the story it was fairly fast paced. There were characters I liked, and some I just didn’t. There a couple of bits that you actually thought why would you do that there’s a killer on the loose and you do that, really!
Overall a good read thank you to #netgalley and #HQdigital for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Rose and her daughter Becky drive down to Cornwall but when they reach the cottage Willow is nowhere to be found, Rose knows she wouldn’t have left, not with knowing that Rose was coming to her. Where is Willow?
So Rose starts looking for the men in the photographs to see if she can find where Willow is, and to gauge their reactions. Rose’s anxiety and paranoia at times, just ramps up the tension, keeping you turning the pages. It turns out Ava, Willows mum was full of secrets. She had had numerous relationships with different men. Rory, Peter, and Maxen which really makes them all suspects. Rory has a past history of being abusive and violent, so he has to be in the mix as main suspect, but then just as you think you are figuring things out along comes Gail, Rory’s wife. There are so many twists and turns in this story it makes you dizzy.
There are characters who aren’t what they say they are. The story is quite complex and involves a totally dysfunctional family, to say the least. With many secrets and lies.
If you like a psychological thriller with a twist at the end you won’t see coming then grab this book for a read. You may guess who the killer is or you may not. Depends how much of a detective you are.
I found the beginning a little slow, but once I got into the story it was fairly fast paced. There were characters I liked, and some I just didn’t. There a couple of bits that you actually thought why would you do that there’s a killer on the loose and you do that, really!
Overall a good read thank you to #netgalley and #HQdigital for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 2, 2020
I will confess at first I thought oh no, this is not the book for me, it's too chick-lit. But then there was a murder... yay!
The murder took place in the past, so this book runs along 2 timelines. It's a very complex, involved story, one you can't just leave in the middle of a chapter. In the past we have 2 sisters, forthright Gail and downtrodden Ava..... both of whom die on Gail's wedding day. Or do they? Only one body is found on the beach.
Present day is mainly about Willow, daughter of one of the dead women, and her extended adopted family. She's lured to Cornwall where a cottage is rented for her, and sent a package with photos of 4 men inside, and the note.... one of these killed your mother.
Willow asks older step-sister to join her, but when Roose and her teenage daughter arrive, Willow is missing. And someone keeps loitering outside the cottage. But help is at hand from a local police officer (or is it?) who was on the original murder investigation.
This is a really engaging mystery story, brilliantly told and though I'm not normally a fan of time-hopping in stories, I didn't find it confusing at all. This was my first Amanda Brittany book but I'm sure it wont be my last.
The murder took place in the past, so this book runs along 2 timelines. It's a very complex, involved story, one you can't just leave in the middle of a chapter. In the past we have 2 sisters, forthright Gail and downtrodden Ava..... both of whom die on Gail's wedding day. Or do they? Only one body is found on the beach.
Present day is mainly about Willow, daughter of one of the dead women, and her extended adopted family. She's lured to Cornwall where a cottage is rented for her, and sent a package with photos of 4 men inside, and the note.... one of these killed your mother.
Willow asks older step-sister to join her, but when Roose and her teenage daughter arrive, Willow is missing. And someone keeps loitering outside the cottage. But help is at hand from a local police officer (or is it?) who was on the original murder investigation.
This is a really engaging mystery story, brilliantly told and though I'm not normally a fan of time-hopping in stories, I didn't find it confusing at all. This was my first Amanda Brittany book but I'm sure it wont be my last.
January 9, 2020
This book has some of the things I dislike; multiple point of view in first and third, mysterious point of view, teenager, past and present point of view, and yet, I was hook from the beginning.
The writing style was the main contributor as it flows with a pace that kept building with suspense and even though you probably have guessed the plot, the rapist, the killer, it wasn't something you abadoned half-way.
Willow was on a quest to finding out about her past. And Rose was the ever doting sister, more than a decade apart in age mind you, was willing to help carry on that quest. That was another thing I like about this book; the bond between this sisters who were not related by blood.
Rose was accompanied by her daughter and surprisingly, I like Becky. She wasn't annoying for a teen. She was sometimes the voice of reason for Rose. A 15 going to 30, according to Rose.
This book is proof that you do not need complicated plot with mind-numbing twist to hook readers. Sometimes simple is better.
The writing style was the main contributor as it flows with a pace that kept building with suspense and even though you probably have guessed the plot, the rapist, the killer, it wasn't something you abadoned half-way.
Willow was on a quest to finding out about her past. And Rose was the ever doting sister, more than a decade apart in age mind you, was willing to help carry on that quest. That was another thing I like about this book; the bond between this sisters who were not related by blood.
Rose was accompanied by her daughter and surprisingly, I like Becky. She wasn't annoying for a teen. She was sometimes the voice of reason for Rose. A 15 going to 30, according to Rose.
This book is proof that you do not need complicated plot with mind-numbing twist to hook readers. Sometimes simple is better.
April 8, 2020
So this was my sixth quarantine read! I must say this was THE most exciting thriller that I’ve read in a few months. We are taken through a supposed double murder from the early two thousands. That’s all I can tell you without giving away this incredible plot. The novel is told between two different timelines; and through the voices of four characters. This book is so captivating I literally did not put it down for three days. The mystery is set in a British seaside town that really sets the scene for everything that goes on during the book. If you are a thriller buff this is absolutely the perfect read for you. I came across this book as a free special kindle edition; and honestly it was the best surprise quarantine has had to offer so far. I got this one for free but I would have paid any price for a story this exciting!
November 21, 2019
2nd story by this author, enjoyed the 1st more.
I had a hard time getting into this story, the writing on this one threw me off for some reason. Plus there were a lot of characters and events to keep track of. I found myself going back and rereading sections in the beginning. After a while I picked up speed.
I did like the format as far as alternate narrators and timelines. I enjoyed the sections from the past more than the present.
There were some twists but the final reveal? Wow, did not see that coming at all! It was a bit crazy but I enjoyed it nonetheless... Overall, it was entertaining!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for a review.
I had a hard time getting into this story, the writing on this one threw me off for some reason. Plus there were a lot of characters and events to keep track of. I found myself going back and rereading sections in the beginning. After a while I picked up speed.
I did like the format as far as alternate narrators and timelines. I enjoyed the sections from the past more than the present.
There were some twists but the final reveal? Wow, did not see that coming at all! It was a bit crazy but I enjoyed it nonetheless... Overall, it was entertaining!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for a review.
June 5, 2022
Oh how I love Amanda Brittany. Her writing is so addictive.
In true Amanda style she has you hooked from page 1 and I couldn't put the book down.
All the characters in the book were really well developed and you really felt like you knew them, that you were there in the story. I really enjoyed the direction this book went in and as with all of the other books of Amanda's I've read, I got the killer wrong again.
Another easy 5⭐ read from Amanda.
In true Amanda style she has you hooked from page 1 and I couldn't put the book down.
All the characters in the book were really well developed and you really felt like you knew them, that you were there in the story. I really enjoyed the direction this book went in and as with all of the other books of Amanda's I've read, I got the killer wrong again.
Another easy 5⭐ read from Amanda.
April 1, 2023
4 stars! I really enjoyed this book. It had some unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters, and the pace of the book was good too. I listened to the audio book.
September 3, 2020
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 believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
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.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
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.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 92 reviews