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Hudson Bell #1
A Lifetime Ago
This is a tale about how the events of one day have such catastrophic consequences on the future.
Hudson Bell is a consultant for the police. A former DI, he spends his days helping to find missing children.
May and her son go on a road trip to celebrate his birthday; Robert and Nadia buy their dream house by the sea.
But as each look to enjoy a new life, none of them can shake off what happened on that fateful day. One of them blames the others and will stop at nothing to seek revenge.
One accident and five lives changed forever.
Hudson Bell is a consultant for the police. A former DI, he spends his days helping to find missing children.
May and her son go on a road trip to celebrate his birthday; Robert and Nadia buy their dream house by the sea.
But as each look to enjoy a new life, none of them can shake off what happened on that fateful day. One of them blames the others and will stop at nothing to seek revenge.
One accident and five lives changed forever.
380 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2020
13 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Jim Ody
42 books161 followersJim spent 10 years writing music reviews and interviewing bands for a rock music website. He also contributed lifestyle and comedic features and poems to a number of websites.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 22, 2020
A lifetime ago by Jim Ody.
This is Hudson Bell book 1.
A very enjoyable read with some good characters. Hudson was my favourite character. I liked how Hudson and Jez were. I liked May. I wasn't sure about the other characters. I did like the story. The ending did surprise me. Looking forward to the next book. 4*.
This is Hudson Bell book 1.
A very enjoyable read with some good characters. Hudson was my favourite character. I liked how Hudson and Jez were. I liked May. I wasn't sure about the other characters. I did like the story. The ending did surprise me. Looking forward to the next book. 4*.
July 11, 2022
Written in short chapters with different POVs ,interesting characters and with a surprise and unexpected ending, this was an enjoyable mystery to watch unravel. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series .
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
August 22, 2020
This book was hard for me to put down. It was a very intriguing read following Hudson Bell through his days of trying to help locate missing children. When it came to the case of Darren I certainly thought I had it all figured out and was surprised to find out that I was wrong.
There is some serious build up in this story that kept me flipping through the pages to find out what happened next. Every time I thought I had things figured out there would be another twist in the story. Closing in on the end there was yet another huge, unexpected twist that completely blew my mind!
Ody demonstrates some superb writing skills in this book. All the unexpected twists, the heart break, and the strong characters. It's fabulous! Hudson really stood out and was a very likeable character. I cannot wait to check out more in this series. A Lifetime Ago is easily one of my favorite reads for this year!
There is some serious build up in this story that kept me flipping through the pages to find out what happened next. Every time I thought I had things figured out there would be another twist in the story. Closing in on the end there was yet another huge, unexpected twist that completely blew my mind!
Ody demonstrates some superb writing skills in this book. All the unexpected twists, the heart break, and the strong characters. It's fabulous! Hudson really stood out and was a very likeable character. I cannot wait to check out more in this series. A Lifetime Ago is easily one of my favorite reads for this year!
April 30, 2020
A brilliant start to a new series in which we are introduced to Hudson Bell who has had to leave his job in the Police but still works with them as a consultant in missing children cases. Robert and Nadia have decided to move by the sea into their dream home. May and her son Blaine embark on a road trip which doesn't turn out as they expect. What links all these different people together? Why have they all decided to go in a different direction?
Loved all the sub plots that threaded into the main story and Hudson and his sidekick Jez make for a fabulous funny pair! This brought slivers of light into the darker parts of this book. Patiently waiting to see what the next instalment brings! A five star read for me!
Loved all the sub plots that threaded into the main story and Hudson and his sidekick Jez make for a fabulous funny pair! This brought slivers of light into the darker parts of this book. Patiently waiting to see what the next instalment brings! A five star read for me!
August 23, 2020
This is a great crime and it’s the first of a new series for me.
Hudson is attending a support group due to something that happened and we get to find out what this was towards the end of the book.
He’s back with the Police as a consultant and is enjoying it more as he doesn’t find it as stressful. One case that’s been bugging him is a young child who was snatched from a park and he’s keen to find him.
Alongside this story is that of May and Blaine who seem to be running from something.
Plus there’s Jez who’s Hudson’s go to guy and he has a great sense of humour.
The book comes to a nail biting conclusion as the hunt for Darren intensifies. I loved the ending and look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thanks to Jim Ody for sending me a copy of the book to read.
Hudson is attending a support group due to something that happened and we get to find out what this was towards the end of the book.
He’s back with the Police as a consultant and is enjoying it more as he doesn’t find it as stressful. One case that’s been bugging him is a young child who was snatched from a park and he’s keen to find him.
Alongside this story is that of May and Blaine who seem to be running from something.
Plus there’s Jez who’s Hudson’s go to guy and he has a great sense of humour.
The book comes to a nail biting conclusion as the hunt for Darren intensifies. I loved the ending and look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thanks to Jim Ody for sending me a copy of the book to read.
August 26, 2020
Awesome book had you gripped from begining to end with a surprise ending would definitely recommend to those who enjoys a mystery with a twist but be prepared not to be able to put it down
March 13, 2020
When Hudson Bell has to leave his position as DI in the police force, he still works with them but as a consultant and looking into the disappearances of children.
Robert and Nadia move to live by the sea in their dream home but are still shaken by the past.
May takes her son, Blaine on a road trip where events put a stop to their travels. What has occurred to change their lifestyle?
What has happened to these people to change all their lives?
The author has made a great start to this new series.
I enjoyed the story and the different plots surrounding the storyline. The author has some great characters and has also written their flaws and their motivations into the story, which for me, made the characters seem more real. I liked the friendship between Hudson and his colleague, Jez. They worked well together but there was also great banter between them. It was good to have some humour alongside the darker parts of the book.
Robert and Nadia move to live by the sea in their dream home but are still shaken by the past.
May takes her son, Blaine on a road trip where events put a stop to their travels. What has occurred to change their lifestyle?
What has happened to these people to change all their lives?
The author has made a great start to this new series.
I enjoyed the story and the different plots surrounding the storyline. The author has some great characters and has also written their flaws and their motivations into the story, which for me, made the characters seem more real. I liked the friendship between Hudson and his colleague, Jez. They worked well together but there was also great banter between them. It was good to have some humour alongside the darker parts of the book.
April 26, 2024
A very clever mystery with plenty of twists & red herrings!
Very smooth introduction of different POVs at the start, they flowed one to the other so well, and I think the whole book kept up a very good pace in the plot development & atmosphere. I also love the vernacular and how unmistakably British it was (I say as a Brit myself).
I really love Hudson, and am keen to see how he develops in future books. I also think that there were so many characters in this book that I really liked, even despite (or possibly because of) their flaws - they’ve all been through a lot of pain, and Jim Ody captured that beautifully in each of them!
It was slightly difficult to get a handle on the timelines but I got there in the end. I would also say it would have been nice if the descriptor ‘exotic’ hadn’t been used three separate times to describe one of the few non-white characters - but that was likely more of a deliberate reflection of the characters’ attitudes (in objectifying her) than the author’s!
There are quite a few dark topics covered that may be upsetting for some readers, so I will list some Content Warnings here for those who find them helpful - but those who want to avoid spoilers, look away now!:
**Content Warnings:
Very smooth introduction of different POVs at the start, they flowed one to the other so well, and I think the whole book kept up a very good pace in the plot development & atmosphere. I also love the vernacular and how unmistakably British it was (I say as a Brit myself).
I really love Hudson, and am keen to see how he develops in future books. I also think that there were so many characters in this book that I really liked, even despite (or possibly because of) their flaws - they’ve all been through a lot of pain, and Jim Ody captured that beautifully in each of them!
It was slightly difficult to get a handle on the timelines but I got there in the end. I would also say it would have been nice if the descriptor ‘exotic’ hadn’t been used three separate times to describe one of the few non-white characters - but that was likely more of a deliberate reflection of the characters’ attitudes (in objectifying her) than the author’s!
There are quite a few dark topics covered that may be upsetting for some readers, so I will list some Content Warnings here for those who find them helpful - but those who want to avoid spoilers, look away now!:
**Content Warnings:
September 20, 2021
I’d like to thank Zoe from Zooloo’s Book Tours for arranging this tour and inviting me to take part. With Jim Ody being a fellow Swindonian how could I not take part in his blog tour and help promote a local book? I recently read another of Jim Ody’s books and enjoyed it so I had high expectations for this one.
At less than 300 pages this book could easily be read in one sitting, which is exactly what I did. I was completely absorbed in the case and could not tear myself away. Jim Ody introduces us to a mix bag of characters, most of which have been deeply affected by an incident that happened a few years ago.
Of all the characters my favourite was Jez. He had a sense of humour like no other and his choice of clothing kept me very amused. He brought a lighter touch to the story and was a great sidekick for Hudson. Our main man Hudson was very interesting. As the story progresses you learn more about his past and why he is so obsessed with missing children cases. I thought the way Hudson handled himself and the case was very professional and could see why he was such a good police officer previously.
The story flicks back and forth between current events and the incident. I really enjoyed how the story unravelled and found myself second guessing my assumptions frequently. Just when I thought I had figured it out Jim Ody threw in another curveball and the final revelation was one I hadn’t expected.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that was not only entertaining but addictive. I will definitely be checking out the next book the series straight away!
At less than 300 pages this book could easily be read in one sitting, which is exactly what I did. I was completely absorbed in the case and could not tear myself away. Jim Ody introduces us to a mix bag of characters, most of which have been deeply affected by an incident that happened a few years ago.
Of all the characters my favourite was Jez. He had a sense of humour like no other and his choice of clothing kept me very amused. He brought a lighter touch to the story and was a great sidekick for Hudson. Our main man Hudson was very interesting. As the story progresses you learn more about his past and why he is so obsessed with missing children cases. I thought the way Hudson handled himself and the case was very professional and could see why he was such a good police officer previously.
The story flicks back and forth between current events and the incident. I really enjoyed how the story unravelled and found myself second guessing my assumptions frequently. Just when I thought I had figured it out Jim Ody threw in another curveball and the final revelation was one I hadn’t expected.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that was not only entertaining but addictive. I will definitely be checking out the next book the series straight away!
March 27, 2021
A Lifetime Ago is a psychological thriller that weaves together three storylines into one. First, we have Hudson Bell. Retired from the police after an incident left him unable to cope, he now consults on missing children's cases. Second is May, on a birthday trip with her son. There's something not quite right about the woman and her too quiet son. Third is Robert and Nadia, who are starting afresh in their dream home. Something that happened in their past plague each one, binding them together, but the question that remains throughout the story is how and why are these people linked.
Hudson was a real standout character. His determination for justice for the missing children's cases he consults on makes him a very likeable character, even though he's a little grumpy.
May was also an intriguing character, even though I found her motives at times a little questionable.
The pace of the book is fast and furious, with plenty of mystery to keep you turning those pages.
I feel the ending was a little rushed and left me with a few questions, but of course that's just my opinion.
A Lifetime Ago is a quick and intense read, with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way.
Hudson was a real standout character. His determination for justice for the missing children's cases he consults on makes him a very likeable character, even though he's a little grumpy.
May was also an intriguing character, even though I found her motives at times a little questionable.
The pace of the book is fast and furious, with plenty of mystery to keep you turning those pages.
I feel the ending was a little rushed and left me with a few questions, but of course that's just my opinion.
A Lifetime Ago is a quick and intense read, with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way.
August 26, 2020
This started off quite sedately, with the author slowly building the storyline through the interweaving of multiple threads. But at first you're not sure how those lives interconnect. I liked the protagonist, damaged by all that he's seen but still determined to do right by those that need his help. And Jez was an interesting counterpoint, I could visualise him bouncing about like a frog on speed, especially when he and Hudson take a road trip relating to the case they're working. It's as though his social skills are stunted as a result of his technological expertise. I certainly didn't see the end coming, thought I'd figured out who was responsible, but then the revelation at the end had me reeling. I received this book as an ARC in return for posting an honest review which I am more than happy to do. Look forward to seeing where the series will take Hudson........
September 4, 2020
A powerful start to what has the makings of a great series. Initially I was confused as to the timelines and how, if at all, the different characters and scenarios were related. I felt myself siding with certain characters and being more drawn to them and excited to see where there part of the story went. By the time the different characters start to align in the story and you think you know where this is heading - BOOM - a twist I certainly didn't see coming.
I do feel as though the book was "Americanised" to a certain extent and that in parts some uncommon (or fancy) words were used that felt a little out of place. But, on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to see how the main character(s) develop and where the series goes.
Overall, A thoroughly enjoyable read, fast paced, interesting and gritty.
I do feel as though the book was "Americanised" to a certain extent and that in parts some uncommon (or fancy) words were used that felt a little out of place. But, on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to see how the main character(s) develop and where the series goes.
Overall, A thoroughly enjoyable read, fast paced, interesting and gritty.
August 25, 2020
This book drew you in well, ensuring you had plenty of questions you wanted answers to. At first it was puzzling getting the story from 3 points of view but it was clear these would all intertwine at some point. The character development was good and made the reader empathise (sometimes misguidedly) with each of their situations. I enjoyed the book and would definitely read more, the only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars is that the ending felt rushed and there were many details left unexplained. It felt like more specific detail was needed and perhaps an epilogue to give the story a clearer ending.
The way the three stories eventually entwine is clever and mostly unexpected but the details needed developing- it ended a little too abruptly.
The way the three stories eventually entwine is clever and mostly unexpected but the details needed developing- it ended a little too abruptly.
August 30, 2020
This is the second of Jim Ody's books I've read and I've not been disappointed.
I love how the story unfolds with different characters and ends with such drama, it's enticing and intriguing.
Its the kind of book that you can feel something is coming but you don't know what it is.
This book is another one where, when there is a change in character the name of the character is the chapter name and I think this great for working out who is who especially at the beginning when you're getting to know them
I really enjoyed this book I always think when reading a book how interesting it is how each writer describes people differently, but in some ways they are similar.
Thank you Jim for another great book. I see this is one of 3 so I look forward to reading the others too to find out what happens.
I love how the story unfolds with different characters and ends with such drama, it's enticing and intriguing.
Its the kind of book that you can feel something is coming but you don't know what it is.
This book is another one where, when there is a change in character the name of the character is the chapter name and I think this great for working out who is who especially at the beginning when you're getting to know them
I really enjoyed this book I always think when reading a book how interesting it is how each writer describes people differently, but in some ways they are similar.
Thank you Jim for another great book. I see this is one of 3 so I look forward to reading the others too to find out what happens.
September 3, 2020
Hudson Bell is a consultant for the police. A former DI, he spends his days helping to find missing children.
May and her son go on a road trip to celebrate his birthday; Robert and Nadia buy their dream house by the sea.
But as each look to enjoy a new life, none of them can shake off what happened on that fateful day. One of them blames the others and will stop at nothing to seek revenge.
One accident and five lives changed forever.
It took me a couple chapters to get into as it jumps from character to character but as soon as it mentioned accident it got my attention and I was trying to figure out what accident? And I wanted to know more as I read on I was on the edge of my seat. Absolutely loved this book and to say was shocked at the end but I can't wait to see what happens next for Hudson.
May and her son go on a road trip to celebrate his birthday; Robert and Nadia buy their dream house by the sea.
But as each look to enjoy a new life, none of them can shake off what happened on that fateful day. One of them blames the others and will stop at nothing to seek revenge.
One accident and five lives changed forever.
It took me a couple chapters to get into as it jumps from character to character but as soon as it mentioned accident it got my attention and I was trying to figure out what accident? And I wanted to know more as I read on I was on the edge of my seat. Absolutely loved this book and to say was shocked at the end but I can't wait to see what happens next for Hudson.
September 9, 2020
From reading the blurb of this book I knew without a doubt that this book was right up my street - and I wasn't wrong.
I devoured it in the space of 2 evenings - if it wasn't for the fact I have 2 small children at home, it would have been done in one.
Fast paced that left me keeping on reading, and guessing how all these people's lives were connected.
I thought I had actually guessed it early on , but nope I couldn't have been more wrong !
I had never even heard of this author before so a totally new author to me, but I loved it and will be purchasing the 2nd in this series asap.
5/5 without a doubt ❤️
I devoured it in the space of 2 evenings - if it wasn't for the fact I have 2 small children at home, it would have been done in one.
Fast paced that left me keeping on reading, and guessing how all these people's lives were connected.
I thought I had actually guessed it early on , but nope I couldn't have been more wrong !
I had never even heard of this author before so a totally new author to me, but I loved it and will be purchasing the 2nd in this series asap.
5/5 without a doubt ❤️
August 31, 2020
Great Red
This is the first of Jim Ody's that I have read but it certainly won't be the last. From the very beginning I was hooked. I loved the relationship between the main character Hudson and his side kick Jez . Although dealing with the serious issue of finding missing children the writer also manages to build humour into their relationship. The book was full of twists and turns adjust when I thought I had worked it out another twist appeared, this continued right to the end! I would definitely recommend this book.
This is the first of Jim Ody's that I have read but it certainly won't be the last. From the very beginning I was hooked. I loved the relationship between the main character Hudson and his side kick Jez . Although dealing with the serious issue of finding missing children the writer also manages to build humour into their relationship. The book was full of twists and turns adjust when I thought I had worked it out another twist appeared, this continued right to the end! I would definitely recommend this book.
August 5, 2020
I am struggling a bit with reviewing this one. I really wanted to love this book as I liked the premise and the general storyline, and have to say that it was full of twists and turns, but I didn't warm to any of the characters. I felt at times that there were some descriptions that were unnecessary and at times a little offensive, and it just wasn't for me. Having said that it definitely has twists and turns and I am sure that others would really enjoy it.
August 23, 2020
In the main I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great twist at the end, which I did not see coming. The only point I'd question in the plot was a scenario near the beginning, and how realistic it was. (I've dropped one star for this.) Otherwise a really good read, when I first picked it up I read half the book in one sitting so it keeps you gripped. Looking forward to the second book in the series, to see how Hudson's character develops.
August 19, 2020
Fantastic book!!! This book was very hard to put down. I was able to read it in one day. I was intrigued the whole book. I could not put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I felt like I was part of a real life child hunt and I couldn't put the book down until the child was found. I thought I had the whole book figured out but at the end I was shocked. There is no way I would had guessed how the book ended. I felt like the ending was rushed though and would had liked to read a few more chapters but it did not hurt how great the book was. I highly recommend this book to mystery and thriller lovers.
September 3, 2020
I felt that the book was overall a good book although I struggled to find any connection with the characters until at least halfway loved the ending it left me with questions like how Robert didn't realize what happened?
My full review can be found on my blog
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
My full review can be found on my blog
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
October 11, 2020
3*
A new author to me.
There are several characters all with secrets which are constantly hinted at but irritatingly not revealed until the end.
Jez comes across as though on the spectrum. He is a likeable character.
Hudson, it’s hard to know what to make of him as again there’s a secret.
A quick easy but frustrating read. I didn’t see the end coming at all.
A new author to me.
There are several characters all with secrets which are constantly hinted at but irritatingly not revealed until the end.
Jez comes across as though on the spectrum. He is a likeable character.
Hudson, it’s hard to know what to make of him as again there’s a secret.
A quick easy but frustrating read. I didn’t see the end coming at all.
August 24, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once started I could not put it down. Although the writing style was different and not what I am used to I liked the way it all fitted together in the end. I can not wait for the next installment.
I have discovered a new likeable character in Hudson Bell.
I have discovered a new likeable character in Hudson Bell.
August 27, 2020
Wow what a great read, hard to put down, I thought in the beginning it jumped a bit,however this was needed for the plot, I loved how it all came together with a great twist at the end, can't wait for the 2nd book
August 31, 2020
In really enjoyed this book. Hudson and Jez are great characters and I look forward to reading more books that feature them, I am sure they can grow together. My only thoughts would be the very abrupt ending which left so many questions unanswered and some of the characters name choices.
September 1, 2020
Read in August 2020
A new author to me in this genre. I was quickly drawn in & keen to know more about Hudson Bell and his story. Characters were slowly introduced and built up during each chapter. Initially I couldn't see how the characters were related which made me want to continue reading to find out. I didn't join all the dots until revealed which is a bonus to me! Wasn't keen on May and felt parts of her chapters a bit far fetched but on the whole enjoyed the book. I requested this book as an ARC and committed to writing an honest review. Look forward to seeing how the series grows.
A new author to me in this genre. I was quickly drawn in & keen to know more about Hudson Bell and his story. Characters were slowly introduced and built up during each chapter. Initially I couldn't see how the characters were related which made me want to continue reading to find out. I didn't join all the dots until revealed which is a bonus to me! Wasn't keen on May and felt parts of her chapters a bit far fetched but on the whole enjoyed the book. I requested this book as an ARC and committed to writing an honest review. Look forward to seeing how the series grows.
November 30, 2022
Pretty regular cop drama, not my usual thing. However, reasonably well written and the characters definitely pulled at my heart strings and kept me engaged. Would have liked it more if the one brown character wasn't constantly referred to as exotic.
August 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Brilliant characters and the storyline kept me gripped. Looking forward to reading more by this Author. I would highly recommend it
August 28, 2020
Having not read this author before I was not sure what to expect but I will definitely be reading the next in the series! A great story with with lots of twists and turn right to the end!
August 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed A Lifetime Ago. It kept me focused throughout and each character came to life. My breath caught in my throat with the twists and the ending was a big surprise. I was left wondering what happened to one of the main characters though. Thoroughly recommend this book and will follow Hudson.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews