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Dishonoured
WE’RE ALL ONE MISTAKE FROM RUIN…
Dan has worked hard for the perfect life.
He has a loving wife, beautiful kids, a fabulous home and is a successful businessman.
But one afternoon he steps onto a train with a stranger.
It was a simple mistake…
Four stops later, Dan is a criminal who has lost everything.
Someone hates him enough to destroy him.
Through a web of lies and deceit Dan battles to win his life back.
Dishonoured is a compelling psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
A new take on the familiar psychological thriller with a male protagonist and a cast of characters that will keep the reader guessing right to the very end.
Perfect for readers of Lisa Jewell, Teresa Driscoll and Erin Kelly.
Dan has worked hard for the perfect life.
He has a loving wife, beautiful kids, a fabulous home and is a successful businessman.
But one afternoon he steps onto a train with a stranger.
It was a simple mistake…
Four stops later, Dan is a criminal who has lost everything.
Someone hates him enough to destroy him.
Through a web of lies and deceit Dan battles to win his life back.
Dishonoured is a compelling psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
A new take on the familiar psychological thriller with a male protagonist and a cast of characters that will keep the reader guessing right to the very end.
Perfect for readers of Lisa Jewell, Teresa Driscoll and Erin Kelly.
- GenresThriller
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2021
About the author
Jem Tugwell
7 books40 followersJem Tugwell is a crime fiction author with a Crime Writing MA from City University. In a past life, Jem had a successful career in IT and investment management. He lives in Surrey with his wife and has two great children. Outside of his family and writing, Jem's loves are snowboarding, old cars and bikes.
Jem is inspired by the law of unintended consequences, the fascinating possibilities of technology and all the things that might happen.
Jem’s books include:
DISHONOURED - In this psychological thriller, Dan’s world is pulled from under him in a single moment - now he has to fight for family.
iMe Series – near future detective crime thrillers:
PROXIMITY (Book 1) – When years of embedded technology have eradicated crime, DI Clive Lussac finally has a case to challenge him.
NO SIGNAL (Book 2) – Clive and Zoe are back on the trail of four gamers with a hidden agenda.
You can find out more about Jem and his books at www.jemtugwell.com, on Twitter @JemTugwell or Facebook JemTugwellAuthor
Jem is inspired by the law of unintended consequences, the fascinating possibilities of technology and all the things that might happen.
Jem’s books include:
DISHONOURED - In this psychological thriller, Dan’s world is pulled from under him in a single moment - now he has to fight for family.
iMe Series – near future detective crime thrillers:
PROXIMITY (Book 1) – When years of embedded technology have eradicated crime, DI Clive Lussac finally has a case to challenge him.
NO SIGNAL (Book 2) – Clive and Zoe are back on the trail of four gamers with a hidden agenda.
You can find out more about Jem and his books at www.jemtugwell.com, on Twitter @JemTugwell or Facebook JemTugwellAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 31, 2020
Tightly written and plotted psycho thriller with a male protagonist, sizeable pool of suspects and a lightning pace!
After success with his crime thrillers set in the near future, Jem Tugwell has ventured into the psychological thriller genre in Dishonoured which features a male protagonist, still something of a novelty in a fictional landscape replete with betrayed females! The result is a refreshing and punchy novel that rattles along with a healthily number of credible suspects encouraging reader involvement, not to mention a well-drawn and sincere central protagonist.
Dan Mendoza has worked hard for everything he has and encountered more than a few hurdles along the way. After the death of his parents and first wife within four years of becoming a father to Paul he has rebuilt his life and found happiness again with second wife, Felicity, and as a father to two more children. After signing a deal to sell the investment management firm that he and his three partners founded and about to make him a millionaire several times over he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and the comfort that comes with ensured financial security. That all changes in the blink of an eye when despite obeying his one drink limit at the celebratory lunch a shocking incident occurs on his way home that leaves his livelihood, marriage and reputation in tatters.
Convinced that someone has set him up and yet branded a criminal Dan is unable to stop the frighteningly plausible downward spiral that his life begins to take with huge implications on the fortune he was on the brink of receiving and how is perceived by society. But Dan is nobody’s fool and with assistance in the form of two Community Payback allies and some unorthodox detective work he begins a top-down approach to assessing the viable suspects in his life. Narrated from several perspectives it is the first person account of tenacious Dan which predominates as he logically follows the money to see who gained from his destruction and leads him to scrutinise colleagues, competitors and even his wife. A flawed character and well aware that his dedication to his career has meant missing out on family life I found Dan incredibly sympathetic.
Short chapters and direct action as opposed to emotional angst and hand-wringing keeps the revelations coming and the story unfolding. The prose throughout is spare and Tugwell wastes few words with Dan’s emphasis on being pro-active as opposed to simply letting things unfold as a bystander and I was a huge fan of this style. One thing I particularly admired is that everything Dan uncovers, and the way he goes about it, is plausible and in this way the story feels grounded in reality and makes for an altogether more involving read. A cracking novel and believable investigation, all in just over 250 pages with a well-disguised twist that I certainly did not see coming!
After success with his crime thrillers set in the near future, Jem Tugwell has ventured into the psychological thriller genre in Dishonoured which features a male protagonist, still something of a novelty in a fictional landscape replete with betrayed females! The result is a refreshing and punchy novel that rattles along with a healthily number of credible suspects encouraging reader involvement, not to mention a well-drawn and sincere central protagonist.
Dan Mendoza has worked hard for everything he has and encountered more than a few hurdles along the way. After the death of his parents and first wife within four years of becoming a father to Paul he has rebuilt his life and found happiness again with second wife, Felicity, and as a father to two more children. After signing a deal to sell the investment management firm that he and his three partners founded and about to make him a millionaire several times over he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and the comfort that comes with ensured financial security. That all changes in the blink of an eye when despite obeying his one drink limit at the celebratory lunch a shocking incident occurs on his way home that leaves his livelihood, marriage and reputation in tatters.
Convinced that someone has set him up and yet branded a criminal Dan is unable to stop the frighteningly plausible downward spiral that his life begins to take with huge implications on the fortune he was on the brink of receiving and how is perceived by society. But Dan is nobody’s fool and with assistance in the form of two Community Payback allies and some unorthodox detective work he begins a top-down approach to assessing the viable suspects in his life. Narrated from several perspectives it is the first person account of tenacious Dan which predominates as he logically follows the money to see who gained from his destruction and leads him to scrutinise colleagues, competitors and even his wife. A flawed character and well aware that his dedication to his career has meant missing out on family life I found Dan incredibly sympathetic.
Short chapters and direct action as opposed to emotional angst and hand-wringing keeps the revelations coming and the story unfolding. The prose throughout is spare and Tugwell wastes few words with Dan’s emphasis on being pro-active as opposed to simply letting things unfold as a bystander and I was a huge fan of this style. One thing I particularly admired is that everything Dan uncovers, and the way he goes about it, is plausible and in this way the story feels grounded in reality and makes for an altogether more involving read. A cracking novel and believable investigation, all in just over 250 pages with a well-disguised twist that I certainly did not see coming!
January 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this pacey thriller that shows how fragile one’s life can be, even when you think you have it all. There were plenty of twists and turns and, as for the final quarter of the novel, I really could not believe what I was reading!
The story definitely begins with a bang. I could not believe how Dan is entrapped on the Tube and was shocked at the nature of the crime. It was verging on being unbelievable and I really had to remind myself to go with it, for fear of being put off by the rest of the narrative. Obvious that Dan is being framed for something, especially when he is fired from his high-exec job that costs him millions, the story follows Dan trying to determine who would want to see him fall from riches to rags.
With short chapters, this story certainly moves quickly. For the most part, this is about Dan investigating who could possibly want to destroy his life – surely he is an innocent victim? I think the dead-ends that Dan repeatedly finds himself at made me grow frustrated with the narrative development. It reflected Dan’s own feelings as he believes he is not making any progress with getting his life back to normal. It was only when the revelations started coming thick and fast in the final ten chapters did I become more invested in the narrative.
As the novel opened with feelings of disbelief, so did the closing. However, I found the ending really gripping and captured my attention. I could not have predicted how the story would conclude, especially as it felt that Dan had exhausted all his potential suspects. I liked the closing chapter, almost bringing the novel full circle, but I do feel it was lacking Dan’s Community Service acquaintances. They do become part of Dan’s life and provide him with help, so I thought it was a shame that Tugwell did not focus back on them.
If you are after a thrill that will raise your eyebrows, then definitely consider this offering from Tugwell. It was unpredictable and there were enough suspects that it was difficult to ascertain how the story would conclude.
With thanks to Serpentine books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story definitely begins with a bang. I could not believe how Dan is entrapped on the Tube and was shocked at the nature of the crime. It was verging on being unbelievable and I really had to remind myself to go with it, for fear of being put off by the rest of the narrative. Obvious that Dan is being framed for something, especially when he is fired from his high-exec job that costs him millions, the story follows Dan trying to determine who would want to see him fall from riches to rags.
With short chapters, this story certainly moves quickly. For the most part, this is about Dan investigating who could possibly want to destroy his life – surely he is an innocent victim? I think the dead-ends that Dan repeatedly finds himself at made me grow frustrated with the narrative development. It reflected Dan’s own feelings as he believes he is not making any progress with getting his life back to normal. It was only when the revelations started coming thick and fast in the final ten chapters did I become more invested in the narrative.
As the novel opened with feelings of disbelief, so did the closing. However, I found the ending really gripping and captured my attention. I could not have predicted how the story would conclude, especially as it felt that Dan had exhausted all his potential suspects. I liked the closing chapter, almost bringing the novel full circle, but I do feel it was lacking Dan’s Community Service acquaintances. They do become part of Dan’s life and provide him with help, so I thought it was a shame that Tugwell did not focus back on them.
If you are after a thrill that will raise your eyebrows, then definitely consider this offering from Tugwell. It was unpredictable and there were enough suspects that it was difficult to ascertain how the story would conclude.
With thanks to Serpentine books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2021
I discovered Jem Tugwell through his iMe series, and from the first pages, I knew he would become one of my favorite and go-to authors. Three book later, I can confirm each book is a hit!
Dishonoured is a standalone. Tell me say this again. A cracking standalone that delivers with an excellent writing! Before I discuss anything else, let’s stay on this subject for a while. Fiction is broadly divided into commercial and literary. The lines between those categories have begun blurring for many reasons, one being that readers are now looking for words that reach them right through the heart without but without needing a dictionary to understand metaphors and images! It can be tricky for some genres to get that literary feeling. Sometimes, when I pick a thriller, I just want action, a great mystery, and good characters. As long as the writing takes me there, all is fine. However, the more I read, the more I look for those talented (I won’t say gifted as I believe writing doesn’t come naturally. It requires too much work to think it is an inborn ability.) authors who can blend a genre, any genre, with the kind of narrative style that stay with you, whispers to your ears, create a vivid movie in your mind. Louise Jensen is a wonderful author who has mastered this art, and I am quite happy to say that Jem Tugwell has a knack for choosing his words so they have an powerful lasting impact!
So, now that we agree that the writing style alone is gold and a reason why you should get the book, let’s get to heart of Dishonoured.
Do you believe in fate? Bad luck? Those were the questions spinning in my head as I read about Dan. Perfect guy with a perfect life. Ha. Perfect should be banned from our vocabulary. Dan is pretty happy with his lot, a great job and more money that anyone needs, a wife and two kids, great partners, a house.
Don’t we say the higher the climb, the harder the fall?
How long do you think it takes for a life to crumble? Jem Tugwell reminds us it does not take long at all. One moment. One tiny moment. One crazy moment when time stops, and the worst happens. We do not spend a lot of time with happy Dan. We get a glimpse of his life and then we are propelled into the darkness. I have read many stories where lives unravel and characters hit rock bottom, but it never hit as much as it did for Dan. A snap of the finger and he’s in the gutter, so to speak. I found the way the author managed to make me care of a man in a few pages absolutely outstanding. Dan’s fate becomes darker with every page, but a twisted instinct mixed with an addictive (virtual) pen kept me reading. Emotions were surging – the unfairness of it all, the pain of seeing what you built be stolen from you, the anger. Every time I thought it could not possibly get worse, I was proved wrong! Jem Tugwell kept digging, but not without motivation. I never felt Dan was purely used to provide sadistic pleasure! In fact, the thicker the darkness, the better if felt when one light, then another, appeared. Yes, it does take time, but when you get punched over and over again for some time, you don’t see the end of the tunnel right away!
Dan gets a shot a discovering where it went wrong, and why. On this I will not say much except that the realism of his journey, the introduction of new characters, and the full shape of this part of the novel were strong and made sure I was getting more and more attached to the protagonists and their fate. I was fighting for justice too!
Now I am going to use a word that many of us are tired of. Twist. I know, I know! But hear me out. This book is filled with bumps in the road, sharp corners, a sense of threat, and many moments that surprised me. I really enjoyed the ride, as nothing was too far-fetched or added for the sake of drama. The simple fact everything in this novel could happen and create a domino effect that ruins a whole life is frightening, and it makes Dishonoured such a gripping story. Then, a big WHAT?! moment appeared out of nowhere. I mean it in the best possible way. I didn’t see it coming, but it was entirely plausible, totally unpredictable, absolutely AMAZING. One of those seconds when you go ‘wait, wait, what, no? Yes? YES!’ I am reluctant to call it a twist. Let’s call it a freaking hurricane! A storm that changed my entire views on everything I’d read so far. I couldn’t believe I’d been fooled this way. Will you?
Side note, if you’re read the iMe series, you’ll be happy to see a character make an appearance!
In a nutshell, Dishonoured is a high-quality thriller novel about what a split second can do and how the wheel of fate always turns…
Dishonoured is a standalone. Tell me say this again. A cracking standalone that delivers with an excellent writing! Before I discuss anything else, let’s stay on this subject for a while. Fiction is broadly divided into commercial and literary. The lines between those categories have begun blurring for many reasons, one being that readers are now looking for words that reach them right through the heart without but without needing a dictionary to understand metaphors and images! It can be tricky for some genres to get that literary feeling. Sometimes, when I pick a thriller, I just want action, a great mystery, and good characters. As long as the writing takes me there, all is fine. However, the more I read, the more I look for those talented (I won’t say gifted as I believe writing doesn’t come naturally. It requires too much work to think it is an inborn ability.) authors who can blend a genre, any genre, with the kind of narrative style that stay with you, whispers to your ears, create a vivid movie in your mind. Louise Jensen is a wonderful author who has mastered this art, and I am quite happy to say that Jem Tugwell has a knack for choosing his words so they have an powerful lasting impact!
So, now that we agree that the writing style alone is gold and a reason why you should get the book, let’s get to heart of Dishonoured.
Do you believe in fate? Bad luck? Those were the questions spinning in my head as I read about Dan. Perfect guy with a perfect life. Ha. Perfect should be banned from our vocabulary. Dan is pretty happy with his lot, a great job and more money that anyone needs, a wife and two kids, great partners, a house.
Don’t we say the higher the climb, the harder the fall?
How long do you think it takes for a life to crumble? Jem Tugwell reminds us it does not take long at all. One moment. One tiny moment. One crazy moment when time stops, and the worst happens. We do not spend a lot of time with happy Dan. We get a glimpse of his life and then we are propelled into the darkness. I have read many stories where lives unravel and characters hit rock bottom, but it never hit as much as it did for Dan. A snap of the finger and he’s in the gutter, so to speak. I found the way the author managed to make me care of a man in a few pages absolutely outstanding. Dan’s fate becomes darker with every page, but a twisted instinct mixed with an addictive (virtual) pen kept me reading. Emotions were surging – the unfairness of it all, the pain of seeing what you built be stolen from you, the anger. Every time I thought it could not possibly get worse, I was proved wrong! Jem Tugwell kept digging, but not without motivation. I never felt Dan was purely used to provide sadistic pleasure! In fact, the thicker the darkness, the better if felt when one light, then another, appeared. Yes, it does take time, but when you get punched over and over again for some time, you don’t see the end of the tunnel right away!
Dan gets a shot a discovering where it went wrong, and why. On this I will not say much except that the realism of his journey, the introduction of new characters, and the full shape of this part of the novel were strong and made sure I was getting more and more attached to the protagonists and their fate. I was fighting for justice too!
Now I am going to use a word that many of us are tired of. Twist. I know, I know! But hear me out. This book is filled with bumps in the road, sharp corners, a sense of threat, and many moments that surprised me. I really enjoyed the ride, as nothing was too far-fetched or added for the sake of drama. The simple fact everything in this novel could happen and create a domino effect that ruins a whole life is frightening, and it makes Dishonoured such a gripping story. Then, a big WHAT?! moment appeared out of nowhere. I mean it in the best possible way. I didn’t see it coming, but it was entirely plausible, totally unpredictable, absolutely AMAZING. One of those seconds when you go ‘wait, wait, what, no? Yes? YES!’ I am reluctant to call it a twist. Let’s call it a freaking hurricane! A storm that changed my entire views on everything I’d read so far. I couldn’t believe I’d been fooled this way. Will you?
Side note, if you’re read the iMe series, you’ll be happy to see a character make an appearance!
In a nutshell, Dishonoured is a high-quality thriller novel about what a split second can do and how the wheel of fate always turns…
January 15, 2021
Holy moly!! What an unimaginable beginning to the story. The author Jem Tugwell took me to the highest point of Dan’s life, then dropped me like a hot potato, revealing his lowest. What a beginning!! Scarily realistic and absolutely adrenaline filled.
My emotions, oh my emotions, they were in my throat, hitched. Fear, apprehension, worry for the protagonist coursed through me like a molten lava. My brain stopped working, imagining the circumstances, I wondered how his did. Hot and cold was what I felt while reading the story. Jem Tugwell really threw his protagonist into the deep end. Would he sink or swim?
With different POVs, it was Dan who was my beacon in the murky pathways of a Dishonoured life, though he did team up with unlikely partners to get to the center of web of deceits. Short, snappy chapters with a in-the-moment writing, giving me the twists and turns of his life, made this a fast read. Totally hooked to my kindle.
Tension and suspense permeated the book where the author kept me on tenderhooks, and the last few chapters had to be read while walking. I was just too stressed. And when the curtains were raised on the main plotter, I had to lift my jaw off the floor. If I thought the beginning was rocking, the ending completely blew me out the literary stratosphere. I stopped breathing!!
Who would have thought the author could be so brilliantly wicked!! My first book by this author, it was simply the best thriller-y ride. Be still, my heart!!
My emotions, oh my emotions, they were in my throat, hitched. Fear, apprehension, worry for the protagonist coursed through me like a molten lava. My brain stopped working, imagining the circumstances, I wondered how his did. Hot and cold was what I felt while reading the story. Jem Tugwell really threw his protagonist into the deep end. Would he sink or swim?
With different POVs, it was Dan who was my beacon in the murky pathways of a Dishonoured life, though he did team up with unlikely partners to get to the center of web of deceits. Short, snappy chapters with a in-the-moment writing, giving me the twists and turns of his life, made this a fast read. Totally hooked to my kindle.
Tension and suspense permeated the book where the author kept me on tenderhooks, and the last few chapters had to be read while walking. I was just too stressed. And when the curtains were raised on the main plotter, I had to lift my jaw off the floor. If I thought the beginning was rocking, the ending completely blew me out the literary stratosphere. I stopped breathing!!
Who would have thought the author could be so brilliantly wicked!! My first book by this author, it was simply the best thriller-y ride. Be still, my heart!!
December 24, 2020
Intense, interesting and insanely well written. A highly recommended read.
I felt for Dan.
The man has lost his job, his family, his home. I can only imagine the emotions that are rolling through him.
Now left with a criminal record (I'll let you read the novel to find out why) and coping with community service whilst living out of a hotel room, it is like he has nothing left to live for but everything to fight for.
I'm not sure what I would have done if I had been in the same position but I could certainly see why this seemingly down-trodden protagonist was making the decisions he was making, the attempts to try and gain the upper hand in such an unusual situation.
Jem has a unique way of writing because although as with all crime books we are still searching for the answer to who done it, in these stories the answer is so well hidden, you literally won't see the answer until it is right in your face.
The shock factor is 100 percent and beyond!
I wish you could have seen my face as I was reading the last third of the book. All I can say is well played my friend, well played.
I felt for Dan.
The man has lost his job, his family, his home. I can only imagine the emotions that are rolling through him.
Now left with a criminal record (I'll let you read the novel to find out why) and coping with community service whilst living out of a hotel room, it is like he has nothing left to live for but everything to fight for.
I'm not sure what I would have done if I had been in the same position but I could certainly see why this seemingly down-trodden protagonist was making the decisions he was making, the attempts to try and gain the upper hand in such an unusual situation.
Jem has a unique way of writing because although as with all crime books we are still searching for the answer to who done it, in these stories the answer is so well hidden, you literally won't see the answer until it is right in your face.
The shock factor is 100 percent and beyond!
I wish you could have seen my face as I was reading the last third of the book. All I can say is well played my friend, well played.
November 29, 2020
Who would do that? Why? Wow!
An exciting psychological thriller with few characters, and plenty of “who did it”.
Dan has just sold his business. He is looking forward to enjoying his wealth and spending more time with his wife and children. Then the unimaginable happens sending his dreams crashing, and a video of him out into the unforgiving world. Who did this to Dan, and why? Can Dan work it out, and can he get this life back on track? How someone can go from a successful businessman to rock bottom almost overnight is alarming, and Dan’s scenario seems very plausible. I was therefore right with Dan in his attempts to get his life back on course and find out who did this to him.
Reading this really drew me as, as I was so involved as to who did it – and kept reading to see how Dan would manage day by day. What happened after Dan got a criminal record was interesting, in terms of society’s reaction and law enforcement. The ending was just stunning!
5*s from me as I found myself really involved with Dan, and his predicament. It was interesting to see how someone in Dan’s position was treated by the public, his peers and the law, and to wonder if this (or something similar) could happen to any of us. What an ending!
Though this is a very different genre to Jem Tugwell’s previous techno thrillers Proximity and No Signal, his writing remains as gripping and thrilling in this new book. What a great author Jem Tugwell is.
An exciting psychological thriller with few characters, and plenty of “who did it”.
Dan has just sold his business. He is looking forward to enjoying his wealth and spending more time with his wife and children. Then the unimaginable happens sending his dreams crashing, and a video of him out into the unforgiving world. Who did this to Dan, and why? Can Dan work it out, and can he get this life back on track? How someone can go from a successful businessman to rock bottom almost overnight is alarming, and Dan’s scenario seems very plausible. I was therefore right with Dan in his attempts to get his life back on course and find out who did this to him.
Reading this really drew me as, as I was so involved as to who did it – and kept reading to see how Dan would manage day by day. What happened after Dan got a criminal record was interesting, in terms of society’s reaction and law enforcement. The ending was just stunning!
5*s from me as I found myself really involved with Dan, and his predicament. It was interesting to see how someone in Dan’s position was treated by the public, his peers and the law, and to wonder if this (or something similar) could happen to any of us. What an ending!
Though this is a very different genre to Jem Tugwell’s previous techno thrillers Proximity and No Signal, his writing remains as gripping and thrilling in this new book. What a great author Jem Tugwell is.
May 29, 2021
Note : I received e-ARC of this book from the publisher as a part of blog tour, in exchange for an honest review.
Dishonoured was well written psychological thriller that revolved around Dan’s life going downhill after he boarded train and trying to find out why it happened to him. It was about family, trust, getting control of life and fighting for family, betrayal, deceit, and manipulation.
Writing was tense, gripping and intriguing with short chapters that made it flip the pages faster than I expected. It was written in first person narrative from Dan’s perspective. In some chapters narration switched to third person from secondary characters’ perspective. Plot was character driven. It was brilliantly executed that kept me on the edge till the end.
Suspense was mind-blowing. I couldn’t see twists and turns coming until the hint were given and even with them, I failed at being right as there were so many red herrings leading me astray. I couldn’t have guessed who was the mastermind and when it was revealed in climax, it was shocking and then came jaw dropping moment that changed everything. End was perfectly satisfying.
Overall, Dishonoured was fast paced, addictive, thrilling psychological thriller with mind-blowing suspense and interesting characters.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
Dishonoured was well written psychological thriller that revolved around Dan’s life going downhill after he boarded train and trying to find out why it happened to him. It was about family, trust, getting control of life and fighting for family, betrayal, deceit, and manipulation.
Writing was tense, gripping and intriguing with short chapters that made it flip the pages faster than I expected. It was written in first person narrative from Dan’s perspective. In some chapters narration switched to third person from secondary characters’ perspective. Plot was character driven. It was brilliantly executed that kept me on the edge till the end.
Suspense was mind-blowing. I couldn’t see twists and turns coming until the hint were given and even with them, I failed at being right as there were so many red herrings leading me astray. I couldn’t have guessed who was the mastermind and when it was revealed in climax, it was shocking and then came jaw dropping moment that changed everything. End was perfectly satisfying.
Overall, Dishonoured was fast paced, addictive, thrilling psychological thriller with mind-blowing suspense and interesting characters.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
November 7, 2020
“WE’RE ALL ONE MISTAKE FROM RUIN…”
A book to rock your world and make you think. Dan, with his business partners has just sold the firm for a staggering, life changing amount of money. He goes to the party and being aware of his alcohol sensitivity he has just the one drink and then asks a waitress for water. He has several glasses of water but he still feels terrible. He makes his way home via the tube and sees the same waitress on the platform who helps him onto the train. What then occurs is one of those “ life changing on a dime” moments. For anyone who has had this happen in any way shape or form will sympathise with the situation you can find yourself in through no fault of your own. Dan finds himself arrested and charged and his once wonderful life slips away in an instant. He can't help but wonder why the waitress as she moved away mouthed the word “ sorry” at him. OMG. There are no words to describe this situation. I know it's fiction but it can and does happen. You can't help but feel for Dan and his predicament and the determination and tenacity he finds within himself. When the only way is up you have little choice about what to do. This made me uneasy- a sure sign of a well written book in my eyes. Twists and turns, ups and downs. Wow! One that left me reeling. 5*
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
January 5, 2021
Crime fiction writer Jem Tugwell has written his first psychological stand-alone thriller ‘Dishonoured’ - that I found compelling, entertaining and incredibly addictive.
Dan is a successful businessman, has a beautiful family and a loving home. Making the decision to take the train instead of a taxi after a celebratory party, Dan doesn’t realise just how much that action will affect his life. Within four stops, Dan’s life is turned upside down by a stranger and he is suddenly branded a criminal. Losing his family, home and his career, Dan is left with nothing but his certitude that he is innocent and has been set up. As he sets out to prove someone is insistent on ruining him, he befriends ‘Anomaly’ and Kev, two fellow community payback workers, who together aim to untangle the web of lies and accusations surrounding Dan’s sudden downfall.
From the first page I instantly felt for Dan, the enormity of his emotional numbness as he recounts the birth of his son was palpable. The tangible guilt, his frustration and apparent anger he feels were unmistakable and allows the reader to form an affinity with Dan and his unexpected and sudden predicament.
One of the major themes I got from reading this story, was that all the money in the world can’t buy your freedom, innocence or happiness. For someone like Dan, in the world of investment banking where money buys expensive luggage, shoes and clothes, to suddenly have to account for every penny was a real eye opener for him and simply swapping his branded morning coffee for a cheap local cafe truly captured the real world.
Quick paced short chapters, had me turning the pages with intense edge of the seat trepidation and Jem Tugwell is certainly an author I’ll be looking out for in the future. Easy to follow, great characters and with twists and turns aplenty (which I defy anyone to foresee the unexpected denouement), I’d happily shout my recommendation for “Dishonoured” from the rafters and I wish the author every success, with this fabulous story.
5 stars.
Dan is a successful businessman, has a beautiful family and a loving home. Making the decision to take the train instead of a taxi after a celebratory party, Dan doesn’t realise just how much that action will affect his life. Within four stops, Dan’s life is turned upside down by a stranger and he is suddenly branded a criminal. Losing his family, home and his career, Dan is left with nothing but his certitude that he is innocent and has been set up. As he sets out to prove someone is insistent on ruining him, he befriends ‘Anomaly’ and Kev, two fellow community payback workers, who together aim to untangle the web of lies and accusations surrounding Dan’s sudden downfall.
From the first page I instantly felt for Dan, the enormity of his emotional numbness as he recounts the birth of his son was palpable. The tangible guilt, his frustration and apparent anger he feels were unmistakable and allows the reader to form an affinity with Dan and his unexpected and sudden predicament.
One of the major themes I got from reading this story, was that all the money in the world can’t buy your freedom, innocence or happiness. For someone like Dan, in the world of investment banking where money buys expensive luggage, shoes and clothes, to suddenly have to account for every penny was a real eye opener for him and simply swapping his branded morning coffee for a cheap local cafe truly captured the real world.
Quick paced short chapters, had me turning the pages with intense edge of the seat trepidation and Jem Tugwell is certainly an author I’ll be looking out for in the future. Easy to follow, great characters and with twists and turns aplenty (which I defy anyone to foresee the unexpected denouement), I’d happily shout my recommendation for “Dishonoured” from the rafters and I wish the author every success, with this fabulous story.
5 stars.
January 14, 2021
They say that life is too short to wake up with regrets but I don't think that many of us can honestly say that we haven't make a decision that we have later regretted or had thoughts of what if pass through our minds.
Our main character Dan didn't have any regrets when he woke up on that fateful day, in fact Dan's life was perfect, he had a luxurious home, a loving second wife, two adorable children, his son Paul from his first marriage and he was just about to sign the paperwork for a deal that would make him a large sum of money and ensure that his children's future's were safe and secure. But, by the end of that same day, two seemingly insignificant decisions would result in him losing everything and his perfect life descending into a living nightmare of bullying, paranoia, fear and mistrust.
We follow Dan as he tries to figure out who has set him up and why? Who disliked him to such an extent that they were prepared to go to such elaborate lengths to ruin his life? Was their motive a simple case of jealousy, hatred, greed, revenge or someone's idea of a very sick joke? Why, out of the millions and millions of people who lived and worked in London had they targeted Dan? As he works way through all the possible suspects in his life,he struggles to contain the thoughts and emotions that he has kept locked away in his head. He also has to cope with the changes in his lifestyle, the lack of money,having nowhere to live, grubby clothing and mixing with people who are underprivileged and from the other side of the social standings. As Dan's journey unfolded, I experienced mixed bag of feelings about his character, there was aspects about him that I liked and aspects that I didnt. I loved how kind he was to Terry, the war veteran but I also suspected that there could have been an ulterior motive behind his actions. Most of the secondary characters were untrustworthy and some were quite unlikable,the stand out ones being Gaz and Tel. My favourite characters were Anomaly (Emina) and her friend Kev, I thought Anomaly was a fantastic character.
This is a very well written,character driven,gripping thriller that keeps the reader guessing and has some unexpected plot twists and turns. The diverse cast of characters were well rounded,realistic and believable. This is surprisingly this author's first psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more in the future.
Our main character Dan didn't have any regrets when he woke up on that fateful day, in fact Dan's life was perfect, he had a luxurious home, a loving second wife, two adorable children, his son Paul from his first marriage and he was just about to sign the paperwork for a deal that would make him a large sum of money and ensure that his children's future's were safe and secure. But, by the end of that same day, two seemingly insignificant decisions would result in him losing everything and his perfect life descending into a living nightmare of bullying, paranoia, fear and mistrust.
We follow Dan as he tries to figure out who has set him up and why? Who disliked him to such an extent that they were prepared to go to such elaborate lengths to ruin his life? Was their motive a simple case of jealousy, hatred, greed, revenge or someone's idea of a very sick joke? Why, out of the millions and millions of people who lived and worked in London had they targeted Dan? As he works way through all the possible suspects in his life,he struggles to contain the thoughts and emotions that he has kept locked away in his head. He also has to cope with the changes in his lifestyle, the lack of money,having nowhere to live, grubby clothing and mixing with people who are underprivileged and from the other side of the social standings. As Dan's journey unfolded, I experienced mixed bag of feelings about his character, there was aspects about him that I liked and aspects that I didnt. I loved how kind he was to Terry, the war veteran but I also suspected that there could have been an ulterior motive behind his actions. Most of the secondary characters were untrustworthy and some were quite unlikable,the stand out ones being Gaz and Tel. My favourite characters were Anomaly (Emina) and her friend Kev, I thought Anomaly was a fantastic character.
This is a very well written,character driven,gripping thriller that keeps the reader guessing and has some unexpected plot twists and turns. The diverse cast of characters were well rounded,realistic and believable. This is surprisingly this author's first psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more in the future.
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Dishonoured. It’s the first novel by Jem Tugwell which I’ve read, and it was an exhilarating ride. The storyline also felt really fresh, and I connected with the lead character, Dan, straight away. This is the kind of novel which, once you start reading, will keep you reading. The chapters are short and snappy, which make it very difficult to put down. It is utterly captivating.
Dan has the perfect life. He earns a lot of money, providing a more than comfortable lifestyle for his wife and two children. Life couldn’t be better. But Dan’s happy life is about to come crumbling down. When he is accused of a heinous crime, it utterly breaks him. He loses his job, but more heartbreakingly, his wife and children. But Dan protests his innocence. Yet few people are willing to believe him. Dan takes it upon himself to prove it, and he is determined to do anything to get the life he once had back.
I felt desperately sorry for Dan as I was reading this book. I really felt his anger as everything he had worked so hard for in his life came tumbling down. Once the accusation had been made against him, his family and friends don’t want to know him. I wanted to know why someone would want to do this to him. I also wanted Dan to find that person and regain what he had lost.
Dan’s story made for very gripping reading. I also liked the characters who he works with to try and find the book, especially Anomaly. I liked the fact that Dan seemed to have someone on his side who was willing to help him. I didn’t like the idea of him going through this alone, especially when his wife, Felicity, had taken his children from him.
The tension never lets up as the book races towards its conclusion. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as Dan came closer and closer to finding out the truth behind the current events. And Jem Tugwell turns everything, masterfully in its head here. I don’t want to say anything more as I don’t want to spoil the plot, but I thought the final twists were done very well. I couldn’t believe what I was reading as I reached the end.
Dishonoured makes for such an entertaining read, and I was so impressed with what I read. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that feels fresh, then you definitely need to give this book a go. I highly recommend it.
Dan has the perfect life. He earns a lot of money, providing a more than comfortable lifestyle for his wife and two children. Life couldn’t be better. But Dan’s happy life is about to come crumbling down. When he is accused of a heinous crime, it utterly breaks him. He loses his job, but more heartbreakingly, his wife and children. But Dan protests his innocence. Yet few people are willing to believe him. Dan takes it upon himself to prove it, and he is determined to do anything to get the life he once had back.
I felt desperately sorry for Dan as I was reading this book. I really felt his anger as everything he had worked so hard for in his life came tumbling down. Once the accusation had been made against him, his family and friends don’t want to know him. I wanted to know why someone would want to do this to him. I also wanted Dan to find that person and regain what he had lost.
Dan’s story made for very gripping reading. I also liked the characters who he works with to try and find the book, especially Anomaly. I liked the fact that Dan seemed to have someone on his side who was willing to help him. I didn’t like the idea of him going through this alone, especially when his wife, Felicity, had taken his children from him.
The tension never lets up as the book races towards its conclusion. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as Dan came closer and closer to finding out the truth behind the current events. And Jem Tugwell turns everything, masterfully in its head here. I don’t want to say anything more as I don’t want to spoil the plot, but I thought the final twists were done very well. I couldn’t believe what I was reading as I reached the end.
Dishonoured makes for such an entertaining read, and I was so impressed with what I read. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that feels fresh, then you definitely need to give this book a go. I highly recommend it.
January 29, 2021
I discovered Jem Tugwell through his amazing iMe series so I was very eager to read his first psychological thriller and I was not disappointed. Dishonoured is an edge of your seat novel that had my brain constantly screaming 'WHO DID IT?' as I raced through the pages to find out as fast as I possibly could.
It's scary how fast your life can be flushed down the toilet; Dan went from cloud nine to the gutter in the time it took for him to take a short tube ride home. It's a set up that destroys every part of Dan's life, sees him alienated from his family and friends and leaves him with a criminal record. With a cast of characters who all had something to gain from Dan's fall from grace, everyone is a suspect.
Dishonoured is SO GOOD! I couldn't put it down and I couldn't read it fast enough. I love that Dan refuses to lie down and accept his fate, choosing to confront his suspects despite their best efforts to avoid him. I had my own suspicions about who was responsible for the set up but I was completely wrong footed and I almost lost my eyebrows as they shot so far up my head when I was finally proved wrong.
With a razor-sharp plot and lightning fast pacing, Dishonoured is a phenomenal psychological thriller. Jem Tugwell is an incredibly talented author and definitely one to watch; if you haven't discovered Jem Tugwell yet then you're missing out on a real treat. Dishonoured is absolutely brilliant and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
It's scary how fast your life can be flushed down the toilet; Dan went from cloud nine to the gutter in the time it took for him to take a short tube ride home. It's a set up that destroys every part of Dan's life, sees him alienated from his family and friends and leaves him with a criminal record. With a cast of characters who all had something to gain from Dan's fall from grace, everyone is a suspect.
Dishonoured is SO GOOD! I couldn't put it down and I couldn't read it fast enough. I love that Dan refuses to lie down and accept his fate, choosing to confront his suspects despite their best efforts to avoid him. I had my own suspicions about who was responsible for the set up but I was completely wrong footed and I almost lost my eyebrows as they shot so far up my head when I was finally proved wrong.
With a razor-sharp plot and lightning fast pacing, Dishonoured is a phenomenal psychological thriller. Jem Tugwell is an incredibly talented author and definitely one to watch; if you haven't discovered Jem Tugwell yet then you're missing out on a real treat. Dishonoured is absolutely brilliant and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
January 8, 2021
Well, this is a book that took me completely by surprise! I really wasn't expecting it to resolve the story in the way it did, and, the way it was done brilliantly!
The main character of the story is a high-flying businessman who has just done a very, very financial lucrative deal. It means that finally after years of long working hours he finally has the pay off he has worked so hard for. Well, it almost did until he finds himself in the midst of an event that causes him to lose everything.
This is a riches to rags story that really did have me on the edge of my seat. How could someone take absolutely everything from Dan? Also, why would anyone want to? Money and greed go in partnership together and Dan wonders who in the business world would benefit from his demise.
The author really did a great job of firstly reeling me into the story, then twisting and turning my opinion as to who had a motive as well as the means or connections to see Dan treated so cruelly. It has been brilliantly worked and the flow of the story works so well. There are a few characters that do have roles to play, but this book isn't overloaded with them. To be honest, it didn't need to be and it is so good because of it.
This is a psychological thriller, of that there is no doubt, but it doesn't really emerge until later in the story. It happens after the author has set the field up, lined the players up and then started moving things around. It gave a cat and mouse feel to the story as avenues were explored before they turned into dead-ends. When the truth finally hits, and boy does it hit, I was stunned.
My first experience with this author and it has left me with a WOW! Yes, it is a brilliant read, wonderfully put together with twists, turns, shocks and surprises to keep you hooked. Excellent read and one I would definitely recommend.
The main character of the story is a high-flying businessman who has just done a very, very financial lucrative deal. It means that finally after years of long working hours he finally has the pay off he has worked so hard for. Well, it almost did until he finds himself in the midst of an event that causes him to lose everything.
This is a riches to rags story that really did have me on the edge of my seat. How could someone take absolutely everything from Dan? Also, why would anyone want to? Money and greed go in partnership together and Dan wonders who in the business world would benefit from his demise.
The author really did a great job of firstly reeling me into the story, then twisting and turning my opinion as to who had a motive as well as the means or connections to see Dan treated so cruelly. It has been brilliantly worked and the flow of the story works so well. There are a few characters that do have roles to play, but this book isn't overloaded with them. To be honest, it didn't need to be and it is so good because of it.
This is a psychological thriller, of that there is no doubt, but it doesn't really emerge until later in the story. It happens after the author has set the field up, lined the players up and then started moving things around. It gave a cat and mouse feel to the story as avenues were explored before they turned into dead-ends. When the truth finally hits, and boy does it hit, I was stunned.
My first experience with this author and it has left me with a WOW! Yes, it is a brilliant read, wonderfully put together with twists, turns, shocks and surprises to keep you hooked. Excellent read and one I would definitely recommend.
January 14, 2021
Poor Dan has had some pretty horrendous times in his life, but he had worked hard, taken chances and now he was going to reap the rewards that would set him and his family up for the rest of their lives. Someone else had a different future for him.
After celebrations at work, Dan found himself in a situation that couldn’t be explained away. His life was to hit rock bottom because some labels in life stick, even when they aren’t true, but they can be damaging to not just that person, but their nearest and dearest too.
You know as a reader that Dan is innocent of this crime, but his colleagues, friends and family could only go on facts. My heart broke for him at times and how not just strangers saw him but people who had known him years. Friends didn’t want to be tarnished and saw opportunities for themselves.
I admired the fight in him to prove his innocence. Some great characters in the story help to dig him back out of the dark place he is in now, but there were others that loved the idea of a man at the top being knocked off his pedestal. It is pure entertainment from the beginning to the end. A belting story that knocked me sideways more than once. An awesome ending.
I wish to thank Raquel Elias for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
After celebrations at work, Dan found himself in a situation that couldn’t be explained away. His life was to hit rock bottom because some labels in life stick, even when they aren’t true, but they can be damaging to not just that person, but their nearest and dearest too.
You know as a reader that Dan is innocent of this crime, but his colleagues, friends and family could only go on facts. My heart broke for him at times and how not just strangers saw him but people who had known him years. Friends didn’t want to be tarnished and saw opportunities for themselves.
I admired the fight in him to prove his innocence. Some great characters in the story help to dig him back out of the dark place he is in now, but there were others that loved the idea of a man at the top being knocked off his pedestal. It is pure entertainment from the beginning to the end. A belting story that knocked me sideways more than once. An awesome ending.
I wish to thank Raquel Elias for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
December 30, 2020
WOW, This is a brilliantly written fast paced story, I loved this, in fact it has lifted me out of a bit of a reading slump. I was gripped from the first page until I finished.
Dan hasn’t had a terrific life, the day his eldest son Paul was born, he had phoned his parents to tell them the good news, on there way to visit they were killed in a car accident leaving Dan numb, a few years later his wife Kat dies. He had already spent years at school being bullied and given the nickname The Mouse.
Then things seem to be looking up, he is happily married to Felicity and they have two children that Dan adores, Hugo and Victoria. He has worked hard with three other partners going it alone and taking risks that are just now paying off as they are all about to sign a big contract selling off their business, which will leave all four pretty comfortable off, eventually and meaning Dan can spend more time with his two younger children.
But after one glass of champagne, Dan doesn’t feel great, he gets some water from the waitress but feels no better. The others have left so Dan starts to make his way to the tube to go home. But Dan’s life is about to change forever. In a way he could never imagine.
How could this have happened? Why? Has someone set him up? His wife will no longer speak to him, she has emptied the bank accounts leaving him with nothing except for a couple of hundred pounds he had in an old savings account. Dan has no idea who to turn to for help, when all his so called friends have turned their backs on his.
He does meet two new people, that start to believe him and may be willing to help get to the bottom of things, but can he trust them? What other option does he have. His whole world has unraveled and he needs to try and get some of it back.
This is a fast paced read, hooking you from the beginning to the end, leaving you guessing over and over who the person is who has done this. So many twists and turns and ups and downs. A brilliant first psychological thriller by this author. I would like to thank #RacquelElias for an ARC of this book. Look out for my review on the blog tour on the 15th January 2021.
If you like a good fast paced read I would highly recommend you grab a copy of this. Due for release on the 14th January 2021 as a paperback, ebook and audio book.
Dan hasn’t had a terrific life, the day his eldest son Paul was born, he had phoned his parents to tell them the good news, on there way to visit they were killed in a car accident leaving Dan numb, a few years later his wife Kat dies. He had already spent years at school being bullied and given the nickname The Mouse.
Then things seem to be looking up, he is happily married to Felicity and they have two children that Dan adores, Hugo and Victoria. He has worked hard with three other partners going it alone and taking risks that are just now paying off as they are all about to sign a big contract selling off their business, which will leave all four pretty comfortable off, eventually and meaning Dan can spend more time with his two younger children.
But after one glass of champagne, Dan doesn’t feel great, he gets some water from the waitress but feels no better. The others have left so Dan starts to make his way to the tube to go home. But Dan’s life is about to change forever. In a way he could never imagine.
How could this have happened? Why? Has someone set him up? His wife will no longer speak to him, she has emptied the bank accounts leaving him with nothing except for a couple of hundred pounds he had in an old savings account. Dan has no idea who to turn to for help, when all his so called friends have turned their backs on his.
He does meet two new people, that start to believe him and may be willing to help get to the bottom of things, but can he trust them? What other option does he have. His whole world has unraveled and he needs to try and get some of it back.
This is a fast paced read, hooking you from the beginning to the end, leaving you guessing over and over who the person is who has done this. So many twists and turns and ups and downs. A brilliant first psychological thriller by this author. I would like to thank #RacquelElias for an ARC of this book. Look out for my review on the blog tour on the 15th January 2021.
If you like a good fast paced read I would highly recommend you grab a copy of this. Due for release on the 14th January 2021 as a paperback, ebook and audio book.
January 8, 2021
I'm a fan of Jem Tugwell's dystopian writing and thoroughly enjoyed his iMe series, so I was initially disappointed that he decided to write his next book in a non-dystopian genre. I'm pleased to say that Dishonoured is as well written, cinematic and gripping as the iMe series even though it's a different genre. The sense of disconnect with the norm and the palpable sense of isolation is still prominent in Dishonoured despite it not being a dystopian novel. There are so many twists and false paths in Dishonoured and I changed my mind a few times about who I thought was responsible for his significant misfortune. The twist at the end was completely unexpected and impressively delivered.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
January 12, 2021
I really enjoy Jem Tugwell’s writing, so when the opportunity to read Dishoboured entered my inbox, I quickly found a spot in my calendar. This is such an intriguing novel. It is a psycho thriller, and it is one fast-paced ride.
This is a tightly written and expertly plotted novel. It is quite refreshing and different than others I have read in this genre. One thing I appreciated was the amount of reader involvement that could take place. I felt like I was there. I felt like I had a hand in figuring out what was going on. Being whisked away is one of the reasons I read, so this was a huge plus for me.
Dan, the main character, is very real feeling. The way he handles the situations he is in, is plausible. Credibility and believability is not lacking in this novel at all.
This is quite a quick read, and probably my only “dislike” is that the novel ended. I just wanted to read more.
Don’t miss this one.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
This is a tightly written and expertly plotted novel. It is quite refreshing and different than others I have read in this genre. One thing I appreciated was the amount of reader involvement that could take place. I felt like I was there. I felt like I had a hand in figuring out what was going on. Being whisked away is one of the reasons I read, so this was a huge plus for me.
Dan, the main character, is very real feeling. The way he handles the situations he is in, is plausible. Credibility and believability is not lacking in this novel at all.
This is quite a quick read, and probably my only “dislike” is that the novel ended. I just wanted to read more.
Don’t miss this one.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
May 25, 2021
OK, I didn't see that twist coming. Two twists, I guess.
Dan is someone who sacrificed his family life for his career and has worked and worked until he finally gets a payout that will set him and his family up for life, but then he gets set up and loses everything. He is determined to find out who plotted his downfall with the help of some of his community payback acquaintances.
Told predominantly from Dan's perspective, you really do feel his plight from riches to rags and his desperation to find out why. Until you get to the final chapters, and then I lost all sympathy and respect for him.
As a mystery/thriller novel, it's really good. There were numerous viable suspects with convincing motives. It did keep me guessing right until the end. Every time you thought the answer was there, it wasn't. But then the culprit gets revealed, with, from Dan's perspective, a half-assed motive... only for it to be later revealed as the second twist that the theory behind the motive was correct all along.
You could also see this as a study on trauma and the effects of memory/emotion repression. Dan has serious issues, which don't come to light until the end. He is so wrapped up in this bubble of working hard to earn the money to give his family the life he believes they should be having. He is the hero in his version of the story, the actions he takes "are for the good of all his family, not just him". And if he represses his emotions and past actions from memory hard enough, they never happened, so he chooses to believe that people hate him for all reasons under the sun, except actually there 100% is a reason and he knows it.
I really liked this book but I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. A good chunk of the story is spent with his community payback acquaintances but you don't find out what happens to them after the conclusion. I would have preferred to see Anomaly's reaction instead of Felicity's, you don't see Felicity's point of view at all until the final chapter, and it felt a bit pointless. I also liked how this book made me question everything I'd read about the main character, whom I was so invested in. Are you supposed to hate him after all that? Cos I did.
Dan is someone who sacrificed his family life for his career and has worked and worked until he finally gets a payout that will set him and his family up for life, but then he gets set up and loses everything. He is determined to find out who plotted his downfall with the help of some of his community payback acquaintances.
Told predominantly from Dan's perspective, you really do feel his plight from riches to rags and his desperation to find out why. Until you get to the final chapters, and then I lost all sympathy and respect for him.
As a mystery/thriller novel, it's really good. There were numerous viable suspects with convincing motives. It did keep me guessing right until the end. Every time you thought the answer was there, it wasn't. But then the culprit gets revealed, with, from Dan's perspective, a half-assed motive... only for it to be later revealed as the second twist that the theory behind the motive was correct all along.
You could also see this as a study on trauma and the effects of memory/emotion repression. Dan has serious issues, which don't come to light until the end. He is so wrapped up in this bubble of working hard to earn the money to give his family the life he believes they should be having. He is the hero in his version of the story, the actions he takes "are for the good of all his family, not just him". And if he represses his emotions and past actions from memory hard enough, they never happened, so he chooses to believe that people hate him for all reasons under the sun, except actually there 100% is a reason and he knows it.
I really liked this book but I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. A good chunk of the story is spent with his community payback acquaintances but you don't find out what happens to them after the conclusion. I would have preferred to see Anomaly's reaction instead of Felicity's, you don't see Felicity's point of view at all until the final chapter, and it felt a bit pointless. I also liked how this book made me question everything I'd read about the main character, whom I was so invested in. Are you supposed to hate him after all that? Cos I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2021
Dishonoured by Jem Tugwell is a psychological thriller and it is the very first time I have read anything by Jem Tugwell. Dishonoured is about Dan, he has everything and he has worked hard to get it all. A loving wife, beautiful kids, successful businessman and to top it all off, a fantastic home. One day he catches his normal train and sees the waitress who served him earlier. Everything was normal but four stops of the train later and he has lost everything and is a criminal.
Dan is determined to find out who has planned and plotted his downfall and gain his life back, if he can.
A story that had me in the palm of it's hand with the clever plot and the engaging way Jem Tugwell has written it. I loved the premise of this book and it reminded me of a film I watched years ago called 'Sliding Doors'. I never forgot that film and I feel I will not forget 'Dishonoured'. I was so caught up in the story even though it led me a merry dance! This is a story that I can say has been woven into a smart psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page, I was really flipping them pages as I felt like Dan as if I was lost in a maze and the confusion had me turning anyway but the right way.
If this book is Jem Tugwell's first psychological thriller, woe betide us when he has warmed up, because this one is smoking already! A fast paced and absolutely maddening story with a finale that is worth the wait!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Serpentine Books for the copy of the book which is absolutely brilliant and I highly recommend it!!
Dan is determined to find out who has planned and plotted his downfall and gain his life back, if he can.
A story that had me in the palm of it's hand with the clever plot and the engaging way Jem Tugwell has written it. I loved the premise of this book and it reminded me of a film I watched years ago called 'Sliding Doors'. I never forgot that film and I feel I will not forget 'Dishonoured'. I was so caught up in the story even though it led me a merry dance! This is a story that I can say has been woven into a smart psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page, I was really flipping them pages as I felt like Dan as if I was lost in a maze and the confusion had me turning anyway but the right way.
If this book is Jem Tugwell's first psychological thriller, woe betide us when he has warmed up, because this one is smoking already! A fast paced and absolutely maddening story with a finale that is worth the wait!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Serpentine Books for the copy of the book which is absolutely brilliant and I highly recommend it!!
January 17, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author, and it won't be my last. I'll be seeking out the others in his iMe series.
What a ride this book has been. An intense and gripping read. Short chapters and a fast paced plot, it had me gripped from the first few pages.
I've been asked not to make any spoilers when reviewing this book, but with the story seen through Dan's eyes, every character is a potential suspect which makes for a great read, as it hard to second guess anything! The twist at the end totally unexpected.
What a ride this book has been. An intense and gripping read. Short chapters and a fast paced plot, it had me gripped from the first few pages.
I've been asked not to make any spoilers when reviewing this book, but with the story seen through Dan's eyes, every character is a potential suspect which makes for a great read, as it hard to second guess anything! The twist at the end totally unexpected.
January 11, 2021
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for a #gifted copy of this book by @jemtugwellauthor.
I really enjoyed this book and certainly did not see the ending coming at all I was shocked.
Dan seems like the man that has it all. Even after a tragic start he lost both parents in a car accident. He lost his first wife due to a tragic accident. Now married to felicity and with 3 children.
He has just sold his company that he set up with 3 friends for a huge sum of money. When something happens to him and you see his life fall apart.
You feel for him as he tries to work out who would want to do this to him.
I was very shocked at how this story twisted and changed.
It will keep you gripped.
I really enjoyed this book and certainly did not see the ending coming at all I was shocked.
Dan seems like the man that has it all. Even after a tragic start he lost both parents in a car accident. He lost his first wife due to a tragic accident. Now married to felicity and with 3 children.
He has just sold his company that he set up with 3 friends for a huge sum of money. When something happens to him and you see his life fall apart.
You feel for him as he tries to work out who would want to do this to him.
I was very shocked at how this story twisted and changed.
It will keep you gripped.
January 15, 2021
The Book..Dan has had some tragedy in his life and so when he and his three business partners sell their company for big money, Dan thinks he will be able to work less and enjoy life more. But someone wants to ruin Dan..
Quick Thoughts:
📚A male protagonist makes for a nice change in a thriller read for me.
📚The chapters are short and the plot moves fast.
📚 Anomaly..yes, that is one of the character’s names. She uses her unique skills to help Dan.
📚This one was twisty and double twisty and I’m still thinking about the last 7 chapters!!
January 17, 2021
Held my attention throughout
February 12, 2021
Unexpectedly cracking read!
I went into this book with fairly low expectations but was intrigued by the premise of the character's life unravelling through one "mistake". It turned out to only be a small part of what made the book interesting. I didn't like the main character and his being a dreadful city banker confirmed that dislike! However, he did have the redeeming feature of being nice to homeless Jerry. Without slipping into any spoilers I did wonder if the setup and his fall from grace was "too vindictive" and I challenged my own perceptions of the extremely wealthy for a while. I didn't see the end coming and the whole character and story build up was very well done. Cracking story with I guess the take away message of "what goes around comes around!"
I went into this book with fairly low expectations but was intrigued by the premise of the character's life unravelling through one "mistake". It turned out to only be a small part of what made the book interesting. I didn't like the main character and his being a dreadful city banker confirmed that dislike! However, he did have the redeeming feature of being nice to homeless Jerry. Without slipping into any spoilers I did wonder if the setup and his fall from grace was "too vindictive" and I challenged my own perceptions of the extremely wealthy for a while. I didn't see the end coming and the whole character and story build up was very well done. Cracking story with I guess the take away message of "what goes around comes around!"
February 20, 2021
I absolutely flew through this book. Really enjoyed it.
April 23, 2021
Dark and Gritty
This is a really dark story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It stays with you after you have finished it.
This is a really dark story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It stays with you after you have finished it.
May 6, 2021
A great twisting tale
I really enjoyed this very cleverly presented read. Great characters, twists and turns, throughout and exhilarating finish ... a skilful tale
I really enjoyed this very cleverly presented read. Great characters, twists and turns, throughout and exhilarating finish ... a skilful tale
September 26, 2021
This is a gripping read about the difference a spilt second can make to someone’s life. Plenty of pace and a plot that keeps you guessing right to the end. Really enjoyed it.
January 13, 2021
Dishonoured is a high-octane novel that will keep you guessing from beginning to end.
What I Liked
Through the eyes of the main character, Dan Mendoza, the first person narration lent itself to keeping a fast pace and high levels of suspense. Add to that the short chapter lengths and the pages fly by without pause. I enjoy a good story that pulls me in and a quick pace that goes by even faster as I long to find out who the person who committed the crime is.
My favorite character is Anomaly, aka Emika Hunt. Every good psychological thriller has that one character who is calm in the middle of the storm, and in this story, Anomaly is that character. She is only a support character, but she is developed with such an enigmatic finesse that she instantly comes to life. She is smart and determined, is full of all sorts of OCD traits, and does not shy away from learning the truth. She is a character worthy of her own story.
I loved that everybody in Dan's life can be considered a suspect, and the potential storylines as to why with each character- from corporate espionage to personal vendettas. The story has it all and, since you discover the people and reasons through Dan's eyes, it never seems contrived or forced. Of course, all those suspects led to a nice twist at the end and then another and another. My only wish is that all those twists had been more streamlined instead of making the conclusion convoluted and drawn out.
I love that the story stays focused on the mystery at hand. It does not get sidetracked with Dan's emotions or by delving too much into the past. It instead stays very present and in the moment. This makes it much easier to follow, which, in turn, helps create the suspense that I crave as a lover of psychological thrillers.
To Read or Not to Read
Dishonoured is a great read that, for me, is reminiscent of John Grisham's early novels with all the intrigue, potential corruption, and a sizable legal aspect.
What I Liked
Through the eyes of the main character, Dan Mendoza, the first person narration lent itself to keeping a fast pace and high levels of suspense. Add to that the short chapter lengths and the pages fly by without pause. I enjoy a good story that pulls me in and a quick pace that goes by even faster as I long to find out who the person who committed the crime is.
My favorite character is Anomaly, aka Emika Hunt. Every good psychological thriller has that one character who is calm in the middle of the storm, and in this story, Anomaly is that character. She is only a support character, but she is developed with such an enigmatic finesse that she instantly comes to life. She is smart and determined, is full of all sorts of OCD traits, and does not shy away from learning the truth. She is a character worthy of her own story.
I loved that everybody in Dan's life can be considered a suspect, and the potential storylines as to why with each character- from corporate espionage to personal vendettas. The story has it all and, since you discover the people and reasons through Dan's eyes, it never seems contrived or forced. Of course, all those suspects led to a nice twist at the end and then another and another. My only wish is that all those twists had been more streamlined instead of making the conclusion convoluted and drawn out.
I love that the story stays focused on the mystery at hand. It does not get sidetracked with Dan's emotions or by delving too much into the past. It instead stays very present and in the moment. This makes it much easier to follow, which, in turn, helps create the suspense that I crave as a lover of psychological thrillers.
To Read or Not to Read
Dishonoured is a great read that, for me, is reminiscent of John Grisham's early novels with all the intrigue, potential corruption, and a sizable legal aspect.
January 12, 2021
I’ve been advised to not make any spoilers of the story, I’ll admit that it will be difficult but I’ll try!
This is the story of Dan, his life was conditioned the day his first son was born, after calling his parents they rushed to the hospital and died in a car accident; he feels guilty for it, always. This is an important detail to show us the real Dan, he has all his emotions bottled, never showing himself to anyone, either her wife or children.
The story happens some years after the accident, he is married again and his first son is old enough to have a partner and live by himself. But Dan’s problem hasn’t started yet… Everything will start the night of an amazing celebration, he will be involved in an altercation on the tube and his life will change forever. I have to say that I suspected that there was something twisty from the first moment, Dan doesn’t seem prone to weird situations and whenever there’s money involved everyone changes. So, after all his friends and family stop talking to him after the horrible night, he will have to investigate what really happened and who could have a dark motive to make him look guilty.
This is a dark read, it makes you think about our society and priorities; is money really capable to make you do anything? Do we all have a price?
I really enjoyed this read, it was addictive and twisted, keeps you glued to the story without any doubt!
Ready to discover “Dishonoured”?
This is the story of Dan, his life was conditioned the day his first son was born, after calling his parents they rushed to the hospital and died in a car accident; he feels guilty for it, always. This is an important detail to show us the real Dan, he has all his emotions bottled, never showing himself to anyone, either her wife or children.
The story happens some years after the accident, he is married again and his first son is old enough to have a partner and live by himself. But Dan’s problem hasn’t started yet… Everything will start the night of an amazing celebration, he will be involved in an altercation on the tube and his life will change forever. I have to say that I suspected that there was something twisty from the first moment, Dan doesn’t seem prone to weird situations and whenever there’s money involved everyone changes. So, after all his friends and family stop talking to him after the horrible night, he will have to investigate what really happened and who could have a dark motive to make him look guilty.
This is a dark read, it makes you think about our society and priorities; is money really capable to make you do anything? Do we all have a price?
I really enjoyed this read, it was addictive and twisted, keeps you glued to the story without any doubt!
Ready to discover “Dishonoured”?
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