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Blame
Who is going to pay the price?
Someone is after Frankie and her friends…
Frankie is running away from her past, and the repercussions of a night that changed her life forever. Hoping for a fresh start in France she unexpectedly and inconveniently falls in love.
Unbeknown to Frankie, back in England, the wheels of fate are set in motion when Herbert Dunne, a convicted murderer, is released from prison.
When he moves in with Margaret, a woman who he has formed an unlikely relationship with, their dark sides gradually emerge allowing inner demons to blossom.
News of Herbert’s release once again rocks the small village of Elkdale and as they remember the young woman he murdered, old scars are reopened.
But what is Herbert hoping to achieve by stirring up the past?
Soon, bitter emotions surface and someone seeks revenge. Someone who is going to make sure they all pay the price…
Someone is after Frankie and her friends…
Frankie is running away from her past, and the repercussions of a night that changed her life forever. Hoping for a fresh start in France she unexpectedly and inconveniently falls in love.
Unbeknown to Frankie, back in England, the wheels of fate are set in motion when Herbert Dunne, a convicted murderer, is released from prison.
When he moves in with Margaret, a woman who he has formed an unlikely relationship with, their dark sides gradually emerge allowing inner demons to blossom.
News of Herbert’s release once again rocks the small village of Elkdale and as they remember the young woman he murdered, old scars are reopened.
But what is Herbert hoping to achieve by stirring up the past?
Soon, bitter emotions surface and someone seeks revenge. Someone who is going to make sure they all pay the price…
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2021
336 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Dixon
21 books168 followersPublished by Bloodhound Books
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 17, 2021
BLAME is a psychological thriller Blame by Patricia Dixon.
Three teenagers, Frankie, Bea and Scarlet, set off to their secret hideaway with booze, drugs to get stoned and munchies to satisfy their cravings while talking about life and their dreams. But they ended up being witnesses to a woman being killed.
The culprit, Herbert Dunne was caught and sent to prison.
Frankie, a self-employed editor, is unable to cope with this tragic event, is running away from her past, and is in the process of moving to France with Jed, hoping for a fresh start.
The story also follows Margaret, the woman who has been by Herbert’s side for the last fourteen years while he served his time in prison. But now after being released from prison, and he moves in with Margaret.
But back in England, unknown to Frankie, Herbert blames these three teenagers for ruining his life. And now he seeks revenge…but time is running out as he has terminal cancer.
Someone is after Frankie and her two friends.
Someone who is going to make sure they all pay the price…
This was a fast-paced twisting psychological thriller with engaging characters and lots of red herrings to lead you down a different path. A very enjoyable read!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Three teenagers, Frankie, Bea and Scarlet, set off to their secret hideaway with booze, drugs to get stoned and munchies to satisfy their cravings while talking about life and their dreams. But they ended up being witnesses to a woman being killed.
The culprit, Herbert Dunne was caught and sent to prison.
Frankie, a self-employed editor, is unable to cope with this tragic event, is running away from her past, and is in the process of moving to France with Jed, hoping for a fresh start.
The story also follows Margaret, the woman who has been by Herbert’s side for the last fourteen years while he served his time in prison. But now after being released from prison, and he moves in with Margaret.
But back in England, unknown to Frankie, Herbert blames these three teenagers for ruining his life. And now he seeks revenge…but time is running out as he has terminal cancer.
Someone is after Frankie and her two friends.
Someone who is going to make sure they all pay the price…
This was a fast-paced twisting psychological thriller with engaging characters and lots of red herrings to lead you down a different path. A very enjoyable read!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
January 28, 2021
WOW
Where to start
This is an intense, exciting, atmospheric story that had me from the start right through to the Epilogue
Frankie witnesses a heinous crime as a teenager, the man that did it ‘Herbert’ is free and is going to be living with ‘Margaret’ who has kept her light, and everything else, burning for him
The story then follows them all as revenge is plotted and acted out including Frankie as she decides to start a new life in France
But there is no hiding place, for anyone, not when there is blame to be cast and dealt with
This is a powerful read, no holds barred, the characters Herbert and Margaret are pure malice,evil and poisonous yet wonderfully portrayed
There is also humour, romance ( but not in a icky way 😎 ) and great scenic description
It also had me on the hop, I messaged a friend part way through declaring I knew who was the culprit, so sure was I I had worked it out, only to change my mind a bit further on to then change it again, to my friends credit she gave nothing away
A great 3 sided ending finished a thrilling and really well written read
10/10
5 Stars
Where to start
This is an intense, exciting, atmospheric story that had me from the start right through to the Epilogue
Frankie witnesses a heinous crime as a teenager, the man that did it ‘Herbert’ is free and is going to be living with ‘Margaret’ who has kept her light, and everything else, burning for him
The story then follows them all as revenge is plotted and acted out including Frankie as she decides to start a new life in France
But there is no hiding place, for anyone, not when there is blame to be cast and dealt with
This is a powerful read, no holds barred, the characters Herbert and Margaret are pure malice,evil and poisonous yet wonderfully portrayed
There is also humour, romance ( but not in a icky way 😎 ) and great scenic description
It also had me on the hop, I messaged a friend part way through declaring I knew who was the culprit, so sure was I I had worked it out, only to change my mind a bit further on to then change it again, to my friends credit she gave nothing away
A great 3 sided ending finished a thrilling and really well written read
10/10
5 Stars
February 19, 2021
Frankie witnessed a brutal crime when she was a teenager. She testified against "Herbert" which is what convicted him and sent him to prison for years. But he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he's being released early ... like now. And he's spent a lot of time plotting and planning his revenge.
Part of his plan is locating the witnesses who put him in prison .. and he has some help. Margaret is woman who loves Herbert and is willing to do anything he needs her to do. Maybe she enjoys it a touch too much?
Frankie not only witnessed a crime, but she was also stalked by an ex-boyfriend. She fled to France to make a new life. And now she's back in England, unaware that someone is seeking revenge.
There are lies and secrets and retribution. Not everyone is who they saw they are. The suspense starts slow but builds steadily throughout. The conclusion was surprising, totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Part of his plan is locating the witnesses who put him in prison .. and he has some help. Margaret is woman who loves Herbert and is willing to do anything he needs her to do. Maybe she enjoys it a touch too much?
Frankie not only witnessed a crime, but she was also stalked by an ex-boyfriend. She fled to France to make a new life. And now she's back in England, unaware that someone is seeking revenge.
There are lies and secrets and retribution. Not everyone is who they saw they are. The suspense starts slow but builds steadily throughout. The conclusion was surprising, totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 17, 2021
Although I have not read all books by Patricia Dixon, this read equalled all of her others so far. It was an easy rating to give and I raced through the narrative, keen to see how events would unfold and what the resolution would be. This was a thrilling page-turner and proves Dixon’s expert writing craft once again.
For the most part, I found this novel a mix of two genres. On the one hand, it felt like a sweet romance in France. I loved watching Frankie’s adventure unfold and could vividly picture her renovations to her new home. It was so idyllic and the relationship that blossoms between Frankie and Jed was sweet, warming and like being enveloped in a comforting cuddle! However, Dixon pulls the reader back to the grim crime that readers witnessed in the opening chapter.
Elkdale, the quiet, sleepy village that was rocked by a murder has its wounds reopened when Herbert is released. Dixon creates a very disgusting character in Herbert and I liked how the narrative switched to the readers finding more about him. Indeed, for the first part of the novel, there is a lot of history given to characters and the murder: we learn about Herbert and Margaret’s childhood and what events caused Frankie to fear for her life, eventually escaping to France.
As such, the two settings are a perfect juxtaposition of one another. The literal warmth of France in the summer is the perfect antithesis to the grey and gloomy Elkdale (well, that is how I could not help but imagine it as). Whilst Frankie’s circumstances in France promote love, Elkdale drowns the suspicion and dread. As two of Frankie’s old friends (and witnesses of the original murder) are killed, it soon becomes clear that Frankie may not be as safe as she had thought in Europe, even if she has taken great care to cover her tracks. I became fascinated by both settings and enjoyed the thrill of roughly being moved between the love and the murders.
The cast of characters are all very enticing. From the happiness surrounding Jed and his family that felt like you were part of their dinner table, to the loneliness surrounding Margaret and Herbert, I was particularly intrigued by Margaret’s past. Her attachment to Herbert was initially surprising and I loved how Dixon develops her character after Herbert’s prison release. It was a great twist and personified the many directions that the narrative takes over the novel. By the final few chapters of the book, I was gasping in disbelief because I had not anticipated how the characters’ paths would meet: a great feeling whilst reading such a brilliant book.
Finally, I cannot review this book without mentioning the significance of the title. ‘Blame’ is pushed around this story throughout as a central theme and I relished in the different layers of meaning. There are characters that accept blame for actions, both within and beyond their control. Contrastingly, there are those that deny responsibility and are content to push the blame onto someone else – regardless of whether this is logical or not. So many of the characters display this emotion and I loved how all-encompassing this theme became. Therefore, it is not just a book about ‘finger pointing’ but also acceptance in how events unfold.
If you haven’t already guessed, this was a book that I really enjoyed! It had so many elements that I liked; the best sensation was the contrast between the two settings and two genres that eventually become entwined as the narrative progressed.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I found this novel a mix of two genres. On the one hand, it felt like a sweet romance in France. I loved watching Frankie’s adventure unfold and could vividly picture her renovations to her new home. It was so idyllic and the relationship that blossoms between Frankie and Jed was sweet, warming and like being enveloped in a comforting cuddle! However, Dixon pulls the reader back to the grim crime that readers witnessed in the opening chapter.
Elkdale, the quiet, sleepy village that was rocked by a murder has its wounds reopened when Herbert is released. Dixon creates a very disgusting character in Herbert and I liked how the narrative switched to the readers finding more about him. Indeed, for the first part of the novel, there is a lot of history given to characters and the murder: we learn about Herbert and Margaret’s childhood and what events caused Frankie to fear for her life, eventually escaping to France.
As such, the two settings are a perfect juxtaposition of one another. The literal warmth of France in the summer is the perfect antithesis to the grey and gloomy Elkdale (well, that is how I could not help but imagine it as). Whilst Frankie’s circumstances in France promote love, Elkdale drowns the suspicion and dread. As two of Frankie’s old friends (and witnesses of the original murder) are killed, it soon becomes clear that Frankie may not be as safe as she had thought in Europe, even if she has taken great care to cover her tracks. I became fascinated by both settings and enjoyed the thrill of roughly being moved between the love and the murders.
The cast of characters are all very enticing. From the happiness surrounding Jed and his family that felt like you were part of their dinner table, to the loneliness surrounding Margaret and Herbert, I was particularly intrigued by Margaret’s past. Her attachment to Herbert was initially surprising and I loved how Dixon develops her character after Herbert’s prison release. It was a great twist and personified the many directions that the narrative takes over the novel. By the final few chapters of the book, I was gasping in disbelief because I had not anticipated how the characters’ paths would meet: a great feeling whilst reading such a brilliant book.
Finally, I cannot review this book without mentioning the significance of the title. ‘Blame’ is pushed around this story throughout as a central theme and I relished in the different layers of meaning. There are characters that accept blame for actions, both within and beyond their control. Contrastingly, there are those that deny responsibility and are content to push the blame onto someone else – regardless of whether this is logical or not. So many of the characters display this emotion and I loved how all-encompassing this theme became. Therefore, it is not just a book about ‘finger pointing’ but also acceptance in how events unfold.
If you haven’t already guessed, this was a book that I really enjoyed! It had so many elements that I liked; the best sensation was the contrast between the two settings and two genres that eventually become entwined as the narrative progressed.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2021
When 3 young teenage girls witness a horrendous event, we learn how it still affects Frankie many years on. Frankie cannot wait to make her escape to France, where she can lead a solitary life - that is until she meets Jed.
Herbert is due to be released from prison and over the years he has been grooming Margaret, so that when he leaves prison, he has somewhere to live while he plots his revenge on those who put him away.
Oh my goodness, what a story! This book sucked me in immediately, I could feel and sense the fear surrounding the girls. The characters throughout are either likeable or loathsome, there is no in between.
Twists in a story are quite often hit or miss but wow, did they work in this story! My jaw was left open on quite a few occasions! With beautiful and descriptive writing, this is a book that you just can’t put down.
Herbert is due to be released from prison and over the years he has been grooming Margaret, so that when he leaves prison, he has somewhere to live while he plots his revenge on those who put him away.
Oh my goodness, what a story! This book sucked me in immediately, I could feel and sense the fear surrounding the girls. The characters throughout are either likeable or loathsome, there is no in between.
Twists in a story are quite often hit or miss but wow, did they work in this story! My jaw was left open on quite a few occasions! With beautiful and descriptive writing, this is a book that you just can’t put down.
September 8, 2022
I expected Blame to you be your cliche, run-of-the-mill mystery, something to hold me over until my next heavy read. I was wrong! It’s so much more than that. This was a well-written, layered mystery with many interesting characters and plenty of character development. Our main character is Frankie, a woman in her early 30s who’s trying to regain control of her life after spending many years living in fear. As a teenager, Frankie and her best friends Scarlett and Bea witness a murder in the woods while hanging out and sneaking alcohol. The girls are paralyzed with fear and race home to tell their parents, who, of course, call the police. The murderer is Herbert Dunne, and the victim is a young single mother named Abby Mills. During the court case, Frankie and her friends are painted as unreliable witnesses bc they had been drinking that night. Even so, Herbert is found guilty and convicted for his crime. He is locked up for 17 years, but spends the whole time being bitter at the “nosy brats” who witnessed his crime. He has an ally in Margaret Tibbs, a religious, spinster-type, who has fallen in love with him. Dennis Mills, father of murdered woman Abby, spends the 17 years blaming Dunne, of course, but also the girls for not stopping the murder. Margaret Tibbs blames the girls for lying on her “precious Herbert.” And the girls, Frankie, Bea, and Scarlett drift apart but each seem to spend the next 17 years blaming themselves for not stepping in to stop the murder they witnessed. As an adult, Frankie has moved away from her small town and changed her last name, but she can’t seem to escape her past, and this is where the present day story begins. Just weeks after Herbert is let out of prison (with a cancer diagnosis of 6 months or less to live), Bea and Scarlett are murderered.
Blame is told from multiple standpoints. We get past and present day Frankie, Herbert Dunne in and out of prison, Margaret before and after Herbert is let out, as well as Bea and Scarlett before they’re killed. We also meet Chelsea (daughter of murdered Abby), Jed, who is Frankie’ new boyfriend, and Darren, the policeman who worked on the Abby Mills case in the past as well as the present cases for the murderers of Scarlet and Bea.
My criticisms would be that the story becomes convoluted with way too many characters, all related in some way. Aside from the main characters I mentioned, there were many neighbors and family members to keep up with. There were also pages and pages of descriptions about the scenery and location of Frankie’s new house, which felt like overkill and did absolutely nothing to move the story along. A murderer is on the loose, and yet there’s page after page describing the yard, the puppies, etc. I became super impatient at times bc there were so many other important things to give attention to.
Despite those criticisms, this is one of the most well written books I’ve read. I love how each character was shaped and developed. The author let us delve into their pasts and their upbringings so that we fully understood what motivated each person to act the way they did. We understood each person’s attitude and emotions and I even was able to sympathize with the worst characters (slightly). Although the twists felt predictable and I knew early on who the new killer was, I still enjoyed the way everything played out. Lastly, I learned so many new words! I’ve read lots of stories set in small English towns and larger cities like London, but this time around I had to look up many of the words and foods mentioned. This made for such an enjoyable experience, because I love learning new words and finding ways to incorporate them in my daily life.
I give Blame 5 stars. There was humor, sadness, grief, and love. The characters were fully fleshed out and I felt as if I really knew each person well. The author said she wrote this during COVID lockdown, and I can tell she really took her time with it! I’ll definitely read more by this author.
Blame is told from multiple standpoints. We get past and present day Frankie, Herbert Dunne in and out of prison, Margaret before and after Herbert is let out, as well as Bea and Scarlett before they’re killed. We also meet Chelsea (daughter of murdered Abby), Jed, who is Frankie’ new boyfriend, and Darren, the policeman who worked on the Abby Mills case in the past as well as the present cases for the murderers of Scarlet and Bea.
My criticisms would be that the story becomes convoluted with way too many characters, all related in some way. Aside from the main characters I mentioned, there were many neighbors and family members to keep up with. There were also pages and pages of descriptions about the scenery and location of Frankie’s new house, which felt like overkill and did absolutely nothing to move the story along. A murderer is on the loose, and yet there’s page after page describing the yard, the puppies, etc. I became super impatient at times bc there were so many other important things to give attention to.
Despite those criticisms, this is one of the most well written books I’ve read. I love how each character was shaped and developed. The author let us delve into their pasts and their upbringings so that we fully understood what motivated each person to act the way they did. We understood each person’s attitude and emotions and I even was able to sympathize with the worst characters (slightly). Although the twists felt predictable and I knew early on who the new killer was, I still enjoyed the way everything played out. Lastly, I learned so many new words! I’ve read lots of stories set in small English towns and larger cities like London, but this time around I had to look up many of the words and foods mentioned. This made for such an enjoyable experience, because I love learning new words and finding ways to incorporate them in my daily life.
I give Blame 5 stars. There was humor, sadness, grief, and love. The characters were fully fleshed out and I felt as if I really knew each person well. The author said she wrote this during COVID lockdown, and I can tell she really took her time with it! I’ll definitely read more by this author.
February 15, 2021
Frankie Cooper self employed editor working from home and cannot wait till the 30th June, its a special date as she emigrates to France, peace and quiet in the countryside is what she needs in absolute bliss , but then Jed White comes along and its love, it does not stand in her way he can come for holidays.
Herbert Dunne in Nottingham prison has nearly finished his time for killing Abby Mills fourteen hard years with news of a terminal illness he cannot wait to be with his Margaret Tibbs his Maggie May, the three little tarts Frankie, Bea Butler and Scarlet Jones are liars and Dennis Mills blames them all and Herbert for his daughters death she could have been saved, so as we read into all the characters things start to happen to them one by one and its up to DC Darren Barnes to find who is out for revenge, and it isn't sweet, these women have to be saved.
I was gripped and just couldn't put this book down everything was put on hold, this is a tale that readers will enjoy, this author brings out her best in her writing and always amazes me with her work and full fills my reading days to the limit. it's outstanding and leaves you hungry for more to come.
Herbert Dunne in Nottingham prison has nearly finished his time for killing Abby Mills fourteen hard years with news of a terminal illness he cannot wait to be with his Margaret Tibbs his Maggie May, the three little tarts Frankie, Bea Butler and Scarlet Jones are liars and Dennis Mills blames them all and Herbert for his daughters death she could have been saved, so as we read into all the characters things start to happen to them one by one and its up to DC Darren Barnes to find who is out for revenge, and it isn't sweet, these women have to be saved.
I was gripped and just couldn't put this book down everything was put on hold, this is a tale that readers will enjoy, this author brings out her best in her writing and always amazes me with her work and full fills my reading days to the limit. it's outstanding and leaves you hungry for more to come.
February 6, 2021
I loved this book!
Frankie and her two friends witnessed something when they were teenagers, but none of them realised it would haunt them into their adult life.
Herbert Dunne was sent to prison for what he did but that night still stays in Frankie’s mind even though she’s tried to get on with her life.
Dunne is released from prison and into the arms of the woman who has stood by him for the last 15 years, but life’s not completely rosy for them.
After a nasty violent relationship Frankie decides to move to France but just before she goes, she meets someone who she falls for.
Jed can’t bear to be away from Frankie and when he hears that one of her friends from that night has been murdered, he heads over to France to be with her.
We get an insight into Frankie’s life and that of Dunne and Margaret but I wasn’t prepared for the nail biting showdown at the end.
I felt drawn to Frankie after everything she’s been through and was really hoping her life would take a turn for the better. You’ll have to read it to find out if that happens.
This is a brilliant book that has a bit of everything and I loved it!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Frankie and her two friends witnessed something when they were teenagers, but none of them realised it would haunt them into their adult life.
Herbert Dunne was sent to prison for what he did but that night still stays in Frankie’s mind even though she’s tried to get on with her life.
Dunne is released from prison and into the arms of the woman who has stood by him for the last 15 years, but life’s not completely rosy for them.
After a nasty violent relationship Frankie decides to move to France but just before she goes, she meets someone who she falls for.
Jed can’t bear to be away from Frankie and when he hears that one of her friends from that night has been murdered, he heads over to France to be with her.
We get an insight into Frankie’s life and that of Dunne and Margaret but I wasn’t prepared for the nail biting showdown at the end.
I felt drawn to Frankie after everything she’s been through and was really hoping her life would take a turn for the better. You’ll have to read it to find out if that happens.
This is a brilliant book that has a bit of everything and I loved it!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
February 17, 2021
I love a good whodunnit but I’m in full awe and admiration mode when an author is confident enough in their writing to tell you early on who did it. Well one murder anyway!
Frankie the protagonist has changed her surname and moved away from Elkdale, hoping to leave the past far behind. Unfortunately the past has a nasty habit of catching up and this time it has brought a friend.
I liked Frankie from page one, when she is shown as a typical teenager, getting up to a little bit of mischief ( a girl after my own heart) then witnessing alongside her mates, Herbert the pervert commit murder.
Then this is where the tour de force comes in and what thoroughly deserves my five star rating. Herbert! Am I supposed to like a baddie this much? He’s completely at war with who he presents himself as and the contradictions of how he views Jesus and Mary while sitting at the chapel pretending to be pious had me in stitches.
So when mild mannered Margaret from the church starts visiting him in prison and dreams of a life with him on release, I thought I knew how this was going to play out. However it turns out she’s not all sunshine and kittens and they are a match made in, well it’s not heaven that’s for sure with Herbert’s views.
They aren’t the only ones looking for Frankie and her friends though and this is where the story takes a real turn and I’m left wondering who will get to her first. Luckily she has the lovely Fit Bit Jed and I was desperately hoping they would get a happy ever after. Did they or are things about to get messy?
With settings I could get lost in, characters that inspired even my dark little heart and the thrill of bad meeting bad, I thoroughly recommend this.
Frankie the protagonist has changed her surname and moved away from Elkdale, hoping to leave the past far behind. Unfortunately the past has a nasty habit of catching up and this time it has brought a friend.
I liked Frankie from page one, when she is shown as a typical teenager, getting up to a little bit of mischief ( a girl after my own heart) then witnessing alongside her mates, Herbert the pervert commit murder.
Then this is where the tour de force comes in and what thoroughly deserves my five star rating. Herbert! Am I supposed to like a baddie this much? He’s completely at war with who he presents himself as and the contradictions of how he views Jesus and Mary while sitting at the chapel pretending to be pious had me in stitches.
So when mild mannered Margaret from the church starts visiting him in prison and dreams of a life with him on release, I thought I knew how this was going to play out. However it turns out she’s not all sunshine and kittens and they are a match made in, well it’s not heaven that’s for sure with Herbert’s views.
They aren’t the only ones looking for Frankie and her friends though and this is where the story takes a real turn and I’m left wondering who will get to her first. Luckily she has the lovely Fit Bit Jed and I was desperately hoping they would get a happy ever after. Did they or are things about to get messy?
With settings I could get lost in, characters that inspired even my dark little heart and the thrill of bad meeting bad, I thoroughly recommend this.
February 3, 2021
Omg hooked line and sinker from the first page. What a great book. I couldn't put it down hence why I am writing this review at 4.52 am !! I am going to have a major book hangover 😔. All the stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Absolute must read 📚📖❤💙
January 30, 2021
this is very good addictive twisty .Frankie and her friends witness the murder of Abbey that gets Herbert put in prison and he has been busy grooming his lady friend sex starved margaret who believes he is innocent but she is no angel they are going to move in together when he comes out but Herbert finds out he has cancer and not long to live .Frankie had an ex boyfriend who tried to kill her so she has changed her identify and is moving to France but then she meets Jed wont say no more but its very good so recommend
February 17, 2021
I have read a few of this author's books and have to say she is one of those who gives me the feels because her stories always come alive off the page. Blame is no different.
I won't bore you with the plot. You have the blurb for that. What I will say is this book has everything. Murder, mystery, twists, a love story, well timed moments of humour, and beautifully drawn characters that feel real flesh and blood.
A brilliant book and highly recommended.
I won't bore you with the plot. You have the blurb for that. What I will say is this book has everything. Murder, mystery, twists, a love story, well timed moments of humour, and beautifully drawn characters that feel real flesh and blood.
A brilliant book and highly recommended.
March 24, 2021
After witnessing the murder of young mother Abby Mills when she was a teen, then managing to escape an abusive relationship years later, Frankie Hooper lives her life in seclusion — for good reason. The townspeople where the killing took place blame her for not trying to save Abby. On top of that, her psycho ex-boyfriend will be released from prison soon and might look for her. She looks forward to moving and starting a new life in the French countryside where she can live anonymously and not have to hide anymore.
Spinster Margaret Tibbs is in love with Herbert Dunne, the man who killed Abby. She stood by him through his arrest, trial, and incarceration, becoming a social pariah for it. When he becomes a free man, she imagines their happy life together. The only problem is Herbert Dunne is keeping a secret from her. When she discovers what he’s been hiding, she’ll turn from a mouse of a woman to an avenging madwoman, seeking to punish those she blames for ruining her life, including Frankie. But she’s not the only one wants revenge. Howard Dunne and Abby’s father do too. The question is who will get their revenge? And who will ultimately take the blame for everything?
A compelling exploration of the human psyche in regards to guilt and blame, “Blame” by Patricia Dixon stands out as an excellent piece of psychological fiction. Dixon takes time to create characters that come alive on the page through their thoughts and actions. Each of the major characters is saddled with blame for Abby Mills’ murder and what happened because of it. Some feel guilt even though they’re innocent, such as Frankie. Some blame others for the consequences caused by their own actions, such as Margaret and Herbert.
With a smooth writing style that makes for fast reading, Dixon makes getting to know each character enjoyable and fascinating. You know it’s going to come down to good versus evil. But with so many characters hell bent on revenge, you’ll have a time trying to figure out who’s going to get it — and on whom. Will it be the “bad guys” or one of the “good”? I read a lot of psychological fiction, and I pride myself on being able to figure out some of the twists in advance. With “Blame”, I couldn’t. Dixon is sneaky and purposefully threw me off track. Although it wasn’t obvious while I was reading, I can see it clearly now. And I’m impressed.
Full of suspense with a light undercurrent of tension, “Blame” is the book to read for anyone who enjoys well written and suspenseful psychological fiction.
Spinster Margaret Tibbs is in love with Herbert Dunne, the man who killed Abby. She stood by him through his arrest, trial, and incarceration, becoming a social pariah for it. When he becomes a free man, she imagines their happy life together. The only problem is Herbert Dunne is keeping a secret from her. When she discovers what he’s been hiding, she’ll turn from a mouse of a woman to an avenging madwoman, seeking to punish those she blames for ruining her life, including Frankie. But she’s not the only one wants revenge. Howard Dunne and Abby’s father do too. The question is who will get their revenge? And who will ultimately take the blame for everything?
A compelling exploration of the human psyche in regards to guilt and blame, “Blame” by Patricia Dixon stands out as an excellent piece of psychological fiction. Dixon takes time to create characters that come alive on the page through their thoughts and actions. Each of the major characters is saddled with blame for Abby Mills’ murder and what happened because of it. Some feel guilt even though they’re innocent, such as Frankie. Some blame others for the consequences caused by their own actions, such as Margaret and Herbert.
With a smooth writing style that makes for fast reading, Dixon makes getting to know each character enjoyable and fascinating. You know it’s going to come down to good versus evil. But with so many characters hell bent on revenge, you’ll have a time trying to figure out who’s going to get it — and on whom. Will it be the “bad guys” or one of the “good”? I read a lot of psychological fiction, and I pride myself on being able to figure out some of the twists in advance. With “Blame”, I couldn’t. Dixon is sneaky and purposefully threw me off track. Although it wasn’t obvious while I was reading, I can see it clearly now. And I’m impressed.
Full of suspense with a light undercurrent of tension, “Blame” is the book to read for anyone who enjoys well written and suspenseful psychological fiction.
January 29, 2021
A book of crime, and a read of hope. Many yeas ago Frankie and her two friends were witnesses to a murder. The perpetrator Herbert was caught and imprisoned. He is now due to be released and thinks he would have got away with it had it not been for “ three interfering girls''. Margaret has always liked Herbert and on his release he is going to move in with her. For the last fourteen years she has been shunned by the community for being on the side of a known murderer. Frankie also had a close call- with a knife when she lived in Elkdale. She has now changed her name and moved away but is about to make a much larger move- to France where no one will know her background and she can finally put the past behind her where it belongs however she has just begun a new relationship- something she has steered away from but Jed seems very different from her previous experiences. Herbert wants to seek revenge but time isn't on his side as he has terminal cancer.
I so loved this. There are several threads in this: one of crime, one of past crimes, one looking to the future and one of bitterness and blame- all clevely interwoven. A woman of hope wanting to put the past behind her as many of us do, but those all so surprising glimpses of something that reginite and fan the flames of what has gone before and what still may stand in our way. I loved Frankie and the very positive determination of Jed as the guiding light. Justice? That you’ll have to read to find out and maybe even decide for yourself. The past is behind us, step into the future. One to remember, one stunning read.
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February 10, 2021
My latest arc read is this beauty by Patricia Dixon called Blame.
3 young teenagers witness a woman being killed when they are drunk and stoned. As a result the culprit gets sent to prison.
The story follows Frankie as she tries to move on. It follows Margaret and she stands by her man, her Herbert, believing those meddling kids sent him away. Herbert blames them for ruining his life too.
Frankie meets Jed and moves to France, and this is my favourite part of Trish's books. You get lost in the French towns, the little shops, the friendliness of the people etc.
Obviously it's never that easy and builds to a crescendo with lots of little red herrings to throw you off.
3 young teenagers witness a woman being killed when they are drunk and stoned. As a result the culprit gets sent to prison.
The story follows Frankie as she tries to move on. It follows Margaret and she stands by her man, her Herbert, believing those meddling kids sent him away. Herbert blames them for ruining his life too.
Frankie meets Jed and moves to France, and this is my favourite part of Trish's books. You get lost in the French towns, the little shops, the friendliness of the people etc.
Obviously it's never that easy and builds to a crescendo with lots of little red herrings to throw you off.
January 28, 2021
I was itching to read this one as a big fan of Patricia Dixon and I wasn't disappointed. Telling the story of Frankie and the consequences of one night during her teenage years, the actions of one man and the knock on effects of each person involved. Culminating in a great twist I was glued to the pages all the way through.
February 17, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. One of my favorite things about her, is her ability to pull me into her story from the beginning. She also has characters that bring the story to life and are unique and creative. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that kept me turning pages. This is a story about Frankie and how you can't always run away from the past. There is consequences for every decision made as she is about to find out. Who will pay the price? I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
February 1, 2021
Three teenagers hoping to do nothing more than to get a little high and drunk away from their parents’ prying eyes end up witnessing something terrible - then, 15 years later, the man they put away for the crime is released, setting into motion a series of events that stir up the events of that fateful night.
This book was really intense because it shows how a single event, a crime, can affect not only the people directly involved, but so many people in the circle surrounding those people. There’s a big cast of characters here, everyone with a connection to the events of the night in 2007 that is described at the beginning of the book. It really is fascinating to see how it all works out. It also shows how you can’t really hide events from view, because either literally or figuratively someone is watching - both apply in this case, as you’ll see in this book.
The central suspenseful storyline is really intense, with a villain that really creeped me out. He was the stuff of nightmares and I really got chills each time the chapters from his perspective came up. And his accomplice was just as terrifying - it was really interesting to see how their relationship played out with their twisted dynamic.
On the other hand, the “good guys” were really worth rooting for. Frankie was relatable and likable - I’d have loved to get a cup of coffee with her sometime. She goes through some really hard times in this one and she and her friends were sympathetic characters in contrast to the dark, malicious villains. And there was just enough of a romance storyline to keep things interesting, but not to detract from the main one.
Overall, if you’re looking for a really creepy revenge thriller with a tight, complex plot, you’ll want to pick this one up. It’s worth it.
This book was really intense because it shows how a single event, a crime, can affect not only the people directly involved, but so many people in the circle surrounding those people. There’s a big cast of characters here, everyone with a connection to the events of the night in 2007 that is described at the beginning of the book. It really is fascinating to see how it all works out. It also shows how you can’t really hide events from view, because either literally or figuratively someone is watching - both apply in this case, as you’ll see in this book.
The central suspenseful storyline is really intense, with a villain that really creeped me out. He was the stuff of nightmares and I really got chills each time the chapters from his perspective came up. And his accomplice was just as terrifying - it was really interesting to see how their relationship played out with their twisted dynamic.
On the other hand, the “good guys” were really worth rooting for. Frankie was relatable and likable - I’d have loved to get a cup of coffee with her sometime. She goes through some really hard times in this one and she and her friends were sympathetic characters in contrast to the dark, malicious villains. And there was just enough of a romance storyline to keep things interesting, but not to detract from the main one.
Overall, if you’re looking for a really creepy revenge thriller with a tight, complex plot, you’ll want to pick this one up. It’s worth it.
February 10, 2021
I have to say that this book is very well written from the start. Furthermore, the plot, twists and turns are all very clever, and the range of characters are all very well rounded and believable.
Of all the characters, I found that I loved Herbert and ‘Maggie May’. For some reason, these odd and quite frankly scary people really appealed to me and I wanted to read more and more in order to learn more about them. It was also good to read about a convincing female main character - Frankie has more strength than she gives herself credit for and it was thrilling to read how she changes and develops in confidence. Confidence which took a knock when she was younger and is fully covered in the book - no spoilers here!
This is the first book I have read by Patricia Dixon - it certainly won’t be the last. Of the 16 books I have read so far this year, this is my first five star read!
Of all the characters, I found that I loved Herbert and ‘Maggie May’. For some reason, these odd and quite frankly scary people really appealed to me and I wanted to read more and more in order to learn more about them. It was also good to read about a convincing female main character - Frankie has more strength than she gives herself credit for and it was thrilling to read how she changes and develops in confidence. Confidence which took a knock when she was younger and is fully covered in the book - no spoilers here!
This is the first book I have read by Patricia Dixon - it certainly won’t be the last. Of the 16 books I have read so far this year, this is my first five star read!
February 15, 2021
Oh my goodness! Talk about a twisty book! Such a wild ride and a fast read. I didn’t want to put it down. I love Patricia’s writing. Her books always make pause and think. I love how it’s not so over the top that it’s unbelievable.
February 25, 2021
Another ‘completely gripping’ psychological suspense story, to take its place inside the stable of ‘utterly gripping, ‘jaw dropping’ and ‘heartstopping’ others in this genre. And, as I’ve said recently, it’s time that I stopped reading them because I am not gripped, my jaw is not dropped and my heart is absolutely not stopped by them anymore, if it ever was.
OK, I know how these books work, and that’s fine, up to a point. I just feel that it’s possible to have too much of them, and I’ve reached that point because they just aren’t doing it for me. Within Blame we get the heroine, good but not too good, with mistakes in her past, her love-interest in the shape of a particularly fit builder, the pervert murderer with his wacko ‘girlfriend’ and the vindictive village drunk, father to a murder victim. There’s a lot of revenge flying around, one way or the other, and Elkdale doesn’t sound like the ideal place to live.
I neither liked nor disliked Frankie, the neutral, girl-next-door with issues in her past, or Jed, her new squeeze; they were Ms and Mr Average, it-could-be-you figures. Herbert the Pervert and Maggie the Mad weren’t there to be liked, and I could have done with less focus on them both as well as Dennis the Menace. Too much of these latter made it a less-than-satisfactory read for me, although good enough of its kind if it’s your type of thing. It isn’t mine, sadly.
OK, I know how these books work, and that’s fine, up to a point. I just feel that it’s possible to have too much of them, and I’ve reached that point because they just aren’t doing it for me. Within Blame we get the heroine, good but not too good, with mistakes in her past, her love-interest in the shape of a particularly fit builder, the pervert murderer with his wacko ‘girlfriend’ and the vindictive village drunk, father to a murder victim. There’s a lot of revenge flying around, one way or the other, and Elkdale doesn’t sound like the ideal place to live.
I neither liked nor disliked Frankie, the neutral, girl-next-door with issues in her past, or Jed, her new squeeze; they were Ms and Mr Average, it-could-be-you figures. Herbert the Pervert and Maggie the Mad weren’t there to be liked, and I could have done with less focus on them both as well as Dennis the Menace. Too much of these latter made it a less-than-satisfactory read for me, although good enough of its kind if it’s your type of thing. It isn’t mine, sadly.
February 6, 2021
Not only is this a great thriller to read but running concurrently is a beautiful love story. Patricia is such a wonderful writer that she manages to align these two opposing genres together and has your feelings jumping about all over the place. Her descriptions of rural France are second to none and as the reader, you are there experiencing it all - the sights, sounds and smells , so much so that every time I read one of her books based in France, I want to move there immediately!! However as the title implies, the story is mainly about how as humans we quite easily pass the blame of our own errors onto others and then when there are greater consequences, totally deny our own participation in events especially to ourselves. The 'Blame' is like throwing a stone into the middle of a pond and watching the ripples spread out and becoming bigger, having unknown repercussions along the way. I would highly recommend this book.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
February 2, 2021
Frankie, Bea and Scarlet set off for their secret hideaway, a place where they can have a drink, get a little stoned and talk about life and their dreams for the future ..But the event they witness that night will be forever imprinted in their memory ..Herbert has been in prison for the past fourteen years for the murder of a young woman ..and on his release he goes straight to Margaret, the woman who has waited for him all this time ..She was there at his trial , there for fortnightly visits...over the years he has beguiled and manipulated her..and she cannot wait to be with him again .Frankie is now an editor and is making plans to live in France ..She has bought an old house, and just wants to leave Elkdale and the past behind .Then she meets Jed ..kind, gentle and handsome ..As their relationship develops, she still wants to go to France,and both agree to take things slowly. Moving to Saint Suplice , she makes new friends, buys two adorable puppies..and is happier than she has been in a long time ..But sometimes the past is never where you leave it ..And there is a wickedness stirring ..It's bitter, ugly and full of darkness and rage ..And now the past is about to come hurtling ..destroying lives...So much rage..A fast moving , twisting psychological thriller that never skips a beat .Heartpounding
May 25, 2021
There are so many lovely characters in this book. Each one making you want to know the outcome of their journey.
There is always some nasty characters that you just hope justice (or revenge) is served on them.
In every situation there is always someone to Blame. Who’s to Blame for the death of Abby?
There is always some nasty characters that you just hope justice (or revenge) is served on them.
In every situation there is always someone to Blame. Who’s to Blame for the death of Abby?
February 2, 2021
This is another stunner of a book by Patricia Dixon that kept me up reading for hours as I just didn't want to stop.
Frankie, Bea and Scarlett are three teenage friends who witness the murder of Abby Mills, a young mother who leaves behind a small daughter, who without family to care for her, is adopted.
The murderer Herbert Dunne is sent to prison for the crime and he blames the girls for their part in his incarceration.
Margaret, a very quiet woman befriends Herbert in prison and while she visits him, he grooms her ready for his release, not realising he has a terminal illness.
Frankie who never feels safe, especially after having a psychotic ex boyfriend, moves to France and although she misses her new boyfriend Jed, starts to make a safer life for herself.
Herbert is released into the care of Margaret, but the three girls are in trouble, the killings start but who is it doing these deeds? Who lives and who dies?
This book has you wondering right up to the end, your mind gets changed over and over.
An amazing book, I would give it 10* if I could.
Frankie, Bea and Scarlett are three teenage friends who witness the murder of Abby Mills, a young mother who leaves behind a small daughter, who without family to care for her, is adopted.
The murderer Herbert Dunne is sent to prison for the crime and he blames the girls for their part in his incarceration.
Margaret, a very quiet woman befriends Herbert in prison and while she visits him, he grooms her ready for his release, not realising he has a terminal illness.
Frankie who never feels safe, especially after having a psychotic ex boyfriend, moves to France and although she misses her new boyfriend Jed, starts to make a safer life for herself.
Herbert is released into the care of Margaret, but the three girls are in trouble, the killings start but who is it doing these deeds? Who lives and who dies?
This book has you wondering right up to the end, your mind gets changed over and over.
An amazing book, I would give it 10* if I could.
February 3, 2021
Where do I start? Just simply FANTASTIC! An utterly great physiological thriller, full of twists and turns. The beautiful descriptive narrative of the storyline genuinely took me right inside the story and into the characters private space. I honestly felt at times I was right there with everyone, like a peeping Tom, watching what’s going on whilst hiding in the bushes. My instincts jumped back a forward a couple of times trying to guess who was the culprit, but even in knowing, or at least when I was sure I knew, I still was totally engrossed with the storyline. Genuinely a book I didn’t want to end. The greatness of the writing actually made it an easy read, but mainly thoroughly enjoyable. I feel I actually know the characters to be honest ! 10/10. Well done Ms Dixon
February 6, 2021
I RECEIVED AN ADVANCED COPY IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW RELEASE DATE FEBRUARY 17th
I loved this book! A physiological thriller, full of twists. We follow three young lady's who witness an event. One that makes Frankie wants to run from her past. I loved this story line.
I had never read a book by Patricia before. But my days!! I will again she has found a new reader.
Her writing style is amazing I loved it so much.
Well down will recommend. 😊
I loved this book! A physiological thriller, full of twists. We follow three young lady's who witness an event. One that makes Frankie wants to run from her past. I loved this story line.
I had never read a book by Patricia before. But my days!! I will again she has found a new reader.
Her writing style is amazing I loved it so much.
Well down will recommend. 😊
February 1, 2021
This book really does cover all genres; there’s a bit of psychological thriller, police procedural, romance and even a travel guide. Put it all together and you have an unputdownable book, so well written and with enough red herrings to keep you guessing.
Briefly, Herbert Dunne is convicted of murder, partly on the evidence of three teenage girls. One of these, Frankie, has been unable to cope and moved away but she is now in the process of moving to France. When Dunne is released from prison he moves no with Margaret, the women who has stuck by him throughout the trial and his incarceration. But he has revenge on his mind...
Patricia Dixon brings what is clearly a deep love for France and all things french to this book, whilst weaving a web of mystery and intrigue on both sides of the English Channel. An easy 5*.
Briefly, Herbert Dunne is convicted of murder, partly on the evidence of three teenage girls. One of these, Frankie, has been unable to cope and moved away but she is now in the process of moving to France. When Dunne is released from prison he moves no with Margaret, the women who has stuck by him throughout the trial and his incarceration. But he has revenge on his mind...
Patricia Dixon brings what is clearly a deep love for France and all things french to this book, whilst weaving a web of mystery and intrigue on both sides of the English Channel. An easy 5*.
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it had everything I love in it - believable characters you either love or hate, and a very good plot with lots of twists in. I thought it was a very fast paced engaging read, one which had me hooked from the first page and I loved the suspense and chilling atmosphere the author has created here. I found this book very hard to put down and kept wanting to read more to find out what would happen next. It had parts that were quite funny and made me laugh, and, in my opinion, was very well written book that held my interest to the end.
4 stars
4 stars
January 31, 2021
Was super excited to get my ARC copy of Blame. Once again Patricia hasn't disappointed and penned a "can't put it down" page turner. I read it in two days. A psychological tale of how one innocent drunken outing changed the lives of three teenage friends forever. The perpetrator of the crime and recipient of their damning witness evidence bides his time, quietly plotting and nurturing his plan ready to put into place upon his release from prison. Gently grooming Margaret over many years. The woman he thought would agree to his every whim. The girls have no idea what revenge is about to be wreaked upon them, or by whom. Just when you think you have it worked out, there is yet another twist in the plot. Kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
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