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A Kiss After Dying
NOTHING TASTES SWEETER THAN REVENGE
. . .
THE IRRESISTIBLE NEW THRILLER THAT EVERYONE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS SUMMER
'An addictive thriller in which revenge is a dish best served deliciously cold' T.M. LOGAN
'Such thrilling, evil fun' MARIAN KEYES
'Ingenious and thrilling, this novel will have your head spinning in the best possible way' SAMANTHA DOWNING
_______
Meet Hannah.
She's quiet. She seems shy. But appearances can be misleading.
Because Hannah has a plan. She's been keeping track of the people who destroyed her family. And she'll stop at nothing to get revenge.
There's just one
Hannah has no idea who's going to be standing in her way . . .
_______
READERS LOVE A KISS AFTER DYING !
'I loved everything about this book - it's fast-paced, unpredictable and full of twists and turns. Read it. You won't regret it!' 5***** Reader Review
'A real page-turner' 5***** Reader Review
'A super smart and slick revenge thriller with an incredible kick-ass female protagonist. I loved it!' 5***** Reader Review
'A hugely addictive page-turner' 5***** Reader Review
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2022
11 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 16, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
This is a story about Hannah. She seems shy. Some would even say spiky. People don't pay that much attention to Hannah. Which is exactly how she planned it.
It's also a story about Ricky. Ricky is anything but shy. Rich, charming, good looking, Ricky has never had a problem getting what he wants. And now he wants Hannah.
There's a spark between them from the moment they meet. Even Hannah can't resist a man like Ricky for long. But this is not a love story. In fact, it's a little like Hannah. /first you'll be intrigued. But you'll soon realise she knows something you don't.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but I'm glad I stuck with it. There's also parts that dragged out. The last 20% was, by far, the best part. The pace is steady throughout. I liked the main characters, they were well developed and believable. There's plenty of twists, it's unpredictable and thought provoking. I took half a star away for being hard to get into.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJosephUK and the author #AshokBanter for my ARC of #AKissAfterDying in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Hannah. She seems shy. Some would even say spiky. People don't pay that much attention to Hannah. Which is exactly how she planned it.
It's also a story about Ricky. Ricky is anything but shy. Rich, charming, good looking, Ricky has never had a problem getting what he wants. And now he wants Hannah.
There's a spark between them from the moment they meet. Even Hannah can't resist a man like Ricky for long. But this is not a love story. In fact, it's a little like Hannah. /first you'll be intrigued. But you'll soon realise she knows something you don't.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but I'm glad I stuck with it. There's also parts that dragged out. The last 20% was, by far, the best part. The pace is steady throughout. I liked the main characters, they were well developed and believable. There's plenty of twists, it's unpredictable and thought provoking. I took half a star away for being hard to get into.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJosephUK and the author #AshokBanter for my ARC of #AKissAfterDying in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2021
A Kiss After Dying is one of those hugely addictive page turner's, the kind of book you start then can't bear to stop until you've devoured every word.
This is a revenge thriller that happens to also have well rounded, deeply intriguing characters. It is pacy and clever, with a big dose of unpredictability, you are never quite sure what is going to happen and its full of moral ambiguity in its portrayal of a determination to get the protagonists version of justice.
Its a bit Game Of Thrones in a way. Clever and in a lot of ways thought provoking. I really loved it. Highly Recommended.
This is a revenge thriller that happens to also have well rounded, deeply intriguing characters. It is pacy and clever, with a big dose of unpredictability, you are never quite sure what is going to happen and its full of moral ambiguity in its portrayal of a determination to get the protagonists version of justice.
Its a bit Game Of Thrones in a way. Clever and in a lot of ways thought provoking. I really loved it. Highly Recommended.
January 25, 2022
A pulse-racing thriller with jaw-dropping twists and turns, A KISS AFTER DYING is completely unique from anything else I've read. The action-packed pace and addictive, original rhythm keeps readers on their toes, and you won't be able to look away from the shrewd, fascinating characters. This is a sharp, shocking novel I'll never forget.
July 11, 2022
This is a story about Hannah. The addictive tale with the action-packed pace is all about revenge and there are a fair few wow, wild, swerving moments. The characters are masterfully created and developed and the plotline is terrifically good. Make sure you pick up A Kiss After Dying as Ashok Banker has made certain not to disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Michael Joseph UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Michael Joseph UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 23, 2022
I think this is the first novel I’ve come across from this author, definitely the first one I’ve read and it was AWESOME!
Hannah is quiet – the kind of woman who not many people notice. Ricky is rich and a bit of a playboy; eventually he notices Hannah and she falls under his spell – or does she? There’s more to Hannah than meets the eye and reading this novel will lead you there.
I was bowling along quite nicely, enjoying reading this one and considering it to be a fairly gentle read when – BAM! – it suddenly took a wild swerve and left me with my jaw hanging open! From there on, the surprises just kept coming; one or two which were expected but, for the most part, completely out of the blue. I can now understand just why Ashok Banker is described as ‘an internationally acclaimed author’ – trust me, it’s all true and if you haven’t come across his work before, then please do add this one to your wishlist. You will be shocked and amazed but the one thing you won’t be is disappointed. An extremely exciting and worthwhile read; nothing less that a full house of glowing stars will do!
Hannah is quiet – the kind of woman who not many people notice. Ricky is rich and a bit of a playboy; eventually he notices Hannah and she falls under his spell – or does she? There’s more to Hannah than meets the eye and reading this novel will lead you there.
I was bowling along quite nicely, enjoying reading this one and considering it to be a fairly gentle read when – BAM! – it suddenly took a wild swerve and left me with my jaw hanging open! From there on, the surprises just kept coming; one or two which were expected but, for the most part, completely out of the blue. I can now understand just why Ashok Banker is described as ‘an internationally acclaimed author’ – trust me, it’s all true and if you haven’t come across his work before, then please do add this one to your wishlist. You will be shocked and amazed but the one thing you won’t be is disappointed. An extremely exciting and worthwhile read; nothing less that a full house of glowing stars will do!
November 15, 2021
A super smart and slick revenge thriller that is brilliantly plotted and with an incredible kick-ass female protagonist. I loved this book and would highly recommend. (Plus it has one of those reveals that knocked me for six and made me want to instantly re-read the whole thing- complete masterclass in writing this genre!)
August 8, 2022
2.5 rounded up. Got an ARC from the fabulous guys at PRH, and tons of hype. This was set to be the best book I'd read this year....
Beautiful and vivid story-telling. I really felt like I was in the same room as the characters. Each one's personality comes across in the way they and their situation is written.
However, you start with an already-told plot. Nerdy girl at school not being noticed by the resident everybody-wants-him guy. Except there is a difference. She is after him. Why? Revenge. It's a great start. Hannah toys with, and reels in, and Ricky. She needs him close, so phase one of her plan to avenge her parents' deaths can be completed. Up until this point I am in this with her. Then the entire book changes. After getting too close, Ricky taps out. He vanishes from her life without any explanation. Now I am ready to see how she reels him back in. She doesn't. An albeit brilliantly thought out plot for his final night is hatched, but in what will become a trend, a suspenseful scenario instantly changes speed and becomes a Grand Prix finish. We race to the finish and Ricky's death. We can stand and admire the brilliance of the plot.
Plot two, and Hannah is not Kiara (I know, I know, but for now that's what we think, and in fairness we are led to believe that. We do have first hand accounts from times with Ricky which Hannah alone was there for). The same plot unfolds, but at a higher level and with cleaner and nobler characters. But again, we change tack from a tense build up to a lightening conclusion (albeit at an easier pace to absorb).This time a lazy way to kill the target. Oh yes, and Kiara isn't Hannah.
Plot three, and now we're after Roger. Again we build it slowly, except this time we have two exciting exchanges, both of which we're eased into. At the end of the first, Hannah's 'end' is predictably not. We need her later.
Then Kiara's end scene, and admittedly it is very exciting. Ruined though by a return of the same old trick. When the situation has become too complex, you throw a wildcard in: Hannah being a separate person and now driving the car, and now Hannah surviving the fatal shot to her back (when she's out of play), and luckily the debilitating cancer has vanished. She's also just happened to land on this inaccessible island. When she appeared in Kiara's view I said out loud, "Of course she's there!"
Hannah is great in a pinch, and she seems nearly immortal.
The end is not at all satisfactory. We hear that Roger and his aide died, but we've had Hannah die but not. So are they alive. Then Kiara seems to die with Hannah chasing her. So maybe justice was done and revenge had. Maybe it wasn't. When the story line gets complex the author bails out, magics a solution, and runs for the hills. It could be excused earlier, but we're left with no more content, and loads of open doors.
Disappointing.
Beautiful and vivid story-telling. I really felt like I was in the same room as the characters. Each one's personality comes across in the way they and their situation is written.
However, you start with an already-told plot. Nerdy girl at school not being noticed by the resident everybody-wants-him guy. Except there is a difference. She is after him. Why? Revenge. It's a great start. Hannah toys with, and reels in, and Ricky. She needs him close, so phase one of her plan to avenge her parents' deaths can be completed. Up until this point I am in this with her. Then the entire book changes. After getting too close, Ricky taps out. He vanishes from her life without any explanation. Now I am ready to see how she reels him back in. She doesn't. An albeit brilliantly thought out plot for his final night is hatched, but in what will become a trend, a suspenseful scenario instantly changes speed and becomes a Grand Prix finish. We race to the finish and Ricky's death. We can stand and admire the brilliance of the plot.
Plot two, and Hannah is not Kiara (I know, I know, but for now that's what we think, and in fairness we are led to believe that. We do have first hand accounts from times with Ricky which Hannah alone was there for). The same plot unfolds, but at a higher level and with cleaner and nobler characters. But again, we change tack from a tense build up to a lightening conclusion (albeit at an easier pace to absorb).This time a lazy way to kill the target. Oh yes, and Kiara isn't Hannah.
Plot three, and now we're after Roger. Again we build it slowly, except this time we have two exciting exchanges, both of which we're eased into. At the end of the first, Hannah's 'end' is predictably not. We need her later.
Then Kiara's end scene, and admittedly it is very exciting. Ruined though by a return of the same old trick. When the situation has become too complex, you throw a wildcard in: Hannah being a separate person and now driving the car, and now Hannah surviving the fatal shot to her back (when she's out of play), and luckily the debilitating cancer has vanished. She's also just happened to land on this inaccessible island. When she appeared in Kiara's view I said out loud, "Of course she's there!"
Hannah is great in a pinch, and she seems nearly immortal.
The end is not at all satisfactory. We hear that Roger and his aide died, but we've had Hannah die but not. So are they alive. Then Kiara seems to die with Hannah chasing her. So maybe justice was done and revenge had. Maybe it wasn't. When the story line gets complex the author bails out, magics a solution, and runs for the hills. It could be excused earlier, but we're left with no more content, and loads of open doors.
Disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
A Kiss After Dying has gotten a lot of very high star reviews, but unfortunately this was a book that didn’t really click well with me. I found it hard to engage with, difficult to motivate myself to pick it up and a little frustrating.
My main issue with the book was the narrator Hannah, who seems to suffer with main character syndrome. She is irritating and difficult to empathise with: we are told over and over again how good looking and smart she is, how she is trained in so many martial arts, speaks lots of languages, is a chameleon and good at manipulating and killing people. She felt very much like a fantasy female character written by a man than a realistic portrayal of a woman. She doesn’t seem to have any flaws or anything a reader can relate to. Even the main ‘flaw’ at the end seems to just solves itself and this leads to very little stakes to keep a reader’s interest.
I also found the story a bit bland – the revenge element is interesting, but the plot is very progressive and linear. There’s a part near the end where a twist is signposted but then you just hear exactly the same backstory again from a slightly different perspective and don’t seem to gain any extra information.
Overall, I found a Kiss After Dying to be a bland story with an annoying main character and very little plot to back it up. Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin – Michael Joseph for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
My main issue with the book was the narrator Hannah, who seems to suffer with main character syndrome. She is irritating and difficult to empathise with: we are told over and over again how good looking and smart she is, how she is trained in so many martial arts, speaks lots of languages, is a chameleon and good at manipulating and killing people. She felt very much like a fantasy female character written by a man than a realistic portrayal of a woman. She doesn’t seem to have any flaws or anything a reader can relate to. Even the main ‘flaw’ at the end seems to just solves itself and this leads to very little stakes to keep a reader’s interest.
I also found the story a bit bland – the revenge element is interesting, but the plot is very progressive and linear. There’s a part near the end where a twist is signposted but then you just hear exactly the same backstory again from a slightly different perspective and don’t seem to gain any extra information.
Overall, I found a Kiss After Dying to be a bland story with an annoying main character and very little plot to back it up. Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin – Michael Joseph for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
June 22, 2022
Well... this took me all round the houses and back again delivering shock after surprise all the way through.
We start at college with Hannah and Ricky. Ricky wants Hannah, he doesn't know it yet, she hasn't engineered it yet, but she will... and then shenanigans will ensue.
But the why will be so much sweeter than you will imagine... as will the revenge that will be served up.
Honestly. I really don't want to say to much about this book. It is one of those books that you really need to go in knowing as little as you can so you can be hit with what the author serves up at exactly the right times for maximum impact. For that reason too, it's extremely hard to formulate a spoiler free review. So I will be deliberately oblique...
Characters are brilliant. A fascinating display of social and moral justice and injustice. With secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour aplenty. They in themselves would keep a book club in discussions for many an hour.
The story is both interesting and intriguing and held me captive throughout my time reading. Culminating in an ending that was perfect...
And to top it all, there's a thing that really makes me want to re-read the whole book. I just wish I had the time...
All in all, a cracking engaging read that really kept me on my toes and challenged me as a reader all the way through. No mean feat these days. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start at college with Hannah and Ricky. Ricky wants Hannah, he doesn't know it yet, she hasn't engineered it yet, but she will... and then shenanigans will ensue.
But the why will be so much sweeter than you will imagine... as will the revenge that will be served up.
Honestly. I really don't want to say to much about this book. It is one of those books that you really need to go in knowing as little as you can so you can be hit with what the author serves up at exactly the right times for maximum impact. For that reason too, it's extremely hard to formulate a spoiler free review. So I will be deliberately oblique...
Characters are brilliant. A fascinating display of social and moral justice and injustice. With secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour aplenty. They in themselves would keep a book club in discussions for many an hour.
The story is both interesting and intriguing and held me captive throughout my time reading. Culminating in an ending that was perfect...
And to top it all, there's a thing that really makes me want to re-read the whole book. I just wish I had the time...
All in all, a cracking engaging read that really kept me on my toes and challenged me as a reader all the way through. No mean feat these days. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 25, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up ⭐️
‘𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙝é 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙝é, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.’
I love a good revenge thriller and this sounded like one I would absolutely devour. Although it didn’t quite work as well for me, I still enjoyed the read.
I didn’t fly through this one as easily as I thought I might have. I found some bits rather wordy and overly descriptive - it slowed the reading right down for me and made it feel a slog to read in parts. There was, however, enough mystery and intrigue surrounding the plot to make me want to carry on.
The twists were cleverly done and put at different intervals throughout the story. This definitely helped to keep it interesting and for me, helped get over parts where I was struggling. The end picked up the pace really well, it was thrilling and twisty - definitely made up some marks!
Overall, I found it a really interesting premise and clever plot. Something didn’t just click quite right for me, it almost could have been shorter to make it more fast paced and thrilling. It’s still a good read and would definitely say to give it a go if you fancy it.
~
Thank you to @netgalley @ashokkbanker & @michaeljbooks for this ARC ❤️
~
#AKissAfterDying #NetGalley #ARCReview #AshokBanker #ThrillerBook
‘𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙝é 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙝é, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.’
I love a good revenge thriller and this sounded like one I would absolutely devour. Although it didn’t quite work as well for me, I still enjoyed the read.
I didn’t fly through this one as easily as I thought I might have. I found some bits rather wordy and overly descriptive - it slowed the reading right down for me and made it feel a slog to read in parts. There was, however, enough mystery and intrigue surrounding the plot to make me want to carry on.
The twists were cleverly done and put at different intervals throughout the story. This definitely helped to keep it interesting and for me, helped get over parts where I was struggling. The end picked up the pace really well, it was thrilling and twisty - definitely made up some marks!
Overall, I found it a really interesting premise and clever plot. Something didn’t just click quite right for me, it almost could have been shorter to make it more fast paced and thrilling. It’s still a good read and would definitely say to give it a go if you fancy it.
~
Thank you to @netgalley @ashokkbanker & @michaeljbooks for this ARC ❤️
~
#AKissAfterDying #NetGalley #ARCReview #AshokBanker #ThrillerBook
November 2, 2021
I was so disappointed with this book, it had all the ingredients to be amazing but somehow I just didn’t click with it. The revenge plot was excellent from start to finish but I think I just didn’t gel with the style of writing. Numerous occasions in the first half I found myself wanting to give up. It felt too descriptive and went off on a tangent that felt unnecessary to the storyline.
Overall I am glad I finished because the final 20% was actually really good, the pace picked up and it was all thrilling action. I often find thrillers have disappointing endings which this certainly didn’t for which I would give a 5 star rating but I have to rate the entire book which unfortunately would have to be a 3 as it was painful getting to that exciting end. Such a shame as a really good storyline.
#AKissAfterDying #NetGalley
Overall I am glad I finished because the final 20% was actually really good, the pace picked up and it was all thrilling action. I often find thrillers have disappointing endings which this certainly didn’t for which I would give a 5 star rating but I have to rate the entire book which unfortunately would have to be a 3 as it was painful getting to that exciting end. Such a shame as a really good storyline.
#AKissAfterDying #NetGalley
June 7, 2022
The book opens with a Huh? What? Why? chapter that leaves you needing to know much, much more and it doesn't relent throughout the acts!
I had no idea about the massive twist in the middle of the book, did anyone see that coming? But it didn't stop there, more and more revelations followed which has left me wanting to read it again right away!
This is one seemingly straightforward book that's hellishly twisty!
I had no idea about the massive twist in the middle of the book, did anyone see that coming? But it didn't stop there, more and more revelations followed which has left me wanting to read it again right away!
This is one seemingly straightforward book that's hellishly twisty!
June 19, 2022
Ooh goodness me. Surprising, dark, twisty and edge of seat reading.
July 8, 2022
Thank you to Penguin for the arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a definite page turner with lots of twists and surprises along the way. I found it so gripping and difficult to put down.
I really enjoyed the idea of the book. Its an angle that I've never really been taken down before and I just found it fascinating.
When things start to seem a bit unrealistic or even completely impossible, it all gets explained and makes perfect sense.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
This was a definite page turner with lots of twists and surprises along the way. I found it so gripping and difficult to put down.
I really enjoyed the idea of the book. Its an angle that I've never really been taken down before and I just found it fascinating.
When things start to seem a bit unrealistic or even completely impossible, it all gets explained and makes perfect sense.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
August 15, 2022
I don't often give 5 stars. The novel has to be exceptional but this one really is.
Fell for every twist along the way in a way that was so absorbing I really didn't want it to end.
Superb characters, excellent plot and an incredibly clever writing style.
Will certainly look out for more by this author.
Fell for every twist along the way in a way that was so absorbing I really didn't want it to end.
Superb characters, excellent plot and an incredibly clever writing style.
Will certainly look out for more by this author.
July 27, 2023
A Kiss After Dying is a page-turning revenge thriller with well-drawn characters, a strong female protagonist, and a sleek and twisting plot.
Shy and quiet Hannah goes mostly unnoticed, and that's just the way she wants it. She's out to seek revenge against the billionaire who ruined her family, and she is leaving nothing to chance.
Shy and quiet Hannah goes mostly unnoticed, and that's just the way she wants it. She's out to seek revenge against the billionaire who ruined her family, and she is leaving nothing to chance.
August 11, 2024
The middle was very mid, but the ending and start were good!
July 2, 2022
Hannah has her sights on Ricky but it’s not as straight forward as it seems. I don’t want to give too much away but I devoured this book in a day.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2023
Although the plot of this book sounds good, I don't think it's necessarily a thriller I would have picked up. But it came recommended to me, and I'm so glad that it did, as I had a lot of fun with this.
At first, I thought the story was going to be your basic female revenge thriller. But it's definitely a lot more. The puzzling is story is very addictive, a brilliant twist halfway through to keep you on your toes, and lots of fast-paced action throughout.
The general plot is a little unbelievable but I didn't think into this too much and instead enjoyed the characters the mad ride they take you on. Definitely one I would continue to recommend.
At first, I thought the story was going to be your basic female revenge thriller. But it's definitely a lot more. The puzzling is story is very addictive, a brilliant twist halfway through to keep you on your toes, and lots of fast-paced action throughout.
The general plot is a little unbelievable but I didn't think into this too much and instead enjoyed the characters the mad ride they take you on. Definitely one I would continue to recommend.
May 6, 2022
A woman and a man alone on a desert island. It is their honeymoon. It is also where she plans to murder him in revenge for what he did to her family. Who are they, what did he do, how will she kill him and why? That in summary is the opening scene and the rationale for this thriller. Beyond that I find it difficult to give any information about the plot, or the characters which would not stray into spoiler territory. Even naming the protagonists might spoil some of the twists in this ingenious plot. It is safe to say that the two people on the island are of Indian ancestry and that the woman is the more prominent in the story.
The story is told mostly from the POV of the characters at the centre of the three acts and the two entr’actes. The characters are all well drawn, especially in their use of idiomatic language. The woman on the island, in particular, appears to talk in a Gen Z dialect, which I found quite entertaining and even educational. Speaking of language and erudition, the quality of the writing overall is extremely good and there is depth in the text which is unusual in this genre (the author is a polymath). The complexity of both the plot and the writing can make it feel slow to develop, but actually I found I was moving at quite a pace, particularly towards the end, and was one of the fastest 400 pages of intricate prose I have read in recent years. It is not without flaws, but overall these are of no consequence to the clever and convoluted plot.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
The story is told mostly from the POV of the characters at the centre of the three acts and the two entr’actes. The characters are all well drawn, especially in their use of idiomatic language. The woman on the island, in particular, appears to talk in a Gen Z dialect, which I found quite entertaining and even educational. Speaking of language and erudition, the quality of the writing overall is extremely good and there is depth in the text which is unusual in this genre (the author is a polymath). The complexity of both the plot and the writing can make it feel slow to develop, but actually I found I was moving at quite a pace, particularly towards the end, and was one of the fastest 400 pages of intricate prose I have read in recent years. It is not without flaws, but overall these are of no consequence to the clever and convoluted plot.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
July 2, 2022
I read this novel as part of Penguin Michael Joseph blog tour and today is my turn to review this suspenseful and utterly wonderful thriller. It is not very often that I give 5 stars to a book wishing I could give it 6.
The writing style is fantastic, the plot keeps you guessing and then guessing some more right to the end, the character development is fabulous. The book starts as chilling, the main character seems thirsty for revenge and bloodthirsty but throughout the book as you learn the main characters story you start to sympathise with the leading female characters. They are in fact remarkably strong both physically and emotionally which is amazing under the circumstances and are there to avenge their close family members deaths.
There are enough twists and turns in the plot for this novel to keep your attention and interest throughout, and it is rather unputdownable. It makes a perfect read for all thriller genre fans and while it is my first book that I’ve read by Ashok Banker, I’m hoping to read more after this.
The writing style is fantastic, the plot keeps you guessing and then guessing some more right to the end, the character development is fabulous. The book starts as chilling, the main character seems thirsty for revenge and bloodthirsty but throughout the book as you learn the main characters story you start to sympathise with the leading female characters. They are in fact remarkably strong both physically and emotionally which is amazing under the circumstances and are there to avenge their close family members deaths.
There are enough twists and turns in the plot for this novel to keep your attention and interest throughout, and it is rather unputdownable. It makes a perfect read for all thriller genre fans and while it is my first book that I’ve read by Ashok Banker, I’m hoping to read more after this.
July 1, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect when I started A Kiss After dying but it blew all expectations. It was intriguing, captivating and constantly kept me engaged wanted to keep flipping the pages. It had a good amount of twists and turns with it being around revenge which I really like in books. The characters were very well written. The author did an amazing job and knew how to give the readers that wow moment. An exciting and page turning read! You won’t be disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of my honest review, it was an amazing read that I will pick up again!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of my honest review, it was an amazing read that I will pick up again!!
July 4, 2022
Wow what a book! Such a well written story, I was hooked from the very first page. Banker has really knocked it out of the park. Everyone needs to read this book!
April 17, 2022
I am really humming and hawing about this book for the most part I really enjoyed it but sadly at times the story seemed to drag and I felt bogged down in overly descriptive passages and wordiness. I admit I did consider giving up on the book a few times but was then hit with a big twists that grabbed my attention and immediately I got back into the story. I think that what kept me reading the book was the excellent plot line it was clever and had as I said some really good twists, the characters were all well crafted but the story just seemed never ending and I usually enjoy a long read as I like to get immersed in them but for some reason this just didn’t happen for me in this particular read.
So just a 3 star read for me but still an enjoyable read in parts.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
So just a 3 star read for me but still an enjoyable read in parts.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 12, 2022
It is quite challenging to give a spoiler-free review because there are quite a lot of reveals and twists in this book.
The story hits the ground running as, within the first couple of pages, you realise that what you see is not necessarily what you get. The questions “why, what, how and huh?” gets answered slowly but surely and culminated to the reader seeing the full puzzle towards the end. Or do we know it all? A-ha!
Especially towards the end it is fast-paced and action-packed and I had a nervous knot at the pit of my stomach as it all comes together.
It is written from multiple POV and “A Kiss After Dying” has got a very clever plot.
What to like?
• Strong female protagonist
• Plot twists
• Well-plotted
• Keep you guessing!
I did find some bits a bit wordier than others, and some twists were a bit predictable, but in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling read.
3.5 rounded up
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the review copy
The story hits the ground running as, within the first couple of pages, you realise that what you see is not necessarily what you get. The questions “why, what, how and huh?” gets answered slowly but surely and culminated to the reader seeing the full puzzle towards the end. Or do we know it all? A-ha!
Especially towards the end it is fast-paced and action-packed and I had a nervous knot at the pit of my stomach as it all comes together.
It is written from multiple POV and “A Kiss After Dying” has got a very clever plot.
What to like?
• Strong female protagonist
• Plot twists
• Well-plotted
• Keep you guessing!
I did find some bits a bit wordier than others, and some twists were a bit predictable, but in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling read.
3.5 rounded up
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the review copy
June 28, 2022
A Kiss After Dying is a 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
This book is one I thought I was going to love but left me a bit underwhelmed. The first part was great if a little too over descriptive but it just lost its way a little in the writing style for me and became far too unbelievable. It’s a shame as half way through there is a “what!!” moment that made me take more interest but on the whole I wasn’t a lover. The storyline was good it was just too descriptive and unbelievable which is a shame but I can definitely see this working as a film rather than a book.
Hannah was the better character throughout for me and enjoyed her part in it, the twist in the middle I definitely didn’t see coming which got massive bonus points.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
This book is one I thought I was going to love but left me a bit underwhelmed. The first part was great if a little too over descriptive but it just lost its way a little in the writing style for me and became far too unbelievable. It’s a shame as half way through there is a “what!!” moment that made me take more interest but on the whole I wasn’t a lover. The storyline was good it was just too descriptive and unbelievable which is a shame but I can definitely see this working as a film rather than a book.
Hannah was the better character throughout for me and enjoyed her part in it, the twist in the middle I definitely didn’t see coming which got massive bonus points.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
Thriller for Millie’s written in First person, Hannah, the bigger than big heroine who is perfect in every possible annoying way, the ante-Mary-Poppins.
Written as Three acts, almost like three separate books/stories, each with a beginning and a middle and a climax, linked by Revenge.
The prologue, and premise of the book, are on point, but after the first act, tension dropped, verbiage took over, events seemed repetitive, the backstory was retold retold retold, until eventually the whole thing became a bit of an eye roller, a fantasy super hero tale worthy of laughing.
It’s too long, too wordy, too repetitive, you lose the overall plot. Slim it down, one beginning, one middle with a couple of climaxes, and then the big ending.
2.5 stars, rounded up, because it does deserve more than two little stars. So it’s a dull three star from me.
Written as Three acts, almost like three separate books/stories, each with a beginning and a middle and a climax, linked by Revenge.
The prologue, and premise of the book, are on point, but after the first act, tension dropped, verbiage took over, events seemed repetitive, the backstory was retold retold retold, until eventually the whole thing became a bit of an eye roller, a fantasy super hero tale worthy of laughing.
It’s too long, too wordy, too repetitive, you lose the overall plot. Slim it down, one beginning, one middle with a couple of climaxes, and then the big ending.
2.5 stars, rounded up, because it does deserve more than two little stars. So it’s a dull three star from me.
September 11, 2022
We all love a good femme fatale revenge thriller.....well I sure do, so I was excited to get into A Kiss After Dying.
Good plot, some good twists and some expected twists.....but damn, this book was wordy. Unnecessarily so. I wanted to stop reading so many times, but I also really wanted to see where it was headed. I ended skimming quite a bit and it didn't hurt the experience at all, because there's so much repetition and non information, that I had missed nothing by skimming. The end thankfully picked up and it was quite fast paced and action packed in the last 70 pages or so, so I didn't mind that I pushed through.
Good plot, some good twists and some expected twists.....but damn, this book was wordy. Unnecessarily so. I wanted to stop reading so many times, but I also really wanted to see where it was headed. I ended skimming quite a bit and it didn't hurt the experience at all, because there's so much repetition and non information, that I had missed nothing by skimming. The end thankfully picked up and it was quite fast paced and action packed in the last 70 pages or so, so I didn't mind that I pushed through.
September 27, 2022
I can see why this revenge thriller gets so many 5 star reviews. It's clever, twisty and well written. However, for me, it didn't quite hit the sweet spot. It was almost too clever, too twisty and a bit too verbose (or maybe I'm not clever enough!).
The concept is good, the revenge predictable, yet somehow unexpected. I'd recommend reading but with the caveat that this is a female protagonist crafted in a rather stereotypical way from a male perspective. It is perhaps aimed at a younger audience than me - millenial language and references abound. Don't overlook it though!
With thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
The concept is good, the revenge predictable, yet somehow unexpected. I'd recommend reading but with the caveat that this is a female protagonist crafted in a rather stereotypical way from a male perspective. It is perhaps aimed at a younger audience than me - millenial language and references abound. Don't overlook it though!
With thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
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