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The Evidence
I can see her through the glass door. She’s smaller in real life than I expected. She looks the exact opposite of the type of woman that might murder her husband.
Everyone’s heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door.
So when journalist Esme secures an exclusive interview with her it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. Simone has remained silent since her husband’s death but after a decade in prison, she is willing to talk to Esme. And Esme, recently freed from her own toxic marriage, is confident she can get Simone to open up.
At their first meeting, when Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is stuck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was a prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides that the truth needs to come out.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
An utterly addictive and jaw-dropping read from bestselling author K.L. Slater about the darkness behind closed doors. If you like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train you will LOVE The Evidence.
Everyone’s heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door.
So when journalist Esme secures an exclusive interview with her it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. Simone has remained silent since her husband’s death but after a decade in prison, she is willing to talk to Esme. And Esme, recently freed from her own toxic marriage, is confident she can get Simone to open up.
At their first meeting, when Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is stuck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was a prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides that the truth needs to come out.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
An utterly addictive and jaw-dropping read from bestselling author K.L. Slater about the darkness behind closed doors. If you like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train you will LOVE The Evidence.
326 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2021
2802 people are currently reading
2557 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Slater
45 books4,698 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
July 2, 2021
I was happy to pick up the latest from K.L. Slater!
It turned out to be another quick page-turner, full of interesting characters and some surprising twists to keep the pages turning.
This time we have podcast episodes with the protagonist, Esme interviewing a woman named Simone, convicted of murdering her husband. As Esme "gets to know" Simone better, she notices some of Simone's statements seem to mirror her own life. Probably not a good thing!
Poor Esme has the in-laws from Hell! The MIL, Brooke who has a snooty manner, an opinion on everything, consistently fights temper tantrums to get her way. She is something else! She even washes dishes in fur-lined pink gloves! She might have been my favorite character to hate on.
Recommend to those who enjoy popcorn mystery/thrillers that will keep you entertained for those lazy days!
Thanks NG and Bookouture for this copy. OUT as of July 1, 2021
It turned out to be another quick page-turner, full of interesting characters and some surprising twists to keep the pages turning.
This time we have podcast episodes with the protagonist, Esme interviewing a woman named Simone, convicted of murdering her husband. As Esme "gets to know" Simone better, she notices some of Simone's statements seem to mirror her own life. Probably not a good thing!
Poor Esme has the in-laws from Hell! The MIL, Brooke who has a snooty manner, an opinion on everything, consistently fights temper tantrums to get her way. She is something else! She even washes dishes in fur-lined pink gloves! She might have been my favorite character to hate on.
Recommend to those who enjoy popcorn mystery/thrillers that will keep you entertained for those lazy days!
Thanks NG and Bookouture for this copy. OUT as of July 1, 2021
July 1, 2021
EXCERPT: Simone is sitting at a table, dressed casually in jeans and a lemon tunic top. The women at Bronzefield are permitted to wear their own clothes. Her brown hair is tied back in a loose ponytail and I'm struck by her ordinariness. She looks like your mum, your aunt . . . a random woman you might see shopping in the supermarket.
Yet the majority of the British public detests her. This woman who faced her abusive husband and said, 'No more.'
ABOUT 'THE EVIDENCE': Everyone’s heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door.
So when journalist Esme secures an exclusive interview with her it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. Simone has remained silent since her husband’s death but after a decade in prison, she is willing to talk to Esme. And Esme, recently freed from her own toxic marriage, is confident she can get Simone to open up.
At their first meeting, when Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is stuck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was a prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides that the truth needs to come out.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
MY THOUGHTS: For the first two thirds of this read, I was thinking it was nothing special. But then . . . Then Slater started working the magic she had insidiously been building up to. All of a sudden the things I thought were facts, weren't. The 'truth' wasn't, and I was bombarded with new suspicions and finally, revelations.
I had an inkling about one of the twists, but my imaginings fell far short of where Slater was taking me. It was like getting on a train intending to get off at the next stop, then finding myself at the other end of the island.
The characters are not at all likeable. Esme seemed 'cold', except with Zachary with whom she was overprotective. But, in the circumstances that, at least, is understandable. I didn't like her husband, Owen, at all. He made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in a most unpleasant way. Then, when his mother, Esme's mother-in-law, is introduced into the story, I understood why. She is an absolute nightmare.
One thing that really had me wondering was the lack of support for Simone. This is a woman who was convicted of murdering her abusive husband, a man who had systematically cut her off from friends and family, who belittled and bullied her. And she was despised. Where were the women's support groups?
Slater addresses a whole raft of subjects in The Evidence. Particularly interesting is the relationship between Esme and her sister Michelle, who not only work together, but live together. Each of the sisters sees their relationship very differently. There is marital breakdown, sibling bonds and rivalry, family relationships, spousal abuse, murder, fraud, and more . . .
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheEvidence #NetGalley
I: @KLSlaterAuthor @bookouture
T: @KimLSlater @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #crime #mystery #suspense
THE AUTHOR: For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Evidence by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Yet the majority of the British public detests her. This woman who faced her abusive husband and said, 'No more.'
ABOUT 'THE EVIDENCE': Everyone’s heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door.
So when journalist Esme secures an exclusive interview with her it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. Simone has remained silent since her husband’s death but after a decade in prison, she is willing to talk to Esme. And Esme, recently freed from her own toxic marriage, is confident she can get Simone to open up.
At their first meeting, when Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is stuck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was a prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides that the truth needs to come out.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
MY THOUGHTS: For the first two thirds of this read, I was thinking it was nothing special. But then . . . Then Slater started working the magic she had insidiously been building up to. All of a sudden the things I thought were facts, weren't. The 'truth' wasn't, and I was bombarded with new suspicions and finally, revelations.
I had an inkling about one of the twists, but my imaginings fell far short of where Slater was taking me. It was like getting on a train intending to get off at the next stop, then finding myself at the other end of the island.
The characters are not at all likeable. Esme seemed 'cold', except with Zachary with whom she was overprotective. But, in the circumstances that, at least, is understandable. I didn't like her husband, Owen, at all. He made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in a most unpleasant way. Then, when his mother, Esme's mother-in-law, is introduced into the story, I understood why. She is an absolute nightmare.
One thing that really had me wondering was the lack of support for Simone. This is a woman who was convicted of murdering her abusive husband, a man who had systematically cut her off from friends and family, who belittled and bullied her. And she was despised. Where were the women's support groups?
Slater addresses a whole raft of subjects in The Evidence. Particularly interesting is the relationship between Esme and her sister Michelle, who not only work together, but live together. Each of the sisters sees their relationship very differently. There is marital breakdown, sibling bonds and rivalry, family relationships, spousal abuse, murder, fraud, and more . . .
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheEvidence #NetGalley
I: @KLSlaterAuthor @bookouture
T: @KimLSlater @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #crime #mystery #suspense
THE AUTHOR: For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Evidence by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 19, 2021
Journalist Esme Fox has secured an interview with the infamous Simone Fischer, a mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood while her son played video games in the next room. Esme has her own media company and hopes that this podcast will help her provide a better life for her son, Zachery who was the victim of a hit and run which left him with lifelong injuries. In addition, her husband, Owen with whom she is separated, does not respect her boundaries and is a constant nuisance. To add icing to her already shaky cake, Esme's sister, Michelle has been the victim of a brutal attack and is in the ICU.
Soon Esme's life begins to unravel, and she cannot escape all the stressors in her own life. As she searches for answers in her sister’s attack, she begins to learn some hard truths. Plus, she must deal with her MIL who is obnoxious, overbearing and belittling.
K. L. Slater has done it again! This book started slowly for me but soon grabbed my attention and sucked me in! I figured out one thing early on but was shocked by the other reveals. The book touches on murder, marriage, abuse, motherhood, siblings, life-work balance, and deception. There are a couple of mysteries in this book and that kept the pages turning as did Esme and her relationship with those in her life. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the podcast and interview sections.
Tense, gripping and captivating!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Soon Esme's life begins to unravel, and she cannot escape all the stressors in her own life. As she searches for answers in her sister’s attack, she begins to learn some hard truths. Plus, she must deal with her MIL who is obnoxious, overbearing and belittling.
K. L. Slater has done it again! This book started slowly for me but soon grabbed my attention and sucked me in! I figured out one thing early on but was shocked by the other reveals. The book touches on murder, marriage, abuse, motherhood, siblings, life-work balance, and deception. There are a couple of mysteries in this book and that kept the pages turning as did Esme and her relationship with those in her life. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the podcast and interview sections.
Tense, gripping and captivating!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 8, 2021
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I’ve always enjoyed K. L. Slater’s books but this one went off the star ratings. If I could have given this more, I would have.
The substance within the pages of this was so thick with things going on.
The characters soon took on shape for me in the vision of my head.
From Esme, to Owen to Michele, Simone, Peter and Andrew to name but a few.
The interaction, the connections and the twists and not so straightforward things kept my interest peaked.
A book readers well known cliche is “ I couldn’t put this book down” which I’m not in the habit of using because it’s used a lot in the book community. BUT, I literally couldn’t put this book down at any time without eagerly awaiting to get back to it.
The unique way this thriller was written I had to double check it was by K. L. Slater.
It’s not a ‘run of the mill’ thriller/suspense this. It’s just brilliant.
A podcast is going on.
Esme discovers things within her own life.
Some creepy people.
Bullies and manipulative moves going on.
I was full of questions.
How this played out and how it all came together I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’m going to get a physical copy of this to display on my bookshelf for all to see.
This one I won’t forget in a hurry.
July 29, 2021
3.5 stars
Esme is a journalist whose newly formed media company, producing true crime podcasts, is on the rise. However, her home life is far from the best, with a son who has lingering physical and emotional issues from a hit-and-run accident, and a marriage that is in shambles.
Things begin to look up when she snags an exclusive interview with Simone, a woman convicted of murdering her abusive husband. It’s been 10 years and not everyone is happy about Simone coming forward to tell her story.
As Simone tells her story, it leaves Esme wondering about her own husband and marriage. Meanwhile, Esme’s life further unravels when Michelle, her sister and business partner, is brutally attacked and left for dead, clinging to life in the ICU. (Note: None of this is a spoiler as it all happens in the beginning) Was it related to their business venture? To add to the mix, the mother-in-law from hell, Brooke, arrives to make Esme’s life even more of a disaster.
The way these various story lines intersect was propulsive and well-done. The use of the podcast script to tell the story was brilliant and added interest. There are a lot of secrets, shady behavior, and revelations to keep the reader guessing. The story had a slow start that meandered along with some detestable characters, but then things took a turn and it ended strongly. I enjoyed the underlying themes in the story. All of this makes for an easy and entertaining popcorn thriller.
*I received a digital copy of the book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Esme is a journalist whose newly formed media company, producing true crime podcasts, is on the rise. However, her home life is far from the best, with a son who has lingering physical and emotional issues from a hit-and-run accident, and a marriage that is in shambles.
Things begin to look up when she snags an exclusive interview with Simone, a woman convicted of murdering her abusive husband. It’s been 10 years and not everyone is happy about Simone coming forward to tell her story.
As Simone tells her story, it leaves Esme wondering about her own husband and marriage. Meanwhile, Esme’s life further unravels when Michelle, her sister and business partner, is brutally attacked and left for dead, clinging to life in the ICU. (Note: None of this is a spoiler as it all happens in the beginning) Was it related to their business venture? To add to the mix, the mother-in-law from hell, Brooke, arrives to make Esme’s life even more of a disaster.
The way these various story lines intersect was propulsive and well-done. The use of the podcast script to tell the story was brilliant and added interest. There are a lot of secrets, shady behavior, and revelations to keep the reader guessing. The story had a slow start that meandered along with some detestable characters, but then things took a turn and it ended strongly. I enjoyed the underlying themes in the story. All of this makes for an easy and entertaining popcorn thriller.
*I received a digital copy of the book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
June 3, 2021
4+
The Queen of the twisty strikes again!! Simone Fischer is in HMP Bronzefield serving out her sentence for the murder of her abusive husband Grant. She has never spoken about him and public opinion about her is toxic especially on social media. However, she has agreed to break her silence and will speak to The Speaking Fox, Esme Fox, who runs a small podcast company in Nottingham. Esme is separated from husband Owen, they have a nine year old son Zach who suffered severe leg and hip injuries in a hit and run two years ago. The story is told via the podcasts, Esme and Justine who works for Esme.
This is a really good psychological thriller which keeps you engaged throughout. The basic premise is about control and manipulation and it cleverly shows via the starting point of Simone that it’s not just the male characters who are guilty of gaslighting and that some of the female characters are all about control too. The conversations with Simone about Grant are chilling and the power she hands over to him is huge. Some of what she says resonates with Esme about her ex husband. All the points of view are fascinating and Justine sheds light on Esme and you see the pressure she’s under especially with Zach's situation but the further you go into her point of view it becomes more puzzling and I like the unexpected plot twists here. None of the characters are especially likeable (except Zach) and Owen’s mother Brooke joins an ever growing list as she defines the mother in law from hell and you understand where Owen gets his personality from.
As you would expect the shocking rollercoaster plot twists sock you between the eyes and one is a particularly jaw thunking to the deck revelation. My initial reaction to that is NO, how is that even possible but then I realise I am applying a normal persons standards to my thinking!!! I predicted one twist from the start so it’s no huge surprise but it’s still good especially how it all comes to light. I like the format of the book, the premise is good, as is the pacing of the novel.
Overall, this is another winner from Kim Slater and I always enjoy being back in Nottingham!
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The Queen of the twisty strikes again!! Simone Fischer is in HMP Bronzefield serving out her sentence for the murder of her abusive husband Grant. She has never spoken about him and public opinion about her is toxic especially on social media. However, she has agreed to break her silence and will speak to The Speaking Fox, Esme Fox, who runs a small podcast company in Nottingham. Esme is separated from husband Owen, they have a nine year old son Zach who suffered severe leg and hip injuries in a hit and run two years ago. The story is told via the podcasts, Esme and Justine who works for Esme.
This is a really good psychological thriller which keeps you engaged throughout. The basic premise is about control and manipulation and it cleverly shows via the starting point of Simone that it’s not just the male characters who are guilty of gaslighting and that some of the female characters are all about control too. The conversations with Simone about Grant are chilling and the power she hands over to him is huge. Some of what she says resonates with Esme about her ex husband. All the points of view are fascinating and Justine sheds light on Esme and you see the pressure she’s under especially with Zach's situation but the further you go into her point of view it becomes more puzzling and I like the unexpected plot twists here. None of the characters are especially likeable (except Zach) and Owen’s mother Brooke joins an ever growing list as she defines the mother in law from hell and you understand where Owen gets his personality from.
As you would expect the shocking rollercoaster plot twists sock you between the eyes and one is a particularly jaw thunking to the deck revelation. My initial reaction to that is NO, how is that even possible but then I realise I am applying a normal persons standards to my thinking!!! I predicted one twist from the start so it’s no huge surprise but it’s still good especially how it all comes to light. I like the format of the book, the premise is good, as is the pacing of the novel.
Overall, this is another winner from Kim Slater and I always enjoy being back in Nottingham!
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2021
This being the third book of K L Slater that I have read, I find a good degree of consistency in how she writes her crime – suspense stories. This one does not disappoint as well.
Esme is the central character of the story. She has recently started her own media company, and is hoping that her podcast series with Simone Fischer, who is in prison for killing her husband will help grow her company. She is separated from her husband, Owen, who has a habit of nitpicking what she does and is not very supportive of her ambitions. Her son Zachary was injured in a hit and run accident leaving him ineligible for pursuing certain sports activities.
As she hears more of Simone’s story, she realizes how emotional abuse builds up, exacting a heavy toll. Esme’s sister Michelle is also part of her company and does not turn up for a critical meeting one day surprisingly. She is found critically injured in a park after being assaulted and badly beaten. As she delves deeper, Esme finds that there have been goings on in the company without her knowledge.
The character development in the book is excellent. The incidents in Simone’s life especially are very revealing on how modern-day harassment & abuse can look like. The descriptions of Esme & Owen’s strained relationship make for very good reading as well.
This is a solid and honest story, with a slow build-up, and it sticks to the plot. The only drawback is the plot angle around Owen is weak in parts and actually dilutes somewhat an otherwise excellent story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Esme is the central character of the story. She has recently started her own media company, and is hoping that her podcast series with Simone Fischer, who is in prison for killing her husband will help grow her company. She is separated from her husband, Owen, who has a habit of nitpicking what she does and is not very supportive of her ambitions. Her son Zachary was injured in a hit and run accident leaving him ineligible for pursuing certain sports activities.
As she hears more of Simone’s story, she realizes how emotional abuse builds up, exacting a heavy toll. Esme’s sister Michelle is also part of her company and does not turn up for a critical meeting one day surprisingly. She is found critically injured in a park after being assaulted and badly beaten. As she delves deeper, Esme finds that there have been goings on in the company without her knowledge.
The character development in the book is excellent. The incidents in Simone’s life especially are very revealing on how modern-day harassment & abuse can look like. The descriptions of Esme & Owen’s strained relationship make for very good reading as well.
This is a solid and honest story, with a slow build-up, and it sticks to the plot. The only drawback is the plot angle around Owen is weak in parts and actually dilutes somewhat an otherwise excellent story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
June 22, 2021
Brooke Painter, what a sublimely outrageous fantastically awful love to hate character, she deserves a mention at the beginning, the Mother In Law from hell but just so superbly given to us in this book
And what a book, this the 14th psychological thriller from the author and a tale that builds and builds, the intrigue in the first part of the book had me desperate to know what was going on and it turns out there is more than one storyline cleverly woven into this story…and when the reveal happens it then unfolds with more reveals ( I didn’t guess the main one and in fact was quite cocky thinking I had worked out two ‘suspects’ and had 100% got it wrong, which I loved )
The use of a podcast to tell small parts of the book is well done, and mixes great with the narrative and real time events, I enjoyed all parts
A wide selection of characters to like and dislike, although as started with Brooke Painter takes the biscuit in every way 😎
Just an outstandingly good thrilling different kind of story that hit every spot and made a thoroughly immersive read
A very interesting letter from the author at the end on how this book came into being and the research done etc
10/10
5 Stars
And what a book, this the 14th psychological thriller from the author and a tale that builds and builds, the intrigue in the first part of the book had me desperate to know what was going on and it turns out there is more than one storyline cleverly woven into this story…and when the reveal happens it then unfolds with more reveals ( I didn’t guess the main one and in fact was quite cocky thinking I had worked out two ‘suspects’ and had 100% got it wrong, which I loved )
The use of a podcast to tell small parts of the book is well done, and mixes great with the narrative and real time events, I enjoyed all parts
A wide selection of characters to like and dislike, although as started with Brooke Painter takes the biscuit in every way 😎
Just an outstandingly good thrilling different kind of story that hit every spot and made a thoroughly immersive read
A very interesting letter from the author at the end on how this book came into being and the research done etc
10/10
5 Stars
June 28, 2021
I read this book in one sitting pausing only to make tea and feed my dogs. There are so many questions that propel you from one chapter to the next until you realise you have to consume the whole thing because you just need to know the answers. As ever the characters are brilliantly drawn and jump off the page. The intensity of the storyline doesn’t let up from the first page to the last. Every time I read a book by this author I think she can surprise me no more and yet she manages it every time. Totally recommended!
September 18, 2021
THE EVIDENCE is a psychological thriller by bestselling author K.L. Slater. I have read all of her books and being a huge fan, I couldn’t wait to read this novel.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Marriage (2021)
The Evidence (2021)
This is my review of The Evidence.
Esme Fox, is the director of her own small media company, called “The Speaking Fox”. She is a single mum, while still on friendly terms with her to be ex-husband, Owen, is raising her nine-year-old son, Zachary. Esme lives with her sister, Michelle, who works with Esme in the business, and looks after Zachary, who had been a victim of a hit-and-run, and now as a result faces a lot of challenges.
Twenty years ago, Grant Fischer was killed by his own wife, Simone in his kitchen while his son, Andrew, played video games in the next room. She was driven to kill after suffering years of abuse on a daily basis.
Now Simone is an inmate convicted of murdering her husband, and has agreed to break her silence and speak to the media through a podcast interview with Esme Fox. The purpose of these interviews was to uncover the truth about Simone’s marriage, with the potential to help other victims. Was she a victim or a cold bloody killer?
Simone revealed that she lived with an abusive husband, and thought he would eventually kill her. She felt she had no choice in the matter.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to fall apart. Esme can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And how will the consequences effect Esme and her family?
The Evidence is bound to be well received. and will keep you guessing right until the very end. Her novels just get better and better. This is a fabulous read, that will reel you in …one line at a time…
This gripping psychological thriller held my attention from beginning to end, with intricate plot, relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns to the satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Marriage (2021)
The Evidence (2021)
This is my review of The Evidence.
Esme Fox, is the director of her own small media company, called “The Speaking Fox”. She is a single mum, while still on friendly terms with her to be ex-husband, Owen, is raising her nine-year-old son, Zachary. Esme lives with her sister, Michelle, who works with Esme in the business, and looks after Zachary, who had been a victim of a hit-and-run, and now as a result faces a lot of challenges.
Twenty years ago, Grant Fischer was killed by his own wife, Simone in his kitchen while his son, Andrew, played video games in the next room. She was driven to kill after suffering years of abuse on a daily basis.
Now Simone is an inmate convicted of murdering her husband, and has agreed to break her silence and speak to the media through a podcast interview with Esme Fox. The purpose of these interviews was to uncover the truth about Simone’s marriage, with the potential to help other victims. Was she a victim or a cold bloody killer?
Simone revealed that she lived with an abusive husband, and thought he would eventually kill her. She felt she had no choice in the matter.
But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to fall apart. Esme can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And how will the consequences effect Esme and her family?
The Evidence is bound to be well received. and will keep you guessing right until the very end. Her novels just get better and better. This is a fabulous read, that will reel you in …one line at a time…
This gripping psychological thriller held my attention from beginning to end, with intricate plot, relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns to the satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
June 28, 2021
A podcast ignites a load of trouble for Esme Fox and starts her on a journey that will set so many of her ideas and life into turmoil.
Esme is set to conduct several interviews with Simone Fischer, a woman who was convicted of the heinous crime of murdering her husband while her young son played computer games in the next room. As this seems to be a podcast that will set Esme's newly formed media company on the path to success, Esme becomes totally involved in its production. Esme has recently separated from her husband and has a young son who had been seriously injured in a hit and run accident happening a bit ago and leaving him with injuries that will plague him his entire life.
Esme also has her sister, Michelle, working as part of her staff and added to Esme's worries is that her sister has been brutally beaten and is in the ICU. As her life unravels, her husband Owen, begins to merge himself back into Esme's life. He is annoying, pushy, and controlling but what can Esme do as she needs help with their son?
Shocking details pepper this story and as the podcasts continue so do revelations that seem to have Esme going in confusing and emotionally trying directions.
This was a nice twisty book that kept the reader guessing and offered a convincing story line. Definitely recommended for those who like to get caught up in strange goings on.
Thank you to K.L. Slater, Bookouture, and net Galley for a copy of this book die out on July 1, 2021.
Esme is set to conduct several interviews with Simone Fischer, a woman who was convicted of the heinous crime of murdering her husband while her young son played computer games in the next room. As this seems to be a podcast that will set Esme's newly formed media company on the path to success, Esme becomes totally involved in its production. Esme has recently separated from her husband and has a young son who had been seriously injured in a hit and run accident happening a bit ago and leaving him with injuries that will plague him his entire life.
Esme also has her sister, Michelle, working as part of her staff and added to Esme's worries is that her sister has been brutally beaten and is in the ICU. As her life unravels, her husband Owen, begins to merge himself back into Esme's life. He is annoying, pushy, and controlling but what can Esme do as she needs help with their son?
Shocking details pepper this story and as the podcasts continue so do revelations that seem to have Esme going in confusing and emotionally trying directions.
This was a nice twisty book that kept the reader guessing and offered a convincing story line. Definitely recommended for those who like to get caught up in strange goings on.
Thank you to K.L. Slater, Bookouture, and net Galley for a copy of this book die out on July 1, 2021.
April 15, 2024
Great book with excellent narrators
May 24, 2021
I really enjoy Kim Slater’s novels and find them full of action, twists, suspense and completely addictive. This one is no different and loved it even if I did guess early on what was going to happen. Her books are fiction and as long as you don’t expect it to be too real you are in for a ride. Great characters, some you will like and others you will hate but the suspense grows from start to finish and you will struggle to put it down until you have finished.
The lead character is Esme and she runs her own media company as well as raising her son Zachary after recently splitting up with husband Owen. She now lives with her sister Michelle and together they are building a successful media company as well as looking after Zachary. Zachary is not the easiest child after surviving a car accident when he was knocked over.
Esme is currently running with a major project where she is doing podcast interviews on a high profile murder case. Simone Fischer was convicted of murdering her abusive husband and Esme wants to delve into the case more to show whether it was self defence, crime of passion or premeditated murder. There are plenty of things going on in this book and it is difficult to know which characters you can trust. Lots of secrets and hidden agendas both close to home and colleagues.
Esme faces a fight to keep her business successful, uncovering the truth regarding Simone Fischer’s story as well as the safety of her family
I didn’t get into this one as quick as I usually do but by the end I couldn’t read fast enough. Great suspense and intrigue.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The lead character is Esme and she runs her own media company as well as raising her son Zachary after recently splitting up with husband Owen. She now lives with her sister Michelle and together they are building a successful media company as well as looking after Zachary. Zachary is not the easiest child after surviving a car accident when he was knocked over.
Esme is currently running with a major project where she is doing podcast interviews on a high profile murder case. Simone Fischer was convicted of murdering her abusive husband and Esme wants to delve into the case more to show whether it was self defence, crime of passion or premeditated murder. There are plenty of things going on in this book and it is difficult to know which characters you can trust. Lots of secrets and hidden agendas both close to home and colleagues.
Esme faces a fight to keep her business successful, uncovering the truth regarding Simone Fischer’s story as well as the safety of her family
I didn’t get into this one as quick as I usually do but by the end I couldn’t read fast enough. Great suspense and intrigue.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
I received a free e-copy of The Evidence by K.L. Slater for my honest review.
I absolutely love K.L. Slater's books. They never disappoint and are full of action and suspense.
Esme, a reporter with a new podcast is working on a series with a woman that killed her husband after being abused for many years. Not long after the series starts, her sister is beaten unconscious and is in the ICU. Coincidence or not?
I absolutely love K.L. Slater's books. They never disappoint and are full of action and suspense.
Esme, a reporter with a new podcast is working on a series with a woman that killed her husband after being abused for many years. Not long after the series starts, her sister is beaten unconscious and is in the ICU. Coincidence or not?
July 30, 2021
Great thriller. First I thought it's going to be only about Simone, a young woman accused of killing her husband in cold blood. But then, the story of Esme, a young journalist, who is trying to tell the true story of Simone looks more important. At one point I realised Esme life, the relationship with her husband, was identical with Simone's.
I felt sorry for Eme's sister.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful adventure.
I felt sorry for Eme's sister.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful adventure.
August 31, 2022
This was an amazing audio production!
I love KL Slater and I've been listening to a lot of her books on Audible lately. They're definitely the best Audible Plus offerings!
This one follows Esme and a murder investigation she's revisiting on her podcast. I'm a true crime junkie so I loved how they made the podcast feel real with the audio.
A woman is in prison for killing her abusive husband and she's not well-liked or understood by the public but Esme and her colleagues, one of whom is her sister, think there may be more to the story and the podcast is an instant hit!
Suddenly her sister goes radio silent. Is it related to the podcast? Does someone not want them to dig any further?? But why?!
There is so much going on here but it's somehow not difficult to follow. A few of the twists I could see from a mile away but a couple of them really shocked me! That's one thing I love about Slater. She's not going to leave us with just one twist! 🌪️
This is one of my favorites from her so far.
I love KL Slater and I've been listening to a lot of her books on Audible lately. They're definitely the best Audible Plus offerings!
This one follows Esme and a murder investigation she's revisiting on her podcast. I'm a true crime junkie so I loved how they made the podcast feel real with the audio.
A woman is in prison for killing her abusive husband and she's not well-liked or understood by the public but Esme and her colleagues, one of whom is her sister, think there may be more to the story and the podcast is an instant hit!
Suddenly her sister goes radio silent. Is it related to the podcast? Does someone not want them to dig any further?? But why?!
There is so much going on here but it's somehow not difficult to follow. A few of the twists I could see from a mile away but a couple of them really shocked me! That's one thing I love about Slater. She's not going to leave us with just one twist! 🌪️
This is one of my favorites from her so far.
June 29, 2021
Everyone's heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door. So when the journalist Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is struck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides the truth needs to come out.
This is a tricky book to review as I don't want to give away any spoilers. Simone has never told her side of the story until now and Esme's obnoxious mother=in-law is there to "help out". Esme hopes to further her career by interviewing Simone for her podcast. This is one rollercoaster read that you won't to put down. This is an intriguing read with some unexpected twists. The characters are well developed and believable. This is a gripping and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC of #TheEvidence in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tricky book to review as I don't want to give away any spoilers. Simone has never told her side of the story until now and Esme's obnoxious mother=in-law is there to "help out". Esme hopes to further her career by interviewing Simone for her podcast. This is one rollercoaster read that you won't to put down. This is an intriguing read with some unexpected twists. The characters are well developed and believable. This is a gripping and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC of #TheEvidence in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2021
Esme’s life is in turmoil, her sister has gone missing and her estranged husband is trying to move back into the house against her wishes.
She is interviewing a woman who is in prison for killing her husband and can see similarities to her own situation.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous books I have read by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She is interviewing a woman who is in prison for killing her husband and can see similarities to her own situation.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous books I have read by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 27, 2021
Esme is a journalist starting her own podcast business. Along with her sister, Michelle, and a couple of other friends, her first podcast is going to tell the story of Simone Fischer .. a woman who killed her abusive husband and is now in prison.
As Esme interviews Simone, she can't help but see the similarity in their marriages. Esme is separated from her husband who was not physically abusive .. his abuse was emotional. They have a 9 year old son who was hit by a hit and run driver and now now a leg that will probably never heal properly. Esme's husband constantly reminds her it's her fault he was injured because she was late in picking up their son at school.
Not everyone is happy that Esme is telling Simone's story.
BOOK BLURB: And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
I can honestly say this is the best psychological thriller I've read this year. The plot and story line kept me riveted. The characters are solidly drawn ... the emotion is palpable on every page. The twists and turns keep coming from all directions and lead to a most surprising conclusion. This is a must read!
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As Esme interviews Simone, she can't help but see the similarity in their marriages. Esme is separated from her husband who was not physically abusive .. his abuse was emotional. They have a 9 year old son who was hit by a hit and run driver and now now a leg that will probably never heal properly. Esme's husband constantly reminds her it's her fault he was injured because she was late in picking up their son at school.
Not everyone is happy that Esme is telling Simone's story.
BOOK BLURB: And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?
I can honestly say this is the best psychological thriller I've read this year. The plot and story line kept me riveted. The characters are solidly drawn ... the emotion is palpable on every page. The twists and turns keep coming from all directions and lead to a most surprising conclusion. This is a must read!
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 22, 2021
Esme is making a business out of her popular podcast and has secured an exclusive interview with a woman jailed for murdering her husband. In the midst of all of this she is dealing with a missing sister, an ex-husband trying to get back together and her son who was left with serious disabilities after a hit and run accident. The surprises in this story made it such an incredible read! I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 21, 2021
Does having read six of the author's previous books qualify me as a die-hard fan? You bet. And here's another sure thing: This one is further evidence that she's still a winner in my book.
It begins as Esme Fox, a journalist who left a day job to start a podcasting company with her sister, Michelle, is recording a podcast session with Simone Fischer, a woman convicted of murdering her husband. During her years in prison - where she remains - she's never spoken to anyone the details of how (and more important, why) she committed the crime. But for whatever reason, she's agreed to open up to Esme.
During their relatively brief first conversation, Esme is won over; Simone, she believes, is speaking the truth and her case needs to be reviewed with fresh eyes. But while the first podcast goes viral - virtually guaranteeing that Simone's fledgling company will be successful - not everyone is delighted that the case may be rehashed, including Simone's brother and now-grown son.
Behind the scenes, Esme has a 9-year-old son, Zachary, who suffers physical and mental injuries sustained in an earlier hit-and-run incident. She's also parted ways with her husband Owen, who's moved to a flat but keeps trying to get back in Esme's good graces. Esme's sister has moved in to help with Zachary, and the future is looking bright.
Until somebody hits the dimmer switch. With no warning, Michelle bails on an important meeting with a company prominent in the podcasting field. When she's found brutally beaten and dumped in a wooded area, Esme is devastated. The only person she can rely on now - albeit reluctantly - is the controlling husband (and his equally controlling parents) who'd love nothing better than to get back to doing their thing in her life. More to the point, Esme suddenly sees parallels with her life and Simone's, making her question everything that's happened up to this point.
From here on, you'll have to read the book to find out more. There's plenty of action complete with twists and turns (although I must say they're coupled with a fair amount of predictability). All told, it makes for an entertaining, easy to read story I think will hold your attention throughout as it did mine. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
It begins as Esme Fox, a journalist who left a day job to start a podcasting company with her sister, Michelle, is recording a podcast session with Simone Fischer, a woman convicted of murdering her husband. During her years in prison - where she remains - she's never spoken to anyone the details of how (and more important, why) she committed the crime. But for whatever reason, she's agreed to open up to Esme.
During their relatively brief first conversation, Esme is won over; Simone, she believes, is speaking the truth and her case needs to be reviewed with fresh eyes. But while the first podcast goes viral - virtually guaranteeing that Simone's fledgling company will be successful - not everyone is delighted that the case may be rehashed, including Simone's brother and now-grown son.
Behind the scenes, Esme has a 9-year-old son, Zachary, who suffers physical and mental injuries sustained in an earlier hit-and-run incident. She's also parted ways with her husband Owen, who's moved to a flat but keeps trying to get back in Esme's good graces. Esme's sister has moved in to help with Zachary, and the future is looking bright.
Until somebody hits the dimmer switch. With no warning, Michelle bails on an important meeting with a company prominent in the podcasting field. When she's found brutally beaten and dumped in a wooded area, Esme is devastated. The only person she can rely on now - albeit reluctantly - is the controlling husband (and his equally controlling parents) who'd love nothing better than to get back to doing their thing in her life. More to the point, Esme suddenly sees parallels with her life and Simone's, making her question everything that's happened up to this point.
From here on, you'll have to read the book to find out more. There's plenty of action complete with twists and turns (although I must say they're coupled with a fair amount of predictability). All told, it makes for an entertaining, easy to read story I think will hold your attention throughout as it did mine. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
July 3, 2021
Wow. Just wow.
Esme has started her own business - with her sister Michelle and good friends, Mo and Juliette.
Their first project- a podcast focusing on Simone Grant, a woman convicted of killing her husband of twenty years. After years of humiliation and verbal abuse, Simone allegedly snapped- brutally murdering her husband. But Simone has never talked about it. Until now with Esme.
Listening to Simone sheds some perspective on Esme's relationship with her husband, Owen. Separated for a few months, it's hard to tell Owen has moved out- he is always there.
Then Michelle disappears. Esme's life seems to be falling apart.
Great suspense. This story just sucks you in - so many questions. You just have to know. Highly recommend.
Esme has started her own business - with her sister Michelle and good friends, Mo and Juliette.
Their first project- a podcast focusing on Simone Grant, a woman convicted of killing her husband of twenty years. After years of humiliation and verbal abuse, Simone allegedly snapped- brutally murdering her husband. But Simone has never talked about it. Until now with Esme.
Listening to Simone sheds some perspective on Esme's relationship with her husband, Owen. Separated for a few months, it's hard to tell Owen has moved out- he is always there.
Then Michelle disappears. Esme's life seems to be falling apart.
Great suspense. This story just sucks you in - so many questions. You just have to know. Highly recommend.
June 14, 2021
So twisty and clever!!!
July 1, 2021
2.5 stars
The Evidence by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Esme Fox is interviewing infamous Simone Fischer for a podcast. She has been in jail for ten years for killing her husband while her son played in the room next door, and has never spoken until now. Simone admits to the murder, but felt she had no choice.
Perhaps Simone's story will help Esme deal with her own marriage, and help others out there get away from abusive relationships before it is too late.
However, not everyone is happy about this podcast. Simone's brother Peter feels Esme is taking advantage of his sister, and the trolls are after her as well.
With the onslaught of media attention to her blog, Esme schedules a meeting with a big company that wants to produce a documentary based on it, and Michelle, Esme's sister doesn't show up for the meeting. A few days pass before Michelle is found badly beaten and left for dead in a nearby wood. Esme starts wondering.
Meanwhile, Esme is having issues in her own marriage. She and Owen are separated, but he doesn't seem to be getting the hint to stay away. It is difficult when they are both trying to be there for their 9-year old son who was in a hit-and-run accident last year. He still has a long haul ahead of him with physiotherapy, and they want to put on a united front. Unfortunately Owen sees it as an opportunity to worm himself back into their lives.
My Opinions:
I must admit to struggling with this one. To be honest, I just wanted to throw out the book, but anyone who knows me knows that I don't even have a DNF pile. I hated the topic and I hated the characters. So this review isn't going to be the greatest.
I found some of it repetitive. For example, when Esme is discussing Michelle's absence...."I'd been gullible, refused to face the fact that she'd let me down"....at least verbatim twice. Then there is Owen "Well excuse me for breathing"....at least twice.
The book is about family, about abusive, controlling and manipulative relationships, and about a woman struggling to make her business work while raising her son. It's rather depressing, and just annoyed me. I hate books that show women as such weak characters, even when they suddenly redeem themselves.
The story went back and forth between before and after Michelle went missing, and extracts from the podcast. It was straight-forward. Again, I didn't like any of the characters. I just wanted to smack Owen, and Esme just played into his hands most of the time. Her mother-in-law was as insufferable as her son, and I didn't trust any of her co-workers. I admit that Justine surprised me, but no one else did.
So, it is really difficult to enjoy a book when you don't particularly like the topic or the characters, and that I forced myself to read.
However, I must admit that although the events were somewhat predictable, by about 70% read, I was interested in the outcome. Way, way, way too late to start enjoying a book. By this time I'm not sure if I was enjoying it, or happy it was coming to an end.
This book will not prevent me from reading Kim's books in the future, but I may be a little more careful when reading the blurb. This one just wasn't for me.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 24, 2021
The Evidence by K.L. Slater immediately found itself being moved to the top of my very large TBR. This is completely addictive storytelling, and I could not devour it quickly enough. Once you discover the brilliance of Ms Slater, you will be forever hooked.
Esme operates a podcast and manages to secure an interview with Simone, a woman who has been convicted for killing her abusive husband in cold blood. Simone seems enthusiastic about telling her side, but not everyone agrees that her story is suitable fodder for Esme's journalistic probing. As Esme learns more from Simone, her own life begins to unravel, starting with the mysterious disappearance of her sister. How far is Esme willing to go to uncover the truth?
Curling up with a K.L. Slater novel is always an absolute treat, and this latest is no exception. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Esme operates a podcast and manages to secure an interview with Simone, a woman who has been convicted for killing her abusive husband in cold blood. Simone seems enthusiastic about telling her side, but not everyone agrees that her story is suitable fodder for Esme's journalistic probing. As Esme learns more from Simone, her own life begins to unravel, starting with the mysterious disappearance of her sister. How far is Esme willing to go to uncover the truth?
Curling up with a K.L. Slater novel is always an absolute treat, and this latest is no exception. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
June 12, 2021
First off, thank you to NetGalley and K.L. Slater for the ARC of this book!
This book starts out as a true crime podcast hosted by our main character, Esme. We follow Esme to the prison to meet with Simone Fischer, the most notorious name in the news as of late, since she was previously convicted for murdering her husband. Simone refused to speak about the case...until now. Esme has a first-hand look inside the Fischer home and what led to the brutal murder of Simone's husband. While Esme is interviewing Simone, her own sister goes missing. Could the two be connected? You'll just have to read to find out.
This was my first K.L. Slater book that I'd read and I was not disappointed! Finishing this book made me instantly find her other books and put them on the TBR! This book was full of plot twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming. I will say that I did figure out ONE of the twists by the time it came around, but the way it was written definitely did not take away from the book at all. In fact, there were other parts to the twist that I didn't guess!
Overall, this was definitely a good read and I will be putting more of Slater's books on my TBR ASAP.
This book starts out as a true crime podcast hosted by our main character, Esme. We follow Esme to the prison to meet with Simone Fischer, the most notorious name in the news as of late, since she was previously convicted for murdering her husband. Simone refused to speak about the case...until now. Esme has a first-hand look inside the Fischer home and what led to the brutal murder of Simone's husband. While Esme is interviewing Simone, her own sister goes missing. Could the two be connected? You'll just have to read to find out.
This was my first K.L. Slater book that I'd read and I was not disappointed! Finishing this book made me instantly find her other books and put them on the TBR! This book was full of plot twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming. I will say that I did figure out ONE of the twists by the time it came around, but the way it was written definitely did not take away from the book at all. In fact, there were other parts to the twist that I didn't guess!
Overall, this was definitely a good read and I will be putting more of Slater's books on my TBR ASAP.
February 26, 2021
I can never resist K.L. Slater’s books, either in print or audio. She is one of my auto-buy authors. The main reason why is because she always surprises me. She takes familiar thriller ingredients and mixes them in a way that feels refreshing and exciting, or she goes down a path that I was not expecting and offers a deliciously thrilling ride.
The Evidence belongs to the latter category. Esme is a journalist who has created a podcast. Her first subject is controversial and risky. It can make or break her business. Esme is also a mother, caring for a son who suffered a trauma. She is a sister, working with her sibling. She is a wife, estranged from her husband. A lot is going on in her life!
If at first, I wondered about her private life being at the center of the stage, I was soon reminded that nothing is left to chance with K.L. Slater. I You get the right details at the right moment, even if you are not aware of it. The author’s smooth narrative flow allows for a great balance between descriptions and action, so you never feel like the story is dragging.
I admit I was extremely curious about Esme’s podcast. I have read a few books including a podcast but this time, it was an audiobook, and the power of it was greater. It changed everything for me, although I am sure I would have enjoyed The Evidence in its printed form. I must applaud the narrators for their amazing performance. You can feel the change between the written word and the podcast. Esme’s voice is full of her emotions and feels so real that I truly felt I was listening to her episodes along with other listeners. I got to know the journalist as much as I got to meet Simone Fischer, the woman at the center of Esme’s first series. Simone is in prison for killing her husband. Esme wants to give her the chance to make her audience understand her side. Such a high-profile case is bound to make waves, but neither Esme nor myself imagined how big they would be!
While you are left to your own devices to interpret the podcast episodes and Simone’s interviews, you also get to see Esme’s life crash into a wall. One woman’s life is unraveled, one woman’s life is unravelling, right in front of your eyes… or rather your ears. While her first episode is going very well and she’s planning for the future of her company, Esme received a terrible news. Something happened to her sister Michelle. Now, that’s when my little reader’s heart and my publishing eye cringe, as I felt the blurb revealed too much of what was going on. I will not give anything away because it would be robbing you of a very interesting and captivating point: finding what and why! If the what is clearly spelled out in the blurb and later in the story, the why is perfectly hidden underneath layers of deceit and lies, and the shock of it left me speechless. I didn’t give the author the nickname of Queen of Unforeseeable Twists for nothing!
Esme’s work with Simone Fischer forces her to reassess her relationships, but with a fragile son, a pushy husband, and Michelle. A shift happens along the way and if Esme knows only too well that a successful podcast requires long hours, sacrifices, and keeping an eye on the ball at all times, events push and pull our main character in so many directions that I sometimes feared she would fall apart.
The Evidence. The title is a double sword, sharp and bloody. Everything is right in front of us, if only we were brave enough to see.
This novel is a very clever psychological thriller blending a personal and professional investigation to shed light on all the dark secrets held in darkness. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to anyone who is looking for an engaging listen!
The Evidence belongs to the latter category. Esme is a journalist who has created a podcast. Her first subject is controversial and risky. It can make or break her business. Esme is also a mother, caring for a son who suffered a trauma. She is a sister, working with her sibling. She is a wife, estranged from her husband. A lot is going on in her life!
If at first, I wondered about her private life being at the center of the stage, I was soon reminded that nothing is left to chance with K.L. Slater. I You get the right details at the right moment, even if you are not aware of it. The author’s smooth narrative flow allows for a great balance between descriptions and action, so you never feel like the story is dragging.
I admit I was extremely curious about Esme’s podcast. I have read a few books including a podcast but this time, it was an audiobook, and the power of it was greater. It changed everything for me, although I am sure I would have enjoyed The Evidence in its printed form. I must applaud the narrators for their amazing performance. You can feel the change between the written word and the podcast. Esme’s voice is full of her emotions and feels so real that I truly felt I was listening to her episodes along with other listeners. I got to know the journalist as much as I got to meet Simone Fischer, the woman at the center of Esme’s first series. Simone is in prison for killing her husband. Esme wants to give her the chance to make her audience understand her side. Such a high-profile case is bound to make waves, but neither Esme nor myself imagined how big they would be!
While you are left to your own devices to interpret the podcast episodes and Simone’s interviews, you also get to see Esme’s life crash into a wall. One woman’s life is unraveled, one woman’s life is unravelling, right in front of your eyes… or rather your ears. While her first episode is going very well and she’s planning for the future of her company, Esme received a terrible news. Something happened to her sister Michelle. Now, that’s when my little reader’s heart and my publishing eye cringe, as I felt the blurb revealed too much of what was going on. I will not give anything away because it would be robbing you of a very interesting and captivating point: finding what and why! If the what is clearly spelled out in the blurb and later in the story, the why is perfectly hidden underneath layers of deceit and lies, and the shock of it left me speechless. I didn’t give the author the nickname of Queen of Unforeseeable Twists for nothing!
Esme’s work with Simone Fischer forces her to reassess her relationships, but with a fragile son, a pushy husband, and Michelle. A shift happens along the way and if Esme knows only too well that a successful podcast requires long hours, sacrifices, and keeping an eye on the ball at all times, events push and pull our main character in so many directions that I sometimes feared she would fall apart.
The Evidence. The title is a double sword, sharp and bloody. Everything is right in front of us, if only we were brave enough to see.
This novel is a very clever psychological thriller blending a personal and professional investigation to shed light on all the dark secrets held in darkness. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to anyone who is looking for an engaging listen!
July 1, 2021
The story follows Esme Fox as she has set up her new business involving her skills as an investigative journalist. Her latest case involves the 20-year-old murder of Grant Austin Fischer. She has a lot going on in her life. Her young child met with a trauma that left him bruised not just physically but mentally as well. She is amid a separation from her husband, Owen. Owen is trying his best to walk back into her life.
Esme is portrayed as a strong woman and remains level-headed in the face of trouble. She is self-aware and, she knows she has to trade off crucial aspects of her life.
The structure of the book is divided between podcasts and narrators. Esme narrates the story in the first person. Her narration is interspersed with Justine’s narration. The element of suspense increases with each chapter.
There is a small pool of characters. Each one of them is well developed. Slater has added a pinch of darkness and malevolence. It just increased the tension for the readers and desperation for Esme.
The central theme of the book is abuse, trauma, and loss. All such events can change the inherent traits of a personality.
The mystery is explained at a gradual pace and leaves the reader in a jaw-dropping moment.
The evidence is Slater’s 15th novel and, the book’s addictive element is one notch higher.
My rating for the book is 4.5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Esme is portrayed as a strong woman and remains level-headed in the face of trouble. She is self-aware and, she knows she has to trade off crucial aspects of her life.
The structure of the book is divided between podcasts and narrators. Esme narrates the story in the first person. Her narration is interspersed with Justine’s narration. The element of suspense increases with each chapter.
There is a small pool of characters. Each one of them is well developed. Slater has added a pinch of darkness and malevolence. It just increased the tension for the readers and desperation for Esme.
The central theme of the book is abuse, trauma, and loss. All such events can change the inherent traits of a personality.
The mystery is explained at a gradual pace and leaves the reader in a jaw-dropping moment.
The evidence is Slater’s 15th novel and, the book’s addictive element is one notch higher.
My rating for the book is 4.5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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