What do you think?
Rate this book
Getting Away with Murder
Getting Away with MurderClaire is happily married to the charismatic Max Maric and living the dream in a luxury house in the prestigious Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. She loves her husband and their precious son, Freddy. Her life is perfect. Or so she thinks.Annabelle is Max Maric’s lover. She’s a wealthy widow and is all set to marry him, just as soon as he’s divorced. Her life will then be perfect. Or so she thinks.One man, two women, but they can’t both have him. And he doesn’t get to choose – the schizophrenic decides, with a sophisticated plan to eradicate her nemesis in the most heinous of ways.The intended victim needs a friend. Fortunately, she has a new one she’s become close to.But nobody told her that false friends are worse than open enemies.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 16, 2021
4☆ A Gripping, Twisty, Suspenseful Romance.
Getting Away with Murder is a Twisty, Gripping Romance/Thriller that I couldn't put down.
At first everything seems fine between Max and Claire, but quickly the cracks begin to show.
Max is working later and staying away more! Oh and then there is Adam the Hunky Younger Gardener who is definitely getting Claire's pulses rising. But nothing warms her heart more than how Adam and her Son Freddy have bonded.
Max is jealous and he isn't up for sharing his family.... even if he is living a double standard life himself!
Then we meet Annabelle!
Wow where to start with Annabelle, quiet quickly it becomes apparent something isn't quiet right with her, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then as you get to know her you realise things aren't quiet what they seem. She's manipulative, powerful and has her hooks well into Max, not that he needed any persuasion. Things between them are clearly very sexual.
She has a way of getting what she wants and she isn't afraid to play dirty.
Is Max safe? Will he really leave Claire and Freddy? Is he playing with Fire!
Getting Away With Murder really is a gripping read, I love how you get both Annabelle and Claire's story.
So many twists and turns weaved in, it certainly kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy your romances with a Thriller twist then you will really enjoy this book.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Getting Away with Murder is a Twisty, Gripping Romance/Thriller that I couldn't put down.
At first everything seems fine between Max and Claire, but quickly the cracks begin to show.
Max is working later and staying away more! Oh and then there is Adam the Hunky Younger Gardener who is definitely getting Claire's pulses rising. But nothing warms her heart more than how Adam and her Son Freddy have bonded.
Max is jealous and he isn't up for sharing his family.... even if he is living a double standard life himself!
Then we meet Annabelle!
Wow where to start with Annabelle, quiet quickly it becomes apparent something isn't quiet right with her, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then as you get to know her you realise things aren't quiet what they seem. She's manipulative, powerful and has her hooks well into Max, not that he needed any persuasion. Things between them are clearly very sexual.
She has a way of getting what she wants and she isn't afraid to play dirty.
Is Max safe? Will he really leave Claire and Freddy? Is he playing with Fire!
Getting Away With Murder really is a gripping read, I love how you get both Annabelle and Claire's story.
So many twists and turns weaved in, it certainly kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy your romances with a Thriller twist then you will really enjoy this book.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
July 19, 2021
This was a really truly great read , it is a crime thrillers with a mix of romance in it .
In this book we have Claire and Max Maric husband and wife and their son Freddy, with a life of luxury , she adores her husband and son but.... that might be a one way street as there is also Annabelle which is Max's lover . And to add another spanner in the works there is a plan to eliminate one of them!
This book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes and keep you wanting more of it . The storyline is one that you can easily get hooked on, and when you are reading it you end up not realising how long you have been reading for you just get completely lost in the book.
If you like psychological thrillers that play on your mind when you are away , has a great setting , great character and is absolutely brilliantly written then this is the book for you !
In this book we have Claire and Max Maric husband and wife and their son Freddy, with a life of luxury , she adores her husband and son but.... that might be a one way street as there is also Annabelle which is Max's lover . And to add another spanner in the works there is a plan to eliminate one of them!
This book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes and keep you wanting more of it . The storyline is one that you can easily get hooked on, and when you are reading it you end up not realising how long you have been reading for you just get completely lost in the book.
If you like psychological thrillers that play on your mind when you are away , has a great setting , great character and is absolutely brilliantly written then this is the book for you !
July 20, 2021
Now living in their dream home in the Sandbanks area of Poole, Claire’s hoping that the new home office will mean she sees more of her workaholic husband Max, and that her young son Freddy will have a more hands-on father. It’s not working out that way – he’s spending more time than ever working in London, mainly because of the attraction of his steamy affair with Annabelle, along with his designs on her thriving luxury health spa to add to his business empire.
But distinctly unstable Annabelle has plans of her own – convinced Max’s marriage is almost over, she’s already planning their wedding, and nothing can be allowed to get in its way. Claire meanwhile is lonely and friendless – it’s no wonder she’s attracted by gardener Adam, and although he’s a man with a rather complex history of his own he builds a particularly strong bond with young Freddy. While Claire has an increasing sense of impending doom – something she can’t quite put her finger on – her life goes on, helping her mother after a stroke, singing in the choir, making a new friend in a neighbour, and fighting her growing attraction to Adam.
One of the things I really liked about this book was the build-up – the characterisation is really excellent, there was time to warm to Claire and her young son, to get to know Adam, and I enjoyed the domestic detail of their lives. But alongside that, we increasingly see quite how unhinged Annabelle is – an equally well drawn character, obsessive and driven, and it’s clear from outset that she’s a considerable threat to the family’s happy future. But even if the threat is evident and mounting, I really had no idea where the story would go – the tension and menace steadily builds as Max lives his two separate lives, and real danger comes considerably closer to home. The climactic scenes are explosive, real edge-of-the-seat stuff exceptionally well written, with a few entirely unexpected twists and turns that certainly made the pages turn considerably faster.
I might not always the world’s biggest fan of a thriller, but I really enjoyed the balance of this one – intense and gripping as the momentum builds, but with particularly well developed characters, and real interest in their relationships and back stories. The writing is really accomplished, great storytelling, drawing you in and immersing you in the characters’ lives, and I found the book quite impossible to put down until the story had played out to the end. At times, it is quite disturbing, particularly when the extent of Annabelle’s obsession and the lengths she’s willing to go to in achieving her desired outcomes become increasingly clear – but it was the kind of disturbing that I relished and thoroughly enjoyed. A definite five stars from me, and an author I’d be delighted to read again.
But distinctly unstable Annabelle has plans of her own – convinced Max’s marriage is almost over, she’s already planning their wedding, and nothing can be allowed to get in its way. Claire meanwhile is lonely and friendless – it’s no wonder she’s attracted by gardener Adam, and although he’s a man with a rather complex history of his own he builds a particularly strong bond with young Freddy. While Claire has an increasing sense of impending doom – something she can’t quite put her finger on – her life goes on, helping her mother after a stroke, singing in the choir, making a new friend in a neighbour, and fighting her growing attraction to Adam.
One of the things I really liked about this book was the build-up – the characterisation is really excellent, there was time to warm to Claire and her young son, to get to know Adam, and I enjoyed the domestic detail of their lives. But alongside that, we increasingly see quite how unhinged Annabelle is – an equally well drawn character, obsessive and driven, and it’s clear from outset that she’s a considerable threat to the family’s happy future. But even if the threat is evident and mounting, I really had no idea where the story would go – the tension and menace steadily builds as Max lives his two separate lives, and real danger comes considerably closer to home. The climactic scenes are explosive, real edge-of-the-seat stuff exceptionally well written, with a few entirely unexpected twists and turns that certainly made the pages turn considerably faster.
I might not always the world’s biggest fan of a thriller, but I really enjoyed the balance of this one – intense and gripping as the momentum builds, but with particularly well developed characters, and real interest in their relationships and back stories. The writing is really accomplished, great storytelling, drawing you in and immersing you in the characters’ lives, and I found the book quite impossible to put down until the story had played out to the end. At times, it is quite disturbing, particularly when the extent of Annabelle’s obsession and the lengths she’s willing to go to in achieving her desired outcomes become increasingly clear – but it was the kind of disturbing that I relished and thoroughly enjoyed. A definite five stars from me, and an author I’d be delighted to read again.
July 17, 2021
I read the synopsis for ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and it certainly sounded as though it was the sort of psychological thriller that I particularly enjoy. Well I enjoyed it and then some but more about that in a bit.
The two main characters are ladies called Claire and Annabelle. Claire is the wife of Max Maric, who is a successful local businessman. The only problem is that Max is unable to remain faithful and he is having a fling with Annabelle. To be blunt, Annabelle is a total nightmare and I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her and I wouldn’t turn my back on her because she would probably put a knife in it. Claire to an extent comes across as being a bit too trusting and a bit too naïve but I think she knows far more than she lets on.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. The synopsis was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. I was intrigued by the story and by the two main female characters and I was eager to see in which direction the story was going to go. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I made my way through the book. I would pick up my Kindle only intending to read a couple of chapters to pass half an hour or so but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. I found ‘Getting Away With Murder’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Getting Away With Murder’ is extremely well written. Joy has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. For me, this book was a slow burn but that suits the plot that Joy has created. The story starts off slowly but the pace and level of tension gather momentum the further into the plot we go before ending in a tense and dramatic conclusion. There were also several twists and turns along the way. Joy has the knack of making the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Joy’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The two main characters are ladies called Claire and Annabelle. Claire is the wife of Max Maric, who is a successful local businessman. The only problem is that Max is unable to remain faithful and he is having a fling with Annabelle. To be blunt, Annabelle is a total nightmare and I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her and I wouldn’t turn my back on her because she would probably put a knife in it. Claire to an extent comes across as being a bit too trusting and a bit too naïve but I think she knows far more than she lets on.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. The synopsis was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. I was intrigued by the story and by the two main female characters and I was eager to see in which direction the story was going to go. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I made my way through the book. I would pick up my Kindle only intending to read a couple of chapters to pass half an hour or so but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. I found ‘Getting Away With Murder’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Getting Away With Murder’ is extremely well written. Joy has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. For me, this book was a slow burn but that suits the plot that Joy has created. The story starts off slowly but the pace and level of tension gather momentum the further into the plot we go before ending in a tense and dramatic conclusion. There were also several twists and turns along the way. Joy has the knack of making the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Joy’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 22, 2021
Claire thinks her life is perfect. She is happily married to Max Maric, although she would like him home more and at work less. They have an adorable son called Freddy and have moved into a beautiful, luxurious home out of the city. Max has even begrudgingly employed ex-con Adam to landscape the garden. She has made new friends in the area and her mother visits regularly. But her life isn’t as perfect as she thinks.
Annabelle is Max’s lover. She’s a wealthy widow and runs her own spa, a rival company to Max’s. She’s completely in love with Max and is already planning their wedding. She’s all set to marry him as soon as he leaves and divorces Claire. But her life isn’t as rosy as she thinks either.
One man. Two women. They can’t both have Max and he doesn’t get to decide - the schizophrenic has a plan to eliminate one of them…
The cover first drew me to this book and inside it is a gripping and intense psychological thriller. This is the first book I’ve read by Joy Wood and I loved her writing style. The story itself played out really well with the tension and suspense heightening until it reached a dramatic conclusion. I liked each of the characters, they were interesting, believable and came to life on the page.
Alongside the main storyline of Annabelle scheming to get her man, I thoroughly enjoyed the sections with Claire and her growing relationship with Adam. I loved the dynamic between the two of them especially when they were with Freddy. Whatever genre I’m reading I do love a bit of romance thrown in!
I found Getting Away With Murder a gripping read. There were a few twists throughout the story, some of which I had managed to anticipate others leaving me shocked and turning page after page eager to find out the ending.
Annabelle is Max’s lover. She’s a wealthy widow and runs her own spa, a rival company to Max’s. She’s completely in love with Max and is already planning their wedding. She’s all set to marry him as soon as he leaves and divorces Claire. But her life isn’t as rosy as she thinks either.
One man. Two women. They can’t both have Max and he doesn’t get to decide - the schizophrenic has a plan to eliminate one of them…
The cover first drew me to this book and inside it is a gripping and intense psychological thriller. This is the first book I’ve read by Joy Wood and I loved her writing style. The story itself played out really well with the tension and suspense heightening until it reached a dramatic conclusion. I liked each of the characters, they were interesting, believable and came to life on the page.
Alongside the main storyline of Annabelle scheming to get her man, I thoroughly enjoyed the sections with Claire and her growing relationship with Adam. I loved the dynamic between the two of them especially when they were with Freddy. Whatever genre I’m reading I do love a bit of romance thrown in!
I found Getting Away With Murder a gripping read. There were a few twists throughout the story, some of which I had managed to anticipate others leaving me shocked and turning page after page eager to find out the ending.
July 21, 2021
**4.5 stars**
Claire is living the life of luxury with her husband, and successful spa business owner Max, and their cute as a button son Freddy in their new home in the prestigious Sandbanks. Max is leading a double life with the wealthy and beautiful Annabelle, a competitive spa business owner, who plans to marry Max and start a family with him ASAP. Adam is an incredibly “easy on the eye” gardener who has been hired to help rejuvenate the extensive garden of Claire and Max’s new home, who Max despises. Someone has plans to eliminate their competition for good… but who?
This was a great thriller. It was such an easy read, with great pace - I flew through this book in 24 hours. The characterisation is incredibly thorough; the characters absolutely came alive and made this book the page turner it was. Max was a chauvinistic and ruthless individual. Claire wanted more than anything to have a happy family life for her son Freddy. Annabelle was fabulously unhinged. And then there’s Claire’s new friend Pippa…
I don’t want to say anymore for fear of giving away spoilers. But this was a tense thriller, laced with revenge, betrayal and malice. There was a part just over half way where I thought “theres no way this can end well” which propelled me through it faster, and then the end just unravelled beautifully.
Joy is a brilliant storyteller who sucks you in with her suspenseful writing style and wonderfully developed characters. Thoroughly recommended. It’s currently available for free through kindle unlimited or as paperback.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for giving me the opportunity to read and review a digital copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts are entirely my own.
Claire is living the life of luxury with her husband, and successful spa business owner Max, and their cute as a button son Freddy in their new home in the prestigious Sandbanks. Max is leading a double life with the wealthy and beautiful Annabelle, a competitive spa business owner, who plans to marry Max and start a family with him ASAP. Adam is an incredibly “easy on the eye” gardener who has been hired to help rejuvenate the extensive garden of Claire and Max’s new home, who Max despises. Someone has plans to eliminate their competition for good… but who?
This was a great thriller. It was such an easy read, with great pace - I flew through this book in 24 hours. The characterisation is incredibly thorough; the characters absolutely came alive and made this book the page turner it was. Max was a chauvinistic and ruthless individual. Claire wanted more than anything to have a happy family life for her son Freddy. Annabelle was fabulously unhinged. And then there’s Claire’s new friend Pippa…
I don’t want to say anymore for fear of giving away spoilers. But this was a tense thriller, laced with revenge, betrayal and malice. There was a part just over half way where I thought “theres no way this can end well” which propelled me through it faster, and then the end just unravelled beautifully.
Joy is a brilliant storyteller who sucks you in with her suspenseful writing style and wonderfully developed characters. Thoroughly recommended. It’s currently available for free through kindle unlimited or as paperback.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for giving me the opportunity to read and review a digital copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts are entirely my own.
July 14, 2021
Poole Dorset Claire Maric is suffering feelings of doom again the same feelings that she hasn't felt since she lost her dad. Happily married to Max with a beautiful son Freddy and Max running a good business in London Maric fit leisure life in their new home is pulling together. Her mother is been discharged from hospital after suffering a stroke and she is coming to stay with them for a while. She hardly sees Max with him working odd hours they have not even put their London flat on the market. But their marriage is solid. So she thought. Adam Bishop is their new landscape gardener who has just came out of prison and Max doesn't want him anywhere in the house he's there to do a job but Claire liked him and so does Freddy. Claire friended a disabled woman around the corner to them Pippa and joins a choir night so things settle down in their lives. Max on the other hand starts an affair with devious Annabelle Laybourne back in London and doesn't know her background of been schizophrenia and she wants Max and will do whatever it takes and get away with murder if she has to.
Wow this is some book, grips you into every chapter. It's begins with all the characters to like or hate, a family torn apart by a schizophrenic mad women that's convinces even the medical team with her stories and lies. It will chill your bones right up to the end.
Wow this is some book, grips you into every chapter. It's begins with all the characters to like or hate, a family torn apart by a schizophrenic mad women that's convinces even the medical team with her stories and lies. It will chill your bones right up to the end.
July 25, 2021
I’ve been hooked to this book since I started it and my goodness what a book it is. The drama and underlying issues if deals with is fantastic.
Annabelle is one crazy lady, wanting Max all to himself even although he’s married. I disliked Max when I found out he was cheating but I guess some people can’t just own up and be truthful saying there leaving.
The events that took place had my mind being blown each time. The book is full of drama, twists and turns and definitely kept me on my toes.
Thank you to Joy Wood for sending me this beautiful copy of your book along side a little card and signing the copy for me and a big thanks to Rachel for arranging this tour!
Annabelle is one crazy lady, wanting Max all to himself even although he’s married. I disliked Max when I found out he was cheating but I guess some people can’t just own up and be truthful saying there leaving.
The events that took place had my mind being blown each time. The book is full of drama, twists and turns and definitely kept me on my toes.
Thank you to Joy Wood for sending me this beautiful copy of your book along side a little card and signing the copy for me and a big thanks to Rachel for arranging this tour!
July 16, 2021
Getting Away With Murder is absolutely twisted, gut wrenching and intense in the best way possible. It is narrated from the dual POV of Claire Maric and Annabelle Claybourne. Both perspectives were really interesting because it showed the different relationship dynamics between Max and both women.
So there were several twists throughout the story but there was a huge one that totally blew my mind because I didn’t see it coming and I was a bit shocked but seriously impressed. I absolutely loved the ending and I think it was the perfect way to finish the book.
So there were several twists throughout the story but there was a huge one that totally blew my mind because I didn’t see it coming and I was a bit shocked but seriously impressed. I absolutely loved the ending and I think it was the perfect way to finish the book.
July 15, 2021
This book was a joy to read. It’s well written with a carefully constructed story full of interesting and intriguing characters. It kept my interest from the first page to the last. It’s a perfect holiday read and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author. Five well deserved stars.
November 28, 2021
This is the second book I have read by English author Joy Wood and as I had thoroughly enjoyed the previous novel, I was looking forward to reading Getting Away With Murder.
The Blurb
Claire is happily married to the charismatic Max Maric and living the dream in a luxury house in the prestigious Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. She loves her husband and their precious son, Freddy. Her life is perfect. Or so she thinks.
Annabelle is Max Maric's lover. She's a wealthy widow and is all set to marry him, just as soon as he's divorced. Her life will then be perfect. Or so she thinks.
One man, two women, but they can't both have him. And he doesn't get to choose - the schizophrenic decides, with a sophisticated plan to eradicate her nemesis in the most heinous of ways.
The intended victim needs a friend. Fortunately, she has a new one she's become close to. But nobody told her that false friends are worse than open enemies.
The Review
This book started slowly and gently and just kept building.
The author draws the relationships between Max and his wife, Max and his lover and Max and the gardener. Max comes across as a very driven personality with fixed and determined ambitions and plans. He has this in common with his lover, Annabelle, but his wife, Claire, is more nuturing and family oriented. Max seems to spend far more time at his office than his wife would like. Claire finds Max's workaholic attitudes exasperating and is delighted to meet a new friend in whom she can confide.
Claire enjoys the dream home Max has created for their family and not only cares for her son, Freddy, but also looks aout for her recently widowed mother. Although Max does not like the gardener, Claire, her mother and son all find him courteous and hard working. He even encourages Freddy's interests and helps Claire and her Mum, over and above doing the gardening.
Max continues his double life and much of the time he claims to be working, he is spending time with Annabelle. She is so looking forward to how she imagines life with Max will be when he divorces Claire and they can be together.
I never indulge in spoilers, but there is an extrememly clever twist in the plot in Getting Away With Murder which I did not see coming. What a clever author Joy Wood is! I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to all who enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries.
The Author
I’ve always loved the many facets of the English Language. At school, my favourite lesson was English Literature. I used to read a specific story, imagine I’d written it and then formulate a different ending. Delighted with my own efforts, I’m not so sure the renowned authors’ would have appreciated my slant on their work.
Poetry was a particular favourite of mine, and I’d use any excuse to dabble. I trained as a nurse, and whenever I left a period of employment such as working on a ward or in an operating theatre, I would leave behind a witty poem about my colleagues, turning them into humorous characters, which were always well received.
I progressed to consumer competitions, and enjoyed a significant amount of success writing slogans. Nothing would please me more than to receive a long white envelope through the post, announcing a prize I’d won for an innovative slogan. I was very lucky with most of the prizes, although a runner up reward of a year’s supply of dog food wasn’t the best prize, especially when I didn’t have a dog!
I once wrote a simple romantic story for a competition run by a clothing catalogue. I did the usual, boy meets girl, conflict between the two of them which was eventually resolved, and they both lived happily ever after. However, I featured the male and female characters wearing brand names of outfits from the catalogue range, and used appealing descriptive phrases about the garments. To my amazement, I was rewarded by winning first prize of an all-inclusive holiday.
Even though I knew that the reference to the catalogue clothing range most probably sealed the win, it gave me the encouragement to try my hand at actually writing a romance novel. Two years ago, I moved with my husband to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Watching the tide turn daily, gave me the idea for the story, ‘For the Love of Emily’. I would develop the characters in my head, and create the chapters on my laptop when I returned home. Although this story is now finished, I still have plenty of ideas still whirling around in my brain, yet to be sealed in ink.
Val Penny
The Blurb
Claire is happily married to the charismatic Max Maric and living the dream in a luxury house in the prestigious Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. She loves her husband and their precious son, Freddy. Her life is perfect. Or so she thinks.
Annabelle is Max Maric's lover. She's a wealthy widow and is all set to marry him, just as soon as he's divorced. Her life will then be perfect. Or so she thinks.
One man, two women, but they can't both have him. And he doesn't get to choose - the schizophrenic decides, with a sophisticated plan to eradicate her nemesis in the most heinous of ways.
The intended victim needs a friend. Fortunately, she has a new one she's become close to. But nobody told her that false friends are worse than open enemies.
The Review
This book started slowly and gently and just kept building.
The author draws the relationships between Max and his wife, Max and his lover and Max and the gardener. Max comes across as a very driven personality with fixed and determined ambitions and plans. He has this in common with his lover, Annabelle, but his wife, Claire, is more nuturing and family oriented. Max seems to spend far more time at his office than his wife would like. Claire finds Max's workaholic attitudes exasperating and is delighted to meet a new friend in whom she can confide.
Claire enjoys the dream home Max has created for their family and not only cares for her son, Freddy, but also looks aout for her recently widowed mother. Although Max does not like the gardener, Claire, her mother and son all find him courteous and hard working. He even encourages Freddy's interests and helps Claire and her Mum, over and above doing the gardening.
Max continues his double life and much of the time he claims to be working, he is spending time with Annabelle. She is so looking forward to how she imagines life with Max will be when he divorces Claire and they can be together.
I never indulge in spoilers, but there is an extrememly clever twist in the plot in Getting Away With Murder which I did not see coming. What a clever author Joy Wood is! I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to all who enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries.
The Author
I’ve always loved the many facets of the English Language. At school, my favourite lesson was English Literature. I used to read a specific story, imagine I’d written it and then formulate a different ending. Delighted with my own efforts, I’m not so sure the renowned authors’ would have appreciated my slant on their work.
Poetry was a particular favourite of mine, and I’d use any excuse to dabble. I trained as a nurse, and whenever I left a period of employment such as working on a ward or in an operating theatre, I would leave behind a witty poem about my colleagues, turning them into humorous characters, which were always well received.
I progressed to consumer competitions, and enjoyed a significant amount of success writing slogans. Nothing would please me more than to receive a long white envelope through the post, announcing a prize I’d won for an innovative slogan. I was very lucky with most of the prizes, although a runner up reward of a year’s supply of dog food wasn’t the best prize, especially when I didn’t have a dog!
I once wrote a simple romantic story for a competition run by a clothing catalogue. I did the usual, boy meets girl, conflict between the two of them which was eventually resolved, and they both lived happily ever after. However, I featured the male and female characters wearing brand names of outfits from the catalogue range, and used appealing descriptive phrases about the garments. To my amazement, I was rewarded by winning first prize of an all-inclusive holiday.
Even though I knew that the reference to the catalogue clothing range most probably sealed the win, it gave me the encouragement to try my hand at actually writing a romance novel. Two years ago, I moved with my husband to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Watching the tide turn daily, gave me the idea for the story, ‘For the Love of Emily’. I would develop the characters in my head, and create the chapters on my laptop when I returned home. Although this story is now finished, I still have plenty of ideas still whirling around in my brain, yet to be sealed in ink.
Val Penny
July 12, 2026
Getting Away With Murder, by Joy Wood.
An intriguing, suspenseful, thriller/romance novel that had me hooked from the first page in the book: Getting Away With Murder, by talented author, Joy Wood.
Claire Maric was living the perfect suburban dream. She had it all, a beautiful home, a handsome, successful husband, Max—and their precious nine-year old son, Freddie, who I found most delightful.
But Claire was feeling increasingly unsettled, though she couldn’t understand why. She had suffered the loss of her father, but the sense of impending doom had stayed with her, which had increased tensions in the marital home. Max was the biggest cause of her unease. Although he was oblivious to her feelings, his obsession, the Leisure Centre they owned. He was rarely at home, his work and the regular meetings with clients often involved late nights at the office—putting further strain on their once happy relationship.
Back home, Max arranged for a gardener to tame their large unruly garden. Adam, was the gardener in question, an ex-con newly released from prison was under strict instructions to stay away from the house and not to bother his wife, Claire. Though when Adam duly arrived the man’s appearance was not what she was expecting!
Annabelle Claybourne owned the luxury health spa, Claybourne Hall, she’d inherited from her father. She was work-driven like Max, and the two people finally meet to discuss a business proposal.
Tensions mount in this multi-layered plot as unexpected twists take a sinister turn. I really enjoyed the easy style of writing along with the well-crafted, relatable characters, made this story such a compelling, highly enjoyable read.
This was such an immersive story that I found myself opening the book on my kindle reader at every opportunity.
Beautifully written throughout the book.
Highly recommended.
An intriguing, suspenseful, thriller/romance novel that had me hooked from the first page in the book: Getting Away With Murder, by talented author, Joy Wood.
Claire Maric was living the perfect suburban dream. She had it all, a beautiful home, a handsome, successful husband, Max—and their precious nine-year old son, Freddie, who I found most delightful.
But Claire was feeling increasingly unsettled, though she couldn’t understand why. She had suffered the loss of her father, but the sense of impending doom had stayed with her, which had increased tensions in the marital home. Max was the biggest cause of her unease. Although he was oblivious to her feelings, his obsession, the Leisure Centre they owned. He was rarely at home, his work and the regular meetings with clients often involved late nights at the office—putting further strain on their once happy relationship.
Back home, Max arranged for a gardener to tame their large unruly garden. Adam, was the gardener in question, an ex-con newly released from prison was under strict instructions to stay away from the house and not to bother his wife, Claire. Though when Adam duly arrived the man’s appearance was not what she was expecting!
Annabelle Claybourne owned the luxury health spa, Claybourne Hall, she’d inherited from her father. She was work-driven like Max, and the two people finally meet to discuss a business proposal.
Tensions mount in this multi-layered plot as unexpected twists take a sinister turn. I really enjoyed the easy style of writing along with the well-crafted, relatable characters, made this story such a compelling, highly enjoyable read.
This was such an immersive story that I found myself opening the book on my kindle reader at every opportunity.
Beautifully written throughout the book.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2021
One man, a wife and a mistress. A deadly plot to remove a rival. Max Maric is happily married as far as his wife Claire is concerned, although perhaps he's working too hard. He is hoping for a merger of his spa business with that of his mistress Annabelle but she refuses to start dealing with paperwork until he marries her. She also has hidden mental health issues...
Getting Away With Murder is an entertaining and engaging psychological and domestic thriller by Joy Wood. This is the first book I have read from this author but I look forward to finding her other books.
The start of the book carefully and gradually introduces the three main characters. Claire is the blissfully unaware wronged wife. Annabelle is the 'other woman', wealthy and single minded in love and business. Max is playing them both and I found it difficult to know where his true affections fell. He is jealous and protective of Claire yet is eager to pursue Annabelle and her business.
The love triangle is reaching its climax as Annabelle demands that Max leave Claire so they can proceed with the business merger. He delays due to Claire's birthday party but Annabelle pushes on with wedding plans regardless. The idea of murder doesn't strike Annabelle until half way through the book. Her mental state has deteriorated as she skips appointments with her therapists and doctors.
The book is easy to read and the style of writing draws you in by making you involved intimately with the characters' lives. The book focuses on Claire and Annabelle's perspective, written in the third person, and we see Max through their eyes.
Getting Away With Murder maintained my interest and brought the main three characters to life.
Getting Away With Murder is an entertaining and engaging psychological and domestic thriller by Joy Wood. This is the first book I have read from this author but I look forward to finding her other books.
The start of the book carefully and gradually introduces the three main characters. Claire is the blissfully unaware wronged wife. Annabelle is the 'other woman', wealthy and single minded in love and business. Max is playing them both and I found it difficult to know where his true affections fell. He is jealous and protective of Claire yet is eager to pursue Annabelle and her business.
The love triangle is reaching its climax as Annabelle demands that Max leave Claire so they can proceed with the business merger. He delays due to Claire's birthday party but Annabelle pushes on with wedding plans regardless. The idea of murder doesn't strike Annabelle until half way through the book. Her mental state has deteriorated as she skips appointments with her therapists and doctors.
The book is easy to read and the style of writing draws you in by making you involved intimately with the characters' lives. The book focuses on Claire and Annabelle's perspective, written in the third person, and we see Max through their eyes.
Getting Away With Murder maintained my interest and brought the main three characters to life.
January 15, 2022
Getting Away With Murder. Joy Wood.
An enjoyable tale of secrets, ambition and obsession.
Claire thinks she has everything. A beautiful house in the exclusive Sandbanks area of Dorset, a ten-year-old son she dotes on and a successful, if too often absent, husband, Max.
Happy to play the role of the stay-at-home mum Claire gets involved with a local community choir and spends her time working on the final touches to their newly refurbished home as she looks after Julia, her mum who is staying with the family after suffering a mini-stroke.
Max is the ambitious owner of a successful leisure company who is conducting a passionate, secret affair with the scheming, Anabelle, the beautiful owner of a rival leisure-based business who is intent on keeping the secret of her dark past, away from Max.
Anabelle feels a desperate need to control the lives of everyone that comes into her orbit, including the love life of her company manager. Jealous to the point of obsession, Anabelle plans her wedding without consulting her, ‘fiancée’ Max, whilst plotting to be rid of. ‘Clingy,’ her nickname for Claire.
Into the mix steps Adam, the strikingly handsome landscaper who has been brought in to clean up Claire’s extensive gardens that had been damaged during the house renovations.
With Adam causing more than a flutter in the chest of both Claire and Julia, and with Anabelle’s interference reaching new heights, can Claire’s marriage survive the increased tensions?
As usual with a Joy Wood novel, the characters are both believable and consistent. The plot is solid and intriguing. I read this enthralling book over two nights, reluctant to put it down, even for much needed sleep.
A well deserved five stars.
More please.
T. A. Belshaw
An enjoyable tale of secrets, ambition and obsession.
Claire thinks she has everything. A beautiful house in the exclusive Sandbanks area of Dorset, a ten-year-old son she dotes on and a successful, if too often absent, husband, Max.
Happy to play the role of the stay-at-home mum Claire gets involved with a local community choir and spends her time working on the final touches to their newly refurbished home as she looks after Julia, her mum who is staying with the family after suffering a mini-stroke.
Max is the ambitious owner of a successful leisure company who is conducting a passionate, secret affair with the scheming, Anabelle, the beautiful owner of a rival leisure-based business who is intent on keeping the secret of her dark past, away from Max.
Anabelle feels a desperate need to control the lives of everyone that comes into her orbit, including the love life of her company manager. Jealous to the point of obsession, Anabelle plans her wedding without consulting her, ‘fiancée’ Max, whilst plotting to be rid of. ‘Clingy,’ her nickname for Claire.
Into the mix steps Adam, the strikingly handsome landscaper who has been brought in to clean up Claire’s extensive gardens that had been damaged during the house renovations.
With Adam causing more than a flutter in the chest of both Claire and Julia, and with Anabelle’s interference reaching new heights, can Claire’s marriage survive the increased tensions?
As usual with a Joy Wood novel, the characters are both believable and consistent. The plot is solid and intriguing. I read this enthralling book over two nights, reluctant to put it down, even for much needed sleep.
A well deserved five stars.
More please.
T. A. Belshaw
October 1, 2021
A FABULOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER PAGE TURNER.
Having enjoyed other books by this author, I was really looking forward to reading Getting Away With Murder. This is another fantastic 5* read with an engrossing plot, with lots of twists and surprises that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author certainly knows how to spin a good yarn and create compelling characters that culminate in a thoroughly enjoyable, well written read.
The story is told from 2 female viewpoints: Annabelle & Claire, but there are an ensemble of other colourful characters that add to the excitement of this story.
On the surface, Claire and Max Maric seem to be the perfect family, but Max has a dirty secret and unknown to him, his perfect life is about to implode.
Annabelle is vulnerable and devious, a woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Max is ambitious and driven. A man who yearns for power and success.
Claire is a stay at home mum who longs for affection from her errant husband.
Adam is the handsome gardener with a criminal past.
Then there is the eccentric therapist who seems to have all the answers.
So who is the victim, and who is getting away with murder?
Another compelling read by a talented author. Five shiny gold stars from me.
Having enjoyed other books by this author, I was really looking forward to reading Getting Away With Murder. This is another fantastic 5* read with an engrossing plot, with lots of twists and surprises that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author certainly knows how to spin a good yarn and create compelling characters that culminate in a thoroughly enjoyable, well written read.
The story is told from 2 female viewpoints: Annabelle & Claire, but there are an ensemble of other colourful characters that add to the excitement of this story.
On the surface, Claire and Max Maric seem to be the perfect family, but Max has a dirty secret and unknown to him, his perfect life is about to implode.
Annabelle is vulnerable and devious, a woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Max is ambitious and driven. A man who yearns for power and success.
Claire is a stay at home mum who longs for affection from her errant husband.
Adam is the handsome gardener with a criminal past.
Then there is the eccentric therapist who seems to have all the answers.
So who is the victim, and who is getting away with murder?
Another compelling read by a talented author. Five shiny gold stars from me.
February 28, 2025
Joy Wood’s Getting Away with Murder is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully weaves deception, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Claire, devoted wife and mother, believes her life is perfect—until she discovers her husband Max’s affair with Annabelle, a wealthy widow expecting marriage. But love triangles are never simple, especially when a sinister third force lurks in the shadows, manipulating events with chilling precision.
As tensions rise, trust is shattered, and the ultimate question looms: who will survive the twisted game of love and revenge? Wood’s narrative is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and psychological depth. The characters, flawed yet compelling, add layers of intrigue, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe.
With a darkly sophisticated plot and a shocking climax, Getting Away with Murder is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. A thrilling ride from start to finish!
As tensions rise, trust is shattered, and the ultimate question looms: who will survive the twisted game of love and revenge? Wood’s narrative is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and psychological depth. The characters, flawed yet compelling, add layers of intrigue, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe.
With a darkly sophisticated plot and a shocking climax, Getting Away with Murder is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. A thrilling ride from start to finish!
July 27, 2021
Firstly, lets apricate that cover on this one. I love a good thriller, as far as thriller’s go Getting Away With Murder is absolutely brilliant. Why? Well the story is full of twists and turns throughout, I had no clue what was going to be around the next corner. I enjoyed the writing style which consisted of dual narratives from Annabelle and Claire. Equally, due to the dual narratives I found I was invested in both parties. The characters in general were interesting, and the story had natural character development. Overall a brilliant thriller, with all the elements a great read with a nice hint of romance added into the mix.
September 20, 2021
Enthralling
This book sucked me in immediately. Normally, I don't read many murder books but this story was woven so tight, I had to finish it as soon as possible. Luxury, wealth, high street clothing, gorgeous women and men, add in some mental disorders and a couple shrinks, one bloody cocktail. Five stars! Oh, she might kill again. After all, she got away with her first murder. Conniving she is, indeed!
This book sucked me in immediately. Normally, I don't read many murder books but this story was woven so tight, I had to finish it as soon as possible. Luxury, wealth, high street clothing, gorgeous women and men, add in some mental disorders and a couple shrinks, one bloody cocktail. Five stars! Oh, she might kill again. After all, she got away with her first murder. Conniving she is, indeed!
July 27, 2021
What a fabulous book and twists in the story that were so unexpected. Beautifully written and I couldn’t leave this book down once started. Noted so many references to nursing that perhaps only nurses would pick up. The hip pain when sitting up gave you away. 😀Thank you Joy and now very impatient for your next novel. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
May 6, 2025
The story is not bad but this book is in desperate need of a better editor. So much superfluous dialogue. I listen to audiobooks on 3x and it still just droned on and on. Just pointless conversation that adds nothing to the relationships or storyline. Exhausting. And if the author uses the word "tummy" one more time...
August 3, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant Read
I loved the book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. Joy Wood is a great writer, if you get the chance to read her books I would 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I loved the book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. Joy Wood is a great writer, if you get the chance to read her books I would 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
October 12, 2022
First book I've read from Joy Wood and it didn't disappoint. Great plot that keeps you interested and wanting to keep reading. Look forward to reading more of Joy's books.
February 25, 2023
brilliant read
Loved this book, easy to read, interesting to the end, leaves it open for a sequel. Enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend.
Loved this book, easy to read, interesting to the end, leaves it open for a sequel. Enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend.
August 15, 2024
decent read just not super memorable
March 20, 2023
First book by this author loved Adam Claire Freddy and Julia great story couldn’t put it down set in the sandbanks Dorset xxx
July 11, 2025
I recently discovered Joy Wood and, after becoming thoroughly engrossed in one of her books, I was keen to explore more of her work. As an avid fan of suspense, it was the blurb of Getting Away with Murder that attracted me.
For me, the essence of a good psychological thriller lies in the pacing – namely, a slow burn that gradually picks up momentum to hold the reader in its grip. This book doesn’t disappoint. I won’t add to the plot as this has been well covered by other reviewers.
The characters are diverse and well-portrayed, ranging from likeable (Adam) to obnoxious (Max) while Annabelle is a deranged individual one would never wish to meet.
The story is well written and I have only one small niggle...the author’s tendency to repeat certain aspects. For example, was it necessary to keep reminding us of how Max is the epitome of handsome, Ms Wood having painted a clear picture of his fantastic good looks/physical attributes from the word go? It’s a minor criticism on my part and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I found the plot intriguing as the pieces began to fall into place and the climax well executed - sure to give the reader an adrenaline rush!
I like Ms Wood’s easy-flowing style and the fact that she has a good ear for natural dialogue (always a plus). Getting Away with Murder certainly lived up to its promise and gets a big thumbs up from me. 5*
For me, the essence of a good psychological thriller lies in the pacing – namely, a slow burn that gradually picks up momentum to hold the reader in its grip. This book doesn’t disappoint. I won’t add to the plot as this has been well covered by other reviewers.
The characters are diverse and well-portrayed, ranging from likeable (Adam) to obnoxious (Max) while Annabelle is a deranged individual one would never wish to meet.
The story is well written and I have only one small niggle...the author’s tendency to repeat certain aspects. For example, was it necessary to keep reminding us of how Max is the epitome of handsome, Ms Wood having painted a clear picture of his fantastic good looks/physical attributes from the word go? It’s a minor criticism on my part and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I found the plot intriguing as the pieces began to fall into place and the climax well executed - sure to give the reader an adrenaline rush!
I like Ms Wood’s easy-flowing style and the fact that she has a good ear for natural dialogue (always a plus). Getting Away with Murder certainly lived up to its promise and gets a big thumbs up from me. 5*
June 28, 2022
Hold on for the walk through the maze of the mind of an out of control woman bent on having what is not hers. With all the twists of a great mystery, Ms Wood then throws in a character with mental health issues. I continued to ask myself who would do what next? There are characters in this book the reader will love and those the reader will absolutely love to hate.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews