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Scars
The wounds you can't see take the longest to heal in this modern gothic thriller from the bestselling author of Girl A and Damaged.
In an isolated cottage on the banks of a Scottish loch, a reclusive couple take on a new live-in carer.
As Lucy gets to know her employers, she realizes the house and the people in it aren't what they seem. Is the house haunted or is something far more sinister living within the walls?
As secrets and lies begin to unravel, Lucy starts to question what is real. But one thing seems certain, if scars cannot heal, people will never forgive . . .
Praise for Girl A
"A psychological thriller with a chill factor off the charts! . . . a real nail-biter." --The Eclectic Review
"Girl A has everything I look for in a dark psychological thriller, great storyline, and an unpredictable plot. I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't put it down. This book is so well-written, with a plot that unravels bit by bit, just at the right times." --Joyful Antidotes
"The story flicks from present to past as it unfolds slowly and almost stalker-like . . . compelling, gritty, dark and twisted." --Sharon Beyond the Books
"Superbly written . . . Reading Girl A was like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several shocks and surprises along the way." --gingerbookgeek
"Fantastic! . . . what brilliant writing . . . A book full of suspense, thrills and drama." --The Comfy Chair Book Reviews
In an isolated cottage on the banks of a Scottish loch, a reclusive couple take on a new live-in carer.
As Lucy gets to know her employers, she realizes the house and the people in it aren't what they seem. Is the house haunted or is something far more sinister living within the walls?
As secrets and lies begin to unravel, Lucy starts to question what is real. But one thing seems certain, if scars cannot heal, people will never forgive . . .
Praise for Girl A
"A psychological thriller with a chill factor off the charts! . . . a real nail-biter." --The Eclectic Review
"Girl A has everything I look for in a dark psychological thriller, great storyline, and an unpredictable plot. I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't put it down. This book is so well-written, with a plot that unravels bit by bit, just at the right times." --Joyful Antidotes
"The story flicks from present to past as it unfolds slowly and almost stalker-like . . . compelling, gritty, dark and twisted." --Sharon Beyond the Books
"Superbly written . . . Reading Girl A was like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several shocks and surprises along the way." --gingerbookgeek
"Fantastic! . . . what brilliant writing . . . A book full of suspense, thrills and drama." --The Comfy Chair Book Reviews
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
30 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 22, 2021
This the 3rd book by the author and it’s another fantastic read
A harrowing start to the book that leads us to Lucy starting a new job in a remote Scottish house where she is to be carer for Diana and Richard
Now there are so many aspects to this story, so many layers and so many questions to be answered I am wary to say much about any of the story/plot but what will say is it is a stealthily more and more intriguing read and it really had me wanting to know who, what, why, when and how until little by little it became clearer, although have to say it kept me guessing right up to the final chapters
Brilliant descriptive writing of the area and the beautiful flora and fauna there and fab characters, no one is quite as they seem…..but all are portrayed excitedly and scarily!
A really good exciting tense claustrophobic at times dark and brutal read that will have you enthralled
10/10
5 Stars
A harrowing start to the book that leads us to Lucy starting a new job in a remote Scottish house where she is to be carer for Diana and Richard
Now there are so many aspects to this story, so many layers and so many questions to be answered I am wary to say much about any of the story/plot but what will say is it is a stealthily more and more intriguing read and it really had me wanting to know who, what, why, when and how until little by little it became clearer, although have to say it kept me guessing right up to the final chapters
Brilliant descriptive writing of the area and the beautiful flora and fauna there and fab characters, no one is quite as they seem…..but all are portrayed excitedly and scarily!
A really good exciting tense claustrophobic at times dark and brutal read that will have you enthralled
10/10
5 Stars
August 4, 2021
Scars is the third standalone psychological thriller by Dan Scottow. This novel is everything plus! I loved it!
Lucy makes the long journey to a remote isolated cottage on the banks of the Scottish loch, where she has accepted a job from the agency as a live-in carer for a couple.
Lucy is greeted at the door by the wife, Mrs. Diana Davenport, hobbling along using a cane, with an ugly scar down the entire left side of her face. Lucy is told she is responsible for caring for Richard, along with all household duties. The ground floor is for Diana and Richard, while Lucy has the entirety of the upstairs. There is no internet access or connection to the outside world except for the landline.
Richard who one had been a successful artist before the accident, but is now confined to a wheelchair and can’t move or speak, with his face heavily scarred like his wife’s. Diana is an artist…a painter who is hooked on pain medication and alcohol. She tells Lucy she reminds her a little bit of her daughter, Claire, who disappeared many years ago.
As Lucy gets to know her employers, she realizes the house and the people in it aren’t what they seem. Diana is delusional. Is the house haunted or is something far more sinister living within the walls?
As secrets and lies begin to unravel, Lucy starts to question what is real.
This was a well-written ghostly thriller, with short chapters devoted between Diana and Lucy. The short chapter format briskly moves the story along. The characters are well-written, engaging and very real. The imagery is vivid and enables you to sense the atmosphere of the scene. The tension rises up to set the stage for this gripping psychological thriller.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Lucy makes the long journey to a remote isolated cottage on the banks of the Scottish loch, where she has accepted a job from the agency as a live-in carer for a couple.
Lucy is greeted at the door by the wife, Mrs. Diana Davenport, hobbling along using a cane, with an ugly scar down the entire left side of her face. Lucy is told she is responsible for caring for Richard, along with all household duties. The ground floor is for Diana and Richard, while Lucy has the entirety of the upstairs. There is no internet access or connection to the outside world except for the landline.
Richard who one had been a successful artist before the accident, but is now confined to a wheelchair and can’t move or speak, with his face heavily scarred like his wife’s. Diana is an artist…a painter who is hooked on pain medication and alcohol. She tells Lucy she reminds her a little bit of her daughter, Claire, who disappeared many years ago.
As Lucy gets to know her employers, she realizes the house and the people in it aren’t what they seem. Diana is delusional. Is the house haunted or is something far more sinister living within the walls?
As secrets and lies begin to unravel, Lucy starts to question what is real.
This was a well-written ghostly thriller, with short chapters devoted between Diana and Lucy. The short chapter format briskly moves the story along. The characters are well-written, engaging and very real. The imagery is vivid and enables you to sense the atmosphere of the scene. The tension rises up to set the stage for this gripping psychological thriller.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
August 3, 2021
This book by Scottow had such a range of thrills that I could not foresee how it would conclude! It was spooky, mysterious and disorientating as we start to see a household fall apart.
When the book opens, readers witness a terrible crime taking place. It was toe-curling! Yet, the narrative then switches to several years later and here we follow Lucy as she starts her new job at being a live-in carer for Richard. Although she does not get along with Richard’s wife, Diana, Lucy perseveres because the salary is so generous. However, the relationship between Diana and Lucy gets increasingly twisted and unpredictable. Observing Diana’s semi-permanent drunk state, it is clear that she is on the path of self-destruction. Lucy attempts to try and help Diana but, when her employer is convinced there is a ghost haunting the lonely Scottish cottage, even she starts to doubt what is real.
This narrative switches between Diana and Lucy. The chapters are incredibly short and I think this was why I could not fully immerse myself in the story. As soon as the plot got going, the chapter would finish and I think this meant that for me, the story lost its momentum. On the other hand, it did make the narrative progress quite quickly and I am sure there are some readers who would really appreciate such short chapters, especially if this is a ‘commute book’.
The characters of Diana and Lucy are really contrasting. Both are connected by paralysed Richard but their outlooks are incredibly opposing. Diana’s alcoholism is vividly portrayed by the writer as readers experience such horrific hallucinations. To be honest, it felt like I was watching a horror movie, especially with the insects scene! In contrast, Lucy’s narrative brings a sense of calm… until she encounters Diana and her ravings of hauntings and other supernatural occurrences.
It was this ghostly element that surprised me the most. I was anticipating a more crime-thriller narrative but it felt like I was reading a spooky horror story. Compared to my other read by Scottow, this was unexpected and shows how well the writer merged different genres together. Instead, this was a mysterious, ghostly, thriller that was filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
The opening scene of the book doesn’t really return until about half way through the story. It is then that readers can start to piece together how the two are interlinked. I liked this method as it meant that I was fully settled into the Scottish setting, warming to Lucy’s new friends and growing to dislike Diana as much as Lucy did. Therefore, when this crime is referenced again, it reminded me that there was still a large secret horror that had to be revealed. This added a bit more intensity to the plot and created a feeling that this opening crime had been haunting the narrative in the background.
I enjoyed this read but don’t think it thrilled me as much as I was hoping. I liked how unpredictable the plot was and loved the ghostly presence that haunted the pages. It was a twisted read and the remote Scottish setting definitely added to that feeling of being helpless and vulnerable.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When the book opens, readers witness a terrible crime taking place. It was toe-curling! Yet, the narrative then switches to several years later and here we follow Lucy as she starts her new job at being a live-in carer for Richard. Although she does not get along with Richard’s wife, Diana, Lucy perseveres because the salary is so generous. However, the relationship between Diana and Lucy gets increasingly twisted and unpredictable. Observing Diana’s semi-permanent drunk state, it is clear that she is on the path of self-destruction. Lucy attempts to try and help Diana but, when her employer is convinced there is a ghost haunting the lonely Scottish cottage, even she starts to doubt what is real.
This narrative switches between Diana and Lucy. The chapters are incredibly short and I think this was why I could not fully immerse myself in the story. As soon as the plot got going, the chapter would finish and I think this meant that for me, the story lost its momentum. On the other hand, it did make the narrative progress quite quickly and I am sure there are some readers who would really appreciate such short chapters, especially if this is a ‘commute book’.
The characters of Diana and Lucy are really contrasting. Both are connected by paralysed Richard but their outlooks are incredibly opposing. Diana’s alcoholism is vividly portrayed by the writer as readers experience such horrific hallucinations. To be honest, it felt like I was watching a horror movie, especially with the insects scene! In contrast, Lucy’s narrative brings a sense of calm… until she encounters Diana and her ravings of hauntings and other supernatural occurrences.
It was this ghostly element that surprised me the most. I was anticipating a more crime-thriller narrative but it felt like I was reading a spooky horror story. Compared to my other read by Scottow, this was unexpected and shows how well the writer merged different genres together. Instead, this was a mysterious, ghostly, thriller that was filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
The opening scene of the book doesn’t really return until about half way through the story. It is then that readers can start to piece together how the two are interlinked. I liked this method as it meant that I was fully settled into the Scottish setting, warming to Lucy’s new friends and growing to dislike Diana as much as Lucy did. Therefore, when this crime is referenced again, it reminded me that there was still a large secret horror that had to be revealed. This added a bit more intensity to the plot and created a feeling that this opening crime had been haunting the narrative in the background.
I enjoyed this read but don’t think it thrilled me as much as I was hoping. I liked how unpredictable the plot was and loved the ghostly presence that haunted the pages. It was a twisted read and the remote Scottish setting definitely added to that feeling of being helpless and vulnerable.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
Lucy has been hired as a carer to a man who was horribly injured in a car accident. His wife was also injured in the same accident. Both have the scars to show. Living in an isolated cottage on the banks of a Scottish Loch, they are rarely, if ever, seen in public. Whatever they want or need is delivered to them.
As Lucy settles in and gets to know a little about the couple, she realizes that not all is at it seems. She soon learns that the carer before her died in that very cottage. Falling down the staircase .. was it an accident .. or murder?
Everyone has secrets.. from the man and his wife to the man who brings them supplies and who also happened to love the girl that had died ... to Lucy herself. What's real ...and what isn't?
Suspenseful from start to finish, this is well written with an intriguing story line. Characters are solidly drawn. Twists and turns lead to a stunning conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As Lucy settles in and gets to know a little about the couple, she realizes that not all is at it seems. She soon learns that the carer before her died in that very cottage. Falling down the staircase .. was it an accident .. or murder?
Everyone has secrets.. from the man and his wife to the man who brings them supplies and who also happened to love the girl that had died ... to Lucy herself. What's real ...and what isn't?
Suspenseful from start to finish, this is well written with an intriguing story line. Characters are solidly drawn. Twists and turns lead to a stunning conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 30, 2021
Unfortunately I can’t say I enjoyed this book, I really didn’t like any of the characters, which meant I couldn’t care what happened to any of them. I pretty much worked out the “twist” by the half way mark, which was disappointing. To be fair to the author the plot was an intriguing one, I just felt it lacked the element of surprise I was hoping for. There are some glowing reviews for Scar so I think it’s one of those books that’s it’s best for you to make up your own mind about. Perhaps it was my mood at the time but I found it just an ‘ok’ read.
September 22, 2021
It was predictable, but it didn't make the story boring, because in this way, despite the otherwise surprising twists, I knew who the good character was, and that's why I could support her from the beginning of the book. In such psychological thrillers, we know that not everything is as we see it from the characters’ point of view, and we mostly even suspect that reality is just the opposite of what the writer wants us to believe. Therefore, I read the novel with great skepticism that accompanied the events from the perspective of Lucy and Diana. The first scene revealed what the main conflict was, so I knew, but at least I suspected, what was actually going on. But even that made the book exciting, and even almost unputdownable, because all along I was excited that what the main character planned to come true. I was wondering if I should give a maximum score for this book, as there are better novels and thrillers than that. However, in its own genre, it is an excellent masterpiece, and better than many books to which I have given four stars. Maybe if ten stars could be given, I would give nine. But that’s how I have to stay with the maximum of five stars.
December 21, 2022
*Trigger Warning * Rape, animal cruelty.
Wow, Dan Scottow is one talented author. His writing, the descriptions and magnitude of detail are pleasure, and a joy, to read. It has been some time since I have read a book that has had this depth of sculpture to it. I sometimes find descriptions in books difficult to picture in my head, but this book was so beautifully written it flowed into my mind like a film.
The characters in this story are not particularly likeable, but that does not matter. The plot, and how it presents itself, overpowers any need for likeability.
Lucy is a carer, she arrives to Willow Cottage to look after Richard who is paraplegic. His wife Diana, an artist, is a difficult woman and a challenge to get along with; she appears to have a dependence on alcohol and drugs.
Diana's spiral into oblivion is so vividly written, it is quite incredible.
I am more a horror fan than I am psychological thrillers and even though this story did not quite live up to what I desire as a reader, it written with such finesse that I was blown away with just that.
Wow, Dan Scottow is one talented author. His writing, the descriptions and magnitude of detail are pleasure, and a joy, to read. It has been some time since I have read a book that has had this depth of sculpture to it. I sometimes find descriptions in books difficult to picture in my head, but this book was so beautifully written it flowed into my mind like a film.
The characters in this story are not particularly likeable, but that does not matter. The plot, and how it presents itself, overpowers any need for likeability.
Lucy is a carer, she arrives to Willow Cottage to look after Richard who is paraplegic. His wife Diana, an artist, is a difficult woman and a challenge to get along with; she appears to have a dependence on alcohol and drugs.
Diana's spiral into oblivion is so vividly written, it is quite incredible.
I am more a horror fan than I am psychological thrillers and even though this story did not quite live up to what I desire as a reader, it written with such finesse that I was blown away with just that.
October 7, 2021
What a book! I really dont know where to begin….This story is mind blowing.
This is the authors third book I have to admit I haven’t read his first one yet. But having having Child A I couldn’t wait to sink in teeth into this beauty. With a OMG start I was well and truly hooked. When we follow a creepy yet, spooky story about Lucy who takes on a new job has a live-in carer. Building up the story has the reader and Lucy get to know Richard and Dianna.
With a story that uses short chapters! Which I am a massive fan of….alternating between Lucy and Dianne you are taken on a pulse racing ride. Keeping you guessing until the end with brilliant character development.
If you are looking for a story full of twists and turns…..you got it! Dan Scottow has got one hell of an imagination. Scars is a well crafted story that I highly recommend. You really need to read it to see what I mean!
This is the authors third book I have to admit I haven’t read his first one yet. But having having Child A I couldn’t wait to sink in teeth into this beauty. With a OMG start I was well and truly hooked. When we follow a creepy yet, spooky story about Lucy who takes on a new job has a live-in carer. Building up the story has the reader and Lucy get to know Richard and Dianna.
With a story that uses short chapters! Which I am a massive fan of….alternating between Lucy and Dianne you are taken on a pulse racing ride. Keeping you guessing until the end with brilliant character development.
If you are looking for a story full of twists and turns…..you got it! Dan Scottow has got one hell of an imagination. Scars is a well crafted story that I highly recommend. You really need to read it to see what I mean!
July 22, 2021
One word .....WOW.
Make sure that when you open this book and start to read it, that you have nothing else to do. This is definitely a book that will capture and keep hold of your attention from page one.
It’s a book that will at times have you holding your breath and a book that you just won’t be able to read fast enough.
It had me changing my mind several times on who was doing what to whom, but nothing could quite prepare me for the run up to the end and the books conclusion.
The characters will also have you changing your mind about them as the storyline progresses.
If you like a twisty, gritty and completely absorbing thriller then this is for you.
Make sure that when you open this book and start to read it, that you have nothing else to do. This is definitely a book that will capture and keep hold of your attention from page one.
It’s a book that will at times have you holding your breath and a book that you just won’t be able to read fast enough.
It had me changing my mind several times on who was doing what to whom, but nothing could quite prepare me for the run up to the end and the books conclusion.
The characters will also have you changing your mind about them as the storyline progresses.
If you like a twisty, gritty and completely absorbing thriller then this is for you.
July 24, 2021
This my first book by this author and I was so engrossed. I started in the morning and finished before doing anything else. I just needed to know how the start linked up and the twists and turns. I kept guessing wrongly.
Will be looking for more by this author.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
Will be looking for more by this author.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
August 2, 2021
The first chapter is horrific and you assume the book will continue in that vein. But no. From chapter two through to the shocking climax the tension builds slowly and scarily. This is a real psychological thriller at its best. I don’t often find myself feeling a bit scared about what’s coming next but I did reading this; and more than once.
Briefly, chapter one sets the scene. A woman is strapped to a gurney, repeatedly tortured and sexually assaulted. Four other women have been there too but they have all died. She is just waiting for her own death. Moving on the rest of the book is told in short chapter by the main protagonists. Lucy moves to a remote area of Scotland as a carer for Richard Davenport, an artist who was badly injured in a road accident. His wife Diana, also an artist, was in the same accident and has been left badly scarred and unable to walk without a stick. Diane is addicted to pain medication and alcohol. When Lucy meets Mylo and a friendship blossoms Diana seems jealous. Then strange thing start happening. Diana is seeing the previous carer, who died in the cottage, and is having dreadful temper tantrums. Is there someone else in the cottage? Is Lucy safe? Is there something supernatural going on?
If you are looking for a thriller full of blood and gore and really fast paced. This is not it. However, if you want to read something that has you on tenterhooks, full of tension (good and bad) and masterfully constructed then this is for you. The characterisations are excellent and it’s really difficult deciding just who is the good guy and who is the villain. But you will. Eventually. It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Briefly, chapter one sets the scene. A woman is strapped to a gurney, repeatedly tortured and sexually assaulted. Four other women have been there too but they have all died. She is just waiting for her own death. Moving on the rest of the book is told in short chapter by the main protagonists. Lucy moves to a remote area of Scotland as a carer for Richard Davenport, an artist who was badly injured in a road accident. His wife Diana, also an artist, was in the same accident and has been left badly scarred and unable to walk without a stick. Diane is addicted to pain medication and alcohol. When Lucy meets Mylo and a friendship blossoms Diana seems jealous. Then strange thing start happening. Diana is seeing the previous carer, who died in the cottage, and is having dreadful temper tantrums. Is there someone else in the cottage? Is Lucy safe? Is there something supernatural going on?
If you are looking for a thriller full of blood and gore and really fast paced. This is not it. However, if you want to read something that has you on tenterhooks, full of tension (good and bad) and masterfully constructed then this is for you. The characterisations are excellent and it’s really difficult deciding just who is the good guy and who is the villain. But you will. Eventually. It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
August 3, 2021
The story opens in 2008 with a description of a girl masked and strapped to a gurney in a windowless room being tortured and raped. She has already seen four fellow victims die beside her but she has proved more resilient, something which seems to excite her captor as he performs for the camera. She hopes for death to come soon. Years later, a former nurse called Lucy moves to a remote house on the West coast of Scotland to care for an invalid, Richard. Once a successful artist, he and his wife Diana were involved in a horrific car accident which has left him locked in and her scarred mentally and physically, now shunning society. As if that was bad enough, they had also lost their daughter years before. Lucy finds herself cooking and cleaning in addition to being a carer, and discovers from new friends that she makes that her predecessor died in a horrible accident. Soon Diana is drinking heavily and seems to be unravelling mentally when she starts seeing ghosts but is there a darker force at work here?
The author certainly has a vivid imagination and paints a picture of life at Willow Cottage more colourful and frightening than any artist could. The scene is well set as the story progresses and it becomes hard to discern what is fact and what are the workings of a very disturbed mind. The tension reaches breaking point as a dramatic ending explodes across the pages to leave the lies and buried secrets laid bare and life-changing outcomes for all involved. 5*
The author certainly has a vivid imagination and paints a picture of life at Willow Cottage more colourful and frightening than any artist could. The scene is well set as the story progresses and it becomes hard to discern what is fact and what are the workings of a very disturbed mind. The tension reaches breaking point as a dramatic ending explodes across the pages to leave the lies and buried secrets laid bare and life-changing outcomes for all involved. 5*
February 1, 2023
I read this one after reading Dan Scottow's Girl A. I don't think it's anywhere near as good, but other readers obviously loved it. I usually read a book in a day, and this one took four days, testifying to my lack of interest and enthusiasm.
I've noticed before that I'm not terribly fond of books where the entire plot relies on a character who doesn't know what is and isn't real, and this book is in that category. A plot that coasts along on being mysterious gets boring after a while. Accordingly, Diana's disinegration became repetative, especially since she was such a spectacularly unlikeable character to start with.
The last 20 percent was quite satisfying.
I've noticed before that I'm not terribly fond of books where the entire plot relies on a character who doesn't know what is and isn't real, and this book is in that category. A plot that coasts along on being mysterious gets boring after a while. Accordingly, Diana's disinegration became repetative, especially since she was such a spectacularly unlikeable character to start with.
The last 20 percent was quite satisfying.
September 14, 2021
Started off good, so much so, I downloaded several other books by the author to read whilst on holiday. BUT - it went off on a crazy, slightly unbelievable tangent…. I skipped paragraphs just to get to the end.
February 23, 2022
Quite an interesting start to this book and it's explained and pulled together later on. I enjoyed it! 💕 📖
August 11, 2021
I have been a fan of Dan’s work for a while now. Dan has released three books to date- the latest of which is called ‘Scars’ and it was released on 3rd August 2021. It is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that I didn’t really like any of the characters in the book. I just got the impression that nobody was the person that they make themselves out to be and that each person seemed determined to keep certain things hidden and secret. Of course I could just have read too much in the way of crime fiction because I tend to suspect everybody and believe nobody.
I was drawn into this story from the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. To say that reading ‘Scars’ became addictive is like saying my youngest Labrador likes food- in other words a massive understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read for a little while but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over an hour later. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about the book and if I had to put the book down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book back up again. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I tried to fathom out if I was on the right track or if I was wandering down the wrong path entirely. I soon finished ‘Scars’. I found ‘Scars’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Scars’ is extremely well written but then that is true of Dan’s books in general. I love the way in which he grabs your attention and reels you in. For me, the story in ‘Scars’ was a bit of a slow burner but that suited the plot. The story gathers momentum before leading to a tense conclusion. Reading ‘Scars’ felt like being on one heck of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Dan makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the centre of all of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Scars’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dan’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that I didn’t really like any of the characters in the book. I just got the impression that nobody was the person that they make themselves out to be and that each person seemed determined to keep certain things hidden and secret. Of course I could just have read too much in the way of crime fiction because I tend to suspect everybody and believe nobody.
I was drawn into this story from the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. To say that reading ‘Scars’ became addictive is like saying my youngest Labrador likes food- in other words a massive understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read for a little while but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over an hour later. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about the book and if I had to put the book down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book back up again. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I tried to fathom out if I was on the right track or if I was wandering down the wrong path entirely. I soon finished ‘Scars’. I found ‘Scars’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Scars’ is extremely well written but then that is true of Dan’s books in general. I love the way in which he grabs your attention and reels you in. For me, the story in ‘Scars’ was a bit of a slow burner but that suited the plot. The story gathers momentum before leading to a tense conclusion. Reading ‘Scars’ felt like being on one heck of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Dan makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the centre of all of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Scars’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dan’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 28, 2021
OMG. What begins as a seemingly innocent tale soon begins to turn into more…The book begins in 2008 with a girl strapped onto a gurney with someone approaching, knowing her end is nigh. Years later Lucy has taken a new position as carer for an elderly gentleman, Richard, in a remote part of Scotland. His wife Diana is no longer able to care for him, both having both been injured in an accident years beforehand. Richard has locked in syndrome and can't move or speak hence needing a carer. Diana has a horrendous scar on her face which she does her best to hide with her hair. Lucy quickly finds out that they lost a daughter and the odd chapter takes us back to when Diana and Richard wanted to meet up with their daughter as there was a rift of some sort. Diana is rather secretive and there are little personal effects- photographs etc around the house. She also likes a drink - in her own words- (underestimation) and has rather a selection of drugs to help her through her pain- a combination Lucy warns her about and soon gets short shrift from.
I took to Lucy and the situation she rapidly found herself in- in a strange place, no friends, no wifi or mobile signal and a rather odd couple to deal with. There is a wonderful building of tension- you just have that feeling that something is amiss but not quite what- the sign of a carefully crafted plot very well written. A drama slowly unravelling before your eyes but not knowing who is/ are the baddie. OMG! I won’t spoil anything- other than expect the unexpected. Clever, crafty (as in well crafted!) and captivating. Wow!
I took to Lucy and the situation she rapidly found herself in- in a strange place, no friends, no wifi or mobile signal and a rather odd couple to deal with. There is a wonderful building of tension- you just have that feeling that something is amiss but not quite what- the sign of a carefully crafted plot very well written. A drama slowly unravelling before your eyes but not knowing who is/ are the baddie. OMG! I won’t spoil anything- other than expect the unexpected. Clever, crafty (as in well crafted!) and captivating. Wow!
August 4, 2021
This book starts off with quite the nightmarish scene and instantly I’m hooked. The following chapters are set in current times introducing Lucy, an in-home caretaker and her new clients Richard and his wife Diana.
When Diana is no longer capable of taking care of wheelchair bound Richard, Lucy jumps at the opportunity to leave her current life and head to their quant home located in remote Scotland. Being surrounded by nature and away from the hustle of London is exactly what Lucy is looking for. But behind the idyllic backdrop lays something more sinister.
Diana is a woman unhinged and haunted by demons from her past. Her erratic behaviour and wild accusations are becoming dangerous. The more time Lucy spends at the house the more she starts to learn of its dark history. The remote location Lucy once desired no longer provides solace and as things begin to unravel around her, Lucy questions if she’s in over her head.
This book was the true definition of psychological thriller! The characters were perfectly developed and I had no idea who to believe. The mind games being played in the book left me second guessing how everything would unfold and all the while that first chapter was haunting me! How will it all become full circle? When it finally does, you’ll need to brace yourself for the unravelling of everyone’s secrets.
When Diana is no longer capable of taking care of wheelchair bound Richard, Lucy jumps at the opportunity to leave her current life and head to their quant home located in remote Scotland. Being surrounded by nature and away from the hustle of London is exactly what Lucy is looking for. But behind the idyllic backdrop lays something more sinister.
Diana is a woman unhinged and haunted by demons from her past. Her erratic behaviour and wild accusations are becoming dangerous. The more time Lucy spends at the house the more she starts to learn of its dark history. The remote location Lucy once desired no longer provides solace and as things begin to unravel around her, Lucy questions if she’s in over her head.
This book was the true definition of psychological thriller! The characters were perfectly developed and I had no idea who to believe. The mind games being played in the book left me second guessing how everything would unfold and all the while that first chapter was haunting me! How will it all become full circle? When it finally does, you’ll need to brace yourself for the unravelling of everyone’s secrets.
July 28, 2021
WOW!
What an incredible, dramatic read; I was hooked from start to finish. From a dramatic and horrific opening, this thriller will have you eager to read every twist and turn. You will not want to put this down!
This is such a clever story, with details scattered throughout; some red herrings that will throw you off. I’m usually good at spotting things and having these books all figured out, but Dan Scottow stumped me until late on and even then, I was surprised.
I liked the characters; although ‘liked’ may be the wrong word. I liked that in terms of characters I didn’t know who to trust, who to believe, who to pity and who would come out on top by the end.
The location and how well its described adds to the tension; the idea of being so remote and away from things gives me the shivers just imagining.
This is Dan’s third book and the second I have read… his writing is fantastically descriptive and detailed; at one point I didn’t know if I dared switch out the light! The book is intense, with twists and turns galore, suspense and a thrilling finale.
If you are a fan of dark, dramatic, thrillers, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
What an incredible, dramatic read; I was hooked from start to finish. From a dramatic and horrific opening, this thriller will have you eager to read every twist and turn. You will not want to put this down!
This is such a clever story, with details scattered throughout; some red herrings that will throw you off. I’m usually good at spotting things and having these books all figured out, but Dan Scottow stumped me until late on and even then, I was surprised.
I liked the characters; although ‘liked’ may be the wrong word. I liked that in terms of characters I didn’t know who to trust, who to believe, who to pity and who would come out on top by the end.
The location and how well its described adds to the tension; the idea of being so remote and away from things gives me the shivers just imagining.
This is Dan’s third book and the second I have read… his writing is fantastically descriptive and detailed; at one point I didn’t know if I dared switch out the light! The book is intense, with twists and turns galore, suspense and a thrilling finale.
If you are a fan of dark, dramatic, thrillers, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
August 4, 2021
This is the third book I have read by Scottow but it is a standalone & another string to his bow. This is nothing like any of his others; still brilliant but totally different.
The opening chapter is very descriptive & extremely graphic. It shocks you in to wanting to read more.
The next chapter is set several years later, as we follow Lucy, who has been employed to look after disabled Richard & his frail artist wife, Diana, in a remote Scottish cottage.
The longer Lucy remains in their employ, the more she realises all is not as it seems & Diana, through her drunken & drug misuse state, gradually becomes increasingly deranged.
The man who delivers their supplies, has secrets. The couple themselves, have secrets. Lucy, has secrets. What is real & why the dramatic opening chapter?
Through short, character driven chapters we are lead through a complex story.
Well written with fabulous descriptions of the Scottish countryside & the characters who inhabit it. This is a brilliant psychological thriller with a pinch of supernatural thrown in.
Highly recommended & hurry up with the next one Mr Scottow!
The opening chapter is very descriptive & extremely graphic. It shocks you in to wanting to read more.
The next chapter is set several years later, as we follow Lucy, who has been employed to look after disabled Richard & his frail artist wife, Diana, in a remote Scottish cottage.
The longer Lucy remains in their employ, the more she realises all is not as it seems & Diana, through her drunken & drug misuse state, gradually becomes increasingly deranged.
The man who delivers their supplies, has secrets. The couple themselves, have secrets. Lucy, has secrets. What is real & why the dramatic opening chapter?
Through short, character driven chapters we are lead through a complex story.
Well written with fabulous descriptions of the Scottish countryside & the characters who inhabit it. This is a brilliant psychological thriller with a pinch of supernatural thrown in.
Highly recommended & hurry up with the next one Mr Scottow!
August 5, 2021
This is the best psychological thriller writing I have come across in a very long time. Absolutely loved it.
We are introduced to Diana and her husband Richard. Both were successful artists from London, now living a quiet and simple life in a remote, beautiful part of Scotland. having survived a near fatal car accident. Richard is ‘locked-in’, a static state and therefore needs full-time care, which Diana is struggling to provide.
Lucy has her own reasons for wanting to leave London, including a broken relationship. So she takes up the offer of a care job in a remote but beautiful part of Scotland. The change will do her good or so she thinks. I liked how the story was told from both Diana and Lucy’s viewpoint.
Scars is packed full of creepy, haunting scenes and tormented characters whose stories are so cleverly interwoven. The last few chapters were stomach churning, skin crawling, nail biting and full of tension.
I had to take several tea breaks to stop myself being creeped out! As much as I needed to know what was happening, I didn’t want this book to end.
If you love a good psycho thriller then Scars by Dan Scottow is definitely for you.
We are introduced to Diana and her husband Richard. Both were successful artists from London, now living a quiet and simple life in a remote, beautiful part of Scotland. having survived a near fatal car accident. Richard is ‘locked-in’, a static state and therefore needs full-time care, which Diana is struggling to provide.
Lucy has her own reasons for wanting to leave London, including a broken relationship. So she takes up the offer of a care job in a remote but beautiful part of Scotland. The change will do her good or so she thinks. I liked how the story was told from both Diana and Lucy’s viewpoint.
Scars is packed full of creepy, haunting scenes and tormented characters whose stories are so cleverly interwoven. The last few chapters were stomach churning, skin crawling, nail biting and full of tension.
I had to take several tea breaks to stop myself being creeped out! As much as I needed to know what was happening, I didn’t want this book to end.
If you love a good psycho thriller then Scars by Dan Scottow is definitely for you.
August 10, 2021
Another mind work-out from a master manipulator!
Lucy has taken a job as a carer to man who lives with his wife in a beautiful, but remote, area of Scotland. As she begins to settle in, she realises that things aren’t quite right. Diana, the homeowner, is convinced the house is haunted but Lucy doesn’t believe in ghosts, so exactly what is going on?
Having read this author’s second novel, I couldn’t wait to read this one (I also have his first novel, just waiting for a gap in my list). I have to say there are several really creepy scenes which freaked me out and, while I knew something was off, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. In fact, I suspected everyone except for the actual guilty party. A rollercoaster of a read with plenty of ups and downs and a bit of a scare every now and then and it has to be said that Dan Scottow does full justice to the beautiful Scottish scenery. Like all good books, the story is all neatly finished off by the final word. An excellent read, skilfully created, and one I’m happy to recommend to everyone who likes their stomach tied in knots along the way! 4.5*
Lucy has taken a job as a carer to man who lives with his wife in a beautiful, but remote, area of Scotland. As she begins to settle in, she realises that things aren’t quite right. Diana, the homeowner, is convinced the house is haunted but Lucy doesn’t believe in ghosts, so exactly what is going on?
Having read this author’s second novel, I couldn’t wait to read this one (I also have his first novel, just waiting for a gap in my list). I have to say there are several really creepy scenes which freaked me out and, while I knew something was off, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. In fact, I suspected everyone except for the actual guilty party. A rollercoaster of a read with plenty of ups and downs and a bit of a scare every now and then and it has to be said that Dan Scottow does full justice to the beautiful Scottish scenery. Like all good books, the story is all neatly finished off by the final word. An excellent read, skilfully created, and one I’m happy to recommend to everyone who likes their stomach tied in knots along the way! 4.5*
July 22, 2021
My first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Scottow masterfully builds up the tension, starting with a terrifying opening, before moving the setting to a remote part of Scotland. I have to say that the way the author brought the setting to life was brilliantly done and I felt I was right there with the characters.
The story is mostly told from the point of view of Diana, a scarred artist, who lives with her severely disabled husband, Richard, and Lucy, who takes a job as the carer for Richard. As soon as Lucy arrives she is unsettled by the strange couple and as her unease grows, so does the readers.
Short chapters and the creepy build up kept me turning the pages, desperate to know where the story was going, and the twists at the end were well worth the wait.
I am so impressed with this book. Too often these days authors go for the shock factor, leaving nothing to the imagination. Scars is pitched just right and, if his previous tales are told in a similar manner, I can understand why so many people are raving about Dan Scottow's books.
Scottow masterfully builds up the tension, starting with a terrifying opening, before moving the setting to a remote part of Scotland. I have to say that the way the author brought the setting to life was brilliantly done and I felt I was right there with the characters.
The story is mostly told from the point of view of Diana, a scarred artist, who lives with her severely disabled husband, Richard, and Lucy, who takes a job as the carer for Richard. As soon as Lucy arrives she is unsettled by the strange couple and as her unease grows, so does the readers.
Short chapters and the creepy build up kept me turning the pages, desperate to know where the story was going, and the twists at the end were well worth the wait.
I am so impressed with this book. Too often these days authors go for the shock factor, leaving nothing to the imagination. Scars is pitched just right and, if his previous tales are told in a similar manner, I can understand why so many people are raving about Dan Scottow's books.
August 6, 2021
Many thanks to Dan for my gifted digital copy 💖
The opening chapter of this story really sets the tone of how dark and twisted things will get. A girl is strapped naked to a gurney and has been subjected to watch four other girls tortured to their deaths. Now if that hasn't piqued your interest 🤷🏼♂️
The tale then jumps a couple of years ahead where we are introduced to Lucy. She is making the move from the hustle and bustle of London, and starting a new job up in an isolated cottage in Scotland. I always love a book that's set somewhere isolated, cut off from civilisation. Somewhere where nobody will hear you scream 😈
Lucy is going to be a live-in carer for Richard and his wife Diana. These two characters are just steeped in mystery. I really enjoyed the development of their characters. Diana seemed to get more unstable as the chapters wore on. Was what she was telling us reliable? Given the amount of self medication she did. I really had my suspicions about wheelchair bound Richard too. Was I right to be concerned? 🧐
Scars is a fantastic psychological mystery, with unreliable characters, mysteries within. And that sense of claustrophobia this is the perfect book to delve into.
The opening chapter of this story really sets the tone of how dark and twisted things will get. A girl is strapped naked to a gurney and has been subjected to watch four other girls tortured to their deaths. Now if that hasn't piqued your interest 🤷🏼♂️
The tale then jumps a couple of years ahead where we are introduced to Lucy. She is making the move from the hustle and bustle of London, and starting a new job up in an isolated cottage in Scotland. I always love a book that's set somewhere isolated, cut off from civilisation. Somewhere where nobody will hear you scream 😈
Lucy is going to be a live-in carer for Richard and his wife Diana. These two characters are just steeped in mystery. I really enjoyed the development of their characters. Diana seemed to get more unstable as the chapters wore on. Was what she was telling us reliable? Given the amount of self medication she did. I really had my suspicions about wheelchair bound Richard too. Was I right to be concerned? 🧐
Scars is a fantastic psychological mystery, with unreliable characters, mysteries within. And that sense of claustrophobia this is the perfect book to delve into.
July 24, 2021
Another great read from Dan Scottow.
Lucy arrives at a remote location in Scotland to start her new job caring for Richard.
His wife Diana greets her at the door but it’s far from a warm welcome.
Richard and Diana were involved in a car accident leaving them both badly scarred but Richard is now unable to move or look after himself.
Lucy enjoys exploring her beautiful surroundings but there’s not much else to be done until she meets Mylo.
She accepts his offer of a boat trip and learns more about the area and the people she works for.
At home things are starting to get a bit strange with Diana seeing a ghost and strange things happening around her.
Events start to spiral out of control and the story takes a much darker turn.
I can’t say much more as it will spoil it but I’d highly recommend this book if you like dark thrillers.
Thanks to Dan Scottow for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
Lucy arrives at a remote location in Scotland to start her new job caring for Richard.
His wife Diana greets her at the door but it’s far from a warm welcome.
Richard and Diana were involved in a car accident leaving them both badly scarred but Richard is now unable to move or look after himself.
Lucy enjoys exploring her beautiful surroundings but there’s not much else to be done until she meets Mylo.
She accepts his offer of a boat trip and learns more about the area and the people she works for.
At home things are starting to get a bit strange with Diana seeing a ghost and strange things happening around her.
Events start to spiral out of control and the story takes a much darker turn.
I can’t say much more as it will spoil it but I’d highly recommend this book if you like dark thrillers.
Thanks to Dan Scottow for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
July 24, 2021
When Lucy starts a new job in remote Willow Cottage, the scenery may be idyllic, but the circumstances aren't. A car crash leaves Richard a paraplegic and in need of a great deal of care, care his wife Diana struggles to give with her own injures from the same crash. They need the assistance of a carer, and Lucy isn't the first. In constant pain, Diana struggles with alcohol and narcotics. Lucy learns more of their troubled past and the truth of what happened.
This book starts with a strange tale of torture, but the real pain is inflicted in the following chapters which talk of unstable personalities, lies, and psychosis.
This is a good read, well written, it will keep you turning the pages. The final resolution, however, is not a surprise, though it is well done.
Would recommend.
This book starts with a strange tale of torture, but the real pain is inflicted in the following chapters which talk of unstable personalities, lies, and psychosis.
This is a good read, well written, it will keep you turning the pages. The final resolution, however, is not a surprise, though it is well done.
Would recommend.
July 22, 2021
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this early ARC.
Wow, I thought this was a thrilling read packed with lots and lots of tension. For me, it started quite slowly although it soon picked up pace. I liked that it was mainly told through two characters, even though I didn’t particularly like either of them. I liked the authors writing style, and that parts of the story were so full of atmosphere that I could picture the scenes in my head. I correctly guessed who was behind all the ‘odd’ happenings although I had no idea why. All starts to make sense in the last quarter of the book with twist after twist being revealed and I can honestly say I never expected any of them. Overall, a very chilling read at times that I enjoyed and would recommend.
Wow, I thought this was a thrilling read packed with lots and lots of tension. For me, it started quite slowly although it soon picked up pace. I liked that it was mainly told through two characters, even though I didn’t particularly like either of them. I liked the authors writing style, and that parts of the story were so full of atmosphere that I could picture the scenes in my head. I correctly guessed who was behind all the ‘odd’ happenings although I had no idea why. All starts to make sense in the last quarter of the book with twist after twist being revealed and I can honestly say I never expected any of them. Overall, a very chilling read at times that I enjoyed and would recommend.
July 22, 2021
When Lucy arrives in The West Coast of Scotland, she is stunned by the beauty that surrounds her, mountain, woodland and a view to the Loch. There to start a new job, she is greeted by Diana Davenport, who from the start is aloof and sometimes dictatorial in her manner. Richard, Diana's husband is wheelchair bound and cannot speak or move unaided..As Lucy makes new friends along the way, at times she finds herself walking on eggshells around Diana , who believes there are dark forces around..Sometimes..there are moments that time does not forget ...As you turn them over and over you still find an edge to cut ....Scars ..Dark Souls ...Tenebrous darkness ...Utterly Brilliant storytelling from Dan Scottow ..
August 1, 2021
This title, Scars is coming out August the 3rd. Its about Lucy. This is a wonderful story you will find out other characters, Richard, and Diana Davenport. The couple Richard and Diana. Then their Christopher Kernick you will find out why he's important inside the book.. This story started out so intense, mysterious, emotional, and painful with what happen that so suspenseful, when the storylines grab you it make you want to know the answer to question like Why?, Who is it killer? Right off the bat or right for the start. Lucy is a nursemaid, to Diana and Richard, you will fine out scars is for so much then what you know if you read, this thrilling twist inside it is so good. This story comes out August 3, 2021
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
I first discovered this author on Amazon while looking for a new read, I loved the first two books I read by him so naturally when I came across another title of his, I had to read it.
The book begins with a mortifying scene that instantly had me hooked. Leaving me hanging with no answers and a lot of questions it changes over to a much lighter story line which picks up pace and gets interesting pretty quickly and don't worry, by the end of the book all your each of your 1000 questions will be answered. The writing is excellent and very descriptive giving its readers a full picture of all the crazy events that take place. This book had so many elements to it along with so many twists and turns along the way, I absolutely loved it. Over all great read.
The book begins with a mortifying scene that instantly had me hooked. Leaving me hanging with no answers and a lot of questions it changes over to a much lighter story line which picks up pace and gets interesting pretty quickly and don't worry, by the end of the book all your each of your 1000 questions will be answered. The writing is excellent and very descriptive giving its readers a full picture of all the crazy events that take place. This book had so many elements to it along with so many twists and turns along the way, I absolutely loved it. Over all great read.
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