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The Promotion
Imogen should be enjoying her life – she is happily married with a high-powered career that could see her rise to the very highest levels of management.
But that’s never going to happen. Because Imogen’s boss Michael has discovered she has a secret, something she has hidden from everyone, even her devoted husband. And if it’s ever revealed, her life will be destroyed.
Which means Imogen is completely and utterly in Michael’s power.
And he loves it – he works her 24/7 and takes all the credit; he invents tedious assignments to fill her weekends; he is openly dismissive and disrespectful. It seems like every week he comes up with some new way to torment her, to make her life a living hell.
And Imogen can’t see any way out – because Michael has told her if she ever tries to leave her job he’ll tell the world what she’s done and her life will be over.
As she becomes more and more desperate, Imogen begins to think the unthinkable. Maybe there is a way to solve the Michael problem – permanently.
But that’s never going to happen. Because Imogen’s boss Michael has discovered she has a secret, something she has hidden from everyone, even her devoted husband. And if it’s ever revealed, her life will be destroyed.
Which means Imogen is completely and utterly in Michael’s power.
And he loves it – he works her 24/7 and takes all the credit; he invents tedious assignments to fill her weekends; he is openly dismissive and disrespectful. It seems like every week he comes up with some new way to torment her, to make her life a living hell.
And Imogen can’t see any way out – because Michael has told her if she ever tries to leave her job he’ll tell the world what she’s done and her life will be over.
As she becomes more and more desperate, Imogen begins to think the unthinkable. Maybe there is a way to solve the Michael problem – permanently.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2021
2608 people are currently reading
1425 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
89 books3,993 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
June 14, 2023
This had so much potential in the beginning. I loved the back and forth between the POVs and the knowledge that a climax was waiting. But then after the murder (we know from the begging that there will be one) everything tapered of. I even wondered if I’ve missed something since there was so little focus on the police investigation, almost as if it didn’t matter anymore. There were twists and surprises in the second half, but my heart wasn’t in it anymore.
September 16, 2022
Hoopla Audio
Narrated by: Tim Campbell, Penelope Rawlins
Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
Loved the fast paced narration, but the plot was underwhelming. The two main characters were slightly annoying and whined about this and that throughout the novel. I wanted to like Imogen, but she lacked integrity.
The twist was also weak, not sure I'd even call it a twist. It was more of a diversion.
It was fine for a quick popcorn listen, but nothing surprising here!
Narrated by: Tim Campbell, Penelope Rawlins
Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
Loved the fast paced narration, but the plot was underwhelming. The two main characters were slightly annoying and whined about this and that throughout the novel. I wanted to like Imogen, but she lacked integrity.
The twist was also weak, not sure I'd even call it a twist. It was more of a diversion.
It was fine for a quick popcorn listen, but nothing surprising here!
January 28, 2022
Talk about your prolific authors! I'm not sure when Daniel Hurst sleeps or does anything other than write - 13 books published in 2021 and I may have missed some of his 20 Minute stories! I think that's almost as many as James Patterson! As far as I know Mr. Hurst writes them all himself though. I've read a few of his books and won't hesitate to read others that he's written.
The Promotion follows Imogen and her boss, Michael, both working at the corporate offices in the UK for a big bank. Michael has uncovered a misstep in Imogen's past and holds this over her head. Making her secret public would end her career and possibly her marriage. To make matters worse, her father's health is deteriorating as a result of dementia and Imogen needs more income to pay for his care. 3.5 Stars rounded UP!
This book was easy to read and the pages just flew by but I thought some of the occurrences were a bit over the top and hard to believe. Still, I never thought about giving up on the book and found it to be one of those reads where you can suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the characters, flawed as they are, and the plot. There were a lot of inner monologues which got repetitive but all-in-all, a fun read!
Thank you to Inkubator Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
This completes my Netgalley obligations for the month of August!! I'm slowly getting caught up and trying to be much more cautious in requesting books this year.
The Promotion follows Imogen and her boss, Michael, both working at the corporate offices in the UK for a big bank. Michael has uncovered a misstep in Imogen's past and holds this over her head. Making her secret public would end her career and possibly her marriage. To make matters worse, her father's health is deteriorating as a result of dementia and Imogen needs more income to pay for his care. 3.5 Stars rounded UP!
This book was easy to read and the pages just flew by but I thought some of the occurrences were a bit over the top and hard to believe. Still, I never thought about giving up on the book and found it to be one of those reads where you can suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the characters, flawed as they are, and the plot. There were a lot of inner monologues which got repetitive but all-in-all, a fun read!
Thank you to Inkubator Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
This completes my Netgalley obligations for the month of August!! I'm slowly getting caught up and trying to be much more cautious in requesting books this year.
September 9, 2021
They say everybody makes mistakes, and that might be true, but it doesn’t mean people are always allowed to get away with them.
The Promotion
by Daniel Hurst
This is such a tough review to write.
Let me start by saying I enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style and my next read will be a book by same author.
So why the low rating?
Here is my issue: I am so deeply burnt out on the genre. And this is primarily my fault because I have chosen to read so, so many books in this genre.
Some books I simply do not enjoy so I give them a low rating. This one does NOT fit that category. I enjoyed the writing. I finished in one sitting. But I had issues with the plot.
So, The promotion is a domestic thriller. I was really hungering for one because I did not like the last domestic thriller I read and I am a big fan of this type of book. Disclosure fits into the category and is in my top 50 books.
I also enjoyed Joseph Finder's "Paranoid -- another corporate thriller.
More recently I loved "Whisper Network."
I started out really enjoying this book. It is about exactly what it says. The protagonist is being blackmailed by the boss from hell, Michael. Michael is an obvious misoginistic jerk and a woman hater. He also gets his thrills from blackmailing his employee and giving her a bigger and bigger workload.
He "has" something on her and because of that, he works her like a horse. She cannot tell anyone or life as she knows it would end.
Here are the issues I had: First the not-so-good and then the good and why I am still recommending it even though I did not give it a high rating.
First off -- TRIGGER WARNING:
This book also has a sub-plot that is featured very heavily involving Alzheimer's. While the story was deeply moving, I do think people should know about it as it could be triggering. I myself had to skim some of those sections as they were deeply painful.
Also -- there was no reality to the plot.
Now I will have to use spoilers and I do hope anyone who plants to read this will stop here or resume at the part where I write spoilers done:
SPOILERS:
There is simply no way what happened in this book could have happened in real life. Some examples:
How on earth could Imogen have broken into Michael's office? They work in a huge bank. Surely there would be video tape going. Surely a bank that size would have cameras and security.
Michael's death -- impossible. The police could not solve it? All they needed to do was interview people at the club near where he died. They would tell the police about a strange blonde woman in a wig and how Michael chased her in full view of people, screaming "Imogen." I am sorry but -- no Police officer could be THAT incompetent.
Allistair forgives her just like that? After YEARS of bitter rage?
The father is not REALLY that sick -- how in the world could he fake Alzeimer's? Why would he want to? Even if he had it and it wasn't that bad.
The last scene between Imogen and her dad was awful and I'd have been happier not to read it.
I frankly felt the book would have been better if Michael had never died. I felt the first half was much better then the second.It got to complicated and unrealistic after that.
I found Michael to be a fascinating character -- and wanted to know more about him. I'd have loved to see flashbacks to when he and Imogen first started at the bank. I'd have loved to get a sense of him in his kinder years.
The husband had virtually no personality.
And lastly -- more dialogue would have been great.
Now-- the good.
SPOILERS FINISHED:
I said I found Michael fascinating and I did. Kudos to the author for writing part of the story from HIS viewpoint -- that was really cool and DIFFERENT.
Author did a great job of not giving the ending away because frankly there was a certain person whom I was positive would have SOMETHING to do with all of it and that did not happen -- good!
Great atmosphere! Great descriptions of the dullness and monoteny of office life.
So -- yes, for people who do not mind non-realism--this is an excellent choice. I think the characters are interesting and the story is fascinating but delves into to much of a bizarre aspect which spoiled it for me. But it might not for you. Three stars.
The Promotion
by Daniel Hurst
This is such a tough review to write.
Let me start by saying I enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style and my next read will be a book by same author.
So why the low rating?
Here is my issue: I am so deeply burnt out on the genre. And this is primarily my fault because I have chosen to read so, so many books in this genre.
Some books I simply do not enjoy so I give them a low rating. This one does NOT fit that category. I enjoyed the writing. I finished in one sitting. But I had issues with the plot.
So, The promotion is a domestic thriller. I was really hungering for one because I did not like the last domestic thriller I read and I am a big fan of this type of book. Disclosure fits into the category and is in my top 50 books.
I also enjoyed Joseph Finder's "Paranoid -- another corporate thriller.
More recently I loved "Whisper Network."
I started out really enjoying this book. It is about exactly what it says. The protagonist is being blackmailed by the boss from hell, Michael. Michael is an obvious misoginistic jerk and a woman hater. He also gets his thrills from blackmailing his employee and giving her a bigger and bigger workload.
He "has" something on her and because of that, he works her like a horse. She cannot tell anyone or life as she knows it would end.
Here are the issues I had: First the not-so-good and then the good and why I am still recommending it even though I did not give it a high rating.
First off -- TRIGGER WARNING:
This book also has a sub-plot that is featured very heavily involving Alzheimer's. While the story was deeply moving, I do think people should know about it as it could be triggering. I myself had to skim some of those sections as they were deeply painful.
Also -- there was no reality to the plot.
Now I will have to use spoilers and I do hope anyone who plants to read this will stop here or resume at the part where I write spoilers done:
SPOILERS:
There is simply no way what happened in this book could have happened in real life. Some examples:
How on earth could Imogen have broken into Michael's office? They work in a huge bank. Surely there would be video tape going. Surely a bank that size would have cameras and security.
Michael's death -- impossible. The police could not solve it? All they needed to do was interview people at the club near where he died. They would tell the police about a strange blonde woman in a wig and how Michael chased her in full view of people, screaming "Imogen." I am sorry but -- no Police officer could be THAT incompetent.
Allistair forgives her just like that? After YEARS of bitter rage?
The father is not REALLY that sick -- how in the world could he fake Alzeimer's? Why would he want to? Even if he had it and it wasn't that bad.
The last scene between Imogen and her dad was awful and I'd have been happier not to read it.
I frankly felt the book would have been better if Michael had never died. I felt the first half was much better then the second.It got to complicated and unrealistic after that.
I found Michael to be a fascinating character -- and wanted to know more about him. I'd have loved to see flashbacks to when he and Imogen first started at the bank. I'd have loved to get a sense of him in his kinder years.
The husband had virtually no personality.
And lastly -- more dialogue would have been great.
Now-- the good.
SPOILERS FINISHED:
I said I found Michael fascinating and I did. Kudos to the author for writing part of the story from HIS viewpoint -- that was really cool and DIFFERENT.
Author did a great job of not giving the ending away because frankly there was a certain person whom I was positive would have SOMETHING to do with all of it and that did not happen -- good!
Great atmosphere! Great descriptions of the dullness and monoteny of office life.
So -- yes, for people who do not mind non-realism--this is an excellent choice. I think the characters are interesting and the story is fascinating but delves into to much of a bizarre aspect which spoiled it for me. But it might not for you. Three stars.
June 29, 2023
Imogen Stone needs to get a promotion at the bank and prove that she is the daughter of her father who had this job for decades in the past and left a significant input in the bank.
She has enough knowledge and experience for the position. All that she needs is for Michael, who is her boss, to step higher. But he feels comfortable where he is and enjoys having Imogen under his command and sadistically treating her to expose an immoral thing that Imogen committed two years ago.
Michael likes their confrontation and his power over Imogen who cannot leave the bank or fight for herself in fear that she is going to be exposed. He loves Imogen's misery and puts more and more pressure on her.
But one morning everyone in the office learns that Michael is dead.
The book describes the worst part of office work: rivalry, bullying, humiliation and revenge. A lot of people don't enjoy their jobs, even hate them, but have to stay where they are for one or another reason. Hurst very well described the worst possible situation in his book. The story is emotional and the reader sympathizes with Imogen and hates Michael. Every time a new event takes place, we hope that situation is going to improve, but even Michael's death doesn't improve Imogen's life.
Our jobs are a very important part of our life and statistics say that on average we really enjoy only one or two jobs in our life. It is very important for us not to get into a similar with Imogen situation.
I read a lot of books, but this one is the first that showed what is the worst that can happen in an office job. This is why I rated this book with 5 stars.
She has enough knowledge and experience for the position. All that she needs is for Michael, who is her boss, to step higher. But he feels comfortable where he is and enjoys having Imogen under his command and sadistically treating her to expose an immoral thing that Imogen committed two years ago.
Michael likes their confrontation and his power over Imogen who cannot leave the bank or fight for herself in fear that she is going to be exposed. He loves Imogen's misery and puts more and more pressure on her.
But one morning everyone in the office learns that Michael is dead.
The book describes the worst part of office work: rivalry, bullying, humiliation and revenge. A lot of people don't enjoy their jobs, even hate them, but have to stay where they are for one or another reason. Hurst very well described the worst possible situation in his book. The story is emotional and the reader sympathizes with Imogen and hates Michael. Every time a new event takes place, we hope that situation is going to improve, but even Michael's death doesn't improve Imogen's life.
Our jobs are a very important part of our life and statistics say that on average we really enjoy only one or two jobs in our life. It is very important for us not to get into a similar with Imogen situation.
I read a lot of books, but this one is the first that showed what is the worst that can happen in an office job. This is why I rated this book with 5 stars.
September 11, 2022
Is "Boss" the new four-letter word?
Daniel Hurst's newest psychological thriller is a workplace drama that showcases bosses-from-hell with signature flair.
It's fast-paced, engaging, unpredictable, twisty, and impossible to put down.
The book's riveting plotline completely overshadowed the book's eye-rolling moments.
Daniel Hurst is a prolific "popcorn thriller" writer who has released 13 audiobooks this year and I have listened to them all.
Some of the author's books are better than others -- and "The Promotion" was one of his better books.
The audiobook was read by Tim Campbell and Penelope Rawlins. Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Hurst's 14th audiobook of 2022 ("The New Friends") is scheduled to be released on September 27th and I have it on reserve.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Daniel Hurst's newest psychological thriller is a workplace drama that showcases bosses-from-hell with signature flair.
It's fast-paced, engaging, unpredictable, twisty, and impossible to put down.
The book's riveting plotline completely overshadowed the book's eye-rolling moments.
Daniel Hurst is a prolific "popcorn thriller" writer who has released 13 audiobooks this year and I have listened to them all.
Some of the author's books are better than others -- and "The Promotion" was one of his better books.
The audiobook was read by Tim Campbell and Penelope Rawlins. Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Hurst's 14th audiobook of 2022 ("The New Friends") is scheduled to be released on September 27th and I have it on reserve.
4.5 stars rounded up.
September 22, 2022
Amazing
A twist around every corner. Surprise after surprise. A woman who works for the same bank her father was head of us being treated terribly. Her father has Alzheimer’s and isn’t able to ask him if he knows why. She has no life because the new head of the bank is making her life a living hell. Good book!
A twist around every corner. Surprise after surprise. A woman who works for the same bank her father was head of us being treated terribly. Her father has Alzheimer’s and isn’t able to ask him if he knows why. She has no life because the new head of the bank is making her life a living hell. Good book!
September 4, 2021
In hindsight, having read and enjoyed the story, I must say that the enjoyment for the big part came from the fact that both Michael and Imogen are not very honest and likable. Yes, Imogen worked very hard to follow in her father’s footsteps and yes, she made a terrible mistake that up to a certain point could be forgivable, but she is at heart a devious person. Michael is a blown-up version of the kind of boss (or manager) lots of working people may have encountered sometime in their career. They rise up in the ranks because they appear knowledgeable and charming but in fact they have psychopathic tendencies. There is just no way you can win from people like that and it’s not worth it. Just go and find yourself a job with a nicer boss. Imogen’s husband Evan only plays a small part in this story, and there are a few others that are even more terrible than Michael, but those characters stay very flat with only a marginally explanation why they do what they do.
The fun of this book is in the fact that it is hard to stop reading because the characters are not very deep. It’s much easier than reading about real vicious people – people who maim and kill, the real psychopaths of this world.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
The fun of this book is in the fact that it is hard to stop reading because the characters are not very deep. It’s much easier than reading about real vicious people – people who maim and kill, the real psychopaths of this world.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
September 11, 2021
Imogen is the daughter of ex-president of the UK branch for a successful international bank. She started at the bottom when her father was at the helm, unfortunately when he had to retire due to cognitive decline her treatment at the bank becomes beyond horrendous. Imogen makes it her goal to find out why - it can't still be for one bad decision she made (and more than atoned for) a few years ago, can it? - and when she does get her answer everything she held true for her lifetime is turned on its head. Nepotism and its underbelly....
June 5, 2025
2.5 stars. Daniel Hurst has become a go-to author for me when I need a quick and easy read, but this one was disappointing. The first half was repetitive, and the "twist" was underwhelming and predictable. There was no real suspense, important points were glossed over, and the ending wrapped up a little too neatly. I have often enjoyed the author's direct and concise writing style, but this one was poorly constructed, too simplistic with awkward phrasing at times. The premise was intriguing, but the book just didn't deliver. The ratings run the gamut from 1 to 5 stars, so it's best to check out the other reviews.
August 31, 2021
I'm a fan of Daniel Hurst and have loved most of his books . . . until now.
This story's plot was not only so thin as to be totally see-through, but it was boring. We've all had a crappy boss who drives us mad, and as the prologue shows, can drive some to murder. Hurst also repeated and then over-repeated points to death--yes, he sucks, we get it already--and I couldn't help feeling Mr. Hurst's intended audience was a bunch of ten-year-olds who could barely follow a plot, certainly not full functioning and competent adults.
This story's plot was not only so thin as to be totally see-through, but it was boring. We've all had a crappy boss who drives us mad, and as the prologue shows, can drive some to murder. Hurst also repeated and then over-repeated points to death--yes, he sucks, we get it already--and I couldn't help feeling Mr. Hurst's intended audience was a bunch of ten-year-olds who could barely follow a plot, certainly not full functioning and competent adults.
August 28, 2021
This was a fast-paced read, centered on Imogen, who is being blackmailed by her boss, Michael. The chapters switch back and forth between Imogen’s and Michael’s POV.
The book moved quickly with a good deal of action and short chapters. While Imogen is clearly the victim, she isn’t as innocent as she may seem and I appreciated that she was flawed as well. The book did spend a little too much time (in my opinion) with both characters’ inner monologues, which was repetitive at times, but there was also a lot of action.
The thing I didn’t love in this story was that when all was revealed, the motivation for some of the characters doing what they did just didn’t ring true for me- seemed like overly complex and extreme responses to actions that had occurred in the past. You may have to suspend your disbelief a bit.
All in all, fun read that I got through quickly. I’d recommend the book for those who like psychological thrillers and will likely read more books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book moved quickly with a good deal of action and short chapters. While Imogen is clearly the victim, she isn’t as innocent as she may seem and I appreciated that she was flawed as well. The book did spend a little too much time (in my opinion) with both characters’ inner monologues, which was repetitive at times, but there was also a lot of action.
The thing I didn’t love in this story was that when all was revealed, the motivation for some of the characters doing what they did just didn’t ring true for me- seemed like overly complex and extreme responses to actions that had occurred in the past. You may have to suspend your disbelief a bit.
All in all, fun read that I got through quickly. I’d recommend the book for those who like psychological thrillers and will likely read more books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2024
Absolutely hated it. A book for 12 year olds I’m guessing. Tooooo many unnecessary details and the plot is just not worth it. It’s like reading about Tom & Jerry but in a thriller sense. Not recommended.
August 22, 2021
This is my third read from this author, and I'm about to treat myself to his entire backlist. He is a master at creating realistic scenarios with well-crafted characters who are easy to connect with.
THE PROMOTION is a story with a premise that most, if not all, can relate to...working for an awful boss. The story is told from alternating points of view, Imogen's and Michael's. Imogen has been a long-suffering employee at a bank working under Michael, who enjoys making her life hell. Sure, it's typical things like forcing her to work overtime on a project then swooping in and doing the presentation (and stealing the credit) yourself and denying her a raise yet giving yourself one. At first I thought Michael hated Imogen because it was revealed he was interested in her during the early days of their work relationship and she did not return his feelings. Nope...then it had to be because her father used to occupy Michael's position as branch manager, and he blamed nepotism on Imogen's rise to the top. Wrong again. You're probably thinking, "Hell with him! Who cares what the reason is, just get out of that toxic workplace!"
Small problem. Imogen did something unseemly in the early days of her career. She stole money to help her ailing father, and Michael has proof of her crime. Even though she's long since paid the money back, if the truth came out, she could still face charges, and she'd never work in the banking industry again, so she's stuck until retirement...just 20 more years to go!
The tension skyrockets when Imogen is forced to recognize her father's dementia is worsening and is left with no choice but to put him in care. She can only afford the cost with a raise, and just as she circumvents Michael in order to get it, he reminds her who is charge and cancels it. Now she's desperate.
What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse that brings to mind the saying, "We don't always get what we want, but we always get what we deserve." I could not swipe the pages quickly enough, especially after that monster of a twist. Highly recommended for all thriller and suspense fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THE PROMOTION is a story with a premise that most, if not all, can relate to...working for an awful boss. The story is told from alternating points of view, Imogen's and Michael's. Imogen has been a long-suffering employee at a bank working under Michael, who enjoys making her life hell. Sure, it's typical things like forcing her to work overtime on a project then swooping in and doing the presentation (and stealing the credit) yourself and denying her a raise yet giving yourself one. At first I thought Michael hated Imogen because it was revealed he was interested in her during the early days of their work relationship and she did not return his feelings. Nope...then it had to be because her father used to occupy Michael's position as branch manager, and he blamed nepotism on Imogen's rise to the top. Wrong again. You're probably thinking, "Hell with him! Who cares what the reason is, just get out of that toxic workplace!"
Small problem. Imogen did something unseemly in the early days of her career. She stole money to help her ailing father, and Michael has proof of her crime. Even though she's long since paid the money back, if the truth came out, she could still face charges, and she'd never work in the banking industry again, so she's stuck until retirement...just 20 more years to go!
The tension skyrockets when Imogen is forced to recognize her father's dementia is worsening and is left with no choice but to put him in care. She can only afford the cost with a raise, and just as she circumvents Michael in order to get it, he reminds her who is charge and cancels it. Now she's desperate.
What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse that brings to mind the saying, "We don't always get what we want, but we always get what we deserve." I could not swipe the pages quickly enough, especially after that monster of a twist. Highly recommended for all thriller and suspense fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
This book was awesome, I couldn’t put it down. I vowed to read every book that Daniel Hurst would write after that. Which will not be easy because he is a very prolific writer, he publishes a book almost every two months. It’s usually always so hard to start a book because I never know if I’ll be interested. And I hate when I have to put a book aside because it’s so uninteresting to me. But I haven’t been disappointed in Daniel Hurst’s stories so far. Although I prefer the male protagonists, I still loved the character of Imogen, I could feel with her, I was also angry that she performed in vain at work, her boss did not like her, he even did everything to make her feel terrible. I think many of us were in a situation like Imogen, and many of us have already wondered how good it would be to somehow get rid of our domineering boss. So the basic situation is one in which we can easily imagine ourselves, the writing is excellent, the book is exciting, full of better than better twists. Luckily, I already have another book of the writer on my shelf, the problem is maybe just that it could be a little longer.
February 28, 2023
You will rarely see a bad review from me. But from a favourite author from whom I have listened to some brilliant novels via Audible, sadly this was a huge disappointment and an insult to my intelligence. I feel quite affronted that I spent 7 hours of my life listening to it and actually paid for it expecting a great thriller! It was on a long coach journey and quite frankly the time would have been better spent sleeping.
Plots need to be more intricately designed than this - and better narrated. When there is neither, the reader is bound to feel as flat as the conclusion and epilogue.
What happened to Imogen's husband?
What happened about the dead boss Michael? No Police investigation follow up?
What happened to Hannah after the phone under the toilet incident?
No follow up about the Brothel and drug taking?
No funeral for Michael?
What did Imogen do with the video footage she took?
Too many loose ends.
Plots need to be more intricately designed than this - and better narrated. When there is neither, the reader is bound to feel as flat as the conclusion and epilogue.
What happened to Imogen's husband?
What happened about the dead boss Michael? No Police investigation follow up?
What happened to Hannah after the phone under the toilet incident?
No follow up about the Brothel and drug taking?
No funeral for Michael?
What did Imogen do with the video footage she took?
Too many loose ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
The plot is paper thin, there is no attention to detail whatsoever, and the author has this annoying habit of belaboring every single point to the extent that you have to wonder if he legitimately thinks his readers are intellectually inferior (or even competent).
October 15, 2023
Imogen is happily married and has a high powered career that could see her rise to the very highest levels of management in her fathers banking company. But Imogen makes a very foolish decision and her actions are noticed by her arch nemesis Michael.
Michael becomes her boss. Every day is a living hell as he works her 24/7 and takes all the credit. It seems like every week he comes up with some new way to torment her and Imogen cannot see a way out as Michael will reveal her secret if she tries to leave.
This is a great twisty and dark psychological thriller that I read in one sitting.
Definitely an author that I will follow and read some of his earlier books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Michael becomes her boss. Every day is a living hell as he works her 24/7 and takes all the credit. It seems like every week he comes up with some new way to torment her and Imogen cannot see a way out as Michael will reveal her secret if she tries to leave.
This is a great twisty and dark psychological thriller that I read in one sitting.
Definitely an author that I will follow and read some of his earlier books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
I didn't like how the heroine of this story was so stupid.
Everytime she attempted something against Michael, he would have the upper hand.
That was so annoying to read, the first half of the book is Michael bullying her again and again.
And she finally figured out a way to get him, it is useless because he died.
Again the catchphrase on the book, like all the others in that genre: "A psychological thriller with a killer twist" - So unaccurate!
Absolutely no thrills, and the twist was ridiculous. If that can be killed a twist -_-
Everytime she attempted something against Michael, he would have the upper hand.
That was so annoying to read, the first half of the book is Michael bullying her again and again.
And she finally figured out a way to get him, it is useless because he died.
Again the catchphrase on the book, like all the others in that genre: "A psychological thriller with a killer twist" - So unaccurate!
Absolutely no thrills, and the twist was ridiculous. If that can be killed a twist -_-
November 15, 2023
What I Like
*The premise was laid down well in the beginning
*The part where Imogen thought that her problems were solved but in fact, they actually escalated
* The tension build-up and the reveal where Imogen was confronted with her sins from the past
What I Did Not Like
* The final reveal and the connection between what's happening to her and her current and past experiences could have been executed better.
* The "revenge" scene could have been bloodier
*The premise was laid down well in the beginning
*The part where Imogen thought that her problems were solved but in fact, they actually escalated
* The tension build-up and the reveal where Imogen was confronted with her sins from the past
What I Did Not Like
* The final reveal and the connection between what's happening to her and her current and past experiences could have been executed better.
* The "revenge" scene could have been bloodier
January 19, 2024
Book #25 for me of Daniel Hurst. Onto the next ….
September 5, 2021
Avoid it! It is really not worth of your time. My brain hurt so bad that I had to stop at 20%.
First of all the book is written in such a basic English that it is only suitable for non English speakers learning the language. Sentences are short and the language is very simple. So unless that's you, don't waste your time.
Moreover, it is written from two points of views - Michael's and Imogen's - but they both sound the same. If not for the name in front of each chapter, it might be hard to differentiate who is speaking now. Also, both characters are extremely superficial with very little development and extremely dull. I could not care about either of them. Imagine having to read their inner thoughts for hours straight. Kill me now.
Lastly the plot makes no sense. The boss Michael knows her secret and thus he treats her poorly at work. Imogen's secret is disclosed within 10-15% of the book and it is quite boring and actually reflects very poorly on Imogen's intellect for even trying to do what she has done. But there is no direct impact on Michael's life but he treats it as it was personal although we are told that both Michael and Imogen were very good friends until that point. p.s. "the boss" is way overused. Are we in the mafia here?
I do not know why this book has too many good reviews but either there are a lot of non English speakers learning the language or someone did some serious promoting as common nowadays.
Mr Hurst, please read some classics and perhaps you will get inspired to expand your dictionary. Also, have you ever heard of "show, don't tell"? Writing in a third person might have helped.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest review.
First of all the book is written in such a basic English that it is only suitable for non English speakers learning the language. Sentences are short and the language is very simple. So unless that's you, don't waste your time.
Moreover, it is written from two points of views - Michael's and Imogen's - but they both sound the same. If not for the name in front of each chapter, it might be hard to differentiate who is speaking now. Also, both characters are extremely superficial with very little development and extremely dull. I could not care about either of them. Imagine having to read their inner thoughts for hours straight. Kill me now.
Lastly the plot makes no sense. The boss Michael knows her secret and thus he treats her poorly at work. Imogen's secret is disclosed within 10-15% of the book and it is quite boring and actually reflects very poorly on Imogen's intellect for even trying to do what she has done. But there is no direct impact on Michael's life but he treats it as it was personal although we are told that both Michael and Imogen were very good friends until that point. p.s. "the boss" is way overused. Are we in the mafia here?
I do not know why this book has too many good reviews but either there are a lot of non English speakers learning the language or someone did some serious promoting as common nowadays.
Mr Hurst, please read some classics and perhaps you will get inspired to expand your dictionary. Also, have you ever heard of "show, don't tell"? Writing in a third person might have helped.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest review.
September 25, 2021
I enjoyed this book and it kept my attention throughout. It certainly is a psychological thriller! My only reservation is that I thought it left unanswered questions at the end but perhaps that was intentional so the author could continue with another book?
May 19, 2022
this book didn't feel like a thriller to me, but i still enjoyed it tho.
August 29, 2021
Imogen and Michael both work for a high profile bank and become friends while working their way up the ranks until Michael gets a promotion that Imogen feels should have been hers. Imogen finds herself stuck in the second in command role with no way out because she has a secret and Michael knows about it. He blackmails her with this bit of knowledge knowing that if it leaks she will be ruined. Imogen needs to escape from Michael’s unrealistic work demands and control so she devises a plan to find out what kind of secrets Michael may have that she can use against him and make home fall from power. This fast paced psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists & turns. I’ll keep it simple as not to give anything away!
I have been wanting to read a book by this author for some time and now I’m hooked!
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubatorbooks for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review
August 22, 2021
The Promotion is another twisty and dark psychological thriller from Daniel Hurst which I raced through and couldn't put down.
In her early twenties, Imogen just wanted to travel. After her initial reluctance to enter the banking profession, Imogen eventually settles into her role and rises through the ranks of the bank her father used to head. But recently her promising career has ground to a halt and she finds herself working 24/7 just to keep her boss at bay. He is making her life hell because he is the only one who knows her secret. He's taken the promotion that should have been hers and is passing off her hard work as his own.
When her father's health deteriorates even further, necessitating constant care, and her pay rise is blocked yet again, Imogen is driven to desperate actions, with unexpected consequences.
Many thanks to @NetGalley and @inkubatorbooks for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In her early twenties, Imogen just wanted to travel. After her initial reluctance to enter the banking profession, Imogen eventually settles into her role and rises through the ranks of the bank her father used to head. But recently her promising career has ground to a halt and she finds herself working 24/7 just to keep her boss at bay. He is making her life hell because he is the only one who knows her secret. He's taken the promotion that should have been hers and is passing off her hard work as his own.
When her father's health deteriorates even further, necessitating constant care, and her pay rise is blocked yet again, Imogen is driven to desperate actions, with unexpected consequences.
Many thanks to @NetGalley and @inkubatorbooks for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2022
The Promotion is a great mystery written by Daniel Hurst. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what brought them full circle. The main character is dished a lot of abuse by her boss for a mistake she made but when all is revealed he isn't the only one who has a grievance with her. This woman is paying the price for her father's actions and when they were revealed it brings about a shocking conclusion. I loved the decision that is made at the end and how she handled it. Forgiveness was a big part in this story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
November 7, 2021
Absolute Tosh!
Do not waste your time reading this book. I honestly despair at the offerings of kindle unlimited at times . What a waste . Had to skip through numerous pages as quite frankly it was as though my child had written an essay for her gcse English language and had expanded on it in her spare time because someone in her form room had told her it would make a good book.
No deapth to any characters , just so bad. I am so cross !! Don’t need to ruin the ending , because if you get that far, you deserve a medal . What the hell have I just read!!
Do not waste your time reading this book. I honestly despair at the offerings of kindle unlimited at times . What a waste . Had to skip through numerous pages as quite frankly it was as though my child had written an essay for her gcse English language and had expanded on it in her spare time because someone in her form room had told her it would make a good book.
No deapth to any characters , just so bad. I am so cross !! Don’t need to ruin the ending , because if you get that far, you deserve a medal . What the hell have I just read!!
December 12, 2021
Oh I just loved this book - Daniel Hurst is becoming one of my favourite authors he is so talented in deceiving you. I read so many books and it is so rare to find authors that are consistent in this aspect.
Not going to tell you anything as it is just too spoilerific - just read it yourself.
I was given a free copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
Not going to tell you anything as it is just too spoilerific - just read it yourself.
I was given a free copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
December 20, 2021
Many thanks to @NetGalley and @inkubatorbooks for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
THE PROMOTION is a story with a premise that most, if not all, can relate to...working for an awful boss. The story is told from alternating points of view, Imogen's and Michael's. Imogen has been a long-suffering employee at a bank working under Michael, who enjoys making her life hell. Imogen did something unseemly in the early days of her career. She stole money to help her ailing father, and Michael has proof of her crime. Even though she's long since paid the money back, if the truth came out, she could still face charges, and she'd never work in the banking industry again.
This book also has a sub-plot that is featured very heavily involving Alzheimer's. While the story was deeply moving, I do think people should know about it as it could be triggering.
I found Michael to be a fascinating character, and wanted to know more about him. I'd have loved to see flashbacks to when he and Imogen first started at the bank. I'd have loved to get a sense of him in his kinder years. Although there were times when I couldn't stand him because he was always gloating about how much money he has and that he loves and expensive way of life or how much he hates Imogen and wants to hurt her. In my opinion, some of his chapters could have been left out.
Now, the crime. There is no possible way that the police would never get back to solving that! I would have liked to see more on that and on how the main character were to be affected by the investigation and all. It seemed like the murder was thrown there for the purpose to make the story more interesting and thrilling.
About all the situation with that involved Alistair. It kind of felt that now there was no more villain, the author had to introduce another one on some rickety reason. The author drew out all the charade with Michael and he resolved things with Alistair so unrealistically fast and abrupt where he could have the possibility to evolve the story more. I think he kind of wanted to mix two different plot lines but didn't have the necessary space for it.
The fun of this book is in the fact that it is hard to stop reading because it is a fast paced read and I was compelled to keep reading and although I found the outcome lacked the thrilling tone that is used up to that point, it still delivers an ending that wraps up the story well.
THE PROMOTION is a story with a premise that most, if not all, can relate to...working for an awful boss. The story is told from alternating points of view, Imogen's and Michael's. Imogen has been a long-suffering employee at a bank working under Michael, who enjoys making her life hell. Imogen did something unseemly in the early days of her career. She stole money to help her ailing father, and Michael has proof of her crime. Even though she's long since paid the money back, if the truth came out, she could still face charges, and she'd never work in the banking industry again.
This book also has a sub-plot that is featured very heavily involving Alzheimer's. While the story was deeply moving, I do think people should know about it as it could be triggering.
I found Michael to be a fascinating character, and wanted to know more about him. I'd have loved to see flashbacks to when he and Imogen first started at the bank. I'd have loved to get a sense of him in his kinder years. Although there were times when I couldn't stand him because he was always gloating about how much money he has and that he loves and expensive way of life or how much he hates Imogen and wants to hurt her. In my opinion, some of his chapters could have been left out.
Now, the crime. There is no possible way that the police would never get back to solving that! I would have liked to see more on that and on how the main character were to be affected by the investigation and all. It seemed like the murder was thrown there for the purpose to make the story more interesting and thrilling.
About all the situation with that involved Alistair. It kind of felt that now there was no more villain, the author had to introduce another one on some rickety reason. The author drew out all the charade with Michael and he resolved things with Alistair so unrealistically fast and abrupt where he could have the possibility to evolve the story more. I think he kind of wanted to mix two different plot lines but didn't have the necessary space for it.
The fun of this book is in the fact that it is hard to stop reading because it is a fast paced read and I was compelled to keep reading and although I found the outcome lacked the thrilling tone that is used up to that point, it still delivers an ending that wraps up the story well.
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