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Still #3
Still Here
SOON TO BE ADAPTED INTO A TV SERIES
From Amy Stuart, the bestselling author of Still Mine and Still Water —PI Clare O’Dey is on the hunt for two missing persons. Little does she know she’s the one being hunted.
Malcolm is gone. Disappeared. And no one knows where or why.
His colleague and fellow private investigator, Clare O’Dey, is certain she can find him, as she holds the key to his history. She arrives in the oceanside city where he last lived and starts digging around. Not only is Malcolm gone without a trace, but so is his wife, Zoe. Everyone who knew the perfect couple sees Malcolm as the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. Everyone except Clare. She’s certain there’s more at play that has nothing to do with Malcolm, a dark connection to Zoe’s family business and the murder of Zoe’s father years ago.
When Clare pulls back the layers, she discovers secrets the entire community is trying desperately to leave behind them. As for Malcolm, his past is far more complex—and far more sinister—than Clare could ever have imagined. While she searches for the man who helped her build her career as a private eye, Clare discovers that he may not be innocent at all, and that many women are in grave danger. And she is among them.
From Amy Stuart, the bestselling author of Still Mine and Still Water —PI Clare O’Dey is on the hunt for two missing persons. Little does she know she’s the one being hunted.
Malcolm is gone. Disappeared. And no one knows where or why.
His colleague and fellow private investigator, Clare O’Dey, is certain she can find him, as she holds the key to his history. She arrives in the oceanside city where he last lived and starts digging around. Not only is Malcolm gone without a trace, but so is his wife, Zoe. Everyone who knew the perfect couple sees Malcolm as the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. Everyone except Clare. She’s certain there’s more at play that has nothing to do with Malcolm, a dark connection to Zoe’s family business and the murder of Zoe’s father years ago.
When Clare pulls back the layers, she discovers secrets the entire community is trying desperately to leave behind them. As for Malcolm, his past is far more complex—and far more sinister—than Clare could ever have imagined. While she searches for the man who helped her build her career as a private eye, Clare discovers that he may not be innocent at all, and that many women are in grave danger. And she is among them.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
67 people are currently reading
4627 people want to read
About the author
Amy Stuart
16 books583 followersAmy Stuart is the #1 bestselling author of three linked thriller novels, STILL MINE, STILL WATER and STILL HERE. These novels can be read in order or as standalones. Amy's 4th novel, A DEATH AT THE PARTY was released March 7 2023 in Canada and the US and is due August 2023 in the UK. ADATP is a new thriller set over the course of a single day.
In 2019, Amy founded Writerscape, an online community for hopeful and emerging writers. Amy was born in Toronto where she still lives with her husband and their three sons. Aside from writing, she loves hockey. Ice hockey.
In 2019, Amy founded Writerscape, an online community for hopeful and emerging writers. Amy was born in Toronto where she still lives with her husband and their three sons. Aside from writing, she loves hockey. Ice hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
September 3, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
Those looks of yours are currency, Clare’s mother used to say. Spend wisely.
The guy couldn’t catch a squirrel if he was holding a bag of nuts.
I took this job at a restaurant, and right away it set in just how hard it would actually be to build a life from scratch. Everyone else already had their lives… People don’t like to make room for strangers.
My Review:
My very first Amy Stuart experience and I was enthralled. Still Here was a complex tale with several concurrent mysteries plaguing the main character, who was struggling with as many personal issues as she was professional. The writing was evocative and held the intense and complex storylines taut from beginning to end and I grew increasingly curious with each twist and new character, most of which were oddly enigmatic, multi-layered, and untrustworthy. The foundation kept shifting under my feet and I couldn’t settle on a theory. I suspected everyone, and rightly so, they were all as crooked as a snakes trail. I started this series on book three but didn’t suffer a tick of confusion, although I covet the previous two installments as well as any new offerings that sprout from her listing, I am greedy that way.
Those looks of yours are currency, Clare’s mother used to say. Spend wisely.
The guy couldn’t catch a squirrel if he was holding a bag of nuts.
I took this job at a restaurant, and right away it set in just how hard it would actually be to build a life from scratch. Everyone else already had their lives… People don’t like to make room for strangers.
My Review:
My very first Amy Stuart experience and I was enthralled. Still Here was a complex tale with several concurrent mysteries plaguing the main character, who was struggling with as many personal issues as she was professional. The writing was evocative and held the intense and complex storylines taut from beginning to end and I grew increasingly curious with each twist and new character, most of which were oddly enigmatic, multi-layered, and untrustworthy. The foundation kept shifting under my feet and I couldn’t settle on a theory. I suspected everyone, and rightly so, they were all as crooked as a snakes trail. I started this series on book three but didn’t suffer a tick of confusion, although I covet the previous two installments as well as any new offerings that sprout from her listing, I am greedy that way.
January 14, 2024
5 glittering stars
short review for busy readers: Superb final instalment of the trilogy. Far more a ‘normal’ thriller than the previous two books. Lots of movement, tension and a wowzer twist to the entire brand. Excellent writing, pacing and dialogue. I can’t praise this one or this series highly enough.
in detail:
I’ll say it again: I don’t understand the low GR ratings for this series. It’s one of the best, most accomplished and well-done mystery-thriller series I’ve ever read.
Each of the books in the trilogy has a different feel to it. Still Mine has a misty, horror vibe. Still Water has an “out of time” dreamlike vibe. (Could have been because Stuart was writing it while she was healing from a concussion.) This one is the adrenaline rush right before the finish line of a long and arduous race.
Which is exactly what it is. The finish line.
This trilogy is - in essence - one long book. There are no long time breaks between installments and book 3 wraps up the series problem of book 1. All the details carry over.
A number of the low-star reviews for book 2 and 3 were from readers who hadn't read book 1 and were confused as to what was going on.
Claire O'Dey, the series MC, is a woman you both want to hug and shake at the same time. She’s smart, she’s talented, but she’s also traumatised, not always the best judge of reality and is constantly fighting to stay clean after years of substance use.
That can seriously mess with a person’s self-image, self-esteem and ideas about life and other humans. As can involving yourself in missing woman case after missing woman case with an ‘investigator’ who is an enigma himself...but who might just have killed his own wife.
I really hate ‘sales pitch’ reviews with sentences such as “omg, you have to read this immediately!” or "go out and get this one now!" But with this series, I feel like pressing it on everyone I know with exactly those words and sending out tons of rec messages.
But because that’s crappy, I won’t. 🤐
Try the series for yourself and see if it works for you. I thought it was awesome. 😍
short review for busy readers: Superb final instalment of the trilogy. Far more a ‘normal’ thriller than the previous two books. Lots of movement, tension and a wowzer twist to the entire brand. Excellent writing, pacing and dialogue. I can’t praise this one or this series highly enough.
in detail:
I’ll say it again: I don’t understand the low GR ratings for this series. It’s one of the best, most accomplished and well-done mystery-thriller series I’ve ever read.
Each of the books in the trilogy has a different feel to it. Still Mine has a misty, horror vibe. Still Water has an “out of time” dreamlike vibe. (Could have been because Stuart was writing it while she was healing from a concussion.) This one is the adrenaline rush right before the finish line of a long and arduous race.
Which is exactly what it is. The finish line.
This trilogy is - in essence - one long book. There are no long time breaks between installments and book 3 wraps up the series problem of book 1. All the details carry over.
A number of the low-star reviews for book 2 and 3 were from readers who hadn't read book 1 and were confused as to what was going on.
Claire O'Dey, the series MC, is a woman you both want to hug and shake at the same time. She’s smart, she’s talented, but she’s also traumatised, not always the best judge of reality and is constantly fighting to stay clean after years of substance use.
That can seriously mess with a person’s self-image, self-esteem and ideas about life and other humans. As can involving yourself in missing woman case after missing woman case with an ‘investigator’ who is an enigma himself...but who might just have killed his own wife.
I really hate ‘sales pitch’ reviews with sentences such as “omg, you have to read this immediately!” or "go out and get this one now!" But with this series, I feel like pressing it on everyone I know with exactly those words and sending out tons of rec messages.
But because that’s crappy, I won’t. 🤐
Try the series for yourself and see if it works for you. I thought it was awesome. 😍
June 5, 2020
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well! The great writing style hooked me right in. I am not fond of "series books" but I want to find out what happens next. I suspect the next book will deal with trying to find the missing women. Still quite a few loose ends left to tie up, not the least of which is Clare's relationship with Malcolm, which was left very open-ended.
Highly recommended.
Well! The great writing style hooked me right in. I am not fond of "series books" but I want to find out what happens next. I suspect the next book will deal with trying to find the missing women. Still quite a few loose ends left to tie up, not the least of which is Clare's relationship with Malcolm, which was left very open-ended.
Highly recommended.
May 30, 2020
Still Here is the third book in the series. Amy Stuart has written another great story. I have really enjoyed following Clare's journey throughout these books ... I hope there's more to come?
I know others have mentioned that this can be read as a stand alone but I really encourage reading the first two books before this one. It helps to know the back story ... plus you'll already have a feel for who Clare is.
Thank you so much for Simon and Schuster as well as Netgalley for my review copy!
I know others have mentioned that this can be read as a stand alone but I really encourage reading the first two books before this one. It helps to know the back story ... plus you'll already have a feel for who Clare is.
Thank you so much for Simon and Schuster as well as Netgalley for my review copy!
May 26, 2021
If God would spare a city if you could find one honest person in it Lune Bay would be toast. This made it very hard for me to read this book. I didn't like anyone in it, including the main character.
I gave it three stars because it held up ok, and there were lots of twists and turns, but you couldn't hear this many lies in a room full of four year olds with an empty cookie jar.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
On thinking about my review I realized what I did not like about the dishonesty of the characters. It was not so much that it was a character flaw or sense that everyone had their own weird agenda. The lying was simply a tool the author used to push the plot forward.
Rating down graded from three to two stars.
I gave it three stars because it held up ok, and there were lots of twists and turns, but you couldn't hear this many lies in a room full of four year olds with an empty cookie jar.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
On thinking about my review I realized what I did not like about the dishonesty of the characters. It was not so much that it was a character flaw or sense that everyone had their own weird agenda. The lying was simply a tool the author used to push the plot forward.
Rating down graded from three to two stars.
August 8, 2020
Still Here by Amy Stuart is the 3rd in the Still mystery series.
First, let me thank Edelweiss, the publisher Simon and Schuster Canada, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Clare had been running from an abusive husband for a while when she met the private investigator that Jason had hired to find her. Instead of turning her in, Malcolm hired Clare to work with him to find other missing persons. Although Malcolm assures her that Jason is out of the picture, Clare knows that is not true.
My Synopsis:
Malcolm is missing, and Detective Hollis Somers has hired Clare to find him. Somers figures nobody knows Malcolm better than his employee, right? Clare realizes she knows very little about her boss, but she she's going to hunt him down. She is starting with his hometown of Lune Bay.
Lune Bay, however, is not anxious to give up its secrets. Once a small fishing village, Jack Westman, Malcolm's father-in-law, changed that. It became the home of some very rich and influential people, and everyone has a tie to the Westmans. There has been a lot of corruption in this town. Jack, himself, was murdered 5 years ago, and the shooter escaped. His daughter Zoe, Malcolm's wife, took over the business, but ran it down fast. She disappeared 2 years later, and shortly after that, Malcolm left town. Most people think he killed Zoe.
Trying to get anyone to give her answers is slow-going, and the characters she is interviewing give her pause. Zoe's sister just wants her sister declared dead so she can have the house, and get custody of her child. There have been a line-up of police officers assigned to Jack's murder, and Malcolm has an arrest warrant out for him. The reporter on the case has his own agenda, and an eye-witness to the murder is losing it. And at the bottom of it all, there are some missing girls.
Meanwhile, Clare is having problems keeping her emotions under control, and her anger is liable to get her into big trouble. She is also trying to protect Malcolm, whom she is sure is innocent....and she is starting to question her feelings for him.
My Opinions:
Well, it has taken until Book 3, but I finally like Clare. I've always liked Somers and Malcolm, but I couldn't relate to Clare at all. I always found her to be weak, needy, selfish, but I now see her more clearly, and her main weakness seems to be recklessness. Well, that and she is still learning to trust someone other than herself.
As with the last two, this book was a really fast read, and I really enjoyed getting to know Malcolm's story. The books, thus far, haven't been real deep, but you had to pay attention in this one, and there was a twist that I didn't see coming (which is always fun). This has definitely been the best in the series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 4, 2020
Private Investigator Clare O'Dey is missing her colleague and friend ... and Malcolm's wife. The wife was first to disappear and Malcolm was the prime suspect. When he started looking for her himself .. that's when he went missing.
Clare is certain there is more going on .. maybe something that has nothing to do with Malcolm, and maybe everything to do with his wife's past.
The more Clare digs, the more she's troubled by what she's finding in Malcolm's history .. and he just might be guilty of what he is accused.
And while she's searching for two people ... she, herself, may be the next person to disappear.
Although third in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning. The backstory of the characters are intriguing, to say the least. The intricate plot features characters that are solidly drawn. There are varied suspects to watch, and even the town seems to be harboring secrets better left in the dark. The conclusion was unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Gallery Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Clare is certain there is more going on .. maybe something that has nothing to do with Malcolm, and maybe everything to do with his wife's past.
The more Clare digs, the more she's troubled by what she's finding in Malcolm's history .. and he just might be guilty of what he is accused.
And while she's searching for two people ... she, herself, may be the next person to disappear.
Although third in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning. The backstory of the characters are intriguing, to say the least. The intricate plot features characters that are solidly drawn. There are varied suspects to watch, and even the town seems to be harboring secrets better left in the dark. The conclusion was unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Gallery Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 14, 2020
Thank you Simon Schuster Canada for a galley of Still Here by Amy Stuart, in exchange for my honest review. This title published July 7, 2020.
This is a third instalment in Stuart's PI Clare O'Dey books, but this can definitely be read as a stand alone (the first two books for reference are: Still Mine and Still Water).
I really enjoyed this book and it definitely kept me engaged all the way through. The main character, Clare did a great job of holding my interest and attention with her mysterious nature; I did find her a bit confusing at times, but this kept me intrigued until I began catching on to her purpose.
The story starts off with Clare waking up in a bath tub with a head wound and covered in blood. The story then goes back to four days earlier to when Clare is hired to conduct a search from someone in her past.
Tensions are high among the characters and for the most part I found everyone somewhat unlikable. Lots of twists and turns and the ending really threw me off my sleuth game.
With a solid plot line, well-developed characters and short chapters, this was a quick and engaging read and I recommend adding this one to your summer reading list (and pick up the first two books while. you're at it - they will help provide some back story on Clare, which will be helpful while reading).
This is a third instalment in Stuart's PI Clare O'Dey books, but this can definitely be read as a stand alone (the first two books for reference are: Still Mine and Still Water).
I really enjoyed this book and it definitely kept me engaged all the way through. The main character, Clare did a great job of holding my interest and attention with her mysterious nature; I did find her a bit confusing at times, but this kept me intrigued until I began catching on to her purpose.
The story starts off with Clare waking up in a bath tub with a head wound and covered in blood. The story then goes back to four days earlier to when Clare is hired to conduct a search from someone in her past.
Tensions are high among the characters and for the most part I found everyone somewhat unlikable. Lots of twists and turns and the ending really threw me off my sleuth game.
With a solid plot line, well-developed characters and short chapters, this was a quick and engaging read and I recommend adding this one to your summer reading list (and pick up the first two books while. you're at it - they will help provide some back story on Clare, which will be helpful while reading).
May 17, 2020
The set-up is perfect. Clare is barely conscious. Her attacker is near. The mood is ominous.
Clare is an investigator, a new career for her after fleeing her abusive spouse, Jason. Jason hired an investigator, Malcolm, to find her. It is Malcolm who brings her into this new field, and then he disappears. Clare is now trying to find him which leads her to his ocean-side town where she learns she did not know him well at all. Who can she trust?
This is a tale of corruption, people on the take, and one highly manipulative and messed up wealthy family. Clare has some baggage including addictions that she barely has a grip on, pervasive fear and anxiety, and an anger management problem. But she is plucky and steadily uncovers the layers of deceit.
All of this works well, but one problem is the resolution. There is a great pattern of steadily unfolding clues leading up to the big reveal and then that is rather simplified, brushed over. Can envision several other scenarios that would have ramped up suspense and drawn out the inevitable resolve. Wasn't bad, but it caused the story to end a bit flat.
This is the first book I have ready by Amy Stuart. Look forward to reading more.
Clare is an investigator, a new career for her after fleeing her abusive spouse, Jason. Jason hired an investigator, Malcolm, to find her. It is Malcolm who brings her into this new field, and then he disappears. Clare is now trying to find him which leads her to his ocean-side town where she learns she did not know him well at all. Who can she trust?
This is a tale of corruption, people on the take, and one highly manipulative and messed up wealthy family. Clare has some baggage including addictions that she barely has a grip on, pervasive fear and anxiety, and an anger management problem. But she is plucky and steadily uncovers the layers of deceit.
All of this works well, but one problem is the resolution. There is a great pattern of steadily unfolding clues leading up to the big reveal and then that is rather simplified, brushed over. Can envision several other scenarios that would have ramped up suspense and drawn out the inevitable resolve. Wasn't bad, but it caused the story to end a bit flat.
This is the first book I have ready by Amy Stuart. Look forward to reading more.
March 23, 2020
Still Here by Amy Stuart is a riveting tale that will pull you in from the very start. Fast-paced and atmospheric, this is a quick read that had me flying through the pages to peel back the layers with PI Clare O'Dey.
Private investigator Clare O'Dey is searching for her missing colleague, Malcolm, when it becomes apparent that his wife, Zoe, is also missing. Has the couple met with foul play, or is Malcolm responsible in some way for his wife's disappearance? Arriving in the town where Malcolm last lived, Clare must peel back the many layers of the life of a colleague who might have more secrets than Clare could have ever known.
This is a compelling and well-paced read that will have you fully engaged in a case of complexities alongside one very determined PI. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC.
Private investigator Clare O'Dey is searching for her missing colleague, Malcolm, when it becomes apparent that his wife, Zoe, is also missing. Has the couple met with foul play, or is Malcolm responsible in some way for his wife's disappearance? Arriving in the town where Malcolm last lived, Clare must peel back the many layers of the life of a colleague who might have more secrets than Clare could have ever known.
This is a compelling and well-paced read that will have you fully engaged in a case of complexities alongside one very determined PI. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC.
November 12, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous two in the series. The plot twist at the end felt too implausible, and I found Clare to be more annoying than interesting. Her not-so-simmering rage and emotional outbursts were incompatible with the concept of being a private detective. You can't do sleuthing when you're going viral for starting a bar fight. It just didn't work for me.
July 24, 2020
This is the third in the “Still” series; I did not read the first two. Although reading the first two might have given me more of a background story, I had no difficulty picking up and following along with the characters and plot.
Clare, on the run from an abusive husband, has become a private investigator of sorts. In the past, she has worked with Malcolm, who has now disappeared. Asked by a police detective to travel to Malcolm’s home town to do some investigation, Clare exposes the ugly secrets of this small town.
This is a fast, easy, engaging read although there are no real surprises. I do hate it when supposedly smart women make stupid mistakes, but I will just chalk that up to Clare’s youth and inexperience as a PI.
Clare, on the run from an abusive husband, has become a private investigator of sorts. In the past, she has worked with Malcolm, who has now disappeared. Asked by a police detective to travel to Malcolm’s home town to do some investigation, Clare exposes the ugly secrets of this small town.
This is a fast, easy, engaging read although there are no real surprises. I do hate it when supposedly smart women make stupid mistakes, but I will just chalk that up to Clare’s youth and inexperience as a PI.
July 20, 2020
I was so excited when I found out Stuart had a third installment in the Still series. Having read Still Mine and Still Water I was so excited to find out what Clare, Somers and Malcolm were up to in Still Here.
I was a little disappointed I found this one to be very slow and not much happening, I enjoyed the first two much more with the action and suspense, they were definitely page turners for me. Not to say I didn't enjoy Still Here, I just found out to be a little less of a page turner, it took awhile to get to the climax, and once it did I thought it was pretty short and clean cut. I did enjoy that we were able to continue on with Clare and her journey, watching her trials and errors as she navigates through the world in her new identity, trying to stay safe. I really am interested to see if Stuart with continue to follow Clare , or if this was the last we see of her.
I would definitely recommend this series as a great summer read.
In Still Here we follow Clare through a week as she helps Somers uncover what happened to Malcolm and where he dissappeared to. In her investigation she discovers more than what she bargained for, Zoe, Malcolm's wife has vanished also, along with his father in law being murdered and the case never solved. What other secrets could Malcolm possibly have hidden from her. Could Malcolm be capable of killing his father in law and also be behind the dissaperace of his wife? As Clare digs deeper into Malcom, Zoe's and the father in laws past she feels like she might be in danger. Will Clare's husband finally find her, is Malcolm really who he said he was? What part does Zoe play? One crazy ending you definitely won't want to miss!
I was a little disappointed I found this one to be very slow and not much happening, I enjoyed the first two much more with the action and suspense, they were definitely page turners for me. Not to say I didn't enjoy Still Here, I just found out to be a little less of a page turner, it took awhile to get to the climax, and once it did I thought it was pretty short and clean cut. I did enjoy that we were able to continue on with Clare and her journey, watching her trials and errors as she navigates through the world in her new identity, trying to stay safe. I really am interested to see if Stuart with continue to follow Clare , or if this was the last we see of her.
I would definitely recommend this series as a great summer read.
In Still Here we follow Clare through a week as she helps Somers uncover what happened to Malcolm and where he dissappeared to. In her investigation she discovers more than what she bargained for, Zoe, Malcolm's wife has vanished also, along with his father in law being murdered and the case never solved. What other secrets could Malcolm possibly have hidden from her. Could Malcolm be capable of killing his father in law and also be behind the dissaperace of his wife? As Clare digs deeper into Malcom, Zoe's and the father in laws past she feels like she might be in danger. Will Clare's husband finally find her, is Malcolm really who he said he was? What part does Zoe play? One crazy ending you definitely won't want to miss!
July 12, 2020
Still Here is the third installment in the series as we follow Clare searching for two missing persons - including Malcolm, the man she used to work for. This book brought me closure (although Clare and Malcolm's relationship is left open-ended), and Clare's story was a great character arc.
I've always been a fan of this series, I really liked the concept of Clare putting herself into dangerous situations trying to solve a case of a missing person. I thought this was a good conclusion to a series, but it just didn't feel like the rest of them. In the third book, Clare teams up with Detective Sommers to track down Malcolm who's wife just so happens to have gone missing as well. The more she digs, the more she realizes that things are connected and her trying to bring down the truth may lead to her demise. However, Malcolm turns up in the book - and the plot shifts focus on the death of his wife's father.
As mentioned before, this book is the third in the series, if you would like to read it as a standalone you could. The author does a great job explaining the past, but I would highly suggest you check out the first two before!
I've always been a fan of this series, I really liked the concept of Clare putting herself into dangerous situations trying to solve a case of a missing person. I thought this was a good conclusion to a series, but it just didn't feel like the rest of them. In the third book, Clare teams up with Detective Sommers to track down Malcolm who's wife just so happens to have gone missing as well. The more she digs, the more she realizes that things are connected and her trying to bring down the truth may lead to her demise. However, Malcolm turns up in the book - and the plot shifts focus on the death of his wife's father.
As mentioned before, this book is the third in the series, if you would like to read it as a standalone you could. The author does a great job explaining the past, but I would highly suggest you check out the first two before!
January 6, 2021
I can’t y’all. I have loved the two books before and I took a little bit to get into this one but once I did I was COMMITTED. Amazing read. Really hoping there will be more. The twists are unlike those in the previous books.
August 25, 2021
So glad that I just found out after reading the entire book that it’s the third in a series. Would’ve been lovey to know that beforehand BUT this book can be read as a stand alone (I just didn’t know that until now). Read the entire book in a little over 24 hours cause it’s such a page turner. Lots of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I would definitely recommend this one.
June 10, 2020
Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and to Netgalley, for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Easy four stars here. Easy flow and I was gripped from the beginning. I’ve not read this author before, and I’m not keen on reading books out of order. I realized this seems to be book three of a series. I still have copies from other favourite series that I refuse to delve into, as they would be out of sequence.
I’m not upset that I took the liberty here of not following my own silly patterns. Great book and a new author to follow. I really liked the protagonist. I loved her supporting characters, and I LOVED her pace. I just finished two books that I thought were going to be great (mega popular), and I was sadly disappointed in both of them. This book has plenty of building reveals that just keep it rolling steady. I really liked it all. A few edits I emailed to the publisher, but they did not take away from the story. I’m very eager to read the other books that came before this one and will be buying them shortly.
I was also very pleased to see that this author is of my native Canada.
Thanks again, Netgalley. Another great read from you and a new author to invest in their work. So appreciated.
Easy four stars here. Easy flow and I was gripped from the beginning. I’ve not read this author before, and I’m not keen on reading books out of order. I realized this seems to be book three of a series. I still have copies from other favourite series that I refuse to delve into, as they would be out of sequence.
I’m not upset that I took the liberty here of not following my own silly patterns. Great book and a new author to follow. I really liked the protagonist. I loved her supporting characters, and I LOVED her pace. I just finished two books that I thought were going to be great (mega popular), and I was sadly disappointed in both of them. This book has plenty of building reveals that just keep it rolling steady. I really liked it all. A few edits I emailed to the publisher, but they did not take away from the story. I’m very eager to read the other books that came before this one and will be buying them shortly.
I was also very pleased to see that this author is of my native Canada.
Thanks again, Netgalley. Another great read from you and a new author to invest in their work. So appreciated.
July 15, 2020
This is an atmospheric story about manipulation, corruption and secrets leaving readers to wonder who they can trust … and who they shouldn't.
I went into this book thinking, based on its blurb, that was a stand-alone thriller but it's actually the third book in a series. I'm one of those people who like to read series in order so Still Here didn't quite work for me as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed the ominous, small town setting and found the mystery, which touches on larger issues of abuse, exploitation and the ongoing effects of trauma, intriguing, but I couldn't stop this nagging feeling that I was missing details about Clare's past. There are a lot of layers to PI Clare O'Dey -- she's a survivor, she's gritty and she empathizes and sees the darkness in others, but I needed to understand more about her past so I could understand her and feel invested in her life.
Overall, this was a good thriller that sounded great in its blurb but could have used more depth to its story and depth in its characters. While I appreciate that Clare is a troubled and unreliable main character, I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't always struggling to piece Clare's past together while also focusing on the mystery.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
I went into this book thinking, based on its blurb, that was a stand-alone thriller but it's actually the third book in a series. I'm one of those people who like to read series in order so Still Here didn't quite work for me as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed the ominous, small town setting and found the mystery, which touches on larger issues of abuse, exploitation and the ongoing effects of trauma, intriguing, but I couldn't stop this nagging feeling that I was missing details about Clare's past. There are a lot of layers to PI Clare O'Dey -- she's a survivor, she's gritty and she empathizes and sees the darkness in others, but I needed to understand more about her past so I could understand her and feel invested in her life.
Overall, this was a good thriller that sounded great in its blurb but could have used more depth to its story and depth in its characters. While I appreciate that Clare is a troubled and unreliable main character, I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't always struggling to piece Clare's past together while also focusing on the mystery.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2023
This was just ok for me. Perhaps if I read the first two books in the series (as my bestie told me to!) I would of been more invested but it was just average and will not be memorable.
February 26, 2020
With STILL HERE, Amy Stuart once again writes a powerful, atmospheric, perfectly plotted thriller featuring the ultimate heroine—a flawed, damaged woman on the run whose main goal is to protect everyone she encounters. I was compelled to follow Clare’s journey through every stunning word, trying to piece together expertly placed clues, and was astounded how every thread came together in an unexpected, shocking finale. An outstanding read. I received an advanced reader copy.
July 6, 2020
When I started to read this book I had no idea it was part of a series and read it as a standalone novel. Perhaps some of my issues with it might have been resolved if I'd read the other two. Though it begins as a fast-moving thriller, the pace soon slowed down and I found myself embroiled in a rather generic story whose only unique element was the setting of Lune Bay, which is nicely drawn with frequent references to the ocean and various restaurants and houses in the area. Though I should have empathized with Clare, the main character, a victim of domestic abuse, there was insufficient background and detail to truly grasp onto her, as was the case with many of the large cast of characters who seemed vague and two-dimensional and difficult to keep track of. The author's narrative style was also a bit too generic for my taste, as if the novel was written in a hurry with little regard for imagery and atmosphere. A mediocre thriller. Perhaps reading the other two first is advisable. Thanks to NetGalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2021
Clare set out to find answers after her colleague, Malcolm disappears. Clare arrives in Lune Bay only to find herself staring at a gun, when she enters his former residence. Clare also has a past that she is running away from. As she continues to investigate the Westman family, Malcolm's in-laws, she begins to piece the mystery together. The book seems to drag in the middle and I found it difficult to keep my attention focused until near the end where it picked up and was quite exciting. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodread's Giveaways for a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
July 16, 2020
This has been a gritty and dark series. It’s violent, disturbing, and often a bit depressing yet for some reason I have absolutely loved it! I suspect this is because of my affection for the main character. Clare is one of my favourite detective protagonists. She’s a damaged addict and at the beginning of her arc she’s a hot mess but trying to change. She’s on the run from her violently abusive husband and needs to be clear headed to stay one step ahead of the monster on her tail. By this, the third book in her story, she has evolved into a strong, smart, kick-ass investigator. She still fights her addiction and sometimes loses her self-confidence but these “flaws” just make her more real and human. She is one of the most interesting detectives I’ve come across. We are used to seeing male detectives who are alcoholics or have dark personal stories but Clare is unique. She has all the damage one would expect but being a female on the run from an abusive husband who is literally hunting her adds a whole other dimension to her personality. She seethes with anger and fear and yet manages to solve cases and do good things in the world. She’s an inspiration that no matter how low and dark your rock bottom may seem it is always possible to pull yourself up and move on.
I see that this book is meant to be the end of Clare’s story and I’m kind of disappointed, not by the ending which was fantastic but because I want more of Clare, especially now that her main reason to be running scared has been resolved. I want to see her get her happy ending not just the hints of it we get here! I think the series could go on with Clare as a P.I. and continuing to track down missing women. I’d also love more of Somers who is an absolute delight! I think there’s a lot more of these stories to tell and although I can use my imagination to fill in Clare’s future I’m not ready to let go of these characters. I’ve very much enjoyed this series and I can’t recommend it enough but please do yourself a favour and start with the first book so you can truly appreciate Clare’s journey. Each book is amazing and you won’t regret the journey.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.
I see that this book is meant to be the end of Clare’s story and I’m kind of disappointed, not by the ending which was fantastic but because I want more of Clare, especially now that her main reason to be running scared has been resolved. I want to see her get her happy ending not just the hints of it we get here! I think the series could go on with Clare as a P.I. and continuing to track down missing women. I’d also love more of Somers who is an absolute delight! I think there’s a lot more of these stories to tell and although I can use my imagination to fill in Clare’s future I’m not ready to let go of these characters. I’ve very much enjoyed this series and I can’t recommend it enough but please do yourself a favour and start with the first book so you can truly appreciate Clare’s journey. Each book is amazing and you won’t regret the journey.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.
June 15, 2020
Since Still Here is the third book in the Still series and I don’t find it all that easy to give reviews for books in series without giving away important plot points for the previous books so I’m going to keep this review on the ambiguous side.
All three books in this series are short and sweet entertaining reads. Still Here is my favourite in the series so far. There was one cliche that I would have liked seen not come to fruition but since it’s just a personal preference and didn’t affect the overall plot I didn’t take it into account when considering my rating.
There is an underlying story line between Malcolm and Clare that runs through all three books making this a series I would say needs to be read in order of publication, despite some readers saying it can be read as a stand alone. This book also felt like a wrap up for Claire and Malcolm so it may be that Amy Stuart will be introducing us to new characters in her next release.
This is definitely a thriller series worth picking up. Amy Stuart’s writing has matured since the first book and she seems to be coming into her own. I am excited to see what comes next for her.
All three books in this series are short and sweet entertaining reads. Still Here is my favourite in the series so far. There was one cliche that I would have liked seen not come to fruition but since it’s just a personal preference and didn’t affect the overall plot I didn’t take it into account when considering my rating.
There is an underlying story line between Malcolm and Clare that runs through all three books making this a series I would say needs to be read in order of publication, despite some readers saying it can be read as a stand alone. This book also felt like a wrap up for Claire and Malcolm so it may be that Amy Stuart will be introducing us to new characters in her next release.
This is definitely a thriller series worth picking up. Amy Stuart’s writing has matured since the first book and she seems to be coming into her own. I am excited to see what comes next for her.
August 15, 2020
In Still Here, PI Clare is looking for her missing mentor Malcolm and his wife, Zoe, in their hometown of Lune Bay. Zoe has been missing over a year. Malcolm is missing for only eight days. Malcolm is more than just Clare’s mentor. He helped her escape an abusive relationship and encouraged her to become a PI. Clare has to find him and learn why he left.
Beginning a story at the end of the tale is a great way to get readers involved in the plot and compel them to continue to read the book. However, Still Here goes so far that the perpetrator is easy to determine in literally the first chapter. No one wants to see behind the curtain in a mystery book. I spent the rest of the book already knowing the conclusion. Therefore, I give this book 3 stars.
Thanks to Galley Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Beginning a story at the end of the tale is a great way to get readers involved in the plot and compel them to continue to read the book. However, Still Here goes so far that the perpetrator is easy to determine in literally the first chapter. No one wants to see behind the curtain in a mystery book. I spent the rest of the book already knowing the conclusion. Therefore, I give this book 3 stars.
Thanks to Galley Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2022
I was a little disappointed with the third book in the series following Clare O’Dey as she continues her flight from her abusive husband. Clare is attempting to find PI Malcom Boon who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. He is wanted for questioning in the disappearance of his wife Zoe. As Clare digs into the disappearance of Zoe and the unsolved murder of her father, she uncovers possible corruption in the police department and various levels of local politics. As she keeps investigating, she is uncertain who to trust and ultimately puts her life in danger.
I found the events difficult to visualize as being possible. Clare, although a strong protagonist, would not be able to carry on the type of investigation highlighted in the novel. Her feats of investigation didn’t feel possible.
I found the events difficult to visualize as being possible. Clare, although a strong protagonist, would not be able to carry on the type of investigation highlighted in the novel. Her feats of investigation didn’t feel possible.
August 5, 2020
I came late to this psychological thriller trilogy, only reading the first two (Still Mine and Still Water) at the start of the pandemic. This third novel, which can be read as standalone but recommend reading the other two as well, is a great ending to the trio. Like its predecessors, Still Here is about Clare, a private investigator with a troubled past involved in a missing persons case which may have ties to the past she’s tried so hard to escape and to her new relationship with fellow PI, Malcolm.
Well-written, great characterization of Clare, and well-plotted, Amy Stuart has another winner on her hands!! Thanks to Simon and Schuster who provided this free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Pick this one up - along with Still Mine and Still Water!
Well-written, great characterization of Clare, and well-plotted, Amy Stuart has another winner on her hands!! Thanks to Simon and Schuster who provided this free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Pick this one up - along with Still Mine and Still Water!
March 15, 2025
Couldn't put this one down! Another great novel by Amy Stuart - this was my favourite in the Still series. It was very suspenseful, and so many twists and turns with all the characters - a true whodunnit until the very end. I'm not sure if there will be anymore in this series, but I'd love to keep reading about Clare's journey and cases. I found the character so fascinating. I've definitely very quickly become a fan of this author, and can't wait to read A Death at the Party, and anything else she writes!
December 15, 2020
I did it again. I started book number three in a series, out of order. Again. Normally, I will wait and read the first two in chronological order but I was already so caught up in the story of a private investigator looking for her missing mentor/colleague Malcolm and his wife. There are many references to the previous novels/storylines and I probably would have given this five instead of four stars had I read them correctly. So, loving this one, I’m ordering the previous two and will probably return and change this to five😄
August 7, 2020
Still Here is your typical police procedural, but with an added private investigator. To me, this book fell flat. It took me a while to get into the book. I feel that if I had read the previous 2 books, my experience would have been greatly enhanced. I did care about the main characters, but the background knowledge would have been nice. Overall, I liked it, but didn't love it.
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