What do you think?
Rate this book
The Woman on the Bench
At last, Mark has found the perfect woman. There’s just one small problem – his wife.
Married couple Mark and Cecilia seem to have it all – looks, wealth, love. But behind closed doors, things are very different – they live in silent resentment, their marriage broken by the shattering loss of the child they so desperately wanted.
Enter Alice – Mark’s idea of the perfect woman. She appears from nowhere and offers Mark the chance of a new life filled with love, passion, and – finally – the joys of parenthood. Everything he’s ever dreamed of.
But there’s a catch.
Mark can’t leave Cecilia because she knows a dark secret from his past that would ruin him if it was revealed. And he’s sure she'd be more than happy to use it against him if he betrayed her.
Mark’s future with Alice seems doomed. Until one night, in a secluded cottage on the Dorset coast, they hatch an unspeakable plan that might bring devastating ruin, or life-long happiness…
But who is Alice, really? And can love ever begin with murder?
Married couple Mark and Cecilia seem to have it all – looks, wealth, love. But behind closed doors, things are very different – they live in silent resentment, their marriage broken by the shattering loss of the child they so desperately wanted.
Enter Alice – Mark’s idea of the perfect woman. She appears from nowhere and offers Mark the chance of a new life filled with love, passion, and – finally – the joys of parenthood. Everything he’s ever dreamed of.
But there’s a catch.
Mark can’t leave Cecilia because she knows a dark secret from his past that would ruin him if it was revealed. And he’s sure she'd be more than happy to use it against him if he betrayed her.
Mark’s future with Alice seems doomed. Until one night, in a secluded cottage on the Dorset coast, they hatch an unspeakable plan that might bring devastating ruin, or life-long happiness…
But who is Alice, really? And can love ever begin with murder?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2022
1114 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
August 15, 2022
Mark and Cecelia used to be happily married couple until a miscarriage at 6 months along devastates them. The once romantic couple can hardly even speak to one another never mind sleeping together. The loss of their once vibrant sex life has caused Mark concern and he's hoping it's just a matter of time for Cecelia to get through her grief and then they'll be back on track and hopefully she'll be willing to try for another child again. A family is what Mark wants more than anything.
"We've become a mystery to one another. Two books written in different tongues, covers shut, gathering dust in a forgotten place."
One night at a party Mark sneaks away to have cigarette behind Cecelia's back. Oh, how she would be furious with him. While there he meets another woman also smoking a cigarette. Alice. She's beautiful and bewitching and Mark can hardly believe it when she begins flirting with him. After parting ways Mark realizes he'll likely never see her again but that doesn't stop him from thinking about her.
At work again on Monday morning he receives a note from his secretary and he opens it to discover that Alice has tracked him down and would like to meet him for a coffee at a bench in the park.
It's just an innocent coffee. He isn't a cheater. These are the things he tries to convince himself of, that is, until Alice mentions she will happily have an affair with him if he wants to. How can he say no? He hasn't had this much excitement in his life in months.
"Alice, the beautiful temptress. The innocent distraction."
Oh, Mark, you are going to REGRET this decision.
You never know what you're going to get when you download a debut but, in this case, it worked out in my favor. Mark is a main character that is totally despicable but yet you can't help but be invested in his life, his poor decisions, and his snarky attitude to all of those around him. He was entertaining for sure. I felt terribly for Cecelia for being married to such a jerk. Alice, I often wondered, why oh why are you getting involved with this man? That answer will be revealed in the end and what a revelation it is. This book was a page-turner for me, slightly predictable, but still loads of fun in the *I'm glad this isn't my life* kind of way! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my complimentary copy.
"We've become a mystery to one another. Two books written in different tongues, covers shut, gathering dust in a forgotten place."
One night at a party Mark sneaks away to have cigarette behind Cecelia's back. Oh, how she would be furious with him. While there he meets another woman also smoking a cigarette. Alice. She's beautiful and bewitching and Mark can hardly believe it when she begins flirting with him. After parting ways Mark realizes he'll likely never see her again but that doesn't stop him from thinking about her.
At work again on Monday morning he receives a note from his secretary and he opens it to discover that Alice has tracked him down and would like to meet him for a coffee at a bench in the park.
It's just an innocent coffee. He isn't a cheater. These are the things he tries to convince himself of, that is, until Alice mentions she will happily have an affair with him if he wants to. How can he say no? He hasn't had this much excitement in his life in months.
"Alice, the beautiful temptress. The innocent distraction."
Oh, Mark, you are going to REGRET this decision.
You never know what you're going to get when you download a debut but, in this case, it worked out in my favor. Mark is a main character that is totally despicable but yet you can't help but be invested in his life, his poor decisions, and his snarky attitude to all of those around him. He was entertaining for sure. I felt terribly for Cecelia for being married to such a jerk. Alice, I often wondered, why oh why are you getting involved with this man? That answer will be revealed in the end and what a revelation it is. This book was a page-turner for me, slightly predictable, but still loads of fun in the *I'm glad this isn't my life* kind of way! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my complimentary copy.
April 9, 2023
Wow!! This was such a surprise! This debut by Eliot Stevens had me racing through each page of this twisted tale of deception, betrayal, and revenge. I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going, but it took a turn I never saw coming. I loved the clandestine affair with a touch of noir. The strangers on a train vibe added a subtle sense of intrigue and intensity. I anxiously await the next thriller by this very talented author. Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 2, 2023
Would you kill for love?
If you're "on the fence" about reading
"The Woman on the Bench".....
GO FOR IT!!!!
It's an intriguing and twisty tale of love, passion, adultery, ambition, betrayal, revenge, and shattered dreams.
With that ultra-compelling premise, WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The first 35% of the book was very slow-burn and borderline repetitive.
It was the last 35% of the book (WOW!) that completely elevated my star rating.
I listened to the audiobook that was primarily read by narrator Rupert Degas.
It was Rupert Degas' outstanding performance that kept me from pushing the stop bottom early on.
I believe that this was a debut novel for author Eliot Stevens (WOW #2!) and I will be eagerly awaiting book #2.
4.5 stars
If you're "on the fence" about reading
"The Woman on the Bench".....
GO FOR IT!!!!
It's an intriguing and twisty tale of love, passion, adultery, ambition, betrayal, revenge, and shattered dreams.
With that ultra-compelling premise, WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The first 35% of the book was very slow-burn and borderline repetitive.
It was the last 35% of the book (WOW!) that completely elevated my star rating.
I listened to the audiobook that was primarily read by narrator Rupert Degas.
It was Rupert Degas' outstanding performance that kept me from pushing the stop bottom early on.
I believe that this was a debut novel for author Eliot Stevens (WOW #2!) and I will be eagerly awaiting book #2.
4.5 stars
December 27, 2022
A knock-out debut, THE WOMAN ON THE BENCH by the talented Eliot Stevens is literally SPELLBINDING!
A psychological suspense thriller with a killer twist. Intricate, complex, and devilishly clever.
Set in London, married couple Mark (ad executive) and Cecilia (art curator) seem to have it all —wealth, love, and looks, but behind closed doors, things are no longer the same.
Their lives have been shattered by the loss of the child they longed for. They live in silent resentment. But there is more to the story. Both Cecilia and Mark are hiding secrets from one another.
Then along comes ALICE. She is an enigma. Mysterious, alluring, and beautiful. Mark thinks she is the perfect woman. The woman he meets on the bench. They write notes and tape them to the bottom of the bench and leave for the other to find. He is obsessed with the next letter and the next meeting. No other communication since they are married.
They want to be together but there is a problem. Cecilia knows about a dark secret from Mark's past that could ruin him. So murder seems to be the best solution.
The remote Lilac House in Dorset by the restless waters of Blackwood Cove and the sea seems to be the perfect place.
Who is Alice? Can she be trusted? What about Cecilia?
Just when you think you have it figured out—bam, the twist comes and nothing is as it appears.
What a triangle! A house of mirrors, taking readers on a thrilling ride of dizzying twists and shocking revelations.
I LOVED this book! Blown away.
Prepare to be entranced.
Evocative & captivating.
Seamless storytelling.
The writing is superb & razor sharp.
The story is spellbinding.
The plot is mega twisty and surprising.
The prose is lyrical.
The setting and descriptions are vivid.
The suspense is riveting.
The richly drawn characters are mysterious, humorous, wicked & enigmatic.
You have no clue where the author is taking you but are on board for the ride. You will be guessing until the ultra-satisfying conclusion.
What a debut! Stevens has been added to my favorite author list and one to watch. Where has this talent been hiding? Cannot wait to see what comes next.
A mix of psychological thriller, domestic suspense, and literary fiction.
If you love triangle cat and mouse revenge games, this is your book. Who is the cat and who is the mouse? Checks all the boxes for me. For fans of authors Kimberly Belle, Kaira Rouda, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and K. L. Slater.
Top books of 2022 list! For readers that enjoy intelligent thrillers and want to be captured with stunning lyrical prose. I love discovering new authors. Inkubator is cranking out winners. This is on NetGalley for request, bloggers. Get this one on your TBR list!
A special thank you to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC to read, and enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author
Eliot Stevens grew up between Italy ad the UK, studied philosophy, and works in the humanitarian sector. He's fascinated by the intricate coils of the human mind and tries to unravel them in his stories. He lives in the quiet countryside north of Rome with his beautiful family. When not writing, he mostly wishes he was. The Woman on the Bench is his first published novel
Blog Post:
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: Aug 28, 2022
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
Top Books of 2022
A psychological suspense thriller with a killer twist. Intricate, complex, and devilishly clever.
Set in London, married couple Mark (ad executive) and Cecilia (art curator) seem to have it all —wealth, love, and looks, but behind closed doors, things are no longer the same.
Their lives have been shattered by the loss of the child they longed for. They live in silent resentment. But there is more to the story. Both Cecilia and Mark are hiding secrets from one another.
Then along comes ALICE. She is an enigma. Mysterious, alluring, and beautiful. Mark thinks she is the perfect woman. The woman he meets on the bench. They write notes and tape them to the bottom of the bench and leave for the other to find. He is obsessed with the next letter and the next meeting. No other communication since they are married.
They want to be together but there is a problem. Cecilia knows about a dark secret from Mark's past that could ruin him. So murder seems to be the best solution.
The remote Lilac House in Dorset by the restless waters of Blackwood Cove and the sea seems to be the perfect place.
Who is Alice? Can she be trusted? What about Cecilia?
Just when you think you have it figured out—bam, the twist comes and nothing is as it appears.
What a triangle! A house of mirrors, taking readers on a thrilling ride of dizzying twists and shocking revelations.
I LOVED this book! Blown away.
Prepare to be entranced.
Evocative & captivating.
Seamless storytelling.
The writing is superb & razor sharp.
The story is spellbinding.
The plot is mega twisty and surprising.
The prose is lyrical.
The setting and descriptions are vivid.
The suspense is riveting.
The richly drawn characters are mysterious, humorous, wicked & enigmatic.
You have no clue where the author is taking you but are on board for the ride. You will be guessing until the ultra-satisfying conclusion.
What a debut! Stevens has been added to my favorite author list and one to watch. Where has this talent been hiding? Cannot wait to see what comes next.
A mix of psychological thriller, domestic suspense, and literary fiction.
If you love triangle cat and mouse revenge games, this is your book. Who is the cat and who is the mouse? Checks all the boxes for me. For fans of authors Kimberly Belle, Kaira Rouda, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and K. L. Slater.
Top books of 2022 list! For readers that enjoy intelligent thrillers and want to be captured with stunning lyrical prose. I love discovering new authors. Inkubator is cranking out winners. This is on NetGalley for request, bloggers. Get this one on your TBR list!
A special thank you to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC to read, and enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author
Eliot Stevens grew up between Italy ad the UK, studied philosophy, and works in the humanitarian sector. He's fascinated by the intricate coils of the human mind and tries to unravel them in his stories. He lives in the quiet countryside north of Rome with his beautiful family. When not writing, he mostly wishes he was. The Woman on the Bench is his first published novel
Blog Post:
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: Aug 28, 2022
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
Top Books of 2022
August 10, 2022
Debut published book for this author and I will start by saying I look forward to more of his work….
The writing in this psychological thriller is interesting, I always enjoy books where characters say one thing in dialogue then in italics next to it is shown what they really mean and are thinking, we all do it and it takes a good author to pull this off in a book, it’s pulled 😎
The characters are an eclectic mic of good, bad and so bad they are likeable ish and the main one, Mark, of course is the best, he is vapid and self centred yet caring and regretful, a real mix of a man, all of them are flawed in various ways
The story, well the story is easy to read, easy to follow and with a raised eyebrow of unbelievability in parts that I was prepared to let go was on the whole fine
A good debut and as say look forward to reading more from this author
7/10
3.5 Stars ( 4 on Goodreads and Amazon and deserves going up than down )
The writing in this psychological thriller is interesting, I always enjoy books where characters say one thing in dialogue then in italics next to it is shown what they really mean and are thinking, we all do it and it takes a good author to pull this off in a book, it’s pulled 😎
The characters are an eclectic mic of good, bad and so bad they are likeable ish and the main one, Mark, of course is the best, he is vapid and self centred yet caring and regretful, a real mix of a man, all of them are flawed in various ways
The story, well the story is easy to read, easy to follow and with a raised eyebrow of unbelievability in parts that I was prepared to let go was on the whole fine
A good debut and as say look forward to reading more from this author
7/10
3.5 Stars ( 4 on Goodreads and Amazon and deserves going up than down )
September 14, 2022
After suffering a miscarriage, Mark and Cecelia hit a very rough spot in their marriage to the point of becoming more like roommates than a married couple. One night while at a party, Mark sneaks outside for a smoke and happens to meet a beautiful and enigmatic woman named Alice. She is everything he’s ever wanted in a woman and he proceeds to fall head over heels for her. Unfortunately, Mark harbors a secret that keeps him bound to his wife.
While I liked the premise of the story, I can honestly say I didn’t care for any of the characters except for maybe Ed. Mark was the worst of them. He’s someone who portrays himself as a good guy even though he is absolutely a despicable human being. The build up was a little slow for my taste and took me a little bit to get into it, but about half way through, the story picks up pace as things start to fall into place.
Where I struggled was that many of Mark’s actions did not feel believable and required me to suspend belief quite a bit. I found it hard to picture someone so willing put his job on the line along with many of his other actions based on his brief encounters with Alice. Although I had an idea where the story was going, it was still fun to see it all unfold in the end. The Woman on the Bench is a very good debut, and I would definitely read another book by this author. 3.5 stars.
Many thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC. This book is now available with Kindle Unlimited.
While I liked the premise of the story, I can honestly say I didn’t care for any of the characters except for maybe Ed. Mark was the worst of them. He’s someone who portrays himself as a good guy even though he is absolutely a despicable human being. The build up was a little slow for my taste and took me a little bit to get into it, but about half way through, the story picks up pace as things start to fall into place.
Where I struggled was that many of Mark’s actions did not feel believable and required me to suspend belief quite a bit. I found it hard to picture someone so willing put his job on the line along with many of his other actions based on his brief encounters with Alice. Although I had an idea where the story was going, it was still fun to see it all unfold in the end. The Woman on the Bench is a very good debut, and I would definitely read another book by this author. 3.5 stars.
Many thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC. This book is now available with Kindle Unlimited.
August 21, 2022
The Woman on the Bench is the debut novel by Eliot Stevens and holy cow, I could not put this book down. Mark and Cecilia were a happily married a couple until they suffered a tremendous loss. Then things start happening and things start escalating more and more. I wasn’t sure where this was headed but it was a thriller that kept me up late into the night! Lots of twists and turns and the ending is a DOOZY!! I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. Definitely, one to watch!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published August 28, 2022 which is next week!!!
September 10, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Woman on the Bench is a spellbinding debut from a new author in psychological thriller books.
Mark and Celia seem to have it all. Good jobs, money, good lucks and love. But behind closed doors is a fractured marriage after the loss of the one thing they both long for - a baby. There's more that meets the eye with this couple and secrets are lurking in corners and some secrets could turn each of the spouses lives upside down and ruin them forever.
Mark meets the woman of his dreams the mysterious, beautiful and alluring Alice. They meet on a bench and begin leaving notes for each other taped underneath the bench and Mark becomes addicted and obsessed with this woman and he longs for. But to be with Alice Mark needs to divorce Celia. And Celia knows a secret in Marks past that could ruin him forever. Mark ends up with one solution - he must get rid of Celia!
What an amazingly twisty-turney read this was. Nothing is as it seems and you're in for some shocking reveals and surprises!
The Woman on the Bench is a spellbinding debut from a new author in psychological thriller books.
Mark and Celia seem to have it all. Good jobs, money, good lucks and love. But behind closed doors is a fractured marriage after the loss of the one thing they both long for - a baby. There's more that meets the eye with this couple and secrets are lurking in corners and some secrets could turn each of the spouses lives upside down and ruin them forever.
Mark meets the woman of his dreams the mysterious, beautiful and alluring Alice. They meet on a bench and begin leaving notes for each other taped underneath the bench and Mark becomes addicted and obsessed with this woman and he longs for. But to be with Alice Mark needs to divorce Celia. And Celia knows a secret in Marks past that could ruin him forever. Mark ends up with one solution - he must get rid of Celia!
What an amazingly twisty-turney read this was. Nothing is as it seems and you're in for some shocking reveals and surprises!
July 9, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
September 5, 2022
Well, Firstly let me start by saying if there was a soundtrack to this book it would most certainly be ‘who the f***k is Alice’
This book was incredible, and the fact it has a little bit for everyone and every genre in it makes it all the better. It was captivating, heart-felt, cute all put together in a bow before a gut wrenching twist.
The Girl On The Bench starts off like the start of a romantic movie, boy meets girl. BUT thriller lovers don’t despair! I as a thriller lover was totally captivated and invested in this budding romance.
After a short embrace over a smoke boy can not get girl out of his head, and is suddenly tormented by the two women in his life.
He’s a good guy, everyone likes him and he starts a double life which seemed easy enough but he knows it can not last forever and he has a HUGE decision ahead.
This story was incredibly well written, each of the characters were authentic and believable and I could feel all the emotions emanating from the pages. I loved the new romance that was budding, even though it was kind of surreal and awkward, cute and clandestine.
I felt like there was something not quiet right at a certain point within the book, but I could not have anticipated THAT twist. I really couldn’t.
This is definitely a thriller book that would suit any genre lover.
This book was incredible, and the fact it has a little bit for everyone and every genre in it makes it all the better. It was captivating, heart-felt, cute all put together in a bow before a gut wrenching twist.
The Girl On The Bench starts off like the start of a romantic movie, boy meets girl. BUT thriller lovers don’t despair! I as a thriller lover was totally captivated and invested in this budding romance.
After a short embrace over a smoke boy can not get girl out of his head, and is suddenly tormented by the two women in his life.
He’s a good guy, everyone likes him and he starts a double life which seemed easy enough but he knows it can not last forever and he has a HUGE decision ahead.
This story was incredibly well written, each of the characters were authentic and believable and I could feel all the emotions emanating from the pages. I loved the new romance that was budding, even though it was kind of surreal and awkward, cute and clandestine.
I felt like there was something not quiet right at a certain point within the book, but I could not have anticipated THAT twist. I really couldn’t.
This is definitely a thriller book that would suit any genre lover.
August 23, 2022
Holy moly!!!! Wow!!! and all the great objectives for this one!!
This one actually blew my mind...loved every bit of it and twists that I never saw coming which is always a great thing.
This author will definitely be on my watch list now. Knows how to write a story that pulls you right in.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
This one actually blew my mind...loved every bit of it and twists that I never saw coming which is always a great thing.
This author will definitely be on my watch list now. Knows how to write a story that pulls you right in.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
August 14, 2022
The Woman on the Bench by Eliot Stevens.
At last, Mark has found the perfect woman. There’s just one small problem – his wife.
A good read. Bit slow. Wasn't sure if I liked Mark. Didn't like Cecillia either. Wasn't sure about Alice. Twisty. Didn't see that coming. 5*.
At last, Mark has found the perfect woman. There’s just one small problem – his wife.
A good read. Bit slow. Wasn't sure if I liked Mark. Didn't like Cecillia either. Wasn't sure about Alice. Twisty. Didn't see that coming. 5*.
August 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book. however, this is one of those where you need to suspend disbelief . There were a few things that didn't quite ring true and annoyed me a little. However, when I just "went with it" I enjoyed it a lot more.
Mark is happily married to Cecelia until they miscarry their only child.and their marriage starts to unravel. When Mark meets Alice at a party he is instantly infatuated (mayeb too quickly??) . But he's a good man and fights the attraction - sort of.
I dont want to say more since it will reveal too much of the plot. This is better enjoyed if you don't know too much.
I enjoyed the book. It was a quick easy read. Did I LOVE it? No. The characters felt a little flat to me and needed to be developed a little more.
Would I buy this book? Maybe I would get it from the library.
I do want to thank the author, the publisher and #nethalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC. This did not impact my review.
Mark is happily married to Cecelia until they miscarry their only child.and their marriage starts to unravel. When Mark meets Alice at a party he is instantly infatuated (mayeb too quickly??) . But he's a good man and fights the attraction - sort of.
I dont want to say more since it will reveal too much of the plot. This is better enjoyed if you don't know too much.
I enjoyed the book. It was a quick easy read. Did I LOVE it? No. The characters felt a little flat to me and needed to be developed a little more.
Would I buy this book? Maybe I would get it from the library.
I do want to thank the author, the publisher and #nethalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC. This did not impact my review.
August 21, 2022
Honestly, this book bored me a bit until it reached a third part of the story. but the more I traced Mark's affair to Alice, the more i found intrigues occured. It was shocking me that lastly i loved about the flowing of storyline, especially the way it revealed all the problems within, who truly Alice was, a dark secret, the intruder and a murder plot full of strategy. It was unbelievable to figure out who actually the smartest was
.
This Story gives me a description about a fatal effect of a married man cheating on his wife. overself passion in love would navigate you willingly doing everything for the sake of a greed that would destroy whole pieces of life. What a good story for a married couple in order to keep a faitfullness in a marriage.
.
Thank u to #EliotStevens @inkubatorbooks and @netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Instagram : @edirbooks
.
This Story gives me a description about a fatal effect of a married man cheating on his wife. overself passion in love would navigate you willingly doing everything for the sake of a greed that would destroy whole pieces of life. What a good story for a married couple in order to keep a faitfullness in a marriage.
.
Thank u to #EliotStevens @inkubatorbooks and @netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Instagram : @edirbooks
October 1, 2022
3 1/2 Stars Still debating final rating. I definitely enjoyed this slow burn of a book...a debut...Review to come.
"... we meet in train stations, we write secret letters... What is it about trains and mysteries, stations and mischief? Something to do perhaps with the blur of the world outside, a sense of momentary disorder, a place between places in which concealing one’s tracks becomes easier. And then, the station itself: a passage, a non-location, with people stepping on and off the trains, coming and going, blending into transient crowds, then swiftly vanishing.
"... we meet in train stations, we write secret letters... What is it about trains and mysteries, stations and mischief? Something to do perhaps with the blur of the world outside, a sense of momentary disorder, a place between places in which concealing one’s tracks becomes easier. And then, the station itself: a passage, a non-location, with people stepping on and off the trains, coming and going, blending into transient crowds, then swiftly vanishing.
October 4, 2022
I wanted to enjoy this book, sadly the entire thing fell very flat for me. My first one star rating unfortunately. I would have DNF'd this book had I not felt a tremendous responsibility to finish it and review for Net Galley - I will not be subjecting myself to such torture ever again. If by 40% through the book I still have no interest in the story or the characters, I will not be finishing it, as was the case with The Woman on the Bench. The plot is predictable and the characters are flat and lifeless.
WARNING SPOILERS
Mark is the most despicable main character, there is not a single redeeming quality about his character. I understand being distraught by a miscarriage, but the cheating on a pregnant wife (with zero indication that the relationship had issues) and causing said miscarriage is an other level of horrid.
I have read books with unreliable/unlikeable narrators, but this was hard to get through. Marks insistence that "he's a good man" is just a ploy at gaslighting the reader. I have never hated a character more.
The ending was predictable, a Gone Girl attempt gone horribly wrong. But in this story even Cecilia is left as a flat, unrounded character who you couldn't really care less about (except for the generalized sympathy one has for a woman whose miscarried).
Eliot Stevens writing was pleasant enough to read, and I appreciated the style in which he chose to lay out the chapters. Structurally it was fine, content wasn't.
WARNING SPOILERS
Mark is the most despicable main character, there is not a single redeeming quality about his character. I understand being distraught by a miscarriage, but the cheating on a pregnant wife (with zero indication that the relationship had issues) and causing said miscarriage is an other level of horrid.
I have read books with unreliable/unlikeable narrators, but this was hard to get through. Marks insistence that "he's a good man" is just a ploy at gaslighting the reader. I have never hated a character more.
The ending was predictable, a Gone Girl attempt gone horribly wrong. But in this story even Cecilia is left as a flat, unrounded character who you couldn't really care less about (except for the generalized sympathy one has for a woman whose miscarried).
Eliot Stevens writing was pleasant enough to read, and I appreciated the style in which he chose to lay out the chapters. Structurally it was fine, content wasn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2022
DNF @ 36%
This is well written, if a bit slow moving. The only thing causing me to DNF is that the story is told through the POV of an adulterous man low-key going through a mid-life crisis. If the murder aspect of the plot had been faster moving, I might have stuck with it, but 270 pages in it was mostly the main dude justifying his behaviour to himself and nah. I don't need to read about a cheater telling himself the cheating isn't his fault.
This is well written, if a bit slow moving. The only thing causing me to DNF is that the story is told through the POV of an adulterous man low-key going through a mid-life crisis. If the murder aspect of the plot had been faster moving, I might have stuck with it, but 270 pages in it was mostly the main dude justifying his behaviour to himself and nah. I don't need to read about a cheater telling himself the cheating isn't his fault.
December 30, 2022
Reminiscent of Gone Girl, this pageturner was a great read, finished in a couple of reads
August 17, 2022
Imagine you’re at a party and you meet the perfect person: good-looking, charming, witty. The only problem? You’re already married.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Mark and his wife Cecilia are struggling after the loss of their unborn child when Mark meets Alice - the perfect woman. Alice is frank, carefree, and judge or try to change Mark. They agree to meet on a bench near his work and exchange letters. Things begin to spiral as Mark becomes obsessed with the need to be with Alice and divorce is not an option. Alice and Mark start to formulate a plan so they can be together - by any means necessary.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The characters of this book were extremely intriguing. I found it interesting how Mark always refers to himself in his head as a “good guy” who does good things, but his actions don’t match his words. The characters around him all seem to have ulterior motives and secrets - including his wife and friends. I was hooked in on digging for clues towards the outcome of this book.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The ending was well done and satisfying. It was semi-predictable but I enjoyed it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re interested in exploring the inner workings of peoples minds and complex relationships/manipulations this book is for you. It was a quick read as well.
*Thank you @netgalley and @inkubatorbooks for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Mark and his wife Cecilia are struggling after the loss of their unborn child when Mark meets Alice - the perfect woman. Alice is frank, carefree, and judge or try to change Mark. They agree to meet on a bench near his work and exchange letters. Things begin to spiral as Mark becomes obsessed with the need to be with Alice and divorce is not an option. Alice and Mark start to formulate a plan so they can be together - by any means necessary.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The characters of this book were extremely intriguing. I found it interesting how Mark always refers to himself in his head as a “good guy” who does good things, but his actions don’t match his words. The characters around him all seem to have ulterior motives and secrets - including his wife and friends. I was hooked in on digging for clues towards the outcome of this book.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The ending was well done and satisfying. It was semi-predictable but I enjoyed it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re interested in exploring the inner workings of peoples minds and complex relationships/manipulations this book is for you. It was a quick read as well.
*Thank you @netgalley and @inkubatorbooks for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
September 1, 2022
This is a hard one to review as I have mixed feelings about it. I was intrigued by the premise and began in eager but then the whole thing became a little boring with the narrator being a tad self-obsessed and justifying his adulterous intentions towards a relatively complete stranger. But the promise that was dangled of what was to come kept me ploughing through and I guess it was worth the wait...because that twist was delicious when it came. I knew one was coming but not how it would unfold. So it was a nice touch.
The story is told from a somewhat bored husband and self-obsessed narrator, Mark, who is married to the beautiful Cecilia. The couple have been married a number of years and saw themselves growing old together with the children they longed to have. But after a late-term miscarriage at six months gestation, they have been struggling to find common ground once again. Cecilia grows distant and keeps her husband at arms length whilst Mark wonders if they will ever regain the marriage they used to have.
Whilst at a party with friends, Mark sneaks outside for a secret cigarette. And it is there that he meets the beautiful and beguiling Alice. They exchange but a few words, share a cigarette before she disappears into the crowd. But Mark has felt an instant attraction. He wants her. He thinks about her constantly. He knows at once that he is in love. But all he knows about her is her name. Alice. And she consumes his every thought as he ponders how to find her again.
But Alice makes the first move by suggesting coffee together. The meeting is brief but shrouded in promise and innuendo. They continue to meet on a bench, leaving secret notes for one another as they plan a clandestine weekend together at his cottage on the Dorset coast. And from there...they hatch an even bigger plan...murder...
At first we feel sorry for Mark. Lonely in a seemingly loveless marriage that just hasn't picked up after the loss of their only child etcetra etcetra... But then find out a little more about him and even his narrative shows us what a selfish man he is who cheated on his pregnant wife and instead of working on getting back to where they had been, sees an opportunity to get his leg over again with a beguiling stranger as soon as it's offered to him. The man was thinking with his middle leg and not his brain. In his defence though, I found Cecilia to be something of a cold fish myself and I couldn't warm to her at all. But whether that was all part of the author's intention through Mark's narrative to see her through his eyes, I'm not sure. I just didn't like her. She appeared to have a look about her that I didn't trust.
And Alice. How could Mark just throw everything away for a stranger he only just met, knew nothing about, not even her phone number? For what? A quick roll in the hay? And decides he wants forever to be with her? Love and lust, two different things, Mark. So when he is completely blindsided it's hard to feel sorry for him, really it is. But oddly enough, I do. Despite the fact he has been so smug about himself and his affair thus far.
THE WOMAN ON THE BENCH is a relatively satisfying thriller for a debut, despite a somewhat slow start that has Mark justifying his adulterous intentions from start to finish. It is one of those stories where one has to suspend belief a little as it was a tad far fetched, particularly as the story was told solely from Mark's narrative that the other characters weren't really developed enough to be believable. Maybe if it had unfolded through the three different perspectives of Mark, Cecilia and Alice...and maybe even one of his friends, Clyde maybe? It is a little trickier to do that without giving too much away but it does enable the characters to be better fleshed out and for the reader to get a proper grasp on them. And then when the final reveal does come, it would have an even greater impact.
Having said that, it was still a good read for a debut. The best part for me was the ending. I thought I could see where it was going but even I was taken by surprise for the most part. I knew something was going to happen...just not what.
I would like to thank #EliotStevens, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheWomanOnTheBench in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story is told from a somewhat bored husband and self-obsessed narrator, Mark, who is married to the beautiful Cecilia. The couple have been married a number of years and saw themselves growing old together with the children they longed to have. But after a late-term miscarriage at six months gestation, they have been struggling to find common ground once again. Cecilia grows distant and keeps her husband at arms length whilst Mark wonders if they will ever regain the marriage they used to have.
Whilst at a party with friends, Mark sneaks outside for a secret cigarette. And it is there that he meets the beautiful and beguiling Alice. They exchange but a few words, share a cigarette before she disappears into the crowd. But Mark has felt an instant attraction. He wants her. He thinks about her constantly. He knows at once that he is in love. But all he knows about her is her name. Alice. And she consumes his every thought as he ponders how to find her again.
But Alice makes the first move by suggesting coffee together. The meeting is brief but shrouded in promise and innuendo. They continue to meet on a bench, leaving secret notes for one another as they plan a clandestine weekend together at his cottage on the Dorset coast. And from there...they hatch an even bigger plan...murder...
At first we feel sorry for Mark. Lonely in a seemingly loveless marriage that just hasn't picked up after the loss of their only child etcetra etcetra... But then find out a little more about him and even his narrative shows us what a selfish man he is who cheated on his pregnant wife and instead of working on getting back to where they had been, sees an opportunity to get his leg over again with a beguiling stranger as soon as it's offered to him. The man was thinking with his middle leg and not his brain. In his defence though, I found Cecilia to be something of a cold fish myself and I couldn't warm to her at all. But whether that was all part of the author's intention through Mark's narrative to see her through his eyes, I'm not sure. I just didn't like her. She appeared to have a look about her that I didn't trust.
And Alice. How could Mark just throw everything away for a stranger he only just met, knew nothing about, not even her phone number? For what? A quick roll in the hay? And decides he wants forever to be with her? Love and lust, two different things, Mark. So when he is completely blindsided it's hard to feel sorry for him, really it is. But oddly enough, I do. Despite the fact he has been so smug about himself and his affair thus far.
THE WOMAN ON THE BENCH is a relatively satisfying thriller for a debut, despite a somewhat slow start that has Mark justifying his adulterous intentions from start to finish. It is one of those stories where one has to suspend belief a little as it was a tad far fetched, particularly as the story was told solely from Mark's narrative that the other characters weren't really developed enough to be believable. Maybe if it had unfolded through the three different perspectives of Mark, Cecilia and Alice...and maybe even one of his friends, Clyde maybe? It is a little trickier to do that without giving too much away but it does enable the characters to be better fleshed out and for the reader to get a proper grasp on them. And then when the final reveal does come, it would have an even greater impact.
Having said that, it was still a good read for a debut. The best part for me was the ending. I thought I could see where it was going but even I was taken by surprise for the most part. I knew something was going to happen...just not what.
I would like to thank #EliotStevens, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheWomanOnTheBench in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 14, 2022
Mark and Cecilia Hamilton are struggling to resume their once charming marriage after the loss of their son when Cecilia was 6 months pregnant. This handsome man and beautiful woman with jobs in the creative world, Mark in advertising, and Cecilia an independent art curator, with a lovely home in London, a holiday home on the coast of Dorset, and supportive friends seem poised to move beyond their individual and shared grief. Instead, they remain shattered. They share the same home but their hearts are isolated from one another. Then a random conversation at a party opens new possibilities for Mark. Is it possible to dream again or will a secret from his past tether him to his wife?
A couple struggling to move forward after the loss of a child as told from the husband’s POV is in itself a different approach in storytelling and is well-written. I guessed the major twist but it did not diminish the grip of this thriller. The pace was composed effectively in building to a crescendo of action. The writing style of the ending clinched the engrossing climax in a way that I doubt could have been achieved in an epilogue. Well done!
I highly recommend this first-rate domestic thriller. I hope this debut author is already writing his next novel as reading just one of his novels is not enough.
My sincere thanks to Eliot Stevens, and Inkubator Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheWomanontheBench #NetGalley
A couple struggling to move forward after the loss of a child as told from the husband’s POV is in itself a different approach in storytelling and is well-written. I guessed the major twist but it did not diminish the grip of this thriller. The pace was composed effectively in building to a crescendo of action. The writing style of the ending clinched the engrossing climax in a way that I doubt could have been achieved in an epilogue. Well done!
I highly recommend this first-rate domestic thriller. I hope this debut author is already writing his next novel as reading just one of his novels is not enough.
My sincere thanks to Eliot Stevens, and Inkubator Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheWomanontheBench #NetGalley
September 10, 2022
I just couldn't finish this.. if there is something I hate over everything then it's Cheaters. And Mark just started being an unlikeable character when his first thoughts started about Alice.
August 23, 2023
I've received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.
RTC
RTC
September 1, 2023
The disgusting cheating husband got his karma at the end, great!
Now for the twist, it was stupid... But hey, as long as the cheater paid, I will take it 😂😂
Now for the twist, it was stupid... But hey, as long as the cheater paid, I will take it 😂😂
January 20, 2024
another couldn’t put it down
twisty. not ever sure about the woman on the bench.
twisty. not ever sure about the woman on the bench.
August 28, 2022
This book exceeded my expectations in so many ways and I truly enjoyed it. Eliot Stevens is brilliant and is so good at keep the reader on their toes. The minute I thought I had the story figured out, the next chapter would change everything. That is something I loved, as it is something that a lot of thriller novels lack. The entire novel is also very well written and the plot is unique.
Mark and Cecilia are a married couple who seem to have it all. They have a lovely group of friends, good jobs, but their marriage is indeed broken. The loss of their child broke not only their marriage, but their bond and love that they once had for each other. One day, Mark meets Alice, the perfect woman for him and his new obsession. He is at a crossroads and is stuck debating if he should create his ideal, picture perfect life with Alice and leave Cecilia behind. Only, leaving her is not as easy as he may think, as she knows a haunting secret that would ruin his life forever and is not afraid to use it against him if he tries to leave.
There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I can't spoil, but the book is truly a rollercoaster. The storyline is constantly evolving, making The Woman on the Bench such a fun read. I absolutely recommend it!!
Mark and Cecilia are a married couple who seem to have it all. They have a lovely group of friends, good jobs, but their marriage is indeed broken. The loss of their child broke not only their marriage, but their bond and love that they once had for each other. One day, Mark meets Alice, the perfect woman for him and his new obsession. He is at a crossroads and is stuck debating if he should create his ideal, picture perfect life with Alice and leave Cecilia behind. Only, leaving her is not as easy as he may think, as she knows a haunting secret that would ruin his life forever and is not afraid to use it against him if he tries to leave.
There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I can't spoil, but the book is truly a rollercoaster. The storyline is constantly evolving, making The Woman on the Bench such a fun read. I absolutely recommend it!!
December 30, 2022
Jeez, this wasn’t a book I was expecting. I had no idea how this book would turn out and then you have that shocking reveal and wow! Everything changes!
Ok at first, it seemed a bit sudden how this man and woman could go away with each other, fall in love and plan what they were planning! I mean he didn’t even have her number!!!
We did spend about 70% of the book listening to Mark obsess over Alice, however, I did like their way of communicating. However, Mark was a bit much at times. However, I frigging loved it!
I didn’t twig on the twist and had a completely different idea in my head. But in hindsight, I should have twigged! There was a section when Mark was having a conversation with a character and that conversation was so pivotal to the book. But when you read it, it was just a normal conversation. I loved that twist that you don’t even see coming!!
I didn’t realise this was a debut, it was an exceptionally well-written book from the author who drew you in like a pro.
This a slow burn with an explosive outcome and that explosive conclusion is worth waiting for.
Ok at first, it seemed a bit sudden how this man and woman could go away with each other, fall in love and plan what they were planning! I mean he didn’t even have her number!!!
We did spend about 70% of the book listening to Mark obsess over Alice, however, I did like their way of communicating. However, Mark was a bit much at times. However, I frigging loved it!
I didn’t twig on the twist and had a completely different idea in my head. But in hindsight, I should have twigged! There was a section when Mark was having a conversation with a character and that conversation was so pivotal to the book. But when you read it, it was just a normal conversation. I loved that twist that you don’t even see coming!!
I didn’t realise this was a debut, it was an exceptionally well-written book from the author who drew you in like a pro.
This a slow burn with an explosive outcome and that explosive conclusion is worth waiting for.
September 30, 2022
Mark meets Alice at a party, and she seems like the perfect woman - the only one who can understand him, have a child with him and have a better life.
But Mark is married to Cecilia, who seems to be really distant off late - she doesn't seem to be interested in anything at all.
With a full time job, Mark seems to start getting distracted with Alice, and then when they start meeting each other and realize that they love each other they come up with a plan for the future, but this plan doesn't involve including Cecilia in their future - at the same time Mark knows that Cecilia might blurt out a dark hidden secret from his past.
This was a good 3 star read for me, thanks to Netgalley, EliotStevens & Inkubator books for adding this in the read now section - this was a fast read!
But Mark is married to Cecilia, who seems to be really distant off late - she doesn't seem to be interested in anything at all.
With a full time job, Mark seems to start getting distracted with Alice, and then when they start meeting each other and realize that they love each other they come up with a plan for the future, but this plan doesn't involve including Cecilia in their future - at the same time Mark knows that Cecilia might blurt out a dark hidden secret from his past.
This was a good 3 star read for me, thanks to Netgalley, EliotStevens & Inkubator books for adding this in the read now section - this was a fast read!
October 16, 2023
Read it in one sitting and I was amused by Mark’s internal thoughts so I didn’t mind the slow start. Clearly his character had a very fragile ego considering his adulterous ways and falling so easily for Alice’s flattery, but he was quite convincing - Cecilia seemed to be one annoying “sphinx”. It almost made you root for the bad guy. One would like to hope men are not actually gullable enough to agree murdering their wife of many years after a steamy weekend where no personal details where shared yet again. Even though you know there is a twist coming and the loverbird’s plan won’t fall through it was still interesting to see how the author will tie everything up. Would definitely try out his other books in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. I want to give an honest review.
I hated this book for the first 75%. I found the MC to be so boring. He has that "nice guy" attitude where he can justify anything he does wrong or shift the blame. He was boring and horney. He had a job that might have been fun if he weren't the most boring man alive. I could not understand how a man like this had so many friends and two women interested in him. It was a struggle to read it at all. I kept waiting for it to get interesting or for Mark to not suck so much.
And part of this is my own bias. I usually read books by women or they are at least about women. This was just one guy who was boring and annoying. He was also just mean about his friends. UGH.
Anyway, it was worth it. It was so worth it. At the 75% mark it gets super exciting and the ending was so good. I loved that ending so much! I think someone without my bias might love the book the whole way through.
I hated this book for the first 75%. I found the MC to be so boring. He has that "nice guy" attitude where he can justify anything he does wrong or shift the blame. He was boring and horney. He had a job that might have been fun if he weren't the most boring man alive. I could not understand how a man like this had so many friends and two women interested in him. It was a struggle to read it at all. I kept waiting for it to get interesting or for Mark to not suck so much.
And part of this is my own bias. I usually read books by women or they are at least about women. This was just one guy who was boring and annoying. He was also just mean about his friends. UGH.
Anyway, it was worth it. It was so worth it. At the 75% mark it gets super exciting and the ending was so good. I loved that ending so much! I think someone without my bias might love the book the whole way through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews