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Ask Natalie
Her long-lost love is missing—and obsession with the case could save her or sabotage her, in this gripping new suspense by the author of The Woman Next Door.
Natalie is single and carefree, fulfilled by her journalism career, but still she can’t help but wonder what happened to Owen, the one that got away.
When she learns that he’s disappeared—and left behind a note that mentions her name—she finds herself pulled back into his life.
Compelled by the mystery, her boss encourages her to pursue it, believing it would make a great story. And Natalie’s determination knows no bounds . . .
Soon she finds herself thrust into a murky world of money, power, and ruthlessness. But just how far will a search for the truth lead her away from home?
Natalie is single and carefree, fulfilled by her journalism career, but still she can’t help but wonder what happened to Owen, the one that got away.
When she learns that he’s disappeared—and left behind a note that mentions her name—she finds herself pulled back into his life.
Compelled by the mystery, her boss encourages her to pursue it, believing it would make a great story. And Natalie’s determination knows no bounds . . .
Soon she finds herself thrust into a murky world of money, power, and ruthlessness. But just how far will a search for the truth lead her away from home?
- GenresThriller
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
71 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Boydell
21 books216 followersNatasha is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have featured in the top 100 charts in the UK, Canada and Australia, and include the top 10 bestseller The Fortune Teller.
Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.
Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 20, 2025
i’m so proud of her for leaving his sorry ass
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
A novel that attracted me right away. To begin with, a woman wrote it, which was probably intended for the female market, but this was rapidly dispelled, and the novel's pace took over.
She narrates the story using flashbacks to the main character's backstory, but not in a cumbersome or irritating way. The secondary characters seamlessly entered and exited the story, providing value with each visit and guiding the major story along its route.
Even in the end, a strange ending tries to deceive the reader.
Overall, a delightful book to read and one that will be added to her back catalogue somewhere. A hooking opening draws you in, and then you're on an emotional journey...flitting between the past and present, the people and their ups and downs are beautifully brought to life. The suspense is complemented by musings on our adolescent years and the impact those heady years had on our adult lives. We follow her as she delves more and deeper into the mystery, seemingly getting no closer but clearly sliding deeper into what appears to be a trap.
You have a hunch something is wrong, but you cannot stop her from making a mistake.
I enjoyed reading along, attempting to solve the mystery and appreciating the story's twists and turns.
She narrates the story using flashbacks to the main character's backstory, but not in a cumbersome or irritating way. The secondary characters seamlessly entered and exited the story, providing value with each visit and guiding the major story along its route.
Even in the end, a strange ending tries to deceive the reader.
Overall, a delightful book to read and one that will be added to her back catalogue somewhere. A hooking opening draws you in, and then you're on an emotional journey...flitting between the past and present, the people and their ups and downs are beautifully brought to life. The suspense is complemented by musings on our adolescent years and the impact those heady years had on our adult lives. We follow her as she delves more and deeper into the mystery, seemingly getting no closer but clearly sliding deeper into what appears to be a trap.
You have a hunch something is wrong, but you cannot stop her from making a mistake.
I enjoyed reading along, attempting to solve the mystery and appreciating the story's twists and turns.
June 27, 2023
I’m so glad I joined this tour because I had never heard of this book before! This was such a great book! Did I think Natalie was a little obsessed and neurotic? Yes, but it was so endearing. This is a mystery and it’s one that you don’t figure out until you’re supposed to. I appreciated that the author chose to put the flashbacks in different font and indented so that we were aware that it was a flashback. I also really loved reading those flashbacks. While I have read a lot of mysteries where a non-police person inserts themselves into an investigation and I must suspend my belief, there is two-fold reason why Natalie inserts herself, personal and professional. That helps the book seem more realistic. I wouldn’t promote this book as a thriller, but a romantic suspense. Either way, whatever you want to label as the genre, it’s fantastic and a must read!
June 30, 2023
HOLY HELL THIS BOOK IS GOOD.
It is well written with a compelling storyline that grabs you right from the start and just keeps smacking you in the face with plot twists and surprises. The characters were well developed and I loved the dual timeline aspect of the book. I really enjoyed delving into the past and it really made me feel like I knew the couple abs it made the twists more shocking in a way.
There is so much action and drama in this book right from the very start, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want too, I was so disappointed it had to end.
The twists in this book are so good and I couldn't guess any of them. It is so unpredictable, shrouded with mystery that sometimes I was left breathless.
I loved it.
It is well written with a compelling storyline that grabs you right from the start and just keeps smacking you in the face with plot twists and surprises. The characters were well developed and I loved the dual timeline aspect of the book. I really enjoyed delving into the past and it really made me feel like I knew the couple abs it made the twists more shocking in a way.
There is so much action and drama in this book right from the very start, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want too, I was so disappointed it had to end.
The twists in this book are so good and I couldn't guess any of them. It is so unpredictable, shrouded with mystery that sometimes I was left breathless.
I loved it.
May 13, 2025
A good read. Perhaps a little predictable but overall enjoyable.
April 13, 2025
A mystery and an epic love story about the one that got away. What happened to Owen? Where has he gone? And why did he leave a note with her name on it after 20 years of no contact?
This book was intriguing and flicked between Natalie's past life and present life seamlessly. As the reader you are thrown into this mystery alongside the FMC - you learn everything as she learns it, trying to solve the mystery together.
It was definitely one that I wanted to keep reading to see how things ended, wondering what was going to happen right up until the final chapter when it all came together. I really enjoyed it.
This book was intriguing and flicked between Natalie's past life and present life seamlessly. As the reader you are thrown into this mystery alongside the FMC - you learn everything as she learns it, trying to solve the mystery together.
It was definitely one that I wanted to keep reading to see how things ended, wondering what was going to happen right up until the final chapter when it all came together. I really enjoyed it.
February 17, 2023
I loved this story!
The protagonist Natalie is looped in on a mystery that brings up pain from her first love and grief. This story shows the impact of adolescence on our lives.
I’ve never read a story that so frankly discusses the impact of first loves on the way we live our lives and how they can help or hinder the way we connect with others as adults and I loved this one.
The protagonist Natalie is looped in on a mystery that brings up pain from her first love and grief. This story shows the impact of adolescence on our lives.
I’ve never read a story that so frankly discusses the impact of first loves on the way we live our lives and how they can help or hinder the way we connect with others as adults and I loved this one.
November 27, 2022
This is the second book I have read from this author and I enjoyed it just as much as the first .
I wouldn't quite class it as a thriller, but I did find it fast paced and gripped me from early on which always a sign of a really good book.
Would happily recommend.
I wouldn't quite class it as a thriller, but I did find it fast paced and gripped me from early on which always a sign of a really good book.
Would happily recommend.
October 13, 2023
2.5 stars
Well as a fellow Natalie I found this one had a whiff of the pathetic about her, especially young Natalie! I struggled with that but also related to some of it, a quandary!
It’s a quick and easy, if predictable, read.
📖✒️📖
Well as a fellow Natalie I found this one had a whiff of the pathetic about her, especially young Natalie! I struggled with that but also related to some of it, a quandary!
It’s a quick and easy, if predictable, read.
📖✒️📖
July 3, 2023
Natalie is single, carefree and loves her work as a journalist which she has been doing for over twenty years. She’s having a bit of a tough time with her boss and her assignments lately but it will all work out, it always does but Natalie can’t help thinking she will soon be shown the door unless she finds a nice juicy story. Her boss Bob has just chewed her out on her latest story and she’s gone for a coffee break. When she’s come back, everyone is looking at her and whispering about her, she doesn’t know why, till Christine tells her the police are here to see her. She’s wondering why when Bob beckons to her to go to his office, so she does. The police want to see her about Simon Hall, she doesn’t know Simon Hall. They remind her she went to school with him, then she remembers she went out with him but they called him Owen but she hadn’t seen him for twenty odd years. Why? He was missing and left a message saying ‘Ask Natalie.’ Natalie spent a couple of nights trying to find him on the computer on social media, the second night she was successful. He owned his own accounting company and was married with kids. So why did he up and leave, that didn’t sound like the Simon she knew. The police weren’t looking at her as the ‘Natalie’ on the note but were struggling to find any others. She couldn’t think of anything in their past that could be relevant but Bob said he had Nick working on a crime angle and she knew he was good at routing out leads. Bob said she could write a piece on Simon about his family and get pictures of the family and stuff like that which she was good at.
What has happened to Simon? Who is Natalie? Is his accounting firm dodgy?
This is a great story to read and I really enjoyed it. It was a ‘now’ and ‘then’ story with the ‘then’ going back to when Natalie was going out with Simon and they were teenagers so were still at school. It was written really well and the descriptive writing was excellent. Natalie was prepared to help Simon out even though he was her first love and broke her heart when he split with her all those years ago. Natalie has never really had a proper relationship since and just thrown herself into her career as a journalist which she is really good at.
What has happened to Simon? Who is Natalie? Is his accounting firm dodgy?
This is a great story to read and I really enjoyed it. It was a ‘now’ and ‘then’ story with the ‘then’ going back to when Natalie was going out with Simon and they were teenagers so were still at school. It was written really well and the descriptive writing was excellent. Natalie was prepared to help Simon out even though he was her first love and broke her heart when he split with her all those years ago. Natalie has never really had a proper relationship since and just thrown herself into her career as a journalist which she is really good at.
November 19, 2022
Journalist Natalie comes into the office one day to find everyone staring at her, and gets called into the boss's office, where police are waiting to speak to her. It transpires that her former love has suddenly disappeared without a trace, leaving only a small note reading "Ask Natalie".
Natalie hasn't seen Owen for years however, but his sudden disappearance really gets her thinking of him all over again.
She starts to reminisce about her former relationship, how he broke her heart and was the one that got away.
In the meantime, her friend sets her up on a date, but the date is with a widow who seems to be yet to be over his wife.
But with this strange case of Owen’s disappearance, Natalie couldn’t care less. All her attention goes to the time they had together from their initial getting together to the time he broke her heart.
With her journalist instincts and understandable curiosity, Natalie decides to look into the case and take matters into her own hands.
A third of the way into the book, there’s a very interesting development that is sure to keep everyone reading.
The story is told through dual timelines, going back and forth between present day and Owen and Natalie’s teenage relationship.
At first I didn’t like this aspect of the book, because the teenage years seemed to be taking away from all the wit, banter and interest of the older Natalie’s life. But as this part of the story moved from Natalie being nervous around him through to him demonstrating his feelings for her, I was soon turned around.
Natalie’s exploration of Owen’s current circumstances discovers a different name, a wife, kids, a great career, and a relationship through marriage to a well-known wealthy businessman.
Younger Natalie’s story sees a twist that I did not see coming. And there’s a jealousy and hurt there that carries through to the present day.
Natalie’s tracking of Owen takes her further than you might imagine, and really starts to feel like a lost cause, before the book reaches a satisfying, if not surprising conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the dialogue and wit. But there were certain elements I felt were lacking. Natalie’s admiration of Owen felt like it was based almost solely on his looks, and the reasons for his disappearance could have been elaborated on further.
It was really more of a love story than a mystery, but still quite enjoyable, and in several places, laugh-out-loud funny.
Natalie hasn't seen Owen for years however, but his sudden disappearance really gets her thinking of him all over again.
She starts to reminisce about her former relationship, how he broke her heart and was the one that got away.
In the meantime, her friend sets her up on a date, but the date is with a widow who seems to be yet to be over his wife.
But with this strange case of Owen’s disappearance, Natalie couldn’t care less. All her attention goes to the time they had together from their initial getting together to the time he broke her heart.
With her journalist instincts and understandable curiosity, Natalie decides to look into the case and take matters into her own hands.
A third of the way into the book, there’s a very interesting development that is sure to keep everyone reading.
The story is told through dual timelines, going back and forth between present day and Owen and Natalie’s teenage relationship.
At first I didn’t like this aspect of the book, because the teenage years seemed to be taking away from all the wit, banter and interest of the older Natalie’s life. But as this part of the story moved from Natalie being nervous around him through to him demonstrating his feelings for her, I was soon turned around.
Natalie’s exploration of Owen’s current circumstances discovers a different name, a wife, kids, a great career, and a relationship through marriage to a well-known wealthy businessman.
Younger Natalie’s story sees a twist that I did not see coming. And there’s a jealousy and hurt there that carries through to the present day.
Natalie’s tracking of Owen takes her further than you might imagine, and really starts to feel like a lost cause, before the book reaches a satisfying, if not surprising conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the dialogue and wit. But there were certain elements I felt were lacking. Natalie’s admiration of Owen felt like it was based almost solely on his looks, and the reasons for his disappearance could have been elaborated on further.
It was really more of a love story than a mystery, but still quite enjoyable, and in several places, laugh-out-loud funny.
November 29, 2022
I read The Legacy of Eve by Natasha Boydell recently and really enjoyed it. Ask Natalie is another 5* read.
When Natalie Brown's first love, "Owen", goes missing the police arrive at her newspaper office to question Natalie as he left a cryptic note saying, "Ask Natalie". Natalie hasn't seen "Owen", real name Simon Hall since he dumped her 20 years ago. The police appear satisfied that Natalie knows nothing about his disappearance but her interest is piqued. The story is also of interest to her editor and her colleagues and Natalie, who is chief features writer, as Simon's father in law is self made wealthy business man, Sir William Spencer.
The story is told in dual time as Natalie looks back at her first meeting with "Owen" and her time as his girlfriend before he broke up with her when he went to university. It appears that Natalie has never had a long term relationship since and as the story unfolds as she investigates the possible reasons for Simon's disappearance her friend Christina encourages her to meet up with a friend of her's who has lost his wife. This matchmaking adds a further dimension to the story and Rob, the possible new love interest is not really over his wife's death so they agree to be "just friends".
Ask Natalie, is a fast paced story that captured my interest immediately. All the characters are well rounded and I loved that the book had the ending that I found myself wishing for! Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book.
can't resist delving into Simon's present life.
The story is told in dual time as Natalie thinks back to her meeting "Owen" at school and time spent with him. It was an emotional time when he ended their relationship and she has never really got over their break up.
The story could be a real scoop as Simon is married to the daughter of a very wealthy and influential business man
When Natalie Brown's first love, "Owen", goes missing the police arrive at her newspaper office to question Natalie as he left a cryptic note saying, "Ask Natalie". Natalie hasn't seen "Owen", real name Simon Hall since he dumped her 20 years ago. The police appear satisfied that Natalie knows nothing about his disappearance but her interest is piqued. The story is also of interest to her editor and her colleagues and Natalie, who is chief features writer, as Simon's father in law is self made wealthy business man, Sir William Spencer.
The story is told in dual time as Natalie looks back at her first meeting with "Owen" and her time as his girlfriend before he broke up with her when he went to university. It appears that Natalie has never had a long term relationship since and as the story unfolds as she investigates the possible reasons for Simon's disappearance her friend Christina encourages her to meet up with a friend of her's who has lost his wife. This matchmaking adds a further dimension to the story and Rob, the possible new love interest is not really over his wife's death so they agree to be "just friends".
Ask Natalie, is a fast paced story that captured my interest immediately. All the characters are well rounded and I loved that the book had the ending that I found myself wishing for! Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book.
can't resist delving into Simon's present life.
The story is told in dual time as Natalie thinks back to her meeting "Owen" at school and time spent with him. It was an emotional time when he ended their relationship and she has never really got over their break up.
The story could be a real scoop as Simon is married to the daughter of a very wealthy and influential business man
June 23, 2023
This is one of those books that is impossible to put down and also keeps you guessing until the last minute – so basically the best kind of book. I loved every minute of it as it jumped back and forth between two timelines, showing us so much growth of the main character.
I used to be a journalist so, while sometimes it can be almost painful, I really enjoy journalists as main characters. Natalie was delightful. A mixture of self-esteem issues, bundled with strong, independent woman vibes. Something you might think impossible, but being a lot like Natalie, I assure you the author created a realistic character! I really enjoyed following Natalie’s story, and the twist at the end – the final choice she makes – had me cheering and almost in tears of joy!
The book is an interesting combination of coming-of-age tale and mid-life crisis. We see Natalie’s teen years and her current life at age approximately 40. The author shows the parallels of how the events in her teens affected her and how she still needs to grow from some of them. It was very action-packed, heart-racing, and enlightening. I will absolutely keep my eyes out of more works by this author, and can’t wait to read more!
This is one of those rare times where I feel like my words aren’t doing the subject justice, and the best thing I can say is you just absolutely should read this book.
I received an eBook copy, but I also found an audiobook copy from my library. I have ADHD and sometimes it helps listening to books while I’m doing other tasks, so I always love finding audiobooks. The audio narration is amazing! I highly recommend either version. But if you love audiobooks, it was a great listen!
Anyone who has ever had a hard time letting go of the past will find something to love about this book. It’s a lovely mix of coming-of-age, overcoming the past, and inspiration, but it’s also an intense suspense and mystery with elements of fear.
I used to be a journalist so, while sometimes it can be almost painful, I really enjoy journalists as main characters. Natalie was delightful. A mixture of self-esteem issues, bundled with strong, independent woman vibes. Something you might think impossible, but being a lot like Natalie, I assure you the author created a realistic character! I really enjoyed following Natalie’s story, and the twist at the end – the final choice she makes – had me cheering and almost in tears of joy!
The book is an interesting combination of coming-of-age tale and mid-life crisis. We see Natalie’s teen years and her current life at age approximately 40. The author shows the parallels of how the events in her teens affected her and how she still needs to grow from some of them. It was very action-packed, heart-racing, and enlightening. I will absolutely keep my eyes out of more works by this author, and can’t wait to read more!
This is one of those rare times where I feel like my words aren’t doing the subject justice, and the best thing I can say is you just absolutely should read this book.
I received an eBook copy, but I also found an audiobook copy from my library. I have ADHD and sometimes it helps listening to books while I’m doing other tasks, so I always love finding audiobooks. The audio narration is amazing! I highly recommend either version. But if you love audiobooks, it was a great listen!
Anyone who has ever had a hard time letting go of the past will find something to love about this book. It’s a lovely mix of coming-of-age, overcoming the past, and inspiration, but it’s also an intense suspense and mystery with elements of fear.
December 1, 2022
This story comes out December 1, 2022. The paperback available November 17, 2022. This is Natasha Boydell Title of Books are: The Missing Husband, The Woman Next Door, The Lagacy of Eve, and Now the new releases Titled: Ask Natalie December 1, 2022. The paperback November available November 17, 2022.
The story starts with Natalie Brown is working as a journalism for The Daily, and her boss Bob did not like her article she is working on. Natalie had to find something else to write about. Then she went to get coffee at Gio's. Natalie meets another colleague Nick Walker the crime correspondent they bickered good naturedly. When she returns with coffee for herself, and her colleague Christina. The police were there. The ask about an old boyfriend, she know him as Owen dubbed him Owen in honor of the England striker Michael Owen. Owen name was really Simon Hall. They Natalie and Owen have not spoken since they were teenagers twenty years ago. Simon Hall is missing, and he left a note stating, "Ask Natalie." This is a great story, the intense search for the person that was your first love, and more importantly you wonder what life would have been like for you both if you were together. Life of the past comes into play in Natalie Brown present. I hope you read this great mystery and more.
The story starts with Natalie Brown is working as a journalism for The Daily, and her boss Bob did not like her article she is working on. Natalie had to find something else to write about. Then she went to get coffee at Gio's. Natalie meets another colleague Nick Walker the crime correspondent they bickered good naturedly. When she returns with coffee for herself, and her colleague Christina. The police were there. The ask about an old boyfriend, she know him as Owen dubbed him Owen in honor of the England striker Michael Owen. Owen name was really Simon Hall. They Natalie and Owen have not spoken since they were teenagers twenty years ago. Simon Hall is missing, and he left a note stating, "Ask Natalie." This is a great story, the intense search for the person that was your first love, and more importantly you wonder what life would have been like for you both if you were together. Life of the past comes into play in Natalie Brown present. I hope you read this great mystery and more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it’s very unlikely to be the last because I really enjoyed it.
Our lead character, Natalie, is a journalist who, for reasons unknown to her comes into work one day to find the police in her boss’s office waiting to speak to her. The reason, her first love has gone missing, leaving a note behind that says ‘ask Natalie’, nothing more, nothing less. She has no idea why he would do that, she hasn’t seen Owen for years.
The story takes us through her process of looking into his disappearance, where her investigative journalism takes her and reveals some surprises along the way.
It also shares her thoughts and feelings as she looks back on her first love and the impact that had on her.
I’m not sure that I agree with the genre being a thriller, although there are some suspenseful moments throughout the story. Equally there are also some very funny laugh out loud moments too.
I liked the author’s writing style and found it a pleasure to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
Our lead character, Natalie, is a journalist who, for reasons unknown to her comes into work one day to find the police in her boss’s office waiting to speak to her. The reason, her first love has gone missing, leaving a note behind that says ‘ask Natalie’, nothing more, nothing less. She has no idea why he would do that, she hasn’t seen Owen for years.
The story takes us through her process of looking into his disappearance, where her investigative journalism takes her and reveals some surprises along the way.
It also shares her thoughts and feelings as she looks back on her first love and the impact that had on her.
I’m not sure that I agree with the genre being a thriller, although there are some suspenseful moments throughout the story. Equally there are also some very funny laugh out loud moments too.
I liked the author’s writing style and found it a pleasure to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
November 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this story centred around the modern day era of social media and the ability to make connections to your past. People look at the past through rose tinted glasses as did Natalie but when the past is thrown right into her future it brings around the closure she needed.
Finding the long lost first love of her life has disappeared with a cryptic clue Involving her name Natalie plays detective in her role as a journalist to get to the bottom of the mystery and fond out what has happened to Owen.
The story takes the reader through the journey of Owen and Natalie as teens through to today life of Natalie and shows the impact of the hurt from a first love causing deep scars and pain that Natalie has struggled to overcome making adult relationships difficult. Owen has been the one she could never move on from always there on the background of life and finally the story comes full circle. We all have that one true love that we put on a pedestal but 20 years later do you realise they weren’t all you made them to be or they really are tour soul mate ?
Excellent read
Finding the long lost first love of her life has disappeared with a cryptic clue Involving her name Natalie plays detective in her role as a journalist to get to the bottom of the mystery and fond out what has happened to Owen.
The story takes the reader through the journey of Owen and Natalie as teens through to today life of Natalie and shows the impact of the hurt from a first love causing deep scars and pain that Natalie has struggled to overcome making adult relationships difficult. Owen has been the one she could never move on from always there on the background of life and finally the story comes full circle. We all have that one true love that we put on a pedestal but 20 years later do you realise they weren’t all you made them to be or they really are tour soul mate ?
Excellent read
December 2, 2022
an example of living for today
Natasha Boydell was not an author I had read before, so I had no preconceptions of what I was about to encounter, as I clicked on the digital cover.
A book that reached in and drew me immediately into it. Admittedly, it felt that it was written by a woman and possibly aimed at the female market to start with, but this feeling was quickly dispelled and the pace of the book took over.
She tells the story with flashbacks to the back story of the main character but not in a manner that was clunky or irritating. The side characters entered and exited the story smoothly adding value with each visit and taking the central tale along its path.
Even at the end there was a mysterious ending that still attempted to mislead the reader.
All in all, a very enjoyable book to read and one that makes her back catalogue somewhere that I am heading over to.
Natasha Boydell was not an author I had read before, so I had no preconceptions of what I was about to encounter, as I clicked on the digital cover.
A book that reached in and drew me immediately into it. Admittedly, it felt that it was written by a woman and possibly aimed at the female market to start with, but this feeling was quickly dispelled and the pace of the book took over.
She tells the story with flashbacks to the back story of the main character but not in a manner that was clunky or irritating. The side characters entered and exited the story smoothly adding value with each visit and taking the central tale along its path.
Even at the end there was a mysterious ending that still attempted to mislead the reader.
All in all, a very enjoyable book to read and one that makes her back catalogue somewhere that I am heading over to.
June 21, 2023
Wow! There was nothing slow about this book - no ease us in gently, just bam! A start that had me hooked from page one and with a pace to match, I honestly couldn't put this one down!
Natalie discovers that her 'one that got away', Owen, has gone missing and being encouraged by her boss that this will make a great story, she starts to investigate this mystery.
She is feisty and strong willed and makes for a great female lead.
I loved looking at this from a dual timeline as we explore the relationship that Natalie and Owen had in the past and the mystery and intrigue of trying to find him in the present. Each one twisting and turning, which I love in a psychological thriller as this keeps me guessing right up to the end.
I hate giving away any plot spoilers so will just say that you won't be disappointed with this one.
I was completely immersed throughout and raced to the end.
Will definitely be looking for more by this author!
Natalie discovers that her 'one that got away', Owen, has gone missing and being encouraged by her boss that this will make a great story, she starts to investigate this mystery.
She is feisty and strong willed and makes for a great female lead.
I loved looking at this from a dual timeline as we explore the relationship that Natalie and Owen had in the past and the mystery and intrigue of trying to find him in the present. Each one twisting and turning, which I love in a psychological thriller as this keeps me guessing right up to the end.
I hate giving away any plot spoilers so will just say that you won't be disappointed with this one.
I was completely immersed throughout and raced to the end.
Will definitely be looking for more by this author!
November 6, 2022
Natasha Boydell was not an author I had read before, so I had no preconceptions of what I was about to encounter, as I clicked on the digital cover.
A book that reached in and drew me immediately into it. Admittedly, it felt that it was written by a woman and possibly aimed at the female market to start with, but this feeling was quickly dispelled and the pace of the book took over.
She tells the story with flashbacks to the back story of the main character but not in a manner that was clunky or irritating. The side characters entered and exited the story smoothly adding value with each visit and taking the central tale along its path.
Even at the end there was a mysterious ending that still attempted to mislead the reader.
All in all, a very enjoyable book to read and one that makes her back catalogue somewhere that I am heading over to.
A book that reached in and drew me immediately into it. Admittedly, it felt that it was written by a woman and possibly aimed at the female market to start with, but this feeling was quickly dispelled and the pace of the book took over.
She tells the story with flashbacks to the back story of the main character but not in a manner that was clunky or irritating. The side characters entered and exited the story smoothly adding value with each visit and taking the central tale along its path.
Even at the end there was a mysterious ending that still attempted to mislead the reader.
All in all, a very enjoyable book to read and one that makes her back catalogue somewhere that I am heading over to.
December 2, 2022
This isn't the first book I read from Natasha Boydell and as with the other ones I enjoyed it a lot. The author has a way to describe her characters and situations in a way that make us, the readers, feel part of the story and walk alongside the characters through it.
What if he was the one that got away but it didn't have to be that way? This is the question at the core of the story and the one that propels our main character Natalie to look for her once love of her life when he disappears and leaves a note with only the words "Ask Natalie". We and her realize that the more she investigate his disappearance, the more he's not the person she thought he was twenty years ago.
This book has themes of love, betrayal, heartbreak, suspense and uncertainty and ends up kind of in an unpredictable way, although there are hints throughout the book that lead to that conclusion.
What if he was the one that got away but it didn't have to be that way? This is the question at the core of the story and the one that propels our main character Natalie to look for her once love of her life when he disappears and leaves a note with only the words "Ask Natalie". We and her realize that the more she investigate his disappearance, the more he's not the person she thought he was twenty years ago.
This book has themes of love, betrayal, heartbreak, suspense and uncertainty and ends up kind of in an unpredictable way, although there are hints throughout the book that lead to that conclusion.
June 20, 2023
A very unusual piece of mystery...........
Ask Natalie by Natasha Boydell brings to you a very different kind thriller where there is no actual crime. All the characters are in a wat suffering in their own world. Love and emotions can hurt but still people fall in love. Natalie's character was interesting but I liked Owen's character most. Right from the beginning the plot holds your interest. The plot toggles between past and present but in a very clever way. Although I could not place the climax in a correct way in my mind, but still the book is worth a read.
Definitely 4 stars for the book. Thanks to LoveBooksTours and Natasha Boydell for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
Ask Natalie by Natasha Boydell brings to you a very different kind thriller where there is no actual crime. All the characters are in a wat suffering in their own world. Love and emotions can hurt but still people fall in love. Natalie's character was interesting but I liked Owen's character most. Right from the beginning the plot holds your interest. The plot toggles between past and present but in a very clever way. Although I could not place the climax in a correct way in my mind, but still the book is worth a read.
Definitely 4 stars for the book. Thanks to LoveBooksTours and Natasha Boydell for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
June 21, 2023
We all hear about people having loved someone and feeling like they were the one that got away. They sometimes pine over the person, wondering if their life would be different and what if. What happens when you check in on your what if and they seem to be gone, completely gone. The main character find herself in that position and becomes somewhat obsessed with solving the mystery to the disappearance of the person she cares so much about.
We read along as she goes further and further down the rabbit hole of the mystery, seeming to get no closer, but definitely falling more into what seems to be a trap.
You get the feeling something is up, but have no way to keep her from making a mistake.
I absolutely loved reading along, trying to solve the mystery myself and enjoying the twists and turns of this story. Overall, it is excellent, and one I thoroughly enjoyed, from start to finish.
We read along as she goes further and further down the rabbit hole of the mystery, seeming to get no closer, but definitely falling more into what seems to be a trap.
You get the feeling something is up, but have no way to keep her from making a mistake.
I absolutely loved reading along, trying to solve the mystery myself and enjoying the twists and turns of this story. Overall, it is excellent, and one I thoroughly enjoyed, from start to finish.
November 27, 2022
Not usually one for a love story, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, focused as it is on Natalie's first and only true love, who has gone missing years after they split up.
The story is told through events unfolding in the past and present - alternating Natalie's schooldays with her adult life - and this worked very well to lead us to the climax of the story. Natalie herself is an engaging character and the book is written in an appealing style.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be on the lookout for more!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the eARC of this book.
The story is told through events unfolding in the past and present - alternating Natalie's schooldays with her adult life - and this worked very well to lead us to the climax of the story. Natalie herself is an engaging character and the book is written in an appealing style.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be on the lookout for more!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the eARC of this book.
December 1, 2022
Natalie is a single journalist, living for her work in London. Then police turn up to question her because a former boyfriend has gone missing, leaving behind a note saying ‘Ask Natalie’. ‘Owen’ was Natalie’s first love and she hasn’t seen him for twenty years, but now memories flood back and Natalie is drawn to search for him, both to help him and to resolve her feelings. The story is told in two timelines: the past story of their relationship and the present mystery.
I loved the premise and found this a gripping and engaging page turner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely read more.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
I loved the premise and found this a gripping and engaging page turner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely read more.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
June 20, 2023
If you like a psychological suspense then look no further. I pretty much read this book in one sitting because it was impossible to tear myself away. To say this is gripping is a massive understatement. I raced through the final few chapters, desperate to find the conclusion. Did I? Well you will have to read it to find out. No spoilers here. So well-written with just the right amount of jeopardy and intrigue. The book is fast paced and as someone who adores a strong female character, I was delighted in Natalie. Nothing wishy washy about her at all. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author and if you want a great story to read by the pool, then this is the one.
July 7, 2023
This had me on the edge of my seat. I read it in a day and it kept me up late and into the early hours as I was desperate to find out how it ended.
It was full of twists and surprises and I did not expect the way that it ended.
This was so well written, it keeps you so intrigued and I really liked the dual timelines of past and present and thought they were written really well and clear.
Overall this was a captivating read and I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Thank you to Love Books Tours, Natasha Boydell and Bloodhound Books for the #gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was full of twists and surprises and I did not expect the way that it ended.
This was so well written, it keeps you so intrigued and I really liked the dual timelines of past and present and thought they were written really well and clear.
Overall this was a captivating read and I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Thank you to Love Books Tours, Natasha Boydell and Bloodhound Books for the #gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
I loved this book, Natalie was a really engaging lead character, and I loved the way her story was told between the present and the past, with the past extracts dripping hints as to how we got to the present.
All of the characters blended extremely well together, and were nicely developed.
I'm always a sucker for a love story, and fully felt Natalie's anguish over the one that got away.
I am really grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review, and introducing me to this author who I shall add to my must read list.
All of the characters blended extremely well together, and were nicely developed.
I'm always a sucker for a love story, and fully felt Natalie's anguish over the one that got away.
I am really grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review, and introducing me to this author who I shall add to my must read list.
November 30, 2022
Did you ever wonder what if? Ask Natalie does just that. The book follows journalist Natalie Brown as she investigates the disappearance of Owen, her highschool sweetheart. The book weaves the past and present together as Natalie navigates her past feelings for Owen and how they have impacted her current life. This book will keep you hooked the whole way through as Natalie tries to figure out what happened to Owen. It will also make you think about why we always wonder how things could have turned out if only…..
December 2, 2022
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is not my first story by this author but it is one of my favorites by her. I enoy how the characters pulled me into the story from the start and kept me engaged to the end. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. It has great growth throughout the story which added to the story. This is a great book that is easy to read and entertaining. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this book.
June 18, 2023
‘Ask Natalie’ is an enjoyable and witty mystery. Natalie is an interesting main character and I was really intrigued by the disappearance of her ex love and the strange note he left behind. I thought it was a really interesting idea. I enjoyed all the wit and banter in this novel as well.
I am not usually a fan of books that go back and forth in the timeline but I felt like it was an important part of ‘Ask Natalie’. ‘Ask Natalie’ is an enjoyable mystery novel.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I am not usually a fan of books that go back and forth in the timeline but I felt like it was an important part of ‘Ask Natalie’. ‘Ask Natalie’ is an enjoyable mystery novel.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
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