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Only You
Nothing is really forgotten… Nothing is ever forgiven...
When Athene walks into Mary’s cafe and asks for directions to a holiday cottage she has rented, Mary tells her it burned down twenty years earlier. Since Athene has nowhere to stay, Mary suggests that she checks in to a local pub for the night.
What Athene doesn’t know is that the burnt-out house was where Mary’s friend, Bella, lived. The only person she ever loved, who died in terrible circumstances.
Brought on by Athene’s arrival, Mary feels her past leaking into the present. There is a secret to Bella’s death; something she has kept buried for years.
But is Athene really who she says she is?
Then Trent, a man convicted of starting the fire that burnt down the cottage, contacts Mary. He has received an anonymous email that refers to the past.
And when Mary starts to feel like she is being watched, she is terrified the past is coming back to haunt her.
Because some things cannot stay buried...
When Athene walks into Mary’s cafe and asks for directions to a holiday cottage she has rented, Mary tells her it burned down twenty years earlier. Since Athene has nowhere to stay, Mary suggests that she checks in to a local pub for the night.
What Athene doesn’t know is that the burnt-out house was where Mary’s friend, Bella, lived. The only person she ever loved, who died in terrible circumstances.
Brought on by Athene’s arrival, Mary feels her past leaking into the present. There is a secret to Bella’s death; something she has kept buried for years.
But is Athene really who she says she is?
Then Trent, a man convicted of starting the fire that burnt down the cottage, contacts Mary. He has received an anonymous email that refers to the past.
And when Mary starts to feel like she is being watched, she is terrified the past is coming back to haunt her.
Because some things cannot stay buried...
- GenresThriller
Audio CD
Published March 23, 2021
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96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 5, 2020
Athene has rented a holiday cottage for a month ... or has she? The cottage doesn't exist .. it was abandoned years ago burned to the ground. She meets Mary, working in her cafe and Mary recommends she stay at the local pub.
What Athene doesn’t know is that the burnt-out house was where Mary’s friend, Bella, lived. The only person she ever loved, who died in terrible circumstances.
Mary's past comes to the forefront ... a secret regarding her friend's death that she's kept buried for years.
Mary feels she is being watched and she's terrified her secret is about to be discovered.
I found this to be well-written with enough twists and turns to not only keep the suspense high, but to keep me riveted to the pages. The characters are deftly drawn amidst the swirling secrets surrounding them. The ending came as quite a surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 5, 2020
Are ‘psychological thrillers’ actually ‘mystery' stories? Not of the classic ‘who killed Sir Roger?’ or even ‘who stole the Countess’s jewels?’ variety, but certainly in the vein of the stranger who comes into the village in search of revenge, whether the stranger is Orestes or ‘the Man with No Name’ or here, where she in named Athene, and arrives at a coffee shop belonging to Mary. Athene is trying to find a holiday house called Blea Fell she rented, but Mary assures her it burned down some twenty years ago. We also discover that it belonged to the family of Mary’s best friend Bella, killed in a terrible motor accident the night of the fire. The novel continues on two timelines. The backstory is told in varied order, recounting the relationship between Bella and Mary (nicknamed ‘Mouse’) and their involvement with two slightly older boys, Jamie and Trent. In the present story, Jamie keeps a pub and inn called The Craven Head, and Trent is about to be paroled from prison where he was serving a term for manslaughter.
The is the second book by S. Williams that I’ve read, and it’s quite different from Tuesday Falling, which I simply loved, featuring the almost comic strip adventures of a young woman revenge seeker capable of simultaneously kicking the arses of thugs whilst controlling the entire London Underground system with her iPad. Only You is a quieter and sadder story, though it also includes child sexual abuse, fortunately not portrayed in detail.
Currently very complex plots where a myriad of seemingly unrelated stories turn out to be closely intwined at the end are fashionable. Personally, I don’t particularly enjoy them, especially when the author conceals essential information from the reader. Here readers will try to suss out what can be Athene’s mission? How is she related to any to the characters of the backstory? And why has she come to Blea Fell? Like most readers, I soon developed a hypothesis that indeed proved largely correct, although one that also failed to fit the apparent chronological sequence. (We are also offered an attractive red herring, which like all good red herrings supports the plot.) When we finally discover the truth, I had to do some on-line research, which found that it is indeed possible, though quite unlikely to occur to but few readers. Like Aristotle, I prefer probable even though impossible explanations (such as found in paranormal and ghost stories) to improbable but scientifically barely possible causes. But that may be a matter of taste. Only You is a skilfully plotted and told story, but Tuesday Falling was a lot more fun.
The is the second book by S. Williams that I’ve read, and it’s quite different from Tuesday Falling, which I simply loved, featuring the almost comic strip adventures of a young woman revenge seeker capable of simultaneously kicking the arses of thugs whilst controlling the entire London Underground system with her iPad. Only You is a quieter and sadder story, though it also includes child sexual abuse, fortunately not portrayed in detail.
Currently very complex plots where a myriad of seemingly unrelated stories turn out to be closely intwined at the end are fashionable. Personally, I don’t particularly enjoy them, especially when the author conceals essential information from the reader. Here readers will try to suss out what can be Athene’s mission? How is she related to any to the characters of the backstory? And why has she come to Blea Fell? Like most readers, I soon developed a hypothesis that indeed proved largely correct, although one that also failed to fit the apparent chronological sequence. (We are also offered an attractive red herring, which like all good red herrings supports the plot.) When we finally discover the truth, I had to do some on-line research, which found that it is indeed possible, though quite unlikely to occur to but few readers. Like Aristotle, I prefer probable even though impossible explanations (such as found in paranormal and ghost stories) to improbable but scientifically barely possible causes. But that may be a matter of taste. Only You is a skilfully plotted and told story, but Tuesday Falling was a lot more fun.
October 5, 2020
The book that just keeps on giving.
This is my first book by this author and all I can say is INCREDIBLE!
With twists and turns that could give you whiplash; this will have you in its grip right up to the very last page.
When a young woman, Athene arrives at Blea Moor, life for two of its residents will change forever. Athene is looking for Blea Fell, a cottage that she has rented for some alone time to compete her studies. But on arrival she learns from cafe owner Mary that the cottage is now only a ruin, and it looks like she must have been scammed.
It’s now late and so Mary sends her over to Jamie who runs the local pub, and who rents rooms.
The storyline then takes you back to when Mary and Jamie were younger, and their relationships with Trent and Bella.
As the Web of secrets and lies unravel it appears that this young woman also has some pretty big secrets of her own.
But what secrets does this young woman hold? And what other secrets will resurface?
This book had me completely absorbed within its pages, so much so, I read it in virtually one sitting.
It had me going through a complete range of emotions, from anger and disgust, to having me close to tears, as some parts were heart-breaking,
This is my first book by this author and all I can say is INCREDIBLE!
With twists and turns that could give you whiplash; this will have you in its grip right up to the very last page.
When a young woman, Athene arrives at Blea Moor, life for two of its residents will change forever. Athene is looking for Blea Fell, a cottage that she has rented for some alone time to compete her studies. But on arrival she learns from cafe owner Mary that the cottage is now only a ruin, and it looks like she must have been scammed.
It’s now late and so Mary sends her over to Jamie who runs the local pub, and who rents rooms.
The storyline then takes you back to when Mary and Jamie were younger, and their relationships with Trent and Bella.
As the Web of secrets and lies unravel it appears that this young woman also has some pretty big secrets of her own.
But what secrets does this young woman hold? And what other secrets will resurface?
This book had me completely absorbed within its pages, so much so, I read it in virtually one sitting.
It had me going through a complete range of emotions, from anger and disgust, to having me close to tears, as some parts were heart-breaking,
October 11, 2020
I felt as though this book grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let me go. The dual timeline of present and past helped to explore the relationship between the characters to give you insight into the conflicts that are coming up and why it might be happening. There were definitely some "aha" moments for me as I read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book thanks to Bloodhound Books and the author.
October 7, 2020
Wow what a twisty twists in this book. I needed some time to get in to it but when I did, wow. This is my first book by this author and hopefully not my last 4 well deserved stars
October 7, 2020
Complex, claustrophobic and well crafted. This dark tale owes as much to the locus in quo as the damaged characters, of which there were few. I guessed the central issue quite early but that was more to do with my background than detection skills.
I still recommend this author’s first book several years after reading. For me, that was more enjoyable and spirited. This book is totally different but the author certainly has a way with words and a talent for writing a satisfying story.
Do read ‘Tuesday Falling’ his debut novel and make your own mind up.
October 5, 2020
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I was in, there was no going back.
Mary thought she more or less put her past behind her until a new girl arrives into town looking to rent the house Bella, her deceased best friend, used to live in. Forced to relive the heartbreak of her teenage years, she now wonders how Athene (new girl) is connected to Bella and how she seems to know so much about what happened all these years ago. After all, it was only an accident, leading to other tragedies, right?
So like I said, this was a gripping story which took a really dark(er) turn at some point... I loved it, and can only recommend it!
Mary thought she more or less put her past behind her until a new girl arrives into town looking to rent the house Bella, her deceased best friend, used to live in. Forced to relive the heartbreak of her teenage years, she now wonders how Athene (new girl) is connected to Bella and how she seems to know so much about what happened all these years ago. After all, it was only an accident, leading to other tragedies, right?
So like I said, this was a gripping story which took a really dark(er) turn at some point... I loved it, and can only recommend it!
October 6, 2020
Overall 4.5*
When Athene arrives in the village looking for a holiday let which had been destroyed by fire many years ago, you just know that this will be a dark tale. S Williams takes the reader on a roller coaster journey switching between the present and the past detailing the lives of 4 teenagers, each with their own troubles which conversely draws them together. You know that there is more to Athene being there however it isn't right until the end that all is revealed. Great writing and a book that I was loathe to put down.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
When Athene arrives in the village looking for a holiday let which had been destroyed by fire many years ago, you just know that this will be a dark tale. S Williams takes the reader on a roller coaster journey switching between the present and the past detailing the lives of 4 teenagers, each with their own troubles which conversely draws them together. You know that there is more to Athene being there however it isn't right until the end that all is revealed. Great writing and a book that I was loathe to put down.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
October 5, 2020
A great read, I wasn’t sure what to expect starting this as it isn’t my usual kind of read, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. Not to be cliched as I don’t like using the term “full of twists and turns” but it really was, just as I thought I was putting two and two together I would be side swiped and left trying to work it all out. I did eventually get there and figured a few things out but not the nitty gritty lol. A very well written storyline flitting between past and present and with characters that are relatable to everyday life.
October 6, 2020
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more from them. This is a well written suspense-thriller story that kept me turning pages to the end. It is engaging with twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I enjoyed how the characters brought the story to life and I had no issues connecting to them. This made a great weekend read which I highly recommend.
October 5, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely seek out and read more.
Only You is a well written, dark and compelling story which is written over two timelines. It is a bit of a slow burner but once it gets going it really is on fire, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very satisfying ending.
Only You is a well written, dark and compelling story which is written over two timelines. It is a bit of a slow burner but once it gets going it really is on fire, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very satisfying ending.
October 15, 2020
Mary has a heartbreaking past that she was able to keep buried for years but when a mysterious stranger, Athene, shows up in her little café old memories threaten to resurface. When Athene tells her she’s rented a local cottage called Blea Fell Mary’s world stops turning. How could she be staying there when the place burnt down years ago? While Mary attempts to keep her emotions under control she can’t help feeling that Athene reminds her of the friend she lost all those years ago. Mary decides to keep close tabs on Athene but is she prepared to unearth all her secrets and heartbreak from the past?
I loved this story. It was shrouded in mystery and there was a depth to the story I didn’t anticipate. It was well written and fantastically executed.
I loved this story. It was shrouded in mystery and there was a depth to the story I didn’t anticipate. It was well written and fantastically executed.
May 20, 2021
A beautifully crafted and gripping page Turner. This book delves into dark areas of abuse and the human psych whilst keeping enough lightness and pace to make it extremley readable. To be recommended.
November 10, 2020
Only You. A Thriller with more twists than Chubby Checker. “I did not see that coming” or a phrase of similar meaning will be exiting your lips at least once when you have read this so make peace with it now and let’s move on.
It reads like an RPG plays in the respect that every choice every character has made has impacted on the story and set into motion a chain of events that could have been avoided had they all made better choices. The only thing that annoyed me (and it’s neither here nor there in relation to the story) is that at the beginning of the story there is one or two occasions when American terms are used as well as British terms which confused me as to where the story was actually set. I later discovered it is actually set in the UK. The confusion didn’t ruin the story whatsoever, but it is the reason “Only You” gets four stars from me, and not five!
It reads like an RPG plays in the respect that every choice every character has made has impacted on the story and set into motion a chain of events that could have been avoided had they all made better choices. The only thing that annoyed me (and it’s neither here nor there in relation to the story) is that at the beginning of the story there is one or two occasions when American terms are used as well as British terms which confused me as to where the story was actually set. I later discovered it is actually set in the UK. The confusion didn’t ruin the story whatsoever, but it is the reason “Only You” gets four stars from me, and not five!
December 27, 2020
Well this is certainly one of those In didn’t see that coming’ books. Complex and compelling, it draws you in and won’t let go.
Athene arrives at a sleepy village with the premise of continuing her studies in peace and quiet. But the property she has rented is in ruins and she has to stay at the local pub. She meets the local cafe owner too, who wonders what Athena’s real reasons are for being there. The past is about to come back, and it’s not pretty.
Athene arrives at a sleepy village with the premise of continuing her studies in peace and quiet. But the property she has rented is in ruins and she has to stay at the local pub. She meets the local cafe owner too, who wonders what Athena’s real reasons are for being there. The past is about to come back, and it’s not pretty.
May 21, 2022
This book was dark, twisted, and very gripping. The dual timelines helped cement the relationships between the characters and helped me get more invested in the story. There are definitely triggers that should be looked up before picking this up, including rape, incest, and sexual assault. There might be more that I can’t remember off the top of my head. Overall, I’m glad I checked this book out and it will not be my last from this author.
June 7, 2022
Athene, Mary, Trent and Joey all have secrets that collide.
Athene comes to a small village for and meets Mary at a café. She has rented a house but seems to have been scammed in that the place she was to have rented was burned and abandoned after a terrible accident that killed Mary’s friend.
Told in a way that connects the past with the present, the author examines how grief and trauma affect these people.
Trigger warnings: rape, child abuse, murder.
Athene comes to a small village for and meets Mary at a café. She has rented a house but seems to have been scammed in that the place she was to have rented was burned and abandoned after a terrible accident that killed Mary’s friend.
Told in a way that connects the past with the present, the author examines how grief and trauma affect these people.
Trigger warnings: rape, child abuse, murder.
October 28, 2020
Wasn’t sure that I would like it in the beginning. Then I was hooked to the end. Some surprises I did not think of.
April 4, 2021
Read the whole thing in one afternoon - I loved Tuesday Falling and this is equally as gripping.
May 28, 2022
Boring. Couldn’t even finish.
June 8, 2022
Had to restart the audiobook on this a couple of times to get a clear understanding of the different characters and overall plot. The flashbacks don’t happen in order but add to the overall plot.
January 24, 2021
3.5
Spoilers ahead!
This was a fun book. At first the writing style (only using one set of quotation marks for all the dialogue instead of two) threw me, but I got used to it. There were a few twists at the end, most of which I saw coming, but one or two that did surprise me. I haven't rated this book higher because the actual ending and reveals didn't do much for me. I didn't find them that shocking or emotional, and a few of them also felt a little outlandish (three of the main characters had been raped by different characters, and somehow a baby was kept alive in a brain dead character's body?)
I appreciated that a lot of the focus of this book was the relationship between two girls in the past. The nature of their relationship was complicated and kept me guessing, but it definitely was queer. I was hoping things were going in a different direction with them though. There's a scene where one girl (Bella) made the other girl cut her with her fingernails, and I found that really interesting. I was looking forward to them having a toxic, compelling, weird, controlling dynamic going forward that tied into the eventual death of one of the girls. Instead, for the most part they have a sweet dynamic, and Bella did that because she was trying to protect her friend by driving her away. Many people will probably appreciate this aspect, but I wanted their actual relationship to be a little more dark, not just the plot itself. Also, at first we think Bella died in a crash by purposefully crashing the car they were all driving in, but it turns out she was murdered. I actually found the first idea more compelling. Overall this was a quick read and I enjoyed it, and I'm always down to read more wlw thrillers! If anyone has any recs for other books like this please let me know.
Spoilers ahead!
This was a fun book. At first the writing style (only using one set of quotation marks for all the dialogue instead of two) threw me, but I got used to it. There were a few twists at the end, most of which I saw coming, but one or two that did surprise me. I haven't rated this book higher because the actual ending and reveals didn't do much for me. I didn't find them that shocking or emotional, and a few of them also felt a little outlandish (three of the main characters had been raped by different characters, and somehow a baby was kept alive in a brain dead character's body?)
I appreciated that a lot of the focus of this book was the relationship between two girls in the past. The nature of their relationship was complicated and kept me guessing, but it definitely was queer. I was hoping things were going in a different direction with them though. There's a scene where one girl (Bella) made the other girl cut her with her fingernails, and I found that really interesting. I was looking forward to them having a toxic, compelling, weird, controlling dynamic going forward that tied into the eventual death of one of the girls. Instead, for the most part they have a sweet dynamic, and Bella did that because she was trying to protect her friend by driving her away. Many people will probably appreciate this aspect, but I wanted their actual relationship to be a little more dark, not just the plot itself. Also, at first we think Bella died in a crash by purposefully crashing the car they were all driving in, but it turns out she was murdered. I actually found the first idea more compelling. Overall this was a quick read and I enjoyed it, and I'm always down to read more wlw thrillers! If anyone has any recs for other books like this please let me know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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