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Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness
Author Tillie Bagshawe brilliantly recaptured the late superstar author’s magic with Sidney Sheldon’s Mistress of the Game —and now she does it again with Sidney Sheldon’s After the Darkness. A classic tale of love and betrayal, and a struggle for survival in the new world order, this is an enthralling novel with ripped-from-the-headlines immediacy, perfect for the post-Bernie Madoff era in America. A tribute to one of America’s most popular and bestselling authors, Sidney Sheldon’s After the Darkness is a novel that the master himself would have been proud to call his own.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
433 people are currently reading
5968 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Bagshawe
50 books912 followersMatilda Emily N. Bagshawe was born on 12 June 1973 in England, UK. She attended local all-girls Catholic schools near her family home in Surrey. She was a single mother at 17, but she won a place at Cambridge University and took Persephone, her ten-month-old baby daughter with her. As a journalist, she went on to enjoy a successful career in London, and contributed regularly to The Sunday Times, Daily Mail and Evening Standard, before turning her hand to novels. Her first book, Adored as Tilly Bagshawe, was a smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005, and she hasn't looked back since.
Tilly is married Robin Nydes, a US businessman, and the couple have two sons together, Zac and Theo. The family divide their time between their homes in London and Los Angeles. Tilly is also the sister of the writer and politician Louise Bagshawe.
Tilly is married Robin Nydes, a US businessman, and the couple have two sons together, Zac and Theo. The family divide their time between their homes in London and Los Angeles. Tilly is also the sister of the writer and politician Louise Bagshawe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
February 12, 2020
“It was amazing how quickly the body could heal. But the spirit was not so resilient.”
― Tilly Bagshawe, Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness
Trigger warning..rape scene.
This book is about the Brooksteins.
They are a very powerful couple. Lenny Brookstein is a very rich man. And why shouldn't he be? He runs the biggest Hedge Fund Firm in the world.
Grace is his wife..and half his age. She is from a very wealthy family and is a little bit of an innocent.
The two of them are very happy together.
Until one day (Think Madoff) the firm is busted. Around the same time, Lenny is murdered at sea.
When the police come to arrest Grace she claims to know nothing about her husband's schemes but the police do not believe her and she goes on trial. And there is strong evidence that she did indeed know.
This is a bit of a murder mystery mixed in with a Family saga. Someone killed Lenny. Could it be one of his employees? Could it be one of Grace 's relatives? Everyone has a motive. But the problem is, Lenny death is declared a suicide.
In jail, Grace has to wise up fast. She is also desperate to clear her husband's name as well as obtain justice for him.
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't perfect but it was both entertaining and quite interesting.
Tilly Bagshawe wrote this, using Sheldon's name and honestly this is not at the level of a Sheldon book but it was still a fun read.
Some issues..so many things happen that are just totally unrealistic. And nobody is at all likable except for Grace who is so perfect it really feels like she has no flaws what so ever.
In spite of these issues, it was a fun, if not life changing, read and I'd recommend it for fans of Mystery novels and family sagas.
― Tilly Bagshawe, Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness
Trigger warning..rape scene.
This book is about the Brooksteins.
They are a very powerful couple. Lenny Brookstein is a very rich man. And why shouldn't he be? He runs the biggest Hedge Fund Firm in the world.
Grace is his wife..and half his age. She is from a very wealthy family and is a little bit of an innocent.
The two of them are very happy together.
Until one day (Think Madoff) the firm is busted. Around the same time, Lenny is murdered at sea.
When the police come to arrest Grace she claims to know nothing about her husband's schemes but the police do not believe her and she goes on trial. And there is strong evidence that she did indeed know.
This is a bit of a murder mystery mixed in with a Family saga. Someone killed Lenny. Could it be one of his employees? Could it be one of Grace 's relatives? Everyone has a motive. But the problem is, Lenny death is declared a suicide.
In jail, Grace has to wise up fast. She is also desperate to clear her husband's name as well as obtain justice for him.
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't perfect but it was both entertaining and quite interesting.
Tilly Bagshawe wrote this, using Sheldon's name and honestly this is not at the level of a Sheldon book but it was still a fun read.
Some issues..so many things happen that are just totally unrealistic. And nobody is at all likable except for Grace who is so perfect it really feels like she has no flaws what so ever.
In spite of these issues, it was a fun, if not life changing, read and I'd recommend it for fans of Mystery novels and family sagas.
February 11, 2011
Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness is a wonderfully written story of suspense, intrigue, mystery and betrayal. The principle character in After the Darkness is Grace Brookstein. Her character goes through so many changes and growth from the start of the story. Grace is the wife of Lenny Brookstein, who died while out on his boat and the death is ruled a suicide. Lenny is the financial wizard behind an investment company called Quorum.
After the Darkness starts out with Grace on trial for theft of billions of dollars through Quorum. She is innocent and feels that she will be cleared of all charges. Her trusting nature is what causes her many problems and heartbreak through the story. Those who she thought were her family and friends turn on her and don't want to help her during her trial and even after her day in court. She is surprised by her family's reaction. This is when Grace starts to go through a change. She is a lady that is used to things always being easy for her. Grace goes from a trusting, innocent child like woman to a woman of strength and realizes her true worth and that she can stand on her own two feet without the help of a man. I found myself eagerly hoping for her to survive every obstacle and hardship she encountered during the story.
Once you start reading After the Darkness you will not be able to stop. After the Darkness is a page turning novel of intrigue and suspense. I loved how the story was summarized at the end of the book. The ending for Grace is one of pure surprise. You may like it or you may feel jilted.
After the Darkness starts out with Grace on trial for theft of billions of dollars through Quorum. She is innocent and feels that she will be cleared of all charges. Her trusting nature is what causes her many problems and heartbreak through the story. Those who she thought were her family and friends turn on her and don't want to help her during her trial and even after her day in court. She is surprised by her family's reaction. This is when Grace starts to go through a change. She is a lady that is used to things always being easy for her. Grace goes from a trusting, innocent child like woman to a woman of strength and realizes her true worth and that she can stand on her own two feet without the help of a man. I found myself eagerly hoping for her to survive every obstacle and hardship she encountered during the story.
Once you start reading After the Darkness you will not be able to stop. After the Darkness is a page turning novel of intrigue and suspense. I loved how the story was summarized at the end of the book. The ending for Grace is one of pure surprise. You may like it or you may feel jilted.
September 11, 2023
-FICTION
-MYSTERY, THRILLER, SUSPENSE
-THE HUSBAND OF A MILLIONAIRE WOMAN IS HATED BY THE ENTIRETY OF USA AND ONE DAY HE IS FOUND DEAD AND IS ACCUSED OF THEFT AND HIS WIFE IS THE ONE WHO NOW HAS TO DEAL WITH ALL THAT SHIT + FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED, BASICALLY
-POLICE ELEMENTS, CRIME, AND FAMILY DRAMA
-IN THE BOOK THERE IS NO ROMANCE OTHER THAN THE TYPICAL INTERACTIONS OF MARRIED COUPLES, THANK GOD
-I TOOK ME A LITTLE MORE TIME THAN EXPECTED TO READ IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T FIND IT INTRIGUING AND ALSO BECAUSE I LACKED MOTIVATION TO READ IT
-IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A STORY IN WHICH ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE INTERNECTED AND THERE IS A CRIME/MYSTERY, READ THIS -SELF-CONCLUSIVE
-THE PROTAGONIST IS NOT ONE OF MY FAVORITES, BUT TBH SHE IS A BASASS, SHE NEVER GIVES UP
-IF I WAS IN HER PLACE I WOULD HAVE ALREADY ROT IN PRISON
-THERE ARE A LITTLE TRIGGERING AND DELICATE THEMES, MAINLY SEXUAL
-“It was amazing how quickly the body could heal. But the spirit was not so resilient.” ❤️
-Plot: 3/5
-Characters: 3/5
-MYSTERY, THRILLER, SUSPENSE
-THE HUSBAND OF A MILLIONAIRE WOMAN IS HATED BY THE ENTIRETY OF USA AND ONE DAY HE IS FOUND DEAD AND IS ACCUSED OF THEFT AND HIS WIFE IS THE ONE WHO NOW HAS TO DEAL WITH ALL THAT SHIT + FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED, BASICALLY
-POLICE ELEMENTS, CRIME, AND FAMILY DRAMA
-IN THE BOOK THERE IS NO ROMANCE OTHER THAN THE TYPICAL INTERACTIONS OF MARRIED COUPLES, THANK GOD
-I TOOK ME A LITTLE MORE TIME THAN EXPECTED TO READ IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T FIND IT INTRIGUING AND ALSO BECAUSE I LACKED MOTIVATION TO READ IT
-IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A STORY IN WHICH ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE INTERNECTED AND THERE IS A CRIME/MYSTERY, READ THIS -SELF-CONCLUSIVE
-THE PROTAGONIST IS NOT ONE OF MY FAVORITES, BUT TBH SHE IS A BASASS, SHE NEVER GIVES UP
-IF I WAS IN HER PLACE I WOULD HAVE ALREADY ROT IN PRISON
-THERE ARE A LITTLE TRIGGERING AND DELICATE THEMES, MAINLY SEXUAL
-“It was amazing how quickly the body could heal. But the spirit was not so resilient.” ❤️
-Plot: 3/5
-Characters: 3/5
March 18, 2014
This book is a dubious copycat, a farcical imitation of Sidney Sheldon's IF TOMORROW COMES. This posthumous writer can't even make her own ideas: her theft of Sheldon's ideas run the gamut from the religious-lunatic detective's obsession with the protagonist, her incarceration and her Houdini escape, to the inmates' help. Bagshawe is supposed to be continuing our beloved Sidney Sheldon's work, not copy every single word out of his book. This is a parody! Even the ending is so predictable, I figured it out from the very beginning. We, Sheldon's fans, put him in a pedestal, and Bagshawe is trampling on his grave.
January 7, 2023
The story line deals with fraud and the financial crisis which I have interest in. If it dealt with a different topic I’m not so sure I would of enjoyed it as much. I haven’t read many Sidney Sheldon books yet so I cant really compare on the similarities but I have added a bunch to my TBR pile.
July 10, 2010
Sidney Sheldon always delivered a great story. This book is no exception. Tilly Bagshawe has continued the tradition with great panache. From front to back, the story unfolds in such a way you will keep turning the pages to see what happens next. I love the way she keeps Sheldon's tradition of fine prose alive. Brava!
When a wealthy young woman finds her father-figure in a rich and powerful Wall Street magnet, she is drawn into a world she never dreamed of. Accused of a fraud of such magnitude it destroyed millions, she is reviled throughout the world.
To tell you more would be to turn this review into a spoiler, so let me just say that every word, every sentence will enthrall you. This is a must read!
Highly Recommended
When a wealthy young woman finds her father-figure in a rich and powerful Wall Street magnet, she is drawn into a world she never dreamed of. Accused of a fraud of such magnitude it destroyed millions, she is reviled throughout the world.
To tell you more would be to turn this review into a spoiler, so let me just say that every word, every sentence will enthrall you. This is a must read!
Highly Recommended
March 9, 2016
This book is a disaster, why do people write things like this?
Sheldon is an amazing writer and I don't like when someone uses him (or any other author) to sell books with his (or hers) name on the covers. Just try to write something unique.
Sheldon is an amazing writer and I don't like when someone uses him (or any other author) to sell books with his (or hers) name on the covers. Just try to write something unique.
October 2, 2012
I found this book to be a real mixed bag. An intriguing story and a great heroine, but most of the other characters were very one dimensional. There seemed to be a mixed message here--Grace was unfairly judged because she was rich, and yet the author does nothing but paint pictures of these rich folks that make us want to puke our guts out. I found it very hard to believe that Grace's sister's hated her soooo much for no real reason, and that her husband didn't have any qualms at all about letting the "love of his life" go to prison for life for what he had done. Guys that smart can't be THAT clueless. And some of the inner dialogue was so ridiculous, and on occasion the author blew a great moment by over explaining.
And it's always a real let-down when the bad guy gets away with his lame plot simply because the police AND the FBI didn't check out something they would have certainly checked out first thing if they had a shred of competence. (OF course the hero detective checks it out.)
And finally, the resolution leaves us saying, "Really? I read this whole ridiculous book just to see her walk away in the crowd?"--away from somebody who could really love her for who she is. What a let down.
And it's always a real let-down when the bad guy gets away with his lame plot simply because the police AND the FBI didn't check out something they would have certainly checked out first thing if they had a shred of competence. (OF course the hero detective checks it out.)
And finally, the resolution leaves us saying, "Really? I read this whole ridiculous book just to see her walk away in the crowd?"--away from somebody who could really love her for who she is. What a let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2016
Grace Brookstein, a former gymnast, is the wife of billionaire and philanthropist, Lenny Brookstein, who rose from poverty and made a name for himself “The King of Wall Street”. They both live a life of fantasy. Their fairy-tale story comes to an end when stock market crashes and Lenny Brookstein is murdered suspiciously on his yacht. Grace is arrested for money laundering and everyone she knew turns their back against her.
Deciding on to prove her innocence grace puts herself in danger and goes against all odds to find the real culprit and avenge her husband’s death.On her mission to truth she unveils many secrets and finds that all this time she really was living in a fantasy, and she had no idea about the reality.
A good read , though it felt similar to Sheldon’s “If Tomorrow Comes”, nevertheless a good read if not a great read. Not the ideal Sheldon work but still worth reading. Tilly has done her best to write like THE SIDNEY SHELDON, though that did not happen,by the time you are in the middle, story becomes quite predictable. Though I felt that whatever bit of romance was there between the lead protagonists(Mitch and Grace) was not required and neither few more mishaps and affairs mentioned. Sheldon’s books are known for their suspense and then everything getting revealed eventually in a dramatic way.Well that did not happen here.You read about an incident and think why his might have had happened, before you even come up with a theory Tilly herself lays everything on plate with detailed explanation .It could have been better had Tilly been bit patient and delayed in revealing things and kinda give us more to read as to who why where and killed Lenny till the end instead of revealing everything side by side.
But then why 3 stars?????? Well a good question indeed. Well even though it certainly did not have The Sheldon factor but still I sat with the book for the entire day&night because I just could not come to part with the book.There were times when i felt,“oh! damn here you go.why ???” but then i would be like,“oh ! ha thank god” and,“no don’t tell me no”.. What I
mean to say is this that at places it does kinda hangs you and you wanna know what happened next. sign of good book.
Deciding on to prove her innocence grace puts herself in danger and goes against all odds to find the real culprit and avenge her husband’s death.On her mission to truth she unveils many secrets and finds that all this time she really was living in a fantasy, and she had no idea about the reality.
A good read , though it felt similar to Sheldon’s “If Tomorrow Comes”, nevertheless a good read if not a great read. Not the ideal Sheldon work but still worth reading. Tilly has done her best to write like THE SIDNEY SHELDON, though that did not happen,by the time you are in the middle, story becomes quite predictable. Though I felt that whatever bit of romance was there between the lead protagonists(Mitch and Grace) was not required and neither few more mishaps and affairs mentioned. Sheldon’s books are known for their suspense and then everything getting revealed eventually in a dramatic way.Well that did not happen here.You read about an incident and think why his might have had happened, before you even come up with a theory Tilly herself lays everything on plate with detailed explanation .It could have been better had Tilly been bit patient and delayed in revealing things and kinda give us more to read as to who why where and killed Lenny till the end instead of revealing everything side by side.
But then why 3 stars?????? Well a good question indeed. Well even though it certainly did not have The Sheldon factor but still I sat with the book for the entire day&night because I just could not come to part with the book.There were times when i felt,“oh! damn here you go.why ???” but then i would be like,“oh ! ha thank god” and,“no don’t tell me no”.. What I
mean to say is this that at places it does kinda hangs you and you wanna know what happened next. sign of good book.
November 4, 2010
Bernie Madoff's ponzi system sure has inspired many novels. I picked up this just to know more about the ponzi schemes. This was fast paced. Somehow my expectations from this book were much higher as it is set in the current high tech times with everyone using all types of gizmos on the market. This book could have been well set in the 80's except for the maddoff type of scaming, as there is no mention of any of the new gadgets, thats some can't live without even for a single day.
All along I knew that Leonard Bernstein was alive and he pulled it off. The key was h getting Grace to sign the papers. Not much of a surprise there uh....
All along I knew that Leonard Bernstein was alive and he pulled it off. The key was h getting Grace to sign the papers. Not much of a surprise there uh....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2011
I haven't read a Sidney Sheldon book in years. This one did not disappoint. After the Darkness took me through so many different emotions and twists and turns that I really had no idea what was going to happen next.
Great book!! Will read again!!
Great book!! Will read again!!
June 30, 2018
Suspense, drama, betrayal, thriller, shocking plot, twists and turns, fluent characters, well developed theme and everything you can expect from a Sidney Sheldon Book.
August 25, 2020
3.5
Not my favorite Sidney Sheldon book but I loved the plot twist.
Not my favorite Sidney Sheldon book but I loved the plot twist.
March 8, 2024
GOOD BOOK! FULL OF PLOT TWISTS
January 20, 2013
After reading Mistress of the Game by Bagshawe and being quite disappointed by it, I was hesitant on giving this a try but since it was lying around my house with no other books on the horizon, I picked it up anyway.
I think the reason why I gave this a 3 stars as opposed to a 2 stars (like I did for Mistress of the Game) was because I wasn't subconsciously comparing Sheldon's characters and plot with Bagshawe's; something I couldn't help doing with Mistress of the Game since Bagshawe was writing a sequel to Sheldon's Master of the Game.
Also, Bagshawe's prose was a bit tighter in After the Darkness; I say a bit because there were still some parts where I was skipping bits of text. I also liked Grace's (the main character) growth throughout the novel if only because I went from feeling like she deserved her head bashed in at the start of the novel to respecting her strength and resilience at the end of the novel. The other characters were a bit two-dimensional but then working with characters in a fast-paced thriller like this, it's hard not to make them so. The plot was solid with twists in abundance although I was a bit miffed that I could spot some major plot twists a mile away before I got to them.
Regardless, After the Darkness is a page-turning novel for all the right reasons. I would recommend this over Mistress of the Game any day.
I think the reason why I gave this a 3 stars as opposed to a 2 stars (like I did for Mistress of the Game) was because I wasn't subconsciously comparing Sheldon's characters and plot with Bagshawe's; something I couldn't help doing with Mistress of the Game since Bagshawe was writing a sequel to Sheldon's Master of the Game.
Also, Bagshawe's prose was a bit tighter in After the Darkness; I say a bit because there were still some parts where I was skipping bits of text. I also liked Grace's (the main character) growth throughout the novel if only because I went from feeling like she deserved her head bashed in at the start of the novel to respecting her strength and resilience at the end of the novel. The other characters were a bit two-dimensional but then working with characters in a fast-paced thriller like this, it's hard not to make them so. The plot was solid with twists in abundance although I was a bit miffed that I could spot some major plot twists a mile away before I got to them.
Regardless, After the Darkness is a page-turning novel for all the right reasons. I would recommend this over Mistress of the Game any day.
June 6, 2010
This novel rated 4 stars in plot, 2 stars in character and 5 stars for a shocking ending! However, I had to subtract another star for leaving crimes committed during the course of the book with no consequence.
The main character is straight out of a Danielle Steel book. You know the type- young woman born into wealth, beautiful, marries an even wealthier older man and the worst problem she ever faced was a hangnail! When her husband is found dead [ruled suicide:] she is left in a horrible position. Hubby was an investment broker and now all the money he invested for his clients is now missing. Since she is his partner [not that our naive heroine knew:] she is basically left holding an empty bag. Prosecuted and found guilty her life takes a change and she goes to prison.
The main character is straight out of a Danielle Steel book. You know the type- young woman born into wealth, beautiful, marries an even wealthier older man and the worst problem she ever faced was a hangnail! When her husband is found dead [ruled suicide:] she is left in a horrible position. Hubby was an investment broker and now all the money he invested for his clients is now missing. Since she is his partner [not that our naive heroine knew:] she is basically left holding an empty bag. Prosecuted and found guilty her life takes a change and she goes to prison.
April 12, 2020
sekali lagi, Sidney Sheldon menggunakan tokoh utama seorang perempuan tangguh yang harus menghadapi jatuh bangun kehidupan seorang diri. Grace Brookstein memiliki kehidupan yang hampir sempurna sehingga selalu memandang naif terhadap segalanya dan menganggap semua orang baik dan tulus seperti dirinya. Kenaifannya akhirnya menghancurkan dia dan membuat dia lahir kembali menjadi orang yang sangat berbeda, wanita yang mandiri, selalu awas terhadap sekitar dan berjuang sekuat tenaga demi hal yang penting bagi dirinya.
twist ending tidak terduga ala Sidney Sheldon.
twist ending tidak terduga ala Sidney Sheldon.
April 4, 2020
After a point of time, you realize that no level of amazing ending can make up for the fact that the author is a misogynistic, transphobic, sexist pos. I don't care what revelation lies ahead, as long as you continuously objectify and derogate women, use offensive language for the trans community, and place men on a pedestal, you lose all respect from me.
August 27, 2019
Tilly Bagshawe's writing is a far cry from Sidney Sheldon. Being a fan of his works, I felt as if I was reading a fanfiction more than an actual story under his style (if that makes sense.) Maybe I had higher expectations than I should've.
October 1, 2021
This is the second book in Tilly Bagshawe's Sidney Sheldon series in which she channels that author's style and plot types in all-new stories. Some readers seem to think she does an admirable job at this while others think she misses the mark by a wide margin. I tend to fall much closer towards the first group as all of them that I've read so far are much like Sheldon novels.
But in the end, that really doesn't matter. What does matter is the novel itself and whether or not it is a worthy read. This one certainly is. The plot is taken from the current events of 2008-2010, specifically the financial recession of those years. Much like with Bernie Madoff, this novel surrounds the fictional hedge fund manager and financial empire builder, Lenny Brookstein, and the discovery of his massive defrauding of thousands of people. Caught in the web, is his young, petite, and very naive wife, Grace. The story is about her as she goes to prison for conspiring with her husband, her escape, and her subsequent adventures of learning the truth and achieving some form of justice.
I enjoyed watching Grace as she slowly transformed from that naive super-rich girl into a driven, revenge-seeking force of nature. She endures a lot of terrible things in this book as her journey takes her along. Yes, some of the plot is fairly predictable, especially her growing relationship with the handsome detective who decides she is innocent and wants to help her. But there were some well-timed surprises as well, and the pages, they kept turning.
I don't believe there is a direct sequel to this book and it certainly stands alone. But if there ever were a second book featuring Grace and her further adventures, I would certainly read it.
But in the end, that really doesn't matter. What does matter is the novel itself and whether or not it is a worthy read. This one certainly is. The plot is taken from the current events of 2008-2010, specifically the financial recession of those years. Much like with Bernie Madoff, this novel surrounds the fictional hedge fund manager and financial empire builder, Lenny Brookstein, and the discovery of his massive defrauding of thousands of people. Caught in the web, is his young, petite, and very naive wife, Grace. The story is about her as she goes to prison for conspiring with her husband, her escape, and her subsequent adventures of learning the truth and achieving some form of justice.
I enjoyed watching Grace as she slowly transformed from that naive super-rich girl into a driven, revenge-seeking force of nature. She endures a lot of terrible things in this book as her journey takes her along. Yes, some of the plot is fairly predictable, especially her growing relationship with the handsome detective who decides she is innocent and wants to help her. But there were some well-timed surprises as well, and the pages, they kept turning.
I don't believe there is a direct sequel to this book and it certainly stands alone. But if there ever were a second book featuring Grace and her further adventures, I would certainly read it.
June 20, 2020
"Ignorance might be a morale defence, but cant be a legal one"
Sidney Sheldon has catered a masteriece with non sporadic thriller. The only thing that would strike in your mind while turning the page is "Now What".
Sidney Sheldon has catered a masteriece with non sporadic thriller. The only thing that would strike in your mind while turning the page is "Now What".
April 3, 2017
Definitely a page turner, no doubt about it.
April 22, 2017
Good. But the magic is missing.
June 24, 2025
One of my favorite authors!!
January 8, 2022
This book reminds me of Catch Me If You Can meets The Departed. It was a good story line, but some of the plot was too predictable.
March 4, 2017
He's still great. He's still one of the best mystery writers that I admire. Amazing!
December 24, 2015
In another life, a different dream, I could have loved him. But that chance had passed, blown away like a feather in the wind. She knew she would never go back.
Would she really go abroad? Probably, Or perhaps she would simply fade away here, as she had before, disappear into the comforting anonymity of the city.
Turning the corner, Grace Brookstein walked toward the subway. The crowds on the sidewalk opened up to let her in, then closed around her like a womb.
She was gone.
When I decided to read this book, I had no idea it would turn out to be this interesting. I had read her 'Mistress of the Game' and I told myself, 'Sister, I am never reading your book again!'. Now, its Christmas time, end of the year and I had to complete my goodreads challenge, and I didn't have any other book with me. I thought 'Oh well, everyone gets a second chance, isn't it?'.
Synopsis:
The striking story about love, betrayal, power and vengeance of the King of Wall Street, Lenny Brookstein and his beautiful wife, Grace Brookstein, who is actually young enough to be his daughter. Well, as someone said, when you fall in love, you just fall in love in any circumstance. So this couple is madly in love with each other. However, things don't go on as a fairy tale. Lenny is an ambitious man. He loves being in power and in control of money. On the other hand, Grace is very vulnerable and innocent. She trusts Lenny blindly but Lenny trusts no one but his business partner John Merrivale, together with who he started an investment company, Quorum.
It was during the financial crisis time, Lenny Brookstein suddenly disappears in the coast with his boat and on the other side, about 70 billion dollar is missing from the Quorum account. Things get worse when all the fingers are pointed to Grace. That is when she becomes the 'lady character' we always know from Sidney Sheldon's book. Grace believing that someone has framed her and Lenny, and stole the money, she is determined to find that culprit.
To the author:
So, Frau. Bagshawe, I must say, I really liked this book. It had Sidney Sheldon written all over it. The plot is great, characters are lovable and multiple twists and turn that you kind of find your mind racing here and there. And I was loving it. I am definitely going to read your other books.
By the way, why do you have to put Sidney Sheldon's name on your cover? It actually doesn't make sense to me. I get it that you are inspired by him and want to write like him but you can put his name down somewhere in acknowledgement. I am sure you are getting lots of publicity with this but to us, when his name is there, we are judging your book. In some cases, it's actually not good and this is exactly what happened with your first book I read. I think it's the time you make your own identity and you are good enough for that.
Would she really go abroad? Probably, Or perhaps she would simply fade away here, as she had before, disappear into the comforting anonymity of the city.
Turning the corner, Grace Brookstein walked toward the subway. The crowds on the sidewalk opened up to let her in, then closed around her like a womb.
She was gone.
When I decided to read this book, I had no idea it would turn out to be this interesting. I had read her 'Mistress of the Game' and I told myself, 'Sister, I am never reading your book again!'. Now, its Christmas time, end of the year and I had to complete my goodreads challenge, and I didn't have any other book with me. I thought 'Oh well, everyone gets a second chance, isn't it?'.
Synopsis:
The striking story about love, betrayal, power and vengeance of the King of Wall Street, Lenny Brookstein and his beautiful wife, Grace Brookstein, who is actually young enough to be his daughter. Well, as someone said, when you fall in love, you just fall in love in any circumstance. So this couple is madly in love with each other. However, things don't go on as a fairy tale. Lenny is an ambitious man. He loves being in power and in control of money. On the other hand, Grace is very vulnerable and innocent. She trusts Lenny blindly but Lenny trusts no one but his business partner John Merrivale, together with who he started an investment company, Quorum.
It was during the financial crisis time, Lenny Brookstein suddenly disappears in the coast with his boat and on the other side, about 70 billion dollar is missing from the Quorum account. Things get worse when all the fingers are pointed to Grace. That is when she becomes the 'lady character' we always know from Sidney Sheldon's book. Grace believing that someone has framed her and Lenny, and stole the money, she is determined to find that culprit.
To the author:
So, Frau. Bagshawe, I must say, I really liked this book. It had Sidney Sheldon written all over it. The plot is great, characters are lovable and multiple twists and turn that you kind of find your mind racing here and there. And I was loving it. I am definitely going to read your other books.
By the way, why do you have to put Sidney Sheldon's name on your cover? It actually doesn't make sense to me. I get it that you are inspired by him and want to write like him but you can put his name down somewhere in acknowledgement. I am sure you are getting lots of publicity with this but to us, when his name is there, we are judging your book. In some cases, it's actually not good and this is exactly what happened with your first book I read. I think it's the time you make your own identity and you are good enough for that.
June 20, 2010
Sidney Sheldon's After The Darkness by Tilly Bagshawe
Published by HarperCollins
ISBN 978-0-06-172830-3
At the request of LibraryThing, an ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review
Synopsis (from back of book): Grace Brookstein is the very young, naive wife of financial superstar Lenny Brookstein. Lenny is a billionaire many times over, with estates around the world, a fleet of yachts, and a life that is the stuff of fantasy. He and Grace live in New York where Lenny is revered as King of the Wall Street social scene. A noted philanthropist, he is both liked and respected in the worlds of high finance and high society. When the stock market goes into a terrifying freefall, the Brookstein's glamorous lifestyle of Palm Beach polo tournaments and G5 jets is barely touched.
That is, until the day Lenny goes sailing from their Nantucket beach estate and never comes home. When his abandoned yacht is found far out at sea, the police investigation reveals Brookstein's death was no accident. The famous investor was involved in some sort of spectacular fraud and was about to be exposed by someone close to him.
But as Lenny's malfeasance comes to light, Grace learns there was more to his boating "accident" than she originally thought. And suddenly her life may be in danger too....
My Thoughts and Opinion: I started reading Sidney Sheldon's books in the 70s and remember them to be great reads, always waiting anxiously for his next novel to be released. I also remember hearing of his passing and thinking what a tremendous loss for fans and the literary world. But thankfully the family did not let that happen, entrusting an author to continue his legacy. And Tilly Bagshawe most definitely did. I have to say that I honestly was a little skeptical when I started reading this book, wondering if it would live up to the older Sidney Sheldon books? And the answer is a resounding YES!!
Ms. Bagshawe created a cast of characters that you either loved or hated, had compassion for or envied. cheered them on or were glad when they fell. The plot is a non stop "who done it" of multiple possibilities to the very end. And speaking of the end, it is one that I did not see coming until the very last pages !!! Throughout the entire book, the story line is a continuous, fast paced, speeding suspenseful ride with the elements of love, betrayal, hate, envy, trust, greed, strength, lies and revenge, and self preservation, just to name a few. Do I recommend this book? My answer, another resounding YES!! This is a definite can't put down, page turning novel !!!
My Rating: 5
Published by HarperCollins
ISBN 978-0-06-172830-3
At the request of LibraryThing, an ARC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review
Synopsis (from back of book): Grace Brookstein is the very young, naive wife of financial superstar Lenny Brookstein. Lenny is a billionaire many times over, with estates around the world, a fleet of yachts, and a life that is the stuff of fantasy. He and Grace live in New York where Lenny is revered as King of the Wall Street social scene. A noted philanthropist, he is both liked and respected in the worlds of high finance and high society. When the stock market goes into a terrifying freefall, the Brookstein's glamorous lifestyle of Palm Beach polo tournaments and G5 jets is barely touched.
That is, until the day Lenny goes sailing from their Nantucket beach estate and never comes home. When his abandoned yacht is found far out at sea, the police investigation reveals Brookstein's death was no accident. The famous investor was involved in some sort of spectacular fraud and was about to be exposed by someone close to him.
But as Lenny's malfeasance comes to light, Grace learns there was more to his boating "accident" than she originally thought. And suddenly her life may be in danger too....
My Thoughts and Opinion: I started reading Sidney Sheldon's books in the 70s and remember them to be great reads, always waiting anxiously for his next novel to be released. I also remember hearing of his passing and thinking what a tremendous loss for fans and the literary world. But thankfully the family did not let that happen, entrusting an author to continue his legacy. And Tilly Bagshawe most definitely did. I have to say that I honestly was a little skeptical when I started reading this book, wondering if it would live up to the older Sidney Sheldon books? And the answer is a resounding YES!!
Ms. Bagshawe created a cast of characters that you either loved or hated, had compassion for or envied. cheered them on or were glad when they fell. The plot is a non stop "who done it" of multiple possibilities to the very end. And speaking of the end, it is one that I did not see coming until the very last pages !!! Throughout the entire book, the story line is a continuous, fast paced, speeding suspenseful ride with the elements of love, betrayal, hate, envy, trust, greed, strength, lies and revenge, and self preservation, just to name a few. Do I recommend this book? My answer, another resounding YES!! This is a definite can't put down, page turning novel !!!
My Rating: 5
May 31, 2010
I requested this book from the Library thing Early Reviewers program. I did so primarily because of seeing Sidney Sheldon's name on the cover. I've read and enjoyed many of his books over the years. Sheldon's books have always been somewhat soap opera-esque, taking the reader into the world of the filthy rich and powerful, and often showing us how lust and greed spin out of control. In that way, this book is no exception. Tilly Bagshawe takes up Sheldon's torch in the penning of this novel.
Bagshawe introduces us to the Brooksteins, a couple whose wealth and power was the product of the big Wall Street boom. Lenny Brookstein had not always had money, but he had created and managed one of the largest hedge funds in the market. After the Madoff scandal and the crash of he big investment firms they find their own company under scrutiny and their way of life unraveling. Lenny dies and the investigation continues, revealing that billions of dollars are missing from the fund. Grace knows nothing about the business, and can't explain, but since she is a partner in the firm she is held responsible. The puublic already new her as a rich, fashionable,socialite. Now they viewed her as the villian that stole their life savings. Grace faces a great deal of adversity as the who-done-it mystery of the missing money is unwound.
The reader can see some of the plot twists coming but, for the most part, this story makes for an enjoyable "beach read" type book. It is not as epic or tightly written as Sheldon's thrillers, but Sheldon was a master of this genre.
Bagshawe introduces us to the Brooksteins, a couple whose wealth and power was the product of the big Wall Street boom. Lenny Brookstein had not always had money, but he had created and managed one of the largest hedge funds in the market. After the Madoff scandal and the crash of he big investment firms they find their own company under scrutiny and their way of life unraveling. Lenny dies and the investigation continues, revealing that billions of dollars are missing from the fund. Grace knows nothing about the business, and can't explain, but since she is a partner in the firm she is held responsible. The puublic already new her as a rich, fashionable,socialite. Now they viewed her as the villian that stole their life savings. Grace faces a great deal of adversity as the who-done-it mystery of the missing money is unwound.
The reader can see some of the plot twists coming but, for the most part, this story makes for an enjoyable "beach read" type book. It is not as epic or tightly written as Sheldon's thrillers, but Sheldon was a master of this genre.
January 1, 2013
I received this book for Christmas and was really excited to start it. Who doesn't love a good mystery? Although I've never read Sidney Sheldon or Tilly Bagshawe (Sheldon passed away and Bagshawe wrote this based on his notes) I've heard good things. Unfortunately, the 'mystery' was pretty clear after the second murder was described and it was really unbelievable that all of these wealthy men fell in love so fast. Not too mention the fact that these men, worth hundreds of millions of dollars each, were so in love after a few weeks (or months) they all agreed to quickie weddings without pre-nups. The wife in each case was said to be very beautiful and enchanted men. I realize there are gorgeous women in the word but I'd love to meet the woman whose eyes are so beautiful they can enchant literally everyone they meet. The plot relating to Matt Daley, and his attraction to one of the widows, dragged on. I'll avoid spoilers, but I'm still not clear how Matt knew to find a certain person in Australia nor how he continued to travel around the world when we were constantly reminded of how broke he was.
This one can be skipped, but I'll give both authors another chance. I usually love mysteries.
Grade: 2/5
This one can be skipped, but I'll give both authors another chance. I usually love mysteries.
Grade: 2/5
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