The Shape of Truth

by Gillian Jackson

The sordid truth or a comfortable lie: Which would you choose?

Learning the shocking truth about her past rocks Anna Greenwood’s world and shakes her beliefs to the core. The information she discovers sets in motion a quest to bring justice to a man of position and influence who appears protected by his status. However, Anna’s efforts seem futile—until help comes from an unexpected source.

Anna’s journey takes her to the brink of tragedy and the near-death of herself and another innocent woman. But can she bring down the powerful, arrogant man who caused her mother’s heartache, or will she fail in the mission she knows to be justified?

The Shape of Truth is an intense new thriller by the bestselling author of The Accident.

Genres: Thriller

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2023

About the author

Author of Abduction, Snatched, The Accident, and four more books published by Bloodhound books

Wife to Derek, mother to four and grandmother to nine.

Our lovely rescue dog Liffey completes my family and ensures that I take regular breaks from my desk!

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

TWs: Domestic violence, rape, child abuse.

With those TWs, why did I listen to this book?

1) Gillian Jackson is one of my go-to authors and I have enjoyed the majority of her books.

2) Ratings for this book were high. (4.23)

3) The TWs were not revealed in the publisher's blurb.

The protagonist quickly discovers that her abusive father was not her biological dad.

The protagonist's biological father was an MP who allegedly raped her mother.

The protagonist is determined to make the MP pay for his crime.

In addition to showcasing the protagonist's quest for justice, the author did a superb job of conveying how difficult and frustrating it is to prosecute an elected MP for wrongdoings.

The book had waaaay too many eye-rolling moments and lacked the element of intrigue of the author's earlier releases.

The ending was "convenient" and disappointing.

I listened to the audiobook read by Caitlin Cavanaugh.

Since the book unfolded from multiple points of view, the book would have benefited from multiple narrators.

1.5 stars, rounded up.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read, told from multiple viewpoints each with its own story to tell, with the ultimate question; Is it better to leave truths untold or reveal them without knowing who they might hurt?

Caroline and her daughter Anna’s points of view uncover their flawed family dynamic explained through some very sensitive topics, as is Georgia’s story. Samantha and Jenny’s work relationship showed a genuine bond as does their interaction with other colleagues. The author covers the different personal, political, and police procedural elements particularly well, each with its part to play. The ending was a bit twee for me, but it really didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the eARC.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shape of truth by Gillian Jackson is the second book I have had the pleasure of reviewing before publication from bloodhound books written by this author. Here is my honest review.
So this book I was excited to dive into after previously reading The accident and boy it did not disappoint. I spent all day Sunday with my head stuck in it from start to finish!
So the central characters are Anna, her mum Caroline and Samantha the lead detective.
Told through each person the story unfolds on a path of truth and destruction.
Anna’s father passes away and after a long marriage her mother Caroline finds herself alone. Anna had a difficult relationship with her father and Caroline in a bid to explain why this was the case decided an after 32 years to open Pandora’s box with consequences.
Not giving too much away the story brings the mother and daughter closer together than they had ever been and opens Anna’s eyes to a world her mother went through and suffered for Anna showing a depth of love only a mother could feel.
Samantha is involved in the story as the detective following up on Caroline’s past secrets and her tenacity at getting to the truth despite the hurdles wins out in the end.
Just a good interesting read and thought provoking. Did the truth need to be said or was it best remained hidden? Take a read and see what you think I am glad I did !

[Liz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read two previous books by Gillian Jackson I looked forward to reading this one.
Anna and her mother Caroline have always had a close relationship but the same cannot be said of her relationship with her father who has always seemed distant. When her father dies Anna does not feel sadness but a sense of relief though she is supportive of her Mother. Caroline, her mother is in turmoil following her husband's death. Is now the time to tell her daughter the truth which will turn her whole world upside down or should she let sleeping dogs lie?
When the truth surfaces Anna persuades her mother to seek justice for previous wrongs but will she be believed when the person who needs to be brought to account is someone with political power ?
The Shape of Truth, set in the political world where some feel they are above the law is a believable story which made it even more compelling. There are strong female characters and the book kept my interest as I wanted to know that Anna, Caroline and Samantha would succeed in unmasking an arrogant and nasty predator.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC of The Shape of Truth.

[Scott Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well-written novel by Gillian Jackson. I have read and enjoyed several previous novels by Ms Jackson. This is one of the best so far.

Anna is a lab technician who has a good relationship with her mother Caroline but for some reason has never gotten along well with her father. When her father dies after a heart attack, Anna's mother is confronted with a major dilemna- to tell Anna the truth about her birth or keep the secret she has been guarding for many years.

She decides to tell Anna the truth. The man who raised Anna was not her biological father. Her mother had been raped when her " father" was away on a military deployment. Her mother knows who the assailant was and tells Anna his name. The individual is now a prominent politician with major aspirations.

With the help of two female detectives, Anna, with her mother's cooperation, sets out to bring him to justice for the crime which led to her conception.

Will they succeed in their quest or will the elites prevail?

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review copy of this novel. I highly recommend it

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously read Gillian Jacksons work, I was eager to read this book. I had no idea that I would end up glued to this book at all!
A crime suspense novel told from multiple perspectives of the three main characters, Anna, her mother Caroline, and Samantha, a detective. After Anna's father dies, her mother decides to attempt to clarify why Anna had a difficult relationship with him. This leads to consequences Caroline could never have envisioned.
A suspenseful and gripping read that kept my interest all the way through. Again, Gillian Jackson's characters are so well written with a storyline that had me thinking whether it's better for some truths to stay hidden due to the fallout that comes with it. Another pageturner from this author. I'm looking forward to what she writes next!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to write my honest review.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful crime suspense thriller and police procedural. Anna Greenwood is told a life changing fact about her past which rocks her to the core. Desperate to bring justice to someone who has committed a heinous act she encounters someone who uses his status to influence any investigation. She literally puts her life at stake to get just reward.

This is a fast paced thriller which has strong female characters and a male character who is despicable. The story flows really well as Anna tries to get justice and has many thrills and twists en route. As well as keeping you in suspense it also describes police procedures very well. It also poses the question if truth is always the best policy.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A definite 5 stars!

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book come out February. 20, 2023. The paperback is out February. 6, 2023. Anna Greenwood, a lab technician, her mother Caroline Greenwood. They both lost Ronald Greenwood at 56 of a massive heart attack. The relationship with Anna's parents Caroline, and Ronald you have to read the details. You will meet other characters, Like Joel Amos, Samantha Freeman, Mark Appleton, wife Georga Appleton, Arthur Jenson, Jenny Newcombe, Ellen Harding, Gordon Kent. The secret Caroline told her daughter will change people lives. This novel is gripping compelling and enjoyable. The ending was fantastic. You will have to read to understand my reaction. I cannot wait to read more book by the Author Gillian Jackson

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a good read. It was a bit slow to begin with but it suddenly seemed to take off. A sudden ammouncement sets the tone for a tale of a quest for justice and revenge.

The story is told from multiple points of view, mainly Anna, Caroline, Mark, Georgia, Samantha and Jenny. I enjoyed this as it kept me hooked throughout and was not confusing at all. An interesting thought too at the end, if you had a choice, which would you choose, the sordid truth or a comfortable lie? Food for thought in how a choice can shape a whole run of events.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.

[Sheelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy by Bloodhound Books to read and review prior to publication .

After Anna's father dies, her mother reveals a shocking secret that explains many things from Anna's childhood. What happens next is told from several perspectives. It was a good story, I didn't like Anna she was selfish and flawed character, who thought only of herself - but who knows how any person would react in the same situation. I docked a star because the story was slow in places but it was a good story and I would be happy to read another book by the same author

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC of this novel.

This is my second Gillian Jackson novel and the author continues to produce suspenseful novels which make the reader ask questions of themselves - what would you do in the same situation? In the end our live revolves around the choices we make and how we respond to what happens next. This is what faced Anna's mother initially and then Anna herself.

The theme is quite topical - political shennauigans - but with a personal slant. For me, I would have liked a bit of a stronger ending but this did not detract from the novel. The novel is told from different perspectives, which I enjoyed and which adds to the interest.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. I enjoyed how the author used their writing skills to bring the story to life on each page. Her attention to details made the story feel realistic. This is a well written story where the twists and turns are like no other. The characters pull you into their world from the start. They are relateable and add so much to the story. This is a fast paced, engaging, suspense story that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed watching the growth of the plot throughout the story that made it easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

[Kelly Ferrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shape Of Truth. by Gillian Jackson.
I have read all of this authors books and so far have not been disappointed!
This story is different in my opinion of all the others she has written … this one was as good as the others …
Anna and her mother Caroline have just buried Ronald .. father and husband … but Anna is not over upset … she knows the relationship between her father and herself was not very good … but why!
The story goes through to explain why that was and what has ensured from the knowledge of knowing!
This is a book that will enthral you and keep you wanting to keep reading … read in one day as hard to put down!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Gillian's books before and enjoyed them, but this one was my favourite so far.
Telling the story from a range of different perspectives added great details to the plot, and all were well done. Anna and Caroline were both likeable, and told the mother/daughter element of the story in a really believable way.
I'm very grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review, and would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a police procedural with a family element.
Look forward to more by this author.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 4.5*
An interesting tale told from many POV throughout the book and a story which has been written to pose the question of when/where/how do we tell the truth to someone or do we at all? It raises lots of questions and at the end the author asks whether in this case, the truth was the correct path especially when there may be negative consequences. I said 'yes' as the truth has a scary way of coming out at some point and not necessarily when you would like it to!
Well written and great pace throughout and thought provoking too.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is knowing the truth always the best or holding it back is better if the truth will harm you? This is the main question of the book, one that is told thru multiple points of view.
The author takes us into a traumatic event that has haunted the lives of two women, mother and daughter and when the truth comes out, after being hidden for many decades, it opens a new reality that will endangered the life of Anna the daughter.
With her usual engrossed way of writing Ms. Jackson has given us a book that is hard to put down and will grab you from beginning to end.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gillian Jackson's books and when The Shape of Truth became available I had to find my quiet spot and open my kindle and dive into her latest book. I was not disappointed it was another brilliant read! This book was an excellent crime suspense thriller and police procedural which had brilliant twists and turns throughout that will just have you hooked from the beginning till the end.

I highly recommend this book. I loved it.

Big Thank you to Gillian Jackson the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC of The Shape of Truth

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is told from several POVS. The main focus of the story is Anna and her mother. It explores the reason behind the dysfunctional relationship had with her father and trying to get justice for her mother with the support of the police.

It is a well written story, with good character development and a sensitively explored subject matter.

Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this novel

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Greenwood could never understand her father, Ronald. She never felt any love or closeness from him. After he dies rather suddenly, her mother tells her the truth -- she is the product of a rape when her 'father' was serving his country. Now Anna wants to let the world know who her 'father' is and what he did years ago. Problem is, is a very powerful person in the government. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Anitra Mansson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that is told from the different character's point of view, makes one think what one would do in their situation. Would I have told my daughter her genealogy, would I as the daughter pushed the mother as she did? Would I have gotten into the car as Anna did? At first I said no, I wouldn't be that stupid but then I thought about it - would I have wanted to satisfy my curiosity? A good book with a surprise ending.

[Teresa Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Gillian Jackson. Always very thought provoking with deep and meaningful storylines. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Full of great characters, very well written with an ending I really didn’t see coming. Yes the book would definitely have had a different outcome if the secret had never come to light….. I think this lady is now definitely one of my top 5 authors, cant wait to read some more. Well done, loved it!!

[Jeni Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did not think I would like Anna at all, and still haveiced feelings but she was bearable. This book was a ride that took you on a journey of emotional turns and had enough substance to keep you wanting to read more. In the world of he said she said she said, it's sometimes hard to believe what's really going on until it literally smacks you in the face. Enjoy!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read and a page turner. I would definitely recommend it for those who love twists. A story of secrets but comes with a choice of revealing the truth or living in a white lie especially when it involves the successful MP. Thank you so much to Bloodhound for the opportunity of selecting me for the advance copy.

[Joanne Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book ,first book I’ve read from this author.I will certainly be reading more.
The story had me hooked from the beginning and could not put it down.
The story line was very thought provoking and the characters were very true to life .
There was plenty of suspense and tension throughout .
Would definitely recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Story is told in multiple voices and all the different narratives mixed really well. Anna had a father that never really bonded with her and she never knew why till after each death. A more than 30 year old secret is revealed by her mom . Anna convinces her mom that the person who hurt her needs to be broke to justice. In the end there is justice but not the one i was expecting

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story told by a masterful storyteller. Multiple points of view are used to tell this action and suspense filled story. The main question that this story explores in a masterful way is Whether the truth is always worth knowing or are there times when the truth should be held back from someone for their own sake? I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Ms H Trevorrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twisted family saga. Strong female cast headed by a fraught mother and daughter relationship leads this rapid read that I ploughed through in one sitting. Great police characterisation. A little slow in a couple of places but overall a great read.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. A real page turner and very well written. I would've read this book in one sitting if I could. I was hooked from the first page. I've not read anything by this author before but it will certainly not be the last.
I was given an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Bloodhound books for an ARC to review
Really enjoyed reading this. Great storyline with twists and turns. I liked that each chapter was written from the prospective of different characters throughout.

[Becca Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first chapter, and the different perspectives added to the story. A thought provoking book that makes the reader ask themselves what they would do in the same situation…reveal the truth and deal with the fallout? Or keep it hidden?