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kate_reads_books's review
3.0
This book was so twisty that it lost me. I listened to the audiobook and found myself re-listening to chapters to try and get my head around what was happening but still felt a bit lost. I think overall I grasped the plot and it was enjoyable, I just think things could have been explained better and more clearly. The thing I did appreciate about this book was the descriptive writing, especially about the characters.
the_sara_post's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lizzie_readsandwrites's review
5.0
(Originally posted on IG) That’s what you call a sucker punch!
The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish
thecrochetreader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
gquartin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yy71's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
carlyw33's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pippa_reads_2024's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
roelia's review against another edition
4.0
“The Only Suspect” is a tense slow burn mystery thriller.
The story is told from two POVs in dual timelines.
In the present, we meet Alex. He is married to Beth, and they are happily married and living in the peaceful Silver Vale. Beth is outgoing and have a healthy social life and enjoy taking part in community activities. Alex, having lived in the neighbourhood for more than ten years already, are seen as a good neighbour, always lending a helping hand although he is more of an introvert and, in general, prefers to stay out of the public eye. That is until he gets wind of a community project, where Beth is involved in, planning a nature trail that will run right behind their house, in an area that has been undisturbed for several years already. This project upsets him massively, but we’re not sure why. It is obvious that he is hiding something. He is spiraling slowly out of control, and the stress of an unwelcome houseguest just adds to the marital strain.
In the second timeline, set in 1995, the narrator is Rick. He is an auditor and lives Camden, London. One day, he meets Marina, a temp who works in the same building as him. Immediately he is fascinated by this seemingly elusive woman. Their lunchtime walks turn into night-time dates and romance is in the air. Rick is absolutely smitten, and slightly obsessed.
How are these two timelines connected? Is there a connection? As I turned the pages my growing sense of unease increased. At the risk of spoilers, I feel I must hold back a bit.
But, this is what you can expect:
• Psychological thriller
• Secrets, revelations, and deception
• Obsessive relationships
• Red herrings
• Complex plot
While trying to find out who is “The Only Suspect” is, I was hooked by the intelligent and unpredictable story line. The underlying tension and tension made me feel almost impatient with apprehension. I was kept guessing most of the time. A great read, and I am keen to read more of Louise Candlish’s work.
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers, for the opportunity to read this book.
The story is told from two POVs in dual timelines.
In the present, we meet Alex. He is married to Beth, and they are happily married and living in the peaceful Silver Vale. Beth is outgoing and have a healthy social life and enjoy taking part in community activities. Alex, having lived in the neighbourhood for more than ten years already, are seen as a good neighbour, always lending a helping hand although he is more of an introvert and, in general, prefers to stay out of the public eye. That is until he gets wind of a community project, where Beth is involved in, planning a nature trail that will run right behind their house, in an area that has been undisturbed for several years already. This project upsets him massively, but we’re not sure why. It is obvious that he is hiding something. He is spiraling slowly out of control, and the stress of an unwelcome houseguest just adds to the marital strain.
In the second timeline, set in 1995, the narrator is Rick. He is an auditor and lives Camden, London. One day, he meets Marina, a temp who works in the same building as him. Immediately he is fascinated by this seemingly elusive woman. Their lunchtime walks turn into night-time dates and romance is in the air. Rick is absolutely smitten, and slightly obsessed.
How are these two timelines connected? Is there a connection? As I turned the pages my growing sense of unease increased. At the risk of spoilers, I feel I must hold back a bit.
But, this is what you can expect:
• Psychological thriller
• Secrets, revelations, and deception
• Obsessive relationships
• Red herrings
• Complex plot
While trying to find out who is “The Only Suspect” is, I was hooked by the intelligent and unpredictable story line. The underlying tension and tension made me feel almost impatient with apprehension. I was kept guessing most of the time. A great read, and I am keen to read more of Louise Candlish’s work.
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers, for the opportunity to read this book.