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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
First adult book from a children’s writer I’ve enjoyed in the past – made a very successful and assured transfer.
A man in sheltered housing in London attempts suicide. His sister, a Vegas lawyer, travels over to find him in a coma, his vulnerable-seeming fiancé insistent that they were happy. Just what is going on? Who is telling the truth?
A twisty, dark tale. I loved this from the start – characters that aren’t black or white by any stretch of the imagination, each is flawed, damaged. You know there are secrets galore, and I was hell-bent on sticking with this to discover them.
The women grew on me as the story moved forwards. Though we also needed to look back, and reveals were slow to come. I loved the complete turn-about of the ending, a whole new episode and setting I hadn’t imagined we’d see in the same book as a fall down the stairs.
Distressing, with some violent scenes that may cross the line into disturbing/graphic, though I hope this doesn't become off-putting, as it’s a brilliantly told story with a killer payoff ending!
I’m not one for regular thrillers, but I’m always glad to find one that really pulls me in, and this is clever, enticing, upsetting but a really great read with some excellent points to make.
With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy.
A man in sheltered housing in London attempts suicide. His sister, a Vegas lawyer, travels over to find him in a coma, his vulnerable-seeming fiancé insistent that they were happy. Just what is going on? Who is telling the truth?
A twisty, dark tale. I loved this from the start – characters that aren’t black or white by any stretch of the imagination, each is flawed, damaged. You know there are secrets galore, and I was hell-bent on sticking with this to discover them.
The women grew on me as the story moved forwards. Though we also needed to look back, and reveals were slow to come. I loved the complete turn-about of the ending, a whole new episode and setting I hadn’t imagined we’d see in the same book as a fall down the stairs.
Distressing, with some violent scenes that may cross the line into disturbing/graphic, though I hope this doesn't become off-putting, as it’s a brilliantly told story with a killer payoff ending!
I’m not one for regular thrillers, but I’m always glad to find one that really pulls me in, and this is clever, enticing, upsetting but a really great read with some excellent points to make.
With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy.
paulabrandon's review against another edition
2.0
Mary returns to England after learning that her brother Abe is in a coma after a big fall. She meets his utterly devoted fiance Jody. Although the police say Abe's death was an accident, she thinks parts of it don't add up. In particular, she's not sure she trusts or believes Jody.
Although I admired the way this story was put together and read it very quickly, it simply fell short of the mark for me! Psychological thrillers with potentially unreliable narrators are an absolute dime a dozen these days, so you need to do something special to stand out from the pack, and I don't think Tattletale had anything in its reserves in order to do that. There are some minor, effective plot twists, but the story still feels padded, and the unlikely, fanciful and arbitrary "climax" is a let down. All I'll say about how that all went down is - how convenient!
Another pet peeve was the description. For example, it takes a four page chapter to basically say "I caught a cab to Abe's flat." The author pads that out with details about the roads the cab goes down, the ads Mary sees on the bus, what the people on the streets are doing. Why is that necessary? It adds nothing to the story except extra words! Also, the use of various terms made me feel the book was just a little bit racist, and more than a little homophobic.
I read it one go, which might tell you something. The character of Mary was complex and interesting, if not terribly likable. There are some good turns in the plot. But, by the end, I wasn't left feeling all that satisfied. This might be more enjoyed by those who haven't read a glut of similar thrillers in the past five years.
Although I admired the way this story was put together and read it very quickly, it simply fell short of the mark for me! Psychological thrillers with potentially unreliable narrators are an absolute dime a dozen these days, so you need to do something special to stand out from the pack, and I don't think Tattletale had anything in its reserves in order to do that. There are some minor, effective plot twists, but the story still feels padded, and the unlikely, fanciful and arbitrary "climax" is a let down. All I'll say about how that all went down is - how convenient!
Another pet peeve was the description. For example, it takes a four page chapter to basically say "I caught a cab to Abe's flat." The author pads that out with details about the roads the cab goes down, the ads Mary sees on the bus, what the people on the streets are doing. Why is that necessary? It adds nothing to the story except extra words! Also, the use of various terms made me feel the book was just a little bit racist, and more than a little homophobic.
I read it one go, which might tell you something. The character of Mary was complex and interesting, if not terribly likable. There are some good turns in the plot. But, by the end, I wasn't left feeling all that satisfied. This might be more enjoyed by those who haven't read a glut of similar thrillers in the past five years.
calturner's review against another edition
4.0
Fabulous page turner of a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. With twists and turns throughout, this is a book you do not want to miss. I won't say any more than that as I don't want to risk giving anything away, but suffice to say this is a book that will stay with me. Superb storytelling!
A highly recommended 4 star read.
Thank you to TBC, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
A highly recommended 4 star read.
Thank you to TBC, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
4.0
If you happen to find yourself feeling slightly confused and muddled in the early chapters of TATTLETALE - hang in there. It takes a while for everyone and everything in this novel to fall into place, but once they do - hang on for the rest of the ride.
Using an unusual structure, and some really complicated character back-stories, TATTLETALE starts out with Mags receiving an unexpected phone call. Her estranged brother Abe is in hospital back in their native UK, and no-one seems to know what was behind his fall from the 4th floor of the converted church that he, Jody his fiancé and an array of neighbours all have flats within.
Megs feels compelled to head back to the UK, after many years working as a lawyer in the US, for reasons which are complicated and very emotional. It's obvious right from the start that the story of Mags and Abe's childhood is going to be fraught, but it seems that everybody here has similar baggage that they are lumping around. The woman by Abe's bedside - his fiancé Jody has her own troubled past, and she and Mags not only have to find a way to come to terms with Abe's condition, but with each other.
TATTLETALE has an intriguing plot, as Mags tries to find out more about the brother she hardly knows, and the truth behind the fall - was it suicide, an accident or an attempt on his life. All the while the crime may or may not be what happened to Abe. It could be part of the harrowing child sexual abuse and rape stories that are revealed as the narrative continues. It could really be a lot of other possibilities as things progress. One thing that TATTLETALE does particularly well is confuse and bewilder. An emotion the reader is quite free to assume that Mags is experiencing as well.
The character's portrayed are also complex and extremely believable. Mags is prickly, moody and wildly unpredictable at points. She's unsympathetic and yet she's there - at the side of a brother she's not seen for many years. There is much in her background that is revealed as the novel proceeds - and readers are left to decide if those revelations are enough to excuse the difficult persona. Jody is different, almost passive, and obviously profoundly troubled. Her concern and affection for Abe could be touching, or it could be uncomfortably cloying - it's left up to the reader to decide. Even the snippets of Abe's life, prior to the coma, are left open to reader interpretation. It seems he might possibly be hiding something - but whether or not you'll guess what that is before it's revealed is a combination of a keen eye for obscure details and a willingness to extrapolate.
In a novel that's likely to polarise opinions, there are a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of opportunities for the reader to like, dislike, feel sorry for and want to throttle so many of the characters that it becomes quite the roller-coaster ride. For this reader, nothing in TATTLETALE was quite what it seemed, nobody quite who they were supposed to be and everything just slightly worse than you could have hoped it would turn out to be. It was therefore, compelling and frequently discomforting reading.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-tattletale-sarah-j-naughton
Using an unusual structure, and some really complicated character back-stories, TATTLETALE starts out with Mags receiving an unexpected phone call. Her estranged brother Abe is in hospital back in their native UK, and no-one seems to know what was behind his fall from the 4th floor of the converted church that he, Jody his fiancé and an array of neighbours all have flats within.
Megs feels compelled to head back to the UK, after many years working as a lawyer in the US, for reasons which are complicated and very emotional. It's obvious right from the start that the story of Mags and Abe's childhood is going to be fraught, but it seems that everybody here has similar baggage that they are lumping around. The woman by Abe's bedside - his fiancé Jody has her own troubled past, and she and Mags not only have to find a way to come to terms with Abe's condition, but with each other.
TATTLETALE has an intriguing plot, as Mags tries to find out more about the brother she hardly knows, and the truth behind the fall - was it suicide, an accident or an attempt on his life. All the while the crime may or may not be what happened to Abe. It could be part of the harrowing child sexual abuse and rape stories that are revealed as the narrative continues. It could really be a lot of other possibilities as things progress. One thing that TATTLETALE does particularly well is confuse and bewilder. An emotion the reader is quite free to assume that Mags is experiencing as well.
The character's portrayed are also complex and extremely believable. Mags is prickly, moody and wildly unpredictable at points. She's unsympathetic and yet she's there - at the side of a brother she's not seen for many years. There is much in her background that is revealed as the novel proceeds - and readers are left to decide if those revelations are enough to excuse the difficult persona. Jody is different, almost passive, and obviously profoundly troubled. Her concern and affection for Abe could be touching, or it could be uncomfortably cloying - it's left up to the reader to decide. Even the snippets of Abe's life, prior to the coma, are left open to reader interpretation. It seems he might possibly be hiding something - but whether or not you'll guess what that is before it's revealed is a combination of a keen eye for obscure details and a willingness to extrapolate.
In a novel that's likely to polarise opinions, there are a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of opportunities for the reader to like, dislike, feel sorry for and want to throttle so many of the characters that it becomes quite the roller-coaster ride. For this reader, nothing in TATTLETALE was quite what it seemed, nobody quite who they were supposed to be and everything just slightly worse than you could have hoped it would turn out to be. It was therefore, compelling and frequently discomforting reading.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-tattletale-sarah-j-naughton
sbojo32's review against another edition
2.0
I've been holding off on writing a review for this all day because I still don't know how many stars to give it. I really enjoyed the story. I appreciated the over-the-top-ness of it. Juliette is clearly in need of some therapy (although she refuses to get it). It's a stalker tale and I loved it. Juliette plans everything out, and the reason why she is so intent on getting revenge and getting what she wants comes clear in pieces throughout the book. It's fascinating to see how her past affects her present. I also loved the flight attendant aspect - hearing about the life of a flight attendant and everything they do.
There was a lot of description at times that may not have been fully necessary, but I didn't mind all of it. The narrator on the audiobook was British and the constant "whilst" and other British terms added to the book. She was a bit too cheery for my liking, but I didn't mind.
I had SUCH an issue with the way the book ended. I'm not going to spoil it, but I was torn between three and four stars until the last chapter. It got a little ridiculous in the middle of the book (Las Vegas...) but the end was just... ugh for me. Did the author run out of ideas? I kept wondering how she was going to end this and I was SO disappointed. The end would get zero stars. Some loved it, but not me.
There was a lot of description at times that may not have been fully necessary, but I didn't mind all of it. The narrator on the audiobook was British and the constant "whilst" and other British terms added to the book. She was a bit too cheery for my liking, but I didn't mind.
I had SUCH an issue with the way the book ended. I'm not going to spoil it, but I was torn between three and four stars until the last chapter. It got a little ridiculous in the middle of the book (Las Vegas...) but the end was just... ugh for me. Did the author run out of ideas? I kept wondering how she was going to end this and I was SO disappointed. The end would get zero stars. Some loved it, but not me.
patsypoo's review against another edition
4.0
Warning: this novel contains depictions of harrowing scenes of child and sexual abuse.
But [b:Tattletale|32455458|Tattletale|Sarah J. Naughton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475629071s/32455458.jpg|53044643] was a rip-roaring, well written and original story nonetheless. It's more a "whodunnit" than a thriller. It focuses around solving the mystery of a man who has either fallen or been pushed down a staircase. And that's all I want to say about the plot.
The beginning of it was a little hazy to me. I struggled slightly to keep up with what I was reading, trying to make sense of it all, and then filing it away to refer back to as the story developed. But by the 3rd or 4th chapter I'd settled into the rhythm of it.
It's a multi point of view narration, with flashbacks inserted every so often. I know all mystery thrillers seem to be written like that these days but I didn't mind it. All the voices were unique enough not to get muddled in my head.
However, I did find it hard to care much about Mags (the sister). She's unlikable and arrogant, which I usually don't mind - quite the opposite, really - but I found all her Britain-bashing very annoying.
Yet it was still a great read and I think it'll be a popular title once it's published.
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.***
But [b:Tattletale|32455458|Tattletale|Sarah J. Naughton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475629071s/32455458.jpg|53044643] was a rip-roaring, well written and original story nonetheless. It's more a "whodunnit" than a thriller. It focuses around solving the mystery of a man who has either fallen or been pushed down a staircase. And that's all I want to say about the plot.
The beginning of it was a little hazy to me. I struggled slightly to keep up with what I was reading, trying to make sense of it all, and then filing it away to refer back to as the story developed. But by the 3rd or 4th chapter I'd settled into the rhythm of it.
It's a multi point of view narration, with flashbacks inserted every so often. I know all mystery thrillers seem to be written like that these days but I didn't mind it. All the voices were unique enough not to get muddled in my head.
However, I did find it hard to care much about Mags (the sister). She's unlikable and arrogant, which I usually don't mind - quite the opposite, really - but I found all her Britain-bashing very annoying.
Yet it was still a great read and I think it'll be a popular title once it's published.
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.***
clairereviews's review against another edition
4.0
Published by: Trapeze (23rd March 2017)
ISBN: 978-1409170228
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
One day changes Jody's life forever. She has shut herself down, haunted by her memories and unable to trust anyone. But then she meets Abe, the perfect stranger next door and suddenly life seems full of possibility and hope.
One day changes Mags's life forever. After years of estrangement from her family, Mags receives a shocking phone call. Her brother Abe is in hospital and no-one knows what happened to him. She meets his fiancé Jody, and gradually pieces together the ruins of the life she left behind. But the pieces don't quite seem to fit...
Review:
Tattletale is one of those books I've been meaning to read for ages but for some reason I just overlooked. I've promised myself that this year I will read as many books as I can that have been on my TBR for a long while for one reason or another.
I was so impressed by this novel that I looked the author up on goodreads as soon as I finished reading to see how many books she'd written before this one. I was so impressed when I discovered this was her debut. It's intelligently written with such an eye for detail. The author has a real knack for holding the reader's interest and taking them on a journey.
The two central characters here are wonderfully complex, full of personality, flaws, anguish and all that that entails. The plot weaves around them beautifully, and just when you think you know what is going to happen, Sarah J. Naughton throws a curve ball you really weren't expecting! There are twists on top of twists! Brilliant stuff!
ISBN: 978-1409170228
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
One day changes Jody's life forever. She has shut herself down, haunted by her memories and unable to trust anyone. But then she meets Abe, the perfect stranger next door and suddenly life seems full of possibility and hope.
One day changes Mags's life forever. After years of estrangement from her family, Mags receives a shocking phone call. Her brother Abe is in hospital and no-one knows what happened to him. She meets his fiancé Jody, and gradually pieces together the ruins of the life she left behind. But the pieces don't quite seem to fit...
Review:
Tattletale is one of those books I've been meaning to read for ages but for some reason I just overlooked. I've promised myself that this year I will read as many books as I can that have been on my TBR for a long while for one reason or another.
I was so impressed by this novel that I looked the author up on goodreads as soon as I finished reading to see how many books she'd written before this one. I was so impressed when I discovered this was her debut. It's intelligently written with such an eye for detail. The author has a real knack for holding the reader's interest and taking them on a journey.
The two central characters here are wonderfully complex, full of personality, flaws, anguish and all that that entails. The plot weaves around them beautifully, and just when you think you know what is going to happen, Sarah J. Naughton throws a curve ball you really weren't expecting! There are twists on top of twists! Brilliant stuff!
colorwriter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.0
PLEASE READ TRIGGER WARNINGS IF YOU HAVE HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD TRUAMA OR SA!
This book did a good job of diving into the repercussions of childhood trauma. Jody in particular was a very conplex character and I liked how the author played on assumpatons both the reader and Mags makes. The book was interesting but wasn't my taste. I prefer mystery style novels whereI have all the pieces to predict the killer and not have it be an unmentioned or unencumbered character
This book did a good job of diving into the repercussions of childhood trauma. Jody in particular was a very conplex character and I liked how the author played on assumpatons both the reader and Mags makes. The book was interesting but wasn't my taste. I prefer mystery style novels where
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, Mental illness, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Blood and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Self harm
noveldeelights's review against another edition
3.0
Tattletale was one of the most anticipated psychological thrillers of the year. While it did deliver, I'm not entirely sure it lived up to the hype.
Abe is in a coma. Was it an accident? Was it suicide as the detectives believe? Or was it something more sinister?
Mags hasn't seen her brother for years but she's desperate to know the truth about what happened. And then she meets Jody.
Jody and Mags have both experienced highly disturbing childhoods, which some readers might find upsetting. Neither is particularly endearing and as the plot moves on, you wonder if either of them is a reliable narrator. There are some surprises as you expect from this genre but a few I could see coming a mile away.
Some of the material is quite dark but I didn't feel it was as gripping and compelling as it could have been. While the first few chapters were quite confusing and I couldn't figure out what they had to do with anything, it did all make sense in the end. However, for me, I thought the actions of the characters became just a bit too unbelievable.
Tattletale has all the ingredients and potential but it fell a little short of the mark. However, for the most part I did enjoy it and I do look forward to whatever Naughton comes up with next.
Abe is in a coma. Was it an accident? Was it suicide as the detectives believe? Or was it something more sinister?
Mags hasn't seen her brother for years but she's desperate to know the truth about what happened. And then she meets Jody.
Jody and Mags have both experienced highly disturbing childhoods, which some readers might find upsetting. Neither is particularly endearing and as the plot moves on, you wonder if either of them is a reliable narrator. There are some surprises as you expect from this genre but a few I could see coming a mile away.
Some of the material is quite dark but I didn't feel it was as gripping and compelling as it could have been. While the first few chapters were quite confusing and I couldn't figure out what they had to do with anything, it did all make sense in the end. However, for me, I thought the actions of the characters became just a bit too unbelievable.
Tattletale has all the ingredients and potential but it fell a little short of the mark. However, for the most part I did enjoy it and I do look forward to whatever Naughton comes up with next.