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readdrinkandbehappy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nytxia's review against another edition
4.0
Intense, fast-paced, and all the good things you’d expect from a dark thriller.
Despite the violence and brutality of the narrative, I couldn’t help but feel invested in Kassie and her relationship with forensic psychologist Adam Brandt. This was one of the books I consumed the fastest this year as each chapter made me curious to read more. Eventually, I didn’t stop until I reached the end — exactly as I want my thrillers to be.
Loved:
Despite the violence and brutality of the narrative, I couldn’t help but feel invested in Kassie and her relationship with forensic psychologist Adam Brandt. This was one of the books I consumed the fastest this year as each chapter made me curious to read more. Eventually, I didn’t stop until I reached the end — exactly as I want my thrillers to be.
Loved:
sparkle_klc's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bookedupgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Overall: I am a total wreck after finishing this book – I was totally absorbed, captivated and consumed by A Gift For Dying. I knew it was going to be good – heck, It’s M J Arlidge’s. But really, it was a total WOW. The storyline follows young teenager, Kassie, troubled by her curse of seeing people’s deaths with just one look, she takes it upon herself to hunt down a serial killer after bumping into one of his victims, just hours before he was going to be killed. If you are looking for something totally gruesome, heart stopping, unpredictable and somewhat heartbreaking – look no further, you have it all wrapped in a bow with M J Arlidge’s latest thriller.
syren1532's review against another edition
4.0
Kassie is a 15 year old from Chicago but she's different to other teenagers because she can look in your eyes and see how you'll die. When she bumps into Jacob Jones in the street she knows she has to warn him but when he's found dead the police think she's involved. The police refer her to psychologist Adam Brandt who struggles to believe she has premonition. Really great book to read with an interesting concept which worked well.
Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Joseph and M J Arlidge for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Joseph and M J Arlidge for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
lindaheesakkers's review against another edition
3.0
Eerste thriller na vele romans, echt weer even wennen aan de stijl van een thriller.
sidneyandsabrina's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! Only downfall was there was no valid reason the killer murdered people I thought. The reason mentioned was pretty poor! However I LOVE this author and still give the book 5 stars! The police characters very similar to Helen grace but aside from that loved kassie and faith! Just a top story!
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
Psychologist Adam Brandt's life is going well - his career is on the up, & his wife is expecting their first child. Adam is called in to meet Kassie, a young teenager accused of hassling someone & following them home, & they are subsequently found violently murdered. When questioned, Kassie insists she was just trying to warn the victim, but how would she know what was going to happen unless she was involved? Kassie finally admits to Adam that every time she looks someone in the eyes, she can see the manner of their death & when they will die. Of course, Adam is skeptical, but when more victims are found & Kassie is seen in the vicinity of their homes & is found to have a slight connection to all of them, Adam grows even more certain that she must be involved some how.
Judging by the synopsis, I thought this would be a thriller with a paranormal edge. It wasn't thrilling in the slightest - the police immediately latch onto the nearest suspect (Kassie) even though it's obvious she doesn't have the body strength to move adult victims, Adam is practically useless throughout the book, & I didn't even feel that connected to Kassie. The only plus is that the chapters are very short. I honestly don't know why I finished reading it. I'm not a big fan of this author's Helen Grace series either & I'm beginning to think their writing style just isn't for me.
Judging by the synopsis, I thought this would be a thriller with a paranormal edge. It wasn't thrilling in the slightest - the police immediately latch onto the nearest suspect (Kassie) even though it's obvious she doesn't have the body strength to move adult victims, Adam is practically useless throughout the book, & I didn't even feel that connected to Kassie. The only plus is that the chapters are very short. I honestly don't know why I finished reading it. I'm not a big fan of this author's Helen Grace series either & I'm beginning to think their writing style just isn't for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Suicide
Moderate: Infertility
anamendeslopes's review against another edition
3.0
Good old fashion thriller, clearly written for a tv show or a movie! Fast paced and emotional with a good ending - though not surprising.
The short chapters make it impossible to stop reading, and I kept thinking Ok, just one more!
Will definitely read Arlidge again!
The short chapters make it impossible to stop reading, and I kept thinking Ok, just one more!
Will definitely read Arlidge again!