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sheinrich406's review against another edition
4.0
Good book - kept me guessing until almost the end!
krobart's review against another edition
2.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/accidents-happen/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/accidents-happen/
judithdcollins's review against another edition
3.0
Accidents Happen by Louise Millar, a chilling psychological twisted thriller of obsession and paranoia; where not everything is as it seems.
Set in Oxford, Kate Parker has suffered loss, two tragedies—her parents and her husband, resulting in serious disturbing emotional issues grasping for sanity: severe anxiety, depression, OCD, paranoia, and extremely obsessed with keeping herself and her ten year old son, Jack safe from harm’s way. She feels she is doomed and cursed. Her worries trickle down to her son, and her wealthy in-laws are concerned, as well and worried they may need to remove the son away from this unhealthy environment.
Enter, Jago Martin, charismatic statistician, an author of a book about odds and statistics. With statistics running through Kate’s head 24/7, she is intrigued. Handsome and alluring, she is drawn to him, and he encourages her to quit putting so much emphasis on the odds and enjoy life – chill and take risks. Little does she know, the creep neighbor Magnus is the one to watch, or is he? Kate begins to doubt everything, heightening the intensity for a nail-biting ending when the twist is revealed.
Jago, the professor is like a drink of water for Kate, and offers Kate hope for the first time. However, is he who he seems to be? As you are reading, you never know who to trust. The novel is complex and the author gives you just enough as the novel unfolds and a little shocking at why this woman would even think of listening to a stranger.
Are her fears justified or is it all in her head? With her disorder threatening the custody of her ten-year-old son, Kate throws caution to the wind when she meets the handsome Jago, a professor who offers her a possible cure through an experimental approach. What Kate discovers during the experiment could endanger her family far more than her anxiety disorder ever could.
Cannot offer too much as do not want to give away the good parts; however, the novel offers many twists and turns with a false sense of security. You sympathize with Kate’s issues and character (and at times, frustrating), but the flip flopping of her behavior, seemed unbelievable.
Was not completely invested in some parts of the novel which seemed a little out there and unrealistic, leaving somewhat of a distant feeling about half way through the novel; had the same feeling with her other book, Playdate. Looking forward to reading The Hidden Girl to see how it turns out.
Set in Oxford, Kate Parker has suffered loss, two tragedies—her parents and her husband, resulting in serious disturbing emotional issues grasping for sanity: severe anxiety, depression, OCD, paranoia, and extremely obsessed with keeping herself and her ten year old son, Jack safe from harm’s way. She feels she is doomed and cursed. Her worries trickle down to her son, and her wealthy in-laws are concerned, as well and worried they may need to remove the son away from this unhealthy environment.
Enter, Jago Martin, charismatic statistician, an author of a book about odds and statistics. With statistics running through Kate’s head 24/7, she is intrigued. Handsome and alluring, she is drawn to him, and he encourages her to quit putting so much emphasis on the odds and enjoy life – chill and take risks. Little does she know, the creep neighbor Magnus is the one to watch, or is he? Kate begins to doubt everything, heightening the intensity for a nail-biting ending when the twist is revealed.
Jago, the professor is like a drink of water for Kate, and offers Kate hope for the first time. However, is he who he seems to be? As you are reading, you never know who to trust. The novel is complex and the author gives you just enough as the novel unfolds and a little shocking at why this woman would even think of listening to a stranger.
Are her fears justified or is it all in her head? With her disorder threatening the custody of her ten-year-old son, Kate throws caution to the wind when she meets the handsome Jago, a professor who offers her a possible cure through an experimental approach. What Kate discovers during the experiment could endanger her family far more than her anxiety disorder ever could.
Cannot offer too much as do not want to give away the good parts; however, the novel offers many twists and turns with a false sense of security. You sympathize with Kate’s issues and character (and at times, frustrating), but the flip flopping of her behavior, seemed unbelievable.
Was not completely invested in some parts of the novel which seemed a little out there and unrealistic, leaving somewhat of a distant feeling about half way through the novel; had the same feeling with her other book, Playdate. Looking forward to reading The Hidden Girl to see how it turns out.
mickysbookworm's review against another edition
Too many equations and not enough action
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Talk about a Series of Unfortunate Events! Kate's life seems to be filled with tragedy (parents die on her wedding day, husband killed in a break-in), leading to a very understandable need for security and comfort. For some reason, statistics are what grab her - knowing what the dangers are and what the safest options are make her feel safer. Whatever. Then one day she meets a man who says he can help her get over this... his methods are more than a little bizarre.
At times this reminded me of Into the Darkest Corner, which in many ways is the stronger book. The ending to this felt rushed, and a little forced (and coincidental). Still, there's a definite creepy core for readers to get stuck on, which is never a bad thing.
Copy provided by publisher.
At times this reminded me of Into the Darkest Corner, which in many ways is the stronger book. The ending to this felt rushed, and a little forced (and coincidental). Still, there's a definite creepy core for readers to get stuck on, which is never a bad thing.
Copy provided by publisher.
hannahhc81's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
aaliya87's review
dark
mysterious
tense
- 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
3.5
charisegrace's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 raised to a 3 star because I at least enjoyed the first third. The explanation to it all though was completely unbelievable and contrived and had me ripping out my hair in chunks.
3dotsforme's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to having a sick kid at home, I read this on one day. Well done with regards to keeping you guessing but some flaws in the reveal at the end. Perhaps some might be too caught up in the drama and action to notice but seriously, how did Peter know about Kate's unhealthy reliance on stats. My assumption was creepy man's hacks revealed her net searches but this was not explained. And seriously, how do you force an experienced skydiver to commit suicide jumping out of a plane when she'd land prior to you and be able to alert the authorities that a psycho was about to land and someone had grabbed her child? My two cents!
amymaddess's review against another edition
5.0
I think I kind of loved this...but I don't like that I loved this, if that makes sense. The twist was semi-predictable, but it still had me guessing a little bit. A really nasty revenge plot, almost like a terrible drama movie.
Also the part with the neighbour staying in the sons closet? How it's the backdrop of every chapter but never actually plays out? What the heck
I don't think I would recommend this to anyone or read it again but I'm glad I stuck through it the first time.
Also the part with the neighbour staying in the sons closet? How it's the backdrop of every chapter but never actually plays out? What the heck
I don't think I would recommend this to anyone or read it again but I'm glad I stuck through it the first time.