Scan barcode
jen_meds_book_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
What a read. I was totally absorbed in this one from the moment I started reading. It was almost like car crash television to a degree. I knew, from the moment Karen met Biba, it was going to spell trouble, but the relationship between the two of them, three if you include Biba's brother, Rex, was so compelling, the sense of danger so ever present that I found I couldn't stop reading. The book disappeared in a flash and I only wish I had read it sooner. There is something to be said for reading it immediately before it's sequel (and reviewing it that way too as it turns out), but I've certainly been missing out on a cracker of a book.
I am trying to decide what this story reminded me of. I suppose, in terms of the triste between brother/sister duo Rex and Biba and perhaps somewhat sheltered language student, Karen, it reminded me a little of Dangerous Liaisons. Not that Biba was necessarily manipulative in that way, but there was something about her that drew in those around her like a moths to a flame, a kind of charismatic and addictive personality that they find irresistible. Unlike her French counterpart, I don't particularly think that Biba set out with any plan to hurt those around her, it is an unintended consequence of the life she leads. And what a life that is.
To a degree. I can understand completely where Rex, Karen and all of those around Biba were drawn to her. Erin Kelly has created such an enigmatic and yet troubled soul that despite some of her very suspect actions, that any sensible friend, or sibling, would have called her out on, I couldn't not like Biba. The more we journey into her story, the more I could understand her personality and the way in which she led her life. There are part of hers and Rex's background which would make even the hardest heart leach some semblance of sympathy, but it is carefully fed into the story in a way in which maintains the suspense and that ever present feeling of hurtling towards a less than pleasant destination. I see why Rex was so protective. Why Karen found their kind of bohemian lifestyle so attractive, especially as it was so far removed from her own, rather vanilla upbringing and college career so far.
There is a great deal of mystery and uncertainty that the author has built into this book. It is a dual timeline tale which allows us a glimpse into the present day, that certainty that something catastrophic has occurred, but denying us the full what and why of it all, meaning that when the revelation comes in the recounting of the trio's past, it is all the more shocking. And there are many secrets to be uncovered as the story belts along, some of them perhaps more obvious than others, and some which completely blindsided me, leaving me quite shocked by what came to pass. It was a heady mix, but one that kept me totally glued to the page. I wasn't putting this book down until I was done - end of.
With brilliant characters, so full of life and vibrancy, and a narrative that is wonderfully descriptive and transports you right to the heart of Biba, Rex and Karen's all too dangerous life, this is a must read for fans of psychological fiction. It's laded with tension, uncertainty and, on occasion, a sense of paranoia. It is a story of obsession, rejection, loss and the need to feel loved - no matter the cost. It is a story of people will to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ones that they loved, and I absolutely loved it. Top stuff.
I am trying to decide what this story reminded me of. I suppose, in terms of the triste between brother/sister duo Rex and Biba and perhaps somewhat sheltered language student, Karen, it reminded me a little of Dangerous Liaisons. Not that Biba was necessarily manipulative in that way, but there was something about her that drew in those around her like a moths to a flame, a kind of charismatic and addictive personality that they find irresistible. Unlike her French counterpart, I don't particularly think that Biba set out with any plan to hurt those around her, it is an unintended consequence of the life she leads. And what a life that is.
To a degree. I can understand completely where Rex, Karen and all of those around Biba were drawn to her. Erin Kelly has created such an enigmatic and yet troubled soul that despite some of her very suspect actions, that any sensible friend, or sibling, would have called her out on, I couldn't not like Biba. The more we journey into her story, the more I could understand her personality and the way in which she led her life. There are part of hers and Rex's background which would make even the hardest heart leach some semblance of sympathy, but it is carefully fed into the story in a way in which maintains the suspense and that ever present feeling of hurtling towards a less than pleasant destination. I see why Rex was so protective. Why Karen found their kind of bohemian lifestyle so attractive, especially as it was so far removed from her own, rather vanilla upbringing and college career so far.
There is a great deal of mystery and uncertainty that the author has built into this book. It is a dual timeline tale which allows us a glimpse into the present day, that certainty that something catastrophic has occurred, but denying us the full what and why of it all, meaning that when the revelation comes in the recounting of the trio's past, it is all the more shocking. And there are many secrets to be uncovered as the story belts along, some of them perhaps more obvious than others, and some which completely blindsided me, leaving me quite shocked by what came to pass. It was a heady mix, but one that kept me totally glued to the page. I wasn't putting this book down until I was done - end of.
With brilliant characters, so full of life and vibrancy, and a narrative that is wonderfully descriptive and transports you right to the heart of Biba, Rex and Karen's all too dangerous life, this is a must read for fans of psychological fiction. It's laded with tension, uncertainty and, on occasion, a sense of paranoia. It is a story of obsession, rejection, loss and the need to feel loved - no matter the cost. It is a story of people will to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ones that they loved, and I absolutely loved it. Top stuff.
lizziebb's review against another edition
4.0
I seem to be very into dark British suspense/mystery books lately.
thisguybooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Can you remember that one perfect summer?
I read this about five years ago and with the news of am upcoming sequel, wanted to revisit and refresh my memory on the characters and general happenings.
Overall my enjoyment of the novel increased this time around. I have a deeper appreciation for Erin Kelly's skill and her ability to tell a story. It is a slow burn that takes its time to develop in its own way.
It's frustrating and difficult for me to relate to the main character. I suppose we all have that person in our lives, the one intoxicating bad influence but in general I don't understand how Karen gets so tangled up with Biba. The hedonistic, bohemian lifestyle Biba lives is so foreign to me. That being said, I appreciate how Kelly is able to craft an unlikable foil with depth.
Looking forward to the upcoming House of Mirrors and seeing where these characters are up to.
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this about five years ago and with the news of am upcoming sequel, wanted to revisit and refresh my memory on the characters and general happenings.
Overall my enjoyment of the novel increased this time around. I have a deeper appreciation for Erin Kelly's skill and her ability to tell a story. It is a slow burn that takes its time to develop in its own way.
It's frustrating and difficult for me to relate to the main character. I suppose we all have that person in our lives, the one intoxicating bad influence but in general I don't understand how Karen gets so tangled up with Biba. The hedonistic, bohemian lifestyle Biba lives is so foreign to me. That being said, I appreciate how Kelly is able to craft an unlikable foil with depth.
Looking forward to the upcoming House of Mirrors and seeing where these characters are up to.
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
What starts out as a seemingly ordinary novel about a young woman who makes a fascinating, exotic new friend builds slowly to the macabre in The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. This is not a tradition mystery, but more the foreboding story of how several characters’ lives are changed irrevocably by the incidents of a careless summer in 1993. Well written and absorbing, the book slowly builds from normalcy to a sense of dread.
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/the-poison-tree/
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/the-poison-tree/
lorrietruck's review against another edition
4.0
Great psychological thriller. Excellent London setting.
cakesaretasty3's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
emmaisreadingabook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mmc6661's review against another edition
4.0
Wow ! A surprise ending that I did not see coming ! A very entertaining read. Look forward to more of hers.
carolpk's review against another edition
5.0
Erin Kelly's Poison Tree is publicized as a "tight psychological thriller". I'd drop the word thriller as this denotes to me a more fast paced tempo than is the case here. I'd read it alone for its in depth psychological character study. Erin Kelly gets this just right. Beginning at the end, the story flashes backwards and forwards in a space of ten years, rapidly and without warning, and yet it is easy to follow. I quickly became engrossed with the three main characters, Karen, Biba and Rex. I became a part of their lives, becoming a friend, even though I knew this was fiction. That's how powerful Kelly portrays each. You know these people, what makes them tick, and yet just as in real life, what they do might still surprise you.
If this is not enough, the story is believable and satisfyingly justifiable; well thought out. It left me with things to think about, yet again, in my life long quest to understand the relationships of life; family, friends, lovers.
I'm going to recommend this to all my Tana French, Sara Waters and Morag Joss reading friends.
If this is not enough, the story is believable and satisfyingly justifiable; well thought out. It left me with things to think about, yet again, in my life long quest to understand the relationships of life; family, friends, lovers.
I'm going to recommend this to all my Tana French, Sara Waters and Morag Joss reading friends.