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beate251's reviews
203 reviews
Five Days by Zoe Folbigg
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
Minnie and Jesse meet in a cafe by chance and as Minnie's therapist has just told her to make new friends, she suggests some platonic friendship dates, which is an intriguing if a little far-fetched premise. I think she actually calls them play dates, as if they were both five years old - just without any sleepovers! There are rules like no last names and Googling each other, and no exchange of phone numbers, which of course turns out to be troublesome.
The therapist also recommended running through a field as fun activity which made me immediately think of Theresa May who apparently likes to run through fields of wheat, and later they actually mention her! Made me snort in amusement.
Both of them have hangups - hers is a recent breakup and trying to get her acting career going, his is a dead dad and an unfaithful wife. Jesse, a font designer, has a 7 year old daughter who he tries to see as often as he can, and at the same time he is trying to illustrate a children's book he started with his Dad who was a popular thriller author.
There are flashbacks for both Minnie and Jesse that in my opinion could have been left out because we knew the facts already.
Their dates are fun and imaginative - they make it as far as Paris and Provence where Jesse's Mum lives. The description of the landscape including the lavender fields is very evocative and made me wish I was there.
There is lots of talk about the apparently not well-known enough Bechdel test, and also a lot of swearing. The third-act breakup is annoying but then most of the time they are.
But all in all this is an eminently heartwarming and charming story with (on the whole) likeable characters, and you can't help rooting for them to get their second chance.
Just a warning: Maybe don't read this book while you're on a plane or about to get on one. You can thank me later.
"I want my time with you."
Minnie and Jesse meet in a cafe by chance and as Minnie's therapist has just told her to make new friends, she suggests some platonic friendship dates, which is an intriguing if a little far-fetched premise. I think she actually calls them play dates, as if they were both five years old - just without any sleepovers! There are rules like no last names and Googling each other, and no exchange of phone numbers, which of course turns out to be troublesome.
The therapist also recommended running through a field as fun activity which made me immediately think of Theresa May who apparently likes to run through fields of wheat, and later they actually mention her! Made me snort in amusement.
Both of them have hangups - hers is a recent breakup and trying to get her acting career going, his is a dead dad and an unfaithful wife. Jesse, a font designer, has a 7 year old daughter who he tries to see as often as he can, and at the same time he is trying to illustrate a children's book he started with his Dad who was a popular thriller author.
There are flashbacks for both Minnie and Jesse that in my opinion could have been left out because we knew the facts already.
Their dates are fun and imaginative - they make it as far as Paris and Provence where Jesse's Mum lives. The description of the landscape including the lavender fields is very evocative and made me wish I was there.
There is lots of talk about the apparently not well-known enough Bechdel test, and also a lot of swearing. The third-act breakup is annoying but then most of the time they are.
But all in all this is an eminently heartwarming and charming story with (on the whole) likeable characters, and you can't help rooting for them to get their second chance.
Just a warning: Maybe don't read this book while you're on a plane or about to get on one. You can thank me later.
"I want my time with you."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Infidelity
Life Begins at 50! by
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
Kate is nearly 50 and her life hasn't turned out how she wanted it. Her husband of 25 years has left her for another woman, her Dad has died, she is estranged from her mother and brother Jamie, her teaching career has stalled and her biggest grief is that she could not have children. She has such an ardent desire for a baby that she once tried to steal one and still beats herself up over it. The story of her miscarriages is told in flashbacks that I think aren't really needed to get the point across.
She does however surround herself with children. She used to work in a school as a TA and has acquired lots of godchildren. One in particular, little Elsie, spends a lot of time with her to give her young single Dad a break.
Then she meets the Saga Louts: Beryl, Winnie and Anthea, three elderly but very energetic ladies who take her under their wing. Best friend Sophie is always by her side too, and then she meets Milo, who has a similar story to hers - his wife has left him for another man. Then they realise what they have actually in common... Can they overcome that hurdle and can Kate stop wearing navy, I mean indigo?
This is an uplifting story of a woman who tries to get her mojo back with the help of her friends, family and a new man. It is quite predictable but it's a nice and easy read about friendship, forgiveness and second chances, without too much drama. I'm in my fifties myself, and it's great to see romances for characters my age. I loved little Elsie!
Kate is nearly 50 and her life hasn't turned out how she wanted it. Her husband of 25 years has left her for another woman, her Dad has died, she is estranged from her mother and brother Jamie, her teaching career has stalled and her biggest grief is that she could not have children. She has such an ardent desire for a baby that she once tried to steal one and still beats herself up over it. The story of her miscarriages is told in flashbacks that I think aren't really needed to get the point across.
She does however surround herself with children. She used to work in a school as a TA and has acquired lots of godchildren. One in particular, little Elsie, spends a lot of time with her to give her young single Dad a break.
Then she meets the Saga Louts: Beryl, Winnie and Anthea, three elderly but very energetic ladies who take her under their wing. Best friend Sophie is always by her side too, and then she meets Milo, who has a similar story to hers - his wife has left him for another man. Then they realise what they have actually in common... Can they overcome that hurdle and can Kate stop wearing navy, I mean indigo?
This is an uplifting story of a woman who tries to get her mojo back with the help of her friends, family and a new man. It is quite predictable but it's a nice and easy read about friendship, forgiveness and second chances, without too much drama. I'm in my fifties myself, and it's great to see romances for characters my age. I loved little Elsie!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Infertility, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Okay, so this is better than The Friend Zone, but that's not hard. This is Kristen's friend Sloan's story, whose fiancée Brandon had to die in the first book so she could have her story with Jason. If you ask me, she was better off without all that drama.
She'd mourned Brandon for two years, but once she meets Jason she is in totally over the top insta-love, and so is he. Yippee, no "I can't have kids therefore we can't be together" nonsense. But there has to be a problem or the book would be pointless. We have to wait a bit but then there it is: Jason is a musician on the way to stardom and a 14 months international tour. Yeah, not ideal. But they love each other so much, it will be ok, right? Wrong.
The rest of the book is basically misunderstandings, tears and heartbreak. Hearts constantly splinter into a million pieces, or something like that. It's a wonder there is anything of them left to shatter again! My eyes nearly broke from the eye rolling. It's a shame because it had started well. I loved Tucker the dog but I'm not sure I even liked Jason - he came across as selfish and controlling.
Remind me not to fall in love with a famous musician, it doesn't seem worth it. Also, what was the playlist about? I have to admit I completely didn't get why there was one.
It's kind of funny how the author manages one or two mentions of Nadia Cakes (her own business) in every book, LOL.
She'd mourned Brandon for two years, but once she meets Jason she is in totally over the top insta-love, and so is he. Yippee, no "I can't have kids therefore we can't be together" nonsense. But there has to be a problem or the book would be pointless. We have to wait a bit but then there it is: Jason is a musician on the way to stardom and a 14 months international tour. Yeah, not ideal. But they love each other so much, it will be ok, right? Wrong.
The rest of the book is basically misunderstandings, tears and heartbreak. Hearts constantly splinter into a million pieces, or something like that. It's a wonder there is anything of them left to shatter again! My eyes nearly broke from the eye rolling. It's a shame because it had started well. I loved Tucker the dog but I'm not sure I even liked Jason - he came across as selfish and controlling.
Remind me not to fall in love with a famous musician, it doesn't seem worth it. Also, what was the playlist about? I have to admit I completely didn't get why there was one.
It's kind of funny how the author manages one or two mentions of Nadia Cakes (her own business) in every book, LOL.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Drug use, Mental illness, Grief, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
Wow, that's one hell of a book. It takes place between 1979 and 1981, when all of Yorkshire was afraid of the Yorkshire Ripper. 12 year old Miv and her best friend Sharon try to find him by starting with their neighbours and writing down everything that is suspicious about them. Turns out it's a lot.
I thought this might be a nice coming-of-age story but it is only partly that. This is a multi POV story about friendship, first love and heartbreak against the backdrop of the Ripper years.
But this is also a story full of misogyny and racism - people being accused of things simply because they have the wrong skin colour or accent or are in any other way different. Kind of ironic if you know that Peter Sutcliffe was a pure Yorkshire man!
It's hard to read about some of the victims being described as "just prostitutes" and the public only getting interested when "respectable" women get attacked.
There are an incredible number of terrible men in this book, terrible for a multitude of reasons. Men with two faces or just one horrible one. You think the Yorkshire Ripper needs to be caught but you find the horrors in your neighbourhood instead, the wife beaters, racists, pedophiles, drunkards, liers and cheats. That will make you grow up fast - if you make it that far that is.
But there were also wonderful characters - Miv, Sharon, Ishtiaq and his Dad Omar, Paul, Helen and Dad Arthur, Jim...
I loved reading about them all.
A few niggles:
It felt strange that after children who were raising concerns about the "tickling uncle" were just being dismissed, there was nevertheless such a speedy conclusion to it.
Also, the book has 450 pages, and the last 50 are almost unbearable. Everything happens at once, tragedy ensues and things are suddenly dealt with within a few pages - I almost got whiplash.
For a debut novel this is astoundingly assured writing. It's absolutely unputdownable - I read this in one Saturday.
I thought this might be a nice coming-of-age story but it is only partly that. This is a multi POV story about friendship, first love and heartbreak against the backdrop of the Ripper years.
But this is also a story full of misogyny and racism - people being accused of things simply because they have the wrong skin colour or accent or are in any other way different. Kind of ironic if you know that Peter Sutcliffe was a pure Yorkshire man!
It's hard to read about some of the victims being described as "just prostitutes" and the public only getting interested when "respectable" women get attacked.
There are an incredible number of terrible men in this book, terrible for a multitude of reasons. Men with two faces or just one horrible one. You think the Yorkshire Ripper needs to be caught but you find the horrors in your neighbourhood instead, the wife beaters, racists, pedophiles, drunkards, liers and cheats. That will make you grow up fast - if you make it that far that is.
But there were also wonderful characters - Miv, Sharon, Ishtiaq and his Dad Omar, Paul, Helen and Dad Arthur, Jim...
I loved reading about them all.
A few niggles:
It felt strange that after children who were raising concerns about the "tickling uncle" were just being dismissed, there was nevertheless such a speedy conclusion to it.
Also, the book has 450 pages, and the last 50 are almost unbearable. Everything happens at once, tragedy ensues and things are suddenly dealt with within a few pages - I almost got whiplash.
For a debut novel this is astoundingly assured writing. It's absolutely unputdownable - I read this in one Saturday.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Hate crime, Mental illness, Death, Murder, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Sexism, Vomit, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Violence, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
dark
emotional
sad
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
2.5
Jesus wept, what have I just read? Abby Jimenez' debut novel, that's what. I loved the author's latest, "Just for the Summer" and gave it 5 stars. This is nothing like it.
It is chock full of misunderstandings & miscommunication (the tropes I hate the most) and a character who decides she knows what's best for another character while that character is incessantly protesting that she's wrong. Kristen emotionally cheats on her long-distance boyfriend Tyler (who is selfish and disrespectful himself), by falling hard in love with Josh but because he wants kids and she can't have any, she first ghosts him then pushes him away. Or the other way round. It happens a lot because she blows hot and cold. So I was on Josh's side for a while but he is another male character who doesn't know when to give up or take a woman's feelings seriously. Also, he owns a gun and Kristen finds that sexy - an attitude so alien to me that I can't compute it. I actually don't read many American authors because often the experiences feel so unfamiliar. Abby Jimenez had been an exception - now I'm not so sure anymore. Also, it's "firefighter", not "fireman", and it's a vocation - if you just moan about the people who call you out, why are you doing it?
And, what the heck was the storyline with Brandon? It's kind of cold tokill off a character just so you have a storyline for the next book. It came quite out of the blue but I am heartless enough to say at least it interrupted the constant exhausting "I love him so much but I can't be with him" and "why doesn't she love me?" angst for five minutes.
Apparently Kristen does not feel worthy of love without the ability of giving birth because her cartoon villain of a mother had put her down all her life. But it doesn't matter because Josh loves her and her uniqueness, which manifests in her simply being outspoken, sarcastic and getting hangry. 🙄
It annoys me not just that there was asurprise pregnancy but also that it was so predictable. I knew about 100 pages before Kristen herself did.
Basically, if you're someone battling with fertility issues, this book is not for you. Seriously, walk away now.
It is chock full of misunderstandings & miscommunication (the tropes I hate the most) and a character who decides she knows what's best for another character while that character is incessantly protesting that she's wrong. Kristen emotionally cheats on her long-distance boyfriend Tyler (who is selfish and disrespectful himself), by falling hard in love with Josh but because he wants kids and she can't have any, she first ghosts him then pushes him away. Or the other way round. It happens a lot because she blows hot and cold. So I was on Josh's side for a while but he is another male character who doesn't know when to give up or take a woman's feelings seriously. Also, he owns a gun and Kristen finds that sexy - an attitude so alien to me that I can't compute it. I actually don't read many American authors because often the experiences feel so unfamiliar. Abby Jimenez had been an exception - now I'm not so sure anymore. Also, it's "firefighter", not "fireman", and it's a vocation - if you just moan about the people who call you out, why are you doing it?
And, what the heck was the storyline with Brandon? It's kind of cold to
Apparently Kristen does not feel worthy of love without the ability of giving birth because her cartoon villain of a mother had put her down all her life. But it doesn't matter because Josh loves her and her uniqueness, which manifests in her simply being outspoken, sarcastic and getting hangry. 🙄
It annoys me not just that there was a
Basically, if you're someone battling with fertility issues, this book is not for you. Seriously, walk away now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
Moderate: Misogyny, Death, Medical trauma, Sexism, Sexual content, Medical content, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Car accident, Grief, and Chronic illness
A Good Place to Hide a Body by Laura Marshall
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
This is the first book I have read by this author. The cover and title of the book drew me in immediately and I was jubilant when I was granted a copy to review.
Penny is a recently divorced mother of 19 year old Zack who is a bit too fond of recreational drugs. She's already juggling several plates including a demanding boss, and her elderly parents Heath and Sissy are only adding to the worry. They decide to rent out their small basement flat for some additional cash and find a lodger in charming middle-aged Cooper Brownlow. Penny feels at first drawn to Cooper, but this is no romance novel. In fact, there is an unsettling scene in which Penny feels she can't say no to Cooper's sexual overtures out of fear what he might do if she did.
We know that a body needs to be hidden but how did it get to that point? The first half of the book tells us about Cooper, the tenant from hell and the attempts to oust him, the second half what happens after his death. You'd think after Penny helped her parents with the body, the story would calm down, but the opposite is the case. The tension ramps up when more and more people come to look for Cooper and the police becomes involved.
This was right up my alley. It's brilliantly written, with Cooper's outrageous actions dominating the first half and twists and surprises coming thick and fast all through the second half of the book. Penny often annoyed me, but I adored Heath and Sissy, the fun alternative parents who display some surprising criminal energy, especially when Sissi uses her age to her advantage to appear dottier than she is.
This is pacy and entertaining and full of dark humour, with a satisfying outcome. It's a quick and gripping read - I finished it in a day. Hugely recommended.
This is the first book I have read by this author. The cover and title of the book drew me in immediately and I was jubilant when I was granted a copy to review.
Penny is a recently divorced mother of 19 year old Zack who is a bit too fond of recreational drugs. She's already juggling several plates including a demanding boss, and her elderly parents Heath and Sissy are only adding to the worry. They decide to rent out their small basement flat for some additional cash and find a lodger in charming middle-aged Cooper Brownlow. Penny feels at first drawn to Cooper, but this is no romance novel. In fact, there is an unsettling scene in which Penny feels she can't say no to Cooper's sexual overtures out of fear what he might do if she did.
We know that a body needs to be hidden but how did it get to that point? The first half of the book tells us about Cooper, the tenant from hell and the attempts to oust him, the second half what happens after his death. You'd think after Penny helped her parents with the body, the story would calm down, but the opposite is the case. The tension ramps up when more and more people come to look for Cooper and the police becomes involved.
This was right up my alley. It's brilliantly written, with Cooper's outrageous actions dominating the first half and twists and surprises coming thick and fast all through the second half of the book. Penny often annoyed me, but I adored Heath and Sissy, the fun alternative parents who display some surprising criminal energy, especially when Sissi uses her age to her advantage to appear dottier than she is.
This is pacy and entertaining and full of dark humour, with a satisfying outcome. It's a quick and gripping read - I finished it in a day. Hugely recommended.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death, Sexual violence, Addiction, Drug use, and Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage
Everything is Beautiful: the most uplifting, heartwarming read of 2021 by Eleanor Ray
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
Amy Ashton is a hoarder, that's quite clear. There is a lot of stigma around hoarding, and I know that sone reviewers don't like her for it, as if she could help it. I have oodles of sympathy with her because clearly she has suffered a traumatic loss in the past. Her boyfriend Tim and her best friend Chantel disappeared at the same time 11 years ago. She thinks they ran off together, and since then she has lived for her things rather than for other people, because they can't disappoint her. She sees the beauty even in shards of glass, but also empty bottles or cracked mugs. All the things she hoards have significance to her from her relationship with Tim.
"Broken things can be fixed, if you keep them."
We get a lot of insight into the mind of a hoarder and why they can't let go of things. It gets so bad that a neighbour calls the council about her and another new neighbour is very hostile towards her. The father of the new family is nice though, and his two young sons take an instant shine to Amy. It can be very disarming if a child takes a shine to you just because! Then she finds a ring and an old letter in her overgrown garden (the letter is in a broken pot), which could shed some light on the events of 11 years ago - if only the police was more helpful. Then someone smashes up all her front garden pots and Amy realises someone is targeting her - but who and why?
I loved this book so much. My heart squeezed for Amy, and I needed to know what happened and whether she could recover from her trauma and maybe throw a few broken mirrors out.
This is a very warm-hearted well-written debut novel. Eleanor Ray is one to watch!
"Broken things can be fixed, if you keep them."
We get a lot of insight into the mind of a hoarder and why they can't let go of things. It gets so bad that a neighbour calls the council about her and another new neighbour is very hostile towards her. The father of the new family is nice though, and his two young sons take an instant shine to Amy. It can be very disarming if a child takes a shine to you just because! Then she finds a ring and an old letter in her overgrown garden (the letter is in a broken pot), which could shed some light on the events of 11 years ago - if only the police was more helpful. Then someone smashes up all her front garden pots and Amy realises someone is targeting her - but who and why?
I loved this book so much. My heart squeezed for Amy, and I needed to know what happened and whether she could recover from her trauma and maybe throw a few broken mirrors out.
This is a very warm-hearted well-written debut novel. Eleanor Ray is one to watch!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, Death, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse
Versions of a Girl by Catherine Gray
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for this ARC.
Fern/Flick has a narcissistic mother and an alcoholic drug using father. The novel explores what would happen if at 14 she had to decide to either live with her mother in London or her father in California. Her time with either of them, before and after the split in the timeline, is not happy for various reasons, making her troubled and substance dependent herself.
The gorgeous cover with the bold colours drew me in as did the description of a Sliding Doors story.
What I actually got was a wildly confusing story - I don't think I've ever read a novel that jumps around in time so much.
The author does everything she can to make it less confusing, gives Fern a second name, tells us exactly where and when we are at all times and even draws a diagram that shows the split etc but my head was still all over the shop.
I simply could not get on with the writing style - it felt like a patchwork quilt of scenes, randomly stitched together, where a patch of Fern in 1993 sits next to a patch of Flick in 2014, with random interjections of "ten minutes earlier" or "Fern is six years old" when she was fourteen a minute ago.
I also found the story quite dark, what with the pedophile uncle, the unpleasant mother and the drug abuse. I found the solution to Rory's murder far-fetched but ultimately I didn't care who killed him and I still don't understand why anyone felt the need to confess to it!
Sorry, as interesting as the concept is, this wasn't for me.
Fern/Flick has a narcissistic mother and an alcoholic drug using father. The novel explores what would happen if at 14 she had to decide to either live with her mother in London or her father in California. Her time with either of them, before and after the split in the timeline, is not happy for various reasons, making her troubled and substance dependent herself.
The gorgeous cover with the bold colours drew me in as did the description of a Sliding Doors story.
What I actually got was a wildly confusing story - I don't think I've ever read a novel that jumps around in time so much.
The author does everything she can to make it less confusing, gives Fern a second name, tells us exactly where and when we are at all times and even draws a diagram that shows the split etc but my head was still all over the shop.
I simply could not get on with the writing style - it felt like a patchwork quilt of scenes, randomly stitched together, where a patch of Fern in 1993 sits next to a patch of Flick in 2014, with random interjections of "ten minutes earlier" or "Fern is six years old" when she was fourteen a minute ago.
I also found the story quite dark, what with the pedophile uncle, the unpleasant mother and the drug abuse. I found the solution to Rory's murder far-fetched but ultimately I didn't care who killed him and I still don't understand why anyone felt the need to confess to it!
Sorry, as interesting as the concept is, this wasn't for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Drug use, Abandonment, Addiction, Animal death, Murder, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
In Case of Emergency by Poorna Bell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Bel Kumar, 36, gets a wake-up call when she survives a fall down a deep hole and her ICE contact is her ex from four years ago because she has lost touch with family and friends. So she starts reconnecting with her parents, sister Devi, niece Karen and a gang of old friends. There are lots of flashbacks to 20 years back to find out what went wrong back then to make her lose touch with her friends Ama, Ling and Marina (only one of which is white).
Bel is in advertising and has nothing but disdain for a Diversity & Inclusion project at work which she deems virtue signalling. She tries to help to make it relevant but the project is ultimately led by white people who don't understand the importance of it in terms of value to the company.
This is very much a novel about racism, about what it means to grow up brown in England, to have immigrant parents who come here to give you more choices only to expect you to make the same choices they did, and that a careless remark from 20 years ago can still sting today. There is a lot about family, female friendship and forgiveness but there is no real romance in the book - get over it.
Poorna Bell is a wonderful storyteller, and this is such a complex story.
Bell concentrates on the women in the story - Bel's overprotective mother, her older sister who is going through a divorce, her niece who tackles her Indian heritage head-on, and her former BFF Ama, who has come out gay and is about to marry.
Bel is in advertising and has nothing but disdain for a Diversity & Inclusion project at work which she deems virtue signalling. She tries to help to make it relevant but the project is ultimately led by white people who don't understand the importance of it in terms of value to the company.
This is very much a novel about racism, about what it means to grow up brown in England, to have immigrant parents who come here to give you more choices only to expect you to make the same choices they did, and that a careless remark from 20 years ago can still sting today. There is a lot about family, female friendship and forgiveness but there is no real romance in the book - get over it.
Poorna Bell is a wonderful storyteller, and this is such a complex story.
Bell concentrates on the women in the story - Bel's overprotective mother, her older sister who is going through a divorce, her niece who tackles her Indian heritage head-on, and her former BFF Ama, who has come out gay and is about to marry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Medical content, Racial slurs, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual assault
Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ellen has just bought her dream house in a small community and moved in with her husband and three children, planning a big renovation to bring the house up to a modern standard. She has friends and family around her and everything is right in her world. Until she receives a threatening letter in the post, telling her that actions have consequences.
Let's set one thing straight from the beginning: Ellen Walsh is not a bad person. She has her faults like we all do but she is a completely ordinary woman, wife and mother. Sure, she drinks a bit too much and she thinks the world of herself but the five bad deeds she's apparently done she has done with no malice intended. In fact they are mostly ordinary things, and she is blissfully unaware that some people around her feel deeply aggrieved, until that letter from someone who feels so wronged that they intend to ruin her life. The problem is she really doesn't know what she might have done and to whom!
This is a very cleverly plotted and executed multi POV psychological thriller and the first standalone that Caz Frear has written. I like her Cat Kinsella police procedurals but this is on another level.
The action hops from person to person - just when we're getting to a good part, we're changing lanes. The chapters are short and sharp, and the constant cliffhangers are very effective in ramping up the tension. I couldn't put this down because I simply had to know how the increasingly unhinged hate campaign against her was going to unfold.
Some reviewers say they didn't like Ellen - I didn't like most people around her, especially when you learn just why they are so angry with her - although never to her face. That riled me the most. If you have a beef with someone, tell them! This isn't a novel about an unlikeable person - it's a novel about several unlikeable people blaming her for all the disappointments in their lives. The sort of people who are friendly and neighbourly to your face then talk about you behind your back.
This is an extremely well-written and compelling revenge story,
suspenseful and interesting to the last page, with many twists and red herrings.
Caz Frear is now a favourite author and I can't wait for the next thriller!
Let's set one thing straight from the beginning: Ellen Walsh is not a bad person. She has her faults like we all do but she is a completely ordinary woman, wife and mother. Sure, she drinks a bit too much and she thinks the world of herself but the five bad deeds she's apparently done she has done with no malice intended. In fact they are mostly ordinary things, and she is blissfully unaware that some people around her feel deeply aggrieved, until that letter from someone who feels so wronged that they intend to ruin her life. The problem is she really doesn't know what she might have done and to whom!
This is a very cleverly plotted and executed multi POV psychological thriller and the first standalone that Caz Frear has written. I like her Cat Kinsella police procedurals but this is on another level.
The action hops from person to person - just when we're getting to a good part, we're changing lanes. The chapters are short and sharp, and the constant cliffhangers are very effective in ramping up the tension. I couldn't put this down because I simply had to know how the increasingly unhinged hate campaign against her was going to unfold.
Some reviewers say they didn't like Ellen - I didn't like most people around her, especially when you learn just why they are so angry with her - although never to her face. That riled me the most. If you have a beef with someone, tell them! This isn't a novel about an unlikeable person - it's a novel about several unlikeable people blaming her for all the disappointments in their lives. The sort of people who are friendly and neighbourly to your face then talk about you behind your back.
This is an extremely well-written and compelling revenge story,
suspenseful and interesting to the last page, with many twists and red herrings.
Caz Frear is now a favourite author and I can't wait for the next thriller!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Abandonment, Death, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Medical content, and Alcohol