Published by : Corvus Books
3 March 2016
Copy : Paperback - Received from publisher
The Blurb
At 2 a.m. on the morning of her fortieth birthday, Sophie wakes to find an intruder in her bedroom. The stranger hands Sophie a letter and issues a threat: open the letter at her party that evening, in front of gathered family and friends, at precisely 8 p.m., or those she loves will be in grave danger.
What can the letter possibly contain?
This will be no ordinary party; Sophie is not the only person keeping a secret about the evening ahead. When the clock strikes eight, the course of several people's lives will be altered forever.
The Very Pink Notebook Review
This was the first book I have read by Lucy Dawson and most certainly will not be the last. This novel has the most fantastic opening chapter, if you want a story that hits the ground running you will not be disappointed. Lucy Dawson manages to continue the fast paced action throughout, which considering the span of time the bulk of the book covers - less than a day - is quite impressive.
I was immediately absorbed into protagonist Sophie's mind, and could feel my own stomach tensing with the choices she was faced with. I could feel her fear and frustrations, the psychic distance being quite close throughout, so it was an intense read but one I could not put down. I did guess fairly early on who 'the client' was, although twice I did waiver and think 'oh maybe I am wrong...' so although I was proved right in the end, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the book at all.
The plot does not really have any secondary stories running alongside it, but because of the short amount of time it covers it does not need it. Even though I knew all was not well, I couldn't help but really wish that it was and that all the preparations and lead up for the party could be enjoyable for Sophie. I got on well with the characters and the relationship between Sophie and her sisters and mother did, quite literally, make me laugh out loud on occasion. Sophie, I felt, was very relatable, she makes a terrible decision yet I didn't dislike her for it. However, I could understand why it came back round to haunt her so terribly.
This is a gripping psychological thriller, but in the end actually has a very basic, fundamental message; if you make a decision to do something you know is wrong then you must be prepared to live with the consequences. I thought the ending to this book was fitting and felt content as I closed the back page.
Overall I love this book and highly recommend it. But, be warned : You won't want to put it down!
I was very kindly sent an advance copy of this book by Corvus Books and in turn have provided an honest review.
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