Monday 6 January 2020

Book Review: No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister

"You'd trust your sister with your life. But should you?"

If you saw my Twitter feed after Christmas, you'll know I got a LOT of books this year. I've also finished yet another draft of my book. And I've done something to a ligament in my left leg. So all this means one thing... I have more time to read. And my first read of the new decade is No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister.

I am a huge fan of Anything You Do Say, which featured in my Top 10 of 2019 post last week, so I hoped this would be as good. I wasn't disappointed!


No Further Questions is a dark, compelling courtroom drama, following the story of Martha, who has left her eight week old baby Layla with her sister Becky for two nights. It's not something most parents would do, but Martha is opening up a centre for refugee children in Kos. She needed to be there. But before boarding the flight home, she receives the heartbreaking news that Layla is dead.

The narrative is interesting, and I wouldn't expect anything else after reading Anything You Do Say. We follow Martha in the present day, as she watches the events of the trial unfold. We alternate between her and the witnesses. And we also follow Becky's perspective in the weeks leading up to Layla's death.

The story builds and builds, pulling you in one direction, then pushing you in another. Sending you hurtling towards one answer, then spinning you around into a completely different one. Just when you think you know the answer, something else unfolds. It's addictive. It's twisty.

Gillian writes such real characters, who leap off the page and into your life, never to be forgotten. That's what stood out to me most of all. It's clear how much painstaking research has gone into this novel, yet it flows so naturally to someone who has limited knowledge of the courts. An excellent story and one I would highly recommend. 

This is definitely one for your TBR pile!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey

Wednesday 1 January 2020

My top 10 of 2019

2019 has been a great year. I got married to my best friend, I wrote and edited my first novel, Burn Again, and I read some truly outstanding books. I hope one day my book will grace a 'best of' blog post, but for now, here are the best books I read during 2019.

1. Cruel Acts - Jane Casey

Cruel Acts is the 8th book in Jane Casey's DS Maeve Kerrigan series, which keeps getting better, proven by its Sunday Times bestseller status. The story follows Maeve as she rips apart an investigation when it comes to light certain rules weren't followed during the initial trial. Delightfully sharp, deliciously entertaining, and utterly devourable, this will see just 'one more chapter' turning into twenty. My book of 2019!


2. I Let You Go - Clare Mackintosh

This book is absolutely stunning, with one hell of a plot twist. I Let You Go follows the story of Jenna, who has walked away from her former life, which has descended into a nightmare after a devastating event. It's difficult to put into words how compelling this novel is, but it's one I'll be keeping on my shelf and sharing with friends forever.


3. The Family by Louise Jensen

The Family is a thrilling page-turner, drenched in a dark sense of unease that builds and builds until it's all you can think about. The story follows two women who find themselves hopelessly trapped within a cult, ending with a twist I doubt you'll see coming. A stunningly-written piece of thriller fiction, dark and disturbing yet with shimmering beauty in every sentence.


4. Anything You Do Say - Gillian McAllister

This is the book that kept me out of the swimming pool on holiday because it was so bloody good I couldn't put it down. I was initially drawn to it for its narrative style, with each chapter alternating between what would happen if the protagonist revealed what happened, or concealed it. So cleverly written, and so unputdownable.


5. Cross Her Heart - Sarah Pinborough

I picked this up after the whirlwind that is Behind Her Eyes, and was not disappointed. Sarah really knows how to pull the rug out from beneath your feet! This story follows Lisa and her teenage daughter Ava, a seemingly normal family, until Lisa unwillingly reveals a huge secret that changes their lives forever. Another brilliant read from this fantastic author.


6. The Turn Of The Key - Ruth Ware

The Turn of the Key was so far up the scary scale it made my heart race long after putting it down. The Turn of the Key tells the tale of Rowan, who secures the 'dream' job, nannying in a gorgeous house... in the middle of nowhere. Rowan is an excellently flawed character, an unreliable narrator who delivers the story, its clues and an oh-my-fucking-god plot twist like a pro.


7. Sleep - C L Taylor

Sleep tells the chilling tale of Anna, who makes a new life for herself after a terrible accident, but is haunted by messages telling her to sleep. This made me feel delightfully uncomfortable. It's one of those books that make you triple check your locks each night. No wonder it's a Sunday Times bestseller!


8. A Window Breaks - C M Ewan

A thriller that made my heart race so fast I was worried for my health. After a 2am break in, Tom, Rachel and their daughter Holly begin a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a group of murderous men, and no one knows why. You'll want to stop reading because you're terrified but at the same time you just... can't... put... it... down.


9. The House On The Lake - Nuala Ellwood

Lisa's on the run, and ends up staying in a creepy old house by a lake. Grace grew up in that very same house several years before. When the link was between these two women was finally revealed, I did not see it coming. At all. This will give you a creeping sense of unease and if you love a thriller, you will not be disappointed.


10. Behind Closed Doors - B A Paris

A pacey thriller, telling the story of Jack and Grace. Their 'perfect' relationship is presented to the rest of the world, but the reality is more terrifying than you could ever imagine. Dark and disturbing in many ways. The perfect psychological thriller.


What were your top ten 2019 reads? Share in the comments!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey