This is the first chapter in Jodi Picoult new novel due out in October this year.
The story set in the centre or more commonly known women’s reproductive health services clinic. Where women come for sexual health issues and abortions. It’s a normal day, there is patients in the clinic, there is protesters outside. When suddenly a gunman comes charging in, taking everyone hostage.
Hugh McElroy Police hostage negotiator is called to the scene to speak with the gunman. When He receives some texts from his daughter saying that she is one of the hostages. She is a pro-life protester disguised as a patient and her injured Aunt is with her. The story then continues with each characters point of view.
After most of the hostages have been released, Hugh realises that his daughter is the last hostage so he wants to swap himself for her release. Wren walks free but then the gunman pulls the trigger and that’s where the story ends.
I thought this was interesting start to a great story. I like Jodi story and this one disappoint but sadly I was disappointed to be given the first chapter. So because of that can only give it 3 stars for now.

A great opening chapter of her thrilling new read. Poignant and up to date, I can’t wait to pre-order this new story and plunge into the world of a shootout in a southern abortion clinic

I'm already invested in the characters and I only had the first chapter.

Such an emotive subject, will surely be one you won't be able to put down.

I was in shock. I mean I know what the name Jodi Picoult means and I was excited to see that one of her books was available on NetGalley.

This was only the first chapter and since the publishing date is still months away maybe it will get edited and so on, but still. This writing style reads like an amateur who doesn't know where he/she wants to go in the plot. Not like someone who's experienced in providing readers with exciting literary journeys.

This chapter sample was written in so many POVs all in the third person that just kept switching, or not, who knows - there were no gaps, no pauses, nothing to be sure - it's almost never clear who exactly thinks what. Is this the previous girl just remembering some man, or are we already in that man's head? Is this still the same day? Or is this some memory from before - everything's written in Past Simple, no dates, no gaps or spaces between lines to indicate.

I get it that the publishers sometimes send out teaser chapters but this is a kill-joy, not a teaser. I honestly got a headache from frowning trying to figure out WHAT exactly was happening in the given time of that chapter, and what else was just backstory. I would never want to think that hard through a whole thriller. Sorry.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance meeting with Jodi Picoult's work.

Having only read the first chapters I have to say I am gripped but was gutted not to be able to read more. Will definitely be recommending this. Love Jodi Picoult s Books

Wow what an opener. Picoult always researches her books thoroughly and I am so looking forward to reading how this book develops. Such a current contentious hot topic which I am sure will upset a lot of people but I for one can't wait to read the rest of this book.

Really interesting opening chapter on a largely interesting and current topic. It’s piqued my interest!

A wonderful taster of what is to come. The story draws you in from the first page. I cannot wait to find out the outcome of the cliffhanger at the end of the first chapter and the back story of all the characters that led to the event. Five stars plus and my only disappointment is the wait to read the rest of the book.

I can't say too much as this is just the first chapter, but by gosh what a chapter!

This left me wishing I hadn't read it, as now I don't know how I'm supposed to wait until October to read the rest!! Jodi is my favourite author so I was very excited to read A Spark of Light. I can't wait to read more as this sampler leaves you on the edge, mouth open, craving more!!

I was given an ARC of the first section/chapter of this book by NetGalley and the publisher Hoddart & Stoughton.

All in all a promising and exciting start to the rest of the novel. Set at an abortion clinic in the US under siege by a gunman holding several hostages. A situation so very familiar in recent years around the world. Jodi Picoult draws you in instantly, with her usual descriptive narrative of the main characters, their background stories and subsequent links. Definitely leaves the reader wanting more, and has peaked my curiosity.

I look forward to reading the rest of this novel - thank you to NetGalley for the sample..

I’ve been a bit chicken about reading Jodi Picoult, though I have always wanted to. I have Nineteen Minutes on my Kindle and I also have a eARC & audiobook of Great Small Things. I really wanted to do the latter first as it sounds amazing but with all the hype around it, I got scared and chickened out. Like whenever I fancy going near Jodi’s work. Plus, with this book slump am in, I wondered if she might be a bit too heavy for me at the moment.

So, when I saw that Hodder had the first chapter of her upcoming, A Spark of Light, on NetGalley, I was in two minds - for about five minutes - before I requested and started reading it that evening.

I only know a tiny amount of information as I feel this might be the best thing for me. I know it takes place at a clinic, tackles the issue of abortion and gun control and will be told backwards. So, we started at the climax of the event and then work back hour by hour till we see the start of the event or the start of the day.

So, basically, it’s season 6 finale of Grey’s Anatomy.

So, what do I think of the chapter sampler I read?

The words “bloody hell” and “heart in mouth” jump to mind. I sense this is going to be one of those novels that, yes, will tackle dark issues but because of the way it’s going to be written, I think it will make gripping reading. And I can see this working perfectly as a TV show rather than a movie (I can imagine this is gonna be picked up super quick like Great Small Things was - and, if I remember right, Julia Roberts and Viola Davis will be starring in that! And if they’re starring in it, you know it’s gonna be good and will destroy your emotions!)

I’m curious on how Jodi wrote this. Did she write it forward (end of the day and work backwards) or backwards (start of the day and work forwards)? That intrigues me…

I think this might be my first Jodi Picoult. Or maybe I’ll be brave and read Nineteen Minutes or Great Small Things. But yes, I will be eyeing the publishers for information about this book or I will be preordering this! Bring it on (though have the tissues at the ready).

I was so excited to get a sneak peek at ''A Spark of Light" and it didn't disappoint. Jodi Picoult is a master at writing characters that jump off the page at you and make you care about them alongside plots which are original, timely and impossible to put down. I can't wait to read the whole story in October.

I did not realise this was not the full book what I requested it. Therefore I don't feel able to leave a review of a book which I haven't completed.

5/5 stars! I wouldn't expect anything less from Picoult. I have enioyed many of her books in the past including the one about the school shooting.
Loved this chapter and can't wait to read the rest. I just wish Netgalley had it available right now.

Yes! Jodi Picoult has done it again and what a great idea to hand out teasers for us to review. It worked a treat. Another gripping, tense and well described story with believable interesting characters. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book when it’s published.

I should have paid attention more fully, I didn’t realise on Net Galley the publishers were only offering an exclusive first chapter, all this has done is frustrate me until I can get my hands on the entire book.

This starts with a hostage situation.

It’s told in only the professional way a talented author can tell for her readers to actually feel scared in amongst all the mayhem.


I can’t wait to read more. Thank you Hodder & Stoughton but I need more!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

My review is based on a sampler but when I read the whole book I will update. This tale focuses on a shooting that has occurred at a pro choice clinic. George has shot the doctor, staff and holding Wren hostage. The hostage negotiator, Hugh, is talking him down but his priority is not for George but for Wreb, his daughter.

From the get go I was immersed in Jodi’s emotive points of view and once I had established the characters it was over because it was a sneaky sampler which has got me ready to preorder the whole book on release

I love Jodi Picoult's books and have read all of them! The stories are magnificiently told and this one doesn't appear to be any different! The first chapter set the scene of a hostage situation at a medical centre. I think because I knew it was only one chapter, I didn't let myself get drawn in as much as I would normally have done, but it did get my attention from the beginning and by the end of the sampler I was keen to carry on reading.

Can't wait until this one is released!

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picolt is a story of people caught up in a hostage situation in a medical centre.
I did not realise that I had only been given an ARC of the first chapter of this book.and I would really like to read more to see how the story progresses.

What a teaser!! Can't wait for this book to be released. Have read all of Jodi Picoults books and am a huge fan.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.