Twisted by Steve Cavanagh

J.T. LeBeau is one of the world’s most successful thriller writers. You can find his books anywhere; everyone is reading them. LeBeau is known most of all for his genius with the twist. They’re unguessable. But, despite all of the accolades and all of the awards, he never makes public appearances. In fact, nobody knows who he is. Actually, to be accurate, there were a couple of people who knew his identity but they’re dead now. Better, then, not to find out.

Maria is not a happy woman. She thought she’d married the perfect man. They have a beautiful house by the sea and he gives her all the money she needs. But something isn’t right. He’s often away without telling her why. He has a luxury boat and a sports car, while she drives around in a bit of a heap. Maria suspects he’s keeping a very big secret from her. And so too does her lover Darryl. When they discover a bank statement and some other bits and pieces, Maria realises that her husband is LeBeau. It’s about time he shared the wealth. But the hunter is about to become the hunted.

Twisted is a very clever thriller that plays games with the idea of the ‘twist’, something beloved by thriller writers and readers alike. It’s almost like a thriller about a thriller. Steve Cavanagh writes a twisty thriller about the author of twisty thrillers, while demonstrating that sometimes the very worst thing (indeed, often the very last thing) anyone can experience is a killer twist! So, right from the outset, we’re given a barrage of clues, red herrings and false leads. And we’re not the only ones trying to unravel it. Maria isn’t alone either. A lot of people are trying to work it out when, as we’re warned right at the beginning, sometimes it’s best to leave these things alone. If you want to live.

It’s a fun story and it doesn’t let up for a moment – I read it in just one day. The style is reminiscent of the author’s Eddie Flynn legal thrillers (Eddie is amusingly referred to at one point in Twisted). It’s sharp and to the point, it gives us the facts – even if they’re not true – and makes its case. It is, though, in my opinion, rather clinical and at times does feel like an exercise in thriller writing, so much so that characterisation is left undeveloped. This also means that there are some genuinely shocking moments because the shocks are more important than our relationship to the characters. This, of course, is not necessarily a bad thing in a thriller! I was gripped by Twisted more than I was engaged by it but it’s one of those books that, when you get to the end, you sit back and you’re impressed by how we got there. Twisted is certainly twisty and if you’re a fan of twists, then you’ll enjoy this masterclass.

Other reviews
The Defence
Thirteen

I love Steve Cavanagh's books-especially the Eddie Flynn series. This one for me wasn't as good. I found the plot lines a little too contrived and more of a lesson in how to write a suspense thriller. Nevertheless, a good well-written book. Looking forward to reading more of Steve's books.

Steve Cavanagh is the master of thriller writing, after reading Thirteen I eagerly awaited this book which is a stand-alone and undeniably a one or two sitting read. It's a great title and describes the book admirably as there's certainly lots of twists and turns and the main characters are also twisted, so two for the price of one.

Seriously this author never disappoints. This book has so Many twists and turns the title is perfect I never knew which way it was going and I couldn’t
Put this book down I loved it!

Twisted is such an apt title. This well-written roller coaster of a thriller has so many shocks, reveals and corkscrew twists that its the Nemesis of books.
It took me longer than I thought it would to read this, and that's a testament to the plot and writing; I didn't want to rush. It enabled me to pin point clues that i’ll happily admit perplexed me right up until the penny was dropped.
The movement between the perspectives of a number of characters was interesting to me. Especially considering I trusted very few of them and it added to the mystery, rather than detract.
As the body count racked up, my nail length was almost down to the quick; through a cleverly written, almost-meta, narrative a tense atmosphere is created that will mean so many readers will find this an addictive read.

Absolute cracker of a book!
Was so looking forward to this one after reading all about Eddie Flynn (BTW I'm glad he makes an appearance albeit just in reference) by Steve Cavanagh.
Amazing edge of the seat twists make Twisted am amazing page turner. You won't sleep till you ve turned the last page.

Steve Cavanagh once again proves that he is the master of suspense. From the very beginning and that killer hook opening, he invites you to park all of your preconceived ideas and reading habits to join him on a rollercoaster ride through the pages of his latest thriller! Buckle up folks and enjoy the show!
The author is a genius in the execution of this novel - pay attention as you will need to be on your toes but it is well worth the effort as the mystery unravels before your eyes. Twisted is the perfect title for this novel. It keeps on giving all the way through.
Full Review to follow as part of the blog tour

You can't get any more twisted than Twisted. A brilliant thriller of a read. Fast paced with a plot that winds and weaves throughout. The characters of Maria, Paul and Darryl I did not like , but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, in fact it added to the thrill factor. Highly recommend Twisted!

Wow! Twisted is the correct word for this book! It was phenomenal, well written and gripping. I was hooked from the first page which is rare for me. I absolutely loved this and it did not disappoint at all!

Wow what a clever and twisted plot! I just couldn’t put this down and it was so well written with so many plot twists it was impossible to guess how it was going to end.
I raced through this book in a couple of days, absolutely desperate to find out how the author was going to conclude the story.
You really need your wits about you when reading Twisted as nothing is straightforward and nobody is who they seem.
I’ve read and loved Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series and Eddie is even mentioned in this book which made me chuckle even though he did not appear in this compelling stand alone story.
I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot as it would spoil the book but suffice it to say that it is about a reclusive thriller writer who has some dark secrets.
I predict that this will be a big hit as soon as it is published and I urge those of you who love dark thrillers to read it as soon as possible!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh! I have loved this book! I genuinely didn't want it to end. I feel a bit motion sick now though... all those twists. There isn't a coincidence that it is called Twisted.

I discovered this author last year through Netgalley and when I saw his name pop up again this year, I just had to request it. "thirteen" was my favourite book from 2018 and this is now my favourite of 2019 so far!

Without giving away spoilers, this book follows an author writing under a pen name J.T. Lebeau although his works aren't completely fiction. His books are all based on real life murders that have taken part in real life, by the author himself.

We see the point of view from Maria Cooper, Paul Cooper, Maria's little fling Daryl Oakes, the Sherrif and Deputy. Just as you begin to suss the plot it twists in a way that has you gasping!

Fabulous book, well done Steve Cavanagh, you have smashed this one out of the park!

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Well I have come to the conclusion that Steve Cavanagh is without doubt a 100% genius!!! I really don’t have enough words to describe just how unique, compulsive and utterly brilliant this author is and I have read all of his books.
Twisted is just what the title says and quite an understatement actually as it’s crazily twisted, full of drama, clever and totally unpredictable with a humdinger of a climax it was outstanding and I damn well loved every page. To write about the plot is impossible as it just twists you up in knots and to say more would just spoil it , it’s going to be a huge hit and a well deserved one so just read it I can highly recommend it it’s a big 5+ star read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing group for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.

The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!

Book Review 📚
Twisted by Steve Cavanagh...
Release Date - 4 April 2019 🇬🇧
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Wow where do I begin, every now and then I love a good Thriller and after looking through @net I came across Twisted, I recognised the authors name after seeing a lot of people posting about Thirteen on Bookstagram, which I am yet to read!
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So I started this book two days ago and finished it last night! And what a book it is! We follow the story of a mysterious writer called J.T Lebeau, he is renowned world wide but no one knows who he is??
We meet our 3 main characters and the police force.
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I really don’t want to give any storylines away as this has to be enjoyed somewhat blind. What I can give you is this...
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“BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THREE THINGS”
•The Police are looking to charge me with Murder
•No one knows who I am! Or how I did it..
•If you think you have found me...I am coming for you next.
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The book is so clever and the title is fully fitting with the story line, I was wrapped up into the world and the characters I seriously couldn’t get enough!
Full of twists and turns, you just never know what is going to happen next 😱
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So I am watching all of you.... Put this on your TBR pile or Me and J.T Lebeau are coming for you..
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5 Shining Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BEFORE YOU READ THIS REVIEW
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THREE THINGS:
1. Steve Cavanagh’s mind is criminally brilliant.
2. Never has a title been so spot-on.
3. If you haven’t added this book to your list, I’m coming for you.

Where do I start?
Steve Cavanagh’s name is everywhere. I was lucky to see him during Bloody Scotland but my copy of Thirteen is still waiting for my eyes to dissect it. Still, I had a feeling the guy would push all my favourite thriller buttons.
He did more that this!

Insanely good, Twisted is a standalone that reminded me of a carousel. You start spinning slowly, and when you think you’re getting used to the landscape around you, you get punched by the bear you’re supposed to be grabbing. Gobsmacked by twists thrown at you at each turn, you don’t realise just how fast things are going and before you know it, you’re short of breath and completely addicted!

I am giving NOTHING away about the storyline. But let me tell you that it is sickly entertaining, stunningly penned, and brought to life by a perfect cast of protagonists.

Twisted is one of those novels that make you re-read a sentence because your brain can’t process the bombs the author has hidden throughout. You think you know where you are going but you end up lost in the woods. Oh and what woods… Killer woods with prey and hunters.

Are you up to the game to find out who’s who?

Omg - just bloody brilliant - read it in 2 days and now off to read The Defence - great writer, brilliant story and couldn’t read it quick enough

Brilliant standalone thriller by one of the best new thriller writers around.

The title is totally apt as the reader is taken on a breathless rollercoaster ride as the plot develops, turns and twists in all sort of totally unsuspected directions.

Sometimes I was slightly confused and you need to keep your wits about you but this is an exciting and exhilarating read that is certain to be one of the most popular and talked about thrillers of 2019.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! The twists just kept coming and in the end I had to stay up and finish it! Very believable and not your typical ending!

A fast-paced thriller with lots of twists and turns throughout the entire novel. I enjoyed this book immensely. Halfway through, I had to take a reading break to take stock of all that had happened so far. The second half of the book was just as much of a whirlwind, with shocks and surprises throughout.

If you like well-written books that aren’t at all predictable, this is a must-read.

WOW!! I literally couldn't put this book down... as a fan of Steve Cavanagh's other books I was excited to read this standalone book and I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed!

I don't like giving too much away about storylines but what I can say is that this had me gripped.... I needed to find out what was going on and that meant that I had to keep reading as just as you think you know what's happening... things change.

It's a fast paced novel which I liked, it definitely kept me guessing and it's not one of those books where one chapter in you know exactly how it's going to end but you carry on reading anyway!

I loved the fact that Steve even put a brief reference to Eddie Flynn in the book (that's his main character from his other books) and the book just felt really 'current' with other small references that were made.

If I'm completely honest... I finished the book two days ago and I'm still wondering to myself how he came up with such a fantastic storyline and managed to write it so brilliantly! It definitely needs to be at the top of your to-read pile.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I enjoyed it that much that I'll be buying a hard copy when it's released.