My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Watch Her Fall’ by Erin Kelly in exchange for an honest review.

This proved an intense and atmospheric psychological thriller that drew upon the ballet Swan Lake for its themes and structure.

Ava Kirilova is the prima ballerina of the London Russian Ballet Company. After years of hard work, pain, and sacrifice she is to dance the dual role of Odette, the white swan, and Odile, the black swan, in a new production of ‘Swan Lake’. This challenging dual role is one of the most coveted in all ballet.

Mr K, her father, who is the intense director of the ballet company considers her performance flawless. Still, Ava has pushed herself ahead of other talented dancers and they are now watching her with envy. Yet there is one among them who really wants to see Ava fall....

After reading her 2011 debut, ‘The Poison Tree’, Erin Kelly quickly became one of my ‘must read’ authors and given my own lifelong love of dance I was very excited to learn that her latest novel was going to be set in the world of ballet.

Wow..and wow again. I absolutely loved this novel. It was astonishingly good and so cleverly plotted. It is a very original premise and clearly was well researched. I am not going to say anything more in order to avoid spoiler territory though would suggest that it is a novel best read ‘cold’.

Undoubtedly one of my top reads of 2021. After reading I purchased both its hardback and audiobook editions as it is a novel that I am sure to revisit and treasure.

Erin Kelly is the Queen of page-turning-twisty-always-keep-you-guessing novels. I love reading her books because you never know what to expect. Nothing (and no one) are who they seem. It's also why I keep coming back for more. 'Watch Her Fall,' is pure Erin Kelly magic. Set in the world of ballet, it roughly follows the plot of Swan Lake. Good swan, bad swan. Good father, bad father. The lover who devotes himself to you and the lover who betrays you. But which person is which? And - in a place as cutthroat as a competitive ballet school - can anyone really be trusted?

I ripped through 'Watch Her Fall,' in a few days and could almost feel the oppressive heat of a London summer coming through the pages. I didn't know what to expect and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. I loved and hated all of the characters in equal measure, and also enjoyed finding out more about an elite world many of us will never have access to. God, Erin Kelly's good.

Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Published 1/4/21

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

No Spoilers

Interesting and original. What started as a book about ballet, and Swan Lake in particular, developed into a very interesting mystery. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, something happened and I realised I didn’t have a clue. Takes a bit of concentration but well worth the effort.

Highly Recommended

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and netgalley for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This is the first book of Erin Kelly’s books I have read so I have nothing to go off with any previous work. I'm not sure what I was expecting when reading a book about the London Russian ballet . The protagonist Ana Kirilova is trying to hold onto her position as lead in Swan Lake when a new ballerina comes in and threatens to usurp her. A very different read with lots of twists and turns.

Oh how good was this book?

With twists and turns as dramatic as the dances described in the book, it’s one of those books you just want to keep reading.

The story focuses on the behind the scenes action at a ballet company in London, and the emotions and raw ambition of the dancers.

It’s hard to say more as I don’t want there to be any spoilers for other readers, but needless to say, all us not what it seems.

I loved every minute of this story, and would definitely recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Five stars all around and possibly the best book I’ve read all year so far! I didn’t really know much about the world of ballet before reading this, but Erin Kelly’s vivid descriptions completely enthralled me. It had me on the edge of my seat, had me scratching my head, had me shocked out my mind, the lot! A fabulous book that has made me want to see Swan Lake post-pandemic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Ava Kirilova has waited all her life to reach the pinnacle of her career, dancing the roles of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake. Her father and director of the ballet company, the tempestuous Mr K, finally feels Ava is ready, but it seems someone else disagrees.

This wasn't quite the book I was expecting. I absolutely loved the parts of the book that revolved around the ballet company but the other parts were not so appealing for me. The twist was good and I was slightly annoyed with myself that I didn't see it coming until about 70% of the way through the book. I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown to be honest, I really can't see how that situation could have carried on for long. I, therefore, rate this one 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive............ The story centres on the Kirilov Russian Ballet Academy in London, and the cutthroat, bitchy world that goes with it. The story got off to a rather slow start, with a little too much scene setting and ballet information for the average reader, but once it got into its stride it became utterly transfixing, right up until the end. The characters were superbly drawn and detailed, although Nicky Kirilov, the dictatorial founder and head of the ballet school was bordering on caricature - nonetheless, it’s perfectly possible that someone like him could exist in the world of professional ballet. This is a dark and twisty tale, which will probably be enjoyed most by those with an interest in classical ballet, (and Swan Lake in particular) but is still well worth a read for those who just like a really good story.

Reading the blurb for this book I wasn't sure I would like it but I have a good track record with the author so I thought I would give it a crack anyway. And I am really glad I did.
We start with Ava Kirilova playing the part of Odette/Odile in the ballet Swan Lake. It's a plum job which all dancers aspire to but few manage to attain. She is the daughter of the boss of the London Russian Ballet but has got to where she is by sheer guts and determination, as well as talent, rather than nepotism. Bu things start to go wrong for the production. The second swan gets sacked and her replacement worries Ava with her talent and the way she has turned her father's head. Things then go from bad to worse but I really can't say any more than that here for fear of spoilers. Needless to say, if you have read this author before, there is a whole lot bubbling up underneath the main plot that will both keep you on your toes, and glued to the book, for the rest of the thrilling ride.
It's compelling and addictive reading. It contains all the things you'd expect from a book of this genre - twists, turns, shocks, duplicitous behaviour, secrets and lies. All delivered with great aplomb and nothing coming completely from left field. It's so well and tightly plotted that, OK , you might drop your jaw and sit back in shock about s few things - maybe even feel initially cheated - but read on and all will be revealed and, when it does, well... I sat back and applauded the author for a job well done.
All in all, another winner from an already impressive author. Can't see what she serves up for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Odette and Odile. Black and White. Good and Evil.

The story begins at the ballet. The London Russian ballet company, held in thrall by its manipulative creator Nicky, and his talented daughter Ava, who is about to dance Swan Lake. I know next to nothing about the ballet, but thoroughly enjoyed the back stage setting and inter-dancer competitiveness.

The next sections take the reader to a damaged dancer, Juliet, living in a borrowed apartment where she meets the security man, Max. We then see the same events through Max's eyes and his 'friend' Katya.

The book reverberates with the story of Swan Lake, as we see light and dark elements of the personalities involved. It is very cleverly done, and the reader is taken on a most unusual journey. Sometimes I felt a little irritated as because the centre character changes, we saw the same events through different eyes, but there was a purpose to this.

A clever, gripping and enjoyable story. Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Watch Her Fall is an exquisite novel, certainly to my mind Erin Kelly’s best book yet, which is saying something considering the quality of what came before.

Set in the intense, emotional world of ballet, the dancers living in a bubble of professional artistry, a world of complete focus and competition, Ava is about to hit the pinnacle of her career. However there are those in her life who would see her fail..

The writing here is simply superb, an immersive, descriptive joy to read that sets you in a place like no other. It is part mystery, part character study, all drama, an extremely complex and intelligent tale that subtly dances in the mind much like a ballet itself.

The intricate nature of the relationships, especially between Ava and her father, the unforgiving Mr K, sets the scene for an unpredictable, deeply heart wrenching mystery where both nothing and everything is as it seems. I fell into this one and emerged feeling a bit battered but a bit in awe. One of those novels you live and breathe as much as you read.

If I read a better book this year I’ll be very surprised.

Highly Recommended.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

An obviously well researched book that was enjoyable but just a little bit too technical for me!

Set in and around the cut throat (who knew?) world of ballet Watch her Fall is a story telling marvel. Told any other way and we, the readers would fall out of love with the characters pretty smartish. But Erin Kelly with her story telling wizardry brings us with her on an intricately woven plot featuring some, let’s face it, pretty bad behaviour (no spoilers here guys) and you still come out rooting for these flawed and broken characters (except Katya, I wasn’t very fond of Katya).

Outstanding, loved this book, can’t recommend it highly enough. Heartfelt thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Watch Her Fall is a very unnerving read.

You would think you have a solid grasp of what is going on, only to then find out you have absolutely no clue, and it is all confusing as hell!

Very well written and executed

Loved the authors previous books but for me,with zero interest in ballet or Sawn Lake it was a challenge, not sure if the times we are living in but found it complicated and could not immerse myself in the book fully and a book with so much detail like this deserves that,the authors writing is brilliant,it was me not the book and ai will 100% read her next book

This is a stunning but dark glimpse into the compulsive world of the Kirilova ballet school. Written from differing viewpoints there are ample twists and turns so ensure you are concentrating as this book is rather the rollercoaster. The amount of desire and despair on offer here makes for a really compelling read and takes you deeply within this psychological thriller. You do not need to be a ballet lover to enjoy this one as I was easily transported and entertained by the theatrical journey within the story.

I like the cover and title, it’s very fitting.
It begins by introducing us to a Russian run Ballet Company who are performing the iconic classical ballet Swan Lake, the director Mr K is the prima ballerinas father. Ava plays both leading parts of Odette (the white swan)and Odile
(the black swan)
As I enjoy watching classical ballet I was interested to read this book.
It starts slowly introducing the reader to the harsh disciplined life and regime of the dancers with their strict social hierarchy. The dancers are very contained within the theatre. They live and work there, with no need to leave the complex. It feels like a voluntary prison environment. Even their names become those of the roles that they dance. Their world is compared to that of a cult, it doesn’t seem so wide of the mark.
It is a slow burn,a large portion of the book is spent setting the scene, with motivations, and jealousy examining the daily life of the dancers through the eyes of Ava then other characters take the rein.
Ava doesn’t come over as a likeable or caring character, she is haughty having endured the hardships to attain her elite goal, and has a superior attitude, no doubt reinforced by the cultural of the standing within the troupe. During the book she develops into a full on bitch and bully.
For me the interest increased around 30% From here the story progresses and interweaves, it’s not straightforward and the time frame jumps.
For me the first 30% runs at 3* but bear with it and it moves to 3.75* as the plot develops and ends strongly taking the over all score for me to 4*

This was a brilliant read. It was an interesting read but most of all were the characters that I cared about and the twist I did not see coming. I won’t ruin it for anyone but read this book!

"Watch her fall" is partly set in the ruthless world of ballet, and I say partly cause contrary to what the synopsis implies, there's a large portion of the story that has almost nothing to do with it and, honestly, I found that a bit disappointing.

I had never read a book set in this environment so when I first found out about this book and Swan Lake inspiration (I loved Black Swan!) I was over the moon. The first act started great. The underlying tension from the very start as opening night drew near was phenomenal. The respect and feat every member of the company had for Nicky was palpable. I don't know to what extent the day to day of the company is exaggerated, but I found a bit implausible that an adult woman could barely function by herself on the real world (you don't know what data is, really?).

Anyway, the first act set things for what I expected would be a story of ballerina's rivalries, fighting for the role of Odette/Odile, but the second act darted off in a completely unexpected direction, and that's where it went downhill for me.

The story was all over the place, there were different POVs rehashing from another perspective the same scenes we had already read about, what made it a bit repetitive. There was a whole plot line that, imo, was completely expendable and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more had it centered on the ballet plot line.

Character development was good and some twists and turns toward the end managed to hold my attention, but I missed some last conversation before the last act.

While it kept me entertained till the very end and the writing was good enough for me to want to read more books by this author, I was expecting much more from this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another twisty turning thrilling read from Erin Kelly. All the way through the book there's a sense of menace, a flickering uncertainty, and it's a real exercise in mental gymnastics trying to work out what's going on...

Very enjoyable and gripping. I find the ballet world interesting, but even if you have no prior knowledge or liking, it's a very fitting stage for the story.