Member Reviews
The fourth installment in the Augusta Bloom series
all I can say is WOW - fast paced from the start
I liked having all the characters back together
It keeps you guessing all the way through
Thank you netgalley, Leona Deakin and Random House UK
The fourth of the Augusta Bloom novels is a complex and intriguing novel. While Bloom consults on a serial killer case where a series of rich men are murdered in London, her old adversary (and psychopath) Seraphine Walker is on her mind. Some think Walker is behind the killings, but that doesn't add up for Bloom. Aided by former MI6 agent Marcus Jameson, Bloom has to find the killers while also dealing with Walker's ongoing games. And then there's a former Foreign Secretary (another psychopath) to deal with ...
Coming to this series at #4 wasn't ideal, but a lot of back story is explained. The motivations of all of the main characters seem murky at times, and while there are places where the plot feels just a little too far fetched, the strength of the writing keeps the reader well engaged.
Thank you so much Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I've read all of the series so far and was so thrilled to receive this. Unputdownable is an understatement. Twisty psychological thriller is also an understatement.
This was a WOW storyline and so different to anything I have read for a very long time. The subject was dealt with really well and it was so nice to have Augusta, Marcus and Seraphine back - and long keep them alive!
I finished this in a day it was that unputdownable. Please keep writing and can I have the next one?
5 out of 5 isn't enough for this nor is 10 out of 10- I'd give it 20 out of 20! Kept me hooked.
When a stock-market trader plunges to his death and nothing is found except a box of matches, it appears that it could be death by misadventure. However, when it is connected to another death - that of a Saudi Prince - and information comes to light that an imposter may have been living the prince's life while the evidence fades away, it appears that a different plan may be at play - one which is targeting successful individuals.
I'm led to believe that this is the fourth book in the series, and it is definitely possible to pick up the story from this book alone. My main issue with the book is that I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable - I didn't really care either way whether any of them succeeded! I cannot therefore give it any more than 3*.
I've read all the previous books in this series - Gone, Lost and Hunt - I guess the author finally ran out of four letter titles! The Imposter was good, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous books. I like the main characters, psychologist Augusta and her colleague, ex-MI6 man Marcus, but I think I'm getting a bit done with recurring antagonist, the psychopathic Seraphine (although her character does get some development here) and I'm not much bothered about other antagonist, Gerald.
That said, it is well written and the serial-killer plot starts out intriguing, though the tagline ("He doesn't just want your identity... he wants your life") feels a bit misleading.
I did predict the twist involving Zander & co - there was a pretty massive clue here which should perhaps have been dispensed with - I doubt I would have guessed if it hadn't been for that. As a result I felt like the truth should have been a more satisfying (or indeed "jaw-dropping" as we're always told) revelation than it actually was.
Leona Deakin is a very good writer and I will definitely read everything she produces in the future, however while this was an engaging enough read it wasn't my favourite in this series.
When I see, “Unputdownable/Thriller with a twist”…… and so on, I don’t go into the book with high expectations. It’s rarely either of the those things.
HOWEVER…..this one, The Imposter, fulfilled on its promise. In fact, it knocked it out of the park!
I mean, wow, was this good?! I absolutely loved this book. The characters are exceptional, the writing is superb and the atmosphere is immersive. This is an author who knows what her readers want and delivers it gift wrapped!
I struggled to put this down, as once I started reading it I found it difficult to leave it behind when I closed the book. It really gets into your headspace on the best possible way.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’ll definitely be going back and reading more. Highly recommend!
5 out of 5
I loved this read it was so well written with an utterly riveting storyline and well developed characters. It was gripping right the way throughout with a dark and chilling atmopshere through and twists and unpredictability that kept me guessing all the way through
This was another great read featuring psychologist Dr Augusta Bloom who is again struggling with her psychopath acquaintance Seraphine along with assisting the police with a murder enquiry, a crime which for once Augusta suspects has nothing to do with Seraphine. When it becomes apparent the murder is the work of a serial killer the story really gets interesting. It took me a short while to get into this story however the many elements of this soon had be engrossed, most especially the chapters featuring the serial killers and the identity of them was a fantastic twist. It was interesting to see a gradual change in Augusta’s perception of Seraphine too, I think was a good development otherwise she’d have been more limited as a character in future whereas now I’m very curious as to what she’ll do in the next book. Overall this was a great page turner and the characters are phenomenal, 9/10
This is one of those thrillers that's just on a whole different level from the basic "stalker murders woman" or "gaslighting ex gets revenge"...... its such a new and interesting take in the thriller/ mystery/ police type genre and its just elevated to another level. It's so intelligently written and you need complete focus to keep up woth what's going on. This isn't a book you can skim over as you watch netflix, you need the curtains closed, tv off, family locked in the garage and complete peace to really lose yourself in this complex, trust filled thriller. An absolute winner. I've already went and downloaded the rest of the series
This serial killer doesn't just want your life. He wants your identity...
No one sees him coming.
A stock-market trader is pushed from a high-rise balcony and falls to his death on the street below. The only clue the police can find is a box of matches.
No one survives for long.
The decomposing body of a member of the Saudi Royal Family is discovered in a car. Evidence suggests the killer took the man's life, then stole his identity, wore his clothes and lived in his hotel room - before vanishing into thin air like smoke.
Nothing but matchsticks are left behind.
Dr Bloom realizes the only thing linking these murders is a trail of burnt matches and broken lives. Time is running out - and if she isn't careful, she might be the next to burn ...
Wow this is really gripping with lots of twists and turns really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Random House Uk, Transworld Publishers
I just reviewed The Imposter by Leona Deakin. #TheImposter #NetGalley