What a fantastic book! I was enthralled from the beginning and suspecting everyone. I was not expecting the twist at all which I love in a good thriller! I did feel like I wanted more out of the end. It seemed like it wrapped up super quick after the twist.

A crime thriller by a best-selling author featuring a crime-thriller by a best-selling author - sounds like a must-read.

When a hidden manuscript of best-selling author Philippa Roberts is discovered at her home, ten months after her disappearance, her publishers decide to release the book. To this end, they invite Eve Hewitt, a long-time friend and the narrator of Philippa's previous books to work on the audiobook of the same. Mired in personal tragedies of her own, Eve grabs the opportunity to rebuild her life, but as she reads the book, Eve finds major discrepancies in the new manuscript when compared with Philippa's previous works. Convinced that Philippa is in danger and that the novel contains a clue, Eve begins to investigate Philippa's disappearance. However, someone is on to Eve and they will do anything to stop her from finding out the truth.

The premise of the book was simply awesome that it reeled me back in from a 3-month reading sabbatical. Despite the slow pace, the plot kept building in suspense which kept my attention riveted. However, the ending was a damp squib. The suspense build-up quickly dropped to an abrupt finish leaving many things unresolved. The climax, in direct contrast to the story until then, was sloppily written. Where I was expecting a high-intense, adrenaline-pumping-chase kinda ending, Eve jumps through a window and finds the victim at the end of the corridor?? Color me unimpressed.

For a main character in a book, Eve is quite the pushover. She often finds herself giving in to her manipulative, narcissistic, ex-husband, Hugo's demands regarding the care of their daughter. Also, she finds it hard to be angry with Saskia, her old colleague and Hugo's current wife, (even though Saskia and Hugo were having an affair while Eve was still married to Hugo,) simply because she knows how charming Hugo can be when he wants something. (I mean, c'mon woman, where is your self-respect?) On the other hand, her ex-husband, Hugo has been brilliantly written. His scenes evoked a loathing so intense, as though he were a real person.

Spoiler Alert: How did Philippa and Jasmine know each other? The plot says that Jasmine was Philippa's agent's assistant. However, they should have known each other much earlier than this to have to collaborate on their book. The backstory of their acquaintance is unclear here. And how do Hugo and Nina know each other? They are two random characters whose paths don't cross. So why was Hugo able to convince Nina to be a part of his nefarious plans and please don't tell me that it's because he is so charming.End of Spoiler

I believe the author has also tried to hint at depression and mental illness through the character of Eve's dad. But it is only vaguely alluded to in his letter from which the reader makes their own conclusion regarding his death.

Overall, just OK. I believe this story had great potential but unfortunately when I was done reading, it felt incomplete, as though I had skipped a few pages to the end. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4

The Narrator is a thriller about an author whose disappearance rocks the worlds of those associated with her— particularly Eve Hewitt, the narrator of her famous book series.

This book was a bit confusing at times because of the different perspectives. I didn’t feel that was done very well, but the plot twists were really great!

I was surprised at how the plot turned out, but I felt the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. It seemed like there was a plot twist, then all the sudden the book ended with everything in a nice bow. I didn’t feel very satisfied by the ending. There were also some mistakes throughout the book that bothered me (an English teacher.)

Overall, I liked the story but it could have been a little more developed and well-crafted.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC! All opinions above are my own.

2.5. Somewhat of a page turner, yet the story and progression felt formulaic and predictable. I am not familiar with this author, but it almost felt like she didn’t trust her readers to pick up on obvious clues or intention. She would plant clear clues, circle back, remind us and then the last chapters were just her explaining what happened from the beginning. This isn’t a Guy Ritchie film, it was all there in writing. So by the time the reveal came it didn’t pack the punch since all momentum was diluted by explanations.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There are several plots running through this book:
1. Eve is a single mom, trying to keep her awful ex from gaining custody of her daughter, now that he somehow has money.
2. Eve is a narrator for Phillipa Roberts, who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances
3. Eve accidentally reads an early draft of a newly "discovered" Phillipa book, and starts to think there are clues to her disappearance

I loved how the author had you suspecting everyone until the end. Of course, you have to suspend disbelief for the outrageous ending, but it was a quick, fun read to get there! K. L. Slater is always worth reading!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader's copy.

Come her for mystery got drama. Too much drama than mystery. Weird really weird and awkward spend time with your ex husband, his mistres with wathever reason it feel cringe. Is Eve too forgiving? Where her dignity? Can she stand for herself? What point Saskia come in the midle of night upset and crying just saying few word then leave? She can do it over text? Oh my god..can she listen to Chad?!

But the plot twist tho.. that was so good, i speechless.. woa didnt see that coming!

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#TheNarator #KLSlater #Bookouture #NetGalley #ARC

I received an ARC of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. This was a quick read which kept my interest from the beginning. The author did a great job making various characters seem sinister and suspicious to confuse matters and make you doubt everyone. I think a few times the main character of Eve made stupid decisions and also was not as strong as she should have been (like when her mom sent her daughter off with Eve's ex without asking, big no way to that!). The twist at the end was entirely unexpected but I found it just slightly short of realistic. Overall, I enjoyed this - thrillers that manage to thrill throughout and then actually surprise me with their twists are always a hit for me.

Perfectly written! Lots to twist and turns. I love this author and will definitely be on the look out for more!

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Narrator’ by K L Slater in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Phillipa Roberts, renowned author of the ‘Tower’ series, disappears and her whereabouts is still unknown ten months later. Eve Hewitt is the narrator for the series and when a draft manuscript is discovered of book number ten that Phillipa was known to have been working on, she’s called in by the publisher to narrate the audio version. Prior to recording Eve starts reading the manuscript and is concerned by discrepancies between the characters and those in the previous books.

‘The Narrator’ is a compelling thriller that’s kept me involved from page one. The plot has been well thought-out, the characters are interesting, and the drama, intrigue and twists and turns have kept me reading as I’ve tried to unravel this tangled mystery. Although the ending is a bit disappointing and not at all what I was expecting, it’s still an enjoyable and immensely readable book that I’m happy to recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book

Eve narrates books for audiobooks. In particular she has narrated the Philippa Roberts crime series, all 9 books.

Then Eve’s life fell apart, she lost her dad, her husband had an affair and Philippa (who had become a friend) disappears. Eve now loves with her mum with her young daughter.

When Philippa’s wife finds book 10 in the series buried in their attic, Eve is invited back to narrate this one too.

This relights a fire in Eve where she needs to know what happened to Philippa. What she discovers will change her whole life!

This was short and sweet. I was desperate to get to the end and find out where Philippa was. It was a good ending.

However I would have preferred the storyline to be teased out a bit more.

Absolutely captivating! I’ve read so many thrillers that I can pretty easily guess which way things will turn in a story, but the ultimate twist in The Narrator was one I didn’t see coming! Well done!

I seem to be in the minority here, but I felt this one fell a bit flat.

It was fine for the most part and went along at a happy pace (that husband though! Heavens alive, what an idiot) but parts seemed a little contrived (why would Eve's mother hand Scarlet over to Hugo? Makes no sense considering). Ditto for Chad's behaviour, it just seems so unlikely that anyone would behave that way.

Also, while I appreciated the twist at the end, it was a bit far-fetched. I think what I'm trying to say is that I had to suspend belief a few times, which makes me feel that there isn't a worthy enough story so the author has to embellish a bit. Not always a bad thing, but this didn't sit right.

A mediocre but not awful 3 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

The Narrator
by K.L. Slater
Pub Date 06 Jan 2023 | Archive Date 13 Jan 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers


I am reviewing a copy of The Narrator through Bookouture and Netgalley:



What if you had a chance at a perfect life, ended up putting your daughter in danger?



Being a single Mother is tough, but I would do anything for my daughter Scarlet. I would even give up on my career as a voice, actor when the call came, but suddenly I was the new narrator for a secret book from bestselling author Philippa Roberts, who has been missing for eight months. It was a lifeline for me and my daughter.


I hated that accepting the opportunity meant leaving Scarlet with my ex in his perfect new home with his perfect new girlfriend. But I knew it was the right thing to do.

After reading Phillips's new novel I begin to think it's no coincidence I was chosen to narrate it.


There’s something hidden in the pages of this book, I’m sure of it. Some clue to Philippa’s disappearance. And I don’t feel safe. I think I’m being watched. My room has been searched.

And then my ex’s girlfriend calls in tears and everything starts to click together. If I don’t find answers fast, I’ll lose more than my second chance. I’ll lose my daughter.


The Narrator is a faced paced read, and worthy of four out of five stars.


Happy Reading!

The pacing of this was awful and the characters were painfully flat. The "twist" was eye roll worthy.

Trudged through this ...

I’m still shookt! That was a pleasant read. Looking forward to more from this author.

Cheers to Netgalley for the copy

This is my first K L Slater book and I can say that I am not disappointed!
I was immediately drawn in by the theme of the book. It is unique and made the book stand out.
The book was amazing! I was sucked in from the first chapter and I could not put it down.
The book had twists and turns that I did not see coming. I thought I had the story worked out but then bam i was turned in another direction and I found myself questioning the motives of all the characters.
Such a great book and I highly recommend.
I was very fortunate to receive a ARC and I really appreciate the privilege of receiving one.
I am now going to go and read all of K L Slaters books now :)
5/5 stars

This book was a mystery within a mystery. Phillipa is a well-known author who has been missing for 10 months and suddenly a manuscript for her last book turns up. Eve is her book narrator and is still grieving her dad's mysterious death not that long ago. Was his death accidental or suicide?? AS Eve begins to narrate the new book she notices there are too many inconsistencies. The characters are different, and it feels like Phillipa is trying to send a message. Eve gets caught up in trying to figure it out. While she is away working her ex-husband has taken her 5-year-old daughter to live with him and his girlfriend (who once was Eve's friend). And Eve has a stalker who turns out to be the hero of the story. The story flips around from the missing author who is being held captive and Eve trying to figure out what caused her disappearance. Information comes to light and puts Eve in danger. Parts of the story were creepy, and parts were scary. There is a big payoff towards the end and a twist that you'll never see coming. It is quite a surprise and it tied up all the loose ends. A good read.

I have read other books by K L Slater so I was very excited to read the ARC for The Narrator. The book is very twisty and exciting throughout.

Eve has had a successful voice over career thanks to famous author Phillipa Robert’s popular book series. But the sudden disappearance of the famous author along with her separation from her husband have turned her world upside down. Eve has moved home with her daughter to live with her Mom for a while.

A newly discovered book in the series changes things and she is now headed back to work. Along with Chad, a Phillipa super fan, the pair investigate the disappearance of the author and the circumstances surrounding it.

This book was full of good characters and plot twists to keep you interested throughout. Looking forward to the next book by this author. Thank you for my advance copy to read and review.

Certainly a interesting and intriguing read.
Definitely a story that kept me guessing to the end.
Obsoletely a creepy read.
A psychological domestic thriller that will keep you wondering what the ending could possibly be.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kim Slater has written another wild and twisted thriller that will take you on a ride you didn't expect! Unveiling all kinds of clues and red herrings, the ending is a surprise that you won't see coming. A mark of a great read is when the author invokes some truly strong feelings about one or more of the characters!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!