Member Reviews
Rachel Abbott does it again. Great storyline, great characters. I always look forward to reading the latest Rachel Abbott and this did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend.
In “Don’t Look Away” by Rachel Abbott, I found myself drawn into a web of mystery and suspense that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The story revolves around Nancy Holland, who returns to the seaside village and cottage in Cornwall where her sister, Lola, disappeared eleven years ago. Lola’s vanishing act has haunted Nancy, and now life has pulled her back to the very place she vowed never to visit again. As Nancy delves into the past, she uncovers secrets, hidden motives, and a chilling discovery. A body is found in a cave below the cliffs, and Nancy wonders: Did Lola really run away, or is there something more sinister at play?
The author weaves a complex narrative, alternating between Nancy’s present-day investigation and flashbacks to that fateful summer. The tension builds as Nancy confronts her own guilt and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her sister’s disappearance. The police remain tight-lipped, and Nancy’s determination to uncover the truth puts her in danger.
At first, the novel unfolds slowly, immersing readers in Nancy’s backstory and family dynamics. As Nancy’s memories resurface, I became fully invested in her quest for answers. Twists and turns abound, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the author throws another curveball.
“Don’t Look Away” is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, family secrets, and unexpected revelations. The shocking twist at the end left me reeling, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew the truth.
Nancy is left a cottage in Cornwall by her aunt. Nancy reluctantly returns to the cottage, where her sister disappeared 11 years earlier. When a skeleton is found the police begin to investigate. Another fantastic read by Rachel Abbott.
WOW! If this isn't a book to brag about I don't know what is... I started it late last night. Never did I anticipate I would be closing the book at 1am left in complete shock... This book was insane! It was twisted, it was gripping but it was so darn good!
Nancy has inherited her aunt’s cottage in Cornwall. She decides that she will visit it with a view to putting it up for sale. Nancy is reluctant to return as she is still haunted by the disappearance of Lola, her younger sister, eleven years ago. Nancy had a very difficult time in her teens when her mother was ill and she became her sole carer. She had to give up her studies as her Dad and Lola left the caring of her Mum to her. Lola was becoming increasingly difficult and wouldn’t engage with her mother. After she died Lola’s behaviour deteriorated and when she disappeared they didn’t know if she had run away or something had happened to her. Meanwhile DS Stephanie King is investigating the discovery of bones found in a cave. She was a young PC at the time of Lola’s disappearance and wonders if they can be hers. Nancy decides to investigate herself but feels that there has been an intruder in her home. Suddenly her own life is under threat. The chapters are told in past and present timelines which makes compelling reading. A really enjoyable book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
I devoured this and couldn't stop talking about it. I gave it 4 stars and have recommended it to all my friends.
A great book that kept me so intrigued I couldn't put my kindle down, I had to find out what was going to happen next.
Rachel Abbott's books are one of my favourites. Dont Look Away is an apt title of the book, because in a moment's time everything changed in Nancy and Lola's life. Nancy's life changed since her sister Lola disappeared. Within a short span of time, she lost her father, mother and her little sister.
Nancy never stopped looking for her sister, when she moved to Cornwall and Devon to care of the house she inherited from Aunt Helen, all the memories came rushing to her. And the more time she spent in the house, more she felt, there's more to Lola's disappearance.
DS King arrives to investigate further the case. She was the officer when Lola first disappeared, and she always felt conflicted as she could not resolve this case.
The ending of the book is completely fabulous and comes as a big surprise.
My rating for the book is 4 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Headline, for the copy of the book.
A gripping thriller from start to end, I enjoyed how the storyline unraveled with some unexpected reveals.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Nancy's sister went missing years ago and Nancy hasn't been back to the Cornwall cottage since. But when the cottage is left to her from her Aunt, she finally has to return and face the fears she has. Will she finally find out what happened!
This was a good page turner and I felt invested to find out what had happened. Another great book from Rachel Abbott
A woman who will do anything to find her sister who went missing 11 years earlier. Why did she go back to her aunts house? what is she expecting to find? can she find the answers she wants and will she want them if she does get them. Its quite dark and sinister and a bit creepy at times too. quite good
Nancy inherits her aunt home where she hasn't visited for many years and since her sister went missing.
It bring up memories and pain and drama unfolds.
A really good read with twists I didn't foresee. A definite must read
I'm a huge fan of Rachel's books, And So It Begins was one of my favourites, so I was excited to read her latest Stephanie King thriller.
The book begins with Nancy Holland, a young woman whose sister Lola mysteriously disappeared many years before. Nancy inherits a cottage in Cornwall from her aunt and, her arrival back in the town stirs up painful memories from the past. Meanwhile DS Stephanie King is investigating the discovery of a body in a cave and the two cases become tragically linked, leaving Nancy in terrible danger.
The story began strongly and straight away I was sucked into Nancy's world and her traumatic past with her missing sister. Not only were the characters here vividly captured, but Cornwall was so beautifully described I was able to easily imagine the stunning scenery and wild rugged cliffs.
The chapters switch frequently between the past and present, which really helps to build the background behind the fateful events. I also loved the police procedural element of the book and following the developments between Stephanie and Gus' relationship. Although it could be read as a stand alone story, I think the police character's backgrounds would be appreciated more if the two previous Stephanie King books And So It Begins and The Murder Game (both excellent) were read first.
All in all, another thrilling suspenseful page-turner from Rachel Abbott that keeps the tension building throughout. Highly recommended.
Thanks to author Rachel Abbott, publishers Headline Wildfire and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In Heavy Is The Head by Sumaya Enyegue, I delved into a powerful and unapologetic collection of poetry that bravely confronts the raw realities of life. Enyegue fearlessly tackles themes like trauma, sexual assault, racism, and mental health, shining a much-needed spotlight on the issues that often linger in the shadows of our society. Each poem is a poignant exploration of the heaviness carried by individuals, particularly Black people, as they navigate through a world fraught with adversity. Enyegue's words resonate deeply, vividly capturing the painful truths of needless violence, objectification, and the blame placed on victims of sexual assault. Her verses shed light on the struggles of mental health, showing how sometimes all we need is acknowledgment, understanding, and compassion in the battle against anxiety and depression. As I turned the pages, I couldn't help but feel the weight of these poems, the strength in their vulnerability, and the urgency in their message. Heavy Is The Head is not merely a collection; it is a call to action, urging readers to confront these issues head-on, to empathize, and to work collectively towards healing and change. Sumaya Enyegue's debut is a poetic force that leaves a lasting impact, and I commend her for fearlessly sharing these essential stories with the world.
A really clever book and a compelling plot that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. Nancy returns to Cornwall having spent time there as a teenager. She is forced to confront her past beginning with trying to find out what happened to her sister.
The characterisation of Nancy is believable and garnered a lot of sympathy for the way her life turned out, her demons and the challenges she experienced. There is a good understanding of what is driving Nancy and her behaviour. As Nancy begins to unravel the past, shocking secrets are revealed and at points some quite dark revelations surface.
This was the first Stephanie King novel I have read and it a character I like as well as her intriguing relationship with DI Brodie. I’m looking forward to how the relationship progresses through the next instalment (hopefully)!
Highly recommend – 4 stars
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say? Rachel Abbott has done it again. I honestly can’t get enough of her books. She is the only author which I have read every single book from and loved.
Rachel Abbott has a way of creating characters you care about and warm to.
I particularly enjoyed going back to Stephanie King, I enjoy getting to know a character. But this could also be read as a stand-alone.
This book left me wanting more after every chapter and wanting to carry on reading. Full of twists and turns and when you think you know the twist, think again.
I loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Don’t Look Away by Rachel Abbott in return for my honest review.
This is book third book in the Stephanie King series which can defiantly be read as a standalone but I would Highly recommend reading the first two, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
I love Rachel Abbotts books and this series is fast becoming one of my favourites, the characters are really well written and very likeable, the plot will have you reading late into the night, another brilliant page tuner one I will defiantly be recommending to everyone.
Returning to the place where her life changed eleven years ago was not something Nancy wanted to do, but after her Great Aunt left her coastal cottage to Nancy in her will, she planned to get things sorted quickly and leave it all behind her again. Those plans are scuppered when she starts to uncover some long-held secrets and realises this may be her o ly chance eto finally find out what happened all those years ago, but at what cost...
Having really enjoyed the first two in this series, it was great to be back with Stephanie and Gus. Their relationship is developing well over the series and I am looking forward to see what happens for them next.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Wildfire for my copy of #Don’tLookAway by #RachelAbbott.
I did finish this story of two sisters Nancy and Lola but it wasn’t Rachel’s best with a lot of the ending telegraphed throughout the book.
There were some loose ends at the end but I don’t think I would read a sequel.
This is a really good, solidly crafted dramatic tale about a young woman who has suffered a number of tragedies. Nancy cared for her mother until her untimely death and blames herself; her sister disappeared eleven years ago and then her dad dies in an accident that’s believed to be suicide.
Nancy then finds out that she’s been left a seaside cottage by an aunt she hardly knew and so travels to put it on the market and start to move forward. However, when she arrives at the property, memories flood back and she begins to unearth family secrets.
It’s a slow pace and has a number of timelines. The characters are well rounded and the storyline is solid. It’s difficult for me to describe why I didn’t enjoy it more, but, it’s definitely worth a read for those who enjoy a dramatic tale and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Wildfire for the opportunity to preview and congratulations to the author on another success.