I have read all the Helen Grace series and loved them so was looking forward to reading this standalone book. I wasn’t disappointed, it was a hard hitting storyline and makes you think that the killers who are given new identity’s, have they really served their sentence. What would you do if you found out the identity of someone who had killed your loved one, would you act on it. Very thought provoking storyline.

I am a great lover of MJ Arlidge’s Helen Grace novels so I was very excited for this standalone novel. The premise is an interesting one told from many perspectives, criminal, victim, law enforcement and victim’s families. It left me constantly guessing what would happen next and the twist at the ending had me enthralled!! I love books that make me think and this made me consider my own feelings about the justice system. An excellent storyline with lots of twists and turns. Lost one star as it has lots of perspectives which were slightly confusing to wrap my head around at the beginning but by the end they all became clear.

A really intriguing and original story. Dakr and creepy as ever and I brilliant story. A brilliant and highly recommended story xx

Well.

I find it quite hard to figure out what exactly this book was aiming for. About halfway through reading, I was getting that feeling but persisted with it, hoping that perhaps it would all lead to something. A revelation. Some sort of satisfactory ending. Anything to make the almost 550 pages I had read seem worth it by the end. I will say that considering that this book has that many pages, it's a very quick read and certainly warrants being called a page-turner. I don't think thriller necessarily fits though, as I didn't find it particularly thrilling.

The main feeling I was left with by the end was disgust and a sort of hopelessness at the human condition. Maybe not the vibe I usually like to be left with by the end of any book. Now, it's not that I don't like reading thrillers. I even like reading horrors that end on a foreboding and pessimistic note. I don't mind any of that. I don't need or even like happy endings. Dark books are some of my favourites (see Gillian Flynn). But this book felt hateful and needlessly cruel.

I'll try and avoid any spoilers, but essentially it's a book filled entirely with some of the most vile and unsympathetic characters. And that's not even considering the criminals. What this book and authors shines at doing is casting a light at the most violent and disturbing crimes (fictional in the case of this book, but certainly ones that may have taken place throughout humanity's existence) and making the reader consider whether vigilante justice is ever called for. It does this so well that you do find yourself sympathising with a violent and psychopathic criminal, mainly because even the vigilantes, politicians, surviving relatives and HM's probation service are just as awful. There's not a single kind or redeemable character in this book. And 500 pages of this makes for a tough read.

I had to put the book down on occasion and seriously consider not picking it back up because some of the atrocities are (in my opinion) described in grotesque and gratuitous detail.

But my main take away at the end of the many chapters is... why? What was the point of this book? In it, horribly abused and unloved children either grow up to do awful things or even commit atrocities as children. They are given anonymity, after serving a sentence and allowed to start a new life. When their identities are revealed, a veritable witch-hunt begins and with frightening ease, it seems, people are able to murder and torture and commit identical crimes. Perhaps this is the whole "an eye for an eye makes the world blind" saying come to life?

Perhaps the book is aiming to create talking points for book clubs and reading groups. But I don't feel like there is much to debate by the end. I feel that maybe, just maybe, the book does succeed in holding up a mirror to any readers that do feel that lifelong anonymity orders should not be given in the UK (even though only 6 of these have ever been given in British history) and would love to get their hands on convicted killers and mete out justice. Those that believe that the criminal justice system has failed might feel just slightly sickened after seeing vengeful fantasies acted out. Or perhaps they'll feel strengthened.

I just feel a bit sick to be honest.

This was an eye opening story that’s for sure. I was always of the opinion that these killers who are given new identities is just wrong but this book does make you think. It’s a story of justice being served or is it. Brilliantly written and genuinely thought provoking. A must read!!#EyeforAnEye #NetGalley.

#EyeForAnEye #NetGalley
An awesome stand alone thriller.
Nine criminals in the UK have been given lifelong anonymity – for their own safety – due to their terrible crimes. It keeps them safe, and it’s safer that the public don’t know where they are. But how would you react if the identity of someone who had hurt one of your loved ones was revealed?
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing group for giving me an advance copy.

Thank you Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for this ARC.
Wow, wow and wow again!!
A stand-alone thriller which really lived up to my ,expectations.
I had an inkling part way through and I changed my mind later on and I was right.
A really different topic and interesting concept,
As always well written and with great characters.
MJ Arlidge is one of my favourites anyway and this is why.
Highly recommended and I need more !

What an excellent stand alone thriller this is! Olivia is a probation officer, caught up in an investigation involving criminals who have been granted lifelong anonymity for their violent crimes. Someone is leaking their new identities to the victims families and horrific incidents follow. The book is well plotted and fast paced, with excellent characterisation and plenty twists. Some jaw dropping moments and a fantastic finale, make this an easy 5* read which I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

All across the UK, an epidemic is spreading - convicted killers living under assumed identities are being hunted down by the families of those they previously wronged. Who is leaking their details, and who will be next?

This is a standalone book, so if you've not read any of the author's previous work it's not a problem. Whilst there are a lot of characters, it's never confusing to follow who is being talked about - and the book takes place from the perspective of everyone involved: from victims to the police to the families to the probation service. It is quite long, but very readable! An easy 5* book.

Truly a fantastic thriller. I would highly recommend this one to fans of mystery and thriller novels. I for myself am now going to read more from the authors back list. This was truly one good book.

Nine criminals in the UK have been given lifelong anonymity – for their own safety – due to their terrible crimes. It keeps them safe, and it’s safer that the public don’t know where they are. But how would you react if the identity of someone who had hurt one of your loved ones was revealed? If you knew where they lived and what they were now called? Would you take vengeance? Probation officer Olivia is in the midst of this crisis – and it is a crisis, people are being seriously hurt (or worse). Everyone wants to find the mole but if anyone could be a killer, who gets to decide what’s right and wrong? This new read will keep you on your toes but it’ll also make you think about what reactions you’d have if in a similar position – and yes, the detailing is on point but quite distasteful at times, given the nature of the crimes.

This is the first stand alone novel I've read by this author. I live the Helen Grace series so was interested in this one.

There's lots of characters and storylines so it took me a little while to get my head around all the names and who was who but once I got my head around them I couldn't stop. Aldridge's books are always longer than I normally like to read but they are pretty fast paced so I don't mind. This however could have been slightly shorter, as there were a few chapters that didn't really add much to the storyline.

This is quite an emotive topic and is from the point of criminal, victims family, probation officers and police officers. It's pretty brutal and graphic at times so be warned. An enjoyable read, but not quite at the level of the Helen Grace series.

Another excellent read from MJ. Arlidge. DI. Chandra Dabral gets her first big case. To find out who is leaking the new names of people who killed as children and have since been released into society with new identities. The investigation is a fast paced, convoluted race through politicians, police and the probation service trying to identify the culprit before the previously protected killers are themselves killed by the relatives of their victims. I really enjoyed this book. The story jumps quickly from one character to the other increasing the pace. It addresses the effects of child crime on the families of all involved and on the vast amount of resources in play to protect such people. I found it difficult to put down and would happily recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

After a bit of a slow start I got so involved in the story I found myself flying through the pages desperately wanting to know how it would all end and phew it was one heck of a ride !
So only nine criminals in the UK have been granted life long anonymity, identities changed upon release and free to live a life but is this right? The book deals with this touchy subject well with a set of fictional characters being targeted after their release from prison and it’s a thought provoking topic that really did make me think.
I really can praise MJ Arlidge for taking on such a heavy subject and making it so so interesting as we follow the stories of different characters it was a read that posed many questions but also kept me gripped from beginning to end
So a well written and excellent read and one as I said previously certainly gives your a mind a good workout!
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an enjoyable, topical and well written and plotted standalone thriller by an excellent author.

The premise was clever and original whereby released prisoners guilty of heinous crimes yet promised lifetime anonymity have their identities leaked with grisly consequences.

This gripped me from the start and was a rollercoaster of a read.

This was a long read at around 550 pages but it was worth every page!

In the UK, 9 criminals have been given lifelong anonymity on release from prison. Their crimes so horrific that they couldn't possibly re-enter society with the same name and life as they had pre-prison.

The job of the probation service is to ensure that these ex-convicts are closely monitored on release and adhering to their strict licence conditions, leaving behind their past and focusing on their new identities.

However, details of these new identities begin to leak, and not to the media or the general public....the new names and addresses of these criminals are passed solely to the victim's families to allow them to pursue justice of their own, after all, isn't it the bible that says....An Eye For An Eye.

The initial few chapters of this book had me struggling. Not in the writing style or story, both of these were on point throughout, but with the sheer number of characters I had to keep track of. However, after a while the story settled and I got to know them all, criminals, victims and their families.

The story follows a number of ex-convicts who were released after serving time for the most brutal of crimes. Knowing this you go into the book knowing that the main characters are not going to be people who you are rooting for. Animals, beasts, vermin, you've heard all the names they are given but can people change? Can those who have previously committed unspeakable acts ever be forgiven and live normal lives as fully functioning members of society?

And what about revenge? Is this solely for the courts? Or do families have the right to seek justice where they feel the courts have been too lenient?

These are all the questions, and more, which are asked in this book? The other question to ask is....if it happened to a member of your family and you were given the chance for personal retribution, what would you do?

Be prepared for a book which will ask more questions than it answers (in a good way!)

Thanks to Netgalley and Orion for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This felt a bit slower than the authors other books but I guess it's because it's such a complex topic for the book and one which she wanted to put across very clearly. It does feel a lot more "real" and the questions posed and the dilemmas the characters face are thought provoking to say the least. It's quite an honest take on all sides of the issue and does plant a seed about reform and the justice system etc. Its well written and very cleverly written. I do prefer my fiction books to be based more in fiction and escapism but this is perfect for thriller fans and true crime fans alike

Eye for an Eye is a thought-provoking and often disturbing thriller from M.J Arlidge, best known for his excellent D.I Helen Grace series.
As we all know a highly contentious issue is that of infamous murderers who have served their time being given aliases and support in "new lives" on their release. There are those who say they've done their time and should be rehabilitated ,others who think they're beyond redemption and shouldn't be walking the streets. The book tells the stories of some of these people whose names are leaked putting their lives at risk while the Police and Probation Service desperately hunt for the insider who is providing the information.

The book deftly shows all sides of the arguments for and against returning anonymous murderers back into society,some of the characters are full of remorse and have moved on, others are sly,manipulative and have not changed at all. From the offenders to those given the chance for revenge,the Police and Probation Officers the characters are well-drawn and complex characters.

A few other current issues are explored, the power of social media,corrupt politicians and only the day after I finished the book I read about the Government's plans to make cuts to the Probation Services that will affect the rehabilitation of serious offenders including the laying off of experienced Probation Officers.

This is a great read with plenty of twists, a plot that will make you think and,buyer beware,some very explicit violence.

A small number of criminals are given life time anonymity due to the severity of their crimes. If someone exposes these individuals and inflicts their own punishment against them, is an eye for an eye justified?

I wanted to read this as the content sounded like a fascinating read and something a bit different from the usual crime thriller. This definitely made me think and really provokes a moral dilemma. Can someone who has committed the worst crimes imaginable be reformed after a few years and able to carry on living a normal life?

This was a well written, engaging book. Most characters are unlikeable but there are a few that leave you unsure whether to root for them or not. Although I did enjoy the storyline I found that at times I wasn’t completely gripped by the story and some parts were very disturbing! This is definitely an interesting story and will make for great discussion. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next. 3.5 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this early copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This was a great stand alone thriller by this author.

There are criminals around the country who have been given a second chance. They’re living under witness protection with new names and new lives. And they largely remain hidden and unknown, until someone starts to expose them. The result is absolute carnage, but some people believe that it should be an eye for an eye.

This was a real thought provoking read, I’m not sure how I’d feel in the position of the victims in this book. It certainly raised questions, and would be a brilliant book club read. The writing was excellent, as always from this author, I’m a huge fan. The characters were well written, and I was quite conflicted on my feelings for them. Which made the book even better.