This was an ok read, but it didn’t blow me away as much as I had hoped it would, from the synopsis.

Heather wasn’t a convincing character for me and lacked depth. I didn’t understand her motivation for getting involved in the “investigation” she was asked to help with by two complete strangers and on behalf of an ex-friend who had treated her badly, more than once.

There were a couple of things that didn’t add up; a life sentence for a crime that wasn’t murder, yet another character who was charged with several murders released on bail - not happening!

Not a bad read, but didn’t hit its potential.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jackie Kabler and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I was pulled into this straight away. It was definitely a page turner. The pacing was so fast, and it kept me interested the entire way through.

The majority of the story was told in Heather’s point of view, but we also got to read from Amber’s POV (from prison) and Jack’s POV (the antagonist). I liked how we didn’t read much from Jack’s, but it was just enough to keep my interest wondering how he’s going to find out if Heather was up to something. There were obvious differences in the three POV’s so it was easy to tell who we were following.

One thing that got on my nerves was some of Heather’s questionable decisions. Despite knowing she wanted in and out as quickly as possible, she made some choices that just didn’t make much sense because of the danger she was putting herself in. I also just thought she was so trusting of everyone (other than Jack and Rhona). Although she was resistant at the start when Felicity found her, it still felt like she just accepted what they said as the truth. Why did it take so long for her to wonder if they were in on it? I did really like the ending, though. There were many plot twists that shocked me and I couldn’t read the rest of the book quick enough! Most things were wrapped up nicely, but it also left some things to the imagination, so all in all, I was satisfied.

Convicted. Jailed. All for a crime that never even happened...

I have read four of Jackie Kabler's previous psychological thrillers and have enjoyed all of them but this one I found a little underwhelming, despite the intriguing description. I struggled to immerse myself and fully believe what was unfolding, as engaging as it was. But I ploughed on to the end.

While the story centres around Amber Ryan being falsely accused, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, Heather is our main character here, going in to bat for her long time former friend Amber who now languishes inside an 8 foot cell. So why was Amber now in prison? And a life sentence? I probably would have believed it had the crime been something more substantial than a robbery and apparent stabbing. Nobody died. Injured, yes. Dead, no. So why the life sentence? That just didn't sit right with me.

The man at the centre of it all is Jack Shannon. Handsome, charismatic and charming. But a narcissistic, self indulgent, entitled grown man-child-brat. Heather had once been involved with Jack. A short-lived fling that she did well to escape. Then Amber, her long time friend, became involved with him...despite Heather's pleas of warning for her to disentangle herself from him. Amber accused her of being jealous and cut ties with her.

And now Heather is told by way of a third hand acquaintance in Felicity and her brother Nathan that Jack is responsible for Amber's incarceration. That he had methodically planned to frame her and have her jailed for the crimes he was setting her up for. Because the crime never actually happened and Amber is now in prison for something not only did she not do, but never even happened.

So between the three of them, they decide to uncover the truth and bring Jack to justice. Doable? Or are they stark staring mad? It's a dangerous mission, especially if Jack finds out their subterfuge.

At any rate, there is lots of action, red herrings and a few twists along the way that will keep you turning the pages, albeit a little disbelievingly, and guessing how it will all end. There are plenty of eye-rolling moments and the story is pretty far fetched even for the fictitious kind that suspending belief kind of stretches the elasticity of it.

However, despite its flaws and my issues with it, the plot is very easy to follow and fairly fast paced. And it is a decent enough read, even if it's not one of her best. Something to pass the time, at least.

I would like to thank #JackieKabler, #Netgalley, #OneMoreChapter and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheLifeSentence in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Great story with twists until the very end, loved the characters in this book and how everything came together or apart depending on who it was.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Jackie Kabler’s latest thriller, "The Life Sentence," is an electrifying rollercoaster of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. From the very first page, I was drawn into the gripping narrative of Amber Ryan, a character whose innocence is as palpable as the looming sense of danger that surrounds her.

Kabler’s masterful storytelling weaves a web of intrigue, deceit, and uncertainty, leaving readers questioning every twist and turn until the shocking truth is revealed. The relentless pace and heart-pounding suspense of "The Life Sentence" made it impossible for me to put down, and I found myself reading late into the night, eagerly devouring each page to uncover the secrets hidden within.

Amber Ryan is a protagonist you can’t help but root for, her determination to prove her innocence driving the narrative forward with unwavering intensity. As she navigates the treacherous world of prison and fights to uncover the truth, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the tension reaches a fever pitch with each passing chapter.

"The Life Sentence" is a gripping and immersive thriller that will leave readers breathless until the very last page. With its taut plot, compelling characters, and unexpected twists, Jackie Kabler has once again delivered a five-star masterpiece that will haunt me long after the final sentence.

I have read and enjoyed earlier thrillers by Jackie Kabler but this one far surpassed them in terms of twists and tension. It centres around Heather an bookseller in London, her highly dysfunctional obsessive boyfriend Jack and revenge!
The range of characters gives the story depth and balance and Heather herself is authentic and likeable.

As the story progresses the tension ramps up and by the end my heart was in my throat as I read. The final little twist at the end was very clever!
A great gripping read you won't be able to put down!

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This suspense filled crime thriller follows Heather Harris who works in a bookshop in Chiswick, West London.

An unexpected encounter with a mystery woman, leads to her discovering an old friend may be serving a life sentence for a crime she didn’t commit.

Soon she is keen to help clear her friend’s name, but it means getting close to a dangerous ex-boyfriend.

Will she clear her friend’s name? Will her mission turn out to be deadly?

This crime thriller is filled with suspense throughout as Heather tries to uncover evidence to help discover the truth behind her friend’s false conviction.

I thought Heather was extremely brave for the lengths she was willing to go to find out the truth. I don’t think I could have done the same in her situation.

You get to hear the points of view of a few of the other characters too, which adds to the tense atmosphere and gives more of an insight to the mystery behind what could have happened.

Overall, a suspense filled crime thriller, where a bookseller must take on a dangerous mission to free a friend from a life sentence.

This is my first book by Jackie Kabler and I thought it was great! A quick read ,with intriguing characters and a crazy plot line kept me reading straight through. I will definitely be searching out more books by her.

A mind bending physcological thriller that you really have to think outside the box to comprehend. Amber has been sentenced for a crime that she did not commit. In fact said crime did not even happen. I instantly loved this one from the first page and binged it eagerly! The plot has some far fetched happenings hence using your imagination but it is fiction so anything is possible and that is what makes it real. The characters and the narrative flows which for me it was a fast paced read. I loved all the twists and what drew my attention from the beginning was it started in a book shop and from there my attention did not waver. Brilliant read!

My Review:
Wow!!!! Once this book got going I just couldn’t stop myself from reading it all night long. I had to find out what happened and fast. I’ve read this author before and I know she does not disappoint this book included. It had characters that were shady as heck, the plot was very intriguing and that ending was crazy good. I couldn’t ask for a better book. I will be reading more from this author in the future.

In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 4 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️

This book was right up my alley from the get go. Short chapters that left the reader yearning for the next one. I really liked how even though this was a bit of a complex story line it was very easy to follow and there wasn't too much of unnecessary details before you are thrown right into the plot. Our main character Heather is out loving her life as a successful book seller when she is robbed by Felicity. However when she confronts Felicity she finds out that she only wanted her attention. Felicity confesses that she needs her help in order to help her old friend Amber who is currently serving a life sentence for Murder. Not only is this murder but the victim was a man named Jack who both Heather and her used to date before their falling out. The problem however is felicity confesses is that Jack is actually still alive and dangerous. I found this plot to be really interesting and nothing like I've read before. I was desperate to find out what was really going on with Amber and felt a strong connection with Heather.I loved the characters in this book. They were very well written and you really felt all of their emotions hurt anger confusion desperation. What I normally dislike in novels was the one thing I liked the most in this one, the point of view switch. This gave very important information to the reader and gave a sense of all knowning. This is the kind of book that you can't put down once you start and everytime you think you know what is happening you are thrown another bomb that shakes up everything you though you previously knew. As I mentioned in previous reviews how talented Jackie Kabler is she shines yet again with this one. I love her writing style and I believe that she is going to be a huge name and I'm so pleased that I will be able to say I read her work when. The only negative thing that I have to say about this book was I'm so upset that it took me as long as it did to finish it because this is one that really comes alive. I can't wait to read more of her work as the world needs more authors like her. Great read from start to finish and while the story keeps getting deeper and deeper it's hard to say all the amazing things without spoiling the story itself.

I wasn’t sure I was initially going to like the story as it was a bit difficult to believe it could happen, but as it progressed I got very much involved and needed to see what was going to happen.
It did keep me guessing, and I wasn’t sure who was the bad person until the reveal at the end.

What a thriller! The amount of tension and paranoia built by Kabler was phenomenal. I became suspicious of virtually every character in the book, including Nathan and Felicity.

I was a little sceptical when Heather agreed to date the loathsome Jack again in order to find emails, DVDs and jewellery that would free her former friend Amber from prison. It felt to me as if their friendship was unsalvageable. Plus how much did she really know about Nathan and his sister?

Anyway, doubts aside, I had to admire the way Heather threw herself into the task, sometimes taking additional risks. The tension was unbearable when she started snooping around, disabling cameras and looking for clues, with Jack asleep in the same house.

Felicity's fate was a big surprise, and the twists keep coming thick and fast towards the end. Jack remained a threat throughout and I always had an uneasy feeling something terrible was about to happen.

A highly addictive psychological thriller!

Another fab thriller from Jackie! As with all her books this is easy to follow without an overload of characters. Yet it still keeps you guessing with several twists towards the end!

3.5 stars, that I'm gonna have to round down because the plot of this is kind of absurd. However, that didn't stop me from flipping madly through the pages to see what was up and how it would all turn out. Even with the outlandish arc of this story, it was quite well thought out and well written. Definitely a page turner that once you are in it, you'll want to read it through to its conclusion.

So for all you readers who think you would be good at solving crimes then this is the book for you. In this read we meet Hannah who is happy with her life working in a bookshop but a random bag snatch turns her life upside down and she must decide if she wants to go back to a very dark place in order to help her friend who is currently locked up for a crime she didn’t commit. As she risks her life and sanity to find out the truth is she in too deep and will she get out of this love. This is dark and edge of your seats stuff which won’t disappoint.

This was a really great mystery book by Javkie Kabler have read her other books and they are all brilliant, thanks netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read it.
Amber was found guilty of murder and sent to prison for life,,but she is sure she never killed anyone so why was she found guilty.
Heather her friend from university got involved in trying to find her innocent, they had fallen out over Jack a boyfriend if heather who she had broken off with when she found out what sort of horrible person he was.
Then amber met him and started dating heather told her he was no good but she woukd not listen and they had an argument which broke off their relationship.
Heather got involved in trying to find that Amber had not killed anyone which put her in grave danger.
This was a great story and loved it.

A mysterious start to this book drew me in immediately. Heather decides to meet up with the woman who deliberately swapped bags with her. The story seemed so far fetched that I had to know what the outcome would be. It made for a tantalising gripping read

This was a book that I found challenging to rate fairly. The beginning was solid and intriguing. I was riveted to the pages, wondering what was going on. Later, it slowed down and wasn't making much sense. I was considering a rating of 2 or 3 Stars.

Amber is in prison with a life sentence. She is charged with a murder that never happened, but there is false, manufactured evidence against her. The life sentence seems bizarre on such flimsy proof.
Heather works in a bookstore. She used to be best friends with Amber, but they broke up. Amber was dating a man who had been Heather's former lover. Heather kept nagging Amber that her new romantic interest was utterly unsuitable. The next thing she knew was that Amber was in prison for murder.

It made even less sense that the assumed murder victim, Jack Shannon, was still living in his longtime residence. Heather is recruited by a brother and sister team to rekindle her previous romance with Jack and to enter his mansion to search for a paper trail and CDs to prove Amber's innocence. This puts Heather in a hazardous situation while the brother and sister remain safe and out of harm's way. Apparently, Jack kept proof of falsified crimes in his home and gloated over them. Jack was handsome, sexy, and rich but could not withstand a woman leaving him. He set up a previous girlfriend, Rose, as a thief and was responsible for her death. He also took revenge on Amber.

Jack is far from normal. He takes vengeance on women who break up with him and cannot abide daylight. He sleeps during the day and works running an international company at night.
Heather has returned to Jack's good graces and finds she is still attracted to him. This ends when she learns he is more warped and dangerous than anticipated. Because of his odd sleeping habits, she can search the house but needs to be very cautious. She learns there are hidden cameras everywhere. The creepy live-in housekeeper is always lurking and watching her. She is exhausted while working at the bookstore because Jack demands that she keep him company while watching movies and dining at night.

We get Amber's thoughts while she is in prison. She hopes Heather will save her. Heather wanders through the house in search of any evidence. She is terrorized by the ever-watching housekeeper and the dread that Jack may discover her. I found these parts repetitive and boring. The motives of some characters were difficult to discern. I felt sure I knew where the plot was heading at various times, but I was rarely correct.

Heather is assisted in her search by a retired detective who gives her advice. She also contacts Jack's former worker and learns what has been happening, but without the hidden CDs and emails, there is not enough to free Amber. There is another murder. She must find the secret documents and get them to the police.

Heather is well on her way to free Amber when all hell breaks loose. The ending contains intense action and heart-pounding suspense, with twists and surprises I hadn't expected. Are the charges against Amber dropped? Does Jack go to prison? An unexpected source arranges two more deaths.

I recommend this book to anyone willing to suspend disbelief and be entertained. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The date of publication is May 9th.

Amber Ryan is innocent and she is going to prove it
But all she has is to go back to the dark place
It was brilliant
I had an ARC