I’ve read a few Kim Slater books and the premise is always good. Unfortunately the writing lets it down. Formulaic, implausible story lines and un likeable characters. This is ok as a beach read to pass the time but if you’re looking for something more substantial then look elsewhere. I’ll pass on any further books by this author

You get a text from a lifelong friend of course you are going to respond.
This book will have you wanting to get to the end the main character Saffy and her story will have you gripped. The interactions between those who are close to her and those who are not will make you have goosebumps at time. The story starts to unravel and you see why she acts like she does near the end a few twists could be tied up quicker but the detective in you and trying to solve problems will not see the twists coming .
I definitely would recommend this thriller it is a good read and will have you hooked even though I have never read this author before.

This was an engaging thriller which had twists and turns all the way to the end. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable but it was still a good read nonetheless.

An enjoyable and well written twisty thriller. I felt by the end there were maybe a few too many coincidences and tenuous links, but it kept me reading until the end.
Thank you to netgalley and Michael Joseph for an advance copy of this book.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

Great book with lots of twists and turns along the way. Had no idea what to expect, very enjoyable gripping read

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was an engaging read from the start. Slater carefully weaved past and present together creating an intriguing narrative which culminated in an unexpected but well thought out conclusion.

First time reading this author and just loved this book, so many twists and turns. The story has good characters that draw you in. And keeps you guessing till the end.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and publisher Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Michael Joseph for the early read

Saffron Morris (Saffy to her friends) is about to go into an important interview when she gets three WhatsApp messages in quick succession from her best friend Leona.

Can’t speak…

Don’t text or call…

Please just come …

But just as quickly as they arrived, the messages are deleted.

Saffy is torn, does she go into the interview? Or should she go straight to Leona and check on her welfare?

Despite her need for the job, she does what any friend would do, calls a cab and goes straight to Leona’s. When she gets there, her friend insists everything is fine. Saffy can’t help but feel something is a little off, though she can’t put her finger on exactly what.

Hours later she’s at home with her young son Fox and her sister Poppy when there’s a knock at the door.

It’s the Police..

And they want to speak with Saffy as she was the last person to see Leona. Who is now apparently missing with her husband Ash and young daughter Rosie.

Saffy is now a 'person of interest' in their investigation. She knows she has done nothing wrong, so why does she feel like they don't believe a single word she says? And where on earth are Leona and her family?

I've not read a K.L. Slater novel in a little while, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this author. This is very clever, with lots of twists to keep you guessing.

K. L. Slater’s Message Deleted is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly delves into the darkest corners of human behavior, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Slater’s writing is taut and compelling, with a narrative that moves at a brisk pace. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, each one more shocking than the last. Slater masterfully builds suspense, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The tension is palpable, and the sense of impending doom keeps readers hooked.

The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional.

In conclusion, Message Deleted is a thrilling, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. K. L. Slater has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a compelling protagonist and a plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a book that combines suspense, mystery, and psychological insight.

With twists and turns a plenty, you will not see this ending coming!
The author definitely knows how to draw you in and keep you guessing right up until the end. You won’t want to put this one down as you wonder just what will happen next!
All in all a fast paced read that will have you questioning all the characters, is everyone as they seem, or do they all have secrets to hide??

All the players here are hiding something.
This book is a slow burner that builds to a gripping, tense finale, and the author then treats us to a few more chapters that nicely tie up all the loose ends.
Here, we have classic examples from males of coercive control and narcissism. All the female characters initially seem weak and pre-occupied, but we eventually see their inner strength shine through.
Everyone is hiding something and/or not telling the truth about a variety of incidents, particularly those that occurred in the past.
It took me a while to get into this book, and I seriously wondered where it was going at one stage. I'm glad that I stuck with it. This is a multilayered story that definitely has made a lasting impact on me.

I was really looking forward to message deleted as it the plot is right up my street! I love a good thriller and this one certainly did not disappoint! It was a quick and easy read, and once started I found myself hooked into the storyline very quickly. The plot was gripping and it gets you thinking all the way through! This was a great thriller which I'd definitely recommend.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns and good characters that I got quite involved with. Good subject for a book.

K L Slater at her best yet again. Thrilling, superb writing.

This book has it all twists and turns, red herrings galore. A great read that really grips you from page one.

Saffy has it coming at her from all sides but in the end manages to get the truth from everyone involved. Who is controlling, who is pulling the strings?

Thank you for letting me read this novel.

I was so intrigued when I saw the cover and blurb of this, so I was buzzing that it was available to download.

I'm not exaggerating to say I was reading this book EVERYWHERE, even when walking to the bathroom or to my car. I couldn't read it fast enough and kept saying "oh my god!!" out loud when reading it. I was so, so invested and desperate to know what happened next.

The ending was pretty far-fetched but I enjoyed the rest of the book so much. I will definitely be recommending this and checking out more K.L. Slater books.

Message Deleted by K.I Slater

Saffy is waiting to go into a job interview when she receives a text message from her best friend, Leona:

Can’t speak . . . don’t text or call . . . please just come

As Saffy struggles to understand what is happening the phone screen changes:

This message was deleted.

Saffy races to Leona’s house, but when her friend answers the door, she insists everything's fine. She doesn't know anything about the message. Saffy can tell something’s not right, but after looking around the house, she can’t think of anything else she can do.

Six hours later, Saffy gets a knock on the door. It's the police. Leona is missing, with her young child. There's blood everywhere.

And Saffy was the last one to see them alive . . .

I was gripped from the beginning of this . It had a good few twists and great characters

Saffy is sat waiting for her job interview when she receives three messages from her best friend Leona: Can’t speak…..don’t text or call…..please just come…..

When Saffy checks her phone again all her screen shows is that the messages have been deleted. Concerned for her friend, Saffy goes to her house to see what has happened but it’s not until a few hours later that day that the real problems start.

This is the first book that I have read by K L Slater and I really enjoyed it. I am a fan of psychological thrillers and was intrigued by the mysterious messages. Throughout the book there are multiple points of view and some flashbacks to the past. There are plenty of twists in this book which I didn’t find to be predictable so it kept me guessing throughout. It was a bit of a slow start before the action got going but this did help to gain a good understanding of the characters.

Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me with an advanced copy.

I'm a huge K.L Slater fan, this was my 15th book of hers I've read. I had high expectations but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. I devoured it and the writing was so easy and addictive, but the storyline whilst it had potential fell short for me. I especially disliked the ending as I felt it was all a bit farfetched, which I understand it's fiction, but too farfetched for me to come away satisfied.

This thriller is a typical cosy family drama, with a start that catches your attention from the offset. Unfortunately, from there on out, I struggled to engage and ended up not finishing about 60% of the way through. However, this is probably due to personal taste, rather than any detriments of the book itself. The plot moves at a steady pace (a bit too slow for me, but it does make it a rather comforting easy-read), the characters are straight forward, and act as you'd expect them to act. The twists are predictable, but this will suit readers who don't like their reads to take them by surprise.

Overall, it is a good pool-side holiday read, or something to read at night when you're tired, where you don't want a book that makes you think too much, and just want to enjoy the ride.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eCopy to review

Message Deleted is a gripping tale of a family gone missing. Full of secrets, lies and endless plot twists I was kept guessing throughout. The characters are great, I love all the relationships and how they all connect to each other and the plot. I'm being deliberately vague as I don't want to ruin the surprises.

I loved the multiple points of view and time, it really brought the story to life and allowed for plot twists galore!

A fantastic suspense novel, I cannot wait to read more by K L Slater