I’m often drawn to a book by the title or the blurb and this book drew me in with both. Sick To Death is Chris Bridges’ debut novel due to be published in February 2025.

Emma is our narrator and main character. She suffers from a debilitating condition. This leaves her unable to work or even care for her young daughter. She has had to move back to her childhood home. There, she lives with her mother, step-father and step-sister in a cramped home. Her step-father is a nasty bully and her mother is a doormat. Her life is basically either visits to the hospital or sleeping, unable to function.

It’s whilst she is leaving the hospital she meets Adam, a young doctor. Quickly they strike up a friendship which then turns into a relationship. The only problem is that Adam has a wife, but Emma is determined this little problem can easily be removed, permanently.

This story has elements of Strangers on A Train with a huge dollop of The Kind Worth Killing and it really ticked all the boxes for me to give it a 5 star review.

So, if you enjoy books with unreliable narrators, twisted individuals, dysfunctional families, secrets and lies and plenty of twists, then I would definitely recommend Sick To Death.

I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Compelling Suspenseful Drama..
Emma’s a neurological condition means that everyone has an opinion of her - not all of them good, certainly not all of them helpful. Emma has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend has a wife. That, in itself, is a problem for Emma. Compelling domestic drama with a well written cast of characters, a menacing undertone and a suspenseful and pacy narrative. Multiple points of view and short snappy dialogue keeps momentum throughout as tension ratchets and the author maintains a thread of authenticity with the main character whilst writing with empathy.

This is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of Emma, a woman grappling with a neurological condition that has left her unable to work and confined to her family's cramped council house. The novel explores themes of illness, frustration, and the human desire for control and autonomy which feels more and more like real life and ot fiction!

Emma's character is complex and multifaceted. She is sick in more ways than one: physically debilitated, tired of being dismissed and told to "get over it," and fed up with being the other woman in a love triangle with her boyfriend Adam and his wife, Celeste. Emma's illness and her role as the other woman are not her only defining traits, though. She is also portrayed as cunning and determined, with a plan to target Celeste.

The portrayal of Emma's neurological illness is a standout aspect of the book, offering a window into the impact such a condition can have on a person's life. The author, Chris Bridges, has been commended for the vivid depiction of Emma's struggles and the oppressive atmosphere of her life.

"Sick to Death" promises to be a novel that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the challenges faced by those living with chronic illnesses.

Really struggled with this one, sadly was a DNF for me :( just couldn’t get into it. However that may be more of a reflection on me and my ability to focus when I’m not immediately drawn in!

Our main lead character – although this one is told from multiple perspectives – is Emma, a single mother who has a chronic neurological condition which limits her abilities to have a “normal” life. Stuck in the household with her mother, step-father and step-sister, Emma doesn’t have a happy life. She meets a man and falls in love, but he also has an unhappy life, trapped in a marriage he doesn’t want to be in. Maybe they can help each other find a way out?

Enjoyed this one for about ¾ of the way through. After the scene setting, some nice suspense building up, some clever surprises along the way. A little disappointed with the ending, I have to confess, as I felt the tension released earlier than I’d like, and no major suspense in the concluding chapters.

A bit of a slow-burner for me, this one. I struggled to get into it at first and felt there was too much focus on Emma’s illness. As the story progressed, I found it easier to read but didn’t really relate to any of the characters and found the story to be a little far-fetched. I appreciate this is fiction, but I didn’t think the events fitted with Emma’s character.
A good plot but I think the characters could have been stronger. 3⭐️

A slow start but the twist!!
This book had me racing through and on the edge of my seat.
Emma is sick but not all is as it first appears.

Absolutely brilliant book! Had me hooked in from the very start. A really clever plot and well written characters. The ending was brilliant as well.

The main character Emma suffers with a silent disability that ensures she attends numerous Doctor and hospital appointments which she often goes to alone. She lives with her Mum, Stepdad Pete, her step sister Becky and her beloved daughter. Emma misses her own Dad who died and loathes Pete as he is often cruel and nasty to her, he even took her bedroom so he can use it as his office, this relegating Emma to sleeping on the sofa.
When Emma meets Adam at one of her hospital appointments they strike up a friendship that soon progresses with promises from Adam of a better life.
This story has twists and surprises with characters who are not who they appear to be.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers for the advanced copy.

I wasn’t sure I would like this book or be able to get into it, but after a slow start it drew me in. I came to like Emma. Was always a little suspicious of someone else. I didn’t see much of it coming. I like it when a book surprises me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma is 30 years old and lives in a council estate with her 11 year old daughter, mother, awful step father and ex-soap star step sister. She suffers from an diagnosed illness that causes weakness in her limbs and causes her to be unable to work as a nurse anymore. When she meets Adam, things start to turn around for her and she envisions a better life for her and her daughter with Adam. The only problem is that he is married to Celeste.

This was a good read overall. I thought it was a little slow to start and I also thought I knew where it was going and thought that would be sort of predictable and disappointing. Fortunately at about 50% some information was revealed that changed the whole situation and I became much more interested and started turning the pages much more quickly. I thought Emma was an interesting character. At times I felt for her and her struggle and at other times I thought she was awful. I am glad I read this one and would read more from this author.

She is sick just not in a way you could ever imagine!! So taught and twisted. This book messes with your mind and then some. The characters are incredibly mind altering and the plot is utterly electrifying.

Chris Bridges' *Sick to Death** delves into the psychological and suspenseful life of Emma, a character facing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and dealing with its impact on her day-to-day, especially as a mother to her young daughter, Ava. After a stay in the hospital, Emma’s struggle with her health is compounded by the unexpected entrance of Adam, a seemingly helpful figure who turns out to have twisted motives.

The plot takes a dark and complex turn as Adam, a devious character with a dangerous agenda, pretends to be a doctor to gain Emma’s trust. His ultimate goal? To manipulate Emma into killing his wealthy wife, Celeste, with promises of a twisted happily-ever-after. However, nothing is as it seems. Adam’s relationship with Emma’s step-sister, Becky, adds layers of betrayal and scheming that will keep readers hooked.

Bridges skillfully builds a tense atmosphere, weaving in suspense and moral ambiguity as Emma unwittingly becomes entangled in Adam and Becky’s manipulative plans. The twists and unexpected turns create a satisfying yet chilling experience for readers, as it becomes clear that the plans of the conspirators won’t go smoothly. The story reaches a thrilling climax as the plotters themselves fall victim to the consequences of their own schemes.

While the ending leaves a lot to the imagination and might feel abrupt for some readers, *Sick to Death* is an engaging psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature, complex family dynamics, and the extent people will go for wealth and freedom. Thank you #Netgalley #AvonBooksUK for the advanced read

Sick to Death (kindle edition) a psychological debut thriller by Chris Bridges who was also selected as an awardee on the London Writers Award was amazing. Chris Bridges was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020 and wrote this debut thriller what an achievement.

Emma has a hidden disability as she suffers from FND a neurological disorder lives in a council house with her mother Ann, stepfather Peter, stepsister Becky and young daughter. Ava. Emma's stepfather treats her like something on the back of his shoe because of her disability.

Emma feels trapped with no way of ever being able to afford to buy a home for herself and Ava as she is on disability benefits of which her stepfather takes half. Then one day she meets Adam who is married to Celeste and they live in an affluent house across the road and they have an affair.

Unbeknown to Emma Adam has a hidden agenda on his mind and Emma is not in the equation anytime soon. Emma is like Cinderella as she also has a wicked stepsister.

Emma has a great knowlege of all the wildlife around her and I love the way Chris Bridges depicts the beauty and savagery of the wildlife whch was quite educational.

This novel reminds me in part of Alfred Hitchock's 1951 movie called Strangers on a train.


READING PROGRESS
October 29, 2024 – Shelved as: to-read
October 29, 2024 – Shelved
November 8, 2024 – Started Reading

Sick to death was a five star read! A lot of books usually either have a super good beginning or an amazing end. It's pretty rare for me to find one that has both but this defiantly had such a great beginning and all the way through pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy and it also had an unforgettable ending.

3.5 stars rounded down

Emma is sick – sick in health, sick of the cramped existence with her unwelcoming family who pay her scant regard. After yet another trip to A and E she meets Adam, a doctor there. He’s kind to her, they meet again and get on well, very well. There’s just one tiny fly in the ointment, Adam is married to Celeste. However, maybe Emma‘s debilitating neurological illness may not render her as helpless as people think. She has some new goals or maybe a better word would be targets.

I like reading debut novels, hoping to add to my list of must read authors. This one is promising especially if you like psychological thrillers. The first half is good, much stronger than the final part. It has a constantly changing tone and atmosphere that suits the circumstances. It swings from oppressive and aggressive which contrasts well with the lighter more optimistic tone, especially when Adam is around. In this part of the book, Emma‘s feelings are palpable and at times they can be pretty dark. There’s tension and some good suspenseful moments, there are plot twists and turns with some mask wearing and gameplay.

I have mixed emotions about the characters especially Emma which I’m sure is the authors intention. The impact of her neurological illness is conveyed well. Emma really likes birds and I enjoy those references especially as they have the freedom that she doesn’t. However, I think it gets a bit over done.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, the second half doesn’t match up to the strength of the first. There’s a lot of going back-and-forth due to the changing character narratives and it leads to some repetition. In this half the style of writing feels more simplistic and there’s more telling me rather than making me feel. The promising strong plot weakens, there are some cringy dialogue exchanges and the necessity to strap on those disbelief suspenders.

Overall though, I will definitely read this author again as there is plenty here to suggest the promise of a good future.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Emma is sick and not getting better. Because she’s ill she and her daughter live with her mother, her abusive stepfather and his daughter. She meets Adan- perfect in every way— but is he? Adam is married to Celeste but he wants out- but she has the money, can he concubines Emma to. Be part of his plan or does she have her own agenda? A wild read that will keep you guessing!

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges

A riveting first book by this author , hopefully they will have a few up their sleeve as I'm a fab of their work.
I really enjoyed how the story slowly unfolded and gently drew me in .
I felt sorry for Emma and her debilitating illness and the lack of care & understanding from those around her .
The book picked up space as we found out more and a few twists were thrown in to get us guessing.
Really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Sick to Death was a little unconventional and that gave it an edge amongst books with a similar overarching plot. I’d best describe this as a unique take on Strangers on a Train with the understanding that this isn’t hard to guess from the blurb or the heart of what’s happening at the book (so no spoiler). What is at the heart of this is a woman who is ill with a sickness not revealed until the end, with a lack of support or belief from those who should be advocating for her and helping her. When she meets a charismatic man who does believe her, what unfolds is wildly different that most other thrillers and mysteries and won’t be guessed at.

I loved the second part of this book when the perspectives moved away from Emma, our sick main character, to others. While I have nothing against Emma (except her obsession with birds, though it did serve the plot) and she was a great way for the reader to feel as isolated and lonely in per perspective as she was in life, the inclusion of others added to the tension and really moved the action along as well. The culmination of our main mystery was done quickly and perhaps a little too neatly but since that wasn’t the real ending, I felt this finished strongly in the true endings and left me feeling unsettled. A great book if you want a slow creeper that is more of a psychological thriller. I’d also recommend reading the author’s note to understand some context begin the idea for the book and to gain some education if you’ve not experienced, personally or through those close to you, the absolute horrendous journey a person can take in figuring out why they’re sick when it’s not obvious in the traditionally found ways.

"Sick to Death" is a compelling and emotional novel that follows the journey of Emma, a woman dealing with a severe neurological illness. Confined to her home, she struggles with the reality of being unable to care for her daughter, relying heavily on her mother and stepfather for support. Life seems bleak and stagnant until she meets a compassionate doctor who brings a new sense of hope and possibility.

Emma's relationship with the doctor becomes a central focus of the story, offering her a glimpse of a brighter future. However, their budding romance is complicated by the doctor's marriage, adding layers of tension and moral conflict. The novel deftly explores the lengths to which Emma will go to pursue the life she dreams of, raising questions about the true nature of happiness and the sacrifices required to achieve it.

The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Trust is broken, friendships are forged and tested, and moments of heartbreak are balanced by glimmers of hope. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs deeply affecting.