I expect to be hearing about this from everyone over the next few months. It takes the fake autobiographical style to a totally different place. We start with a plane crashing with two pilots on board, seemingly on purpose. From there, we follow a journalist as she tries to figure out why this plane crashed. As she speak to pilot Daniel's sister and wife, it become clear that something more sinister is going on. And that thing is his sister Izzy.

A searing story of narcissism and manipulation. How having someone like Izzy in your life can completely alter its course and your relationships. Not necessarily knowing how you end up making certain choices, except that Izzy's influence was there in the background. We also hear much from Izzy in her own voice, her perspective on her relationships and her brother.

But what does this all mean for why that plane crashed? Therein lies the mystery and I expect many people will love the journey of figuring it out. Having also enjoyed The Silence Project, I'll definitely pick up anything Carole Hailey writes in the future.

4.5 stars rounding up to 5I don't think I've met a psychopath in real life... yet apparently the statistics tell me that with a friends list of over 500 on Facebook, there's at least 5 lurking in there!
I spent last night reading until 2am to finish this book! I met Carole at a book signing a little while ago for The Silence Project / independent book sellers event and couldn't wait to get stuck into this.
This book starts with the what - a plane with only the pilot and co pilot on board that crashes in to a mountain, the who - the only 2 people on board who could have made this happen, what we learn through the book is the why. Told through a series of interviews and articles with journalist Carly Atherton we learn about the lives of the two on board and why this tragedy had occurred. Carly also happens to be the ex girlfriend of the co-pilot who has died. A really unique way of telling the story from differing view points, a new spin on the unreliable narrator! I don't think I've ever hated a character so much in a book (thanks to the great writing from Carole). I won't give any more away but safe to say i highly recommend this! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This was such a captivating read (though I actually listened to the audio, which was also 10/10) - telling the story of an investigation into a plane crash during lockdown, when empty planes were flown to secure their landing slots.

A plane has crashed with just two pilots on board, Luke and Danny. Journalist Carly was in an on/off relationship with Luke and is devastated by his death, vowing to look into what happened to make the plane crash. She speaks to Danny's elder sister Izzy, who has adored Danny from the moment he was born, and his wife Grace, who also loved him but sometimes have different recollections than Izzy.

The story is told through the three women's voices, going right back to Danny's birth and childhood up until the day of the crash. Izzy and Grace rightly both see Danny in different ways and both feel that they have the main claim to him.

The more we hear from Izzy, the more obvious it is that she doesn't play by the same rules as everyone else and will manipulate a situation to her advantage. We know this way before Grace does, and reading about the interactions between them when Grace is trying to build connections but Izzy blows hot or cold depending on the moment, you want to take Grace aside and warn her. And then there's poor Danny, totally blindsided by his overpowering sister, who treats him as an extension of herself and doesn't know who he is outside of that.

Its a really powerful utterly compelling story, with an ending that chilled me to the bone.

A thriller where we know from the beginning who might have been responsible but we don’t know why and this is what draws us along - the need to understand the motivation. As a character study, this is excellent. With a mix of articles, interviews and first person POV there is so much here. Our main character, Carly, is a journalist struggling to fina a job. When a plane crashes into a mountain in the Lake District she gets drawn into the tragedy because her on/off boyfriend, Luke, was one of the two pilots killed. There were only two people on the plane - Luke and Danny - and this is one of the focuses of Carly - the fact they were flying a ghost plane, an empty plane purely to keep landing rights open. Carly’s other focus is finding out why the plane crashed and she sets about interviewing Danny’s wife, Grace, and his sister, Izzy. And this is where it gets interesting. Both Grace and Izzy tell their own version of events so which one of them is telling the truth? I’ll leave it up to you to decide but as I read I began to really dislike Izzy. You get so caught up in the stories these two women tell that sometimes you even forget there was a plane crash. However, I was totally invested in finding out why the plane crashed. A dark story and an excellent read.

A stellar, suffocating, all-consuming thriller about the search for truth after a scandal in the sky.

Initially grabbed by the enticing cover, I then realised it was Hailey of The Silence Project fame, a dazzling debut and LoveReading Star Book in 2023. By page seven, I was in. All in.

The disappearance of an Airbus a320 somewhere over the Lake District jolts us straight into the action. A ghost flight with only two people on board, we soon find out that GFA578 crashed into a mountain killing the two pilots Captain Daniel Taylor and First Officer Luke Emery. Part of the Goldfinch Airlines fleet - the company Carly Atherton's brother Jamie is a pilot for. A Stansted to Glasgow flight. A plane Jamie should have been on but he tested positive for Covid so another pilot went in his place. And that pilot was Carly's boyfriend Luke.

Hailey cleverly takes you outside the action: "If this was a twisty psychological thriller then the reader might be presented with several questions - and the answers revealed at key points in the story. But however much I wish this story was fiction, it is not."

Consumed by grief, determined to find the answers of why GFA578 crashed, journalist Carly spends four years of her life dedicated to finding the truth. After choosing not to fictionalise the story Carly decides on a part reportage part narrative record of the strange but true events that led to that terrible tragedy. A cautionary tale by Carly Atherton. The search for why and how a one hundred percent serviceable plane could fall out of the sky. Via a series of articles in Planet Home, articles asking, in the face of a climate emergency, what possible justification could there be for a pointless 600km flight from Stansted to Glasgow. Shining a light on the travesty of ghost flights, how 500 empty planes a month fly over the UK, how 200,000 ghost flights per annum fly across Europe.

We grieve with her, for the chronically messy and unfailingly kind Luke. For the future they should have had. On the ropes, she's a journalist passionate about exposing inequality and unfair behaviour. Just this time, it's closer to home.

As breadcrumbs are intentionally and unintentionally dropped along the way, we start to see the lies and deceit uncovered. Account by account. Conflicting memory by conflicting memory. The mastery of manipulation.

This is a page turner if ever there was one, and a thoroughly deserving LoveReading Thriller of the Month. Gob-smackingly good with a thumbs-up from us.

We know from the offset there has been an horrific tragedy - a plane, carrying just two pilots has crashed into a mountain side, and the circumstances of that crash are being investigated by Carly, a disgraced journalist, who just happens to be the ex-partner of one of the pilots, Alex. Consequently, in search for answers, Carly seeks out family members of Danny, the other pilot, and she speaks to both Danny’s sister and his wife in order to try understand the events prior to the that fateful day. What entails is rather disturbing!

Initially, I have to admit that I didn’t quite understand where the story was heading and I wasn’t terribly convinced by the format of interviews retelling the past; I found them a little contrived and unrealistic. I really had to push myself to persevere with the first 20% or so of the book, but then suddenly, once I was over the hump, I was hooked - the crumbs we’d been fed, led us to an unfolding plot, it picked up speed and became an enticing, rather unique thriller. I love a good character driven novel, and add to that the revelatory study of a psychopath, there’s plenty to keep us turning over those pages.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

4.25* overall

2 pilots are killed in a plane crash, we know immediately who caused the crash but not the why and the drive to uncover that truth sits at the heart of this story. To uncover the real story journalist Carly Atherton, (who's ex, Luke, was the other pilot) has to dig into the past of pilot Danny Taylor to figure out what caused him to fly the plane into the side of a mountain.

Along the way she meets Danny's narcissistic sister, Izzy and his wife, Grace and has to read between the lines to work out what the real truth of their family situation was all whilst being consistently beguiled by the charismatic and utterly unreliable Izzy.

Everything in this story keeps coming back to Izzy and I struggled so much with her character. It takes a lot for me to enjoy a book when a major character is utterly unlikeable but Carole Hailey has managed it with this one. The truth as it comes out explains so much why she is such a focal point and makes it all worthwhile but I really did struggle along the way. What helped a lot was the break in perspectives when we heard from Grace, from Carly herself and the journal articles which make up Carly's research work on ghost flights.

Overall this is a fantastic, slow thriller that's highly character driven with a compelling story and structure. I loved the book within a book aspect with the interspersed journal articles and the switching narrative perspectives. It felt modern, fresh and was absolutely intriguing though felt a tad too long for me at points in the middle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books | Corvus Books for a digital review copy of "Scenes From a Tragedy" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Trigger warning - narcissism.
I understand trigger warnings are controversial, but I wouldn’t want anyone to be triggered as I have been. This review does not contain spoilers, as narcissism is mentioned within the first few pages.

I loved Carole Hailey’s debut, The Silence Project, so was eager to read Scenes From A Tragedy. The book starts with a plane crash, both pilots died on impact, thankfully nobody else was on board. Investigative journalist Carly Atherton has a vested interest in this disaster, her ex boyfriend was the second pilot on the doomed flight.

I found the book to be completely absorbing. The intensity and menace was off the chart. The writing was so good, that I was “in” the pages, living alongside the characters; talking or shouting out loud to them at times. I couldn’t tear myself away from the pages, despite it feeling like I was watching a car, or maybe a plane, crash about to unfold. The characters were very much alive, fully developed in all their glory. My empathy for one character was huge, but the depth of my anger towards a monstrous individual was equally as strong.

The author has either been the unfortunate focus of a narcissist themselves, or has compiled a huge amount of research from those who have been victims themselves. Also from those who have been unknowingly groomed and bullied, into supporting the manipulative behaviour. Every element rings horrifically true, the honeymoon period of love bombing, followed by the decimation of gaslighting.

Scenes From A Tragedy is compelling, but it was a very hard, uncomfortable read for me. It is a testament to the author’s writing, to bring out my anxiety, to make me feel so strongly and deeply.

This is such a clever, addictive novel I devoured it in one sitting.

This is a twisty narrative but not in the usual way. You'll know who. What you won't know is how or why and trust me you'll not want to stop reading until you do.

Sometimes these things are a bit shallow in character but not this time. As much as it is a psychological thriller it is far more a character study. A dive into motivation and memory, manipulation and consequences.

I like a wildly entertaining book that also has something to say and Scenes From A Tragedy does all that and more. May end up being one of my books of the year.

I really enjoyed Scenes from a Tragedy! I liked The Silence Project, but this one was even better—it completely pulled me in, and I flew through it despite the 400+ pages. The family dynamics and psychological layers were fascinating, and Carly’s perspective as a journalist added so much to the story. I did find certain turns in the story so frustrating (in a good way… mostly!), but that just speaks to how thought-provoking and unsettling this book is. A gripping, cautionary tale that left me a little afraid of humanity.

I requested Scenes from a Tragedy from Netgalley because of how unique the story sounded, and I wasn’t wrong it was a fantastic read.

An empty passenger plane crashes into a mountain in the Lake District, and Carley Atherton’s hopes of getting back together with the man she loves disappear – Luke Emery was one of the two pilots on board. But she has work to do, as a disgraced journalist investigating the story might be the chance she needs to rescue her career. When she contacts the family of the other pilot, Daniel Taylor, she finds the two women he was closest to – his sister and his wife – have very different stories to share about Danny. This seemingly ordinary family isn’t quite as perfect as it may seem, and she may be becoming tangled up in the story she’s investigating. Sometimes the monsters are hiding among us in plain sight…

Every character was incredibly well written, the result being a very compelling novel. The play off between Danny’s sister and his wife was so cleverly done, and the chronological storytelling really puts you in his shoes in understanding what happened. The writing is so clever in making you feel things for certain characters, especially the ones you come to loathe. I hate one particular character but damn were they well written!

Carole Hailey has clearly put the work in on the research for this book, because her portrayal of personality disorders is fantastic. Completely chilling and very un-nerving. It elevates the drama and adds a disturbing layer of tension to the mystery.

To a certain extent you know exactly how the story Carley is telling is going to end – the plane crash and the deaths of Luke and Danny. The layering of the past and present, keeps you engaged in whether everything is quite as it seems and in discovering the cause of the crash. But this story is very much driven by its characters.

I was addicted to this book – I read it in 4 days (after spending most of February in a reading slump!). It’s addictively written, and perfect for fans of slightly disturbing mystery stories.

Thanks to the publishers and net galley for an advanced ecopy in exchange for a review. I really enjoyed this read. The book is told from narrator Carly’s point of view. Carly is a journalist and she is investigating a plane crash. She interviews and speaks with one of the pilots wife and sister.
The sister Izzy is a narcissist and very unlikeable.
I really like how the story unfolds from both Izzy and Graces point of view. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Will be recommending to others

Well... this book hit the ground (sorrynotsorry) running, sucked me in from the off, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end, exhausted but wholly satisfied. I also read it in a day, only stopping for the absolute necessary. Tbh it practically read itself to me, the words flying off the page...
So, we start with an empty passenger plane which is on a ghost flight with only the pilot and co-pilot aboard. Both die on impact and, when we first meet her, journalist Carly Atherton is desperately trying to get hold of her brother who flies for the airline. She does eventually get hold of him but subsequently learns that he was supposed to be on that flight but went sick. Only to be replaced by his best friend who was also Carly's ex-boyfriend Luke, as co-pilot.
Carly's journalistic instincts are piqued by the whole concept of ghost flights -which I will leave you to learn about from the author - as well as finding out what happened to cause the plane to crash. Especially when confirmed there was no mechanical reason. So she starts to try and interview the deceased pilot, Danny's, family. Build up a picture... Initially, only his sister, Izzy, will talk to her, but eventually his wife, Grace, agrees, reluctantly, as she feels Carly needs another side to the story... and boy what a story it all turns out to be. Quite uncomfortable reading in parts too...
Playing out in the present as Carly conducts her interviews, alongside the official investigation, we also, courtesy of these interviews, delve back to the past. To see how Grace met Danny, how the two families combined and, most importantly, the relationship between the sisters-in-law.
Oh My Days... what an uncomfortable and compelling read this was. As well as the crash, we also learn more about Carly and Luke's relationship and what happened there. Speaking mostly to Carly's motive and determination to get to the truth. We also learn about her own fall from grace and how she found herself in the position she is in when we first met her.
Again Oh My! What a character we have in Izzy... so uncomfortable reading about her. But again, you need to discover this as the author intends. Suffice to say she is hands down one of the best worst characters I have read in ages. Probably also top 10 overall, no mean feat considering the sheer volume of this genre book I read.
As well as a tough read in places, it's also quite emotional. I already said I devoured it in a day but I do have to admit that, on occasion, once or twice, I had to take a wee break from it. I was so angry...
So hats off to the author for a cracking piece of characterisation.
All in all a blooming cracking read that I wouldn't be surprised remains in my top ten of the year. I wonder what she will deliver up for me for next time. And... if you haven't already read The Silence Project, also by this author, I would also recommend that too.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

‘Scenes From A Tragedy’ by Carole Hailey is a fascinating, challenging and totally addictive novel about so much more than the plane crash reported in its first pages… Told via narrative segments based on the recollections of two women who both lay claim to Danny (one of the two pilots on board the doomed vessel), first-person interludes from journalist Carly who is piecing there stories together, articles and a very revealing transcript, the book deeply explores corrosive relationships.

I was completely captivated from beginning to end of this novel, enthralled by Izzy and Grace’s stories and rooting for Carly to uncover the answers she desired and find her place within the journalistic community. Highlighting the environmental impact of ghost flights (passenger-less journeys to retain landing slots) was interesting, but the enthralling tale of the worst kind of family dynamics was what kept me reading.

I don’t want to give away too many details, but I truly recommend this to pretty much everyone… If you were obsessed with ‘Inventing Anna’ on Netflix, if you avidly read ‘Close To Home’ and ‘Making A Killing’ by Cara Hunter, or if you enjoyed ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn, you won’t be able to resist this one!

This gets five stars from me because I was addicted, and won’t forget it for a while…

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Atlantic Books via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"If you hurt me, I'll hurt you. Not right away of course, because where's the fun in that?" This chilling sentiment sets the stage for a gripping thriller that delves into the shadowy corners of human nature. When a passenger jet plummets into the Lake District, claiming the life of her ex-boyfriend, journalist Carly Atherton embarks on a quest for answers. What begins as a search for truth soon spirals into a descent into a twisted family drama, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.
The author masterfully weaves a narrative of suspense, drawing Carly into the conflicting narratives of the co-pilot's widow and sister. These divergent accounts paint a portrait of a seemingly average family, yet beneath the surface lurks a darkness that Carly is compelled to uncover. As she probes deeper, she unearths the unsettling truth: the bonds that unite can also become instruments of destruction, and malevolence can reside in the most unexpected places.
One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous portrayal of psychopathic tendencies. The author's evident research lends a chilling authenticity to the characters, making them both compelling and unsettling. This dedication to psychological realism elevates the narrative beyond a simple mystery, transforming it into a study of the human psyche's capacity for darkness.
The narrative is a masterclass in suspense, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The author skillfully doles out clues, ensuring you'll identify the culprit, but the "why" remains shrouded in mystery until the final, devastating revelations. Emotionally, the journey is a turbulent one, a rollercoaster ride that leaves you breathless and pondering the depths of human depravity. Scenes from a Tragedy is a must-read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers that leave a lasting impact.

This was such a great read, it was so well written! It had me gripped immediately and I had to finish it as I had no idea of how it would end.

I have always wanted to read a Carole Hailey book and was not disappointed. Absolutely superbly written and kept me gripped and intrigued right to the end. A fabulous read, just as I suspected it would be!

Many thanks for sharing this ARC copy with me.

wow this was brilliant. i dont think you are meant to love a book with such topics so much are you? well tough because it was fab!
from the plot to the characters it kept me excited and jittery the whole way through. the psychopaths amongst us. i mean wow. the telling of this characters was just a class act.
when i read the blurb. and saw it as a thriller about an ex girlfriend wanting to redeem her career and heal her guilt about her boyfriends plane crash i was immediately intrigued. but my oh my nothing could have told me how much more to this book there was and therefore how much more of a thrill it was for me!
i cant go into it too much as i want any reader who comes next to be just as surprised and delighted as i was every time i read a new page. and believe me every page in this book is worth it.
i wish i could re read this book all over again. it was just brilliant.

The premise of this book is you’ll know who did it, but you won’t know why until the end. I found this really intriguing and was so excited to read. The book is less a whodunnit and more a character study into the mind of a psychopath, why they made the decisions they did and the effect they had on the people around them. It’s a longer read for lit fic, but I raced through it over an evening and a half. I really really enjoyed this one, as you delve further into the mind of the person (truly) responsible for the accident, you can’t help but wonder if anyone could really be so unlikeable and evil. Many times I wanted to shake the journalist protagonist for the choices they made being sucked into the whole mess. Definitely worth a read.

A tense thriller told about the reason for a plane crash in the Lake District that leaves two pilots dead. Through a series of interviews with one pilot's sister and wife, the truth is slowly revealed. Hailey's The Silence Project packed a punch, but this new novel was a bit disappointing. Well written yes, but fairly obvious as to what had happened and why it caused the crash. Not one for me.