Watch Her Fall

It's a testament to Erin Kelly's excellent backlist that the minute I saw she'd submitted the final manuscript for "Watch Her Fall", I was checking NetGalley twice day to see if the ARC was available - as soon as it was, and my request was approved, I cleared everything off my to-do list and DID NOT MOVE from the sofa till I was done.

There are certain authors who you can guarantee will outdo themselves with every book they write. And also manage to make every book completely different to the last. Erin Kelly is one of those authors, and I was delighted to find myself once again sucked in completely by the world she had created. "Watch Her Fall" is narrated by multiple characters, each of whom brings their own new slant and singular twist to the story. As in Swan Lake itself, we have the two "leads": beautiful prima ballerina Ava, about to dance the lead in Swan Lake, and second swan Juliet, badly injured and unable to perform the role she had coveted. Then we have the lesser but still crucial corps of narrators: Maxim, Lizanne, and others, who help to tell the story.

This is one of those books that you have to read for yourself, as it's hard to review without spoilers. But it's a deftly woven, intricate story of ambition, desire, love, deception, obsession, discipline and power, with the central story mimicking that of Swan Lake itself, so that it becomes a hall-of-mirrors of sorts, a story within a story within a story - a conceit that could be easily mismanaged, but it is done so capably here that as a reader, you almost don't realise it's happening.

An easy five stars from me, and a must-read. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for granting me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#WatchHerFall #NetGalley
Kelly is a superstar of this genre. A masterpiece.
Swan Lake is divided into the black acts and the white acts. The Prince is on stage for most of the ballet, but it's the swans audiences flock to see. In early productions, Odette and Odile were performed by two different dancers. These days, it is usual for the same dancer to play both roles. Because of the faultless ballet technique required to master the steps, and the emotional range needed to perform both the virginal Odette and the dark, seductive Odile, this challenging dual role is one of the most coveted in all ballet. Dancers would kill for the part.
I loved the ending most because it was extremely satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder Straughten for giving me an advance copy.

I will always drop anything to read a new Erin Kelly book, and I have never been disappointed to have done so. She's a master of clever, intricate storylines, a spectacular world-builder, and is able to perfectly balance beautiful prose with compelling plot. This is another glowing triumph of a book and a dark delight to read.

Erin Kelly is a master of the psychological thriller genre and I couldn’t wait to read her new novel. Watch Her Fall is set in the claustrophobic, sinister world of the London Russian Ballet Company. Nikolai Kirilov, the formidable owner, rules his dancers with an iron fist. They’re expected to dedicate their whole lives to dance, banned from owning smartphones or using social media. Everything is controlled, from what they eat to major life decisions, such as when they have children.

The novel begins with Ava Kirilova gazing up at a poster of herself on the wall of the theatre. She’s reached the peak of her career and is about to star in a touring production of Swan Lake. As Nikolai’s only daughter, it’s a role she’s prepared for since childhood and she’s desperate to live up to her father’s vision. Now entering her thirties, Ava lives in fear of her imminent retirement from the stage and her ageing father’s death. The company is full of talented, ambitious girls who would do anything to have the career she’s built. With so many dancers eager to take her crown, paranoia is at the forefront of Ava’s mind.

The next part is told from the perspective of Juliet, a Kirilov dancer who is recovering from a career-ending injury. Isolated and naïve, she has been under the control of the ballet company for most of her life and now she feels as if she’s lost everything. How will she survive in the real world? The pace of the story never lags, with each event steering the plot in a different direction and introducing us to new characters who build the tension.

The use of multiple narrators throughout the novel is both clever and effective. Each character is complex, with their own motivations and fears. The separate threads of the story are skilfully joined together, with some explosive twists and reveals. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next and all I can say is that nothing is as it seems.

Kelly paints the setting of this novel in intricate detail. I could feel the ebb of paranoia within the constraints of the theatre and imagine the stifling discomfort of London in a heatwave. As a ballet fan, it was great to read a book set in this world, with realistic characters and details. I also enjoyed the fact that this thriller has well-developed characters. However, that doesn’t mean that it lacks suspense. At one point in the story, I was almost holding my breath.

This is a story of ambition, deception, obsession, control and survival. It’s a standout novel that is sure to be a success when released. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.

‘Watch her Fall’, is a dark, deeply twisted thriller from the superb Erin Kelly. Be warned: clear your schedule, as you will want to read this book in one sitting!
‘Watch her Fall’ tells the story of prima ballerina, Ava Kirilova who is about to embark on her dream performance, the dual roles of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake. Trained since the age of 12 by her father, beoming a ballerina is all that Ava can dream of – it is her ambition and for reason for being. However, waiting in the wings in someone ready to see Ava fall. Ava’s story becomes intertwined with the evergreen tale of Swan Lake’s dark and white swan, as jealously and envy, deception and discipline, love and power are all woven together into an unique story that begs to be read.
I have never watched a ballet but after reading ‘Watch her Fall’, I have a deep respect for the ballet dancers and their art form, as ballet is indeed an art and one that requires an incredible depth of training and dedication.
Erin Kelly is a master of the thriller genre and this is at Kelly at her sinister and intense best.

I have read and loved several of Erin Kelly’s previous books, but Watch Her Fall is now my absolute favourite by far!

It is set within the world of the prestigious London Russian Ballet Company in the lead up to its upcoming production of Swan Lake which Ava Kirilova has finally secured the lead role in, after years of hard work, pain and sacrifice. This dual lead role for the character of Odette and Odile is one of the most challenging and coveted in the ballet world, due to the technique and emotional range required to perform both characters. They say dancers would kill for the part...

However, Ava is going to let nothing distract her now she is finally the poster girl for Swan Lake. Even her father Mr K, the intense and at times terrifying director of the company can find no fault. But with Ava having pushed herself ahead of the many other talented and hardworking dancers within the company they are all watching her now. And there is someone who really wants to see Ava fall...

I absolutely loved being immersed in the world of ballet and learning about this demanding, punishing, all encompassing lifestyle. The detailed descriptions and intricately woven plot made this a book I just didn’t want to put down! I also thought it was clever how the structure of the book (Prelude, Acts 1-4 and an Encore) mirrored that of Swan Lake, the show at the heart of the story. I really liked how each ‘Act’ was in sections told from the perspectives of different characters as it really added to the intrigue and suspense as the story progressed.

The twists along the way, including the ending left me absolutely speechless! I had to put the book down when one huge twist happened because it was just so incredibly clever and I never saw it coming. I needed to take a moment to pause and reflect on how phenomenal it was! I love how Erin Kelly’s writing had the power to leave me in total awe at what I had just read. It’s the best feeling as a reader to be surprised like this!

I will be recommending this incredible thriller to everyone and am so grateful to have been able to be immersed in the prestigious world of the London Russian Ballet Company!

Whilst ‘Watch Her Fall’ should be of particular interest to those who enjoy ballet, Erin Kelly’s latest novel is a gripping read even if you’ve never set foot inside Sadler’s Wells or the like. We are quickly immersed in the life of principal ballerina Ava Kirilova and her father Nicky, the domineering Russian director and ruthless perfectionist who has run his ballet company single-mindedly throughout his career. After her mesmerising performance as Odette and Odile in the opening night of ‘Swan Lake’, Ava provokes a terrible event and life after this moment can never be the same again.
Erin Kelly not only draws the reader in through a very vivid, authentic portrayal of a vocation where everyone is dedicated to reaching perfection. She also shows us little by little just how isolating and damaging such a goal can be. This novel is about the lonely and the dispossessed as much as it is about the drive to succeed.
Whilst there are one or two developments that are a little implausible, most plot twists are convincingly executed and Kelly structures her narrative cleverly so that we are led up blind alleys and down dead-end paths. The culmination of the tale is neatly pulled together and yet, tantalisingly, we are left with the idea that further trouble is just as likely as a happy ever after ending. This exploration of exploitation, ambition and obsession is sure to fascinate many readers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

I’m relatively new to Erin Kelly, but have always heard good things about her novels. This is the third book of hers I have read and they do not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book. Set in the world of ballet, the plot is utterly intricate and compelling.

A must-read.

Erin Kelly is an author, whose work I look forward with fervour and breathless. She's one of the few authors, whose publishing dates I actually mark in my calendar and count down the days with increasing measure of anticipation and adrenaline. She's without one of the most accomplished psychological thriller writers. Her prose is partly literary, embedded with minute details that create a rich world. Her characters are fleshed out humans; I feel like I can bump into them on the street. So to be able to read Watch her Fall months before the official publication date...I had jitters.
This is a difficult one to review without giving away any spoilers, but I'll do my best. The first Act is narrated from the POV of Ava Kirilova, daughter of Nikolav Kirilova - renowned dancer and choreographer, owner of the London Russian Ballet Company - and Ava in her early 30s, has just landed her dream role: Swan Lake. She is playing both characters. It's a role to kill for. But Ava is aware of her little time she has left; ballet dancers peak early. As the first official performance date draws closer Ava starts to become paranoid and rehearsals become fraught with tension, until the devastating accident occurs...
Each act ends on a cliff-hanger that has your jaw on the floor. I was wondering at the end how Kelly would tie everything together. This book is an almost perfectly constructed feat barring a few flaws. There are many twists and turns in this read that I don't see coming but one of the twists in the second didn't quite do it for me. It was a twist seen many times and is a bit of a cliched if not done right. I think it just could've been executed better. It felt like the twist was being forced in. Also the telling the narrative from someone's POV, at times events overlapped and I could see where the story was going so the tension dwindled a little for me; this was the same problem I had with the latter half of Stone Mothers. However minor gripes asides this is an accomplished read with plenty of surprises and compelling characters. The insular world of the Russian Ballet Company is dazzling yet horrifying. A world of beauty, and extreme perfection. 4.5/5.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I loved this one. Very fast paced, had me turning pages as I tore through it – I had to see how it would end. The characters were well rounded and the narrative felt believable. Gave me chills. Solid five

I'm a massive fan of Erin Kelly and think this is one of her best books yet. Intricately and cleverly plotted and beautifully written - also fascinating to be immersed in the ballet world. It would make an amazing film. Highly recommended.

I am relatively new to Erin Kelly's books but adored "Stone Mothers" when I read it last year. I was therefore very excited when i heard that she was about to release a new novel and this did not disappoint.
It is set in the insular and rather claustrophobic world of a ballet company which already had me hooked (I may just about manage a plie but that is all I remember, nevertheless I spent my childhood loving ballet books).
We are introduced to Ava Kirilova, the latest ballerina to play Odette/Odile, who lives a lonely and increasingly paranoid life as the daughter of the head of the company, Nicky Kirilov, the king who controls all he sees. Tension builds as a new young dancer is offered the chance to take the role of Odette at the window. In fact that's all I can say about the plot, I would hate to spoil anything for readers but it keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns.
Suffice it to say this is a brilliant book and prepare yourself to get lost in its intoxicating world. Thanks so much to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I was really excited that I was approved for an ARC of this because Kelly writes the most masterful thrillers. Watch Her Fall doesn’t disappoint in any way. Set in the insular world of a London-based ballet school, the novel starts slowly and builds a sense of dread that something terrible will happen, which of course it does. Everything hinges on a series of twists, so I don’t want to say too much, but I found the biggest twist to be completely unexpected. Despite the shocking events, everything ties together well and believably enough, leaving a really satisfying ending with just enough doubt to keep you thinking about it.

One amazing story. I was quickly drawn into the interesting and intrigueing world of The Russian Ballet Company. Nicky, its elderly, corrupt ,domineering and controlling director. Ava, his daughter, why must her mother never be mentioned?
Nothing and no one is what they seem. So many twists and turns and shocks along the way. Who is manipulating who? Black feather and Swan Lake themes running throughout. The various "parts" of the book read like different acts in a ballet. Superbly crafted.
I always enoy Erin Kelly's books. I have read them all and this one does not disappoint. Highly recommended.

Absolutely loved this book. A slow-burn start where the set-up of the tough ballerina life is laid out, and then bam - shock after shock and a fabulously handled twist - I couldn't put this down.

This is a gripping new novel from one of the best thriller writers, Erin Kelly. It takes place in the world of classical ballet, which I thought was an unusual yet interesting setting. I've never been to a ballet show and know little about the art, so found the book informative in addition to being a brilliant page-turner.

The main character is Ava Kirilova, who is about to star in Swan Lake. She's the principal ballerina in the company owned by her father, the legendary Nicky. At the school in London, he drives the dancers very hard to get the best performances from them, but somehow Ava can never please him. At the age of thirty, she is close to retirement and should inherit the company, but she worries that the other dancers are after her role and that the coaches, her father's long-time friends, are conspiring with him to take her inheritance away. I can't say any more about the plot or it will spoil the story for you, but there are lots of twists. I couldn't predict what was going to happen. I was impressed by the level of detail in the plot and the descriptions of life as a ballet dancer. There are some serious themes in the book, such as grief, ambition, immigration and inequality. I liked how they were part of the story but didn't slow down the narrative.

I couldn't help noticing an odd detail (at least in my advance copy, which is subject to changes before publication), in that a British character mentions Band-Aids when she would more realistically have said 'plasters'.

[Note - this review will appear on my blog on 15th March]

I was delighted to be granted early access to this story, as a keen fan of Erin Kelly. This book does not disappoint. The depth of character development and the pirouetting twists and turns of characters, situations and personal histories compel the reader to read on past bedtime. As usual, Erin Kelly delivers swift blows and shocks just when everything seems clear and obvious. No spoilers here which means 8mkeabe a shirt but honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review

Watch her Fall = Blow your mind!

4-5 stars rounded up.

Swan Lake is about to open at the London Russian Ballet Theatre run by Nikolai Kirilov who tyrannically instils rigorous Russian technique into the dancers in his company. Taking the lead role of Odette and Odile is Nikolai’s daughter Ava Kirilova. The storyline cleverly mirrors the ballet in the evolving twists and turns in this well written thriller. The Acts and Interludes are told from several perspectives and these different narratives work well taking the storytelling into unexpected directions delivering a sequence of surprises.

Although I think the book starts a little slowly it builds into something that is hard to put down. I love the premise and the fascination of the ballet company, the impending performance of Swan Lake with all the accompanying obsessions, envy of those in the key roles and greedy jostling for the limelight. The characterisation is excellent, you more than sense Ava’s imperious haughtiness in her prima ballerina position and also her paranoia as she gets older with eyes on those younger talents in the ranks and Nikolai's cold hearted egotism and drive for perfection. The characters emotions and feelings are well conveyed too. There are jarring off notes throughout with elements of challenging defiance which sets off ripples of unease and some fear. The story has multiple elements to it such as manipulation, deception, sabotage, some intrigue and so many dark secrets that have to stay buried. I love the fact the story is based around Swan Lake which lends itself to so much potential in a plot and includes moments of dramatic irony which are excellent and I love the ultimate twist at the end which I did not see coming!

Overall, this is the best Erin Kelly novel I’ve read. The background of ballet allows maximum drama which the author fully utilises. It’s clever, intense, dark and a very compelling read and I like the use of the visual imagery of the swan feathers at key moment.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.

This starts off like the film Black Swan but takes a very different turn. as we see not only the glamour of a ballet company but much of the seamier side of London and people living on the margins of society..

Ava Kirilova is the principal dancer at the a prestigious London ballet company. Her whole career has be building up to the moment when she dances the lead in Swan Lake, but with younger rivals snapping at her heels and her father, the head of the company, demanding absolute adherence to his vision of the production, she starts to doubt herself..

It's a difficult book to review without giving too much away, but it's beautifully written and, as always with Kelly,, wonderfully plotted.

I stayed up late finishing this.

I’m not sure how to describe this book, it’s compelling reading, there are many twists and “oh” moments, I guess it’s a psychological thriller, but more than that with real characters who have moral dilemmas, set against the claustrophobic world of professional ballet.
Ava Kirilova is a principal dancer with the London Russian Ballet run by her father Nikolai Kirilov. She is preparing for the greatest role of her career: Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, and is under tremendous pressure to be perfect, it is her father’s last production before hip surgery, and the company needs the revenue that it will bring. The influence of the autocratic Nicky is felt throughout the company.
After an accident at the dress rehearsal, Ava is in emotional turmoil.

The narration then continues through other characters, Juliet, Roman, and each story changes the view of the truth, until the dramatic ending resolves most questions.
It is very hard to give more detail without spoiling what is an excellent read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book.

'Watch Her Fall' was everything I've come to expect from Erin Kelly: dark and wonderfully twisty. The cut-throat world of professional ballet provided the perfect backdrop, too. Loved it!

Oh this book is very clever. Twisted, intense, mesmerising, Erin Kelly pulls us right in the heart of a world class ballet company and takes a dark look at the extremes that dancers will go to in order to make it to the top. The role of the Swan, Odette, is the most sought after, the most coveted, but it comes at a price, especially for ballerina, Ava Kirilova. As readers we join her and the London Russian Ballet company during the final weeks of preparation for the grand opening of the most ambitious staging of the ballet ever seen. But it is a production beset with tragedy and disruption comes at every turn. Some might even say that the whole production is cursed ...

Erin Kelly does a stunning job of creating an underlying tension from the very start of the novel. Although I know little of the world of ballet, it being one of the few forms of theatre I haven't really engaged in, if felt like a truly authentic portrayal of the industry and of the obsessive nature of the training that ballet dancers undertake in order to make it to the top of their game. Of course, for the purpose of the story there are elements which are exaggerated, inflated, but that whole compulsion to dance, to push the body to extremes is what lies at the core of the story, and the sense of loss, almost bereavement when that which they covet most is lost, seeps from the page in a wave of emotion.

Although this is a tale set within the world of a ballet company, it is not simply a tale of ballet itself. There is a mystery that builds within the pages, a web of deceit so deftly spun that whilst you see it expand before your eyes, you are never quite prepared for what is finally revealed. Told from three points of view, Ava, Juliet and Roman, each new chapter adds to our understanding and transforms all that we thought we knew. Although everything seems obvious in the end, you should be prepared for more twists and turns than any dancer could achieve. The splendour of Ava's passion driven triple fouette pales in comparison.

The character development in this story is superb, the passion and the fear that each one exudes. The sense of loss is, at times, overwhelming, both of career and of love. Family is a key theme, both husband to wife, father to daughter and in the wider sense of the dance company. It is hard to watch the slow progress of Ava's paranoia, the sense that everyone is trying to usurp her success, even her own father, company owner and Patriarch Nikolai Kirilov. And then to witness Juliet and her struggles when the very thing that she wants and loves, the ability to dance, is ripped from her is emotional and yet adds to the intrigue that has been building from the start.

This is a clever and complex story that I really haven't done justice to in this review. I'm not even sure I know how to without giving far too much away. The writing in this book is pitched perfectly, the narrative beautifully absorbing that I was drawn so deep into a world that I don't know, but in a way which would not let me go. I read this book in just a few short hours, enthralled by the twisted lives and the many lies of the characters and desperate to know how it would draw to a conclusion. And conclude it did, in perfectly fitting and equally twisted style. Morality or ambition - which one will win out. You'll need to read to find out.

Addictive, Claustrophobic Suspense....
Dark, intriguing suspense set in the world of dance where everything becomes murkier by the minute - a world which one imagines may be rather perfect, is anything but. Populated with a well drawn and credible cast of characters and a tautly woven and intricate plot this almost claustrophobic read is both addictive and satisfying.

I have never read anything by Erin Kelly before, however, the synopsis of this book drew me in. This was a thrilling read from start to finish, and I am fully intending to go back and read Kelly's previous books based on how much I enjoyed this one.

Excellent book! So, so engrossing and with some twists or moves that really take you aback. Initially I was a bit "oh, another narcissistic man" but you fall into the world of the company and everything that follows quickly. I literally groaned out loud at some of the misfortunes experienced and the ending was great. No spoilers but just ... oooh. Erin Kelly is a fantastic author.

This is a very exciting thriller with lots of twists and turns! It kept me up late turning the pages. I enjoyed reading about the intense and suffocating life that the ballet dancers of the London Russian Ballet company endured while preparing for a production of Swan Lake. Then the novel takes a dramatic turn and was completely gripping. I don’t want to give anything away but this is an excellent thriller with memorable characters and a chance to immerse yourself in the world of ballet with all its rivalries and unpredictability. Five stars!

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Watch Her Fall is one of those mystery-thrillers that are very difficult to write a review for, because the less you know about it, the better. The sort of book where you can tell the blurb has been meticulously crafted not to give away anything more that is necessary to lure the reader in.

But I can say this: it was an excellently crafted and written novel, with twists and turns like a road running over the Alps, and I didn't suspect any of them. Of course, these days when so many stories have already been written, you need to do something really unexpected to make a reader gasp and whisper "No," under their breath when they reach that denouement, and this can often veer into the ridiculous, overly complex, or the implausible. There were elements of the last two here, but not enough to overwhelm. It's implausible enough not to guess, but manages to fall just on the right side of realism.

This is one of my favourite authors and I’m never disappointed by her. Yet another really well written and totally consuming read. The only sad part? Finishing it! Give this book, author and all the other brilliant books she’s written a go. You will be very glad you did it.

I was very excited to that Erin Kelly has a new book out, and even more excited to be approved to review an ARC, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.
This a going to be a very difficult book to review without inadvertently giving away spoilers, but here goes-
Ava Kirilova is the principal ballerina in the London Russian Ballet, which is owned and run by her father, Nikolai Kirilov. The LRB is about to run with its production of Swan Lake, with Ana cast as Odette and Odile.
I was worried that Watch Her Fall would delve into too much detail about ballet and become a bit of a chore to read, but I should have known better. Ms Kelly knows exactly how much detail to provide so that the reader understands exactly as much as they need to know, without ever becoming bored and bogged down by unnecessary facts.
As I mentioned, it’s difficult to provide more detail without spoiling the book but trust me on this, it’s excellent.
It’s well plotted, with twists to make you stop in your tracks, and with such beautiful, descriptive language that it’s an absolute pleasure to read. It’s one of those books that you can’t wait to finish but don’t want to end.
Well worth 5stars.

I loved dance books as a child so jumped at the chance for a grown up one! Erin has delivered another breath taking novel that keeps you guessing and a tightly woven plot that takes you right to the end.

Erin Kelly is another author whose work I wait impatiently for. Her style of writing always grips me, and I have to keep reading to know what happens next.
Watch Her Fall takes the reader deep into the world of classical ballet, a mostly alien territory, for me. I’ve always admired the strength and talent of ballet dancers, alas I was moved to the Morris Dancing class as considered to tall and clumsy for the finer discipline that is associated with this genre!
The story is told from several viewpoints and pulls no punches when describing the rigours and sacrifices needed to reach the required perfection of first ballerina. Ava’s character is easily sympathetic, she is trapped under the Svengali hold of her father. He calls all the shots including her access to money. Whilst Ava is sympathetic, she has no problem treating company dancers in a rather dismissive way and that behaviour is at odds with the readers’ instinct to care.
It’s Ava’s desire to be the best that sees company dancer, Juliet, take a career ending fall. Ava’s guilt, over the incident, is assuaged by allowing the youngster to recuperate in her minimalist yet palatial home as she embarks on the world tour of Swan Lake.
I found this book to be intriguing and that intrigue soon turned to gripping suspense. The careful introduction of the additional characters lends depth and texture to the story. There are the usual twists that are expected of a good thriller but as the truth of what’s happening dawns on the reader, all of the prior scenes flood back like watching a movie. Erin Kelly is a gifted storyteller and manipulates the reader perfectly.
I hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I did, you won’t be disappointed.

Wow, where to start with this book? Watch Her Fall offers up a unique backdrop of a production of Swan Lake at the London Russian Ballet Theatre which instantly intrigued me. I don't have a personal interest in ballet but I really enjoyed discovering what it was like for those who were part of the theatre, working and existing under the iron fist of director Nikolai Kirilov. Although some of the details feel a little unrealistic (e.g. the dancers not having phones/being paid in cash), I do feel they were necessary to make the plot work. It was fascinating observing the many relationships of those in the theatre, especially Nicky and his daughter, principal dancer Ava.

I really enjoyed how the book was broken up, to be told from the different perspectives, all connected in some way. I thought Roman's chapters were particularly insightful and I liked that Erin shone a light on immigration, even if some of it felt somewhat stereotypical at times, but sadly it was also realistic too.

I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going and was completely enthralled throughout the twists and turns of the plot as the dots began to join up and the story weaved together, a fuller picture forming. Erin is a fantastic writer and this is such a clever plot, that was the perfect escape in lockdown. Having read Erin's books previously this in undoubtedly one of the best and I thoroughly recommend.

An expansive thriller that copes with all of the human emotions but focusing on loss, bereavement and finally acceptance. Well crafted and with a fascinating insight into ballet, a world I'm not that familiar with.

I spent 2/3 of the book enjoying it, but not being blown away. The characters were intriguing and the premise was good, but I couldn’t see where it was going. After a twist that left me gaping, I was completely gripped and couldn’t put it down. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

The story is split between three narrations: Juliet and Ava – both injured dancers – and Max, an immigrant worker mourning the loss of his family.

Ava is entitled and spoilt for most of the book. But, as the first narrator, you see from her perspective which allows you to connect and warm to her. She deals with intense pressure the entire time, and is only human – she cracks.

Juliet has a bitterness to her after her career is destroyed, but – again – you empathise with her. You can tell she’s a good person in an impossible situation, and her actions are understandable. She softens and grows as the book progresses.

Max is out of his depth the entire time. But he’s got a good heart and you see him trying to make things right. He was definitely my favourite – there’s more of a vulnerability to him you don’t see in the girls.

Watch Her Fall covers a lot! From shattered dreams to acceptance, from destroyed relationships to finding a new direction in life. Greed and ambition play a strong role – these characters feel they are owed something, and will do whatever it takes to get it.

I really liked the directions this took. You see the characters grow, in their relationships and in themselves. Never being good enough is an underlying theme throughout, as is how far people will go to seek approval.
There’s so much packed in this book that I can’t even scrape the surface trying to explore it all!

Oh my gosh.

The writing.

Watch Her Fall is one of those books I enjoyed at the time. Then on reflection realised just how much!
The writing is so clever. From misdirection to omission of details so subtle you don’t notice, complicated characters and the switching narration building suspense. It works!

It’s hard writing this to make sure I don’t spoil anything, but I was stunned by the direction it took. A few plot-points felt a little out there, and the ending perhaps weaker than I anticipated. But I never would’ve guessed where this was going – and I love that!

I had high hopes for Watch Her Fall – and it didn’t disappoint. I knew I enjoyed it while I was reading, but writing the review is making me realise just how much.

Want to be kept guessing with no idea where a book is going? I highly recommend this one!

Wow. This is an astonishing piece of writing by Erin Kelly and, I think, her best work yet. This dark, emotive, thrilling story will have you gripped from the opening page. Much like the ballet it centres around, the story is complex, delicate, intense and beautifully orchestrated. It transports you to a world in which the rich, layered characters out-wit, out-perform - literally and metaphorically - and out-dance each other. The plot is genius, the twist so unexpected it hits you like a freight train. Every character is believable and two-dimensional - in one way good, another bad. You want them to win, you want them to lose. They are all unlikeable, and yet you root for every one of them. It really is an extraordinary novel and I highly recommend it.

This book centres around a ballet company, where the director expects nothing but perfection from his dancers. After years of hard work, Ava Kirilova feels like she has reached the top of her profession after she is cast in the lead role as Odette and Odile.

The start of the book does a great job of building the atmosphere. I don't know a lot about ballet, but I felt like I'd been fully absorbed into the world, and I could really feel the tension between the characters.

Then the perspective switches, and I felt very confused. The plot seemed to be going off on a completely different tangent. But when everything started to come together, there were moments where my jaw dropped as the realisation slowly dawned on me.

If you love dark and twisty thrillers then I would definitely recommend this book. I loved the writing style and I'd definitely like to read more books by this author.

This is a fabulous book. A tour de force. Erin Kelly’s book caught me up in the ballet dancers’ world and never let go once. The precision and expertise of her writing brought me inside the London Russian Ballet Theatre where its autocratic director Nikolai Kirilov is determined that his dancers shall follow his choreography without exception. Here there is only his way. No room for personality, no room for distractions. His dancers shall give their all and if they fail to do so they are gone without compunction.

Kirilov is no hypocrite, either. His exacting standards apply to his daughter Ava, just as they do to the youngest ballerina in the corps. Ava is about to take on the role of her life. She will play Odile and Odette in Kirilov’s production of Swan Lake which will tour only the biggest theatres across the world. It is a role for which she has trained since her earliest years and she is ready. Lucas, her dance partner will play the Prince but everyone understands that the audience will only have their eyes on her.

The pressure is intense and Kirilov’s expectations sky high. It’s felt by everyone in the company and when one dancer whose part is very small but significant, fails to meet those expectations, another is immediately drafted in.

Then one night everything changes. The black feathers from Odette’s costume begin to fall to the floor and that’s the recurring motif for this astounding, unexpected story.

There’s not a great deal of sympathy can be evoked for many of the characters at the beginning if this novel. Some are intensely unlikeable, living in a hothouse atmosphere where ambition is respected and that drive is what keeps the dancers going. There’s no room here for sentiment or even much friendship; it’s all rivalry and fighting the way to the top by being as competitive as possible.

But when tragedy strikes, everything changes.

I saw Margot Fonteyn dance these dual roles when I was young and I have never forgotten it. The pain, emotion and intensity stays with you and I know this book will stay with me for similar reasons.

This is a story told from three perspectives. Ava, Juliet a young dancer and a man named Roman. Without the reader really noticing, Kelly reveals that everything you thought you knew is perhaps not quite as it seemed. She does this so cleverly, so discreetly that it is as if her sleight of hand has lulled the reader into a false sense of assurance.

Watch Her Fall is an intense, dramatic and highly emotive experience. Kelly explores themes of love and loss; of dedication and duty and of what family really means. There is exploration of moral and ethical choices. Her characters become real, wrapping you in their expectations, in their highs and so you feel it acutely when the lows come. Alongside this, Erin Kelly weaves in psychological suspense, deceit, intrigue, betrayal and some quite shocking violence.

Verdict: I love this book and give it my highest recommendation. You really will be missing out if you don’t read it.

There are some writers that have the ability to tackle any subject and capture their reader's attention like no other - Erin Kelly is one such talented author..

This psychological thriller is set in the world of ballet. Beyond reading ballet shoes and taking a very small daughter to baby ballet classes, this is not a world I am familiar with. But no matter. With a crash course in the story of swan lake with its white and black scenes I was quickly immersed in the almost cultish world inhabited by the ballet school attended by Ava Kirilova and run by her father she is finally starring in the ballet and about to embark on a world tour. Who would possibly want to see her fall?

But you would be mistaken to think that this is just about the claustrophobic world of a ballet school, there is far more to this story although I won't say more because this is definitely a story to approach without having too much background.

What I will say is this is a stunning read. As always the characters are detailed and fully=formed. Not once do you find a caricature instead you get a person, with a mixture of admirable traits as well as those that are much darker. The plot is intricate and truly clever. The way that the various strands of the stories form the basis of the story only becomes more impressive as time goes on, and with reflection.

Up there with the very best of the best that Erin Kelly has written.

A new Erin Kelly novel is always a treat and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s set in the world of ballet which I loved – based around a performance of Swan Lake directed by Nikolai Kirilov, legendary director of the London Russian Theatre. Ava Kirilov, Nikolai’s daughter is due to perform the dual title role of Odette/Odile.

The book is set mainly in two locations, one the ballet theatre and the other Ava’s flat. I loved the theme of black and white, plus there is a lot of playing around with characters and nothing is as it seems. Wonderful twists happen, characters reflect what’s happening in the ballet and the writing is excellent.

Five stars from me for this one.

This book is living rent-free in my head
And I’d like to start charging it digs.

My only experience with ballet was when I was like 7 or 8. Picture a bunch of sugared-up kids at the ballet version of Peter Pan for the dancer kid’s birthday and the screams when Tinkerbell’s wings fell off. That’s all I can think about if you mention ballet around me and it definitely tainted my thoughts.

So when I saw this book float around, my finger hovered over the request button numerous times umming and ahhing. I presumed it wasn’t my usual jam and, like, how interesting could a ballet actually be? Clicking that little green button was probably one of the best choices I’ve made in my book life and this book is one of my favourites this year. Here’s why:

✨ A ballet master/genius who wants his version of Swan Lake to be the best shit around.
✨ Ava, his protégé and daughter (talk about major pressure), is ready to spin all those magical spins as the lead Swan.
✨ Someone’s out to sabotage her career. Some might say they’re going to watch her fall…

This is a story told from three different viewpoints; Nikolai, Ava and Juliet.

Let’s kick it off by making one thing very clear – Nikolai Kirilov is a dick. There are no two ways to describe it. He’s old-school, treats his dancers like performing minions (God help you if you have any technology in your dorm), calls them his creatures and makes them numb to the world ultimately ensuring they have no life skills.

His dancers go along with it because he happens to be the owner of the London Russian Ballet – world-renowned and the place where people flock to see the magic created on stage. Whilst he essentially runs a prison, he gets results and that’s fucking annoying. Boo him.

Swan Lake will be the best ballet he’s ever produced – even if it takes people’s careers out with it.

Enter his daughter – Ava Kirilova. Nik’s star (his standards apply to Ava as well) and principal ballerina who’s cast in the lead role of Odette and Odile. At the ripe ol’ age of 30(ish), she’s getting past her prime so this role will be a career-high to end on. It has to be hers and nothing will get in her way. Also a bit of a dick, but when you’ve been nurtured to think you’re better than everyone else, then it’s bound to happen.

And then there’s little Juliet. Oh, you sweetie pie. All you ever wanted was to impress, but the minute tragedy hit her knee, everything changed.

This is a dark story about manipulation in a very cut-throat world with twists and turns coming out of your ears.

Holeeeeeee–eyyy shit. I loved it. Every damn minute of it. Granted I got about halfway through and was like ‘Hey Erin, pal. Where’s the ballet at?’, but I get it. I GET IT NOW.

Give me more.

This was a brilliant read. It was an interesting read but most of all were the characters that I cared about and the twist I did not see coming. I won’t ruin it for anyone but read this book!

Odette and Odile. Black and White. Good and Evil.

The story begins at the ballet. The London Russian ballet company, held in thrall by its manipulative creator Nicky, and his talented daughter Ava, who is about to dance Swan Lake. I know next to nothing about the ballet, but thoroughly enjoyed the back stage setting and inter-dancer competitiveness.

The next sections take the reader to a damaged dancer, Juliet, living in a borrowed apartment where she meets the security man, Max. We then see the same events through Max's eyes and his 'friend' Katya.

The book reverberates with the story of Swan Lake, as we see light and dark elements of the personalities involved. It is very cleverly done, and the reader is taken on a most unusual journey. Sometimes I felt a little irritated as because the centre character changes, we saw the same events through different eyes, but there was a purpose to this.

A clever, gripping and enjoyable story. Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Watch Her Fall is an exquisite novel, certainly to my mind Erin Kelly’s best book yet, which is saying something considering the quality of what came before.

Set in the intense, emotional world of ballet, the dancers living in a bubble of professional artistry, a world of complete focus and competition, Ava is about to hit the pinnacle of her career. However there are those in her life who would see her fail..

The writing here is simply superb, an immersive, descriptive joy to read that sets you in a place like no other. It is part mystery, part character study, all drama, an extremely complex and intelligent tale that subtly dances in the mind much like a ballet itself.

The intricate nature of the relationships, especially between Ava and her father, the unforgiving Mr K, sets the scene for an unpredictable, deeply heart wrenching mystery where both nothing and everything is as it seems. I fell into this one and emerged feeling a bit battered but a bit in awe. One of those novels you live and breathe as much as you read.

If I read a better book this year I’ll be very surprised.

Highly Recommended.

Set in and around the cut throat (who knew?) world of ballet Watch her Fall is a story telling marvel. Told any other way and we, the readers would fall out of love with the characters pretty smartish. But Erin Kelly with her story telling wizardry brings us with her on an intricately woven plot featuring some, let’s face it, pretty bad behaviour (no spoilers here guys) and you still come out rooting for these flawed and broken characters (except Katya, I wasn’t very fond of Katya).

Outstanding, loved this book, can’t recommend it highly enough. Heartfelt thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reading the blurb for this book I wasn't sure I would like it but I have a good track record with the author so I thought I would give it a crack anyway. And I am really glad I did.
We start with Ava Kirilova playing the part of Odette/Odile in the ballet Swan Lake. It's a plum job which all dancers aspire to but few manage to attain. She is the daughter of the boss of the London Russian Ballet but has got to where she is by sheer guts and determination, as well as talent, rather than nepotism. Bu things start to go wrong for the production. The second swan gets sacked and her replacement worries Ava with her talent and the way she has turned her father's head. Things then go from bad to worse but I really can't say any more than that here for fear of spoilers. Needless to say, if you have read this author before, there is a whole lot bubbling up underneath the main plot that will both keep you on your toes, and glued to the book, for the rest of the thrilling ride.
It's compelling and addictive reading. It contains all the things you'd expect from a book of this genre - twists, turns, shocks, duplicitous behaviour, secrets and lies. All delivered with great aplomb and nothing coming completely from left field. It's so well and tightly plotted that, OK , you might drop your jaw and sit back in shock about s few things - maybe even feel initially cheated - but read on and all will be revealed and, when it does, well... I sat back and applauded the author for a job well done.
All in all, another winner from an already impressive author. Can't see what she serves up for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.