The Revenge of Rita Marsh

This book was brilliant! Although this is a story that deals with controversial subjects, it was handled brilliantly. Rita's voice is honest and likeable and I instantly connected with her, although I think it could be triggering for some due to the themes in the book.

I love the duality of Rita's life (trying not to give too much away here), Rita is so complex and intriguing too and I loved her relationship with Leila. This is a multidimensional story with character that leap off the page and I binged it! I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for my early arc.

Rita Marsh is a complex woman trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. By day she looks after elderly people in the care home her late parents left her,by night she's part of a small team of online predator hunters, posing as a young girl online to ensnare and expose men who prey on children.
When one of these operations goes badly wrong and ends in tragedy Rita's team splits acrimoniously,there's public outrage and pressure from the police who have already aired their disquiet about the the team's tactics.
Mulling her future Rita reluctantly goes to a school reunion and is reminded of rumours of an illicit relationship between her former best friend and a teacher when she hears that another former classmate has reported the same man to the police for historical abuse.
This time it's personal and Rita is determined to make sure the teacher answers for his crimes against her friend.
The Revenge of Rita Marsh is a powerful book that adds a touch of gothic horror to a first class thriller as the strain of events at the care home and the chaos Rita's investigations unleash lead her to become increasingly unhinged.
To call Rita "complicated" is a massive understatement and author Nilesha Chauvet does an outstanding job of bringing such a multi-faceted character to life sympathetically and believably.
There are some delicate subjects forming a big part of the story but it's never exploitative ,it's often a tough read,often very moving but most of all it's very,very good.
An excellent psychological thriller ,and not least an outstanding debut from Nilesa Chauvet.

I could not put this down. If I didn't like sleep I would have read this in one day.
This story follows a serious topic. Rita herself is an interesting characters. Her flaws are on show and with her own history it's clear she carries a lot of pain and hurt, which makes her behaviour the way she does.
I also understand why Lelia believes what she believes, because she too also needs therapy.

I'm left wanting a book two. Following Rita and Lawson.