At last an original drama!
Fabulously written characters and a storyline that i became totally immersed in.
Emma is sick, her family other than her daughter are just awful human beings.
If only she could find true love and a means of escaping her life?
I did get one of the twists but not all of them!
A brilliant read that i highly recommend.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Wow.

I was nervous to read this book, I have FND and I didn’t know how it would be portrayed. ‘I’m just someone with a fake illness. There’s nothing to see, on my scans. Just a mad girl whose body has decided not to work.’ I’ve never related to anything more when it comes to chronic illness, it’s exactly how some doctors make me feel.

I didn’t really know what to expect, I thought I knew exactly how this was going to go but I was so wrong, the twists and turns nearly gave me whiplash. Nothing could have prepared me for how this book was going to go. The last chapter also like WHAT!?

Honestly such a great book, so well portrayed how it feels to live with a chronic illness

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This is a cracking debut from Chris Bridges. Highly original with some brilliant characters none more so than the protagonist Emma. The first part of the book is a delightful slow burner that rapidly becomes addictive as the author slowly starts to weave the story and reel the reader in. Then the latter parts really sees the pace and tension ramp up as the story unfolds and takes us on a rollercoaster ride whilst still not knowing who is to be trusted. The different POV add an extra dimension to the plot as the unhinged characters start to slowly unravel. A simple but very effective ending rounds the story off very nicely. Loved it!

I admit I had some preconceptions about this book and I have never been so happy to be wrong.

The sickness mentioned is written with care and not played for a second for shock value.

Emma is having a horrible time in life, living with her mom, her vile stepfather, his daughter and finally her daughter. She’s moved back due to becoming unwell and is no longer trusted to look after her daughter.
She goes to see her specialist, she sleeps and she sits outside looking at the birds. That’s it.

But her luck seems like it is about to change when she meets a doctor outside the hospital her care is in.

From here the book is a twisty turny thriller with an ending that truly made me very happy. Wrapped up perfectly and had a strong theme (outside of the dark part) of women supporting women.

I felt things and I’m sure would too. Excellent, clever and thrilling.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review, which this is.

I love it when a book surprises me, and this one did. I read a lot of thrillers and can usually guess the twists, but not this time!

What an amazing read this is.

Emma has a neurological illness and when she meets Adam she feels that her dreams can finally come true.. only problem is Adam is married and the problem is his wife Celeste..

I loved this book. It is not what I expected at all.

It is drama filled with great characters and is a story that is superbly told

It makes such a difference to a reader when a novel is written as spectacular as this is..

Something completely different filled with great characters told from Emma's point of view first then from others later on in the book.
A slow start for me but picked up nicely leading to a well written story,the insight to Emma's illness was written so well I could at times feel her pain making her a very believable character who I wanted to take under my wing especially with what she has to put up with within her family who apart from her daughter are awful.
Great read that I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

Very original! Cleverly written- in parts it read like the inner monologue (Emma’s POV). Short snappy sentences give a ‘deranged and mentally unwell’ vibes and I thought it was just a spectacular way to write a character.
The multiple narrations really added excellent depth to this storyline! I enjoyed seeing the various angles of each event, and the vastly different viewpoints! Obviously each chapter written in certain characters POVs made you hate them just a little bit more each time 😂
Without spoiling the story I grew to love Emma, and I felt a bit maternal toward her and Ava in the last 30%- as a character she felt too real and I almost want to end this review with a ‘I wish her and Ava well’ 😭😂
Very impressive overall considering the originality of this and how on edge I was reading it!

I

Sick to Death tells the story of Emma, who has a disability and lives in her family's crammed council house. One day she meets the perfect man, Adam, a doctor. She can't believe her luck when he confesses he's in love with her. She's finally got her fairy tale ending! there's only one thing between them: Adam's wife, Celeste. Celeste is a celebrity chef who also happens to abuse Adam behind closed doors and has had a string of affairs. Emma knows what to do to free Adam from Celeste and finally find happiness -even if it means killing her.

The story is told from various POVs: Emma, Celeste, and a third one which would give the plot away, and the epilogue! Each main character has her own voice and the narrative flows easily from one chapter to another.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting! I look forward to reading more by author Chris Bridges.

Sick to Death - Chris Bridges
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The human capacity for lying – and for accepting lies – is impressive but never more so than when it comes to lying to yourself.”

Sick to Death predominantly follows Emma, who is diagnosed with a neurological condition. Living in a house without her own room and a family who belittle her at every chance, she seeks escape. When her new boyfriend, Adam, offers this, Emma will do anything for it. Except Adam’s wife Celeste is another person in Emma’s way. Emma’s sick, just not in the way you thought.

The first part of this book is told from Emma’s perspective, with the addition of another two perspectives later in the book. The unreliable narrator trope was done exceptionally well in this case and I did not know who to trust or who had good intentions throughout.

Sick to Death was an addictive read. The first part is a slow burner - not in a boring way, but in a way where you can see the water’s about to boil over the saucepan and you can’t do anything to stop it. Part two is full of twists, turns, further complexities and completely unhinged behaviour which made it a thrilling and fast paced psychological read.

This book explores hate, rage, jealousy and revenge; but also hope, despair, betrayal, dishonesty and love. The themes provide a wray of emotions and feelings for the reader, and this alongside the plot kept me turning the pages until the very clever ending.

Chris shares his own experiences in the authors note, and his passion for writing a sick character who bypasses all the stereotypical tropes. Emma does this with ease, she is a complex (slightly unhinged) character who is pretty unforgettable, and extremely strong and villainous despite her illness.

After seeing Sick to Death on bookstagram, I eagerly added it to my want to read list. I feel so fortunate to have been able to read a copy, and I will definitely be recommending it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Bridges and Avon Books UK for sending this advanced copy of Sick to Death in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Emma wants out. Unwell, living with her bully of a stepdad and getting by on benefits, she longs for a better life. Enter Adam, stage left. A doctor. Handsome, caring, things are looking up, Married though, But Emma shouldn’t fret as Adam will soon be single again. Question is, who’s dictating events?

With the first person narrative changing between chapters, you get viewpoints not only from Emma but from those that would stand in her way. The plotting is wonderfully cloying and brings out the most base and raw human emotions. The
interplay with birds and how their actions can mirror ours are fascinating and add a macabre undertone to the narrative.
In Sick to Death, the author has not only captured the stresses and struggles of being in a dysfunctional family not of your choosing but has demonstrated that although we don’t have to play the hand we are dealt, there’s something to be said for hesitating before saying twist.

Emma is sick of her life. She is trapped in her tiny home with her family and suffering from a debilitating condition. She has had enough of being the other woman in her relationship with Adam, with his wife, Celeste, being a problem. All she needs is a target.

When I saw the description of this book I knew I needed to read it. The synopsis was really intriguing and I was drawn to the cover. I can’t believe this was a debut, with the clever storyline and talented writing style. I loved the way the author slowly built up the suspense, creating a gripping, compelling psychological thriller.

The disability element was done tactfully and felt authentic and reading the authors note reflects why he wanted to write about this. The characters were superb, especially Emma as I really felt that I was inside her head and that I got to know her personally. There are characters there for you to love to hate, which I generally enjoy. To sum this book up it would be a disturbing, complex and original thriller where you never know who to trust. I came out learning a lot of facts about birds as well! I will definitely recommend and look out for other books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

A fantastic and original psychological thriller from a new author (new to me anyway!)

The story has some interesting characters - the main being Emma, a young former nurse who suffers an illness that had a huge impact on her physical health, but frustrating is only recognised by medics as being psychogenic in origin. Emma lives a fairly miserable existence, with poverty and a bullying stepfather being significant factors. Things take a turn for the better when she meets a handsome young doctor, a man with a complicated relationship situation which leads Emma to become somewhat obsessed with his spouse, Celeste….

I won’t share more regarding the plot to avoid spoilers but it is twisty, dark…and utterly splendid!

A great read I would 100% recommend!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I was really impressed by this debut novel, absolutely loved it. Great characters with lots of depth and growth. The storyline evolved in such a clever way and I was totally hooked right till the end. A suspenseful and complex story with many layers and a fantastic ending. Highly recommended. 5 stars

This was a strong psychological thriller element perfectly and had that tension that I was looking for. The characters had that feel that I was wanting and was invested in what was going on. The overall feel worked and I was guessing until the end. Chris Bridges has a strong writing style and can’t wait for more.

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges is a thrilling mix of dark humour and suspense, featuring a protagonist caught in crime and deceit. It's an entertaining read with unexpected twists.

Great thriller... you know what going on and what's going to happen for most of it but not sure how. Was A good book.and loved how it ended... the suspense....oooh..

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

Emma’s life is not good. Suffering from a neurological illness that does not fall into a neat box, her family treats her as if she is just lazy. Then she meets Adam when she is leaving the hospital. He is gorgeous, kind, a doctor, and does not treat Emma as if she is faking being sick. One problem, Adam’s wife Celeste. She is wealthy, but oh so cruel. She abuses Adam emotionally and physically, and he is desperate to be free of her. But divorce will cost him everything. Could Adam help Emma be free of her abusive stepfather? Could Emma hold the key to Adam’s freedom?
One heck of a Cray Cray ride. I felt so bad for Emma, trying to live her life, while never knowing if today would be a good or bad day. I can relate to that.
I screamed No at my Kindle more than once. Never as loud though as I did at the end. My first book by this author, and I look forward to reading another.

Crime novels are something I’ve never really read but, as someone living with Multiple sclerosis, a protagonist living with a neurological condition (a rarity in fiction!) was impossible to ignore and I wasn’t disappointed. My reading of this novel was absolutely through the lens of chronic illness but it is so accessible and easy to read that I will try to not be reductive in my review!

Bridges tactfully and elegantly builds a realistic image of a woman living with NFD and all of the frustrations and resentments that come with it - and what they could lead to.
What happens when a woman who is largely bedbound, unemployed and lonely due to unexplained illness encounters a handsome and charming man who seems to have it all, including a wife? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a slice, for once?

The characters are all extremely well rounded and realistic - aspects of Emma (the protagonist) are mirrored in those around her; the carer, the glamorous careerist, the abusive voice, the sick and fading. Her self loathing and fury at her position in life are palpable and relayed through relatable dialogue and familial relations.

A very astute and elegant debut novel. Looking forward to seeing what Bridges does next.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Sick to Death introduces us to Emma, a young woman grappling with a debilitating neurological condition that confines her to her family's cramped council house. The narrative dives deep into Emma's struggles, capturing her frustration with a world that insists she simply "get over it." Whether it's her stepfather, her doctors, or even strangers on the street, everyone seems to have an opinion on her situation, leaving Emma feeling increasingly isolated.

Emma's life becomes even more complicated as she navigates her role as the other woman in a relationship with Adam, who, on the surface, seems to be everything she could want—successful and charming. However, his wife, Celeste, looms as a significant obstacle in Emma's quest for happiness. As she wrestles with her feelings of inadequacy and the frustration of being underestimated, Emma's emotions build towards a decisive target: Celeste.

The beauty of Sick to Death lies in its expertly crafted characters and the immersive storyline that pulls the reader in from the very first page. The complexity of Emma’s situation is both relatable and thought-provoking, challenging societal perceptions of illness and relationships. With its sharp prose and nuanced exploration of personal struggles, this novel offers an engaging and insightful read that stays with you long after the last page. Emma is sick, but not in the way you might initially think, making her journey all the more compelling.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

I received an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges is a story about Emma, a woman with an invisible disability, who dreams of living a normal life without the pity of others surrounding her. When she meets Adam, a handsome man outside of the hospital, Emma feels that her life could be changing in a good way. All that currently lies in her path aside from her illness is some of their family and she dreams about how to remove them as obstacles.

After much planning, Emma is confronted by the ugliest of truths and enlists the most unlikeliest of allies after a plan falls flat. With a new goal at the ready, Emma and her new accomplice set about a way to right the wrongs handed to them. When their plans are prematurely discovered, Emma and her newfound friend have to change tactics so that their devious plans and friendship wouldn't be discovered as the bodies pile up around them.

The story was good although it took a lot of build-up to get to a quick and tidy ending.

Thank you NetGalley and Chris Bridges for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this! As someone that also suffers from an invisible chronic illness, I think the author captured the isolation and frustration brilliantly. I liked the writing style and jumping between the characters points of view. Refreshingly different.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, I look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC. The publication date is 27th Feb 2025. Wow, where do I even begin with this book it was a nail- biting and disturbing thriller with many twisty moments throughout!

I found it thought- provoking and moving I really liked the main character Emma. This is definitely a must read for 2025 and for all thriller fans.

I’d highly recommend this book I wish I could read it again it was that good!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟stars

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

This is absolutely brilliant, an excellent psychological thriller which is disturbing, gripping and scary. It's quite sinister because the reader has no idea what it's all building up to. I found it thought provoking as it gives a unique insight into what it might be like to live with a disabilitating illness. I liked the bird anecdotes. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

As someone who suffers from chronic pain I was intrigued by this book. I think the author portrayed Emma really well, I really related to her and could feel her desperation to escape her situation. It was a great thriller, with plenty of twists and turns.

I really enjoyed it and would happily read other books by the same author in the future.

A different type of thriller with a unique plot. Emma suffers from an invisible illness, and the author did a wonderful job with making me feel empathy for Emma’s struggle and isolation; that exceptional character development helped explain how she made the choices, and made the plot more believable. Suspenseful, thought-provoking, with a satisfying end, this is a five star thriller!

Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance!

Thanks Netgalley for the free ARC! This novel was very well written and engaging. However, I thought the denouement was unbelievable with many bits and pieces that would not have been conceivable. All in all, I enjoyed reading and I do recommend this book. This is my honest opinion and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Happy to say that this book does NOT go where you think it will.

You'll start out thinking it's 'that old plot' again. It is...until it isn't.

Our characters are very warped. Even the ones you like are kind of wrong and you wonder why you even like them.

The books fast and is one of those great little beach reads that you'll just race through.

Good read!

The first thing I loved about this book was how much the author wanted to represent characters who have limiting medical needs in a real and representative way while also writing a great story. They go into this more in their author's note at the end, which is well worth reading. Besides that, this is a fresh take on a thriller. While it does contain certain tropes - as every thriller must, really, to be considered a thriller - I was surprised by some turns of events in the narrative. There's definitely a comparison to be made to GONE GIRL here, and I think it's a fair one (considering lots of books make this comparison but seemingly only so they can mention the name) - although I won't say what the similarity is. The characters were well-drawn and their motivations were always really clear. I never quite felt I could put my finger on who they truly were, but in this story I think that's a good thing. My only caveat would be to say that I think the first act of the story drags ever so slightly, but there's a fair amount of scene-setting to be done so that may be why.

Good God yes this was everything a psychological thriller should be! Took me on an unexpected wild ride from the first page, I LOVE an unreliable narrator, this was gripping, fraught with tension and had me richocheting from page to page in disbelief, unable to look away!

Book Review: Sick to Death by Chris Bridges

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that will leave you breathless and second-guessing everything, Sick to Death by Chris Bridges is a must-read. From the first page, the novel takes you on an unpredictable ride with its morally complex protagonist, Emma, whose personal struggles and dark motivations slowly unravel in the most gripping of ways.

Emma, a young woman dealing with a neurological condition, is trapped in a small, stagnant life in her family's council house. Despite the heavy toll her illness takes on her, Emma’s biggest frustration seems to be her peripheral role in the lives of others — especially when it comes to her relationship with Adam, a man she loves but who is married to Celeste. As Emma’s resentment toward Celeste grows, so does her resolve to exact a disturbing kind of revenge. What makes Emma so captivating and chilling is her ability to blend vulnerability with a sharp, calculated sense of agency that keeps the reader on edge.

The narrative is dark and clever, with a pacing that feels relentless in the best way. Every twist is unexpected, pushing the boundaries of psychological suspense. Emma's journey is one of gradual self-destruction and moral ambiguity, and the constant tug-of-war between sympathy for her plight and horror at her actions is what makes this story so compelling. The twists are truly jaw-dropping, with the final revelation leaving readers questioning everything they thought they knew about Emma and her motivations.

Chris Bridges writes with a skillful mix of dry humor and searing authenticity, creating a character who is both chilling and tragically human. Emma's character is one you won’t forget easily, and the book constantly forces you to ask yourself: who can you really trust in this twisted tale of love, betrayal, and desperation?

With comparisons to Gone Girl and The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Sick to Death is the kind of novel that keeps you glued to the page and then leaves you gasping for air at the final twist. If you're looking for a novel that takes all your expectations and turns them on their head, this debut thriller is the one for you.

Rating: 5/5 A stunning and unpredictable psychological thriller that pulls no punches. A thrilling debut that will keep you up long into the night.

Many thanks to Chris Bridges and Avon Books UK for this free Advanced Review ebook

Gripping and so true to life it’s as though you live it as you read!

‘We’re like birds. You may not see us but pay attention. We’re everywhere. Working alongside you. Walking down your street. Even hiding in your social circle.’ … this opening paragraph in the prologue sets the scene for the storyline and characters perfectly.

The author himself suffers with MS and went 19 years without a diagnosis. As a chronic illness sufferer myself, I can relate to each and every word he’s written. Sadly, some of the examples he shows of the lack of understanding and compassion, along with overly harsh judgement from even those closest to you—never mind the medical profession—are all too real for me.

Had I not been so unwell lately, this would have been an unputdownable read for me. I could gush all over the place about this novel and still not do it justice, so I’ll settle for sharing some of my favourite quotes from the book:

‘There was a point when I stopped really hearing the screaming in here. Like the nurses, I often don’t notice it at all.’

And …

‘I know he’s just being kind but I imagine all the romantic impossibilities spooling out in front of me. I have a vision of his hands touching my skin, flesh that only feels the caress of gloved hands on a hospital trolley. Thoughts of things that don’t happen to people like me.’

And …

‘We go round and round. New drugs, new exercises to do. The usual dance where, at the end of it, I stay exactly the same.’

And … (yes, I must stop after this one … there are so many brilliant lines!) The thing about anger is that it’s like being kind. But whereas being kind to people fills you with dopamine, anger erodes you.

Oh my goodness, it has been so difficult to choose just these few examples of the author’s excellent writing. He understands human nature and the indignities of chronic illness and all the tired tropes used over and over in books and movies.

While much of this may seem depressing, the read is tension filled and uplifting at times, and even had me laughing aloud and sharing lines with my spouse. Right when you think the tension can’t ramp up any higher, it does! Love it.

One of my favourite aspects of the narrative are the many analogies between bird species and particular people. Expertly crafted and oh so true!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Go and grab a copy now! (And if it’s on pre order when you read this, then get it in your pre orders! Honestly, this is a novel to be read by as many people as possible and it gets a resounding 5 stars from me … if I could, I’d give it ten 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My first read from this author and it's a solid 5 stars from me. 

Emma is diagnosed with neurological illness that unfortunately limits her to work and functions normally. Emma and her daughter live with her mother, stepfather, and her step-sister. Her condition makes her live like a sponge to her family, and her stepfather thinks that she is a burden. Unhappy living with that situation, Emma is hoping to get out of the house and planning to be together with her "new boyfriend." 
The situation is not that easy, though, as her new boyfriend is still married, though he is also unhappy with his marriage and feels trapped.

Two unhappy people with their living situation planning together to get rid of those they hate in order to be together, but their plan just spiralling out of control, and here when the story gets more interesting.

A suspense thriller that brought up about living with invisible chronic illness as the author channelled her own experience of having an undiagnosed neurological disorder.

Emma, suffers from a neurological condition that renders her unable to work. She lives in a small house with an unsupportive family. Her stepfather in particularly is very cruel to her. One day Emma meet Adam, a handsome doctor who understands her condition and treats her nicely. The problem is Adam has a wife, but all problems can be solved, can't they? Emma, consumed with rage and tired of being treated unfairly, finally has a target for her rage.

I found this book a little slow at times and I found a few parts predictable but overall really enjoyed it. I didn't expect it to go the way it did from reading the synopsis but it was thrilling and twisty. This is my first read from this author and I look forward to reading more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sick to Death is a fast paced and captivating entertaining read.

Gage has nothing to lose when he is told that he is terminally ill

He is on a mission to rid the world of bad people.

They say laughter is the best medicine Gage says its killing and he has his followers.

I must admit I had a bit of a hard time reading this having lost my 37 year old son to cancer .

I dont want to give anything away but I will say its a journey that only the reader can take.

Its a quick read with lots of action.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK/Avon for the opportunity to read and review Sick to Death.

What can I say

Very well written.

You think you guessed the ending but you haven't. Brilliant twist and turns can't wait for more.

A little slow for the first half, took some time to really get into it before the pace picked up. Interesting ending though, and an interesting plot.

A psychological thriller filled with lots of twists and turns. I liked the character of Emma, trapped in a barren life because of a neurological disorder and the resultant loneliness. Great storytelling and a clever denouement from a debut author.

SICK TO DEATH is a brilliant read. Gripping plot, unexpected twists, beautiful writing, a page-turning and addictive story. And woven in ever so gently is the real, lived experience of having a stigmatised health condition. One that doctors doubt or confuse with psychobabble, and everyone else either accepts with love, or distances themselves from, or refuses to understand because it’s inconvenient. I have never read anything that reflects my experience of the world like this.

But this book isn’t preaching anything. It’s about the complex protagonist, Emma, who has a dark side, and a love story, and family drama. And she’s Sick To Death…

Sick To Death by Chris Bridges

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5

I really enjoyed this, I knew there would be some twists but I wasn't sure which way they were going to go.

Nice little "ooh" moment in the final chapter too!

The writing was great and loved the references to birds throughout, it somehow added an extra sinister point of view.

The book is out 27th March, definitely one to get on your tbr list! Thanks to @netgalley for the arc.

#books #bookrecommendations #reading

This is how to write a debut novel! Chris Bridges’ first book ‘Sick to Death’ is absolutely outstanding and an easy 5 star read. I was glued to every page and totally invested in the characters to the extent that I was emailing the author with my real life concerns for the characters, sorry Chris!

The story is of Emma, a woman in her 30s with a long-term physical health condition that can’t be diagnosed but means she’s unable to work and has to live with her family. Her family are not very supportive. Her stepfather Pete in particular is absolutely awful and bullies Emma at every turn .

Her stepsister Becky is more helpful. She helps bring up Emma‘s daughter Ava because Emma has been told by her family that she’s not capable of doing that herself.

Emma has resigned herself to a small quiet life trying to find a way to escape from her stepdad when she meets handsome doctor Adam who happens to be a neighbour of hers. The two of them to start a tentative relationship even though Adam is already married. Adam’s wife Celeste has everything that Emma wanted, money, security and Adam. She is violent towards Adam, bullying him and threatening him, almost mirroring how Pete treats Emma.

Emma and Adam plot to get rid of Celeste to clear the way for their own future. They plot back and forth, nailing down exactly how it could be done to minimise suspicion. At this point my heart was in my throat, I was so nervous for all of them and how it might play out.

There’s so much more to the story than this, but I don’t want to give too many spoilers .
I would absolutely recommend this to everybody. It is sensitively mad thoughtfully written with some beautiful phrases and descriptions. It’s clear the author has thought every detail of how the story will develop. The storyline of Emma‘s illness in particular is treated respectfully and not shied away from.

Book two now please!

I honestly LOVED this read. I found it to be full of deceit, dishonesty and twists and turns that kept me entertained the entire time.

Bridges' storytelling was absolutely fantastic - I felt as though every single character was so well-thought through and had such a pivotal impact on the narrative. I felt such empathy towards Emma at the beginning and it made me so gripped to the novel, questioning everyone's intentions and how the story would pan out.

I must admit, just when I thought I had everything figured out, Bridges managed to shock me to the core and make me question everything being said. That is the determiner of a great psychological thriller. A day later and I still can't get the narrative, the characters or the ending out of my head and it is consuming my every thought.

Emma is single and lives with her mother, stepfather and stepsister Becky and Ava who is Emma’s daughter in a small council flat. Emma has a neurological disorder that stops her from working and her Stepsister Becky looks after her daughter. Her stepfather thinks that she should get over it and get herself a job. She lives everyday from getting abuse from her family.
So when she meets Adam, who is separating from his wife they seem to have a connection, Adam has a nice house just up the road with his wife Celeste who Adam tells her that she is violent towards him. So, the pair decide to hatch a plan to get rid of Celeste. But nothing is straightforward as it seems when Emma finds out that Adam is not what he claims to be.
I didn’t know what to expect from this debut novel by Chris Bridges, But I found ‘Sick to death’ to be a surprisingly good read full of suspense and an advocate to anyone that suffers with a neurological condition.
Emma is a great character, and the author has portrayed very well regarding her condition and making sure that we are aware just because someone has a condition like this not as helpless as to be believed. Albeit a bit slow and at first, I thought I knew where this story was going but I was wrong, This story has lots of surprises along the way. 5 stars from me.

Possible spoilers


I was happily enjoying this book, thinking it was good, but just a tad predictable.
Until it wasn't. Then I enjoyed it a whole lot more.
Whilst the first half probably had you all sympathetic to Emma, it had me suspicious... was she really ill.
So I watched every move she made carefully, and I was still surprised by her actions, and those of a few others.
This book came recommended to me by a friend, so I best go thank them.
Good fun.

The blurb sound like Sick to Death was the kind of thriller I could really enjoy. This is an impressive debut and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next. I thought Emma was a great character. I found myself drawn to her and touched by her despite the dark turns the novel takes when she becomes fixated on her doctor and his wife. I also liked the way the novel explores Emma’s debilitating chronic illness which isn’t something I’ve really read before. This was a haunting, unsettling read. I’d recommend it.

SICK TO DEATH BY CHRIS BRIDGES.
Release date set for the 27th of March 2025.
I was honestly shocked to discover that this book is the author's debut novel.
It's so original.
I loved the story line, i loved the writing style and the suspense is so gripping.
Huge congratulations Chris Bridges on your debut novel.
I can't wait to see what's next.

Toxicity in your life can not only exacerbate an illness beyond medical understanding, but it can actually be the route cause.

Emma has been living with FND, a chronic illness that is not only hard to diagnose effectively, or treat, but is also a chronic illness that has no visible or provable symptoms. Often adding an additional layer of stress and manageability due to appeasing others’ judgement or being able to action a proper treatment plan.
 
But when your main issues come from within the home, the one place where you should feel safe and supported, it is enough to make you feel murderous… A great look at FND and how allies in our lives can be found anywhere.

Great book. Was up all night reading it. I loved the characters & the storyline. I totally recommend reading this book straight away, the twists and turns are fab. Definitely 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chris Bridges’ Sick to Death is a dark and deeply engrossing psychological thriller that masterfully explores themes of chronic illness, invisibility, and the destructive power of resentment. With its gripping narrative, morally complex characters, and sharp social commentary, this debut novel offers a standout experience for fans of psychological suspense.

Emma, the protagonist, suffers from a debilitating neurological condition that leaves her confined to her family’s cramped council house and dependent on those who fail to support her emotionally. Bridges vividly captures the isolation and frustration Emma feels, creating a realistic portrayal of life with an invisible disability. When she meets Adam, a charismatic doctor, Emma sees a chance for change, but his marriage to Celeste complicates her dreams. Driven by desperation and a growing obsession, Emma begins to navigate morally ambiguous territory, with consequences that spiral out of control.

The first half of the novel is a slow burn, focusing on Emma’s struggles and her growing infatuation with Adam. This careful buildup immerses readers in Emma’s perspective, making her emotions raw and tangible. The second half shifts to multiple perspectives, adding complexity to the narrative and heightening the tension as secrets unravel and motives are revealed. While the twists are compelling, the transition between the novel’s two halves introduces occasional repetition and moments that strain credibility.

Bridges uses Emma’s love for birds as a recurring motif, symbolizing her yearning for freedom from her physical and emotional constraints. This element, while poignant, might feel overdone for some readers. The conclusion ties up loose ends quickly but leaves a lingering unease, which fits the psychological thriller genre’s tone.

Overall, Sick to Death is a haunting and thought-provoking debut that balances suspenseful storytelling with an empathetic exploration of chronic illness. Chris Bridges delivers a narrative that challenges perceptions and stays with readers long after the final page. For those seeking a psychological thriller with depth, unexpected twists, and a compellingly flawed protagonist, this book is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sick to Death is the debut novel by Chris Bridges and it was a really good read. I did however find the first,half of the book a rather slow burn but I did find the pace increased in the second half with lots going on. There were a few good twists that I certainly didn’t see coming and that ending !

This is a pretty powerful, strong debut novel full of twists and turns.
If I'm honest I didn't particularly like Emma's character especially in the first half, I tried to empathise because of her illness and her horrible family but found her quite irritating, I also wondered where the story was going, however once I got through the 50% mark I was engrossed and rooting for her to have a happy ending.
It's a rollercoaster of a read filled with deceit and intruige.
I will leave my review on Goodreads, Bookmory and Storygraph now and on Amazon on publication day

#SickToDeath #NetGalley
Chris Bridges’ Sick to Death is a darkly twisted and engrossing psychological thriller that dives headfirst into themes of obsession, manipulation, and vengeance. The narrative challenges readers’ perceptions at every turn, offering a protagonist who is as unreliable as she is fascinating.
Sick to Death explores themes of illness, invisibility, and the destructive power of resentment. It also raises thought-provoking questions about morality and the lengths to which someone might go when they feel wronged or overlooked.
Chris Bridges delivers a dark, unsettling thriller with Sick to Death. Emma’s twisted perspective and the book’s sharp social commentary make it a standout read for fans of psychological suspense. This is a story that will keep you guessing—and leave you feeling uneasy long after the final page.
A gripping, thought-provoking thriller with a protagonist you’ll love to hate.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me an advance copy.

This book pleasantly surprised me. I started reading it with low expectations, but ended up absolutely enjoying the book. It is well written, with lots of thrills and plot twists that kept me engaged from the start till the last page. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for giving me a chance to review this book.

Wow! Absolutely loved it. It has a different premise and looks at a lead who is disabled and sick and her perspectives. It is a psychological thriller with her at the core which makes it quite gripping and different. It talks about her struggles and makes the reader understand her motivations. Definitely loved this one as it kept me guessing.

Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

This was a very different read and at times broke my heart with the lack of care and understanding this poor woman has around her disability. People find it very hard sometimes to empathise with someone with a disability especially if it’s not always visible to someone and this book showed it. The treatment she received from her family was horrific and when she finally meets the man of her dreams it looks like she will be able to break away from her family and find true happiness there are just a few things in her way. I won’t say more on this as it will spoil it but I loved it. It is so nice to have a disabled character at the forefront of the story and the author made me fall in love with her. Hopefully this book will make people think a bit more about what some people go through every day.

Absolutely brilliant book!
I am a big fan of this author and love the writing style!
I cant wait to read more!

As a chronically ill person, I adored how the novel doesn't shy away from the darkness in sickness. The simmering rage against a society that demeans and marginalises is perfectly articulated in Emma. Characters like Peter are apt vessels for the challenges faced by a lack of empathy chronically ill people face. Without giving anything away, the novel retains authenticity whilst allowing for a victory of sorts, which I very much enjoyed! Bring on way more novels with ill protagonists being angry and raw!

A heart-stopping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot is packed with unexpected twists, driving the suspense to a nail-biting climax. Though some characters could be more developed, the intense pacing and clever storyline make it hard to put down.

I was instantly drawn to this book by the description and the cover, I was eager to read it.

Emma is sick of everything in her life. Except for her boyfriend Adam. I absolutely loved the way the author slowly built everything up. You never knew who to trust.

I really liked Emma although really she should be pretty unlikeable, but you can’t help but like her. She struggles with her illness and terrible family life. But she is stronger than anyone thought and sick just not how you think.

The twists and turns in this were so good and the last chapter!? So so good. Such a brilliant read. Highly recommend it.

I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an early copy.

Wow. What a story. I was deeply invested from the start.
I wish the uncle would've gotten more justice served. Such a bad man.

I enjoyed the first half of this book as a standard thriller/woman snapping after being treated terribly by those around her…but then I started reading the second half and I was completely hooked and obsessed. I adored this book. It was so cleverly done and I was really rooting for the main characters throughout. I am so glad that I enjoyed it as the author has been really nice when he’s interacted with my instagram posts about books (we seem to have very similar tastes in books so it was inevitable that I’d love his work!).

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.