Sick to Death

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.