I’m not sure if C. L. Taylor’s debut thriller was the first thriller that I read, but it was definitely the first one that I reviewed and got me addicted to the genre, so it’s fair to say that her books are always on my my most anticipated lists. This one sounded  her most interesting yet, so I dived straight in.

The book is creepy and thought provoking at times, certainly more than I expected. The writing is easy to read and captivating. I barely put it down, throwing caution to the wind with regards to finishing my book club book that month.I found myself holding my breath at times with anticipation. Nothing could stop me in my eagerness to finish.

The book is told from 3 people’s viewpoints, something I love. All 3 voices are unique, but there are some eerie similarities when reading Lou’s diaries when she ran away with Mike, and Chloe, who’s currently seeing Mike.

The middle of this book certainly didn’t go how I thought it would. I probably wouldn’t have guessed it in a million year (maybe why I’m not an author). It also put my mind in a slight thoughtful mode, and that was because of Mike. At times he seemed repentant and humble in a way, not in the age/grooming part of things necessarily, but he seemed to show some regret and, ignoring the Chloe situation, it was in the back of my mind, was this genuine?Then Chloe comes back into the forefront of my mind making me suspicious and disliking of Mike all over again, that and Lou’s diaries and I found myself pretty sickened.

Lou was an interesting character. She was quite reserved and guarded as an adult, understandably. However she clearly cared a great deal about Chloe, or at least making sure Mike didn’t prey on any other under age girls. While I was surprised at the turn of events, it also took me by surprise when we found out the strength, resolve and resourcefulness of Lou. I doubt I would have held myself together as Lou did.  

Chloe was, clearly to the outsider, blinded by infatuation and loving the attention she gets, okaying perfectly into Mike’s hands who preyed on her low self-esteem. As I mentioned earlier, it drew parallels to Lou’s teenage diaries, and that was creepy as anything.  

Wendy was a wonderful character. I went through a range of emotions with her, but she was so much fun to read. Completely different to Lou and Chloe and I loved that contrasting, almost wicked at times, voice.  

Another outstanding read from C. L. Taylor. She had me frantically reading this book, absorbing each page as quickly but as thoroughly as I could as I NEEDED to know how everything would pan out. Was the ending everything I had hoped for? Yes and spine-tinglingly better than I could ever have imagined.  

Published by: Avon
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review  

View Book on Goodreads
Order on: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Thank you to Avon and Sabah for inviting me to be part of this blog tour. I loved the book, and can’t wait to see what everyone else thought!