ljwrites85's review
3.0
Ruby is running away from an abusive stepdad, her pregnant friend Mary, an abusive husband. They swap Croydon for the bright lights of Brighton, thinking nobody would find them there. But somebody is watching them. Breaking into their flat leaving gifts and threatening phone calls. Then young women like themselves start turning up dead.
It’s a short book, only twenty three chapters with an array of interesting characters. I really did end up caring what happened to both Ruby, Mary and her baby. But, I’m just nit picking here, I didn’t think it was a psychological thriller. Well, to be more specific it started out as a psychological thriller but ended up being a good old murder mystery. I’m not saying that is a bad thing because I love a good mystery but it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Another point is I still have no idea what year it was meant to be set. From the blurb it says the ‘sixties’ but the that was a whole ten year period and as someone who’s entire knowledge of the era comes from watching ‘Carry On’ films and listening to The Beatles I really would have like a bit more scene setting.
Overall an interesting book but I personally would have stuck with the murder mystery aspect of it and got rid of the stalker/psychological part but that, of course, is just my opinion.
It’s a short book, only twenty three chapters with an array of interesting characters. I really did end up caring what happened to both Ruby, Mary and her baby. But, I’m just nit picking here, I didn’t think it was a psychological thriller. Well, to be more specific it started out as a psychological thriller but ended up being a good old murder mystery. I’m not saying that is a bad thing because I love a good mystery but it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Another point is I still have no idea what year it was meant to be set. From the blurb it says the ‘sixties’ but the that was a whole ten year period and as someone who’s entire knowledge of the era comes from watching ‘Carry On’ films and listening to The Beatles I really would have like a bit more scene setting.
Overall an interesting book but I personally would have stuck with the murder mystery aspect of it and got rid of the stalker/psychological part but that, of course, is just my opinion.
macnwords's review
4.0
I love Brighton, so when I came across Before I Left I couldn’t resist picking up a murder mystery set in one of my favourite summer destinations. Fun, flirty, and filled with joy de vivre Before I Left is the perfect balance between mystery, romance, and occult drama.
Would I recommend this book? Hands down, yes! It’s ideal for those readers who crave a little rush but don’t want the gory details to keep you up at night. Also, perfect for lovers of 60s British fashion as the descriptive elements are spot on… and may have inspired a shopping spree.
Would I recommend this book? Hands down, yes! It’s ideal for those readers who crave a little rush but don’t want the gory details to keep you up at night. Also, perfect for lovers of 60s British fashion as the descriptive elements are spot on… and may have inspired a shopping spree.
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