katieeliza's review
5.0
I was so excited about the sequel and it did not disappoint.
Yes, the dialogue is still a little stilted at times, and doesn't always match with the characterisation but for such a good plot and likeable characters I can be forgiving.
Yes, the dialogue is still a little stilted at times, and doesn't always match with the characterisation but for such a good plot and likeable characters I can be forgiving.
michelle129's review
5.0
brilliant book loved Eden. really hope there will be a book 3 in the future
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.5
Finished reading: January 23rd 2017
“You don't see it coming. They manipulate you, they smother you with love and affection, making out you're the only thing that matters in their lives, and by the time you realise who they really are, it's too late. They have you.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I read the first book of the Detective Eden Berrisford series some time last year, and when I saw the sequel was about to be published I couldn't help myself and grabbed a copy. I have to say Don't Look Behind You by no means suffers from the so-called 'weak-second-book-syndrome'! In fact, I enjoyed this psychological thriller sequel significantly better than the first book, and that says something. First of all, the writing style is excellent and really makes it that much easier to enjoy the ride. Don't Look Behind You reads like a train and the amount of plot twists is just right. And while I had some minor problems with the main character Eden in the first book, she is really starting to warm up to me despite the fact that the recent problems in her private life does make her look more like the typical cliche detective character. Is this bad? In this case I don't think so, because it makes her so much more 'real' and her private connection to the recent events is intriguing. I could also really appreciate the fact that the whole abuse theme was given such a big role and was portrayed so realistically. It's a very important topic not nearly enough people are aware of, and on top of that it's also refreshing to read about after one too many typical murder/missing person case. All in all a great read and I will be looking forward to the next installment of the series!
If you are looking for a fast-paced and well written psychological thriller with a slightly different angle than usual, Don't Look Behind You is without doubt a great choice. It's actually the second book of a series, but in this case can also be read as a standalone without missing too much background information. The writing style, realistic feel of the story and the whole abuse topic definitely turn this title both a refreshing and entertaining psychological thriller!
syren1532's review
5.0
DS Eden Berrisford is back and trying to catch a man who is attacking young women in Stokleigh. Clara Gregory works at the local women's refuge but has never told any of the women staying their what she went through at the hands of her husband Ryan. Now Ryan is out of prison and Carla is just waiting for him to find her again as he's found her in every other place she's gone to live since his trial. While working on her case Eden is surprised to be contacted by her estranged husband Danny but he doesn't want a reconciliation just some money to pay off his debts - he says that if she doesn't help the man he lent the money from will come after her and their daughter. Loved the first book in the series and loved this one. Look forward to book number three.
lynsey284's review
5.0
Brilliant book yet again by Mel very emotional book touching on some dificult subjects but everyone was tackled perfectly.
Two themes run in this book but my heart went out to Carla who was such a strong woman.
The only thing now is waiting for book 3 which hoping won't be that long
Two themes run in this book but my heart went out to Carla who was such a strong woman.
The only thing now is waiting for book 3 which hoping won't be that long
sarahs_bookish_life's review
5.0
Eden is back in what makes for a dark and disturbing read.
The author tackles two horrific crimes, rape and domestic abuse. Due to the nature of the story line it really does make for some uncomfortable reading, but as ever the author handles it wonderfully by letting us feel the full horror of what is happening to the victims without going into to much detail, especially the rape scenes.
Not only does Eden have her work cut out in her working life, she also has some worries of her own in her personal life due to Danny rearing his head up again. I think due to the story line with Danny, it would be better to have read the first in the series to get more of his background so you can get full enjoyment from the second in the series.
Carla’s story is one that really had me on the edge of my seat. Ryan her husband is such an evil monster and the reader’s heart really goes out to her in the story and you are every bit as scared for her life as she is.
Don’t Look Behind you is a dark and gripping story that is without a doubt going to be a huge hit with fans of the author. I love how the author doesn’t sugar coat the horrendous crimes that are found within these pages. You very much get to feel the emotions of the characters as well as the pure determination of Eden and her team in catching these monsters.
Another highly enjoyable read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The author tackles two horrific crimes, rape and domestic abuse. Due to the nature of the story line it really does make for some uncomfortable reading, but as ever the author handles it wonderfully by letting us feel the full horror of what is happening to the victims without going into to much detail, especially the rape scenes.
Not only does Eden have her work cut out in her working life, she also has some worries of her own in her personal life due to Danny rearing his head up again. I think due to the story line with Danny, it would be better to have read the first in the series to get more of his background so you can get full enjoyment from the second in the series.
Carla’s story is one that really had me on the edge of my seat. Ryan her husband is such an evil monster and the reader’s heart really goes out to her in the story and you are every bit as scared for her life as she is.
Don’t Look Behind you is a dark and gripping story that is without a doubt going to be a huge hit with fans of the author. I love how the author doesn’t sugar coat the horrendous crimes that are found within these pages. You very much get to feel the emotions of the characters as well as the pure determination of Eden and her team in catching these monsters.
Another highly enjoyable read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
Carla Gregory is a domestic violence survivor and now counsellor at a women's shelter for other victims of domestic abuse. Her husband Ryan has just been released from prison after many years and she can't shake the feeling she is being watched.
Tanya is routinely beaten by her husband Vic yet she refuses to move into a local women's shelter. Carla has tried to counsel Tanya about the risk she is taking returning to a man with a history of violence yet she is drawn back to her life with Vic.
DI Eden Berrisford and her team of detectives have their hands full trying to catch a rapist who is assaulting women in the Stockleigh area. The police have few clues to work with and worry that the level of violence is escalating with each attack.
I like how the author followed these three women as events unfold in this action filled novel. The story's focus on domestic violence and random acts of violence towards women walking alone at night is handled with chilling effectiveness. Berrisford and her team are up to the challenge but the DI's efforts are hampered by an assailant skilled in hiding his identity and home life challenges of her own.
This is an addictive read. As each woman finds herself with only a few blocks to walk or a quick shortcut to take to get home the tension builds because the reader knows someone is lurking in the shadows. There was a point in the novel when I thought the violence of multiple attacks felt gratuitous but it did make for a compelling read when you compared these assaults with the stories of domestic violence, many equally as random and violent.
A page turner to be sure and a series I look forward to following.
eARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
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