kelizakreads's review against another edition
4.0
Would give this book 3.5-4/5 stars.
This book was written in 1998 and published in 2018. The overall plot to the story was great and had an interesting character development-along with some twists and romance. It is a long read at 500 pages and it was easy to set down and walk away from. The ending was something I didn’t see coming.
Joanna is a young journalist looking to make her name in the industry. After the death of a famous actor, she meets an old woman who has been hiding a secret that could take down the British Monarchy. Can Joanna put all the pieces together before it’s too late? They will stop at nothing to make sure this secret stays hidden.
This book was written in 1998 and published in 2018. The overall plot to the story was great and had an interesting character development-along with some twists and romance. It is a long read at 500 pages and it was easy to set down and walk away from. The ending was something I didn’t see coming.
Joanna is a young journalist looking to make her name in the industry. After the death of a famous actor, she meets an old woman who has been hiding a secret that could take down the British Monarchy. Can Joanna put all the pieces together before it’s too late? They will stop at nothing to make sure this secret stays hidden.
madisonplumhoff's review against another edition
3.0
I NEVER read thrillers or mysteries or genres that intersect with these, but WOW, was I shocked by how much I enjoyed this book! I never wanted to put it down, as I was itching to find out what the secret was (however, I think about halfway through, I had a bit of an idea... But we will let that slide). While I felt it dragged at times, I enjoyed the change of pace (genre-wise) and became appreciative of a different perspective due to the writing of a British author. The banter between the characters is probably my favorite aspect of this book.
annegaw's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
annarenas's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25
leona28's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book hence the 4.5 stars. This was my first Lucinda Riley book and it definitely did not disappoint! Riley's writing style is easy to read, engaging and I loved the way she vividly draws you in and captures the scenes and atmosphere in a really brilliant way. I found it such a fascinating thriller that was highly engaging from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. I definitely will be picking up more of Riley's work again.
One thing to note is that the book is set in the 1990s. Originally the book was to be published in last 1990s early 2000s, however the book didn't see too much light then due to the conditions of the time and the popularity if the monarchy at the time being at an all-time low following the death of Diana and this book being a fictional story of the British monarchy. With some elements of the book not showing the monarchy in the greatest light, it's easy to see why some people didn't want this book to be popular st that time.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy thrillers with some romance, scandals and family drama throughout.
Synopsis:
Every family has skeletons in their closet. And the British royal family may be about to add a few more ...
When Sir James Harrison, one of the greatest actors of his generation, passes away at the age of ninety-five, he leaves behind him not just a heartbroken family but also a secret so shocking, it could rock the English establishment to it's core.
Joanna Haslam, an up and coming reporter, is assigned to cover the legendary actor's funeral, attended by glitzy celebrities of every background. But Joanna stumbles onto something dark beneath the glamour: the mention of a letter Sir James has left behind - the contents of which many have been desperate to keep concealed for more than seventy years. As she peels back the veil of lies that has shrouded the secret, she realises she's close to uncovering something deadly serious - and the British monarchy may be implicated. Before long, someone is on her tracks, attempting to prevent her from discovering the truth. And they'll stop at nothing to reach the letter before she does.
One thing to note is that the book is set in the 1990s. Originally the book was to be published in last 1990s early 2000s, however the book didn't see too much light then due to the conditions of the time and the popularity if the monarchy at the time being at an all-time low following the death of Diana and this book being a fictional story of the British monarchy. With some elements of the book not showing the monarchy in the greatest light, it's easy to see why some people didn't want this book to be popular st that time.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy thrillers with some romance, scandals and family drama throughout.
Synopsis:
Every family has skeletons in their closet. And the British royal family may be about to add a few more ...
When Sir James Harrison, one of the greatest actors of his generation, passes away at the age of ninety-five, he leaves behind him not just a heartbroken family but also a secret so shocking, it could rock the English establishment to it's core.
Joanna Haslam, an up and coming reporter, is assigned to cover the legendary actor's funeral, attended by glitzy celebrities of every background. But Joanna stumbles onto something dark beneath the glamour: the mention of a letter Sir James has left behind - the contents of which many have been desperate to keep concealed for more than seventy years. As she peels back the veil of lies that has shrouded the secret, she realises she's close to uncovering something deadly serious - and the British monarchy may be implicated. Before long, someone is on her tracks, attempting to prevent her from discovering the truth. And they'll stop at nothing to reach the letter before she does.
lottie_c's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
wendy_verbiest's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
momopeach's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason I’m not giving this book five stars is because of the rollercoaster of emotions that this book took me on. At one point, I honestly wanted to chuck my kindle across the room and scream and cry! Thankfully, for my kindle, it managed to escape unscathed and I could not be more pleased with the ending. I would have loved to see those who deserve it get their comeuppance but I guess in a way I did.