Digital Reads Reviews

Many thanks to publisher Bloodhound Books for my spot on this Blog Blast on Publication Day.

A strangely compelling read which haunted me from the first line of the book till I wrote this review, pulling at the imaginary strings that connected the book to me.

My first book by author Owen Mullen was a different experience altogether. I went in expecting to read a crime thriller, but I came out completely enthralled, victorious in the power of his words. Domestic abuse, a refuge for women run by MacKenzie, taking back control, vigilantism, along with a couple of stories running parallel.

The story may not be the one I would normally read, but man, would I have missed a gem, had I not. Owen Mullen has that something magical in his prose. I became addicted to this book to the point that the scenes appeared in my dreams. This felt more like a slice of time where I got to meet MacKenzie who ran the refuge for women, dating a detective, helping other women to take control of their lives till the final sacrifice. A complete circle was the book.

The story was written in an earnest, endearing manner, connecting with me, and at the same time it was hard-hitting keeping to the plot of the story. Domestic abuse was well written, telling me the truth of the matter but without triggering my nightmares. Believe me, I was so thankful about that.

This book was about hope too as it was weaved subtly, keeping in the tangential periphery. I may not have the words to do justice to the book, but I could honestly say that the book sent out transparent threads pulling me into the story with each page. I couldn’t stop reading it as I was eager to know what would happen next.

A strange evocative read this was. It would touch every woman who has seen abuse and known how helpless those moments feel.

I received a free ARC from the publisher, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.

All my reviews can be read here

Bestselling author Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist.

Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where the Charlie Cameron and Delaney series’, and the In Harm’s Way psychological thriller were created.

It’s been five years since Mackenzie Darroch was abducted and held captive in a derelict house.

She thought she’d found her way out of the darkness. She was wrong.

When she witnesses a car crash and saves the driver’s life, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter both their futures.

The two women get involved in a high profile police case and draw the attention of a ruthless reporter. Gina Calvi is convinced Mackenzie is not what she appears and is prepared to do anything to prove it.

Meanwhile, across the city, Kirsty McBride, a young single mother, is persuaded to leave a violent relationship. Her partner, Malkie Boyle a Glasgow hardman, is due to be released from prison. Once back on the street and bent on revenge, Boyle is determined to find the people responsible for stealing his family from him.

Can Mackenzie save them or will Boyle get his revenge?

Publication Date: October 2019

Publisher: Bloodhound Books