The book is a perfect example of how a tiny spark soon can flare up into a rampant fire. Joanna hears one rumor at the school gates that Sally McGowan, who killed a 5 year old boy when she was a kid of 10, has come to stay in her small town. To make friends with the other mums, Jo spreads this rumor without confirming the story. It takes a life if its own and innocent people are cast under suspicion and their livelihood wrecked. Till Jo comes to know the shuddering truth. How will she protect her son?
The story by Lesley Kara, was a bit rocky. It went fast through some pages and slowed a bit in some. The entire atmosphere of dread and suspicion and fear was held in most parts. The writing did seem fast paced but could have been tighter.
I loved the way the book came to a massive unexpected finish, I liked the feelings of urgency and trepidation it evoked in me. The last few pages literally made me come alive. And the book ended in an exciting last line!
Jo as the main character could take the story further down the road, but somehow something about her niggled me, I couldn’t connect much with her. Her emotions didn’t come across as believable, at least for me.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book, as it was a different story and it kept to a fast speed in most of its pages.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Transworld, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!!
All my reviews can be found here
Lesley Kara is an alumna of the Faber Academy ‘Writing a Novel’ course. She lives on the North Essex coast. Her first novel is The Rumour. Who Did You Tell? is her second novel.
When single mum Joanna hears a rumour at the school gates, she never intends to pass it on. But one casual comment leads to another and now there’s no going back . . .
Rumour has it that a notorious child killer is living under a new identity, in their sleepy little town of Flinstead-on-Sea.
Sally McGowan was just ten years old when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death forty-eight years ago – no photos of her exist since her release as a young woman.
So who is the supposedly reformed killer who now lives among them? How dangerous can one rumour become? And how far will Joanna go to protect her loved ones from harm, when she realizes what it is she’s unleashed?
Publication Date: 10th December 2018
Publisher: Random House UK, Transworld
47 Responses
This book from the blurb sounds brilliant, such a shame that it didn’t quite hit the spot. Great review as always
This book was okay but the last few pages were great…
I am intrigued now x
good review 🙂
Thank you so much
🙂
Wow very interesting book review Shalini. The way you tell it in your review it sounds interesting as heck, but I follow what you mean by not being able to connect with a character. It is hard for me too if I can not connect with the main character, or when a book is flowing really good, and then all of a sudden it drops down to moving slow. You really do make it sound like a want to read book, awesome review for this author Shalini. Have a great weekend honey 😉
Thank you so much Sometimes I can write ♥️
😂 Well I really do think you should write a book. You have the talent, I believe anyway. I am sure others would agree, I can see it in your reviews. They are very professional. Have a wonderful day when you get up honey ❤😉
Hahaha you got me… I have yet to sleep. It is close to the bewitching hour…
Thank you so much for your lovely words… Maybe one day I will write a book if the idea comes to me
Sorry it didn’t satisfy – I know how that feels
Well the ending was great… 😂
Enjoyed you review, Shalini. Despite your issue, you still seemed to have enjoyed. I’ve also got it on my shelf.
It is a fun book. I am sure you will love it 😍
Shalini how do you even manage to read so many books so quickly. But thank you. With my new resolution to read more, your blog is going to my savior. As always s great review.
I read only books. So I have lots of time… I just started seeing TV 😂😂
Ok I get it😀. I don’t watch T.V too but am able to waste my time effortlessly. Not any more in 2019😊
That is great… You are a great mom hence time would be a little scant.. So enjoy what you do💞
I love a book with a knockout finish, I may have to read this one!
I hope you like it too♥️
Thank you for the review Shalini
Thank you
You are welcome Shalini
Shame it was hard to connect to the mc. Great review though!
Thank you… It was a good book, last few pages of revelation were great
Fab review! I totally see your point about Jo. I did connect with her but it took time. I just loved how all aspects of a rumour were used in the book and it’s scary to think about what words can do! x
I love a good gossip occasionally but I am careful…
I love your review Shalini – the book sounds good, I’m just sorry it wasn’t all that and more for you.
It was good last few pages were great 💞
Great review. I do agree with you. But the end was really good I thought:)
Shalini, your review made me think I should read this one, but only a 3.5 star rating, Now I am not sure. What do you think? Would l like this one?
I think you would like it… I gave this rating for 3 reasons
The book went slow at some points
I couldn’t connect to the main character much
The last few pages were fab, I wanted tension across the scenes or at least in the last 40%
But yes, you would love the book, village with slow life, quirky women, gossip, single mother trying to bring up her child with her own mother’s help, secrets hinted at… It has lot of things happening to make it a good ride
I was being too analytical
Three stars is still a decent rating. I think ratings have been hijacked at times where people think you have to give 4 or 5 stars or it wasn’t a good book. Thanks for clarifying. I have added this one to my TBR, but who knows when I will get to it.
Let me know when you get to it… The book is fun
Will do.
Ahhh the power of rumours… It can certainly ruin absolutely anything that seemed unbreakable! Great review! 😀
Thanks Lashaan 😂I love a good gossip but this was a bit too much….
Super review, Shalini. You always put so much thought into your reviews and nail the issues.
Thank you so much Gin… The book was good with fab last few pages
Sounds like a good one despite all. But since the ending is so great I’m very tempted to start with the end of the book! I admit it. Sometime, I do read the last few pages first… Such a rebel!
Hahaha I was tempted too, but I controlled myself.😂
I like you, rebel 😘😍
Oh, I can resist chocolate alright. But I must read the end of a book… I have absolutely no control of myself!😍
I thought so too… The end was fabulous
Sorry for delayed reply. Your comment was in spam
Fast paced suspense. Those darned rumors! 😉
I love a good gossip baby… 😂 😂
🤣🤣😘