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MY REVIEW
Based on true-life events, Twenty Years A Stranger was one heck of a suspenseful tale which kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding hard at the base of my throat. My introduction to author Deborah Twelves’ writing, especially the first chapter, hit me so hard that you could knock me down with a feather. One of the best chapters ever read, I stopped breathing when I heard the words playing in my mind.
A man (narcissistic and ruthless) + wife (innocent and naïve) + girlfriend (insecure and selfish) + another girlfriend (crafty and cunning) + numerous one night stands + 2 unwanted children + many dalliances + illegal businesses = 23 years. Then one of them got to know the truth and sent an email to the others.
Would he get the comeuppance he deserved?
The book was as real as it could get within the boundaries of a fictional tale. All the characters pulled and pushed at my emotions until I reached the last page. The women were etched well, each one with a different agenda. Most of the book was told from the POV of wife Grace and girlfriends, Lorraine and Jane. The author brought out the female psyche well where the wife blamed the women rather than the man.
But what I especially loved was the way the man Daniel was portrayed. He was icky and as slippery as an eel. The shocks the women received were electrifying (pun intended). And even when the situation was dire, butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. His belief in his own charm was mind-blowing. And astonishingly, some of them did believe he loved them. I had a gala time hating him.
Oh girls, shatter those rose-tinted glasses. He is an A-hole.
This book did something to my innards. One part of me was ever so glad at having not met a man like Daniel; though one of my boyfriend didn’t return my money and ghosted me. The revengeful heart that beat under my ribcage was filled with anticipation, waiting to read all about Daniel’s day of reckoning.
A gripping debut, though some parts of the prose could be sharper. I didn’t need so many of the extra details and descriptions. I absolutely abhorred the way the wife used cheap names to address the other women rather than Daniel. Some women never learn to lay the blame where it deserves. Nevertheless, the vengeance was all mine when I read about how the women took the power back in their hands. Absolutely satisfying!!
Should you read it? OF COURSE!!
MY RATING
BOOK LINKS
AMAZON USA: https://amzn.to/3glELFM
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/3mQqLWV
BOOK BLURB
Is it possible for anyone to really know another person?
That is the question Grace King must ask herself when she receives an email informing her that the man she has been married to for the last twenty years is an accomplished con-man, leading multiple lives with at least four different women. Worse still, she learns he has children with these women, but Daniel always told Grace he didn’t want children…
In a split second, Grace’s world is torn apart. She is forced to face up to the fact that her marriage is a sham and the enviable lifestyle she enjoyed with Daniel was all based on lies and deceit. With Daniel suddenly threatening to go bankrupt, Grace decides to turn amateur detective in an attempt to salvage anything she can from her old life and avoid financial as well as emotional ruin, but can she cope with what she finds out?
As increasingly disturbing secrets about Daniel emerge, events spiral out of control and Grace begins to see just how far he is prepared to go to protect those secrets. A dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues, but it is clear there can only ever be one winner. Pushed to breaking point, Grace is about to discover what she is truly capable of.
Everyone has choices and those choices always have consequences.
BOOK DETAILS
Publication Date: November 2020
I downloaded the digital version of the book from an online retail, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be found here.
7 Responses
Excellent review, Shalini. 🙂 I agree it was a thoroughly satisfyingly read.
Wow, her first book and it knocked you on your ass – I must read this!
I would like you to do a review. My book is a Science Fiction adventure called Crimson Enigma. It has a bit of Drama, Romance, Sabotage and Murder.
Please let me know how to proceed. Markus31155@gmail.com
You can find me on Facebook too. Talk to you soon. Mark Alan Shaffer
Excellent review Shalini. I am glad to have never had a man like that in my life. ❤📚
Daniel=Sleaze. He is someone I really don’t want to meet.
sounds thrilling. I could feeling it can keep readers on the edge. Amazing review, Shalini!
fantastic review, Shalini! and don’t so many of the most obnoxious think they are God’s gift. **gag**