My review
Some people are just too damaged and there is no rescuing them, however much the heart bleeds for them
Three ladies at different parts of town in different age groups in a different lifestyle have only one thing in common —THE MAN
The man who manipulates them, who undermines their confidence, who can create an aura of pathos in such a way that he is believed to his last lie, a man who can physically and mentally abuse and yet they seem to want to give him one last chance.
One has to admit the man is like the cat with nine lives who lands always on his feet, and in most of the book these ladies seem to be like the waves, drawn to the man yet repulsed by his actions. The author Jo Jakeman has etched out Philip’s character in such a way that there are needles beneath the skin waiting insidiously, drawing blood silently all the while when Philip manipulates the three women.
Initially imprisoned by Imogen in the cellar till he agreed to her demands, it is the first wife Ruby, whose bleeding heart caused the others Imogen and Naomi to release him. That was like releasing an injured tiger, and there was no stopping him.
His acts of revenge showed me the kind of man he was and the women’s actions showed me the kind of hold he had. It is only at the end, that these ladies find their strength and their way out!! Seeing them leave made me realize he had no hold on them, and how fear can play the trick!!
Narrated from Imogen’s viewpoint, a glimpse into the past if you will, the story takes its twists and turns to reach the expected climax. A brilliant way to spend a cozy lazy morning!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating : 4 stars
About the Author
Jo Jakeman was the winner of the Friday Night Live 2016 competition at the York Festival of Writing. Born in Cyprus, she worked for many years in the City of London before moving to Derbyshire with her husband and twin boys. Sticks and Stones is her debut thriller.
Book blurb
Imogen’s husband is a bad man. His ex-wife and his new mistress might have different perspectives but Imogen thinks she knows the truth. And now he’s given her an ultimatum: get out of the family home in the next fortnight or I’ll fight you for custody of our son.
In a moment of madness, Imogen does something unthinkable: she locks her husband in the cellar. Now she’s in control. But how far will she go to protect her son and punish her husband? And what will happen when his ex and his girlfriend get tangled up in her plans?
Product Details
Publication date : 12th July 2018
Publisher : Random House UK, Vintage Publishing
A man and his hold on 3 women!!
35 Responses
Oooh! This sounds creepily good. A definite add to my long-growing TBR list. Thanks Shalini!
Hey Leslie, keep adding, read when you can. Thank you for your support 💕
Thank you for the review Shalini
😊
Well, no wonder you’re so down reading books like this!! Find yourself a cute little cozy mystery or something!! But, this does make me think, 3 women of differnt age and background fighting over the same man?? Maybe we should be adding a new element to our buddy story! 😂😂💖
Wonderful review Shalini! Definitely sounds like a potential one sit read.
Oh yes, Danielle, I have been reading up like crazy. I have reviews scheduled for the whole month nearly… Yayyyyy me!!
You are obviously way more motivated than I 😂
Hahahaha first time… I was heartbroken or am heartbroken… Not sure if I am out of it… Hence the reading…
Wow. They shoulda left his behind locked up! Just saying… 🙄🤣😄
Hehehe and thrown away the key.. They handcuffed him released him, chained him, released him till he handcuffed chained and beat them black and blue… Go figure the dumbness…
😱😡 Evil man.
Verrryyyy and he got 3 women falling for him… How??? Here I am not getting 1 man to stick around.
Evil man sweetie… You’re just too nice. Maybe Nicole can help with that problem? 😉
Hahahaha she would teach me more than what is needed 😉😂
Hahahaha. Probably…. 😊😄
Like the sound of this one – excellent review.
Thank you 💕it was good with unbelievable circumstances
I don’t like the sound of this man… Kinda creepy, but exciting. Great review
Verrryyyy bad evil man…
I saw that…. Dominating
Terrific review Shalini! This definitely sounds like a book for me.☺️
Go for it, Kim. It is a fast read…
Will do!👍🏻
Lovely review Shalini!
Thanks Carrie❤️💜
You’re welcome!
Hahaha… But we never fought over a man!!! But if a bear passed by, he is all yours!! Growl 🐻🐻
This sounds incredible! Officially added to my TBR. Great review 🙂
Thank you so much… It has violence against women.. But it was fun
Oh creepy, ecky. Great review, but the man should definitely be getting his Karma early.
Yp I agree.. But only the last few pages, he goes phlat.
I am interested in this book. Really! ***lol*** No joke, this books seems to be very entertaining. Michael
Yes… It is extremely interesting.. I had fun reading it
Thank you, Shalini! Will put it on my shelf, and hope to find time to read it too. Michael