Jenna had been put in prison because the police had taken her in she had killed her fiancé daughter
I think Jenna who is pregnant is having a depressing time in prison
I had an ARC from Hodder and Staunton

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all three books in this author's scarily realistic Social Media series, I was very excited to read this standalone. In her series she has shocked me to the core with her realistic storylines so I had high expectations for this one, set mostly in a women's prison. To say I was blown away would be an understatement as she has obviously done so much research that, at times, I actually felt I was there with the characters, going through the same harrowing trials and tribulations as them.
Jenna has been accused and charged of the heinous crime of murder. To make things worse, it's the murder of her own step daughter (well, soon to be, the marriage being booked) and, as we all know, child killers don't fare well in prison. Her partner is also missing; presumed dead and, when we first meet her, Jenna is on her way to prison, awaiting trial for these two crimes.
I'm not going to say too much more about the plot for fear of spoilers but as well as hearing about Jenna's horrible time in prison, we also go back to day one, when she first met the man she was going to marry. We flit between these two timelines, learning more about the past and, eventually, how that past shaped the present she now finds herself in, as she battles against the odds to figure out what happened, who has it in for her and ultimately, to clear her name.
Oh my days, what an emotional book! As well as a tight and intriguing plot, we also had the scenes "inside" which were claustrophobic and scary and all things in between. But, that said, there were also the most wonderfully uplifting moments to be found along the way that really did give me the respite I needed to get through the darker parts, keeping the book very well balanced.
The two timelines really complemented each other. Snippets from the past were injected into the present narrative in exactly the right moments to move the story along without giving too much away too early. Along the way, the author delivered several surprises and shocks, as well as twists and turns aplenty. And the end, when it eventually came was shocking and not wholly expected. I did guess a couple of bits but I really wasn't prepared for the whole truth when it all came out!
All in all, a cracking read that I read pretty much straight through as I really needed to know what happened. It really was a case of believe the hype. I really can't wait to see what the author has in store for me next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Wow, what an intense read. This is my first time reading Angela Clarke's work and I most definitely will be reading her other work.

What I found most interesting with the explanation of prison life in the UK which is very much hidden away as opposed to what we see of other prison systems such as the US.

There were moments when I felt the story was a little slow going but I was already invested enough to continue.

All in all, a strong read. An author I will definitely return to. And a thriller worth delving in to.

This book was enthralling and intense to the very end!! If it was the author's intention to depict how a character can experience unparalleled elation followed immediately by the most awful desperation, then I think she achieved this in the story of Jenna Burns the main character. ( I am pretty sure that was Angela Clarke's intention.) From being is swept off her feet by the heir to the local estate, Jenna finds herself cruelly abused in an 19th (?) century prison accused of murdering her step-daughter to-be. I really had no idea how this story was going to unravel; in the end Jenna discovers the critical clues and cleverly ties the loose ends to reveal the unlikely killer and her motive.

The book also provides an insight into the conditions endured by women who find themselves pregnant in prison (as explained in the acknowledgements).

When I heard great thing on social media about this book, on my life by Angela Clarke I had to read it and I am so glad I did. What a fantastic book it is.
Jenna Burns arrives home to find her Stepdaughter Emily dead and her Fiancé Robert missing. When the police arrive, they find her hugging Emily a bloodied hoodie and child porn on her laptop. Jenna is imprisoned and waiting for trail, for her murder of Emily. She is sent to a high security prison. Where she tries to keep her head down and not let anyone recognise her but, word gets out and she can hear the other inmates chant the blond Slayer. She tells not only her lawyer but the prison that she is innocent but nobody listens to her. Not only that, whilst incarcerated she finds out that she is pregnant with Robert’s child.
This is a gripping, tense psychological thriller. Mostly told in Jenna’s POV, the story is told in the ten and now. How she was brought up in a Council estate, she meets wealthy Robert and has a whirlwind romance. They quickly move in together in his mansion. But, not everyone is happy with the decision, mainly his parents.
I thought the author did her research very well of the subject of prison life and the prison system. You could feel the tension and the close proximity of actually being there in the cell and also the fear of the other inmates. It was quite realistic. And Boy I didn’t see the ending coming.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for a copy of this book

An excellent book, a cleverly written plot and a well developed story with good characters that I soon got involved with.

I can thoroughly recommend this thriller which has plenty of twists and turns.

Thank you to Netgalley and H&S Mulholland Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

What differentiates this one from every other British crime thriller is the inside look at U.K. prison culture. The mystery itself was pretty basic but I really liked the girls she was in with. Passes the time

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It's going between past and present bringing the mystery together. Our main character has the perfect life, nice fiance with a stepdaughter. But, suddenly her stepdaughter is found dead and the fiance is missing. She goes to prison and tries to prove her innocence.
I really liked the writing, it was very atmospheric and detailed. The writer described the environment in prison very well. I also found the characterisation well done. There are 2 things that brought my rating down to 2: It was too slow at times, and it was predictable.
Otherwise, very accomplished and I'd read from the writer again.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishers for the ARC.

Hells bells what an exciting and engrossing read On My Life by Angela Clark turned out to be. If you love a prison drama, then look no further, it’s definitely dramatic, the vivid prison scenes depicted by the author give a sense of malevolence that radiates from its pages, it’s a book that sizzles with tension. The author’s depiction of HMP Fallenbrook is so convincing it doesn’t take much imagination to sense the claustrophobic feel of the prison, the constant noise, the lack of privacy, a world where violence and fighting for survival going hand in hand.

On My Life tells the story of Jenna who appears to have it all, loving fiancé, a great job, a beautiful home, but then Jenna is accused of the murder of her 14-year-old stepdaughter and the disappearance of her fiancé. Placed on remand at HMP Fallenbrook, she finds herself fighting for her freedom, is she innocent? Who and why would someone go to such lengths to have her incarcerated? The answers are deftly revealed by the author, with numerous “OMFG” moments along the way. The beauty of this story is the contrast between Jenna’s life prior to the murder and her life as a prisoner, the author reveals the good, the bad and the ugly in equal measures, she doesn’t leave any stone unturned.

As Jenna steps through HMP Fallenbrook and catches her first glimpse of prison life, the author expertly describes Jenna’s thoughts and feelings and captures the fear that shrouds the prison I found myself becoming more and more anxious for her. The scenes are brutal, and yet there are also the scenes that are emotionally charged and heartbreakingly sad, and made me question my own assumptions of the treatment of women in prison. As you would expect in a prison drama, pack mentality rears its ugly head and usually in a book of this nature the protagonist comes out on top, but that isn’t the case for poor Jenna, because of the nature of her crimes she’s vilified by her fellow inmates, bullied and treated shockingly by the guards.


On My Life moves masterfully between the present and Jenna’s past, although this gives an insight into her current predicament, it also explores her difficult childhood and her relationship with her fiancé and his family. I would be lying if I said I didn’t guess the mystery of the “who” but you know what? this really didn’t matter, as it was to the “why” I couldn’t fathom out and kept me so engrossed in this book, I must admit when the big reveal came I gave a very satisfied sigh. On My Life is a riveting, character driven novel, which is superbly plotted, this is definitely one book I will be recommending to anyone and everyone.

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

While the premise of the book appealed to me, I found it to be rather slow and just couldn't connect with the characters. That said, the book was well written and I feel the author can build her writing talents without a problem. I would read more books from this author.

I have conflicted feelings about this book. I was fascinated by description of the prison life and routines, and this was what held my interest to the end. However, there was not much depth to the characters and I found the plot repetitive and predictable. I am sure On My Life will appeal to many readers, it just wasn't for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishers for the ARC.

What a fantastic book. I was worried as I loved the previous books featuring Nas and Freddie and grew to love them as characters so this departure filled me with a bit of trepidation. Needless to say I should not have been worried. The book is brilliant and I do not want to spoil anything by giving too much away.
I t is safe to say it is partly set in a women's prison and this is where Angela really comes into her own as a story teller. You can actually feel the tension and claustrophobia with the walls.
The story moves along flashing back to the crime and prison life. Who did it well you will have to read to find out but it had me captivated right up to the final page.

A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.

The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!

#OnMyLife #NetGalley If you are looking for a book to read in virtually one sitting, this book is definitely it. It kept me turning the pages way into the night. I really felt for the character of Jenna, the depiction of prison life was terrifying and harrowing at times. I could almost feel the tension in the prison. At little bit repetitious in parts and I felt that Jenna's solicitor was a complete waste of space but nevertheless a book that kept the tension and excitement throughout the story. An ending that I didn't see coming which is always a thrill. The first book I have read by this author but definitely wont be the last.

Brilliant book. Couldn't stop till I finished it!
What a thrill . Who you think it is well it definitely isn't .
Angela's best book so far.
Best book I've read for a long time.
Great story so good to read.
Thank you

Starting this was a bad decision as I could not put it down and nothing got done. I thought this was a great book and definitely recommend reading it.
Jenna is imprisoned for the murder of her stepdaughter and suspected murder of her fiancé. She says she didn’t do it but she’s locked up so how can she prove it?
I particularly liked the realism of prison life and the author had certainly researched this. Will be looking out for book two!
Thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland books for an ARC.
#OnMyLife #NetGalley

Blimey On My Life is a right rollercoaster ride of a read, pacy yet hugely thought provoking, one of those absolutely RIVETING page turners that swallow up a few hours of your own life.

I loved it and was horrified, emotionally charged storytelling with an unpredictable edge and a twisty bit of truth telling about life behind bars that will stay with you for a long time.

Jenna knows she didn’t commit the crimes she is accused of but proving that to the wider world from a prison cell is almost impossible. Pregnant and grieving, dealing with a circle of life she has no experience of, finding new friends but also dangerous enemies, Jenna has a mountain to climb and boy is she going to force you to climb it with her.

Without doubt Angela Clarke’s best novel to date, On My Life is a genuinely compelling, beautifully plotted character driven crime novel with heart and soul that I can’t do anything except highly recommend to everyone.

Brilliant. Just that.

Best book I've read in a while! Jenna has been accused of murdering her stepdaughter, her fiancé is missing and now she's in prison for a crime she insists she didn't do! I liked Jenna, she felt relatable and well written. Good luck at the horrors of prison as well, although this is a work of fiction Angela has researched well and it makes the story feel very realistic. 5/5

This book is brilliantly written and researched, you wouldn't think that such abuse could go on in the prisons of today but it can. All you need is vulnerable needy women and manipulative sexual predators as guards and that's all it takes. The psychological aspect of the book is very cleverly done and it's definitely a shock ending that I didn't see coming.

Best book I've read in ages. Jenns shock and confusion ring through from the very first page and the depiction of her introduction to prison is truly terrifying. Both a compelling thriller and an alarming illustration of the state of the justice system. Five stars add it to your must read list.