Member Reviews

As A regular reader of this genre the twist in the tale, that is so often promised , tends to disappoint. Not so in this book !
I was sure I’d sussed out the ending , but was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of the story.
I found the book flowed really well and was at times hard to put down.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Forget Me Not to other readers, and will be looking out for Claire Allan’s previous books.
My thanks to Avon Bks and Netgalley for the copy to review

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After reading her last two books which kept me thoroughly entertained and five star reads, I was expecting more of the same. I am really glad to say this author has done it again. ANOTHER PAGE turner.
The narrative is divided between two women Elizabeth a former nurse now retired and Rachel a teacher. I read this book in one sitting I HAD TO KNOW!!!!
Insights into a broken marriage, so many secrets and lies, a very grisly murder and how actions have consequences. A fantastic psychological thriller which in places had me sat on the edge of my seat and holding my breath and tapping my kindle faster and faster. I did not want this book to end. Beautifully written and all the main characters are believable and well fleshed out. Definitely an author who is on my MUST READ list. An easy five stars and so Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank the author, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

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Forget me not by Clare Allan is the first book by the author and it won’t be my last.
It’s one of the hottest days of the year and Elizabeth O’Loughlin is walking her dog Izzy, when she comes across a woman covered in blood after a horrific attack and just before she dies, she whispers ‘warn them’. Elizabeth is in shock and finds it hard to come to terms to what happened as she, still blames herself for her daughters’ suicide two years previously. She lives alone, on a run-down farm after her death of her husband.
When the friends of the woman find out she is dead. they are mortified and seem afraid that they maybe next as they receive Forget me not flowers with weird notes left. Like ones left next to dying woman Clare. The story also tells us of Rachel Walker, one of the friends of Clare who died. She is in a loveless marriage with a new baby but has a lover who she met through her creative writing class.
Wooo hoo I liked this. Clare Allan is a new author for me. I will be definitely looking at her other books. Written with two perspectives Rachel and Elizabeth we learn about both their backgrounds and how they are both connected. This is an unputdownable thriller, with more twists and turns than a roller-coaster that kept me guessing to the end. I liked it’s tense and clever plot.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this book.

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This was an ok story. Rachel's friend Clare has been brutally murdered and she and their other friend Julie are devastated. Things take a further turn for the worse when they realise that the killer may be targeting them too and it is connected to their schooldays. The plot tried very hard to be suspenseful but it was fairly obvious what was going to happen and quite formulaic at times. I also didn't like the main character Rachel as she was quite self centred. The other character, Elizabeth, was a bit stereotyped as confused old lady which annoyed me. I feel that the author has a lot of potential and good ideas so I would try another one of her books in the future.

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What. A . Book!! I loved this 😍 The characters were all intriguing and brought excitement to the story. I loved Elizabeth, a feisty old lady who wants to do the right thing....she is adorable. I tried so hard to guess who the killer was and Claire leads you various ways to guess and mislead and I was sure I had it all worked out - then it was too obvious so I was wrong!! But although the ending wasn't a huge shock, the way it played out and the very ending was awesome 😱 It was definitely up there for me as one of my favourites this year so far....buy this book guys!!! You won't be disappointed.

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I was quite excited when I saw that there was a new Claire Allan book coming out. This is her third thriller novel and having enjoyed the first two, I was hoping that there would be more of the same with this one. I am pleased to report, that I wasn't disappointed.
This time, the story is told from two points of view. Elizabeth, an older woman who finds a younger woman dying after being brutally attacked and Rachel, one of the dead woman's best friends. As the story progresses it becomes clear that both of these women have problems that are brought to the surface by this brutal murder and might even be threatened by whoever has committed this crime themselves.
This is an exciting read and one that it's quite easy to get through quite quickly. I found that I wanted to know what was happening and where the story was going to go, so I couldn't really put it down. There are a few twists and turns and although I had figured out who was behind it all before the end of the book, that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this read.
If you enjoy exciting, edge of your seat reads, then I think that you will enjoy Forget Me Not. I'll certainly be reading any future books that Claire Allan reads, having really enjoyed this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review and feedback. This is a really good "whodunnit" which has you guessing from the start. I really enjoyed the alternating viewpoints from the two main characters. I was trying to figure it out from the beginning and believed I had it all worked out but the end was very cleverly done. It also looked at aspects of people's behaviors and the consequences of our actions which added to the overall depth of the story.

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Elizabeth is out on an early morning walk when she comes across Claire. Claire has been attacked and is moments away from death. Not wanting to leave her, Elizabeth holds her hand and hears Claire's final words. These words link both women to the past and also puts some other unsuspecting women in danger.
I really enjoyed this book and it's red herrings which totally lead you up the garden path. From early on I had my idea of who is behind the main plot, which I won't mention due to spoilers. However, I still enjoyed the story, which picks up pace the more that you read. Another good read from this author.

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I've read a couple Claire Allan books but Forget Me Not is definitely her best one so far. It's an unputdownable read. I couldn't read quickly enough at the end. I was terrified for Rachel and felt her fear and my heart ached for Elizabeth. I love books that give the characters a chapter each. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.

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Another cracking read by Claire Allan. I’ve read all of her books and this is probably my favourite. The plot is a little predictable at parts, however there’s plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained.
An enjoyable read that is definitely worthy of 4 stars.

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This was an interesting thriller where a body is found by a former nurse, she tries to save the woman but it is just too late. Shortly after weird notes show up to not only her but the two friends of the murdered woman. It seems that they are all connected but not sure why. Each woman seems to have secrets or sad histories. When threats keep coming it becomes a race to find the killer before it is too late. This book kept me interested throughout with some twists and turns at the end.

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This is third thriller by the author and they keep getting better. The story telling is fabulous and the author keeps you guessing until the last as to how it will all end.

The story hold a spotlight on how your past behaviour can effect your future and what you see as innocent fun isn't always the case for everyone involved. It also shows that you don't always know your friends as well as you think or we are all able to turn a blind eye when we want to.

I can't wait for the next book!

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Elizabeth is walking her dog when she happens upon a woman dying from horrific injuries. Before she dies, she manages to whisper something to Elizabeth, something she passes on to the police that come. The incident shocks Elizabeth as the woman reminded her of her own child who she lost and she struggles to cope in the aftermath. Then there's another death that appears related to the first which also causes some to fear for their own lives. Meanwhile, the police are struggling to find leads that will assist them to catch the killer before the body count rises further.
The story is told from two POVs; Rachel, a friend of the first victim, and Elizabeth. Where I took to Elizabeth from the off, pretty much, I didn't really ever click with Rachel which, in turn, made it hard for me to fully immerse myself into the book. It's one thing to not get on with a character but when that character is "telling" most of the story, it's a bit hard to get round that. I'd love to expand further with my issues with Rachel but spoilers prevent me from going into detail.
It was a bit of a slow burner for me. There's a bit of build up and scene setting to be found and then the story kicks in proper and you get the usual things you'd expect from a book of this genre. Secrets, lies, duplicitous behaviour, misdirection, and the odd dead end - about face. Some of which was obvious, some subtle and quite a bit I didn't see coming. So, although I thought I had it all pegged out, I never really got hold of the big picture until just before the end.
All in all, a satisfying read that I have no hesitation in recommending. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

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A very interesting read . Twists and turns to keep you engrossed. Wondering which way the author is going to take it. Nice and easy to read. Flows well. Enjoyable to read

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I like the writing very much! It flowed well and wasn’t excessive in detail (my style). The characters are fleshed out well, though not completely likable.

There were twist and surprises. I did manage to guess the killer before the end but I was still invested to see this through.

I didn’t realize that there was a connection between the narrators so that was good for me. I found Elizabeth the more likable, interesting character. I enjoyed her sections the most.

This was entertaining and I would read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon Books UK for a copy in exchange for a review.

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I am one of those readers who appreciate a dramatic opening chapter, one that offers the reader a hint of what is to come and Forget Me Not by Claire Allan certainly delivered, what an opening! ‘I disappeared on a Tuesday afternoon. I was there one minute and the next I was gone. They’ve never found my body’ which immediately sent shivers down my spine. Forget Me Not is a stand-alone killer thriller, which offers misdirection, suspense and an enticing plot.

Elizabeth O’Loughlin, whilst out walking her dog, comes across Clare, a victim of a horrific knife attack. Clare dies minutes later, but not before whispering her haunting last words to Elizabeth ‘warn them’ warn who? And why? Were the questions constantly going through my head. Elizabeth and Claire’s friend Rachel are initially linked by the horrific murder, but it soon becomes clear there is a deeper connection between these two women, which gradually comes to light during the police investigation. Forget Me Knot is told from both Elizabeth’s and Rachel’s point of view, moving effortlessly between the two.



Claire Allan puts Elizabeth through the emotional wringer, you can’t help feeling some empathy for this poor lady, things go from bad to her worse nightmare in the space of a few chapters! Unfortunately, I really did not like Rachel, she had many traits I found unlikeable and irritating, so I found myself struggling to summon up any sympathy for her plight, but never the less this did not spoil my enjoyment of this read. There aren’t a huge list of suspects in Forget Me Not, so about the halfway mark I was feeling very smug thinking I had worked out the “who” before the big reveal, but then the author threw a curveball that was worthy of a “OMFG, I never seen that coming” moment! Never fear though it’s not one of those twists that unbelievable or placed there just to shock the reader, the clues were there, but the author skilfully manipulates the reader to look elsewhere.

As the author weaves a tale of revenge, deceit and deadly secrets a growing sense of unease washed over me, which stayed with me all the way to the nail biting conclusion. Forget Me Not is definitely a book I would recommend to those looking for a suspense filled read, it’s cleverly put together and ultimately gripping.

My review may be altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog for the blog tour

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Claire Allan certainly knows how to keep you guessing while reading her books. Elizabeth had been out walking her dog when she found a woman dying from her horrific injuries. I don't want to say much more about this story as I don't want to spoil it. The story is told mainly from Rachel and Elizabeth's point of view. The tension builds from the turn of the first page. It's action packed and full of twists. This is a fast paced, well written and suspenseful read. I quickly added Claire Allan to my favourite author list after reading Her Name Was Rose. I do recommend this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and the author Claire Allan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my review. When reading this book, be prepared for a sleepless night for you won't want to put this book down. A roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating it gets from me!

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A tense psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, FORGET ME NOT by Claire Allan is the first I have read by this author - and it won't be my last. It is tight, it is twisted, it is heart-stopping! I would often fall asleep late into the night reading it, I didn't want to put it down!

Elizabeth O'Loughlin is on a morning walk with her dog Izzy (and throughout the whole book I hoped and prayed nothing untoward would happen to Izzy. Thank you Allan for not taking the story in that direction) when she discovers the lifeless body of a woman, barely alive, the victim of a vicious attack. A nurse in her former life, Elizabeth immediately springs into action, dialling 999 for emergency services, and then cradles the woman urging her to hang on. Her injuries however are too severe and she succumbs to them but not before whispering urgently in Elizabeth's ear the words "Warn them!"

Rachel Walker is a troubled woman. Dissatisfied with her marriage, her husband growing ever more distant, Rachel embarks on an affair of sorts Michael, a student from her creative writing class. A schoolteacher, Rachel is in a class of students when best friend Julie rings her in tears, claiming "It's her, Rach! Clare's dead!" Best friends since school, now one third of their group/friendship was gone. But instead of going home, Rachel seeks the arms of Michael (her bit on the side) to soothe her pain. When she does venture home and tells her husband Paul, he is shocked but it is her teenage daughter Beth that is devastated by the news. Only their 3 year old is not privy to the news however little Molly is not completely oblivious. Kids know when something isn't right.

The loss of Clare is felt deeply by the two friends, Rachel and Julie, though both cope with it differently. When Rachel decides to visit the site of Clare's death, she notices a strange bouquet of flowers - forget me nots - tied with black ribbon and a very cryptic message. Then Julie receives a similar bouquet with an equally cryptic message as does Rachel. What does this mean? Both women are oblivious to the fact that on the gates of her isolated farmhouse, Elizabeth has also received a bouquet with its own message. But unlike the others, Elizabeth knows the significance of the flowers - FORGET ME NOTS. They were her daughter's favourite flower.

After receiving similar bouquets of forget me nots, it is revealed that Rachel and Julie could now be in danger. Particularly when a photo of the trio is left at Rachel's house with Clare's face angrily scrubbed out and a circle around her own stating "You're next!" Turning the photo over the teenage scrawl identified Julie, Rachel, Clare and me. Me? Rachel turned the photo back over and looked closer. In the background on the periphery was a face from the past. A shadow of a smile on her face. Laura O'Loughlin.

Elizabeth's daughter Laura had taken her own life two years before after a lifetime of never fitting in. Laura grew up with no friends and lived a very lonely existence, belittled and laughed at by her peers. Cruel pranks were played on her - one of which resonated with me deeply as having had similar things happen to me as a teenager. One such occasion saw Laura excited at being asked by one of the popular girls, to accompany them to the school dance. She was over the moon and her family had never seen her so thrilled and bursting with excitement. But when Laura asked this girl should they go shopping together for a dress, she turned and laughed at her and said she must be joking and that they wouldn't be seen with the likes of her! Laura was devastated! As anyone in that situation would be. The girl who had taunted Laura...her name was Clare.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a definite connection between Rachel, Clare and Elizabeth's daughter, Laura. The three best friends were at school with Laura though she wasn't part of their circle of friends, Rachel had vague recollections of a quiet girl on the periphery just listening, waiting and wanting to be a part of their group. We are given snippets of memories from both the perspectives of Rachel and Elizabeth of Laura during their school years. It paints a rather sad picture...one to which I can relate from my own "crool" years.

Throughout the story we are introduced to a cast of characters that aid the plot development. The police investigating Clare's death, DI Bradley and PC King; the media, including the devious Ingrid Devine (I think that was her name) who hounds poor Elizabeth until she gives in; Michael, Rachel's bit on the side, who begins as understanding only to end up giving ultimatums. I didn't like him. And Rachel was a fool to throw her marriage away without even trying to work things out on the selfish need to feel good. What about her children? Her marriage? Maybe I'm old school but I believe in marriage; you don't give up and toss it out just because things gets too hard. As one of the narrators, I guess it was this that made it difficult for me to connect with Rachel. I rather enjoyed Elizabeth's narration more who also had some secrets to hide.

Then someone approaches young Molly at nursery, who she refers to as "the bad man", reducing her to tears with the threat of taking her mammy away because she is bad. And when she can't reach Beth at home the police are dispatched, finding Beth locked in the bathroom in tears because someone had tried breaking in, Rachel knows she has become the killer's next target. A fact highlighted by the photo left on her doorstep stating "You're next!"

When Rachel disappears on a supermarket run, the race is on to find her before she becomes the killer's next victim.

FORGET ME NOT is a tense and twisted thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The story did take a little for me to get into (probably due to Rachel to-ing and fro-ing between Paul and Michael) but it soon became addictive as I watched the rest of the story unfold. I did guess who was really behind it all despite being given a misdirection that was incredibly clever, that I had to wonder was I wrong in my suspicions when being lead in that direction?

I was saddened for Elizabeth who had no one left and had lost so much. Particularly after suffering the stroke on top of everything else. It just made me want to wrap her in a giant hug.

There are the occasional clumsy sentences and wording, with extra words thrown in to make no sense whatsoever. I put this down to being an advanced readers copy and hoping these will all be editted out in the final version.

FORGET ME NOT is clever, compelling and intriguing. An addictive read that I could not put down.

I would like to thank #ClaireAllan, #NetGalley and #AvonUK for an ARC of #ForgetMeNot in exchange for an honest review.

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When Clare's body is found by Elizabeth, it is so abrupt. She tries to save her and almost does but she dies as she utters, "Warn them." Warn who?? So Elizabeth starts investigating. Things begin to fall in place when each member of their childhood clique receive forget-me-not flowers with cryptic messages. Someone is wanting them to scare them and wants them to join Clare in death. Who would want such a thing? It takes a while to get going, but eventually the reader finds that these girls are linked and had perhaps made someone feel left out in school and someone from her life wants revenge.

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