I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review:

Thought-provoking beyond measure, *Idle Hands* by Cassondra Windwalker is the most unforgettable book I have ever read. It's jaw-droppingly brilliant, completely unique, and a masterclass in ingenuity. The novel captivates from the very first page, offering a blend of deep philosophical exploration and gripping narrative that challenges conventional storytelling. Windwalker's world-building is unmatched, weaving together complex characters and innovative ideas in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The intricate layers of the plot left me reflecting long after finishing, and the sheer originality of the concept is a rare gem in today's literary landscape. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a truly transformative reading experience.

Not at all what I was expecting, which was more of a story about Death, rather than Death narrating a story about someone else. And I was a bit confused as Death kept saying this wasn't a story about that person either. Not a book for people who like a satisfying, happy ending!

Idle Hands is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of family, faith and obsession. Cassondra Windwalker creates a complex and twisted plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their own secrets and flaws. The book is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with themes such as domestic violence, mental illness, suicide and murder. However, it is also a compelling and captivating read that will leave you breathless and disturbed. Idle Hands is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

This book is so beautifully written. It kept me intrigued.
It’s gripping, clever and original.
The ending is excellent.

I equally love it but "hate" it! I had no preconceptions about this book going in only that I thought it was a horror - WRONG! I glossed over the blurb as I didn't want any spoilers and dove in. It's a short but beautifully narrated audiobook, but wow, I didn't know what to expect and am still not sure how I feel.

It is a story like no other that is 100% for sure! Perdie, oh how you stole my heart. I was destroyed by some parts of her story, what she went through and then what she was still going through, and then the end of Part 1 and Part 2. OH MY GOD!! My heart, it's squeezed, it hurts and the final words of the book! I can't even tell you but they were so true and that's why I "hated" it- ok strong word, I didn't hate it, I am just upset that I didn't have it the way I wanted but it was made clear it wouldn't be. However, as a reader you still feel you can influence the actions and experiences some way just by being the reader.... obviously you can't.

I loved the interjection of Ella's narration, and the narrator did this so well that you knew when she was talking. Her reasoning behind her actions and decisions and what she was looking for, just cemented home a lot of things.

This is a very special type of book and a powerful book about a mother's love and the consequences. It's a book to devour and to go in blind. It's moving and like no other. My heart is still heavy for reasons I can't say and I just wish I could just dive into the book to be with Perdie and give her a hug.

Thought-provoking, devasting, beautiful and poignant.

Not my usual book type and had to persist with it as it was a bit of a slow burn. However, it was quite an interesting read. The story shows what impact one decision can make on a person's life and those associated with them. Worth reading if you like a book that's a little different.

With a premise I haven’t seen before, this is sheer brilliance! It’s inventive and engaging, it’s wickedly entertaining and honestly just full of sharp prose and writing that grabs and doesn’t let go.

You find yourself feeling increasingly caged in and desperate like Perdie, drive. To the brink of desperation like only one seeking to protect all that they love can. While it may seem like an open and shut story on a woman escaping her abusive husband, this is so much more of an in-depth character study that really pushes you to consider what you would do, when, and how far you would go.

WHEW, this book was intense. The main character, Perdie, leaves her abusive husband out of concern for her kids, specifically her oldest son. When something awful happens to said son...she'll do anything to "undo" it...even if it means making a deal with the devil. So we see two parallel universes unfolding here -- one in which Perdie leaves her husband, and one in which she doesn't. It makes us question our own decisions, and it made me think a lot about the butterfly effect - how one decision may affect the events of our lives forever, but we'll never know if the alternative would have been better or worse.

Perdie is a mother to three children. She keeps a perfect home, is a doting parent, always the first to volunteer at her children's school, and is an adoring wife... to a monster.

Ella, the Adversary, the Devil... who is always there with choices for us. Will we take the easy way out or the hard way? Perdie has a choice to make but is it the right one?

I really enjoyed this book, it was poignant and quirky.

I had to take moments to put it down at times and think about what the Devil was saying. I loved how articulate and matter of fact they were. There was a quote at the end that actually floored me, it was so beautifully written.

I didn't connect with any of the characters and that let the book down for me a little but it didn't take away from what was a brilliantly written story.

It's a book about choices and predestination and all of those existential questions we ask ourselves. I think you'll enjoy this book if you like magical realism (which I always enjoy) and philosophy.

I felt that the author turned a very difficult subject into an immersive and engaging novel. This isn't something I would normally pick up but I'm glad that I did. The novel explores themes of domestic abuse, pain and what a mother would do to keep her family safe, at whatever cost.

This book was a slow burn but a very interesting read. It really highlighted how one decision alters your entire life.

I can only assume that my really not enjoying the devils voice ( or Ella’s actually) was the reason I wasn’t impressed by this book. The vast majority of reviewers seem to love it so I don’t feel too bad. It simply wasn’t for me but I did very much enjoy Perdie’s story and could have enjoyed more without the language heavy interruptions.

I just couldn't get pulled into this story at all. I tried several times to sit down and read it, but I was bored each time and wandered off to do something else. I feel like the start should have been stronger and more intriguing to pull the reader in. I also feel like the synopsis gives too much away considering how short the book is, It almost seems if you know the majority of the story going in...and maybe that's part of why I was bored as well.

Thank you Agora Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book
A difficult subject to deal with but done well. At times upsetting but I'm glad I read this.

This is not your average novel. It wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I stuck with it, and wanted to share it here as it is undeniably very cleverly written so I think many people will enjoy it.

The book opens with the scathing voice of Ella, or as you might know her, the devil.
As a narrator she sways from the sidelines to the playing field, sometimes distant, sometimes breathing down your neck, but you have the feeling that her eyes and ears are always open.

Unfortunately I found this book overwhelmingly depressing with no chance of a win for anyone in the story. Which I guess is kind of the point, when the devil is involved.

Apart from Ella, the story centres around a family, particularly the mother, Perdie. She is faced with the choice of escaping her extremely abusive husband and potentially leaving her three kids destitute and never being there for them, or staying and forever being the punchbag, but as long as he doesn’t touch the children it’ll somehow be ok.
The devil is always there lurking, letting you think your choices count for something, that the grass might just be greener on the other side, but I felt that all hope was sucked out of the story and it was ultimately sad.

But if you like that kind of thing, darkness, fallen angels, the philosophy of free will… it might just be the one for you.

Anyway I’m left with idle hands now so I’d better pick up another book or Ella will be making work for me…

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an ARC of this novel in exchange for my feedback.

Not my vibe of book. The book is not something I tend to pick up and I couldn't get passed the introduction. So it is not for me.

I really enjoyed the writing style in this book. The twists and turns kept my attention throughout. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author and I would recommend this book to friends and family.

A book to make you think, Ella (the devil) narrating
Thanks for NetGalley for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is very well written, exploring the paths that we choose in life and the directions it takes. It wasn’t quite the book I was expecting but I think that added to the enjoyment of the developing narrative.
Well recommended book.

#IdleHands #NetGalley

Idle Hands is an original novel that tackles the subject of domestic abuse with sensitivity. It tells the story of Perdie with added reflections from Ella (the devil). This is a well written novel with a unique premise but I actually found that the constant interruptions from the devil ruined the narrative flow for me. I was more interested in hearing about Perdie's story. A promising novel and I would read more from this author. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

this story was heartbreaking, harrowing, and yet, brilliantly done. There were lots of moments in this book where I questioned myself, what would I do, and then re-evaluated a lot of the choices I had made.