Member Reviews

THE EVIDENCE is a psychological thriller by bestselling author K.L. Slater. I have read all of her books and being a huge fan, I couldn’t wait to read this novel.

Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Marriage (2021)
The Evidence (2021)

This is my review of The Evidence.

Esme Fox, is the director of her own small media company, called “The Speaking Fox”. She is a single mum, while still on friendly terms with her to be ex-husband, Owen, is raising her nine-year-old son, Zachary. Esme lives with her sister, Michelle, who works with Esme in the business, and looks after Zachary, who had been a victim of a hit-and-run, and now as a result faces a lot of challenges.

Twenty years ago, Grant Fischer was killed by his own wife, Simone in his kitchen while his son, Andrew, played video games in the next room. She was driven to kill after suffering years of abuse on a daily basis.

Now Simone is an inmate convicted of murdering her husband, and has agreed to break her silence and speak to the media through a podcast interview with Esme Fox. The purpose of these interviews was to uncover the truth about Simone’s marriage, with the potential to help other victims. Was she a victim or a cold bloody killer?

Simone revealed that she lived with an abusive husband, and thought he would eventually kill her. She felt she had no choice in the matter.

But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to fall apart. Esme can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And how will the consequences effect Esme and her family?

The Evidence is bound to be well received. and will keep you guessing right until the very end. Her novels just get better and better. This is a fabulous read, that will reel you in …one line at a time…

This gripping psychological thriller held my attention from beginning to end, with intricate plot, relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns to the satisfying ending.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.

Was this review helpful?

Esme’s life was going so well – her podcast was doing well, she got out of her toxic marriage, and her sister is helping her with her son. And then it’s not. Esme ends up questioning everything and with good reason. I felt terrible for her. She had no one left to trust and it’s all a mess. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I am always a fan of the podcast setup and the parallels between her and Simone were well drawn out. It was a little slow in the beginning but once it picked up, it didn’t stop. This is my first book by this author but I will definitely read more.

Was this review helpful?

A decent thriller; a good beach read. It kept me interested, though was pretty predictable from the beginning, especially around Simone’s story.

Was this review helpful?

The Evidence is the second book I have read by KL Slater. It is a psychological thriller set around Esme and her podcast business, who starts to interview Simone Fischer, a young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood and has spend 10 years in prison so far. "Not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story and when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel".

I felt it was a little slow start, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed this book and it definitely deserves the 4 star rating I have given it.

There were a few characters I didn't really the like, the Mother-in-law being one of them, but was not sure why Esme didnt stand up for herself a bit more as she was a little wishy washy at times. That said, it was a good storyline and an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Bookoutre for the opportunity to read and review this book for an honest onion. I will definitely read more and would recommend this K L Slater.

Was this review helpful?

Esme is a journalist starting her own podcast business. Along with her sister, Michelle, and a couple of other friends, her first podcast is going to tell the story of Simone Fischer .. a woman who killed her abusive husband and is now in prison.

As Esme interviews Simone, she can't help but see the similarity in their marriages. Esme is separated from her husband who was not physically abusive .. his abuse was emotional. They have a 9 year old son who was hit by a hit and run driver and now now a leg that will probably never heal properly. Esme's husband constantly reminds her it's her fault he was injured because she was late in picking up their son at school.

Not everyone is happy that Esme is telling Simone's story.

BOOK BLURB: And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?

I can honestly say this is the best psychological thriller I've read this year. The plot and story line kept me riveted. The characters are solidly drawn ... the emotion is palpable on every page. The twists and turns keep coming from all directions and lead to a most surprising conclusion. This is a must read!

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I have discovered most of my new favorite writers on NetGalley. K.L Slater is one of them. Her novels are filled with suspense and always keep me guessing until the end. I always end up talking about these books at work or with friends. "The Evidence" is another example of an amazing read; and totally worth it!

Was this review helpful?

Esme is a journalist with a podcast entitled The Fischer Files the story of Simone Fischer who murdered her husband 10 years before. Simone has never spoken about her ordeal but finally is ready to talk to Esme. Alongside this new company she is setting up Esme is bringing up her son Zachary with the help of her sister Michelle, who’s moved in as she’s separated from her husband Owen. Zachary was run over by an unknown driver, left injured and alone on the road, the accident caused long term issues with one of his legs as well as large amounts of pain and discomfort. Now 2 years on Esme is focused on work and Zachary is getting back to normality. Amongst all of this Michelle goes missing and Esme’s life goes into melt down.
This excellent psychological thriller had me hooked from the start, the story through Esme’s eyes and her company researcher, Justine. The story unravels as Esme tries to find Michelle and as Simone shares what her life had been like whilst under the coercive control of her bully husband. The clever links between Esme’s life and Simone’s add a greater depth to the story and only serve to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

Great summer read! Interesting storyline and lots of twists. Love the way this author put the story together.

When Esme gets the once in a lifetime opportunity to do a podcast on, Simone Fischer, a woman convicted of murdering her abusive husband who has never given an interview before, she is thrilled. This could be what sets her blossoming business apart and gets her on the map. But as she interviews Simone she starts to look at her own life a little closer. Then Esme’s life starts to spiral; her sister goes missing and is found nearly beaten to death in the woods; Owen, Esme’s newly separated husband is taken to the police station for questioning; Zachary, Esme’s young son, who was injured in a hit and run is struggling with his recovery; Owen’s mother, Brooke, literally moves herself in to ‘help’; to top it all off, Esme might be having a breakdown. How the story plays out kept me guessing and the ending was surprising and satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

Not one of her best books
I struggled at the start but I finished it
But I would still recommend it to read
Thanks NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Being a huge K.L. Slater fan I was excited to read her newest book The Evidence. This book focuses on Esme who has a podcast that focuses on a women who is imprisoned for killing her abusive husband. Esme is also trying to care for her son who was injured in a hit and run accident. As usual Slater does a wonderful job of throwing in twists and turns that makes her book unable to be put down. If you are looking for a great psychological drama look no further.

Was this review helpful?

While investigating a case of a woman imprisoned for killing her controlling husband, a podcaster journalist has to deal with the sudden disappearance of her sister. There isn't much evidence in either case and as the pressure mounts, the protagonist has to cope with her disabled son and her estranged husband.

Often the narrative is repetitive in the hunt for evidence, which drags the story down a little, especially at the beginning, but as things start to take shape it's clear what this book is about. Ultimately it is about control, from the blatant stereotypical male dominance to the subtle controlling behaviours people unwittingly carry out. Not forgetting the caricature of a domineering mother-in-law.

The Evidence is undoubtedly a psychological thriller and has a couple of surprises, one of which I didn't foresee, but the book is far too long in its preamble. Plus, the only likeable character who seemed to show any sympathy for anyone other than themselves is the woman imprisoned for murder. Perhaps that is the point but there needs to be a hero to root for.

Easy to read if the jumbled timeline doesn't get in the way.

ajsefton.com/book-reviews

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and K L Slater for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Wow, wow, wow. K.L Slater does it again. She is the gift that keeps on giving. This book had me hooked right until the very end, I loved it. I don’t know how she is able to keep me guessing the whole way through but she executed it very well. This book was dark, gritty and thrilling. It is the definition of a psychological thriller. I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read from K.L. Slater, whom really knows how to write a thriller! A fun, twisty tale, which is sure to keep you on your toes throughout! Fantastically written with fantastic character development! Lots of fun twisty turns, thrilling thrills, chills, and shocks! Not to be missed!

Was this review helpful?

Journalist Esme Fox finally lands the story of a lifetime when Simone Fischer grants Esme an interview with her. Simone has been in prison for the past 10 years after the brutal killing of her husband while their young son was in the next room playing video games. To say that Simone is the most hated woman would be an understatement because someone does not want this story to come out and will stoop to any means necessary to ensure this story stays hidden forever. But, what does that mean for Esme and her family? Will Esme find herself in danger as she continues on in her interview with Simone?

I always love reading a K.L. Slater story because I know I will be pulled right into Slater’s incredible writing and talent for the many twists and turns incorporated in her stories. While this story did start a little slow for me, I find that it may have been necessary in setting the scene especially since there are quite a number of characters and things going on and I was very interested in finding out how everything would all tie together.

Everything seems to be falling apart for Esme. her sister winds up missing, her soon to be ex-husband is still in the picture still trying to come back home, and her son was the victim of a hit and run that shattered his leg. It is a wonder how Esme even gets up every morning with everything going on around her. One thing I would also love to point out is the similarities between Esme and Simone. The references are very subtle, but it really makes you think about relationships, being manipulated, not finding your voice at times and feeling like you are being walked all over. These are two different women and yet they share so much.

If you enjoy a wonderfully written and crafted story full of twists and turns then you do not want to pass up on The Evidence by K.L Slater.

Was this review helpful?

Esme Fox is trying to get the story of a lifetime: an exclusive podcast series of interviews with convicted husband killer Simone Fischer. But her success causes problems in her personal life. Her sister goes missing, only to turn up days later in a coma. Her ex tries to wriggle back into her life to help care for their son. And is her growing friendship with killer Simone healthy?
The Evidence is a psychological thriller about one woman's search for the truth concerning a famous crime but uncovers secrets within her own family as well.
Simone alleges killed her husband after years of abuse but the jury felt differently. Now Esme wants to make a name for herself by being the journalist to give the first ever account of Simone's soide of the story. But Simone's own family do not want the interviews to go ahead and then Esme's sister and business partner Michelle disappears instead of attending a big work meeting.
I found it a little confusing at the start as it goes backwards and forwards in time to show Michelle's disappearance. However, I soon settled into the story once it transferred back to a linear time structure. Some of the twists made me gasp with relish as I scrambled to reassess the characters and their situations.
I liked the use of Esme's first person narrative as well as the transcripts of her meetings with Simone. A few chapters are written from Justine's third person point of view which hints at secrets. These methods help us to get involved directly with Esme as well as suspect that things might not be as they seem.
I found my opinion of Esme varied over the book. Sometimes I really liked her and found her courageous but other times I was desperate for her to stand up for herself. Esme's ex Owen and his mother are wonderfully awful and make Esme much more likeable by showing her vulnerability. The thread with Owen, his obnoxious family and their scheming was the highlight of the book for me!
The Evidence was an enjoyable thriller about family secrets and lies.

Was this review helpful?

Complicated and intense story with great characters and lots of twists. All wish start but explosive ending.

Was this review helpful?

'Every time it happens I think it will get better. And when it doesn't, I think of ways I can make it better'...

Pulling all the right strings and pushing all the right buttons to make you feel for the characters, to identify with them, K.L.Slater has done an amazing job with The Evidence.

It's a suspense more than a thriller but this does not take away any points from this book. I felt this book. I felt every word and every thought, every feeling and every reference. I could not put this book down.

Domestic violence come in many forms. People will never fail to disappoint you. There is no limit to human evil. There is not end to betrayal. These and many more other truths that we are too ashamed, to scarred or too hurting to admit to ourselves, are running through the story of journalist Esme, convicted husband murderer Simone and their families.

Esme and Simone come together in a very peculiar circumstances. They will change the course of each other lives in the way none of them expected at the beginning. Esme will learn so much about herself and those she loves and trusts. Simone will finally tell her story.

The Evidence is one sharp-cornered, twisted, prickly ride you absolutely have to get on and ride through to the end. Five stars for the characters, twists and turns, cold sharp truths and a chance to look at many things from a different perspective.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for providing me a copy of this book.
I run out of time so sorry I wasn't able to finish this.

Was this review helpful?

K.L. Slater is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I devoured this book in one sitting.

I was completely intriqued and invested in the storyline from the very first page. With brilliant, believable characters and a fast paced, intelligent plot thats filled with twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing, this book has all the elements you look for in a thriller.

An absolutely gripping read.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Great thriller. First I thought it's going to be only about Simone, a young woman accused of killing her husband in cold blood. But then, the story of Esme, a young journalist, who is trying to tell the true story of Simone looks more important. At one point I realised Esme life, the relationship with her husband, was identical with Simone's.
I felt sorry for Eme's sister.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful adventure.

Was this review helpful?