Member Reviews
That ending!! I loved that ending! The entire book was consuming, I hated every single character and yet I couldn't put it down. What a great read!
This was an interesting book by a newly talented author, and I enjoyed it until the end. You never know what you will do to protect your own family. Recommended for anyone who loves a book that keeps you guessing throughout.
Full of unlikeable characters. This book held my attention from the very first page. The ending was awesome and actually sold the book for me.
Nothing Left to Lose has an interesting plot. A few twists and a nail-biting ending. However, these are all rendered lacklustre by the pace of the book. Most of the book, makes the reader want to skip pages. And doing so seems to hardly make the reader miss anything..
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed it, it was well written.
Beautifully written characters with a plot that has you guessing at each turn. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
This is definitely a taut thriller that kept my interest from Day 1.
A successful female attorney (prosecutor) in England, married to a stay at home Dad with a food blog, starts getting vandalized and threats after a successful win against a local crime family.
She doesn't take these threats a s seriously as her husband, and thinks they could come from any number of sources- from family members of people she put in jail.
She and her husband go to a local celebrity restaurant with friends and have a very bad experience, culminating in their being thrown out of the restaurant. The server, a fragile woman, is particularly vilified and critiqued by their "friends" - much to the shock of her husband who seems like a good guy sympathetic to the not so great service they receive.
This is what makes it a bit strange and not believable when he reviews the restaurant and condemns the server by name in a vicious way. This seems so out of character for him, particularly because he was so embarrassed at the restaurant when his "friends" mocked this waitress relentlessly.
This bad blog review of the restaurant sets in motion quite an interesting finale that I won't spoil by revealing- but it is food related!
Another good read from A J Wills, this author knows how to turn the screws. A top notch thriller that keeps you guessing.
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review
Thank you to Cherry Tree Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"When you’ve lost everything – revenge is all that’s left…" This....so true. What a way to draw a true thriller junkie in to read a novel. I am a lover of all things true crime, and thriller, so I was intrigued with this book by reading the description. It sounded intense, and the intensity of a thriller novel is what makes me love them. The twists and turns and the need to keep reading more to find out what happens. However, this is not that novel. I wanted to love this book, but it just didn't do it for me. In started this book thinking I would devour it in one or two sittings, but it took me weeks, and that is just not like me. It started okay, but it dragged out more than necessary. And oh my goodness, Henry, the husband and main character drove me absolutely insane, his character is unlikable and just whiney about EVERYTHING, which got on my nerves and made me want to stop reading numerous times. I know he had a lot going on, and trying to protect his family, but lets not be so whiney and complain so much. Seemed like Abi, his wife was more calm and with it during everything than he was, which is strange. I kept reading, because I do not like to DNF a book, so I pushed through thinking that when the motive for all th3e murder and devious and psychopathic behavior was so not expected, and I don't say that as a good thing. It was so boring, like wow. When it was revealed why the family was under fire, I put my tablet down and had to take a break from this book, even being so close to the end.
I'm not saying the book was bad, it could be a great 5 star read for someone else, but it just didn't do it for me. The writing style was good, just the "big reveal" was not there and there could have been a better motive and more twists which would have hooked me.
I honestly DNFed this book about 15% into it because I just couldn’t get into it the way I wanted.
I read the synopsis and was intrigued by the way it sounded so intense, but as I got to reading it, I didn’t feel that way still. And quite frankly, I feel like I am the only one who feels this way because there are some great reviews on this book.
I am not sure if it was the characters or the writing that made it read a little slow and uninteresting to me.
But I will definitely have to come back to it at another time!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Another great book that I have read this year, I have to say so far 2022 has been a treat providing some excellent reads that have not disappointed.
When you’ve lost everything – revenge is all that’s left and oh how true this can be. After securing the convictions of two violent murderers for a horrific and brutal attack on a pensioner in his own home, Henry’s wife, Abi should be celebrating. With the nation watching, it was her biggest test as a criminal lawyer.
But someone’s not happy.
This is an exceptionally good book and again another I read in a few hours. If done well, the revenge theme can be brilliant and the author did not disappoint me in this book. When Abi does not arrive home from work Henry is very worried. Abi is leaving after having celebration drinks and is sure someone is following her. She is feeling very vulnerable as her phone has died and she is not sure if is her imagination or she really is in danger. From here the action increases dramatically.
The characters are well developed in the story and we really see Henry grow as the book moves on, they are very believable and you can feel yourself relating to them. A really great read that I am sure many will enjoy. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This thriller had a lot of layers. It started with a bang and rarely let up from the fast pace. I had guessed early on whodunit but still enjoyed the ride. The very British writing was a bit difficult my American brain to get used to, but otherwise, this was a good read.
Abi, a criminal lawyer, has just had a successful conviction. Two murderers were convicted of murdering a pensioner, and Abi is celebrating. Henry, her husband, is at home waiting for her. When she does finally return, she tells Henry that she thinks she was followed. Not everyone seems happy about the court verdict, and soon, Henry gets a letter that terrifies him as it promises that his family will pay. Henry has written a very demeaning blog about a new restaurant in town, and he thinks that the threatening letter has to do with that. Henry wants to protect his family and has security measures installed, some quite extreme.
This thriller was well written and a fast read.
I thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When you’ve lost everything – revenge is all that’s left…
After securing the convictions of two violent murderers for a horrific and brutal attack on a pensioner in his own home, Henry’s wife, Abi should be celebrating.
With the nation watching, it was her biggest test as a criminal lawyer.
But someone’s not happy.
First, there’s the hooded stranger who follows her home in the dead of night.
Then comes the attack on her car and a death threat in an anonymous hand-delivered letter.
Someone’s trying to scare them.
Someone wants revenge.
And they’ll stop at nothing until they’ve brought the couple to their knees - and exacted a deadly retribution…
This is a brilliant read. I could not put it down!!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
With its unexpected twists and its absorbing plot, the book hooks you from the very beginning.
The characters are well drawn, making you feel the helplessness and powerlessness of Henry, the main character.
The intense ending serves as a climax to a novel that reads in one sitting.
Even though this story started off with a bang I was a bit bored. For me the two main characters were not very likable.
It was about half way thru that I felt it got more interesting. However, it was pretty easy to figure out the “who done it”.
Even though it wasn’t a favorite of mine I would give the author another try.
Thank you Cherry Tree Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication.
THE PLOT
Henry is basically a stay-at-home dad with a love for cooking. His wife, Abi, is the main breadwinner and coming off a great career win. But her celebrations are cut short when someone starts targeting them... and anyone who gets in the way.
MY OPINION
I (almost) feel bad giving this such a low rating given all the positive reviews........ But THIS IS MY TRUTH OKAY!!!??
*Deep breath in* HENRY IS THE MOST ANNOYING, CONDESCENDING, WOE IS ME, WASTEMAN I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED!!!! Whew.... I feel better getting that off my chest. Henry's character is so deeply unlikeable and pitiful, I don't care if he saved the Queen herself from an attempted assassination and cured cancer at the same time. He was constantly snivelling about.... EVERYTHING!!!!!! Oh Abi's so rude to me, oh Abi asked me to cook dinner with only one night's notice, oh wah wah WAAAHHHH STFU PLS!!!
I've mentioned that I usually don't vibe with books authored by men (reason unknown) but I'll still give the book a chance. HOWEVER, I can confidently say I would rather be waterboarded then read another male-only narrated book. If you could even call Henry a male (not very feminist of me, *shrug*). He is the definition of a weenie. Even in his "heroic" moments, I couldn't muster up the respect for his "bravery."
Also... the motive for all that murderous, unhinged, psychopathic behaviour was WEAK. When the motive was revealed.... I wanted to yeet my Kindle across the room. Ain't NO WAY....... And then, as if I couldn't hate Henry any more than I already did, the last page sent me over the top. This "man" is the definition of "ain't shit."
I honestly can't comment on the writing quality because Henry was so out-of-this-world annoying, I couldn't concentrate on anything else. I have nothing good to say about this book. I can see how other, more patient, more understanding, less jaded individuals may enjoy this, but for me it was a hard NO. If I ever hear the name Henry again I might throw hands.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: I finished it
Cons: Henry's existence
Thank you to Cherry Tree Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Nothing Left to Lose by A.J. Wills is a gripping domestic thriller that will leave you guessing until the end. The story revolves around Abi, who works as a criminal lawyer, and her husband Henry. Abi has just secured the convictions of two violent murderers, and everything should be fine and dandy. Instead, someone is following her home at night. Their car is being vandalized, and they're getting death threats in the mail. Who is trying to scare the couple? And will the stalker end up carrying out these threats?
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue, which is, like the rest of the book, from Henry's point of view:
"Where the hell is she?
It’s gone half nine and a niggle of worry rumbles in my gut. A vision of Abi on a hospital trolley flashes through my mind. I shove it away. I’m being silly. Worrying unnecessarily. I’m sure she’s fine.
I snatch up my phone and hit the redial button, willing her to answer, hoping for a slurred apology and the sound of music thumping in the background. At least I would know she was safe.
I listen to a long hiss-filled silence, the blood gushing through my ears.
A click.
Her voice.
And for a split second, I dare to believe I’m through."
Overall, Nothing Left to Lose is a twist-filled domestic thriller that I could not put down. One highlight of this book was the perspective of the main character, Henry. I feel like a lot of domestic thrillers are told from the first-person point of view of the wife, and based on the description, I was expecting this one to be the same. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that this story is told from Henry's point of view. While Abi is out working as a lawyer, Henry takes care of the home and their young daughters. What an innovative reversal of gender roles! If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of domestic thrillers in general, I recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
Nothing Left To Lose by A.J. Wills is a highly recommended psychological thriller.
Abi is a criminal lawyer/barrister who just secured the convictions of two murders. Henry and Abi should be celebrating the conclusion of her big case, but Henry is frantic that she isn't home and her phone is off. When Abi finally returns after celebrating with colleagues, and says that someone was following her. Later Henry sees that someone did follow Abi home and now knows where they live. The next day he discovers her car was vandalized, and the couple receives an anonymous letter with a death threat. Henry is worried that these threats are tied to her recent case and the crime family involved will extract revenge on their family. Abi is not as concerned, but ends up talking to the police about the incidents while Henry looks into a home security system.
Henry's concerns escalate and his paranoia increases with each new incident as he tires to figure out exactly who is targeting his family. Make no mistake, someone is out to get them and becoming increasingly threatening and bold in their contact and threats. Henry really has no idea who is behind this so his mind is skittering from one suspect to another. Henry's reactions are manic at times and almost over-the-top, which detracts from the seriousness, especially when he is not taking all the contact and threats he receives to the police. Document, document, document...
Nothing Left To Lose will hold your attention to the end as the threats increase. Basically, all of the characters are unlikable so the strength to the narrative is in piecing together if the threats are real and who could be responsible for them. New suspects emerge as the information Henry thinks he has changes throughout the plot. The final denouement is very satisfying, but I'm going to have to admit I almost set this novel aside based on the sheer exasperation and irritation I felt toward the character of Henry.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Cherry Tree Publishing
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
Nothing lefy to lose by A. J. Wills.
Abi should be at home celebrating after helping to put two murderers behind bars for a sickening attack on a pensioner in his own home. Instead, she’s gone missing, her phone's switched off and her husband, Henry is frantic with worry. But Abi’s disappearance is only the start of his troubles. Who's the mysterious hooded man loitering outside the house in the dark?
Why has someone etched a cryptic message into the windscreen of Abi’s car?
And what’s the meaning of the creepy, anonymous letter that's been pushed through their front door? All Henry knows for sure is someone’s trying to scare him. Someone hellbent on revenge. And they’re not going to stop until they’ve brought him to his knees and exacted a deadly retribution…
A brilliant read. Kept me hooked til the last page. Read In a day. Couldn't put it down. I liked Abi. 5*.