📚 Book Review 📚

Having read three of Sarah Goodwin's previous books, I couldn't wait to read this one. I certainly wasn't disappointed.

This had me gripped from the very first chapter and I couldn't put it down as the tension started to build.

A story of revenge and survival, dealing with a tough topic of rape and missuse of drugs on a night out, which went horribly wrong.

Chapters written in the past and present, which is my favourite format.

Descriptive writing throughout. I can't wait for another book from this author.

This is a tense,nail biting, and suspenseful book. At the start of the book I wasn't so sure I would like it but as the story began to unfold I found myself obsessed with wanting to know what happens. Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for my review.

A new writer to me and one I will be reading more by. I’ve just bought this for my daughter.
Told from dual timelines this is a really exciting read. I liked the main chat a lot and by the time I’d finished I felt that I knew her 5 stars.

Great book, grabbed my attention from the start. Fast paced but the ending was confusing.....Rhonda? Maxine????? Confused!

I loved this book. It was a tense, exciting and compelling read about Meg’s past and how it catches up with her. Ok, it was a bit far fetched at times
and I am a bit of a realist but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the book at all. However I was so disappointed with the ending . I felt it was very flat and I was left thinking “is that it?”
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book.

The Blackout by Sarah Goodwin is a gripping psychological thriller that plunges readers into an intense and suspenseful narrative. The story begins with Meg and her friend Cat taking a risky shortcut home after a night out, only to find themselves being followed by two men. Forced to hide in an abandoned building, the night turns into a nightmare that haunts them a year later.

Goodwin excels at creating a dark and atmospheric setting, particularly when Meg isolates herself in a cliffside cottage during a storm. The blackout and the ensuing events create a sense of claustrophobia and fear that permeates the novel. The dual timelines effectively build tension as past and present intertwine, gradually revealing the terrifying events of that fateful night and the ongoing danger Meg faces.

What I found particularly engaging were the constant twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured it out, Goodwin introduces another surprise that keeps you on edge. The characters are well-crafted, and the sense of paranoia and mistrust among them adds to the psychological depth of the story.

While the novel is fast-paced and filled with action, some readers might find certain plot points a bit predictable. However, the overall execution of the suspense and the vivid descriptions of the settings make up for these minor shortcomings.

In conclusion, The Blackout is a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I completely forgot to leave a review for this after I first finished it but nearly a year later, its still with me. The different time frames really help build the tension. Its so good, I think I'm going to go read it again.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the realm of psychological thrillers, Sarah Goodwin's "The Blackout" emerges as a chilling narrative that ensnares the reader from the very first page. The story unfolds in Bristol, where two friends, Meg and Cat, find themselves in a harrowing situation after a night out goes awry. Their decision to take a shortcut along a dark canal path leads to a terrifying chase, culminating in a desperate hideout in an abandoned house. This gripping setup serves as the foundation for a tale that is as much about survival as it is about the haunting aftermath of trauma.

Goodwin masterfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere that is palpable throughout the novel. The tension is meticulously built, with the darkness of the blackout serving as a metaphor for the murky depths of the human psyche. The narrative is a labyrinth of past and present, with the events of that fateful night casting long shadows over the characters' lives.

The characters themselves are well-developed, with Meg's grief and Cat's resilience adding layers to their already complex personas. Their friendship is tested, not just by the external threat but also by the internal turmoil that follows. Goodwin's portrayal of their psychological states is both empathetic and raw, making their journey a compelling one for the reader.

The plot twists are cleverly woven into the fabric of the story, ensuring that the suspense remains taut until the very end. Goodwin doesn't shy away from exploring the darker themes of revenge and paranoia, which adds a rich depth to the narrative. The pacing is relentless, mirroring the characters' own pulse-pounding experience.

"The Blackout" is a testament to Goodwin's ability to balance character development with plot progression. It's a novel that not only thrills but also provokes thought about the nature of fear and the instinct to protect oneself at all costs. For fans of the genre, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh take on the psychological thriller that is both innovative and hauntingly familiar.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review*

I love Sarah's books, but this one was a little flat to me. Not her best, but I will keep reading her books for sure.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages faster and faster! and the twists!!!
This will have you gripped from the start, such an addictive thriller

3.75 stars
After enjoying The Resort by Sarah Goodwin, I was interested in seeing what she did next. And I loved the sound of The Blackout's premise.
This had me on the edge of my seat and kept my interest the whole way through.
There were definitely a few predictable parts but there were a nice few twists too.
This would make a great beach read or holiday thriller, as you don't have to worry about it getting too complicated.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what she releases next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My first book by this author and I will read more ! It was a nice thriller twisty page turning and dark but kept you wanting to read more ! I read a lot of thrillers and this one was not bad ! Go read !!!

Twisty, dark and full of secrets! A great read that pulls you in from the start. I really enjoyed it and wasn't sure where it would end! Defintely one to read if you like them dark!

Thank you for letting me read and review this book. I could not put it down, read it in 3 days. Would definitely recommend this book to others. If you enjoy thrillers then this is the book for you.

This was my first read from this author and unfortunately this one fell flat for me, parts were confusing and the rest of the book was just okay. I will definitely still try another one of this authors books because the writing style was fine just the story wasn't for me

Dark and twisty, with characters you won't soon forget. This domestic thriller kept me on the edge of my seat!

Meg has escaped an emotionally neglected childhood what has left scars that can never heal. She is lucky to have such a good friend in Cat who is unaware of Meg’s past. A girls night out starts a spiral of events that Meg cannot control so on the run she goes.
A story full of twists and turns all centred around Meg’s past. An easy to read story which actually made me laugh in parts.

This book was my first from Sarah Goodwin. I found it to be a captivating thriller! The idea of a blackout like they experienced terrifies me. This is not an easy book to read if you have anxiety!

this book was a real page turner
it was so hard to put down and I just wanted to know if Meg was going to survive
in the beginning of the book we are introduced to Cat and Meg, who are best friends on a night out. At the end of the night, neither have a working phone or cash on them to get home. On the walk home it is very clear that something sublease happened on the walk home which had led to Meg living a life in hiding in a derelict cottage
The book oozed suspense and was a fantastic locked room
thriller. There were parts of it which were a little far fetched, but that didn’t bother me as it is a piece of fiction after all!

A great read. Enjoyable and gripping storyline. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre and style of book