Member Reviews
Thanks to NetGalley and Kingsley Publishers for an ARC of Lucky Number 11.
This was my first book by Jess Kitching, but I'm already looking forward to reading more.
Hannah Allen was the 11th victim of a serial killer and the only survivor. Now, 10 years later, she is hunted again even though the serial killer is in prison. Who is the copycat?
Eye opening author acknowledgment at the end with a thought-provoking message about victim blaming.
Firstly this is a challenging book to review without giving away any spoilers! However, what I can say is that it is a compulsive, dark, gritty read, opening the readers eyes to what it might feel like to ‘survive’ a dreadful trauma.
I was on edge, constantly distrusting the people surrounding Hannah, absolutely EVERYONE! And the tension was palpable when Hannah went out for a walk to get some fresh air. I lived on my nerves reading this book!
It has realistic, flawed characters who are utterly believable. A storyline that is tightly plotted, carefully brought to life through well-written descriptions.
Jess deals with some really tough subjects (which may be triggering to some readers) with care and sensitivity, allowing readers a real insight into victims minds and how hard it is to rebuild a life after a trauma.
The perplexing mystery of who is committing these horrific crimes will keep the reader guessing and the conclusion quite shocking.
Make sure to read the author’s notes at the end. A brilliant read which I totally recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Kingsley Publishers for my e-ARC.
Ten years after escaping from her abductor, Peter Harris. She is Lucky Number 11, Harris’ only survivor. “11” is even tattooed on her skin as a painful reminder. As if she could ever forget. With her loved job as a barista, live-in boyfriend, and weekly support meetings, Hannah Allen has rebuilt her life.
But…it’s not over.
There have since been a more victims. The modus operandi is the same. How could that be when Harris is in prison? Copycat — one who is coming after Hannah.
Although hard to believe, some actually idolize evil. Chat rooms and conspiracy theories abound. Joining in this feeding frenzy are books, magazines, and newspapers. Because of this callous invasion of privacy, Hannah was re-living her trauma over and over again.
Conrad, the tenacious detective who rescued Hannah from Harris’ clutches, tells her to trust NO ONE.
The book is narrated by Hannah and interspersed are musings of the copycat.
This was a suspenseful and thought-provoking read. It was my third book by Kitching and, like the others, it kept me guessing until the big reveal.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I'm behind on my reviews but don't miss this one! It was highly addicting and i just had to keep reading to figure out what was going to happen!
A gripping thriller that you don’t want to miss. A book to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. An amazing read!!
i enjoyed this book. The writer takes you on a wild ride.
I love true crime but this was very intense.
Luck Number 11 by Jess Kitching is about Hannah Allan who when she was 14 years old, was the 11 victim of a serial killer and the only one to survive. Ten years on she is trying to get on with her life and move away from being a ‘surviving victim’ when a copycat serial killer appears and once more her world is turned upside down.
An excellent story told a captivating manner that had me totally on the edge of my seat. The victim support group and Tanya it’s leader are pivotal in Hannah’s recovery but is it enough.
In the author’s acknowledgments Jess Kitching shares with us that she too was sexually assaulted as a teenager and her understanding is intensely personal.
“This story has lived in me for a long time but for a long time, I didn’t feel ready to write it. It was too personal, too difficult, too daunting to commit to, but when a chain of read-world events made me want to scream ‘enough is enough’, I felt compelled to write the book you have just finished. As I listed to people victim blame and dodge acknowledging the deep-rooted misogyny behind certain crimes, I sat at my laptop and wondered, ‘what would it take for people to believe survivors? If these crimes aren’’t shocking enough to result in meaningful change, what could be?’
From those questions, this story came to life.”
In the end I felt that this was more than a story but the start of a campaign for the female victims of male violence and sexual assault with a motto of ‘Enough is Enough’!!
Highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#LuckyNumber11 #NetGalley
Great book. When Hannah was 14 she was kidnapped by a serial killer and escape. Just as she is overcoming this trauma a copy cat killer shows up. The book was suspenseful. The characters were well written. It kept you guessing. I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.
This book was a good read. it was my first read by the author. i finally was able to get into the story at the 50% mark.
I found this fascinating and well written for the mystery thriller it was. The ghost was a perfect name for this monster-serial killer. The writing had me questioning everyone and so many victims in it. You’ll be on the edge of your seat with this. Social media played a huge part in this story and it made me sick. It’s clear we have our favorites.
4⭐️
Thanks Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley.
This book really has something special. The plot is fast paced and oh so gripping, as always from this author. But the character writing is utterly superb. The implications in real life for survivors of violence is portrayed so well, my heart ached for the characters. The shame and guilt they feel is so powerful. There is a serial killer, a police detective who will not give up, a main character who made me love them and so much more. It is not often that I cry reading this genre, but this book is full of emotion that the tears were falling.
This book had me from page one!! I read it in one day and couldn't go to sleep till I finished this book! I would definitely recommend this book!
When a book makes me feel all the feels, know that is a well written novel with great character development. That’s what this book was! This’s was my first book by this author, and it did not disappoint. The character development was phenomenal and had me feeling for and sympathizing with the characters. This book was fast paced and full of suspense and intense scenes. I was on the edge of my seat the entire way through. After reading this I instantly downloaded another book by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kingsley Publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
This story is one that should be made into a movie. The emotions that run throughout the story is intense and the reader can actually feel them. The friendships, oh my -- are true to life. This story is worth so much more than 5 stars! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This thriller kept me gripped and guessing right until the last page! Hannah was abducted when she was 14, but was able to escape and became the lone survivor of a serial killer she helped put into prison. 10 years later she has found a community of support and is ready to take another step towards recovering when another similar murder is discovered, which opens up questions about almost everyone in Hannah's life. This is more than just an exciting thriller, the characters were well-developed and conflicted and felt like real people, and their stories really showed the victim impact of violent crimes. I also really appreciated the author's note which explained Jess's connection to the story and made it even more meaningful.
Note that I am reviewing the ebook, but I read it along with listening to the audiobook and it was also really well done!
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! I read it in 2 days. I couldn’t stop! I really did not know who the killer was going to be until it was revealed. She had me questioning everyone in Hannah’s life! Literally everyone!! It was a good story about what it takes for women to be listened to. It’s such a sad reality for so many people.
This thriller was intense in all the best ways. Check trigger warnings before reading but highly recommend for fans of the genre!
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest A copycat killer, emerges 10 years after Hannah managed to survive the original killer.. I’m not usually a fan of copycat stories but this kept me guessing and I was not able to figure it out. Exciting stuff though out the book.
Oooh this was good!
I absolutely love a who done it story where I am kept guessing right up until the moment the killer is revealed. Lucky Number 11 did exactly that. I got it completely wrong 🤦🏼♀️
I enjoyed that variety of characters in the story. While it centres around Hannah, there are some interesting side characters with some deep and devastating stories of their own.
Jess delves into DV and trauma within this book so please check trigger warnings before reading.
Definitely another must read for any murder mystery fan.
First book I’ve read by this author….and won’t be my last. Kept you guessing the entire way through the book. A serial killer seeking revenge on the only victim that didn’t die…..lucky #11. Easy to follow storyline with surprises along the way. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.