This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was hoping for so much more. I had high expectation because of the amazing synopsis, but I do agree that it was a good book. I think it needed more depth of character, especially for the serial killer. I needed more details personally. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Thank you Net Galley ARC

The plot twists were perfectly timed, creating a story filled with nonstop suspense and unexpected surprises.

It's taken me a while to get to this book. I started it before it was published but as it kicks off in 1941 it didn't hold my attention. I'm not a fan of historical fiction (and of anything war-related in particular). I'd assumed this would be a dual timeline book - the present being impacted by crimes of the past. And I have to say I think it might have worked better if Norman had flicked back and forth in time a little... particularly given two of our narrators (Harriet in 1941 and Libby in 2019) are related (albeit a generation or two apart).

Back in 1941 we're introduced to Albert Ashcroft a boy who adored his raven-haired mother and was devastated by her death (either suicide or at the hands of his abusive father). Decades later he's married but taking revenge on the world by killing red-haired women (after removing their hair). The first half of the book ends with his capture (thanks to almost-victim Harriet and her future husband) and we move to 2019 when 'eventually' we reach a point where Libby (Harriet's granddaughter) is targeted by Albert's grandchild.

The present-day killer is obviously bearing a very large grudge and it felt a little irrational that they would happily admit their grandfather was a sociopathic killer but at the same time blame the granddaughter of the woman who was almost his final victim.

The backcover blurb references the house hiding secrets as if it's the link between the present and past... which isn't really the case (other than potential victims living there). The historical part of the novel worked a little better for me because it was partially told by Albert himself and I wonder if the section set in 2019 might have similarly been shared from the point of view of the killer, connecting me more to the plot of that timeline.

This was an unfortunate DNF for me. The first half was amazing and I was really enjoying it however, when it came to the second half the book just got incredibly slow and I found myself bored and unable to pick the book back up.

The story is fast-paced and filled with suspense, making it a real page-turner. The characters are well-crafted, and the plot twists are both surprising and satisfying. Norman's writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the dark and gripping world she creates. It's a fantastic read for fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels.

Oh my goodness this was dark and very creepy. I really shouldn't have read it late at night when I was alone in the house. Written during two time lines, a deranged murderer on the loose during the Blitz is obsessed with red haired women who look like his mother. Fast forward to 2019 in the same house and strange things start happening to Libby and her home. She suspects everyone but the outcome is more chilling than she could imagine. I enjoyed the inter generational friendships alongside the horrific story. Excellent. #netgalley #Prey

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was so so for me. I expected a lot more after reading the summary of it. The actual book wasn’t really that great or well written.

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, however it felt like a lot of the story was just "filler" rather than actual scenes necessary to the story. The villain in each timeline was unnecessarily wordy to me, and while I understand what the author was trying to do with the twist in the story, the connection between the villains just wasn't there for me.

My thanks to Severn House Publishing, Hilary Norman and Netgalley.
This was a mixed bag for me. I absolutely loved the first section and the heroine was fabulous! Then came the second half. Whoa! What a change of pace. I absolutely hated it.
I'm not even reviewing this thing. Lets just say that I'll probably stay away from any future books from this author.

This was an interesting book - a serial killer set during the 1940’s and we go on the journey with him and I have to admit being so caught up I’d forgotten it was a duel timeline story when the first part ended suddenly. The story then continues in 2019. This physiological thriller had a few twists and turns along the way. I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the second part.

Hilary Norman’s Prey is a gothic serial killer thriller that plays out over a couple of timeframes. The first half of the novel is set in London during the blitz and involves a woman who accidentally uncovers the work of a serial killer. The second half moves to 2019 and that woman’s granddaughter, still living in the same house. This section ramps up with gothic, with strange occurrences and accidents but also another potential killer on the loose.
The first half of Prey is the better half but it is still not that great. It is exposition heavy (why is the serial killer as he is, who are all the people living in the house and what is their backstory) and so never really has the chance to flow. But the overarching danger of nightly bombings and the blackouts that accompany them, gives this section an extra element of threat. The second half of the novel is okay, but fails to really engage. Readers have to come to terms with essentially a new cast of characters, although many of which are pitched as avatars, or reflections of characters from the first half. And then there is the fact that Norman plays with the idea that this is some form of gothic horror before the penny drops, the red herrings are put away and the present day events become a weird facsimile of those of the past.
Prey’s best defining feature is that it is short. But even so, Norman still spends seems to spend alot of time with monologuing villains, the second of which fails to really sell their particular strain of pathology. That said, Norman’s job is to deliver some creepiness, put her main characters in jeopardy, build to a twist, provide some action and get out. She does all of that twice in Prey when once might have been enough.

Prey by Hilary Norman is a creepy psychological thriller.
It was greatly paced and had me hooked right from the beginning. It gas an entertaining plot. Played out well. Very well written.
With lots of twists in this book to keep the reader guessing. The characters were well developed, and all complemented each other well.
A very enjoyable story.

Thank You NetGalley and Severn House for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. Who doesn't love a 1940's serial killer!? The timelines are flawlessly intertwined, the character building is on point. Timing is everything, there is no such thing as a coincidence, and everyone is a suspect.

Prey is split between two gripping timelines, set in wartime 1941 and modern-day 2019, with haunting suspense. The blend of Harriet Yorke’s wartime bravery and Libby’s present-day struggles creates a rich, atmospheric tale of danger and legacy. Norman’s portrayal of London during the Blitz feels vivid and terrifying, while the gradual unraveling of hidden secrets at Calla House keeps the reader on edge. A beautifully written, chilling thriller that seamlessly blends historical and psychological tension. An absolute page-turner!

Thank you Hilary Norman, Severn House, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This book follows two timelines, the first being in wartime England and the second being more modern day of the granddaughter of the main character in the first timeline. The villains were interesting and unique, and the wartime setting really had me hooked on the scene setting.

There is a ‘villain’ in each timeline, and whilst the build up is interesting, I think some of the context given is unnecessary, where other details are missed out. I felt more focus could’ve been given in the first timeline, as I didn’t grow any connection to any of those characters.

Libby, the focus of the second section of the book, I did build a bit more of a connection with as we spent more time building her character. Overall I think there were just too many names and background characters which made it hard to keep track of who’s who. It was an interesting and at times tense read and I did enjoy it, however it was over complicated in some places and under complicated in others.

This was a good book. I liked the links between the two timelines. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, and who the killer second was.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

I enjoyed the majority of the book and greatly enjoyed that the story is in two halves and does not jump back and forth through time. The killer phycology was fascinating and is what drew me into the story.

What I did not love was the pace. It was a slow read that I had to force myself to get through at times.

Thank you Netgalley & Severn House for an eARC ♥️

So, I dove into this historical thriller expecting a solid story, and yeah, it delivered... sort of.
Let's start with the good stuff. Harriet's narrative, set during World War II and the London Blitz, had me hooked. This woman's got grit, facing bombings and a serial killer head-on.
Then, we jump to present day and meet Libby, Harriet's granddaughter. Her life's unraveling, but honestly, it was a chore to get through.
Here's the thing: this book's got potential, but it's bogged down by some unnecessary baggage. The pacing drags due to overly detailed side plots and redundant scenes.
The twist? Ambitious, but it didn't quite land. The connection between timelines felt forced.😢

A book of two half's the first part set in 1941 a serial killer stalking London Harriet sees something she shouldn't have. The second half set in London 2019 Harriet's granddaughter inherits her nans house. Good plot with twists, good characters. Though the first half is better than the second overall a very good read. Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Prey presents a captivating narrative divided into two distinct halves, skillfully juxtaposing life during the London Blitz with contemporary events. The first half immerses readers in the harrowing atmosphere of wartime London, capturing the intensity and uncertainty of the era. This setting is rich with historical detail, allowing readers to experience the challenges faced by individuals living through such tumultuous times.

In contrast, the second half shifts to the present day, where the repercussions of a pivotal event in 1941 come to light. The intertwining of these timelines is expertly crafted, with the house and family serving as the connective tissue that binds the two stories together. This thematic link provides a deeper exploration of how history shapes personal lives, emphasizing the enduring impact of the past on the present.

The pacing throughout Prey is commendable, maintaining a sense of urgency and engagement that propels the story forward. The characters are generally well-developed and intriguing, with their motivations and relationships adding layers of complexity to the narrative. As they navigate the challenges of both the past and the present, readers are drawn into their struggles, triumphs, and the intricacies of their familial connections.

One aspect that detracted from the reading experience, however, was the frequent use of American spellings throughout the text. Given that the book is published in the UK, this inconsistency may stand out to readers and could lead to a sense of disconnect from the British setting and context.

Overall, Prey is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that successfully intertwines historical and modern elements. Its compelling storytelling and rich character development make it a worthwhile addition to the literary landscape, appealing to readers who appreciate narratives that explore the lasting effects of history on contemporary lives.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

Despite the fact that this is the type of book I would normally enjoy I just couldn't get into this one. The motivation behind the characters didn't make sense and I couldn't wait to finish the book so I didn't have to read anymore