The first part of this book I found to be slow going but still interesting enough for me to keep reading on. The characters were not all likeable but worked well in the story. The next few parts were much quicker for me and I found myself really invested in the story. I did find that the ending was drawn out but when it did come it was satisfying. There were also a few twisty moments but they weren’t really surprising to me, hence four stars.

I enjoyed reading this book and would read more by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

You know what? I really enjoyed this. it's nice to find a new author who is able to hold my attention and entertain me, even if the characters that Chris Bridges has created, including our main protagonist, Emma, are not always the most likeable or sympathetic of folk. Or maybe that is being a touch unfair to Emma. She is affected by an illness that none of the medical profession seem to be able to properly diagnose, and is subject to periods of blackout, and near constant pain that render her unable to work. It means she has to rely upon her family for support and, given her home situation and the disdain with which she is treated by her stepfather, Peter, she can perhaps be forgiven for being a little on the fractious side on occasion. And by that I mean given to flights of fancy where Peter is excluded from her life on a fatally permanent basis.

It is on one of Emma's frequent visits to the hospital that she meets handsome Doctor, Adam, a man who will be instrumental in changing her life. They strike up a friendship that soon spirals, both realising that their home lives are far from perfect, but that they may just have the perfect solution for each other. Just as Emma wants to see the back of Peter, Adam is trying to leave his wife, Celeste. It doesn't much hard thinking to realise where this twisted tale may be leading, with echoes of Strangers on a Train leaching into their story, but whether it is just fanciful thinking or if the pair has the nerve to go through with the ultimate sin remains to be seen.

Emma is a very complex character and I'm maybe still not sure how I feel about her. She definitely has problems, portrayed brilliantly by the author through her constant back and forth between dark thoughts and pricks of conscience, but given her home situation, I often found myself feeling sympathy towards her. She is a hard character to completely condemn, and certain turn of events throughout the story might have seemed a little unexpected, but at the same time, understandable. Whichever you look at it, Emma is a victim, both of her illness, but also of the circumstances she finds herself in at home, none of which is of her own making really. The more we learn about Emma, of her past, the easier she is to understand, and whilst her actions are often far from commendable, they are not entirely condemnable either.

Chris Bridges has created a wonderful cast of characters in this book, both bad and good. From Emma's 'saviour', Adam, to his wife, the aloof and perhaps a little snooty celebrity Restauranter turned author, Celeste, he has created people with a real depth of personality and, in some cases a duplicity of nature which you know is lying just below the surface. I was always waiting for one or another of the characters to be 'exposed' as being too good, or bad, to be true, but I was still taken a little unawares by what we eventually uncover. I liked the way in which the author draws some dark humour into the narrative, and some of the characters on the periphery of the story, such as Emma's new found friend, Lauren, who offer some moments of light in Emma's otherwise darkened days.

This isn't the fasted paced of books, so if you are here looking for breakneck speed and high stakes drama from the off, then this is not where you will find it. There is time spent in establishing both Emma and Adam's stories, but once we get the gist of where the pairing may be leading, the pace picks up as does the tension. There is a moment in the book where it's almost as though a switch is flicked on and we go from almost a budding, if somewhat twisted, romance, to something more dangerous, where the risks and the threat drove me towards the conclusion at speed. I wanted to see how it ended, who got their just desserts, and whether there was any hope of a happily ever after for Emma.

If you want to know the answer to that, you'll need to read the book. Chris Bridges is definitely on my radar now and I'm looking forward to see what comes next.

When I started to read Sick to Death, the debut from author Chris Bridges; I had no idea of the storyline, apart from knowing it involved someone with long term chronic ill health. This subject piqued my interest as I’m close to people who are currently in this situation, as I have been myself too.

Emma has a rare neurological disorder. A condition that you can’t see, can’t take a blood test for, there is no cure. Her condition is hidden, invisible, meaning Emma herself is too. Therefore she relies on benefits, and the kindness of others to provide care for her and her daughter. Understandably, this is incredibly hard psychologically. Even well meaning help can be excruciating to accept, and sadly, not all help is as well meaning as you would hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed having a protagonist with a different perspective. Debilitating, chronic conditions leave a mark on those affected, I felt this was portrayed well and accurately. The characters were fully formed and interesting, their dysfunctional relationships were complex, made more so by the inter dependency of health and lack of wealth.

This psychological thriller provided the twists that readers love, and held my attention tightly, as I was eager to learn of what would befall Emma. The frustration at the limitations of treatments and understanding, were represented extremely genuinely.

As I mentioned earlier, I had no idea of where this book would take me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Chronic disease is generally long term, it doesn’t have a ‘happy ever after’ miracle ending. It is what it is, and it’s refreshing to see the author addressing that head on, without sugar coating the issue.
I look forward to reading whatever the author writes next. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

The main character, Emma is obsessed with birds and can compare some breeds to humans.

Unfortunately, Emma suffers from a chronic pain condition (well described) which affects her mobility and lives with her mother and step father who treats her badly. Care and compassion are not on the menu!

Emma also loves her doctor who is married. What can Emma do with this love? The doctor's wife is in Emma's sights. Oh dear!

There are lots of twists and turns, too many POVs, and the book is slow in the middle. However, a different read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books UK for the chance to read and review.

Emma lives with her mother, unpleasant stepfather, adult stepsister and her daughter in a rundown house in London. She has a long term neurological condition that prevents her from working or looking after her child. The house is cramped and her stepfather resents her very being and makes her sleep on the sofa while using her old bedroom as an office. It is a miserable existence and she spends her lonely days sleeping, watching TV and enjoying bird watching. An unexpected encounter with a good looking doctor puts her imagination into overdrive as she cannot believe that someone so seemingly perfect would give her any attention. After another meeting she discovers he lives nearby and an unlikely friendship ensues. She begins to imagine a perfect scenario with him away from her dreadful home life. Is he all he seems? Is she? This page turner has all the answers and an enormous twist about halfway through. Gripping and with the promise of imminent danger it is truly unputdownable. A story of human nature at its worst and occasionally best, it is basically a sad tale of the haves and have nots but deep down we all have our burdens regardless of wealth. An excellent book, recommended.

Meet Emma. Emma is sick.She can’t work because of a neurological condition, so is stuck in her family’s tiny council house. Emma is sick of being told to ‘get over it’. Her stepfather, her doctors, strangers – everyone has an opinion. Emma is sick of being the other woman.

Her boyfriend Adam is he’s got a great job and an amazing home. His wife Celeste is the problem. Emma is sick of being underestimated. All she needed was a target. And now she has Celeste… Emma is sick. Just not in the way you thought.

Interesting premise I haven't read before! This was a little slower paced than I'm used to, but it was well-done. I really enjoyed getting to know Emma. Their were a few twists and turns I did NOT see coming. Overall an enjoyable read! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a good book! It takes place in London with Emma as the main character, with quite a cast of characters. Emma’s neurological condition is handled realistically and sympathetically. This is the best mystery I’ve read in a while - a debut! - and I look forward to reading more by this talented writer!

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Not bad but not great! I really wanted to like this one more, as it had a lot going for it with an original and intriguing storyline from the blurb. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed more than others though! One thing I liked was that the chapters were addictive and the book had a whole range of characters who you couldn’t trust! The FMC Emma has an obsession with birds - (think Dawn’s obsession with turtles from The Coworker by Freida 😂). I didn’t find this aspect too annoying though, and there were some parts or similarities to the main story, which I liked.

Things definitely take a dark turn in part 2, and I loved the POV changes here - I honestly didn’t see them coming! Unfortunately this is where the pace became a little sluggish and dragged a little for me. However, parts 3 and 4 soon picked it up again, making me want to keep reading.

In terms of the Epilogue, I was hoping for a twist or some kind of conclusion to the story, but to me it felt like it ended quite abruptly and had me swearing with rage, because I couldn’t believe the book had finished, not wrapping anything up 😂🙄

I was planning to give this one a 3 stars, however for a debut authors book it wasn’t that bad, hence the half a star added! Other people may enjoy this one more than I did, so do check it out if you’re after something different.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC copy.

Well what a book!

As someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, both invisible illnesses that I’m stuck with forever, I could absolutely put myself in Emma’s shoes. Perhaps not so much the plotting to kill parts but definitely the fatigue, pain and the fact that people don’t believe you. (I’ve had those looks as I park in a disabled bay, the ones that say you look fine to me.) I found Emma’s family particularly awful and there were times I got so angry at her stepdad. What a piece of work.

The storyline was so good, twisty and ridiculously addictive that I seriously struggled to put it down, not just because my hands were stiff from reading too long 😂

I’ve read books with people with long term illnesses before but this one really did capture it, possibly because, upon reading the authors note, he has lots of experience with invisible illnesses living with one himself.

I absolutely loved reading this book and hope there’s more from the author in the future.

Could be a tough read for those suffering will invisible illnesses. Being someone who has multiple issues, I was drawn to this thriller with a difference. Alot of us do have a bit of a chip on our shoulder due to lack of help and suppose we receive, reading Emma's story hit hard. At the beginning I felt myself having the look-down-my-attitude to her (which I am very ashamed of) as that is what we deal with on a daily basis. I couldn't quite believe I was judging a girl who walks in similar shoes to me. I self reflected on how then others are viewing me and it wasn't healthy. At around 15% through I wanted to give up as it was bringing me down sadly.
I am very glad I persisted as the thriller aspect came into effect but also shows how vulnerable people can be such targets when shown kindness by those who may not have their interests in heart.
Emma lives in such an unhappy home, feeling pushed out by evil stepfather, lack of support of her mother and mixed treatment from her step sister, they deny her "imaginary" illness yet still won't let her look after her own 11yr old daughter which would be truely heartbreaking.
The thriller aspect of this book was gripping and I'm glad persisted, Emma's strength grew for a love she believed and will do absolutely anything to get herself out of her current home life, literally everything! Despite her life taking a further twist, I loved her strength into making steps for herself and her daughter. I felt proud of what she achieved, while some of us who just continue crying under the duvet.
I loved the outcome and she gave me some inspiration which is a huge life lesson of me looking down my nose at her.
Please read this, really realise that everything Emma suffers with is true and worse than u can imagine. I just worry the beginning does encourage the readers to look down on us "invisables". Please continue, it's a great thriller and we are equal people too.
Finally, I understood all of the bird references but think it was a little too much.
Thank you #NetGalley for a thought provoking read.
A strong 4 stars. I would advise all readers to read the section at the back regarding the author, hopefully it will open a few more minds

An impressive complex book that managed to be entertaining despite the dark plot and characters.

This is a book about deception, family, friendship, relationships, revenge and trust. The characters were all unusually interesting in themselves. Full credit to the author on their creativity.

I thought the author showed an interesting capability in getting the reader to invest support in a character then turn it gradually around to be the opposite - before finally re-engaging the reader with that same character. Quite a skill.

The ending was quite unusual and left you wondering! A nice touch!

I’ve never changed my allegiance so much within a drama. Betrayal, gaslighting and murderous intent; this book has it all.

When a handsome young doctor befriends an unwell woman, she is just grateful for the friendship. As the friendship develops and he reveals his unhappy marriage, ideas of how they could get rid of his controlling wife start to form.

Sick To Death is a belter of a debut for this author!!
Emma is living a tough life at the moment, living in a three bed house with her mum, her stepfather, her stepsister and her daughter. Emma has an illness so at times is unable to look after her daughter, she needs to rest a lot but she doesn’t even have her own bedroom. Her stepfather is constantly nagging for her to get a job but she’s not well enough to work. After a hospital appointment she meets a young, good looking caring doctor who happens to live round the corner from her. She meets him whilst out walking and a relationship starts. Is this Emma’s happy ever after?
This was a book that took me by surprise, I didn’t expect it to be so good! Its like nothing I’ve read before, yes some of it is a little far fetched but in a good way. The characters were all quite normal and were well, rounded, they were all very different and easy to remember. The book is told from several poeoples POV which worked really well. There was a good pace to the book and things happened that I never expected to happen.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I really feel that representation in books is very important- so whilst I do not suffer from chronic pain it really highlighted to me the ways that it can affect people. This book was quite slow paced, and I really found the main character quite unlikeable.. I didn’t really understand the relationship between Emma and Celeste either - I just don’t believe someone could be that forgiving/understanding in the situation they found themselves in? I think the most interesting character was Bobby. I did enjoy this book, there were some good twists and turns and I would be interested to read more from this author.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma is sick. She can't work because of her condition so is stuck in her family's tiny council house. She's sick of everyone telling her to get over it. She's sick of being the other woman. Her boyfriend Adam is amazing, it's his wife, Celeste, who's the problem. Emma now has a target.

My first book by this author and it was good, Although slow at times, particularly at the start as the author introduces the characters and their backgrounds, the plot development is convincing and I thought the story and twists were clever. I appreciated the way the author dealt with Emma's condition, drawing from his personal experience, but still showing her as tough and determined, rather than someone to feel sorry for.

An interesting take on the thriller genre.

The blurb:
Meet Emma. Emma is sick.
She can’t work because of a neurological condition, so is stuck in her family’s tiny council house.
Emma is sick of being told to ‘get over it’.
Her stepfather, her doctors, strangers – everyone has an opinion.
Emma is sick of being the other woman.
Her boyfriend Adam is perfect: he’s got a great job and an amazing home. His wife Celeste is the problem.
Emma is sick of being underestimated.
All she needed was a target. And now she has Celeste…

My thoughts:
What a read! I was drawn in straight away. The first 40-50% of the story is told through Emma’s pov.

Emma is sick, and throughout the story we see her daily struggles as well as her good days. She is manipulated by those around her and her vulnerability shows.

I enjoyed how the author introduced the characters and thought Emma was obsessive at times… the way she would fixate and research people… her strong interest in birds and how she compared people to different birds was interesting.

I liked that the second half of the book was told through multiple pov as the twists start to take shape and the story unfolded more.

A brilliant debut, I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.

I have read a lot of books in this genre but I don't think I have read any quite like this. I loved it and couldn't put it down it was completely gripping

Emma has chronic pain, but when she meets married Doctor Adam, she finds something new to focus on. All that needs to happen is her stepfather and his wife need to disappear – how hard can it be?

I was really excited to read this book - a main character with chronic pain that people don’t necessarily believe is interesting. However, I sadly found that I lacked empathy for Emma as a character. She seemed to jump from zero to one hundred very quickly and made some very odd choices and decisions. I also found that I didn’t feel much for any of the other characters either which made it hard to keep engaged.

It is a very twisty thriller, and some of the twists and turns I did not see coming. It did drag in places though, with the pace dropping and narrative becoming repetitive in between twists. There are also a lot of references to birds, which Emma fixates on whilst being in her room so much, but this felt weirdly jarring in places as well. I’m not sure whether those who are attracted to the idea of a main character with chronic pain will be happy with the representation here.

Overall, Sick to Death is a twisty thriller but it’s lack of compelling characters made it a struggle to keep engaging with it. Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Happy to say that this book does NOT go where you think it will.

You'll start out thinking it's 'that old plot' again. It is...until it isn't.

Our characters are very warped. Even the ones you like are kind of wrong and you wonder why you even like them.

The books fast and is one of those great little beach reads that you'll just race through.

Good read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this!

The writing style isn’t the type that I love but it is one that I know most people will enjoy! I’d definitely say to give it a go but I didn’t love it