Sick to Death by Chris Bridges is a psychological thriller about a woman who is "sick", stuck in her parents home, but has found the love of her life, if only he wasn't married..

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Opinions:
This is a debut novel, and the author is a really good writer, but boy was this a slow start.  I admit not liking the first part at all, and often considered stopping.  Nothing was happening, but I guess we did get a good (if long) introduction to the characters.

This was a very "uncomfortable" read.  Someone having an invisible illness doesn't bother me.  The character bothered me.  She was an unlikable, self-pitying, and yet naive woman.  Even after finding out more background, it did not really change my opinion of her.  Actually, there were no really likeable characters.

Now for the good parts.  There are many.  I liked how the author dealt with an invisible illness, how many thought Emma was faking, which was just sad.  It also showed how she tried to cope with this, and in the end, how strong she actually was.

The story was told through many different perspectives, and this worked well.  Basically, the story was about love, and lies, and greed, and revenge.

Once we got through the first part of the story, the twists began, and WOW, they were good.  I may have wanted to quit reading through the really slow start, but I am really glad I didn't.  All of a sudden, I could hardly turn the pages fast enough.

I wouldn't say I grew to love the characters, but some did become more likeable.

Overall, I ended up enjoying this, and will watch this author.  If the start had not been so slow, this would be a 5 star read.

 Anyway, until next time....

Sick to Death is the debut psychological thriller from Chris Bridges. I was really keen to read this as the author seems so friendly over on Instagram and I'm a big fan of his book reviews. You can guarantee that if he has recommended it, it will be good – so make sure to check out his page for more books to add to your TBR!

Unfolding in three parts, we first meet Emma, who has chronic illness. It's a neurological, invisible illness that has rendered her unable to work and she has to rely on others. As such she still lives at home with her mum, stepdad, stepsister and her own daughter, Ava. Emma tells us that she is "trapped in a life that I didn't choose." This line floored me and reminded me how fortunate I am. My family and friends have been affected by various illnesses and it's so important to make the most of the time we have. Not to take anything for granted.

The book also explores the wealth and working-class divide. When COVID hit, Emma's heinous stepfather turned her bedroom within their 3 bedroom council house into an office and relegated her to the downstairs sofa. Meanwhile, her daughter shares a bedroom with her stepsister. Her stepfather is always berating Emma whilst her mum, despicably chooses to look the other way.

Within the same neighbourhood, there is an opulent house that tells a very different story – home to celebrity chef Celeste and her handsome husband, Adam. They are worlds apart.

Adam collides into Emma's world – quite literally – when he helps her after a fall at a hospital check-up. She is enamoured by his care for her and after a second chance meeting it isn't long before he divulges that he's divorcing Celeste. Emma quietly notices the bruises on him... She begins to enjoy their time together and starts to see a way out of her current situation.

Part one sets up the story well. I did feel it was going on a little long, but wow part two certainly packed a punch and made sure I knew it had arrived! An amazing debut, I can't wait to see what comes next.

Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC

Emma has a neurological disorder, an invisible illness which prevents her from working and looking after her eleven year old daughter Ava, so she has to rely on others to help. She lives in a cramped house with her mum, stepdad, stepsister and Ava and doesn't even have her own bedroom. Her stepdad treats her like dirt and her mum turns the other cheek, Emma is sick of it and would like nothing more than to escape this terrible life, then she meets Adam and she begins to think there's a way out after all, but first she must deal with his wife Celeste...

Sick to Death is the debut thriller by this author, told mainly from Emma's perspective and in four parts. The first part of the story is a slow burn, where we get to know all of the characters but as it progresses the story comes into its own and it gets really interesting. Having an invisible illness myself I did sympathise with Emma and understand the 'not being believed' scenario, it can be very frustrating at times. I despised Emma's stepdad for the way he treated her, but moreso her mum for letting him get away with it and I longed for a happy ending for Emma and Ava. This is a very well crafted, compelling story with some great twists and an unexpected ending and i look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

I'd like to thank Avon and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Thank you to the author, publishers Avon and NetGalley UK for access to this as an advance reader’s ebook. This is an honest and voluntary review.

Emma is ill, lonely and trapped with her mother and stepfather. She’s angry and frustrated by the limitations of her illness and her first glimpse of hope comes with an obstacle in the shape of his wife. But people underestimate how far Emma’s willing to go to find a new future, and the depth of her anger.

It’s an interesting take to have a main character whose physical and mental wellbeing is so difficult to define. Most books with a character who has a disability or a long-term illness has one which is relatively simple to describe or understand. Emma, however has FND (functional neurological disorder) a condition which by its nature is difficult to describe, not immediately visible, and ebbs and flows with no real predictability. It must be an exhausting and frustrating condition to have, and there’s a sense of frustration and the weight of the mental burden the sufferer must feel, pervading the whole book. Which certainly didn’t help my feeling that reading it was like wading through treacle. I don’t think it’s Emma’s illness that made this book a slog for me, it’s handled well narratively and there is a reasonable balance to showing the way the combination of her illness and the way her illness makes her feel and the ways others react to her, impact on Emma. But, I just never felt the story got into a real flow. There’s a point partway through where the narrative splits into three perspectives and I don’t think that helps. I found the Emma only sections had dragged a little bit, but as the plot picked up I’d gotten into the pattern of her character and was ready to see how the rest of the story impacted her. Then two more perspectives were introduced and it just diluted Emma’s ‘screentime’ to a point where I lost the sense of who she was again. So all in all my greatest takeaway from this is a sense of a book I was more happy to put down than read.

A debut novel from Chris Bridges, Sick to Death has had me hooked from the very first page. Its main character, Emma, is instantly intriguing, raising many questions about her life, her situation and the illness that’s keeping her mostly bedridden. You’ll learn more about her as the book progresses, but this isn’t a story of chronic illness – not really. It’s about the lengths that people will go to to get what they want, and to protect those they care about.

Sick to Death is dark, it’s twisty, and it’ll keep you guessing from one page to the next. It reminded me a little of The Housemaid in its structure: there’s a jarring but delicious change of perspective around the halfway point that will throw you for a loop — even if you sort-of saw it coming. Nothing in Sick to Death came as too much of a surprise to me, but because it’s so well written it doesn’t matter at all: you’ll simply lap it all up.

I’d love to talk more about the plot, but saying anything more about what happens in Sick to Death will potentially spoil it for you. This is the type of book that’s absolutely best gone into knowing as little as possible. Discovering everything page-by-page, and guessing the twists before they come up, is exactly how this should be experienced.

Bridges has an absolutely enthralling writing style. It’s poetic but matter of fact; he has expertly brought his characters to life, giving us a glimpse into their dark psyches in wonderful, stomach-churning detail. It’s a book filled with flawed characters but that’s partially what makes it so great; they are captivating characters to read about, even if you don’t always like them and the decisions they make. Emma in particular is fascinating — you’ll find yourself rooting for her even if you know her thoughts and aims aren’t always, shall we say, “correct”.

Reading Bridges’ author note at the end of the book made me like it even more: Sick to Death written with a purpose, to give chronic illness a voice, to allow sufferers to be seen. With an invisible illness myself, it’s both great to see an author with an illness not being held back, but also see characters brought to life that don’t fit the stereotypical mould of a background sickly person.

If Sick to Death hasn’t been on your radar yet, make sure it is now! My only disappointment? It’s Bridges’ first book, so I can’t seek out anything else he’s written. Bravo, Chris: what a fantastic debut.

A debut that is so original it needs a new word to describe it ( but then no one would know what it meant I guess ) so will have to stick to original but let’s have it in caps, ORIGINAL

If I say why it would ruin it but the title and blurb will help give a bit away about what is about to greet you

I liked the first part and then loved the next three, so clever and crafty and uniquely done, I loved the observational writing re people and sickness and people with sickness commenting on the internet, the almost hierarchal nature of it, I loved the story which spun left right and every which way and back again, it was joyful to read, and sad, and emotive and exciting and well everything

Sharp as a tack characters, some repulsive, some heroic but all so well brought to life

I feel excited writing this about the book and I’ve just finished it so must be a good sign

The authors notes at the end are moving, informattive and genuinely interesting

Please write more!

I was a bit apprehensive about this book as we have a close friend with FND and it can be viewed unfairly.
But I was pleased as it is written about with care and not used for shock value.

The book is a thriller with twists and turns an ending that was great.

This was a book I liked a lot but not one I loved and I think it was because I felt the story just lost its way halfway through and became too drawn out and a little bit far fetched for me. I did like the idea of the plot line and thought that the characters were well written also.
As this is a debut novel I’m sure the author has a lot more to give in the future and I shall keep a lookout as I’m always in awe of anyone who can write a good thriller.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Emma has an unnamed neurological condition, she lives with her daughter in her mother's small council house together with her step father and his daughter. Her life is bleak, and she has a massive chip on her shoulder. Leaving hospital after a brief admission she bumps into a young doctor , who, it turns out lives just round the corner in a huge house with his highly successful wife, whom he tells Emma, he is about to divorce. They fall into a relationship and begin to fantasize about bumping off Celeste, the wife, so that hey can be together in the wonderful house. Before long it goes from a fantasy to a plan - and that's when thing start to come apart. Quite a clever plot but not quite credible as a story.

I read this within two days and for someone who's struggled to read a lot lately this says a lot! It was so gripping and I honestly didn't expect that OTHER plot twist damn. Such a good thriller and will be reading more of this authors works for sure. Thought it did a good rep of the main character's illness/disability.

I really enjoyed this debut novel, it was well written with some very clever twists and turns and a good ending. I also liked the Hithcock references - "strangers on a train" is one of my favourite films, and I did think, while the bird facts were Emma's hobby they also had echoes of the the Hitchcick film "the birds"?
The characters were believable with their back stories and aspirations and I thought Emma's hidden disability was well portrayed without dominating the story. it was also helpful to read the author's biography. Class and wealth divides in society were also apparent and Its always good to be rooting for the underdog - I was certainly on Emma's side!
I look forward to reading more by this writer.
Thank you to netgalley and Avon books for an advance copy of this book

Ready for a unique and heart-stopping thriller jam-packed with plausible characters (some despicable, others less so), clever plot and astounding writing? Buckle up and enjoy the dark, twisty and twisted ride! Sick to Death is the epitome of what thriller readers crave...and then some. I felt breathless, anxious and desperate to get to the end. The surprises kept coming and they all fit in beautifully without being over the top or unbelievable. The writing is impactful and the characters are individual with their particular quirks, mannerisms and ways of communicating. Mental and physical health issues play key roles, too, and are handled sensitively and thoughtfully. Do read the author's notes on this.

Emma has a debilitating neurological disorder which prevents her from working as a nurse. Her young daughter Ava is accustomed to seeing her mom resting and out of sorts as she navigates this difficult world of unpredictably predictable pain. As a fellow chronic pain sufferer, I can relate and understand the repercussions of living with such a dreadful illness. Out of necessity, Emma and Ava must live with Emma's family which add layers of despair to an already nearly impossible situation. Her step father is terribly abusive as well. Emma lives for her daughter and observing birds. She meets a doctor and the two form a relationship. Problem is, he is married. Emma despises Celeste and all she stands for, especially after she learns about her abusive streak. She begins scheming. But she's not the only one with a plan. Relationships are torn apart and others develop; trust is misplaced and shredded into bits.

I really enjoyed the rollercoaster ride and the gamut of emotions I felt whilst reading. It was more of an experience than a story. The momentum of goodness continued to the brilliant ending which is very satisfying. This book will be embedded in my memory for a long, long time.

A strange one to be sure! The first part of the book is told from Emma’s pov. Emma is disabled by a strange neurological condition which often leaves her unable to move or be in charge of her 11 year old daughter. She lives with her mother and stepfather and her stepsister in very cramped conditions in south east London. However Emma meets a dashingly attractive man who seems to understand her but sadly for Emma he is married. OK the stage is set …. In the second part of the book we get different povs which keep us the reader on our toes. Who to believe? Who to root for? There were numerous plot twists, some I saw coming and others that blindsided me. Just what you want from a story.

This was such a surprise for me. I know we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but the cover did make me question whether to read this or not. I'm really glad I did though. It's like a blend of Sweetpea mixed with The Housemaid, and it was so addictive. I absolutely adored Emma, and almost instantly felt like I wanted to support and protect her from those around her. A fantastic read and I highly recommend it

This is a good debut and I'm grateful to have been given the chance to read it.
I just wasn't sure what was going to happen!!!
Emma clearly isn't right, in more ways than one!!!
Lots of twists and turns and lots of food for thought.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma has an illness, one that most people don’t believe exists. Her stepdad is awful to her, her mum doesn’t say anything when he’s nasty, her stepsister, Becky, helps her a bit and Emma’s daughter, Ava, wishes her mum was okay.

When Emma meets Adam, she falls for him … hard. Adam has a wife called Celeste and Adam wants to be with Emma, not his wife.

I have to be honest and say that I found the first half of the book was a slow burner. It did help to understand the main characters and by the second half, it really did ramp up the pace.

There were some jaw dropping moments that I did not expect at all.

This was clever writing and a great debut from the author.

My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I can't believe this is a debut novel. It is so well-written. After a rather slow start the story takes off at a rapid pace. I loved the complex plot with breath-taking twists. One of the best psychological thrillers I have read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A great read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Slightly implausible story, but it was well written and and a different slant.

3.5 rounded up.

Emma has a neurological condition, which has resulted in her being stuck at home with her family, unable to work. Emma experiences the difficulty of not being believed and being told to get over it. When Emma meets Adam, she has something else to focus on instead of her disease. The only problem with her new boyfriend? He is stuck in a. marriage with a. wife that he hates. Emma wants Adam all to herself., no matter the cost.

This first half of this book is pretty slow, but the latter portion makes up for it. There are some great twists and turns that I did not see coming. Definitely a unique thriller, which is hard to do in today's landscape.

As a side note, I think this book does an excellent job at portraying the many difficulties women face in the medical system and medical gaslighting. Women are often told that things are in their head or that everything is just a psychological problem. The author does a great job at exploring the realities of this - it was sad to see how Emma's pain was continuously brushed aside, even by medical professionals. Sadly, this is also very true in our society.

Thank you Avon Books UK | Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma is trapped, living with her mother, stepfather Peter and his daughter Becky, her debilitating neurological condition and reliance on the help she gets with daughter Ava making it almost impossible for her to move out.

Then she meets Adam, a junior doctor who lives nearby. His understanding of her condition and his kindness a million miles away from her home life where her invisible illness is treated with suspicion and she's made to feel a burden. Unfortunately Adam has problems of his own, his wife Celeste being one of them.

Emma is an interesting character and the challenges relating to her illness are portrayed really well, without going over the top. This was an intriguing read with twists, tension and a fast moving storyline. Definitely recommended

My thanks to Avon Books UK for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own