What do you think?
Rate this book
Sewing the Shadows Together
Can you ever get over the death of your sister? Or of your best friend?
More than 30 years after 13-year-old Shona McIver was raped and murdered in Portobello, the seaside suburb of Edinburgh, the crime still casts a shadow over the lives of her brother Tom and her best friend Sarah.
“Shona had been gone for so long but the memories still came unexpectedly, sometimes like a video from the past, sometimes distorted dreams, but she was always there.�
When modern DNA evidence shows that the wrong man was convicted of the crime, the case is reopened. So who did kill Shona? Sarah and Tom are caught up in the search for Shona’s murderer, and suspicions fall on family and friends. The foundations of Sarah’s perfect family life begin to crumble as she realises that nothing is as it appears. Dark secrets from the past are uncovered, and there is another death, before the identity of the real killer is finally revealed...
Set in Edinburgh, the Outer Hebrides and South Africa, Sewing the Shadows Together is a thoroughly modern murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing to the end. Filled with characters who could easily be friends, family or people we work with, it asks the question:
Do we ever really know the people closest to us?
More than 30 years after 13-year-old Shona McIver was raped and murdered in Portobello, the seaside suburb of Edinburgh, the crime still casts a shadow over the lives of her brother Tom and her best friend Sarah.
“Shona had been gone for so long but the memories still came unexpectedly, sometimes like a video from the past, sometimes distorted dreams, but she was always there.�
When modern DNA evidence shows that the wrong man was convicted of the crime, the case is reopened. So who did kill Shona? Sarah and Tom are caught up in the search for Shona’s murderer, and suspicions fall on family and friends. The foundations of Sarah’s perfect family life begin to crumble as she realises that nothing is as it appears. Dark secrets from the past are uncovered, and there is another death, before the identity of the real killer is finally revealed...
Set in Edinburgh, the Outer Hebrides and South Africa, Sewing the Shadows Together is a thoroughly modern murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing to the end. Filled with characters who could easily be friends, family or people we work with, it asks the question:
Do we ever really know the people closest to us?
225 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2015
118 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Alison Baillie
3books26followersAlthough she was born in Yorkshire, she has always felt Scottish. Her parents were both Scottish and she studied English at the University of St Andrews and afterwards taught English at several High Schools in the Edinburgh area. She has also taught English as a Foreign Language in Finland and Switzerland.
She loves reading crime fiction, especially Scottish and Scandinavian, going to crime writing festivals, travelling, walking in the mountains and being with my friends and family.
"Sewing the Shadows Together" is her first novel. Her second novel, "A Fractured Winter" will be published in late spring of 2018.
She loves reading crime fiction, especially Scottish and Scandinavian, going to crime writing festivals, travelling, walking in the mountains and being with my friends and family.
"Sewing the Shadows Together" is her first novel. Her second novel, "A Fractured Winter" will be published in late spring of 2018.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 31, 2022
A very interesting tale. And I got sucked in on the detective front big time.
I’m “busting my backlist� books and can’t believe I lost this treasure down my kindle.
It’s about a re-opened case which I totally was invested in.
Not read a “detective� book in a long time so that helped.
I’m “busting my backlist� books and can’t believe I lost this treasure down my kindle.
It’s about a re-opened case which I totally was invested in.
Not read a “detective� book in a long time so that helped.
March 8, 2019
Following recent DNA advances, a convicted killer has been proven to have been the victim of a miscarriage of justice and the case is reopened. This is a compelling, twist-filled and entertaining read based in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland as the police chase the real murderer who has had over a thirty-year headstart on them. Each chapter alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, Tom and Sarah. and they begin to bond over a shared sense of loss and grief over victim, Shona. The identity of the killer is quite the surprise; it makes for a shocking and memorable conclusion.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
December 15, 2015
Sewing the Shadows Together was a great read � often tense and atmospheric with a great sense of place, it is a mystery wrapped up in a family drama and as such worked really well.
It was a clever novel in its construction as the author shows us both the impact of sudden violent death on those closest to the victim and the echoing effects of that as they continue in their lives � plus the added hit of discovering that the closure they had received was no kind of closure at all. As Sarah and Tom begin to unravel the truth, they almost unravel themselves and it is very addictive and often surprising.
There is a strong sense of character running through the narrative � I was especially fascinated by the different ways that Sarah and Tom had gone about their lives � and Tom especially resonated, the intricacies of the relationships in the story are well drawn and engaging.
The mystery element is almost secondary to the rest, but drives our main protagonists towards the ultimate resolution in a highly readable fashion � you will get caught up in the drama and be with them all the way.
Overall really excellent. Definitely worth a try if you like the past/present dynamic and a psychological thriller with an intriguing plot and characters to match.
It was a clever novel in its construction as the author shows us both the impact of sudden violent death on those closest to the victim and the echoing effects of that as they continue in their lives � plus the added hit of discovering that the closure they had received was no kind of closure at all. As Sarah and Tom begin to unravel the truth, they almost unravel themselves and it is very addictive and often surprising.
There is a strong sense of character running through the narrative � I was especially fascinated by the different ways that Sarah and Tom had gone about their lives � and Tom especially resonated, the intricacies of the relationships in the story are well drawn and engaging.
The mystery element is almost secondary to the rest, but drives our main protagonists towards the ultimate resolution in a highly readable fashion � you will get caught up in the drama and be with them all the way.
Overall really excellent. Definitely worth a try if you like the past/present dynamic and a psychological thriller with an intriguing plot and characters to match.
November 12, 2020
An excellent debut mystery with an atmospheric Edinburgh setting!
It was the setting that first attracted me to this debut mystery. It has been on my NetGalley TBR for some time, and I'm so happy that I finally got around to reading it!
Shona and Sarah were best friends. Two lovely young girls growing up in the Portobello suburb of Edinburgh. Then, one evening in 1976, Shona was raped and murdered... A local man is convicted of the crime.
Skip ahead 30+ years.
Sarah is married to a local television celebrity, Rory Dunbar. She is the mother to twins, Lottie and Nick, now young adults living off on their own. She is still haunted by the murder of her best friend these many years later.
Tom McIver, Shona's brother, is back in Scotland to spread his mother's ashes on Eriskay, the island where she was born - and, coincidentally, to attend his school reunion. His family left Scotland after his sister's murder - when he was just sixteen. They emigrated to South Africa. He has never married, and has worked at various jobs in his adult life.
At the reunion he meets up with his childhood friend Rory, and Rory's lovely wife Sarah. Rory had always been handsome and charming and he hadn't changed in that regard. His celebrity status makes him even more attractive to the ladies and he takes every advantage.
Sarah, who had secretly nursed a crush on Tom in her teenage years, finds that she is still drawn to him. The attraction is mutual, and Tom is appalled at the way his old friend treats his wife.
Sarah has been playing 'happy families' for many years. She hosts a weekly Sunday supper for her family. Rory, her mother, and her twins. During the week she is lonely and vulnerable with only her cat Sultan for company. Rory pays her little attention and the twins are busy with their own lives. Her mother, a bitter pill, is not one of her favourite people.
The philandering Rory is irredeemable and his many woman eventually make themselves known to Sarah.
Tom, realizing that Scotland will always be the place where he feels at home, makes plans to relocate back to Edinburgh - much to Sarah's delight.
It comes to light that the man who served all those years in prison for raping and murdering Shona McIver was convicted erroneously. Modern DNA has proven that he could NOT have been guilty! Tragic to be sure, but that means that Shona's killer was never found and could still be among them!
Subsequently, the police reopen the case of Shona's murder and utilize all of the scientific advances that are available to further their inquiries.
The inquiries and their consequent revelations cause Sarah's life to implode in a ghastly manner.
This is more than a cold case mystery, it is a character study into the lives of people living with buried trauma. The characters were well drawn, the plot believable and entertaining. The ending was satisfying and tied up all loose ends.
I had no expectations for this novel, as the author was unknown to me and I had heard little about it before starting the book. This hidden gem was a lovely surprise and I look forward to further novels by this talented author.
Highly recommended!
It was the setting that first attracted me to this debut mystery. It has been on my NetGalley TBR for some time, and I'm so happy that I finally got around to reading it!
Shona and Sarah were best friends. Two lovely young girls growing up in the Portobello suburb of Edinburgh. Then, one evening in 1976, Shona was raped and murdered... A local man is convicted of the crime.
Skip ahead 30+ years.
Sarah is married to a local television celebrity, Rory Dunbar. She is the mother to twins, Lottie and Nick, now young adults living off on their own. She is still haunted by the murder of her best friend these many years later.
Tom McIver, Shona's brother, is back in Scotland to spread his mother's ashes on Eriskay, the island where she was born - and, coincidentally, to attend his school reunion. His family left Scotland after his sister's murder - when he was just sixteen. They emigrated to South Africa. He has never married, and has worked at various jobs in his adult life.
At the reunion he meets up with his childhood friend Rory, and Rory's lovely wife Sarah. Rory had always been handsome and charming and he hadn't changed in that regard. His celebrity status makes him even more attractive to the ladies and he takes every advantage.
Sarah, who had secretly nursed a crush on Tom in her teenage years, finds that she is still drawn to him. The attraction is mutual, and Tom is appalled at the way his old friend treats his wife.
Sarah has been playing 'happy families' for many years. She hosts a weekly Sunday supper for her family. Rory, her mother, and her twins. During the week she is lonely and vulnerable with only her cat Sultan for company. Rory pays her little attention and the twins are busy with their own lives. Her mother, a bitter pill, is not one of her favourite people.
The philandering Rory is irredeemable and his many woman eventually make themselves known to Sarah.
Tom, realizing that Scotland will always be the place where he feels at home, makes plans to relocate back to Edinburgh - much to Sarah's delight.
It comes to light that the man who served all those years in prison for raping and murdering Shona McIver was convicted erroneously. Modern DNA has proven that he could NOT have been guilty! Tragic to be sure, but that means that Shona's killer was never found and could still be among them!
Subsequently, the police reopen the case of Shona's murder and utilize all of the scientific advances that are available to further their inquiries.
The inquiries and their consequent revelations cause Sarah's life to implode in a ghastly manner.
This is more than a cold case mystery, it is a character study into the lives of people living with buried trauma. The characters were well drawn, the plot believable and entertaining. The ending was satisfying and tied up all loose ends.
I had no expectations for this novel, as the author was unknown to me and I had heard little about it before starting the book. This hidden gem was a lovely surprise and I look forward to further novels by this talented author.
Highly recommended!
August 4, 2015
This debut thriller sees the return of Tom McIver from South Africa to his home town in Scotland. The reason for his visit is to scatter the ashes of his mother on her home island, but while there he also attends a school reunion and old memories are re-awoken. Thirty years ago, his sister Shona was murdered and, while he is in Scotland, the man in prison for her murder is released as new evidence uncovers that he could not be the murderer and, in that case, who is?
Along with Tom, who still recalls the events which took place so long ago, are others that he knew from his childhood � including Shona’s best friend, Sarah. Sarah is now married to Rory Dunbar; the ‘golden boy� of Tom’s schooldays and who has succeeded in life as he did at school, now hosting a popular chat show and basking in small town fame. Tom is immediately attracted to Sarah and she to him and, as events unfold, their thoughts turn to who could have killed Shona. There are a good cast of suspects � including a former teacher who is estranged from his family, both Tom’s and Sarah’s fathers and possibly Rory himself.
There was much I enjoyed about this novel, although I did feel there were one too many coincidences in the plot at time. The characters were fleshed out with Sarah’s home life, including her snobbish mother, children (with their own, rather obvious, issues), the awful Patsy Mills, who organised the school reunion and the journalist who is looking for a story. Along with family and marital secrets and indiscretion, I sometimes felt I was in a farce, as Rory popped in to make a point, before rushing off again and Sarah � simply too unemotional and unseeing � was forced to face her past. I also would have liked to have seen more of Shona herself, as flashbacks were all from the point of view of others in the story and I felt it would have given the storyline more depth had we appreciated why she was so missed. Too many characters were also no longer alive, which dissipated the tension and lessened the possible suspects.
Still, despite the various flaws and issues, this was an interesting debut. I liked the setting very much � especially the parts where Tom went in search of his family roots. In that sense, it was atmospheric and a little more than an average mystery. As an exploration of Tom coming to terms with his past, it worked better than the actual crime part of the storyline worked. The author certainly has more to offer and I would be interested to read more by her. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
Along with Tom, who still recalls the events which took place so long ago, are others that he knew from his childhood � including Shona’s best friend, Sarah. Sarah is now married to Rory Dunbar; the ‘golden boy� of Tom’s schooldays and who has succeeded in life as he did at school, now hosting a popular chat show and basking in small town fame. Tom is immediately attracted to Sarah and she to him and, as events unfold, their thoughts turn to who could have killed Shona. There are a good cast of suspects � including a former teacher who is estranged from his family, both Tom’s and Sarah’s fathers and possibly Rory himself.
There was much I enjoyed about this novel, although I did feel there were one too many coincidences in the plot at time. The characters were fleshed out with Sarah’s home life, including her snobbish mother, children (with their own, rather obvious, issues), the awful Patsy Mills, who organised the school reunion and the journalist who is looking for a story. Along with family and marital secrets and indiscretion, I sometimes felt I was in a farce, as Rory popped in to make a point, before rushing off again and Sarah � simply too unemotional and unseeing � was forced to face her past. I also would have liked to have seen more of Shona herself, as flashbacks were all from the point of view of others in the story and I felt it would have given the storyline more depth had we appreciated why she was so missed. Too many characters were also no longer alive, which dissipated the tension and lessened the possible suspects.
Still, despite the various flaws and issues, this was an interesting debut. I liked the setting very much � especially the parts where Tom went in search of his family roots. In that sense, it was atmospheric and a little more than an average mystery. As an exploration of Tom coming to terms with his past, it worked better than the actual crime part of the storyline worked. The author certainly has more to offer and I would be interested to read more by her. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
March 27, 2016
A great book that had me engrossed from the start.
With DNA advances, it transpires that the person locked away decades ago for the murder of Shona McIver is innocent. So begins the hunt for the real killer.
I thought I had it, several times, but the twists and turns kept coming!
A great debut novel with characters who I identified with and rooted for and some stunning Scottish settings.
Will definitely look forward to more from this author. I find it hard to believe this is a debut, clearly a talent to watch.
With DNA advances, it transpires that the person locked away decades ago for the murder of Shona McIver is innocent. So begins the hunt for the real killer.
I thought I had it, several times, but the twists and turns kept coming!
A great debut novel with characters who I identified with and rooted for and some stunning Scottish settings.
Will definitely look forward to more from this author. I find it hard to believe this is a debut, clearly a talent to watch.
August 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a brilliant book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells the story of Tom, who has spent most of his adult life in South Africa, but who has come back to Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides to scatter his mother's ashes, meeting old schoolfriends along the way at a school reunion in Portobello, Edinburgh. The school reunion sets off a chain of events which will change his life forever. He meets his old friend Rory, now a charismatic and successful TV presenter, who is married to his sister Shona's best friend Sarah. The story goes between the present day and the time 30 years ago when his sister Shona was raped and murdered, a seemingly open and shut case in which the local oddball was conveniently found guilty. When he is set free, we are drawn into a 'whodunnit' and all facets of the character's pasts are examined to find out the truth.
This book is a great example of family dynamics, of secrets and lies of the past which cast their net over the lives of the future. I loved the family interactions between Sarah and her hideous mother, who has her own demons, and her children. I also loved the evocative and accurate depictions of Edinburgh and the Hebrides; the part when Tom meets old relatives then finds out about his father's past life is particularly effective especially set in the background of Scottish Island life.
All the threads are neatly tied together by the end of the book and I would love to know what happened to the characters next, hopefully a sequel?
Fantastic read.
This book is a great example of family dynamics, of secrets and lies of the past which cast their net over the lives of the future. I loved the family interactions between Sarah and her hideous mother, who has her own demons, and her children. I also loved the evocative and accurate depictions of Edinburgh and the Hebrides; the part when Tom meets old relatives then finds out about his father's past life is particularly effective especially set in the background of Scottish Island life.
All the threads are neatly tied together by the end of the book and I would love to know what happened to the characters next, hopefully a sequel?
Fantastic read.
October 24, 2016
This is another novel that came highly recommended to me so couldn’t not go buy myself a copy to see what all the fuss is about.
A school reunion as well as a reopened case brings Tom back to Edinburgh where his family had moved far away from after Shona his sister was murdered. Coming back into the area brings everything back for Tom and he is desperate to get some answers.
The only people I actually liked at the reunion was Tom and Sarah, who was Shona’s best friend at school. Compared to the rest of them, they were pretty normal and didn’t really have any hang ups.
Tom and Sarah coming together brings back fond memories of Shona and they are determined to try and find out who did kill her and both go in search of the truth.
There are so many unlikeable characters in this novel, I could count on one hand the ones I actually liked and had empathy for. I think this made me grasp at straws at who I thought the killer was. I have to admit I thought I was so clever thinking I knew who it was only to be proven wrong when all is revealed.
Sewing the Shadows Together is just that. It is a tale that once woven all becomes suddenly clear. It is very much one of secrets and lies and is steeped in suspense.
A highly enjoyable read that draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end.
A school reunion as well as a reopened case brings Tom back to Edinburgh where his family had moved far away from after Shona his sister was murdered. Coming back into the area brings everything back for Tom and he is desperate to get some answers.
The only people I actually liked at the reunion was Tom and Sarah, who was Shona’s best friend at school. Compared to the rest of them, they were pretty normal and didn’t really have any hang ups.
Tom and Sarah coming together brings back fond memories of Shona and they are determined to try and find out who did kill her and both go in search of the truth.
There are so many unlikeable characters in this novel, I could count on one hand the ones I actually liked and had empathy for. I think this made me grasp at straws at who I thought the killer was. I have to admit I thought I was so clever thinking I knew who it was only to be proven wrong when all is revealed.
Sewing the Shadows Together is just that. It is a tale that once woven all becomes suddenly clear. It is very much one of secrets and lies and is steeped in suspense.
A highly enjoyable read that draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end.
September 1, 2015
This was a great Debut thriller and hopefully the Author will write many more books like this.
This book is set in Scotland. Toms sister was murdered 30 years earlier, when his mum dies he comes back to scatter her ashes.He meets up again with Sarah his sister and his friend from years ago. When they hear the man committed for the killing of his sister has been let out of prison because of new DNA that has come to light.
So who was the killer?
It will all come together at the end great story.
Thank you to the Author and Netgalley for a chance to read this book.
This book is set in Scotland. Toms sister was murdered 30 years earlier, when his mum dies he comes back to scatter her ashes.He meets up again with Sarah his sister and his friend from years ago. When they hear the man committed for the killing of his sister has been let out of prison because of new DNA that has come to light.
So who was the killer?
It will all come together at the end great story.
Thank you to the Author and Netgalley for a chance to read this book.
March 14, 2019
Tom has travelled from South Africa to Scotland to fulfil his mother’s dying wish to have her ashes sprinkled on her home island is Eriskay. Returning to Scotland brings back the awful memories of the murder of his sister, Shona, 40 years ago�.
While in Edinburgh, He agrees to attend a school reunion and catches up with old friends�.Rory who is now a successful TV host and his wife Sarah�.Shona’s best friend�
Sarah’s perfect life is falling apart, she does everything to keep everyone happy�.but at what cost to her?
This is a story of the murder of a 13 year old girl forty years ago, that is brought back to the fore by recent events……just who killed Shona ? Who let an innocent man get sent to jail for 40 years ?
The characters are nicely rounded and the majority likeable�..the others, well I felt I knew some of them personally !!
This has love, betrayal and secrets amongst families and those closest to us in the wonderfully emotive and expressive writing by Alison Baillie……just how far would you go to protect your family and reputation? A simmering, twisty tale full of suspense and I can recommend it without reservation.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.
While in Edinburgh, He agrees to attend a school reunion and catches up with old friends�.Rory who is now a successful TV host and his wife Sarah�.Shona’s best friend�
Sarah’s perfect life is falling apart, she does everything to keep everyone happy�.but at what cost to her?
This is a story of the murder of a 13 year old girl forty years ago, that is brought back to the fore by recent events……just who killed Shona ? Who let an innocent man get sent to jail for 40 years ?
The characters are nicely rounded and the majority likeable�..the others, well I felt I knew some of them personally !!
This has love, betrayal and secrets amongst families and those closest to us in the wonderfully emotive and expressive writing by Alison Baillie……just how far would you go to protect your family and reputation? A simmering, twisty tale full of suspense and I can recommend it without reservation.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.
August 30, 2015
Oh my, oh my!! I've just finished reading this book and am still reeling from the whirlpool of emotions I've been through. The story sucked me in from the very beginning and kept me pinned to my kindle till the end.
I saw this book's cover on a fellow blogger's facebook page and was immediately attracted to the title. Reading the blurb I was intrigued and wanted to read it asap.
How much do we really know those around us, the people closest to us? Faces never reveal the secrets hidden within.
1976. Portobello's community is shocked when thirteen-year-old Shona McIver is found raped and murdered. A local weirdo is convicted and imprisoned for life shortly after.
Modern day. New DNA testing uncovers the greatest miscarriage of justice in Scotland's penal system. An innocent man has been imprisoned for almost 40 years and is released.
But this means that someone got away with murder. The killer could still be at large. The case is re-opened.
"...he could see his sister again in his mind's eye; so bright, so beautiful and so wild."
Through the years, away in South Africa, Shona's older brother Tom found it less painful to pretend he's an only child and her best friend Sarah has always been haunted by Shona in her dreams. That terrible night has changed all their lives forever.
Suddenly Shona is back in the headlines and Tom and Sarah, now adults have found each other again after many, many years. By the end, old wounds are reopened, painful memories are raked up, secrets uncovered, revelations made and lives turned upside down. There will also be another death.
Who killed little Shona all those years ago? And why?
Well, this book is so well-written that as I was reading, pages just flew by. I've never been to Portobello, but through the author's vivid descriptions of the place it was as if I was there. I could clearly imagine the wide sweep of the bay, the receding tide or the pedestrian walkway edged by the seafront buildings. All characters are also very-well described making you feel as if you've known these people for a lifetime. It was as if I was there, just another character watching what's happening. I could almost feel the pain, the anguish, the suffering, the anger but also the joy, the hope and love experienced by these characters.
With numerous twists and turns, this book kept me on the tips of my toes throughout. The killer's identity is not revealed to us till the very end, but before reaching that point, the author makes us shed our suspicions on numerous characters in turn. In fact there are quite a few individuals who fit the bill.
I couldn't believe that this was just the author's first book. I read on Ms.Baillie's website that this story has been in her mind for thirty years. Now I am just glad she decided to write it as it was a great, enjoyable experience for me. I highly recommend it and hope the author will write many more brilliant books in the future.
With thanks to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
I saw this book's cover on a fellow blogger's facebook page and was immediately attracted to the title. Reading the blurb I was intrigued and wanted to read it asap.
How much do we really know those around us, the people closest to us? Faces never reveal the secrets hidden within.
1976. Portobello's community is shocked when thirteen-year-old Shona McIver is found raped and murdered. A local weirdo is convicted and imprisoned for life shortly after.
Modern day. New DNA testing uncovers the greatest miscarriage of justice in Scotland's penal system. An innocent man has been imprisoned for almost 40 years and is released.
But this means that someone got away with murder. The killer could still be at large. The case is re-opened.
"...he could see his sister again in his mind's eye; so bright, so beautiful and so wild."
Through the years, away in South Africa, Shona's older brother Tom found it less painful to pretend he's an only child and her best friend Sarah has always been haunted by Shona in her dreams. That terrible night has changed all their lives forever.
Suddenly Shona is back in the headlines and Tom and Sarah, now adults have found each other again after many, many years. By the end, old wounds are reopened, painful memories are raked up, secrets uncovered, revelations made and lives turned upside down. There will also be another death.
Who killed little Shona all those years ago? And why?
Well, this book is so well-written that as I was reading, pages just flew by. I've never been to Portobello, but through the author's vivid descriptions of the place it was as if I was there. I could clearly imagine the wide sweep of the bay, the receding tide or the pedestrian walkway edged by the seafront buildings. All characters are also very-well described making you feel as if you've known these people for a lifetime. It was as if I was there, just another character watching what's happening. I could almost feel the pain, the anguish, the suffering, the anger but also the joy, the hope and love experienced by these characters.
With numerous twists and turns, this book kept me on the tips of my toes throughout. The killer's identity is not revealed to us till the very end, but before reaching that point, the author makes us shed our suspicions on numerous characters in turn. In fact there are quite a few individuals who fit the bill.
I couldn't believe that this was just the author's first book. I read on Ms.Baillie's website that this story has been in her mind for thirty years. Now I am just glad she decided to write it as it was a great, enjoyable experience for me. I highly recommend it and hope the author will write many more brilliant books in the future.
With thanks to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 13, 2016
Wow-I feel like I have been on the proverbial emotional rollercoaster! This is probably one of the best books I have read this year so far and is looking likely to be in my top 10 reads of 2016. I downloaded a sample of this yesterday and after 6 pages bought it straight away and just continued to read-yes it was that engaging that I couldn't put it down and totally ignored the other two books I had on the go....I NEVER do that!
Sarah is very typical of women her (my!) age. She is married to Rory, a famous tv journalist and they have twins who are now making lives of their own with their partners. Sarah also keeps an eye on her widowed mother Flora and every Sunday, Sarah cooks dinner for all the family. But Sarah is haunted by the murder of Shona, her best friend, when they were 13. Shona had an elder brother Tom who emigrated to South Africa after her death but he is back in Portobello to spread his mother's ashes. His return also coincides with a school reunion and the release of Logan Baird, who has served time for Shona's murder but it looks like he was innocent all along.
As I've said before, I adored this book from word one! It's rare to find that book that really speaks to you and I am very lucky to have found one here. I empathise totally with Sarah and loved her. I especially liked the way each part of the story started with Sarah's dreams entwined with her flashbacks. It set the tone and provided clues of what was to come. Her relationship with Tom developed slowly but deeply and I found it very believable. The setting of Edinburgh and its surroundings is one that I know quite well and that certainly added to my enjoyment as I felt I was back there, it was so vividly described! The mystery of Shona's murder was only part of this book as it covered friendship, loss and how well do we really know those closest to us.
This is a wonderful debut from Alison Baillie and I can't wait to read more from her. I just loved this book so much I didn't want it to end!
A well deserved 5* from me!
Sarah is very typical of women her (my!) age. She is married to Rory, a famous tv journalist and they have twins who are now making lives of their own with their partners. Sarah also keeps an eye on her widowed mother Flora and every Sunday, Sarah cooks dinner for all the family. But Sarah is haunted by the murder of Shona, her best friend, when they were 13. Shona had an elder brother Tom who emigrated to South Africa after her death but he is back in Portobello to spread his mother's ashes. His return also coincides with a school reunion and the release of Logan Baird, who has served time for Shona's murder but it looks like he was innocent all along.
As I've said before, I adored this book from word one! It's rare to find that book that really speaks to you and I am very lucky to have found one here. I empathise totally with Sarah and loved her. I especially liked the way each part of the story started with Sarah's dreams entwined with her flashbacks. It set the tone and provided clues of what was to come. Her relationship with Tom developed slowly but deeply and I found it very believable. The setting of Edinburgh and its surroundings is one that I know quite well and that certainly added to my enjoyment as I felt I was back there, it was so vividly described! The mystery of Shona's murder was only part of this book as it covered friendship, loss and how well do we really know those closest to us.
This is a wonderful debut from Alison Baillie and I can't wait to read more from her. I just loved this book so much I didn't want it to end!
A well deserved 5* from me!
March 31, 2019
GNABKo. Sewing the Shadows Together is an exceptional mystery, set for the most part in Scotland (Portobello, Edinburgh, the Outer Hebrides,) and in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Alison Baillie with her fine prose makes you feel like you have been there, and can't wait to go back.
Her characters are all genuine, for the most part empathetic, caring people, with problems they carry well and hearts that give. Her mystery is very well concealed until late in the work and her ending is happy. She is an author I will follow. I am pleased to refer her work to friends and family.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Alison Baillie, and Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 12, 2019
Bloodhound Books
Orig publisher Matador 7/23/15
Her characters are all genuine, for the most part empathetic, caring people, with problems they carry well and hearts that give. Her mystery is very well concealed until late in the work and her ending is happy. She is an author I will follow. I am pleased to refer her work to friends and family.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Alison Baillie, and Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 12, 2019
Bloodhound Books
Orig publisher Matador 7/23/15
February 19, 2017
I like my crime fiction to feature past crimes which are bought into the present, that feeling of past and present becoming so tightly linked is really appealing and so the premise to Sewing the Shadows Together called to me from the moment I read the synopsis.
Shona McIver was raped and murdered over thirty years ago, she was just thirteen years old Her brother Tom and her family moved to South Africa following the shocking crime in in Portobello, the seaside suburb of Edinburgh. Her best friend Sarah remained in Portobello but what happened left a long shadow over both of their lives.
In the present day it is announced that the once young man, committed to hospital after being convicted of her murder, is to be released. Worse still it has been proved that he wasn’t the murderer. Tom is in Portobello at the time the police re-open their investigation having travelled over on family business and to attend a school reunion. What better background can you conjure up than a reunion organised by just the sort of woman who always organise such events, pushy and shallow with a conviction that everyone must have fun! The question is, is the real killer someone Tom and Sarah know; will the murderer be unmasked?
The emotions are so perfectly drawn in this novel. There is a bit of everything on the entire spectrum and because I was so drawn into the tale, I really felt the highs along with the lows. With a fast-moving plot with a surprising number of potential suspects who could have been part of the secret that Shona mentioned on the evening she disappeared. The result for the reader is many theories built and swiftly dashed to smithereens as another smidgen of information is revealed; just the kind of plotting I most enjoy. Although there was one moment when the coincidence seemed a little too convenient, on the whole I was convinced by the plot, in other words the clues were there.
And then there is the setting, which is nothing but evocative. I have never been to Edinburgh and yet the seaside suburb of Portobello lends itself perfectly to the scene of the murder.Don’t you think a murder committed in beautiful surroundings, seems so much more horrific? It is also presented as a fairly close-knit community back in the 1970s with enough key items from the time as markers but not so many that it feels like a trip into nostalgia. Not that all the action takes place in this setting, we journey to the Outer Hebrides to visit some of Tom’s scary relations and back to South Africa when he returns to visit his beloved aunt for one last time. There is no doubt in my mind that Alison Baillie is not only able to weave a convincing story but is able to make you feel as if you’ve visited the places themselves. Amazing as I have no first-hand knowledge of any of these settings.
There are a wide range of characters in the book, and as there are quite a few the author has managed to keep them distinct and interesting, although in some cases far from likeable and at times I couldn’t help wonder why this beautiful seaside setting hadn’t seen more murders over the years!
Shona McIver was raped and murdered over thirty years ago, she was just thirteen years old Her brother Tom and her family moved to South Africa following the shocking crime in in Portobello, the seaside suburb of Edinburgh. Her best friend Sarah remained in Portobello but what happened left a long shadow over both of their lives.
In the present day it is announced that the once young man, committed to hospital after being convicted of her murder, is to be released. Worse still it has been proved that he wasn’t the murderer. Tom is in Portobello at the time the police re-open their investigation having travelled over on family business and to attend a school reunion. What better background can you conjure up than a reunion organised by just the sort of woman who always organise such events, pushy and shallow with a conviction that everyone must have fun! The question is, is the real killer someone Tom and Sarah know; will the murderer be unmasked?
The emotions are so perfectly drawn in this novel. There is a bit of everything on the entire spectrum and because I was so drawn into the tale, I really felt the highs along with the lows. With a fast-moving plot with a surprising number of potential suspects who could have been part of the secret that Shona mentioned on the evening she disappeared. The result for the reader is many theories built and swiftly dashed to smithereens as another smidgen of information is revealed; just the kind of plotting I most enjoy. Although there was one moment when the coincidence seemed a little too convenient, on the whole I was convinced by the plot, in other words the clues were there.
And then there is the setting, which is nothing but evocative. I have never been to Edinburgh and yet the seaside suburb of Portobello lends itself perfectly to the scene of the murder.Don’t you think a murder committed in beautiful surroundings, seems so much more horrific? It is also presented as a fairly close-knit community back in the 1970s with enough key items from the time as markers but not so many that it feels like a trip into nostalgia. Not that all the action takes place in this setting, we journey to the Outer Hebrides to visit some of Tom’s scary relations and back to South Africa when he returns to visit his beloved aunt for one last time. There is no doubt in my mind that Alison Baillie is not only able to weave a convincing story but is able to make you feel as if you’ve visited the places themselves. Amazing as I have no first-hand knowledge of any of these settings.
There are a wide range of characters in the book, and as there are quite a few the author has managed to keep them distinct and interesting, although in some cases far from likeable and at times I couldn’t help wonder why this beautiful seaside setting hadn’t seen more murders over the years!
August 8, 2015
I loved this book thank you Alison Baillie for allowing me the chance to read and review.The book is set in Edinburgh and is about Sarah who is a middle aged house wife and mum to grown up twins. She is married to Rory who is a T.V. chat show host and journalist. Sarah just plods along in life and does what everyone else wants her to do. Tom, who is an old school friend of Rory's and brother of Sarah's best friend who was murdered in her early teens comes back into their lives when he returns from South Africa to scatter his mothers ashes. He also agrees to attend a school reunion where he realises he has feelings for Sarah and also realises that Rory is not such a good husband to Sarah. The man who was charged with his sisters murder has been in prison for over 30 years but new evidence comes to light and the police inform everyone that he is to be released. This throws everyone into turmoil when they realise that the murderer is still at large. There are lots of theories and thoughts on who the murderer could be. There's so much more to the book about the various family members and Toms past life and it all comes together with a brilliant conclusion
August 12, 2015
Sewing The Shadows Together is the debut novel by Alison Baillie and an excellent debut it is too. Many years after a young girl is raped and murdered her brother and best friend are bought back in touch with each other. How have the tragic events of years gone by affected their lives and the lives of their families? Do people ever get over something like this? And what if the person imprisoned for the murder is found to be innocent after all this time? That means the real murderer must still be out there. Do they know him or her not realising that they committed the crime that has blighted their lives? This is a fabulous page-turner read that anyone can enjoy - although the subject matter is bleak rest assured that all the blood and violence is left off the page. What is clear is that Alison Baillie is a very talented writer and I very much look forward to reading more books by her in years to come.
August 16, 2015
The rape and murder of Shona McIver 30 years ago still haunts her brother Tom and her best friend Sarah. Modern DNA shows that the man who has been incarcerated for 30 years is innocent. Sarah is married to confident and self-obsessed Rory a TV Chat Show host and mother to grown up twins. She also has a demanding mother who expects her to drop everything to tend to her needs.
Tom having returned to Scotland from South Africa to scatter his mother's ashes attends the school reunion and finds he has a strong bond with Sarah. The race is on to find the murderer in their midst. A brilliant debut with interesting characters who have secrets and I liked that the novel was partly set where I live!
Tom having returned to Scotland from South Africa to scatter his mother's ashes attends the school reunion and finds he has a strong bond with Sarah. The race is on to find the murderer in their midst. A brilliant debut with interesting characters who have secrets and I liked that the novel was partly set where I live!
August 17, 2015
Tom returns to his hometown for his class reunion, the place where his 13 year old sister was raped and murdered when he was a kid. No one mentions Shonda except her best friend at the time Sarah which reminds Tom that he does not think about his sister very often without her murder overshadowing his memories. When new evidence shows that the wrong man was convicted of Shonda's murder it reopens old wounds and now the hunt is on to find the person who did kill Shonda. As Tom and Sarah try to uncover who the real killer might be it leads them to suspect family and friends and now they are not sure who they should trust. Could it be a trusted family member or friend. Great read with a surprise ending.
September 18, 2016
The premise of a group of people meeting for the first time in decades was immediately intriguing, and set up any number of possibilities for the story ahead. Alison Baillie skillfully folds the past into the present and I quickly began to care about the characters. Always a good sign. I found the writing assured; surprisingly so for a debut novel. And descriptions of South Africa, the Hebrides, and Edinburgh - all places I have visited - were handled convincingly. As you might expect in this genre, there were plenty of twists and turns; tension and drama. No plot spoilers but a convincing 5 stars from me.
March 29, 2017
I started this book and was not getting hooked but was interested. Then I really liked it and couldn't put it down around 40% in, but the end came out of left field for me. There were a few things that didn't seem right to me that I thought their should have been more about some of the characters. So the first half, three stars and the second, four stars but the end kind of lost it for me. So a 3.5 for me if I could put 1/2 stars.
September 12, 2015
Thirty years after the murder of his thirteen year old sister Shona, Tom McIver returns to Scotland, from South Africa, ostensibly to bring his dead mother’s ashes back to her beloved homeland. This return visit allows Tom the opportunity to catch up with some old friends at a high school reunion, but meeting his sister Shona’s best friend, Sarah Dunbar, brings back painful memories which Tom had long since buried. Shockingly, during Tom’s visit to Scotland, further information about Shona’s murder comes to light, and new DNA testing reveals that the man imprisoned thirty years ago for Shona’s rape and murder couldn’t possibly be her killer. In light of this new evidence, the investigation is reopened and the search begins again for Shona’s murderer, with disastrous consequences.
What then follows is a well plotted psychological suspense story with a distinct air of family drama. From the start of the book there is much to take in, not just, about the murder investigation and all that entails, but also about the tangled relationships that exist between the main characters. Any return to the past, and a life once led, is always fraught with the danger of reawakening uncomfortable memories, and this story is all about the memories of the past, and about how people are shaped by what has happened to them, whether it be good, or bad. The characters are particularly well thought out and I enjoyed following their progress, and as the cracks in their individual stories start to appear, I had great fun in trying to figure out who had hidden the most secrets. I particularly empathised with Sarah’s dilemma as she struggled to maintain her own sense of self-worth in a family who constantly made demands on her time and who often drained her of energy.
I was surprised to discover that this is the author’s debut novel as she writes with genuine confidence and great style. There is a real sense of time and place and she does a commendable job in weaving together all the strands of the story. The revelations when they come really do take you by surprise, and by the end of the story with all the loose ends knitted together, there is a real sense of completeness about the whole thing. The use of D H Lawrence’s poem The Bat as the book’s epigraph, not only explains the title of the book, but also, alludes to the general feeling of darkness that pervades the story.
What then follows is a well plotted psychological suspense story with a distinct air of family drama. From the start of the book there is much to take in, not just, about the murder investigation and all that entails, but also about the tangled relationships that exist between the main characters. Any return to the past, and a life once led, is always fraught with the danger of reawakening uncomfortable memories, and this story is all about the memories of the past, and about how people are shaped by what has happened to them, whether it be good, or bad. The characters are particularly well thought out and I enjoyed following their progress, and as the cracks in their individual stories start to appear, I had great fun in trying to figure out who had hidden the most secrets. I particularly empathised with Sarah’s dilemma as she struggled to maintain her own sense of self-worth in a family who constantly made demands on her time and who often drained her of energy.
I was surprised to discover that this is the author’s debut novel as she writes with genuine confidence and great style. There is a real sense of time and place and she does a commendable job in weaving together all the strands of the story. The revelations when they come really do take you by surprise, and by the end of the story with all the loose ends knitted together, there is a real sense of completeness about the whole thing. The use of D H Lawrence’s poem The Bat as the book’s epigraph, not only explains the title of the book, but also, alludes to the general feeling of darkness that pervades the story.
August 30, 2015
Superb book! Along with a great mystery with plenty of twists and turns, there was a story of love, loss and renewal. It even had a happy ending.
13 year old Shona is murdered and her shattered family moves to South Africa. Decades later, brother Tom returns to his home town to scatter his mother's ashes. He attends a class reunion and reunites with a childhood friend, Rory, and his wife Sarah, who was best friends with his dead sister.
After the reunion, they learn that the man convicted of killing Shona has been exonerated and freed after DNA evidence excludes him as the killer. But who is the real killer? And just how well do you think you know your family and friends?
This book was easy to sink into, with realistic characters and an intricate plot. I thought I knew who-dun-it from the beginning, but was proven wrong again and again. I thought the character actions (and reactions) were very real, from Sarah's grace in accepting all the changes and even her inner turmoil as her world fell apart. It as refreshing to see a strong female character portrayed so realistically, but in such a positive light.
Overall, an amazing book that will stay with me for quite some time, and one I will recommend to others.
13 year old Shona is murdered and her shattered family moves to South Africa. Decades later, brother Tom returns to his home town to scatter his mother's ashes. He attends a class reunion and reunites with a childhood friend, Rory, and his wife Sarah, who was best friends with his dead sister.
After the reunion, they learn that the man convicted of killing Shona has been exonerated and freed after DNA evidence excludes him as the killer. But who is the real killer? And just how well do you think you know your family and friends?
This book was easy to sink into, with realistic characters and an intricate plot. I thought I knew who-dun-it from the beginning, but was proven wrong again and again. I thought the character actions (and reactions) were very real, from Sarah's grace in accepting all the changes and even her inner turmoil as her world fell apart. It as refreshing to see a strong female character portrayed so realistically, but in such a positive light.
Overall, an amazing book that will stay with me for quite some time, and one I will recommend to others.
August 22, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and Alison Baillie for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and open review.
This is a fantastic debut novel by Alison Baillie. It is one of the few books that I'd rate as 5 stars plus.
When Tom returns to Scotland from South Africa to scatter his mum's ashes, he has no idea what's in store.
30 years earlier his 13 year old sister was raped and murdered. New DNA evidence has shown that the wrong man was convicted.
I loved the characterizations. Each character's personality was developed throughout the book. You discover not only what they look like, but also their unique outlook on life.
I loved Tom and Sarah and the way their relationship developed. There were times however, when I wanted to shout at Sarah and say "Don't be such a doormat!"
I thought I'd worked out who the murderer was numerous times, but I was totally wrong. It was a shock when the murderer was revealed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly recommend it. I look forward to reading more by Alison Baillie.
This is a fantastic debut novel by Alison Baillie. It is one of the few books that I'd rate as 5 stars plus.
When Tom returns to Scotland from South Africa to scatter his mum's ashes, he has no idea what's in store.
30 years earlier his 13 year old sister was raped and murdered. New DNA evidence has shown that the wrong man was convicted.
I loved the characterizations. Each character's personality was developed throughout the book. You discover not only what they look like, but also their unique outlook on life.
I loved Tom and Sarah and the way their relationship developed. There were times however, when I wanted to shout at Sarah and say "Don't be such a doormat!"
I thought I'd worked out who the murderer was numerous times, but I was totally wrong. It was a shock when the murderer was revealed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly recommend it. I look forward to reading more by Alison Baillie.
October 2, 2015
I have to say, I thought I had this one sewn up (haha pardon the pun) all the way through. I was convinced, absolutely convinced, that I KNEW who the murderer was. Surely it was obvious - very tiny little subtle hints pointed me in one single direction - til it turns out that it was just a very clever red herring and I was completely wrong. Something that I love in a book.
This was very well-written and I did really enjoy it, however I did feel that some of the characters could have been a bit bolder, for want of a better word. I liked Sarah, but I think I would have liked her more with a bit of fire in her belly, she just seemed to take her lot lying down, with no argument.
The killer was a shock - but perhaps would have been more of a shock if that person had had more of a presence through out the novel - this is in no way a criticism, in fact if there had been more of a presence it might have ruined the whole thing. I never guessed it though and that's the main thing!
An enjoyable read, I will definitely look out for more by Alison Baillie.
This was very well-written and I did really enjoy it, however I did feel that some of the characters could have been a bit bolder, for want of a better word. I liked Sarah, but I think I would have liked her more with a bit of fire in her belly, she just seemed to take her lot lying down, with no argument.
The killer was a shock - but perhaps would have been more of a shock if that person had had more of a presence through out the novel - this is in no way a criticism, in fact if there had been more of a presence it might have ruined the whole thing. I never guessed it though and that's the main thing!
An enjoyable read, I will definitely look out for more by Alison Baillie.
March 12, 2016
Tom McIver’s family moved to South Africa after his thirteen year-old sister was murdered. He’s back in Scotland to scatter his mother’s ashes when he finds that new DNA evidence exonerates the supposed killer who is released after serving thirty-five years in prison. This means that the case is re-opened. He meets up again with Sarah, his sister’s best friend, now married to Rory, his own best mate from school. Relationships are closely examined and it all becomes complicated.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well drawn, including a monstrously self-obsessed mother, a wife and mum who puts everyone before herself, a number of unpleasantly obsessive and strict fathers and, I was pleased to see, some very balanced children who boosted my faith in humanity. The story weaves in and out of the characters� lives and the suspicions and doubts of Tom and Sarah concerning the murder. It was a gripping and satisfying read which I thoroughly recommend.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well drawn, including a monstrously self-obsessed mother, a wife and mum who puts everyone before herself, a number of unpleasantly obsessive and strict fathers and, I was pleased to see, some very balanced children who boosted my faith in humanity. The story weaves in and out of the characters� lives and the suspicions and doubts of Tom and Sarah concerning the murder. It was a gripping and satisfying read which I thoroughly recommend.
November 3, 2016
Alison Baillie brought together the emotions of all those involved in the murder of Shona McIvor over 30 years ago in Portabello, Scotland. Shona’s brother Tom is back in the area to scatter his mothers ashes at the same time it is announced that the man convicted of Shona’s murder is being freed following a review of the case which proves it could not be him who was the murderer.
Dark and dysfunctional family backgrounds are revealed throughout the plot and Alison Baillie brought the emotions of each of the characters as the shadow of suspicion touches them all.
A great debut, super plot and loved the setting of Portabello (even though I’m a Weedgie
Dark and dysfunctional family backgrounds are revealed throughout the plot and Alison Baillie brought the emotions of each of the characters as the shadow of suspicion touches them all.
A great debut, super plot and loved the setting of Portabello (even though I’m a Weedgie
August 29, 2015
Absolutely adored this book. It really kept me on tenterhooks. I suspected anyone and everyone that slightly fit the bill.
Fast paced and intriguing, I would definitely recommend this.
Fast paced and intriguing, I would definitely recommend this.
September 6, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am also part of the fabulous Blog Tour for this author in the hopes that I can reach as many fellow #bookjunkies as possible to encourage them to read this book so head over to for more info!
First and foremost, I have to say that this book took my breath away! The writing style and plot had me hooked from the first few pages. The twists, characters and mystery had me gripped to the very last page where we learn the truth behind the 30 year mystery!
What I liked about this book was how the author, through her writing, seemed to grab my very soul. I could feel the passion that went into writing this story as I turned each page. The characters were beautifully “crafted� � we learn so much about each one of them without it being over done. For instance, after only a few pages I knew that I did not like Rory and felt sympathy for his wife Sarah. This stayed with me right to the very end. Tom intrigued me and I enjoyed how the author drip-fed the reader bits of his background throughout the book. The reader steps into the pages and becomes a part of story � that was my experience anyway!
The emotion that poured from the pages also had my head spinning at times! I went from one extreme to the other–grief, sadness, anger, frustration, relief, happiness…you name it, I felt it when reading…I even laughed at myself sometimes thinking “what the hell? Pull it together Noelle…it is just a book!�. But that is just it. It was MORE than a book…it was a journey of pure story-telling at its finest! I now want to visit Portobello and travel in the footsteps of these characters!
There was nothing in this book that I did not like…it is not often that words escape me, but when I finished this book, I closed it and was literally in awe…I am sure I even grinned a bit when I was reflecting back and thought “Wow! What a great book!�
Finally, I loved the cover of this book. I found it haunting, eery, intriguing and mesmerising –everything I felt, I found within the book! My review does not do this book justice so I urge, beg and even plead that you grab yourselves a copy and experience the magic of this debut novel by Alison Baillie. You will not regret it!
July 25, 2016
This is the author's first book, which I found hard to believe as the book is so well written and written in the style of a more established author. The text flows really well and I became so wrapped up in the story that I didn't realise how many pages I had read. For me this was a real 'CPID' (can't put it down) book, which was seriously addictive. I read this book in just under 48 hours, which to me is the sign of a good book.
Characterwise, I really liked the characters of Tom, his sister's best friend Sarah, and Sarah's children Lottie and Nick. Tom lives in South Africa and returns to scatter his mother's ashes, but whilst at home he attends a school reunion. In a sense he goes on a journey of self discovery, where he discovers all manner of secrets and lies regarding those close to him. Tom and Sarah are like two lost souls bound together by Shona's murder and it is like they are dependent on each other. Sarah is so busy making sure everybody else is ok, that she often forgets herself and her own needs. Lottie and Nick keep things hidden from certain members of the family as they can't deal with the fallout.
This book is set in South Africa, Edinburgh and the Outer Hebrides. The author's descriptions were so vivid that I felt as though I had a feel for the various places and I really do want to visit them to see if they are as described.
Reading this book was like being on a rollercoaster ride as there were lots of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. There were also several red herrings. I smugly thought that I knew who the murderer was but it turned out to be someone else entirely. The author is excellent in that she can create a tense and dramatic atmosphere but she is also able to heighten the suspense at the flick of a switch.
In short I really did enjoy reading this book and I can't wait to read more by this author. I loved the front cover as it reflects the nature of the book, which is dark, mysterious, creepy and shocking.
Characterwise, I really liked the characters of Tom, his sister's best friend Sarah, and Sarah's children Lottie and Nick. Tom lives in South Africa and returns to scatter his mother's ashes, but whilst at home he attends a school reunion. In a sense he goes on a journey of self discovery, where he discovers all manner of secrets and lies regarding those close to him. Tom and Sarah are like two lost souls bound together by Shona's murder and it is like they are dependent on each other. Sarah is so busy making sure everybody else is ok, that she often forgets herself and her own needs. Lottie and Nick keep things hidden from certain members of the family as they can't deal with the fallout.
This book is set in South Africa, Edinburgh and the Outer Hebrides. The author's descriptions were so vivid that I felt as though I had a feel for the various places and I really do want to visit them to see if they are as described.
Reading this book was like being on a rollercoaster ride as there were lots of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. There were also several red herrings. I smugly thought that I knew who the murderer was but it turned out to be someone else entirely. The author is excellent in that she can create a tense and dramatic atmosphere but she is also able to heighten the suspense at the flick of a switch.
In short I really did enjoy reading this book and I can't wait to read more by this author. I loved the front cover as it reflects the nature of the book, which is dark, mysterious, creepy and shocking.
September 16, 2015
I was attracted to this book given the prominence of Portobello, where I live, in the story. I really enjoyed knowing exactly where her characters were and being able to place them precisely.
Aside from enjoying the location, I found this a really enthralling read! As you read, you start to suspect many of the people in Tom's life but are never quite certain who the murderer might be. Alison has built up her characters in a way that makes it seem plausible that quite a few of them could have committed the crime. Sarah is the other main character in the book. She was Shona's best friend and haunted by her death. As more evidence comes to light, it is clear that all is not well in her apparently perfect life. There are many secrets being kept within her family that she is unaware of but which are revealed in a serious of twists throughout the book. I liked the dreams and flashbacks at the beginning of each section which linked the past to the present.
This was an excellent read, with the tension building up nicely, with well developed characters and a excellent sense of place. All the loose ends are drawn together adeptly at the end in a convincing and satisfying conclusion. A promising new voice in Scottish crime writing and I hope to read more from Alison before too long.
Aside from enjoying the location, I found this a really enthralling read! As you read, you start to suspect many of the people in Tom's life but are never quite certain who the murderer might be. Alison has built up her characters in a way that makes it seem plausible that quite a few of them could have committed the crime. Sarah is the other main character in the book. She was Shona's best friend and haunted by her death. As more evidence comes to light, it is clear that all is not well in her apparently perfect life. There are many secrets being kept within her family that she is unaware of but which are revealed in a serious of twists throughout the book. I liked the dreams and flashbacks at the beginning of each section which linked the past to the present.
This was an excellent read, with the tension building up nicely, with well developed characters and a excellent sense of place. All the loose ends are drawn together adeptly at the end in a convincing and satisfying conclusion. A promising new voice in Scottish crime writing and I hope to read more from Alison before too long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.