I’m going to begin with a confession: before October 2019, I hadn’t heard of Lesley Kara! Then I was invited to a soft launch of her second novel, Who Did You Tell? Not wanting to meet Lesley in a state of ignorance, I bought a copy of her first novel, The Rumour.
Now, I love books but I don’t have anywhere near the time I’d like to sit and read. Fast-paced, gripping books are, therefore, perfect for me. And, The Rumour was just that.
Anticipating another can’t-put-it-down book by Lesley, I started reading my proof copy the day after the book event. Did it live up to expectations..?
The story is set in the fictional town of Flinstead (also the setting for The Rumour), a sleepy coastal town with a population just large enough for its residents to live in fair anonymity; unless you have a secret that would threaten to make you the talk of the town. But nobody knows about it, right?
At the start, we’re presented with a description of Simon, who we soon discover is pivotal to the story. And it quickly becomes apparent that the central character, Astrid, is living a fearful existence. You’re drawn straight in, wanting to find out more about her and why she finds herself living back at her mother’s home, aged 32.
A central theme of the book is alcohol dependence and recovery, and the ups and downs that come with staying sober. It’s sensitively handled by Lesley, although that’s not to say that she shies away from the emotional grip of addiction. It’s hard-hitting in places.
Is Astrid’s paranoia a symptom of her alcoholism, or is she really seeing, even smelling Simon, her former partner? Can she begin a new life, with a new partner and new friends? Or will her darkest secret get in the way of it all?
Each central character has a solid back story, and you find yourself immersed in their worlds; it’s easy to form a view on whether you like them or not – although some of your judgements may be challenged as you continue reading.
The chapters are short, so it’s easy to tell yourself, “just one more, and maybe another before bed”, making it perfect for people like me, who have limited time to read and can’t wait to find out the ending.
And if anyone tells you they guessed how it ends, I’d say are probably fibbing! I thought I’d guessed correctly, then I changed my mind, and still got it wrong 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed Who Did You Tell? with its tense twists and turns. I sincerely hope that Lesley has another Flinstead story in the pipeline!
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, hurry to your local independent shop for your copy – you’ll be so glad you did. And, although Lesley Kara’s first two books are standalone novels, there are a few subtle crossovers, so I think you’ll enjoy reading The Rumour too.
If you’ve read one or both of Lesley Kara’s books, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!
Bye for now!
Disclosure: I was given a proof copy of Who Did You Tell? by the publisher, Transworld Books. This review is written entirely in my own words and contains my personal thoughts about the book.
#100DaysNoTV 
I’ve heard such good things about Lesley Kara but am yet to read any books by the author – they sound great though! How exciting to be invited to the launch event!
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Give them a go 🙂 It was lovely to be there, I’d never been to an event like that before. Book people are so lovely! x
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Ive not heard of this author but sounds like a good read for these cold dark nights when there is nothing but trash on the tele and football for the hubby hehe. Launch event looked fun with a goodie bag too!
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You’ll love it – it’s definitely a good one to curl up with. If you do read it, let me know what you think 🙂
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I’ve not heard of her either but I’m going all out to read more so thank you for this, the new book sounds great.
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You’re welcome! I love discovering new authors 🙂
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I have not read this book yet, I have heard of the author but not had a chance to read any of the books yet. This does sound good and I love books where you think you know the ending and keep changing your mind x
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Both her books kept me guessing. I felt smug early on cause I thought I’d nailed it. How wrong I was! Hahaa. x
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I have to admit to not having heard of Lesley Kara before, but that is basically down to the fact I haven’t had the chance to pick up a good book in quite some time. I never seem to get the chance to read anymore! 😦
I like the sound of The Rumour and Who Did You Tell though! Sim x SimsLife
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Yes, it’s not always easy to find the time! These two books are good for people who don’t have much time, though. They’re so easy to get into and won’t take too long to finish x
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This sounds like such an interesting read – I have to admit I can’t read books anymore so do everything through audible and I need things which are fast-paced as I still can’t get used to not reading it in my own way. So I may have to see if I can get this there.
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I just had a quick look, and both Lesley’s books are on Audible. Hooray! 🙂
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I had never heard of Lesley Kara but I am a big fan of psychological thrillers so this is right up my street!
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In that case, I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂
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Have to admit, I had never heard of Lesley Kara but I’m so glad now I have. I’m a big, big fan of psychological thrillers – this is right up my street!
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My mummy love face-paced psychological thrillers and anything with short chapters that she can read in between entertaining me! 😉
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Perfect! Let me know how Mummy gets on with it 😉 x
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I haven’t heard of Lesley Kara before but these books sounds so gripping and definitely something I could get stuck into! One of my goals for 2020 was to read more so I will definitely check these books out!
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I’ve set myself a book target on Goodreads to make sure I read more this year! I’d love to know how you find Lesley’s books 🙂
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Prior to reading your review, I had not heard of Lesley Kara, but this book is my kind of read. Always looking for good books to read, while in transit in between my climbing adventures.
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That’s great to hear! Would love to know what you think of it 🙂
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Will do! 🙂
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Thrillers are my favourite genre of books to read. I have not heard of this author before, but her book sounds really good. One to add to my TBR pile
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It’s probably my favourite too. I’m hoping she will have another one out before too long 🙂
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Sounds like Who Did You Tell is a fantastic book to add to my reading list for 2020 especially since it has short chapters which I love as it makes for quick reading
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Now this sounds like my kind of read. I haven’t tried any Lesley Kara books but I have heard a lot of good things about the author. Will definitely have to check her out.
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I haven’t read either of these two books, however, my friend recommended them to be so they are currently on my ‘to be read’ list
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That’s good to know. Hope you enjoy once you get round to reading them 😊
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