WHO WILL BELIEVE YOUR STORY IF THE ONLY WITNESS IS DEAD?‘What a storyteller Rachel Abbott is… I was hooked from the start’ CARA HUNTER‘A truly compelling, twisty, enthralling and satisfying read… Absolutely AMAZING!’ ANGELA MARSONS Cleo knows she should be happy for her brother Mark. He’s managed to find someone new after the sudden death of his first wife – but something about Evie just … but something about Evie just doesn’t feel right…
When Evie starts having accidents at home, her friends grow concerned. Could Mark be causing her injuries? Called out to their cliff-top house one night, Sergeant Stephanie King finds two bodies entangled on blood-drenched sheets.
Where does murder begin? When the knife is raised to strike, or before, at the first thought of violence? As the accused stands trial, the jury is forced to consider – is there ever a proper defence for murder?
More praise for AND SO IT BEGINS:
‘I raced through this compelling, twisty novel. Loved it’ Laura Marshall
‘Brilliant… The twists came so quickly I almost got whiplash’ Jenny Blackhurst
‘An unnerving, twisting tale that you won’t be able to put down’ Caroline Mitchell
‘Rachael Abbott has delivered another intricately plotted thriller that never falters on tension or pace … the suspense doesn’t let up until the very last page’ Michelle Davies
‘A breathless tour-de-force that left me hungry for more… Psychological crime writing at its very best’ Kate Rhodes
‘The definition of addictive – Rachel Abbott’s best book yet. Kept me up until the small hours – and you won’t see the ending coming’ Phoebe Morgan
‘Really gripping and menacing – compulsive reading’ Harriet Tyce
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Wow, this is my first read from this author and it did not disappoint. Thrilling and engaging. I cannot wait to read more. Could not put this down.
Rachel Abbott proves the past never dies in this densely plotted novel that begins nearly thirty years in the past and drives the current story. There are so many twists it becomes hard to follow them after a new point of view shift brings on a new twist. Frankly, I thought some of the various threads she interwove felt contrived, but revenge is certainly a motivation for murder. The ending came as a surprise–a good one that is wonderfully ironic.
This was well-plotted and tightly written. The story was convincing and the ending was a surprise. The only downside for me was none of the characters was likeable. The two women were as bad as each other. I wasn’t rooting for either of them. But I was hooked.
This was one twisty psych thriller that (for the most part) did keep me guessing right up until the final pages. Perspectives shifted between characters, so multiple people were telling the story. Throughout the book, there were several times that I switched my allegiances to characters. I don’t want to give too much away, because there are some brilliant curves thrown at the reader. I did figure out one twist fairly early on, but even then, I was never 100% sure until the end. Scratch that…I’m still not 100% sure! Seriously. Don’t miss this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital copy of the book.
Favorite Quotes:
I think we’ve both given up pretending we can be friends. We have reached a point at which we manage to say all the right words to each other, but they are hollow – the fancy wrapping paper around an empty box.
There was something about the way she had related the story of her accident to Cleo that hadn’t rung true, and for just seconds Cleo had experienced a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach as if she was being dropped from a great height.
My Review:
This is a prime example of how a thriller should be written – it was perfectly sublime! The premise was unique and original with cunningly crafted and shrewdly paced storylines. I fell right into this riveting tale while my beloved Kindle thrummed with tension. The narrative vibrated with intrigue that wafted off the compelling and complex characters. There were so many well-nuanced and grinding secrets. I was on edge with unsure footing, waffling back and forth in my theories, and hissing at every interruption to my perusal. It was divine and my first exposure to the exceptionally agile and insightful storytelling of Rachel Abbott. I have but two words to sum up my final thoughts on the experience – MORE, please!
Evie Clarke worms her way into the arms of Mark North, a famous photographer. His wife, Mia, had died two years earlier, and he is a bit of a recluse. Evie meets Cleo, Mark’s sister, and convinces Cleo that Evie wants to commission some photos from Mark.
Everything is not as it seems. Mark is madly in love with Evie, or is he? Evie seems to be abused by Mark, but is she? Who should you believe? What really happened to Mia? Can Evie be trusted?
This is a story told in 3 parts. The first part is the story of Mark and Evie, the second part is mainly a trial, and the third part is after the verdict.
This is a novel that keeps you guessing until the end. I enjoyed it, but I did have my suspicions, however, I didn’t have everything completely solved. I think this was a very complex story with a lot of planning in its storyline!
#AndSoItBegins #RachelAbbott
Always keeps me guessing!
This murder mystery / police procedural / legal thriller kept me confused on a lot of levels. And then threw in a few More twists! Gotta Love this author!!
Another totally twisted thriller from Rachel Abbott! Who do you believe – someone you know well or someone having “accidents” that are suspiciously timed. The switches and twists occur at a rapid rate keeping you enthralled the whole way through. Did not see the end coming.
Looks can be deceiving, in more ways than one… This is true for many aspect of this new page turner by Rachel Abbott, one of my favorite authors. I do hope that this is the first in a new series as I believe there’s much more to come for the acting detective at the heart of this story, among other characters. I love the DCI Tom Douglas series of books and would love to see a set for Sergeant Stephanie King!
I’m not one to rehash the synopsis, as you can gauge that for yourself by reading the description provided. If you’re reading this, then you’re already intrigued, and let me say, it will not disappoint! At first, I wasn’t quite sure of the direction the book was heading in and it seemed a little too mild. Oh I knew something was not quite right, but it does end up being more than you expect once it all unravels. And it sure does keep unraveling! It’s a perfect example of how one little piece of information can tie a series of events together and the reader will want to be sure and pay attention.
The setting of much of the story is so descriptive and breathtaking, that I can imagine being there, watching the story unfold, feeling the breeze of the sea and hearing the waves crashing against the rocks. The atmosphere quickly draws you in and holds you in its grasp the entire time. I only wish the tale hadn’t come to an end, I was literally left feeling that I wouldn’t be able to just accept that the story was over – I simply must find out where it goes from here! I hope fellow readers will be there to take the journey, as well.