How to Play Dead

In my opinion...

This unsettling book is extremely accurate- Jacqueline Ward credits many people with helping her factually but she very obviously ‘gets it.’

If you have ever known anybody in an abusive situation, it is not an easy read, nor enjoyable- but Ms Ward carefully builds suspense and is sensitive with her material, not just using her characters to make a point. She also shows strong positive relationships and the importance of love & care between girlfriends, partners & family.

I liked Ria’s character, and could empathise with her indecision about what to do regarding her stalker- haven’t we all dismissed ourselves as not wanting to make a fuss?

I also liked the style of the novel, gradually revealing through the two alternating chapters more of the back story.

If nothing else after reading this book, I really hope it makes you think about your local refuge & how a tiny amount of support can make a huge difference

Thank you Readers First and Corvus Atlantic Books for my copy

Want to know more?

He knows your every move

She's watching over them. And he's watching her...

Ria Taylor is everything to everyone. Wife and mother, the centre of her family. And the manager of a refuge for women whose partners have driven them out of their own homes.

But one night, with her husband away, Ria receives a terrifyingly sinister message. Someone is watching her. Someone who seems to know everything about her. She knows what she should do - seek help, just like she tells her clients to. But Ria is the help. As events escalate, and terror takes hold, Ria must decide whether to run or hide...

My rating...

A thoughtful & unsettled five glasses