Today I am reviewing Disclaimer by Renée Knight for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): What if you realized the terrifying book you were reading was all about you?
A brilliantly conceived, deeply disturbing psychological thriller about a woman haunted by secrets – and the price she will pay for concealing the truth.
When a mysterious novel appears at Catherine Ravenscroft’s bedside, she is curious. She has no idea who might have sent her The Perfect Stranger, or how it ended up on her nightstand. At first, she in intrigued by the suspenseful story that unfolds.
And then she realizes.
This isn’t fiction.
The Perfect Stranger re-creates in vivid, unmistakeable detail the day Catherine became hostage to a dark secret – a secret that only one other person knew – and that person is dead.
Now that the past so desperately wants to forget is catching up with her, her world is falling apart. Plunged into a living nightmare, she knows that her only hope is to confront what really happened on that terrible day…even if the shocking truth may destroy her.
My review: This thriller takes hold of the reader and doesn’t let go until the very last page. The concept, brilliantly conceived by the author, revolves around two narrative voices. One is Catherine Ravenscroft, married, the mother of a son, with a demanding and successful career. The other is an elderly retired teacher who is a widower. They tell their stories in alternating chapters, moving between past and present, revealing little details that are part of a much bigger puzzle.
We hit the ground running with Catherine’s realization that the book she has been reading is telling her story, long hidden, and as far as she knows, known by no one else who is currently living. The recognition that the story is her own, and the ensuing fear and panic it engenders, turns Catherine’s life upside down.
Just how the other narrator’s story is related to Catherine’s is slowly revealed, bit by bit. The back and forth narration creates a taut story line. Knight has written and crafted a superb thriller. As you know from other book reviews, I love it when I cannot figure out what is coming next and how a plot is going to play out. I love surprises. I got all of that and more in this psychological thriller.
Knight is gifted writer who has conceived a delicate balance of past and present from two points-of-view, all the while revealing just a bit here and there, enough to intrigue, but not enough to know. And that, dear readers, will keep you reading into the night.
About the author: Renée Knight has worked for the BBC directing arts documentaries and has had TV and film scripts commissioned by the BBC, Channel Four, and Capital Films. In April 2013, she graduated from the Faber Academy “Writing a Novel” course, whose alumni include S.J. Watson. She lives in London with her husband and two children.
One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of Disclaimer. Just leave a comment on this post and I’ll pick a winner on Thursday evening. Good luck!
(More about the tornado tomorrow – this review has long been scheduled for today.)
Happy Monday.
I expected to hear more about the tornado! Apparently, you all must be ok….. thankful for that.
Wow! I’d definitely like to read this book! Sounds great!
Sounds like a good summer read.
This book sounds right up my alley! I hope the post tornado recovery is going as well as it can. Crazy huh?!
Thanks for sharing this review with us.
Waiting to read tomorrow’s blog.
I have never read anything by Renee Knight. This sounds like it would be a great way to get to know this author. Hope you have a calm day :)
Deb
This one sounds like a winner for sure!
I love page turners that keep you in suspense to the last page! Fingers crossed that I might be the lucky winner! Thank you!
Would love to read this one.
What an intriguing book! I’d love to read it.
Sounds like a great book Claudia – thanks for the opportunity.
What an interesting concept! I would really like to read this one. On my list! Glad you are OK!
hugs,
Linda
Sounds like a very interesting read! Can’t wait for tomorrow’s post! ;)
Wow! Sounds like a suspenseful read.
Sounds like something I’d love to read.
Hope all is well there.
This does sound like a great read, and would enjoy winning a copy. I’m looking forward to hearing about the tornado. In 2004, my husband and I moved here to Orlando JUST before the series of hurricanes came. I too will never forget the plethora of feelings and experiences!
Debbie
ollieami@aol.com
Perfect day to curl up w/ a good read. In fact, supposed to rain for next several days in my neck of the woods and I just finished another Louise Penny as well as a Lee Child’s “Reacher” . Your recommendations are spot on and am ready to give this author a try too.
Hope you have good weather this week.
This sounds like a great read! Thank you for the opportunity!
Thanks for this compelling giveaway.
Sounds like a great one! Glad you guys survived the crazy weather!
This sounds right up my street. I would love a chance to win it. Blessings
thanks for the info…. sounds like a great book
How are you doing? Missed you yesterday. Concerned for you and yours!!!! You’re important to us :)
Hello Claudia, sounds like a terrific story. Glad you and your family are safe. Doris
Sounds like a great read, Claudia. xo Laura
Would love to win this book — tho I have to say you’ve intrigued me enough with your review that I will definitely have to buy it if I don’t win…
I would love to read this book. I’m on a long waiting list at my library for it. thank you.
Oh My Gosh..what an interesting concept..Just imagine reading a book and realizing it is about you..Would love to win this one Claudia!! I don’t know if you are home or in Chautauqua but I’m hoping your power is back on at home and all is good..
Intriguing review; I definitely would want to read this book.
Glad you’re on here writing, which means your recovery from tornado must be progressing. Scary indeed for you and your neighbors.
would love to read this ks for the chance to w
Wow, this sounds like a great read! Thank you for the opportunity to catch a free copy!
Hope your work goes well!
Susan
Hi,
The book sounds great.
Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Carla
Sounds like a book I would read in a day because I wouldn’t be able to let it go. I thought about the storm you had to weather and I am glad you both are okay.
Sounds like a great “stay up late at night” read!
Oooh, this sounds like good one!
Thanks for this opportunity to win a copy of this new release! I’ve been following the TLC Tour and am very eager to read it. You have all my best wishes and hopes as you recover from that natural disaster that just hit! Best, Kara S
This sounds like a book I would LOVE to read! :)
Hope I’m not too late to enter the drawing – sounds like a terrific read!
I love it when a book keeps me guessing right up to the very end!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.