You may have seen my earlier interview with the lovely Faith Mortimer – you can catch up with it again here. I then read – and enjoyed – A Very Distant Affair, but thought I might enjoy even more one of Faith’s psychological thrillers. And, you know what? I was right! Paradise Prison, the fourth in the Dark Minds series, was published on 7th January by Topsails Charter, and I’ve been totally gripped by it for the last few days. It’s available for purchase through Amazon in the UK and US, and if you’re looking for a really unusual story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and reading into the early hours, I’d recommend it most highly.
Here’s the story:
Following an almighty row, Gillian stands up to her abusive boyfriend. The consequences are horrendous and far-reaching.
Terrified, she flees her home, seeking anonymity abroad while coming to terms with the outcome of her actions.
In Portugal, Gillian meets Harry, a yachtsman. Needing crew for his Atlantic Ocean-crossing she applies for the job. Half-way into the journey, after confessing to her crime, Harry offers her refuge on an uninhabited island in the Caribbean which he says he owns.
Confused and depressed, Gillian imagines this is the answer to her problems. She needs time to lie low and consider her options; confront the authorities or live in obscurity? Harry is offering the perfect hiding place…or is he?
When things start going horribly wrong, she asks herself if she is alone on the island. But maybe the biggest question of all is why she gets the gut feeling Harry wants to keep her there at all costs? What happens when she says … no.
My review
I’ve been struggling a bit with my reading recently, but this book was the perfect antidote to my “reader’s block”. One of those books you want to read through your fingers because you’re terrified to find out what might happen next, I enjoyed every single moment. When I first read the “blurb”, I’ll admit I was a little worried – maybe not my usual kind of read, maybe (I’ll whisper…) a teeny bit far-fetched and at the edge of my comfort zone? But this really was one of those books where everything came together to make it a fantastic read – strong characters (even Gillian retaining some secrets that keep you on edge and not entirely in her corner… clever stuff!), a vividly drawn setting, an erotic edge, tension and anticipation winding up slowly and steadily until it becomes really uncomfortable, a story that you want to finish to find out what happens but at the same time agonise about what horror the ending will bring. There’s violence and anger and real nastiness that could have made it a difficult book to read, but I never looked away once – and I liked the way the day-to-day and domestic detail made Gillian’s situation and the unfolding story so completely engrossing and totally believable.
Giveaway
With thanks to Faith and tour organiser Brook Cottage Books, I have a great giveaway for you. First prize is e-copies of all 4 books in the series (I’ll definitely be entering on one of the other tour posts!), second prize an e-copy of Paradise Prison. Here’s the rafflecopter for entry:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ABOUT FAITH MORTIMER
Faith is a British author dividing her time between Hampshire, England & Cyprus. Since 2005 she turned her hobby of writing into a career. During childhood, she dreamed of writing novels which readers would love, & spent many hours writing short stories which she read to her sisters. Born in Manchester & educated in Singapore, Malaya & Hampshire, England. Amazon Top #14 author rank for mystery, #27 mystery, thriller & suspense, #55 literature & fiction, and #5 bestselling author on Nook Books. Faith’s books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times.
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Wow! What a fantastic review, and I’m so delighted you rate the book.Thank you!