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To the Edge of Shadows
Sarah Phillips longs for the simple life - a job to fill her days, a home to return to and a small amount of steps to count between the two. Seriously injured in a car crash when she was thirteen, Sarah has no memory of her childhood or the family she lost.
Ellie Wilson remembers her own past only too well, the cruelty she suffered at the hands of a mother that abused her and a father who couldn’t protect her. She finds Sarah fascinating, a mirror to the life she never had.
But as curiosity spills over into obsession, and as Sarah’s world begins to unravel, Ellie moves ever closer.
Ellie Wilson remembers her own past only too well, the cruelty she suffered at the hands of a mother that abused her and a father who couldn’t protect her. She finds Sarah fascinating, a mirror to the life she never had.
But as curiosity spills over into obsession, and as Sarah’s world begins to unravel, Ellie moves ever closer.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2012
5 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Graham
2 books45 followersJoanne Graham lives in rural Mid Devon, UK, with her two children. Being the youngest of five children, her love of the written word began when she would escape the busyness of her childhood home by diving into a good book. She has been writing since the tender age of eleven when her mother bought her a typewriter for her birthday.
Her first book, Lacey's House was published in 2013 and her second book, To the Edge of Shadows was published in 2014.
Joanne facilitates writing groups and courses, details of which can be found here:
http://joanne-graham.weebly.com/works...
www.facebook.com/Miss.Jo.G
Her first book, Lacey's House was published in 2013 and her second book, To the Edge of Shadows was published in 2014.
Joanne facilitates writing groups and courses, details of which can be found here:
http://joanne-graham.weebly.com/works...
www.facebook.com/Miss.Jo.G
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 16, 2015
I really enjoyed Lacey’s House by Joanne Graham so was delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review her latest. This is altogether a much darker, intense read. It is the story of Sarah who, at the age of 14, lost her father and sister in a car crash which left her brain damaged. The long lasting effect of the crash was her total loss of memory of her life before the accident. She has no memories of her family whatsoever.
Now aged 20, living with her aunt and struggling to live a normal life, she is being stalked. Just who is watching her, going into her home when she is not there and orchestrating her life?
The story is told in alternate viewpoints, that of Sarah and her unnamed stalker. Both viewpoints are very dark in feeling, very tense and you really have to concentrate at the start of each chapter to try and figure out who is speaking. The plotline is quite complex, with a number of possible culprits and I admit I did work out who it was. Having said that, when you read a lot of this genre then you do “wise up” a little to the possibilities and, in any event, I was still kept guessing right to the end because I still needed to know “how” it all came about and how every piece of the puzzle slotted together. Well worth a read.
Now aged 20, living with her aunt and struggling to live a normal life, she is being stalked. Just who is watching her, going into her home when she is not there and orchestrating her life?
The story is told in alternate viewpoints, that of Sarah and her unnamed stalker. Both viewpoints are very dark in feeling, very tense and you really have to concentrate at the start of each chapter to try and figure out who is speaking. The plotline is quite complex, with a number of possible culprits and I admit I did work out who it was. Having said that, when you read a lot of this genre then you do “wise up” a little to the possibilities and, in any event, I was still kept guessing right to the end because I still needed to know “how” it all came about and how every piece of the puzzle slotted together. Well worth a read.
August 28, 2015
My mind is now broken.
This book... I never expected that.
I can't even think.
This book is quite creepy and it really ramps up the tension. And then it blows your mind with a twist that I really didn't see coming.
This review will have to wait.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
This book... I never expected that.
I can't even think.
This book is quite creepy and it really ramps up the tension. And then it blows your mind with a twist that I really didn't see coming.
This review will have to wait.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
September 30, 2014
To the Edge of Shadows is a very difficult book to categorize or talk about without giving away key plot points, but I will do my best to write about it without revealing spoilers.
First of all, I eagerly anticipated To the Edge of Shadows, Joanne Graham's second novel, after falling in love with the characters and world she created in her debut, Lacey's House. You can see my review of that novel here http://hafullmer78.wordpress.com/2014...
That said, To the Edge of Shadows is an ambitious second novel that bridges several genres, including fiction focused on the lives of women, as well as suspense and mystery. Major themes of the novel include grief, abuse, memory, and self-actualization.
Graham has a recognizable voice as a writer, one which often borders on the poetic. At times, this voice works well to convey the sense of being lost, or undefined, which her characters struggle with. In Graham's debut novel, Lacey's House, this poetic voice was used with great success for an older character who was dealing with memory issues, while her younger friend seemed slightly more concrete and immediate.
To the Edge of Shadows also follows the intertwining narratives of two women. However, in this novel, I found the descriptive writing style to be overpowering at times, such that it slowed down the pace and immediacy of the story.
Some other impressions I have after finishing To the Edge of Shadows:
Part of what I really enjoy about Graham's writing is that she has the ability to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, a feeling that you are in a cozy pink bedroom with a softly glowing nightlight, warm hot chocolate, and comfy pajamas. In fact, scenes very similar to this exist in To the Edge of Shadows, and combined with one of the main characters, the gentle and affectionate Aunt Leah, Graham is able to create a singularly lovely sense of place.
At the same time, Graham is able to write authentically about the horror of violent death, abuse, and fear. Her writing is never excessively gory, but rather, is powerful because it feels true.
So Graham is talented in that she is able to write a story that is (at different times) lovely, and terrifying.
So here's the thing. The twist, and there is a big one, was something I realized 1/3 of the way into the novel. It seemed so obvious to me that I thought I couldn't be right. I kept reading, wondering if the author's intention was for the reader to guess so early on, or if this was a red herring. I was slightly disappointed when, near the end of the novel, my suspicions about the twist were proved true.
However, after that (and this is where Graham really excels) the way that Graham examines the repercussions of the twist on her characters' lives, makes the story something special.
Joanne Graham writes books that no one else could write, with characters who are truly her own. But she writes in such a way that she gently draws readers into her imaginary world, and leaves us with deeper empathy for others, as well as a greater understanding of ourselves.
To the Edge of Shadows is, in some ways, a more ambitious novel than Lacey's House, in that it attempts to be a thriller as well as a character-driven narrative. While it does not fully succeed at the suspense element, I admire that Joanne Graham is expanding her horizons as a writer. This second novel has flaws, but it also has much to recommend it, and I look forward to seeing where Joanne Graham's imagination and talents will take us next.
I'd like to thank Legend Press who allowed me access to the arc of To the Edge of Shadows through NetGalley.
First of all, I eagerly anticipated To the Edge of Shadows, Joanne Graham's second novel, after falling in love with the characters and world she created in her debut, Lacey's House. You can see my review of that novel here http://hafullmer78.wordpress.com/2014...
That said, To the Edge of Shadows is an ambitious second novel that bridges several genres, including fiction focused on the lives of women, as well as suspense and mystery. Major themes of the novel include grief, abuse, memory, and self-actualization.
Graham has a recognizable voice as a writer, one which often borders on the poetic. At times, this voice works well to convey the sense of being lost, or undefined, which her characters struggle with. In Graham's debut novel, Lacey's House, this poetic voice was used with great success for an older character who was dealing with memory issues, while her younger friend seemed slightly more concrete and immediate.
To the Edge of Shadows also follows the intertwining narratives of two women. However, in this novel, I found the descriptive writing style to be overpowering at times, such that it slowed down the pace and immediacy of the story.
Some other impressions I have after finishing To the Edge of Shadows:
Part of what I really enjoy about Graham's writing is that she has the ability to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, a feeling that you are in a cozy pink bedroom with a softly glowing nightlight, warm hot chocolate, and comfy pajamas. In fact, scenes very similar to this exist in To the Edge of Shadows, and combined with one of the main characters, the gentle and affectionate Aunt Leah, Graham is able to create a singularly lovely sense of place.
At the same time, Graham is able to write authentically about the horror of violent death, abuse, and fear. Her writing is never excessively gory, but rather, is powerful because it feels true.
So Graham is talented in that she is able to write a story that is (at different times) lovely, and terrifying.
So here's the thing. The twist, and there is a big one, was something I realized 1/3 of the way into the novel. It seemed so obvious to me that I thought I couldn't be right. I kept reading, wondering if the author's intention was for the reader to guess so early on, or if this was a red herring. I was slightly disappointed when, near the end of the novel, my suspicions about the twist were proved true.
However, after that (and this is where Graham really excels) the way that Graham examines the repercussions of the twist on her characters' lives, makes the story something special.
Joanne Graham writes books that no one else could write, with characters who are truly her own. But she writes in such a way that she gently draws readers into her imaginary world, and leaves us with deeper empathy for others, as well as a greater understanding of ourselves.
To the Edge of Shadows is, in some ways, a more ambitious novel than Lacey's House, in that it attempts to be a thriller as well as a character-driven narrative. While it does not fully succeed at the suspense element, I admire that Joanne Graham is expanding her horizons as a writer. This second novel has flaws, but it also has much to recommend it, and I look forward to seeing where Joanne Graham's imagination and talents will take us next.
I'd like to thank Legend Press who allowed me access to the arc of To the Edge of Shadows through NetGalley.
September 29, 2014
It's probably a little too soon to be writing this review since I read the last page very late last night but I'm going to go ahead now in case I inadvertently give something away later - the latter part of the book is especially surprising and I'd hate to spoil it for a fellow reader.
So I'll just say that I enjoyed it immensely, not just as a moving, psychological thriller with wonderfully drawn characters but for the writing itself which is lyrical, almost poetic. I found myself constantly slowing down to appreciate many a sentence because it's so beautifully written. Technically it scores highly too - the narrative switches seamlessly between the present day and flashbacks.
I don't think I've ever described a book as "haunting" before but that's the word that keeps coming to mind, it's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
So I'll just say that I enjoyed it immensely, not just as a moving, psychological thriller with wonderfully drawn characters but for the writing itself which is lyrical, almost poetic. I found myself constantly slowing down to appreciate many a sentence because it's so beautifully written. Technically it scores highly too - the narrative switches seamlessly between the present day and flashbacks.
I don't think I've ever described a book as "haunting" before but that's the word that keeps coming to mind, it's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
January 6, 2015
*NetGalley book review*
Great book. Excellent story line and written very well. Filled with enough suspense and drama to keep my attention. Not really sure if this is a young adult book or just a regular adult book. Could go both ways. A great book for anyone who likes a bit of mystery.
Great book. Excellent story line and written very well. Filled with enough suspense and drama to keep my attention. Not really sure if this is a young adult book or just a regular adult book. Could go both ways. A great book for anyone who likes a bit of mystery.
August 26, 2019
A well written psychological drama. The characters are rounded and interesting and the storyline keeps you gripped. I will look out for more books by Joanne Graham
November 14, 2014
Joanne Grahams writing is like poetry. I found myself highlighting so many passages on my kindle that nearly each page is bright yellow. Her ability to take an emotion and paint a picture is enviable. To The Edge of Shadows surprised me in so many ways that I find myself thinking about this book throughout the day.
Sarah wakes from a horrific accident with amnesia. When she awakens her Aunt Leah is at her side and does not leave it for another 6 years. It is so hard to truly explain the story without giving a lot away. I will ask that you not be off put by the description of
"girl wakes with amnesia" ... I know that story and premise has been played out as much as " girl goes back home after years away to find herself' again". There is NOTHING run of the mill about this story. The contrasts of the subject matter and the poetic beauty of the writing is memsmorizing.
I dare you to buy "To The Edge Of Shadows" and not be whisked away by the gorgeous prose. I also dare you to not to fall in love with the charachters. I double dog dare you to say you were not surprised as hell at the revelations throught the story.
Joanne Graham is going on my list of authors to recommend to my friends and book clubbers. She was simply born to write and I am just thankful she is sharing her tremendous gift.
Thank you Netgally so much for the opportunity to read in exchange for this honest review.
Sarah wakes from a horrific accident with amnesia. When she awakens her Aunt Leah is at her side and does not leave it for another 6 years. It is so hard to truly explain the story without giving a lot away. I will ask that you not be off put by the description of
"girl wakes with amnesia" ... I know that story and premise has been played out as much as " girl goes back home after years away to find herself' again". There is NOTHING run of the mill about this story. The contrasts of the subject matter and the poetic beauty of the writing is memsmorizing.
I dare you to buy "To The Edge Of Shadows" and not be whisked away by the gorgeous prose. I also dare you to not to fall in love with the charachters. I double dog dare you to say you were not surprised as hell at the revelations throught the story.
Joanne Graham is going on my list of authors to recommend to my friends and book clubbers. She was simply born to write and I am just thankful she is sharing her tremendous gift.
Thank you Netgally so much for the opportunity to read in exchange for this honest review.
March 25, 2015
Sarah Phillips was injured in a car crash, she has no memory of what happened or who everyone is let alone where she is. Her Father and her sister died in the crash. The only relative she has is Leah. Her Aunt.
She continues to have headaches, and is suffering from amnesia. She is not in a happy place as you can imagine.
Her Nightmares become part of her daily/night life.
Feeling that her aunt wants to see her Independent in life she decides to moved out, in the block she is living in is another young lady named Ellie.
Ellie has come from parents that abused her, she has memories she wants to forget while Sarah has things to remember.
Things become quite obssessive between the girls and very confusing for Sarah.
Its a good complex story, you need to set some time aside when you first start reading so that you can follow the book OK but once you get started its all good.
Mental health and emotions go hand in hand in this book, and the insight this author had was brilliantly portrayed within its pages.
I would like to thank Legend Press via Net Galley for my copy to read and review
I would definitely recommend this.
November 8, 2014
A character driven psychological drama can be a lovely thing.
Fourteen-year old Sarah woke in a hospital bed not knowing where she was or what had happened. She would learn that there had been a car accident, that her father and her sister had been killed. She remembered nothing, because she had sustained serious head injuries that has left her brain damaged.
Her father’s younger sister, Leah, took Sarah in and supported her wonderfully well, but Sarah’s fears and the continuing unreliability of her memories made life difficult.
Sarah tried to be independent she had a legacy from her father, enough to buy a flat, and she wanted to give back to Leah some of the freedom that she had given up when she had needed her.
It was a brave step.
Sarah didn’t know that there was someone, close by, who wished her harm.
Ellie had survived an terrible childhood; her mother had been cruel and her father, not seeing, or maybe not wanting to see, what was happening had left. How she resented Sarah, who had been able to forget.
It wasn’t clear who she was, but I saw possibilities ….
There were two things that made the story sing.
The characters were so well drawn and I found it so easy to be drawn into their stories and to care. Everything – their relationships, their actions, their emotions – felt so real.
The writing was lovely: insightful and understated.
I was held in the moment and so when the twist, the revelation, came I was taken by surprise. Had I thought about it I suspect I would have worked it out. The clues were there, but I was too caught up with the story to stop to try to work things out.
I’m deliberately not saying too much about the plot, but I will say that wasn’t the only twist.
In the end I had to pause to work out how the pieces fitted together. I think that there was one too many piece, and that simpler might have been better. Ultimately, I think that they did fit together, but I don’t want to analyse the story too much, because I suspect there were inconsistencies.
I didn’t want to find anything like that because there was too much about this book that I liked, and because I suspect that the concerns I had came from trying a little too hard, making a little more story where there was no need.
I liked the was the story grew, from a story of family relationships into a story of suspense; and the way that it drew in serious subjects – abuse, therapy, identity – quite naturally.
I felt for Sarah, as she struggled to work out what was going on, and she began to question her sanity. And I felt for Ellie as she struggled with painful memories; the writing there was so beautifully measured, and it caught exactly the right details.
In the end I have to say that this is a wonderful human story; and that, two novels in, I think Joanne Graham has the potential to write something rather special one day.
Fourteen-year old Sarah woke in a hospital bed not knowing where she was or what had happened. She would learn that there had been a car accident, that her father and her sister had been killed. She remembered nothing, because she had sustained serious head injuries that has left her brain damaged.
Her father’s younger sister, Leah, took Sarah in and supported her wonderfully well, but Sarah’s fears and the continuing unreliability of her memories made life difficult.
Sarah tried to be independent she had a legacy from her father, enough to buy a flat, and she wanted to give back to Leah some of the freedom that she had given up when she had needed her.
It was a brave step.
Sarah didn’t know that there was someone, close by, who wished her harm.
Ellie had survived an terrible childhood; her mother had been cruel and her father, not seeing, or maybe not wanting to see, what was happening had left. How she resented Sarah, who had been able to forget.
It wasn’t clear who she was, but I saw possibilities ….
There were two things that made the story sing.
The characters were so well drawn and I found it so easy to be drawn into their stories and to care. Everything – their relationships, their actions, their emotions – felt so real.
The writing was lovely: insightful and understated.
I was held in the moment and so when the twist, the revelation, came I was taken by surprise. Had I thought about it I suspect I would have worked it out. The clues were there, but I was too caught up with the story to stop to try to work things out.
I’m deliberately not saying too much about the plot, but I will say that wasn’t the only twist.
In the end I had to pause to work out how the pieces fitted together. I think that there was one too many piece, and that simpler might have been better. Ultimately, I think that they did fit together, but I don’t want to analyse the story too much, because I suspect there were inconsistencies.
I didn’t want to find anything like that because there was too much about this book that I liked, and because I suspect that the concerns I had came from trying a little too hard, making a little more story where there was no need.
I liked the was the story grew, from a story of family relationships into a story of suspense; and the way that it drew in serious subjects – abuse, therapy, identity – quite naturally.
I felt for Sarah, as she struggled to work out what was going on, and she began to question her sanity. And I felt for Ellie as she struggled with painful memories; the writing there was so beautifully measured, and it caught exactly the right details.
In the end I have to say that this is a wonderful human story; and that, two novels in, I think Joanne Graham has the potential to write something rather special one day.
October 29, 2014
Injured in a car accident at 13 that killed her father and sister, Sarah loses her memory of the crash and her life before it. Now living with her Aunt Leah, she meanders through each day, completing the same routines that make her feel safe and secure. But someone comes along to upset her life. They wish their memory of an abused and troubled childhood could be erased like Sarah's has been. They begin to disturb Sarah's safe routines, watching and waiting for their chance to strike. Who is this person and why do they want to terrorise Sarah?
To the Edge of Shadows is an interesting story with lots of twists and turns and tension that builds chapter by chapter. I really enjoyed Joanne Graham's writing style. It's very descriptive and great at setting a scene to make your spine tingle. I didn't guess as to the identity of Sarah's stalker until quite near the end, having changed my mind about them a couple of times throughout. A recommended read for those who enjoy a good thriller.
*I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To the Edge of Shadows is an interesting story with lots of twists and turns and tension that builds chapter by chapter. I really enjoyed Joanne Graham's writing style. It's very descriptive and great at setting a scene to make your spine tingle. I didn't guess as to the identity of Sarah's stalker until quite near the end, having changed my mind about them a couple of times throughout. A recommended read for those who enjoy a good thriller.
*I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2015
Like most readers of popular fiction, I tend to follow authors I like. In fact I will more often remember the name of the author than the name of a book’s title.
Last summer I read “Lacey’s House” by Joanne Graham. A debut novel, “Lacey’s House” was very well-written and enjoyable. So… when NetGalley had another novel by Joanne Graham on offer I could not help but request it. I was not disappointed.
Although both novels were written as dual narratives, “To the edge of shadows” was very different from Joanne Graham's first novel – though just as well written. Set in Devon, this psychological thriller (with the emphasis on the psychological) recounts the life of two emotionally damaged girls.
For my complete review visit my blog Fictionophile
Last summer I read “Lacey’s House” by Joanne Graham. A debut novel, “Lacey’s House” was very well-written and enjoyable. So… when NetGalley had another novel by Joanne Graham on offer I could not help but request it. I was not disappointed.
Although both novels were written as dual narratives, “To the edge of shadows” was very different from Joanne Graham's first novel – though just as well written. Set in Devon, this psychological thriller (with the emphasis on the psychological) recounts the life of two emotionally damaged girls.
For my complete review visit my blog Fictionophile
August 1, 2017
One of my favourite Psychological Thrillers of the year! Highly recommend it!
February 5, 2018
First of all, let me just tell you...Picking up a book from a shop, reading the blurb and finding it interesting leads to it sitting on the bookshelf for a while before I finally pick it up and start reading it...only to have to stop and have a complete freak out because said book turns out - not only is the Author living in the same county as myself, the whole book is based in the city where I was born and grew up in. Exeter.
And let me just say...that is a strange sensation to have because my city is only ever briefly mentioned in books and normally, it's in passing as if it was mentioned as a city to pass through on a train. So to have a whole book based within my actual city. It felt strange to be able to read descriptions in the book, to follow Sarah's directions and know exactly where she is walking and is going. It's like a whole total mind trip.
Apart from that, To the edge of shadows is a whirl wind of a book, from the very moment you start to read, to the very last page, the book is filled with non stop action and fear from Sarah, the horror that she has gone through and that of what she doesn't remember and then on to the fear that someone is out to get her and to make her fearful of her life.
Written amazingly well, I give Joanne Graham a five out of five stars, would be more if it was possible since this is the first book in a very long time that has gotten me a little uncomfortable, that's made me really feel like I'm being watched by someone every time I step out of my front door . She's captured the horror of not knowing about your childhood, the fear of being alone and never really belonging so well, that I felt like I was right there along for the ride in the car and in the house.
Not only that, I did not see that twist coming at the end of the book when we found out the truth about Ellie and Sarah, it wasn't even a blimp on my imagination of what could be the cause behind Ellie's behavior towards Sarah and it's not often that a book can throw me like that and actually surprise me so much. so kudos.
I would highly recommend To the edge of shadows to anyone who would ask for a recommendation, it's a wonderful book and I'm so glad I didn't leave it sitting on my bookshelf for as long as some of my other books have been sitting there for.
And let me just say...that is a strange sensation to have because my city is only ever briefly mentioned in books and normally, it's in passing as if it was mentioned as a city to pass through on a train. So to have a whole book based within my actual city. It felt strange to be able to read descriptions in the book, to follow Sarah's directions and know exactly where she is walking and is going. It's like a whole total mind trip.
Apart from that, To the edge of shadows is a whirl wind of a book, from the very moment you start to read, to the very last page, the book is filled with non stop action and fear from Sarah, the horror that she has gone through and that of what she doesn't remember and then on to the fear that someone is out to get her and to make her fearful of her life.
Written amazingly well, I give Joanne Graham a five out of five stars, would be more if it was possible since this is the first book in a very long time that has gotten me a little uncomfortable, that's made me really feel like I'm being watched by someone every time I step out of my front door . She's captured the horror of not knowing about your childhood, the fear of being alone and never really belonging so well, that I felt like I was right there along for the ride in the car and in the house.
Not only that, I did not see that twist coming at the end of the book when we found out the truth about Ellie and Sarah, it wasn't even a blimp on my imagination of what could be the cause behind Ellie's behavior towards Sarah and it's not often that a book can throw me like that and actually surprise me so much. so kudos.
I would highly recommend To the edge of shadows to anyone who would ask for a recommendation, it's a wonderful book and I'm so glad I didn't leave it sitting on my bookshelf for as long as some of my other books have been sitting there for.
October 30, 2014
I wanted so much more from this book.
The writing style really drives these characters to become real, people you can almost feel. The cadence with which this story marches along mirrors the idiosyncracies displayed by the main character. Rich with flowing language, the story kept hinting at something grand.
From the opening salvo, this story sets the stage for heartbreak. This is a character that loses everything, including her memories. Now, everything must be rebuilt. Shadowing the main character is a mysterious figure bent on causing even more mayhem for this already stricken character.
And then, nothing else happens except for the obvious. The 'a-ha' moment in this story happens so early on, the rest of the read is just waiting on everyone else to figure it out also. With only minor signs of life, this story really flatlined for me. I felt like I had read the spoiler, then had to sit through the rest of the show knowing how it would end.
The writing style really drives these characters to become real, people you can almost feel. The cadence with which this story marches along mirrors the idiosyncracies displayed by the main character. Rich with flowing language, the story kept hinting at something grand.
From the opening salvo, this story sets the stage for heartbreak. This is a character that loses everything, including her memories. Now, everything must be rebuilt. Shadowing the main character is a mysterious figure bent on causing even more mayhem for this already stricken character.
And then, nothing else happens except for the obvious. The 'a-ha' moment in this story happens so early on, the rest of the read is just waiting on everyone else to figure it out also. With only minor signs of life, this story really flatlined for me. I felt like I had read the spoiler, then had to sit through the rest of the show knowing how it would end.
October 16, 2014
When Sarah was a teenager she was in a car accident that killed her father and sister and left her with serious head injuries and amnesia. Her aunt takes her in and raises her. Ellie was abused and then abandoned by her mother as a child and sees Sarah as an adult and feels she needs to 'help'. This is a psychological thriller with Ellie stalking Sarah and Sarah feeling like she's losing her mind. This was an amazing novel with a fantastic twist at the end that I did not see coming. I now want to seek out the author's earlier work.
October 14, 2014
Wow, I loved this book, it had me gripped throughout.
I changed my mind several times to the identity of the mysterious visitor to Sarah's life and didn't get it right until a few pages before she was exposed, very clever.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book with First Reads and am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.
I changed my mind several times to the identity of the mysterious visitor to Sarah's life and didn't get it right until a few pages before she was exposed, very clever.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book with First Reads and am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.
March 5, 2015
An absolutely brilliant read that had me gripped from the very first page. The story is dark and plays on your mind. The characters are so well written you feel you really know them, well, as much as you can!
October 23, 2014
Got this book from a goodread winner.good read with a surprise ending.
June 3, 2019
Oh wow! This book takes you on a ride for sure! While I did figure out one twist, there was another one that surprised me! The author did a great job describing how Sarah feels after losing her dad and sister in the car accident, the same accident that causes her to lose her memory. I can't even imagine how it must feel to lose most of your family, and then not even remember them. I really loved Leah, Sarah's Aunt. She was so loving and how incredible, for her to give up her life to help Sarah get her life back. I really didn't read what this book was about before I started reading. The book begins with told in Sarah's point of view. About 1/4 to 1/2 way in, all of a sudden, we get a new perspective. This new perspective is not nice at all. She keeps messing with Sarah and trying to upset her whole life. Over time, we learn more about Ellie Wilson and then I started feeling sorry for her as well. She really went through some things in her childhood. This was an awesome read! A good change-up from what I usually read.
September 10, 2018
Told from two different narratives this book started off well and was both engaging and compelling. Unfortunately the last quarter of the book was very predictable and I knew how it was going to end. Still an enjoyable read.
January 25, 2018
3.5 I liked it, but the ending was predictable
April 9, 2021
Although this was nicely written, and it kept me intrigued, it fell a little flat at the end, for me.
May 16, 2024
Well I’ve given it 3 stars just because it is so well written but having seen a spoiler it changed my perception of the book and it became a chore as nothing pretty much happens.
January 25, 2015
This review originally appeared on Pop Verse.
Back in 2012, Joanne Graham won the Luke Bitmead Bursary for her debut novel, the largest bursary for unpublished writers in the UK, run by Legend Press. Lacey’s House received a lot of praise and made its way to the top 3 of the Kindle bestsellers in 2013.
Graham’s follow-up continues to develop stories focusing on female protagonists coupled with intrigue, mystery, and a touch of thriller. What makes Graham’s approach different from other writers is her detailed psychological approach to the story, very much focused on the internal rather than the external. To the Edge of Shadows is a deeply personal portrait of a troubled young woman, trying to regain control over a life that has gotten away from her.
Following a tragic car accident, Sarah Phillips has lost her family. She tries to piece her life back together but is unable to remember her past and suffers from PTSD. Her life is one of caution and routine, until a new presence in her life forces change upon Sarah’s world.
While the only ‘childhood’ Sarah remembers is the loving environment her aunt provided for her, Ellie Wilson only has traumatic memories of an unstable mother and a father who couldn’t cope. And it isn’t long before Ellie’s obsession with Sarah and the life she never had bleeds into a terrifying attempt to take control of another’s life.
Mental illness is an important subject that is sadly still not dealt with terribly well by either the media or even some health institutions. While depression might get a lot of air time, conditions like PTSD, especially when triggered by a fairly ordinary event (such as a car accident), do not get a lot of attention. Having a novel deal with the emotional impacts of an accident that could potentially happen to anyone comes as a welcome (and necessary) change. The narrative also explores the effects of mental illness on the sufferer’s loved ones. For instance, a mother who suffers from depression and other less specific mental troubles and the damage she inflicts on a daughter through emotional and physical abuse. All in all, the novel is a troubling and worryingly accurate delve into mental illness.
Graham’s writing style is thick with figurative language. It is descriptive, evocative, and vivid, though it sometimes struggles to propel the story forwards. Her choice to focus almost entirely on the internal workings of her characters’ minds leaves the ‘action’ aspect of the narrative a little lack-luster. As a result, there is a lot of descriptive language, meaning that it lacks subtlety in exploring the emotions at play. In parts, the novel reads like a diary of someone who has suffered a trauma. While that as an idea could work, it feels like it hasn’t been written to expunge the unnecessary, repetitive, and mundane, with far too much ‘tell’ and not enough ‘show’.
*Spoilers ahead*
to the edge of shadows coverThe novel takes quite a while to warm up. Given the circumstances of Sarah’s complete memory loss at the beginning of the novel, it lacks gripping forward momentum. There’s no great sense of peril moving forward – to begin with – as it seems that all the terrible trouble is behind her. It was about a third of the way through before I really found a tangible reason to keep reading. While the story has an interesting twist – that what we believe at first to be a terrifying stalker turns out to be a split personality –it comes far too late in the story.
Verdict: While the premise of the novel and the topics explored have potential, the writing doesn’t live up to them. The novel gets bogged down in too much repetition and overt description rather than allowing events to play out or the emotion impact to be delivered with any subtlety.
Back in 2012, Joanne Graham won the Luke Bitmead Bursary for her debut novel, the largest bursary for unpublished writers in the UK, run by Legend Press. Lacey’s House received a lot of praise and made its way to the top 3 of the Kindle bestsellers in 2013.
Graham’s follow-up continues to develop stories focusing on female protagonists coupled with intrigue, mystery, and a touch of thriller. What makes Graham’s approach different from other writers is her detailed psychological approach to the story, very much focused on the internal rather than the external. To the Edge of Shadows is a deeply personal portrait of a troubled young woman, trying to regain control over a life that has gotten away from her.
Following a tragic car accident, Sarah Phillips has lost her family. She tries to piece her life back together but is unable to remember her past and suffers from PTSD. Her life is one of caution and routine, until a new presence in her life forces change upon Sarah’s world.
While the only ‘childhood’ Sarah remembers is the loving environment her aunt provided for her, Ellie Wilson only has traumatic memories of an unstable mother and a father who couldn’t cope. And it isn’t long before Ellie’s obsession with Sarah and the life she never had bleeds into a terrifying attempt to take control of another’s life.
Mental illness is an important subject that is sadly still not dealt with terribly well by either the media or even some health institutions. While depression might get a lot of air time, conditions like PTSD, especially when triggered by a fairly ordinary event (such as a car accident), do not get a lot of attention. Having a novel deal with the emotional impacts of an accident that could potentially happen to anyone comes as a welcome (and necessary) change. The narrative also explores the effects of mental illness on the sufferer’s loved ones. For instance, a mother who suffers from depression and other less specific mental troubles and the damage she inflicts on a daughter through emotional and physical abuse. All in all, the novel is a troubling and worryingly accurate delve into mental illness.
Graham’s writing style is thick with figurative language. It is descriptive, evocative, and vivid, though it sometimes struggles to propel the story forwards. Her choice to focus almost entirely on the internal workings of her characters’ minds leaves the ‘action’ aspect of the narrative a little lack-luster. As a result, there is a lot of descriptive language, meaning that it lacks subtlety in exploring the emotions at play. In parts, the novel reads like a diary of someone who has suffered a trauma. While that as an idea could work, it feels like it hasn’t been written to expunge the unnecessary, repetitive, and mundane, with far too much ‘tell’ and not enough ‘show’.
*Spoilers ahead*
to the edge of shadows coverThe novel takes quite a while to warm up. Given the circumstances of Sarah’s complete memory loss at the beginning of the novel, it lacks gripping forward momentum. There’s no great sense of peril moving forward – to begin with – as it seems that all the terrible trouble is behind her. It was about a third of the way through before I really found a tangible reason to keep reading. While the story has an interesting twist – that what we believe at first to be a terrifying stalker turns out to be a split personality –it comes far too late in the story.
Verdict: While the premise of the novel and the topics explored have potential, the writing doesn’t live up to them. The novel gets bogged down in too much repetition and overt description rather than allowing events to play out or the emotion impact to be delivered with any subtlety.
November 13, 2014
Here we have the story of the tragically unfortunate Sarah Phillips – suffering severe amnesia after surviving the car accident that killed her father and sister; and Sarah's apparent stalker Ellie Wilson – who can only wish that she had the 'pleasure' of amnesia such as Sarah's.
'To the Edge of Shadows' was a 'one-sitting' book for me. After reading the very first paragraph I just knew that no matter what the story delivered, I would like this book, even if only based on Graham's stunning use of language and truly in-depth depiction of experience. Graham's portrayal of Sarah's mindfulness whilst waking from a coma was truly insightful – I have absolutely no idea if that's how it feels... But I'm now convinced it surely must be!
Some may argue that some parts are a little overly descriptive, however I found these intense parts to be sublimely indulgent.
Kudos also to the author for her very believable take on the development of such conditions as obsessive compulsive disorder and agoraphobia among other mental health issues.
So as well as being immediately drawn in by the writing within this book, I also very quickly found myself becoming more and more intrigued with the story of Ellie. She was clearly no random, off the rack stalker. There was more to this and it was imperative that I learned what. And so my brain went into its usual early-analysis mode where I always try to pre-empt what is going on and why. Hmm... one theory fleetingly passed through my mind, but was dismissed before I got to the end of a page, never to be pondered again; the next theory didn't quite fit in chronologically but still seemed the most obvious - I know, I'm terrible, I just cant help it! Of course I cant possibly say more than that , except that as it happens – well it turned out I had dismissed the correct theory after all! Don't worry Columbo, your mac is still yours!
Each of the main characters had real depth and substance – I'm sure that sounds ridiculously pretentious and I in no way mean that they were 'deep' as people – but the contrast that was set between the inner demons that Sarah struggled with on a daily basis, and the external demons that Ellie was so desperately trying to escape and leave firmly in her past, worked so well to harshly, yet beautifully, expose these two girls and all their innermost thoughts. I must admit that when we are listening to their 8 year old or 14 year old narratives – that they seem a little more emotionally mature and articulate that I would expect, but I'm really nitpicking here.
When I enjoy a story such as this I always find myself worrying about the ending before I'm anywhere near it. Will it be dramatic? Will there be closure? Will it leave you with more questions than you started with? Luckily in this instance I did not feel let down. Sure there was no 'all guns blazing' showdown, and you are left with only the hope that things would work out for all those concerned , but I found myself surprisingly satisfied with the conclusion.
Essentially this is a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down – and I can be so very hard to please!
My thanks to Legend Press for providing this book for review
'To the Edge of Shadows' was a 'one-sitting' book for me. After reading the very first paragraph I just knew that no matter what the story delivered, I would like this book, even if only based on Graham's stunning use of language and truly in-depth depiction of experience. Graham's portrayal of Sarah's mindfulness whilst waking from a coma was truly insightful – I have absolutely no idea if that's how it feels... But I'm now convinced it surely must be!
Some may argue that some parts are a little overly descriptive, however I found these intense parts to be sublimely indulgent.
Kudos also to the author for her very believable take on the development of such conditions as obsessive compulsive disorder and agoraphobia among other mental health issues.
So as well as being immediately drawn in by the writing within this book, I also very quickly found myself becoming more and more intrigued with the story of Ellie. She was clearly no random, off the rack stalker. There was more to this and it was imperative that I learned what. And so my brain went into its usual early-analysis mode where I always try to pre-empt what is going on and why. Hmm... one theory fleetingly passed through my mind, but was dismissed before I got to the end of a page, never to be pondered again; the next theory didn't quite fit in chronologically but still seemed the most obvious - I know, I'm terrible, I just cant help it! Of course I cant possibly say more than that , except that as it happens – well it turned out I had dismissed the correct theory after all! Don't worry Columbo, your mac is still yours!
Each of the main characters had real depth and substance – I'm sure that sounds ridiculously pretentious and I in no way mean that they were 'deep' as people – but the contrast that was set between the inner demons that Sarah struggled with on a daily basis, and the external demons that Ellie was so desperately trying to escape and leave firmly in her past, worked so well to harshly, yet beautifully, expose these two girls and all their innermost thoughts. I must admit that when we are listening to their 8 year old or 14 year old narratives – that they seem a little more emotionally mature and articulate that I would expect, but I'm really nitpicking here.
When I enjoy a story such as this I always find myself worrying about the ending before I'm anywhere near it. Will it be dramatic? Will there be closure? Will it leave you with more questions than you started with? Luckily in this instance I did not feel let down. Sure there was no 'all guns blazing' showdown, and you are left with only the hope that things would work out for all those concerned , but I found myself surprisingly satisfied with the conclusion.
Essentially this is a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down – and I can be so very hard to please!
My thanks to Legend Press for providing this book for review
November 18, 2014
A special thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To the Edge of Shadows by Joanne Graham is a deeply moving and complex psychological thriller of loss, obsession, and survival— of two women with a past. One with a past forgotten, she wishes to regain; and the other one with an abusive past, she desires to forget.
Sarah Phillips was seriously injured in a car crash when she was thirteen years old and has no memory of her childhood or family. Her father and sister died in the crash and now her loving, Aunt Leah is her only family remaining. However, she continues to have images, headaches, and nightmares of the event, while suffering from severe amnesia.
Later she moves out on her own, thinking her aunt wants her to be more independent. There is a girl living in the same block of apartments named Ellie. Ellie has a past she wants to forget, of an abusive mother and a father who could not protect her, with a horrific childhood. Ellie finds Sarah fascinating and this turns into an obsession, of stalking.
Ellie wishes she had amnesia to take away her painful past and resents Sarah because she can. Ellie is adventurous, outgoing and craves for a life quite different from the one she is living. As Sarah struggles to make sense of her situation without Leah’s support, Ellie begins to take over her life.
The first part of the novel focuses on Sarah’s recovery and trying to fill in the gaps of her past with OCD and PTSD traits. She desires routine and control. As the two characters alternate from past to present (with a different font), the suspense builds with deep descriptive emotions and feelings, where we learn about the complexities of each girl and their innermost thoughts.
A haunting, dark, suspenseful and cleverly written psychological thriller with many twists, turns, and surprises; keeping you reading into the wee hours of the morning.
The characters were well-drawn,and as a few other reviewers have mentioned, Graham’s vivid descriptions and poetic writing, is mesmerizing at times, and I too, found myself bookmarking many pages and phrases. I appreciated the insights and explorations of this highly charged subject of mental illness and its emotional impact.
I look forward to reading Graham's debut, Lacey’s House, and more from this exciting newfound author!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
To the Edge of Shadows by Joanne Graham is a deeply moving and complex psychological thriller of loss, obsession, and survival— of two women with a past. One with a past forgotten, she wishes to regain; and the other one with an abusive past, she desires to forget.
Sarah Phillips was seriously injured in a car crash when she was thirteen years old and has no memory of her childhood or family. Her father and sister died in the crash and now her loving, Aunt Leah is her only family remaining. However, she continues to have images, headaches, and nightmares of the event, while suffering from severe amnesia.
Later she moves out on her own, thinking her aunt wants her to be more independent. There is a girl living in the same block of apartments named Ellie. Ellie has a past she wants to forget, of an abusive mother and a father who could not protect her, with a horrific childhood. Ellie finds Sarah fascinating and this turns into an obsession, of stalking.
Ellie wishes she had amnesia to take away her painful past and resents Sarah because she can. Ellie is adventurous, outgoing and craves for a life quite different from the one she is living. As Sarah struggles to make sense of her situation without Leah’s support, Ellie begins to take over her life.
The first part of the novel focuses on Sarah’s recovery and trying to fill in the gaps of her past with OCD and PTSD traits. She desires routine and control. As the two characters alternate from past to present (with a different font), the suspense builds with deep descriptive emotions and feelings, where we learn about the complexities of each girl and their innermost thoughts.
A haunting, dark, suspenseful and cleverly written psychological thriller with many twists, turns, and surprises; keeping you reading into the wee hours of the morning.
The characters were well-drawn,and as a few other reviewers have mentioned, Graham’s vivid descriptions and poetic writing, is mesmerizing at times, and I too, found myself bookmarking many pages and phrases. I appreciated the insights and explorations of this highly charged subject of mental illness and its emotional impact.
I look forward to reading Graham's debut, Lacey’s House, and more from this exciting newfound author!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
December 30, 2014
Fourteen-year-old Sarah wakes up in the hospital, having survived a car accident that killed her family. Her head injury is healing and she's progressing with her physiotherapy, but she has no memory of her life before the accident. Living with her loving, patient Aunt Leah, she continues to heal. But the world feels enormous and overwhelming, and aside from her nightmares, she never recovers her memories. Feeling robbed of her past and of her parents and sister, for whom she's unable to properly grieve, Sarah evolves into a set of rigid routines to help herself cope.
At age twenty, working in Leah's flower shop, she still cleaves to these routines, living a simple and somewhat lonely existence. She has created a life with her aunt and her one friend, Alex, and she doesn't stray outside that circle of safety.
Ellie Wilson, another lonely young woman, ruminates over her own lonely, abusive childhood with a mentally unstable mother and a father who didn't protect her. She is oddly fascinated with Sarah; this girl without a past is like a vision of herself seen through the looking glass. Ellie longs to jar Sarah out of her solitary, overly safe existence. She starts out, like the eponymous character in Amelie, surreptitiously playing pranks to throw Sarah's life off-course, opening her to new experiences. But Ellie's obsession deepens, and Sarah begins to feel terrorized by her stalker.
This is a lovely, carefully observed novel -- told alternately from Alex's and Ellie's perspectives -- about grief, loss, fear, and obsession. It unfolds slowly, with lyrical writing and a slow, thoughtful cadence -- that fits the characters beautifully -- and a somewhat dreamlike quality. It also offers well-crafted, tightening suspense, along with an intriguing "twist," which I guessed early on. The most absorbing part of the novel, for me, was the perspectives of the two women, especially Sarah. Her stream of consciousness felt vibrantly real; I was drawn into the sheltered comfort of her life, her heightening fear, and her obsessive-compulsive rituals. I also appreciated the poetic writing style.
If you enjoy character-driven psychological fiction, you are likely to love this novel. Its gentle pacing, lyrical style, and nuanced exploration of trauma and fear make it beautiful, absorbing, and -- at times -- heartbreaking. Sarah is a character who will probably linger with me for some time to come.
At age twenty, working in Leah's flower shop, she still cleaves to these routines, living a simple and somewhat lonely existence. She has created a life with her aunt and her one friend, Alex, and she doesn't stray outside that circle of safety.
Ellie Wilson, another lonely young woman, ruminates over her own lonely, abusive childhood with a mentally unstable mother and a father who didn't protect her. She is oddly fascinated with Sarah; this girl without a past is like a vision of herself seen through the looking glass. Ellie longs to jar Sarah out of her solitary, overly safe existence. She starts out, like the eponymous character in Amelie, surreptitiously playing pranks to throw Sarah's life off-course, opening her to new experiences. But Ellie's obsession deepens, and Sarah begins to feel terrorized by her stalker.
This is a lovely, carefully observed novel -- told alternately from Alex's and Ellie's perspectives -- about grief, loss, fear, and obsession. It unfolds slowly, with lyrical writing and a slow, thoughtful cadence -- that fits the characters beautifully -- and a somewhat dreamlike quality. It also offers well-crafted, tightening suspense, along with an intriguing "twist," which I guessed early on. The most absorbing part of the novel, for me, was the perspectives of the two women, especially Sarah. Her stream of consciousness felt vibrantly real; I was drawn into the sheltered comfort of her life, her heightening fear, and her obsessive-compulsive rituals. I also appreciated the poetic writing style.
If you enjoy character-driven psychological fiction, you are likely to love this novel. Its gentle pacing, lyrical style, and nuanced exploration of trauma and fear make it beautiful, absorbing, and -- at times -- heartbreaking. Sarah is a character who will probably linger with me for some time to come.
January 22, 2015
Thank you to Legend Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Sarah Phillips wakes up one day and finds life is no longer the same, her family have been killed in a tragic accident and everything she knows is gone, you see it is not just her father and sister she has lost, she has woken up in hospital with severe amnesia.
At the young age of thirteen she has to start again, to create new memories whilst dealing with an occasional flashback of her old ones. Thankfully she has one relative left, her fathers baby sister, her Aunt Leah.
Still in her twenties, Leah becomes a mixture of mum, sister and best friend to Sarah, helping her cope when she is sent home from hospital, you really feel for Leah, she is still young and to suddenly have to look after a thirteen year old girl, never mind one who has just been in a fatal accident is not going to be easy but she helps Sarah start to recover, gently helping her explore her surroundings.
Sarah is still incredibly wary of everything, she suffers horrendous flashback nightmares and she feels the need to count her steps constantly. Thankfully Leah is incredibly patient and eventually Sarah is able to go back to school.
Now the first part of the book deals with young Sarah when you least expect it the book moves forward six years and you meet older Sarah, still without her memories and still incredibly fragile but trying to make her way in the world, Leah is running her own flower shop and has her niece working for her, they are barely living but you get the feeling the are both aware they could be holding the other back.
Sarah has a great friend in her old school chum Alex but you get the feeling she is still very much alone, little does she know she isn't.
We meet a new POV, a young woman who has been watching Sarah, watching her every move, manipulating Sarah without her knowledge, slowly but surely getting closer to Sarah, where is this heading, what does she have planned for her?
Well you will need to read it for yourself, This new development adds such an amazing sinister element to this already vastly enjoyable read, This novel ticks all my boxes, strong characters, gripping story and a sense of menace to mix it all up, beautifully written it deserves to be devoured in one sitting!
Great book and I award it 5 out of 5
Sarah Phillips wakes up one day and finds life is no longer the same, her family have been killed in a tragic accident and everything she knows is gone, you see it is not just her father and sister she has lost, she has woken up in hospital with severe amnesia.
At the young age of thirteen she has to start again, to create new memories whilst dealing with an occasional flashback of her old ones. Thankfully she has one relative left, her fathers baby sister, her Aunt Leah.
Still in her twenties, Leah becomes a mixture of mum, sister and best friend to Sarah, helping her cope when she is sent home from hospital, you really feel for Leah, she is still young and to suddenly have to look after a thirteen year old girl, never mind one who has just been in a fatal accident is not going to be easy but she helps Sarah start to recover, gently helping her explore her surroundings.
Sarah is still incredibly wary of everything, she suffers horrendous flashback nightmares and she feels the need to count her steps constantly. Thankfully Leah is incredibly patient and eventually Sarah is able to go back to school.
Now the first part of the book deals with young Sarah when you least expect it the book moves forward six years and you meet older Sarah, still without her memories and still incredibly fragile but trying to make her way in the world, Leah is running her own flower shop and has her niece working for her, they are barely living but you get the feeling the are both aware they could be holding the other back.
Sarah has a great friend in her old school chum Alex but you get the feeling she is still very much alone, little does she know she isn't.
We meet a new POV, a young woman who has been watching Sarah, watching her every move, manipulating Sarah without her knowledge, slowly but surely getting closer to Sarah, where is this heading, what does she have planned for her?
Well you will need to read it for yourself, This new development adds such an amazing sinister element to this already vastly enjoyable read, This novel ticks all my boxes, strong characters, gripping story and a sense of menace to mix it all up, beautifully written it deserves to be devoured in one sitting!
Great book and I award it 5 out of 5
March 23, 2015
This is not a light reading book. Be prepared to be immersed in the story as it slowly unfolds.
To the Edge of Shadows is a suspenseful story of a teen who wakes up from a terrible accident with no memory or herself or her life. We follow Sarah as she begins to make a new life for herself. Sarah attracts the attention of a unknown stalker, who begins to create havoc in her life.
This story is not to be read at a fast speed. Joanne Graham created this story with such detail that it will force you to slow down and savor the story. The suspense will keep you on the edge of you're seat until the very last page.
I found the story a bit slow moving at the beginning but by the end of the story I was hooked as the story really started to unwind. I did find that at points the were parts that were extremely repetitive and at times overly descriptive. I also found the ending lacking a bit, I wish that the ending would have had a better wrap up and left the story with a concrete ending to the twisted story of Sarah and Ellie. I wished going into this book that it was not a book to be read quickly, but to be savored slowly. I wasn't necessarily looking for a slow read but in the end I was glad that I had read it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
To the Edge of Shadows is a suspenseful story of a teen who wakes up from a terrible accident with no memory or herself or her life. We follow Sarah as she begins to make a new life for herself. Sarah attracts the attention of a unknown stalker, who begins to create havoc in her life.
This story is not to be read at a fast speed. Joanne Graham created this story with such detail that it will force you to slow down and savor the story. The suspense will keep you on the edge of you're seat until the very last page.
I found the story a bit slow moving at the beginning but by the end of the story I was hooked as the story really started to unwind. I did find that at points the were parts that were extremely repetitive and at times overly descriptive. I also found the ending lacking a bit, I wish that the ending would have had a better wrap up and left the story with a concrete ending to the twisted story of Sarah and Ellie. I wished going into this book that it was not a book to be read quickly, but to be savored slowly. I wasn't necessarily looking for a slow read but in the end I was glad that I had read it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
October 10, 2014
Thirteen year old Sarah Wilson woke in hospital to discover her father and younger sister were killed in the car crash which has wiped her memories. Her father's sister breaks the news that her parents had divorced years before her mother died, so Aunt Leah is all Sarah has left in the world.
Sarah eventually settles into a routine existence with Leah but she's hamstrung and remains traumatised. She can't travel by car. She can't visit new places. Her specialist recommends she seek therapy for a form of PTSD. But she’s afraid.
Unbeknown to Sarah her tranquil life is being threatened by Ellie Wilson. Ellie's furious that Sarah remembers nothing of her early (but apparently) idyllic life, while she cannot forget the trauma she suffered as a child. Ellie becomes increasingly obsessed with Sarah and her life and starts a train of events that will undoubtedly end badly.
I enjoyed this novel by Joanne Graham (whose first book was published in 2013).
It's not really a mystery or a thriller, although a bit of a twist on the ‘Single White Female’ type scenario. While there's no mystery to solve and no one's life is really at risk, there is a big reveal. I actually guessed what it was but it really didn't matter as the 'outcome' and fallout was interesting nonetheless.
I received an advance copy via the publisher from NetGalley.
Sarah eventually settles into a routine existence with Leah but she's hamstrung and remains traumatised. She can't travel by car. She can't visit new places. Her specialist recommends she seek therapy for a form of PTSD. But she’s afraid.
Unbeknown to Sarah her tranquil life is being threatened by Ellie Wilson. Ellie's furious that Sarah remembers nothing of her early (but apparently) idyllic life, while she cannot forget the trauma she suffered as a child. Ellie becomes increasingly obsessed with Sarah and her life and starts a train of events that will undoubtedly end badly.
I enjoyed this novel by Joanne Graham (whose first book was published in 2013).
It's not really a mystery or a thriller, although a bit of a twist on the ‘Single White Female’ type scenario. While there's no mystery to solve and no one's life is really at risk, there is a big reveal. I actually guessed what it was but it really didn't matter as the 'outcome' and fallout was interesting nonetheless.
I received an advance copy via the publisher from NetGalley.
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